bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The production of phytoliths in China's grasslands: implications to the biogeochemical sequestration of atmospheric CO2
Authors: Song Zhaoliang , Liu Hongyan , Si Yong , Yin Yi
Published: September 2012

Among the most promising approaches of long‐term atmospheric CO2 sequestration is terrestrial biogeochemical carbon sequestration. One of the most promising terrestrial biogeochemical carbon sequestration mechanisms is the occlusion of carbon within phytoliths, the silicified features that deposit within plant tissues. Using phytolith content‐biogenic silica content transfer function obtained from our investigation, in combination with published silica content and above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) data of China's grasslands, we estimated the production of phytoliths and phytolith‐occluded carbon (PhytOC) in grasslands. The results show that the average above‐ground phytolith production rates of China's grasslands (10.9 106 t yr−1 or 1.45% of world grasslands) are much lower than those of other grasslands (e.g. North American nonwoody grasslands) mainly because of much lower ANPP. Assuming a median content of PhytOC of 1.5%, the average above‐ground PhytOC production rates of China's grasslands and world grasslands are estimated to be 0.6 106 t CO2 yr−1 and 41.4 106 t CO2 yr−1, respectively. The management of grasslands to maximize ANPP has the potential to result in considerable quantities of phytoliths and securely bio‐sequestered carbon.
Temperature‐driven shifts in a host‐parasite interaction drive nonlinear changes in disease risk
Authors: Paull Sara H. , LaFonte Bryan E. , Johnson Pieter T. J.
Published: September 2012

Climate change may shift the timing and consequences of interspecific interactions, including those important to disease spread. Because hosts and pathogens may respond differentially to climate shifts, however, predicting the net effects on disease patterns remains challenging. Here, we used field data to guide a series of laboratory experiments that systematically evaluated the effects of temperature on the full infection process, including survival, penetration, establishment, persistence, and virulence of a highly pathogenic trematode (Ribeiroia ondatrae), and the development and survival of its amphibian host. Our results revealed nonlinearities in pathology as a function of temperature, which likely resulted from changes in both host and parasite processes. Both hosts and parasites responded strongly to temperature; hosts accelerated development while parasites showed enhanced host penetration but reduced establishment (encystment) and survival outside the host. While there were no differences in host survival among treatments, we observed a mid‐temperature peak in parasite‐induced deformities (63% at 20 °C), with the lowest frequency of deformities (12%) occurring at the highest temperature (26 °C). This nonlinear effect could result from temperature‐driven changes in parasite burden owing to shifts in host penetration and/or clearance, reductions in host vulnerability owing to faster development, or both. Furthermore, despite strong temperature‐driven changes in parasite penetration, survival, and establishment, the opposing nature of these effects lead to no difference in tadpole parasite burdens shortly after infection. These findings suggest that temperature‐driven changes to the disease process may not be easily observable from comparison of parasite burdens alone, but multi‐tiered experiments quantifying the responses of hosts, parasites and their interactions can enhance our ability to predict temperature‐driven changes to disease risk. Climate‐driven changes to disease patterns will therefore depend on underlying shifts in host and parasite development rates and the timing of their interactions.
Caribbean coral diseases: primary transmission or secondary infection?
Authors: Muller Erinn M. , van Woesik Robert
Published: September 2012

Over the last 40 years, disease outbreaks have significantly reduced coral populations throughout the Caribbean. Most coral‐disease models assume that coral diseases are contagious and that pathogens are transmitted from infected to susceptible hosts. However, this assumption has not been rigorously tested. We used spatial epidemiology to examine disease clustering, at scales ranging from meters to tens of kilometers, to determine whether three of the most common Caribbean coral diseases, (i) yellow‐band disease, (ii) dark‐spot syndrome, and (iii) white‐plague disease, were spatially clustered. For all three diseases, we found no consistent evidence of disease clustering and, therefore, these diseases did not follow a contagious‐disease model. We suggest that the expression of some coral diseases is instead a two‐step process. First, environmental thresholds are exceeded. Second, these environmental conditions either weaken the corals, which are then more susceptible to infection, or the conditions increase the virulence or abundance of pathogens. Exceeding such environmental thresholds will most likely become increasingly common in rapidly warming oceans, leading to more frequent coral‐disease outbreaks.
Neutrophil volume, conductivity and scatter parameters with effective modeling of molecular activity statistical program gives better results in neonatal sepsis
Authors: Celik I. H. , Demirel G. , Sukhachev D. , Erdeve O. , Dilmen U.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Neonatal sepsis remains an important clinical syndrome despite advances in neonatology. Current hematology analyzers can determine cell volume (V), conductivity for internal composition of cell (C) and light scatter for cytoplasmic granularity and nuclear structure (S), and standard deviations which are effective in the diagnosis of sepsis. Statistical models can be used to strengthen the diagnosis. Effective modeling of molecular activity (EMMA) uses combinatorial algorithm of the selection parameters for regression equation based on modified stepwise procedure. It allows obtaining different regression models with different combinations of parameters.

Methods

We investigated these parameters in screening of neonatal sepsis. We used LH780 hematological analyzer (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA, USA). We combined these parameters with interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) and developed models by EMMA.

Results

A total of 304 newborns, 76 proven sepsis, 130 clinical sepsis and 98 controls, were enrolled in the study. Mean neutrophil volume (MNV) and volume distribution width (VDW) were higher in both proven and clinical sepsis groups. We developed three models using MNV, VDW, IL‐6, and CRP. These models gave more sensitivity and specificity than the usage of each marker alone.

Conclusions

We suggest to use the combination of MNV and VDW with markers such as CRP and IL‐6, and use diagnostic models created by EMMA.
The Socioeconomic Status of Street Children in Iran: A Systematic Review on Studies over a Recent Decade
Authors: Vameghi Meroe , Sajadi Homeira , Rafiey Hassan , Rashidian Arash
Published: September 2012

To document the socioeconomic situation of street children in Iran and to ascertain the part played by this in becoming a street child, we classified and evaluated studies on this issue from the recent decade according to their strengths and weaknesses. The results will be helpful in policy‐making and planning for this group. The study employed a systematic review methodology, searching Iranian and international databases, and many universities and related organisations in Iran. After the quality of studies had been evaluated by three researchers, the findings of 40 research studies were classified, described and analysed. The research finds that street children in Iran come from crowded, low‐income families; many of them were rural–urban migrants and Afghans with families who immigrated to Iran; most of their parents had a lower than high school education and many of their fathers were unemployed or had low‐income jobs; the majority of these children were unskilled workers who would work many hours of the day for negligible incomes. We conclude that low socioeconomic status was prevalent among the street children's families in Iran and seems to be an important factor in the street‐connectedness of the children.
Retrospective analysis of 12 Korean patients with paraneoplastic pemphigus
Authors: Choi Yuri , Nam Kyung‐Hwa , Lee Jee‐Bum , Lee Jun Young , IHM Chull‐Wan , Lee Sang Eun , Oh Sang Ho , Hashimoto Takashi , Kim Soo‐Chan
Published: September 2012

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare, life‐threatening, autoimmune, mucocutaneous blistering disease associated with neoplasia. Both humoral and cellular immunity are involved in the pathogenesis of PNP. Characteristically, PNP has a diverse spectrum of clinical and immunopathological features. We retrospectively analyzed 12 Korean patients with PNP who were diagnosed between 1993 and 2011. We performed analysis of the clinical features, clinical outcomes, underlying neoplasia, histological features and laboratory findings. All of the patients except one had severe mucosal involvement. Two patients had only mucosal lesions but no cutaneous involvement was observed. Erythema multiforme or lichen planus‐like eruptions rather than bullous lesions were more commonly observed skin rashes. The most common histological features were interface dermatitis and apoptotic keratinocytes. There were associated hematological‐related neoplasms in 11 patients, with Castleman's disease (n = 4) as the most frequent. Twelve patients were followed for 5–148 months (mean, 43.0). The prognosis depended on the nature of the underlying neoplasm. Six patients died due to respiratory failure (n = 3), postoperative septicemia (n = 1), lymphoma (n = 1) and sarcomatosis (n = 1). The 2‐year survival rate was 50.0%, and the median survival period after diagnosis was 21.0 months. Immunoblotting was performed in 12 patients and autoantibodies to plakins were detected in 11 patients. The results of this study demonstrated the clinical, histological and immunological diversity of PNP. Widely accepted diagnostic criteria that account for the diversity of PNP are needed.
Functional genomics tools to decipher the pathogenicity mechanisms of the necrotrophic fungus Plectosphaerella cucumerina in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ramos Brisa , González‐Melendi Pablo , Sánchez‐Vallet Andrea , Sánchez‐Rodríguez Clara , López Gemma , Molina Antonio
Published: September 2012

The analysis of the interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana and adapted (PcBMM) and nonadapted (Pc2127) isolates of the necrotrophic fungus Plectosphaerella cucumerina has contributed to the identification of molecular mechanisms controlling plant resistance to necrotrophs. To characterize the pathogenicity bases of the virulence of necrotrophic fungi in Arabidopsis, we developed P. cucumerina functional genomics tools using Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation. We generated PcBMM‐GFP and Pc2127‐GFP transformants constitutively expressing the green fluorescence protein (GFP), and a collection of random T‐DNA insertional PcBMM transformants. Confocal microscopy analyses of the initial stages of PcBMM‐GFP infection revealed that this pathogen, like other necrotrophic fungi, does not form an appressorium or penetrate into plant cells, but causes successive degradation of leaf cell layers. By comparing the colonization of Arabidopsis wild‐type plants and hypersusceptible (agb1‐1 and cyp79B2cyp79B3) and resistant (irx1‐6) mutants by PcBMM‐GFP or Pc2127‐GFP, we found that the plant immune response was already mounted at 12–18 h post‐inoculation, and that Arabidopsis resistance to these fungi correlated with the time course of spore germination and hyphal growth on the leaf surface. The virulence of a subset of the PcBMM T‐DNA insertional transformants was determined in Arabidopsis wild‐type plants and agb1‐1 mutant, and several transformants were identified that showed altered virulence in these genotypes in comparison with that of untransformed PcBMM. The T‐DNA flanking regions in these fungal mutants were successfully sequenced, further supporting the utility of these functional genomics tools in the molecular characterization of the pathogenicity of necrotrophic fungi.
Seasonal dynamics of Al‐ and Fe‐bearing secondary minerals in an acid forest soil: influence of Norway spruce roots (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)
Authors: Collignon C. , Ranger J. , Turpault M. P.
Published: September 2012

Aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) play a key role in pedogenetic processes; however, short‐term changes in Al‐ and Fe‐bearing secondary minerals are little documented. In this study, Al and Fe dynamics in the solid phase have been evaluated in three soil compartments (bulk, ‘rhizosphere outer’, corresponding to soil volume detached from fresh roots, and ‘rhizosphere inner’, corresponding to soil volume detached from dried roots) and during 4 months (November, February, May and August) in an acid soil with podzolic features at its surface. Soil samples were collected from under Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) at three depths (0–3, 3–10 and 10–23 cm) and were sieved at 200 µm. The Al and Fe forms were extracted with different solutions: potassium chloride (AlKCl and FeKCl), oxalate (Alo and Feo), tri‐citrate (Alc) and dithionite‐citrate‐bicarbonate (Fed). The influence of spruce roots and seasons on the dynamics of Al and Fe (precipitation and dissolution reactions) was observed. The rhizosphere effect on Fed varied with sampling dates. Thus, Fed‐Feo decreased between winter and spring in the rhizosphere inner soil only (decrease of 40%). In contrast, Alc was greater in the bulk soil than in both rhizosphere soils for all seasons. The strongest variations in Al were observed at depth, especially in the bulk and the rhizosphere outer soil, where Alc‐Alo decreased drastically between winter and spring (from 50 to 60%). The seasonal dynamics of the podzolization process are discussed. This study shows that Al‐ and Fe‐bearing secondary minerals can quickly react to environmental changes, suggesting that these minerals could be markers of currently active functioning of soils.
No gene flow across the Eastern Pacific Barrier in the reef‐building coral Porites lobata
Authors: Baums Iliana B. , Boulay Jennifer N. , Polato Nicholas R. , Hellberg Michael E.
Published: September 2012

The expanse of deep water between the central Pacific islands and the continental shelf of the Eastern Tropical Pacific is regarded as the world's most potent marine biogeographic barrier. During recurrent climatic fluctuations (ENSO, El Niño Southern Oscillation), however, changes in water temperature and the speed and direction of currents become favourable for trans‐oceanic dispersal of larvae from central Pacific to marginal eastern Pacific reefs. Here, we investigate the population connectivity of the reef‐building coral Porites lobata across the Eastern Pacific Barrier (EPB). Patterns of recent gene flow in samples (n = 1173) from the central Pacific and the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) were analysed with 12 microsatellite loci. Results indicated that P. lobata from the ETP are strongly isolated from those in the central Pacific and Hawaii (  = 0.509; P < 0.001). However, samples from Clipperton Atoll, an oceanic island on the eastern side of the EPB, grouped with the central Pacific. Within the central Pacific, Hawaiian populations were strongly isolated from three co‐occurring clusters found throughout the remainder of the central Pacific. No further substructure was evident in the ETP. Changes in oceanographic conditions during ENSO over the past several thousand years thus appear insufficient to support larval deliveries from the central Pacific to the ETP or strong postsettlement selection acts on ETP settlers from the central Pacific. Recovery of P. lobata populations in the frequently disturbed ETP thus must depend on local larval sources.
Molecular mechanisms of tolerance to cyanobacterial protease inhibitors revealed by clonal differences in Daphnia magna
Authors: Schwarzenberger Anke , Kuster Christian J. , Von Elert Eric
Published: September 2012

Protease inhibitors of primary producers are a major food quality constraint for herbivores. In nutrient‐rich freshwater ecosystems, the interaction between primary producers and herbivores is mainly represented by Daphnia and cyanobacteria. Protease inhibitors have been found in many cyanobacterial blooms. These inhibitors have been shown (both in vitro and in situ) to inhibit the most important group of digestive proteases in the daphnid's gut, that is, trypsins and chymotrypsins. In this study, we fed four different Daphnia magna genotypes with the trypsin‐inhibitor‐containing cyanobacterial strain Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 Mut. Upon exposure to dietary trypsin inhibitors, all D. magna genotypes showed increased gene expression of digestive trypsins and chymotrypsins. Exposure to dietary trypsin inhibitors resulted in increased activity of chymotrypsins and reduced activity of trypsin. Strong intraspecific differences in tolerance of the four D. magna genotypes to the dietary trypsin inhibitors were found. The degree of tolerance depended on the D. magna genotype. The genotypes' tolerance was positively correlated with the residual trypsin activity and the different IC50 values of the trypsins. On the genetic level, the different trypsin loci varied between the D. magna genotypes. The two tolerant Daphnia genotypes that both originate from the same lake, which frequently produces cyanobacterial blooms, clustered in a neighbour‐joining phylogenetic tree based on the three trypsin loci. This suggests that the genetic variability of trypsin loci was an important cause for the observed intraspecific variability in tolerance to cyanobacterial trypsin inhibitors. Based on these findings, it is reasonable to assume that such genetic variability can also be found in natural populations and thus constitutes the basis for local adaptation of natural populations to dietary protease inhibitors.
Evidence for a transgressive barrier within a regressive strandplain system: Implications for complex coastal response to environmental change
Authors: HEIN CHRISTOPHER J. , FitzGERALD DUNCAN M. , CLEARY WILLIAM J. , ALBERNAZ MARCIO B. , De MENEZES JOAO THADEU , KLEIN ANTONIO H. da F.
Published: September 2012

Clastic, depositional strandplain systems have the potential to record changes in the primary drivers of coastal evolution: climate, sea‐level, and the frequency of major meteorological and oceanographic events. This study seeks to use one such record from a southern Brazilian strandplain to highlight the potentially‐complex nature of coastal sedimentological response to small changes in these drivers. Following a 2 to 4 m highstand at ca 5·8 ka in southern Brazil, falling sea‐level reworked shelf sediment onshore, forcing coastal progradation, smoothing the irregular coastline and forming the 5 km wide Pinheira Strandplain, composed of ca 500 successive beach and dune ridges. Sediment cores, grab samples and >11 km of ground‐penetrating radar profiles reveal that the strandplain sequence is composed of well‐sorted, fine to very‐fine quartz sand. Since the mid‐Holocene highstand, the shoreline prograded at a rate of ca 1 to 2 m yr−1 through the deposition of a 4 to 6 m thick shoreface unit; a 1 to 3 m thick foreshore unit containing ubiquitous ridge and runnel facies; and an uppermost beach and foredune unit. However, the discovery of a linear, 100 m wide barrier ridge with associated washover units, a 3 to 4 m deep lagoon and 250 m wide tidal inlet within the strandplain sequence reveals a period of shoreline transgression at 3·3 to 2·8 ka during the otherwise regressive developmental history of the plain. The protected nature of Pinheira largely buffered it from changes in precipitation patterns, wave energy and fluvial sediment supply during the time of its formation. However, multiple lines of evidence indicate that a change in the rate of relative sea‐level fall, probably due to either steric or ice‐volume effects, may have affected this coastline. Thus, whereas these other potential drivers cannot be fully discounted, this study provides insights into the complexity of decadal‐scale to millennial‐scale coastal response to likely variability in sea‐level change rates.
Perceived stress and risk of adult‐onset asthma and other atopic disorders: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Rod N. H. , Kristensen T. S. , Lange P. , Prescott E. , Diderichsen F.
Published: September 2012

Background

Psychological stress can affect airway inflammatory response to irritants and allergens, but the importance of stress in the etiology of adult‐onset respiratory and dermatologic allergic disorders remains unclear. We aim to address the relationship between perceived stress and the risk of adult‐onset asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma/bronchitis medication.

Methods

Participants (n = 9785) from the Copenhagen City Heart Study, Denmark, free of atopic disorders at baseline in 1981–1983 were asked questions on stress intensity and frequency. They were followed for first‐time asthma hospitalization in nationwide registers until 2010, with < 0.1% loss to follow‐up. Objective measures of lung function allowed for thorough adjustment for confounding and prevented ambiguity between diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. Daily intake of asthma/bronchitis medication and incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were assessed by self‐report after 10 years of follow‐up in 5648 persons.

Results

Perceived stress was associated with atopic disorders in a dose‐dependent manner (Ptrend < 0.001). High vs low stress was associated with higher risk of self‐reported asthma incidence (OR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.47–3.65), daily intake of asthma/bronchitis medication (OR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.42–3.58), first‐time asthma hospitalization (HR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.41–2.86), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 0.99–2.72), and atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.11–2.77). The associations were similar for smokers and nonsmokers.

Conclusions

Stress is strongly associated with asthma incidence and hospitalization, use of asthma medication as well as with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in adults.
A novel HLA‐B*35 allele, B*35:189 with a new motif GGG at codon 35, identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese potential donor
Authors: Nie X.‐M. , Zhang Y. , Zhuang Y.‐L. , Song Y.‐H. , Zhu C.‐F.
Published: September 2012

B*35:189: one nucleotide change resulting in a new motif GGG at codon 35 in HLA‐B.
Polymorphisms in the promoter of the CD14 gene and their associations with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Xue Y. , Zhao Z. Q. , Chen F. , Zhang L. , Li G. D. , Ma K. W. , Bai X. F. , Zuo Y. J.
Published: September 2012

Although the role of CD14 in recognizing Mycobacterium tuberculosis is well‐understood, the possible role of polymorphisms in susceptibility to develop tuberculosis remains unclear. This study evaluates whether there is an association of polymorphisms within the promoter of the CD14 gene with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. In a case–control study, we genotyped the eight known single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs within the promoter of the CD14 gene of 698 Han Chinese subjects. Statistically significant differences between tuberculosis patients and healthy controls were found for G‐1619A, T‐1359G, A‐1145G, and C‐159T. The haplotype‐GGGT, composed of these four SNPs, exhibited a significant association with the disease. Furthermore, expression levels of soluble CD14 were significantly higher in tuberculosis patients with the GGGT haplotype than with other haplotypes, while IgE expression levels were significantly reduced. Our results suggest that these four SNPs within the promoter of the CD14 gene are associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.
Volumetric reductions in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex in adolescents with bipolar I disorder
Authors: Singh Manpreet K , Chang Kiki D , Chen Michael C , Kelley Ryan G , Garrett Amy , Mitsunaga Myles M , Bararpour Layla , Howe Meghan , Reiss Allan L , Gotlib Ian H
Published: September 2012

Singh MK, Chang KD, Chen MC, Kelley RG, Garrett A, Mitsunaga MM, Bararpour L, Howe M, Reiss AL, Gotlib IH. Volumetric reductions in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex in adolescents with bipolar I disorder.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 585–596. © 2012 The Authors.  Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  A range of prefrontal and subcortical volumetric abnormalities have been found in adults and adolescents with bipolar disorder. It is unclear, however, if these deficits are present early in the onset of mania or are a consequence of multiple mood episodes or prolonged exposure to medication. The goal of this study was to examine whether youth with bipolar I disorder who recently experienced their first episode of mania are characterized by brain volumetric abnormalities.

Methods:  Anatomical images from magnetic resonance imaging of 26 13‐ to 18‐year‐old adolescents with bipolar I disorder and 24 age‐comparable healthy controls with no personal or family history of psychopathology were analyzed using whole‐brain voxel‐based morphometry (VBM).

Results:  Compared with healthy controls, adolescents with bipolar I disorder had significantly less gray matter volume in the left subgenual cingulate cortex [p < 0.05, family‐wise error (FWE)‐corrected].

Conclusions:  Adolescents with a recent single episode of mania have smaller subgenual cingulate cortex volume than do their healthy counterparts, suggesting that this anomaly occurs early in the onset of, or may predate the disorder. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the impact of this volumetric reduction on the course and outcome of this disorder.
Sleep apnea risk and clinical correlates in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Soreca Isabella , Levenson Jessica , Lotz Meredith , Frank Ellen , Kupfer David J
Published: September 2012

Soreca I, Levenson J, Lotz M, Frank E, Kupfer DJ. Sleep apnea risk and clinical correlates in patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 672–676. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Despite the high prevalence of risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among individuals with bipolar disorder, the presence of sleep‐disordered breathing has not been systematically assessed in this population. In this study, we sought to determine the level of risk for OSA in a population of remitted individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder.

Methods:  A total of 72 individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, all of whom were overweight by the World Health Organization criteria, completed the Berlin Questionnaire, a self‐assessment tool to establish risk for OSA.

Results:  Over half of this study population (54.1%) was found to be in the high‐risk category for OSA. Participants at high risk for OSA scored significantly higher on measures of both depression and mania, even when sleep items were not counted in the total scores.

Conclusions:  Sleep apnea may be prevalent in patients with bipolar I disorder. Considering the substantial overlap of symptoms between OSA and depression and the potentially harmful effects of sleep disruption in patients with mood disorders, a systematic screening to assess prevalence and associated features of OSA in patients with bipolar disorder is warranted.
Nicotine intake and smoking topography in smokers with bipolar disorder
Authors: Williams Jill M , Gandhi Kunal K , Lu Shou‐En , Steinberg Marc L , Benowitz Neal L
Published: September 2012

Williams JM, Gandhi KK, Lu S‐E, Steinberg ML, Benowitz NL. Nicotine intake and smoking topography in smokers with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 618–627. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Cigarette smoking behavior in bipolar disorder (BPD), including the effects of mood‐stabilizing medications, has not been well characterized.

Methods:  We compared serum nicotine, nicotine metabolite levels, and smoking topography in 75 smokers with BPD to 86 control smokers (CON). For some comparisons, an additional control group of 75 smokers with schizophrenia (SCZ) were included.

Results:  There were no differences between the BPD and CON groups in baseline smoking characteristics or serum nicotine or cotinine levels. Fifty‐one smokers with BPD (68.9%) were taking one of the following mood stabilizers: valproic acid, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lithium, or topiramate. The 3‐hydroxycotinine‐to‐cotinine ratio, a marker of cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) metabolic activity, was significantly higher in BPD versus CON and versus SCZ (0.68 versus 0.49 versus 0.54; p = 0.002). The difference between groups, however, was no longer significant when the analysis was repeated with those taking hepatic enzyme‐inducing drugs (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate) included as a covariate. The time between puffs, or interpuff interval (IPI), was shorter in BPD versus CON by an average of 3.0 sec (p < 0.05), although this was no longer significant when we removed smokers from the analysis of those taking hepatic enzyme inducers.

Conclusions:  Smokers with BPD are not different from CON on most measures of nicotine intake and smoking topography. We found an increased rate of nicotine metabolism in smokers taking mood stabilizers that are hepatic enzyme inducers, including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate. Smokers with rapid nicotine metabolism might be expected to smoke more intensely to compensate for the more rapid disappearance of nicotine from the blood and brain, and may have more difficulty in quitting smoking, although this requires further study.
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence: Feral pigs as vectors of soil‐borne pathogens
Authors: KRULL CHERYL R. , WAIPARA NICK W. , CHOQUENOT DAVID , BURNS BRUCE R. , GORMLEY ANDREW M. , STANLEY MARGARET C.
Published: September 2012

Invasive soil‐borne pathogens are a major threat to forest ecosystems worldwide. The newly discovered soil pathogen, Phytophthora ‘taxon Agathis’ (PTA), is a serious threat to endemic kauri (Agathis australis: Araucariaceae) in New Zealand. This study examined the potential for feral pigs to act as vectors of PTA. We investigated whether snouts and trotters of feral pigs carry soil contaminated with PTA, and using these results determined the probability that feral pigs act as a vector. We screened the soil on trotters and snouts from 457 pigs for PTA using various baiting techniques and molecular testing. This study detected 19 species of plant pathogens in the soil on pig trotters and snouts, including a different Phytophthora species (Phytophthora cinnamomi). However, no PTA was isolated from the samples. A positive control experiment showed a test sensitivity of 0–3% for the baiting methods and the data obtained were used in a Bayesian probability modelling approach. This showed a posterior probability of 35–90% (dependent on test sensitivity scores and design prevalence) that pigs do vector PTA and estimated that a sample size of over 1000 trotters would be required to prove a negative result. We conclude that feral pigs cannot be ruled out as a vector of soil‐based plant pathogens and that there is still a high probability that feral pigs do vector PTA, despite our negative results. We also highlight the need to develop a more sensitive test for PTA in small soil samples associated with pigs due to unreliable detection rates using the current method.
Autonomic and emotional responses of graduate student clinicians in speech–language pathology to stuttered speech
Authors: Guntupalli Vijaya K. , Nanjundeswaran Chayadevie , Dayalu Vikram N. , Kalinowski Joseph
Published: September 2012

Background: Fluent speakers and people who stutter manifest alterations in autonomic and emotional responses as they view stuttered relative to fluent speech samples. These reactions are indicative of an aroused autonomic state and are hypothesized to be triggered by the abrupt breakdown in fluency exemplified in stuttered speech. Furthermore, these reactions are assumed to be the basis for the stereotypes held by different communicative partners towards people who stutter.

Aims: To examine the autonomic and emotional reactions of graduate student clinicians in speech–language pathology as they viewed fluent and severe stuttered speech samples.

Methods & Procedures: Twenty‐one female graduate student clinicians in speech–language pathology participated in this study. Each participant viewed four 30‐s video samples (two fluent and two stuttered speech samples) while their autonomic responses (skin conductance response (SCR) and heart rate (HR)) were concurrently captured. Furthermore, emotional responses to stuttered and fluent speech samples were captured using the self‐assessment manikin (SAM) and a rating scale with nine bipolar adjectives reflecting one's feelings.

Outcomes & Results: An increase in SCR and deceleration in HR was observed as graduate clinicians viewed stuttered speech samples versus fluent speech samples and the differences were statistically significant. In addition, results from the self‐rating scales showed that participants had negative feelings (e.g., emotionally aroused, unpleasant, embarrassed, uncomfortable, etc.) while viewing stuttered speech.

Conclusions & Implications: Findings suggest that graduate student clinicians in speech–language pathology demonstrated altered autonomic and emotional responses similar to those manifested by fluent and stuttered speakers as they viewed stuttered speech samples. Collectively, these findings support the contention that the inherent nature of stuttered speech triggers a visceral reaction in a listener, irrespective of their background and knowledge about the disorder.
Enablers and challenges of post‐16 education and employment outcomes: the perspectives of young adults with a history of SLI
Authors: Carroll Catherine , Dockrell Julie
Published: September 2012

Background: Research studies have begun to investigate the post‐16 outcomes for young adults with a specific language impairment (SLI). As yet only tentative conclusions can be drawn with respect to academic and employment outcomes and the factors that are associated with more positive outcomes. Evidence for these findings has relied predominantly on associations between various language, academic and psychosocial assessments. Little attention has been paid to the perspective of the young person.

Aims: To investigate from the perspective of a group of young people with a history of SLI the factors they believed have enabled and presented a challenge to their post‐16 education and employment outcomes and experiences.

Methods & Procedures: Nineteen (four female, 15 male) young people aged from 19 to 23 years (average age 21 years), who had all attended the same residential special school for pupils with SLI, were interviewed face to face to explore their views as to what had enabled and limited their transition experiences to date. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Outcomes & Results: The majority of the young people saw themselves as key agents of change and very active participants in steering their own transition since leaving school. They acknowledged the important role played by their parents and families and how factors such as SLI had affected their transition experiences.

Conclusions & Implications: The study supports evidence from research with different groups of young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities of the importance of school and post‐16 curriculums which develop agency on behalf of the young person.
Using principles of learning to inform language therapy design for children with specific language impairment
Authors: Alt Mary , Meyers Christina , Ancharski Alexandra
Published: September 2012

Background: Language treatment for children with specific language impairment (SLI) often takes months to achieve moderate results. Interventions often do not incorporate the principles that are known to affect learning in unimpaired learners.

Aims: To outline some key findings about learning in typical populations and to suggest a model of how they might be applied to language treatment design as a catalyst for further research and discussion.

Methods & Procedures: Three main principles of implicit learning are reviewed: variability, complexity and sleep‐dependent consolidation. After explaining these principles, evidence is provided as to how they influence learning tasks in unimpaired learners. Information is reviewed on principles of learning as they apply to impaired populations, current treatment designs are also reviewed that conform to the principles, and ways in which principles of learning might be incorporated into language treatment design are demonstrated.

Main Contribution: This paper provides an outline for how theoretical knowledge might be applied to clinical practice in an effort to promote discussion.

Conclusions & Implications: Although the authors look forward to more specific details on how the principles of learning relate to impaired populations, there is ample evidence to suggest that these principles should be considered during treatment design.
Trigeminal interpolaris/caudalis transition neurons mediate reflex lacrimation evoked by bright light in the rat
Authors: Okamoto Keiichiro , Tashiro Akimasa , Thompson Randall , Nishida Yasuhiro , Bereiter David A.
Published: September 2012

Abnormal sensitivity to bright light can cause discomfort or pain and evoke protective reflexes such as lacrimation. Although the trigeminal nerve is probably involved, the mechanism linking luminance to somatic sensory nerve activity remains uncertain. This study determined the effect of bright light on second‐order ocular neurons at the ventral trigeminal interpolaris/caudalis transition (Vi/Vc) region, a major termination zone for trigeminal sensory fibers that innervate the eye. Most Vi/Vc neurons (80.9%) identified by responses to mechanical stimulation of the ocular surface also encoded bright light intensity. Light‐evoked neural activity displayed a long latency to activation (> 10 s) and required transmission through the trigeminal root ganglion. Light‐evoked neural activity was inhibited by intravitreal injection of phenylephrine or l‐NG‐nitro‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), suggesting a mechanism coupled to vascular events within the eye. Laser Doppler flowmetry revealed rapid light‐evoked increases in ocular blood flow that occurred prior to the increase in Vi/Vc neural activity. Synaptic blockade of the Vi/Vc region by cobalt chloride prevented light‐evoked increases in tear volume, whereas blockade at the more caudal spinomedullary junction (Vc/C1) had no effect. In summary, Vi/Vc neurons encoded bright light intensity and were inhibited by drugs that alter blood flow to the eye. These results support the hypothesis that light‐responsive neurons at the Vi/Vc transition region are critical for ocular‐specific functions such as reflex lacrimation, whereas neurons at the caudal Vc/C1 junction region probably serve other aspects of ocular nociception.
Interactions among shrub cover and the soil microclimate may determine future Arctic carbon budgets
Authors: Cahoon Sean M. P. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Shaver Gaius R. , Welker Jeffrey M. , Post Eric
Published: September 2012

Arctic and Boreal terrestrial ecosystems are important components of the climate system because they contain vast amounts of soil carbon (C). Evidence suggests that deciduous shrubs are increasing in abundance, but the implications for ecosystem C budgets remain uncertain. Using midsummer CO2 flux data from 21 sites spanning 16° of latitude in the Arctic and Boreal biomes, we show that air temperature explains c. one‐half of the variation in ecosystem respiration (ER) and that ER drives the pattern in net ecosystem CO2 exchange across ecosystems. Woody sites were slightly stronger C sinks compared with herbaceous communities. However, woody sites with warm soils (> 10 °C) were net sources of CO2, whereas woody sites with cold soils (< 10 °C) were strong sinks. Our results indicate that transition to a shrub‐dominated Arctic will increase the rate of C cycling, and may lead to net C loss if soil temperatures rise.
Out of the Bassian province: historical biogeography of the Australasian platycercine parrots (Aves, Psittaciformes)
Authors: SCHWEIZER MANUEL , GÜNTERT MARCEL , HERTWIG STEFAN T.
Published: September 2012

Schweizer, M., Güntert, M. & Hertwig, S. T. (2012). Out of the Bassian province: historical biogeography of the Australasian platycercine parrots (Aves, Psittaciformes). —Zoologica Scripta,42, 13–27.

Aridification from mid‐Miocene onwards led to a fragmentation of mesic biomes in Australia and an expansion of arid habitats. This influenced the diversification of terrestrial organisms, and the general direction of their radiations is supposed to have been from mesic into drier habitats. We tested this hypothesis in the platycercine parrots that occur in different habitats in Australia and also colonized Pacific islands. We inferred their temporal and spatial diversification patterns using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock approach based on three nuclear and two mitochondrial genes and model‐based biogeographic reconstructions. The Bassian biota was found to be the centre of origin of platycercine parrots and diversification within two of their three clades coincided with the beginning of aridification of Australia. The associated habitat changes may have catalysed their radiation through adaptation to arid environments and vicariance because of the fragmentation of non‐arid habitats. The small oceanic islands of Melanesia contributed as stepping stones for the colonization of New Zealand from Australia.
Comparison of transurethral enucleation with bipolar and transurethral resection in saline for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Hirasawa Yosuke , Ide Hiroki , Yasumizu Yota , Hoshino Katsura , Ito Yujiro , Masuda Takeshi
Published: September 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Transurethral enucleation with bipolar (TUEB) has been widely adopted as an alternative to standard TURP, although the surgical technique, efficacy and safety of TUEB have not been described so far.

The present study provides illustrations of the TUEB technique, as well as peri‐operative, 6‐month and 12‐month follow‐up results of TUEB from a retrospective review of a single‐institution experience comparing the efficacy and safety of TUEB and transurethral resection in saline for managing BPH.

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the transurethral enucleation with bipolar (TUEB) technique and compare the efficacy and safety of TUEB and transurethral resection in saline (TURis) for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of a single‐institution experience of 110 consecutive TUEB or TURis between 2008 and 2011 at our hospital was performed aiming to compare the efficacy and safety of TUEB and TURis for managing BPH (55 patients in each group).

Peri‐operative data included operating time, resected tissue weight, changes in haemoglobin, duration of catheterization, hospital stay and early complications.

Postoperative outcomes included 6‐ and 12‐month postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Quality of Life (QoL) score, uroflowmetry findings, change in serum prostate‐specific antigen level and all late complications in the two groups.

RESULTS

Both groups were well matched for age, preoperative prostate volume, IPSS, QoL and uroflowmetry findings.

The change in haemoglobin at postoperative day 1 in the TUEB group was significantly less than in the TURis group (1.08 vs 1.60 g/dL; P < 0.001).

Catheterization time and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the TUEB group than in the TURis group and the mean retrieved tissue weight in the TUEB group was larger than that in the TURis group (41.3 vs 31.7 g; P= 0.007).

Patients in the two arms had comparable improvements in postoperative IPSS, QoL, maximum flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume.

The rates of complications were equally low with each procedure.

CONCLUSION

TUEB is superior to TURis, with less bleeding, as well as decreased catheter time and hospital stay, although showing equivalent efficacy at 12 months of follow‐up.
ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter for male urinary incontinence: a preliminary study
Authors: Staerman Frederic , G‐Llorens Christophe , Leon Priscilla , Leclerc Yves
Published: September 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Artifical Urinary Sphincter (AUS) is the treatment of choice for moderate to severe post‐radical prostatectomy incontinence with good long‐term outcomes despite risk of complications.

We report preliminary results of a new preconnected AUS (ZSI 375). Main change with the device currently available is the replacement of the abdominal reservoir by a pressure‐regulated spring in the intrascrotal pump avoiding abdominal approach.

OBJECTIVE

To assess retrospectively the safety and efficacy of an artificial urinary sphincter, the ZSI 375 device (Zephyr Surgical Implants, Geneva, Switzerland), in male patients with moderate‐to‐severe stress urinary incontinence after a prostate or bladder intervention.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The ZSI 375 device is a one‐piece device consisting of an adjustable cuff, moulded to fit around the urethra, which is connected by a tube to a pump and a pressure‐regulating tank. It has no abdominal reservoir.

Patients underwent a perineal incision for cuff placement and an inguinal incision for pump and tank scrotal placement.

Complications and pads used to manage incontinence were recorded.

RESULTS

Between May 2009 and April 2011, 36 patients underwent ZSI 375 device placement. The median (range) follow‐up was 15.4 (6–28) months.

No patient experienced bladder overactivity, chronic urinary retention, or any other adverse effect after device activation. Complications leading to device removal arose in four patients (one case of erosion, three cases of infection).

Social continence (0 or 1 pad/day) was achieved in 28/36 patients (78%) at 3 months and 26/36 patients (73%) at 6 months after device activation.

In 12/14 patients for a sphincter closure pressure range of 60–70 cm H2O, in 3/3 patients for a range of 70–80 cm H2O and in 2/11 for a range of 90–100 cm, H2O social continence was achieved only after increasing the pressure of the cuff by trans‐scrotal injection of saline.

CONCLUSIONS

The ZSI 375 device is safe and effective but our follow‐up may not have been long enough to identify all potential complications.

Further research is needed to confirm these results and extend our investigation, for instance, to the peno‐scrotal approach.