bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Male Age and Experience Increases Mating Success but Not Female Fitness in the Mexican Fruit Fly
Authors: Pérez‐Staples Diana , Martínez‐Hernández María G. , Aluja Martín
Published: May 2010

Male age and sexual experience are important condition parameters that can influence mate choice and female fitness, yet they are seldom studied simultaneously. Here, we investigated the effect of male age and previous sexual experience on mating success and female fitness in the Mexican fruit fly,Anastrepha ludens(Diptera: Tephritidae). Males were either young or old, sexually experienced or naïve. Older and sexually experienced males obtained more copulations. However, females did not receive benefits in terms of lifetime fecundity, fertility, or longevity from mating with these males. Results suggest that males become more competitive as they age and gain sexual experience and may be able to maintain a high quality ejaculate compared to young males. Older experienced males may be manipulating females into preferentially mating with them at no benefit to females. Alternatively, females may prefer mating with older more experienced males and possibly receive other indirect benefits, but this remains to be tested.
Molecular Diversity of Puccinia melanocephala Populations
Authors: Pocovi Mariana Inés , Rech Gabriel Eduardo , Collavino Norma Graciela , Caruso Graciela Beatriz , Ríos Raúl , Mariotti Jorge Alberto
Published: May 2010

AFLP analysis was carried out to assess genetic variability and determine the population structure of the sugarcane rust Puccinia melanocephala in northwest Argentina. Molecular data were also used to clarify whether genetic variation was correlated with host variation and/or the geographic distribution of the disease. Bulk rust uredospores were collected in the field, and both the geographical area and the infected host sugarcane cultivar were recorded. A total of 538 AFLP markers generated with 20 primer combinations were used to perform the genetic analysis. The percentage of polymorphic loci was quite high (85.7%), considering that P. melanocephala only reproduces asexually. Cluster analysis (UPGMA) and principal co‐ordinate analysis (PCoA) grouped populations from distinct geographic and host origins, suggesting that neither geographical region nor sugarcane variety constrains the relationships among the populations. This finding was corroborated by a lack of significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance (r = 0.057; P = 0.285). The non‐significant differences found between rust populations collected from distinct sugarcane varieties (PhiT = 0.026; P = 0.06) also support these results. Analysis of Molecular Variance Approach (AMOVA) analysis attributed most of the variation (95%) to differences within populations. No genetic structure was detected, and the populations behaved as a large undifferentiated population with high level of genetic variability.
Inhibiting Virus Infection by RNA Interference of the Eight Functional Genes of the Potato Virus Y Genome
Authors: Chen Xuemei , Liu Jing , Xu Li , Jiang Fang , Xie Xueying , Zhu Changxiang , Wen Fujiang
Published: May 2010

The genome of Potato virus Y is a single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA molecule that encodes a single large polypeptide that is cleaved by self‐encoded proteases into 10 functional proteins. Using specific primers designed based on the cloned genome sequence of the necrotic strain of Potato virus Y (PVYN), we amplified 400 bp and 500 bp cDNA fragments from the 3′ ends of P1, HC‐Pro, P3, CI, Vpg, NIa, NIb and CP genes. These cDNA fragments were then inserted into the binary vector pROKII to construct the vectors pROK‐P1, pROK‐HC‐Pro, pROK‐P3, pROK‐CI, pROK‐NIa‐Vpg, pROK‐NIa‐Pro, pROK‐NIb and pROK‐CP, all of which contained hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs). These recombinant binary vectors were introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 and then into Nicotiana tabacum L. var. NC89 plants, respectively. Virus challenge inoculation indicated that the plants transformed with each construct were resistant to PVY infection, and the percentage of resistant plants obtained ranged from 33–64%. Northern blot showed an inverse correlation between transgenic transcript accumulation and virus resistance. siRNAs could be detected in all the resistant plants. We also studied the relationship between the secondary structure and the gene‐silencing efficiency and found a positive correlation between local free energies (ΔGloc) and the virus‐resistance ratio. For each construct, one line of progeny T1 was randomly selected to analyse the inheritance of the transgene and the resistance. All transgenic single locus lines were completely resistant, and this resistance could be stably inherited.
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Highly Virulent Strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum by rep‐PCR Fingerprinting
Authors: Zhai Jinling , Luo Yuehua , Zheng Daojun , Huang Xi
Published: May 2010

Highly virulent strains (HVSs) of Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Xcm) infect all commercial cultivars of cotton including the resistant cultivar ‘101‐102B’. Previous reports showed that different HVS isolates caused distinct symptoms on host. To evaluate the global genetic diversity of Xcm as well as HVS, 38 strains including 12 HVSs isolated from different countries were analysed by repetitive sequence (rep)‐based PCR with ERIC and BOX primer sets. rep‐PCR showed abundant polymorphism of fingerprinting. The strains were separated into different genotypic groups at a similarity coefficient of 0.76 using a UPGMA analysis. Interestingly, the strains with low or moderate virulence were clustered in one genogroup, whereas all HVSs isolated in Africa were segregated in another genogroup. These results suggest that the virulence of Xcm was highly related to genotype and/or geoclimatic origin of the strains. Additionally, the HVSs could be divided into two subgroups at a similarity coefficient of 0.80, indicating the genetic diversity of HVSs.
Chemical defenses against generalist fish predators and fouling organisms in two invasive ahermatypic corals in the genus Tubastraea
Authors: Lages Bruno G. , Fleury Beatriz G. , Pinto Angelo C. , Creed Joel C.
Published: May 2010

The introduction of exotic marine species has caused considerable economic and ecological damage around the world. Some of these species possess adaptations such as secondary metabolites which facilitate their successful invasion into new areas. In this study we tested two hypotheses: (i) crude extracts produced by two invasive hard corals Tubastraea coccinea and Tubastraea tagusensis, introduced to the southwest Atlantic, inhibit predation by generalist fish; (ii) substances found in the crude extracts of both species reduce or enhance the settlement of other organisms. In an in situ palatability bioassay the extract of T. tagusensis reduced predation by generalist fish. The extracts of both species of coral showed species‐specific effects on fouling organisms in in situ gel plate bioassays. Control and extract plates had similar total cover, although plates with extracts had significantly fewer Cladophora sp., and Lithophyllum sp. was only detected on control gels. In contrast, a hydrozoan was only found on plates with extracts and overall community ordination demonstrated clear differences in the fouling communities between treatments. These results demonstrate that both coral species have chemical substances which can bring about a negative interaction with potential fish predators and competitors such as algal and invertebrate foulers and the advantage gained could explain their success in invading new regions to the detriment of local fauna and flora.
Malignant non‐teratoid medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve with intraocular extension
Authors: Pushker Neelam , Shrey Dinesh , Bajaj Mandeep S , Kashyap Seema , Yadav Prashant , Mehta Mridula , Bakhshi Sameer
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Medulloepithelioma is an uncommon tumour. These tumours most commonly arise in the brain and spinal cord; however, they also may arise from the optic nerve. We, herein, report a rare case of malignant non‐teratoid medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve with intraocular extension.
Orbital steroid injection versus oral steroid therapy in management of thyroid‐related ophthalmopathy
Authors: Alkawas Ayman A , Hussein Atef M , Shahien Ezzat A
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and complications of orbital steroid injection versus oral steroid therapy in the management of thyroid‐related ophthalmopathy.

Methods:  A total of 29 patients suffering from thyroid ophthalmopathy were included in this study. Patients were randomized into two groups: group I included 15 patients treated with oral prednisolone and group II included 14 patients treated with peribulbar triamcinolone orbital injection. Only 12 patients in both groups (16 female and 8 male) completed the study.

Results:  Both groups showed improvement in symptoms and in clinical evidence of inflammation with improvement of eye movement and proptosis in most cases. Mean exophthalmometry value before treatment was 22.6 ± 1.98 mm that decreased to 18.6 ± 0.996 mm in group I, compared with 23 ± 1.86 mm that decreased to 19.08 ± 1.16 mm in group II. Mean initial clinical activity score was 4.75 ± 1.2 and 5 ± 1.3 for group I and group II before treatment, respectively, which dropped to 0.83 ± 1.2 and 0.83 ± 1.02, 6 months after treatment, respectively. There was no change in the best‐corrected visual acuity in both groups. There was an increase in body weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and gastritis in group I in 66.7%, 33.3%, 50% and 75%, respectively, compared with 0%, 0%, 8.3% and 8.3% in group II. No adverse local side effects were observed in group II.

Conclusion:  Orbital steroid injection for thyroid‐related ophthalmopathy is effective and safe. It eliminates the adverse reactions associated with oral corticosteroid use.
Comparison of grafted and non‐grafted patients with corneal astigmatism undergoing cataract extraction with a toric intraocular lens implant
Authors: Stewart Christopher M , McAlister James C
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background:  Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are advocated as an effective treatment for both regular corneal‐based astigmatism and cataract in both non‐penetrating keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) patients. The aim of this analysis is to compare postoperative outcomes for both PK and non‐PK patients to determine whether or not the past PK is relevant when calculating the appropriate IOL and predicting the postoperative results.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis was performed on 14 non‐PK and eight PK patients who underwent cataract surgery and astigmatism correction with a Rayner toric IOL. Preoperatively, best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity, biometry and refractive data were recorded. Postoperative analysis at 1 month looked at best‐uncorrected visual acuity (BUVA), refractive data and IOL axis. Statistical analysis was undertaken to test for differences in outcomes between the PK and non‐PK groups.

Results:  Preoperatively, a significant difference was seen between cylinder and astigmatism and not between sphere, axial length or anterior chamber depth. Analysis of preoperative best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity, IOL error predictability, IOL rotational stability and refractive outcomes revealed no difference between PK and non‐PK groups, but a significant difference was seen postoperatively with PK patients having worse BUVA.

Conclusion:  Toric IOLs are an effective means for treating both regular corneal‐based astigmatism and cataract in both PK and non‐PK patient groups. Analysis of results revealed similar trends for both groups in all areas except postoperative BUVA. Further studies are planned to better understand why PK patient's BUVA did not fit the trend of the other results.
Training and using mid‐level eye care workers: early lessons from Timor‐Leste
Authors: Palagyi Anna , Brian Garry , Ramke Jacqueline
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background:  A 12‐month Diploma of Eye Care course for mid‐level eye care workers was initiated in 2007 as part of Timor‐Leste's National Eye Health Strategy. This paper reports the development and implementation of this course, examines its initial results and makes suggestions for improvements to the training and deployment of these workers.

Methods:  Course curriculum development and delivery, trainee selection and candidate assessment were examined. Graduate clinical knowledge retention at 6 months after course completion was investigated using clinical vignettes to determine diagnosis, management and patient counselling knowledge for common primary eye health conditions. Graduate workplace environments and activities were appraised.

Results:  Development of the course curriculum and its delivery were in response to local circumstance, and according to education best practice teaching and learning strategies. Four rural nurses successfully completed the inaugural course. Although all remained in rural eye care services at 6 months after graduation, there was considerable variation in activity. Substantial depletion of clinical competency was revealed across the cohort.

Conclusions:  Adherence to current best practice in the design and delivery of the curriculum and course was insufficient to ensure productive graduates of ongoing clinical competency, positioned to make an impact on eye health. Attention needs to be directed to postgraduation integration into the workplace, and continuing support once there. The efficacy of this mid‐level cadre and its impact on eye health requires further evaluation.
Probabilistic prediction of high cycle fatigue reliability of high strength steel butt‐welded joints
Authors: SGHAIER R. BEN , BOURAOUI CH. , FATHALLAH R. , DEGALLAIX G.
Published: May 2010

The aim of this paper is to develop a probabilistic approach of high cycle fatigue (HCF) behaviour prediction of welded joints taking into account the surface modifications induced by welding and the post‐welding shot peening treatment. In this work, the HCF Crossland criterion has been used and adopted to the case of welded and shot peened welded parts, by taking into account the surface modifications which are classified as follows: (i) the compressive residual stresses, (ii) the surface work‐hardening, (iii) the geometrical irregularities and (iv) the superficial defects. The random effects due to the dispersions of: (i) the HCF Crossland criterion material characteristics (ii) the applied loading and (iii) the surface modifications parameters are introduced in the proposed model. The HCF reliability has been computed by using the ‘strength load’ method with Monte Carlo simulation. The reliability computation results lead to obtain interesting and useful iso‐probabilistic Crossland diagrams (PCD) for different welding and shot peening surface conditions. To validate the proposed method, the approach has been applied to a butt‐welded joint made of S550MC high strength steel (HSS). Four types of specimens are investigated: (i) base metal (BM), (ii) machined and grooved (MG) condition, (iii) As welded (AW) condition and (iv) as welded and shot peened (AWSP) condition. The comparison between the computed reliabilities and the experimental investigations reveals good agreement leading to validate the proposed approach. The effects of the different welded and post‐weld shot peened specimen's surface properties are analysed and discussed using the design of experiments (DoE) techniques.
BimEL as a possible molecular link between proteasome dysfunction and cell death induced by mutant huntingtin
Authors: Leon Rebecca , Bhagavatula Nithya , Ulukpo Onome , McCollum Mark , Wei Jianning
Published: May 2010

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat within the N‐terminus of the huntingtin protein. It is characterized by a selective loss of medium spiny neurons in the striatum. It has been suggested that impaired proteasome function and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play important roles in mutant huntingtin (mHtt)‐induced cell death. However, the molecular link involved is poorly understood. In the present study, we identified the essential role of the extra long form of Bim (Bcl‐2 interacting mediator of cell death), BimEL, in mHtt‐induced cell death. BimEL protein expression level was significantly increased in cell lines expressing the N‐terminus of mHtt and in a mouse model of HD. Although quantitative RT‐PCR analysis indicated that BimEL mRNA was increased in cells expressing mHtt, we provided evidence showing that, at the post‐translational level, phosphorylation of BimEL played a more important role in regulating BimEL expression. Up‐regulation of BimEL facilitated the translocation of Bax to the mitochondrial membrane, which further led to cytochrome c release and cell death. On the other hand, knocking down BimEL expression prevented mHtt‐induced cell death. Taken together, these findings suggest that BimEL is a key element in regulating mHtt‐induced cell death. A model depicting the role of BimEL in linking mHtt‐induced ER stress and proteasome dysfunction to cell death is proposed.
Interaction of a novel mitochondrial protein, 4‐nitrophenylphosphatase domain and non‐neuronal SNAP25‐like protein homolog 1 (NIPSNAP1), with the amyloid precursor protein family
Authors: Tummala Hemachand , Li Xiaofan , Homayouni Ramin
Published: May 2010

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its paralogs, amyloid precursor‐like protein‐1 and amyloid precursor‐like protein‐2, appear to have redundant but essential role(s) during development. To gain insights into the physiological and possibly pathophysiological functions of APP, we used a functional proteomic approach to identify proteins that interact with the highly conserved C‐terminal region of APP family proteins. Previously, we characterized an interaction between APP and ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase. Here, we describe an interaction between APP and a novel protein, 4‐nitrophenylphosphatase domain and non‐neuronal SNAP25‐like protein homolog 1 (NIPSNAP1). The interaction between APP and NIPSNAP1 was confirmed both in transiently transfected COS7 cells and in the mouse brain, where NIPSNAP1 is expressed at a high level. We demonstrate that NIPSNAP1 is targeted to the mitochondria via its N‐terminal targeting sequence, and interacts with mitochondrial chaperone translocase of the outer membrane 22. Mitochondrial localization of NIPSNAP1 appears to be critical for its interaction with APP, and overexpression of APP appeared to disrupt NIPSNAP1 mitochondrial localization. Moreover, APP overexpression resulted in downregulation of NIPSNAP1 levels in cultured cells. Our data suggest that APP may affect mitochondrial function through a direct interaction with NIPSNAP1 as well as with other mitochondrial proteins.
The psychological and neurochemical mechanisms of drug memory reconsolidation: implications for the treatment of addiction
Authors: Milton Amy L. , Everitt Barry J.
Published: May 2010

Memory reconsolidation is the process by which memories, destabilised at retrieval, require restabilisation to persist in the brain. It has been demonstrated that even old, well‐established memories require reconsolidation following retrieval; therefore, memory reconsolidation could potentially be exploited to disrupt, or even erase, aberrant memories that underlie psychiatric disorders, thereby providing a novel therapeutic target. Drug addiction is one such disorder; it is both chronic and relapsing, and one prominent risk factor for a relapse episode is the presentation of environmental cues that have previously been associated with drugs of abuse. This ‘cue‐induced relapse’ can be accounted for in psychological terms by reinforcing memories of the pavlovian association between the cue and the drug, which can thus influence behaviour through at least three psychologically and neurobiologically dissociable mechanisms: conditioned reinforcement, conditioned approach and conditioned motivation. As each of these psychological processes could contribute to the resumption of drug‐seeking following abstinence, it is important to develop treatments that can reduce drug‐seeking re‐established via influences on each or all of these pavlovian processes, in order to minimise the risk of a subsequent relapse. Investigation of the memory reconsolidation mechanisms of the memories underlying conditioned reinforcement, conditioned approach and conditioned motivation indicate that they depend upon different neurochemical systems, including the glutamatergic and adrenergic systems within limbic corticostriatal circuitry. We also discuss here the subsequent translation to the clinic of this preclinical work.
Converting juvenile into adult plasticity: a role for the brain’s extracellular matrix
Authors: Gundelfinger Eckart D. , Frischknecht Renato , Choquet Daniel , Heine Martin
Published: May 2010

In higher vertebrates, the extracellular matrix (ECM) wrapping cells of the adult brain differs significantly from that of the developing and juvenile brain. The mature ECM is established at the end of critical periods for wiring and it restricts the regenerative potential and constrains the plasticity of the adult brain. In particular, perineuronal nets, elaborate ECM structures that surround distinct neurons and wrap synapses, are hallmarks of the adult brain and seem to massively affect brain plasticity. Why have these, at first glance futile, limitations evolved? What is the return for these drawbacks? What are the mechanisms of restriction and how is adult plasticity implemented? Recent progress both at the systemic level and at the molecular physiological level has shed some new light on these questions. In this review we will survey the evidence for potential functions of the adult ECM in making established brain features, including imprinted memories, resistant to extinction, and we will discuss potential mechanisms by which the ECM limits juvenile and implements adult plasticity. In particular we will focus on some aspects of adult ECM function. First we will discuss its influence on diffusion of cations in the extracellular space and on volume transmission, second we will consider its potential role in regulating the lateral diffusion of cell surface receptors and finally we will discuss mechanisms to locally modulate ECM functions.
TRPA1‐expressing primary afferents synapse with a morphologically identified subclass of substantia gelatinosa neurons in the adult rat spinal cord
Authors: Uta Daisuke , Furue Hidemasa , Pickering Anthony E. , Harunor Rashid Md , Mizuguchi‐Takase Hiroko , Katafuchi Toshihiko , Imoto Keiji , Yoshimura Megumu
Published: May 2010

The TRPA1 channel has been proposed to be a molecular transducer of cold and inflammatory nociceptive signals. It is expressed on a subset of small primary afferent neurons both in the peripheral terminals, where it serves as a sensor, and on the central nerve endings in the dorsal horn. The substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the spinal cord is a key site for integration of noxious inputs. The SG neurons are morphologically and functionally heterogeneous and the precise synaptic circuits of the SG are poorly understood. We examined how activation of TRPA1 channels affects synaptic transmission onto SG neurons using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings and morphological analyses in adult rat spinal cord slices. Cinnamaldehyde (TRPA1 agonist) elicited a barrage of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in a subset of the SG neurons that responded to allyl isothiocyanate (less specific TRPA1 agonist) and capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist). Cinnamaldehyde evoked EPSCs in vertical and radial but not islet or central SG cells. Notably, cinnamaldehyde produced no change in inhibitory postsynaptic currents and nor did it produce direct postsynaptic effects. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, cinnamaldehyde increased the frequency but not amplitude of miniature EPSCs. Intriguingly, cinnamaldehyde had a selective inhibitory action on monosynaptic C‐ (but not Aδ‐) fiber‐evoked EPSCs. These results indicate that activation of spinal TRPA1 presynaptically facilitates miniature excitatory synaptic transmission from primary afferents onto vertical and radial cells to initiate action potentials. The presence of TRPA1 channels on the central terminals raises the possibility of bidirectional modulatory action in morphologically identified subclasses of SG neurons.
Subjective neuronal coding of reward: temporal value discounting and risk
Authors: Schultz Wolfram
Published: May 2010

A key question in the neurobiology of reward relates to the nature of coding. Rewards are objects that are advantageous or necessary for the survival of individuals in a variety of environmental situations. Thus reward appears to depend on the individual and its environment. The question arises whether neuronal systems in humans and monkeys code reward in subjective terms, objective terms or both. The present review addresses this issue by dealing with two important reward processes, namely the individual discounting of reward value across temporal delays, and the processing of information about risky rewards that depends on individual risk attitudes. The subjective value of rewards decreases with the temporal distance to the reward. In experiments using neurophysiology and brain imaging, dopamine neurons and striatal systems discount reward value across temporal delays of a few seconds, despite unchanged objective reward value, suggesting subjective value coding. The subjective values of risky outcomes depend on the risk attitude of individual decision makers; these values decrease for risk‐avoiders and increase for risk‐seekers. The signal for risk and the signal for the value of risky reward covary with individual risk attitudes in regions of the human prefrontal cortex, suggesting subjective rather than objective coding of risk and risky value. These data demonstrate that important parameters of reward are coded in a subjective manner in key reward structures of the brain. However, these data do not rule out that other neurons or brain structures may code reward according to its objective value and risk.
Indirect predator effects on clutch size and the cost of egg production
Authors: Travers Marc , Clinchy Michael , Zanette Liana , Boonstra Rudy , Williams Tony D.
Published: May 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 980–988

Predator‐induced changes in physiology and behaviour may negatively affect a prey’s birth rate. Evidence of such indirect predator effects on prey demography remains scarce in birds and mammals despite invertebrate and aquatic studies that suggest ignoring such effects risks profoundly underestimating the total impact of predators. We report the first experimental demonstration of indirect predator effects on the annual ‘birth’ rate resulting from negative effects on the size of subsequent clutches laid by birds. We manipulated the probability of nest predation and measured the size of subsequent clutches and multiple indices of the mother’s physiological condition, while controlling for food availability, date and stage of breeding. Females subject to frequent experimental nest predation laid smaller subsequent clutches and were in poorer physiological condition, particularly regarding non‐resource‐based indices (e.g. oxidative stress and glucocorticoid mobilization) consistent with both a response to the threat of predation and an increased cost of egg production.
Patterns and ecosystem consequences of shark declines in the ocean
Authors: Ferretti Francesco , Worm Boris , Britten Gregory L. , Heithaus Michael R. , Lotze Heike K.
Published: May 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1055–1071

Whereas many land predators disappeared before their ecological roles were studied, the decline of marine apex predators is still unfolding. Large sharks in particular have experienced rapid declines over the last decades. In this study, we review the documented changes in exploited elasmobranch communities in coastal, demersal, and pelagic habitats, and synthesize the effects of sharks on their prey and wider communities. We show that the high natural diversity and abundance of sharks is vulnerable to even light fishing pressure. The decline of large predatory sharks reduces natural mortality in a range of prey, contributing to changes in abundance, distribution, and behaviour of small elasmobranchs, marine mammals, and sea turtles that have few other predators. Through direct predation and behavioural modifications, top‐down effects of sharks have led to cascading changes in some coastal ecosystems. In demersal and pelagic communities, there is increasing evidence of mesopredator release, but cascading effects are more hypothetical. Here, fishing pressure on mesopredators may mask or even reverse some ecosystem effects. In conclusion, large sharks can exert strong top‐down forces with the potential to shape marine communities over large spatial and temporal scales. Yet more empirical evidence is needed to test the generality of these effects throughout the ocean.
Randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a newly developed formulation of phentermine diffuse‐controlled release for obesity
Authors: Kang J. G. , Park C.‐Y. , Kang J. H. , Park Y.‐W. , Park S. W.
Published: May 2010

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a newly developed formulation of phentermine diffuse‐controlled release (DCR) in patients with obesity.

Methods: This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of 12 weeks of treatment with phentermine DCR 30 mg (n = 37) or placebo (n = 37), administered once daily in patients with obesity with controlled diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia. The efficacy was evaluated by changes in body weight and waist circumference from baseline at 12 weeks and also changes in metabolic parameters, including lipid profiles and blood pressure.

Results: The participants in the phentermine DCR group showed significant reductions in body weight (−8.1 ± 3.9 vs. −1.7 ± 2.9 kg, p < 0.001) and waist circumference (7.2 ± 0.5 vs. 2.1 ± 0.6 cm, p < 0.001) compared with those in the placebo group. Weight reductions of 5% or greater from the baseline (95.8 vs. 20.8%, p < 0.001) and 10% or more (62.5 vs. 4.7%, p < 0.001) were achieved in the DCR phentermine group and placebo group, respectively. Total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels were significantly improved in the phentermine DCR group. However, there were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the groups. Dry mouth and insomnia were the most common adverse events, but these were mild to moderate and transient.

Conclusions: Short‐term phentermine DCR treatment resulted in significant reduction in weight and improvement of metabolic parameters, including waist circumference and some lipid profiles, without clinically severe adverse events. Further study is needed to show long‐term efficacy and safety of phentermine DCR in Korean patients with obesity.
Screening for type 2 diabetes: an update of the evidence
Authors: Simmons R. K. , Echouffo‐Tcheugui J. B. , Griffin S. J.
Published: May 2010

A growing body of evidence on diabetes screening has been published during the last 10 years. Type 2 diabetes meets many but not all of the criteria for screening. Concerns about potential harms of screening have largely been resolved. Screening identifies a high‐risk population with the potential to gain from widely available interventions. However, in spite of the findings of modelling studies, the size of the benefit of earlier initiation of treatment and the overall cost‐effectiveness remains uncertain, in contrast to other screening programmes (such as for abdominal aortic aneurysms) that are yet to be fully implemented. There is also uncertainty about optimal specifications and implementation of a screening programme, and further work to complete concerning development and delivery of individual‐ and population‐level preventive strategies. While there is growing evidence of the net benefit of earlier detection of individuals with prevalent but undiagnosed diabetes, there remains limited justification for a policy of universal population‐based screening for type 2 diabetes at the present time. Data from ongoing studies should inform the key assumptions in existing modelling studies and further reduce uncertainty.
8‐isoprostane F2αup‐regulates the expression of type 5 phosphodiesterase in cavernosal vascular smooth muscle cells: inhibition with sildenafil, iloprost, nitric oxide and picotamide
Authors: Hotston Matthew , Jeremy Jamie Y. , Persad Raj , Bloor Jonathon , Shukla Nilima
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES

To explore the possible role of of 8‐isoprostane F2α(8‐IPF2α) in the aetiology of erectile dysfunction (ED), as the over‐production of superoxide (O2‐) derived from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase results in the formation of 8‐IPF2αin vascular tissue, which has similar properties to thromboxane A2(TXA2). TXA2is vasoconstrictor and up‐regulates the expression of NADPH oxidase and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cavernosal vascular smooth muscle cells (CVSMCs) were incubated with 8‐IPF2αor the TXA2analogue, U46619, ±sildenafil, iloprost (a stable prostacyclin [PGI2] analogue) or the nitric oxide (NO) donor NONOate for 16 h. The formation of O2‐was then measured, PDE5 expression assessed using Western blotting and PGI2and 8‐IPF2αformation measured using enzyme‐linked immunoassays.

RESULTS

8‐IPF2αpromoted the formation of O2‐, an effect inhibited by apocynin (an NADPH oxidase inhibitor) and up‐regulated the expression of PDE5. Under identical incubation conditions, 8‐IPF2αinduced an increase in the formation of 8‐IPF2αbut reduced the formation of PGI2. All, these effects were reversed by sildenafil, iloprost, NONOate and picotamide.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that O2‐derived from NADPH oxidase influences the relative balance of PGI2and 8‐IPF2αin CVSMCs, which in turn alters the degree of PDE5 expression. This is a novel pathogenic mechanism underlying ED and a novel mechanism of action of sildenafil.
Late morbidity and oncological outcome after radical hypofractionated radiotherapy in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Di Staso Mario , Bonfili Pierluigi , Gravina Giovanni L. , Di Genesio Pagliuca Milena , Franzese Pietro , Buonopane Sergio , Osti Mattia F. , Valeriani Maurizio , Festuccia Claudio , Enrici Riccardo Maurizi , Tombolini Vincenzo
Published: May 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case control) Level of Evidence 3b

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that three‐dimensional hypofractionated radiotherapy (3D‐HFRT) is well tolerated and not worse than 3‐D conventional RT (3D‐CRT) for oncological outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 162 men with hystologically confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma were included in the analysis. In all, 82 men were treated with 3D‐HFRT (15 fractions of 3.62 Gy delivered 3 times/week; a total dose of 54.3 Gy). This group was retrospectively compared with 80 men who met the same inclusion criteria and who were treated with 3D‐CRT (39 fractions of 2 Gy delivered daily; a total dose of 78 Gy). A short course of hormone therapy was administered concomitantly with the RT.

RESULTS

Only one (1.7%) patient in the 3D‐CRT group and two (4.0%) in the 3D‐HFRT group had Grade 3 genitourinary toxicity. There was late gastrointestinal morbidity of ≥ grade 3 in only 5.1% of men treated with 3D‐HFRT and in 4.0% of men treated with 3D‐CRT. In both groups there was no Grade 4 toxicity. At the median (range) follow‐up of 45 (39.4–51) months for the 3D‐HFRT group and 57.5 (54.9–59.1) months for 3D‐CRT group the progression rate was 18/82 (21.9%) and 20/80 (25.0%), respectively, with no significant worsening in the risk of biochemical failure (BCF; log‐rank test, P= 0.222).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, men with clinically localized prostate cancer had similar levels of morbidity irrespective of whether they received HFRT or CRT without any worsening in the early risk of BCF. Thus, the present data provide some clinical evidence to justify trends already emerging toward HF regimens for treating clinically localised prostate cancer.
25‐year experience in the outcome of artificial urinary sphincter in the treatment of female urinary incontinence
Authors: Chung Eric , Cartmill Ross A.
Published: May 2010

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes research) Level of Evidence 2c

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcome of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) in female patients for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all female patients with AUS implanted over the last 25 years in one institution. Patient demographics, renal tract imaging and urodynamics assessment were documented. Outcomes measures included complications, duration and cause of AUS failure. Urinary continence was defined as no pad use after AUS insertion. AUS failure was defined as malfunction, infection or erosion. AUS malfunction included either mechanical (fluid leak) or non‐mechanical (infection or surgical damage to AUS). A Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to determine device failure over time.

RESULTS

In all, 47 consecutive women with a mean (range) age of 51 (17–78) years received an AUS for the treatment of UI. Of these, 35 women had failed anti‐incontinence surgery previously. There were two wound infections after AUS insertion but no mortality. Of the 47 AUS implanted, 39 (83%) AUS remained in situ. Eight (17%) AUS were removed due to AUS erosion or infection. There were 20 AUS revisions, 16 of which were primary AUS revisions. Most of the AUS revisions were related to mechanical malfunctions. Comparison of the proportion of AUS device survival over time using Kaplan–Meier analysis showed >80% of AUS remained functioning after 100 months. At the time of review, 83% of patients had a device in situ and the continence rate with no pads use was 59% with AUS only; this figure increased to 85% when concurrent clean intermittent self‐catheterization was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

AUS is an effective and durable treatment option for female SUI. In properly selected women, high continence rates can be achieved. Most patients maintained satisfactory long‐term continence rates despite revision surgery.
Validating bladder cancer xenograft bioluminescence with magnetic resonance imaging: the significance of hypoxia and necrosis
Authors: Black Peter C. , Shetty Anil , Brown Gordon A. , Esparza‐Coss Emilio , Metwalli Adam R. , Agarwal Piyush K. , McConkey David J. , Hazle John D. , Dinney Colin P.N.
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation in orthotopic bladder xenografts of bioluminescence imaging (BLI) with tumour volume as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to define the potential role of hypoxia and necrosis in the relationship between BLI and tumour volume at autopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Orthotopic bladder tumours were established in nude mice with KU7 and 253J B‐V cells expressing luciferase. BLI and MRI were performed weekly. Tumour volume was calculated from MR images at each time point. Autopsy was performed 4 weeks after inoculation and 45 min after injection of piminidazole. haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis of piminidazole adduct formation were performed on 1‐mm step‐sections through frozen whole bladder specimens to assess necrosis and hypoxia, respectively. CD31 staining was used to evaluate vascularity. Relative volumes of each specimen containing total tumour, hypoxic tumour and necrotic tumour were quantified.

RESULTS

The correlation between MRI volume and BLI was weak in KU7 xenografts (R2 < 0.1) but strong in 253J B‐V (R2= 0.93 at 4 weeks). KU7 xenografts had vasculature only peripherally and showed extensive hypoxic and necrotic areas. After subtraction of necrotic areas, the correlation of BLI to viable tumour volume improved (R2= 0.42).

CONCLUSION

The correlation between tumour BLI and tumour size varies by cell line and is poor in xenografts that rapidly outgrow their vascular supply and develop broad areas of hypoxia and necrosis. However, in these cases BLI does yield information about the amount of viable tumour, and should therefore still be considered as a useful imaging method.
Nutritively sweetened beverage consumption and body weight: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized experiments
Authors: Mattes R. D. , Shikany J. M. , Kaiser K. A. , Allison D. B.
Published: May 2010

Nutritively sweetened beverages (NSBs) may play a role in the obesity epidemic. We abstracted data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evidence‐based reviews through January 2009 concerning effects of consumption of NSBs on changes in body weight and adiposity. Studies included were those (i) conducted in humans; (ii) lasting at least 3 weeks; (iii) incorporating random assignment of subjects to conditions that differed only in the consumption of NSBs and (iv) including an adiposity indicator as an outcome. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis of six studies that added NSBs to persons' diets showed dose‐dependent increases in weight. Contrarily, meta‐analysis of studies that attempted to reduce NSB consumption consistently showed no effect on body mass index (BMI) when all subjects were considered. Meta‐analysis of studies providing access to results separately for subjects overweight at baseline showed a significant effect of a roughly 0.35 standard deviations lesser BMI change (i.e. more weight loss or less weight gain) relative to controls. The current evidence does not demonstrate conclusively that NSB consumption has uniquely contributed to obesity or that reducing NSB consumption will reduce BMI levels in general. We recommend an adequately powered RCT with overweight persons, for whom there is suggestive evidence of an effect.
On a Class of Random Probability Measures with General Predictive Structure
Authors: FAVARO STEFANO , PRÜNSTER IGOR , WALKER STEPHEN G.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. In this study, we investigate a recently introduced class of non‐parametric priors, termed generalized Dirichlet process priors. Such priors induce (exchangeable random) partitions that are characterized by a more elaborate clustering structure than those arising from other widely used priors. A natural area of application of these random probability measures is represented by species sampling problems and, in particular, prediction problems in genomics. To this end, we study both the distribution of the number of distinct species present in a sample and the distribution of the number of new species conditionally on an observed sample. We also provide the Bayesian Non‐parametric estimator for the number of new species in an additional sample of given size and for the discovery probability as function of the size of the additional sample. Finally, the study of its conditional structure is completed by the determination of the posterior distribution.
‘Every space is claimed’: smokers’ experiences of tobacco denormalisation
Authors: Bell Kirsten , McCullough Lucy , Salmon Amy , Bell Jennifer
Published: May 2010

Over the past decade, the strategy of ‘denormalising’ tobacco use has become one of the cornerstones of the global tobacco control movement. Although tobacco denormalisation policies primarily affect people on the lowest rungs of the social ladder, few qualitative studies have explicitly set out to explore how smokers have experienced and responded to these legislative and social changes in attitudes towards tobacco use. Drawing on a qualitative study of interviews with 25 current and ex‐smokers living in Vancouver, Canada, this paper examines the ways they interpret and respond to the new socio‐political environment in which they must manage the increasingly problematised practice of tobacco smoking. Overall, while not opposed to smoking restrictions per se, study participants felt that recent legislation, particularly efforts to prohibit smoking in a variety of outdoor settings, was overly restrictive and that all public space had increasingly been ‘claimed’ by non‐smokers. Also apparent from participants’ accounts was the high degree of stigma attached to smoking. However, although the ‘denormalisation’ environment had encouraged several participants to quit smoking, the majority continued to smoke, raising ethical and practical questions about the value of denormalisation strategies as a way of reducing smoking‐related mortality and morbidity.
Action‐oriented Perception
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: May 2010

Abstract:When I throw a ball at you, do you see it as catch‐able? Do we perceive objects as edible, climbable or Q‐able in general? One could argue that it is just a manner of speaking to say so: we do not reallyseean object as edible, we only infer on the basis of its other properties that it is. I argue that whether or not an object is edible or climbable is indeed represented perceptually: weseeobjects as edible, and do not just believe that they are. My argument proceeds in two steps. First, I argue that in order to perform an action Q with respect to an object, we need to represent this object as Q‐able and, second, I argue that we represent objects as having these propertiesperceptually.
Patterns of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging associated with etiology improve the accuracy of prognosis after transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Purroy F. , Begué R. , Gil M. I. , Quílez A. , Sanahuja J. , Brieva L. , Piñol‐Ripoll G.
Published: May 2010

Objective:  Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is a sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting acute ischaemic lesions in patients with transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). The additional predictive value of DWI lesion patterns is not well known.

Methods:  Two hundred and fifty‐four consecutive patients with TIA underwent DWI within 7 days of symptom onset. The presence and pattern of acute ischaemic lesions were related to clinical features, etiology, and stroke recurrence at seven‐ and 90‐day follow‐up.

Results:  Diffusion‐weighted images abnormalities were identified in 117 (46.1%) patients. The distribution of DWI lesions was cortical, 31; subcortical, 32; scattered lesions in one arterial territory (SPOT) 42; and in multiple areas, 12. SPOT were significantly associated with motor weakness, large‐artery atherosclerosis (LAA), and the cardioembolic subtype of TIA. Single cortical lesions were also associated with cardioembolism, whereas subcortical acute lesions were associated with recurrent episodes, dysarthria, and motor weakness. During follow‐up, seven patients had a stroke within 7 days (2.8%, 95% CI 2.9–6.4%), and 12 had a stroke within 3 months (4.7%%, 95% CI 2.9–6.4%). In the Cox logistic regression model, the combination of LAA and positive DWI remained as independent predictors of stroke recurrence at 90‐day follow‐up (HR 5.78, 95 CI 1.74–19.21, P = 0.004).

Conclusion:  According to our results, MRI, including DWI, should be considered a preferred diagnostic test when investigating patients with potential TIAs. The combination of neuroimaging and vascular information could improve prognostic accuracy in patients with TIA.