bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical defense of an Asian snake reflects local availability of toxic prey and hatchling diet
Authors: Hutchinson D. A. , Savitzky A. H. , Burghardt G. M. , Nguyen C. , Meinwald J. , Schroeder F. C. , Mori A.
Published: December 2012

Species that sequester toxins from prey for their own defense against predators may exhibit population‐level variation in their chemical arsenal that reflects the availability of chemically defended prey in their habitat. Rhabdophis tigrinus is an Asian snake that possesses defensive glands in the skin of its neck (‘nuchal glands’), which typically contain toxic bufadienolide steroids that the snakes sequester from consumed toads. In this study, we compared the chemistry of the nuchal gland fluid of R. tigrinus from toad‐rich and toad‐free islands in Japan and determined the effect of diet on the nuchal gland constituents. Our findings demonstrate that captive‐hatched juveniles from toad‐rich Ishima Island that had not been fed toads possess defensive bufadienolides in their nuchal glands, presumably due to maternal provisioning of these sequestered compounds. Wild‐caught juveniles from Ishima possess large quantities of bufadienolides, which could result from a combination of maternal provisioning and sequestration of these defensive compounds from consumed toads. Interestingly, juvenile females from Ishima possess larger quantities of bufadienolides than do juvenile males, whereas a small sample of field‐collected snakes suggests that adult males contain larger quantities of bufadienolides than do adult females. Captive‐born hatchlings from Kinkasan Island lack bufadienolides in their nuchal glands, reflecting the absence of toads on that island, but they can sequester bufadienolides by feeding on toads (Bufo japonicus) in captivity. The presence of large quantities of bufadienolides in the nuchal glands of R. tigrinus from Ishima may reduce the risk of predation by providing an effective chemical defense, whereas snakes on Kinkasan may experience increased predation due to the lack of defensive compounds in their nuchal glands.
Asymmetry in threespine stickleback lateral plates
Authors: Loehr J. , Herczeg G. , Leinonen T. , Gonda A. , Van Dongen S. , Merilä J.
Published: December 2012

The study of asymmetry can provide insights into genetic and environmental influences on organismal development. Directional asymmetry (DA) can be either adaptive or non‐adaptive, whereas fluctuating asymmetry (FA) – defined as small non‐directional departures from symmetry in bilateral traits – is thought to be an indicator of genetic or environmental stress experienced during development. Using data from 28 European populations, we assessed the degree of DA and FA in the lateral plates of threespine sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus and surveyed the direction of DA and differences in levels of DA and FA in different habitat types (viz. marine, lake and river populations). DA differed between habitats, with right‐biased DA found in the marine populations and no directional bias found in lake and river populations. Differences in DA among habitats may be a by‐product of habitat‐specific developmental instability resulting in asymmetry, or it may indicate habitat‐specific differences in selection against/for symmetry, as has been proposed in previous research of sticklebacks. Also, the presence of FA varied depending upon habitat type, but it also depended on plate morph – a variable confounded with the habitat effect. While we cannot rule out factors such as stress as a cause of population differences in FA, it may also simply be a by‐product of other evolutionary processes (e.g. lateral plate number reduction) without functional basis.
Proximate determinants of bite force capacity in the mouse lemur
Authors: Chazeau C. , Marchal J. , Hackert R. , Perret M. , Herrel A.
Published: December 2012

Both mating system and diet are thought to drive inter‐individual variation in bite force. Although previously published data suggest that bite force variation may be driven by variation in morphology (e.g. head morphology, body size, muscle size), age and physiology (e.g. fluctuating plasma testosterone levels) in some vertebrates, this remains untested in primates. Here, we explore the proximal determinants of bite force capacity in the grey mouse lemur Microcebus murinus. Our results show that in male grey mouse lemurs, bite force measurements are repeatable across a 1‐month period. Yet, bite forces were independent of fluctuation plasma testosterone levels. Head dimensions and body mass were all positively correlated with bite force. Among these, head width was the best predictor of bite force as has been observed for other vertebrates. Unexpectedly, age was highly significantly and positively correlated with bite force. Whereas older animals generally bit harder, the oldest age group (5.5 years) showed a decline in bite force capacity. These results suggest that bite force in the grey mouse lemur is mostly determined by morphology and age, yet is independent of variation in testosterone. Future studies including a broader age range and animals of different sexes would be of interest to better understand the variation in bite force in this small lemur.
Root gravitropism and root hair development constitute coupled developmental responses regulated by auxin homeostasis in the Arabidopsis root apex
Authors: Rigas Stamatis , Ditengou Franck Anicet , Ljung Karin , Daras Gerasimos , Tietz Olaf , Palme Klaus , Hatzopoulos Polydefkis
Published: December 2012

Active polar transport establishes directional auxin flow and the generation of local auxin gradients implicated in plant responses and development. Auxin modulates gravitropism at the root tip and root hair morphogenesis at the differentiation zone.

Genetic and biochemical analyses provide evidence for defective basipetal auxin transport in trh1 roots.

The trh1, pin2, axr2 and aux1 mutants, and transgenic plants overexpressing PIN1, all showing impaired gravity response and root hair development, revealed ectopic PIN1 localization. The auxin antagonist hypaphorine blocked root hair elongation and caused moderate agravitropic root growth, also leading to PIN1 mislocalization. These results suggest that auxin imbalance leads to proximal and distal developmental defects in Arabidopsis root apex, associated with agravitropic root growth and root hair phenotype, respectively, providing evidence that these two auxin‐regulated processes are coupled. Cell‐specific subcellular localization of TRH1‐YFP in stele and epidermis supports TRH1 engagement in auxin transport, and hence impaired function in trh1 causes dual defects of auxin imbalance.

The interplay between intrinsic cues determining root epidermal cell fate through the TTG/GL2 pathway and environmental cues including abiotic stresses modulates root hair morphogenesis. As a consequence of auxin imbalance in Arabidopsis root apex, ectopic PIN1 mislocalization could be a risk aversion mechanism to trigger root developmental responses ensuring root growth plasticity.
Tool to estimate optical metrics from summary wave‐front analysis data in the human eye
Authors: Jansonius Nomdo M
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Studies in the field of cataract and refractive surgery often report only summary wave‐front analysis data – data that are too condensed to allow for a retrospective calculation of metrics relevant to visual perception. The aim of this study was to develop a tool that can be used to estimate these metrics from summary wave‐front analysis data.

Methods

The core of the tool is a two‐parameter (primary spherical aberration and an overall measure of all other higher‐order aberrations) model for the statistical description of the optical aberrations of the human eye. Modulation transfer through‐focus curves were calculated for realistic ranges of spherical aberration, other higher‐order aberrations and pupil diameters, for both white and monochromatic light. A series of commonly used metrics (modulation transfer, Strehl ratio, visual Strehl ratio and width of line spread function) was derived from these through‐focus curves, with corresponding location of optimal focus and depth‐of‐focus.

Results

Published wave‐front analysis data from healthy subjects served as input for the tool. The output was compared to published measurements of the included metrics, performed in the same or in comparable samples. Agreement between output of the tool and measurements was within the accuracy of the data.

Conclusions

The tool is able to relate accurately summary wave‐front analysis data from groups of patients to metrics relevant to visual perception and can thus be used to estimate these metrics in situations where their calculation from raw wave‐front analysis data is not possible.
Line of sight of a heterocentric astigmatic eye
Authors: Harris William F , van Gool Radboud DHM , Evans Tanya
Published: December 2012

Background

The line of sight and the corneal sighting centre are important references for clinical work in optometry and ophthalmology. Their locations are not fixed but may vary with displacement of the pupil and other changes in the eye.

Purpose

To derive equations for the dependence of the locations on properties of an eye which may be heterocentric and astigmatic.

Methods

The optical model used is linear optics. It allows for the refracting surfaces of the eye to be astigmatic and tilted or decentred. Because the approach is general it applies not only to the natural eye but also to a pseudophakic eye and to the compound system of eye and any optical instrument in front of it. The analysis begins with the line of sight defined in terms of the foveal chief ray.

Results

Equations are derived for the position and inclination of the line of sight at incidence onto the eye. They allow one to locate the line of sight and corneal sighting centre given the structure (curvatures, tilts, spacings of refracting surfaces) of the eye. The results can be generalized in several ways including application in the case of extra‐foveal fixation and when there is a lens or other optical instrument in front of the eye. The calculation is illustrated in the Appendix for a model eye with four separated, astigmatic and tilted refracting surfaces.

Conclusions

The equations allow routine calculation of the line of sight for an eye of known structure and of the eye combined with an optical device such as a spectacle lens. They also allow exploration of the dependence of the line of sight on the location of the centre of the pupil and on other properties in the eye. There is a dependence of the line of sight on the frequency (or vacuum wavelength) of light but this may not be of clinical significance.
The Relationship between Right Ventricular Lead Position and Paced QRS Duration
Authors: KAWAKAMI TOHRU , TANAKA NOBUKIYO , OHNO HIROYOSHI , KOBAYAKAWA HIROKO , SAKURAI TOMOHIRO , ISHIHARA HIROKI , OHMORI HIROYUKI , MATSUZAKI TERUMASA
Published: December 2012

Background

The relationship between the anatomical location of right ventricular pacing site and paced QRS duration is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between right ventricular pacing site and paced QRS duration using cardiac angiography.

Methods

Fifty patients were implanted with pacemakers. The right ventricular lead position was determined from the findings of cardiac angiography and the paced QRS duration was measured. Cardiac angiography was used to display the right ventriculogram (RVG) and the left ventriculogram (LVG). The RVG view was divided into three areas and the LVG view was divided into four areas.

Results

The paced QRS duration value was significantly longer in the right ventricular apex area compared with the outflow and inflow areas (160 ± 15 ms vs 140 ± 15 ms, P = 0.02, and vs 133 ± 17 ms, P < 0.001, respectively), but those values were not statistically significantly different between the right ventricular outflow and the right ventricular inflow areas (140 ± 15 ms vs 133 ± 17 ms, P = 0.187). When assessed with LVG views, there were the statistically significant differences in the paced QRS duration values in all areas except the apex area. (LV mid‐anterior: 147 ± 11 ms vs LV base: 127 ± 13 ms, P < 0.001, and vs LV mid‐septum: 129 ± 12 ms, P = 0.001, respectively.)

Conclusions

Cardiac angiography showed that there was a relationship between the anatomical right ventricular pacing site and paced QRS duration. Cardiac angiography can help determine the areas that produce shorter paced QRS duration.
Outcomes of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in the Elderly
Authors: KILLU AMMAR M. , WU JIA‐HUI , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , SHEN WIN‐KUANG , WEBSTER TRACY L. , BROOKE KELLY L. , HODGE DAVID O. , WISTE HEATHER J. , CHA YONG‐MEI
Published: December 2012

Background

Octogenarians (>80 years) have been underrepresented in clinical trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Objective

To determine the benefit of CRT with or without a defibrillator in older elderly patients.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive patients who received CRT at our institution from 2002 through 2008. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and echocardiographic parameters were assessed before and after CRT. Thirty‐day complications after device implant were collected. Survival data were obtained from the national death and location database. Data were compared between those 80 years and younger and those older than 80 years.

Results

Of 728 patients identified, 90 (12.4%) were older than 80 years. After CRT, older and younger patients had similar improvements in NHYA class (P = 0.41), ejection fraction (P = 0.48), and mitral valve regurgitation (MR) severity (P = 0.42). In the older patients, defibrillator implantation was associated with comparable improvement in NYHA class, ejection fraction, and MR grade severity (P > 0.05), as in those without a defibrillator. Overall survival was worse in octogenarians than in the younger patients by Kaplan‐Meier estimates (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed similar survival between the younger and older subjects (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.84; P = 0.31). The observed complication rate in all study subjects was 12.2%, with no difference between the two age groups.

Conclusion

Octogenarian patients who received CRT with or without a defibrillator for advanced heart failure had similar clinical benefits as younger patients. CRT should not be withheld from octogenarians meeting current selection guidelines.
Does Left Atrial Appendage Closure with a Cardiac Plug System Reduce the Stroke Risk in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients? A Single‐Center Case Series
Authors: DANNA PAOLO , PROIETTI RICCARDO , SAGONE ANTONIO , ARENSI ANDREA , VIECCA MAURIZIO , RAGO ANNA , RUSSO VINCENZO
Published: December 2012

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and it is associated with an increased stroke risk, due mainly to cardiac embolism from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Percutaneous LAA closure is a method to reduce stroke risk in AF without using anticoagulant agents. In this study we report data from an Italian experience with the LAA occluder Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) device (Aga Medical Corporation, Plymouth, MN, USA).

Methods

The study was designed to evaluate the safety of LAA closure using ACP and the efficacy of the procedure in preventing strokes during a 1‐year follow‐up. Patients with permanent or paroxysmal AF, high stroke risk, and contraindication to warfarin therapy were selected for the procedure.

Results

The LAA closure was attempted in 37 patients and succeeded in 34 cases (91.9%). Four patients experienced serious complications (one cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis, two device embolizations, one low‐rate response AF requiring artificial pacing). During a 1‐year follow‐up, ischemic stroke occurred in one of 34 patients, resulting in a stroke rate of 2.94%; thus there was a stroke rate reduction of 50.2% and 26.5% compared to the expected stroke rate, according to CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc score. None of the patients who received ACP experienced major bleeding during the follow‐up.

Conclusion

LAA closure using ACP is a relatively feasible procedure which can be performed by highly experienced operators to reduce stroke rate in patients with AF, high stroke risk, and contraindication to oral anticoagulants.
Feasibility of Heart Sounds Measurements from an Accelerometer within an ICD Pulse Generator
Authors: SIEJKO KRZYSZTOF Z. , THAKUR PRAMODSINGH H. , MAILE KEITH , PATANGAY ABHILASH , OLIVARI MARIA‐TERESA
Published: December 2012

Objective

The feasibility of detecting heart sounds (HS) from an accelerometer sensor enclosed within an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) pulse generator (PG) was explored in a noninvasive pilot study on heart failure (HF) patients with audible third HS (S3).

Methods

Accelerometer circuitry enhanced for HS was incorporated into non‐functional ICDs. A study was conducted on 30 HF patients and 10 normal subjects without history of cardiac disease. The devices were taped to the skin surface over both left and right pectoral regions to simulate subcutaneous implants. A lightweight reference accelerometer was taped over the cardiac apex. Waveforms were recorded simultaneously with a surface electrocardiogram for 2 minutes. Algorithms were developed to perform off‐line automatic detection of HS and HS time intervals (HSTIs).

Results

S1, S2, and S3 vibrations were detected in all accelerometer locations for all 40 subjects, including 16 subjects without an audible S3. A substantial proportion of S3 energy was infrasonic (<20 Hz). Extending the signal bandwidth accordingly increased HS amplitudes and the ability of S3 to separate HF patients from the normal subgroup. HSTIs also separated the subgroups and were less susceptible to patient‐dependent acoustic propagation properties than amplitude measures.

Conclusion

HS, including S3 amplitude and HSTIs, may be measured using PG‐embedded circuitry at implant sites without special purpose leads. Further study is warranted to determine if relative changes in heart sounds measurements can be effective in applications such as remote ambulatory monitoring of HF progression and the detection of the onset of HF decompensation.
Risk of venous thromboembolism during treatment with antipsychotic agents
Authors: Masopust Jiří , Malý Radovan , Vališ Martin
Published: December 2012

The evidence to date on the relation between the risk of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) and antipsychotic agents derives primarily from observational and case history studies. While an increased risk of VTE has been associated with first‐generation low‐potency antipsychotic agents, particularly clozapine, there appears to be a growing number of reports on the occurrence of this adverse reaction during the use of second‐generation antipsychotics, such as risperidone and olanzapine. The highest risk of pathological blood clotting emerges during the first 3 months after initiation of treatment with the product. Potential etiopathogenetic factors leading to VTE during treatment with antipsychotic agents include sedation, obesity, elevation of antiphospholipid antibodies, increased platelet activation and aggregation, hyperhomocysteinemia, and hyperprolactinemia. Diagnoses of schizophrenia and/or bipolar affective disorder, as well as hospitalization or stress with sympathetic activation and elevation of catecholamine levels, have been reported as known prothrombogenic factors. The present article contains the new version of the guideline for the prevention of VTE in psychiatric patients with limited mobility. Further prospective studies are necessary to elucidate the biological mechanisms of the relations between antipsychotic agents and VTE.
BCGitis in a Patient with Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia of Infancy
Authors: Lynch Maeve , O'Loughlin Anne , Devaney Deirdre , O'Donnell Brid
Published: December 2012

Reactions to the Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine are not uncommon and have been reported in association with immunodeficiency syndromes. We report a case of an infant developing a localized BCG reaction, confirmed histologically, associated with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy. Conservative management of localized BCG reactions is appropriate in most cases.
Dermoscopy for the Pediatric Dermatologist Part III: Dermoscopy of Melanocytic Lesions
Authors: Haliasos Elena C. , Kerner Miryam , Jaimes Natalia , Zalaudek Iris , Malvehy Josep , Hofmann‐Wellenhof Rainer , Braun Ralph P. , Marghoob Ashfaq A.
Published: December 2012

Melanocytic nevi encompass a variety of lesions, including blue, Spitz, congenital, and acquired nevi. These nevi can occasionally manifest clinical morphologies resembling melanoma, and the presence of such nevi in children can elicit anxiety in patients, parents, and clinicians. Dermoscopy has been shown to increase the diagnostic accuracy for melanoma and to help differentiate melanoma from nevi, ultimately aiding in the decision‐making process as to whether to perform a biopsy. Dermoscopy is the perfect instrument to use during the evaluation of pigmented skin lesions in children because it is painless and provides important information for the clinician that can assist in formulating appropriate management decisions. This review highlights the most common benign dermoscopic patterns encountered in nevi and discuss the 10 most common dermoscopic structures seen in melanomas. Lesions manifesting a benign dermoscopic pattern and lacking any melanoma‐specific structures do not need to be excised and can safely be monitored. In contrast, melanomas will invariably deviate from the benign nevus patterns and will usually manifest at least 1 of the 10 melanoma‐specific structures: atypical network, negative network, streaks, crystalline structures, atypical dots and globules, irregular blotch, blue‐white veil, regression structures, peripheral brown structureless areas, and atypical vessels. It is important to be cognizant of the fact that melanomas in childhood usually do not manifest the clinical ABCD features. Instead, they are often symmetric, amelanotic, nodular lesions. Although the clinical appearance may not be alarming, with dermoscopy they will invariably manifest at least one melanoma‐specific structure, the most common being atypical vascular structures and crystalline structures.
Natural history of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Marugán‐Miguelsanz José Manuel , Ontoria Mercedes , Velayos Benito , Torres‐Hinojal Maria Carmen , Redondo Paz , Fernández‐Salazar Luis
Published: December 2012

Background

Chronic diarrhea and functional abdominal pain (FAP) in childhood could be an early manifestation of adult irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of chronic functional digestive symptoms in childhood, interviewing adult patients diagnosed with IBS, in an attempt to establish a relationship between them.

Methods

By means of a questionnaire, the history of colic, chronic diarrhea, functional abdominal pain, constipation and migraine in childhood, was analyzed in patients diagnosed with IBS according to the current Rome III criteria, and in control patients without known chronic digestive disorders. Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of frequencies.

Results

The IBS study group was made up of 40 patients (24 women; average age, 33.03 years), and the control group by 40 adults (22 women; average age, 29.62 years). IBS‐diagnosed adults spoke about a significantly higher prevalence of chronic diarrhea (32.5/7.5%; odds ratio [OR], 7.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.84–1.80), and FAP (37.5/15%; OR, 4.30; 95%CI: 12.67–1.43) in their childhood, than the control group. There were no differences in the presence of other childhood functional symptoms. Interestingly, the present patients, when asked about the onset of symptoms that led to the diagnosis of IBS, referred to them mostly beginning in adulthood, not linking their current diagnosis of IBS with their background in childhood.

Conclusions

In a proportion of adults with IBS the natural history of their symptoms probably began during their childhood.
Bacteremia during neutropenia is a predictive factor for invasive fungal infection in children
Authors: Sano Hirozumi , Kobayashi Ryoji , Suzuki Daisuke , Kishimoto Kenji , Yasuda Kazue , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: December 2012

Background

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a critical complication in the management of hematologic and malignant disease. Given that there is a tendency for IFI to occur after bacteremia following febrile episodes during neutropenia, the aim of this study was to determine if bacteremia was a predictive factor for IFI in pediatric patients with hematologic and malignant disease.

Methods

Sixty‐two patients (32 boys, 30 girls; median age, 4 years) with hematologic or malignant disease who had received chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy, and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and experienced febrile episodes during neutropenia were enrolled. In patient‐based analysis, clinical features of 62 patients were compared between those with and without IFI. Meanwhile, in febrile episode‐based analysis, clinical features were analyzed for 268 febrile episodes occurring during neutropenia in the 62 patients.

Results

Patient‐based analysis showed that relapse of original disease and acute myeloid leukemia were risk factors for IFI. Meanwhile, febrile episode‐based analysis identified bacteremia following febrile episodes during neutropenia as a potential risk factor for IFI.

Conclusions

This is the first report to identify bacteremia following febrile episodes during neutropenia as a predictive factor for IFI in pediatric patients with hematologic or malignant disease. When bacteremia is detected in such patients, sufficient preventive measures against IFI, including intensive use of antifungal agents, are warranted.
Validity of a children's physical activity questionnaire (cPAQ) for the study of bone health
Authors: Nor Aini Jamil , Poh Bee Koon , Chee Winnie Siew Swee
Published: December 2012

Background

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the ability of a children's physical activity questionnaire (cPAQ) to assess physical activity levels and bone health status of school children.

Methods

Subjects consisted of 90 pre‐pubertal and early pubertal children aged 9–10 years. Components of physical activity were assessed using metabolic intensity (METPA) scores and mechanical bone strain (MECHPA) scores. An Actical accelerometer was used to validate METPA scores among a sub‐sample of 57 children. Reliability was assessed by test–retesting all children after a 7 day interval. Whole body bone mineral content (BMC) was measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

The reliability of cPAQ for assessment of various categories of physical activity was moderate to high (r ranged from 0.55 to 0.68, P < 0.001). Agreement was fair for repeated use of the cPAQ (Cohen's kappa = 0.32, P < 0.001). Bland‐Altman plots show cPAQ had fair agreement only for moderate activity (mean difference 35.4 min/week; 95% limits of agreement −434.0 to +504.9 min/week). Approximately 69.6% of children were correctly classified (into the same or adjacent quartiles) according to the quartiles of BMC for METPA score, and 58.7% were correctly classified according to MECHPA score. Only 10.9% and 12.0% of children were grossly misclassified as compared to METPA and MECHPA scores, respectively.

Conclusions

The cPAQ has reasonable validity in assessing moderate physical activity, and it demonstrates good ability to accurately classify children according to BMC. It fails, however, to assess other activity levels, suggesting that objective measurement is still a better method of assessment of physical activity among primary school children.
A cold responsive galactinol synthase gene from Medicago falcata (MfGolS1) is induced by myo‐inositol and confers multiple tolerances to abiotic stresses
Authors: Zhuo Chunliu , Wang Ting , Lu Shaoyun , Zhao Yaqing , Li Xiaoguang , Guo Zhenfei
Published: December 2012

Galactinol synthase (GolS, EC 2.4.1.123) catalyzes formation of galactinol and the subsequent synthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides. The relationship of GolS to drought and salt tolerance has been well documented, however, little information is available about the role of GolS gene in cold tolerance. A coding sequence of MfGolS1 cDNA was cloned from Medicago sativa spp falcata (i.e. M. falcata), a species that exhibits greater cold tolerance than alfalfa (M. sativa). MfGolS1 transcript was not detected in untreated vegetative tissues using RNA blot hybridization; however, it was greatly induced in leaves, but not in stem and petiole, after cold treatment. Higher levels of MfGolS1 transcript were induced and maintained in M. falcata than in M. sativa during cold acclimation. Accordingly, more sugars including sucrose, galactinol, raffinose and stachyose were accumulated in M. falcata than in M. sativa. The data indicated that MfGolS1 transcript and its resultant sugar accumulation were associated with the differential cold tolerance between M. falcata and M. sativa. MfGolS1 transcript was weakly induced by dehydration and salt stresses, but not responsive to abscisic acid. MfGolS1 could be induced by myo‐inositol, which is proposed to participate in cold‐induced MfGolS1 expression. Overexpression of MfGolS1 in tobacco resulted in elevated tolerance to freezing and chilling in transgenic plants as a result of enhanced levels of galactinol, raffinose and stachyose. Tolerance to drought and salt stresses was also increased in the transgenic tobacco plants. It is suggested that MfGolS1 plays an important role in plant tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Copper-Boosting Compounds: a Novel Concept for Antimycobacterial Drug Discovery
Authors: Speer Alexander , Shrestha Tej B. , Bossmann Stefan H. , Basaraba Randall J. , Harber Gregory J. , Michalek Suzanne M. , Niederweis Michael , Kutsch Olaf , Wolschendorf Frank
Published: December 2012

We and others recently identified copper resistance as important for virulence of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Here, we introduce a high-throughput screening assay for agents that induce a copper hypersensitivity phenotype in
M. tuberculosis
and demonstrate that such copper-boosting compounds are effective against replicating and nonreplicating
M. tuberculosis
strains.
Photoactivated platelet-rich plasma therapy for a traumatic knee chondral lesion
Authors: Freitag Julien , Barnard Adele , Rotstein Andrew
Published: December 2012

To evaluate the effect of combining photoactivation therapy with platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of a traumatic chondral lesion of the knee. A 38-year-old man presented with left-knee pain and swelling following a basketball injury. MRI demonstrated a full-thickness lateral tibial plateau chondral flap with subchondral cyst formation and marrow oedema. The patient underwent a course of photoactivated platelet-rich plasma (PAPRP) injections. Patient outcome measures included the numerical pain rating scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index 3.0 (WOMAC). Following treatment, the patient reported improvement in both pain and function as measured by the numerical pain-rating scale and WOMAC. MRI showed resolution of subchondral bone marrow bruising/oedema. No complications were noted. In this case report, PAPRP injections demonstrated improvement in all recorded outcome measures. Recognising the limitations of a single case report, the results highlight the need for more formal controlled trials to determine the potential use of PAPRP in the treatment of chondral lesions
Nutrient inputs versus piscivore biomass as the primary driver of reservoir food webs
Authors: Kinter Bryan T. , Ludsin Stuart A.
Published: December 2012

We used an ecosystem-based modeling approach, Ecopath with Ecosim, to explore the relative importance of a top-down biotic management lever (top predator introduction) versus a bottom-up abiotic management lever (alteration of nutrient inputs) in regulating biomass in reservoir food webs. To do so, we modeled three Ohio reservoirs that varied in ecosystem productivity. For each, we simulated five hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis) (introduced top predator) biomass levels at three nutrient input levels (n = 15 simulations per reservoir). Nutrient inputs influenced the food web more than introduced predators within each reservoir. Further, across all three reservoirs, the impact of stocked hybrid striped bass on the equilibrium biomass of phytoplankton, prey fish (gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum), and native top predators (e.g., largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides) was <3%, <14%, and <20%, respectively, of the maximum impact of changes in nutrient inputs on these components. Thus, in mesotrophic to hypereutrophic reservoirs that are dominated by omnivorous gizzard shad, manipulating allochthonous inputs of nutrients offers agencies a more powerful means to regulate food web structure than manipulation of top predator biomass.
Gravitational energy of a noncommutative Vaidya black hole
Authors: Mehdipour S. Hamid
Published: December 2012

In this paper we evaluate the components of the energy–momentum pseudotensors of Landau and Lifshitz for the noncommutative Vaidya space–time. The effective gravitational mass experienced by a neutral test particle present at any finite distance in the gravitational field of the noncommutative Vaidya black hole is derived. Using the effective mass parameter, one finds that the naked singularity is massless and this supports Seifert's conjecture.
The gem electuary
Authors: Duffin Christopher J.
Published: December 2012

The gem electuary was reputedly the brainchild of Maswijah al-Marindi or Mesuë the Younger, who died in AD 1015, but the recipe was first published in the 1470s. Combining finely comminuted sapphires, chalcedony emeralds, garnets and amber together with pearls, red coral, ivory and musk along with a range of herbal ingredients, an exotic and highly expensive paste, usually bound together with sugar or honey, was produced. The list of ingredients evolved slightly, especially in light of the availability of some of the herbal materials. The electuary was used, both as an individual medicine and in combination with additional preparations, right through to the mid-eighteenth century. Most popular during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it was prescribed for the treatment of melancholia, nightmares, plague, syphilis, palsy, cramp, breast cancer, headache, erysipelas, fevers, tuberculous adenitis (scrofula) and a range of gynaecological conditions, as well as being employed as an alexipharmic and cardiac tonic. Usually taken internally, it was also applied topically with the apparent added benefit of being a rubefacient and fragrant cosmetic.
Branched-chain amino acids alter neurobehavioral function in rats
Authors: Coppola Anna , Wenner Brett R. , Ilkayeva Olga , Stevens Robert D. , Maggioni Mauro , Slotkin Theodore A. , Levin Edward D. , Newgard Christopher B.
Published: December 2012

Recently, we have described a strong association of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and aromatic amino acids (AAA) with obesity and insulin resistance. In the current study, we have investigated the potential impact of BCAA on behavioral functions. We demonstrate that supplementation of either a high-sucrose or a high-fat diet with BCAA induces anxiety-like behavior in rats compared with control groups fed on unsupplemented diets. These behavioral changes are associated with a significant decrease in the concentration of tryptophan (Trp) in brain tissues and a consequent decrease in serotonin but no difference in indices of serotonin synaptic function. The anxiety-like behaviors and decreased levels of Trp in the brain of BCAA-fed rats were reversed by supplementation of Trp in the drinking water but not by administration of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, suggesting that the behavioral changes are independent of the serotonergic pathway of Trp metabolism. Instead, BCAA supplementation lowers the brain levels of another Trp-derived metabolite, kynurenic acid, and these levels are normalized by Trp supplementation. We conclude that supplementation of high-energy diets with BCAA causes neurobehavioral impairment. Since BCAA are elevated spontaneously in human obesity, our studies suggest a potential mechanism for explaining the strong association of obesity and mood disorders.
Safety and Efficacy of an Intravaginal Prebiotic Gel in the Prevention of Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Study
Authors: Coste Isabelle , Judlin Philippe , Lepargneur Jean-Pierre , Bou-Antoun Sami
Published: December 2012

Objective. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a prebiotic treatment in the balance recovery of the vaginal flora in subjects previously treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV).Study Design. A randomized trial was carried out on 42 subjects with an active prebiotic group compared to a placebo group. The main evaluation criterion was the quantification of the vaginal flora measured by the Nugent score. Secondary criteria included vaginal pH and BV recurrence.Results. After 8 days of treatment, all subjects who received the prebiotic had a normal Nugent score, whereas 33% of the subjects treated with placebo had an intermediate or positive Nugent score. After 16 days of application, a normal Nugent score was maintained in all subjects treated with the prebiotic, whereas in the placebo group 24% of the subjects still had an elevated Nugent score. Moreover, the maintenance of (or reversion to) a normal flora was associated with the maintenance of (or reversion to) physiological pH values.Conclusions. The intravaginal gel treatment improves the recovery of a normal vaginal flora after the treatment of a BV episode, which should warrant a reduction in the risk of further recurrences.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy to Salvage Renal Transplants from Severe Acute Antibody-Mediated Rejection
Authors: Latzko Michael , Jasra Sakshi , Akbar Sana , Sun Harry , Palekar Sadanand
Published: December 2012

Purpose. Acute antibody-mediated rejection, a complication of cross match positive and sensitized renal transplants, occurs despite the use of standard desensitization protocols. Rescue therapy consists of plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). In patients with preformed donor specific antibodies, rejection can be aggressive. We report here a case in which laparoscopic splenectomy was added to the standard rescue regimen.Case Report and Results. A 40-year-old Hispanic female with end stage renal disease had been receiving hemodialysis. The patient had numerous class 1 unacceptable antigens. She was scheduled to undergo an incompatible 1-1-1 mismatch living related donor kidney transplant. Preoperatively, the patient received plasmapheresis, IVIG, and thymoglobulin. There was good graft function until postoperative day 5. At that point, worsening renal function was noted. Renal biopsy was consistent with AMR. The patient became anuric and dialysis was initiated. To salvage the transplant, the patient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. Postoperatively, renal function improved. Two years after transplant, the patient continues to have excellent graft function.Conclusion. In a small but significant number of renal transplants, antibody production occurs at a rate that traditional treatments are unable to reduce effectively. Based on our experience, the addition of splenectomy to standard rescue therapy can salvage renal transplants.
Protective Effect of Silymarin against Acrolein-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Taghiabadi Elahe , Imenshahidi Mohsen , Abnous Khalil , Mosafa Fatemeh , Sankian Mojtaba , Memar Bahram , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: December 2012

Reactiveα,β-unsaturated aldehydes such as acrolein (ACR) are major components of environmental pollutants and have been implicated in the neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases. In this study, the protective effect of silymarin (SN) against cardiotoxicity induced by ACR in mice was evaluated. Studies were performed on seven groups of six animals each, including vehicle-control (normal saline + 0.5% w/v methylcellulose), ACR (7.5 mg/kg/day, gavage) for 3 weeks, SN (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) plus ACR, vitamin E (Vit E, 100 IU/kg, i.p.) plus ACR, and SN (100 mg/kg, i.p.) groups. Mice received SN 7 days before ACR and daily thereafter throughout the study. Pretreatment with SN attenuated ACR-induced increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), as well as histopathological changes in cardiac tissues. Moreover, SN improved glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in heart of ACR-treated mice. Western blot analysis showed that SN pretreatment inhibited apoptosis provoked by ACR through decreasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytosolic cytochrome c content, and cleaved caspase-3 level in heart. In conclusion, SN may have protective effects against cardiotoxicity of ACR by reducing lipid peroxidation, renewing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and preventing apoptosis.
Perforating Corneal Ulceration in a Patient with Lung Metastatic Adenocarcinoma Treated with Gefitinib: A Case Report
Authors: Ibrahim Enjie , Dean William H. , Price Nicholas , Gomaa Ahmed , Ayre Gareth , Guglani Sam , Sallam Ahmed
Published: December 2012

We present a case of a sixty-year-old female who presented with sudden onset of painless loss of vision in one eye due to a perforated corneal ulcer, following three months of treatment with gefitinib, a selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung with confirmed EGFR gene mutation. The eye did not show any sign of infection or inflammation and had no associated lid problems to account for the development of corneal ulceration. The patient went on to have a corneal graft surgery but postoperatively developed corneal graft melt. This paper aims to raise awareness among ophthalmologists and oncologists of the probable association between gefitinib and corneal ulceration.
Stability and Bifurcation in a Delayed Holling‐Tanner Predator‐Prey System with Ratio‐Dependent Functional Response
Authors: Liu Juan , Zhang Zizhen , Fu Ming
Published: December 2012

We analyze a delayed Holling‐Tanner predator‐prey system with ratio‐dependent functional response. The local asymptotic stability and the existence of the Hopf bifurcation are investigated. Direction of the Hopf bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are studied by deriving the equation describing the flow on the center manifold. Finally, numerical simulations are presented for the support of our analytical findings.
Coefficient Conditions for Starlikeness of Nonnegative Order
Authors: Ali Rosihan M. , Lee See Keong , Mondal Saiful R.
Published: December 2012

Sufficient conditions on a sequence {ak} of nonnegative numbers are obtained that ensures is starlike of nonnegative order in the unit disk. A result of Vietoris on trigonometric sums is extended in this pursuit. Conditions for close to convexity and convexity in the direction of the imaginary axis are also established. These results are applied to investigate the starlikeness of functions involving the Gaussian hypergeometric functions.
Unusual Localization of Clostridium Difficile Infection in an Isolated Segment of the Descending Colon in a Critical Care Patient
Authors: Brotfain Evgeni , Koyfman Leonid , Frenkel Amit , Peiser Jochanan G. , Borer Abraham , Gruenbaum Benjamin F. , Zlotnik Alexander , Klein Moti
Published: December 2012

Unrecognized severe pseudomembranous colitis may become life threatening. A typical Clostridium difficile infection is associated with involvement of the colon; however, small bowel disease has also been described. Here, we present a case of a 48-year-old man with Clostridium difficile colitis of an isolated segment in the descending colon treated by a novel catheter intraluminal antibiotic irrigation. The intraluminal antibiotic irrigation was performed through a Foley catheter inserted into the isolated mucus fistula. The patient recovered after three weeks of intraluminal vancomycin (250 mg diluted in 150 ml of normal saline x Q6) and metronidazole (500 mg x Q8). Both antibiotics were given into the mucus fistula over 30 min. The patient was discharged from the unit four weeks after admission. This novel technique, in which the antibiotic was administered through an inserted intraluminal Foley urinary catheter, may be an efficient and safe alternative when conventional routes cannot be implemented.
Osteoconductivity and Hydrophilicity of TiO2Coatings on Ti Substrates Prepared by Different Oxidizing Processes
Authors: Yamamoto Dai , Kawai Ikki , Kuroda Kensuke , Ichino Ryoichi , Okido Masazumi , Seki Azusa
Published: December 2012

Various techniques for forming TiO2coatings on Ti have been investigated for the improvement of the osteoconductivity of Ti implants. However, it is not clear how the oxidizing process affects this osteoconductivity. In this study, TiO2coatings were prepared using the following three processes: anodizing in 0.1 M H3PO4or 0.1 M NaOH aqueous solution; thermal oxidation at 673 K for 2 h in air; and a two-step process of anodizing followed by thermal oxidation. The oxide coatings were evaluated using SEM, XRD, and XPS. The water contact angle on the TiO2coatings was measured as a surface property. The osteoconductivity of these samples was evaluated by measuring the contact ratio of formed hard tissue on the implanted samples (defined as theRB-Ivalue) after 14 d implantation in rats' tibias. Anatase was formed by anodizing and rutile by thermal oxidation, but the difference in the TiO2crystal structure did not influence the osteoconductivity. Anodized TiO2coatings were hydrophilic, but thermally oxidized TiO2coatings were less hydrophilic than anodized TiO2coatings because they lacked in surface OH groups. The TiO2coating process using anodizing without thermal oxidation gave effective improvement of the osteoconductivity of Ti samples.
Recurrent Dislocation of the Patella in Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome
Authors: Rouffiange Lucie , Dusabe Jean-Paul , Docquier Pierre-Louis
Published: December 2012

Two patients with Kabuki make-up syndrome with bilateral recurrent dislocation of the patella are presented. They had generalized ligamentous laxity and patellofemoral dysplasia. Both developed patellar dislocation in adolescence and required surgery, with medial transfer of the tibial tuberosity associated with vastus medialis plasty (Insall technique). One postoperative complication occurred in one case: a nondisplaced tibia fracture at the sixth postoperative week that healed with conservative means. Final results were good in both cases. Good surgical results can be achieved in patellar dislocation in patients with Kabuki syndrome.