bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drill, baby, drill: the influence of woodpeckers on post‐fire vertebrate communities through cavity excavation
Authors: Tarbill G. L. , Manley P. N. , White A. M.
Published: February 2015

Several studies have addressed the importance of woodpeckers as ecological engineers in forests due to their excavation of cavities. Although research in green, unburned forests has identified the influence of different excavators on secondary use by cavity‐dependent species, little is known about the relative importance of cavities created by woodpeckers in recently burned forests. By excavating cavities, woodpeckers create habitat for secondary cavity users that can facilitate post‐fire regeneration through seed dispersal, seed germination and regulation of insect populations that affect vegetative growth. In this study, we monitored 77 cavities created by three species of Picoides woodpeckers for use by secondary cavity species in a fire that burned in the Sierra Nevada, California. At each cavity we measured nest tree and site‐specific parameters to determine if these characteristics could explain differential use by secondary cavity users. We found substantial overlap in cavity characteristics between woodpecker species, with the white‐headed woodpecker differing most notably in their placement of cavities in larger diameter, shorter and more decayed trees in less dense stands than either hairy or black‐backed woodpeckers. These differences in cavity placement may have resulted in the high diversity and large number of detections of secondary cavity species in white‐headed woodpecker cavities. Black‐backed and hairy woodpeckers were similar in the number of detections of secondary cavity use, although black‐backed woodpecker cavities were used by more species than hairy woodpecker cavities. Secondary cavity use was high (86%) suggesting these woodpeckers, and the white‐headed woodpecker in particular, can have an accelerating affect effect on ecological succession by providing valuable habitat features for seed dispersing birds and mammals, insectivorous birds, and small predators, thereby impacting ecological processes and functions.
A high baseline HBV load and antiviral therapy affect the survival of patients with advanced HBV‐related HCC treated with sorafenib
Authors: Yang Yu , Wen Feng , Li Jianliang , Zhang Pengfei , Yan Wenhui , Hao Ping , Xia Feng , Bi Feng , Li Qiu
Published: February 2015

Background and Aims

Although a high viral load is an independent risk factor for recurrence of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery, the prognostic impact of viral load on advanced HCC is unclear. This study investigated the impact of baseline HBV load and antiviral therapy on survival of patients with advanced HCC treated with sorafenib.

Methods

Of 130 patients with advanced HBV‐related HCC received first‐line sorafenib therapy were evaluated in a multicenter, retrospective study.

Results

No patients experienced severe hepatic impairment because of HBV reactivation during sorafenib therapy. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of all patients were 5.7 and 9.6 months respectively. Patients with a baseline HBV DNA ≤104 copies/ml had significantly better OS than those with >104 copies/ml (10.4 vs 6.6 months; P = 0.002), but PFS showed an increasing trend (5.8 vs 4.8 months; P = 0.068). Patients who received antiviral therapy had a better trend in OS than those who did not (12.0 vs 8.3 months; P = 0.058), but there was no difference in PFS (6.4 vs 4.1 months; P = 0.280). In a multivariate analysis, the baseline HBV DNA level >104 copies/ml (P = 0.001; hazard ration [HR] = 2.294; 95% CI 1.429–3.676) and antiviral therapy (P = 0.038; HR 0.617; 95% CI 0.390–0.975) were independent predictors of OS.

Conclusion

In patients with advanced HBV‐related HCC treated with sorafenib, a high baseline HBV load was an adverse prognostic factor for survival. However, survival was significantly improved with the use of antiviral therapy.
Towards personalized medicine in chronic HBV patients?
Authors: Sitia Giovanni
Published: February 2015

See Article on Page 1824
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration in patients with occult HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Saitta Carlo , Tripodi Gianluca , Barbera Adalberto , Bertuccio Antonio , Smedile Antonina , Ciancio Alessia , Raffa Giuseppina , Sangiovanni Angelo , Navarra Giuseppe , Raimondo Giovanni , Pollicino Teresa
Published: February 2015

Background & Aims

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration in the host genome is a major mechanism responsible for the etiopathogenetic role exerted by HBV in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Extensive analyses evaluating viral integration in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) negative patients with occult HBV infection (OBI) have not yet been performed. The aim of this study was to investigate and characterize HBV DNA integration in HCC tissues from OBI patients.

Methods

Tumour DNA extracts from 69 HCC patients (49 HBsAg‐negative with occult infection diagnosed by HBV DNA detection in tumour tissues; 10 HBsAg‐positive and 10 HBsAg‐negative/OBI‐negative as control groups) were examined by Alu‐PCR technique to reveal HBV DNA integration into the host genome. The molecular characterization of the virus‐genome junctions was performed by cloning and sequencing analyses.

Results

Integrated HBV DNA was detected in 37/49 (75.5%) OBI‐positive HCC samples, in 8/10 (80%) HBsAg‐positive and in 0/10 OBI‐negative HCC samples. Nine of 37 (24.3%) integrated viral sequences from OBI‐positive cases were inside human genome coding regions and in the remaining cases the localization at intergenic level was frequently adjacent to coding genes. Concerning viral integrants in OBI cases, X gene sequences were found in 14 cases, preS/S sequences in 13, Core sequences in 7, and Polymerase gene sequences in three cases.

Conclusions

In analogy to what occurs in HBsAg‐positive cases, HBV DNA integration is highly prevalent in OBI‐related HCCs, it mainly involves X and preS/S viral genomic regions and it frequently occurs at the level of regulatory and functional genes.
Mental Health Mediating the Relationship Between Symptom Severity and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: CHOI Edmond P. H. , LAM Cindy L. K. , CHIN Weng Yee
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can impact both mental health and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). To date, however, their associations with outcomes have only been examined in isolation and the interactive relationship between LUTS, mental health and HRQOL remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether mental health mediates the relationship between LUTS severity and HRQOL.

Methods

Five hundred and nineteen primary care subjects with LUTS completed a structured questionnaire including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the adapted Incontinence Impact Questionnaire‐7 (IIQ‐7), the Chinese (HK) SF‐12 Health Survey Version 2 (SF‐12 v2) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21). Mediation modeling was tested using Baron and Kenney's multistage regression approach and bootstrapping method.

Results

Overall, mental health partially mediated the association between LUTS severity and HRQOL as measured by the SF‐12 v2 physical component summary (PCS) and the IIQ‐7. The depression, anxiety and stress scores all have similar mediation effects in the relationship between LUTS severity and HRQOL. Subgroup analysis by gender showed that anxiety fully mediated the relationship between LUTS severity and HRQOL as measured by the SF‐12 v2 PCS in males whilst the mediation effects of mental health in the relationship between LUTS severity and HRQOL as measured by the SF‐12 v2 PCS could not be found in females.

Conclusions

In order to enhance HRQOL, LUTS interventions should address the mental health of patients in addition to providing physical relief of symptoms.
Recurrent adaptation in a low‐dispersal trait
Authors: Raeymaekers Joost A. M. , Backeljau Thierry
Published: February 2015

The study of natural populations from contrasting environments has greatly enhanced our understanding of ecological‐dependent selection, adaptation and speciation. Cases of parallel evolution in particular have facilitated the study of the molecular and genetic basis of adaptive variation. This includes the type and number of genes underlying adaptive traits, as well as the extent to which these genes are exchanged among populations and contribute repeatedly to parallel evolution. Yet, surprisingly few studies provide a comprehensive view on the evolutionary history of adaptive traits from mutation to widespread adaptation. When did key mutations arise, how did they increase in frequency, and how did they spread? In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Van Belleghem et al. () reconstruct the evolutionary history of a gene associated with wing size in the salt marsh beetle Pogonus chalceus. Screening the entire distribution range of this species, they found a single origin for the allele associated with the short‐winged ecotype. This allele seemingly evolved in an isolated population and rapidly introgressed into other populations. These findings suggest that the adaptive genetic variation found in sympatric short‐ and long‐winged populations has an allopatric origin, confirming that allopatric phases may be important at early stages of speciation.
Play Hysteresis in Supply or in Demand as Part of a Market Model
Authors: Göcke Matthias , Werner Laura
Published: February 2015

Consequences of economic hysteresis are illustrated based on a standard market model which is extended by hysteresis dynamics. Hysteresis is implemented in a simple linearized way, similar to ‘mechanical play’. As a novelty, both cases, hysteresis in supply and demand, are analysed separately as an explicit part of a supply and demand model. Explicitly modelling supply versus demand side hysteresis has two advantages. (1) Since (hysteretic) supply or demand is only a subsystem of the entire market, persistent endogenous feedback effects on price and quantity are addressed. (2) Differences in the remanent effects of transient shocks between demand and supply hysteresis become obvious.
Yet another way that phage λ manipulates its Escherichia coli host: λrexB is involved in the lysogenic–lytic switch
Authors: Engelberg‐Kulka Hanna , Kumar Sathish
Published: February 2015

The life cycle of phage λ has been studied extensively. Of particular interest has been the process leading to the decision of the phage to switch from lysogenic to lytic cycle. The principal participant in this process is the λcI repressor, which is cleaved under conditions of DNA damage. Cleaved λcI no longer acts as a repressor, allowing phage λ to switch from its lysogenic to lytic cycle. The well‐known mechanism responsible for λcI cleavage is the SOS response. We have recently reported that the Escherichia coli toxin‐antitoxin mazEF pathway inhibits the SOS response; in fact, the SOS response is permitted only in E. coli strains deficient in the expression of the mazEF pathway. Moreover, in strains lysogenic for prophage λ, the SOS response is enabled by the presence of λrexB. λRexB had previously been found to inhibit the degradation of the antitoxin MazE, thereby preventing the toxic action of MazF. Thus, phage λ rexB gene not only safeguards the prophage state by preventing death of its E. coli host but is also indirectly involved in the lysogenic–lytic switch.
Stakeholder engagement in food and health innovation research programming – key learnings and policy recommendations from the INPROFOOD project
Authors: Gemen R. , Breda J. , Coutinho D. , Fernández Celemín L. , Khan S. , Kugelberg S. , Newton R. , Rowe G. , Strähle M. , Timotijevic L. , Urban C. , Zolotonosa M. , Hadwiger K.
Published: February 2015

Europe recognises the need for technological innovation along with the importance of bridging the gap between science and society. The European Commission has developed a strategy to foster public engagement and a sustained two‐way dialogue between science and civil society, and has set up a framework for Responsible Research and Innovation. The EU‐funded project INPROFOOD aimed to find new ways to establish dialogue and mutual learning among stakeholders meant to inform subsequent work and future initiatives towards Responsible Research and Innovation. More specifically, INPROFOOD aimed to: (1) increase understanding of the landscapes of food and health innovation research programming; (2) adapt, test and evaluate the application of different stakeholder engagement methods to the area of food and health innovation research programming, which included European Awareness Scenario Workshops, PlayDecide games and an Open Space conference; and (3) to develop an action plan to progress towards Responsible Research and Innovation in this domain. The latter entailed a so‐called Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plan, which lays down a concrete framework for inclusive stakeholder involvement at different stages of the research and innovation process, with tangible key actions in five priority areas.
Non‐paraneoplastic Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome presenting dropped head and respiratory failure with normoreflexia
Authors: Ikeda Kensuke , Kuroda Hiroshi , Ono Hiroya , Miura Emiko , Suzuki Naoki , Misu Tatsuro , Motomura Masakatsu , Aoki Masashi
Published: February 2015

A 57‐year‐old woman developed insidious dropped head, respiratory failure and autonomic dysfunction with inconspicuous limb weakness, but without diminished deep tendon reflexes. Progressive myopathy affecting truncal muscles was initially suspected, but non‐paraneoplastic Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome was finally diagnosed based on the results of electrophysiological studies and positivity for anti‐P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel antibody without any evidence of malignancy. In general, most patients with Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome have more than one of the core manifestations of Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome including proximal‐dominant limb weakness, diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes and autonomic dysfunction. However, this patient presented atypical manifestations, and lacked two core manifestations except for autonomic dysfunction. It is important to take Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome into consideration in the differential diagnosis of patients showing atypical presentation, such as dropped head or respiratory failure, when they have only one core manifestation of Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
DEFORMED FLORAL ORGAN1 (DFO1) regulates floral organ identity by epigenetically repressing the expression of OsMADS58 in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Zheng Ming , Wang Yihua , Wang Yunlong , Wang Chunming , Ren Yulong , Lv Jia , Peng Cheng , Wu Tao , Liu Kai , Zhao Shaolu , Liu Xi , Guo Xiuping , Jiang Ling , Terzaghi William , Wan Jianmin
Published: February 2015

Floral organ identity in plants is controlled by floral homeotic A/B/C/D/E‐class genes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, several epigenetic repressors that regulate these floral organ identity genes have been characterized. However, the roles of epigenetic factors in rice floral development have not been explored in detail. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of a rice epigenetic repressor, DEFORMED FLORAL ORGAN1 (DFO1) gene, which causes abnormal floral morphology when mutated.

We isolated dfo1 by mapping, and confirmed its function by rescue experiments, combined with genetic, cytological and molecular biological analysis.

We showed that DFO1 is constitutively expressed and encodes a nuclear‐localized protein. Mutation of DFO1 causes the ectopic expression of C‐class genes in the dfo1‐1 mutant, and overexpression of OsMADS58, a C‐class gene, phenocopies the dfo1 mutants. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that DFO1 interacts with the rice polycomb group (PcG) proteins (OsMSI1 and OsiEZ1). Remarkably, trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27, a mark of epigenetic repression, is significantly reduced on OsMADS58 chromatin in the dfo1‐1 mutant.

Our results suggest that DFO1 functions in maintaining rice floral organ identity by cooperating with PcG proteins to regulate the H3K27me3‐mediated epigenetic repression on OsMADS58.
AN INDIVIDUAL‐BASED MODEL FOR FERAL HOGS IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Authors: SALINAS RENÉ A. , STIVER WILLIAM H. , CORN JOSEPH L. , LENHART SUZANNE , COLLINS CHARLES , MADDEN MARGUERITE , VERCAUTEREN KURT C. , SCHMIT BRANDON B. , KASARI ELLEN , ODOI AGRICOLA , HICKLING GRAHAM , MCCALLUM HAMISH
Published: February 2015

The expansion of feral hog (Sus scrofa) populations in the United States has resulted in increased efforts to develop and implement control strategies designed to minimize the impacts done by this invasive species. We describe an individual‐based model for feral hogs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). The objectives of the model are to provide an understanding of the population dynamics of this feral hog population and to determine the efficacy of the annual harvest as a population control method. Results suggest that the dynamics of the population are driven by fall hard mast production and the GSMNP harvests currently limit growth of the population, but these control efforts have not reduced the population.
Single‐stranded DNA viruses employ a variety of mechanisms for integration into host genomes
Authors: Krupovic Mart , Forterre Patrick
Published: February 2015

Single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses are widespread in the environment and include economically, medically, and ecologically important pathogens. Recently, it has been discovered that ssDNA virus genomes are also prevalent in the chromosomes of their bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic hosts. Sequences originating from viruses of the families Parvoviridae, Circoviridae, and Geminiviridae are particularly widespread in the genomes of eukaryotes, where they are often fossilized as endogenous viral elements. ssDNA viruses have evolved diverse mechanisms to invade cellular genomes, and these principally vary between viruses infecting bacteria/archaea and eukaryotes. Filamentous bacteriophages (Inoviridae) use at least three major mechanisms of integration. Some of these phages encode integrases of serine or tyrosine recombinase superfamilies, while others utilize DDE transposases of the IS3, IS30, or IS110/IS492 families, whereas some inoviruses, and possibly certain members of the Microviridae, hijack the host XerCD recombination machinery. By contrast, eukaryotic viruses for integration rely on the endonuclease activity of their rolling‐circle replication‐initiation proteins, mimicking the mechanisms used by some bacterial transposons. Certain bacterial and eukaryotic ssDNA viruses have embraced a transposon‐like means of propagation, with occasionally dramatic effects on host genome evolution. Here, we review the diversity of experimentally verified and hypothetical mechanisms of genome integration employed by ssDNA viruses, and consider the evolutionary implications of these processes, particularly in the emergence of novel virus groups.
The surprise–attention link: a review
Authors: Horstmann Gernot
Published: February 2015

The surprise–attention hypothesis assumes a strong connection between surprise—expectancy discrepant events—and attention. Attention is easily engaged with surprising events, leading to long dwell times. In addition, if the expectancy discrepancy can be determined on the basis of simple, preattentively available information, attention can be captured by the surprising stimulus. This review summarizes different lines of research relevant to the proposed surprise–attention link: shifts of attention as indexed by accuracy gains and efficiency gains, validity effects, shifts of gaze, discrepancies in natural scenes, surprise‐induced blindness, and action interruption. It is argued that there is convergent evidence for the surprise–attention link in general, and for the particular hypothesis that the underlying mechanism constantly tests expectancies on different levels of representation. Evidence also converges on a latency of an attentional engagement of nearly 400 ms. This seems to be a unique feature of surprise capture that also questions the validity of models proposing that saliency is an early automatic attractor of attention. Mechanisms possibly underlying the surprise–attention link are discussed.
The CRISPR/Cas system inhibited the pro‐oncogenic effects of alternatively spliced fibronectin extra domain A via editing the genome in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang H‐C , Yang Y , Xu S‐Y , Peng J , Jiang J‐H , Li C‐Y
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To identify the association of fibronectin (FN) extra domain A (EDA) with the progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). Accordingly, the exclusion of EDA exon through the CRISPR/Cas9 system was investigated as the rescue for such pro‐oncogenic splicing.

Materials and methods

SACC‐83 cells were transiently transfected with plasmids containing recombinant EDA, and the cellular growth and motility were then accessed in vitro. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated with immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real‐time PCR analysis. SACC tissues from 81 patients were used to access the associations between EDA+FN and clinical–pathological parameters. CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids containing sgRNA were designed and co‐transfected into SACC‐83 cells; the effects of EDA knockout on cellular growth and motility were then accessed.

Results

The recombinant EDA exhibited little effect on the proliferation of SACC cells, but significantly promoted the migration and invasion of the cells (P < 0.05), accompanied with upregulated EMT (P < 0.05); consistently, the expression of EDA+FN was positively associated with the metastasis, nerve invasion and recurrence of SACC (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the EDA knockout from the FN gene in most SACC cells resulted in a decrease in cell motility and invasion, as well as prolonged population doubling time, compared with untreated SACC‐83 cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The EDA domain significantly promoted the motility of SACC cells, and positively associated with the tumor progression in patients with SACC. Thus, it is a potential risk factor and also a therapeutic target for SACC. The CRISPR/Cas9 system may control a pro‐oncogenic splicing process through the exclusion of EDA exon from the FN gene, leading to inhibition of motility, invasion and proliferation of cancer cells.
Visual discomfort while watching stereoscopic three‐dimensional movies at the cinema
Authors: Zeri Fabrizio , Livi Stefano
Published: February 2015

Purpose

This study investigates discomfort symptoms while watching Stereoscopic three‐dimensional (S3D) movies in the ‘real’ condition of a cinema. In particular, it had two main objectives: to evaluate the presence and nature of visual discomfort while watching S3D movies, and to compare visual symptoms during S3D and 2D viewing.

Method

Cinema spectators of S3D or 2D films were interviewed by questionnaire at the theatre exit of different multiplex cinemas immediately after viewing a movie.

Results

A total of 854 subjects were interviewed (mean age 23.7 ± 10.9 years; range 8–81 years; 392 females and 462 males). Five hundred and ninety‐nine of them viewed different S3D movies, and 255 subjects viewed a 2D version of a film seen in S3D by 251 subjects from the S3D group for a between‐subjects design for that comparison. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors underlying symptoms: External Symptoms Factors (ESF) with a mean ± S.D. symptom score of 1.51 ± 0.58 comprised of eye burning, eye ache, eye strain, eye irritation and tearing; and Internal Symptoms Factors (ISF) with a mean ± S.D. symptom score of 1.38 ± 0.51 comprised of blur, double vision, headache, dizziness and nausea. ISF and ESF were significantly correlated (Spearman r = 0.55; p = 0.001) but with external symptoms significantly higher than internal ones (Wilcoxon Signed‐ranks test; p = 0.001). The age of participants did not significantly affect symptoms. However, females had higher scores than males for both ESF and ISF, and myopes had higher ISF scores than hyperopes. Newly released movies provided lower ESF scores than older movies, while the seat position of spectators had minimal effect. Symptoms while viewing S3D movies were significantly and negatively correlated to the duration of wearing S3D glasses. Kruskal–Wallis results showed that symptoms were significantly greater for S3D compared to those of 2D movies, both for ISF (p = 0.001) and for ESF (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

In short, the analysis of the symptoms experienced by S3D movie spectators based on retrospective visual comfort assessments, showed a higher level of external symptoms (eye burning, eye ache, tearing, etc.) when compared to the internal ones that are typically more perceptual (blurred vision, double vision, headache, etc.). Furthermore, spectators of S3D movies reported statistically higher symptoms when compared to 2D spectators.
WHEN EUROPEANIZATION FEEDS BACK INTO EU GOVERNANCE: EU LEGISLATION, NATIONAL REGULATORY AGENCIES, AND EU REGULATORY NETWORKS
Authors: MATHIEU EMMANUELLE
Published: February 2015

The existing literature explains the emergence of European regulatory networks through the need for regulatory coordination and the battle for power between policymakers. Bringing together the Europeanization and policy feedback perspectives, this article suggests that European regulatory networks should also be seen as the result of a more complex process of mutual influence between the European and the national levels. An in‐depth case study on the telecommunications sector reveals that the implementation of EU policies has contributed to the empowerment of national regulatory agencies, which, in turn, has conditioned the development of European regulatory networks. EU policy has thus indirectly conditioned the rise of European regulatory networks by previously transforming national administrations. Besides expanding our understanding of European regulatory networks, by bridging the Europeanization and policy feedback literatures, this article indicates promising orientations for future theoretical development in both fields.
Intestinal lymphoid nodular hyperplasia in children: The relationship to food allergy
Authors: Lucarelli Sandra , Lastrucci Ginevra , Di Nardo Giovanni , D'Alfonso Ylenia , Aloi Marina , Oliva Salvatore , Frediani Simone , Rossetti Danilo , Frediani Tullio
Published: February 2015

Background

Lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH) of the lower gastrointestinal tract is a common finding during paediatric colonoscopies, and its clinical significance has not yet been clearly established.

Objective

The purpose of this prospective, parallel multi‐arm, randomized clinical trial was to study relationship between food allergy and LNH.

Methods

We recruited 268 children who had undergone a diagnostic colonoscopy between 1 January 2009 and 30 September 2011. The inclusion criteria were the following: (i) demonstration of LNH; (ii) no concomitant inflammatory or immune disease; (iii) no treatment since the clinical onset. The patients were assigned 1:1:1 to elimination diet (Group A), mesalamine (Group B) or symptomatic treatment with antispasmodics or antidiarrhoeal drugs (Group C) for an 8‐wk period. Patients were followed for 24 months.

Results

We enrolled 72 of 97 children with intestinal LNH who were referred for haematochezia (76%), recurrent abdominal pain (68%) and/or chronic diarrhoea (32%). Clinical improvement was observed in 75%, 83% and 79% of the patients in Groups A, B and C, respectively. The difference in the response to treatment among the groups and the association to the clinical, endoscopic and allergic features of the patients were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Intestinal LNH should be considered a benign finding in children without red flags, because the symptoms are largely self‐limiting. The use of mesalamine or elimination diet does not modify the clinical outcome compared to symptomatic therapy. The presence of food allergy was not predicted by allergy skin testing and was found in a minority of patients.
Dermatologic Features of Smith–Magenis Syndrome
Authors: Guérin‐Moreau Morgane , Colin Estelle , Nguyen Sylvie , Andrieux Joris , de Leersnyder Hélène , Bonneau Dominique , Martin Ludovic
Published: February 2015

Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS) is characterized by distinctive facial and skeletal features, developmental delay, cognitive impairment, and behavioral abnormalities, including self‐injurious behaviors. We aimed to investigate whether cutaneous features are common in SMS. We performed a complete skin examination in 20 young SMS patients. Skin features secondary to self‐injurious behavior, such as bites, abrasions, dystrophic scars, limited spots of hyperkeratosis, anomalies of the nails, and whitlows, were found in the majority of patients. Acral pachydermia and fissured plantar keratoderma were common. Xerosis was constant and associated with extensive keratosis pilaris in the majority of patients. Dermatofibromas were frequent in older patients. The hair was dense and shiny, with an unusual hairline. Eyelash trichomegaly and heavy brows were common, as well as folliculitis on the back. The skin features of SMS have rarely been reported in the literature. Some of these are the consequence of neurobehavioral features, but some cutaneous features and abnormalities of appendages have not been reported in other related syndromes. Skin manifestations of SMS are varied, sometimes induced by self‐injurious behavior and sometimes more specific. It remains to be determined whether the combination of the two kinds of signs could contribute to early diagnosis of the syndrome.
Prognostic significance of aminopeptidase‐N (CD13) in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Saida Satoshi , Watanabe Ken‐ichiro , Kato Itaru , Fujino Hisanori , Umeda Katsutsugu , Okamoto Shinya , Uemoto Shinji , Hishiki Tomoro , Yoshida Hideo , Tanaka Shiro , Adachi Souichi , Niwa Akira , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Heike Toshio
Published: February 2015

Background

Hepatoblastoma is a rare childhood malignant tumor that originates from immature hepatic cells. Aminopeptidase‐N(CD13), an ectopeptidase that promotes tumor invasion and metastasis, is expressed in fetal stage hepatic progenitor cells, although its role in hepatoblastoma remains unclear.

Methods

The expression pattern of CD13 was investigated on immunohistochemistry in 30 tissue samples from 27 hepatoblastoma patients (16 with predominantly embryonal [pE] histology and 14 with predominantly fetal [pF] histology). Immunoreactive score (IRS) was used to quantify staining data, and the relationship between CD13 expression, clinicopathological factors, and clinical outcome was investigated. The biological function of CD13 was also examined in the hepatoblastoma cell lines Huh6 and HepG2.

Results

All specimens stained positive for CD13, with higher CD13 expression in pE than in pF hepatoblastoma samples (median IRS, 4; range, 2–9 vs 2; range, 1–4). Strong CD13 expression was correlated with vascular invasion. Five year event‐free survival and overall survival were better in patients with CD13low than in those with CD13high tumors (100% vs 51.0%, P = 0.026; and 100% vs 74.0%, P = 0.114, respectively). A CD13‐neutralizing antibody and the potent CD13 inhibitor, Ubenimex, suppressed invasive activity in HepG2 cells in vitro.

Conclusions

CD13 expression is associated with hepatoblastoma invasiveness and could be a novel prognostic marker for hepatoblastoma.
Risk factors for seizure recurrence in children after first unprovoked seizure
Authors: Mizorogi Sonoko , Kanemura Hideaki , Sano Fumikazu , Sugita Kanji , Aihara Masao
Published: February 2015

Background

The question of whether to treat a patient after a first unprovoked seizure is controversial. This prospective study assessed the time to recurrence and risk factors for seizure recurrence after a first unprovoked seizure in children.

Methods

Participants were recruited between 1 July 1997, and 30 June 2009. Eligible candidates were children between 1 month and 15 years old who presented with their first unprovoked afebrile seizure. After enrollment, recurrence of seizures was investigated. All participants were followed for at least 2 years. Log‐rank test was used for bivariate analysis to check associations, and hazard ratios were used to analyze variables and clinical outcome (recurrence) during follow‐up.

Results

Of 73 subjects, 42 (57.5%) experienced recurrence. The overall product‐limit estimate of recurrence was 61.9% at 6 months, 85.7% at 1 year, and 95.2% at 2 years after seizure onset, respectively. Incidence of recurrence with partial and generalized seizures was 69.0% and 31.0%, respectively. Children with partial seizures had recurrence significantly more often than those with generalized seizures (P < 0.001). Recurrent seizures occurred after normal findings on electroencephalogram (EEG) in 21.4%, after generalized spike‐and‐wave complexes in 16.7%, and after focal epileptic discharge in 61.9%. Children with focal epileptic discharge had recurrence significantly more often than children with normal EEG findings (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The time to seizure recurrence after first unprovoked seizure may be within 1 year, and particularly within 6 months; and partial seizure and abnormal EEG with focal epileptic discharge may be risk factors for seizure recurrence.
Clinical features, outcomes, and genetic analysis in Korean children with Alagille syndrome
Authors: Cho Jin Min , Oh Seak Hee , Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Joon Sung , Kim Kyung Mo , Kim Gu‐Hwan , Yu Eunsil , Lee Beom Hee , Yoo Han‐Wook
Published: February 2015

Background

Alagille syndrome (AGS) is a multisystem autosomal dominant disorder that affects the liver, heart, eyes, face, bone, and other organs. AGS is caused by mutations in one of two genes, JAG1 or NOTCH2. We evaluated clinical features, outcomes, and the presence of JAG1 and NOTCH2 mutations in Korean children with AGS.

Methods

Between January 1997 and December 2013, 19 children were diagnosed with AGS at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Their clinical features, outcomes, and JAG1 and NOTCH2 mutation status were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of clinical features in the 19 patients was as follows: dysmorphic facial features, 100% (n = 19); liver symptoms, 89% (n = 17); cardiac symptoms, 95% (n = 18); ophthalmologic symptoms, 67% (n = 10); skeletal deformities, 47% (n = 9); and renal symptoms, 21% (n = 4). JAG1 mutations were identified in 14 patients. The 13 different JAG1 mutations, seven of which were novel, included four deletions, three insertions, two missense mutations, three nonsense mutations, and one indel mutation. No NOTCH2 mutations were found. Two patients who received liver transplantation due to liver failure were still alive. Two patients died of comorbidities related to AGS: one of cardiac failure and one of hepatic failure.

Conclusion 

This study describes the clinical characteristics of 19 Korean AGS patients with seven novel JAG1 mutations. Neonatal cholestatic jaundice was the most common initial presenting symptom; thus the presence of neonatal cholestasis warrants screening for syndromic features of AGS. Complex heart anomalies and progressive liver dysfunction resulted in significant morbidity and mortality in AGS.
Sirolimus‐induced interstitial lung disease following pediatric stem cell transplantation
Authors: Garrod Andrea S. , Goyal Rakesh K. , Weiner Daniel J.
Published: February 2015

Sirolimus‐induced ILD is a known but rare complication in adults who have undergone SOT. However, little is known about this adverse effect in children. Diagnosis of sirolimus‐induced ILD can be challenging, especially in patients who have difficulty participating in lung function testing. We present a case of presumed sirolimus‐induced ILD in a pediatric stem cell transplant patient who developed polycythemia and hypoxemia. To our knowledge, no other cases of sirolimus‐induced pulmonary toxicity in children after HCT have been reported.
Oral mucositis in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Clinical outcomes in a context of specialized oral care using low‐level laser therapy
Authors: Eduardo Fernanda de Paula , Bezinelli Leticia Mello , de Carvalho Danielle Lima Corrêa , Lopes Roberta Marques da Graça , Fernandes Juliana Folloni , Brumatti Melina , Vince Carolina Sgaroni Camargo , de Azambuja Alessandra Milani Prandini , Vogel Cristina , Hamerschlak Nelson , Correa Luciana
Published: February 2015

OM is a painful inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa, derived from the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. High OM severity is frequently present in HSCT pediatric patients, who exhibit multiple painful ulcers that limit their mastication and swallowing, leading to poor nutritional status. Few studies have demonstrated OM clinical outcomes in young patients undergoing HSCT. Feasibility of oral care and LLLT on OM prophylaxis and treatment is also poorly discussed. The aim of this study was to describe a specialized oral care protocol that included LLLT for pediatric patients undergoing transplantation and to demonstrate the clinical outcomes after OM prevention and treatment. Data from OM‐related morbidity were collected from 51 HSCT pediatric patients treated daily with LLLT, followed by standard oral care protocols. All the patients, even infants and young children, accepted the daily oral care and LLLT well. The majority (80.0%) only exhibited erythema in the oral mucosa, and the maximum OM degree was WHO II. Patients who had undergone autologous and HLA‐haploidentical transplants showed OM with the lowest severity. The frequency of total body irradiation and methotrexate prescriptions was higher in adolescents when compared with infants (p = 0.044), and adolescents also exhibited OM more severely than infants and young children. We found that good clinical outcomes were obtained using this therapy, mainly in regard to the control of OM severity and pain reduction in the oral cavity. Specialized oral care, including LLLT, is feasible and affordable for HSCT pediatric patients, although some adaptation in the patient's oral hygiene routine must be adopted with help from parents/companions and clinical staff.
Low rates of iridoid glycoside hydrolysis in twoLongitarsusleaf beetles with different feeding specialization confer tolerance to iridoid glycoside containing host plants
Authors: Pankoke Helga , Dobler Susanne
Published: February 2015

Iridoid glycosides are plant defence compounds that are deterrent and/or toxic for unadapted herbivores but are readily sequestered by dietary specialists of different insect orders. Hydrolysis of iridoid glycosides by β‐glucosidase leads to protein denaturation. Insect digestive β‐glucosidases thus have the potential to mediate plant–insect interactions. In the present study, mechanisms associated with iridoid glycoside tolerance are investigated in two closely‐related leaf beetle species (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) that feed on iridoid glycoside containing host plants. The polyphagousLongitarsus luridusScopoli does not sequester iridoid glycosides, whereas the specialistLongitarsus tabidusFabricius sequesters these compounds from its host plants. To study whether the biochemical properties of their β‐glucosidases correspond to the differences in feeding specialization, the number of β‐glucosidase isoforms and their kinetic properties are compared between the two beetle species. To examine the impact of iridoid glycosides on the β‐glucosidase activity of the generalist,L. luridusbeetles are kept on host plants with or without iridoid glycosides. Furthermore, β‐glucosidase activities of both species are examined using an artificial β‐glucosidase substrate and the iridoid glycoside aucubin present in their host plants. Both species have one or two β‐glucosidases with different substrate affinities. Interestingly, host plant use does not influence the specific β‐glucosidase activities of the generalist. Both species hydrolyse aucubin with a much lower affinity than the standard substrate. The neutralpHreduces the β‐glucosidase activity of the specialist beetles by approximately 60% relative to itspHoptimum. These low rates of aucubin hydrolysis suggest that the ability to sequester iridoid glycosides has evolved as a key to potentially preventing iridoid glycoside hydrolysis by plant‐derived β‐glucosidases.
Automated 3d feature matching
Authors: Chuang Tzu‐Yi , Jaw Jen‐Jer
Published: February 2015

Three‐dimensional (3D) feature‐matching techniques, which are essential for progress towards an automated feature‐based procedure, have attracted considerable research attention in both the photogrammetry and computer vision communities. This study introduces a novel matching approach, called RSTG, that comprises four major phases: rotation alignment; scale estimation; translation alignment; and geometry checks. These steps efficiently determine a feature‐based correspondence and frame transformation between datasets. RSTG analyses the similarity and relative geometry of features by employing feature observations and their uncertainty; this allows different types of features to be matched exclusively or simultaneously. This study validates the proposed method with both simulated and real datasets, demonstrating its effectiveness with satisfactory matching rates in a diverse range of feature‐based point cloud registration tasks.
Ductulo‐insular pancreatic endocrine tumor with amyloid deposition: Report of a case
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Tado Hiroki , Inayama Kumiko , Murakami Takaaki , Suzuki Takahisa
Published: February 2015

We report a case of ductulo‐insular pancreatic endocrine tumor (DI‐PET) in a 50‐year‐old woman. The patient presented with symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia, and a small tumor in the uncus of the pancreas was extirpated. The tumor predominantly consisted of a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of grade 2, which surrounded a minor component of ductular proliferation accompanied by a desmoplastic stroma. Both components were largely juxtaposed but admixed with each other in small areas. The NET component was immunoreactive for insulin and accompanied by the marked deposition of amyloid in the stroma. The ductular component consisted of a haphazard proliferation of ductules showing mildly atypical cytological features and immunoreactivities for cytokeratins 7 and 19. DI‐PET is a rare composite neoplasm that should be distinguished from mixed ductal‐neuroendocrine carcinoma because of the marked differences in treatment modalities and prognoses between the tumors. DI‐PET associated with stromal amyloid deposition has not been reported to date. The ‘transdifferentiation’ of NET cells into ductular cells is considered as the most plausible histogenetic mechanism of this tumor, although other possibilities, such as an origin from a primitive endodermal stem cell or the induction of ductular proliferation by stimulation with NET‐derived humoral factors, cannot be excluded.
Prevalent and up‐regulated vimentin expression in micropapillary components of lung adenocarcinomas and its adverse prognostic significance
Authors: Nakashima Hiroyasu , Jiang Shi‐Xu , Sato Yuichi , Hoshi Keika , Matsumoto Toshihide , Nagashio Ryo , Kobayashi Makoto , Matsuo Yukiko , Shiomi Kazu , Hayakawa Kazushige , Saegusa Makoto , Satoh Yukitoshi
Published: February 2015

The factors conferring the increased malignancy on lung adenocarcinoma with micropapillary component (AC‐MPC) remain to be elucidated. On proteomics based on 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, 19 proteins differentially expressed by more than 1.5‐fold between AC‐MPC and conventional adenocarcinoma (CAC); in particular, vimentin, one of the proteins, was 3.5‐fold up‐regulated in AC‐MPC. Subsequent semi‐quantitative investigation by immunohistochemistry with large cohorts comprised 101 AC‐MPC and 119 CAC, respectively, of different stages revealed that vimentin was expressed in MPC of 95 (94.1%) AC‐MPC and the expression scores were higher than those of well‐ and moderately differentiated CAC, as well as the background non‐MPC of the AC‐MPC (P < 0.0001), but not significantly different from those of poorly differentiated CAC (P = 0.561). Even within the AC‐MPC entity, higher vimentin expression was correlated with more frequent vascular invasion and more advanced node metastasis (P < 0.02), and multivariate analysis showed that high vimentin expression and worse node statuses were independent indicators of adverse prognosis (P < 0.048). In conclusion, vimentin expression is prevalent and markedly up‐regulated in MPC, which might reflect the biological essence of poorer differentiation or dedifferentiation of MPC, and this might have a role in the acquisition and increase of invasiveness and consequent more malignant nature of MPC.
Spatio‐temporal variation of nectar robbing in Salvia gesneriflora and its effects on nectar production and legitimate visitors
Authors: Cuevas E. , Rosas‐Guerrero V.
Published: February 2015

Nectar robbing occurs when floral visitors remove floral nectar through floral damage and usually without providing pollination in return. Even though nectar robbing may have negative, neutral or even positive effects on plant fitness, few studies have investigated temporal and spatial variation in robbing rate and their consequences, particularly in the tropics. In this study, robbing levels were estimated during 3 years in four populations of Salvia gesneriflora, a hummingbird‐pollinated shrub endemic to central Mexico that is mainly robbed by birds, carpenter bees and bumblebees. The effect of robbing on nectar availability, flower longevity and on visitation rate by floral visitors was also evaluated. Our results indicate great variation in robbing levels across years and populations and a positive relationship between robbing level and flower abundance per population. Moreover, our results show that nectar availability is about eight times higher in unrobbed flowers than in robbed flowers, and that nectar robbers prefer younger flowers, although lifespan of robbed and unrobbed flowers did not differ statistically. Primary and secondary nectar robbers showed a higher visitation rate compared to legitimate visitors, and neither legitimate nor illegitimate floral visitors seem to discriminate between robbed and unrobbed flowers. These results suggest that robbers may respond to food availability and that no floral visitors apparently could differentiate between robbed and unrobbed flowers. Finally, results show that nectar robbers prefer the youngest flowers, which suggests that strong competition for access to nectar between pollinators and robbers might occur, mainly at the first stages of the flowers.