bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximity Effects of Larger Resident Fishes on Recruitment of Age‐0 Red Snapper in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Mudrak Peter A. , Szedlmayer Stephen T.
Published: March 2012

Small artificial reefs (1.2 × 1.02 × 1.1 m) were placed near to (15 m; n = 20) and distant from (500 m; n = 20) larger artificial reefs (1.2 × 2.4 × 2.4 m; n = 20) in July 2008 and 2009, and each set of reefs (two small and one large) was placed 1.7 km apart at a site 28 km south of Dauphin Island, Alabama, in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Divers used visual surveys to identify and count all fish present on the small reefs and estimated fish lengths in 25‐mm categories during August 2008, August 2009, and September 2009. Significantly higher numbers of age‐0 red snapper Lutjanus campechanus were detected on the small distant reefs (500 m) than on the small nearby (15 m) reefs in all surveys. In addition, significantly higher densities of rock sea bass Centropristis philadelphica and pygmy filefish Stephanolepis setifer were observed on the small distant reefs compared with the small nearby reefs in both August and September 2009. Mean species richness was significantly higher on the small distant reefs than on the small nearby reefs in August 2009. Differences in reef fish community structure were detected in all three surveys by using nonmetric multidimensional scaling based on Czekanowski's similarity coefficient. This study indicates that if artificial reefs are built to provide habitat for juvenile red snapper, they should not be placed in areas immediately adjacent to existing adult habitat; conversely, habitats intended for adult fish should not be placed near important red snapper nursery areas.
Effect of Migration Pathway on Travel Time and Survival of Acoustic‐Tagged Juvenile Salmonids in the Columbia River Estuary
Authors: Harnish Ryan A. , Johnson Gary E. , McMichael Geoffrey A. , Hughes Michael S. , Ebberts Blaine D.
Published: March 2012

We applied acoustic telemetry methods to characterize migration pathways and estimate associated travel times and survival probabilities for juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss migrating downstream through the Columbia River estuary (from river kilometer [rkm] 86 to rkm 8). Acoustic‐tagged fish were detected as migrating in the navigation channel and in off‐channel areas at each of the estuarine reaches we examined during May–August 2010. However, the majority of fish traveled in the main navigation channel from rkm 86 to rkm 37, at which point most fish left the river‐influenced navigation channel; crossed a broad, shallow tidal flat; and migrated the final 37 km in a secondary channel, which was characterized as having greater tidal transport than the navigation channel. The pathway used by acoustic‐tagged smolts to migrate through the estuary affected their rate of travel. In most reaches, navigation channel migrants traveled significantly faster than fish that migrated through off‐channel areas. Contrary to observations from previous studies, smolts that migrated through off‐channel areas at a slower rate did not experience lower survival than their cohorts that used the navigation channel. Although no significant differences in survival probability were observed between navigation channel migrants and off‐channel migrants, areas of high mortality were identified between rkm 37 and rkm 8. Dispersion of juvenile salmonids into multiple pathways during downstream migration can be beneficial in terms of increased expression of life history diversity and resiliency to environmental perturbations. Our results, which document juvenile salmon migration pathways and associated travel time and survival through a large estuary, can be used to focus future research and management activities in areas identified as having high mortality and therefore can be used to aid in the recovery of Endangered Species Act‐listed salmon populations.
Effects of Trout Farm Effluent on Water Quality and the Macrobenthic Invertebrate Community of the Zayandeh-Roud River, Iran
Authors: Soofiani N Mahboobi , Hatami R , Hemami M R , Ebrahimi E
Published: March 2012

To investigate the environmental impact of fish farm discharge on the Zayandeh-Roud River in Iran, three trout farms (Dimeh, Hojat Abad, and Takab) with three different production capacities were studied by examining water physicochemical criteria and the macrobenthic invertebrate community. Six sampling sites were assigned to each farm: the inflow and outflow of the farm, the outfall into the river, 50 m upstream from the outfall (control), 50–100 m downstream from the outfall, and 1 km downstream from the outfall. Water and benthos samples were collected once during autumn, winter, and spring. Benthic samples were collected by using a quantitative technique (3 replicates/site). Results showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in 5-d biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids and a decline in dissolved oxygen concentration and pH in the outflow. However, concentrations of measured variables at each farm were generally within acceptable limits. Total taxonomic richness, abundance of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT), and richness of EPT taxa were considerably lower at outflow stations than at inflow stations, especially for the farm with a higher production rate. In contrast to physicochemical results, the benthic community indices were significantly different between upstream and downstream samples. Sensitive taxa declined at downstream sites in comparison with upstream sites, while abundance of tolerant taxa (e.g., Chironomidae and Oligochaeta) increased at downstream sites. Although species richness and diversity improved farther downstream, the recovery was not complete within our study range. However, effluent effects were greatest during periods of low river flow. Thus, to reduce environmental impacts of aquaculture, production rates should be based on the lowest anticipated flow rate of rivers.
CpGassoc: an R function for analysis of DNA methylation microarray data
Authors: Barfield Richard T. , Kilaru Varun , Smith Alicia K. , Conneely Karen N.
Published: March 2012

Summary: With the increasing availability of high-density methylation microarrays, there has been growing interest in analysis of DNA methylation data. We have developed CpGassoc, an R package that can efficiently perform the statistical analysis needed for increasingly large methylation datasets. CpGassoc is a modular, expandable package with functions to perform rapid analyses of DNA methylation data via fixed or mixed effects models, to perform basic quality control, to carry out permutation tests, and to display results via an array of publication-quality plots.

Availability and implementation: CpGassoc is implemented in R and is freely available at http://genetics.emory.edu/conneely; we are in the process of submitting it to CRAN.

Contact:  rtbarfi@emory.edu
Multiple routes to B-cell memory
Authors: Good-Jacobson Kim L. , Tarlinton David M.
Published: March 2012

B-cell memory describes the populations of cells that provide long-term humoral immunity: long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells that reside mainly in the bone marrow and memory B cells. Interestingly, the memory B-cell population is heterogenous, although the importance of this heterogeneity has been unclear. Recent studies have investigated the formation and function of memory in different settings. In particular, T-independent memory-like cells and T-dependent (TD) IgM memory B cells qualitatively differ from canonical TD class-switched memory B cells; however, these studies suggest that IgM memory cells preserve the memory population over long periods of time. These subsets are evocative of the evolution of the humoral immune response, with memory-like cells appearing before acquisition of germinal centers, suggesting that there are multiple pathways to producing B-cell memory.
Structure–Activity Relationships Delineate How the Maize PathogenCochliobolus heterostrophusUses Aromatic Compounds as Signals and Metabolites
Authors: Shalaby Samer , Horwitz Benjamin A. , Larkov Olga
Published: March 2012

The necrotrophic maize pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus senses plant-derived phenolic compounds, which promote nuclear retention of the redox-sensitive transcription factor ChAP1 and alter gene expression. The intradiol dioxygenase gene CCHD1 is strongly upregulated by coumaric and caffeic acids. Plant phenolics are potential nutrients but some of them are damaging compounds that need to be detoxified. Using coumaric acid as an inducer (16 to 160 μM), we demonstrated the rapid and simultaneous upregulation of most of the β-ketoadipate pathway genes in C. heterostrophus. A cchd1 deletion mutant provided genetic evidence that protocatechuic acid is an intermediate in catabolism of a wide range of aromatic acids. Aromatics catabolism was slowed for compounds showing toxicity, and this was strongly correlated with nuclear retention of GFP-ChAP1. The activity of a structure series of compounds showed complementary requirements for upregulation of CCHD1 and for ChAP1 nuclear retention. Thus, there is an inverse correlation between the ability to metabolize a compound and the stress response (ChAP1 nuclear retention) that it causes. The ability to metabolize phenolics and to respond to them as signals should be an advantage to plant pathogens and may explain the presence of at least two response pathways detecting these compounds.
A New Application Using a Chromogenic Assay in a Plant Pathogen DNA Macroarray Detection System
Authors: Wong Mui-Yun , Smart Christine D.
Published: March 2012

A DNA macroarray was previously developed to detect major fungal and oomycete pathogens of solanaceous crops. To provide a convenient alternative for researchers with no access to X-ray film-developing facilities, specific CCD cameras or Chemidoc XRS systems, a chromogenic detection method with sensitivity comparable with chemiluminescent detection, has been developed. A fungal (Stemphylium solani) and an oomycete (Phytophthora capsici) pathogen were used to develop the protocol using digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled targets. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), including ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, and ITS2, was used as the target gene and polymerase chain reaction amplified as in the previous protocol. Various amounts of species-specific oligonucleotides on the array, quantities of DIG-labeled ITS amplicon, and hybridization temperatures were tested. The optimal conditions for hybridization were 55°C for 2 h using at least 10 pmol of each species-specific oligonucleotide and labeled target at 10 ng/ml of hybridization buffer. Incubation of the hybridized array with anti-DIG conjugated alkaline phosphatase substrates, NBT/BCIP, produced visible target signals between 1 and 3 h compared with 1 h in chemiluminescent detection. Samples from pure cultures, soil, and artificially inoculated plants were also used to compare the detection using chemiluminescent and chromogenic methods. Chromogenic detection was shown to yield similar results compared with chemiluminescent detection in regard to signal specificity, duration of hybridization between the array and targets, and cost, though it takes 1 to 2 h longer for the visualization process, thus providing a convenient alternative for researchers who lack darkroom facilities. To our knowledge, this is the first report of DNA macroarray detection of plant pathogens using a chromogenic method.
4-Chloro-N′-(3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide
Authors: Zhang Wei-Guang
Published: March 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H9Br2ClN2O2, contains two independent molecules. Both molecules adopt anEconfiguration about the C=N bond. The dihedral angles between the benzene rings are 30.0 (2) and 51.6 (2)° in the two molecules. In the crystal, molecules are linked through N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along thebaxis. In addition, there is an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond in each molecule.
Dichlorido(pyridine-κN)[2-(pyridinium-1-yl)acetato-κO]zinc(II)
Authors: Qun Zhang , Jin-Xiang Chen
Published: March 2012

In the title complex, [ZnCl2(C5H5N)(C7H7NO2)], the ZnIIatom adopts a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry [the smallest angle being 105.22 (15)° and the widest angle being 115.60 (16)°] that is formed from one monodentate carboxylate ligand, one pyridine ligand and two Cl atoms.
cis-(Nitrato-κ2O,O′)(2,5,5,7,9,12,12,14-octamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ4N,N′,N′′,N′′′)cadmium nitrate hemihydrate
Authors: Roy Tapashi G. , Hazari Saroj K. S. , Nath Babul Chandra , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

The CdIIatom in the title complex, [Cd(NO3)(C18H40N4)]NO3·0.5H2O, is coordinated within acis-N4O2donor set provided by the tetradentate macrocyclic ligand and two O atoms of a nitrate anion; the coordination geometry is distorted octahedral. The lattice water molecule is located on a twofold rotation axis. N—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O interactions link the complex cations into a supramolecular layer in thebcplane. Layers are connected by O—H...O hydrogen bonds between the lattice water molecule and the non-coordinating nitrate anion, as well as by weak C—H...O contacts.
cis-Dichloridobis(quinoline-κN)platinum(II) nitromethane monosolvate
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, [PtCl2(C9H7N)2]·CH3NO2, the PtIIcation is four-coordinated in an essentially square-planar environment by two N atoms from two quinoline ligands and two Cl−anions. One of the nearly planar quinoline ligands [maximum deviations = 0.042 (6) and 0.018 (7) Å] is almost perpendicular to the PtCl2N2unit [maximum deviation = 0.024 (3) Å], making a dihedral angle of 89.6 (1)°, whereas the other is slightly inclined to the central plane with a dihedral angle of 74.1 (1)°. The dihedral angle between the quinoline ligands is 88.3 (2)°. In the crystal, each solvent molecule is linked to the metal complex by weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-(morpholin-4-yl)urea
Authors: Li Yu-Feng , Jiang Jin-He
Published: March 2012

In the title molecule, C11H14ClN3O2, the morpholine ring has a chair conformation. In the crystal, pairs of molecules are linked into inversion dimers by N—H...O hydrogen bonds.
N-Cyclohexylpyrrolidine-1-carbothioamide
Authors: Li Yu-Feng
Published: March 2012

In the title molecule, C11H20N2S, the five-membered ring has an envelope conformation and the cyclohexane ring is in a chair conformation. The N—H group is not involved in any intra- or intermolecular interactions.
2-(4-Isobutylphenyl)-N′-[(3Z)-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene]propanohydrazide
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Albayati Mustafa R. , Singh Kuldip , Potgieter Herman
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C21H23N3O2, the indolin-2-one group is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.016 (2) Å for the N atom, and makes a dihedral angle of 84.38 (14)° with the benzene ring. The =N—N(H)—C(=O)—C– torsion angle is 0.9 (3)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into a three-dimensional networkviaN—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. In addition, a C—H...π interaction was observed.
7-Chloro-4-[(E)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazin-1-yl]quinoline
Authors: Ferreira Marcelle de Lima , Souza Marcus V. N. de , Wardell Solange M. S. V. , Tiekink Edward R. T. , Wardell James L.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C19H18ClN3O3, the r.m.s. deviation through the 23 non-H and non-methoxy atoms is 0.088 Å, indicating a planar molecule with the exception of the methoxy groups. One methoxy group, surrounded on either side by the other methoxy groups, is almost normal to the benzene ring to which it is connected [C—O—Car—Cartorsion angle = 81.64 (15)°]. In the crystal, N—H...O, C—H...O and π–π interactions [between quinoline residues; centroid–centroid distance = 3.4375 (8) Å] link molecules into a three-dimensional architecture.
Does family history of alcohol problems influence college and university drinking or substance use? A meta‐analytical review
Authors: Elliott Jennifer C. , Carey Kate B. , Bonafide Katherine E.
Published: March 2012

Aims  Family history of alcohol use problems is a reliable determinant of alcohol use and problems in the population at large, but findings are inconsistent when this issue is examined in college and university students. No quantitative summary of this literature has been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta‐analysis on the effects of family history on substance use and abuse in college and university students.

Methods  A two‐group contrast meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the differences in substance use and abuse between family history‐positive and ‐negative students pursuing higher education. The studies that contributed data to this meta‐analysis were conducted in five countries, with the majority of studies from the United States. A total of 65 published papers (53 samples) contributed data from 89 766 participants attending university or college. Effect sizes were coded for alcohol consumption, problems and use disorder symptoms, as well as other illegal drug use and abuse. Two independent coders calculated effect sizes and coded descriptive content about the papers, and discrepancies were reconciled. Family history was used as the grouping variable.

Results  Family history had a minimal effect on alcohol consumption, with stronger effects on alcohol consequences (Cohen's d: 0.21–0.25), alcohol use disorder symptoms (Cohen's d: 0.24) and other drug involvement (Cohen's d: 0.37–0.86).

Conclusions  Relative to students without a family history of alcohol problems, students with positive family histories do not drink more, but may be at greater risk for difficulties with alcohol and drugs.
Does targeted pre‐load optimisation by stroke volume variation attenuate a reduction in cardiac output in the prone position
Authors: Wu C.‐Y. , Lee T.‐S. , Chan K.‐C. , Jeng C.‐S. , Cheng Y.‐J.
Published: March 2012

The prone position can reduce cardiac output by up to 25% due to reduced preload. We hypothesised that preload optimisation targeted to stroke volume variation before turning prone might alleviate this. A supine threshold stroke volume variation of 14% in a preliminary study identified patients whose cardiac outputs would decline when turned prone. In 45 patients, cardiac output declined only in the group whose supine stroke volume variation was high (mean (SD) 5.1 (2.0) to 3.9 (1.9) l.min−1; p < 0.001), but not in patients in whom it was low, or in those in whom stroke volume variation was high, but who received volume preload (p = 0.525 and 0.941, respectively). We conclude that targeted preload optimisation using a supine stroke volume variation value < 14% is effective in preventing falls in cardiac output induced by the prone position.
Gut hormones: the future of obesity treatment?
Authors: McGavigan Anne K. , Murphy Kevin G.
Published: March 2012

Obesity is a major worldwide health problem. The treatment options are severely limited. The development of novel anti‐obesity drugs is fraught with efficacy and safety issues. Consequently, several investigational anti‐obesity drugs have failed to gain marketing approval in recent years. Anorectic gut hormones offer a potentially safe and viable option for the treatment of obesity. The prospective utility of gut hormones has improved drastically in recent years with the development of longer acting analogues. Additionally, specific combinations of gut hormones have been demonstrated to have additive anorectic effects. This article reviews the current stage of anti‐obesity drugs in development, focusing on gut hormone‐based therapies.
Bortezomib salvage followed by a Phase I/II study of bortezomib plus high‐dose melphalan and tandem autologous transplantation for patients with primary resistant myeloma
Authors: Nishihori Taiga , Alekshun Todd J. , Shain Kenneth , Sullivan Daniel M. , Baz Rachid , Perez Lia , Pidala Joseph , Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A. , Ochoa‐Bayona Jose L. , Fernandez Hugo F. , Yarde Danielle N. , Oliveira Vasco , Fulp William , Han Gang , Kim Jongphil , Chen Dung‐Tsa , Raychaudhuri Jyoti , Dalton William , Anasetti Claudio , Alsina Melissa
Published: March 2012

We conducted a Phase 1/2 study of bortezomib administered in combination with high‐dose melphalan followed by tandem autologous transplants in patients with primary resistant multiple myeloma. Thirty patients received two cycles of salvage bortezomib followed by stem cell mobilization with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor and harvest. Melphalan 100 mg/m2 per day on two consecutive days was administered, immediately followed by one dose of bortezomib (dose escalation) and stem cell infusion. The median beta 2‐microglobulin was 4·35 mg/l (range: 1·8–11·4); albumin was 37 g/l (range: 3·1–4·9); high‐risk karyotypes were noted in 45% of patients. The maximum planned dose of bortezomib at 1·3 mg/m2 was well tolerated and a formal maximum tolerated dose was not determined. The peak of best overall response (≥partial response) and complete response rates after tandem transplants were 84% and 36%, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 48 months, the median progression‐free survival was 15 [95% confidence interval (CI): 11–21] months and the median overall survival was 35 (95% CI: 22–43) months. Correlative studies demonstrated decreased expression of BRCA2 (P = 0·0072) and FANCF (P = 0·0458) mRNA following bortezomib treatment. Bortezomib combined with high‐dose melphalan is a well‐tolerated conditioning with some activity in patients with resistant myeloma.
T‐cell replete fludarabine/cyclophosphamide reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation for lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Auer Rebecca L. , MacDougall Finlay , Oakervee Heather E. , Taussig David , Davies Jeff K. , Syndercombe‐Court Denise , Agrawal Samir , Cavenagh Jamie D. , Lister T. Andrew , Gribben John G.
Published: March 2012

The relative merits of reduced‐intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation (RISCT) for high‐risk indolent lymphoid malignancies are emerging, although the preferred conditioning regimen to manage the risks of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is not clearly defined. Here we report the outcome of 73 patients with lymphoid malignancies who received RISCT with a fludarabine/cyclophosphosphamide conditioning regimen and a median follow‐up of 3 years. Median age was 54 years. Forty‐eight per cent of patients had previously undergone autologous stem cell transplantation with a median of three prior therapies. Non‐relapse mortality at 3 years was 19% but only 5% for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Three‐year overall survival and current progression‐free survival was 67% and 63% respectively. Grade 2–4 acute GVHD occurred in 14% of patients while 49% had chronic GVHD requiring systemic immunosuppression. The preparatory regimen in this study has the advantage of reduced acute GVHD and low mortality, notably in patients with MM. In addition, this strategy provides long‐term disease control in a significant proportion of patients with particular benefit in those with high‐risk follicular lymphoma.
Pre‐existing root cementum may promote cementoblast differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Song A. , Cai J. , Pan K. , Yang P.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To observe whether preserved healthy cementum could promote differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells to cementoblasts.

Materials and methods

Symmetrical root slices from each healthy premolar were distributed into either the control group (cementum removed) or test group (cementum preserved). After isolation and characterization, human periodontal ligament cells were inoculated onto root slices for 7 days co‐culture. Two slices per group were studied for cell morphology by scanning electronic microscopy. Twenty‐three slices were detected for expression of cementum attachment protein and cementum protein 23, two putative cementoblast markers, by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Twenty slices were transplanted into nude mice and analysed using histology and immunohistochemistry for osteopontin and bone sialoprotein expression after 8 weeks.

Results

Cells of the test group had smoother fibroblast morphology and higher cementum protein 23 and cementum attachment protein expression than those of the control group (P < 0.01). In the test group, 14 root slices revealed cementum‐like matrix formation resting on old cementum; no splits were observed between newly formed matrix and old cementum. In the control group, 17 specimens had fibrous tissue formation along the root surface and varying width of splits could be seen between new fibrous tissue and dentine surface. Only three specimens demonstrated presence of newly formed thin cementum‐like matrix. Newly formed cementum‐like matrix was positive for osteopontin and bone sialoprotein.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that healthy root cementum may promote differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells towards cementoblasts.
Comparison of American and European practices in the management of patients with primary immunodeficiencies
Authors: Hernandez-Trujillo H S , Chapel H , Lo Re V , Notarangelo L D , Gathmann B , Grimbacher B , Boyle J M , Hernandez-Trujillo V P , Scalchunes C , Boyle M L , Orange J S
Published: March 2012

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of rare disorders. This study was devised in order to compare management of these diseases in the northern hemisphere, given the variability of practice among clinicians in North America. The members of two international societies for clinical immunologists were asked about their management protocols in relation to their PID practice. An anonymous internet questionnaire, used previously for a survey of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), was offered to all full members of the European Society for Immunodeficiency (ESID). The replies were analysed in three groups, according to the proportion of PID patients in the practice of each respondent; this resulted in two groups from North America and one from Europe. The 123 responses from ESID members (23·7%) were, in the majority, very similar to those of AAAAI respondents, with > 10% of their practice devoted to primary immunodeficiency. There were major differences between the responses of these two groups and those of the general AAAAI respondents whose clinical practice was composed of < 10% of PID patients. These differences included the routine use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg) for particular types of PIDs, initial levels of IVIg doses, dosing intervals, routine use of prophylactic antibiotics, perceptions of the usefulness of subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy (SCIg) and of the risk to patients' health of policies adopted by health-care funders. Differences in practice were identified and are discussed in terms of methods of health-care provision, which suggest future studies for ensuring continuation of appropriate levels of immunoglobulin replacement therapies.
Oral treatment with Hev b 13 ameliorates experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Teixeira L B , Epifânio V L A A , Lachat J J , Foss N T , Coutinho-Netto J
Published: March 2012

Hev b 13 is an allergenic esterase obtained from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, which has been shown recently to induce human mononuclear cells to release interleukin (IL)-10 in vitro. This immunoregulatory cytokine appears to play an important role in preventing inflammation and mucosal damage in animal models of colitis and in Crohn's disease patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Hev b 13 in mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Two hours following colonic instillation of the haptenizing agent, and daily thereafter for 5 days, Hev b 13 was administered by oral gavage. In mice treated with daily doses of either 0·5 mg/kg or 5·0 mg/kg of Hev b 13, the clinical signs of diarrhoea, rectal prolapse and body weight loss and also histological damage of the distal colon, were reduced significantly, in comparison with water-treated diseased mice. These findings suggest a potent anti-inflammatory activity of Hev b 13; this activity is speculated to be related to its interaction with cells from the immune system.
Developments in rabies vaccines
Authors: Hicks D J , Fooks A R , Johnson N
Published: March 2012

The development of vaccines that prevent rabies has a long and distinguished history, with the earliest preceding modern understanding of viruses and the mechanisms of immune protection against disease. The correct application of inactivated tissue culture-derived vaccines is highly effective at preventing the development of rabies, and very few failures are recorded. Furthermore, oral and parenteral vaccination is possible for wildlife, companion animals and livestock, again using inactivated tissue culture-derived virus. However, rabies remains endemic in many regions of the world and causes thousands of human deaths annually. There also remain no means of prophylaxis for rabies once the virus enters the central nervous system (CNS). One reason for this is the poor immune response within the CNS to infection with rabies virus (RABV). New approaches to vaccination using modified rabies viruses that express components of the innate immune system are being applied to this problem. Preliminary reports suggest that direct inoculation of such viruses could trigger an effective anti-viral response and prevent a fatal outcome from RABV infection.
Assessing nutritional status of acute intermittent porphyria patients
Authors: García‐Diz Luis , Murcia M. Antonia , Gris Jose L. , Pons Antoni , Monteagudo Celia , Martínez‐Tomé Magdalena , Jiménez‐Monreal Antonia M.
Published: March 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (9): 943–952

Background  Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a metabolic disease of haem synthesis, whose haem precursors may accumulate in the body. A well‐balanced diet may prevent the symptoms, so that porphyric patients should be monitored closely during therapy for possible complications concerning any progression of acute porphyria. The aim was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with AIP and to assess their compliance with nutritional recommendations, comparing the findings with a control group and assessing any possible nutritional deficiency.

Material and Methods  Sixteen patients with AIP and a control group were evaluated by means of a lifestyle questionnaire, the Nutrition Screening Initiative checklist and a dietary questionnaire. The following diet quality indicators were calculated: animal and vegetal proteins, protein quality index, PUFA/SFA and MUFA + PUFA/SFA ratios, insoluble dietary fibre (DF)/total DF, soluble DF/total DF and insoluble DF/soluble DF ratios, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin density and the vitamin B6/protein ratio.

Statistical methods  Differences in continuous variables were compared using the unpaired Student’s t‐test and the chi‐square test for nonparametric variables. The odds ratio (OR) of malnutrition was also used.

Results  Our patients showed a low intake of carbohydrates, a high lipid intake and very high protein intake, and accompanied by an inadequate intake of zinc, folic acid and tocopherol, increasing the risk of malnutrition for energy, Ca, Fe, Mg, K, folic acid and tocopherols.

Conclusions  The patients with AIP studied individually show an increased risk of malnutrition and, given the potential increase of oxidative stress in patients with porphyria, it is recommended that they should increase their intake of carbohydrates, minerals and antioxidant nutrients.
Implementation of proteomic biomarkers: making it work
Authors: Mischak Harald , Ioannidis John P.A. , Argiles Angel , Attwood Teresa K. , Bongcam‐Rudloff Erik , Broenstrup Mark , Charonis Aristidis , Chrousos George P , Delles Christian , Dominiczak Anna , Dylag Tomasz , Ehrich Jochen , Egido Jesus , Findeisen Peter , Jankowski Joachim , Johnson Robert W. , Julien Bruce A. , Lankisch Tim , Leung Hing Y. , Maahs David , Magni Fulvio , Manns Michael P. , Manolis Efthymios , Mayer Gert , Navis Gerjan , Novak Jan , Ortiz Alberto , Persson Frederik , Peter Karlheinz , Riese Hans H. , Rossing Peter , Sattar Naveed , Spasovski Goce , Thongboonkerd Visith , Vanholder Raymond , Schanstra Joost P. , Vlahou Antonia
Published: March 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (9): 1027–1036

While large numbers of proteomic biomarkers have been described, they are generally not implemented in medical practice. We have investigated the reasons for this shortcoming, focusing on hurdles downstream of biomarker verification, and describe major obstacles and possible solutions to ease valid biomarker implementation. Some of the problems lie in suboptimal biomarker discovery and validation, especially lack of validated platforms with well‐described performance characteristics to support biomarker qualification. These issues have been acknowledged and are being addressed, raising the hope that valid biomarkers may start accumulating in the foreseeable future. However, successful biomarker discovery and qualification alone does not suffice for successful implementation. Additional challenges include, among others, limited access to appropriate specimens and insufficient funding, the need to validate new biomarker utility in interventional trials, and large communication gaps between the parties involved in implementation. To address this problem, we propose an implementation roadmap. The implementation effort needs to involve a wide variety of stakeholders (clinicians, statisticians, health economists, and representatives of patient groups, health insurance, pharmaceutical companies, biobanks, and regulatory agencies). Knowledgeable panels with adequate representation of all these stakeholders may facilitate biomarker evaluation and guide implementation for the specific context of use. This approach may avoid unwarranted delays or failure to implement potentially useful biomarkers, and may expedite meaningful contributions of the biomarker community to healthcare.
Distribution and habitat of unionid mussels and invasive sea lamprey larvae in the Paw Paw River, a tributary of Lake Michigan
Authors: GRUBER BRIDGET L. , GONZALEZ SARA A. ALDERSTEIN , BADRA PETER J. , HERBERT MATTHEW E.
Published: March 2012

1. Lampricides are commonly used to control invasive sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) in tributaries around the Great Lakes (U.S.A.) by targeting their larvae (ammocoetes). As lampricides have sublethal effects on unionids, this study investigated unionid and ammocoete distribution and habitat use to aid in refining lampricide applications.

2. Habitat and unionid surveys were conducted in the Paw Paw River, in south‐west Michigan (U.S.A.). Unionids were predominately present in the upper main stem, while the probability of ammocoete presence was highest in the tributaries and lower main stem.

3. Generalised linear models revealed median particle size and gradient to be effective predictors of unionid distributions, while distance to sea lamprey spawning habitat and bank stability were effective predictors of ammocoete distributions.

4. Minimal overlap of unionid and ammocoete distributions suggests that refinement of lampricide treatment in the Paw Paw River is possible. We propose redefining the extent of the treatment unit so that only areas with a high probability of ammocoete presence and a low probability of unionid presence are treated with lampricide. This could result in reducing treatment costs and minimising threats to unionid conservation, while not jeopardising the success of lampricide treatment programmes.
Effects of propionic acid and Lactobacillus buchneri (UFLA SIL 72) addition on fermentative and microbiological characteristics of sugar cane silage treated with and without calcium oxide
Authors: Carvalho B. F. , Ávila C. L. S. , Pinto J. C. , Pereira M. N. , Schwan R. F.
Published: March 2012

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of a new strain of Lactobacillus buchneri (UFLA SIL 72) isolated from sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) silage and the addition of propionic acid [1% based on fresh matter (FM)] to silages treated with and without calcium oxide (1% of FM) at 60 and 170 d of ensiling. A randomized block design with a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to analyse the results. The use of calcium oxide reduced the ethanol content and neutral detergent fibre in all silages, increased pH values and favoured the growth of clostridia and yeasts. The addition of propionic acid reduced the yeast population, but it was not able to reduce ethanol content of silage. The addition of L. buchneri resulted in silages with higher concentration of propionate, reduced the levels of ethanol and reduced the population of clostridia in all silages. The use of calcium oxide is not recommended for silage of sugar cane.
An open trial of self‐help behaviours of clients with eating disorders in an online programme
Authors: Leung Sau Fong , Joyce Ma Lai Chong , Russell Janice
Published: March 2012

Aim.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the self‐help behaviour of individuals with eating disorders in an Internet‐based self‐help programme developed in the Asia‐Pacific region and to determine their compliance with the programme.

Background.  Eating disorders represent a growing health problem affecting both Western and Asian countries. Without timely and adequate treatment, individuals with eating disorders are at risk of premature death. Self‐help approaches for treating eating disorders offer therapeutic promise.

Design.  An open trial design was used.

Method.  This study, conducted from August 2006–July 2011, included 280 participants recruited from outpatient eating disorder clinics and treatment units and through a university student newspaper and Internet websites. This open trial evaluated an Internet‐based self‐help programme, which included components on healthy eating, family education, health assessment, motivation enhancement, self‐help strategies, and psychological health promotion. The progress of participants was followed up via monthly e‐mails. A tracking system was implemented to determine their compliance with the programme.

Findings.  A small majority of the participants (56·9%) were already undergoing treatment for their eating disorders. About 63% (n = 176) demonstrated self‐help behaviour, as manifested by their completion of health assessment questionnaires, involvement in motivation enhancement exercises, or the use of self‐help strategies such as monitoring, normalizing eating behaviour, and stress management. Improvements were observed in their eating disorder psychopathology, motivational stage of change and psychological health from baseline to the 1‐month follow up.

Conclusion.  Internet‐based self‐help programmes for eating disorders are helpful adjuncts to professional treatment.
The role of self‐injury in the organisation of behaviour
Authors: Sandman C. A. , Kemp A. S. , Mabini C. , Pincus D. , Magnusson M.
Published: March 2012

Background  Self‐injuring acts are among the most dramatic behaviours exhibited by human beings. There is no known single cause and there is no universally agreed upon treatment. Sophisticated sequential and temporal analysis of behaviour has provided alternative descriptions of self‐injury that provide new insights into its initiation and maintenance.

Method  Forty hours of observations for each of 32 participants were collected in a contiguous 2‐week period. Twenty categories of behavioural and environmental events were recorded electronically that captured the precise time each observation occurred. Temporal behavioural/environmental patterns associated with self‐injurious events were revealed with a method (t‐patterns; THEME) for detecting non‐linear, real‐time patterns.

Results  Results indicated that acts of self‐injury contributed both to more patterns and to more complex patterns. Moreover, self‐injury left its imprint on the organisation of behaviour even when counts of self‐injury were expelled from the continuous record.

Conclusions  Behaviour of participants was organised in a more diverse array of patterns when self‐injurious behaviour was present. Self‐injuring acts may function as singular points, increasing coherence within self‐organising patterns of behaviour.
Charles Bonnet syndrome: a literature review into diagnostic criteria, treatment and implications for nursing practice
Authors: HUGHES D. F.
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

While visual hallucinations are often associated with mental illness, they often have an underlying psychical or organic cause. Impaired vision due to cataracts or macular degeneration are such an example.

Antipsychotic medications may provide little or no benefit and add the risk of dangerous side effects.

Mental health nurses are able to identify the condition and provide education and support to the patient which is at present, the most effective treatment.

Charles Bonnet syndrome is a disease of vision which may be mistakenly identified as manifestations of psychosis and consequently be treated by psychiatrists and mental health nurses rather than ophthalmologists. This literature review considers current understanding of the syndrome, its treatment and the role of mental health nurses. The two main findings of the review are that despite a long recognition of the syndrome, diagnostic criteria are not established and that there is no recognized evidence‐based medical treatment. As well as this, two novel treatments which may offer future benefits are discussed. Current best practice is identified as identifying the condition and providing reassurance and education, a role that mental health nurses that are aware of Charles Bonnet syndrome can fulfil perhaps better than any other discipline.
Dissemination of behavioural activation for depression to mental health nurses: training evaluation and benchmarked clinical outcomes
Authors: EKERS D. M. , DAWSON M. S. , BAILEY E.
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

Depression is a very common condition that causes significant distress and disability to those that experience it. It results in considerable financial problems for both the individual and the society. Talking treatments are available but are limited in availability in part to the long‐term training needed leading to insufficient therapist numbers.

Behavioural activation is a relatively simple treatment that appears as effective as the more complex cognitive behavioural therapy and may be suitable to train staff such as mental health nurses relatively quickly.

We found that staff found the training acceptable and useful and that they felt it was suitable for them. Results seen in a recent research trial using mental health nurses as therapists following 5 days' training appeared to show the same level of improvement in depression symptom level as seen when the treatment is delivered by more specialist staff with much longer training.

Behavioural activation may be able to be widely disseminated with minimal time and cost among staff groups like mental health nurses. This could lead to greater access to evidence‐based talking therapy for people experiencing depression.

Depression causes significant distress, disability and cost within the UK. Behavioural activation (BA) is an effective single‐strand psychological approach which may lend itself to brief training programmes for a wide range of clinical staff. No previous research has directly examined outcomes of such dissemination. A 5‐day training course for 10 primary care mental health workers aiming to increase knowledge and clinical skills in BA was evaluated using the Training Acceptability Rating Scale. Depression symptom level data collected in a randomized controlled trial using trainees were then compared to results from meta‐analysis of studies using experienced therapists. BA training was highly acceptable to trainees (94.4%, SD 6%). The combined effect size of BA was unchanged by the addition of the results of this evaluation to those of studies using specialist therapists. BA offers a promising psychological intervention for depression that appears suitable for delivery by mental health nurses following brief training.
Constraining clastic input controls on magnetic susceptibility and trace element anomalies during the Late Devonian punctata Event in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin
Authors: Śliwiński Maciej G. , Whalen Michael T. , Meyer Franz J. , Majs František
Published: March 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 301–309, 2012

Factor analyses were applied to trace element and magnetic susceptibility (MS) records of the Late Devonian palaeoceanographic ‘punctata Event’ perturbation in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin to constrain the extent to which geochemical anomalies were driven by 1) changes in clastic input (Factor 1; 55.1% of total variance) vs. 2) anoxia in the depositional environment (Factor 2; 35.2% of total variance). MS associates only with Factor 1 (r = 0.971) and is significantly correlated (99.9% level) with acid‐insoluble limestone residues and clastic proxies (Al, Si, K, Ti, Zr; r = 0.542–0.639). Based on XRD analyses of a small subset of these residues (N = 7), a multivariate linear regression model accounts for 97.7% of total MS variance as a function of variable admixing of illite, pyrite, quartz and feldspar, in turn variably diluted by stratigraphic changes in the total carbonate content.
Fluorescent protein‐based technologies: shedding new light on the plant endomembrane system
Authors: Sparkes Imogen , Brandizzi Federica
Published: March 2012

Without doubt, GFP and spectral derivatives have revolutionized the way biologists approach their journey toward the discovery of how plant cells function. It is fascinating that in its early days GFP was used merely for localization studies, but as time progressed researchers successfully explored new avenues to push the power of GFP technology to reach new and exciting research frontiers. This has had a profound impact on the way we can now study complex and dynamic systems such as plant endomembranes. Here we briefly describe some of the approaches where GFP has revolutionized in vivo studies of protein distribution and dynamics and focus on two emerging approaches for the application of GFP technology in plant endomembranes, namely optical tweezers and forward genetics approaches, which are based either on the light or on genetic manipulation of secretory organelles to gain insights on the factors that control their activities and integrity.
Cell type‐specific transcriptional profiling: implications for metabolite profiling
Authors: Rogers Eric D. , Jackson Terry , Moussaieff Arieh , Aharoni Asaph , Benfey Philip N.
Published: March 2012

Plant development and survival is centered on complex regulatory networks composed of genes, proteins, hormone pathways, metabolites and signaling pathways. The recent advancements in whole genome biology have furthered our understanding of the interactions between these networks. As a result, numerous cell type‐specific transcriptome profiles have been generated that have elucidated complex gene regulatory networks occurring at the cellular level, many of which were masked during whole‐organ analysis. Modern technologies have also allowed researchers to generate multiple whole‐organ metabolite profiles; however, only a limited number have been generated at the level of individual cells. Recent advancements in the isolation of individual cell populations have made cell type‐specific metabolite profiles possible, enabling the enhanced detection and quantification of metabolites that were formerly unavailable when considering the whole organ. The comparison of metabolite and transcriptome profiles from the same cells has been a valuable resource to generate predictions regarding specific metabolite activity and function. In this review, we focus on recent studies that demonstrate the value of cell type‐specific transcriptional profiles and their comparison with profiles generated from whole organs. Advancements in the isolation of single‐cell populations will be highlighted, and the potential application towards generating detailed metabolic profiles will be discussed.