bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections on Path Dependence and Irreversibility: Lessons from Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Desjardins Eric
Published: January 2012

This essay examines the claim “path dependence entails irreversibility” from the point of view of evolutionary biology. I argue that evolutionary irreversibility possesses many faces, sometimes conflicting with path dependence. I propose an account of path dependence that does not rely on irreversibility and explain why it more naturally coexists with the notion of (contingent) irreversibility developed by the Belgian paleontologist Louis Dollo. However, I argue that we should not conceive of this relationship as necessary.
From Hacking's Plurality of Styles of Scientific Reasoning to “Foliated” Pluralism: A Philosophically Robust Form of Ontologico-Methodological Pluralism
Authors: Ruphy Stéphanie
Published: January 2012

This essay develops a form of scientific pluralism that captures essential features of contemporary scientific practice largely ignored by the various forms of scientific pluralism currently discussed by philosophers. My starting point is Hacking's concept of style of scientific reasoning. I extend Hacking's thesis by proposing the process of “ontological enrichment” to grasp how the objects created by a style articulate with the common objects of scientific inquiry. The result is “foliated pluralism,” which puts to the fore the transdisciplinary and cumulative ways of proceeding in science, as well as the historical dimension of the genesis of scientific objects.
A
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Abetalipoproteinaemia 198

Acetaminophen: see paracetamol overdose 198

Achalasia 198

Achlorhydria 200

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome: see HIV and the gut and HIV and the liver 200

Acromegaly and GI tract 200

Actinomycosis 201

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)
201

Acute intermittent porphyria: see porphyrias...
L
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Lactose intolerance 384

Laxative abuse: see also laxatives
384

Leiomyomas: see GIST (gastrointestinal stromal
tumours) 384

Leptin 385

Leptospirosis 385

Lichen planus 386

Listeria
386

Lithotripsy: see Extracorporeal shock wave
lithotripsy 386

Liver abscess 386

Liver biopsy (LBx): see ‘Liver
biopsy’ (p.
126...
P
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Paget's disease: see Anal cancer 426

Pancreas divisum 426

Pancreatic cancer 427

Pancreatic cystic tumours 429

Pancreatic endocrine tumours (PETs)
431

Pancreatic function tests: see
‘Pancreatic function tests’ (p.
124)
432

Pancreatic insufficiency 432

Pancreatic pseudocyst 433

Pancreatic stents 434

Pancreatitis: see Acute
pancreatitis, ...
Y
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Yersinia
524

A genus of Gram-negative rods. Yersinia pestis is reponsible for
plague—a disease with an important role in human history. Other species
(e.g. Yersinia enterocolitica) produce a self-limiting
gastroenteritis.

Y. enterocolitica causes damage by invading epithelium overlying
Peyer's patches (especially in the terminal ileum) and then spreading to
the lamina propria....
Z
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Zieve's syndrome 526

Zollinger–Ellison syndrome: see Gastrinoma526

First described in 1957 by Leslie Zieve, who reported a triad of
jaundice, hyperlipidaemia, and transient haemolytic anaemia in a cohort
of 20 male patients with alcoholic steatohepatitis. Most patients have
upper abdominal/right upper quadrant pain and macrocytic anaemia. The
hypercholesterolaemia and jaundice both resolve within 3 weeks if the
patient stops drinking. The exact mechanism of haemolysis is not known,
but may involve several acquired intracellular defects (unstable
pyruvate kinase, membrane alterations). See also Piccini ...
Drugs used in gastroenterology and hepatology
Authors: Bloom Stuart , Webster George , Marks Daniel
Published: January 2012

Aciclovir 528

Adefovir dipivoxil 528

5-Aminosalicylates (5-ASA) 529

Antacids and alginates 530

Antibiotics 530

Anticholinergics 531

Anti-diarrhoeal agents 532

Anti-emetics/anti-nausea drugs 533

Antifungals 533

Antihistamines 534

Antispasmodics 534

Azathioprine 535

Bismuth 536

Botulinum toxin 536

Bowel cleansing solutions: see ‘Bowel
preparation’ (p.
148)
...
The spectrum of non-musculoskeletal disorders in rheumatic disease
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Skin disorders and rheumatic disease 194

Skin vasculitis in adults 200

Skin vasculitis in children and adolescents 204

Cardiac manifestations 206

Pulmonary manifestations 210

Renal manifestations 212

Endocrine manifestations 216

Gut and hepatobiliary manifestations 220

Malignancy 226

Neurological disorders 229

• The skin is the most accessible organ to examine....
Rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Disease criteria and epidemiology for use in clinical trials 234

Incidence, prevalence, and morbidity 235

The clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis 236

Organ disease in rheumatoid arthritis 238

The evaluation and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis 242

Polyarticular arthritis in children with a positive rheumatoid factor ...
The spondyloarthropathies
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Introduction 282

Diagnostic criteria and clinical subsets 284

Ankylosing spondylitis 288

Psoriatic arthritis 294

Reactive arthropathy 296

Enteric arthropathy 298

Spondyloarthropathies in childhood 300

• The seronegative spondyloarthropathies are classically characterized by the following:

• Sacroiliitis;

• inflammatory back pain;

• enthesitis.

• These diseases may also be accompanied by:...
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Introduction 322

The clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus 324

Antiphospholipid (antibody) syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus 329

Pregnancy and systemic lupus erythematosus 330

Diagnosis and investigation of systemic lupus erythematosus 332

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus 335

The treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus 336

Prognosis and survival in systemic lupus erythematosus ...
Common upper limb musculoskeletal lesions
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Shoulder (subacromial) impingement syndrome 518

Adhesive capsulitis 520

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) 522

For a detailed view on the differential diagnosis of the entire range of upper limb lesions, see Chapter 2, p 19

Shoulder impingement syndrome is caused by compression of the rotator cuff by the acromion. This results in shoulder pain, particularly when the patient reaches overhead or rolls over the shoulder at night. Weakness and loss of range of motion at the shoulder are also commonly reported:...
Complementary and alternative medicine in rheumatology
Authors: Hakim Alan J. , Clunie Gavin P.R. , Haq Inam
Published: January 2012

Introduction 600

Herbal remedies (phytotherapy) 602

Physical and ‘hands-on’ therapies 604

Homeopathy 605

Other complementary and alternative medicines 606

The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among people with chronic diseases including arthritis is widely recognized.1 Up to one-third of arthritis sufferers have received CAM from CAM practitioners and CAM use prevalence has been reported at between 30–100% of patients with rheumatic disease....
Effect of magnetically simulated zero-gravity and enhanced gravity on the walk of the common fruitfly
Authors: Hill Richard J. A. , Larkin Oliver J. , Dijkstra Camelia E. , Manzano Ana I. , de Juan Emilio , Davey Michael R. , Anthony Paul , Eaves Laurence , Medina F. Javier , Marco Roberto , Herranz Raul
Published: January 2012

Understanding the effects of gravity on biological organisms is vital to the success of future space missions. Previous studies in Earth orbit have shown that the common fruitfly (
Drosophila melanogaster
) walks more quickly and more frequently in microgravity, compared with its motion on Earth. However, flight preparation procedures and forces endured on launch made it difficult to implement on the Earth's surface a control that exposed flies to the same sequence of major physical and environmental changes. To address the uncertainties concerning these behavioural anomalies, we have studied the walking paths of
D. melanogaster
in a pseudo-weightless environment (0
g
*) in our Earth-based laboratory. We used a strong magnetic field, produced by a superconducting solenoid, to induce a diamagnetic force on the flies that balanced the force of gravity. Simultaneously, two other groups of flies were exposed to a pseudo-hypergravity environment (2
g
*) and a normal gravity environment (1
g
*) within the spatially varying field. The flies had a larger mean speed in 0
g
* than in 1
g
*, and smaller in 2
g
*. The mean square distance travelled by the flies grew more rapidly with time in 0
g
* than in 1
g
*, and slower in 2
g
*. We observed no other clear effects of the magnetic field, up to 16.5 T, on the walks of the flies. We compare the effect of diamagnetically simulated weightlessness with that of weightlessness in an orbiting spacecraft, and identify the cause of the anomalous behaviour as the altered effective gravity.
The competition between folding and faulting in the upper crust based on the maximum strength theorem
Authors: Kampfer G. , Leroy Y. M.
Published: January 2012

It is proposed to complement the numerous geometrical constructions of fault-related folds relevant to fold-and-thrust belts by the introduction of mechanical equilibrium and of the rock limited strength to discriminate between various deformation scenarios. The theory used to support this statement is the maximum strength theorem that is related to the kinematic approach of limit analysis known in soil mechanics. The classical geometrical construction of the fault-propagation fold (FPF) is proposed for illustration of our claim. The FPF is composed of a kink fold with migrating axial surfaces ahead of the region where the ramp propagates. These surfaces are assigned frictional properties and their friction angle is found to be small compared with the usual bulk friction angle to ensure the full development of the FPF, a first scenario. For larger values of the axial surface friction angle, this development during overall shortening is arrested by the onset of fault breaking through the front limb, a second scenario. The amount of shortening at the transition from folding to break-through faulting is established.
Geometric models of matter
Authors: Atiyah M. F. , Manton N. S. , Schroers B. J.
Published: January 2012

Inspired by soliton models, we propose a description of static particles in terms of Riemannian 4-manifolds with self-dual Weyl tensor. For electrically charged particles, the 4-manifolds are non-compact and asymptotically fibred by circles over physical 3-space. This is akin to the Kaluza–Klein description of electromagnetism, except that we exchange the roles of magnetic and electric fields, and only assume the bundle structure asymptotically, away from the core of the particle in question. We identify the Chern class of the circle bundle at infinity with minus the electric charge and, at least provisionally, the signature of the 4-manifold with the baryon number. Electrically neutral particles are described by compact 4-manifolds. We illustrate our approach by studying the Taub–Newman, Unti, Tamburino (Taub–NUT) manifold as a model for the electron, the Atiyah–Hitchin manifold as a model for the proton,

with the Fubini–Study metric as a model for the neutron and
S
4
with its standard metric as a model for the neutrino.
Herbivory in the Previous Generation Primes Plants for Enhanced Insect Resistance
Authors: Rasmann Sergio , De Vos Martin , Casteel Clare L. , Tian Donglan , Halitschke Rayko , Sun Joel Y. , Agrawal Anurag A. , Felton Gary W. , Jander Georg
Published: December 2011

Inducible defenses, which provide enhanced resistance after initial attack, are nearly universal in plants. This defense signaling cascade is mediated by the synthesis, movement, and perception of jasmonic acid and related plant metabolites. To characterize the long-term persistence of plant immunity, we challenged Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with caterpillar herbivory, application of methyl jasmonate, or mechanical damage during vegetative growth and assessed plant resistance in subsequent generations. Here, we show that induced resistance was associated with transgenerational priming of jasmonic acid-dependent defense responses in both species, caused caterpillars to grow up to 50% smaller than on control plants, and persisted for two generations in Arabidopsis. Arabidopsis mutants that are deficient in jasmonate perception (coronatine insensitive1) or in the biogenesis of small interfering RNA (dicer-like2 dicer-like3 dicer-like4 and nuclear RNA polymerase d2a nuclear RNA polymerase d2b) do not exhibit inherited resistance. The observation of inherited resistance in both the Brassicaceae and Solanaceae suggests that this trait may be more widely distributed in plants. Epigenetic resistance to herbivory thus represents a phenotypically plastic mechanism for enhanced defense across generations.
Arabidopsis VILLIN2 and VILLIN3 Are Required for the Generation of Thick Actin Filament Bundles and for Directional Organ Growth
Authors: van der Honing Hannie S. , Kieft Henk , Emons Anne Mie C. , Ketelaar Tijs
Published: December 2011

In plant cells, actin filament bundles serve as tracks for myosin-dependent organelle movement and play a role in the organization of the cytoplasm. Although virtually all plant cells contain actin filament bundles, the role of the different actin-bundling proteins remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of the actin-bundling protein villin in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We used Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion lines to generate a double mutant in which VILLIN2 (VLN2) and VLN3 transcripts are truncated. Leaves, stems, siliques, and roots of vln2 vln3 double mutant plants are twisted, which is caused by local differences in cell length. Microscopy analysis of the actin cytoskeleton showed that in these double mutant plants, thin actin filament bundles are more abundant while thick actin filament bundles are virtually absent. In contrast to full-length VLN3, truncated VLN3 lacking the headpiece region does not rescue the phenotype of the vln2 vln3 double mutant. Our results show that villin is involved in the generation of thick actin filament bundles in several cell types and suggest that these bundles are involved in the regulation of coordinated cell expansion.
Lumen Thiol Oxidoreductase1, a Disulfide Bond-Forming Catalyst, Is Required for the Assembly of Photosystem II inArabidopsis
Authors: Karamoko Mohamed , Cline Sara , Redding Kevin , Ruiz Natividad , Hamel Patrice P.
Published: December 2011

Here, we identify Arabidopsis thaliana Lumen Thiol Oxidoreductase1 (LTO1) as a disulfide bond–forming enzyme in the thylakoid lumen. Using topological reporters in bacteria, we deduced a lumenal location for the redox active domains of the protein. LTO1 can partially substitute for the proteins catalyzing disulfide bond formation in the bacterial periplasm, which is topologically equivalent to the plastid lumen. An insertional mutation within the LTO1 promoter is associated with a severe photoautotrophic growth defect. Measurements of the photosynthetic activity indicate that the lto1 mutant displays a limitation in the electron flow from photosystem II (PSII). In accordance with these measurements, we noted a severe depletion of the structural subunits of PSII but no change in the accumulation of the cytochrome b  6  f complex or photosystem I. In a yeast two-hybrid assay, the thioredoxin-like domain of LTO1 interacts with PsbO, a lumenal PSII subunit known to be disulfide bonded, and a recombinant form of the molecule can introduce a disulfide bond in PsbO in vitro. The documentation of a sulfhydryl-oxidizing activity in the thylakoid lumen further underscores the importance of catalyzed thiol-disulfide chemistry for the biogenesis of the thylakoid compartment.
MDP25, A Novel Calcium Regulatory Protein, Mediates Hypocotyl Cell Elongation by Destabilizing Cortical Microtubules inArabidopsis
Authors: Li Jiejie , Wang Xianling , Qin Tao , Zhang Yan , Liu Xiaomin , Sun Jingbo , Zhou Yuan , Zhu Lei , Zhang Ziding , Yuan Ming , Mao Tonglin
Published: December 2011

The regulation of hypocotyl elongation is important for plant growth. Microtubules play a crucial role during hypocotyl cell elongation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this process is not well understood. In this study, we describe a novel Arabidopsis thaliana microtubule-destabilizing protein 25 (MDP25) as a negative regulator of hypocotyl cell elongation. We found that MDP25 directly bound to and destabilized microtubules to enhance microtubule depolymerization in vitro. The seedlings of mdp25 mutant Arabidopsis lines had longer etiolated hypocotyls. In addition, MDP25 overexpression resulted in significant overall shortening of hypocotyl cells, which exhibited destabilized cortical microtubules and abnormal cortical microtubule orientation, suggesting that MDP25 plays a crucial role in the negative regulation of hypocotyl cell elongation. Although MDP25 localized to the plasma membrane under normal conditions, increased calcium levels in cells caused MDP25 to partially dissociate from the plasma membrane and move into the cytosol. Cellular MDP25 bound to and destabilized cortical microtubules, resulting in their reorientation, and subsequently inhibited hypocotyl cell elongation. Our results suggest that MDP25 exerts its function on cortical microtubules by responding to cytoplasmic calcium levels to mediate hypocotyl cell elongation.
A review of the taxonomy of chondrichthyan fishes: a modern perspective
Authors: White W. T. , Last P. R.
Published: January 2012

Taxonomic clarity is a fundamental requirement as it forms the foundation of all other life sciences. In the last decade, chondrichthyan taxonomy has undergone a scientific renaissance with >180 new species formally described. This effort encompasses c. 15% of the global chondrichthyan fauna, which consists of 1185 currently recognized species. The important role of chondrichthyan taxonomy for conservation management has been highlighted in recent years with new species descriptions or taxonomic resolution of a number of threatened species. These include Australian gulper (genus Centrophorus) and speartooth sharks (genus Glyphis) in coastal waters of Australia and Borneo. Closer examination of other wide‐ranging species, for which the taxonomy was thought to be stable, has shown that they consist of species complexes, e.g. manta rays (Manta spp.) and spotted eagle rays (the Aetobatus narinari complex), and highlights the need for critical re‐examination of other wide‐ranging species. Molecular methods have provided another useful tool to taxonomists and they have proven to assist greatly with identifying cryptic species and species complexes. The limitations of particular molecular methods being used need, however, to be carefully considered and there are some concerns about how these are being integrated with classical taxonomy. The fundamental importance of taxonomic nomenclature to life sciences is often poorly understood but striving for nomenclatural stability is a critical component of taxonomy. Similarly, biological collections are an extremely vital asset to both taxonomists and the broader scientific community. These collections are becoming increasingly important due in part to molecular species identification initiatives such as the Barcode of Life which has resulted in a large number of voucher specimens linked to tissue samples being deposited. Biological collections are also proving to be imperative in biodiversity studies as they contain a ‘gold mine’ of historical collection information important for assessing changes in faunal assemblages. Resources are typically limited for taxonomic research and the ageing taxonomic community is another issue of concern for the future of taxonomy on this important group. Succession planning and better resource allocation will be essential to ensure that this fundamental discipline is maintained into the future.
Graduating nursing students’ perceived preparedness for working in critical care areas
Authors: Halcomb Elizabeth J. , Salamonson Yenna , Raymond Debra , Knox Nicole
Published: December 2011

halcomb e.j., salamonson y., raymond d. & knox n. (2012) Graduating nursing students perceived preparedness for working in critical care areas. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2229–2236.

Aims.  This article reports a study examining the relationships between undergraduate students’ demographics, educational preparation and clinical experience and their self reported preparedness for employment in critical care.

Background.  Increasing demand for critical care services internationally, creates a need to grow the critical care nursing workforce. Limited data are available on factors affecting new graduate nurses’ career choices.

Methods.  Final year nursing students from a multi‐campus Australian university were surveyed during 2009.

Results.  Over half of the participants were interested in seeking employment in critical care following graduation. Main reasons for choosing critical care nursing were: (i) like varied and challenging work; (ii) opportunities for professional development; and (iii) like working one‐on‐one with patients. The main barriers identified by participants were related to the lack of knowledge and clinical skills required to work in critical care. Using the 9‐item Confidence and Interest in Critical Care Nursing scale, the study revealed that male participants and those who spent more than 1 week clinical placement in critical care were significantly more likely to report greater confidence and interest in seeking employment in critical care areas.

Conclusions.  The value of placing nursing students in critical care areas for more than 1 week during undergraduate clinical placements is affirmed. Whilst most final year students report feeling prepared to work in critical care areas, the next step is to explore the transition of students as new graduates in critical care to identify professional and educational issues that impact on their retention.
Phytochelatin synthase: of a protease a peptide polymerase made
Authors: Rea Philip A.
Published: January 2012

Of the mechanisms known to protect vascular plants and some algae, fungi and invertebrates from the toxic effects of non‐essential heavy metals such as As, Cd or Hg, one of the most sophisticated is the enzyme‐catalyzed synthesis of phytochelatins (PCs). PCs, (γ‐Glu‐Cys)nGly polymers, which serve as high‐affinity, thiol‐rich cellular chelators and contribute to the detoxification of heavy metal ions, are derived from glutathione (GSH; γ‐Glu‐Cys‐Gly) and related thiols in a reaction catalyzed by phytochelatin synthases (PC synthases, EC 2.3.2.15). Using the enzyme from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPCS1) as a model, the reasoning and experiments behind the conclusion that PC synthases are novel papain‐like Cys protease superfamily members are presented. The status of S‐substituted GSH derivatives as generic PC synthase substrates and the sufficiency of the N‐terminal domain of the enzyme from eukaryotic and its half‐size equivalents from prokaryotic sources, for net PC synthesis and deglycylation of GSH and its derivatives, respectively, are emphasized. The question of the common need or needs met by PC synthases and their homologs is discussed. Of the schemes proposed to account for the combined protease and peptide polymerase capabilities of the eukaryotic enzymes vs the limited protease capabilities of the prokaryotic enzymes, two that will be considered are the storage and homeostasis of essential heavy metals in eukaryotes and the metabolism of S‐substituted GSH derivatives in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
Development of EST‐derived SSR markers in pea (Pisum sativum) and their potential utility for genetic mapping and transferability
Authors: Mishra Raghvendra K. , Gangadhar Baniekal H. , Nookaraju Akula , Kumar Sushil , Park Se W.
Published: January 2012

With 1 figure and 3 tables

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) derived from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are important resources for gene discovery and mapping. In this study, we developed EST‐based SSR (eSSRs) markers and assessed their ability in mapping and transferability. A total of 10 800 unigenes were detected from 18 522 pea EST sequences (December 2009). Screening of 10 800 unigenes by MISA (MIcroSAtellite) revealed 2612 (14.1%) eSSRs in 2395 (12.9%) SSR‐containing ESTs from which 577 (24.1%) primer pairs were designed. The most abundant repeat motif identified in eSSR was mononucleotide (85.2%), followed by trinucleotide (10.6%) and dinucleotide (2.8%). Among 108 randomly selected primer pairs, 40 were assessed for mapping and 68 to test cross‐species transferability in six leguminous species. Out of 40 primer pairs, 85% produced amplicons, 60% showed polymorphism and 47.5% were mapped. Furthermore, 68 primer pairs revealed high rate of transferability (48–85%) in leguminous species. High levels of polymorphism, reproducibility, presence of alleles (3.8/locus) and transferability revealed the potential use of these eSSR markers in molecular mapping, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis and comparative mapping in pea and other legumes.
piRNAs and their involvement in male germline development in mice
Authors: Pillai Ramesh S. , Chuma Shinichiro
Published: January 2012

Piwi‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small non‐coding RNAs expressed in the animal gonads. They are implicated in silencing the genome instability threat posed by mobile genetic elements called transposons. Unlike other small RNAs, which use double‐stranded precursors, piRNAs seem to arise from long single‐stranded precursor transcripts expressed from discrete genomic regions. In mice, the Piwi pathway is essential for male fertility, and its loss‐of‐function mutations affect several distinct stages of spermatogenesis. While this small RNA pathway primarily operates post‐transcriptionally, it also impacts DNA methylation of target retrotransposon loci, representing an intriguing model of RNA‐directed epigenetic control in mammals. Remarkably the Piwi pathway components are specifically localized at germinal granule/nuage, an evolutionarily conserved but still enigmatic ribonucleoprotein compartment in the germline. The inaccessibility of the germline for easy experimental manipulation has meant that this class of RNAs has remained enigmatic. However, recent advances in the use of cell culture models and cell‐free systems have greatly advanced our understanding. In this review, we briefly summarize our current understanding of the Piwi pathway, focusing on its developmental regulation, piRNA biogenesis and key function in male germline development from fetal spermatogonial stem cell stage to postnatal haploid spermiogenesis in mice.
Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of lower urinary tract disorders
Authors: Yokoyama Teruhiko , Chancellor Michael B , Oguma Keiji , Yamamoto Yumiko , Suzuki Tomonori , Kumon Hiromi , Nagai Atsushi
Published: January 2012

Many papers report the clinical success of botulinum toxin A as a method of management of various bladder dysfunctions. The rationale was that botulinum toxin A was able to block the presynaptic release of acetylcholine from the parasympathetic efferent nerve. The efficacy might result not only from an inhibitory effect on detrusor muscle, but also some effects might be mediated by altering the afferent nerve input. This systematic literature review discusses the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A therapy for idiopathic detrusor overactivity, neurogenic detrusor overactivity, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The information was gathered from a PubMed literature research for abstracts from recent urological meetings. Injection of botulinum toxin A appears to have a positive therapeutic effect in multiple urological conditions, such as refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity, neurogenic detrusor overactivity, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Because the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved botulinum toxin A (Botox) for injection for the treatment of urinary incontinence as a result of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (e.g. spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis) in adults who have an inadequate response to or are intolerant of an ant cholinergic medication, the use of botulinum toxin A will spread and be a more familiar therapy in the urological arena. However, further robust evidence should be awaited. We will discuss the current use of this agent within the urological field.
Role of environmental and spatial processes in structuring anuran communities across a tropical rain forest
Authors: ROJAS‐AHUMADA DIANA PATRICIA , LANDEIRO VICTOR LEMES , MENIN MARCELO
Published: January 2012

This study aimed to evaluate if anuran species distributions in riparian and non‐riparian areas are influenced by environmental factors (i.e. niche) and/or by spatial factors (i.e. dispersal). The environmental variables analysed were altitude, distance from the stream and leaf litter depth. Spatial factors were represented by the eigenvectors extracted from geographical coordinates by eigenfunction analysis. The study was conducted in 24 km2ofterra‐firmeforest in Central Amazonia, Manaus – Amazonas, Brazil. Between November 2008 and May 2009, three samples were taken from 41 plots, 21 plots being placed at non‐riparian areas and another 20 placed in riparian areas. We submitted the assemblage dataset to a partial redundancy analysis to evaluate the contributions of environmental and spatial variables (selected with a forward selection procedure). In addition, we tested if communities differ from riparian and non‐riparian areas using a db‐MANOVA. Species richness and species composition differed between riparian and non‐riparian plots. Some species were restricted to riparian areas. Altitude was the only significant variable (P = 0.005) explaining 21% of the total variance. When analysing the data from all plots using the partial redundancy analysis, 27% of the variance was explained by spatial and environmental variables. The environmental variables explained exclusively 4% of the variance in assemblage composition, and 13% was explained by environmental variables that were also structured in space (i.e. the shared fraction), while 10% was explained exclusively by spatial variables. In conclusion, our results showed differences between the assemblages of riparian and non‐riparian areas which can be explained by the distribution of anuran species along environmental gradients altitude and distance to streams, with little evidence of dispersal limitation.
Perceptions of low‐risk drinking levels among Australians during a period of change in the official drinking guidelines
Authors: LIVINGSTON MICHAEL
Published: January 2012

Introduction and Aims. In 2009, the National Health and Medical Research Council released a revision of Australia's official low‐risk alcohol guidelines, specifying low‐risk consumption levels for both short‐ and long‐term consumption. This study aims to assess how the general population's assessment of low‐risk drinking levels compares to these guidelines and to examine whether the changes to the official guidelines corresponded with changes in perceptions of low‐risk drinking levels in the population.

Design and Methods. The study uses two waves of a large, general population survey which was run in 2007 (n = 19 818) and 2010 (n = 26 648), providing before and after measures of respondents' estimates of low‐risk drinking levels.

Results. In the 2010 survey, less than 5% of respondents estimated low‐risk drinking levels that matched those in the 2009 guidelines. Generally speaking, younger respondents and heavier drinkers provided higher estimates of low‐risk drinking thresholds. There was little change in estimates between 2007 and 2010, although there was some evidence that the changes to the guidelines had influenced perceptions of safe drinking.

Conclusions. There is very little knowledge of the official drinking guidelines among the general Australian population. If drinking guidelines are to have any effect on levels of consumption, a more concerted effort to publicise them is necessary. [Livingston M. Perceptions of low‐risk drinking levels among Australians during a period of change in the official drinking guidelines. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:224–230]
TOURNAMENTS, FAIRNESS AND THE PROUHET‐THUE‐MORSE SEQUENCE
Authors: PALACIOS‐HUERTA IGNACIO
Published: January 2012

The Prouhet‐Thue‐Morse sequence occurs as the answer to various apparently unrelated questions in combinatorics, differential geometry, number theory, physics, music, turtle graphics, and other areas in the natural sciences. This paper shows that it can also be the answer to an important question in economics: how should the order of a sequential tournament competition between two agents be determined to make it fair? (JEL D00, Z00)
Transfer Prices: A Financial Perspective
Authors: Usmen Nilufer
Published: January 2012

The arguments for and against transfer pricing schemes so far have focused on profit‐seeking approaches based on tax differentials, or on evasion of government enforced goods and fund flow restrictions. This article shifts to a value‐seeking framework where transfer prices act as strategic tools that may enhance value for the multinational with a foreign affiliate by exploiting financial and/or tax arbitrage that also lead to ownership arbitrage. The results show that there is an optimal level of transfer price depending on the specific exchange rate distribution when the cost structure allows for a penalty for overcharging. Moreover, this article introduces a new form of tax arbitrage benefit of transfer prices that is based on present value of tax shields.
Local Shrinkage Rules, Lévy Processes and Regularized Regression
Authors: Polson Nicholas G. , Scott James G.
Published: January 2012

We use Lévy processes to generate joint prior distributions, and therefore penalty functions, for a location parameter β=(β1,…,βp) as p grows large. This generalizes the class of local–global shrinkage rules based on scale mixtures of normals, illuminates new connections between disparate methods and leads to new results for computing posterior means and modes under a wide class of priors. We extend this framework to large-scale regularized regression problems where p>n, and we provide comparisons with other methodologies.
Resveratrate protects human skin from damage due to repetitive ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Wu Y. , Jia L.‐L. , Zheng Y.‐N. , Xu X.‐G. , Luo Y.‐J. , Wang B. , Chen J.Z.S. , Gao X.‐H. , Chen H.‐D. , Matsui M. , Li Y.‐H.
Published: January 2012

Background  Ultraviolet (UV) exposure results in the production reactive oxygen species. Resveratrol has attracted considerable attentions owing to its natural abundance and multiple biological effects.

Objective  To investigate the protective effects of resveratrate against damage to human skin induced by repetitive solar simulator ultraviolet radiation (ssUVR).

Materials and methods  Fifteen healthy volunteers were enrolled, and six sites on the non‐exposed dorsal skin of each volunteer were marked for study. Sites 1–4 were exposed to ssUVR at a dosage of 1.5 minimal erythema dose for consecutive 4 days. Immediately after each exposure, one test material (resveratrate + antioxidant, antioxidant, resveratrate, vehicle) was applied to one of the four sites. Site 5 and site 6 were marked as positive control site (UVR only) and baseline control site (no treatment, no UVR). L*a*b values were assessed preprocedure and postprocedure. Skin biopsies were taken 24 h after the last irradiation. The specimens were stained to determine the number of sunburn cells and melanin content melanin.

Results  On resveratrate treated sites, erythema was barely seen with only slight decrease of L value and insignificant increase of *a value. Furthermore, resveratrate significantly inhibited sunburn cell formation, and decreased Fontana‐Masson staining in skin samples.

Conclusions  Resveratrate exerts protective effects against repetitive ssUVR‐induced sunburn and suntan.
Correlation of antibodies against desmogleins 1 and 3 with indirect immunofluorescence and disease status in a Greek population with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Avgerinou G. , Papafragkaki D.‐K. , Nasiopoulou A. , Markantoni V. , Arapaki A. , Servitzoglou M. , Katsambas A. , Stavropoulos P.G.
Published: January 2012

Background  The use of ELISA testing of antibodies to desmogleins 1 and 3 (anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) has been strongly supported for the serologic diagnosis of pemphigus. The purpose of this study was to correlate anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 with IIF values, disease localization, treatment and clinical course in Greek patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV).

Methods  A total of 54 patients with PV had ELISA serum testing for the presence and titers of anti‐Dsg1, anti‐Dsg3 and IIF. Anti‐Dsg1, anti‐Dsg3 and IIF were correlated with treatment and disease localization. For 40 patients, titers of anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 were assessed in relation to treatment and clinical course after 12 months.

Results  Anti‐Dsg3 and anti‐Dsg1 positivity in patients with negative IIF was 70.6% and 58.8%, respectively. Anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 were positive in 89.3% and 100% of patients with mucocutaneous disease, respectively, 88.9% and 66.7% of patients with skin limited disease, respectively and 52.9% and 76.5% of patients with mucosal limited disease, respectively. Both antibody titers showed significant correlation with IIF and treatment status. Improvement of clinical status was associated with significant decrease of both anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 after 12 months.

Conclusions  Serum testing of anti‐Dsg1 and anti‐Dsg3 in PV patients not only provides significant correlations with IIF, treatment and disease type, but may serve as a monitoring tool for clinical course and treatment guidance.
Cathepsin K expression in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ishida M. , Kojima F. , Okabe H.
Published: January 2012

Background  Cathepsin K is a cysteine protease with strong collagenolytic and elastolytic properties. Recently, cathepsin K expression in tumour cells of malignant melanoma and in the stromal cells of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin has been reported to play an important role in tumour progression. However, its expression profile in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not yet been clarified.

Objective  The aim of this study is to examine the expression profile of cathepsin K in both the tumour cells and the peritumoural stromal cells of BCC in comparison with its expression in normal skin.

Methods  Fifty consecutive operative cases of BCC, 10 cases of actinic keratosis, 10 cases of Bowen’s disease and five normal skin tissues were assessed for cathepsin K expression by immunohistochemical methods.

Results  In normal skin, cathepsin K expression was observed in the stratum corneum, mature sebaceous cells and outer root sheath of the hair follicles. Cathepsin K was expressed in the tumour cells of all BCC cases, in which 90% showed diffuse expression (>51% of tumour cells), as well as in the peritumoural stromal cells in all BCC cases. Focal cathepsin K expression was observed in the tumour cells of Bowen’s disease (2/10 cases), but not in any of actinic keratosis (0/10 cases).

Conclusion  Cathepsin K expression may contribute to tumour invasion and peculiar histopathological features, such as fibromucinous stroma around the tumour nests by mediating extracellular matrix degradation in BCC.
Accelerated growth rates in late‐hatched Rhinoceros AukletCerorhinca monoceratachicks depend on food conditions and growth stage: an experimental approach
Authors: HIROSE FUMI , KAZAMA KENTARO , ITO MOTOHIRO , WATANUKI YUTAKA
Published: January 2012

In some bird species, the survival of chicks hatching later in the season is lower than those hatched earlier due to increased risk of predation and a seasonal decline in feeding conditions. To reduce these risks, it might be advantageous for late‐hatched chicks to grow faster and hence fledge at younger age. In this experimental study, the growth rates of early‐ and late‐hatched Rhinoceros AukletCerorhinca monoceratachicks were compared under average and poor food supplies in captivity. Controlling for potentially confounding effects of chick mass at 10 days old, chick age and nest‐chamber temperature, late‐hatched chicks had higher wing growth rate than early‐hatched chicks before attaining the minimum wing length required for fledgling under both average and poor food supplies. After attaining the minimum wing length, however, late‐hatched chicks had a lower fledging mass, indicating a potential cost that could diminish the early advantage of fast wing growth.
Lifelong rapamycin administration ameliorates age‐dependent cognitive deficits by reducing IL‐1β and enhancing NMDA signaling
Authors: Majumder Smita , Caccamo Antonella , Medina David X. , Benavides Adriana D. , Javors Martin A. , Kraig Ellen , Strong Randy , Richardson Arlan , Oddo Salvatore
Published: December 2011

Understanding the factors that contribute to age‐related cognitive decline is imperative, particularly as age is the major risk factor for several neurodegenerative disorders. Levels of several cytokines increase in the brain during aging, including IL‐1β, whose levels positively correlate with cognitive deficits. Previous reports show that reducing the activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) extends lifespan in yeast, nematodes, Drosophila, and mice. It remains to be established, however, whether extending lifespan with rapamycin is accompanied by an improvement in cognitive function. In this study, we show that 18‐month‐old mice treated with rapamycin starting at 2 months of age perform significantly better on a task measuring spatial learning and memory compared to age‐matched mice on the control diet. In contrast, rapamycin does not improve cognition when given to 15‐month‐old mice with pre‐existing, age‐dependent learning and memory deficits. We further show that the rapamycin‐mediated improvement in learning and memory is associated with a decrease in IL‐1β levels and an increase in NMDA signaling. This is the first evidence to show that a small molecule known to increase lifespan also ameliorates age‐dependent learning and memory deficits.
3‐Iodothyronamine: a modulator of the hypothalamus‐pancreas‐thyroid axes in mice
Authors: Manni Maria Elena , De Siena Gaetano , Saba Alessandro , Marchini Maja , Dicembrini Ilaria , Bigagli Elisabetta , Cinci Lorenzo , Lodovici Maura , Chiellini Grazia , Zucchi Riccardo , Raimondi Laura
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Preclinical pharmacology of 3‐iodothyronamine (T1AM), an endogenous derivative of thyroid hormones, indicates that it is a rapid modulator of rodent metabolism and behaviour. Since T1AM undergoes rapid enzymatic degradation, particularly by MAO, we hypothesized that the effects of T1AM might be altered by inhibition of MAO.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the effects of injecting T1AM (i.c.v.) on (i) feeding behaviour, hyperglycaemia and plasma levels of thyroid hormones and (ii) T1AM systemic bioavailability, in overnight fasted mice, under control conditions and after pretreatment with the MAO inhibitor clorgyline. T1AM (1.3, 6.6, 13, 20 and 26 µg·kg−1) or vehicle were injected i.c.v. in fasted male mice not pretreated or pretreated i.p. with clorgyline (2.5 mg·kg−1). Glycaemia was measured by a glucorefractometer, plasma triiodothyronine (fT3) by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay, c‐fos activation immunohistochemically and plasma T1AM by HPLC coupled to tandem‐MS.

KEY RESULTS T1AM, 1.3 µg·kg−1, produced a hypophagic effect (−24% vs. control) and reduced c‐fos activation. This dose showed systemic bioavailability (0.12% of injected dose), raised plasma glucose levels and reduced peripheral insulin sensitivity (−33% vs. control) and plasma fT3 levels. These effects were not linearly related to the dose injected. Clorgyline pretreatment strongly increased the systemic bioavailability of T1AM and prevented the hyperglycaemia and reduction in fT3 induced by T1AM.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS T1AM induces central and peripheral effects including hyperglycaemia and a reduction in plasma fT3 levels in fasted mice. These effects critically depend on the concentration of T1AM or its metabolites in target organs.
Efficacy of uterine artery embolisation for treatment of symptomatic fibroids and adenomyosis – An interim report on an Australian experience
Authors: Liang Eisen , Brown Bevan , Kirsop Rodney , Stewart Paul , Stuart Andrew
Published: January 2012

Background

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) has been widely described internationally, however there is a paucity of data reported from Australia.

Aim

To conduct a local audit on the efficacy and safety of UAE treating symptomatic fibroids and adenomyosis.

Methods

Clinical data of 76 consecutive UAEs were reviewed. Degree of fibroid‐related symptoms before embolisation and at follow‐up visits were compared. Procedural and subsequent complications were recorded. Uterine and fibroid volumes were measured on MRI at baseline and six months post‐UAE.

Results

Seventy‐six UAEs were performed in 75 women. Fifty‐nine women had follow‐up duration of more than six months, and one woman was lost to follow‐up. Clinical success was 93% overall (n = 59) and 96% for menorrhagia (n = 49). For dysmenorrhoea (n = 36), 89% of women had at least some improvement, 75% had significant improvement and 56% had resolution of pain. For urinary symptoms (n = 32), 97% of women had at least some improvement and 50% had resolution of all urinary symptoms. Adenomyosis was found in 17 (29%) women treated. The primary success rate was 96%, and secondary success rate (after repeat UAE) was 100%. MRI showed 50% uterine volume reduction and 60% dominant fibroid volume reduction. There were no significant procedural‐related acute complications. There were three possible cases of endometritis, two managed conservatively and one required hysterectomy.

Conclusions

This audit, based on local Australian experience, has confirmed that UAE is a safe and highly effective treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids and/or adenomyosis.