bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Analysis and the OPEA Model of the White-Light Flares Occurring on Krüger 60B (DO Cep)
Authors: Dal Hasan Ali
Published: November 2011

In this study, new observations and some results of statistical analyses are presented. The largest flare data set of DO Cep in the literature has been obtained with 89 flares detected in 67.61 hours ofU-band flare patrol. First of all, the observations demonstrated that the star is one of the most active flare stars in respect to the computed flare frequency. Secondly, using the independent samplest-test, the detected flares were classified into two subtypes, and then they were modelled. Analysing the models demonstrated that the fast and slow flares occurring on the star can be separated with a critical value of the ratio of their decay time to rise time. The critical value was computed as 3.40. According to this value, the fast flare rate is 20.22%, while the slow flare rate is 79.78%. Besides, there is a 39.282 times difference between the energies of these two types of flares. However, the flare equivalent durations versus the flare rise times increase in similar ways for both groups. In addition, all the flares were modelled with the one-phase exponential association function. Analysing this model, theplateauvalue was found to be 2.810. Moreover, thehalf-lifevalue was computed as 433.1 s from the model. The maximum flare rise time was found to be 1164 s, while the maximum flare total duration was found to be 3472 s. The results of the flare timescales indicate that the geometry of the flaring loop on the surface of the star might be similar to those seen on analogues of DO Cep. Consequently, considering both the half-life value and flare timescales, the flares detected on the surface of DO Cep get maximum energy in longer times, while the geometries of the flaring loops or areas get smaller.
Exploring the partnership networks of churches and church-affiliated organisations in health promotion
Authors: Ayton Darshini , Carey Gemma , Joss Nerida , Keleher Helen , Smith Ben
Published: November 2011

Health promotion professionals often work with community organisations and voluntary associations, including churches and church-affiliated organisations, to reduce health inequities within communities. How voluntary and church-affiliated organisations form intersectoral relationships and partnerships, and the challenges they face in doing so, has been well researched. However, there is a need to investigate further the extent to which local churches collaborate or form partnerships with other actors, such as government, peak bodies and welfare organisations. This paper reports a Victorian-based mapping exercise of partnerships and funding involving document analysis of the annual reports from 126 organisations and 35 interviews conducted with church-affiliated organisations and local churches. The discussion begins with the exploration of the nature of, and the reason why churches partner with other sectors. The paper also examines funding sources and partnership pathways that churches access to undertake the activities and programs they conduct. Interview themes highlight the value to churches of the sharing of expertise and resources, the provision of support to communities, a shared ethos of social justice and the empowerment of vulnerable populations. The findings about the extent to which local churches are involved in partnerships across society, and the extent of public and private funds they draw on to provide resources and assistance to local communities, indicate that churches are now a key player not just in welfare provision but also in health promotion activities. The findings contribute to the understanding of church activities in relation to health promotion and will assist organisations who may be potential partners to consider their collaborative efforts in the health promotion field.
Living U.S. Capitalism: The Normalization of Credit/Debt
Authors: Peñaloza Lisa , Barnhart Michelle
Published: November 2011

This research develops a theoretical account of cultural meanings as integral mechanisms in the normalization of credit/debt. Analysis derives these meanings from the credit/debt discourses and practices of 27 white middle-class consumers in the United States and tracks their negotiation in patterns and trajectories in social and market domains. Discussion elaborates the ways informants normalize credit/debt in transposing their categories, in improvising meaning combinations, and in suturing the meaning patterns to particular subject positions in constituting themselves as consumers. Theoretical contributions (1) distinguish consumers’ collaborative production of cultural meanings with friends, family, and others in the social domain and with financial agents and institutions in the market domain and (2) document the productive capacities of these meanings in patterns and trajectories in configuring people as consuming subjects. Implications situate such cultural reproduction processes in the United States in discussing how the national legacy of abundance informs the normalization of credit/debt.
The Effect of Aging on the Chaperone Concentrations in the Hepatic, Endoplasmic Reticulum of Male Rats: The Possible Role of Protein Misfolding Due to the Loss of Chaperones in the Decline in Physiological Function Seen With Age
Authors: Erickson Richard R. , Dunning Lisa M. , Holtzman Jordan L.
Published: November 2011

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones are highly conserved proteins that catalyze the posttranslational processing of all secretory and membrane proteins. Our studies suggest that chaperone declines are one of the two central defects in Alzheimer's disease. We propose that similar declines in other organ systems underlie the physiological deficits of aging. Rats were maintained in a colony from age 21 days to death. Animals were killed at regular intervals, and hepatic, ER chaperone contents were determined by immunoblotting. ERp55, ERp57, ERp72, BiP, and calnexin constitutive levels declined 30%–50% with age. Calreticulin was unaffected. BiP (also known as GRP78), ERp55, and ERp57 showed marked swings with peaks occurring in midwinter and midsummer. This cyclics declined 73% with age. Considering the role of the ER chaperones in membrane and secretory protein posttranslational processing, these data support the concept that their loss could lead to many of the physiological declines associated with aging.
Handgrip Strength Among Nonagenarians and Centenarians in Three European Regions
Authors: Jeune Bernard , Skytthe Axel , Cournil Amandine , Greco Valentina , Gampe Jutta , Berardelli Maurizio , Andersen-Ranberg Karen , Passarino Giuseppe , DeBenedictis Giovanna , Robine Jean-Marie
Published: November 2011

Background. Handgrip strength is an important predictor of disability and mortality among old people. The aim was to compare the grip strength among very old people in three regions of Europe.

Methods. In this substudy of the European Challenge for Healthy Aging project, only the long-lived probands were included. The maximum value of three measurements of handgrip strength was selected for the analysis. Adjustment for factors known to be correlated with grip strength was made by linear regression.

Results. Among 598 very old people (median age = 98 years) a clear North–South gradient was observed: For men, handgrip strength dropped from 24.2 kg in Southern Denmark to 20.8 kg in Languedoc-Roussillon, France and 14.2 kg in Calabria, Italy (p <.0001), whereas for women the drop was smaller (from 12.2 to 9.2 kg; p =.0021). The difference remains significant after adjustment for age, gender, housing, knee height, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale score, score on the Six-Item Mini-Mental State Examination, chair stand, and number of age-related diseases, although these factors explain two thirds of the variation in handgrip strength.

Conclusions. Among nonagenarians and centenarians in three different European regions, we found a significant North–South gradient in handgrip strength with substantially lower values in Calabria. This finding may be due both to population background differences (e.g., genetic variations, birth weight, childhood growth) and to sociocultural differences (e.g., lifestyle, health care).
An Analysis of the Relationship Between Metabolism, Developmental Schedules, and Longevity Using Phylogenetic Independent Contrasts
Authors: Magalhães João Pedro de , Costa Joana , Church George M.
Published: November 2011

Comparative studies of aging are often difficult to interpret because of the different factors that tend to correlate with longevity. We used the AnAge database to study these factors, particularly metabolism and developmental schedules, previously associated with longevity in vertebrate species. Our results show that, after correcting for body mass and phylogeny, basal metabolic rate does not correlate with longevity in eutherians or birds, although it negatively correlates with marsupial longevity and time to maturity. We confirm the idea that age at maturity is typically proportional to adult life span, and show that mammals that live longer for their body size, such as bats and primates, also tend to have a longer developmental time for their body size. Lastly, postnatal growth rates were negatively correlated with adult life span in mammals but not in birds. Our work provides a detailed view of factors related to species longevity with implications for how comparative studies of aging are interpreted.
Stability of Sex Differences in Cognition in Advanced Old Age: The Role of Education and Attrition
Authors: Gerstorf Denis , Herlitz Agneta , Smith Jacqui
Published: November 2011

We examined whether patterns of sex differences on tasks of perceptual speed, episodic memory, verbal fluency, and verbal knowledge are maintained during advanced old age. Using incomplete 13-year longitudinal data from participants in the Berlin Aging Study screened for dementia (N = 368; M = 83 years; range 70–100 years at baseline assessment), we estimated sex-specific age trajectories of cognitive change and explored the contributing role of education and attrition. We found that women and men declined virtually in parallel, with no evidence of differential change. After we controlled for age cohort-related differences in education, women outperformed men on tasks in the four cognitive domains. Findings also provide initial evidence that sex differences might be masked by differential patterns of sample attrition.
Coping, Affect, and the Metabolic Syndrome in Older Men: How Does Coping Get Under the Skin?
Authors: Yancura Loriena A. , Aldwin Carolyn M. , Levenson Michael R. , Spiro Avron
Published: November 2011

The metabolic syndrome is a complex construct with interrelated factors of obesity, blood pressure, lipids, and glucose. It is a risk factor for a number of chronic diseases in late life. This study tested a model in which the relationship between stress and the metabolic syndrome was mediated by appraisal, coping, and affect. Data were collected from 518 male participants in the Normative Aging Study (X  age = 68.17 years). The model was partially confirmed. Relationships among stress, appraisal, coping, and affect were valenced along positive and negative pathways. However, affect was not directly related to the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome was related to positive coping as operationalized by self-regulatory strategies. The results of this study suggest that the influence of coping on physical health may occur through emotional regulation.
Personality and Perceived Health in Older Adults: The Five Factor Model in Primary Care
Authors: Chapman Benjamin P. , Duberstein Paul R. , Sörensen Silvia , Lyness Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2011

Responses to specific questions tapping perceived health are associated with morbidity, mortality, and the use of health services, yet there has been little research on their personality correlates. We examined the associations between Five Factor Model personality traits and responses to four items extracted from the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 in 266 primary care patients who were 65 years of age or older. Multivariate analyses controlling for age, gender, depressive symptoms, and physical disease burden showed that having a higher Neuroticism score was associated with worse perceived health in response to all items except “I am as healthy as anybody I know.” Having a lower Extraversion score was associated with worse perceived health in response to the item “I expect my health to get worse.” We discuss implications for understanding personality influences on morbidity, mortality, and health services utilization.
Effects of Balance Status and Age on Muscle Activation While Walking Under Divided Attention
Authors: Fraser Sarah A. , Li Karen Z. H. , DeMont Richard G. , Penhune Virginia B.
Published: November 2011

We examined the role of attention during different phases of the gait cycle by using a dual-task paradigm. Younger and older adults performed a self-paced treadmill walking task, a semantic judgment task, and both tasks simultaneously. We recorded vocal reaction time for the judgment task, and we recorded muscle activity by the use of electromyography. We derived dual-task costs from difference scores (single vs dual task). Our analysis of the judgment task showed that both groups responded more quickly during dual-task conditions than during single-task conditions. In five of eight muscle groups, stance-phase muscle activity decreased significantly from dual to single task. For older adults, individuals with poor balance increased their muscle activity during dual-task performance. These results suggest that, during moderately demanding walking and cognitive performance, poor balancers can compensate successfully for their motoric vulnerability.
Comparative investigations of manual action representations: evidence that chimpanzees represent the costs of potential future actions involving tools
Authors: Frey Scott H. , Povinelli Daniel J.
Published: November 2011

The ability to adjust one's ongoing actions in the anticipation of forthcoming task demands is considered as strong evidence for the existence of internal action representations. Studies of action selection in tool use reveal that the behaviours that we choose in the present moment differ depending on what we
intend to do next
. Further, they point to a specialized role for mechanisms within the human cerebellum and dominant left cerebral hemisphere in representing the likely
sensory costs
of intended future actions. Recently, the question of whether similar mechanisms exist in other primates has received growing, but still limited, attention. Here, we present data that bear on this issue from a species that is a natural user of tools, our nearest living relative, the chimpanzee. In experiment 1, a subset of chimpanzees showed a non-significant tendency for their grip preferences to be affected by anticipation of the demands associated with bringing a tool's baited end to their mouths. In experiment 2, chimpanzees' initial grip preferences were consistently affected by anticipation of the forthcoming movements in a task that involves using a tool to extract a food reward. The partial discrepancy between the results of these two studies is attributed to the ability to accurately represent differences between the motor costs associated with executing the two response alternatives available within each task. These findings suggest that chimpanzees are capable of accurately representing the costs of intended future actions, and using those predictions to select movements in the present even in the context of externally directed tool use.
Primary cicatricial alopecia: Recent advances in understanding and management
Authors: OHYAMA Manabu
Published: November 2011

Primary cicatricial alopecias (PCA) are a rare group of disorders, in which the hair follicle is the main target of destructive inflammation resulting in irreversible hair loss with scarring of affected lesions. The most typical clinical manifestation of PCA is the loss of visible follicular ostia. The histopathological hallmark of a fully developed lesion is the replacement of the hair follicle structure by fibrous tissue. PCA could share similar clinical manifestations and eventually lead to “burn‐out” alopecia. Some subsets are hardly distinguishable histopathologically and the mechanisms that elicit such a destructive reaction have not been fully elucidated. Thus, the management of PCA represents one of the most challenging clinical problems for dermatologists. The aim of this review is to provide a concise and comprehensive summary of recent advances in PCA management, especially focusing on novel methodologies to aid diagnosis, and updates on our understanding of the etiopathogenesis. Dermoscopy, a new pathological preparation technique and direct immunofluorescence analysis enable more accurate clinicopathological diagnosis of PCA. Microarray analysis may be beneficial to distinguish PCA subtypes. Currently suggested mechanisms underlying PCA include loss of immune protection of stem cells, impaired stem cell self‐maintenance, enhanced autoimmunity by pro‐inflammatory cytokines and environmental/genetic predispositions. Interestingly, recent data indicates the association between lipid metabolism dysregulation and PCA development, implying an important role of the sebaceous gland dysfunction in the etiopathogenesis. Based on that hypothesis and observations, novel therapeutic approaches have been proposed, including the use of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ agonist for lichen planopilaris.
On the trail of a cereal killer: recent advances in Fusarium graminearum pathogenomics and host resistance
Authors: KAZAN KEMAL , GARDINER DONALD M. , MANNERS JOHN M.
Published: November 2011

The ascomycete fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum (sexual stage: Gibberella zeae) causes the devastating head blight or scab disease on wheat and barley, and cob or ear rot disease on maize. Fusarium graminearum infection causes significant crop and quality losses. In addition to roles as virulence factors during pathogenesis, trichothecene mycotoxins (e.g. deoxynivalenol) produced by this pathogen constitute a significant threat to human and animal health if consumed in respective food or feed products. In the last few years, significant progress has been made towards a better understanding of the processes involved in F. graminearum pathogenesis, toxin biosynthesis and host resistance mechanisms through the use of high‐throughput genomic and phenomic technologies. In this article, we briefly review these new advances and also discuss how future research can contribute to the development of sustainable plant protection strategies against this important plant pathogen.
RD‐CODOX‐M/IVAC with rituximab and intrathecal liposomal cytarabine in adult Burkitt lymphoma and ‘unclassifiable’ highly aggressive B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Corazzelli Gaetano , Frigeri Ferdinando , Russo Filippo , Frairia Chiara , Arcamone Manuela , Esposito Gennaro , De Chiara Annarosaria , Morelli Emanuela , Capobianco Gaetana , Becchimanzi Cristina , Volzone Francesco , Saggese Mariangela , Marcacci Giampaolo , De Filippi Rosaria , Vitolo Umberto , Pinto Antonio
Published: November 2011

Specific trials on adult Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and ‘unclassifiable’ lymphomas with features intermediate between BL and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (BL/DLBCL) are advocated which include substantial numbers of older patients, to improve treatment feasibility, while countering risks of systemic and central nervous system (CNS) recurrences. We prospectively evaluated a modified CODOX‐M/IVAC (CODOX‐M: cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, high‐dose methotrexate; IVAC: ifosfamide, etoposide and high‐dose cytarabine) regimen by the addition of rituximab (R) and liposome‐encapsulated cytarabine (D) to increase antitumour activity and halve the number of intrathecal treatments. Thirty adults (40% >60 years) with BL (n = 15) and BL/DLBCL (n = 15) were accrued. Primary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS), CNS recurrence, and liposomal cytarabine‐associated toxicity. Eighty percent of patients received the whole treatment programme, the remaining cases received at least three full courses. Application of the RD‐CODOX‐M/IVAC regimen resulted in remarkable 4‐year PFS (78%) and complete remission (CR) rates (93%). However, PFS was significantly lower in patients older than 60 years as compared to younger ones (49%vs 93%, P = 0·03; median, 36 months), despite high actual dose‐intensity, CR rate and tolerability. Reduced‐intensity intratechal prophylaxis through liposomal cytarabine was effective because the CNS failure rate was low (3·4%) and without severe neurological toxicities. The RD‐CODOX‐M/IVAC strategy is feasible and highly effective, but improving outcomes in elderly patients remains a priority.
Gonadotrophin secretion pattern in anorchid boys from birth to pubertal age: pathophysiological aspects and diagnostic usefulness
Authors: Grinspon Romina P. , Ropelato María G. , Bedecarrás Patricia , Loreti Nazareth , Ballerini María G. , Gottlieb Silvia , Campo Stella M. , Rey Rodolfo A.
Published: November 2011

Context  The biphasic ontogeny of serum gonadotrophins observed in normal children also exists in girls with gonadal dysgenesis, although with higher levels. However, limited data exist in prepubertal boys with anorchia.

Objective  To investigate whether the existence of testicular tissue is required for gonadotrophin downregulation in boys. Secondarily, we analysed the prevalence of high gonadotrophins and its diagnostic value to assess the presence or absence of testes in childhood.

Study design  In a retrospective, semi‐longitudinal study, we compared serum gonadotrophin levels in 35 boys with anorchia aged 0–18 years, in 29 bilaterally cryptorchid boys with abdominal testes and in 236 normal boys.

Results  In anorchid boys, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were abnormally high in the first months after birth, then decreased progressively. LH decreased more readily than FSH and dropped to normal values in up to 70% of anorchid patients before the usual age of pubertal onset, when both gonadotrophins increased again to very high levels. In cryptorchid boys, FSH was elevated in a significantly (P < 0·0001) lower proportion of cases. Below the age of 6 years, FSH below 2 IU/l ruled out anorchia and LH above 5 IU/l confirmed anorchia with high accuracy. Between 6 and 11 years, FSH or LH levels above 5 IU/l were highly specific for the absence of testes.

Conclusions  The U‐shaped pattern of serum gonadotrophins observed in normal males from birth to puberty was also found in anorchid boys, but with gonadotrophin levels considerably elevated. Serum gonadotrophin levels may normalize in anorchid boys during late childhood only to rise again at puberty. The presence of testicular tissue results in restrain of gonadotrophin secretion in most patients, even if the testes are cryptorchid.
Fine epitope mapping within the pathogenic thyroglobulin peptide 2340–2359: minimal epitopes retaining antigenicity across various MHC haplotypes are not necessarily immunogenic
Authors: Hatzioannou Aikaterini , Alevizaki Maria , Carayanniotis George , Lymberi Peggy
Published: November 2011

We have previously reported that the 20‐mer peptide p2340 (amino acids 2340–2359), of human thyroglobulin (Tg) has the unique feature that it causes experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) in mouse strains bearing high‐responder (HR) or low‐responder (LR) MHC haplotypes in Tg‐induced EAT. In this study, we have employed fine epitope mapping to examine whether this property of p2340 is the result of recognition of distinct or shared minimal T‐cell epitopes in the context of HR or LR MHC class II molecules. Use of overlapping peptides showed that a core minimal 9‐mer epitope (LTWVQTHIR, amino acids 2344–2352) was recognized by p2340‐primed T cells from both HR (H2k,s) and LR (H2b,d) strains, whereas a second 9‐mer epitope (HIRGFGGDP, amino acids 2350–2358) was antigenic only in H2s hosts. Truncation analysis of LTWVQTHIR and HIRGFGGDP peptides delineated them as the minimal epitopes recognized by p2340‐primed T cells from the above strains. Subcutaneous challenge of all mouse strains with the 9‐mer core peptide LTWVQTHIR in adjuvant elicited specific lymph node cell proliferative responses and mild EAT only in HR hosts, highlighting this sequence as a minimal pathogenic Tg peptide in EAT. The 9‐mer peptide HIRGFGGDP was not found to be immunogenic in H2s hosts. These data demonstrate that minimal T‐cell epitopes, defined as autoantigenic in hosts of various MHC haplotypes, are not intrinsically immunogenic. Activation of naive autoreactive T cells may require contributions from flanking residues within longer peptide sequences encompassing these epitopes.
Identification ofYersinia ruckerifrom diseased salmonid fish by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Wortberg F , Nardy E , Contzen M , Rau J
Published: November 2011

Yersinia ruckeriis the causative agent of enteric redmouth disease (ERM), which mainly affects salmonid fish. Isolates ofY. ruckerifrom diseased salmonid fish were obtained over a 6‐year period from eight fish farms in the State of Baden‐Württemberg, Southwest Germany. The strains were characterized by biochemical methods and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) combined with artificial neural network analysis. These methods were complemented by 16S rDNA sequencing for several isolates. The set of strains from these fish farms included sorbitol‐positive, gelatinase‐positive and non‐motileY. ruckeri. These variants were differentiated with an advanced FT‐IR module, which is part of a higher‐ranking method including more than 200 well‐definedYersiniastrains against a background of more than 1000 other Gram‐negative isolates. Validation of the newly constructed method yielded 97.4% ofY. ruckeriidentified correctly on the species level. Thus, the FT‐IR analysis enables distinction of allY. ruckerifrom otherYersiniaspecies (e.g. fish‐borneY. enterocolitica) and other Enterobacteriaceae typically misidentified because of similar biochemical reaction profiles, especiallyHafnia alvei. The differentiation of sorbitol‐positive variants ofY. ruckeriusing FT‐IR was demonstrated.
Cardiovascular Actions of Leptin in the Subfornical Organ are Abolished by Diet‐Induced Obesity
Authors: Smith P. M. , Ferguson A. V.
Published: November 2011

The subfornical organ (SFO), a sensory circumventricular organ lacking the normal blood–brain barrier with well documented roles in cardiovascular regulation, has recently been identified as a potential site at which the adipokine, leptin, may act to influence central autonomic pathways. Systemic and central leptin administration has been shown to increase blood pressure and it has been suggested that selective leptin resistance contributes to obesity‐related hypertension. Given the relationship between obesity and hypertension, the present study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular consequences of the direct administration of leptin into the SFO of young lean rats and in the diet‐induced obesity (DIO) rat model, which has been shown to be leptin‐resistant. Leptin administration (500 fmol) directly into the SFO of young rats resulted in rapid decreases in blood pressure (BP) [mean area under the curve (AUC) = −677.8 ± 167.1 mmHg*s; n = 9], without an effect on heart rate (mean AUC = −21.2 ± 13.4 beats; n = 9), and these effects were found to be dose‐related as microinjection of 5 pmol of leptin into the SFO had a larger effect on BP (mean AUC = −972.3 ± 280.1 mmHg*s; n = 4). These BP effects were also shown to be site‐specific as microinjection of leptin into non‐SFO regions or into the ventricle was without effect on BP (non‐SFO: mean AUC = −22.4 ± 55.3 mmHg*s; n = 4; ventricle: mean AUC = 194.0 ± 173.0 mmHg*s; n = 6). By contrast, microinjection of leptin into leptin‐resistant DIO rats was without effect on BP (mean AUC = 205.2 ± 75.1 mmHg*s; n = 4). These observations suggest that the SFO may be an important relay centre through which leptin, in normal weight, leptin responsive rats, acts to maintain BP within normal physiological limits through descending autonomic pathways involved in cardiovascular control and that, in obese, leptin‐resistant, rats leptin no longer influences SFO neurones, resulting in an elevated BP, thus contributing to obesity‐related hypertension.
Actin Cytoskeleton Remodelling by Sex Steroids in Neurones
Authors: Sanchez A. M. , Flamini M. I. , Polak K. , Palla G. , Spina S. , Mannella P. , Genazzani A. D. , Simoncini T.
Published: November 2011

Cell morphology and its interaction with the extracellular environment are integrated processes involving a number of intracellular controllers orchestrating cytoskeletal proteins and their interaction with the cell membrane and anchorage proteins. Sex steroids are effective regulators of cell morphology and tissue organisation, and recent evidence indicates that this is obtained through the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Intriguingly, many of these regulatory actions related to cell morphology are achieved through the rapid, nonclassical signalling of sex steroid receptors to kinase cascades, independently from nuclear alteration of gene expression or protein synthesis. The identification of the mechanistic basis for these rapid actions on cell cytoskeleton has special relevance for the characterisation of the effects of sex steroids under physiological conditions, such as for the development of neurone/neurone interconnections and dendritic spine density. This is considered to be critical for gender‐specific differences in brain function and dysfunction. Recent advancements in the characterisation of the molecular basis of the extranuclear signalling of sex steroids help to clarify the role of oestrogen and progesterone in the brain, and may turn out to be of relevance for clinical purposes. This review highlights the regulatory effects of oestrogens and progesterone on actin cytoskeleton and neurone morphology, as well as recent progresses in the characterisation of these mechanisms, providing insights and working hypotheses on possible clinical applications for the modulation of these pathways in the central nervous system.
Multiple lines of evidence for demographic and range expansion of a temperate species (Hyla sarda) during the last glaciation
Authors: BISCONTI ROBERTA , CANESTRELLI DANIELE , COLANGELO PAOLO , NASCETTI GIUSEPPE
Published: November 2011

Many temperate species experienced demographic and range contractions in response to climatic changes during Pleistocene glaciations. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary history of the Tyrrhenian tree frogHyla sarda, a species inhabiting the Corsica–Sardinia island system (Western Mediterranean basin). We used sequence analysis of two mitochondrial (overall 1229 bp) and three nuclear (overall 1692 bp) gene fragments to assess the phylogeography and demographic history of this species, and species distribution modelling (SDM) to predict its range variation over time. Phylogeographic, historical demographic and SDM analyses consistently indicate thatH. sardadoes not conform to the scenario generally expected for temperate species but rather underwent demographic and range expansion mostly during the last glacial phase. Palaeogeographic data and SDM analyses suggest that such expansion was driven by the glaciation‐induced increase in lowland areas during marine regression. This unusual scenario suggests that at least some temperate species may not have suffered the adverse effects of glacial climate on their population size and range extent, owing to the mitigating effects of other glaciations‐induced palaeoenvironmental changes. We discuss previous clues for the occurrence of such a scenario in other species and some possible challenges with its identification. Early phylogeographic literature suggested that responses to the Pleistocene glacial–interglacial cycles were expected to vary among species and regions. Our results point out that such variation may have been greater than previously thought.
Prevalence and distribution of Potato mop‐top virus in Scotland
Authors: Carnegie S. F. , Davey T. , Saddler G. S.
Published: November 2011

This study was undertaken to determine the current occurrence in Scottish seed potato crops of Potato mop‐top virus (PMTV), which is transmitted by Spongospora subterranea and causes spraing (brown arcs and lines) in the flesh of potato tubers, rendering them unsaleable. In 2004, a stratified survey of four commonly grown cultivars was conducted, while in 2007 and 2008, only samples from powdery scab‐affected crops were collected. The incidence of crops in which infection by PMTV was present was 37·5% in the stratified survey in 2004, but was greater in surveys in which tubers with powdery scab were tested (47·2% in 2007 and 44·6% in 2008). Similarly, the frequency of crops with incidences of more than 10% tuber infection was lower (9·4%) in 2004 than in 2007 (25·4%) and in 2008 (26·2%). Significant differences in crop infection were found amongst the four major seed‐producing regions and the counties within these regions. The incidence of crop and tuber infection was least for class Pre‐basic seed potatoes and greatest for class Super Elite 3 and Elite seed potatoes. The results indicate that the prevalence of PMTV has not increased since surveys in the early 1970s.
Infection routes for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in apetalous and fully petalled winter oilseed rape
Authors: Young C. S. , Werner C. P.
Published: November 2011

Near‐isogenic lines (NILs) of apetalous (AP) and fully petalled (FP) winter oilseed rape were used to investigate infection by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which occurs mainly via infected petals adhering to leaves in FP oilseed rape. AP1 flowers had an average of 1·4 and 0·8 petals per flower in field and polytunnel experiments, respectively. In field experiments there were no significant differences between counts of FP1 petals, FP1 stamens and AP1 stamens adhered to leaves during flowering. At any one sample time, significantly more stamens tested positive for S. sclerotiorum on AP1 than FP1 NILs, e.g. in 2004, at early flowering 37·5% and 24·2% of stamens tested positive on AP1 and FP1 NILs, respectively. In polytunnel experiments, there were significantly more sclerotinia lesions per plant in the FP1 than in the AP1 NIL. The AP1 NIL did not avoid infection completely, probably because it produced some petals, and lesions were initiated from adhered stamens as well as petals. However, while 8·5% and 16·3% of petals initiated lesions in FP1 and AP1 NILs, respectively, only 2·5% and 1·0% of stamens initiated lesions in FP1 and AP1 NILs, which suggests stamens may be less infective than petals. In field experiments the AP1 NIL had significantly less incidence of sclerotinia stem rot than the FP1 NIL in 2004 (4·9% and 7·0%, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in stem rot incidence between AP and FP lines in 2005 (3·6% and 4·3%, respectively) or 2006 (5·5% and 3·9%, respectively).
Relationship between sweet orange yield and intensity of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis
Authors: Gonçalves F. P. , Stuchi E. S. , Lourenço S. A. , Hau B. , Amorim L.
Published: November 2011

Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) is currently present in approximately 40% of citrus plants in Brazil and causes an annual loss of around 120 million US dollars to the Brazilian citrus industry. Despite the fact that CVC has been present in Brazil for over 20 years, a relationship between disease intensity and yield loss has not been established. In order to achieve this, an experiment was carried out in a randomized block design in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme with 10‐year‐old Natal sweet orange. The following treatments were applied: irrigation with 0, 50 or 100% of the evapotranspiration of the crop, combined with natural infection or artificial inoculation with Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of CVC. The experiment was evaluated during three seasons. A negative exponential model was fitted to the relationships between yield versus CVC severity and yield versus Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). In addition, the relationship between yield versus CVC severity and canopy volume was fitted by a multivariate exponential model. The use of the AUDPC variable showed practical limitations when compared with the variable CVC severity. The parameter values in the relationship of yield–CVC severity were similar for all treatments unlike in the multivariate model. Consequently, the yield–CVC intensity relationship (with 432 data points) could be described by one single model: y = 114·07 exp(−0·017 x), where y is yield (symptomless fruit weight in kg) and x is disease severity (R2 = 0·45; P < 0·01).
Responses of avocado to laurel wilt, caused byRaffaelea lauricola
Authors: Ploetz R. C. , Pérez‐Martínez J. M. , Smith J. A. , Hughes M. , Dreaden T. J. , Inch S. A. , Fu Y.
Published: November 2011

Laurel wilt, caused byRaffaelea lauricola, threatens native and non‐native species in the Lauraceae in the south‐eastern USA. Avocado,Persea americana, is the most important agricultural suscept of laurel wilt. Grafted plants (clonal scions on seedling rootstocks) of 24 cultivars were screened against the disease in the field from 2008 to 2010. Disease was induced with either mycelial plugs or conidial suspensions ofR. lauricola. There were significant differences in the severity of disease that developed on different cultivars, and West Indian cultivars were most susceptible (P < 0·05). Simmonds, a West Indian cultivar that comprises 35% of the commercial production in Florida, was consistently susceptible and was used as a standard genotype in different studies. Disease severity increased significantly on cv. Simmonds as plant size (stem diameter) increased (P < 0·0042). In greenhouse studies, internal (sapwood) and external disease severities on cv. Simmonds were correlated (P < 0·0001), and a threshold was evident, in that external symptoms developed only after moderately severe symptoms had developed internally. Latent infection was uncommon;R. lauricolawas usually isolated on a semiselective medium or detected via qPCR only from discoloured xylem of inoculated cv. Simmonds. As basipetal movement of the pathogen was common, its movement among trees via root grafts is probable. Greater understanding is needed of the movement ofR. lauricolain naturally and artificially infected trees, and whether sufficient tolerance exists in avocado to assist in the management of this important new disease.
Malaria prevalence and treatment of febrile patients at health facilities and medicine retailers in Cameroon
Authors: Mangham Lindsay J. , Cundill Bonnie , Achonduh Olivia A. , Ambebila Joel N. , Lele Albertine K. , Metoh Theresia N. , Ndive Sarah N. , Ndong Ignatius C. , Nguela Rachel L. , Nji Akindeh M. , Orang‐Ojong Barnabas , Wiseman Virginia , Pamen‐Ngako Joelle , Mbacham Wilfred F.
Published: November 2011

Objective  To investigate the quality of malaria case management in Cameroon 5 years after the adoption of artemisinin‐based combination therapy (ACT). Treatment patterns were examined in different types of facility, and the factors associated with being prescribed or receiving an ACT were investigated.

Methods  A cross‐sectional cluster survey was conducted among individuals of all ages who left public and private health facilities and medicine retailers in Cameroon and who reported seeking treatment for a fever. Prevalence of malaria was determined by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in consenting patients attending the facilities and medicine retailers.

Results  Among the patients, 73% were prescribed or received an antimalarial, and 51% were prescribed or received an ACT. Treatment provided to patients significantly differed by type of facility: 65% of patients at public facilities, 55% of patients at private facilities and 45% of patients at medicine retailers were prescribed or received an ACT (P = 0.023). The odds of a febrile patient being prescribed or receiving an ACT were significantly higher for patients who asked for an ACT (OR = 24.1, P < 0.001), were examined by the health worker (OR = 1.88, P = 0.021), had not previously sought an antimalarial for the illness (OR = 2.29, P = 0.001) and sought treatment at a public (OR = 3.55) or private facility (OR = 1.99, P = 0.003). Malaria was confirmed in 29% of patients and 70% of patients with a negative result were prescribed or received an antimalarial.

Conclusions  Malaria case management could be improved. Symptomatic diagnosis is inefficient because two‐thirds of febrile patients do not have malaria. Government plans to extend malaria testing should promote rational use of ACT; though, the introduction of rapid diagnostic testing needs to be accompanied by updated clinical guidelines that provide clear guidance for the treatment of patients with negative test results.
A nodule developing within a congenital verrucous‐surfaced plaque on the lower back
Authors: Kim Hee Joo , Lee Kyung Goo , Yi Sang Min , Kim Jae Hwan , Kim Il‐Hwan
Published: November 2011

What is your diagnosis?
Multiple squamous cell carcinomas in the setting of psoriasis treated with etanercept: a report of four cases and review of the literature
Authors: Brewer Jerry D. , Hoverson Schott Alyssa R. , Roenigk Randall K.
Published: November 2011

Background  Psoriasis is a common, chronic, hyperproliferative disease of the skin characterized by overexpression of type 1 cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α. There is concern that antitumor necrosis factor agents such as etanercept may increase the incidence of cutaneous malignancies; however, the data are conflicting. Our objective was to further understand the characteristics and association of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development in patients with psoriasis who used etanercept.

Methods  Four patients with psoriasis were identified as having SCCs in the setting of etanercept. The histories of these patients were reviewed retrospectively.

Results  All four patients had lifelong psoriasis. The mean time of SCC onset was 11 months after etanercept therapy was begun (range, 1–17 months), and the number of SCCs in each patient ranged from five to more than 50.

Conclusions  Currently, reports are conflicting about the effect of etanercept on SCC development. We present the first case series of patients in whom SCC developed in the setting of etanercept therapy. More research is needed to better characterize the effects of etanercept on the development and behavior of SCC in patients with psoriasis.
Sevoflurane vs. propofol in patients with coronary disease undergoing mitral surgery: a randomised study
Authors: BIGNAMI E. , LANDONI G. , GERLI C. , TESTA V. , MIZZI A. , FANO G. , NUZZI M. , FRANCO A. , ZANGRILLO A.
Published: November 2011

Background

Myocardial ischemic damage is reduced by volatile anaesthetics in patients undergoing low‐risk coronary artery bypass graft surgery; few and discordant results exist in other settings. We therefore performed a randomised controlled trial (sevoflurane vs. propofol) to compare cardiac troponin release in patients with coronary disease undergoing mitral surgery.

Methods

Patients with coronary artery disease undergoing mitral surgery were randomly allocated to receive either sevoflurane (50 patients) or propofol (50 patients) as main hypnotic. The primary endpoint of the study was peak post‐operative cardiac troponin release defined as the maximum value among the post‐operative values measured at intensive care unit arrival, 4 h later, on the first and second post‐operative day.

Results

There was no significant difference in post‐operative peak troponin release, the median (25th–75th percentiles) values being 14.9 (10.1–22.1) ng/ml and 14.5 (8.8–17.6) ng/ml in the sevoflurane and propofol groups, respectively (P = 0.4). Fentanyl administration was different between the two groups: 1347 ± 447 μg in patients receiving sevoflurane and 1670 ± 469 μg in those receiving propofol, P = 0.002. The 1‐year follow‐up identified two patients who died in the propofol group (one myocardial infarction and one low cardiac output syndrome) and one in the sevoflurane group (myocardial infarction).

Conclusion

In this study, patients with coronary artery disease undergoing mitral surgery did not benefit from the cardioprotective properties of halogenated anaesthetics. Sevoflurane anaesthesia was not associated to lower cardiac troponin release when compared with propofol anaesthesia.
Protection by remote ischemic preconditioning during coronary artery bypass graft surgery with isoflurane but not propofol – a clinical trial
Authors: KOTTENBERG E. , THIELMANN M. , BERGMANN L. , HEINE T. , JAKOB H. , HEUSCH G. , PETERS J.
Published: November 2011

Background

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) of the myocardium by limb ischemia/reperfusion may mitigate cardiac damage, but its interaction with the anesthetic regimen is unknown. We tested whether RIPC is associated with differential effects depending on background anesthesia. Specifically, we hypothesized that RIPC during isoflurane anesthesia attenuates myocardial injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, and that effects may be different during propofol anesthesia.

Methods

In a randomized, single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled prospective study, serum troponin I concentration (cTnI) (baseline, and 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively) were measured during isoflurane/sufentanil or propofol/sufentanil anesthesia with or without RIPC (three 5‐min periods of intermittent left upper arm ischemia with 5 min reperfusion each) in non‐diabetic patients (n = 72) with three‐vessel coronary artery disease (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01406678).

Results

RIPC during isoflurane anesthesia (n = 20) decreased the area under the cTnI time curve (cTnI AUC) (−50%, 190 ± 105 ng/ml × 72 h vs. 383 ± 262 ng/ml × 72 h, P = 0.004), and the peak (7.3 ± 3.6 ng/ml vs. 11.8 ± 5.5, P = 0.004) and serial (P < 0.041) postoperative cTnI when compared to isoflurane alone (n = 19). In contrast, RIPC during propofol anesthesia (n = 14) did not alter the cTnI AUC [263 ± 157 ng/ml × 72 h vs. 372 ± 376 ng/ml × 72 h (n = 19), P = 0.318] or peak postoperative cTnI (10.1 ± 4.5 ng/ml vs. 12 ± 8.2, P = 0.444). None of the patients experienced harm or side effects from the intermittent left arm ischemia.

Conclusion

Thus, RIPC during isoflurane but not during propofol anesthesia decreased myocardial damage in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Accordingly, effects of RIPC evoked by upper limb ischemia/reperfusion depend on background anesthesia, with combined RIPC/isoflurane exerting greater beneficial effects under conditions studied.
The axon initial segment in nervous system disease and injury
Authors: Buffington Shelly A. , Rasband Matthew N.
Published: November 2011

The axon initial segment (AIS), with its dense clusters of voltage‐gated ion channels decorating the axonal membrane, regulates action potential initiation and modulation. The AIS also functions as a barrier to maintain axodendritic polarity, and its precise axonal location contributes to the fine‐tuning of neuronal excitability. Therefore, it is not surprising that mutations in AIS‐related genes, disruption of the molecular organization of the AIS and altered AIS ion channel expression, function, location and/or density are emerging as key players in neurological disorders. Here, we consider the role of the AIS in nervous system disease and injury.