bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two linked genes encoding a secreted effector and a membrane protein are essential for Ustilago maydis‐induced tumour formation
Authors: Doehlemann Gunther , Reissmann Stefanie , Aßmann Daniela , Fleckenstein Martin , Kahmann Regine
Published: June 2011

Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic fungal pathogen that colonizes living tissue of its host plant maize. Based on transcriptional upregulation during biotrophic development we identified the pit (proteins important for tumours) cluster, a novel gene cluster comprising four genes of which two are predicted to encode secreted effectors. Disruption of the gene cluster abolishes U. maydis‐induced tumour formation and this phenotype can be caused by deleting either pit1 encoding a transmembrane protein or pit2 encoding a secreted protein. Pit1 localizes to the fungal plasma membrane at hyphal tips, endosomes and vacuoles while Pit2 is secreted to the biotrophic interface. Both Δpit1 and Δpit2 mutants are able to penetrate maize epidermis and grow intracellularly at sites of infection but fail to spread in the infected leaf. Microarray analysis shows an indistinguishable response of the plant to infection by Δpit1 and Δpit2 mutant strains. Transcriptional activation of maize defence genes in infections with Δpit1/2 mutant strains indicates that the mutants have a defect in suppressing plant immune responses. Our results suggest that the activity of Pit1 and Pit2 during tumour formation might be functionally linked and we discuss possibilities for a putative functional connection of the two proteins.
Responses to water stress of gas exchange and metabolites in Eucalyptus and Acacia spp.
Authors: WARREN CHARLES R. , ARANDA ISMAEL , CANO F. JAVIER
Published: June 2011

Studies of water stress commonly examine either gas exchange or leaf metabolites, and many fail to quantify the concentration of CO2 in the chloroplasts (Cc). We redress these limitations by quantifying Cc from discrimination against 13CO2 and using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for leaf metabolite profiling. Five Eucalyptus and two Acacia species from semi‐arid to mesic habitats were subjected to a 2 month water stress treatment (Ψpre‐dawn = −1.7 to −2.3 MPa). Carbohydrates dominated the leaf metabolite profiles of species from dry areas, whereas organic acids dominated the metabolite profiles of species from wet areas. Water stress caused large decreases in photosynthesis and Cc, increases in 17–33 metabolites and decreases in 0–9 metabolites. In most species, fructose, glucose and sucrose made major contributions to osmotic adjustment. In Acacia, significant osmotic adjustment was also caused by increases in pinitol, pipecolic acid and trans‐4‐hydroxypipecolic acid. There were also increases in low‐abundance metabolites (e.g. proline and erythritol), and metabolites that are indicative of stress‐induced changes in metabolism [e.g. γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt, photorespiration, phenylpropanoid pathway]. The response of gas exchange to water stress and rewatering is rather consistent among species originating from mesic to semi‐arid habitats, and the general response of metabolites to water stress is rather similar, although the specific metabolites involved may vary.
Compound‐specific differences in 13C of soluble carbohydrates in leaves and phloem of 6‐month‐old Eucalyptus globulus (Labill)
Authors: MERCHANT ANDREW , WILD BIRGIT , RICHTER ANDREAS , BELLOT SIDONIE , ADAMS MARK A. , DREYER ERWIN
Published: June 2011

Movement of photoassimilates from leaves to phloem is an important step for the flux of carbon through plants. Fractionation of carbon isotopes during this process may influence their abundance in heterotrophic tissues. We subjected Eucalyptus globulus to 20, 25 and 28 °C ambient growth temperatures and measured compound‐specific δ13C of carbohydrates obtained from leaves and bled phloem sap. We compared δ13C of sucrose and raffinose obtained from leaf or phloem and of total leaf soluble carbon, with modelled values predicted by leaf gas exchange. Changes in δ13C of sucrose and raffinose obtained from either leaves or phloem sap were more tightly coupled to changes in ci/ca than was δ13C of leaf soluble carbon. At 25 and 28 °C, sucrose and raffinose were enriched in 13C compared to leaf soluble carbon and predicted values – irrespective of tissue type. Phloem sucrose was depleted and raffinose enriched in 13C compared to leaf extracts. Intermolecular and tissue‐specific δ13C reveal that multiple systematic factors influence 13C composition during export to phloem. Predicting sensitivity of these factors to changes in plant physiological status will improve our ability to infer plant function at a range of temporal and spatial scales.
Accuracy of circulating cathodic antigen tests for rapid mapping of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium infections in Southern Sudan
Authors: Ashton Ruth A. , Stewart Barclay T. , Petty Nora , Lado Mounir , Finn Timothy , Brooker Simon , Kolaczinski Jan H.
Published: June 2011

Objective  To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) urine dipstick test for detecting Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium alongside an integrated rapid mapping survey in Southern Sudan.

Methods and Results  A total of 373 children aged 5–16 years were included in the study. Of these 26.0% were infected with S. haematobium and 24.5% were infected with S. mansoni, as identified by urine filtration or single Kato–Katz thick smear, respectively. The CCA performed moderately in detecting S. mansoni, with sensitivity of 89.1% and specificity of 74.2%, and poorly in detecting S. haematobium infections, with a sensitivity of 36.8% and specificity of 78.9%. This may be a slight underestimate of true CCA accuracy, since only single stool and urine samples were examined by microscopy. The true ‘gold standard’ for comparison would have been the collection of multiple stool samples over consecutive days.

Conclusion  The poor CCA accuracy for diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis means that this test is currently not suitable for rapid mapping of schistosomiasis in areas where both S. mansoni and S. haematobium may be endemic.
Endemic and opportunistic infections in Brazilian solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Batista M. V. , Pierrotti L. C. , Abdala E. , Clemente W. T. , Girão E. S. , Rosa D. R. T. , Ianhez L. E. , Bonazzi P. R. , Lima A. S. , Fernandes P. F. C. B. C. , Pádua‐Neto M. V. , Bacchella T. , Oliveira A. P. P. , Viana C. F. G. , Ferreira M. S. , Shikanai‐Yasuda M. A.
Published: June 2011

Objective  To evaluate the frequency and clinical features of endemic and other opportunistic infections in liver or kidney transplant recipients in four transplant centres in different geographical areas of Brazil.

Methods  Retrospective analysis of medical and laboratory records of four transplant centres on endemic and other opportunistic infections in liver or kidney transplant recipients. Analyses were performed with spss statistical software.

Results  From 2001 to 2006, 1046 kidney and 708 liver transplants were registered in all centres. The average age was 42 years. Among 82 (4.7%) cases with infections, the most frequent was tuberculosis (2.0%), followed by systemic protozoal infections (0.7%), toxoplasmosis (0.4%) and visceral leishmaniasis (0.3%). Systemic fungal infections occurred in 0.6%, of which 0.4% were cryptococcosis and 0.2% were histoplasmosis. Dengue was the only systemic viral infection and was registered in two cases (0.1%), of which one was classified as the classic form and the other as dengue haemorrhagic fever. Nocardiosis was described in one case (0.05%). The infectious agents most frequently associated with diarrhoea were Blastocystis sp., Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercoralis.

Conclusions  Opportunistic Infections in transplant patients have a wide spectrum and may vary from asymptomatic to severe infections with high mortality. A better understanding of the epidemiology of endemic pathogens and clinical manifestations can contribute to the establishment of an early diagnosis as well as correct treatment aimed at decreasing morbidity and mortality.
Ambulance service within a comprehensive intervention for reproductive health in remote settings: a cost‐effective intervention
Authors: Somigliana Edgardo , Sabino Alice , Nkurunziza Richard , Okello Emmy , Quaglio Gianluca , Lochoro Peter , Putoto Giovanni , Manenti Fabio
Published: June 2011

Objective To assess the cost‐effectiveness of an ambulance service within a comprehensive hospital/community‐based program aimed at improving access and quality of reproductive health in poor‐resources settings.

Methods Obstetrical cases referred to the hospital with the ambulance during a 3‐month period were prospectively recorded. Clinical indications were used to determine the effectiveness of the referral; the direct costs of the service were calculated. Overall effectiveness was then measured against WHO thresholds.

Results Ninety‐two obstetrical referrals were recorded. Eleven (12%) were considered effective, corresponding to 611.7 years saved. Cost per year saved was 15.82 US dollars which about half of WHO’s 30 US dollar benchmark defining very attractive interventions. Sensitivity analyses on the costs of the ambulance and the rate of effective referrals emphasized the robustness of the result.

Conclusions The cost‐effectiveness profile of an ambulance service within a series of interventions aimed at improving reproductive health in remote settings is very attractive.
Health‐seeking behaviour among adults with prolonged cough in Vietnam
Authors: Hoa N. B. , Tiemersma E. W. , Sy D. N. , Nhung N. V. , Vree M. , Borgdorff M. W. , Cobelens F. G. J.
Published: June 2011

Objective  To assess health‐seeking behaviour among adults with prolonged cough in a population‐based, nationally representative sample in Vietnam.

Methods  Cross‐sectional survey conducted from September 2006 to July 2007. All inhabitants aged ≥15 years were invited for screening for cough, history of tuberculosis (TB) treatment and chest X‐ray (CXR) examination. TB suspects, defined as any survey participant with CXR abnormalities consistent with TB, or productive cough for more than 2 weeks or TB treatment either currently or in the preceding 2 years submitted sputum specimens for smear examination and culture and provided information on health‐seeking behaviour in an in‐depth interview.

Results  Of 94 179 persons participating in the survey, 4.6% had prolonged productive cough. Forty‐four percentage of those had sought health care and reported pharmacies (35%), commune health posts (29%), public hospitals (24%) and private physicians (10%) as first point of contact. Only 7% had undergone sputum smear examination. Of TB suspects with prolonged productive cough, 2.9% were diagnosed with TB; 10.2% of these reported smear and 21.9% reported X‐ray examination when visiting a health care facility. The average patient delay was 4.1 weeks (95% CI: 3.9–4.4) among cough suspects and 4.0 weeks (95% CI: 3.1–4.9) among TB cases.

Conclusions  In this Vietnamese survey, nearly half of persons with cough for more than 2 weeks had visited a health care provider. The commonest first health facility contacted was the pharmacy. Sputum smears were rarely examined, except in the provincial TB hospital. Our findings highlight the need to improve diagnostic practices by retraining health staff on the performance of sputum examination for TB suspects.
Diagnostic implications of histological analysis of neurosurgical aspirate in addition to routine resections
Authors: Zadeh Gelareh , Salehi Fateme , An Shu , Uff Christopher , Camp Sophie , Revesz Tamas , Holton Janice , Thom Maria , McEvoy Andrew W. , Grieve Joan , Kitchen Neil , Brandner Sebastian
Published: June 2011

Many neurosurgical centers use surgical aspirators to remove brain tumor tissue. The resulting aspirate consists of fragmented viable tumor, normal or tumor‐infiltrated brain tissue as well as necrotic tissue, depending on the type of tumor. Typically, such fragmented aspirate material is collected but discarded and not included when making the histopathological diagnosis. Whereas the general suitability of surgical aspirate for histological diagnosis and immunohistochemical staining has been reported previously, we have systematically investigated whether the collection and histological examination of surgical aspirate has an impact on diagnosis, in particular on the tumor grading, by providing additional features. Surgical and aspirate specimens from 85 consecutive neurosurgical procedures were collected and routinely processed. Sixty‐five of the 85 specimens were intrinsic brain tumors and the remainder consisted of metastatic tumors, meningiomas, schwannomas and lymphomas. Important diagnostic features seen in surgical aspirate were microvascular proliferation (n = 3), more representative necrosis (n = 2), and gemistocytic component (n = 2). In one case, microvasular proliferations were seen in the aspirate only, leading to a change of diagnosis. Collection of surgical aspirate also generates additional archival material which can be microdissected and used for tissue microarrays or for molecular studies.
Developing resilient children and families when parents have mental illness: A family‐focused approach
Authors: Foster Kim , O'Brien Louise , Korhonen Teija
Published: June 2011

There is substantial evidence supporting the need for effective intervention for children and families living with parental mental illness. However, translation of this knowledge into mental health workforce practice remains variable, with a range of clinical practices and models of care evident. Nurses, who constitute the majority of the mental health workforce, are in prime positions to support children and families and provide preventative measures, identify those at risk, and intervene early. In this paper, we provide a framework for practice for nurses working with consumer parents. We contend that traditional models of nursing practice concentrating on the consumer are insufficient in meeting the needs of children and families living with parental mental illness. A focus on families needs to be core business for mental health nurses. A family‐focused approach can be used to prevent problems for children and their families, and identify their strengths as well as vulnerabilities. Family‐focused care is a useful framework from which to support families and address the challenges that might arise from parental mental illness, and to build individual and family resilience.
Structure and function of medial temporal and posteromedial cortices in early Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Miettinen Pekka S. , Pihlajamäki Maija , Jauhiainen Anne M. , Niskanen Eini , Hänninen Tuomo , Vanninen Ritva , Soininen Hilkka
Published: June 2011

Medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy and posteromedial cortical hypometabolism are consistent imaging findings in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As the MTL memory structures are affected early in the course of AD by neurofibrillary tangle pathology, the posteromedial metabolic abnormalities have been postulated to represent remote effects of MTL alterations. In this study, we investigated with functional MRI (fMRI) the structure–function relationship between the MTL and posteromedial regions, including the retrosplenial, posterior cingulate and precuneal cortices, in 21 older controls (OCs), 18 subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 16 AD patients during a word list learning task. In the voxel‐based morphometric and volumetric analyses, the MCI subjects showed smaller entorhinal volume than OCs (P = 0.0001), whereas there was no difference in the hippocampal or posteromedial volume. AD patients, as compared with MCI patients, showed pronounced loss of volume in the entorhinal (P = 0.0001), hippocampal (P = 0.01) and posteromedial (P = 0.001) regions. The normal pattern of posteromedial fMRI task‐induced deactivation during active encoding of words was observed bilaterally in the OCs, but only in restricted unilateral left posteromedial areas in the MCI and AD patients. Across all subjects, more extensive impairment of the retrosplenial and posterior cingulate function was significantly related to smaller entorhinal (P = 0.001) and hippocampal (P = 0.0002) volume. These findings demonstrate that entorhinal atrophy and posteromedial cortical dysfunction are early characteristics of prodromal AD, and precede and/or overwhelm atrophy of the hippocampus and posteromedial cortices. Disturbances in posteromedial cortical function are associated with morphological changes in the MTL across the continuum from normal aging to clinical AD.
Multiple memory traces after associative learning in the honey bee antennal lobe
Authors: Rath Lisa , Giovanni Galizia C. , Szyszka Paul
Published: June 2011

We investigated the effect of associative learning on early sensory processing, by combining classical conditioning with in vivo calcium‐imaging of secondary olfactory neurons, the projection neurons (PNs) in the honey bee antennal lobe (AL). We trained bees in a differential conditioning paradigm in which one odour (A+) was paired with a reward, while another odour (B−) was presented without a reward. Two to five hours after differential conditioning, the two odour–response patterns became more different in bees that learned to discriminate between A and B, but not in bees that did not discriminate. This learning‐related change in neural odour representations can be traced back to glomerulus‐specific neural plasticity, which depended on the response profile of the glomerulus before training. (i) Glomeruli responding to A but not to B generally increased in response strength. (ii) Glomeruli responding to B but not to A did not change in response strength. (iii) Glomeruli responding to A and B decreased in response strength. (iv) Glomeruli not responding to A or B increased in response strength. The data are consistent with a neural network model of the AL, which we based on two plastic synapse types and two well‐known learning rules: associative, reinforcer‐dependent Hebbian plasticity at synapses between olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and PNs; and reinforcer‐independent Hebbian plasticity at synapses between local interneurons and ORNs. The observed changes strengthen the idea that odour learning optimizes odour representations, and facilitates the detection and discrimination of learned odours.
Motivational interviewing to improve weight loss in overweight and/or obese patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Armstrong M. J. , Mottershead T. A. , Ronksley P. E. , Sigal R. J. , Campbell T. S. , Hemmelgarn B. R.
Published: June 2011

Motivational interviewing, a directive, patient‐centred counselling approach focused on exploring and resolving ambivalence, has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach within the addictions field. However, the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in weight‐loss interventions is unclear. Electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating behaviour change interventions using motivational interviewing in overweight or obese adults. Standardized mean difference (SMD) for change in body mass, reported as either body mass index (BMI; kg m−2) or body weight (kg), was the primary outcome, with weighted mean difference (WMD) for change in body weight and BMI as secondary outcomes. The search strategy yielded 3540 citations and of the 101 potentially relevant studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria and 11 were included for meta‐analysis. Motivational interviewing was associated with a greater reduction in body mass compared to controls (SMD = −0.51 [95% CI −1.04, 0.01]). There was a significant reduction in body weight (kg) for those in the intervention group compared with those in the control group (WMD = −1.47 kg [95% CI −2.05, −0.88]). For the BMI outcome, the WMD was −0.25 kg m−2 (95% CI −0.50, 0.01). Motivational interviewing appears to enhance weight loss in overweight and obese patients.
The relevance of increased fat oxidation for body‐weight management: metabolic inflexibility in the predisposition to weight gain
Authors: Astrup A.
Published: June 2011

Cells, tissues and organisms have the ability to rapidly switch substrate oxidation from carbohydrate to fat in response to changes in nutrient intake, and to changes in energy demands, environmental cues and internal signals. In healthy, metabolically normal individuals, substrate switching occurs rapidly and completely; in other words, substrate switching is ‘flexible’. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that a blunted substrate switching from low‐ to high‐fat oxidation exists in obese individuals, as well as in pre‐obese and post‐obese, and that this ‘metabolic inflexibility’ may be a genetically determined trait. A decreased fat oxidation can lead to a positive energy balance under conditions of high‐fat feeding, due to depletion of glycogen stores that stimulates appetite and energy intake through glucostatic and glucogenostatic mechanisms, e.g. hepatic sensing of glycogen stores. Several genetic polymorphisms and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified that are associated with low‐fat oxidation rates and metabolic inflexibility, and genetic identification of susceptible individuals may lead to personalized prevention of weight gain using fat oxidation stimulants (‘fat burners’) in the future.
What the Secretary Said Next: ‘Public Rhetorical Leadership’ in the Australian Public Service
Authors: Grube Dennis
Published: June 2011

Every year, senior departmental secretaries in Australia deliver keynote speeches to a range of audiences. What are these secretaries talking about, and to whom are they directing their comments? This article will examine keynote addresses by the secretaries of the two key central agencies in Australia – the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and The Treasury – over the calendar years 2009 and 2010. I argue that ‘public rhetorical leadership’ by secretaries poses challenges for traditional understandings of Westminster governance. Utilising the concepts of public value theory, the significance of this ‘public rhetorical leadership’ is assessed in terms of its impacts on policy implementation and questions of accountability.
On the Knowledge of Politics and the Politics of Knowledge: How a Social Representations Approach Helps Us Rethink the Subject of Political Psychology
Authors: Elcheroth Guy , Doise Willem , Reicher Stephen
Published: June 2011

Fifty years ago, Serge Moscovici first outlined a theory of social representations. In this article, we attempt to discuss and to contextualize research that has been inspired by this original impetus from the particular angle of its relevance to political psychology. We argue that four defining components of social representations need to be taken into account, and that these elements need to be articulated with insights from the social identity tradition about the centrality of self and group constructions in order to develop original insights into political psychological phenomena. First, social representations are shared knowledge, and the way interpretations of the world are collectively elaborated is critical to the way people are able to act within the world. Second, social representations are meta‐knowledge, which implies that what people assume relevant others know, think, or value is part of their own interpretative grid, and that collective behavior can often be influenced more powerfully at the level of meta‐representations than of intimate beliefs. Third, social representations are enacted communication, which means that social influence is exerted by the factors that constrain social practices as much as by the discourse that interprets these practices. Fourth, social representations are world‐making assumptions: collective understandings do not only reflect existing realities but often bring social reality into being. Put together, these four components provide a distinctive theoretical perspective on power, resistance and conflict. The added conceptual value of this perspective is illustrated by showing how it allows revisiting ethnic conflict in the former Yugoslavia. We conclude with implications for research practices and discuss how the proposed model of social representations invites us to define new priorities and challenges for the methods used to study political psychological phenomena.
A NONZERO‐SUM GAME APPROACH TO CONVERTIBLE BONDS: TAX BENEFIT, BANKRUPTCY COST, AND EARLY/LATE CALLS
Authors: Chen Nan , Dai Min , Wan Xiangwei
Published: June 2011

Convertible bonds are hybrid securities that embody the characteristics of both straight bonds and equities. The conflicts of interest between bondholders and shareholders affect the security prices significantly. In this paper, we investigate how to use a nonzero‐sum game framework to model the interaction between bondholders and shareholders and to evaluate the bond accordingly. Mathematically, this problem can be reduced to a system of variational inequalities and we explicitly derive the Nash equilibrium to the game. Our model shows that credit risk and tax benefit have considerable impacts on the optimal strategies of both parties. The shareholder may issue a call when the debt is in‐the‐money or out‐of‐the‐money. This is consistent with the empirical findings of “late and early calls.” In addition, the optimal call policy under our model offers an explanation for certain stylized patterns related to the returns of company assets and stocks on call.
RECOVERING PORTFOLIO DEFAULT INTENSITIES IMPLIED BY CDO QUOTES
Authors: Cont Rama , Minca Andreea
Published: June 2011

We propose a stable nonparametric algorithm for the calibration of “top‐down” pricing models for portfolio credit derivatives: given a set of observations of market spreads for collateralized debt obligation (CDO) tranches, we construct a risk‐neutral default intensity process for the portfolio underlying the CDO which matches these observations, by looking for the risk‐neutral loss process “closest” to a prior loss process, verifying the calibration constraints. We formalize the problem in terms of minimization of relative entropy with respect to the prior under calibration constraints and use convex duality methods to solve the problem: the dual problem is shown to be an intensity control problem, characterized in terms of a Hamilton–Jacobi system of differential equations, for which we present an analytical solution. Given a set of observed CDO tranche spreads, our method allows to construct a default intensity process which leads to tranche spreads consistent with the observations. We illustrate our method on ITRAXX index data: our results reveal strong evidence for the dependence of loss transitions rates on the previous number of defaults, and offer quantitative evidence for contagion effects in the (risk‐neutral) loss process.
Attending to the Sabbath: An Alternative Direction in Karl Barth's Theology of Prayer
Authors: COCKSWORTH A.J.
Published: June 2011

Most accounts of Karl Barth's theology of prayer focus on the active dimensions of prayer, as prioritized in the formal sections on prayer in the Church Dogmatics. This leads to the suspicion that Barth has little time for the contemplative and reflective dimensions of prayer. This article will complement the existing approaches by broadening the scope of inquiry from the formal prayer‐sections into other, less obvious areas of the Dogmatics to uncover an alternative, contemplative, direction in Barth's theology of prayer. It will suggest, therefore, that attending to his rich but often‐neglected account of the Sabbath affords the opportunity to begin the work of reassessing Barth's relation to the contemplative tradition.
Ecological assembly rules in plant communities—approaches, patterns and prospects
Authors: Götzenberger Lars , de Bello Francesco , Bråthen Kari Anne , Davison John , Dubuis Anne , Guisan Antoine , Lepš Jan , Lindborg Regina , Moora Mari , Pärtel Meelis , Pellissier Loic , Pottier Julien , Vittoz Pascal , Zobel Kristjan , Zobel Martin
Published: June 2011

Understanding how communities of living organisms assemble has been a central question in ecology since the early days of the discipline. Disentangling the different processes involved in community assembly is not only interesting in itself but also crucial for an understanding of how communities will behave under future environmental scenarios. The traditional concept of assembly rules reflects the notion that species do not co‐occur randomly but are restricted in their co‐occurrence by interspecific competition. This concept can be redefined in a more general framework where the co‐occurrence of species is a product of chance, historical patterns of speciation and migration, dispersal, abiotic environmental factors, and biotic interactions, with none of these processes being mutually exclusive.

Here we present a survey and meta‐analyses of 59 papers that compare observed patterns in plant communities with null models simulating random patterns of species assembly. According to the type of data under study and the different methods that are applied to detect community assembly, we distinguish four main types of approach in the published literature: species co‐occurrence, niche limitation, guild proportionality and limiting similarity.

Results from our meta‐analyses suggest that non‐random co‐occurrence of plant species is not a widespread phenomenon. However, whether this finding reflects the individualistic nature of plant communities or is caused by methodological shortcomings associated with the studies considered cannot be discerned from the available metadata.

We advocate that more thorough surveys be conducted using a set of standardized methods to test for the existence of assembly rules in data sets spanning larger biological and geographical scales than have been considered until now. We underpin this general advice with guidelines that should be considered in future assembly rules research. This will enable us to draw more accurate and general conclusions about the non‐random aspect of assembly in plant communities.
Online self‐help tools for the relatives of persons with depression – a feasibility study
Authors: Stjernswärd Sigrid , Östman Margareta , Löwgren Jonas
Published: June 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 70–80

Online self‐help tools for the relatives of persons with depression – a feasibility study

Background:  The Internet’s potential as health care tool should be explored.

Aim:  One objective was to determine the feasibility of constructing a digitally based tool through an iterative design process in cooperation with potential users. The tool’s purpose is to alleviate hardships in daily life of relatives of persons with depression. An additional aim was to explore motivation and hindrances to using the tool as a basis for design decisions.

Method:  An iterative design approach, including data collection through focus groups and with paper and web‐based prototypes, was used.

Results:  Cooperation with potential users, using an iterative design process, was valuable in developing the digitally based tool. Motivations (i.e. to create understanding and rehabilitate oneself) and hindrances (i.e. lack of time or energy) to using the tool were illuminated. Design decisions were based on consideration towards participants’ privacy concerns, needs of support and the depression’s influence on the relatives’ daily life.

Conclusion:  Prototypes and cooperation with potential users were essential and valuable for the iterative development of the website.
Building a regulatory framework for biofuels governance in China: Legislation as the starting point
Authors: Wang Huanhuan
Published: June 2011

A rather young but rapidly accelerating biofuel industry has recently emerged in China. However, there is no legislation or policy specifically regulating biofuels or bioenergy. In addition, most of the regulatory functions are undertaken by policy initiatives rather than by law. As a result, the regulation and, in a broader context, governance of biofuels still face several major obstacles, including unclear development directions, ignored impact of biofuels development on society, environment and economy, and limited public participation. This paper argues that legislation on biofuels in the form of joint departmental rule is a departure for a comprehensive regulatory framework to overcome the current obstacles and to realize the sustainable development of the biofuels industry in China.
A New SPINK5 Mutation in a Patient with Netherton Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Alpigiani Maria G. , Salvati Pietro , Schiaffino Maria Cristina , Occella Corrado , Castiglia Daniela , Covaciu Claudia , Lorini Renata
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  We report on a case of Netherton syndrome showing a new SPINK5 mutation (c.957_960dupTGGT duplication in exon 11), associated with partial defect of biotinidase.
Current diagnosis of CIDP: the need for biomarkers
Authors: Brannagan Thomas H.
Published: June 2011

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a chronic neuropathy characterized by symmetrical proximal and distal weakness, with large‐fiber sensory loss, impaired balance, and areflexia. This condition is often underdiagnosed due to the frequent absence of these classical clinical features as well as abnormalities that arise during confirmatory tests. Current diagnostic tests involve the measurement of cerebrospinal fluid protein levels, nerve biopsy, electrodiagnostic testing, and treatment response. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of the condition and a lack of a consistent confirmatory test, a variety of diagnostic criteria were developed. At least 14 different sets of diagnostic criteria have been proposed that each have varying diagnostic sensitivities. Although the diagnostic tests used within these criteria are useful, they individually offer evidence to support, rather than definitively confirm, the diagnosis of CIDP. Currently, there is no biomarker that can reliably identify all patients with CIDP, but it is evident that such a biomarker is urgently needed to ensure effective disease management.
Biomarkers of CIDP in patients with diabetes or CMT1
Authors: Latov Norman
Published: June 2011

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune disease that targets the myelin sheaths in peripheral nerves. Primary demyelination can be detected by electrodiagnostic studies or nerve biopsy, but these do not distinguish between demyelination resulting from CIDP or from non‐inflammatory causes such as diabetes or Charcot–Marie–Tooth type I. Consequently, the diagnosis of CIDP in such patients is often missed. Studies are needed to establish electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP in patients with diabetes, and to identify biomarkers that distinguish between inflammatory and non‐inflammatory causes of demyelinating neuropathy.
Nerve biopsy in chronic inflammatory neuropathies: in situ biomarkers
Authors: Sommer Claudia , Toyka Klaus
Published: June 2011

We collected the evidence for potential biomarkers in nerve biopsies that might be of use in diagnosis, assessment, or treatment response in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies (CIDPs). We performed a literature search in PubMed from 1965 to May 2010 using the key words ([“chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy” or “polyradiculoneuritis” or {“chronic and neuritis”}] and “nerve biopsy”) and searched manually within these references for relevant publications related to the subject. Twenty references gave information about potential biomarkers for CIDP. Evidence of demyelination alone is not specific for CIDP, but may support the diagnosis in the context of a typical clinical pattern. Although the total numbers of inflammatory cells do not distinguish well between CIDP and non‐inflammatory neuropathies, the pattern of macrophage clusters around endoneurial vessels may be a simple marker of inflammation with good sensitivity and specificity. Immunohistochemistry for matrix metalloproteinase‐9 may be useful for the distinction of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory neuropathies. Microarrays which give a complex pattern of up‐ and downregulated genes also show promise for developing a biomarker. Immunohistochemistry on sural nerve biopsies has the potential to distinguish inflammatory from non‐inflammatory neuropathies. More research is needed to establish the diagnostic validity of specific markers and of gene expression studies and to test whether they can distinguish between subtypes of inflammatory neuropathies.
Auto‐immune polyradiculoneuropathy and a novel IgG biomarker in workers exposed to aerosolized porcine brain
Authors: Tracy Jennifer A. , Dyck P. James B.
Published: June 2011

Twenty‐four patients, all of whom were exposed to aerosolized porcine brain tissue through work‐place environment (abattoir), developed a syndrome of immune‐mediated polyradiculoneuropathy; three also had central nervous system manifestations (transverse myelitis, meningoencephalitis, and aseptic meningitis). Patients had characteristic electrophysiological findings of very distal and proximal conduction slowing (prolonged distal and F‐wave latencies, regions where the blood‐nerve barrier is the most permeable) and all patients' serum contained a novel IgG immunofluorescence pattern. Nerve pathology, when available, showed mild changes of segmental demyelination, axonal degeneration, and inflammatory changes. Patients had meaningful improvement of symptoms and electrophysiologic findings with immune therapy and with removal of exposure to aerosolized brain tissue. We postulate that this outbreak is an auto‐immune polyradiculoneuropathy triggered by occupational exposure to multiple aerosolized porcine neural tissue antigens that result in neural damage where the blood‐nerve barrier is the least robust.
Serum IgG levels as biomarkers for optimizing IVIg therapy in CIDP
Authors: van Doorn Pieter A. , Kuitwaard Krista , Jacobs Bart C.
Published: June 2011

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a proven effective treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS). In GBS, patients show a large variability in serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels after standard IVIg treatment and a large increase in serum IgG levels (ΔIgG) was associated with a better outcome. Whether this is also the case in CIDP is not known. In contrast to GBS, most patients with CIDP need regular IVIg treatment for a prolonged period of time but the speed and magnitude of clinical response varies considerably between patients. Some patients with CIDP may need at least two IVIg courses before clinical signs of improvement become clear. At present, this clinical response is the only indicator used to adjust the IVIg dose and interval during maintenance treatment. Biomarkers reflecting disease activity or IVIg pharmacokinetics might be helpful to monitor patients and find the optimal dosage and frequency of IVIg treatment for individual patients. A recent prospective study in CIDP indicated that the increased ΔIgG after standard IVIg dosage during maintenance treatment was relatively constant within individual patients, but differed considerably between patients who were treated with the same stable dosage and interval of IVIg. Further studies are required to determine whether this variation in pharmacokinetics of IVIg is related with clinical recovery and whether IgG levels can be used as biomarkers to monitor and to adjust the optimal IVIg dosage in individual patients with CIDP.
Expression and function of the inhibitory Fcγ‐receptor in CIDP
Authors: Nimmerjahn Falk , Lünemann Jan D.
Published: June 2011

The inhibitory Fc‐gamma receptor (FcγR) IIB, expressed on myeloid and B cells, has a critical role in the balance of tolerance and auto‐immunity, and is required for the anti‐inflammatory activity of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in various murine disease models. We found that treatment‐naÏve patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) showed an impaired expression of FcγIIB levels on naÏve B cells, and failed to upregulate or to maintain upregulation of FcγIIB, as B cells progressed from the naÏve to the memory compartment. The impaired expression of FcγRIIB was, at least partially, restored by clinically effective IVIg treatment. It remains to be determined whether FcγRIIB expression is a candidate for pre‐treatment assessment and might thus be used as a prognostic marker of treatment response to IVIg. Nonetheless, our data suggest that new strategies specifically targeting FcγRIIB expression might have therapeutic merit in CIDP.
Polymorphism of CD1 and SH2D2A genes in inflammatory neuropathies
Authors: Uncini Antonino , Notturno Francesca , Pace Marta , Caporale Christina M.
Published: June 2011

In the quest for susceptibility factors of inflammatory neuropathies, many genes implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have been investigated with negative or conflicting results. We studied, with a gene candidate approach, the CD1 system specialized in capturing and presenting glycolipids to antigen‐specific T cells, and the SH2D2A gene encoding for a T‐cell‐specific adapter protein implicated in control of early T‐cell activation. In Guillain–Barré syndrome, an initially positive association study with polymorphism of CD1A and CD1E genes was not confirmed. In chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, we did not find an association with CD1 genes, but we found an association with a homozygous genotype for a low repeat number of tandem GA in the SH2D2A gene. This genotype could result in defective control and elimination of autoreactive T cells. All the studies were performed on relatively small size populations. Confirmation in larger sized studies is required both for CD1 and SH2D2A genes. Considering the relative rarity of patients with inflammatory neuropathies, this can only be accomplished by international collaboration.
Biomarkers in experimental models of antibody‐mediated neuropathies
Authors: Willison Hugh J.
Published: June 2011

Autoimmune neuropathy models have been refined in animals over the past 50 years to enable links to be made between antibody signatures and disease pathogenesis; however, the application of these models to identify biomarkers has not been fully developed. Models for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) must ensure that adequate distinctions are made from variants of other neuropathic states such as Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in order to be of greatest clinical use. One of the main hurdles to overcome is the diverse pathogenesis of CIDP, which must be reflected in any potential models. Some advances in the search for biomarkers of CIDP have been made with the elucidation of anti‐glycolipid antibodies and myelin‐associated proteins, but further research is needed for specific disease indicators.
Dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve: a light and electron microscopy histometric study
Authors: Oliveira Adriana L. C. R. D. , Fazan Valéria P. S. , Marques Wilson , Barreira Amilton A.
Published: June 2011

This study describes the normal morphology and morphometry of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (DCBU) in humans. Fourteen nerves of eight donors were prepared by conventional techniques for paraffin and epoxy resin embedding. Semiautomatic morphometric analysis was performed by means of specific computer software. Histograms of the myelinated and unmyelinated fiber population and the G‐ratio distribution of fibers were plotted. Myelinated fiber density per nerve varied from 5,910 to 10,166 fibers/mm2, with an average of 8,170 ± 393 fibers/mm2. The distribution was bimodal with peaks at 4.0 and 9.5 µm. Unmyelinated fiber density per nerve varied from 50,985 to 127,108, with an average of 78,474 ± 6,610 fibers/mm2, with a unimodal distribution displaying a peak at 0.8 µm. This study thus adds information about the fascicles and myelinated and unmyelinated fibers of DCBU nerves in normal people, which may be useful in further studies concerning ulnar nerve neuropathies, mainly leprosy neuropathy.
Symptoms of activity‐induced weakness in peripheral nervous system disorders
Authors: Straver Dirk C. G. , van den Berg Leonard H. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Franssen Hessel
Published: June 2011

Activity‐induced weakness was reported in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). This was attributed to activity‐dependent conduction block (CB) arising in demyelinated axons. It is not known if activity‐induced weakness is common, nor if it is specific for MMN and CIDP. We, therefore, carried out an investigation by questionnaire in 64 MMN patients, 52 CIDP patients, 48 progressive spinal muscular atrophy (PSMA) patients, and 30 normal subjects. Subjects were asked if they experienced an increase in weakness when performing 10 common tasks. The percentage of tasks causing activity‐induced weakness was higher in the patient groups than in the normal subjects (p < 0.001). The risk of activity‐induced weakness exceeding that in normal subjects was sixfold higher for each patient group when adjusted for sex, age, and a fatigue score. With further adjustment for scores of weakness and axon loss, no significant differences were found between the patient groups. In conclusion, activity‐induced weakness is frequently reported in MMN and CIDP. It is, however, not specific for these neuropathies as PSMA patients reported it to the same extent.
An open label clinical trial of complement inhibition in multifocal motor neuropathy
Authors: Fitzpatrick Amanda M. , Mann Cameron A. , Barry Sarah , Brennan Katie , Overell James R. , Willison Hugh J.
Published: June 2011

Human and animal studies on antibody‐mediated neuropathy implicate complement in pathogenesis. In animal models complement inhibition is therapeutically beneficial. The monoclonal antibody, eculizumab (Soliris™, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, CT), prevents cleavage of C5 and thus inhibits terminal complement activation. In an open label study, 13 multifocal motor neuropathy patients received eculizumab for 14 weeks, 10 of whom were concomitantly receiving intravenous immunoglobulin. The primary outcome was safety of eculizumab, and the secondary outcomes included change in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) dosing frequency, performance, and electrophysiological parameters. Adverse events were minor during the study. Nine of 10 patients on IVIg maintenance continued to require IVIg. IVIg dosing interval was not different between the run‐in and the treatment period. There were improvements in patient‐rated subjective scores and selected clinical and electrophysiological measurements. Overall, a small treatment effect occurred in some patients that appeared supplementary to and independent of the IVIg treatment effect, and occurred more frequently in patients with higher baseline motor function.