bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Predator, Rare Prey: Exploring Juvenile Striped Bass Predation on Delta Smelt in California's San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Nobriga Matthew L. , Loboschefsky Erik , Feyrer Frederick
Published: November 2013

There is growing concern that predation by juvenile (ages 1–3) Striped Bass Morone saxatilis may negatively affect the population dynamics of Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, an imperiled species listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and endangered under the state of California's Endangered Species Act. We explored the potential predator–prey interaction between juvenile Striped Bass and Delta Smelt in California's San Francisco Estuary. Specifically, we addressed two study questions. (1) Is juvenile Striped Bass abundance correlated with Delta Smelt survival? (2) What is the estimated peak monthly consumption of Delta Smelt by juvenile Striped Bass during summer? We addressed the first study question using regression techniques and the second with functional responses to estimate per capita Striped Bass consumption of Delta Smelt using Delta Smelt biomass densities estimated from trawl surveys as input to the functional responses. We found no evidence for a correlation between juvenile Striped Bass abundance and Delta Smelt survival. Based upon available data, we estimated that consumption of Delta Smelt may range from a level not discernibly different from 0 g·Striped Bass−1·month up to about 11 g·Striped Bass−1·month−1. These are the first estimates of potential Striped Bass consumption of Delta Smelt.
Local and Lake‐Scale Habitat Effects on Abundance, Lengths, and Diets of Age‐0 Largemouth Bass and Bluegill in Indiana Temperate Lakes
Authors: Middaugh Christopher R. , Foley Carolyn J. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: November 2013

Littoral zones of lentic systems are important nursery habitats for age‐0 fish as they provide foraging habitat and refuge from predation. While local habitat characteristics in a lake's littoral zone can affect abundances, mean lengths, and trophic interactions of age‐0 fish, lake‐scale characteristics may also influence these factors. Given that local and lake‐scale characteristics are probably related, it may be difficult to interpret perceived associations between habitat characteristics and fish population metrics, as well as elucidate consequences of anthropogenic alterations of habitat. We used classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to evaluate relationships between local and lake‐scale habitat characteristics, abundances, and mean lengths of age‐0 Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides and Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus collected from glacial lakes in northern Indiana during 2009 and 2010. We also evaluated habitat influences on stomach contents of age‐0 Largemouth Bass. Our results suggest there are complex, multiscale interactions among habitat characteristics and population and diet metrics of age‐0 fish. Site‐specific abundances of both fishes were most strongly associated with local‐scale characteristics (e.g., high densities of Bluegills at sites with dense submerged vegetation), while mean lengths were associated with lake‐scale characteristics (e.g., greater mean length of age‐0 Bluegills and Largemouth Bass in small, shallow lakes). Diet composition of age‐0 Largemouth Bass was strongly related to individual fish length, though local (e.g., percent coverage by vegetation) and lake‐scale (e.g., lake depth) habitat characteristics also affected the type of prey consumed. We suggest that managers consider both local and lake‐scale features when undertaking habitat improvement activities, selecting stocking locations, or otherwise jointly managing habitat and age‐0 lentic fish populations.
Lateral and Longitudinal Displacement of Stream‐Rearing Juvenile Bull Trout in Response to Upstream Migration of Spawning Adults
Authors: Pinto Madalena C. , Post John R. , Paul Andrew J. , Johnston Fiona D. , Mushens Craig J. , Stelfox Jim D.
Published: November 2013

Ontogenetic shifts in fish habitat use often occur to reduce the risk of predation or cannibalism. We examined the large‐ and small‐scale spatial behavior of juvenile Bull TroutSalvelinus confluentusduring the spawning migration of adfluvial adult Bull Trout into a tributary (Smith‐Dorrien Creek, Alberta) where juveniles rear. We evaluated whether juvenile spatial behavior suggested a direct response to adults that may be interpreted as an attempt to reduce predation risk. Our results showed that the juvenile response to the influx of adults was size dependent, with larger juveniles migrating downstream into Lower Kananaskis Lake and smaller juveniles moving into shallower reaches and margins of the creek. From 1992 to 2002, the downstream migration of juveniles occurred after the upstream migration of spawning adults. Juveniles migrating downstream into the lake were predominantly age 3, with some age‐2 individuals. The lateral movement of juvenile Bull Trout in the creek in response to the presence of adult Bull Trout spawners was also assessed by comparing water depths occupied before, during, and after the spawning period. Median depths of water used by juveniles decreased when adults were present and then shifted to prespawning water depths once spawners had left the creek to return to the lake. These results suggest that behaviorally driven habitat segregation of juvenile and adult Bull Trout occurs at both a small scale (within the creek) and a large scale (within the watershed), likely to reduce cannibalism and to maximize juvenile survival.
Fish Assemblages in the Oligohaline Stretch of a Southwest Florida River during Periods of Extreme Freshwater Inflow Variation
Authors: Stevens Philip W. , Greenwood Marin F. D. , Blewett David A.
Published: November 2013

Maintenance or restoration of the oligohaline stretch (i.e., salinity 0.5–5 psu) of coastal rivers is becoming an increasingly important goal of water managers striving to balance human consumption of water with the ecological integrity of estuaries. The objectives of this study were to compare fish assemblage structure and species abundance of the oligohaline stretch to those of the lower river mouth during periods of varying freshwater inflow (wet and dry periods) in one of southwest Florida's largest rivers, the Peace River. The abundance of several estuarine residents and estuarine transients captured in 21.3‐m seines—Sand Seatrout Cynoscion arenarius, Tidewater Mojarra Eucinostomus harengulus, Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus, and Spot Leiostomus xanthurus—were similar between river sections, which is consistent with the premise that the oligohaline stretch is an extension of the juvenile habitat known to be important for fish in lower rivers. Estuarine residents known to have affinities for marsh habitat—Eastern Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki, Rainwater Killifish Lucania parva, and Sailfin Molly Poecilia latipinna—were at least an order of magnitude more abundant in the oligohaline stretch, probably the result of greater production at low salinity, greater marsh area, or less competition. During a dry period, the oligohaline fish assemblage became more similar to the assemblage of the lower river mouth. Reductions in the abundance of species characteristic of the oligohaline stretch were offset by increases in the abundance of Bay Anchovy Anchoa mitchilli. This study provides information to managers that can be used in the restoration of oligohaline waters by identifying characteristic fishes in the oligohaline stretch of a large river, providing insight into how this river section functions as fish habitat, and determining the changes in fish assemblages that occur during low freshwater inflow conditions.
Computed tomography angiography and perfusion to assess coronary artery stenosis causing perfusion defects by single photon emission computed tomography: the CORE320 study
Authors: Rochitte Carlos E. , George Richard T. , Chen Marcus Y. , Arbab-Zadeh Armin , Dewey Marc , Miller Julie M. , Niinuma Hiroyuki , Yoshioka Kunihiro , Kitagawa Kakuya , Nakamori Shiro , Laham Roger , Vavere Andrea L. , Cerci Rodrigo J. , Mehra Vishal C. , Nomura Cesar , Kofoed Klaus F. , Jinzaki Masahiro , Kuribayashi Sachio , de Roos Albert , Laule Michael , Tan Swee Yaw , Hoe John , Paul Narinder , Rybicki Frank J. , Brinker Jeffery A. , Arai Andrew E. , Cox Christopher , Clouse Melvin E. , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Lima Joao A.C.
Published: November 2013

Aims

To evaluate the diagnostic power of integrating the results of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and CT myocardial perfusion (CTP) to identify coronary artery disease (CAD) defined as a flow limiting coronary artery stenosis causing a perfusion defect by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Methods and results

We conducted a multicentre study to evaluate the accuracy of integrated CTA–CTP for the identification of patients with flow-limiting CAD defined by ≥50% stenosis by invasive coronary angiography (ICA) with a corresponding perfusion deficit on stress single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/MPI). Sixteen centres enroled 381 patients who underwent combined CTA–CTP and SPECT/MPI prior to conventional coronary angiography. All four image modalities were analysed in blinded independent core laboratories. The prevalence of obstructive CAD defined by combined ICA–SPECT/MPI and ICA alone was 38 and 59%, respectively. The patient-based diagnostic accuracy defined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of integrated CTA–CTP for detecting or excluding flow-limiting CAD was 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–0.91]. In patients without prior myocardial infarction, the AUC was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87–0.94) and in patients without prior CAD the AUC for combined CTA–CTP was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89–0.97). For the combination of a CTA stenosis ≥50% stenosis and a CTP perfusion deficit, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predicative values (95% CI) were 80% (72–86), 74% (68–80), 65% (58–72), and 86% (80–90), respectively. For flow-limiting disease defined by ICA-SPECT/MPI, the accuracy of CTA was significantly increased by the addition of CTP at both the patient and vessel levels.

Conclusions

The combination of CTA and perfusion correctly identifies patients with flow limiting CAD defined as ≥50 stenosis by ICA causing a perfusion defect by SPECT/MPI.
Evaluation of Fixation Pattern and Reading Ability in Patients With Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Altpeter Elke K. , Blanke Björn R. , Leo-Kottler Beate , Nguyen Xuan N. , Trauzettel-Klosinski Susanne
Published: November 2013

Background:

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is characterized by progressive loss of central vision leading to impaired reading ability. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensory adaptation and reading ability in LHON patients.

Methods:

This prospective pilot study included 12 male patients with a clinical diagnosis and a positive genetic analysis of LHON, who matched the inclusion criteria of a central scotoma on visual field testing and the use of magnifying aids to read. Examination included best-corrected visual acuity, magnification need, reading speed, and evaluation of fixation by corneal reflexes and by Rodenstock scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Central scotoma was assessed by conventional perimetry (Tübingen Automated Perimeter) and microperimetry (NIDEK MP1).

Results:

Mean magnification need was 13.2 ± 7.3-fold (range: 2- to 25-fold). Mean reading speed was 53 ± 18 words per minute (WPM) (range: 24–85 WPM). With automated perimetry, all patients showed central scotomas with a mean radius of 13° ± 7° (range: 1°–30°) in the better eye. Microperimetry in all patients showed fenestrated central scotomas. Eccentric fixation with a preferred retinal locus (PRL) was detected with SLO examination and microperimetry correlated well in 11 of 12 patients. The SLO results showed no systematic pattern in the placement of the PRL; however, 7 of 12 patients (58%) placed their PRL in an unfavorable location left or below the fovea. In 8 of 12 patients, fixation was unstable. Between reading speed and central scotoma size, there was a statistically significant negative correlation (P = 0.021, r = −0.65).

Conclusions:

The percentage of unfavorable PRL locations was extremely high compared with other disorders with central scotomas. Unstable fixation and fenestrated central scotomas led to difficulties in reading. Early rehabilitation and, if necessary, eccentric viewing training should be considered in LHON patients.
Boronic acid-modified magnetic materials for antibody purification
Authors: Dhadge Vijaykumar L. , Hussain Abid , Azevedo Ana M. , Aires-Barros Raquel , Roque Ana C. A.
Published: November 2013

Aminophenyl boronic acids can form reversible covalent ester interactions with
cis
-diol-containing molecules, serving as a selective tool for binding glycoproteins as antibody molecules that possess oligosaccharides in both the Fv and Fc regions. In this study, amino phenyl boronic acid (APBA) magnetic particles (MPs) were applied for the magnetic separation of antibody molecules. Iron oxide MPs were firstly coated with dextran to avoid non-specific binding and then with 3-glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane to allow further covalent coupling of APBA (APBA_MP). When contacted with pure protein solutions of human IgG (hIgG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), APBA_MP bound 170 ± 10 mg hIgG g
−1
MP and eluted 160 ± 5 mg hIgG g
−1
MP, while binding only 15 ± 5 mg BSA g
−1
MP. The affinity constant for the interaction between hIgG and APBA_MP was estimated as 4.9 × 10
5
M
−1
(
K
a
) with a theoretical maximum capacity of 492 mg hIgG adsorbed g
−1
MP (
Q
max
), whereas control particles bound a negligible amount of hIgG and presented an estimated theoretical maximum capacity of 3.1 mg hIgG adsorbed g
−1
MP (
Q
max
). APBA_MPs were also tested for antibody purification directly from CHO cell supernatants. The particles were able to bind 98% of IgG loaded and to recover 95% of pure IgG (purity greater than 98%) at extremely mild conditions.
Larval memory affects adult nest-mate recognition in the antAphaenogaster senilis
Authors: Signorotti Lisa , Jaisson Pierre , d'Ettorre Patrizia
Published: November 2013

Prenatal olfactory learning has been demonstrated in a wide variety of animals, where it affects development and behaviour. Young ants learn the chemical signature of their colony. This cue-learning process allows the formation of a template used for nest-mate recognition in order to distinguish alien individuals from nest-mates, thus ensuring that cooperation is directed towards group members and aliens are kept outside the colony. To date, no study has investigated the possible effect of cue learning during early developmental stages on adult nest-mate recognition. Here, we show that odour familiarization during preimaginal life affects recognition abilities of adultAphaenogaster senilisants, particularly when the familiarization process occurs during the first larval stages. Ants eclosed from larvae exposed to the odour of an adoptive colony showed reduced aggression towards familiar, adoptive individuals belonging to this colony compared with alien individuals (true unfamiliar), but they remained non-aggressive towards adult individuals of their natal colony. Moreover, we found that the chemical similarity between the colony of origin and the adoptive colony does not influence the degree of aggression, meaning that the observed effect is likely to be due only to preimaginal learning experience. These results help understanding the developmental processes underlying efficient recognition systems.
Solirubrobacter phytolaccae sp. nov., an endophytic bacterium isolated from roots of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb.
Authors: Wei Linfang , Ouyang Shan , Wang Yao , Shen Xihui , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2013

A Gram-staining-positive, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated GTGR-8T, which formed white colonies, was isolated from roots of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. collected from Taibai Mountain in Shaanxi Province, north-west China. Strain GTGR-8T grew optimally at 28–30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GTGR-8T was a member of the genus

Solirubrobacter

and was closely related to

Solirubrobacter pauli

B33D1T (98.9 % similarity),

Solirubrobacter ginsenosidimutans

BXN5-15T (97.0 %) and

Solirubrobacter soli

Gsoil 355T (96.9 %). No other recognized bacterial species showed more than 94.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the novel isolate. The only respiratory quinone of strain GTGR-8T was MK-7(H4) and the major fatty acids (>5 %) were iso-C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c, C17 : 1ω8c, C18 : 3ω6c (6,9,12) and C17 : 1ω6c. The DNA G+C content was 71.0 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness for strain GTGR-8T with respect to its closest relatives,

S. pauli

KCTC 9974T and

S. ginsenosidimutans

KCTC 19420T, was 52.5 and 24.5 %, respectively. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain GTGR-8T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus

Solirubrobacter

, for which the name Solirubrobacter phytolaccae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GTGR-8T ( = CCTCC AB 2013011T = KCTC 29190T).
CGRP antagonist infused into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis impairs the acquisition and expression of context but not discretely cued fear
Authors: Sink Kelly S. , Davis Michael , Walker David L.
Published: November 2013

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) infusions into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) evoke increases in startle amplitude and increases in anxiety-like behavior in the plus maze. Conversely, intra-BNST infusions of the CGRP antagonist CGRP8–37 block unconditioned startle increases produced by fox odor. Here we evaluate the contribution of CGRP signaling in the BNST to the development and expression of learned fear. Rats received five pairings of a 3.7-sec light and footshock and were tested for fear-potentiated startle one or more days later. Neither pre-training (Experiment 1) nor pre-test (Experiment 2) infusions of the CGRP antagonist CGRP8–37 (800 ng/BNST) disrupted fear-potentiated startle to the 3.7-sec visual cue. However, in both experiments, CGRP8–37 infusions disrupted baseline startle increases that occurred when rats were tested in the same context as that in which they previously received footshock (Experiment 3). Intra-BNST CGRP8–37 infusions did not disrupt shock-evoked corticosterone release (Experiment 4). These data confirm previous findings implicating BNST CGRP receptors in fear and anxiety. They extend those results by showing an important contribution to learned fear and, specifically, to fear evoked by a shock-associated context rather than a discrete cue. This pattern is consistent with previous models of BNST function that have posited a preferential role in sustained anxiety as opposed to phasic fear responses. More generally, the results add to a growing body of evidence indicating behaviorally, possibly clinically, relevant modulation of BNST function by neuroactive peptides.
Clinical audit of a new extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy machine
Authors: Lo Alex Hak‐Keung , Au Yuk‐Wa
Published: November 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the newly installed ESWL machine (Storz Modulith SLX‐F2) in the treatment of urinary tract stones.

Methodology

All patients who had been treated with urinary tract stone (larger than 5 mm in size) by the newly installed ESWL machine in 2009 to 2010 were included. Patients' demographic data, target stone characteristics, patients' discomfort and treatment outcomes were prospectively collected. Treatment was considered a success if the patient was stone free or had asymptomatic, unobstructed stone fragments less than 4 mm.

Results

329 patients were analysed. M : F = 2.6:1. Age ranged from 24 to 81. 135 patients had renal stone and 194 patients had ureteric stone. Their stone size ranged from 5–36 mm, mean 8.7 mm. 92.7% of the target stone were radio‐opaque and 56.7% of the stones had obstructive effect. 76.3% of them had their procedures performed under sedoanalgesia. 95.4% of the target stones were localized by X‐ray. The no. of shocks given per treatment ranged from 1000 to 4000 shocks. The overall single session success rate was 88.1% (Complete stone clearance: 64.4%; CIRF: 23.7%). The single session success rate / complete stone clearance rate for renal and ureteric stone was 84.4%/40% and 93.3%/81.4% respectively. Stone size was the only pre‐treatment factor associated with the treatment outcome (p = 0.010). 79.9% and 2% of the patients complained minor symptoms on D1 and D14 respectively.

Conclusion

Storz Modulith SLX‐F2 lithotripter is effective and safe in the treatment of urinary tract stones.
Glycated Albumin Predicts the Risk of Mortality in Type 2 Diabetic Patients on Hemodialysis: Evaluation of a Target Level for Improving Survival
Authors: Isshiki Keiji , Nishio Toshiki , Isono Motohide , Makiishi Tetsuya , Shikano Tsutomu , Tomita Koubin , Nishio Toshiji , Kanasaki Masami , Maegawa Hiroshi , Uzu Takashi
Published: November 2013

Glycated albumin (GA) is considered a more reliable marker than glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for monitoring glycemic control, particularly in diabetic hemodialysis patients. We investigated the associations of GA, HbA1c, and random serum glucose levels with survival, and evaluated possible targets for improving survival in diabetic hemodialysis patients. In this prospective, longitudinal, observational study, we enrolled 90 diabetic hemodialysis patients across six dialysis centers in Japan. The median duration of follow‐up was 36.0 months (mean follow‐up, 29.8 months; range, 3–36 months). There were 11 deaths during the observation period. GA was a significant predictor for mortality (hazard ratio, 1.143 per 1% increase in GA; 95% confidence interval, 1.011–1.292; P = 0.033), whereas HbA1c and random glucose levels were not predictors for mortality. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the cutoff value of GA for predicting the risk of mortality was 25%. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the cumulative survival rate was significantly greater in patients with GA ≤25% than in patients with GA >25%. GA predicted the risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in diabetic hemodialysis patients. Our results suggest that GA ≤25% is an appropriate target for improving survival in diabetic hemodialysis patients.
Inhibitory effect of tacrolimus on progression of joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Motomura Hiraku , Matsushita Isao , Seki Eiko , Mine Hayato , Kimura Tomoatsu
Published: November 2013

Aim

To examine the inhibitory effect of tacrolimus on radiographic joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients with RA resistant or intolerant to conventional disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs were administered tacrolimus and analyzed retrospectively. Disease activity and clinical response were evaluated by Disease Activity Score in 28 joints and C‐reactive protein (DAS28‐CRP) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. The progression of joint destruction was evaluated by an estimated yearly change in modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS).

Results

Good or moderate response rate according to EULAR response criteria was seen in 63.2%, 63.2%, 73.7% and 65.8% of patients at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The rate of patients with low disease activity or remission reached 47.3% and 50.0% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Progression of joint damage, evaluated as yearly change in mTSS (ΔmTSS), significantly decreased from 11.4 at baseline to 2.63 in the first year and 0.69 in the second year of tacrolimus treatment.

Conclusion

These findings suggest tacrolimus has the potential to inhibit progression of joint damage in established RA.
Hypertension Associated with Alcohol Consumption Based on the Facial Flushing Reaction to Drinking
Authors: Jung Jin‐Gyu , Kim Jong‐Sung , Kim Young‐Seok , Oh Mi‐Kyeong , Yoon Seok‐Joon
Published: November 2013

Background

Alcohol is a risk factor for hypertension. Facial flushing after drinking is a typical symptom of high alcohol sensitivity. This study assessed the role of the facial flushing response in the relationship between alcohol consumption and hypertension.

Methods

The subjects were 1,763 men (288 nondrinkers, 527 flushing drinkers, 948 nonflushing drinkers) who had received a health checkup. Data were collected from the subjects' medical records. The risk of hypertension related to weekly drinking amount in nonflushers and flushers was analyzed and compared with that in nondrinkers.

Results

After adjusting for age, body mass index, exercise status, and smoking status, the risk of hypertension was significantly increased when flushers consumed more than 4 drinks per week (more than 4 and up to 8 drinks: odds ratio [OR] = 2.23; above 8 drinks: OR = 2.35). In contrast, in nonflushers, the risk was increased with alcohol consumption of more than 8 drinks (OR = 1.61) per week. The OR (flushers/nonflushers) for hypertension was also increased: more than 4 and up to 8 drinks, 2.27 and above 8 drinks, 1.52.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that hypertension associated with alcohol consumption has a lower threshold value and higher risk in flushers than in nonflushers. Clinicians should consider evaluating patients' flushing response as well as drinking amount in a daily practice for health promotion.
Alcohol Reduces Cross‐Frequency Theta‐Phase Gamma‐Amplitude Coupling in Resting Electroencephalography
Authors: Lee Jaewon , Yun Kyongsik
Published: November 2013

Background

The electrophysiological inhibitory mechanism of cognitive control for alcohol remains largely unknown. The purpose of the study was to compare electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra and cross‐frequency phase–amplitude coupling (CFPAC) at rest and during a simple subtraction task after acute alcohol ingestion.

Methods

Twenty‐one healthy subjects participated in this study. Two experiments were performed 1 week apart, and the order of the experiments was randomly assigned to each subject. During the experiments, each subject was provided with orange juice containing alcohol or orange juice only. We recorded EEG activity and analyzed power spectra and CFPAC data.

Results

The results showed prominent theta‐phase gamma‐amplitude coupling at the frontal and parietal electrodes at rest. This effect was significantly reduced after alcohol ingestion.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that theta‐phase gamma‐amplitude coupling is deficiently synchronized at rest after alcohol ingestion. Therefore, cross‐frequency coupling could be a useful tool for studying the effects of alcohol on the brain and investigating alcohol addiction.
Allergic disease is associated with epilepsy in childhood: a US population‐based study
Authors: Silverberg J. I. , Joks R. , Durkin H. G.
Published: November 2013

Background

Previous studies using animal models suggest an association between allergic disease and epilepsy. We sought to determine whether allergic disease is associated with epilepsy in children.

Methods

We used the 2007–2008 National Survey of Children's Health, a US population‐based study of 91 642 children aged 0–17 years to determine the association between the prevalence of epilepsy and allergic disease, including asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD)/eczema, hay fever, and food allergies. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed that controlled for confounding variables.

Results

The US lifetime prevalence of childhood epilepsy was 1.03% and was significantly associated with older age, male sex, lower household income, family structure and history of brain injury or concussion. Children with ≥1 allergic disease had more epilepsy in their lifetime than nonallergic children (logistic regression, adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.79 [1.37–2.33]). Lifetime prevalence (2.30 [1.50–3.52]) and one‐year prevalence of asthma (2.00 [1.41–2.84]), AD/eczema (1.73 [1.17–2.56]), hay fever (1.93 [1.41–2.65]) and food allergies (2.69 [1.38–4.01]) were associated with increased odds of ever being diagnosed with epilepsy. Similar results were found for current history of epilepsy. Severe AD/eczema (23.89 [1.34–11.32]) and hay fever (2.46 [1.11–5.41]) were associated with even higher odds of epilepsy compared with mild/moderate disease. As the number of allergic diseases increased, so did the odds of lifetime history and current history of epilepsy.

Conclusions

The US prevalence of epilepsy is associated with allergic diseases in children. Further studies are needed to determine whether allergic inflammation contributes toward epileptogenesis.
Influence of a Wife's Working Status on Her Husband's Accumulation of Human Capital
Authors: Mano Yukichi , Yamamura Eiji
Published: November 2013

Japanese household‐level data consisting of husband's earnings, wife's working status and their schooling levels are used to test three hypotheses, with particular consideration given to the time‐consuming process of human capital accumulation within marriages. The empirical results supports the following hypotheses: (i) a non‐working wife's schooling has a greater positive effect on her husband's earnings than a working wife's schooling; and (ii) the effect of a non‐working wife's schooling increases with the length of marriage, whereas the effect of a working wife's schooling does not change over the course of marriage.
Capital Stock Estimates by Province and Interprovincial Distribution in Indonesia
Authors: Kataoka Mitsuhiko
Published: November 2013

We use the perpetual inventory method to estimate gross fixed capital stock at the provincial level in Indonesia. We employ a relatively long series of past annual investments at constant prices for 1983–2007 and a province‐specific survival function for capital. For this purpose, we use published data on provincial income accounts, input–output tables, and surveys from existing studies. Capital was found to be over‐concentrated in the Java‐Bali region and inefficiently distributed among provinces. This distribution contributed to national growth in the majority of the sample years.
Kv1.3 blockers ameliorate allergic contact dermatitis by preferentially suppressing effector memory T cells in a rat model
Authors: Ueyama A. , Imura K. , Kasai-Yamamoto E. , Tai N. , Nagira M. , Shichijo M. , Yasui K.
Published: November 2013

Background

The Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel is selectively upregulated upon activation in effector memory T (TEM) cells in inflamed tissue, and plays an important role in maintenance of T-cell activation. Although Kv1.3 blockers have been shown to ameliorate allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in a rat model, it remains unknown whether the effect of Kv1.3 blockers on ACD is mediated by suppressing TEM cell function and/or whether naive T-cells or central memory T (TCM) cells are influenced.

Aim

To analyse the detailed mechanism of Kv1.3 blockers in a rat model of ACD.

Methods

We examined the effects of a Kv1.3 blocker on inflammation and production of the effector cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ in inflamed tissue in rat ACD. Single-cell suspensions were isolated from inflamed rat ears (TEM cells), and regional lymph nodes (naive T/TCM cells), and the effect of Kv1.3 blockers on anti-CD3-stimulated IFN-γ production in vitro was measured.

Results

The Kv1.3 blocker significantly suppressed ear inflammation and IFN-γ production at the protein level in vivo. It also suppressed in vitro IFN-γ production from TEM cells from inflamed tissues, but did not suppress the function of naive T/TCM cells from lymph nodes.

Conclusions

We found that the Kv1.3 blocker ameliorated ACD by inhibiting TEM cell functions only, thus Kv1.3 blockers could be a potentially selective therapeutic agent for TEM cell-mediated inflammatory skin diseases without producing harmful side-effects.
Histo‐cytological diagnostic accuracy in lung cancer
Authors: Proietti A. , Boldrini L. , Alì G. , Servadio A. , Lupi C. , Sensi E. , Miccoli M. , Ribechini A. , Chella A. , Lucchi M. , Leocata P. , Mussi A. , Fontanini G.
Published: November 2013

Objective

The majority of patients with lung cancer are treated on the basis of a diagnosis made from the analysis of a small tumour biopsy or a cytological sample and histotype is becoming a critical variable in clinical workup as it has led to the introduction of newer biologically targeted therapies. Consequently, simply classifying cancers as small cell lung cancers or non‐small cell lung cancers is no longer sufficient.

Methods

From 2009 to 2011, a review of the histo‐cytological database was conducted to identify all small biopsy and cytology specimens collected for diagnostic purposes in patients with a thoracic lesion. In total, 941 patients were studied by examining exfoliative and/or aspirative cytological samples. To establish the accuracy of these methods, cytological and biopsy diagnoses were compared with each other and with subsequent resection specimens when available. Moreover, during the diagnostic workup, we examined a validated panel of immunohistochemical markers.

Results

The diagnostic concordance of pre‐operative diagnoses with surgical samples was high in both cytology and biopsy samples [κ = 0.71, confidence interval (CI) = 0.6–0.81; P < 0.0001 and κ = 0.61, CI = 0.41–0.82; P < 0.0001 respectively; good agreement] but concordance between cytology and biopsy was moderate (κ = 0.5, CI = 0.43–0.54; P < 0.0001). Immunohistochemistry‐aided diagnoses were definitive for histotype in 92.8% of both cytology (206/222) and biopsy (155/167) specimens.

Conclusion

We found that lung cancer diagnosis and subtyping of cytology and biopsy samples are highly feasible and concordant; thus, the diagnostic approach to lung cancer does not require more invasive procedures.
The Global Burden of Disease projects: What have we learned about illicit drug use and dependence and their contribution to the global burden of disease?
Authors: Degenhardt Louisa , Whiteford Harvey , Hall Wayne D.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 study updated the findings of earlier exercises. It provided regional and global estimates of the burden of disease attributable to diseases, injuries and risk factors. Here we provide a brief summary of the work for illicit drug use.

Design

Systematic reviews were undertaken to estimate the major epidemiological parameters (incidence, prevalence, duration/remission and mortality) for each drug. Reviews evaluated the nature and quality of evidence for illicit drug use as a risk factor for many health outcomes, for the comparative risk assessment (CRA) exercise.

Results

Substantial gaps existed in basic epidemiological parameters. Following modelling and imputation of missing data, it was estimated that opioid and amphetamine dependence were the most common forms of illicit drug dependence in 2010; opioid dependence was responsible for the greatest burden. Few putative consequences of illicit drug use had the quality or quantity of data required to be included in the CRA.

Discussion

Estimates of the extent and distribution of disease burden are likely to shape global and regional health policy development. The GBD exercise will be repeated on an annual basis; GBD 2010 clearly demonstrated that although the illicit drug field is generating more and better epidemiological data on the health risks of drug use, there is still much work to be done to generate defensible estimates of the magnitude of risk, particularly for impactful and prevalent outcomes, such as injuries, violence and mental health complications. Until then, burden of disease attributable to illicit drugs will be underestimated. [Degenhardt L, Whiteford H, Hall WD. The Global Burden of Disease projects: What have we learned about illicit drug use and dependence and their contribution to the global burden of disease? Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:4–12]
Lobbying for Education in a Two‐Sector Model
Authors: Di Gioacchino Debora , Profeta Paola
Published: November 2013

Firms specialized in two different sectors lobby to induce the government to subsidize the type of education complementary to their production. Lobbying is endogenous. We show that, if lobbying is not costly, both sectors will lobby in equilibrium and the education policy will induce the same skill composition that would be chosen by the social planner. However, if lobbying is costly and there is sufficient asymmetry between the sectors, only one sector will exert pressure on the policy‐maker in the attempt to direct resources toward the type of education required by its production. Which sector will engage in lobbying depends on relative size, productivity, and price. We also provide some preliminary evidence that lobbying activity by firms may influence the production of skills needed by those firms.
Structural and mutational analysis of substrate recognition in kojibiose phosphorylase
Authors: Okada Satoshi , Yamamoto Takuo , Watanabe Hikaru , Nishimoto Tomoyuki , Chaen Hiroto , Fukuda Shigeharu , Wakagi Takayoshi , Fushinobu Shinya
Published: November 2013

Glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 65 contains phosphorylases acting on maltose (Glc‐α1,4‐Glc), kojibiose (Glc‐α1,2‐Glc), trehalose (Glc‐α1,α1,‐Glc), and nigerose (Glc‐α1,3‐Glc). These phosphorylases can efficiently catalyze the reverse reactions with high specificities, and thus can be applied to the practical synthesis of α‐glucosyl oligosaccharides. Here, we determined the crystal structures of kojibiose phosphorylase from Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus in complex with glucose and phosphate and in complex with kojibiose and sulfate, providing the first structural insights into the substrate recognition of a glycoside hydrolase family 65 enzyme. The loop 3 region comprising the active site of kojibiose phosphorylase is significantly longer than the active sites of other enzymes, and three residues around this loop, Trp391, Glu392, and Thr417, recognize kojibiose. Various mutants mimicking the residue conservation patterns of other phosphorylases were constructed by mutation at these three residues. Activity measurements of the mutants against four substrates indicated that Trp391 and Glu392, especially the latter, are required for the kojibiose activity.

Database

Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank database under accession numbers 3WIQ and 3WIR.

Structured digital abstract

CsKP and CsKP bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

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Diaspore and shoot size as drivers of local, regional and global bryophyte distributions
Authors: Virtanen Risto
Published: November 2013

Aim

Ecological theory provides divergent views about how patterns of bryophyte occurrence are related from local to global scales. Here, I test the hypotheses that, based on the high dispersal capacity of bryophytes, patterns of occurrence are similar from local to global scales and independent of variation in diaspore and size traits, or alternatively that the patterns are dissimilar and depend on traits that are important for dispersal and competition.

Location

Global.

Methods

The occurrence patterns of 28 bryophyte species and their relationship to diaspore and shoot size were analysed for three study systems: (1) a local metacommunity on erratic calcareous boulders; (2) a regional study system in the biogeographical provinces of the Nordic countries; and (3) based on data available from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

Results

Contrary to expectations, bryophyte occurrence was not similar among local or global study systems, but regional occurrences matched both local and global occurrences. Contrary to neutral theoretical assumptions, the occurrences depended on traits. In the local metacommunity, there was a tendency towards a negative relationship between occurrence and diaspore size: small and large species tended to be rare, whereas species of intermediate size tended to be widespread. In the regional study system, species with large diaspores tended to be widespread, with frequency of occurrence positively correlated with shoot length.

Main conclusions

In contrast to patterns detected for micro‐organisms, local and global frequencies of occurrence for bryophytes are not necessarily similar. However, occurrences at the regional scale may be useful for predicting both local and global occurrences. Links between species traits important for dispersal and competition on the one hand, and occurrences on the other, supports the utility of these traits for the analysis of distributions and questions the adequacy of assumptions of functional equivalence.
Infection risk and stability of a continuous 8‐h 250 mL rFVIII infusion
Authors: Lambing A. , Kuriakose P. , Mueller L. M.
Published: November 2013

This study seeks to identify the delivery method of continuous infusion using a 250 cc IV bag via pump, change every 8 h. Additionally, the study will examine the infection risk with the use of 8 h infusions. Ten hemophilia A patients were identified for the study. Each patient received a bolus factorVIII (FVIII) infusion with a pre FVIII level and 1 h post FVIII level to determine recovery levels for optimal dosing. On the day of 8‐h continuous infusion, the pt received a bolus VIII (Kogenate FS ™) for correction to 100% followed by individually calculated continuous infusion (Kogenate FS ™) FVIII. FVIII levels were drawn from the IV bag and peripherally from the patient in the opposite arm at time points: pre infusion, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 h. Additionally, blood cultures were drawn from the IV bag and from the IV tubing at time points pre infusion, 4 and 8 h. Fourteen subjects agreed to participate in the study; 4 failed to follow up, hence 10 subjects were included in the analysis of data; 7 severe, 2 moderate, and 1 mild hemophilia A. Age range was 26–62 years. Ethnic breakdown included 5 African American, 4 Caucasian, 1 Hispanic. With all infusions, the range of FVIII was 65–135% (blood) and 62–200% (bag). After the start of infusion, there were no significant differences noted between the hourly FVIII levels in the subjects and the IV values (P‐value range 0.36–0.9). Additionally, given three time points with six cultures per patient, totaling 60 points of cultures drawn for the study, all cultures from the IV bag and patient were negative. The effective delivery method and safety of an 8‐h continuous infusion of FVIII (Kogenate FS ™) has been confirmed. This method can be helpful given that many hospitals may not carry the required mini‐pumps, allowing a standard safe delivery of FVIII (Kogenate FS ™) continuous infusion by available means.
Developing a quick and inexpensive in vitro (non‐animal) bioassay for mascara irritation
Authors: Thomason H. , Montagnes D. J. S.
Published: November 2013

Synopsis

Objective

Mascara is a mild irritant that causes a range of medical problems. Animal models to predict ocular irritation have, however, been questioned at a number of levels, and there is a continued need to develop in vitro testing methods.

Methods

We assess changes in an easily quantifiable attribute, ciliated protozoan growth rate, as a sensitive, sublethal measure. Specifically, we test six, randomly chosen, commercial mascara products against a control (as treatments) and reveal through ANOVA (n = 6, α = 0.05) significant differences in the specific growth rate to treatments (for both protozoa).

Results

We provide evidence that two easily cultured protozoa (Paramecium caudatum, Blepharisma japonicum) should be considered as models to assess ocular irritancy (and possibly cosmetics in general) and establish the groundwork for such studies to be applied at a more commercial level. We do this by developing a bioassay for mascara toxicity and indicate the low cost (after equipment is purchased, on the order of $100s) and the ease of performing such tests (able to be conducted by undergraduate students), as a consideration for their future commercial application. We first examined dose dependence of responses, revealing that there was a need to conduct preliminary work to determine appropriate levels for sublethal responses. We then show that some products resulted in mortality at high concentrations, others decreased growth rate by >50% (compared with the control), whereas others had no significant effect, compared with the control.

Conclusion

We have provided a novel, quick and inexpensive means to assess mascara; the next step is to validate these ciliate bioassays by comparison with animal testing and epidemiological studies, which is beyond the scope of this fundamental ‘proof‐of‐concept’ study.
Relational union organising in a healthcare setting: a qualitative study
Authors: Saundry Richard , McKeown Mick
Published: November 2013

This article explores the impact of a relational organising model within a local UNISON NHS branch. While initial outcomes were modest, we argue that relational approaches have the potential to increase branch engagement with organising activity and to provide a focus on the importance of community within the workplace.
Negative pressure wound therapy with saline instillation: 131 patient case series
Authors: Brinkert David , Ali Mazen , Naud Magali , Maire Nicolas , Trial Chloé , Téot Luc
Published: November 2013

Negative pressure wound therapy combined with timed, cyclical instillation (NPWTi) of topical wound solutions has been recently presented as a new adjunctive modality for treating wounds with signs of infection. Normal saline, antiseptics and antimicrobials all have been proposed in scientific and clinical studies as potentially effective when used with NPWTi for treating heavily infected wounds. This is a prospective clinical study of 131 patients with 131 wounds treated with NPWTi using saline between January 2012 and December 2012 in two orthopaedic centres and one surgical wound healing centre in France. Saline was exclusively used. Results were favourable: in 98% of the cases, the wounds could be closed after debridement and following the use of NPWTi. Mean duration of NPWTi was 12·19 days. This does not preclude the need for treating the biofilm appropriately with more active antibacterial products when biofilm has been documented.
Circulating immune complexes and analysis of renal immune deposits in feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats
Authors: POLI A , FALCONE M L , BIGALLI L , MASSI C , HOFMANN-LEHMANN R , LOMBARDI S , BENDINELLI M , LUTZ H
Published: November 2013

Total immunoglobulin content and concentration of immune complexes (IC) were determined in the sera of 51 cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and of 40 controls. IgG and IgM were quantified by radial immunodiffusion and circulating IC (CIC) by the CIC-conglutinin assay. IgG fractions were obtained by acid elution from kidney tissues of 15 FIV-infected and five negative control cats to investigate the possible role of IC in the genesis of renal damage observed in infected animals. Mean concentrations of IgG and circulating IC were higher in FIV-infected cats than in controls (29·6±6·7 versus 23·0±1·9 mg/dl (mean±s.d.) P < 0001; and 66·5 ± 17·0 versus 27·4 ± 19·9% I, P < 0·001, respectively), while IgM levels were only slightly increased (0·9 ± 0·05 versus 0·87 ± 0·04 mg/dl, P < 0·02). Immunoglobulin fractions were eluted from 10 of the 15 renal tissue samples from FIV-infected cats and were found to be polyclonal and at least partly specific for FIV antigens. These findings confirm the presence of a B cell activation in FIV-infected cats and demonstrate the presence of high levels of CIC in their sera. The presence of immune deposits in renal tissues suggests that IC might play a role in the pathogenesis of the renal damage observed in FIV-infected cats.