bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notch controls the magnitude of T helper cell responses by promoting cellular longevity
Authors: Helbig Christina , Gentek Rebecca , Backer Ronald A. , de Souza Yevan , Derks Ingrid A. M. , Eldering Eric , Wagner Koen , Jankovic Dragana , Gridley Thomas , Moerland Perry D. , Flavell Richard A. , Amsen Derk
Published: May 2012

Generation of effective immune responses requires expansion of rare antigen-specific CD4
+
T cells. The magnitude of the responding population is ultimately determined by proliferation and survival. Both processes are tightly controlled to limit responses to innocuous antigens. Sustained expansion occurs only when innate immune sensors are activated by microbial stimuli or by adjuvants, which has important implications for vaccination. The molecular identity of the signals controlling sustained T-cell responses is not fully clear. Here, we describe a prominent role for the Notch pathway in this process. Coactivation of Notch allows accumulation of far greater numbers of activated CD4
+
T cells than stimulation via T-cell receptor and classic costimulation alone. Notch does not overtly affect cell cycle entry or progression of CD4
+
T cells. Instead, Notch protects activated CD4
+
T cells against apoptosis after an initial phase of clonal expansion. Notch induces a broad antiapoptotic gene expression program that protects against intrinsic, as well as extrinsic, apoptosis pathways. Both Notch1 and Notch2 receptors and the canonical effector RBPJ (recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region) are involved in this process. Correspondingly, CD4
+
T-cell responses to immunization with protein antigen are strongly reduced in mice lacking these components of the Notch pathway. Our findings, therefore, show that Notch controls the magnitude of CD4
+
T-cell responses by promoting cellular longevity.
Proposed Empirical Standard Weight Equation for Brook Chub Squalius lucumonis
Authors: Giannetto Daniela , Franchi Elisabetta , Pompei Laura , Lorenzoni Massimo , Porcellotti Stefano , Tancioni Lorenzo
Published: May 2012

Relative weight (Wr) is an index of condition that enables evaluation of the well-being of fish by comparing the actual weight of a specimen with the ideal weight of a specimen of the same species and the same length that is in good physiological condition (i.e., the standard weight [Ws]). This index was primarily developed to assess the status of sport fishes. Recently, however, many authors have encouraged the use of this index as a fisheries assessment tool for nongame species as well, especially those that are endangered or threatened. Length and weight data on brook chub Squalius lucumonis, an Italian endemic species listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, were collected across its area of distribution and used to compute a standard weight (Ws) equation by means of the empirical percentile method. The Ws equation thus obtained (log10Ws = –7.75 + 5.75 log10[total length {TL}] – 0.66 [log10TL]2; TL range of application = 90–210 mm) was not biased by length and is recommended as a way to compute Wr for brook chub.

Received October 11, 2011; accepted January 12, 2012
Stoichiometry of Nck-dependent actin polymerization in living cells
Authors: Ditlev Jonathon A. , Michalski Paul J. , Huber Greg , Rivera Gonzalo M. , Mohler William A. , Loew Leslie M. , Mayer Bruce J.
Published: May 2012

Regulation of actin dynamics through the Nck/N-WASp (neural Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein)/Arp2/3 pathway is essential for organogenesis, cell invasiveness, and pathogen infection. Although many of the proteins involved in this pathway are known, the detailed mechanism by which it functions remains undetermined. To examine the signaling mechanism, we used a two-pronged strategy involving computational modeling and quantitative experimentation. We developed predictions for Nck-dependent actin polymerization using the Virtual Cell software system. In addition, we used antibody-induced aggregation of membrane-targeted Nck SH3 domains to test these predictions and to determine how the number of molecules in Nck aggregates and the density of aggregates affected localized actin polymerization in living cells. Our results indicate that the density of Nck molecules in aggregates is a critical determinant of actin polymerization. Furthermore, results from both computational simulations and experimentation support a model in which the Nck/N-WASp/Arp2/3 stoichiometry is 4:2:1. These results provide new insight into activities involving localized actin polymerization, including tumor cell invasion, microbial pathogenesis, and T cell activation.
Investigation of the Thomson scattering-ECE discrepancy in ICRF heated plasmas at Alcator C-Mod
Authors: White A.E. , Hubbard A.E. , Hughes J.W. , Bonoli P.T. , Austin M.E. , Bader A. , Harvey R.W. , Lin Y. , Ma Y. , Reinke M.L. , Wolfe S.M. , Wukitch S.J.
Published: May 2012

This paper reports on new experiments at Alcator C-Mod that were performed in order to investigate the long-standing, unresolved discrepancy between Thomson scattering (TS) and electron cyclotron emission (ECE) measurements of electron temperature in high temperature tokamak plasmas. Ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) heating is used to produce high temperature conditions where the type of TS-ECE discrepancy observed in the past at JET and TFTR should become observable. At Alcator C-Mod, plasmas with T
e(0) up to 8 keV are obtained using ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH), ICRF mode conversion heating and a combination of the two heating methods in order to explore the hypothesis that the presence of ICRH-generated fast ions may be related to the discrepancy. In all high temperature cases, the TS and ECE measurements of electron temperature agree to within experimental uncertainties. We find no evidence for the type of discrepancy reported at JET and TFTR. These results show that the TS-ECE discrepancy does not depend on high temperatures alone and also that the presence of ICRH-generated fast ions is insufficient to cause the TS-ECE discrepancy.
Theory of magnetic reconnection in solar and astrophysical plasmas
Authors: Pontin David I.
Published: May 2012

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process in a plasma that facilitates the release of energy stored in the magnetic field by permitting a change in the magnetic topology. In this paper, we present a review of the current state of understanding of magnetic reconnection. We discuss theoretical results regarding the formation of current sheets in complex three-dimensional magnetic fields and describe the fundamental differences between reconnection in two and three dimensions. We go on to outline recent developments in modelling of reconnection with kinetic theory, as well as in the magnetohydrodynamic framework where a number of new three-dimensional reconnection regimes have been identified. We discuss evidence from observations and simulations of Solar System plasmas that support this theory and summarize some prominent locations in which this new reconnection theory is relevant in astrophysical plasmas.
Numerical models of sunspot formation and fine structure
Authors: Rempel Matthias
Published: May 2012

Sunspots are central to our understanding of solar (and stellar) magnetism in many respects. On the large scale, they link the magnetic field observable in the photosphere to the dynamo processes operating in the solar interior. Properly interpreting the constraints that sunspots impose on the dynamo process requires a detailed understanding of the processes involved in their formation, dynamical evolution and decay. On the small scale, they give an insight into how convective energy transport interacts with the magnetic field over a wide range of field strengths and inclination angles, leading to sunspot fine structure observed in the form of umbral dots and penumbral filaments. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made on both observational and theoretical sides. Advanced ground- and space-based observations have resolved, for the first time, the details of umbral dots and penumbral filaments and discovered similarities in their substructures. Numerical models have advanced to the degree that simulations of entire sunspots with sufficient resolution to resolve sunspot fine structure are feasible. A combination of improved helioseismic inversion techniques with seismic forward modelling provides new views on the subsurface structure of sunspots. In this review, we summarize recent progress, with particular focus on numerical modelling.
Genome-scale analysis of DNA methylation in lung adenocarcinoma and integration with mRNA expression
Authors: Selamat Suhaida A. , Chung Brian S. , Girard Luc , Zhang Wei , Zhang Ying , Campan Mihaela , Siegmund Kimberly D. , Koss Michael N. , Hagen Jeffrey A. , Lam Wan L. , Lam Stephen , Gazdar Adi F. , Laird-Offringa Ite A.
Published: May 2012

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and adenocarcinoma is its most common histological subtype. Clinical and molecular evidence indicates that lung adenocarcinoma is a heterogeneous disease, which has important implications for treatment. Here we performed genome-scale DNA methylation profiling using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation27 platform on 59 matched lung adenocarcinoma/non-tumor lung pairs, with genome-scale verification on an independent set of tissues. We identified 766 genes showing altered DNA methylation between tumors and non-tumor lung. By integrating DNA methylation and mRNA expression data, we identified 164 hypermethylated genes showing concurrent down-regulation, and 57 hypomethylated genes showing increased expression. Integrated pathways analysis indicates that these genes are involved in cell differentiation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, RAS and WNT signaling pathways, and cell cycle regulation, among others. Comparison of DNA methylation profiles between lung adenocarcinomas of current and never-smokers showed modest differences, identifying only LGALS4 as significantly hypermethylated and down-regulated in smokers. LGALS4, encoding a galactoside-binding protein involved in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, was recently shown to be a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. Unsupervised analysis of the DNA methylation data identified two tumor subgroups, one of which showed increased DNA methylation and was significantly associated with KRAS mutation and to a lesser extent, with smoking. Our analysis lays the groundwork for further molecular studies of lung adenocarcinoma by identifying novel epigenetically deregulated genes potentially involved in lung adenocarcinoma development/progression, and by describing an epigenetic subgroup of lung adenocarcinoma associated with characteristic molecular alterations.
2-[(Diisopropylthiophosphoryl)amino]pyridinium tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Holzhacker Christian , Kirchner Karl , Mereiter Kurt
Published: May 2012

The title compound, C11H20N2PS+·BF4
−, is a salt of 2-(diisopropylthiophosphorylamino)pyridine, a chelating bidentate ligand that furnishes an S atom as a soft donor and a pyridine N atom as a hard atom for transition-metal complexation. The title salt crystallizes with two formula units in the asymmetric unit. The two independent cations are protonated at the pyridine N atoms and have the S atoms syn-oriented to them so as to form bent intramolecular N—H...S hydrogen bonds, one of which one is bifurcated by involving also an N—H...F interaction. The phosphorylamino NH groups form near linear hydrogen bonds to proximal tetrafluoroborate anions. Five weak C—H...F and three weak C—H...S interactions link the constituents into a three-dimensional framework. As a result of the crystal packing, the two cations differ notably in conformation, as can be seen from the S—P—N—C torsion angles of −18.7 (1)° in the first and −35.1 (1)° in the second cation.
(1E,2E)-2-Methyl-3-phenylacrylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Mendoza-Meroño Rafael , García-Granda Santiago
Published: May 2012

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C11H13N3S, molecules form centrosymmetric synthons with an R
2
2(8) graph-set motif, linked by pairs of N—H...S hydrogen bonds. The synthons are connected through further N—H...S hydrogen bonds, extending the packing to form a two-dimensional network lying parallel to (001). In addition, C—H...π interactions are observed.
2-Methylsulfonyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid
Authors: Yao Lin-Shan , We Bo , Gao Jin-Sheng
Published: May 2012

In the title molecule, C9H7F3O4S, the S and the methyl C atoms of the methylsulfonyl group deviate from the benzene ring plane by 0.185 (2) and −1.394 (3) Å, respectively. In the crystal, O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains along [201]. Weak C—H...O interactions further link these chains into layers parallel to the ac plane.
N-(5-Chloro-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2,4-difluorobenzamide
Authors: Liu Xi-Wang , Li Jian-Yong , Zhang Han , Yang Ya-Jun , Zhang Ji-Yu
Published: May 2012

The title compound, C10H5ClF2N2OS, was obtained by linking an amino heterocycle and a substituted benzoyl chloride. The dihedral angle between the two rings is 41.2 (2)° and the equalization of the amide C—N bond lengths reveals the existence of conjugation between the benzene ring and the thiazole unit. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds link molecules into inversion dimers. Non-classical C—H...F and C—H...O hydrogen bonds stabilize the crystal structure.
3,3′-Dicyclopentyl-1,1′-(1,3-phenylenedimethylene)dibenzimidazol-1-ium bis(hexafluorophosphate)
Authors: Haque Rosenani A. , Nasri S. Fatimah , Rosli Mohd Mustaqim , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C32H36N4
2+·2PF6
−, the cation and the anions each have crystallographic twofold rotation symmetry. The benzimidazole ring is almost planar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.0161 (1) Å] and makes a dihedral angle of 5.77 (4)° with its symmetry-related component and a dihedral angle of 80.96 (5)° with the central benzene ring. The cyclopentyl ring adopts a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked into a three-dimensional network through C—H...F hydrogen bonds. A C—H...π interaction is also observed.
The changing gender gap in substance use disorder: a total population‐based study of psychiatric in‐patients
Authors: Steingrímsson Steinn , Carlsen Hanne Krage , Sigfússon Sigmundur , Magnússon Andrés
Published: May 2012

Aims

To study changes over a 25‐year period in the gender gap in discharge diagnoses of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use disorder (SUD) in psychiatric in‐patients.

Design, setting and participants

 A register‐based study of all admissions to psychiatric hospitals in Iceland between January 1983 and December 2007.

Measurements

Annual rate of admissions to psychiatric hospitals, adjusted for changes in the size of the population. Furthermore, gender‐specific analysis of changes in discharge diagnoses of AUD solely and other SUD (including AUD with other SUDs).

Findings

Of all psychiatric admissions, the proportion of any SUD admissions increased considerably during the study period. This increase was most pronounced in SUDs other than solely AUD. AUD increased for women and decreased for men. The male to female ratio of AUD alone decreased from 4.2 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the gender gap for other SUDs (P = 0.96).

Conclusions

There has been a marked convergence of the gender gap in discharge diagnosis of alcohol use disorder among psychiatric in‐patients in Iceland over the last decades. For other substance use disorders, the change was not as pronounced. Our results emphasize the importance of monitoring changes in substance use disorder diagnosis as this may uncover different treatment needs in this group of vulnerable individuals.
Endoscopic dilation is an efficacious and safe treatment of intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease
Authors: Gustavsson A. , Magnuson A. , Blomberg B. , Andersson M. , Halfvarson J. , Tysk C.
Published: May 2012

Background

Bowel strictures are a major cause of morbidity, hospitalisation and surgery in Crohn's disease.

Aim

We report short‐ and long‐term efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures due to Crohn's disease.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation between 1987 and 2009.

Results

We performed 776 dilations, of which 621 (80%) were on anastomotic strictures, in 178 patients (94 women) with Crohn's disease. At first dilation, median (IQR) age of patients was 45 (37–56) years and disease duration 16 (8–22) years. Technical success rate was 689/776 (89%). A subset of 75 patients from the primary catchment area, with >5‐year follow‐up, underwent a total of 246 dilations. At 1‐year follow‐up, 60/75 (80%) patients had undergone no further intervention or one additional dilation only. At 3 and 5 years, corresponding figures were 43/75 (57%) and 39/75 (52%). Cumulative proportions of patients undergoing surgery at 1, 3 and 5 years were 13%, 28% and 36%. Complication rate per procedure for all 178 patients was 41/776 (5.3%), bowel perforation (n = 11, 1.4%), major bleeding requiring blood transfusion (n = 8, 1.0%), minor bleeding (n = 10, 1.3%) and abdominal pain or fever (n = 12, 1.5%). Ten patients underwent surgery due to complications (perforation n = 8, bleeding n = 2). There was no procedure‐related mortality.

Conclusions

Endoscopic balloon dilation is an efficacious and safe alternative to surgical resection of intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease. At 5‐year follow‐up, 52% of patients required no further or one additional dilation only, whereas 36% had undergone surgical resection. Complication frequency was low.
Prior varicella zoster virus exposure in IBD patients treated by anti‐TNFs and other immunomodulators: implications for serological testing and vaccination guidelines
Authors: Kopylov U. , Levin A. , Mendelson E. , Dovrat S. , Book M. , Eliakim R. , Ben‐Horin S.
Published: May 2012

Background

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a severe and preventable infection in immunosuppressed IBD patients. ECCO guidelines recommend VZV immunisation in patients with negative VZV exposure history. The value of patient‐reported VZV exposure history for prediction of seropositivity in IBD patients remains unknown. Moreover, data on VZV immunity in adult IBD patients or accuracy of VZV serological testing under immunomodulator treatment is sparse.

Aims

The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for VZV‐IgG in immunomodulator‐treated IBD patients. A secondary aim was to establish the value of patient‐reported history of past VZV infection for prediction of immunity, to validate the current vaccination strategy.

Methods

History of VZV‐related illness was accessed by epidemiological questionnaire, and serological testing for VZV‐IgG was performed. Serum anti‐TNF medications levels were measured when applicable.

Results

One hundred twenty one IBD (86% Crohn's disease, mean age 37 ± 12.8) patients were included in the study. Immunomodulator therapy was received by 87% (anti‐TNFs‐ 71%) of the patients. Previous exposure to VZV was reported by 104 patients, and 97/104 (93%) were VZV‐IgG seropositive. Seventeen patients, all seropositive, reported negative exposure history. The calculated positive and negative predictive values for the reported history of VZV exposure were 93% and 0% respectively.

Conclusions

Negative history of VZV exposure is a poor predictor of seronegativity. History‐positive patients may still be seronegative and exposed to VZV infection. We suggest serological testing of all IBD patients with subsequent immunisation of the seronegative patients before initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.
Invading and resident defoliators in a changing climate: cold tolerance and predictions concerning extreme winter cold as a range‐limiting factor
Authors: AMMUNÉT TEA , KAUKORANTA TIMO , SAIKKONEN KARI , REPO TAPANI , KLEMOLA TERO
Published: May 2012

1. Winter temperatures in northern latitudes are predicted to increase markedly as a result of ongoing climate change, thus making the invasion of new insect defoliators possible. The establishment of new outbreak pest species may have major effects on northern ecosystems that are particularly sensitive to disturbances.

2. Effects of winter minimum temperatures under field and laboratory conditions were examined and limitations by minimum temperatures on future range expansion were investigated for invasive [Operophtera brumata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)] and potentially invasive [Agriopis aurantiaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)] birch‐feeding forest pests. The results for the studied invasive and potentially invasive moths were compared with the parameters of the resident moth species Epirrita autumnata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae).

3. The results showed tolerated critical temperatures of the invader (O. brumata) and the resident (E. autumnata) were more similar (differing only by 1 °C), whereas the potential invader (A. aurantiaria) was much less tolerant of cold temperatures. Although describing different stages of overwintering, results were consistent between laboratory and field studies except for those at one field location, at which other abiotic conditions are suggested to have significant influence on moth egg survival.

4. Based on the present results and expected changes in winter temperatures over the next 30 years, the range expansion of an established invasive species may be predicted. No limitations were found regarding the possible future invasion of a new pest species to northern Fennoscandia. The importance of studying a species' whole overwintering period is highlighted and further studies devoted to the effects of other abiotic factors in addition to the effects of temperature are suggested.
Grazing management influences the subsidy of terrestrial prey to trout in central Rocky Mountain streams (USA)
Authors: SAUNDERS W. CARL , FAUSCH KURT D.
Published: May 2012

1. Research in forest and grassland ecosystems indicates that terrestrial invertebrates that fall into streams can be an important prey resource for fish, providing about 50% of their annual energy and having strong effects on growth and abundance. However, the indirect effects of land uses like cattle grazing on this important prey subsidy for stream salmonids are unclear.

2. During summer 2007, we compared the effects of three commonly used grazing systems on terrestrial invertebrate inputs to streams in northern Colorado and their use by trout. Cattle graze individual pastures for about 120 days under traditional season‐long grazing (SLG), about 35–45 days under simple rotational grazing and 10–20 days under intensive rotational grazing in this region. We also compared these effects to a fourth group of sites grazed only by wildlife (i.e. no livestock use).

3. Overall, rotational grazing management (either simple or intensive), resulted in more riparian vegetation, greater inputs of terrestrial invertebrates, greater biomass of terrestrial invertebrate prey in trout diets, a higher input compared to trout metabolic demand and more trout biomass than SLG. However, these differences were frequently not statistically significant owing to high variability, especially for trout diets and biomass.

4. Despite the inherent variability, riparian vegetation and terrestrial invertebrates entering streams and in trout diets at sites managed for rotational grazing were similar to sites managed for wildlife grazing only.

5. These results indicate that rotational grazing systems can be effective for maintaining levels of terrestrial invertebrate subsidies to streams necessary to support robust trout populations. However, factors influencing the effect of riparian grazing on stream subsidies are both spatially variable and complex, owing to differences in microclimate, invertebrate and plant populations and the efforts of ranchers to tailor grazing systems to specific riparian pastures.
Iterative method for the separation of blended seismic data: discussion on the algorithmic aspects
Authors: Mahdad Araz , Doulgeris Panagiotis , Blacquière Gerrit
Published: May 2012

Recently much attention has been given to the possibility of shooting in an overlapping fashion, the so‐called blended or simultaneous acquisition. In conventional acquisition the time intervals between successive sources are large enough to avoid interference in time. In blending, a temporal overlap between source responses is allowed. This additional degree of freedom in survey design has the potential to significantly reduce seismic acquisition costs while maintaining or improving the data quality. Deblending is the procedure of retrieving data as if they were acquired in the conventional, unblended way. This is an essential step in the case where standard processing flows are applied. Several methods have been proposed to perform data separation with the majority of them falling into two categories. The first category consists in methods that filter out the blending noise by arranging seismic data in some domain, whereas inversion techniques fall into the second category. We recently introduced an iterative estimation and subtraction algorithm that integrates elements of both categories. This method exploits the fact that the character of the blending noise differs in different domains, e.g., it is coherent in the common source domain but incoherent in the common receiver, common‐offset or common midpoint domains. Up to now, our method relies on the interaction with a human operator. The automation of the thresholding process is addressed in this paper, leading to a hands‐off algorithm for the separation of blended data, optimized for both efficiency and effectiveness. We found that one of the major limiting factors is the edge artefacts generated by the coherence‐pass filter. The effectiveness of the coherence‐pass filter has a considerable influence on the convergence of our deblending algorithm. This is shown by testing different coherence‐pass filters on marine data as well as introducing errors in the coherence‐pass process. We show that these data estimation errors can be handled properly and the best result is obtained using a τ‐p filter as a coherence‐pass filter. Furthermore, very promising results are obtained on numerically‐blended land data.
Bioactivity of EndoSequence Root Repair Material and Bioaggregate
Authors: Shokouhinejad N. , Nekoofar M. H. , Razmi H. , Sajadi S. , Davies T. E. , Saghiri M. A. , Gorjestani H. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: May 2012

Aim

To evaluate the bioactivity of Bioaggregate (BA), EndoSequence Root Repair Material (ERRM), and white ProRoot Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

Methodology

Sixty horizontal root sections with standardized canal spaces were divided randomly into 3 groups (n = 20) and filled with white ProRoot MTA (groups 1 and 2), BA (groups 3 and 4) or ERRM putty (groups 5 and 6). The specimens of groups 1, 3 and 5 (each of 10) were immersed in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) for 1 week and those of groups 2, 4 and 6 (each of 10) for 2 months. After the experimental periods, the specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. Precipitation of apatite crystals on the surfaces of the cements and/or at the dentine–cement interface was evaluated and analysed elementally by energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) instrument.

Results

Analysis of specimens revealed various surface morphologies that were dependent on the material and immersion time in PBS. The formation of precipitates was observed on the surfaces of all materials at 1 week, which increased substantially over time. After 2 months, the surface of the cements was changed dramatically and consisted of a substantially greater amount of apatite aggregates. Interfacial layers in some areas of the dentine–cement interface were found only following 2 months of immersion. Precipitates on MTA revealed high peaks of Ca, Si and O after 1 week of immersion; after 2 months, high peaks of Ca, P and O were present. Precipitates on BA and ERRM displayed high Ca, P O peaks after both 1 week and 2 months.

Conclusion

Exposure of MTA, BA and ERRM to PBS resulted in precipitation of apatite crystalline structures that increased over time. This suggests that the tested materials are bioactive.
Sunscreens: are they beneficial for health? An overview of endocrine disrupting properties of UV‐filters
Authors: Krause M. , Klit A. , Blomberg Jensen M. , Søeborg T. , Frederiksen H. , Schlumpf M. , Lichtensteiger W. , Skakkebaek N. E. , Drzewiecki K. T.
Published: May 2012

Today, topical application of sunscreens, containing ultraviolet‐filters (UV‐filters), is preferred protection against adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation. Evidently, use of sunscreens is effective in prevention of sunburns in various models. However, evidence for their protective effects against melanoma skin cancer is less conclusive. Three important observations prompted us to review the animal data and human studies on possible side effects of selected chemical UV‐filters in cosmetics. (1) the utilization of sunscreens with UV‐filters is increasing worldwide; (2) the incidence of the malignant disorder for which sunscreens should protect, malignant melanoma, is rapidly increasing and (3) an increasing number of experimental studies indicating that several UV‐filters might have endocrine disruptive effects. The selected UV‐filters we review in this article are benzophenone‐3 (BP‐3), 3‐benzylidene camphor (3‐BC), 3‐(4‐methyl‐benzylidene) camphor (4‐MBC), 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐methoxy cinnamate (OMC), Homosalate (HMS), 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐dimethylaminobenzoate (OD‐PABA) and 4‐aminobenzoic acid (PABA). The potential adverse effects induced by UV‐filters in experimental animals include reproductive/developmental toxicity and disturbance of hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis (HPT). Few human studies have investigated potential side effects of UV‐filters, although human exposure is high as UV‐filters in sunscreens are rapidly absorbed from the skin. One of the UV‐filters, BP‐3, has been found in 96% of urine samples in the US and several UV‐filters in 85% of Swiss breast milk samples. It seems pertinent to evaluate whether exposure to UV‐filters contribute to possible adverse effects on the developing organs of foetuses and children.
Detecting adulteration of Dendrobium officinale by real‐time PCR coupled with ARMS
Authors: Xu Huijun , Hou Beiwei , Zhang Jingzi , Tian Min , Yuan Yinghui , Niu Zhitao , Ding Xiaoyu
Published: May 2012

The high commercial value of ‘Tiepi Fengdou’ presents the constant risk of adulteration with cheaper Dendrobium products. Therefore, a novel method, combining SYBR Green II‐based real‐time PCR (rt‐PCR) with amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), was established. By performing the diagnostic rt‐PCR assay, a 109‐bp fragment was specifically amplified from the internal transcribed spacer region of D. officinale. The difference between the average cycle threshold (Ct) value of ‘Tiepi Fengdou’ (20.48) and the mean of those of all reference Dendrobium products (31.83) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The results indicate that the established system can be able to rapidly and unequivocally discriminate ‘Tiepi Fengdou’ from its adulterants.
Controlled‐release melatonin, singly and combined with cognitive behavioural therapy, for persistent insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: CORTESI FLAVIA , GIANNOTTI FLAVIA , SEBASTIANI TERESA , PANUNZI SARA , VALENTE DONATELLA
Published: May 2012

Although melatonin and cognitive–behavioural therapy have shown efficacy in treating sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders, little is known about their relative or combined efficacy. One hundred and sixty children with autism spectrum disorders, aged 4–10 years, suffering from sleep onset insomnia and impaired sleep maintenance, were assigned randomly to either (1) combination of controlled‐release melatonin and cognitive–behavioural therapy; (2) controlled‐release melatonin; (3) four sessions of cognitive–behavioural therapy; or (4) placebo drug treatment condition for 12 weeks in a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio. Children were studied at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment response was assessed with 1‐week actigraphic monitoring, sleep diary and sleep questionnaire. Main outcome measures, derived actigraphically, were sleep latency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset and number of awakenings. The active treatment groups all resulted in improvements across all outcome measures, with moderate‐to‐large effect sizes from baseline to a 12‐week assessment. Melatonin treatment was mainly effective in reducing insomnia symptoms, while cognitive–behavioural therapy had a light positive impact mainly on sleep latency, suggesting that some behavioural aspects might play a role in determining initial insomnia. The combination treatment group showed a trend to outperform other active treatment groups, with fewer dropouts and a greater proportion of treatment responders achieving clinically significant changes (63.38% normative sleep efficiency criterion of >85% and 84.62%, sleep onset latency <30 min). This study demonstrates that adding behavioural intervention to melatonin treatment seems to result in a better treatment response, at least in the short term.
Recent speciation between sympatric Tanganyikan cichlid colour morphs
Authors: WAGNER CATHERINE E. , McCUNE AMY R. , LOVETTE IRBY J.
Published: May 2012

Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s oldest lake, harbours an impressive diversity of cichlid fishes. Although diversification in its radiating groups is thought to have been initially rapid, cichlids from Lake Tanganyika show little evidence for ongoing speciation. In contrast, examples of recent divergence among sympatric colour morphs are well known in haplochromine cichlids from Lakes Malawi and Victoria. Here, we report genetic evidence for recent divergence between two sympatric Tanganyikan cichlid colour morphs. These Petrochromis morphs share mitochondrial haplotypes, yet microsatellite loci reveal that their sympatric populations form distinct genetic groups. Nuclear divergence between the two morphs is equivalent to that which arises geographically within one of the morphs over short distances and is substantially smaller than that among other sympatric species in this genus. These patterns suggest that these morphs diverged only recently, yet that barriers to gene flow exist which prevent extensive admixture despite their sympatric distribution. The morphs studied here provide an unusual example of active diversification in Lake Tanganyika’s generally ancient cichlid fauna and enable comparisons of speciation processes between Lake Tanganyika and other African lakes.
Long‐term genetic monitoring reveals contrasting changes in the genetic composition of newly established populations of the intertidal snail Bembicium vittatum
Authors: JASON KENNINGTON W. , HEVROY TANYA H. , JOHNSON MICHAEL S.
Published: May 2012

Newly established populations are susceptible to founder events that reduce genetic variation. This may be counterbalanced by gene flow after populations become established or founders coming from genetically different populations. However, initial gains in genetic diversity may be short‐lived if there is limited mixing between lineages and subsequent inbreeding, or if one lineage sweeps to fixation through selection or genetic drift. Here, we report on the genetic changes taking place within two newly established populations of intertidal snail over a 15‐year period (∼ 10 generations). Each translocation was set up using multiple, genetically distinct source populations. Our data show that higher levels of variation in the translocated populations compared to the source populations were maintained over time for both nuclear (microsatellite) and mitochondrial genes. Small changes in allele and haplotype frequencies were observed in the source populations and in one of the translocated populations, but marked changes were evident in the other, where there was a dramatic shift towards the genetic make‐up of one of the source populations. These genetic changes occurred despite relatively large numbers of founders (200–374 adults) and no evidence of the population experiencing a severe reduction in effective population size. Our study shows that the genetic composition of newly established populations can vary greatly over time and that genetic outcomes can be highly variable, and significantly different from initial expectations, even when they are established using high numbers of individuals and involve source populations from the same geographic regions.
Functional neuroanatomy of bipolar disorder: structure, function, and connectivity in an amygdala–anterior paralimbic neural system
Authors: Blond Benjamin N , Fredericks Carolyn A , Blumberg Hilary P
Published: May 2012

Blond BN, Fredericks CA, Blumberg HP. Functional neuroanatomy of bipolar disorder: structure, function, and connectivity in an amygdala–anterior paralimbic neural system.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 340–355. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  In past decades, neuroimaging research in bipolar disorder has demonstrated a convergence of findings in an amygdala–anterior paralimbic cortex neural system. This paper reviews behavioral neurology literature that first suggested a central role for this neural system in the disorder and the neuroimaging evidence that supports it.

Methods:  Relevant articles are reviewed to provide an amygdala–anterior paralimbic cortex neural system model of bipolar disorder, including articles from the fields of behavioral neurology and neuroanatomy, and neuroimaging.

Results:  The literature is highly supportive of key roles for the amygdala, anterior paralimbic cortices, and connections among these structures in the emotional dysregulation of bipolar disorder. The functions subserved by their more widely distributed connection sites suggest that broader system dysfunction could account for the range of functions—from neurovegetative to cognitive—disrupted in the disorder. Abnormalities in some components of this neural system are apparent by adolescence, while others, such as those in rostral prefrontal regions, appear to progress over adolescence and young adulthood, suggesting a neurodevelopmental model of the disorder. However, some findings conflict, which may reflect the small sample sizes of some studies, and clinical heterogeneity and methodological differences across studies.

Conclusions:  Consistent with models derived from early behavioral neurology studies, neuroimaging studies support a central role for an amygdala–anterior paralimbic neural system in bipolar disorder, and implicate abnormalities in the development of this system in the disorder. This system will be an important focus of future studies on the developmental pathophysiology, detection, treatment, and prevention of the disorder.
Comparative analysis of the pathological events involved in immune and non‐immune TRALI models
Authors: Tamarozzi M. B. , Soares S. G. , Sá‐Nunes A. , Paiva H. H. , Saggioro F. P. , Garcia A. B. , Lucena‐Araujo A. R. , Falcão R. P. , Bordin J. O. , Rego E. M.
Published: May 2012

Background and Objectives  Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is characterized by leukocyte transmigration and alveolar capillary leakage shortly after transfusion. TRALI pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. In some cases, the infusion of alloantibodies (immune model), whereas in others the combination of neutrophil priming by proinflammatory molecules with the subsequent infusion of biological response modifiers (BRMs) in the hemocomponent (non‐immune model) have been implicated. Our aim was to compare the pathological events involved in TRALI induced by antibodies or BRMs using murine models.

Materials and Methods  In the immune model, human HNA‐2+ neutrophils were incubated in vitro with a monoclonal antibody (anti‐CD177, clone 7D8) directed against the HNA‐2 antigen and injected i.v. in NOD/SCID mice. In the non‐immune model, BALB/c mice were treated with low doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by platelet‐activating factor (PAF) infusion 2 h later. Forty minutes after PAF administration, or 6 h after neutrophil injection, lungs were isolated and histological analysis, determination of a variety of cytokines and chemokines including keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC), MIP‐2, the interleukins IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 as well as TNFα, cell influx and alveolar capillary leakage were performed.

Results  In both models, characteristic histological findings of TRALI and an increase in KC and MIP‐2 levels were detected. In contrast to the immune model, in the non‐immune model, there was a dramatic increase in IL‐1β and TNFα. However, capillary leakage was only detected if PAF was administrated.

Conclusions  Regardless of the triggering event(s), KC, MIP‐2 and integrins participate in TRALI pathogenesis, whereas PAF is essential for capillary leakage when two events are involved.
Impact of fresh and saline water flooding on leaf gas exchange in two Italian provenances of Tamarix africana Poiret
Authors: Jaoudé R. Abou , de Dato G. , Palmegiani M. , De Angelis P.
Published: May 2012

In Mediterranean coastal areas, changes in precipitation patterns and seawater levels are leading to increased frequency of flooding and to salinization of estuaries and freshwater systems. Tamarix spp. are often the only woody species growing in such environments. These species are known for their tolerance to moderate salinity; however, contrasting information exists regarding their tolerance to flooding, and the combination of the two stresses has never been studied in Tamarix spp. Here, we analyse the photosynthetic responses of T. africana Poiret to temporary flooding (45 days) with fresh or saline water (200 mm) in two Italian provenances (Simeto and Baratz). The measurements were conducted before and after the onset of flooding, to test the possible cumulative effects of the treatments and effects on twig aging, and to analyse the responses of twigs formed during the experimental period. Full tolerance was evident in T. africana with respect to flooding with fresh water, which did not affect photosynthetic performances in either provenance. Saline flooding was differently tolerated by the two provenances. Moreover, salinity tolerance differently affected the two twig generations. In particular, a reduction in net assimilation rate (−48.8%) was only observed in Baratz twigs formed during the experimental period, compared to pre‐existing twigs. This reduction was a consequence of non‐stomatal limitations (maximum carboxylation rate and electron transport), probably as a result of higher Na transport to the twigs, coupled with reduced Na storage in the roots.
Biochemical and growth acclimation of birch to night temperatures: genotypic similarities and differences
Authors: Mäenpää M. , Ossipov V. , Kontunen‐Soppela S. , Keinänen M. , Rousi M. , Oksanen E.
Published: May 2012

The responses of plants to environmental factors are connected to the time of day. In this study, silver birch (Betula pendula) was grown in growth chambers at five different night temperatures (6–22 °C), using gradual changes during the evening and morning hours. Despite the increased night respiration and unaffected daytime net photosynthesis (per square metre), the carbon uptake (biomass) of birch did not decrease, probably due to enhanced biochemical processes on warmer nights and the advantage of higher temperatures during the evening and morning hours. The plant stem height, internode length, stem dry weight (DW), stem mass fraction and specific leaf area increased with warmer night temperatures. Changes in growth and metabolite concentrations were partly nonlinear along the temperature gradient. Thus, the temperature effect depends on the temperature window considered. Genotypes had both common and genotype‐specific biochemical responses to night temperatures. The common responses among genotypes were related to growth responses, whereas the unique responses may indicate genotype‐specific differences in acclimation. The differences in genotypic growth and metabolite levels are valuable for assessing genotype qualities and understanding the connections between the metabolome and growth.
Melanoma of the sellar region mimicking pituitary adenoma
Authors: Sidiropoulos Michael , Syro Luis V. , Rotondo Fabio , Scheithauer Bernd W. , Penagos Luis Carlos , Uribe Humberto , Ramirez Maria del Pilar , Horvath Eva , Goth Miklos , Kovacs Kalman
Published: May 2012

We report here the case of an 82‐year‐old woman who presented with visual disturbance. MRI demonstrated a sellar mass. The diagnosis of pituitary adenoma was made. She underwent transnasal surgery. Histologic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies indicated that the tumor was a melanoma. Despite an exhaustive search for a primary lesion elsewhere, none was found. The sellar tumor was considered a primary lesion, although extrasellar primary tumor imaging cannot be excluded with 100% certainty. Reported examples of melanoma affecting the sellar region are few. They exhibit morphologic features identical to those of melanomas arising elsewhere. Although very rare, primary melanomas enter into the differential diagnosis of sellar lesions.
Vaginal evisceration 3 years after abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy
Authors: Orito Seiya , Masuya Norio , Sakurabashi Ayako , Minoura Shigeki
Published: May 2012

Vaginal evisceration after a pelvic operation is a rare gynecological emergency. When intercourse is the cause, most cases occur within 1 year of surgery. A 53‐year‐old woman presented to the emergency room for vaginal evisceration half a day after the first postoperative occurrence of intercourse 3 years after an abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. In an emergency laparotomy, the protruding small bowel was replaced within the abdominal cavity. The avulsed vaginal cuff, which measured 6 cm in length and had atrophic but non‐necrotic margins, was sutured. Women who go for long periods without intercourse after a hysterectomy, especially post‐menopausal women, should be made aware of unrecognized vaginal atrophy that could, in some cases, lead to rupture and evisceration during the next occurrence of intercourse.
Sulfur metabolism in archaea reveals novel processes
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Beer Laura L. , Whitman William B.
Published: May 2012

Studies on sulfur metabolism in archaea have revealed many novel enzymes and pathways and have advanced our understanding on metabolic processes, not only of the archaea, but of biology in general. A variety of dissimilatory sulfur metabolisms, i.e. reactions used for energy conservation, are found in archaea from both the Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota phyla. Although not yet fully characterized, major processes include aerobic elemental sulfur (S0) oxidation, anaerobic S0 reduction, anaerobic sulfate/sulfite reduction and anaerobic respiration of organic sulfur. Assimilatory sulfur metabolism, i.e. reactions used for biosynthesis of sulfur‐containing compounds, also possesses some novel features. Cysteine biosynthesis in some archaea uses a unique tRNA‐dependent pathway. Fe‐S cluster biogenesis in many archaea differs from that in bacteria and eukaryotes and requires unidentified components. The eukaryotic ubiquitin system is conserved in archaea and involved in both protein degradation and biosynthesis of sulfur‐containing cofactors. Lastly, specific pathways are utilized for the biosynthesis of coenzyme M and coenzyme B, the sulfur‐containing cofactors required for methanogenesis.