bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival of Phytophthora ramorum in Rhododendron root balls and in rootless substrates
Authors: Vercauteren A. , Riedel M. , Maes M. , Werres S. , Heungens K.
Published: April 2012

This study assesses the survival of Phytophthora ramorum in the root ball of Rhododendron container plants as well as in different rootless forest substrates and a horticultural potting medium. Following inoculation of the root balls, the aboveground plant parts stayed symptomless, whilst the pathogen could be recovered with a novel non‐destructive baiting assay from the root balls until at least 8 months post‐inoculation. Plating of surface‐sterilized roots and direct microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of P. ramorum in the roots. Phytophthora ramorum could also be baited from the root balls of symptomless Rhododendron plants from commercial nurseries, even 2 years after acquisition. Survival of P. ramorum in rootless media was assessed after burying disks of infected leaf material below the soil surface in columns filled with four different undisturbed forest substrates or a potting medium, and incubated at an outdoor quarantine facility. Phytophthora ramorum could be recovered at least 33 months after burial from all substrates, with a significant increase in recovery after the winter period. These data suggest the possibility for long‐term symptomless presence of P. ramorum in root balls of commercial Rhododendron plants as well as survival in potting medium and different forest substrates under western European climate conditions. Symptomless presence in root balls can contribute to latent spread of this pathogen between nurseries. The novel baiting test, being non‐destructive, simple and applicable to a relatively large number of plants, can offer a valuable tool to test plants for the presence of Phytophthora species in root balls.
Sexual selection uncouples the evolution of brain and body size in pinnipeds
Authors: FITZPATRICK J. L. , ALMBRO M. , GONZALEZ‐VOYER A. , HAMADA S. , PENNINGTON C. , SCANLAN J. , KOLM N.
Published: April 2012

The size of the vertebrate brain is shaped by a variety of selective forces. Although larger brains (correcting for body size) are thought to confer fitness advantages, energetic limitations of this costly organ may lead to trade‐offs, for example as recently suggested between sexual traits and neural tissue. Here, we examine the patterns of selection on male and female brain size in pinnipeds, a group where the strength of sexual selection differs markedly among species and between the sexes. Relative brain size was negatively associated with the intensity of sexual selection in males but not females. However, analyses of the rates of body and brain size evolution showed that this apparent trade‐off between sexual selection and brain mass is driven by selection for increasing body mass rather than by an actual reduction in male brain size. Our results suggest that sexual selection has important effects on the allometric relationships of neural development.
Dietary shifts affect the gastrointestinal microflora of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Williams C. L. , Willard S. , Kouba A. , Sparks D. , Holmes W. , Falcone J. , Williams C. H. , Brown A.
Published: April 2012

Giant pandas exhibit seasonal changes in bamboo plant part preference. The influences on the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) microbial populations were evaluated during a 14‐month period for a pair of adult male and female giant pandas housed at the Memphis Zoo using traditional culturing methods to enumerate eight bacterial groups (total anaerobes, total aerobes (TAR), streptococci (STR), total enterics, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides spp., lactobacilli and Clostridium spp.). Both the male and female pandas altered bamboo consumption behaviours, with a sharp decrease in leaf preference in April 2010 and returning to high levels of leaf preference from June to October, corresponding to significant shifts in the densities of TAR, STR, and lactobacilli and Bacteroides spp. These findings indicate seasonal changes in food preference affect the assemblages of microbial populations within the GIT of the giant panda and contribute to a better understanding of the importance of bamboo in this species’ foraging strategy.
Significance of the frequency of CD4+CD25+CD127− T‐cells in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus
Authors: SUN QIN , ZHANG QING , XIAO HEPING , CUI HAIYAN , SU BO
Published: April 2012

Background and objective:  Pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are closely associated. The objective of this study was to determine whether the expression of CD4+CD25+CD127− T‐cells (regulatory T‐cells (Treg)) is associated with diabetic pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods:  Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequencies of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25+CD127− T‐cells in peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and pleural effusions from 120 patients (30 with pulmonary tuberculosis and DM (TBDM), 30 with pulmonary tuberculosis without DM (TB), 30 with tuberculous pleurisy without DM (TBP) and 30 healthy volunteers). The concentrations of interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐10 in BALF and pleural effusions were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  Treg frequencies in peripheral blood were significantly higher in patients with TBDM, TB and TBP than in the control group, with the frequency in TBDM being the highest (P < 0.01 for all). In TBP patients, Treg frequencies were significantly lower in pleural effusions than in peripheral blood. In TB patients, Treg frequencies in BALF and peripheral blood were not significantly different. However, in TBDM patients, Treg frequencies were significantly higher in BALF than in peripheral blood. IL‐10 expression was significantly higher, and IFN‐γ expression was significantly lower in BALF of TBDM patients compared with BALF and pleural effusions of TB patients.

Conclusions:  In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and DM, the imbalance between Treg and effector T‐cells at pathological sites may be associated with weakened immunity and clinical manifestations of TB.
What has fairness got to do with it? Tackling tobacco among Australia's disadvantaged
Authors: O'BRIEN JON , SALMON ALLISON M. , PENMAN ANDREW
Published: April 2012

Issue. While population wide smoking rates are falling steadily the rates remain high among the disadvantaged. The future we face is one where the differentials in smoking rates will continue to widen and will flow through to increased health inequalities.

Approach. How best to reduce smoking rates among the disadvantaged? Alongside existing population level initiatives and social policy initiatives is an urgent need for a targeted, comprehensive approach that acknowledges the serious impact of smoking on the disadvantaged. In 2006 Cancer Council NSW embarked on a statewide, multi‐component Tackling Tobacco Program to encourage and support non‐government social and community services to address smoking among their clients.

Key Findings. Tackling Tobacco Program results have shown that the 1600 staff from 400 organisations trained to provide smoking care can attain the knowledge and confidence to address tobacco and that clients are very receptive to receiving quit support from them. Improvements in quality of life for clients who do quit have been encouraging and the Tackling Tobacco Program has challenged assumptions and attitudes that disadvantaged people are uninterested and unable to quit.

Implications. Alongside population and social policy approaches must be a serious investment in tackling smoking among the disadvantaged.

Conclusions. Tackling Tobacco Program is an innovative example of how to engage disadvantaged smokers, de‐normalise smoking and encourage and support quitting using familiar settings. Engaging Australia's large network of social and community services as allies in this work should be vigorously pursued.[O'Brien J, Salmon AM, Penman A. What has fairness got to do with it? Tackling tobacco among Australia's disadvantaged. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:723–726]
Functional aquatic ecosystems, inland fisheries and the Millennium Development Goals
Authors: Brummett Randall E , Beveridge Malcolm C M , Cowx Ian G
Published: April 2012

Freshwater allocation in an environment of increasing demand and declining quality and availability is a major societal challenge. While biodiversity and the needs of local communities are often in congruence, the over‐riding necessity of meeting national demands for power, food and, increasingly, mitigation of the hydrological effects of climate change, often supersedes these. Sophisticated models of ecosystem function to establish environmental flows are difficult to implement and consequently have generally failed to reduce rates of biodiversity and habitat loss, resulting in disenfranchisement of local communities resulting from dam construction and water abstraction for industry and agriculture. There are no agreed standards upon which a fairer allocation of resources can be made and thus a pragmatic approach to the resolution of these conflicts is clearly needed. While having generally negative impacts on biodiversity and traditional lifestyles, creation of new infrastructure and active management generates national economic growth and much‐needed employment. Intensification of usage in watersheds already expropriated for human enterprise can spare land needed for the biodiversity that will fuel adaptation for the future. Taking advantage of a range of mitigation technologies and building their cost into the investment plans for water management infrastructure can improve the cost/benefit ratio of water control infrastructure and may be a more practical and efficacious approach to the valuation of fisheries and the maintenance of other essential services from functional aquatic ecosystems.
AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS: EVIDENCE FROM ETHIOPIA
Authors: GETNET Kindie , ANULLO Tsegaye
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT:  Agricultural cooperatives are important rural organizations supporting livelihood development and poverty reduction. In recognition of such roles of cooperatives, Ethiopia showed a renewed interest in recent years in promoting cooperative sector development. However, there is lack of a wider and systematic analysis to produce sufficient empirical evidence on the livelihood development and poverty reduction impacts of cooperatives in the country. Using a matching technique on rural household income, saving, agricultural input expenditure and asset accumulation as indicator variables, this paper evaluates the livelihood impact of agricultural cooperatives in Sidama zone, Ethiopia. The finding shows that cooperatives improved the livelihoods of service user farmers through impacting better income, more savings and reduced input costs. In view of such evidence, further promotion, deepening and supporting of agricultural cooperatives is recommended.
Psychometric properties of functional mobility tools in hereditary spastic paraplegia and other childhood neurological conditions
Authors: ADAIR BROOKE , SAID CATHERINE M , RODDA JILLIAN , MORRIS MEG E
Published: April 2012

Aim  To evaluate studies on the psychometric properties of measurement tools used to quantify functional mobility in children with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and other childhood neurological conditions.

Method  Two independent reviewers identified measures previously used by clinicians to quantify functional mobility. Because our primary interest was HSP, the first search identified measurement tools in studies that included those with HSP. To enhance the generalizability, the second search examined the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of tools in children with a range of neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, Down syndrome, and traumatic brain injury. The Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments was used to rate the methodological quality of identified articles.

Results  The Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ), the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the Rivermead Motor Assessment, and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II were identified for quantifying functional mobility. The FMS and GMFM were reliable, valid, and responsive to changes across a range of childhood neurological conditions. The FAQ was reliable and valid for measuring functional mobility in similar populations.

Interpretation  The FAQ, FMS, and GMFM are valid, reliable, and responsive measures in children with a range of neurological conditions.
Applicability of BCLC stage for prognostic stratification in comparison with other staging systems: single centre experience from long‐term clinical outcomes of 1717 treatment‐naïve patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Beom Kyung , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Park Mi Sung , Kim Eun Hye , Seong Jinsil , Lee Do Youn , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: April 2012

Background

The most informative staging system regarding survival outcomes for treatment‐naïve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains debated. We evaluated prognostic values of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage compared with other staging systems, and identified discrepancies between treatment options chosen in Korean clinical practice and BCLC guidelines.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2008, 1717 prospectively enrolled patients with treatment‐naïve HCC were analysed. Prognostic ability of each staging system was assessed using time‐dependent receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The most common aetiology was hepatitis B virus (1238, 72.1%); 167 (9.8%) patients were classified as BCLC stage 0, 526 (30.6%) as A, 333 (19.4%) as B, 608 (35.4%) as C and 83 (4.8%) as D. Median overall survival was 22.5 months, and 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year survival rates were 62.6, 48.3, 39.9, 34.7, and 29.3% respectively. Of six staging systems, BCLC had the highest area under ROC (AUROC; 0.821) for overall survival, followed by JIS (0.809), Tokyo score (0.771), CLIP (0.746), CUPI (0.701) and GRETCH (0.685) system. In both subgroups stratified according to treatment strategy (curative vs. palliative), BCLC also showed the best AUROCs (curative, 0.708/palliative, 0.807) for overall survival. Regarding discrepancies between treatment options chosen in our cohort and BCLC guidelines, more than half with very early/early‐stage HCC underwent transarterial chemoembolization, rather than resection or local ablative therapy; most of those with advanced‐stage HCC received intra‐arterial chemotherapy‐based treatments rather than sorafenib.

Conclusion

BCLC was the best long‐term prognostic model for treatment‐naïve HCC in a large‐scale Korean cohort. However, treatment modalities did not exactly match BCLC paradigm.
Burn injury has a systemic effect on reinnervation of skin and restoration of nociceptive function
Authors: Morellini Natalie M. , Fear Mark W. , Rea Suzanne , West Adrian K. , Wood Fiona M. , Dunlop Sarah A.
Published: April 2012

Burn injury can lead to abnormal sensory function at both the injury and at distant uninjured sites. Here, we used a mouse model to investigate return of nociceptive function and reinnervation of the skin at the wound and uninjured distant sites following a 3% total burn surface area full‐thickness burn injury. We have previously shown that topical application of zinc‐metallothionein‐IIA (Zn7‐MT‐IIA) accelerates healing following burn injury, and here, we investigated the potential of Zn7‐MT‐IIA to enhance reinnervation and sensory recovery. In all burn‐injured animals, there was a significant reduction in nociceptive responses (Semmes–Weinstein filaments) at locations near and distant to the wound up to 8 weeks following injury. Cutaneous nerve reinnervation (assessed using protein gene product 9.5 immunohistochemistry) of the wound center was slow in the epidermis but rapid in the dermis. In the dermis, nerves subsequently degenerated both at the wound center and in distant uninjured areas. In contrast, epidermal nerve densities in the distant uninjured areas returned to normal, uninjured levels. Zn7‐MT‐IIA did not influence return of nociceptive function nor reinnervation. We conclude that burn injury compromises nociceptive function and nerve regeneration both at the injury site and systemically; thus, therapies in addition to Zn7‐MT‐IIA should be explored to return normal sensory function.
Fine‐Scale Spatial Patterns of Mature and Immature Filaments and Bioorganic Compounds of the Rhodophyte Bangia atropurpurea in the Supra‐ and Eulittoral Zones of a Large Lake1
Authors: Spitale Daniel , Scalfi Alessia , Angeli Nicola , Cantonati Marco
Published: April 2012

Bangia atropurpurea (Mertens ex Roth) C. Agardh is a freshwater red alga species that is distributed worldwide. B. atropurpurea is highly adaptable due to its stress‐tolerance, which ensures survival under desiccation periods and under radiation extremes typical of the supra‐ and upper eulittoral zones. Whereas a number of previous investigations addressed some of the physiological and biochemical traits involved in stress‐tolerance, we studied the spatial arrangement of the mature (multiseriate) and immature (uniseriate) filaments and of selected bioorganic compounds along a gradient defined by distance from the waterline. Substantial physiological and biochemical differences were previously observed among phenological stages in the marine environment. In this study, we showed a nonrandom spatial structure of both phenological stages and photosynthetic pigments and photoprotective compounds, R‐phycocyanin and R‐phycoerythrin along the supralittoral‐eulittoral gradient. This observed pattern strongly suggests a complex interplay between physio‐morphological regulation and spatial arrangement of mature and immature filaments in conferring the typical stress tolerance of B. atropurpurea.
Inverse Dynamics Analysis Evaluation of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Failure in Dogs
Authors: Bush Mark A. , Sibley Pamela , Owen Mark A. , Burton Neil J. , Owen Martin R. , Colborne G. Robert
Published: April 2012

Objective

To evaluate, using inverse dynamic analysis, the biomechanical outcome from tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgery in dogs affected by unilateral cranial cruciate ligament failure (CCLF).

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 13) 11–20 months after surgery.

Methods

Kinematic and force data were collected from 13 dogs 11–20 months afterTTAand inverse dynamics analysis of the dogs’ pelvic limb mechanical function performed. Angle, moment, and power were calculated for each joint. Total support moment (TSM) was calculated.

Results

Six dogs were affected on the right side (Raff) and 7 on the left (Laff). Peak stifle flexor moment was significantly larger for the right stifle compared with the left inLaff dogs, but similar inRaff dogs. Peak stifle extensor moment was significantly larger for the left stifle compared with the right inRaff dogs, and was also larger for the left stifle compared with the right inLaff dogs. Stifle power in early stance was larger on the left inRaff dogs and significantly larger on the right inLaff dogs.TSMwas larger on the right inRaff dogs and significantly larger on the right inLaff dogs.

Conclusions

Affected limbs had a reduction in power of the stifle flexors. Irrespective of the side ofCCLF,TSMwas larger on the right side and the stifle extensor moment in late stance was larger on the left, perhaps indicating a mechanical limb dominance effect.
The Evaluation of Atherosclerosis in Migraine Patients
Authors: Besir Fahri Halit , Koçer Abdulkadir , Dikici Süber , Yazgan Sibel , Ozdem Şeyma
Published: April 2012

Abstract  A potential association might exist between atherosclerosis and migraine. Carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) is a marker of generalized atherosclerosis; hence, we aimed to assess CIMT in migraine patients. This study included 30 patients and 60 healthy controls aged between 20 and 40 years. Episodic migraine diagnosis was made according to the criteria of International Headache Society (IHS). Healthy controls who do not suffer any headache problems were selected from among hospital and laboratory staffs. All subjects were evaluated regarding some parameters and features known to be associated with migraine and vascular changes, that is, gender, age, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking habits, used hormonal contraceptives, and history of disease. The left common carotid arteries of the subjects were examined, and CIMT was measured with real‐time gray‐scale sonography. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated. All measurements were made in migraine‐free periods. Migraine patients and control subjects were well matched for those parameters known to be associated with vascular changes, that is, gender, age, BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol. CIMT values were higher in patients. The results showed that the mean CCA IMT values were 0.493 ± 0.074 mm and 0.409 ± 0.053 mm in migraine patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001). There is a relationship between atherosclerosis and inflammation in migraine patients. The risk of cranial inflammatory arteriopathy increases in repeated attacks of migraine. Our study also supports that high number of attacks and attack duration are important in the development of atherosclerosis.
Effect of Thermal Treatment of Sol‐Gel Titania Reservoirs on Release Kinetics of Phenytoin
Authors: Kozina Anna , Espinoza Karla A. , Ortiz‐Islas Emma , Rivero Ignacio A.
Published: April 2012

The thermal stability of antiepileptic drug phenytoin was investigated on its encapsulation in titania matrix. It was shown that the drug is stable up to 150°C, even though phenytoin melting point was previously reported to be much higher. The mechanism of phenytoin decomposition is suggested and confirmed by the experiment on heating to higher temperatures. The influence of thermal treatment on physicochemical parameters of the matrix was studied. Quite different drug release kinetics were obtained in vitro and discussed in terms of temperature treatment influence and interplay of parameters of the matrix.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis with HLA matching – a way to save a child
Authors: INGERSLEV HANS JAKOB , HINDKJÆR JOHNNY
Published: April 2012

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis can be used to establish a pregnancy with an embryo that is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched to a sibling having a hematological or immunological disease and needing a life‐saving bone marrow transplantation. The ethical aspects of this procedure have been discussed intensively. The procedure applies where no unrelated HLA‐matching donor is available or when transplantation from an HLA‐matching sibling is considered a better solution. It is only offered in a limited number of centers in Europe as this is a challenging procedure. Where both HLA matching and diagnosis of a dominant disease are necessary, only a small proportion of the embryos can be used, and the procedure is not always technically feasible. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle started is much lower than following normal in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to a high cycle cancellation rate, but the success rate is only somewhat lower when measured per transfer.
Combined intraepidermal neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ with CM2B4 negativity and p53 overexpression*
Authors: Tan Belinda H. , Busam Klaus J. , Pulitzer Melissa P.
Published: April 2012

Primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, also known as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), usually presents as a dermal and/or subcutaneous tumor. Rarely, it is confined to the epidermis or adnexal epithelium [MCC in situ (MCCIS)]. Little is known about the spectrum of features and biology of MCCIS. Herein, we report a case of MCCIS arising on the cheek of a 77‐year‐old Caucasian male, which was associated with squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The tumor cells of both the neuroendocrine and squamous components prominently involved adnexal structures but did not invade the dermis. The tumor cells with neuroendocrine features were immunoreactive for cytokeratin‐20, chromogranin and synaptophysin. They also expressed p53 but were non‐reactive with the monoclonal antibody CM2B4. Lack of labeling for CM2B4 is in keeping with prior observations of combined squamous and MCC. Our findings support the concept of a distinct subtype of virus‐independent cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma that differs from conventional MCC. The observed overexpression of p53 suggests that the development of this tumor type may be related to chronic ultraviolet damage.

Tan BH, Busam KJ, Pulitzer MP. Combined intraepidermal neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ with CM2B4 negativity and p53 overexpression.
Good news for the people who love bad news: an analysis of the funding of the top 1% most highly cited ecologists
Authors: Lortie Christopher J. , Aarssen Lonnie , Parker John N. , Allesina Stefano
Published: April 2012

The most highly cited ecologists and environmental scientists provide both a benchmark and unique opportunity to consider the importance of research funding. Here, we use citation data and self‐reported funding levels to assess the relative importance of various factors in shaping productivity and potential impact. The elite were senior Americans, well funded, with large labs. In contrast to Canadian NSERC grant holders (not in the top 1%), citations per paper did not increase with higher levels of funding within the ecological elite. We propose that this is good news for several reasons. It suggests that the publications generated by the top ecologists and environmental scientists are subject to limitations, that higher volume of publications is always important, and that increased funding to ecologists in general can shift our discipline to wider research networks. As expected, collaboration was identified as an important factor for the elite, and hopefully, this serves as a positive incentive to funding agencies since it increases the visibility of their research.
Can we disentangle predator–prey interactions from species distributions at a macro‐scale? A case study with a raptor species
Authors: Aragón Pedro , Sánchez‐Fernández David
Published: April 2012

There is a debate on whether an influence of biotic interactions on species distributions can be reflected at macro‐scale levels. Whereas the influence of biotic interactions on spatial arrangements is beginning to be studied at local scales, similar studies at macro‐scale levels are scarce. There is no example disentangling, from other similarities with related species, the influence of predator–prey interactions on species distributions at macro‐scale levels. In this study we aimed to disentangle predator–prey interactions from species distribution data following an experimental approach including a factorial design. As a case of study we selected the short‐toed eagle because of its known specialization on certain prey reptiles. We used presence–absence data at a 100 km2 spatial resolution to extract the explanatory capacity of different environmental predictors (five abiotic and two biotic predictors) on the short‐toed eagle species distribution in peninsular Spain. Abiotic predictors were relevant climatic and topographic variables, and relevant biotic predictors were prey richness and forest density. In addition to the short‐toed eagle, we also obtained the predictor's explanatory capacities for 1) species of the same family Accipitridae (as a reference), 2) for other birds of different families (as controls) and 3) artificial species with randomly selected presences (as null models). We run 650 models to test for similarities of the short‐toed eagle, controls and null models with reference species, assessed by regressions of explanatory capacities. We found higher similarities between the short‐toed eagle and other species of the family Accipitridae than for the other two groups. Once corrected by the family effect, our analyses revealed a signal of predator–prey interaction embedded in species distribution data. This result was corroborated with additional analyses testing for differences in the concordance between the distributions of different bird categories and the distributions of either prey or non‐prey species of the short‐toed eagle. Our analyses were useful to disentangle a signal of predator–prey interactions from species distribution data at a macro‐scale. This study highlights the importance of disentangling specific features from the variation shared with a given taxonomic level.
Direct nitrogen intake by petals
Authors: Carlo Tomás A. , Norris Amy E. W.
Published: April 2012

Flowers are more than objects that awaken passions: they were key evolutionary innovations leading to rapid diversification and the current dominance of flowering plants in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the major biological function that has been ascribed to petals is the mediation of interactions with pollinators. Here we show that petal surfaces can effectively capture and quickly allocate nitrogen ions available in wet atmospheric deposition into ovaries and developing seeds. In laboratory and field experiments we used 15N stable isotope at trace concentrations and measured petal intake in five species from five different families. We observed significant 15N increases in fully developed seeds when petals were exposed to 15N, contrasting with the lack of seed enrichment when 15N was applied just to soil or foliage. Translocation of 15N through petals occurred in a matter of hours, and mass recovery rates of isotope tracers in seeds were much higher through petals (44.6%) than soil (7.4%) or leaves (0%). Our experiments suggest that when reactive N is available from atmospheric sources, flower petals could act as permeable surfaces that can help reproductive structures meet demands of limiting nutrients.
Risperidone and pulmonary embolism: a harmful association? Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Gallerani Massimo , Imberti Davide , Mari Elisa , Marra Anna , Manfredini Roberto
Published: April 2012

Gallerani M, Imberti D, Mari E, Marra A, Manfredini R. Risperidone and pulmonary embolism: a harmful association? Case series and review of the literature.

Objective:Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat a number of psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders and irritability in children with autism. Moreover, it is also often administered for short-term treatment of persistent aggression in people with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's dementia. A possible association between risperidone and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been described. We intended to verify the dimension of the problem in our hospital setting.

Methods:We considered all consecutive patients hospitalised in our Internal Medicine Department from January 2004 to December 2010, who were treated with risperidone and presented pulmonary embolism (PE).

Results:Four cases of patients, apparently free from the well-known major risk factors for VTE (i.e. cancer, prolonged immobilisation, acute cardiac and respiratory failure, infections), who presented PE associated with risperidone therapy, were reported in details.

Conclusions:A review of the available literature, discussing the possible different pathogenic reasons for this increased risk of VTE, is provided.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor‐C combined with multi‐detector CT in the preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer
Authors: WANG Tian‐Bao , WANG Jin , WEI Xiu‐Qing , WEI Bo , DONG Wen‐Guang
Published: April 2012

Aim:  To investigate whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (SVEGF‐C) and multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) can predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods:  The SVEGF‐C level of 80 patients with GC was examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. An MDCT scan of the abdomen was performed. Kaplan – Meier survival analysis was used to analyse survival.

Results:  In patients with GC, a higher level of SVEGF‐C was found in the LNM group (650.9 ± 198.6 vs 451.0 ± 115.5 pg/mL, P = 0.000) and in patients with distant metastases (834.3 ± 80.0 pg/mL vs 557.9 ± 187.0 pg/mL, P = 0.000). With a cut‐off value of 542.5 pg/mL, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of SVEGF‐C for predicating LNM were 82.8, 81.8, 82.5, 92.3 and 64.3%, respectively. MDCT could not be employed to detect the LNM. When SVEGF‐C associated with MDCT was employed to determine LNM in GC, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 91.4, 86.4, 90.0, 94.6 and 79.2%, respectively. No difference of SVEGF‐C level was found among N1, N2 and N3 groups (P > 0.05). The 5‐year overall survival was 47.5%. A shorter mean survival time were found in patients with SVEGF‐C >834.3 pg/ml (43.3 ± 2.8 months vs 67.4 ± 2.5 months, P = 0.000) and in patients who were MDCT‐positive (42.7 ± 3.8 months vs 60.8 ± 2.2 months, P = 0.0034).

Conclusion:  SVEGF‐C may be a biomarker for a preoperative diagnosis of LNM. In conjunction with MDCT, SVEGF‐C can improve the accuracy of a diagnosis of LNM in GC. A higher SVEGF‐C level and an MDCT‐positive finding could predict the poorer prognosis of GC.
Sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization and bronchial arterial chemoinfusion in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis
Authors: DUAN Feng , WANG Mao Qiang , LIU Feng Yong , WANG Zhi Jun , SONG Peng , WANG Yan
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) with pulmonary metastasis is considered incurable. This study addresses the efficacy of the combination of systemic therapy using sorafenib and local treatment using transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for intrahepatic and bronchial transarterial chemoinfusion (TAI) for pulmonary lesions for this condition.

Methods:  In all, 52 HCC patients with pulmonary metastasis were treated with sorafenib and TACE/TAI for intrahepatic and intrapulmonary lesions. Response to treatment, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and treatment‐induced adverse effects were analyzed.

Results:  With a median follow‐up time of 11.4 months, radiologically confirmed complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease and disease progression for intrahepatic disease were observed in 0, 22, 23 and seven patients, respectively; radiologically confirmed CR, PR, stable disease and disease progression observed for intrapulmonary lesions were in 1, 8, 25 and 18 patients, respectively. Median OS and PFS was 12.0 and 10.0 months, respectively. Median OS of patients who achieved response (i.e., CR + PR + stable disease) in their gross lesion(s) was 14.0 and 13.0 months, respectively, as compared to 4.0 and 3.0 months for patients who progressed (P < 0.003). Significant prognosticators for OS and PFS included performance status, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage and response to treatment. The combined treatment strategy was well tolerated.

Conclusion:  The combination of sorafenib, TACE and TAI produced median OS and PFS of 12 and 10 months, respectively, in HCC patients with lung metastasis. The outcomes of patients who achieved a response to their gross lesions were significantly better than those who had disease progression. Further investigation is warranted to test the efficacy of this treatment combination.
The efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy as an alternative to sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: JEONG Soung Won , JANG Jae Young , LEE Ji Eun , LEE Sae Hwan , KIM Sang Gyune , CHA Sang‐Woo , KIM Young Seok , CHO Young Deok , KIM Hong Soo , KIM Boo Sung , KIM Kyoung Ha , KIM Yong Jae
Published: April 2012

Aims:  Sorafenib is the only systemic treatment shown to be effective against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been selected as an alternative therapeutic option for advanced HCC. We investigated the efficacy and safety of HAIC as an alternative treatment for sorafenib in advanced HCC.

Methods:  Between May 2008 and March 2011, 20 consecutive patients were treated with sorafenib monotherapy as a first‐line treatment and 21 consecutive patients who could not take sorafenib because of cost were treated with HAIC monotherapy as an alternative. Sorafenib was administered in 400 mg b.i.d. doses. For HAIC, daily cisplatin (7 mg/m2 on days 1–5) and 5‐FU (170 mg/m2 on days 1–5) were infused every 4 weeks. We assessed overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and toxicity.

Results:  Median OS was 4.9 months (95% CI, 3.4–6.4) for sorafenib and 7.3 months (95% CI, 4.5–10.2) for HAIC (P = 0.599). Median PFS was 2.0 months (95% CI, 1.96–2.05) versus 3.0 months (95% CI, 1.98–4.02) for sorafenib and HAIC, respectively (P = 0.303). ORR and disease control rate (DCR) for sorafenib were 10.0 and 35.0% versus 19.0 and 38.1% for HAIC (ORR, P = 0.413; DCR, P = 0.837). Patients treated with HAIC more frequently exhibited grade 3/4 neutropenia (23.8 vs 0% for sorafenib), whereas sorafenib therapy showed grade 3/4 hand‐foot skin reaction in 10% of patients.

Conclusion:  HAIC is a useful alternative treatment for advanced HCC and further prospective investigations are required.
Lack of association between GTF2H4 genetic variants and AERD development and FEV1 decline by aspirin provocation
Authors: Kim J. Y. , Kim J.‐H. , Bae J. S. , Park B.‐L. , Uh S.‐T. , Kim M.‐K. , Choi I. S. , Cho S. H. , Park C.‐S. , Shin H. D.
Published: April 2012

Aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is prevalent in about 10% of asthma patients and is characterized by a severe decline in forced expiratory volume in 1‐s (FEV1), an important phenotype for total lung capacity, upon ingestion of aspirin. The general transcription factor IIH subunit 4 (GTF2H4) is positioned at 6p21.33, a part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region that contains a number of genes that play an important role in the immune system. In addition, genetic variants in another general transcription factor IIH gene have revealed significant association with lung disease. To investigate whether GTF2H4 genetic variants could be a causative factor for AERD development and FEV1 decline by aspirin provocation, five common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 93 patients with AERD and 96 aspirin‐tolerant asthma (ATA) controls. As a result, when adjusted for age, gender, smoking status and atopy as covariates, the rs1264307 variant and two haplotypes showed nominal signals in the association with AERD (P = 0.02–0.04), but the significances disappeared after corrections for multiple testing (corrected P > 0.05). In further multiple regression analysis, no genetic variants of GTF2H4 showed significant associations with FEV1 decline by aspirin provocation in asthmatics (P > 0.05). Despite the need for replications in larger cohorts, our preliminary findings suggest that GTF2H4 variants may not be associated with susceptibility to AERD and obstructive symptoms in asthmatics.
SNP marker detection and genotyping in tilapia
Authors: Van BERS N. E. M. , CROOIJMANS R. P. M. A. , GROENEN M. A. M. , DIBBITS B. W. , KOMEN J.
Published: April 2012

We have generated a unique resource consisting of nearly 175 000 short contig sequences and 3569 SNP markers from the widely cultured GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). In total, 384 SNPs were selected to monitor the wider applicability of the SNPs by genotyping tilapia individuals from different strains and different geographical locations. In all strains and species tested (O. niloticus, O. aureus and O. mossambicus), the genotyping assay was working for a similar number of SNPs (288–305 SNPs). The actual number of polymorphic SNPs was, as expected, highest for individuals from the GIFT population (255 SNPs). In the individuals from an Egyptian strain and in individuals caught in the wild in the basin of the river Volta, 197 and 163 SNPs were polymorphic, respectively. A pairwise calculation of Nei’s genetic distance allowed the discrimination of the individual strains and species based on the genotypes determined with the SNP set. We expect that this set will be widely applicable for use in tilapia aquaculture, e.g. for pedigree reconstruction. In addition, this set is currently used for assaying the genetic diversity of native Nile tilapia in areas where tilapia is, or will be, introduced in aquaculture projects. This allows the tracing of escapees from aquaculture and the monitoring of effects of introgression and hybridization.
Low tumor blood flow assessed with perfusion CT correlates with lymphatic involvement in patients with stage T1b non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Hui , Xiong Zeng , Liu Jin‐Kang , Chen Shen‐Xi , Zhou Mo‐Ling , Zhou Jian‐hua , Chen Wei , Liu Yang‐teng‐yu , Fan Fan
Published: April 2012

Background:  To investigate the correlation of computed tomography (CT) perfusion parameters and lymphatic involvement in patients with stage T1b non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:  Forty‐six patients (30 men and 16 women; age range, 36–73 years; mean age, 57 years), with stage T1b non‐small cell lung cancer, underwent perfusion CT before surgery. The correlations between CT perfusion parameters (blood flow, blood volume, peak enhancement intensity), tumor angiogenesis (microvessel density and maturity of microvessels of surgical specimens) and lymphatic involvement were retrospectively investigated. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to identify the parameter threshold at which tumors had or did not have lymph node metastasis, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Results:  A significant tendency for tumors with low blood flow and high density of immature microvessels to show lymphatic involvement was found (all P < 0.001). High correlation (r =−0.769, P < 0.001) was observed between tumor blood flow and immature microvessels. The area under ROC curves (AUC) for blood flow to detect lymph node metastasis was 0.866 (95% confidence interval, 0.766–0.966). For blood flow, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of predicting lymph node metastasis were 88.9, 64.3, and 73.9% respectively, if the cutoff point was set at 43.05 mL/100 g/minute.

Conclusions:  Blood flow may be useful to predict lymphatic involvement before surgery in stage T1b NSCLC.
Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the mediastinum: CT and 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose PET findings
Authors: Kim Hyungjin , Park Chang Min , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Paeng Jin Chul , Goo Jin Mo , Lee Hyun‐Ju
Published: April 2012

Mediastinal follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is an exceedingly rare malignant tumor. We report, herein, detailed imaging findings of mediastinal FDCS, appearing as a large, well‐circumscribed, strongly enhancing mass with central coarse calcification on computed tomography, with moderately increased metabolic activity on 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
A Holistic Approach to Guide Development of Future Climate Scenarios for Water Resource Applications
Authors: Puma Michael J.
Published: April 2012

Changes in climate are expected to have a substantial impact on water resources. Consequently, numerous hydrologists have studied the widely recognized challenge of using climate‐change projections to address questions related to management of future water resources. Significant effort has been invested in formulating methods to overcome the difference in spatial scales between available future climate scenarios and water management needs. While numerous downscaling options exist, resource evaluation for the various approaches is rarely discussed; most assessments are focused on evaluating the skill of different methodologies. In this study, a framework is described that water managers can use 1) to identify their climate scenario needs and 2) to assess their financial, computing, time, and workforce resource limitations for climate scenario development. This framework will enable water resource managers to optimize the use of their available resources when developing future climate scenarios.
Scaling in Surface Hydrology: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Gentine Pierre , Troy Tara J. , Lintner Benjamin R. , Findell Kirsten L.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a review of the challenges in spatial and temporal scales in surface hydrology. Fundamental issues and gaps in our understanding of hydrologic scaling are highlighted and shown to limit predictive skill, with heterogeneities, nonlinearities, and non‐local transport processes among the most significant difficulties faced in scaling. The discrepancy between the physical process scale and the measurement scale has played a major role in restricting the development of theories, for example, relating observational scales to scales of climate and weather models. Progress in our knowledge of scaling in hydrology requires systematic determination of critical scales and scale invariance of physical processes. In addition, viewing the surface hydrologic system as composed of interacting dynamical subsystems should facilitate the definition of scales observed in nature. Such an approach would inform the development of careful, resolution‐dependent, physical law formulation based on mathematical techniques and physical laws.
The role of psychological symptoms and social group memberships in the development of post‐traumatic stress after traumatic injury
Authors: Jones Janelle M. , Williams W. Huw , Jetten Jolanda , Haslam S. Alexander , Harris Adrian , Gleibs Ilka H.
Published: April 2012

Objectives. The costs associated with traumatic injury are often exacerbated by the development of post‐traumatic stress symptoms. However, it is unclear what decreases the development of post‐traumatic symptoms over time. The aim of the present research was to examine the role of psychological symptoms and social group memberships in reducing the development of post‐traumatic stress symptoms after orthopaedic injuries (OIs) and acquired brain injuries (ABIs).

Design and Methods. A longitudinal prospective study assessed self‐reported general health symptoms, social group memberships, and post‐traumatic stress symptoms among participants with mild or moderate ABI (n= 62) or upper limb OI (n= 31) at 2 weeks (T1) and 3 months (T2) after injury.

Results. Hierarchical regressions revealed that having fewer T1 general health symptoms predicted lower levels of T2 post‐traumatic stress symptoms after OI but forming more new group memberships at T1 predicted lower levels of T2 post‐traumatic stress symptoms after ABI.

Conclusion. A focus on acquiring group memberships may be particularly important in reducing the development of post‐traumatic stress symptoms after injuries, such as ABI, which result in long‐term life changes.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Post‐traumatic stress symptoms are a common outcome after accidental traumatic injury.

Persistent post‐traumatic stress symptoms can be a risk factor for the development of PTSD.

What does this study add?

New insight into the contributions of general health symptoms and social group memberships in the development of post‐traumatic stress symptoms after accidental injury.

The development of post‐traumatic stress symptoms over time is associated with higher levels of general health symptoms among individuals with orthopaedic injuries; They are associated with lower levels of social group memberships among individuals with acquired brain injuries.