bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of transient hiatus hernia during transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and swallows in healthy subjects
Authors: Lee Y. Y. , Whiting J. G. H. , Robertson E. V. , Derakhshan M. H. , Wirz A. A. , Smith D. , Morrison D. , Kelman A. , Connolly P. , McColl K. E. L.
Published: June 2012

Background  Proximal displacement of the gastro‐esophageal junction (GEJ) is present in hiatus hernia but also occurs transiently during transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) and swallows. Using a novel magnetic‐based technique we have performed detailed examination of the GEJ movement during TLESRs and swallows in healthy subjects.

Methods  In 12 subjects, a magnet was endoscopically clipped to the GEJ and combined assembly of Hall‐Effect locator probe and 36 channel high‐resolution manometer passed nasally. After a test meal the subjects were studied for 90 min.

Key Results  The median amplitude of proximal movement of GEJ during TLESRs was 4.3 cm (1.6–8.8 cm) and this was substantially greater than during swallowing at 1.2 cm (0.4–2.7 cm), P = 0.002. With both TLESRs and swallows proximal GEJ movement coincided with lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation and return to its original position occurred 4 s after return of LES tone. Kinetic modeling of the movement of the GEJ during TLESRs indicated two return phases with the initial return phase having the greater velocity (0.9 cm s−1) and being strongly correlated with amplitude of proximal movement (r = 0.8, P < 0.001).

Conclusions & Inferences  The marked proximal GEJ migration during TLESRs represents very severe herniation of the GEJ. The rapid initial return of the GEJ following TLESRs when the crural diaphragm is relaxed and its correlation with amplitude suggest it is due to elastic recoil of the phreno‐esophageal ligament. The marked stretching of the phreno‐esophageal ligament during TLESRs may contribute to its weakening and development of established hiatus hernia.
Genotype differences in 13C discrimination between atmosphere and leaf matter match differences in transpiration efficiency at leaf and whole‐plant levels in hybrid Populus deltoides ×nigra
Authors: RASHEED FAHAD , DREYER ERWIN , RICHARD BÉATRICE , BRIGNOLAS FRANCK , MONTPIED PIERRE , LE THIEC DIDIER
Published: June 2012

13C discrimination between atmosphere and bulk leaf matter (Δ13Clb) is frequently used as a proxy for transpiration efficiency (TE). Nevertheless, its relevance is challenged due to: (1) potential deviations from the theoretical discrimination model, and (2) complex time integration and upscaling from leaf to whole plant. Six hybrid genotypes of Populus deltoides×nigra genotypes were grown in climate chambers and tested for whole‐plant TE (i.e. accumulated biomass/water transpired). Net CO2 assimilation rates (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) were recorded in parallel to: (1) 13C in leaf bulk material (δ13Clb) and in soluble sugars (δ13Css) and (2) 18O in leaf water and bulk leaf material. Genotypic means of δ13Clb and δ13Css were tightly correlated. Discrimination between atmosphere and soluble sugars was correlated with daily intrinsic TE at leaf level (daily mean A/gs), and with whole‐plant TE. Finally, gs was positively correlated to 18O enrichment of bulk matter or water of leaves at individual level, but not at genotype level. We conclude that Δ13Clb captures efficiently the genetic variability of whole‐plant TE in poplar. Nevertheless, scaling from leaf level to whole‐plant TE requires to take into account water losses and respiration independent of photosynthesis, which remain poorly documented.
The Role of T‐Regulatory Cells and Toll‐Like Receptors 2 and 4 In Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Lesiak A. , Smolewski P. , Sobolewska‐Sztychny D. , Sysa‐Jedrzejowska A. , Narbutt J.
Published: June 2012

Regulatory T cells (Tregs), toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) play important role in inflammatory diseases; however, their relevance in atopic dermatitis (AD) pathogenesis is not clear. The aim of study was to evaluate the number of circulating Tregs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) expressing TLR2 and TLR4 receptors in patients with AD. PBMC and CD4+/CD25high+ Tregs were isolated from the whole blood of 32 AD patients and 36 healthy volunteers. Expression of CD4+CD25+, TLR2 and TLR4 receptors and IL 17+ was assessed with the flow cytometry. In the peripheral blood of AD patients, the percentage of Tregs was significantly higher when compared with the controls (P = 0.0003). The number of TLR2+PBMC and TLR4+ PBMC in AD patients was significantly lower than in the controls (P = 0.035; P = 0.001, respectively). Also the percentages of Tregs with expression of both TLR2+ and TLR4+ in AD patients were significantly lower than in the control (3.85 versus 21.6, P < 0.0001; 2.2 versus 17.6, P < 0.0001, simultaneously). The percentage of CD4+/CD25high+/FOXP3+ Treg lymphocytes with expression of IL‐17 was significantly higher in AD group than in healthy subjects (0.3% versus 0.06%; P = 0.011). Distinct number of Tregs and various distribution of TLR2 and TLR4 expression on PBMC in AD patients suggest their contribution in the pathogenesis of AD.
Nuclear survivin expression as a potentially useful tool for the diagnosis of canine cutaneous sebaceous lesions
Authors: Bongiovanni Laura , Suter Maja M , Malatesta Daniela , Ordinelli Alessandra , Ciccarelli Andrea , Romanucci Mariarita , Brenner Ori , Della Salda Leonardo
Published: June 2012

Background –  Sebaceous glands are specialized cutaneous adnexal glands, which work under constant hormonal control to produce sebum. They can give rise to several proliferative lesions, such as hamartoma, hyperplasia and neoplasms (adenoma, epithelioma and carcinoma). Their nomenclature is currently confusing, both in veterinary and in human medicine, owing to the difficulty of differentiating between some of these lesions.

Methods –  The present study used immunohistochemistry to determine the expression levels and patterns of survivin and Ki67 in five samples of normal canine skin and 44 cases of canine cutaneous lesions with sebaceous differentiation (10 hamartomas, nine hyperplasia, eight adenomas, eight epitheliomas and nine carcinomas).

Results –  In normal glands, survivin, as well as Ki67, was expressed in scattered reserve cells. In hamartomas, survivin was more highly expressed than in normal skin, indicating a possible role of this molecule in the pathogenesis of these congenital lesions. In tumours, a moderate or high level of survivin and Ki67 expression (more than two and four and more than two positive cells, respectively) were significantly correlated with a malignant histotype, infiltrative growth and a moderate or high number of mitoses (more than two).

Conclusions and clinical importance –  The level of survivin expression increased with increasing malignancy, designating survivin as a new diagnostic marker in the assessment of malignancy of sebaceous tumours.
Mutation analysis of the STRA6 gene in isolated and non‐isolated anophthalmia/microphthalmia
Authors: Chassaing N , Ragge N , Kariminejad A , Buffet A , Ghaderi‐Sohi S , Martinovic J , Calvas P
Published: June 2012

PDAC syndrome [Pulmonary hypoplasia/agenesis, Diaphragmatic hernia/eventration, Anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M) and Cardiac Defect] is a condition associated with recessive mutations in the STRA6 gene in some of these patients. Recently, cases with isolated anophthalmia have been associated with STRA6 mutations. To determine the minimal findings associated with STRA6 mutations, we performed mutation analysis of the STRA6 gene in 28 cases with anophthalmia. In 7 of the cases the anophthalmia was isolated, in 14 cases it was associated with one of the major features included in PDAC and 7 had other abnormalities. Mutations were identified in two individuals: one with bilateral anophthalmia and some features included in PDAC, who was a compound heterozygote for a missense mutation and a large intragenic deletion, and the second case with all the major features of PDAC and who had a homozygous splicing mutation. This study suggests that STRA6 mutations are more likely to be identified in individuals with A/M and other abnormalities included in the PDAC spectrum, rather than in isolated A/M cases.
Variation in embolism occurrence and repair along the stem in drought‐stressed and re‐watered seedlings of a poplar clone
Authors: Leng Huani , Lu Mengzhu , Wan Xianchong
Published: June 2012

Root pressure and plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) availability in the xylem have been recognized to participate in the refilling of embolized conduits, yet integration of the two mechanisms has not been reported in the same plant. In this study, 4‐month‐old seedlings of a hybrid poplar (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa) clone 84K were subjected to two contrasting soil‐water treatments, with the drought treatment involving withholding of water for 17 days to reduce the soil‐water content to 10% of the saturated field capacity, followed by a re‐watering cycle. The percentage loss of stem hydraulic conductance (PLC) sharply increased, and stomatal conductance and photosynthesis declined in response to drought stress; these processes were gradually restored following the subsequent re‐watering. Embolism was most severe in the middle portions of the stem, followed by the basal and top portions of the stems of seedlings subjected to drought stress and subsequent re‐watering. Although drought stress eliminated root pressure, re‐watering partially restored it in a short period of time. The expression of PIP genes in the xylem was activated by drought stress, and some PIP genes were further stimulated in the top portion after re‐watering. The dynamics of root pressure and differential expression of PIP genes along the stem coincided with changes in PLC, suggesting that root pressure and PIPs work together to refill the embolized vessels. On the basis of the recovery dynamics in PLC and gsmax (maximum stomatal conductance) after re‐watering, the stomatal closure and xylem cavitation exhibited fatigue due to drought stress.
Independence among physiological traits suggests flexibility in the face of ecological demands on phenotypes
Authors: BUEHLER D. M. , VÉZINA F. , GOYMANN W. , SCHWABL I. , VERSTEEGH M. , TIELEMAN B. I. , PIERSMA T.
Published: June 2012

Phenotypic flexibility allows animals to adjust their physiology to diverse environmental conditions encountered over the year. Examining how these varying traits covary gives insights into potential constraints or freedoms that may shape evolutionary trajectories. In this study, we examined relationships among haematocrit, baseline corticosterone concentration, constitutive immune function and basal metabolic rate in red knotCalidris canutus islandicaindividuals subjected to experimentally manipulated temperature treatments over an entire annual cycle. If covariation among traits is constrained, we predict consistent covariation within and among individuals. We further predict consistent correlations between physiological and metabolic traits if constraints underlie species‐level patterns found along the slow‐fast pace‐of‐life continuum. We found no consistent correlations among haematocrit, baseline corticosterone concentration, immune function and basal metabolic rate either within or among individuals. This provides no evidence for constraints limiting relationships among these measures of the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune and metabolic systems in individual red knots. Rather, our data suggest that knots are free to adjust individual parts of their physiology independently. This makes good sense if one places the animal within its ecological context where different aspects of the environment might put different pressures on different aspects of physiology.
Molecular characterization of a new D‐ ‐ haplotype in a Comorian man
Authors: Silvy M. , Chapel‐Fernandes S. , Beley S. , Durousseau C. , Granier T. , Zappitelli J. P. , Bailly P. , Chiaroni J.
Published: June 2012

The D‐ ‐ phenotype is a genetic variant of the Rh blood group system. It expresses D antigen but lacks C, c, E and e antigens. In D‐ ‐ phenotype, the RHCE coding region is extensively modified by RHD sequence replacement, nucleotide deletion or splice‐site changes. This article reports the identification of a new D‐ ‐ haplotype in a Comorian man. It exhibits a hybrid gene in which RHCE gene exons 3–8 have been replaced by RHD sequences on the RHCE * C allele background. This allele is associated with no expression of c/C and e/E antigens and overexpression of RhD antigen.
Cryopreservation of Equine Embryos: Current State‐of‐the‐Art
Authors: Stout TAE
Published: June 2012

Contents

During the past 15 years, embryo transfer (ET) has become increasingly widespread within the sport‐horse breeding industry. At present, however, the vast majority (>95%) of horse embryos are transferred fresh or after chilled storage for up to 24 h, whereas cryopreservation is rarely employed despite its obvious potential for simplifying recipient mare management and facilitating long‐term storage and international transport of embryos. A number of inter‐related factors have contributed to the slow development and implementation of equine embryo cryopreservation, and these include the following: (i) the absence of commercially available products for reliably stimulating superovulation; (ii) very poor pregnancy rates following cryopreservation of embryos >300 μm in diameter; (iii) difficulty in recovering embryos at early developmental stages amenable to cryopreservation; and (iv) interembryo variation in susceptibility to cryodamage. However, acceptable success rates (>55% pregnancy) have been reported for both slow‐frozen and vitrified small embryos (<300 μm), and there is renewed interest in cryopreservation, not only in the context of standard ET programmes, but also because it would facilitate pre‐implantation genetic testing and allow wider access to techniques for producing embryosin vitro, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection and nuclear transfer. This article will review the current status of equine embryo cryopreservation.
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer and Transgenesis in Large Animals: Current and Future Insights
Authors: Galli C , Lagutina I , Perota A , Colleoni S , Duchi R , Lucchini F , Lazzari G
Published: June 2012

Contents

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) was first developed in livestock for the purpose of accelerating the widespread use of superior genotypes. Although many problems still exist now after fifteen years of research owing to the limited understanding of genome reprogramming, SCNT has provided a powerful tool to make copies of selected individuals in different species, to study genome pluripotency and differentiation, opening new avenues of research in regenerative medicine and representing the main route for making transgenic livestock. Besides well‐established methods to deliver transgenes, recent development in enzymatic engineering to edit the genome provides more precise and reproducible tools to target‐specific genomic loci especially for producing knockout animals. The interest in generating transgenic livestock lies in the agricultural and biomedical areas and it is, in most cases, at the stage of research and development, with few exceptions that are making the way into practical applications.
Notch is the key factor in the process of fetal liver stem/progenitor cells differentiation into hepatocytes
Authors: Wang Tao , You Nan , Tao Kaishan , Wang Xing , Zhao Ge , Xia Ning , Li Nanlin , Tang Lijun , Liu Weihui , Dou Kefeng
Published: June 2012

Cell transplantation is efficient method to therapy end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). How to punctually induce stem cell differentiation into hepatocyte is still a challenge. Notch plays important roles in embryonic development and cell differentiation. However, during the differentiation process from fetal liver stem/progenitor cells (FLSPCs) to mature hepatocytes, the contribution of Notch, especially which Notch receptor is primarily responsible, is unknown. First, specific Notch receptor responsible for FLSPCs differentiation was identified. On both tissue level and cell level, we found that Notch3 was the only receptor greater expressed in liver tissue at embryonic day (ED) 14 and FLSPCs, compared with the adult liver and BRL cells, respectively. Second, morphological phenotypic and functional aspects were analyzed to evaluate whether Notch inhibition by GSIs (γ‐secretase inhibitors, inhibitor of Notch) promotes the differentiation of FLSPCs into hepatocytes. Results showed that N‐[N‐(3, 5‐Difluorophenacetyl)‐L‐alanyl]‐S‐phenylglycine t‐butyl ester (DAPT) as GSIs was able to induce FLSPCs differentiation into hepatocytes. The differentiated FLSPCs showed similar morphology to mature hepatocytes, expressed hepatic markers indicative of a mature developmental stage, and displayed similar functionality to mature hepatocytes. The differentiation efficiency by GSIs was similar to that by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induction. More specifically, as the differentiation of FLSPCs progressed towards hepatocytes, the expression of Notch3 was gradually down‐regulated, consistent with the down‐regulation of other stem cell markers. These findings imply that Notch3 may not only be a regulator of FLSPCs differentiation into hepatocytes, but also be a potential marker of FLSPCs.
Clinical features of eosinophilic esophagitis: Ten Japanese cases
Authors: Tomomatsu Yuichiro , Yoshino Junji , Inui Kazuo , Wakabayashi Takao , Kobayashi Takashi , Miyoshi Hironao , Kosaka Toshihito , Yamamoto Satoshi , Torii Yoshinori
Published: June 2012

Aim:  We studied eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) to clarify the clinical and endoscopic features of a Japanese case series.

Methods:  Records of 10 patients diagnosed with EE at our hospital between May 2010 and December 2011 were examined for age, sex, symptoms, allergic disorder, endoscopic findings, and treatment received. Esophageal wall thickness was measured by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).

Results:  Patients were seven males and three females with a mean age of 48 years. Symptoms included dysphagia, heartburn, food impaction, and chest pain. Nine patients had a history of allergic diseases. Increased peripheral eosinophil count was observed in one patient whereas increased immunoglobulin E level was observed in eight patients. Endoscopic findings included longitudinal furrows in all patients, mucosal edema in nine patients, loss of vascular pattern in nine patients, white exudates in six patients, cobblestone‐like appearance in five patients, and concentric rings in three patients. EUS revealed thickening of the esophageal wall in one patient. Histopathological examination revealed eosinophilic infiltration (≥15 eosinophils/high‐powered field) in the esophageal epithelium of all patients. Treatment was required in six patients. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy was given as the first‐line treatment but was ineffective in four patients and effective in two patients. Steroid therapy was given to three patients unresponsive to PPI therapy and was effective.

Conclusions:  EE was common among relatively young men and was associated with allergic diseases. Longitudinal furrows were observed as the most characteristic endoscopic finding. Esophageal wall thickening was not commonly observed by EUS.
Damping control of balance in the medial/lateral direction and the risk of falling in the elderly
Authors: Aoki Mitsuhiro , Nishihori Takesumi , Jiang Yifa , Nagasaki Sachio , Wakaoka Takanori , Ito Yatsuji
Published: June 2012

Aims:  A proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control has recently been used as a control algorithm of body balance. The purpose of this study was to elucidate an association of the proportional and derivative gain based on the PID control gain for balance for quiet standing with the risk factor for falls in the elderly.

Methods:  The movement of a marker on the back of 23 elderly participants (age 75.6 ± 6.6 years) was measured by our developed device with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor video camera and the trunk sway speed in the medial/lateral (M/L) direction (TSSX) was calculated as absolute values of the whole time series. The PID control gain (proportional gain: KP, integral gain: KI, derivative gain: KD) was identified using the trunk sway data, and normalized by individual height and weight (KPn, KDn and KIn). Individual risk factor for falls was additionally assessed with the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and the fall risk questionnaire.

Results:  The score in the POMA and the KDn significantly decreased with age (P < 0.01). The score in the POMA showed a positive correlation with the KDn, and negative correlations with the TSSX and KP/KD ratios (P < 0.01). The average KDn and the score in the POMA of fallers were significantly lower than those of non‐fallers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  These results suggest that the decreased damping control by derivative gain for balance in the M/L direction is one of the risk factors for falls in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 182–189.
Area‐wide application of verbenone‐releasing flakes reduces mortality of whitebark pinePinus albicauliscaused by the mountain pine beetleDendroctonus ponderosae
Authors: Gillette Nancy E. , Hansen E. Matthew , Mehmel Constance J. , Mori Sylvia R. , Webster Jeffrey N. , Erbilgin Nadir , Wood David L.
Published: June 2012

DISRUPT Micro‐Flake Verbenone Bark Beetle Anti‐Aggregant flakes (Hercon Environmental, Inc., Emigsville, Pennsylvania) were applied in two large‐scale tests to assess their efficacy for protecting whitebark pinePinus albicaulisEngelm. from attack by mountain pine beetleDendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) (MPB). At two locations, five plots of equivalent size and stand structure served as untreated controls. All plots had early‐ to mid‐outbreak beetle populations (i.e. 7.1–29.2 attacked trees/ha). Verbenone was applied at 370 g/ha in both studies. Intercept traps baited with MPB aggregation pheromone were placed near the corners of each plot after the treatment in order to monitor beetle flight within the plots. Trap catches were collected at 7‐ to 14‐day intervals, and assessments were made at the end of the season of stand structure, stand composition and MPB attack rate for the current and previous years.

Applications of verbenone flakes significantly reduced the numbers of beetles trapped in treated plots compared with controls at both sites by approximately 50% at the first collection date.

The applications also significantly reduced the proportion of trees attacked in both Wyoming and Washington using the proportion of trees attacked the previous year as a covariate in the model for analysis of current year attack rates; in both sites, the reduction was ≥ 50%.

The flake formulation of verbenone appears to have promise for area‐wide treatment by aerial application when aiming to control the mountain pine beetle in whitebark pine forests.
A 26‐week, placebo‐ and pioglitazone‐controlled monotherapy study of rivoglitazone in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chou H. S. , Truitt K. E. , Moberly J. B. , Merante D. , Choi Y. , Mun Y. , Pfützner A.
Published: June 2012

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivoglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ agonist in the thiazolidinedione class, in subjects with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Subjects aged ≥18 years with T2DM and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) >7.0% and ≤8.5%, who were treatment naïve or receiving a non‐thiazolidinedione antidiabetes monotherapy, entered a 2‐week washout and single‐blind placebo run‐in period and were then randomized 2 : 4 : 11 : 11 to double‐blind treatment with placebo, rivoglitazone 1.0 mg/day, rivoglitazone 1.5 mg/day, or pioglitazone 45 mg/day, for 26 weeks.

Results

A total of 1912 subjects received placebo (n = 137), rivoglitazone 1.0 mg (n = 274), rivoglitazone 1.5 mg (n = 750) or pioglitazone (n = 751). Rivoglitazone 1.5 mg was statistically superior (p = 0.0339) and rivoglitazone 1.0 mg was non‐inferior (p = 0.0339) to pioglitazone in reducing HbA1c from baseline (changes of −0.7%, −0.4% and −0.6%, respectively). Rivoglitazone also significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose from baseline (p < 0.0001). Rivoglitazone significantly improved estimates of insulin sensitivity, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and other metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. Rivoglitazone was generally well tolerated at both doses, with treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE) rates similar to pioglitazone. The most common drug‐related TEAEs were peripheral oedema (active, 5.2–6.2%; placebo 0.7%), increased weight (active, 1.6–3.1%; placebo, 0%) and pitting oedema (active, 1.3–2.2%; placebo, 0%).

Conclusions

In subjects with suboptimally controlled T2DM, rivoglitazone 1.5 mg was associated with statistically superior glycaemic control to pioglitazone 45 mg, while rivoglitazone 1.0 mg was non‐inferior; the safety profiles of the two drugs appeared similar.
Nine‐month‐old infants generalize object labels, but not object preferences across individuals
Authors: Henderson Annette M.E. , Woodward Amanda L.
Published: June 2012

As with all culturally relevant human behaviours, words are meaningful because they are shared by the members of a community. This research investigates whether 9‐month‐old infants understand this fundamental fact about language. Experiment 1 examined whether infants who are trained on, and subsequently habituated to, a new word–referent link expect the link to be consistent across a second speaker. Experiment 2 examined whether 9‐month‐old infants distinguish between behaviours that are shared across individuals (i.e. words) from those that are not (i.e. object preferences). The present findings indicate that infants as young as 9 months of age expect new word–referent links, but not object preferences, to be consistent across individuals. Thus, by 9 months, infants have identified at least one of the aspects of human behaviour that is shared across individuals within a community. The implications for children’s acquisition of language and culture are discussed.
Protecting people in cities: the disturbing case of Haiti
Authors: Ferris Elizabeth , Ferro‐Ribeiro Sara
Published: June 2012

Humanitarian actors have sought increasingly not only to assist people affected by natural disasters but also to protect them. This paper examines the efforts of international humanitarian actors to protect Haitians affected by the devastating earthquake of 12 January 2010. It begins with an analysis of the particular difficulties of conceptualising and operationalising protection in an urban environment and traces the efforts of international actors on the ground to develop appropriate protection strategies. The particular difficulties of working with camps and spontaneous settlements in urban areas are explored as are the challenges that stemmed from working with different levels of governmental authorities and a multitude of humanitarian actors. The paper concludes by highlighting some of the lessons learned from the successes and failures of international protection efforts in Haiti. It is hoped that these may assist future efforts to protect people living in urban environments.
Aid in a city at war: the case of Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Grünewald François
Published: June 2012

Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, has been central to life, war, and peace in the country for almost two decades. Its urban characteristics, though, have been put to one side for the most part. In recent years, Mogadishu‐related issues have been merged mostly into a global agenda for South and Central Somalia, resulting in the technical and coordination approaches employed in the city largely being reproductions of solutions utilised in refugee camps and rural areas. Unfortunately, urban problems require urban solutions. The aid system is just starting to discover how specific aid in cities at war should be, both from an organisational and a technical standpoint. The enhancement of aid practices in an urban setting implies, among other things, a more strategic approach to the specific spatial characteristics of the city, a more fine‐tuned analysis of the technical requirements of the urban service delivery systems, and a better understanding of the role of urban institutions.
Shelter strategies, humanitarian praxis and critical urban theory in post‐crisis reconstruction
Authors: Fan Lilianne
Published: June 2012

The paper seeks to link contemporary thinking on urban shelter in the humanitarian sector to debates in the field of ‘critical urban theory’. It argues that current humanitarian thinking on urban shelter shares many common concerns with critical urban theory, but that these concerns are rarely translated effectively into humanitarian practice. It attributes this disconnect not only to weaknesses in implementation capacity, but also to the need to reorient humanitarian action to address more definitively questions of power and justice. Humanitarian actors need to step back from product‐delivery approaches and find ways of integrating into their analytical, planning, implementation and monitoring tools questions about access, exclusion and the historically specific ways in which these aspects converge in particular urban spaces. By doing so, the humanitarian community would benefit from a more explicit, systematic and sustained engagement with the catalytic theoretical resources that critical urban theory has to offer.
Gut microbial adaptation to dietary consumption of fructose, artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols: implications for host–microbe interactions contributing to obesity
Authors: Payne A. N. , Chassard C. , Lacroix C.
Published: June 2012

The Western diet, comprised of highly refined carbohydrates and fat but reduced complex plant polysaccharides, has been attributed to the prevalence of obesity. A concomitant rise in the consumption of fructose and sugar substitutes such as sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, even rare sugars, has mirrored this trend, as both probable contributor and solution to the epidemic. Acknowledgement of the gut microbiota as a factor involved in obesity has sparked much controversy as to the cause and consequence of this relationship. Dietary intakes are a known modulator of gut microbial phylogeny and metabolic activity, frequently exploited to stimulate beneficial bacteria, promoting health benefits. Comparably little research exists on the impact of ‘unconscious’ dietary modulation on the resident commensal community mediated by increased fructose and sugar substitute consumption. This review highlights mechanisms of potential host and gut microbial fructose and sugar substitute metabolism. Evidence is presented suggesting these sugar compounds, particularly fructose, condition the microbiota, resulting in acquisition of a westernized microbiome with altered metabolic capacity. Disturbances in host–microbe interactions resulting from fructose consumption are also explored.
Why do individuals not lose more weight from an exercise intervention at a defined dose? An energy balance analysis
Authors: Thomas D. M. , Bouchard C. , Church T. , Slentz C. , Kraus W. E. , Redman L. M. , Martin C. K. , Silva A. M. , Vossen M. , Westerterp K. , Heymsfield S. B.
Published: June 2012

Weight loss resulting from an exercise intervention tends to be lower than predicted. Modest weight loss can arise from an increase in energy intake, physiological reductions in resting energy expenditure, an increase in lean tissue or a decrease in non‐exercise activity. Lower than expected, weight loss could also arise from weak and invalidated assumptions within predictive models. To investigate these causes, we systematically reviewed studies that monitored compliance to exercise prescriptions and measured exercise‐induced change in body composition. Changed body energy stores were calculated to determine the deficit between total daily energy intake and energy expenditures. This information combined with available measurements was used to critically evaluate explanations for low exercise‐induced weight loss. We conclude that the small magnitude of weight loss observed from the majority of evaluated exercise interventions is primarily due to low doses of prescribed exercise energy expenditures compounded by a concomitant increase in caloric intake.
The efficacy of temozolomide for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Chen Chao , Xu Tao , Lu Yicheng , Chen Juxiang , Wu Shenhong
Published: June 2012

Background and purpose

The efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) in recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has been evaluated by several clinical trials. A meta‐analysis to assess the overall efficacy of TMZ in the treatment of recurrent GBM was carried out by the authors.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE database and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies. Eligible studies were clinical trials of recurrent GBMs assigned to TMZ with data on efficacy including tumor response, progression‐free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) available. The overall efficacy was calculated using a random‐effects or fixed‐effects model, depending on the heterogeneity of the included trials.

Results

A total of 15 phase II clinical trials including 902 recurrent GBMs were analyzed. The overall clinical benefit rate was 50.5% (95% CI: 44.3–56.7%) with significant difference between metronomic and standard schedules of TMZ (61.4% vs. 46.3%, P = 0.037). The overall 6‐month PFS (PFS‐6) rate was found to be 27.8% (95% CI: 22.7–33.5%) with significant difference between metronomic and standard schedules (33.1% vs. 20.1%, P < 0.001). In addition, significant difference in PFS‐6 was detected between high (average daily dose >100 mg/m2) and low (average daily dose ≤100 mg/m2) dose metronomic schedules (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.17–2.09, P = 0.002). The overall 6‐month OS (OS‐6) and 12‐month OS (OS‐12) rates were 65.0% (95% CI: 57.4–71.9%) and 36.4% (95% CI: 26.9–47.1%) separately. There was no significant difference in OS‐6 between metronomic and standard schedules (P = 0.266); however, a trend was noted favoring the metronomic schedule for OS‐12 (P = 0.089).

Conclusions

Temozolomide is effective for recurrent GBMs, and its efficacy may be increased with metronomic schedule and high average daily dose (>100 mg/m2).
Mismeasure of secondary sexual traits: an example with horn growth in the Iberian ibex
Authors: Sarasa M. , Soriguer R. C. , Granados J. ‐E. , Casajus N. , Pérez J. M.
Published: June 2012

Monitoring programmes and studies focused on secondary sexual characters (SSCs) depend on the accuracy of measurements. However, methods of measurements of SSC, such as horns of ungulates, vary throughout the literature. Thus, the accuracy of horn growth measurements as proxies of true horn growth and the comparability of results inferred from different horn growth measurements may be questionable. We used the horns of Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica to compare horn growth measurements and to analyse reliability with true horn growth. Our results reveal that measurements used in previous studies differed substantially from true horn growth and volume estimated as a barrel appeared as the best proxy of annular segments of horns in the Iberian ibex. Horn growth measurements are not necessarily mutually comparable, just as classical measurements are not necessarily representative of true horn growth. We discuss the wider implications of these results and suggest that biological processes linked to horns of ungulates should be reappraised using improved and accurate measurements because horn growth pattern is a key factor in sustainable management and conservation plans of ungulate species around the world.
Phylogenetic relationship of two threatened endemic viverrids from the Sunda Islands, Hose's civet and Sulawesi civet
Authors: Wilting A. , Fickel J.
Published: June 2012

Although phylogenetic relationships among most genera and species in the mammalian family Viverridae have been analysed genetically, no molecular data exist for two threatened island‐endemic species, Hose's civet Diplogale hosei of Borneo and the Sulawesi civet Macrogalidia musschenbroekii (both monospecific genera). We obtained the first DNA sequences (large parts of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and NADH2 genes) for these species, using museum specimens, and confirmed that both species warrant their own genus. Hose's civet is a member of the subfamily Hemigalinae and is a sister taxon of the banded civet Hemigalus derbyanus and Owston's civet Chrotogale owstoni; but the relationship among these three species remained unresolved. The Sulawesi civet does not belong to the subfamily Paradoxurinae, in which it is currently classified (hence its widely used English name Sulawesi palm civet), but instead to the subfamily Hemigalinae. We recommend dropping ‘palm’ from all vernacular names of the Hemigalinae to distinguish the Hemigalinae from the ‘true’ palm civets – the Paradoxurinae.
Are chest marks unique to Asiatic black bear individuals?
Authors: Higashide D. , Miura S. , Miguchi H.
Published: June 2012

Estimating population size based on a capture‐recapture model requires identification of individual animals. We evaluated the reliability of the chest mark to noninvasively identify individual Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus. Using image analysis, we collated the chest marks of bears from the photographs taken while the bears were in captivity (Ani Mataginosato Bear Park) to examine the universality, uniqueness and persistence of the marks. Of the 62 bears, 95% had a distinct chest mark by which they could be reliably identified, and the probability of mistakenly identifying two different bears as identical was calculated to be 0.00075. The shape of the mark was found to change slightly from year to year, but this did not hamper individual identification. Thus, individual identification of the bears was highly reliable. A high percentage of correct answers was obtained in a blind test to visually identify individuals based on their chest mark. Considering that it is both an inexpensive and an easy‐to‐use technique, chest mark comparison is suitable for individual identification in order to estimate the abundance of the black bear population.
Prediction of seizure outcome in childhood epilepsies in countries with limited resources: a prospective study
Authors: BANU SELINA H , KHAN NAILA Z , HOSSAIN MAHMUDA , FERDOUSI SAADIA , BOYD STEWART , SCOTT ROD C , NEVILLE BRIAN
Published: June 2012

Aim  To identify predictors of seizure control in newly presenting children with epilepsy in countries with limited resources.

Method  Three hundred and ninety children (273 males, 117 females) aged 2 months to 15 years with newly diagnosed epilepsy were enrolled prospectively at first visit to the multidisciplinary clinic at the children’s hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data about seizures, motor disability, psychomotor development, and electroencephalography were obtained. Regular monitoring of antiepileptic drug treatment was continued at least for one year. Associations between seizure control and potential predictors were determined by multivariate analysis.

Results  Three hundred and ninety children were enrolled in 6 months, of whom over 60% were from low‐income families, 60% had onset at under 1 year, 74% had more than one seizure per week, 69% a single‐seizure type, and 38% a history of delayed onset of breathing at birth. Cognitive deficits (IQ<70; 58%) and/or motor (significant limitation of daily living activities; 47%) deficits were common. After 1 year of regular treatment, seizure control was good (seizure freedom) in 53%, and poor (at least one seizure in the last 3mo of follow‐up) in 47%. The predictors of poor seizure control were an IQ<70, associated motor disability, multiple seizure types, and a history of cognitive regression (1.9 times more likely to have poor seizure control).

Interpretation  Seizure control can be predicted using three clinical factors (motor disability, cognitive impairment, and multiple seizure types) at the first clinic visit. Such predictors assist the development of referral plans and management guidelines for childhood epilepsies in resource‐poor countries.
Heritability of male mandible length in the stag beetle Cyclommatus metallifer
Authors: GOTOH Hiroki , FUKAYA Keiichi , MIURA Toru
Published: June 2012

Numerous coleopteran species express male‐specific “weapon traits” that often show size variations among males, even within a single population. Many empirical studies have demonstrated that environmental conditions during development affect absolute weapon size. However, relatively few studies in horned beetles support the hypothesis that the relationship between weapon size and body size, also referred to as a “scaling relationship” or “static allometry”, is largely determined by genetic factors. In this study, the heritability of absolute mandible length and static allometry between mandible length and body size were estimated in the stag beetle Cyclommatus metallifer. While no significant heritable variation was observed in absolute mandible length, high heritability (h2 = 0.57 ± 0.25) was detected in the static allometry between mandible length and body size. This is the first report on the genetic effect on male mandible size in Lucanidae, suggesting that absolute mandible size is largely determined by environmental conditions while the static allometry between weapon size and body size is primarily determined by genetic factors.
High Incidence of Perigraft Seroma Formation with Gelatin‐Coated Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts
Authors: Ladenheim Eric D. , Lum Craig , Chadwick Nathan , Agrawal Siddartha
Published: June 2012

We reviewed the effectiveness of a gelatin‐coated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft designed to reduce suture line bleeding and graft weeping. Twenty‐nine adults with end‐stage renal disease underwent implantation the graft (n = 30) in the arm. All had preoperative ultrasound vascular mapping to assess their options for an autogenous arteriovenous fistula and patients with a history of prior central venous devices or sternotomy underwent contrast venography. A 4‐ to 7‐mm tapered graft (n = 10) was used if the inflow artery was <4.0 mm in diameter, and a 6‐mm straight graft (n = 20) was used if the artery was ≥4.0 mm. Intraoperative volume flows were measured by duplex methodology. Precautions to prevent ultrafiltration and seroma development were taken. Eleven clinically significant seromas were detected in 30 sealed PTFE grafts (36.7%), 10 in the 6‐mm grafts (50%), and 1 in a 4‐ to 7‐mm graft (10%), a significant difference between graft types. There were no significant differences in flow between the graft types and between grafts with seromas versus no seromas. Five grafts were explanted and one was ligated, resulting in cannulation delays from 2 to 4 months. We conclude that the gelatin‐sealed PTFE vascular graft is not the ideal prosthesis for hemodialysis access.
Assessment of Extracellular Fluid Volume and Fluid Status in Hemodialysis Patients: Current Status and Technical Advances
Authors: Dou Yanna , Zhu Fansan , Kotanko Peter
Published: June 2012

The assessment of extracellular fluid volume (ECV) and fluid status is both important and challenging in hemodialysis patients. Extracellular fluid is distributed in two major sub‐compartments: interstitial fluid and plasma. A variety of methods are used to assess the ECV, with tracer dilution techniques considered gold standard. However, ECV defined as the distribution space of bromide, sodium, chloride, and ferrocyanide appears to be larger than the distribution volume of inulin and sucrose, suggesting a partial distribution into the intracellular volume. Relative blood volume monitoring, measurement of inferior vena cava diameter by ultrasound and biochemical markers are indirect methods, which do not reflect the ECV and fluid status accurately. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) techniques enable assessment of ECV and intracellular volume. Currently, BIS appears to be the most practical method for assessing ECV volume and fluid status in dialysis patients.
EFFECTS OF LIGHT AND SUBSTRATE ON THE BENTHIC DIATOMS IN AN OLIGOTROPHIC LAKE: A COMPARISON BETWEEN NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES1
Authors: Yang Hong , Flower Roger J.
Published: June 2012

Benthic diatoms form a particularly important community in oligotrophic lakes, but factors influencing their distribution are not well known. This study reports the depth distribution of living motile and total diatoms (living plus dead diatoms) on both natural (from sand to fine organic mud) and artificial substrates in an oligotrophic lake. On artificial substrates, motile diatom densities peaked in abundance (24–30 cells · mm−2) between 0.6 and 1.9 m depth; on natural sediment surfaces, motile diatoms were generally more numerous and peaked in abundance (925 cells · mm−2) at 1.3 m depth. Total diatom densities on artificial substrates were highest (1260 valves · mm−2) at 0.6 m depth, with very low values below 3 m depth; on natural sediment surfaces, total diatom abundances were generally much higher (21600 valves · mm−2) at 3 m depth and declined gradually with depth. Significant relationships were found between light and diatom densities on the artificial substrate. Ordination analysis indicated that substrate type significantly correlated with the variation of diatom composition on artificial and natural substrates. Our results suggest that in oligotrophic lakes, light influences benthic diatom abundance, whereas substrate type has more influence on benthic diatom composition.
Keeping People In or Out?
Authors: Henriksen Jan‐Olav
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  In this article I argue that the Lutheran doctrine of two kingdoms provides a good basis for the legitimate participation of all citizens in political discourse and decisions, no matter what faith they hold. The argument is backed by selected insights from philosopher Jürgen Habermas and sociologists Linda Woodhead and Paul Heelas. Against this backdrop, I suggest some challenges for a theology that addresses issues related to religion and society.
The Word was Not Made Flesh: Theological Reflections on the Banning of Seksualiti Merdeka 2011
Authors: Goh Joseph N.
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  In November 2011, the Malaysian sexuality rights festival Seksualiti Merdeka was banned after being labelled immoral and subversive. The organizers insisted that the festival was a forum for the voices of sexual minorities and that the ban was politically motivated. By examining the rhetoric surrounding this festival in the Malaysian media, this article aims to uncover how the tensions between Malaysian politics and religion affect the lives of queer Malaysians in terms of human rights before providing a Christian theological response.
The Case of Curers, Noncurers, and Biomedical Experts in Pichátaro, Mexico
Authors: Ross Norbert , Timura Catherine , Maupin Jonathan
Published: June 2012

We explore potential conceptual and cultural change in folk‐medical models within a Mexican community that may have taken place over the past 30 years. Building on a study from the 1970s, we explore the effects a government‐supported biomedical clinic had on the content and distribution of folk‐medical concepts. Surprisingly, we find that despite a dramatic increase in access to biomedicine and a host of socioeconomic shifts opening access to new medical ideas, folk‐medical knowledge in Pichátaro, Michoacán, Mexico has remained largely unchanged with respect to its distribution and content. Curers and noncurers not only agree with one another but also continue to agree with a general model held in the 1970s. It is the medical models of clinic personnel that stand out as odd within the community. Yet, despite these conceptual differences, the biomedical facilities of the town are well attended.[folk‐medical models, conceptual change, resiliency, Mexico]