bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAMESES publication standards: realist syntheses
Authors: Wong Geoff , Greenhalgh Trish , Westhorp Gill , Buckingham Jeanette , Pawson Ray
Published: January 2013

Background

There is growing interest in realist synthesis as an alternative systematic review method. This approach offers the potential to expand the knowledge base in policy‐relevant areas – for example, by explaining the success, failure or mixed fortunes of complex interventions. No previous publication standards exist for reporting realist syntheses. This standard was developed as part of the RAMESES (Realist And MEta‐narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards) project. The project's aim is to produce preliminary publication standards for realist systematic reviews.

Design

A mixed method study synthesising data between 2011–2012 from a literature review, online Delphi panel and feedback from training, workshops and email list.

Methods

We: (a) collated and summarized existing literature on the principles of good practice in realist syntheses; (b) considered the extent to which these principles had been followed by published syntheses, thereby identifying how rigour may be lost and how existing methods could be improved; (c) used a three‐round online Delphi method with an interdisciplinary panel of national and international experts in evidence synthesis, realist research, policy and/or publishing to produce and iteratively refine a draft set of methodological steps and publication standards; (d) provided real‐time support to ongoing realist syntheses and the open‐access RAMESES online discussion list to capture problems and questions as they arose; and (e) synthesized expert input, evidence syntheses and real‐time problem analysis into a definitive set of standards.

Results

We identified 35 published realist syntheses, provided real‐time support to 9 ongoing syntheses and captured questions raised in the RAMESES discussion list. Through analysis and discussion within the project team, we summarized the published literature and common questions and challenges into briefing materials for the Delphi panel, comprising 37 members. Within 3 rounds this panel had reached consensus on 19 key publication standards, with an overall response rate of 91%.

Conclusions

This project used multiple sources to develop and draw together evidence and expertise in realist synthesis. For each item we have included an explanation for why it is important and guidance on how it might be reported. Realist synthesis is a relatively new method for evidence synthesis and as experience and methodological developments occur, we anticipate that these standards will evolve to reflect further methodological developments. We hope that these standards will act as a resource that will contribute to improving the reporting of realist syntheses.
Water barriers and intra‐island isolation contribute to diversification in the insular Aethopyga sunbirds (Aves: Nectariniidae)
Authors: Hosner Peter A. , Nyári Árpád S. , Moyle Robert G.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Colonization and subsequent isolation across deep‐water barriers is thought to be the primary driver of diversification in insular birds. Shallow‐water barriers and intra‐island isolation are less well‐documented drivers of avian diversification. We examined the relative roles of different geographical barriers in the diversification of Aethopyga sunbirds, a widespread Southeast Asian genus that has its greatest diversity in the Philippine Archipelago.

Location

Philippines, Southeast Asia, Wallacea.

Methods

We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships among Aethopyga sunbirds with mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. Phylogeny was inferred using concatenated and coalescent frameworks, implemented in maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. We used maximum likelihood ancestral state reconstructions to examine the ancestral distribution and colonization history of Aethopyga. To determine whether the diversification at each node occurred within a continent, across a shallow‐water barrier, across a deep‐water barrier or within an island, we used a series of statements based on the phylogeny, current distribution of species and bathymetric reconstructions.

Results

Ancestral state reconstructions inferred that the core Aethopyga ancestor was continental, and that the diversity of Aethopyga on oceanic islands is the result of three or four independent colonization events. Dispersal and subsequent isolation across deep‐water barriers was the most common mode of diversification in insular Aethopyga, although intra‐island isolation contributed to diversity, producing a small montane radiation within Mindanao. Analyses inferred only a single unequivocal event of diversification across a shallow‐water barrier. Deep molecular divergences between phenotypically distinct subspecies suggested that the taxonomy of Aethopyga is overly conservative and obscures biogeographical patterns. We recommend elevating five subspecies, all of which are endemic to the Philippines, to full species.

Main conclusions

In addition to corroborating the importance of isolation across deep‐water barriers, these data also underscore a potential role for additional isolating mechanisms in the generation of biodiversity on oceanic islands. A clade of four montane Aethopyga taxa evolved in situ within the Mindanao sky‐island system, an exception to the paradigm that birds do not diversify within the geographical confines of oceanic islands.
Curvilinear interspecific density–range size relationship in small mammals in Finland
Authors: Komonen Atte , Henttonen Heikki , Huitu Otso , Nissinen Kari
Published: January 2013

Aim

Macroecological patterns have mainly been depicted as atemporal, with existing research covering only short time periods. One fundamental pattern in macroecology is the interspecific relationship between local abundance and regional range size, which is generally considered to be positively linear. Here, we examine structural details of the relationship between abundance and range size in cyclic populations of small mammals and its long‐term temporal variation.

Location

Finland.

Methods

We analysed 39 years of trapping data of Rodentia and Soricomorpha collected in field and forest habitats across Finland. Abundance was measured as the mean population density of individuals, and range size as the number of grid cells occupied and sample occupancy. Data were analysed using linear mixed models.

Results

The relationship between mean local density and sample occupancy was generally linear, whereas the relationship between density and the number of grid cells occupied was generally curvilinear (U‐shaped) for both habitats, being negative for species with small range sizes and positive for species with larger ranges. The curvilinearity was temporally consistent in both habitats.

Main conclusions

The interspecific relationship between abundance and range size varies depending on how range size is measured. Interestingly, the curvilinear relationship between density and range size was found in an assemblage in which many of the species have fluctuating (cyclic) populations. Future research on abundance–range size relationships should focus on long‐term temporal variation to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop macroecological theory.
Clinical experiences of different dosing schedules of rituximab in pemphigus with various disease severities
Authors: Cho H.H. , Jin S.‐P. , Chung J. H.
Published: January 2013

Background

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against B lymphocytes, has been found to be a therapeutic agent for severe, refractory autoimmune bullous diseases. However, a dosing schedule or treatment indication of rituximab has not yet been established.

Objectives

We investigated the efficacy of rituximab and different dosing schedules for different disease severities, retrospectively.

Methods

A total of 23 patients with pemphigus who received rituximab were evaluated by a review of medical records. Group 1 patients (n = 10) with severe pemphigus were treated with three or four infusions of rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m2 at 1‐week intervals. Group 2 (n = 13) patients with mild to moderate pemphigus were treated with two infusions of rituximab at the same dose. Late end points, occurrence of relapse and adverse events and numbers of B cells were evaluated.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 25.6 months in group 1 and 17.8 months in group 2. In group 1, six patients (60.0%) achieved complete remission (CR), including two patients off therapy (CR OFF) and four patients on therapy (CR ON). The other four patients (40.0%) achieved partial remission on therapy (PR ON). In group 2, nine patients (69.2%) achieved CR (4 CR OFF, 5 CR ON) and four patients (30.8%) achieved PR ON. During the follow‐up period, relapse occurred in five patients of group 1 and three patients of group 2. No serious adverse events were observed in any patients.

Conclusions

We concluded that rituximab is an effective and safe treatment method not only in severe, recalcitrant pemphigus but also in mild to moderate pemphigus. Low dose of rituximab seemed to be sufficient to treat mild to moderate pemphigus.
Quality Attributes in Shrimp Treated with Polyphosphate after Thawing and Cooking: A Study Using Physicochemical Analytical Methods and Low‐Field 1H NMR
Authors: Carneiro Carla Da Silva , Mársico Eliane Teixeira , Ribeiro Roberta De Oliveira Resende , Conte Júnior Carlos Adam , Álvares Thiago Silveira , De Jesus Edgar Francisco Oliveira
Published: January 2013

The effects of polyphosphate on parameters of quality in shrimp (after thawing and cooking) were investigated using physicochemical analytical methods and low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF 1H NMR) spectroscopy. The NMR data were treated by bi‐exponential fitting and compared with the physicochemical data. The physicochemical parameters demonstrated that treatments with different concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate and different time exposures influenced parameters such as cook loss, moisture, pH, color and texture. These differences were reflected in the transverse relaxation (T2) data. Bi‐exponential fitting of the T2 resulted in the observation of two water populations in all samples, T21 and T22, with relaxation times in the ranges of 24–47 and 63–120 ms, respectively. Pronounced changes in the T21 and T22 relaxation data were observed during the different treatments, with polyphosphate revealing changes in water properties. Good linear correlations were observed between the T2 parameters and physicochemical data.

Practical Applications

Shrimp processing contains various steps, such as freezing and cooking, which can lead to the denaturation or aggregation of proteins. In this context, the use of polyphosphates prior to the freezing of shrimp can improve yields, water‐holding capacity and the sensory attributes of the final product. The fish industry seeks to use polyphosphates in order to optimize production and obtain better quality products. Therefore, studies to identify the ideal phosphate concentration and contact time required for quality production in the frozen shrimp industry are important. Traditional analytical methods for physicochemical measurements are, however, time‐consuming, sample destructive and expensive. Low‐field 1H nuclear magnetic resonance is a rapid, noninvasive method to investigate water mobility within materials and foods. The method showed strong correlations with various physicochemical properties, which are important quality factors during shrimp processing. Moreover, the techniques are fast, reliable and nonsample destructive.
Lactation Reduces Glial Activation Induced by Excitotoxicity in the Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Cabrera V. , Ramos E. , González‐Arenas A. , Cerbón M. , Camacho‐Arroyo I. , Morales T.
Published: January 2013

Motherhood induces a series of adaptations in the physiology of the female, including an increase of maternal brain plasticity and a reduction of cell damage in the hippocampus caused by kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity. We analysed the role of lactation in glial activation in the hippocampal fields of virgin and lactating rats after i.c.v. application of 100 ng of KA. Immunohistochemical analysis for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionised calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba‐1), which are markers for astrocytes and microglial cell‐surface proteins, respectively, revealed differential cellular responses to KA in lactating and virgin rats. A significant astrocyte and microglial response in hippocampal areas of virgin rats was observed 24 h and 72 h after KA. By contrast, no increase in either GFAP‐ or Iba‐1‐positive cells was observed in response to KA in the hippocampus of lactating rats. Western blot analysis of GFAP showed an initial decrease at 24 h after KA treatment, with an increase at 72 h in the whole hippocampus of virgin but not of lactating rats. The number of GFAP‐positive cells was increased by lactation in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus but not in CA1 and CA3 areas. The present results indicate that lactating rats exhibit diminished responses of astrocyte and microglial cells in the hippocampus to damage induced by KA, supporting the notion that the maternal hippocampus is resistant to excitotoxic insults.
Conditional senescence in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlorophyceae)
Authors: Humby Penny L. , Snyder Ellen C. R. , Durnford Dion G.
Published: January 2013

The mechanisms of microalgal senescence may play an important role in nutrient recycling and enhanced survival. However, the aging physiology of microalgae is an understudied phenomenon. To investigate the patterns of conditional senescence in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii P. A. Dangeard, we used a cell wall‐less strain, transformed with a reporter gene to infer changes in photosynthetic gene expression. We examined plastid ultrastructure, photosynthetic function, and photoprotective mechanisms during aging in batch cultures. LHCII transcription levels decreased before the population entered stationary phase, and the characteristic transcriptional light‐shift response was lost. A decline in photosynthetic proteins with a concomitant increase in the photoprotective protein, LHCSR, was observed over time. However, nonphotochemical quenching remained stable during growth and stationary phase, and then declined as alternative quenching mechanisms were up‐regulated. Photosynthetic efficiency declined, while Fv/Fm remained stable until the death phases. As the culture progressed through stationary phase, disorganization of the chloroplast was observed along with an increase in cytoplasmic oil bodies. We also observed a partial recovery of function and proteins during the final death phase, and attribute this to the release of nutrients into the medium from cell lysis and/or active secretion while cells were senescing. Allowing open gas exchange resulted in high levels of sustained starch production and maintained maximum cell density, prolonging the stationary phase.
Efficacy of Additional Dutasteride on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Alpha‐1 Blocker‐Resistant Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: SENGIKU Atsushi , MIYAZAKI Yu , SAWAZAKI Harutake , TAKAHASHI Takeshi , OGURA Keiji
Published: January 2013

Objective: We investigated the effects of dutasteride on urination and quality of life (QOL) in patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who showed poor improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with alpha‐1 blockers.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 108 patients with BPH who took dutasteride for more than 3 months from October 2009 to October 2011. The patients showed poor improvement in LUTS despite administration of alpha‐1 blockers for more than 3 months; all had an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of eight or greater. We investigated changes in prostate‐specific antigen and prostate volume and performed uroflowmetry and medical interviews to assess IPSS‐QOL score and BPH impact index (BII).

Results: Mean prostate volume was 52.8 ± 22.2 mL, and the mean period of dutasteride administration was 284 ± 118 days. Prostate volume decreased 24.1% from baseline to 6 months after administration. Voiding symptoms and storage symptoms showed improvements with longer administration periods, but only nocturia showed no clear improvement. There was a 0.9‐point decrease in BII after 6 months. There was no statistically significant association between the rate of prostate volume reduction and improvement in voiding and storage symptoms.

Conclusion: Additional administration of dutasteride to patients with alpha‐1 blocker‐resistant BPH led to improvements in all voiding and storage symptoms except nocturia, and showed no correlation between the prostate volume reduction rates and improvement in LUTS.
The bombardment history of the Moon as recorded by 40Ar‐39Ar chronology
Authors: Fernandes V. A. , Fritz J. , Weiss B. P. , Garrick‐Bethell I. , Shuster D. L.
Published: January 2013

New petrography and 40Ar‐39Ar ages have been obtained for 1–3 mm sized rock fragments from Apollo 16 Station 13 soil 63503 (North Ray crater ejecta) and chips from three rocks collected by Apollo 16 and Apollo 17 missions. Selection of these samples was aimed at the old 40Ar‐39Ar ages to understand the early history of the lunar magnetic field and impact flux. Fifteen samples were studied including crustal material, polymict feldspathic fragmental breccias, and impact melts. The impact ages obtained range between approximately 3.3 and 4.3 billion years (Ga). Polymict fragmental breccia 63503,1 exhibits the lowest signs of recrystallization observed and a probable old relic age of 4.547 ± 0.027. The plateau age of 4.293 ± 0.044 Ga obtained for impact melt rock 63503,13 represents the oldest known age for such a lithology. Possibly, this age represents the minimum age for the South Pole‐Aitken (SPA) Basin. In agreement with literature data, these results show that impact ages >3.9 Ga are found in lunar rocks, especially within soil 63503. Impact exhumation of deep‐seated warm crustal material onto the lunar surface is considered to explain the common 4.2 Ga ages obtained for weakly shocked samples from soil 63503 and Apollo 17. This would directly imply that one or more basin‐forming events occurred at that time. Some rock fragments showing none to limited petrologic features indicate thermal annealing. These rocks may have lost Ar while resident within the hot‐ejecta of a large basin. Concurrent with previous studies, these results lead us to advocate for a complex impact flux in the inner solar system during the initial approximately 1.3 Ga.
Marked host specificity and lack of phylogeographic population structure of Campylobacter jejuni in wild birds
Authors: Griekspoor Petra , Colles Frances M. , McCarthy Noel D. , Hansbro Philip M. , Ashhurst‐Smith Chris , Olsen Björn , Hasselquist Dennis , Maiden Martin C. J. , Waldenström Jonas
Published: January 2013

Zoonotic pathogens often infect several animal species, and gene flow among populations infecting different host species may affect the biological traits of the pathogen including host specificity, transmissibility and virulence. The bacterium Campylobacter jejuni is a widespread zoonotic multihost pathogen, which frequently causes gastroenteritis in humans. Poultry products are important transmission vehicles to humans, but the bacterium is common in other domestic and wild animals, particularly birds, which are a potential infection source. Population genetic studies of C. jejuni have mainly investigated isolates from humans and domestic animals, so to assess C. jejuni population structure more broadly and investigate host adaptation, 928 wild bird isolates from Europe and Australia were genotyped by multilocus sequencing and compared to the genotypes recovered from 1366 domestic animal and human isolates. Campylobacter jejuni populations from different wild bird species were distinct from each other and from those from domestic animals and humans, and the host species of wild bird was the major determinant of C. jejuni genotype, while geographic origin was of little importance. By comparison, C. jejuni differentiation was restricted between more phylogenetically diverse farm animals, indicating that domesticated animals may represent a novel niche for C. jejuni and thereby driving the evolution of those bacteria as they exploit this niche. Human disease is dominated by isolates from this novel domesticated animal niche.
Economic Growth, Technological Progress and Social Capital: The Inverted U Hypothesis
Authors: Antoci Angelo , Sabatini Fabio , Sodini Mauro
Published: January 2013

We set up a theoretical framework to analyse the role of economic growth and technological progress in the erosion of social capital. Under certain conditions on parameters, the relationship between technological progress and social capital can take the shape of an inverted U curve. Furthermore, we show the circumstances that allow the economy to follow trajectories where the stock of social capital grows endogenously and unboundedly.
Differential induction of mitochondrial machinery by light intensity correlates with changes in respiratory metabolism and photorespiration in rice leaves
Authors: Huang Shaobai , Jacoby Richard P. , Shingaki‐Wells Rachel N. , Li Lei , Millar A. Harvey
Published: January 2013

The light responsiveness of mitochondrial function was investigated through changes in mitochondrial composition and metabolism in rice (Oryza sativa) shoots.

The mitochondrial proteome and metabolite abundances under low light, (LL, 100 μmol m−2 s−1), and high light (HL, 700 μmol m−2 s−1) were measured along with information on shoot photosynthetic, respiratory and photorespiratory activity.

Specific steps in mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolism were decreased under HL, correlating with lower respiration rate under HL. The abundance of mitochondrial enzymes in branch chain metabolism was reduced under HL/LL, and correlated with a decrease in the abundance of a range of amino acids in the HL/LL. Mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase was increased under LL/HL treatments. Significant accumulation of glycine decarboxylase P, T subunits and serine hydroxymethyltransferase occurred in response to light. The abundance of the glycine decarboxylase (GDC) H subunit proteins was not changed by HL/LL treatments, and the abundance of GDC L subunit protein was halved under HL, indicating a change in the stoichiometry of GDC subunits, while photorespiration was fourfold higher in LL‐ than in HL‐treated plants.

Insights into these light‐dependent phenomena and their importance for understanding the initiation of photorespiration in rice and adaptation of mitochondria to function in photosynthetic cells are discussed.
Side‐effects of plant domestication: ecosystem impacts of changes in litter quality
Authors: García‐Palacios Pablo , Milla Rubén , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Martín‐Robles Nieves , Álvaro‐Sánchez Mónica , Wall Diana H.
Published: January 2013

Domestication took plants from natural environments to agro‐ecosystems, where resources are generally plentiful and plant life is better buffered against environmental risks such as drought or pathogens. We hypothesized that predictions derived from the comparison of low vs high resource ecosystems (faster‐growing plants promoting faster nutrient cycling in the latter) extrapolate to the process of domestication.

We conducted the first comprehensive assessment of the consequences of domestication on litter quality and key biogeochemical processes by comparing 24 domesticated crops against their closest wild ancestors. Twelve litter chemistry traits, litter decomposability and indicators of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling were assessed in each domesticated vs wild ancestor pair. These assessments were done in microbial‐poor and microbial‐rich soils to exemplify intensively and extensively managed agricultural soils, respectively.

Plant domestication has increased litter quality, encouraging litter decomposability (36% and 44% increase in the microbial‐rich and microbial‐poor soils, respectively), higher soil availability and lower soil C : N ratios. These effects held true for the majority of the crops surveyed and for soils with different microbial communities.

Our results support ecological theory predictions derived from the comparison of low‐ and high‐resource ecosystems, suggesting a parallelism between ecosystem‐level impacts of natural and artificial selection.
Epigenetic modification contributes to the expression divergence of three TaEXPA1 homoeologs in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Hu Zhaorong , Han Zongfu , Song Na , Chai Lingling , Yao Yingyin , Peng Huiru , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin
Published: January 2013

Common wheat is a hexaploid species with most of the genes present as triplicate homoeologs. Expression divergences of homoeologs are frequently observed in wheat, as well as in other polyploid plants. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood.

Expansin genes play important roles in the regulation of cell size, as well as organ size. We found that all three TaEXPA1 homoeologs were silenced in seedling roots. In seedling leaves, TaEXPA1‐A and TaEXPA1‐D were expressed, but TaEXPA1‐B was silenced. Further analysis revealed that silencing of TaEXPA1‐B in leaves occurred after the formation of the hexaploid.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that the transcriptional silencing of three TaEXPA1 homoeologs in roots was correlated with an increased level of H3K9 dimethylation and decreased levels of H3K4 trimethylation and H3K9 acetylation. Reactivation of TaEXPA1‐A and TaEXPA1‐D expression in leaves was correlated with increased levels of H3K4 trimethylation and H3K9 acetylation, and decreased levels of H3K9 dimethylation in their promoters, respectively. Moreover, a higher level of cytosine methylation was detected in the promoter region of TaEXPA1‐B, which may contribute to its silencing in leaves.

We demonstrated that epigenetic modifications contribute to the expression divergence of three TaEXPA1 homoeologs during wheat development.
Elevated CO2 enrichment induces a differential biomass response in a mixed species temperate forest plantation
Authors: Smith Andrew R. , Lukac Martin , Hood Robin , Healey John R. , Miglietta Franco , Godbold Douglas L.
Published: January 2013

In a free‐air carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment study (BangorFACE), Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula and Fagus sylvatica were planted in areas of one‐, two‐ and three‐species mixtures (n = 4). The trees were exposed to ambient or elevated CO2 (580 μmol mol−1) for 4 yr, and aboveground growth characteristics were measured.

In monoculture, the mean effect of CO2 enrichment on aboveground woody biomass was + 29, + 22 and + 16% for A. glutinosa, F. sylvatica and B. pendula, respectively. When the same species were grown in polyculture, the response to CO2 switched to + 10, + 7 and 0% for A. glutinosa, B. pendula and F. sylvatica, respectively.

In ambient atmosphere, our species grown in polyculture increased aboveground woody biomass from 12.9 ± 1.4 to 18.9 ± 1.0 kg m−2, whereas, in an elevated CO2 atmosphere, aboveground woody biomass increased from 15.2 ± 0.6 to 20.2 ± 0.6 kg m−2. The overyielding effect of polyculture was smaller (+ 7%) in elevated CO2 than in an ambient atmosphere (+ 18%).

Our results show that the aboveground response to elevated CO2 is affected significantly by intra‐ and interspecific competition, and that the elevated CO2 response may be reduced in forest communities comprising tree species with contrasting functional traits.
The association of IL‐6 and IL‐6R gene polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang H‐Y , Feng L , Wu H , Xie X‐D
Published: January 2013

Objective

The aim of our investigation is to reveal the association of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) gene polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis in Northwestern Chinese Han Population.

Material and Methods

A case–control study of 199 cases of chronic periodontitis patients and 216 healthy controls was performed. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole venous blood, and four single nucleotide polymorphisms (IL‐6 −572 G/C and −1363 G/T, IL‐6R −183 G/A and +48892 A/C) were analysed using polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing methods.

Results

Our SNP analyses showed that the distribution of the IL‐6 −572 G/C and IL‐6R −183 G/A polymorphisms did not differ between patients and controls. The frequency of the IL‐6 −1363 G/T genotype GG was significantly increased chronic periodontitis cases (P = 0.023, odds ratio (OR) = 2.825 adjusted for gender and age.) The IL‐6R +48892 A/C polymorphisms genotype CC was found to be protective against chronic periodontitis (P = 0.004, OR = 0.318 adjusted for gender and age.). In addition, compared with the other haplotypes, haplotype A+48892A−183 was significantly associated with chronic periodontitis, with an odds ratio of 0.720 (P = 0.0235).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the IL‐6 −1363 G/T and IL‐6R +48892 A/C polymorphisms may contribute to genetic susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in Northwestern Chinese Han population.
The Effect of Fat Pad Modification during Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Late Gadolinium Enhancement MRI Analysis
Authors: HIGUCHI KOJI , AKKAYA MEHMET , KOOPMANN MATTHIAS , BLAUER JOSHUA J.E. , BURGON NATHAN S. , DAMAL KAVITHA , RANJAN RAVI , KHOLMOVSKI EUGENE , MACLEOD ROB S. , MARROUCHE NASSIR F.
Published: January 2013

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize locations of both the ablation scar on the left atrium (LA) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and epicardial fat pads (FPs) containing ganglionated plexi (GP).

Methods

We investigated 60 patients who underwent pulmonary vein antrum (PVA) isolation along with LA posterior wall and septal debulking for AF. FPs around the LA surface in well‐known GP areas (which were considered as the substitution of GP areas around the LA) were segmented from the dark‐blood MRI. Then the FP and the ablation scar image visualized by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)‐MRI on the LA were merged together. Overlapping areas of FP and the ablation scar image were considered as the ablated FP areas containing GP. Patients underwent 24‐hour Holter monitoring after ablation for the analysis of heart rate variability.

Results

Ablated FP area was significantly wider in patients without AF recurrence than those in patients with recurrence (5.6 ± 3.1 cm2 vs 4.2 ± 2.7 cm2, P = 0.03). The mean values of both percentage of differences greater than 50 ms in the RR intervals (pRR > 50) and standard deviation of RR intervals over the entire analyzed period (SDNN), which were obtained from 24‐hour Holter monitoring 1‐day post‐AF ablation, were significantly lower in patients without recurrence than those in patients with recurrence (5.8 ± 6.0% vs 14.0 ± 10.1%; P = 0.0005, 78.7 ± 32.4 ms vs 109.2 ± 43.5 ms; P = 0.005). There was a significant negative correlation between SDNN and the percentage of ablated FP area (Y = −1.3168X + 118.96, R2 = 0.1576, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Extensively ablating LA covering GP areas along with PVA isolation enhanced the denervation of autonomic nerve system and seemed to improve procedural outcome in patients with AF.
Mississippian crinoid biodiversity, biogeography and macroevolution
Authors: AUSICH WILLIAM I. , KAMMER THOMAS W.
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  The biodiversity and biogeography of 217 genera of Mississippian crinoids from North America and the British Isles shed light on the macroevolutionary turnover between the Middle Palaeozoic and Late Palaeozoic Crinoid Evolutionary Faunas. This turnover resulted from steady differential extinction among clades during the middle Mississippian after crinoids reached their Phanerozoic peak of generic richness during the early Mississippian. This peak richness was primarily a function of Mississippian originations rather than Devonian–holdover taxa. North America had 100 per cent higher generic richness than the British Isles, but rarefaction analysis adjusts the difference to only 37 per cent higher. Rarefaction demonstrated that North America had increased biodiversity, compared to the British Isles, almost entirely among monobathrid camerates, disparids and primitive cladids. In contrast, diplobathrid camerates, advanced cladids and flexibles had the same generic biodiversity between regions, when compared using rarefaction. The early Mississippian radiation resulted from two primary causes: (1) the expansion of Tournaisian carbonate ramps following the Frasnian mass extinction of reef faunas and (2) the predatory release in the Tournaisian following the end‐Famennian Hangenberg extinction of durophagous fishes. A majority of crinoid genera from the British Isles are cosmopolitan. When combined with rarefaction analysis and evidence for more first occurrences in North America, this suggests higher origination rates in North America, especially when carbonate ramps were widespread. With the gradual reduction in the area of carbonate ramps from the early to late Mississippian, in conjunction with the radiation of new durophagous fishes, camerate crinoids in particular experienced continuous background extinction, without replacement, beginning during the earliest Viséan (late Osagean). By middle Viséan time (late Meramecian) advanced cladids were dominant in all settings. This resulted in the transition from the Middle Palaeozoic to the Late Palaeozoic Crinoid Macroevolutionary Fauna.
Permian Leonardosia organic oospores from southern Brazil
Authors: SOUZA DE FARIA RAFAEL , RICARDI‐BRANCO FRESIA , CHRISTIANO DE SOUZA ISABEL CORTEZ
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  Leonardosia Sommer is one of the scarce Permian charophyte genera and is part of the lineage that may include the ancestors of the post‐Palaeozoic families. Oospores of the species Leonardosia langei Sommer have been found in strata of the Teresina Formation, Paraná Basin, Southern Brazil, where they are preserved as compressions. The charophyte organs found in this formation, including the original description of Leonardosia have been previously been interpreted as gyrogonites despite the presence of a carbonaceous film. We propose that these charophyte organs and the fructifications should be re‐interpreted as organic oospores rather than gyrogonites. The coiling pattern, in most cases, proved to be reverse as a result of the compression of the oospore against the internal wall of the dissolved gyrogonite. In some cases, the coiling was ambiguously observed in both directions by an overlap of the opposite walls of the oospore and the dissolved gyrogonite. A simple basal plate for L. langei was registered, and its relation with the main ideas about the phylogeny and the evolution of Mesozoic charophytes is also discussed. The ‘Stellatocharoideae’ is polyphyletic including both the stem lineage of the Nitellaceae, represented by the multipartite basal plate genera, and a clade that belongs to the evolutionary line of the Monoplacata, represented by Leonardosia.
TaASR1, a transcription factor gene in wheat, confers drought stress tolerance in transgenic tobacco
Authors: HU WEI , HUANG CHAO , DENG XIAOMIN , ZHOU SHIYI , CHEN LIHONG , LI YIN , WANG CHENG , MA ZHANBING , YUAN QIANQIAN , WANG YAN , CAI RUI , LIANG XIAOYU , YANG GUANGXIAO , HE GUANGYUAN
Published: January 2013

Abscisic acid (ABA)‐, stress‐, and ripening‐induced (ASR) proteins are reported to be involved in abiotic stresses. However, it is not known whether
ASR
genes confer drought stress tolerance by utilizing the antioxidant system. The findings of this study demonstrated
TaASR1
function in drought/osmotic stress tolerance.
TaASR1
conferred drought/osmotic stress tolerance through regulating the expression of stress‐, and defense‐associated genes and enhancing the antioxidant system, thus preventing plants from oxidative damage.
Role of Transition Metals in UV‐B‐Induced Damage to Bacteria
Authors: Santos Ana L. , Gomes Newton C.M. , Henriques Isabel , Almeida Adelaide , Correia António , Cunha Angela
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study was to explore the possible link between metals and UV‐B‐induced damage in bacteria. The effect of growth in the presence of enhanced concentrations of different transition metals (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) on the UV‐B sensitivity of a set of bacterial isolates was explored in terms of survival, activity and oxidative stress biomarkers (ROS generation, damage to DNA, lipid and proteins and activity of antioxidant enzymes). Metal amendment, particularly Fe, Cu and Mn, enhanced bacterial inactivation during irradiation by up to 35.8%. Amendment with Fe increased ROS generation during irradiation by 1.2–13.3%, DNA damage by 10.8–37.4% and lipid oxidative damage by 9.6–68.7%. Lipid damage during irradiation also increased after incubation with Cu and Co by up to 66.8% and 56.5% respectively. Mn amendment decreased protein carbonylation during irradiation by up to 44.2%. These results suggest a role of Fe, Co, Cu and Mn in UV‐B‐induced bacterial inactivation and the importance of metal homeostasis to limit the detrimental effects of ROS generated during irradiation.
Degradation of Rhodamine B/Phenol Mixtures in Water by Sun‐Like Excitation of a Bi2WO6–TiO2 Photocatalyst
Authors: Murcia‐López Sebastián , Hidalgo María C. , Navío José A.
Published: January 2013

Bi2WO6 and Bi2WO6–TiO2 (5% molar Ti) nano‐heterostructures were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The properties of the synthesized catalysts were characterized, having high photoactivity for Rhodamine B degradation under sun‐like illumination, explained by a synergetic mechanism previously proposed through UV and visible induced processes, in which the photosensitization effect of Rhodamine B is considered. We now report that using Phenol, a molecule which does not lead the photosensitization process, the photoactivity decreased considerably, thus emphasizing how important is the model molecule selected as degradation substrate for evaluating the photoactivity. The photocatalytic properties of the synthesized catalysts have been evaluated by exposing a mixture of Rhodamine B and Phenol in water, to different illumination conditions. It can be confirmed that the photoinduced mechanism via the photosensitization of Rhodamine B is a key factor responsible for the increase on the photocatalytic activity showed by the Bi2WO6–TiO2 compound and that the degradation mechanism of Rhodamine B is not changed by the simultaneous presence of other transparent substrate as Phenol.
Laser Therapy in Metabolic Syndrome‐Related Kidney Injury
Authors: Ucero Alvaro C. , Sabban Bettina , Benito‐Martin Alberto , Carrasco Susana , Joeken Stephan , Ortiz Alberto
Published: January 2013

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity. Diabetes and hypertension are the main causes of chronic end‐stage kidney disease in humans. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by kidney inflammation and eventual development of kidney fibrosis. Low‐level laser (or light) therapy (LLLT) can be used to relieve pain associated with some inflammatory diseases due to photochemical effects. Despite the known contribution of inflammation to metabolic syndrome and kidney disease, there is scarce information on the potential therapeutic use of LLLT in renal disease. The aim of this randomized, placebo‐controlled study was to test the hypothesis that LLLT could modulate chronic kidney injury. Rats with nephropathy, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and type II diabetes (strain ZSF1) were subjected to three different conditions of LLLT or sham treatment for 8 weeks, and then sacrificed 10 weeks later. The main findings of this study are that the LLLT‐treated rats had lower blood pressure after treatment and a better preserved glomerular filtration rate with less interstitial fibrosis upon euthanasia at the end of follow‐up. This initial proof‐of‐concept study suggests that LLLT may modulate chronic kidney disease progression, providing a painless, noninvasive, therapeutic strategy, which should be further evaluated.
Classification of broncholiths and clinical outcomes
Authors: Lim So Y. , Lee Kyung J. , Jeon Kyeongman , Koh Won‐Jung , Suh Gee Y. , Chung Man P. , Kim Hojoong , Kwon O Jung , Um Sang‐Won
Published: January 2013

Background and objective

We evaluated effective treatments of broncholithiasis based on its radiographical and bronchoscopic features.

Methods

This retrospective study conducted at Samsung Medical Center, Korea enrolled patients who were suspected of having broncholithiasis based on chest computed tomography (CT). The broncholiths were classified as intraluminal, mixed (both intraluminal and extraluminal) and extraluminal based on chest CT and bronchoscopic findings.

Results

The study enrolled 46 patients between 1995 and 2009. Symptoms included cough (n = 21, 45.7%), hemoptysis (n = 19, 41.3%) and purulent sputum (n = 11, 23.9%). Cough was more common in intraluminal boncholiths than in other type of broncholiths (P = 0.03). Based on chest CT, there were 15 (32.6%) intraluminal, 15 (32.6%) mixed and 16 (34.8%) extraluminal broncholiths. All 15 intraluminal broncholiths were removed completely via flexible (n = 2) or rigid (n = 13) bronchoscopy. For the 15 mixed broncholiths, seven (46.7%) bronchoscopic interventions were performed, but complete removal of the broncholiths was not accomplished. Six (40%) mixed and four (25%) extraluminal broncholiths were treated by surgical resection for symptom control. None of the patients who underwent surgical resection suffered morbidity or postoperative mortality.

Conclusions

The treatment of broncholithiasis should be based on chest CT and bronchoscopic findings. Intraluminal broncholiths can be removed via bronchoscopy, while surgery should be considered for symptomatic mixed or extraluminal broncholiths.
Sleep Deprivation Alters Gene Expression and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Mice Splenocytes
Authors: Lungato L. , Marques M. S. , Pereira V. G. , Hix S. , Gazarini M. L. , Tufik S. , D'Almeida V.
Published: January 2013

Cellular defence against the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) involves a number of mechanisms in which antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) play an important role. The relation between sleep deprivation and oxidative stress has not yet been completely elucidated. Although some authors did not find evidence of this relationship, others found alterations in some oxidative stress markers in response to sleep deprivation. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify changes induced by sleep deprivation in the activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in mice splenocytes, ideally corroborating a better understanding of the observed effects related to sleep deprivation, which could be triggered by oxidative imbalance. Splenocytes from mice sleep deprived for 72 h showed no significant difference in CAT and CuZnSOD gene expression compared with normal sleep mice. However, sleep‐deprived mice did show higher MnSOD gene expression than the control group. Concerning enzymatic activity, CuZnSOD and MnSOD significantly increased after sleep deprivation, despite the expression in CuZnSOD remained unchanged. Moreover, CAT activity was significantly lower after sleep deprivation. The data suggest that the antioxidant system is triggered by sleep deprivation, which in turn could influence the splenocytes homoeostasis, thus interfering in physiological responses.
On the Relationship Between Technology Transfer and Economic Growth in Asian Economies
Authors: Nabin Munirul , Nguyen Xuan , Sgro Pasquale
Published: January 2013

In this paper, FDI and licensing are incorporated using a model where increasing the international transmission of technology adds to efficient production in the receiving country and results in higher welfare. The model is then tested with data from a selection of 11 Asian economies and a strong positive relationship is found between FDI, licensing and economic growth. The policy recommendations from both our theoretical model and empirical results are that Asian economies should improve their production efficiency to host international technologies to maximise the benefits of international technology transfers.
STIM2 drives Ca2+ oscillations through store‐operated Ca2+ entry caused by mild store depletion
Authors: Thiel Markus , Lis Annette , Penner Reinhold
Published: January 2013

Key points

Stromal cell‐interaction molecule (STIM) 2 senses Ca2+ levels in the endoplasmic reticulum and activates Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane upon store depletion.

Here we report that STIM2 is preferentially activated by low agonist concentrations that cause mild reductions in endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ levels.

This shows that store‐operated Ca2+ entry is regulated through signal strength, with weak stimuli activating STIM2 and strong stimuli engaging STIM1.

The results help us to understand how receptor activation enables differential modulation of Ca2+ entry over a range of agonist concentrations and levels of store depletion.

Abstract  Agonist‐induced Ca2+ oscillations in many cell types are triggered by Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and driven by store‐operated Ca2+ entry. Stromal cell‐interaction molecule (STIM) 1 and STIM2 serve as endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensors that, upon store depletion, activate Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ channels (Orai1–3, CRACM1–3) in the plasma membrane. However, their relative roles in agonist‐mediated Ca2+ oscillations remain ambiguous. Here we report that while both STIM1 and STIM2 contribute to store‐refilling during Ca2+ oscillations in mast cells (RBL), T cells (Jurkat) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, they do so dependent on the level of store depletion. Molecular silencing of STIM2 by siRNA or inhibition by G418 suppresses store‐operated Ca2+ entry and agonist‐mediated Ca2+ oscillations at low levels of store depletion, without interfering with STIM1‐mediated signals induced by full store depletion. Thus, STIM2 is preferentially activated by low‐level physiological agonist concentrations that cause mild reductions in endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ levels. We conclude that with increasing agonist concentrations, store‐operated Ca2+ entry is mediated initially by endogenous STIM2 and incrementally by STIM1, enabling differential modulation of Ca2+ entry over a range of agonist concentrations and levels of store depletion.
Functional significance of synaptic terminal size in glutamatergic sensory pathways in thalamus and cortex
Authors: Petrof Iraklis , Sherman S. Murray
Published: January 2013

Abstract  Glutamatergic pathways are a major information‐carrying and ‐processing network of inputs in the brain. There is considerable evidence suggesting that glutamatergic pathways do not represent a homogeneous group and that they can be segregated into at least two broad categories. Class 1 glutamatergic inputs, which are suggested to be the main information carriers, are characterized by a number of unique synaptic and anatomical features, such as the large synaptic boutons with which they often terminate. On the other hand, Class 2 inputs, which are thought to play a modulatory role, are associated, amongst other features, with exclusively small terminal boutons. Here we summarize and briefly discuss these two classes of glutamatergic input and how their unique features, including their terminal bouton size and anatomy, are related to their suggested function.