bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapidly fluctuating environments constrain coevolutionary arms races by impeding selective sweeps
Authors: Harrison Ellie , Laine Anna-Liisa , Hietala Mikael , Brockhurst Michael A.
Published: June 2013

Although pervasive, the impact of temporal environmental heterogeneity on coevolutionary processes is poorly understood. Productivity is a key temporally heterogeneous variable, and increasing productivity has been shown to increase rates of antagonistic arms race coevolution, and lead to the evolution of more broadly resistant hosts and more broadly infectious parasites. We investigated the effects of the grain of environmental heterogeneity, in terms of fluctuations in productivity, on bacteria–phage coevolution. Our findings demonstrate that environmental heterogeneity could constrain antagonistic coevolution, but that its effect was dependent upon the grain of heterogeneity, such that both the rate and extent of coevolution were most strongly limited in fine-grained, rapidly fluctuating heterogeneous environments. We further demonstrate that rapid environmental fluctuations were likely to have impeded selective sweeps of resistance alleles, which occurred over longer durations than the fastest, but not the slowest, frequency of fluctuations used. Taken together our results suggest that fine-grained environmental heterogeneity constrained the coevolutionary arms race by impeding selective sweeps.
Switching between apparently redundant iron-uptake mechanisms benefits bacteria in changeable environments
Authors: Dumas Zoé , Ross-Gillespie Adin , Kümmerli Rolf
Published: June 2013

Bacteria often possess multiple siderophore-based iron uptake systems for scavenging this vital resource from their environment. However, some siderophores seem redundant, because they have limited iron-binding efficiency and are seldom expressed under iron limitation. Here, we investigate the conundrum of why selection does not eliminate this apparent redundancy. We focus on
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, a bacterium that can produce two siderophores—the highly efficient but metabolically expensive pyoverdine, and the inefficient but metabolically cheap pyochelin. We found that the bacteria possess molecular mechanisms to phenotypically switch from mainly producing pyoverdine under severe iron limitation to mainly producing pyochelin when iron is only moderately limited. We further show that strains exclusively producing pyochelin grew significantly better than strains exclusively producing pyoverdine under moderate iron limitation, whereas the inverse was seen under severe iron limitation. This suggests that pyochelin is not redundant, but that switching between siderophore strategies might be beneficial to trade off efficiencies versus costs of siderophores. Indeed, simulations parameterized from our data confirmed that strains retaining the capacity to switch between siderophores significantly outcompeted strains defective for one or the other siderophore under fluctuating iron availabilities. Finally, we discuss how siderophore switching can be viewed as a form of collective decision-making, whereby a coordinated shift in behaviour at the group level emerges as a result of positive and negative feedback loops operating among individuals at the local scale.
Nitrogen Stress Affects the Turnover and Size of Nitrogen Pools Supplying Leaf Growth in a Grass
Authors: Lehmeier Christoph Andreas , Wild Melanie , Schnyder Hans
Published: June 2013

The effect of nitrogen (N) stress on the pool system supplying currently assimilated and (re)mobilized N for leaf growth of a grass was explored by dynamic 15N labeling, assessment of total and labeled N import into leaf growth zones, and compartmental analysis of the label import data. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) plants, grown with low or high levels of N fertilization, were labeled with 15NO3  −/14NO3  − from 2 h to more than 20 d. In both treatments, the tracer time course in N imported into the growth zones fitted a two-pool model (r  2 > 0.99). This consisted of a “substrate pool,” which received N from current uptake and supplied the growth zone, and a recycling/mobilizing “store,” which exchanged with the substrate pool. N deficiency halved the leaf elongation rate, decreased N import into the growth zone, lengthened the delay between tracer uptake and its arrival in the growth zone (2.2 h versus 0.9 h), slowed the turnover of the substrate pool (half-life of 3.2 h versus 0.6 h), and increased its size (12.4 μg versus 5.9 μg). The store contained the equivalent of approximately 10 times (low N) and approximately five times (high N) the total daily N import into the growth zone. Its turnover agreed with that of protein turnover. Remarkably, the relative contribution of mobilization to leaf growth was large and similar (approximately 45%) in both treatments. We conclude that turnover and size of the substrate pool are related to the sink strength of the growth zone, whereas the contribution of the store is influenced by partitioning between sinks.
Microcrystal manipulation with laser tweezers
Authors: Wagner Armin , Duman Ramona , Stevens Bob , Ward Andy
Published: June 2013

X-ray crystallography is the method of choice to deduce atomic resolution structural information from macromolecules. In recent years, significant investments in structural genomics initiatives have been undertaken to automate all steps in X-ray crystallography from protein expression to structure solution. Robotic systems are widely used to prepare crystallization screens and change samples on synchrotron beamlines for macromolecular crystallography. The only remaining manual handling step is the transfer of the crystal from the mother liquor onto the crystal holder. Manual mounting is relatively straightforward for crystals with dimensions of >25 µm; however, this step is nontrivial for smaller crystals. The mounting of microcrystals is becoming increasingly important as advances in microfocus synchrotron beamlines now allow data collection from crystals with dimensions of only a few micrometres. To make optimal usage of these beamlines, new approaches have to be taken to facilitate and automate this last manual handling step. Optical tweezers, which are routinely used for the manipulation of micrometre-sized objects, have successfully been applied to sort and mount macromolecular crystals on newly designed crystal holders. Diffraction data from CPV type 1 polyhedrin microcrystals mounted with laser tweezers are presented.
Unravelling complex associations between physiological state and movement of African elephants
Authors: Jachowski David S. , Montgomery Robert A. , Slotow Rob , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: June 2013

Despite the identification of internal state as a fundamental component of animal movement, the effect of an individual's internal physiological state on movement remains poorly understood. African elephants (Loxodonta africana) alter their behaviour in response to their physiological state, and elevated stress hormone concentrations have been associated with reclusive behaviour and aggression towards humans. Thus, a better understanding of the link between internal physiological state and movement is important in advancing the field of movement ecology, and the ecology and management of elephants.

We compared the movement paths of African elephants in two physiological states (basal and elevated stress hormone levels) to understand the variation in the use of space in relation to the proximity of environmental features and refugia.

We documented differences in the elephants' use of space along movement paths by physiological state. Elephant family groups in a basal physiological state tended to venture away from refugia and commercial tree plantations, and use areas in closer proximity to fresh water. In contrast, elephant family groups in an elevated physiological state tended to use areas near refugia and commercial tree plantations. The use of commercial tree plantations during elevated states highlights an important concern for human safety in the context of human–elephant conflict.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that fine‐scale movement patterns and the use of specific environmental features by elephants are associated with differences in elephant physiological state. Therefore, future attempts to describe or predict typically complex animal movement could be enhanced by incorporating measures of their physiological state. Given that elephants are more prone to habitat disturbance and aggression when in an elevated physiological state, information about elephant movement behaviour could be used in combination with real‐time tracking data to predict when and where elephants are potentially in elevated physiological states and limit human access to these areas, which might mitigate human–elephant conflict.
Mapping ecosystem service and biodiversity changes over 70 years in a rural English county
Authors: Jiang Mingkai , Bullock James M. , Hooftman Danny A. P.
Published: June 2013

Biodiversity and ecosystem services continue to be compromised by land‐use change, which is often focussed on enhancing agricultural production. Assessment of losses would be aided by analyses of temporal changes in the extent and spatial pattern of services and biodiversity. To date, no studies have mapped long‐term changes in ecosystem services using historical maps.

We mapped changes between the 1930s – before the considerable intensification of land use in the UK starting in the 1940s – and 2000 in climate change amelioration services (carbon storage), provisioning services (agriculture and forestry) and plant species richness (biodiversity) for Dorset, a rural English county.

We combined land‐use maps (1‐ha resolution) with multiple proxies of service delivery for the 10 different Broad Habitats in the region. Biodiversity was mapped using plant survey data from the two time periods. We used bootstrapping to include uncertainty due to the different proxies and Gini coefficients to quantify statistical changes in spatial pattern.

Overall, we found significant increases in agricultural provisioning and large losses in biodiversity over the period, which reflect widespread conversion and intensification of land use. We found no change in Dorset's carbon store, because carbon lost through land‐use intensification was balanced by increases in woodland over the 20th century.

The carbon storage and the delivery of provisioning services both became more unequally distributed, indicating a change from relatively homogeneous delivery of services to concentration into hotspots. The maps from the year 2000 showed spatial dissociation of hotspots for carbon, provisioning and biodiversity, which suggests that, compared to the 1930s, modern, intensive land use creates conflicts in delivery of multiple services and biodiversity.

Synthesis and applications. Detailed maps of historical changes in location‐specific service delivery and biodiversity provide valuable information for land‐use planning, highlight trade‐offs and help to identify drivers. Furthermore, historical maps provide an important baseline to indicate the suitability and potential success of suggested actions, such as habitat restoration, and their relevance to traditional land use. Various frameworks could be informed by our approach, including the ecosystem service aims of the EU biodiversity strategy and the newly created UK Nature Improvement Areas.
An examination of teacher–student interactions in inclusive classrooms: teacher interviews and classroom observations
Authors: Cameron David Lansing
Published: June 2013

Teacher–student interactions in 17 inclusive classrooms were examined using a mixed‐methods approach that involved quantitative analysis of interactions recorded during classroom observations and follow‐up interviews with seven general educators.

Observational findings suggest that classrooms were organised along traditional lines with the vast majority of interactions provided by general educators to the whole class, followed by brief intervals of 1 : 1 interactions directed towards individual students, most frequently children with disabilities. Interview findings suggest that teachers were aware of the greater individual attention devoted to students with disabilities and described a number of ways that they adapt their instruction that are consistent with the research on effective teaching. In addition, participants struggled with the dilemma of balancing their attention between students whom they perceived as needing it most and ensuring that the class as a whole made adequate progress. The analysis of both observational and interview data indicates that paraprofessionals were responsible for a large portion of instruction and curricular decision making for children with severe disabilities in these classrooms.
Saccharomyces unisporus: Biotechnological Potential and Present Status
Authors: Bhattacharya Indrani , Yan Song , Yadav Jay Shankar Singh , Tyagi R.D. , Surampalli R.Y.
Published: June 2013

The yeast species of the Saccharomyces genus have a long history of traditional applications and beneficial effects. Among these presence of the Saccharomyces unisporus has been documented in various dairy products and has become a subject of interest and great importance. S. unisporus has shown a significant role in the ripening of cheese and production of fermented milk products such as kefir and koumiss. The absence of pseudohyphae during the life cycle of S. unisporus is an indication of nonpathogenicity. Significance has been laid on the presence of S. unisporus in food‐grade products and a close proximity of S. unisporus to S. florentinus and both of these species are accepted by the International Dairy Federation and the European Food and Feed Cultures Association for food and feed applications. Since over the years, S. unisporus has already become a part of various dairy products, S. unisporus can be considered as a potential candidate for generally regarded as safe status. S. unisporus has the capacity to convert ketoisophorone to levodione, which is an important pharmaceutical precursor. S. unisporus are considered as the potential producers of farnesol which eventually controls filamentation of pathogenic microorganisms. Apart from that, S. unisporus produces certain omega unsaturated fatty acids which combat diseases. Henceforth, the areas which S. unisporus can be possibly exploited for its useful intermediates are the enzymes and fatty acids it produces. In this context, this review attempts to describe and discuss the ubiquity of S. unisporus in food products, cellular composition, regulatory pathways, and its synthesis of fatty acids and enzymes.
Herpes zoster‐induced acute urinary retention
Authors: Addison Ben , Harvey Martyn
Published: June 2013

Urinary retention is a common acute presentation for men in their later decades. Potential contributing pathologies are numerous. We report an unusual case of acute urinary retention requiring catheterisation secondary to sacral herpes zoster reactivation (S2–4) in an 88‐year‐old man with minimal preceding obstructive symptoms.
Epidemiology of Nonfatal Bicycle Injuries Presenting to United States Emergency Departments, 2001–2008
Authors: Chen William S. , Dunn Roger Y. , Chen Allison J. , Linakis James G.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of bicycle‐related injuries presenting to United States emergency departments (EDs).

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS‐AIP) database was used to derive national, weighted estimates of nonfatal ED visits for bicycle‐related injuries by patient age, sex, diagnosis, injured body part, locale of incident, traffic‐relatedness of incident, and month of incident.

Results

Males accounted for 73% of all bicycle‐related injury ED visits. Patients aged 10 to 14 years represented the 5‐year age interval with the highest rate of bicycle injury visits (488 per 10,000). Fifty‐six percent of ED visits for bicycle‐related injuries came from cyclists who were riding on the street, with increased street ridership in those who were older than 15 years, and 99.7% of all patient injuries occurring on the street (as opposed to other locations) were related to motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). The head and face were the most injured body parts in the overall population. In addition, the largest proportion of head injuries, relative to total injuries in the age group, occurred in the very young (0 to 4 years) and elderly (65+ years) populations. The leading rider injury diagnoses were contusion, abrasions, and hematomas. The incidence of bicycle‐related injuries peaked in the month of July.

Conclusions

The study identified the characteristics of bicycle‐related injuries across various age groups of riders. This information will aid in developing more effective age‐appropriate injury prevention strategies. The frequency of MVC‐related injuries deserves attention and suggests the need to examine strategies for limiting interactions between moving vehicles and bicyclists.
Favorable Bed Utilization and Readmission Rates for Emergency Department Observation Unit Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Schrager Justin , Wheatley Matthew , Georgiopoulou Vasiliki , Osborne Anwar , Kalogeropoulos Andreas , Hung Olivia , Butler Javed , Ross Michael
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The objective was to compare readmission rates and hospital bed‐days between acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) patients admitted or discharged following accelerated treatment protocol (ATP)‐driven care in an emergency department observation unit (OU).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at two urban university‐affiliated hospitals. A total of 358 selected AHF patients received treatment on an ATP in the OU between October 1, 2007, and June 30, 2011. The comparison of interest was admission or discharge following OU treatment. The outcome of interest was readmission within 30 and 90 days of hospital discharge following care in the OU. We also examined resource use (inpatient, inpatient plus outpatient‐days) between the admitted and discharged groups. Time to readmission analysis was performed with Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Discharged and admitted patients were similar with respect to age, race, sex, ED length of stay (LOS), and OU LOS. Patients admitted from the OU had a higher median B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP; 1,063 pg/mL [interquartile range {IQR} = 552 to 2,067 pg/mL] vs. 708 pg/mL [IQR = 254 to 1,683 pg/mL]; p = 0.002) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN; 19 mg/dL [IQR = 14 to 26 mg/dL] vs. 17 mg/dL [IQR = 13 to 23 mg/dL]) than those discharged (p = 0.04) and a lower median ejection fraction (EF; 22.5% [15% to 43%] vs. 35% [IQR 20% to 55%]; p = 0.002). In models controlling for age, race, sex, clinical site, BNP, BUN, creatinine, and EF, the 30‐day readmission rate (13.8% in the study population as a whole) was not significantly different between the patients discharged or admitted following OU care (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47 to 2.10). The readmission rates were also not significantly different at 90 days (HR = 1.07; 95% CI = 0.65 to 1.77). Within 30 days of discharge from the OU, patients spent a median of 1.7 days (IQR = 0.0 to 5.1 days) as inpatients, compared to 3.5 days (IQR = 2.3 to 5.8 days) among patients admitted from the OU (p < 0.0001). Among readmitted patients, the total median inpatient time was not significantly different between the comparison groups at both 30 and 90 days of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Selected acute heart failure (HF) patients managed by a rapid treatment protocol in the OU demonstrated favorable hospital use, with discharged patients using fewer bed‐days and demonstrating readmission rates that were not higher than admitted patients.
Description and Productivity of Emergency Medicine Researchers Receiving K23 or K08 Mentored Research Career Development Awards
Authors: Nishijima Daniel K. , Yadav Kabir , May Larissa , Kraynov Liliya , Mark Courtney D.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The primary individual research career development awards for emergency medicine (EM) investigators are the K08 and K23 awards. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, postaward productivity of EM K08 and K23 awardees has not been previously described. The objectives were to describe EM researchers who have received K08 or K23 awards and to evaluate their postaward federal funding and publications.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study, conducted during January 2012, of clinician‐scientists who previously completed EM residency or fellowship programs and have received K08 or K23 awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) between fiscal years 2000 through 2011. Awardees were identified through the NIH reporting tool (NIH RePORTER). Postaward funding was abstracted, including R01‐equivalent funding for K awardees who completed their K training by the end of the 2011 fiscal year. Postaward publications (with journal impact factor) were tabulated for all K awardees using PubMed and Journal Citation Reports. An e‐mail survey was also conducted during September and October 2012 to describe the awardee characteristics (demographics and research background) of all EM K awardees using REDCap electronic data captures tools. Simple descriptive statistics are reported.

Results

Sixty‐three EM awardees were identified; 24 (38%) were K08 awardees, and 39 (62%) were K23 awardees. Of the 38 (60%) awardees who completed their K training, 16 (42%) obtained subsequent federal funding, with six (16%) obtaining R01 funding (median time from end of K award to R01 award was 4.5 years). Overall, EM awardees published a mean (±SD) of 4.0 (±1.3) manuscripts per year (after the start of their K awards); the mean (±SD) impact factor of the journals in which these manuscripts were published was 4.5 (±5.7). Forty‐five (71%) of EM K awardees responded to the survey. Respondents had a median age of 36 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 35 to 38 years), and 33 were male (73%). The median time from completion of residency to start of the K award was 6 years (IQR = 4 to 7 years), with 27 (60%) completing a research fellowship prior to the K award.

Conclusions

Over 40% of EM K awardees who completed their career development training subsequently obtained federal funding as principal investigator (PI) or co‐PI, while approximately one in six obtained R01 equivalent funding. Given the numerous barriers facing emergency care researchers, EM K awardees demonstrate good postaward productivity.
Significance of COX‐2 and VEGF expression in histopathologic grading and invasiveness of meningiomas
Authors: Lee Sung Hak , Lee Youn Soo , Hong Yong Gil , Kang Chang Suk
Published: June 2013

Meningiomas are slow‐growing neoplasms that recur locally. Their morphologic grading does not always correlate with patient outcome. We evaluated the status of several immunohistochemical markers with histopathologic parameters in various grades of meningioma.Eighty‐eight meningioma specimens were examined immunohistochemically to determine the status of Ki‐67, cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and bcl‐2. Several clinical and pathological parameters were investigated.Forty‐nine Grade I, 33 Grade II, and 6 Grade III meningiomas were observed. VEGF and Ki‐67 expression was correlated with higher tumor grade. The association between grade and other immunohistochemical markers expression was not significant. A correlation was observed between COX‐2 expression and invasiveness to the brain or adjacent soft tissue. Tumor recurrence was correlated with brain or adjacent soft tissue invasion. We also observed a relationship between VEGF level and COX‐2 expression, and they were both correlated with necrosis.Immunohistochemical evaluation of VEGF, COX‐2, and Ki‐67 expression can provide information regarding the behavior of meningiomas, particularly for cases in which histological grading is not straightforward.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors in children and young adults: a clinicopathologic and molecular genetic study of 22 Korean cases
Authors: Kang Guhyun , Park Young Soo , Jung Eun‐Sun , Joo Mee , Kang Mi Seon , Ahn Soomin , Kang Gu Hyum , Kim Kyoung‐Mee
Published: June 2013

Studies on gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in young patients are limited due to their rarity, and none have been conducted in Asian populations. GISTs from patients under the age of 30 were retrospectively reviewed and were analyzed for clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemistry for SDHB (succinate dehydrogenase subunit B), and mutations for exon 9, 11, 13, and 17 of KIT gene and exon 12, 14, and 18 of PDGFRA gene. We found two pediatric (<18 years old) and 20 young adult (18–30 years old) GIST cases.

Pediatric GISTs occurred in two girls, both as solitary masses with epithelioid histology in the stomach. Both GISTs were wild type for KIT and PDGFRA genes, were negative for SDHB, and there was no recurrence during follow‐up. Of the 20 GISTs in young adults, 12 (60%) were from extra‐gastric locations (six duodenum, five jejunum, and one esophagus), and 16 (80%) showed a spindle cell morphology. Mutations of KIT or PDGFRA genes were identified in 14 (78%) of the 18 cases. One patient with multiple gastric GISTs with perigastric lymph node metastases at presentation developed multiple distant metastases and died of the disease 7.3 years after diagnosis. Of the 19 R0‐resected young adult patients, one patient with small intestinal GIST harboring KIT exon 11 deletion mutation developed recurrence and showed partial responses for imatinib.

In summary, compared with pediatric GIST cases, young adult GISTs are heterogeneous and share the characteristics of both pediatric and adult GISTs. When a mesenchymal tumor is clinically suspected in the small intestine of young adults, a GIST should be included in the differential diagnoses. Further mutation studies and extensive treatments are recommended for these cases.
Inhibitory effect of chromogenic culture media on the growth of Rhodotorula: relevance to the diagnosis of Rhodotorula spp. infections
Authors: Bellanger Anne‐Pauline , Grenouillet Frédéric , François Nadine , Skana Florence , Millon Laurence
Published: June 2013

With the increasing incidence and diverse etiologies of fungal infections, chromogenic yeast culture media are increasingly used for routine diagnosis. Rhodotorula species, which are characterized by the production of carotenoid pigments, are considered as emerging opportunistic pathogens. We recently diagnosed two fungemia due to Rhodotorula spp. and noticed that in both cases, the yeast failed to grow in subculture on the chromogenic yeast culture medium. This study was thus undertaken to investigate more thoroughly the ability (or inability) of Rhodotorula species to grow on different commercially available chromogenic media for yeast. Eighteen Rhodotorula spp. were checked for their ability to grow on four chromogenic yeast culture media: CHROMagar Candida (BD), Candi 4 Select (Biorad), Brilliance Candida (Oxoid), and Candida ID 2 (BioMerieux). All the Rhodotorula spp. strains grew on Brilliance and Candida ID 2, while only six isolates grew on Candi 4, and seven on CHROMagar. Two chromogenic yeast culture media showed a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Rhodotorula species. As all Rhodotorula species are resistant to echinocandins and fluconazole, it is essential to isolate and identify these yeast quickly to initiate appropriate amphotericin B antifungal treatment as early as possible. The choice of media for routine use should take into account the ability of different media to allow all emerging fungal pathogens to grow.
Immunophenotype of peripheral blood natural killer cells and IL‐10 serum levels in relation to Helicobacter pylori status
Authors: Rudnicka Karolina , Matusiak Agnieszka , Miszczyk Eliza , Rudnicka Wiesława , Tenderenda Michał , Chmiela Magdalena
Published: June 2013

Recent findings suggest that NK (Natural Killer) cells may directly modulate the antimicrobial immune responses. In this study, we performed immunophenotypic analysis of peripheral blood NK cells with regard to CD56, CD16, Nkp46, and CD25 markers, as well as IL‐10 levels quantification in the sera samples of asymptomatic, H. pylori (Hp)‐infected or uninfected individuals, and combined these results with our previous findings on lymphocyte cytotoxic activity. Twenty healthy volunteers [10 Hp(−);10 Hp(+)] were included in the study. The percentages of classic lymphocytes (CD3+) and NK cells (CD3−CD56+, CD3−Nkp46+, CD3−CD16+) with or without CD25 receptor were evaluated by fluorochrome‐conjugated monoclonal antibody staining and flow cytometry analysis. IL‐10 quantification was performed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐ELISA. Our study showed elevated levels of IL‐10 and higher NK cell numbers of both CD3−CD56+CD25+ and CD3−Nkp46+CD25+ phenotypes, as well as CD3+CD25+ classic lymphocytes in Hp(+) compared with Hp(−) individuals. No differences between Hp(−) and Hp(+) individuals were found either in total number of classic lymphocytes or NK cell subtypes. Our data suggest that in Hp(+) donors, there is a domination of lymphocytes and NK cells co‐expressing CD25 marker, which might be influenced by the regulatory IL‐10. This phenomenon may be a result of H. pylori adaptation to a changing environment in vivo leading to a chronic infection and lack of severe gastric pathologies.
Effect of Dermaseptin on Erythrocytes
Authors: Abed Majed , Zoubi Kousi AL. , Theurer Michael , Lang Florian
Published: June 2013

Dermaseptin, an antimicrobial peptide participating in the host defence against pathogens, interacts with the membrane of target cells, leading to membrane permeabilization and eventual cell lysis. Dermaseptin has previously been shown to trigger haemolysis. Prior to haemolysis, erythrocytes may enter suicidal death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell shrinkage and by cell membrane scrambling leading to phosphatidylserine exposure at the erythrocyte surface. Triggers of eryptosis include increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity [(Ca2+)]i and formation of ceramide. This study explored whether dermaseptin modifies [Ca2+]i and elicits eryptosis. Cell volume has been estimated from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine exposure from annexin‐V binding, haemolysis from haemoglobin release, ceramide formation from binding of fluorescent antibodies and [Ca2+]i from Fluo3‐fluorescence. A 48‐hr exposure to dermaseptin (50 μM) was followed by a significant increase in [Ca2+]i, a significant increase ceramide abundance, a significant decrease in forward scatter and a significant increase in annexin‐V binding. The annexin‐V binding after dermaseptin treatment was significantly blunted but not abrogated in the nominal absence of extracellular Ca2+. Dermaseptin triggers eryptosis, an effect at least partially due to entry of extracellular Ca2+.
Epidemiology of suicide in bipolar disorders: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Pompili Maurizio , Gonda Xenia , Serafini Gianluca , Innamorati Marco , Sher Leo , Amore Mario , Rihmer Zoltan , Girardi Paolo
Published: June 2013

Objective

Suicidal behavior is a major public health problem worldwide, and its prediction and prevention represent a challenge for everyone, including clinicians. The aim of the present paper is to provide a systematic review of the existing literature on the epidemiology of completed suicides in adult patients with bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods

We performed a Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, PsycLit, PsycInfo, and Cochrane database search to identify all relevant papers published between 1980 and 2011. A total of 34 articles meeting our inclusion criteria were included in the present review.

Results

Several prospective follow‐up contributions, many retrospective analyses, and a few psychological autopsy studies and review articles investigated the epidemiology of completed suicides in patients with BD. The main finding of the present review was that the risk for suicide among BD patients was up to 20–30 times greater than that for the general population.

Conclusion

Special attention should be given to the characteristics of suicides in patients with BD. Better insight and understanding of suicide and suicidal risk in this very disabling illness should ultimately help clinicians to adequately detect, and thus prevent, suicidal acts in patients with BD.
Suicide risk in people with epilepsy taking antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Mula Marco , Sander Josemir W
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The standardized mortality ratio for suicide in people with epilepsy is reported as 5.1 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.9–6.6], but this is only partially explained by the high rates of psychiatric comorbidity. This issue was revived when, in 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert on an increased risk of suicide in people taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We discuss and elaborate on available evidence on the interplay among epilepsy, suicide, and AEDs, taking into account the phenomenology of mood disorders in people with epilepsy and the psychotropic potential of AEDs.

Methods

Articles were identified by searches of Medline/PubMed using the terms epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, and suicide. Only papers published in English in international peer‐reviewed journals were considered. The reference lists of relevant articles were hand‐searched for additional publications (e.g., book chapters or review papers) if relevant to the discussion.

Results

The results of studies supporting or opposing the FDA conclusions have been inconsistent. This may be due to a number of methodological limitations, such as the failure to adjust for past suicidality and the confounding effect of epilepsy.

Conclusions

A subgroup of people with epilepsy appears to be at risk of developing treatment‐emergent psychiatric adverse effects of AEDs independently of the specific mechanism of action of the drug. Clinicians need to pay attention not only to seizure patterns when choosing the appropriate AED but also to a number of different parameters, not least the mental state of the individual patient.
Sustained upregulation of effector natural killer cells in chronic myeloid leukemia after discontinuation of imatinib
Authors: Mizoguchi Izuru , Yoshimoto Takayuki , Katagiri Seiichiro , Mizuguchi Junichiro , Tauchi Tetsuzo , Kimura Yukihiko , Inokuchi Koiti , Ohyashiki Junko H. , Ohyashiki Kazuma
Published: June 2013

A number of CML patients who achieve a sustained complete molecular response (CMR) for at least 2 years during imatinib (IM) therapy can discontinue IM without relapse. With the long‐term goal of developing immunological criteria for managing IM therapy in CML patients, we compared the immunophenotypic profiles of three groups of CML patients: those who received IM and had a CMR for more than two consecutive years (CMR group); patients who received IM and did not have a sustained CMR but maintained a major molecular response for more than 2 years (fluctuating CMR group); and patients with a sustained CMR for more than 6 months after IM discontinuation (STOP‐IM group), together with healthy controls. The percentages of effector populations of natural killer (NK) cells, such as interferon (IFN)‐γ+CD3−CD56+ cells, were significantly higher in the STOP‐IM and CMR groups than in the fluctuating CMR and control groups. The elevated levels of these effector NK cells were sustained for more than 3 years after IM discontinuation. In contrast, the percentages of effector memory CD8+ T cells, such as IFN‐γ+ CCR7−CD45RO+CD8+ cells, were significantly higher in the STOP‐IM and control groups than in the CMR and fluctuating CMR groups, possibly owing to IM intake. These results suggest that the immunological activation status of NK cells contributes to CMR maintenance. Higher activation levels of effector NK cells in CML patients being treated with IM might reflect minimization of BCR‐ABL1 transcript levels and therefore could be additive information for determining whether to stop IM.
Demographic Connectivity for Ursid Populations at Wildlife Crossing Structures in Banff National Park
Authors: SAWAYA MICHAEL A. , CLEVENGER ANTHONY P. , KALINOWSKI STEVEN T.
Published: June 2013

Wildlife crossing structures are one solution to mitigating the fragmentation of wildlife populations caused by roads, but their effectiveness in providing connectivity has only been superficially evaluated. Hundreds of grizzly (Ursus arctos) and black bear (Ursus americanus) passages through under and overpasses have been recorded in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. However, the ability of crossing structures to allow individual and population‐level movements across road networks remains unknown. In April 2006, we initiated a 3‐year investigation into whether crossing structures provide demographic connectivity for grizzly and black bears in Banff National Park. We collected hair with multiple noninvasive methods to obtain genetic samples from grizzly and black bears around the Bow Valley. Our objectives were to determine the number of male and female grizzly and black bears that use crossing structures; examine spatial and temporal patterns of crossings; and estimate the proportions of grizzly and black bear populations in the Bow Valley that use crossing structures. Fifteen grizzly (7 female, 8 male) and 17 black bears (8 female, 9 male) used wildlife crossing structures. The number of individuals detected at wildlife crossing structures was highly correlated with the number of passages in space and time. Grizzly bears used open crossing structures (e.g., overpasses) more often than constricted crossings (e.g., culverts). Peak use of crossing structures for both bear species occurred in July, when high rates of foraging activity coincide with mating season. We compared the number of bears that used crossings with estimates of population abundance from a related study and determined that substantial percentages of grizzly (15.0% in 2006, 19.8% in 2008) and black bear (17.6% in 2006, 11.0% in 2008) populations used crossing structures. On the basis of our results, we concluded wildlife crossing structures provide demographic connectivity for bear populations in Banff National Park.

Conectividad Demográfica para Poblaciones de Úrsidos en Estructuras para Cruce de Vida Silvestre en el Parque Nacional Banff
Re‐Evaluating Evidence for Past Population Trends and Predicted Dynamics of Yellowstone Grizzly Bears
Authors: Doak Daniel F. , Cutler Kerry
Published: June 2013

Sampling effort and demographic assumptions may powerfully shape conclusions about the status of endangered species. We re‐examined data sets that suggest recent increases, and hence relative safety from future extinction, of the grizzly bear population inhabiting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), one of the best studied large carnivore populations in the world. We find that inadequate attention to increasing observation effort and also to the life history characteristics of bears is likely to have substantially influenced past analyses of the population's trajectory. We conclude that the GYE grizzly has probably increased far less than generally believed, but also that past analyses have been too inaccurate to allow any firm conclusions about the dynamics or status of this population. The problems we illustrate here apply to many other threatened species and suggest the need for more careful consideration of observation processes that can shape our perceptions of species’ history and status.
Frac Sand Mining in Wisconsin: Understanding Emerging Conflicts and Community Organizing
Authors: Pearson Thomas W.
Published: June 2013

Over the past few years industrial sand mining has expanded rapidly in western Wisconsin, driven largely by the use of sand in hydraulic fracturing, itself a controversial technology widely deployed in natural gas and oil drilling throughout the United States. A unique geological history combined with existing railroad networks has positioned Wisconsin as a major supplier of “frac sand” and thus a key link in a wider hydrocarbon commodity chain. The unprecedented growth of frac sand mining, however, has raised new social and environmental concerns, becoming the target of grassroots organizing. This article reports on ongoing ethnographic research focused on frac sand conflicts, providing an overview of the main areas of contention, the trajectory of community organizing, and the response of the mining industry.
The Agri‐Gas Fields of Australia: Black Soil, Food, and Unconventional Gas
Authors: de Rijke Kim
Published: June 2013

Underneath some of the most exceptional Australian farm lands lie far more unconventional natural resources: huge methane reserves contained inside deep underground coal seams. In the last few years, Australia has seen a veritable boom in high capital foreign investments to extract and export this coal seam gas (CSG), particularly in the state of Queensland, where a few thousand gas wells have now been constructed despite significant opposition and concern. Based on the public record and ongoing anthropological fieldwork in the agricultural region of the Darling Downs in southern Queensland, this paper sets out some of the key issues of what might be described as the Australian agri‐gas field conflict. It takes a view of agri‐gas fields as sites of socioeconomic transformation where cultural boundaries of place and matter are contested, forcing farmers and others to reassess variously imagined future human–environment relationships in the region, Australia, and beyond.
Fracking's Future in a Coal Mining Past: Subjectivity Undermined
Authors: Hudgins Anastasia
Published: June 2013

This paper presents initial research on a community of renters in Southwestern Pennsylvania whose homes are adjacent to a hydraulic fracturing site and containment pond. The community is nestled in a rural section of the county where abandoned and working coal mines are neighbors to fracking's new industrial process of energy extraction, which residents describe as moving in like “aliens.” Most have family members who work(ed) in the coal industry, and the identity that emerges from their community of practice, and the attendant institutions and structures that shape their commentary of complaint and benefit are fundamentally informed by factors associated with labor. Coal miners are a more localized, populous, networked labor force with deep roots in the area, while the fracking‐related labor is diffuse, disaggregated, and transient. Residents seek ways to frame their concerns and articulate their unease from a position as outsiders, and while buy‐in on jobs as a natural outcome of the natural gas industry is high despite evidence to the contrary, critiques about health and the environment are tentative.
Surgical intervention for feeding and nutrition difficulties in cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Ferluga Elizabeth D , Sathe Nila A , Krishnaswami Shanthi , Mcpheeters Melissa L
Published: June 2013

Aim

The aim of the study was to systematically review surgical intervention for feeding difficulties in cerebral palsy.

Method

We searched databases including MEDLINE from 1980 to July 2012. Two reviewers independently assessed studies and rated the overall quality and strength of the evidence.

Results

Thirteen publications (11 unique studies) met the inclusion criteria and addressed gastrostomy outcomes or treatment of reflux via fundoplication. In nine studies, gastrostomy‐fed children gained weight. Relative to typically developing populations, baseline weight z‐scores ranged from −3.56 to −0.39 and follow‐up z‐scores ranged from −2.63 to −0.33. Other growth measures were mixed. Two studies assessed fundoplication: in one, both Nissen fundoplication and vertical gastric plication reduced reflux (by 57% and 43% respectively), while in one case series, reflux recurred within 12 months in 30% of children. The highest rates of adverse events across studies were site infection (59%), granulation tissue (42%), and recurrent reflux (30%). Death rates ranged from 7 to 29%; however, the underlying cause was probably not surgery.

Interpretation

Evidence for the effectiveness of surgical interventions is insufficient to low. Studies of gastrostomy typically demonstrated significant weight gain. Results for other measures were mixed. Many children remained underweight, although, given a lack of appropriate reference standards, these results should be interpreted cautiously.
Use of complementary markers in assessing glycaemic control in people with diabetic kidney disease undergoing iron or erythropoietin treatment
Authors: Konya J. , Ng J. M. , Cox H. , Cooke M. , Lewis N. , Bhandari S. , Atkin S. L. , Kilpatrick E. S.
Published: June 2013

Aims

HbA1c values are unreliable in patients with diabetes who have chronic kidney disease who receive iron and/or erythropoiesis stimulating agents. The study aimed to evaluate the utility of the complementary glycaemic markers glycated albumin, fructosamine and 1,5 anhydroglucitol in this group of patients.

Methods

A prospective study of patients with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease stage IIIB/IV undergoing intravenous iron or erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent therapy. Glycaemic control was monitored using HbA1c, seven‐point daily glucose thrice weekly, continuous glucose monitoring, glycated albumin, fructosamine and 1,5 anhydroglucitol.

Results

Fifteen patients [9 men; median age 72 years (interquartile range 68–74), follow‐up period (16.4 ± 3.7 weeks)] received parenteral iron; 15 patients [11 men; 70 years (interquartile range 62–75), (17.3 ± 3.3 weeks)] received erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent. HbA1c fell following treatment with both iron [57 mmol/mol (7.4%) to 53 mmol/mol (7.0%), P < 0.001] and erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent [56 mmol/mol (7.3%) to 49 mmol/mol (6.6%), P = 0.01] despite mean blood glucose remaining unchanged (iron: 9.55 to 9.71 mmol/l, P = 0.07; erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent: 8.72 to 8.78 mmol/l, P = 0.89). Unlike HbA1c, the glycated albumin, fructosamine and 1,5 anhydroglucitol levels did not change following iron [glycated albumin (16.8 to 16.3%, P = 0.10); fructosamine (259.5 to 256 μmol/l, P = 0.89); 1,5 anhydroglucitol (54.2 to 50.9 μmol/l, P = 0.89)] or erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent [glycated albumin (17.9 to 17.5%, P = 0.29), fructosamine (324.3 to 306.0 μmol/l, P = 0.52), 1,5 anhydroglucitol (58.2 to 46.7 μmol/l, P = 0.35)]. Despite this, HbA1c was consistently the marker most closely related to mean blood glucose before and after each treatment (R range 0.7–0.88).

Conclusions

These data indicate that HbA1c was statistically most closely related to mean blood glucose, but clinical trends in glycaemia in patients undergoing iron or erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent therapy are likely best assessed by including one of these additional glycaemic markers.