bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical Characteristics of Eolian Deposits in the Chengdu Plain of Sichuan Province and the Implications for Provenance
Authors: TAN Yuanlong , QIAO Yansong , ZHAO Zhizhong , WANG Yan , QI Lin , FU Jianli , LIU Zongxiu , YAO Haitao , WANG Shubing , JIANG Fuchu
Published: December 2013

In this study Chengdu Red Earth (CRE) from the Chengdu Plain (CP), Sichuan province, was analyzed for its elemental (major and trace elements) and isotopic (Sm‐Nd) geochemistry and compared with Pleistocene loess and paleosol samples from the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) in Northern China. The geochemical composition of CRE is similar to north China loess, and also resembles the average UCC. This indicates that CRE, as loess deposits in Northern China, was derived from well‐mixed sedimentary protoliths that have undergone numerous upper crustal recycling processes. However, obvious differences in the geochemical characteristics of CRE and the north China loess are also revealed in our results. For chemically stable elements, CRE has higher Ti, Zr, Hf and lower σREE, Ba contents in comparison with loess samples from the CLP. Further analysis shows that CRE has higher TiO2/Al2O3, SiO2/Al2O3, Ba/Rb and lower Ce/Yb, Eu/Yb, LaN/YbN and σLREE/σHREE ratios. In Sm‐Nd isotopic geochemistry, Sm and Nd content and the εNd(0) value in CRE are significantly higher than those in north China loess. The higher TiO2 content in CRE coincided with a high background concentration of Ti in the Sichuan Basin and the surrounding regions. The lower σREE and higher Sm, Nd, σNd(0) values are related to the wide distribution of basalt in the southwest Sichuan Basin. The elemental and isotopic geochemistry of CRE indicates that eolian materials in the CP predominantly come from the Sichuan Basin and the surrounding regions, which differs from loess deposits in the CLP.
Characteristics of the Submarine Topography and its Profile Type of the Coast of China
Authors: CAO Chao , CAI Feng , LI Yan , ZHENG Yongling , WU Chenqiang , LU Huiquan , BAO Jingjing , XU Yan
Published: December 2013

Based on the latest submarine topography data of the China 908 Project (China offshore marine environmental comprehensive investigation and assessment), we analyzed the general China offshore submarine topographical characteristics and the factors influencing its development. The submarine topography off the coast of China follows the NW‐SE trend of the land topography. The gradient of the submarine topography ranges from 0.2% to 1.6% with an average gradient of about 0.8%. The depth contours run mostly parallel to the coast, and extend out to sea in estuary areas. The submarine topography is dominated by the geological structure, which shows the typical characteristics of two uplifts and two subsidence events from north to south. The geological structure combined with the different sedimentary environments and complex hydrodynamic conditions produced topography that can be characterized by three types: sedimentary basins, compression‐uplift, and transition form. In the sedimentary basin and compression‐uplift regions, the topographical undulation is small, sediments are fine‐grained, and the currents flow in a single direction, leading to bays with sedimentary plains and underwater accumulation slopes, which are of the same tectonic origin. Transition‐type topography is characterized by strong undulations and mixed‐size sediment particles, terraces and scarps inshore and shelf plains and erosion‐deposition landforms offshore. This is a result of incomplete fault block development and repeated transgressions. In the deposition reformation regions (transition form type), the topography has strong undulations, the sediments are coarse, tidal sand ridges are well‐developed at terrigenous‐supplied estuaries and convergence zones, and the Holocene sediments are thick, transformed by tides, river runoff, and currents.
Research Priorities for Data Collection and Management Within Global Acute and Emergency Care Systems
Authors: Reynolds Teri A. , Bisanzo Mark , Dworkis Daniel , Hansoti Bhakti , Obermeyer Ziad , Seidenberg Phil , Hauswald Mark , Mowafi Hani
Published: December 2013

Barriers to global emergency care development include a critical lack of data in several areas, including limited documentation of the acute disease burden, lack of agreement on essential components of acute care systems, and a lack of consensus on key analytic elements, such as diagnostic classification schemes and regionally appropriate metrics for impact evaluation. These data gaps obscure the profound health effects of lack of emergency care access in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). As part of the Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference “Global Health and Emergency Care: A Research Agenda,” a breakout group sought to develop a priority research agenda for data collection and management within global emergency care systems.
Global Health and Emergency Care: A Resuscitation Research Agenda—Part 2
Authors: Hock Ong Marcus Eng , Aufderheide Tom P. , Nichol Graham , Bobrow Bentley J. , Bossaert Leo , Cameron Peter , Finn Judith , Jacobs Ian , Koster Rudolph W. , McNally Bryan , Ng Yih Yng , Shin Sang Do , Sopko George , Tanaka Hideharu , Iwami Taku , Hauswald Mark
Published: December 2013

At the 2013 Academic Emergency Medicine global health consensus conference, a breakout session to develop a research agenda for resuscitation was held. Two articles are the result of that discussion. This second article addresses data collection, management, and analysis and regionalization of postresuscitation care, resuscitation programs, and research examples around the world and proposes a strategy to strengthen resuscitation research globally. There is a need for reliable global statistics on resuscitation, international standardization of data, and development of an electronic standard for reporting data. Regionalization of postresuscitation care is a priority area for future research. Large resuscitation clinical research networks are feasible and can give valuable data for improvement of service and outcomes. Low‐cost models of population‐based research, and emphasis on interventional and implementation studies that assess the clinical effects of programs and interventions, are needed to determine the most cost‐effective strategies to improve outcomes. The global challenge is how to adapt research findings to a developing world situation to have an effect internationally.
Accounting and Finance: authorship and citation trends
Authors: Gaunt Clive
Published: December 2013

Accounting and Finance (A&F ) has experienced a surge in published research in the last decade. The analysis here reveals a marked increase in the number of published articles in A&F since 2003, a distinct trend for published papers to have a larger number of authors, a significant and stable contribution by the top 5 Australian accounting/finance departments, as well as a notable increase in contribution from non‐US foreign universities, particularly those located in the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and Spain. An analysis of citations indicates the increasing impact of A&F in recent years.
Emotional graphic cigarette warning labels reduce the electrophysiological brain response to smoking cues
Authors: Wang An‐Li , Romer Dan , Elman Igor , Turetsky Bruce I. , Gur Ruben C. , Langleben Daniel D.
Published: December 2013

There is an ongoing public debate about the new graphic warning labels (GWLs) that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposes to place on cigarette packs. Tobacco companies argued that the strongly emotional images FDA proposed to include in the GWLs encroached on their constitutional rights. The court ruled that FDA did not provide sufficient scientific evidence of compelling public interest in such encroachment. This study's objectives were to examine the effects of the GWLs on the electrophysiological and behavioral correlates of smoking addiction and to determine whether labels rated higher on the emotional reaction (ER) scale are associated with greater effects. We studied 25 non‐treatment‐seeking smokers. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants viewed a random sequence of paired images, in which visual smoking (Cues) or non‐smoking (non‐Cues) images were preceded by GWLs or neutral images. Participants reported their cigarette craving after viewing each pair. Dependent variables were magnitude of P300 ERPs and self‐reported cigarette craving in response to Cues. We found that subjective craving response to Cues was significantly reduced by preceding GWLs, whereas the P300 amplitude response to Cues was reduced only by preceding GWLs rated high on the ER scale. In conclusion, our study provides experimental neuroscience evidence that weighs in on the ongoing public and legal debate about how to balance the constitutional and public health aspects of the FDA‐proposed GWLs. The high toll of smoking‐related illness and death adds urgency to the debate and prompts consideration of our findings while longitudinal studies of GWLs are underway.
Nonparametric Tests of Associations with Disease Based on U‐Statistics
Authors: Jin Lina , Zhu Wensheng , Yu Yaqin , Kou Changgui , Meng Xiangfei , Tao Yuchun , Guo Jianhua
Published: December 2013

In case‐control studies, association analysis was designed to test whether genetic variants were associated with human diseases. To evaluate the association, analysing one genetic marker at a time suffered from weak power, because of the correction for multiple testing and possibly small genetic effects. An alternative strategy was to test simultaneous effects of multiple markers, which was believed to be more powerful. However, when the number of markers under investigation was large, they would be subjected to weak power as well, because of the greater degrees of freedom. To conquer these limitations in case‐control studies, we proposed a novel method that could test joint association of several loci (i.e. haplotype), with only a single degree of freedom. In this research, we developed a nonparametric approach, which was based on U‐statistics. We also introduced a new kernel for U‐statistic, which could combine the haplotype structure information, and was expected to enhance the power. Simulations indicated that our proposed approach offered merits in identifying the associations between diseases and haplotypes. Application of our method to a study of candidate genes for internalising disorder illustrated its virtue in utility and interpretation, and provided an excellent result in detecting the associations.
Effect of systematic local infiltration analgesia on postoperative pain in vaginal hysterectomy: a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Hristovska Ana‐Marija , Kristensen Billy B. , Rasmussen Marianne A. , Rasmussen Yvonne H. , Elving Lisbeth B. , Nielsen Christian V. , Kehlet Henrik
Published: December 2013

Objective

To assess the effect of systematic local infiltration analgesia on postoperative pain in vaginal hysterectomy, and describe the technique in detail.

Design

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study following the CONSORT criteria.

Setting

A university hospital.

Patients

Thirty‐seven patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy.

Methods

Patients received high‐volume (50 mL) ropivacaine 0.50% (n = 20) or saline (n = 17) infiltration using a systematic technique ensuring uniform delivery to all tissues incised, handled or instrumented during the procedure.

Main outcome measures

Pain, nausea, vomiting and opioid requirements were assessed for 32 h as well as time spent in the post‐anesthesia care unit and time to first mobilization.

Results

Pain at rest was significantly reduced after one, four and eight hours in the ropivacaine group (p ≤ 0.001–0.01). Pain during coughing was significantly reduced after one and four hours (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.003), and pain during movement was significantly reduced after four hours (p ≤ 0.02). Opioid requirements and time spent in the post‐anesthesia care unit were significantly reduced in the ropivacaine group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), as well as the time to first mobilization (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Intra‐operative systematic local infiltration analgesia reduces postoperative pain in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy, facilities mobilization and improves early recovery.
Diagnostic features of community‐acquired pneumonia in children: what's new?
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Venturini Elisabetta , Galli Luisa , Novelli Vas , de Martino Maurizio
Published: December 2013

Aim

To critically summarise the available data on diagnosis of CAP in children, focusing on the newest findings and on the need for new studies.

Methods

Eighty studies on the diagnosis of paediatric community‐acquired pneumonia were scrutinised.

Results

We found no significant associations between the signs or symptoms and aetiology of pneumonia and concluded that chest radiographs remain controversial and real‐time polymerase chain reaction appears more sensitive than blood cultures.

Conclusion

Antibiotic overuse could make it difficult to differentiate viral and bacterial causes. Molecular methods provide promising tools for diagnosing infection by atypical bacteria, but are expensive and should be used selectively.
Advancing biomarker research: utilizing ‘Big Data’ approaches for the characterization and prevention of bipolar disorder
Authors: McIntyre Roger S , Cha Danielle S , Jerrell Jeanette M , Swardfager Walter , Kim Rachael D , Costa Leonardo G , Baskaran Anusha , Soczynska Joanna K , Woldeyohannes Hanna O , Mansur Rodrigo B , Brietzke Elisa , Powell Alissa M , Gallaugher Ashley , Kudlow Paul , Kaidanovich‐Beilin Oksana , Alsuwaidan Mohammad
Published: December 2013

Objective

To provide a strategic framework for the prevention of bipolar disorder (BD) that incorporates a ‘Big Data’ approach to risk assessment for BD.

Methods

Computerized databases (e.g., Pubmed, PsychInfo, and MedlinePlus) were used to access English‐language articles published between 1966 and 2012 with the search terms bipolar disorder, prodrome, ‘Big Data’, and biomarkers cross‐referenced with genomics/genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotrophic factors, cytokines, cognition, neurocognition, and neuroimaging. Papers were selected from the initial search if the primary outcome(s) of interest was (were) categorized in any of the following domains: (i) ‘omics’ (e.g., genomics), (ii) molecular, (iii) neuroimaging, and (iv) neurocognitive.

Results

The current strategic approach to identifying individuals at risk for BD, with an emphasis on phenotypic information and family history, has insufficient predictive validity and is clinically inadequate. The heterogeneous clinical presentation of BD, as well as its pathoetiological complexity, suggests that it is unlikely that a single biomarker (or an exclusive biomarker approach) will sufficiently augment currently inadequate phenotypic‐centric prediction models. We propose a ‘Big Data’‐ bioinformatics approach that integrates vast and complex phenotypic, anamnestic, behavioral, family, and personal ‘omics’ profiling. Bioinformatic processing approaches, utilizing cloud‐ and grid‐enabled computing, are now capable of analyzing data on the order of tera‐, peta‐, and exabytes, providing hitherto unheard of opportunities to fundamentally revolutionize how psychiatric disorders are predicted, prevented, and treated. High‐throughput networks dedicated to research on, and the treatment of, BD, integrating both adult and younger populations, will be essential to sufficiently enroll adequate samples of individuals across the neurodevelopmental trajectory in studies to enable the characterization and prevention of this heterogeneous disorder.

Conclusions

Advances in bioinformatics using a ‘Big Data’ approach provide an opportunity for novel insights regarding the pathoetiology of BD. The coordinated integration of research centers, inclusive of mixed‐age populations, is a promising strategic direction for advancing this line of neuropsychiatric research.
Nestin expression throughout multistep pathogenesis of multiple myeloma
Authors: Svachova Hana , Kryukov Fedor , Kryukova Elena , Sevcikova Sabina , Nemec Pavel , Greslikova Henrieta , Rihova Lucie , Kubiczkova Lenka , Hajek Roman
Published: December 2013

The stem cell marker nestin (NES) is found in dividing cells of developing and regenerating tissues. Upon terminal differentiation, NES expression is diminished but may be re‐expressed following injury or in cancer. Surprisingly, we recently confirmed NES as a tumour‐specific marker for mature CD138+38+ plasma cells (PC) in multiple myeloma (MM). The present study analysed NES expression throughout the spectrum of MM developmental stages, starting with individuals with no haematological malignancy, through monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and MM to plasma cell leukaemia (PCL) and MM cell lines. NES was analysed in bone marrow PC of 163 MM, four PCL and nine MGUS patients, 10 individuals with no haematological malignancy and 6 myeloma cell lines (OPM‐2, RPMI‐8226, MOLP‐8, U‐266, EJM, NCI‐H929) by flow cytometry and/or real‐time polymerase chain reaction or immunochemistry. We observed a tendency of increased NES expression in parallel with disease progression. NES was evaluated as a reliable marker for accurate discrimination between MM patients and the control group. High NES levels were strongly associated with the presence of 1q21 gain. For the first time, NES was demonstrated to predict worse response to conventional therapy/novel agents. These results suggest that NES might become a useful clinical parameter with an important role in MM pathogenesis.
Vascular targets for cannabinoids: animal and human studies
Authors: Stanley Christopher , O'Sullivan Saoirse E
Published: December 2013

Application of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids to perfused vascular beds or individual isolated arteries results in changes in vascular resistance. In most cases, the result is vasorelaxation, although vasoconstrictor responses are also observed. Cannabinoids also modulate the actions of vasoactive compounds including acetylcholine, methoxamine, angiotensin II and U46619 (thromboxane mimetic). Numerous mechanisms of action have been proposed including receptor activation, potassium channel activation, calcium channel inhibition and the production of vasoactive mediators such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide, prostanoids, NO, endothelial‐derived hyperpolarizing factor and hydrogen peroxide. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence for the range of receptors now known to be activated by cannabinoids. Direct activation by cannabinoids of CB1, CBe, TRPV1 (and potentially other TRP channels) and PPARs in the vasculature has been observed. A potential role for CB2, GPR55 and 5‐HT1A has also been identified in some studies. Indirectly, activation of prostanoid receptors (TP, IP, EP1 and EP4) and the CGRP receptor is involved in the vascular responses to cannabinoids. The majority of this evidence has been obtained through animal research, but recent work has confirmed some of these targets in human arteries. Vascular responses to cannabinoids are enhanced in hypertension and cirrhosis, but are reduced in obesity and diabetes, both due to changes in the target sites of action. Much further work is required to establish the extent of vascular actions of cannabinoids and the application of this research in physiological and pathophysiological situations.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐6
Flower and Fruit Availability along a Forest Restoration Gradient
Authors: Garcia Letícia C. , Hobbs Richard J. , Mäes dos Santos Flavio A. , Rodrigues Ricardo R.
Published: December 2013

Frugivores and pollinators are two functional groups of animals that help ensure gene flow of plants among sites in landscapes under restoration and to accelerate restoration processes. Resource availability is postulated to be a key factor to structure animal communities using restoration sites, but it remains poorly studied. We expected that diverse forests with many plant growth forms that have less‐seasonal phenological patterns will provide more resources for animals than forests with fewer plant growth forms and strongly seasonal phenological patterns. We studied forests where original plantings included high tree species diversity. We studied resource provision (richness and abundance of flowers and fruits) of all plant growth forms, in three restoration sites of different ages compared to a reference forest, investigating whether plant phenology changes with restoration process. We recorded phenological data for reproductive plant individuals (351 species) with monthly sampling over 2 years, and found that flower and fruit production have been recovered after one decade of restoration, indicating resource provision for fauna. Our data suggest that a wide range of plant growth forms provides resource complementarities to those of planted tree species. Different flower phenologies between trees and non‐trees seem to be more evident in a forest with high non‐tree species diversity. We recommend examples of ideal species for planting, both at the time of initial planting and post‐planting during enrichment. These management actions can minimize shortage and periods of resource scarcity for frugivorous and nectarivorous fauna, increasing probability of restoring ecological processes and sustainability in restoration sites.
7‐Chloroquinoline–isatin Conjugates: Antimalarial, Antitubercular, and Cytotoxic Evaluation
Authors: Raj Raghu , Biot Christophe , Carrère‐Kremer Séverine , Kremer Laurent , Guérardel Yann , Gut Jiri , Rosenthal Philip J. , Forge Delphine , Kumar Vipan
Published: December 2013

A series of twenty piperazine‐tethered 7‐chloroquinoline–isatin hybrids have been synthesized via either direct nucleophilic substitution or Cu(Ι)Cl‐mediated Mannich reaction. These new conjugates were evaluated for their antimalarial and antitubercular efficacy against a chloroquine‐resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively, while the cytotoxic profiles were evaluated against 3T6 cell line, a permanent mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line. The most potent of the test compound with IC50 of 0.22 μm against W2 strain of P. falciparum and 31.62 μm against the embryonic fibroblast cell line (cytotoxicity) displayed a high selective index of 143.73.
Sporadic hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids showing numerous lesions with restricted diffusivity caused by a novel splice site mutation in the CSF1R gene
Authors: Saitoh Ban‐Yu , Yoshida Kunihiro , Hayashi Shintaro , Yamasaki Ryo , Sato Shinya , Kamada Takashi , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Murai Hiroyuki , Iwaki Toru , Ikeda Shu‐Ichi , Kira Jun‐Ichi
Published: December 2013

Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids (HDLS) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by cerebral white matter degeneration with axonal spheroids. The disease is caused by mutations in the protein tyrosine kinase domain of colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), encoded by the CSF1R gene on chromosome 5q34. Because of a preferential involvement of the frontal white matter, HDLS usually presents as presenile dementia. Here, we report an atypical case of HDLS mimicking primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). A 22‐year‐old woman had difficulty moving her left leg and hand in April 2011 and January 2012, respectively. These symptoms worsened, resulting in spastic quadriplegia and dysarthria. At first admission to Kyushu University hospital, Fukuoka, Japan, in January 2013, she had forced laughter, dysarthria, and rigidospasticity and hyperreflexia in all four limbs, and bilateral extensor plantar response, whereas her Mini‐Mental State Examination score was 26 out of 30. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests were all normal, except for an elevated myelin basic protein level (294 pg/mL). Brain T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral high‐signal intensity lesions in the parietal and posterior frontal deep white matter. Remarkably, numerous magnetic resonance imaging lesions showed restricted diffusion. Biopsied specimens from the right cerebral deep white matter showed decreased myelin, severe loss of axons with axonal spheroid,s and infiltration of CD68+ macrophages and CD45+ lymphocytes. She had a heterozygous mutation, c.2,442+1G>A in CSF1R. The present case emphasizes that diagnosis of HDLS should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of PPMS. The presence of periventricular lesions with restricted diffusivity might favor a diagnosis of HDLS.
‘Don't Make Us Talk!’: Listening to and Learning from Children and Young People Living with Parental Alcohol Problems
Authors: Hill Louise
Published: December 2013

Given the common issues of secrecy, shame and stigma, we know very little about the lives of children affected by parental alcohol problems from their own perspectives. Thirty children and young people (aged between 9 and 20) chose to communicate about this sensitive issue as part of a Scottish qualitative study. This study reveals how children and young people have extensive knowledge about parental alcohol problems and can demonstrate considerable agency in choosing how to share this knowledge in a research setting. Developing a greater understanding of children's nuanced ways of communicating has implications for research, policy and practice.
Ridge expansion alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration to facilitate implant placement in narrow alveolar ridges: a retrospective study
Authors: Tang Yu‐Long , Yuan Jing , Song Ying‐Liang , Ma Wei , Chao Xie , Li De‐Hua
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term outcomes of ridge expansion technique in dealing with horizontal bony insufficiency of alveolar ridges for implant placement.

Materials and methods

During the period 2004–2009, 168 patients with width insufficiency of alveolar ridges were treated using the ridge expansion technique to obtain an improved bony base for implant placement. Depending on the severity of width insufficiency, the surgical procedures were classified into two groups: ridge expansion alone (Group 1) and ridge expansion in combination with guided bone regeneration (Group 2). After 4–6 months of unloaded healing, the implants were restored. The patients were followed up until 2013 with clinical and radiographic examinations.

Results

Among the 168 patients, 11 patients underwent a fracture of labial/buccal bony plate during surgery, which was corrected by changing the procedure into bone grafting, yielding a surgical failure rate of 6.5%. In the remaining 157 patients successfully treated by ridge expansion alone or in combination with GBR, 226 implants were simultaneously placed as planned. No implant failed over 2.8 years (6 months to 8 years) of follow‐up, yielding a cumulative implant survival rate of 100% in each group. Six implants in Group 1 and 4 implants in Group 2, although osseointegrated and in function, did not fulfill success criteria: Cumulative implants' success rates were 93.2% in Group 1 and 95.6% in Group 2. The mean marginal bone losses during the first year in Group 1 and Group 2 were 0.69 and 0.43 mm, respectively, followed by an annual loss of ~ 0.06 and 0.07 mm, respectively, in the following years. No clinical parameter was abnormal. Twenty‐two (10.4%) implants were exposed to peri‐implant mucositis, whereas 19 (11.0%) implant‐supported restorations were involved in prosthetic complications.

Conclusions

The preliminary results of this retrospective study indicate that ridge expansion alone or in combination with GBR can be considered an effective and safe procedure for treatment of width insufficiency of alveolar ridges on the purpose of implant application.
Multiple Mechanisms Underlying the Long Duration of Action of Thienorphine, A Novel Partial Opioid Agonist for the Treatment of Addiction
Authors: Yu Gang , Li Shu‐Hui , Cui Meng‐Xun , Yan Ling‐Di , Yong Zheng , Zhou Pei‐Lan , Su Rui‐Bin , Gong Ze‐Hui
Published: December 2013

Aims

It is considered that a long‐acting therapy would be advantageous in the treatment of addiction. In a search for novel buprenorphine analogues, thienorphine was demonstrated to be an extremely long‐acting orally active partial opioid agonist. This study explored the mechanisms underlying the long‐lasting effects of thienorphine.

Methods

The binding kinetics of [3H]thienorphine were measured in membrane preparations expressing cloned rat opioid receptors. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the effect of thienorphine on the surface opioid receptor number. The long‐lasting effects of thienorphine were also confirmed at the tissue level and in vivo.

Results

At 37°C, [3H]thienorphine showed rapid association with μ‐ and κ‐opioid receptors, while its dissociation was sluggish and biphasic (K−1 = 0.21 min−1, K−2 = 0.0078 min−1 for the μ‐receptor; K−1 = 0.17 min−1, K−2 = 0.0042 min−1 for the κ‐receptor). Treatment with thienorphine for 24, 48, and 72 h downregulated surface μ‐receptor in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of thienorphine on guinea pig ileum persisted for more than 120 min after prolonged washing. In vivo, thienorphine exhibited significant antagonism of morphine‐induced antinociception for more than 7 days.

Conclusions

These results indicate that multiple factors, including persistent receptor occupation and enhanced receptor downregulation, may contribute to the long‐lasting effects of thienorphine that would be beneficial for its application in addiction treatment.
Epidermal dynamics and patterns of intraepidermal melanoma
Authors: Vollmer Robin T.
Published: December 2013

Background

Dermatopathologists know that the epidermis represents a dynamic compartment and that its cells mature from the basal layer to the skin surface in approximately 45 days. What may seem intuitive – but not obvious – is that the dynamics of the epidermis can affect the patterns of melanoma cells within the epidermis. Here this conjecture is explored with an abstract, theoretical model.

Methods

To control the independent effects of epidermal replacement velocity and thickness as well as rate of melanoma cell penetration of the epidermis, an abstraction of the epidermis was created and simulated via computer.

Results

Simulated plots of the epidermis show that the number and pattern of melanoma cells in the epidermis is affected by the probability of melanoma cells entering the epidermis, by the velocity of epidermal replacement and by epidermal thickness.

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that the dynamics of the epidermis are sufficient to affect the patterns of melanoma cells within the epidermis.
Diversity, distribution and conservation status of island conifers: a global review
Authors: Rumeu Beatriz , Afonso Virginia , Fernández‐Palacios José María , Nogales Manuel
Published: December 2013

Aim

Conifers comprise an ancient and diverse group of plants showing a wide distribution range. To better understand the general patterns of species successfully established on islands, this review compiles information about the distribution, diversity, dispersal potential and conservation status of insular conifers, with special emphasis on those inhabiting remote oceanic islands.

Location

Global.

Methods

An exhaustive survey was made of world‐wide databases and literature. We registered information on island distribution (including ocean region, extension and geological origin of the island), endemism and threat status for each insular conifer.

Results

285 of the 547 conifer species considered in this review show an insular distribution (i.e. their distribution encompass insular territories). The family Podocarpaceae is best represented, with 40% of the insular species. The importance of endozoochory for long‐distance dispersal is clear, because it was the most frequent dispersal syndrome among oceanic conifers. A high proportion of the total threatened conifers occur on islands (52%), and many of them are insular endemics (72%). Among conifer families, Araucariaceae is the most threatened in insular territories.

Main conclusions

Our results highlight the wide diversity of insular conifers, as well as the key role of oceanic islands in catalysing speciation mechanisms. Pacific islands in particular harbour the greatest diversity levels, constituting a major centre of diversification. The wide distribution of conifers reflects their great potential for dispersal and colonization, endozoochory being the most favourable dispersal syndrome for reaching remote islands. The general threat status of insular conifers highlights the fragility of island biota and the urgent need for policies focused on their preservation.
Trying to understand gestational diabetes
Authors: Catalano P. M.
Published: December 2013

Women with normal glucose tolerance pre‐gravid and developing gestational diabetes in late gestation have subclinical metabolic dysfunction prior to conception compared with women with normal glucose tolerance. Because of the 60% decrease in insulin sensitivity with normal pregnancy, these women develop clinical hyperglycaemia/gestational diabetes in late gestation. The metabolic dysfunction includes impaired insulin response, decreased hepatic suppression of glucose production during insulin infusion and decreased insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, i.e. peripheral insulin resistance. The insulin resistance in normal glucose tolerance pregnancy is related to a decrease in the post‐receptor insulin signalling cascade, specifically decreased insulin receptor substrate 1 tyrosine phosphorylation. In women with normal glucose tolerance this is reversed post‐partum. In contrast, in gestational diabetes, in addition to the decrease in insulin receptor substrate 1 tyrosine phosphorylation, there is an additional decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular portion of the insulin receptor that is not related to the insulin receptor protein content. Post‐partum women with gestational diabetes, who had retention of gestational weight gain, had no significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and increased inflammation expressed as increased plasma and skeletal muscle tumour necrosis factor alpha. The increased inflammation or meta‐inflammation is a hallmark of obesity and during pregnancy develops in both white adipose tissue and placenta. Last gene array studies of placenta were associated with alterations in gene expression relating primarily to lipid in contrast to glucose metabolic pathways in gestational diabetes compared with Type 1 diabetes. Future studies are directed at decreasing inflammation prior to and during pregnancy using various lifestyle and nutritional interventions.
New estimates of the burden of acute community‐acquired infections among older people with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study using linked electronic health records
Authors: McDonald H. I. , Nitsch D. , Millett E. R. C. , Sinclair A. , Thomas S. L.
Published: December 2013

Aim

To describe the incidence of acute community‐acquired infections (lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and sepsis) among the UK population aged ≥65 years with diabetes mellitus, and all‐cause 28‐day hospital admission rates and mortality.

Methods

We used electronic primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked to death certificates and Hospital Episode Statistics admission data, to conduct a retrospective cohort study from 1997 to 2011.

Results

Among the 218 805 older people with diabetes there was a high burden of community‐acquired infection, lower respiratory tract infections having the highest incidence (crude rate: 152.7/1000 person‐years) followed by urinary tract infections (crude rates 51.4 and 147.9/1000 person‐years for men and women, respectively). The incidence of all infections increased over time, which appeared to be driven by the population's changing age structure. Most patients diagnosed with pneumonia and sepsis were hospitalized on the same day (77.8 and 75.1%, respectively). For lower respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections, a large proportion of 28‐day hospitalizations were after the day of diagnosis (39.1 and 44.3%, respectively), and a notable proportion of patients (7.1 and 5.1%, respectively) were admitted for a cardiovascular condition. In the 4 weeks after onset, all‐cause mortality was 32.1% for pneumonia (3115/9697), 31.7% for sepsis (780/2461), 4.1% for lower respiratory tract infections (5685/139 301) and 1.6% for urinary tract infections (1472/91 574).

Conclusions

The present large cohort study provides up‐to‐date detailed infection incidence estimates among older people with diabetes in the community, with variation by age, sex and region and over time. This should be of use for patient communication of risk and future healthcare planning.
Newly paired zebra finches have higher dopamine levels and immediate early gene Fos expression in dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Banerjee Sunayana B. , Dias Brian G. , Crews David , Adkins‐Regan Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

Most birds are socially monogamous, yet little is known about the neural pathways underlying avian monogamy. Recent studies have implicated dopamine as playing a role in courtship and affiliation in a socially monogamous songbird, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). In the present study, we sought to understand the specific contribution to pair formation in zebra finches of the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway that projects from the midbrain ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. We observed that paired birds had higher levels of dopamine and its metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the ventral medial striatum, where the nucleus accumbens is situated, than unpaired birds. Additionally, we found that the percentage of dopaminergic neurons expressing immediate early gene Fos, a marker of neuronal activity, was higher in the ventral tegmental area of paired birds than in that of unpaired birds. These data are consistent with a role for the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway in pair formation in zebra finches, suggesting the possibility of a conserved neural mechanism of monogamy in birds and mammals.
Clinical presentation of pediatric multiple sclerosis before puberty
Authors: Huppke B. , Ellenberger D. , Rosewich H. , Friede T. , Gärtner J. , Huppke P.
Published: December 2013

Background and purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) onset before puberty is extremely rare and establishment of diagnosis is often difficult due to atypical presentation. The study aims to identify the typical presentation of MS in this age group.

Methods

Pediatric MS patients were identified from the database of the Center for Multiple Sclerosis in Childhood and Adolescence at the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany. Inclusion criteria were a relapsing−remitting initial disease course and minimum disease duration of 4 years.

Results

Forty‐seven pre‐pubertal (<11 years) and 41 post‐pubertal (14–16 years) MS patients were compared. Before puberty an even gender ratio was found. The pre‐pubertal patients were more likely to have a polysymptomatic severe first attack with motor and brainstem involvement, sphincter dysfunction, cognitive disturbances and milder residual neurological sequelae after the first episode whilst the post‐pubertal patients predominantly presented with optic neuritis and sensory symptoms. The initial symptom pattern prevailed over the first 2 years of disease. Presentation of pre‐pubertal boys and girls did not differ significantly.

Conclusions

To facilitate early diagnosis it is important to recognize that pre‐pubertal MS presents with a specific pattern of symptoms that is maintained over the first two disease years.
Managing inequality or managing stocks? An ethnographic perspective on the governance of small‐scale fisheries
Authors: Fabinyi Michael , Foale Simon , Macintyre Martha
Published: December 2013

A growing volume of recent research on small‐scale fisheries governance has a focus on local perspectives and priorities of small‐scale fisherfolk. This paper develops from this local perspective a novel focus on what is a fundamental priority of many small‐scale fishers: concerns about inequality. The paper begins with a critical review of the literature on small‐scale fisheries governance and suggests how a focus on inequality can make a useful contribution. The paper uses case‐studies of small‐scale fisheries in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Philippines to highlight local priorities about inequality and the implications for small‐scale fisheries governance.PNGand the Philippines have very different social, political and environmental contexts, yet in both cases, local inequalities were a key pre‐occupation of fisherfolk and posed major challenges for fisheries governance. While in both of the case‐studies, fishers were aware of and keen to act on resource sustainability, this concern was overridden by concerns over: who obtained benefits from the fishery; who was responsible for resource degradation; and who should bear the costs of regulation. We conclude by discussing how our emphasis on the importance of inequality at a local level can potentially be integrated within many influential approaches to small‐scale fisheries governance.
Climate warming feedback from mountain birch forest expansion: reduced albedo dominates carbon uptake
Authors: de Wit Heleen A. , Bryn Anders , Hofgaard Annika , Karstensen Jonas , Kvalevåg Maria M. , Peters Glen P.
Published: December 2013

Expanding high‐elevation and high‐latitude forest has contrasting climate feedbacks through carbon sequestration (cooling) and reduced surface reflectance (warming), which are yet poorly quantified. Here, we present an empirically based projection of mountain birch forest expansion in south‐central Norway under climate change and absence of land use. Climate effects of carbon sequestration and albedo change are compared using four emission metrics. Forest expansion was modeled for a projected 2.6 °C increase in summer temperature in 2100, with associated reduced snow cover. We find that the current (year 2000) forest line of the region is circa 100 m lower than its climatic potential due to land‐use history. In the future scenarios, forest cover increased from 12% to 27% between 2000 and 2100, resulting in a 59% increase in biomass carbon storage and an albedo change from 0.46 to 0.30. Forest expansion in 2100 was behind its climatic potential, forest migration rates being the primary limiting factor. In 2100, the warming caused by lower albedo from expanding forest was 10 to 17 times stronger than the cooling effect from carbon sequestration for all emission metrics considered. Reduced snow cover further exacerbated the net warming feedback. The warming effect is considerably stronger than previously reported for boreal forest cover, because of the typically low biomass density in mountain forests and the large changes in albedo of snow‐covered tundra areas. The positive climate feedback of high‐latitude and high‐elevation expanding forests with seasonal snow cover exceeds those of afforestation at lower elevation, and calls for further attention of both modelers and empiricists. The inclusion and upscaling of these climate feedbacks from mountain forests into global models is warranted to assess the potential global impacts.
Longitudinal data reveal ontogenetic changes in the wing morphology of a long‐distance migratory bird
Authors: de la Hera Iván , Pulido Francisco , Visser Marcel E.
Published: December 2013

In migratory bird species, juveniles normally have shorter and more rounded wings than adults. The causes of this age‐specific difference in wing morphology, however, are largely unknown. Here, we used longitudinal data collected over 3 years from a Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca population to assess whether age‐related differences in wing morphology are a consequence of ontogenetic changes or of selection favouring birds with longer and more pointed wings. Our study provides evidence of ontogenetic changes in wing length and shape, whereby birds grow longer and more pointed wings as they grow older. Age‐dependent variation is likely to be adaptive and may partly explain age differences in spring migration phenology and breeding success.
Internal Control Quality, Egyptian Standards on Auditing and External Audit Delays: Evidence from the Egyptian Stock Exchange
Authors: Khlif Hichem , Samaha Khaled
Published: December 2013

This paper examines the impact of internal control quality (ICQ) on external audit delays as proxied by the auditor component of audit report lag (A‐ARL) and the effect of the adoption of the Egyptian Standards on Auditing (ESA) on this relationship in the Egyptian context. Using a balanced panel data of 344 firm‐year observations spanning from 2007 to 2010, we hypothesise and empirically find the following. First, ICQ represents a key determinant of timely disclosure, as it contributes significantly to the reduction of A‐ARL. Second, the adoption of the ESA has significantly contributed to the improvement of audit practices by reducing A‐ARL. Third, the adoption of ESA has also strengthened the relationship between A‐ARL and ICQ for the post‐adoption period of these standards. Additional analysis is conducted to examine the impact of industry characteristics on the relationship between ICQ and A‐ARL and the association remains significant regardless of the sector considered. In order to make a more informative analysis, we examine the effect of ICQ on the management component of audit report lag (M‐ARL) and we document a positive association between both variables. The results contribute to the literature dealing with the relation between A‐ARL and ICQ by shedding light on the importance of ICQ in audit practices in an emerging country characterised by weak legal enforcement and a high level of secrecy. Findings also have policy implications for Egyptian standard‐setters with respect to the development of internal auditing standards.
Determination of pyrethroids in chicken egg samples: development and validation of a confirmatory analytical method by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: dell'Oro Daniela , Casamassima Francesco , Gesualdo Giuseppe , Iammarino Marco , Mambelli Paolo , Nardelli Valeria
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an efficient analytical method based on gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) for detection and quantification of six pyrethroids residues (Phenothrin, Permethrin, Cyfluthrin, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin and Fenvalerate) in chicken eggs. The method was based on a preliminary liquid–liquid extraction of albumen‐free yolk samples, followed by a clean‐up by solid‐phase extraction. GC/MS/MS analyses were carried out in the selected reaction monitoring mode. Validation parameters such as specificity, detection capability, decision limit, precision, recovery, stability and ruggedness were determined, resulting in compliance with Decision 2002/657/EC. No complicated apparatus are required; moreover, low volumes of organic solvents and a nonintensive manual labour are required. These low costs and simple procedure, based on rapid and safe operations, may represent a useful tool in the routine analysis of pyrethroids pesticides, in the place of the currently used conventional techniques.