bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From contrastive linguistics to linguistic typology
Authors: van der Auwera Johan
Published: May 2012

The paper looks back at Hawkins (1986), A comparative typology of English and German, and shows, on the basis of raising and human impersonal pronouns in English, Dutch and German, that contrastive linguistics can be viewed as a pilot study in typology. It also pleads for doing the contrastive linguistics of three languages rather than of two, not least because the third language can teach us something about the other two.
Prion-like spread of protein aggregates in neurodegeneration
Authors: Polymenidou Magdalini , Cleveland Don W.
Published: May 2012

Protein misfolding is common to most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Recent work using animal models with intracellular α-synuclein and tau inclusions adds decisively to a growing body of evidence that misfolded protein aggregates can induce a self-perpetuating process that leads to amplification and spreading of pathological protein assemblies. When coupled with the progressive nature of neurodegeneration, recognition of such cell-to-cell aggregate spread suggests a unifying mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Meromorphic extensions from small families of circles and holomorphic extensions from spheres
Authors: Globevnik Josip
Published: May 2012

Let

B

\mathbb {B}

be the open unit ball in

C

2

\mathbb {C}^2

and let

a
,
b
,
c

a, b, c

be three points in

C

2

\mathbb {C}^2

which do not lie in a complex line, such that the complex line through

a
,
b

a, b

meets

B

\mathbb {B}

and such that if one of the points

a
,
b

a, b

is in

B

\mathbb {B}

and the other in

C

2

∖

B

¯

\mathbb {C}^2\setminus \overline {\mathbb {B}}

then

⟨
a

|

b
⟩
≠
1

\langle a|b\rangle \not = 1

and such that at least one of the numbers

⟨
a

|

c
⟩
,
 
⟨
b

|

c
⟩

\langle a|c\rangle ,\ \langle b|c\rangle

is different from

1
1

. We prove that if a continuous function

f
f

on

b

B

b\mathbb {B}

extends holomorphically into

B

\mathbb {B}

along each complex line which meets

{
a
,
b
,
c
}

\{ a, b, c\}

, then

f
f

extends holomorphically through

B

\mathbb {B}

. This generalizes the recent result of L. Baracco who proved such a result in the case when the points

a
,
b
,
c

a, b, c

are contained in

B

\mathbb {B}

. The proof is quite different from the one of Baracco and uses the following one-variable result, which we also prove in the paper: Let

Δ
\Delta

be the open unit disc in

C

\mathbb {C}

. Given

α
∈
Δ

\alpha \in \Delta

let

C

α

\mathcal {C}_\alpha

be the family of all circles in

Δ
\Delta

obtained as the images of circles centered at the origin under an automorphism of

Δ
\Delta

that maps

0
0

to

α
\alpha

. Given

α
,
β
∈
Δ
,
 
α
≠
β

\alpha , \beta \in \Delta ,\ \alpha \not = \beta

, and

n
∈

N

n\in \mathbb {N}

, a continuous function

f
f

on

Δ
¯

\overline {\Delta }

extends meromorphically from every circle

Γ
∈

C

α

∪

C

β

\Gamma \in \mathcal {C}_\alpha \cup \mathcal {C}_\beta

through the disc bounded by

Γ
\Gamma

with the only pole at the center of

Γ
\Gamma

of degree not exceeding

n
n

if and only if

f
f

is of the form
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="f left-parenthesis z right-parenthesis equals a 0 left-parenthesis z right-parenthesis plus a 1 left-parenthesis z right-parenthesis z overbar plus midline-horizontal-ellipsis plus a Subscript n Baseline left-parenthesis z right-parenthesis z overbar Superscript n Baseline left-parenthesis z element-of normal upper Delta right-parenthesis">

f
(
z
)
=

a
0

(
z
)
+

a
1

(
z
)

z
¯

+
⋯
+

a
n

(
z
)

z
¯

n

(
z
∈
Δ
)

f(z) = a_0(z)+a_1(z)\overline z +\cdots +a_n(z)\overline z^n (z\in \Delta )

where the functions

a
j

,
0
≤
j
≤
n

a_j, 0\leq j\leq n

, are holomorphic on

Δ
\Delta

.
Trait-based approaches to conservation physiology: forecasting environmental change risks from the bottom up
Authors: Chown Steven L.
Published: May 2012

Trait-based approaches have long been a feature of physiology and of ecology. While the latter fields drifted apart in the twentieth century, they are converging owing at least partly to growing similarities in their trait-based approaches, which have much to offer conservation biology. The convergence of spatially explicit approaches to understanding trait variation and its ecological implications, such as encapsulated in community assembly and macrophysiology, provides a significant illustration of the similarity of these areas. Both adopt trait-based informatics approaches which are not only providing fundamental biological insights, but are also delivering new information on how environmental change is affecting diversity and how such change may perhaps be mitigated. Such trait-based conservation physiology is illustrated here for each of the major environmental change drivers, specifically: the consequences of overexploitation for body size and physiological variation; the impacts of vegetation change on thermal safety margins; the consequences of changing net primary productivity and human use thereof for physiological variation and ecosystem functioning; the impacts of rising temperatures on water loss in ectotherms; how hemisphere-related variation in traits may affect responses to changing rainfall regimes and pollution; and how trait-based approaches may enable interactions between climate change and biological invasions to be elucidated.
The conservation physiology of seed dispersal
Authors: Ruxton Graeme D. , Schaefer H. Martin
Published: May 2012

At a time when plant species are experiencing increasing challenges from climate change, land-use change, harvesting and invasive species, dispersal has become a very important aspect of plant conservation. Seed dispersal by animals is particularly important because some animals disperse seeds to suitable sites in a directed fashion. Our review has two aims: (i) to highlight the various ways plant dispersal by animals can be affected by current anthropogenic change and (ii) to show the important role of plant and (particularly) animal physiology in shaping seed–dispersal interactions. We argue that large-bodied seed dispersers may be particularly important for plant conservation because seed dispersal of large-seeded plants is often more specialized and because large-bodied animals are targeted by human exploitation and have smaller population sizes. We further argue that more specialized seed-dispersal systems on island ecosystems might be particularly at risk from climate change both owing to small population sizes involved but also owing to the likely thermal specialization, particularly on tropical islands. More generally, the inherent vulnerability of seed-dispersal mutualisms to disruption driven by environmental change (as well as their ubiquity) demands that we continue to improve our understanding of their conservation physiology.
Predicting organismal vulnerability to climate warming: roles of behaviour, physiology and adaptation
Authors: Huey Raymond B. , Kearney Michael R. , Krockenberger Andrew , Holtum Joseph A. M. , Jess Mellissa , Williams Stephen E.
Published: May 2012

A recently developed integrative framework proposes that the vulnerability of a species to environmental change depends on the species'exposureandsensitivityto environmental change, itsresilienceto perturbations and its potential toadaptto change. These vulnerability criteria require behavioural, physiological and genetic data. With this information in hand, biologists can predict organisms most at risk from environmental change. Biologists and managers can then target organisms and habitats most at risk. Unfortunately, the required data (e.g. optimal physiological temperatures) are rarely available. Here, we evaluate the reliability of potential proxies (e.g. critical temperatures) that are often available for some groups. Several proxies for ectotherms are promising, but analogous ones for endotherms are lacking. We also develop a simple graphical model of how behavioural thermoregulation, acclimation and adaptation may interact to influence vulnerability over time. After considering this model together with the proxies available for physiological sensitivity to climate change, we conclude that ectotherms sharing vulnerability traits seem concentrated in lowland tropical forests. Their vulnerability may be exacerbated by negative biotic interactions. Whether tropical forest (or other) species can adapt to warming environments is unclear, as genetic and selective data are scant. Nevertheless, the prospects for tropical forest ectotherms appear grim.
Match and mismatch: conservation physiology, nutritional ecology and the timescales of biological adaptation
Authors: Raubenheimer David , Simpson Stephen J. , Tait Alice H.
Published: May 2012

Conservation physiology (CP) and nutritional ecology (NE) are both integrative sciences that share the fundamental aim of understanding the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of animal responses to changing environments. Here, we explore the high-level similarities and differences between CP and NE, identifying as central themes to both fields the multiple timescales over which animals adapt (and fail to adapt) to their environments, and the need for integrative models to study these processes. At one extreme are the short-term regulatory responses that modulate the state of animals in relation to the environment, which are variously considered under the concepts of homeostasis, homeorhesis, enantiostasis, heterostasis and allostasis. In the longer term are developmental responses, including phenotypic plasticity and transgenerational effects mediated by non-genomic influences such as parental physiology, epigenetic effects and cultural learning. Over a longer timescale still are the cumulative genetic changes that take place in Darwinian evolution. We present examples showing how the adaptive responses of animals across these timescales have been represented in an integrative framework from NE, the geometric framework (GF) for nutrition, and close with an illustration of how GF can be applied to the central issue in CP, animal conservation.
Conservation physiology for applied management of marine fish: an overview with perspectives on the role and value of telemetry
Authors: Metcalfe J. D. , Le Quesne W. J. F. , Cheung W. W. L. , Righton D. A.
Published: May 2012

Physiological studies focus on the responses of cells, tissues and individuals to stressors, usually in laboratory situations. Conservation and management, on the other hand, focus on populations. The field of conservation physiology addresses the question of how abiotic drivers of physiological responses at the level of the individual alter requirements for successful conservation and management of populations. To achieve this, impacts of physiological effects at the individual level need to be scaled to impacts on population dynamics, which requires consideration of ecology. Successfully realizing the potential of conservation physiology requires interdisciplinary studies incorporating physiology and ecology, and requires that a constructive dialogue develops between these traditionally disparate fields. To encourage this dialogue, we consider the increasingly explicit incorporation of physiology into ecological models applied to marine fish conservation and management. Conservation physiology is further challenged as the physiology of an individual revealed under laboratory conditions is unlikely to reflect realized responses to the complex variable stressors to which it is exposed in the wild. Telemetry technology offers the capability to record an animal's behaviour while simultaneously recording environmental variables to which it is exposed. We consider how the emerging insights from telemetry can strengthen the incorporation of physiology into ecology.
Integrating phylogeography and physiology reveals divergence of thermal traits between central and peripheral lineages of tropical rainforest lizards
Authors: Moritz Craig , Langham Gary , Kearney Michael , Krockenberger Andrew , VanDerWal Jeremy , Williams Stephen
Published: May 2012

Tropical ectotherms are regarded as being especially threatened by global warming, but the extent to which populations vary in key thermal physiological traits is little known. In general, central and peripheral populations are most likely to differ where divergent selection pressures are un-opposed by gene flow. This leads to the prediction that persistent and long-isolated lineages in peripheral regions, as revealed by phylogeography, may differ physiologically from larger centrally located lineages. We test this prediction through comparative assays of critical thermal limits (minimum and maximum critical thermal limits, CTmin, CTmax) and optimal performance parameters (B80 andTopt) across central and peripheral lineages of three species of ground-dwelling skinks endemic to the rainforests of northeast Australia. Peripheral lineages show significantly increased optimal performance temperatures (Topt) relative to central populations as well as elevated CTmin, with the latter trait also inversely related to elevation. CTmaxdid not vary between central and peripheral lineages, but was higher in a forest edge species than in the forest interior species. The results suggest that long-isolated populations in peripheral rainforests harbour genotypes that confer resilience to future warming, emphasizing the need to protect these as well as larger central habitats.
An observational study of the Baska® mask: a novel supraglottic airway*
Authors: Alexiev V. , Salim A. , Kevin L. G. , Laffey J. G.
Published: May 2012

The Baska mask is a novel supraglottic airway device. We conducted an initial observational study to assess this device in 30 low‐risk female patients. All Baska masks were inserted by a single investigator. The overall success rate for device insertion was 96.7% (95% CI 82.8–99.9%), while the success rate for the first insertion attempt was 76.7% (95% CI 57.7–90.1%). The device was easy to insert, with a mean (SD) difficulty score of 0.9 (1.6) on a 10‐cm scale. The mean (SD) airway leak pressure was 35.7 (13.3) cmH2O. The incidence of throat pain, dysphonia and dysphagia was low. We conclude that the Baska mask demonstrates a level of utility as an alternative supraglottic airway that is worthy of further clinical study.
Hepatic expression of CCL2 in alcoholic liver disease is associated with disease severity and neutrophil infiltrates
Authors: Degré D , Lemmers A , Gustot T , Ouziel R , Trépo E , Demetter P , Verset L , Quertinmont E , Vercruysse V , Le Moine O , Devière J , Moreno C
Published: May 2012

Serum levels and liver expression of CCL2 are increased in patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH). In an experimental model of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), CCL2 was implicated in proinflammatory cytokines activation and hepatic lipid metabolism, but its role in human disease is currently unknown. In a large cohort of ALD patients, we analysed plasma levels and liver expression of CCL2 and their association with liver disease severity and histological lesions. We also studied the relationship between −2518 A > G CCL2 and CCR2 190 A/G polymorphisms and severity of ALD. We show that CCL2 plasma levels are increased in ALD patients compared with healthy subjects. AH patients had significantly higher plasma levels and hepatic expression of CCL2 than patients without AH. Plasma levels and hepatic expression of CCL2 were associated with disease severity. CCL2 liver expression was correlated with neutrophil infiltrate and interleukin (IL)-8 expression, but not with steatosis. Moreover, there were more G-allele carriers of −2518 A > G CCL2 polymorphism in severe AH patients than in other ALD patients. Our results demonstrate that CCL2 is increased in ALD, particularly in severe forms, and suggest a role for CCL2 in the pathogenesis of ALD via neutrophil recruitment.
The effects of treatment with drospirenone/ethinyl oestradiol alone or in combination with metformin on elastic properties of aorta in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Kaya Mehmet G. , Calapkorur Bekir , Karaca Zuleyha , Yildirim Sumeyra , Celik Ahmet , Akpek Mahmut , Unluhizarci Kursad , Kelestimur Fahrettin
Published: May 2012

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous clinical condition. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) have conventionally been the mainstay of treatment for the amelioration of hyperandrogenism and regulation of menstrual cycles in women with PCOS. Metformin has beneficial effects on insulin resistance and endothelial functions. To our knowledge, the effect of metformin/OCP combination treatment on aortic stiffness has not been studied so far.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of treatment with drospirenone/ethinyl oestradiol (E/E) alone or in combination with metformin on the elastic properties of the aorta in women with PCOS.

Methods

Thirty‐seven women with PCOS were enrolled in the study. The first treatment arm, which was treated with OCP alone, was described as the OCP group (19 patients, mean age: 23·2 ± 5·4); the other treatment arm, which was treated with OCP and metformin, was described as the combination group (18 patients, mean age: 23·0 ± 4·5). The elastic parameters of the aorta namely ‘aortic strain’, ‘aortic distensibility’, ‘aortic diameter alteration’ and ‘aortic stiffness index’ were calculated by the appropriate formulae. The hormonal profile, HOMA‐IR score, basal insulin and glucose levels were studied in both groups. Before and after 6 months of treatment, echocardiographic measurements and laboratory tests were also obtained.

Results

After 6 months of treatment, significant weight loss and decrease in body mass index (BMI) were observed in the combination group (75·3 ± 13·3 kg to 72·3 ± 13·5 kg and 31·7 ± 7·3 kg/m² vs 30·4 ± 7·3 kg/m², P = 0·001 and P = 0·001, respectively). Conversely in the OCP group, BMI and weight were not significantly different after 6 months of treatment (68·8 ± 18·3 kg to 71·6 ± 21·2 kg and 26·4 ± 6·2 kg/m² to 27·4 ± 6·9 kg/m², P = 0·159 and P = 0·149, respectively). In addition, there were no significant differences in aortic strain, distensibility (7·7 ± 4·2 to 7·8 ± 3·6 and 7·2 ± 4·1 to 7·7 ± 3·6, P = 0·926 and P = 0·593, respectively) and stiffness index in the OCP group (8·8 ± 7·4 to 8·2 ± 6·7, P = 0·772). However, in the combination group, the adjusted values of the aortic stiffness index decreased significantly at the 6 months' follow‐up (10·0 ± 1·5 to 6·7 ± 0·3, P = 0·021) and aortic distensibility and strain increased but not significantly (7·0 ± 4·3 to 9·3 ± 3·3 and 6·8 ± 3·9 to 9·4 ± 3·5, P = 0·163 and P = 0·071, respectively) at the 6 months' follow‐up.

Conclusion

We demonstrated an improvement in the elastic parameters of the aorta by adding metformin to OCP treatment. We suggest that metformin plus OCP treatment may decrease cardiovascular disease risk in women with PCOS.
A gradient‐ratio method for the semi‐automatic interpretation of gravity map data sets
Authors: Cooper G.R.J.
Published: May 2012

The application of semi‐automatic interpretation techniques to potential field data can be of significant assistance to a geophysicist. This paper generalizes the magnetic vertical contact model tilt‐depth method to gravity data using a vertical cylinder and buried sphere models. The method computes the ratio of the vertical to the total horizontal derivative of data and then identifies circular contours within it. Given the radius of the contour and the contour value itself, the depth to the source can be determined. The method is applied both to synthetic and gravity data from South Africa. The Matlab source code can be obtained from the author upon request.
Rock physics interpretation of heterogeneous and anisotropic turbidite reservoirs
Authors: Golikov Pavel , Avseth Per , Stovas Alexey , Bachrach Ran
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we create rock physics templates for heterogeneous and anisotropic thin‐bedded sand‐shale intervals as a function of group angle, net‐to‐gross, saturation and porosity as variable parameters. These templates are basically cross‐plots of acoustic impedance versus P‐ to S‐velocity ratio. We apply these templates to interpret well log data from a vertical and a deviated well, respectively, in a North Sea turbidite system. We are able to infer the shale anisotropic elastic moduli and Thomsen parameters by comparing the measured velocities in a deviated well with the velocities in an adjacent vertical well. Our modeling captures the observed trends in the data as we go from a vertical well to a deviated well through a heterogeneous reservoir saturated with light oil and water. We can clearly see how the reservoir properties changes due to the presence of anisotropy. We also perform an AVO sensitivity study as a function of heterogeneity and hydrocarbon saturation.
Multiple osteolytic lesions of intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma in the mandible mimicking apical periodontitis
Authors: Grimm M. , Henopp T. , Hoefert S. , Schaefer F. , Kluba S. , Krimmel M. , Reinert S.
Published: May 2012

Grimm M, Henopp T, Hoefert S, Schaefer F, Kluba S, Krimmel M, Reinert S. Multiple osteolytic lesions of intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma in the mandible mimicking apical periodontitis. International Endodontic Journal.

Aim

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively rare epithelial tumour of the salivary glands in the maxillofacial region. About 40–60% of the patients develop distant metastases, which have been documented most commonly in the lung but also in brain, bone, liver, thyroid, spleen and pancreatic gland.

A 55‐year‐old women with intraosseous ACC in the mandible mimicking apical periodontitis following curative resection and radiotherapy is presented. Three years later, multiple lung metastases were observed followed by chemotherapy. Five years after curative resection, the patient presented simultaneously with new expansive soft tissue in the pancreas and mammary gland as well as in the kidney found to be metastatic ACC. No case has been reported to date on the manifestation of distant metastases of intraosseous ACC in the breast and the kidney as described by these observations. Metastatic mammary gland ACC stained positive for epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) but was negative for HER‐2/neu and Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression.
Combination of astaxanthin and fish oil supplementation alters antioxidant enzyme profile of dental pulp tissue
Authors: Leite M. F. , Lima A. M. , Otton R.
Published: May 2012

Aim

To evaluate the effect of administration of astaxanthin (ASTA) and fish oil (FO) on enzymatic antioxidant parameters of dental pulp tissue from healthy rats.

Methodology

Thirty‐two healthy Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, ASTA‐treated (1 mg kg−1 body weight), FO‐treated (10 mg eicosapentaenoic acid per kg BW and 7 mg docosahexaenoic acid per kg BW) and FO plus ASTA‐treated. A prophylactic dose was administered in each group daily by gavage, 5 days a week, for 45 days. After treatment, the rats were killed and all incisor dental pulps were removed. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase and reductase activities were determined. Data were compared by anova and the Tukey's post‐test (
P
 < 0.05).

Results

Treatment with FO, ASTA and FO plus ASTA caused a reduction in SOD and GSH reductase activities in dental pulp tissue compared to untreated control rats (
P
 < 0.05). ASTA partially stimulated catalase activity.

Conclusions

The preventive administration of ASTA and FO changed the enzymatic antioxidant system of dental pulp tissue, possibly by controlling oxidative stress.
Effect of cleaning method, luting agent and preparation procedure on the retention of fibre posts
Authors: Bitter K. , Eirich W. , Neumann K. , Weiger R. , Krastl G.
Published: May 2012

Bitter K, Eirich W, Neumann K, Weiger R, Krastl G. Effect of cleaning method, luting agent and preparation procedure on the retention of fibre posts. International Endodontic Journal.

Aim

To investigate the effects of various cleaning methods, luting agents and preparation procedures on fibre post retention.

Methodology

In total, 156 human canines were allocated to twelve groups. Teeth were decoronated, instrumented and root filled using warm vertical gutta‐percha compaction. Post space preparation was performed in 78 roots using the dedicated preparation drills of the DT Light Post SL system [group post drill (PD)]. Gutta‐percha was removed from the other 78 roots using a round bur (RB) (group RB). Within each of these two groups, 26 root canals were rinsed with 1% NaOCl (control), 26 were cleaned using rotating brushes and pumice powder, and 26 were sandblasted with Al2
O
3 (50 μm) using an intraoral device. Cleanliness of each root canal was investigated using an operating microscope (n = 24) and scanning electron microscope (n = 2). Fibre posts were inserted using self‐adhesive resin cement (SmartCem2) or core build‐up material (CoreX Flow/XP Bond). Pull‐out force was measured using a universal testing machine. Statistical analyses were performed using three‐way anova and Tukey's HSD
post hoc tests.

Results

Root canal cleanliness was not affected by the cleaning method (P = 0.618, chi‐squared test). Pull‐out force for fibre posts was significantly affected by the cleaning method (P = 0.008), the luting agent (P < 0.0005) and the preparation procedure (P < 0.0005, three‐way anova). RB group demonstrated significantly higher pull‐out forces [399 (88) N] compared with PD group [287 (105) N]. Posts that were inserted using CoreX Flow/XP Bond exhibited significantly higher pull‐out forces [370 (62) N] compared with posts inserted using SmartCem2 [315 (141) N].

Conclusion

The different cleaning methods did not lead to significant differences in root canal cleanliness and did not enhance fibre post retention inside the root canal. However, post space preparation using a RB might be beneficial for improving retention, especially when self‐adhesive cements are used. The use of the core build‐up material CoreX Flow/XP Bond instead of the self‐adhesive resin cement, SmartCem 2, resulted in significantly higher pull‐out force.
Polar lakes may act as ecological islands to aquatic protists
Authors: RENGEFORS K. , LOGARES R. , LAYBOURN‐PARRY J.
Published: May 2012

A fundamental question in ecology is whether microorganisms follow the same patterns as multicellular organisms when it comes to population structure and levels of genetic diversity. Enormous population sizes, predominately asexual reproduction and presumably high dispersal because of small body size could have profound implications on their genetic diversity and population structure. Here, we have analysed the population genetic structure in a lake‐dwelling microbial eukaryote (dinoflagellate) and tested the hypothesis that there is population genetic differentiation among nearby lake subpopulations. This dinoflagellate occurs in the marine‐derived saline lakes of the Vestfold Hills, Antarctica, which are ice‐covered most of the year. Clonal strains were isolated from four different lakes and were genotyped using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Our results show high genetic differentiation among lake populations despite their close geographic proximity (<9 km). Moreover, genotype diversity was high within populations. Gene flow in this system is clearly limited, either because of physical or biological barriers. Our results discard the null hypothesis that there is free gene flow among protist lake populations. Instead, limnetic protist populations may differentiate genetically, and lakes act as ecological islands even on the microbial scale.
Surveillance of contact allergies: methods and results of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK)
Authors: Schnuch A. , Geier J. , Lessmann H. , Arnold R. , Uter W.
Published: May 2012

Contact allergy (CA) surveillance networks provide information to a multitude of stakeholders, which is indispensable for evidence‐based decision‐making in the field of prevention. Methods and results of the German surveillance system on CA are reviewed and discussed with reference to other systems. The German network structure comprises 56 departments of dermatology and includes all patients who are patch‐tested for suspected CA. Data analysis considers the results of patch testing and further pertinent information for each patient. Following aspects are addressed: (i) the description of the clinical population, (ii) evaluation of patch test reactions, (iii) relationship between patch test results and population characteristics. Trend analyses on chromate (decreasing), epoxy resin (increasing) and nickel (heterogeneous) served as examples for surveillance system analyses, with the identification of sentinel events, as well as proof of success or failure of prevention. In addition, external data sources can be used such as sales data of patch test preparations to estimate frequencies of sensitization on a population level. National prescription data of drugs and statistics of labelling of preservatives on cosmetics can be included, the latter two approaches allowing for risk estimates conferred by specific allergens.
Recombinant IGFBP‐3 inhibits allergic lung inflammation, VEGF production, and vascular leak in a mouse model of asthma
Authors: Kim S. R. , Lee K. S. , Lee K. B. , Lee Y. C.
Published: May 2012

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pro‐inflammatory mediator as well as a vascular permeability factor in bronchial asthma. Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I is also involved in the inflammatory process associated with bronchial asthma and stimulates VEGF expression. The IGF‐binding proteins (IGFBPs), especially IGFBP‐3, display distinctive properties and can interfere with various biological processes.

Methods

In this study, an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced murine model of allergic airway disease was used to investigate which mechanism is implicated in the preventive and therapeutic actions of IGFBP‐3 administered exogenously on allergen‐induced bronchial inflammation and airway hyper‐responsiveness, in particular focusing on the regulation of VEGF expression.

Results

Administration of recombinant human IGFBP‐3 to OVA‐inhaled mice substantially attenuated the increases in hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐α activity, IGF‐I production, and VEGF protein levels in the lung. In addition, the blockade of IGF‐I action decreased the OVA‐induced VEGF expression, airway inflammation, and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness. The administration of recombinant human IGFBP‐3 or CBO‐P11 also reduced significantly increases in inflammatory cells, airway hyper‐responsiveness, levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and vascular permeability in the lung of OVA‐inhaled mice. Moreover, when recombinant human IGFBP‐3 was administered after the completion of OVA inhalation, these therapeutic effects of IGFBP‐3 were also observed.

Conclusions

These results indicate that IGFBP‐3 administered exogenously may attenuate antigen‐induced airway inflammation and hyper‐responsiveness through the modulation of vascular leakage and VEGF expression mediated by HIF‐1α/HIF‐2α signaling as well as IGF‐I action in allergic airway disease of mice.
Drug‐/radiation‐induced interstitial lung disease in the United Kingdom general population: Incidence, all‐cause mortality and characteristics at diagnosis
Authors: AMAR RAJEEV K. , JICK SUSAN S. , ROSENBERG DANIEL , MAHER TOBY M. , MEIER CHRISTOPH R.
Published: May 2012

Background and objective:  Radiotherapy and an increasing number of substances are implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD). While the frequency of published data on more common ILD entities such as the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias has increased in recent years, less attention has been given to relatively rarely occurring forms such as drug‐/radiation‐induced ILD.

Methods:  Data from the UK‐based General Practice Research Database (GPRD) was used to estimate the incidence of drug‐/radiation‐induced ILD over a 12‐year period (1997–2008). Crude incidence rates were stratified by gender, age group and calendar period, and rate ratios were adjusted using Poisson regression. All‐cause mortality was modelled using Cox regression, and characteristics at diagnosis were compared with a random sample of matched, non‐ILD controls using conditional logistic regression.

Results:  A total of 128 patients with an incident diagnosis of drug‐/radiation‐induced ILD were identified, and the overall incidence density during the study period was 4.1 (95% confidence interval 3.4–4.9) per million person‐years. Incidence rates increased during the time period 1997–2005 and decreased thereafter. The adjusted all‐cause mortality was >4 times higher in cases compared with controls.

Conclusions:  This UK population‐based study characterizes patients diagnosed with drug‐/radiation‐induced ILD and quantifies incidence and all‐cause mortality during 1997–2008. No statistically significant time trend in incidence was found, despite having observed numeric increases in incidence rates during the study window. Future research using the GPRD and other data sources is required to better understand the disposition of patients diagnosed with drug‐/radiation‐induced ILD and to investigate potential trends incidence and mortality over time.
Influence of age on the clinical differentiation of atypical pneumonia in adults
Authors: MIYASHITA NAOYUKI , KAWAI YASUHIRO , AKAIKE HIROTO , OUCHI KAZUNOBU , HAYASHI TOSHIKIYO , KURIHARA TAKEYUKI , OKIMOTO NIRO
Published: May 2012

Background and objective:  The Japanese Respiratory Society (JRS) scoring system is a useful tool for the early and simple presumptive diagnosis of atypical pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonia). However, it has been suggested that it is difficult to diagnose atypical pneumonia in the elderly using this system. In the present study, we evaluated the accuracy and usefulness of the JRS scoring system for diagnosing atypical pneumonia in different age groups.

Methods:  Cases of M. pneumoniae (n = 262), C. pneumoniae (n = 98) and common bacterial pneumonia (n = 364) were analysed.

Results:  For both atypical pneumonias, the frequency of comorbid illnesses and being in a higher risk category were significantly greater in elderly (age ≥60 years) than in non‐elderly patients (age <60 years). One or more additional aetiological factors were more frequently present in elderly than in non‐elderly patients. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for atypical pneumonia were 39% and 88%, respectively, in the elderly group, and 86% and 88%, respectively, in the non‐elderly group. When the patients were stratified into 10‐year age groups, the diagnostic sensitivity was highest in the 18‐ to 29‐year age group and decreased from the youngest to the oldest age group.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that it is difficult to distinguish between atypical pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia in the elderly using the JRS scoring system. When treating patients aged ≥60 years, physicians should use fluoroquinolones or β‐lactam antibiotics + macrolides as empirical first‐choice drugs so as to always provide antibiotic protection against potential atypical pathogens.
Inhaled mannitol in the treatment of non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in adults
Authors: GJOERUP JULIANA , HILBERG OLE , BENDSTRUP ELISABETH
Published: May 2012

Bronchiectasis is a chronic disorder characterized by impaired mucociliary clearance and a relentless cycle of infection, inflammation and bronchial wall injury, which has a debilitating impact on the patient's quality of life and results in increased morbidity and mortality. It is a disease for which there are no currently registered therapeutic products, limited epidemiological data and no validated endpoints that have been accepted by the majority of regulatory authorities. This article reviews the evidence base for the efficacy of inhaled dry powder mannitol in patients with non‐cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis. The few published papers on this topic concluded that mannitol, when inhaled as a dry powder, is a promising treatment for bronchiectasis. It is designed to hydrate the lungs and restore normal mucociliary clearance mechanisms in the lungs. Based on the available evidence, mannitol inhalation is well tolerated and improves the quality of life of patients with non‐CF bronchiectasis. There is a need for well designed and adequately powered multicentre trials to establish the potential usefulness of mannitol as a treatment for non‐CF bronchiectasis.
At what spatial scales does resource selection vary? A case study of koalas in a semi‐arid region
Authors: SMITH ANDREW G. , MCALPINE CLIVE , RHODES JONATHAN R. , SEABROOK LEONIE , BAXTER GREG , LUNNEY DANIEL , BRADLEY ADRIAN
Published: May 2012

The conservation of any species requires understanding and predicting the distribution of its habitat and resource use, including the effects of scale‐dependent variation in habitat and resource quality. Consequently, testing for resource selection at the appropriate scales is critical. We investigated how the resource selection process varies across scales, using koalas in a semi‐arid landscape of eastern Australia as a case study. We asked: at what scales does tree selection by koalas vary across regions? We tested the importance of the variation of our ecological predictors at the following scales: (i) the site‐scale (a stand of trees representing an individual koala's perception of local habitat); (ii) the landscape‐scale (10 × 10 km area representing a space within which a population of koalas exists); and (iii) a combination of these scales. We used a mixed‐modelling approach to quantify variation in selection of individual trees by koalas among sites and landscapes within a 1600 km2 study area. We found that tree species, and tree height, were the most important factors influencing tree selection, and that their effect did not vary across scales. In contrast, preferences for trees of different condition, which is the state of tree canopy health, did vary across landscapes, indicating spatial variation in the selection of trees with respect to tree condition at the landscape‐scale, but not at the site‐scale. We conclude that resource selection processes can depend on the quality of those resources at different scales and their heterogeneous nature across landscapes, highlighting the consequence of scale‐dependent ecological processes. Designing studies that capture the heterogeneity in habitat and resources used by species that have an extensive distribution is an important prerequisite for effective conservation planning and management.
Meta‐analysis of the effects of small mammal disturbances on species diversity, richness and plant biomass
Authors: ROOT‐BERNSTEIN MEREDITH , EBENSPERGER LUIS A.
Published: May 2012

The disturbance activities of many small mammals, including building burrows, mounds, trails and tunnels, and herbivory, can have significant impacts on their ecosystems, both through trophic and non‐trophic interactions. Some species have large enough impacts through their disturbances to be classed as ecosystem engineers and/or keystone species. Others have negative or null effects. However, at present it is difficult to predict whether the disturbances created by a given species will have significant effects on common measures of ecosystem response such as species richness, diversity and biomass. We ask whether variables characterizing disturbance type, responding species, disturbance‐making species and the environment can predict changes in magnitude and direction of effects on biomass, richness and diversity. We test these predictions with a meta‐analysis of 106 data entries in a database derived from 63 papers, representing 40 small mammal species. We find that small mammal disturbances in general increase biomass, and both increase and decrease richness and diversity. We also identify individual environmental, disturbance‐related, and species‐related variables associated with these changes in magnitude and direction. We discuss the likely interactions between these variables, and how current proxy measures of disturbance impact could be replaced by more accurate direct measures. We recommend that future studies focus on conditions characterized by combinations of variables we identify as significant, in order to understand how these variable interactions (which cannot be analysed through meta‐analysis) affect disturbance outcomes. Based on the gaps in our database and results, we also recommend that future studies directly measure disturbance impact, measure disturbance effects on animal and well as plant taxa, and take measurements on multiple scales.
Genes encoding putative DEAD‐box RNA helicases in Listeria monocytogenes EGD‐e are needed for growth and motility at 3°C
Authors: Markkula Annukka , Mattila Mirjami , Lindström Miia , Korkeala Hannu
Published: May 2012

Quantitative RT‐PCR revealed that transcripts of all four putative DEAD‐box RNA helicase genes of the psychrotrophic pathogen Listeria monocytogenes EGD‐e are found at higher levels in organisms grown at 3°C than at 37°C. At 3°C, growth of the three corresponding gene deletion mutants Δlmo0866, Δlmo1450 and Δlmo1722 was clearly restricted. The minimum growth temperatures of the three mutants were also higher than that of the wild‐type EGD‐e. In addition to inability to grow at 3°C, growth of Δlmo0866 and Δlmo1722 was reduced at 25°C, suggesting special roles of Lmo0866 and Lmo1722 in growth at suboptimal temperatures. Growth of Δlmo1450 was restricted not only at 3°C and 25°C, but also at 37°C, suggesting that Lmo1450 plays a universal role in growth of L. monocytogenes EGD‐e. Moreover, cold‐sensitive Δlmo0866, Δlmo1450 and Δlmo1722 were impaired in motility. The Δlmo0866 and Δlmo1450 strains were non‐motile, while Δlmo1722 showed reduced motility. This study shows that the putative DEAD‐box RNA helicase genes lmo0866, lmo1450 and lmo1722 are necessary for cold tolerance and motility of L. monocytogenes EGD‐e.
Identification of naphthalene carboxylase as a prototype for the anaerobic activation of non‐substituted aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Mouttaki Housna , Johannes Jörg , Meckenstock Rainer U.
Published: May 2012

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene are recalcitrant environmental pollutants that are only slowly metabolized by bacteria under anoxic conditions. Based on metabolite analyses of culture supernatants, carboxylation or methylation of naphthalene have been proposed as initial enzymatic activation reactions in the pathway. However, the extremely slow growth of anaerobic naphthalene degraders with doubling times of weeks and the little biomass obtained from such cultures hindered the biochemical elucidation of the initial activation reaction, so far. Here, we provide biochemical evidence that anaerobic naphthalene degradation is initiated via carboxylation. Crude cell extracts of the sulfate‐reducing enrichment culture N47 converted naphthalene and 13C‐labelled bicarbonate to 2‐[carboxyl‐13C]naphthoic acid at a rate of 0.12 nmol min−1 mg protein−1. The enzyme, namely naphthalene carboxylase, catalysed a much faster exchange of 13C‐labelled bicarbonate with the carboxyl group of 2‐[carboxyl‐12C]naphthoic acid at a rate of 3.2 nmol min−1 mg protein−1, indicating that the rate limiting step of the carboxylation reaction is the activation of the naphthalene molecule rather than the carboxylation itself. Neither the carboxylation nor the exchange reaction activities necessitate the presence of ATP or divalent metal ions and they were not inhibited by avidin or EDTA. The new carboxylation reaction is unprecedented in biochemistry and opens the door to understand the anaerobic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are among the most hazardous environmental contaminants.
Gender differences in mortality, quality of life and function after restorative procedures for rectal cancer
Authors: Zutshi M. , Hull T. , Shedda S. , Lavery I. , Hammel J.
Published: May 2012

Aim  Studies investigating the functional outcome after restorative surgery for rectal cancer have mainly focused on the effect of different surgical techniques on bowel habit or sexual activity at a single time‐point. The aim of this study was to assess, longitudinally, the effect of rectal cancer treatment on bowel function, quality of life and sexual activity.

Method  The study parameters were assessed using self‐administered questionnaires, including the Short Form 36 (SF‐36), repeatedly, over a 5‐year period. Patient details were obtained from the Cleveland Clinic prospective database.

Results  There were 260 (186 male) patients. The mean ages of male and female patients at the time of surgery were 60.5 and 57.5 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in comorbidity or stage between the groups. Women had a better overall survival. More women than men had postoperative radiation and perioperative blood transfusions. Men had a higher percentage of hand‐sewn anastomoses (23.9%vs 10.8%, P = 0.018), but there was no overall difference in the mean level of anastomosis (2.3 cm vs 1.9 cm, P = 0.38). Men had worse nocturnal bowel function, more incontinence and a poorer mental component score on the SF‐36. Pad use increased over time to a greater degree in women. Sexual activity, which was similar in men and women at baseline, had fallen at 5 years in both genders.

Conclusion  After restorative resection for rectal cancer, bowel function is worse in men than in women, especially night evacuation at 3 and 5 years postoperatively. Sexual function in both genders declines sharply initially within 1 year postoperatively and more gradually over 5 years.
Case‐matched comparison of perioperative outcomes after surgical treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis in solid organ transplant recipients versus immunocompetent patients
Authors: Reshef A. , Stocchi L. , Kiran R. P. , Flechner S. , Budev M. , Quintini C. , Remzi F. H.
Published: May 2012

Aim  To compare the perioperative outcomes following surgery for sigmoid diverticulitis in transplant recipients and immunocompetent patients.

Method  Solid organ transplant recipients operated on for sigmoid diverticulitis from 1995 to 2010 were case‐matched to immunocompetent patients based on surgical procedure, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, Hinchey score, elective vs urgent surgery, age ± 10  years and year of surgery ± 5 years. Demographics, clinical presentation and perioperative outcomes were assessed.

Results  Of 5329 consecutive patients undergoing heart, lung, kidney and liver transplantation since 1995, 51 (0.6%) underwent surgery for diverticulitis between 1995 and 2010 with 14% mortality and 45% morbidity. Urgent surgery in 37/51 patients [Hartmann’s procedure 28, sigmoidectomy with diverting ileostomy 8, loop ileostomy 1 (9 cases within 2 months after transplantation)] was associated with significantly increased postoperative mortality (19%vs 0%, P = 0.01), increased morbidity (51%vs 24%, P = 0.03) and longer mean hospital stay (19 vs 13 days, P = 0.1) when compared with immunocompetent patients. Four patients undergoing urgent surgery had suffered previous episodes of diverticulitis treated nonoperatively. Elective surgery was associated with no mortality in 14 transplant recipients (nine sigmoidectomy with diverting ileostomy, five sigmoidectomy without diversion) or in immunocompetent controls. Following elective procedures, transplant recipients had similar morbidity and increased hospital stay (29% and 9.6 vs 6.5 days, P = 0.2, respectively). Permanent stoma rates and postoperative morbidity after stoma takedown were comparable in the two groups. All living patients except one (kidney) retained their graft function.

Conclusions  Urgent surgery for sigmoid diverticulitis in transplant recipients is associated with worse postoperative outcomes when compared with immunocompetent patients, unlike elective surgery. Future studies will need to clarify the role of early surgery after the first diverticulitis episode.