bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assembly of Connexin43 into Gap Junctions Is Regulated Differentially by E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin in Rat Liver Epithelial Cells
Authors: Govindarajan Rajgopal , Chakraborty Souvik , Johnson Kristen E. , Falk Matthias M. , Wheelock Margaret J. , Johnson Keith R. , Mehta Parmender P.
Published: September 2010

Cadherins have been thought to facilitate the assembly of connexins (Cxs) into gap junctions (GJs) by enhancing cell–cell contact, however the molecular mechanisms involved in this process have remained unexplored. We examined the assembly of GJs composed of Cx43 in isogenic clones derived from immortalized and nontransformed rat liver epithelial cells that expressed either epithelial cadherin (E-Cad), which curbs the malignant behavior of tumor cells, or neuronal cadherin (N-Cad), which augments the invasive and motile behavior of tumor cells. We found that N-cad expression attenuated the assembly of Cx43 into GJs, whereas E-Cad expression facilitated the assembly. The expression of N-Cad inhibited GJ assembly by causing endocytosis of Cx43 via a nonclathrin-dependent pathway. Knock down of N-Cad by ShRNA restored GJ assembly. When both cadherins were simultaneously expressed in the same cell type, GJ assembly and disassembly occurred concurrently. Our findings demonstrate that E-Cad and N-Cad have opposite effects on the assembly of Cx43 into GJs in rat liver epithelial cells. These findings imply that GJ assembly and disassembly are the down-stream targets of the signaling initiated by E-Cad and N-Cad, respectively, and may provide one possible explanation for the disparate role played by these cadherins in regulating cell motility and invasion during tumor progression and invasion.
Magnetic Resonance Enterography for Suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Horsthuis Karin , de Ridder Lissy , Smets Anne MJB , van Leeuwen Maarten S , Benninga Marc A , Houwen Roderick HJ , Littooij Annemieke S , Nievelstein Rutger AJ , Stoker Jaap
Published: September 2010

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in diagnosing and differentiating pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The secondary aims were to determine the accuracy of MRE in grading disease activity and determine the interobserver agreement for individual MRE parameters.

Patients and Methods:

Pediatric patients scheduled to undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, and barium enteroclysis for suspected IBD were included and underwent MRE. MRE images were evaluated by 3 observers. The accuracy of MRE was calculated using the clinical diagnosis based on endoscopic, histopathological, and barium enteroclysis examinations as reference standard.

Results:

Thirty‐three patients were available for analysis. IBD was correctly diagnosed in, respectively, 61%, 61%, and 91% of the patients by the 3 observers, with a specificity of 80%, 90%, and 60%. Differentiation between Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) was accurately done in, respectively, 67%, 53%, and 80% of patients with CD and 0%, 14%, and 43% of patients with UC. Disease activity was understaged on MRE in the majority of patients. Intraclass correlation coefficients for measurements of bowel thickness were 0.52 (observer 1–2; observer 1–3) and 0.34 (observer 2–3). Interobserver agreement on bowel wall enhancement and stenosis was moderate to good (κ 0.59, 0.56, and 0.56 and κ 0.62, 0.32, 0.30, respectively).

Conclusions:

Sensitivity and specificity values of MRE for diagnosing pediatric IBD were moderate to good. CD, but not UC, was accurately diagnosed by MRE in a large proportion of patients. Activity was understaged in a large proportion of patients. Interobserver agreement for individual MRE parameters was fair to good.
Eosinophil Counts in Upper Digestive Mucosa of Western European Children: Variations With Age, Organs, Symptoms, Helicobacter pylori Status, and Pathological Findings
Authors: Kalach N , Huvenne H , Gosset P , Papadopoulos S , Dehecq E , Decoster A , Creusy C , Dupont C
Published: September 2010

Aim:

The aim of the study was to measure the number of eosinophils per high‐power field (eos/HPF) according to age, organs, and clinical symptoms and to compare the results to histological characteristics of the upper digestive tract mucosa in children.

Patients and Methods:

A systematic prospective assessment of 284 esophagus, 342 antrum, 453 corpus, and 167 duodenum biopsies was carried out in 316 girls and 366 boys referred for endoscopy (median age 9 months), eos/HPF, and histological analysis.

Results:

Counts (mean–max SD) were as follows: esophagus 1.73 to 50 eos/HPF (5.35), antrum 3.27 to 40 (4.7), corpus 2.11 to 38 (3.76), and duodenum 4.80 to 46 (7.7). Counts >15 eos/HPF were found in 2.8% esophagi, 3.5% corpora, 4.9% antra, and 10.7% duodena. Duodenal eos/HPF were significantly higher than those of esophageal, corporeal, and antral. Mucosal eos/HPF increased with age in esophagus and antrum. The highest esophageal eos/HPF were significantly associated with recurrent abdominal pain, and with anemia in antrum, corpus, and duodenum. Major and/or minor histological features of eosinophilic esophagitis were seen in 9 of 10 esophagi with 5 to 15 eos/HPF and 7 of 8 esophagi with >15 eos/HPF. Eosinophils per high‐power field were significantly correlated with histological antral and corporeal gastric inflammation. Helicobacter pylori–positive children had higher eosinophils per high‐power field than H pylori negative ones both in esophagus and in antrum.

Conclusions:

The present study shows that in a western European country mucosal hypereosinophilia is rare. Mucosal eosinophil counts increase from esophagus to duodenum, and also with age in esophagus and antrum. The highest eos/HPF in the esophagus are associated with recurrent abdominal pain and in the corpus, antrum, and duodenum with anemia. Features of eosinophilic esophagitis are rare but detectable in association with counts as low as 6 eos/HPF.
Direct Medical Costs of Constipation From Childhood to Early Adulthood: A Population‐based Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Choung Rok Seon , Shah Nilay D , Chitkara Denesh , Branda Megan E , Van Tilburg Miranda A , Whitehead William E , Katusic Slavica K , Locke G Richard , Talley Nicholas J
Published: September 2010

Background:

Although direct medical costs for constipation‐related medical visits are thought to be high, to date there have been no studies examining whether longitudinal resource use is persistently elevated in children with constipation. Our aim was to estimate the incremental direct medical costs and types of health care use associated with constipation from childhood to early adulthood.

Methods:

A nested case‐control study was conducted to evaluate the incremental costs associated with constipation. The original sample consisted of 5718 children in a population‐based birth cohort who were born during 1976 to 1982 in Rochester, MN. The cases included individuals who presented to medical facilities with constipation. The controls were matched and randomly selected among all noncases in the sample. Direct medical costs for cases and controls were collected from the time subjects were between 5 and 18 years of age or until the subject emigrated from the community.

Results:

We identified 250 cases with a diagnosis of constipation in the birth cohort. Although the mean inpatient costs for cases were $9994 (95% Confidence interval [CI] 2538–37,201) compared with $2391 (95% CI 923–7452) for controls (P = 0.22) during the time period, the mean outpatient costs for cases were $13,927 (95% CI 11,325–16,525) compared with $3448 (95% CI 3771–4621) for controls (P < 0.001) during the same time period. The mean annual number of emergency department visits for cases was 0.66 (95% CI 0.62–0.70) compared with 0.34 (95% CI 0.32–0.35) for controls (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Individuals with constipation have higher medical care use. Outpatient costs and emergency department use were significantly greater for individuals with constipation from childhood to early adulthood.
Effect of Surgical Portosystemic Shunt on Prevalence of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Children With Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction: Assessment by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Psychometry
Authors: Srivastava Anshu , Yadav Santosh Kumar , Lal Richa , Yachha Surender Kumar , Thomas Michael A , Saraswat Vivek A , Gupta Rakesh K
Published: September 2010

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgical portosystemic shunt (PSS) on the prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction.

Patients and Methods:

Forty‐two children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (17 with surgical PSS, 25 without surgical shunt) and 20 healthy children were evaluated with blood ammonia (BA), psychometry, 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, critical flicker frequency (CFF), and diffusion tensor imaging. Serum tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 were measured in 10 patients and 8 controls.

Results:

Patients with surgical PSS had significantly higher BA and glutamine/creatine on 1H‐MR spectroscopy than those without surgical shunt. Both groups of patients had significantly higher BA and glutamate/creatine than controls. Myoinositol was reduced in patients with surgical PSS. MHE was present in 41% cases with and 32% cases without surgical PSS (p‐ns). Raised mean diffusivity on diffusion tensor imaging signifying low‐grade cerebral edema was seen only in MHE cases. Patients had significantly higher serum tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 levels than controls. CFF was abnormal in 5 of 15 patients with MHE.

Conclusions:

Patients with surgical PSS have significantly higher BA and Glx/creatine than those without surgical PSS. MHE prevalence was higher in surgically shunted than in the nonshunted patients, but the difference was not significant. Cerebral edema is present in patients with MHE. CFF has limited diagnostic utility for MHE in children.
Wolbachiainfection lowers fertile sperm transfer in a moth
Authors: Lewis Z. , Champion de Crespigny F. E. , Sait S. M. , Tregenza T. , Wedell N.
Published: September 2010

The endosymbiotic bacteriumWolbachia pipientismanipulates host reproduction by rendering infected males reproductively incompatible with uninfected females (cytoplasmic incompatibility; CI). CI is believed to occur as a result ofWolbachia-induced modifications to sperm during maturation, which prevent infected sperm from initiating successful zygote development when fertilizing uninfected females' eggs. However, the mechanism by which CI occurs has been little studied outside the genusDrosophila. Here, we show that in the sperm heteromorphic Mediterranean flour moth,Ephestia kuehniella, infected males transfer fewer fertile sperm at mating than uninfected males. In contrast, non-fertile apyrene sperm are not affected. This indicates thatWolbachiamay only affect fertile sperm production and highlights the potential of the Lepidoptera as a model for examining the mechanism by whichWolbachiainduces CI in insects.
Sir Richard Doll CH OBE. 28 october 1912 — 24 July 2005
Authors: Peto Richard , Beral Valerie
Published: September 2010

In 1950 Richard Doll and Bradford Hill (later Sir Austin Bradford Hill; FRS 1954) showed that smoking was a cause, and an important cause, of the rapidly increasing epidemic of lung cancer in the UK. In 1951 they started the prospective study of smoking and mortality in British doctors that Doll continued for 50 years, showing that half of all smokers are eventually killed by their habit and that stopping smoking is remarkably effective. Between 1950 and 2005, overall UK death rates decreased by half in middle age; more than half of this decrease was due to the decrease in mortality from smoking.
Lost Royal Society documents on ‘alkahest’ (universal solvent) rediscovered
Authors: Alfonso-Goldfarb Ana Maria , Ferraz Márcia Helena Mendes , Rattansi Piyo M.
Published: September 2010

Although historians have recently shown a great deal of interest in the early-modern search for the liquor alkahest or universal solvent, early Royal Society discussions of that legendary substance have been ignored, probably because the papers associated with them seemed to have been lost. Three of them have recently been rediscovered in the Society's archives. This article reproduces them for the first time in photographic facsimile with a description and commentary placing them in their contemporary context.
Spatially explicit predictions of blood parasites in a widely distributed African rainforest bird
Authors: Sehgal R. N. M. , Buermann W. , Harrigan R. J. , Bonneaud C. , Loiseau C. , Chasar A. , Sepil I. , Valkiūnas G. , Iezhova T. , Saatchi S. , Smith T. B.
Published: September 2010

Critical to the mitigation of parasitic vector-borne diseases is the development of accurate spatial predictions that integrate environmental conditions conducive to pathogen proliferation. Species of
Plasmodium
and
Trypanosoma
readily infect humans, and are also common in birds. Here, we develop predictive spatial models for the prevalence of these blood parasites in the olive sunbird (
Cyanomitra olivacea
). Since this species exhibits high natural parasite prevalence and occupies diverse habitats in tropical Africa, it represents a distinctive ecological model system for studying vector-borne pathogens. We used PCR and microscopy to screen for haematozoa from 28 sites in Central and West Africa. Species distribution models were constructed to associate ground-based and remotely sensed environmental variables with parasite presence. We then used machine-learning algorithm models to identify relationships between parasite prevalence and environmental predictors. Finally, predictive maps were generated by projecting model outputs to geographically unsampled areas. Results indicate that for
Plasmodium
spp., the maximum temperature of the warmest month was most important in predicting prevalence. For
Trypanosoma
spp., seasonal canopy moisture variability was the most important predictor. The models presented here visualize gradients of disease prevalence, identify pathogen hotspots and will be instrumental in studying the effects of ecological change on these and other pathogens.
Temperature tolerance and energetics: a dynamic energy budget-based comparison of North Atlantic marine species
Authors: Freitas Vânia , Cardoso Joana F. M. F. , Lika Konstadia , Peck Myron A. , Campos Joana , Kooijman Sebastiaan A. L. M. , van der Veer Henk W.
Published: September 2010

Temperature tolerance and sensitivity were examined for some North Atlantic marine species and linked to their energetics in terms of species-specific parameters described by dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory. There was a general lack of basic information on temperature tolerance and sensitivity for many species. Available data indicated that the ranges in tolerable temperatures were positively related to optimal growth temperatures. However, no clear relationships with temperature sensitivity were established and no clear differences between pelagic and demersal species were observed. The analysis was complicated by the fact that for pelagic species, experimental data were completely absent and even for well-studied species, information was incomplete and sometimes contradictory. Nevertheless, differences in life-history strategies were clearly reflected in parameter differences between related species. Two approaches were used in the estimation of DEB parameters: one based on the assumption that reserve hardly contributes to physical volume; the other does not make this assumption, but relies on body-size scaling relationships, using parameter values of a generalized animal as pseudo-data. Temperature tolerance and sensitivity seemed to be linked with the energetics of a species. In terms of growth, relatively high temperature optima, sensitivity and/or tolerance were related to lower relative assimilation rates as well as lower maintenance costs. Making the step from limited observations to underlying mechanisms is complicated and extrapolations should be carefully interpreted. Special attention should be devoted to the estimation of parameters using body-size scaling relationships predicted by the DEB theory.
Dynamic energy budget approaches for modelling organismal ageing
Authors: van Leeuwen Ingeborg M. M. , Vera Julio , Wolkenhauer Olaf
Published: September 2010

Ageing is a complex multifactorial process involving a progressive physiological decline that, ultimately, leads to the death of an organism. It involves multiple changes in many components that play fundamental roles under healthy and pathological conditions. Simultaneously, every organism undergoes accumulative ‘wear and tear’ during its lifespan, which confounds the effects of the ageing process. The scenario is complicated even further by the presence of both age-dependent and age-independent competing causes of death. Various manipulations have been shown to interfere with the ageing process. Calorie restriction, for example, has been reported to increase the lifespan of a wide range of organisms, which suggests a strong relation between energy metabolism and ageing. Such a link is also supported within the main theories for ageing: the free radical hypothesis, for instance, links oxidative damage production directly to energy metabolism. The Dynamic Energy Budgets (DEB) theory, which characterizes the uptake and use of energy by living organisms, therefore constitutes a useful tool for gaining insight into the ageing process. Here we compare the existing DEB-based modelling approaches and, then, discuss how new biological evidence could be incorporated within a DEB framework.
Bifurcation theory, adaptive dynamics and dynamic energy budget-structured populations of iteroparous species
Authors: Kooi B. W. , van der Meer J.
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we describe a technique to evaluate the evolutionary dynamics of the timing of spawning for iteroparous species. The life cycle of the species consists of three life stages, embryonic, juvenile and adult whereby the transitions of life stages (gametogenesis, birth and maturation) occur at species-specific sizes. The dynamics of the population is studied in a semi-chemostat environment where the inflowing food concentration is periodic (annual). A dynamic energy budget-based continuous-time model is used to describe the uptake of the food, storage in reserves and allocation of the energy to growth, maintenance, development (embryos, juveniles) and reproduction (adults). A discrete-event process is used for modelling reproduction. At a fixed spawning date of the year, the reproduction buffer is emptied and a new cohort is formed by eggs with a fixed size and energy content. The population consists of cohorts: for each year one consisting of individuals with the same age which die after their last reproduction event. The resulting mathematical model is a finite-dimensional set of ordinary differential equations with fixed 1-year periodic boundary conditions yielding a stroboscopic map. We will study the evolutionary development of the population using the adaptive dynamics approach. The trait is the timing of spawning. Pairwise and mutual invasibility plots are calculated using bifurcation analysis of the stroboscopic map. The evolutionary singular strategy value belonging to the evolutionary endpoint for the trait allows for an interpretation of the reproduction strategy of the population. In a case study, parameter values from the literature for the bivalve
Macoma balthica
are used.
Inferential statistics of electron backscatter diffraction data from within individual crystalline grains
Authors: Bachmann Florian , Hielscher Ralf , Jupp Peter E. , Pantleon Wolfgang , Schaeben Helmut , Wegert Elias
Published: September 2010

Highly concentrated distributed crystallographic orientation measurements within individual crystalline grains are analysed by means of ordinary statistics neglecting their spatial reference. Since crystallographic orientations are modelled as left cosets of a given subgroup of SO(3), the non-spatial statistical analysis adapts ideas borrowed from the Bingham quaternion distribution on {\bb S}^3. Special emphasis is put on the mathematical definition and the numerical determination of a `mean orientation' characterizing the crystallographic grain as well as on distinguishing several types of symmetry of the orientation distribution with respect to the mean orientation, like spherical, prolate or oblate symmetry. Applications to simulated as well as to experimental data are presented. All computations have been done with the free and open-source texture toolboxMTEX.
X+: a comprehensive computationally accelerated structure analysis tool for solution X-ray scattering from supramolecular self-assemblies
Authors: Ben-Nun Tal , Ginsburg Avi , Székely Pablo , Raviv Uri
Published: September 2010

X+is a user-friendly multi-core accelerated program that fully analyses solution X-ray scattering radially integrated images. This software is particularly useful for analysing supramolecular self-assemblies, often found in biology, and for reconstructing the scattering signal in its entirety. The program enables various ways of subtracting background noise. The user selects a geometric model and defines as many layers of that shape as needed. The thickness and electron density of each layer are the fitting parameters. An initial guess is input by the user and the program calculates the form-factor parameters that best fit the data. The polydispersity of one size parameter at a time can be taken into account. The program can then address the assembly of those shapes into different lattice symmetries. This is accounted for by fitting the parameters of the structure factor, using various peak line shapes. The models of the program and selected features are presented. Among them are the model-fitting procedure, which includes both absolute and relative constraints, data smoothing, signal decomposition for separation of form and structure factors, goodness-of-fit verification procedures, error estimation, and automatic feature recognition in the data, such as correlation peaks and baseline. The program's intuitive graphical user interface runs on Windows PCs. UsingX+, the exact structure of a microtubule in a crowded environment, and the structure, domain size, and elastic and interaction parameters of lipid bilayers, were obtained.
Evidence for a non-rhombohedral average structure in the lead-free piezoelectric material Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3
Authors: Gorfman S. , Thomas P. A.
Published: September 2010

The potential lead-free piezoelectric material sodium bismuth titanate, Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3, was investigated by means of high-resolution single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. The splitting of Bragg peaks observed in the high-resolution reciprocal-space maps suggests that the average structure of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3has lower than rhombohedral symmetry. This observation is contrary to the commonly adopted model, which has followed from many previous analyses of neutron and X-ray powder diffraction data.
Low‐dose carcinogenicity of 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f ]quinoline in rats: Evidence for the existence of no‐effect levels and a mechanism involving p21Cip / WAF1
Authors: Wei Min , Wanibuchi Hideki , Nakae Dai , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Takahashi Satoru , Hirose Masao , Totsuka Yukari , Tatematsu Masae , Fukushima Shoji
Published: September 2010

The carcinogenicity of the low amounts of genotoxic carcinogens present in food is of pressing concern. The purpose of the present study was to determine the carcinogenicity of low doses of the dietary genotoxic carcinogen 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoline (IQ) and to investigate mechanisms by which IQ exerts its carcinogenic effects. A total of 1595 male F344 rats were divided into seven groups and administered with IQ at doses of 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 p.p.m. in the diet for 16 weeks. We found that IQ doses of 1 p.p.m. and below did not induce preneoplastic lesions in either the liver or the colon, while IQ doses of 10 and 100 p.p.m. induced preneoplastic lesions in both of these organs. These results demonstrate the presence of no‐effect levels of IQ for both liver and colon carcinogenicity in rats. The finding that p21Cip/WAF1 was significantly induced in the liver at doses well below those required for IQ mediated carcinogenic effects suggests that induction of p21Cip/WAF1 is one of the mechanisms responsible for the observed no‐effect of low doses of IQ. Furthermore, IQ administration caused significant induction of CYP1A2 at doses of 0.01–10 p.p.m., but administration of 100 p.p.m. IQ induced CYP1A1 rather than CYP1A2. This result indicates the importance of dosage when interpreting data on the carcinogenicity and metabolic activation of IQ. Overall, our results suggest the existence of no‐effect levels for the carcinogenicity of this genotoxic compound. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 88–94)
Comparison of three videolaryngoscopes: Pentax Airway Scope, C‐MAC™, Glidescope® vs the Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation*
Authors: Teoh W. H. L. , Saxena S. , Shah M. K. , Sia A. T. H.
Published: September 2010

We compared the intubating characteristics of the Pentax Airway Scope, the C‐MAC™ and the Glidescope® with those of the Macintosh laryngoscope in 400 patients without predictors of difficult intubation. We found shorter intubation times with the Airway Scope (mean (SD) 20.6 (11.5) s) compared with the C‐MAC (31.9 (17.6) s) and Glidescope (31.2 (15.0) s), p < 0.001. The median (IQR [range]) score for ease of intubation was significantly lower (better) with the Airway Scope (0 (0–8.75 [0–60])) than with the C‐MAC (10 (0–20 [0–90])) or Glidescope (0 (0–20 [0–80])), p < 0.001. Ease of blade insertion in the C‐MAC (0 (0–0 [0–30])) was superior to that of the Airway Scope (0 (0–0 [0–70])), Macintosh (0 (0–0 [0–80])) or Glidescope (0 (0–10 [0–60])), p = 0.006. More patients had a grade 1 laryngeal view with the Airway Scope (97%) compared with the C‐MAC (87%), Glidescope (78%), or Macintosh (58%), p < 0.001. There were no grade 3 laryngeal views with the Airway Scope. The three videolaryngoscopes had comparable first attempt successful intubation rates: 95% for the Airway Scope, 93% for the C‐MAC and 91% for the Glidescope.
Exploitation of intertidal grazers as a driver of community divergence
Authors: Martins Gustavo M. , Thompson Richard C. , Neto Ana I. , Hawkins Stephen J. , Jenkins Stuart R.
Published: September 2010

1. The possibility that different assemblages of species may represent alternative stable states has been the subject of much theoretical and empirical work. Alternative stable states may in theory arise from a perturbation of sufficient magnitude that pushes an assemblage from one stable equilibrium point to another. Overfishing is one such disturbance that can lead to cascading community‐level effects. Yet, whether these different assemblages represent alternative stable states or are the consequence of chronic disturbance from fishing is still a matter of debate. Understanding the mechanisms that drive community stability is fundamental if we are to assess the consequences of anthropogenic impacts on the structure and function of ecosystems to better inform management of disturbed habitats.

2. To investigate the extent to which present‐day community state is stable versus being maintained by chronic exploitation, we manipulated the time and intensity of physical disturbance and grazing by limpets in a system where over‐harvesting of limpets has led to a regional‐scale shift in community structure to one in which algal turfs have replaced barnacles as the primary space occupier in the mid‐intertidal.

3. After a 1‐year period since disturbance was applied, assemblages in disturbed areas were significantly different from undisturbed areas, but the timing of disturbance and its intensity had little effect on the outcome of succession. Undisturbed areas were highly resistant to new colonization and persisted unchanged throughout the study period.

4. Manipulation of limpet abundance in disturbed patches showed that, where present, limpets successfully prevented the recolonization of space by algal turfs. Moreover, there was evidence that grazing by limpets at the turf/open‐rock boundary effectively pushed the turfs back, extending the area of open‐rock.

5. Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide evidence that in this system the dominance by algal turfs does not represent an alternative stable state but that chronic exploitation of limpets leads to the persistence of this community. Conservation strategies aimed at protecting or enhancing limpet abundances (e.g. no‐take marine reserves) should allow the gradual restoration of this community to its pre‐disturbed state.
Islands of water in a sea of dry land: hydrological regime predicts genetic diversity and dispersal in a widespread fish from Australia’s arid zone, the golden perch (Macquaria ambigua)
Authors: FAULKS LEANNE K. , GILLIGAN DEAN M. , BEHEREGARAY LUCIANO B.
Published: September 2010

Rivers provide an excellent system to study interactions between patterns of biodiversity structure and ecological processes. In these environments, gene flow is restricted by the spatial hierarchy and temporal variation of connectivity within the drainage network. In the Australian arid zone, this variability is high and rivers often exist as isolated waterholes connected during unpredictable floods. These conditions cause boom/bust cycles in the population dynamics of taxa, but their influence on spatial genetic diversity is largely unknown. We used a landscape genetics approach to assess the effect of hydrological variability on gene flow, spatial population structure and genetic diversity in an Australian freshwater fish, Macquaria ambigua. Our analysis is based on microsatellite data of 590 samples from 26 locations across the species range. Despite temporal isolation of populations, the species showed surprisingly high rates of dispersal, with population genetic structure only evident among major drainage basins. Within drainages, hydrological variability was a strong predictor of genetic diversity, being positively correlated with spring‐time flow volume. We propose that increases in flow volume during spring stimulate recruitment booms and dispersal, boosting population size and genetic diversity. Although it is uncertain how the hydrological regime in arid Australia may change under future climate scenarios, management strategies for arid‐zone fishes should mitigate barriers to dispersal and alterations to the natural flow regime to maintain connectivity and the species’ evolutionary potential. This study contributes to our understanding of the influence of spatial and temporal heterogeneity on population and landscape processes.
Effect of Green Buffer Storage on the Fertility of Fresh Camel Semen after Artificial Insemination
Authors: Morton KM , Billah M , Skidmore JA
Published: September 2010

Contents

Artificial insemination (AI) is one of the most widely used reproductive technologies, and there is considerably interest in commercializing this technology in camels. Storage of semen extender frozen (at −20°C) is of considerable interest to scientists working with camels, as transportation of diluents at refrigeration temperature is not always possible given the hot, arid and remote conditions that dromedary camels exist in. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the fertility of fresh camel semen, after dilution in fresh or frozen‐thawed green buffer (GB), after AI into single and multiple ovulating female camels. No differences were observed in any sperm characteristics (motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity or morphology) when semen was diluted in fresh or frozen‐thawed GB (p > 0.05). Sperm motility was increased by dilution (fresh: 70.7 ± 4.9% and frozen: 68.8 ± 3.1%) compared with the motility of sperm in neat semen (35 ± 2.85%; p < 0.05), and sperm motility changed from oscillatory to forward progressive after dilution. Pregnancy rates were higher (p < 0.05) for single ovulating camels inseminated with semen diluted in fresh (72.7%) compared with frozen‐thawed GB (27.3%), and fertilization rates were also higher (p < 0.05) for multiple ovulating camels inseminated with semen diluted in fresh (83.3%) compared with frozen‐thawed GB (11.1%). These results clearly demonstrate the detrimental effect of freezing and thawing semen diluent on the fertility of fresh camel semen. However, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism responsible for this reduction in fertility. Moreover, these results demonstrate that the fertility of fresh camel semen diluted in fresh GB is high enough to be considered commercially viable.
Tumour Necrosis Factor in the Canine Endometrium: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Payan‐Carreira R , Pires MA , Ström Holst B , Rodriguez‐Martinez H
Published: September 2010

Contents

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF), a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates cell growth and differentiation as well as the synthesis of other cytokines, has been identified in the uterus of several species describing a cyclic pattern, eventually under ovarian steroid regulation. Information is yet limited on the presence of TNF protein in the canine endometrium during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. This study depicts the temporal immunolocalization of TNF in the bitch endometrium along the oestrous cycle and changes associated with the early steps of embryo invasion. TNF immunolabelling was found in both the stromal fibroblasts and epithelial components of the canine endometrium in all stages studied. Stromal immunostaining was more intense than that of the epithelia, in all the stages of the oestrous cycle. In addition, a tendency for a decrease in the surface epithelium intensity score was found in early dioestrus. A positive glandular content was only observed in anoestrus and proestrus stages. In early pregnancy (days 13–16), TNF immunolabelling was detected at the embryo–maternal surface, in the syncytium cords and the trophoblast, as well in the endometrial stroma and the basal endometrial glands, but not in the lacunar epithelium. The overall TNF immunoreactivity was higher in early pregnancy samples in comparison with those of the early dioestrus and dioestrus stages, suggesting it plays a role during implantation.
Postoperative prostate‐specific antigen nadir improves accuracy for predicting biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy: Results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) and Duke Prostate Center databases
Authors: Moreira Daniel M , Presti Jr Joseph C , Aronson William J , Terris Martha K , Kane Christopher J , Amling Christopher L , Sun Leon L , Moul Judd W , Freedland Stephen J
Published: September 2010

Objectives:  We previously showed that prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) nadir after radical prostatectomy (RP) significantly predicts biochemical recurrence (BCR). Herein, we sought to explore the effect of including PSA nadir into commonly used models on their accuracy to predict BCR after RP.

Methods:  This was a retrospective analysis of 943 and 1792 subjects from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) and Duke Prostate Cancer (DPC) databases, respectively. The discrimination accuracy for BCR of seven previously published models was assessed using concordance index and compared with and without adding PSA nadir level in SEARCH. Using data from SEARCH, we developed a new nomogram incorporating PSA nadir to other known predictors (preoperative PSA, pathological Gleason score, PSA nadir level, surgical findings, prostate weight, body mass index and race) of BCR and externally validated it in the DPC.

Results:  In SEARCH, the mean concordance index across all seven nomograms was 0.687. After the inclusion of PSA nadir, the concordance index increased by nearly 7% (mean = 0.753). The concordance index of the new nomogram in SEARCH was 0.779 (bias‐corrected = 0.767), which was 5% better than the next best model. In DPC, the new nomogram yielded a concordance index of 0.778.

Conclusion:  The addition of postoperative PSA nadir to commonly used nomograms increased their accuracies by nearly 7%. Based upon this, we developed and externally validated a new nomogram, which was well calibrated and highly accurate, and is a potentially valuable tool for patients and physicians to predict BCR after RP.
Awareness of emergency contraception among university students in Mersin, Turkey
Authors: Yapici Gulcin , Oner Seva , Sasmaz Tayyar , Bugdayci Resul , Oner Kurt Ahmet
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study is to determine the degree of knowledge, behavior and attitude of university students in Mersin towards emergency contraception (EC).

Material & Methods:  This cross‐sectional study was carried out among the students of the University of Mersin in December 2008. One thousand and forty‐two voluntary students participated in this study and answered the questions presented in the self‐administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information and the students' awareness, knowledge and use of EC.

Results:  The study sample consisted of 532 males and 510 females. The mean age of the participants was 20.4 ± 1.8. Overall, 149 (14.3%) students were aware of EC, and among those, 125 (83.9%) students correctly identified 72 h as the time limit for the methods to be used. The main sources of knowledge about EC were schools (38.9%), friends (18.8%), healthcare providers (17.4%), media (16.1%) and other sources (8.7%). EC awareness was positively associated with female gender, age, studying Health Sciences, father's level of education and level of monthly income. A total of 37 respondents (3.6%) reported that they had unprotected intercourse. Only 20 students or their partners had previously used emergency contraceptive pills.

Conclusion:  Awareness and knowledge of EC was low among the students of Mersin University. Our results demonstrated that males are less aware about EC when compared to females. We strongly recommend that education and counseling about sexual health and family planning be offered to this age group.
Habitual use of warm‐water cleaning toilets is related to the aggravation of vaginal microflora
Authors: Ogino Mitsuharu , Iino Koichi , Minoura Shigeki
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Warm‐water cleaning toilets, or ‘bidet toilets’, are one of the most popular household goods in Japan. However, a recent large‐scale survey raised questions about the relationship between bidet toilet use and bacterial vaginitis as reflecting bacterial vaginosis with inflammation. Recently, gynecologists have expressed concerns about the increase in aggravated vaginal microflora in habitual bidet users. Therefore, the present study was designed to clarify the possible relevancy of bidet usage to changes in vaginal microflora.

Methods:  Two hundred and sixty‐eight non‐pregnant women of reproductive age, with an increase in vaginal discharge, consented to enter the study. On outpatient visit, an aliquot of cervicovaginal secretion was obtained by a sterilized cotton swab and cultured using standard culture systems.

Results:  Normal microflora (Lactobacillus species) was not present in 42.86% of bidet toilet users, compared to 8.77% of non‐users. Fecal bacteria were detected in 50 of the 268 cases (18.66%), 46 cases in users (92%) and only 4 cases in non‐users (8%). Contamination by other pathogens was 4 to 6 times higher in users than in non‐users.

Conclusion:  Habitual use of bidet toilets aggravates vaginal microflora, either by depriving normal microflora or facilitating opportunistic infection of fecal bacteria and other microorganisms.
Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia) during pregnancy: Report of a case complicated by fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia
Authors: Yamamoto Tamao , Suzuki Yoshikatsu , Kaneko Saori , Hattori Yukio , Obayashi Shintaro , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Sugiura Mayumi
Published: September 2010

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia) leads to disturbed glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis due to a deficiency in the enzyme glucose‐6‐phosphatase. A patient with GSD Ia showed hypoglycemia and proteinuria without dietary management since early pregnancy. The patient's condition was complicated by hypertension with increase in proteinuria at 22 weeks of gestation. In spite of administration of antihypertensive drugs and dietary management, the disease became more severe with deterioration in the fetal status and inhibition of fetal growth. Thus, a cesarean section was performed at 26 weeks of gestation. The delivered male infant weighing 412 g died at 2 days after birth. The patient's blood pressure had normalized within 3 months after delivery, while proteinuria persisted.
Factors related to recurrence in non‐obese women with endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma
Authors: Panggid Kannika , Cheewakriangkrai Chalong , Khunamornpong Surapan , Siriaunkgul Sumalee
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the clinicopathological factors associated with recurrence of disease in non‐obese women with endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

Methods:  Medical records of the 138 patients who had newly diagnosed endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma with body mass index (BMI) <25 and underwent a complete staging surgery between 1999 and 2007 were reviewed.

Results:  The median age was 55 years (30–75 years). The median BMI was 21.3 (14.0–25.0). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) (1988) stages of the patients were as follows: 11 (8.0%) Ia, 30 (21.7%) Ib, 23 (16.7%) Ic, 5 (3.6%) IIa, 13 (9.4%) IIb, 12 (8.7%) IIIa, 2 (1.4%) IIIb, 38 (27.5%) IIIc, 4 (2.9%) IVb. Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and lymph node metastasis was present in 73 (53%) and 38 (27.5%) patients, respectively. LVSI was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001), advanced FIGO stage (P < 0.0001), poor histological grade (P = 0.006), and deep uterine invasion (P < 0.0001). The presence of LVSI, poor histological grade, and advanced stage were found significantly in patients who had disease recurrences (P = 0.026, P < 0.001, and P = 0.015, respectively). Patients with LVSI, when stratified by FIGO stage, had a significant lower 5‐year overall survival rate (58.8% versus 76.3%, log–rank test, P = 0.04).

Conclusion:  LVSI, poor histological grade, and advanced stage were associated with disease recurrence in non‐obese women with endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Non‐obese patients with LVSI‐positive tumors tend to have a poorer survival rate than obese patients with LVSI‐positive tumors.
Painful pelvic joints induced by a levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system
Authors: Fotoohi Alan Kambiz , Melin Anna‐Sofia
Published: September 2010

The normally occurring loosening of the pelvic joints with separation of the symphysis during pregnancy may give rise to pain over the symphysis pubis or/and over the sacroiliac joints. In contrast, increased mobility between the pubic bones and pelvic pain without any direct connection with pregnancy is rare and its etiology is unclear. The following is a report of a patient who experienced symphysiolysis‐like pelvic pain following the use of a levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system.
Activity‐dependent dendritic secretion of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor modulates synaptic plasticity
Authors: Kuczewski Nicola , Porcher Christophe , Gaiarsa Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2010

During the last decade, a major role has emerged for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the translation of intrinsic or sensory‐driven synaptic activities into the neuronal network plasticity that sculpts neural circuits. BDNF is released from dendrites and axons in response to synaptic activity and modulates many aspects of synaptic function. Although the importance of BDNF in synaptic plasticity has been clearly established, direct evidence for a specific contribution of the activity‐dependent dendritic secretion of BDNF has been difficult to obtain. This review summarizes recent advances that have established specific effects of postsynaptic BDNF secretion on synapse efficacy and development. We will also discuss these data in the light of their functional and pathological significance.
Nutrient‐regulated transcriptional responses in the brown tide‐forming alga Aureococcus anophagefferens
Authors: Wurch Louie L. , Haley Sheean T. , Orchard Elizabeth D. , Gobler Christopher J. , Dyhrman Sonya T.
Published: September 2010

Long‐SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression) was used to profile the transcriptome of the brown tide‐forming alga, Aureococcus anophagefferens, under nutrient replete (control), and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deficiency to understand how this organism responds at the transcriptional level to varying nutrient conditions. This approach has aided A. anophagefferens genome annotation efforts and identified a suite of genes upregulated by N and P deficiency, some of which have known roles in nutrient metabolism. Genes upregulated under N deficiency include an ammonium transporter, an acetamidase/formamidase and two peptidases. This suggests an ability to utilize reduced N compounds and dissolved organic nitrogen, supporting the hypothesized importance of these N sources in A. anophagefferens bloom formation. There are also a broad suite of P‐regulated genes, including an alkaline phosphatase, and two 5′‐nucleotidases, suggesting A. anophagefferens may use dissolved organic phosphorus under low phosphate conditions. These N‐ and P‐regulated genes may be important targets for exploring nutrient controls on bloom formation in field populations.
Nerve growth factor level in the prostatic fluid of patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is correlated with symptom severity and response to treatment
Authors: Watanabe Toyohiko , Inoue Miayabi , Sasaki Katsumi , Araki Motoo , Uehara Shinya , Monden Koichi , Saika Takashi , Nasu Yasutomo , Kumon Hiromi , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) are correlated with symptom severity in chronic prostatitis (CP) and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with CP/CPPS underwent a complete history and physical examination, and were scored according to the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI).

Expressed prostatic secretion samples from 20 patients with CP/CPPS and from four asymptomatic control patients were collected and frozen, and NGF levels in EPS were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Patients were asked to complete NIH‐CPSI questionnaires at baseline and 8 weeks after treatment and patients with at least a 25% decrease in total NIH‐CPSI score from the baseline values were classified as responders to treatment.

RESULTS

The mean (±sd) NGF levels in EPS of patients with CP/CPPS and asymptomatic control patients were 7409 (±3788) pg/mL and 4174 (±1349) pg/mL, respectively. The NGF level in patients with CP/CPPS correlated directly with pain severity (P= 0.014, r= 0.541).

There were no significant differences between NGF levels in EPS before and after treatment. However, successful treatment significantly decreased NGF levels in responders (P= 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Nerve growth factor might contribute to the pathophysiology of CP/CPPS as changes in NGF level in EPS occurred in proportion to pain severity. Therefore, these results suggest that NGF could be used as a new biomarker to evaluate the symptoms of CP/CPPS and the effects of treatment.