bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrocyte Networks and Epilepsy: When Stars Collide
Authors: Wong Michael
Published: July 2009

Loss of Astrocytic Domain Organization in the Epileptic Brain. Oberheim NA, Tian GF, Han X, Peng W, Takano T, Ransom B, Nedergaard M. J Neurosci 2008;28(13):3264–3276. Gliosis is a pathological hallmark of posttraumatic epileptic foci, but little is known about these reactive astrocytes beyond their high glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Using diolistic labeling, we show that cortical astrocytes lost their nonoverlapping domain organization in three mouse models of epilepsy: posttraumatic injury, genetic susceptibility, and systemic kainate exposure. Neighboring astrocytes in epileptic mice showed a 10-fold increase in overlap of processes. Concurrently, spine density was increased on dendrites of excitatory neurons. Suppression of seizures by the common antiepileptic, valproate, reduced the overlap of astrocytic processes. Astrocytic domain organization was also preserved in APP transgenic mice expressing a mutant variant of human amyloid precursor protein despite a marked upregulation of GFAP. Our data suggest that loss of astrocytic domains was not universally associated with gliosis, but restricted to seizure pathologies. Reorganization of astrocytes may, in concert with dendritic sprouting and new synapse formation, form the structural basis for recurrent excitation in the epileptic brain.

Astroglial Metabolic Networks Sustain Hippocampal Synaptic Transmission. Rouach N, Koulakoff A, Abudara V, Willecke K, Giaume C. Science 2008;322(5907):1551–1555. Astrocytes provide metabolic substrates to neurons in an activity-dependent manner. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this function, as well as its role in synaptic transmission, remain unclear. Here, we show that the gap-junction subunit proteins connexin 43 and 30 allow intercellular trafficking of glucose and its metabolites through astroglial networks. This trafficking is regulated by glutamatergic synaptic activity mediated by AMPA receptors. In the absence of extracellular glucose, the delivery of glucose or lactate to astrocytes sustains glutamatergic synaptic transmission and epileptiform activity only when they are connected by gap junctions. These results indicate that astroglial gap junctions provide an activity-dependent intercellular pathway for the delivery of energetic metabolites from blood vessels to distal neurons.
The Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein: A Valuable Partner in the Battle against Epileptogenesis
Authors: Merlin Lisa R.
Published: July 2009

Correction of Fragile X Syndrome in Mice. Dölen G, Osterweil E, Rao BSS, Smith GB, Auerbach BD, Chattarji S, Bear MF. Neuron 2007;56:955–962. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of heritable mental retardation and the leading identified cause of autism. FXS is caused by transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene that encodes the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), but the pathogenesis of the disease is unknown. According to one proposal, many psychiatric and neurological symptoms of FXS result from unchecked activation of mGluR5, a metabotropic glutamate receptor. To test this idea we generated Fmr1 mutant mice with a 50% reduction in mGluR5 expression and studied a range of phenotypes with relevance to the human disorder. Our results demonstrate that mGluR5 contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of the disease, a finding that has significant therapeutic implications for fragile X and related developmental disorders.

Limbic Epileptogenesis in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Qiu LF, Lu TJ, Hu XL, Yi YH, Liao WP, Xiong ZQ. Cereb Cortex 2009 in press. (doi:10.1093/cercor/bhn163) Fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by silencing of the Fmr1 gene, is the most common form of inherited mental retardation. Epilepsy is reported to occur in 20–25% of individuals with FXS. However, no overall increased excitability has been reported in Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, except for increased sensitivity to auditory stimulation. Here, we report that kindling increased the expressions of Fmr1 mRNA and protein in the forebrain of wild-type (WT) mice. Kindling development was dramatically accelerated in Fmr1 KO mice, and Fmr1 KO mice also displayed prolonged electrographic seizures during kindling and more severe mossy fiber sprouting after kindling. The accelerated rate of kindling was partially repressed by inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) with MK-801 or mGluR5 receptor with 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP). The rate of kindling development in WT was not effected by MPEP, however, suggesting that FMRP normally suppresses epileptogenic signaling downstream of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Our findings reveal that FMRP plays a critical role in suppressing limbic epileptogenesis and predict that the enhanced susceptibility of patients with FXS to epilepsy is a direct consequence of the loss of an important homeostatic factor that mitigates vulnerability to excessive neuronal excitation.
Leukocyte–Endothelial Adhesion Mechanisms in Epilepsy: Cheers and Jeers
Authors: Vezzani Annamaria , Janigro Damir
Published: July 2009

A Role for Leukocyte-Endothelial Adhesion Mechanisms in Epilepsy. Fabene PF, Navarro MG, Martinello M, Rossi B, Merigo F, Ottoboni L, Bach S, Angiari S, Benati D, Chakir A, Zanetti L, Schio F, Osculati A, Marzola P, Nicolato E, Homeister JW, Xia L, Lowe JB, McEver RP, Osculati F, Sbarbati A, Butcher EC, Constantin G. Nat Med 2008;14(12):1377–1383. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder that affects approximately one percent of the world population, are not well understood1,2,3. Using a mouse model of epilepsy, we show that seizures induce elevated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecules and enhanced leukocyte rolling and arrest in brain vessels mediated by the leukocyte mucin P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1, encoded by Selplg) and leukocyte integrins41 and L2. Inhibition of leukocyte-vascular interactions, either with blocking antibodies or by genetically interfering with PSGL-1 function in mice, markedly reduced seizures. Treatment with blocking antibodies after acute seizures prevented the development of epilepsy. Neutrophil depletion also inhibited acute seizure induction and chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, which is known to enhance neuronal excitability, was induced by acute seizure activity but was prevented by blockade of leukocyte-vascular adhesion, suggesting a pathogenetic link between leukocyte-vascular interactions, BBB damage and seizure generation. Consistent with the potential leukocyte involvement in epilepsy in humans, leukocytes were more abundant in brains of individuals with epilepsy than in controls. Our results suggest leukocyte-endothelial interaction as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of epilepsy.
T-channels: Short-Term Up-Regulation Causes Long-Term Consequences in Epilepsy
Authors: Poolos Nicholas P.
Published: July 2009

Transcriptional Upregulation of Cav3.2 Mediates Epileptogenesis in the Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy. Becker AJ, Pitsch J, Sochivko D, Opitz T, Staniek M, Chen CC, Campbell KP, Schoch S, Yaari Y, Beck H. J Neurosci 2008 Dec 3;28(49):13341–13353. In both humans and animals, an insult to the brain can lead, after a variable latent period, to the appearance of spontaneous epileptic seizures that persist for life. The underlying processes, collectively referred to as epileptogenesis, include multiple structural and functional neuronal alterations. We have identified the T-type Ca2+ channel Cav3.2 as a central player in epileptogenesis. We show that a transient and selective upregulation of Cav3.2 subunits on the mRNA and protein levels after status epilepticus causes an increase in cellular T-type Ca2+ currents and a transitional increase in intrinsic burst firing. These functional changes are absent in mice lacking Cav3.2 subunits. Intriguingly, the development of neuropathological hallmarks of chronic epilepsy, such as subfield-specific neuron loss in the hippocampal formation and mossy fiber sprouting, was virtually completely absent in Cav3.2- /– mice. In addition, the appearance of spontaneous seizures was dramatically reduced in these mice. Together, these data establish transcriptional induction of Cav3.2 as a critical step in epileptogenesis and neuronal vulnerability.
Hand‐Held Echocardiogram Does Not Aid in Triaging Chest Pain Patients from the Emergency Department
Authors: Kansal Mayank , Kessler Chad , Frazin Lee
Published: July 2009

Background: Accurate triage of emergency department (ED) patients presenting with chest pain is a primary goal of the ED physician. In addition to standard clinical history and examination, a hand‐held echocardiogram (HHE) may aid the emergency physician in making correct decisions. We tested the hypothesis that an HHE performed and interpreted by a cardiology fellow could help risk‐stratify patients presenting to the ED with chest pain. Methods: ED physicians evaluated 36 patients presenting with cardiovascular symptoms. Patients were then dispositioned to either an intensive care bed, a monitored bed, an unmonitored bed, or home. Following disposition, an HHE was performed and interpreted by a cardiology fellow to evaluate for cardiac function and pathology. The outcomes evaluated (1) a change in the level of care and (2) additional testing ordered as a result of the HHE. Results: The HHE showed wall motion abnormalities in 31% (11 out of 36) of the studies, but the level of care did not change after HHE for any patients who presented with chest pain to the ED. No additional laboratory or imaging tests were ordered for any patients based on the results of the HHE. Eighty‐six percent (31 out of 36) of the studies were of adequate quality for interpretation, and 32 out of 36 (89%) interpretations correlated with an attending overread. Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of abnormal wall motion in this population, hand‐held echocardiography performed in this ED setting did not aid in the risk stratification process of chest pain patients. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
Blood Cyst of the Mitral Valve: A Rare Cause of Stroke
Authors: Lodha Ankur , Patel Jigar , Haran Mehandi , Sadiq Adnan , Shani Jacob
Published: July 2009

Intracardiac blood cysts are thin‐walled cysts, lined by flattened, cobblestone‐shaped epithelium, and filled with nonorganized blood. During autopsy, they are found on cardiac valves in approximately 50% of infants below the age of 2 months and are rarely found after the age of 2 years. We report a rare case of blood cyst attached to the mitral valve and a possible cause of an embolic stroke. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
Integrating Research into Clinical Practice: Development of an Echocardiography Research Unit
Authors: Green Tammy M. , Barnes Marion E. , Belohlavek Marek , Gilman Gregory , Carlson Laurel A. , Hagen Mary E. , Pellikka Patricia A.
Published: July 2009

Introducing a research program into an echocardiography clinical practice can pose many challenges. Some initial factors to consider are the possible effects on the current clinical schedule and the equipment and personnel resources required to support the research projects. More importantly, how can an organization successfully complete reliable and accurate research projects? Here, we describe our experience with establishing an echocardiography research center within our clinical echocardiography practice. In addition, we identify key staff roles, highlight our current research practice methods, and suggest essential components that may prove advantageous when incorporating echocardiography research into a clinical practice. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
A Fellow's Perspective on Handheld Echo during Cardiology Rounds: “Me and Charlie Down by the Bedside”
Authors: Greenstein Eugene , Frazin Leon J.
Published: July 2009

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus Imaged with 64‐slice Multidetector CT
Authors: Biteker Murat , Duran Nilüfer Ekşi , Özkan Mehmet
Published: July 2009

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
Continuing Medical Education Program in Echocardiography
Authors: Fan Pohoey , Luckie Mathew , Irion Luciane , Khattar Rajdeep S.
Published: July 2009

Article Title: Severe Mitral and Aortic Regurgitation in Association with Ankylosing Spondylitis

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)
Tail Posterior Probability for Inference in Pairwise and Multiclass Gene Expression Data
Authors: Bochkina N. , Richardson S.
Published: July 2009

Summary We consider the problem of identifying differentially expressed genes in microarray data in a Bayesian framework with a noninformative prior distribution on the parameter quantifying differential expression. We introduce a new rule, tail posterior probability, based on the posterior distribution of the standardized difference, to identify genes differentially expressed between two conditions, and we derive a frequentist estimator of the false discovery rate associated with this rule. We compare it to other Bayesian rules in the considered settings. We show how the tail posterior probability can be extended to testing a compound null hypothesis against a class of specific alternatives in multiclass data.
Immunohistochemical analysis of NF‐κB signaling proteins IKKε, p50/p105, p52/p100 and RelA in prostate cancers
Authors: SEO SEONG IL , SONG SANG YONG , KANG MI RAN , KIM MIN SUNG , OH JI EUN , KIM YOO RI , LEE JI YOUL , YOO NAM JIN , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: July 2009

Seo SI, Song SY, Kang MR, Kim MS, Oh JE, Kim YR, Lee JY, Yoo NJ, Lee SH. Immunohistochemical analysis of NF‐κB signaling proteins IKKε, p50/p105, p52/p100 and RelA in prostate cancers. APMIS 2009; 117:623–8.

Activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling is considered an important mechanism in the development of prostate cancers. A recent study revealed that IκB kinase epsilon (IKKε), an activator of NF‐κB, was overexpressed in breast cancers and acted as an oncogene. Expression of NF‐κB members has been reported in prostate cancer tissues, but expression of IKKε has not yet been studied in prostate cancers. In this study, we attempted to explore as to whether expressions of IKKε and NF‐κB members p50/105, p52/p100 and RelA are altered in prostate cancers. We analyzed the expression of IKKε, p50/105, p52/p100 and RelA in 107 prostate adenocarcinoma tissues by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray (TMA) method. In the TMA, IKKε is expressed in basal cells, but not in alveolar cells in normal prostate glands. IKKε is expressed in 60.0% of prostate intraepithelial neoplasm (PIN) and 70.1% of the prostate cancers in the cytoplasm. Nuclear immunostainings of NF‐κB members p50/105, p52/p100 and RelA, which are considered activation of NF‐κB signaling, were observed respectively in 28.0%, 18.7% and 37.4% of the cancers. Nuclear staining was detected neither in normal alveolar cells nor in PIN. However, none of the expression of p50/105 nor p52/p100 nor RelA nor IKKε was associated with pathologic characteristics, including size of the cancers, age, Gleason score and stage. The increased cytoplasmic expression of IKKε as well as the increased nuclear expressions of p50/105, p52/p100 and RelA in the prostate cancers compared to normal alveolar cells suggested that overexpression of these proteins may be related to activation of the NF‐κB pathway and might play a role in tumorigenesis of prostate cancers.
Predicting the incidence of human campylobacteriosis in Finland with time series analysis
Authors: SUMI AYAKO , HEMILÄ HARRI , MISE KEIJI , KOBAYASHI NOBUMICHI
Published: July 2009

Sumi A, Hemilä H, Mise K, Kobayashi N. Predicting the incidence of human campylobacteriosis in Finland with time series analysis. APMIS 2009; 117: 614–22.

Human campylobacteriosis is a common bacterial cause of gastrointestinal infections. In this study, we tested whether spectral analysis based on the maximum entropy method (MEM) is useful in predicting the incidence of campylobacteriosis in five provinces in Finland, which has been accumulating good quality incidence data under the surveillance program for water‐ and food‐borne infections. On the basis of the spectral analysis, we identified the periodic modes explaining the underlying variations of the incidence data in the years 2000–2005. The optimum least squares fitting (LSF) curve calculated by using the periodic modes reproduced the underlying variation of the incidence data. We extrapolated the LSF curve to the years 2006 and 2007 and predicted the incidence of campylobacteriosis. Our study suggests that MEM spectral analysis allows us to model temporal variations of the disease incidence with multiple periodic modes much more effectively than using the Fourier model, which has been previously used for modeling seasonally varying incidence data.
Detection of virulence genes of Clostridium difficile by multiplex PCR
Authors: ANTIKAINEN JENNI , PASANEN TANJA , MERO SOINTU , TARKKA EVELIINA , KIRVESKARI JUHA , KOTILA SAARA , MENTULA SILJA , KÖNÖNEN EIJA , VIROLAINEN‐JULKUNEN ANNI‐RIITTA , VAARA MARTTI , TISSARI PÄIVI
Published: July 2009

Antikainen J, Pasanen T, Mero S, Tarkka E, Kirveskari J, Kotila S, Mentula S, Könönen E, Virolainen‐Julkunen A‐R, Vaara M, Tissari P. Detection of virulence genes of Clostridium difficile by multiplex PCR. APMIS 2009; 117: 607–13.

Clostridium difficile strains belonging to the PCR ribotype 027, pulse‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type NAP1, toxinotype III and restriction endonuclease analysis group BI harbouring mutations in the tcdC gene and possessing binary toxin components A and B have been described to cause epidemics with increased morbidity and mortality. In the present study we developed a conventional multiplex PCR designed to detect selected virulence associated markers of the hypervirulent C. difficile PCR ribotype 027. The multiplex PCR assay detected the major toxins A and B, binary toxin components A and B as well as a possible deletion in the tcdC gene: a characteristic pattern of amplification products for the PCR ribotype 027 strains was detected. This rather simple method was specific for the screening of this hypervirulent C. difficile strain. The correlation between the multiplex PCR and PCR ribotyping methods was excellent. The sensitivity and specificity were 100% in our epidemiological situation. In conclusion, this multiplex PCR was found useful in the preliminary screening for the hypervirulent C. difficile PCR ribotype 027.
Psoriasis vs allergic contact dermatitis in palms and soles: a quantitative histologic and immunohistochemical study
Authors: CESINARO ANNA MARIA , NANNINI NAZARENA , MIGALDI MARIO , PEPE PATRIZIA , MAIORANA ANTONIO
Published: July 2009

Cesinaro AM, Nannini N, Migaldi M, Pepe P, Maiorana A. Psoriasis vs allergic contact dermatitis in palms and soles: a quantitative histologic and immunohistochemical study. APMIS 2009; 117: 629–34.

A systematic histologic and immunohistochemical study of cases of psoriasis (PSO) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in palmo‐plantar skin was performed to find differences between these two diseases that usually show overlapping features in these specific sites. Skin biopsies from 42 (22 female, 20 male) patients were evaluated for several histopathologic parameters and immunohistochemistry was applied to quantify keratinocytic proliferation, the number of dendritic cells (DCs) and the phenotype of the mononuclear cell infiltrate. Regular epidermal hyperplasia and marked parakeratosis were found to be more frequent in PSO than in ACD cases, but only the first parameter reached the level of significance (p = 0.03). The number of S100 protein‐positive DCs was significantly higher in ACD (p = 0.006), whereas keratinocytic proliferation, studied with Mib‐1, was found to be higher in PSO than in ACD, but the difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference was detected in the number of CD4+, CD8+ and bcl2+ lymphocytes in PSO and ACD cases. In the palms and soles, the finding of irregular epidermal hyperplasia and the detection of a higher number of S100 protein‐positive DCs favor the diagnosis of ACD over PSO. The differential diagnosis between PSO and ACD can be practically approached using a histopathologic parameter and a commercially available antibody.
Community differentiation on landscapes: drift, migration and speciation
Authors: Hu Xin‐Sheng , He Fangliang , Hubbell Stephen P.
Published: July 2009

Theories of the differentiation of ecological communities on landscapes have typically not considered evolutionary dynamics. Here we analytically study the expected differentiation among local communities in a large metacommunity, undergoing speciation, ecological drift and intercommunity dispersal, in the context of neutral theory. We demonstrate that heterogeneity in species diversity and abundance arises among communities when local communities are small and intercommunity migration is infrequent. We propose a new measure to describe community differentiation, defined as the average correlation or the average probability (Cst) that two randomly sampled individuals of the same species within local communities are from the same ancestor. The effects of driving forces (migration, mutation, and ecological drift) are incorporated into the two‐level hierarchical community structure in a finite island model of neutral communities. Community differentiation can increase the effective metacommunity size or the Hubbell's fundamental species diversity in the metacommunity by a factor (1−Cst)−1. Significant community differentiation arises when Cst≠0. Intercommunity migration promotes species diversity in local communities but reduce species diversity in the metacommunity. In either the finite or infinite island case, one can estimate the number of intercommunity migrants by using multiple local community datasets when the speciation is negligible in the neutral local communities, or by using the metacommunity dataset when the speciation is included in the local neutral communities. These results highlight the significance of the evolutionary mechanisms in generating heterogeneous communities in the absence of complicated ecological processes on large landscapes.
Salmon species, density and watershed size predict magnitude of marine enrichment in riparian food webs
Authors: Hocking Morgan D. , Reimchen Thomas E.
Published: July 2009

Resource subsidies across habitat boundaries can structure recipient communities and food webs. In the northern Pacific region, bears Ursus spp. foraging on anadromous salmon Oncorhynchus spp. provide a key link between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, with salmon density, fish size and watershed size as potential predictors of the magnitude of marine subsidy to terrestrial habitats. We use nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes to provide an assessment of the patterns of marine‐enrichment in riparian plants (11 species, 4 guilds) and litter invertebrates (4 guilds) sampled from 27 watersheds in coastal British Columbia, Canada. Watersheds occurred in three geographical regions (Vancouver Island, mainland midcoast and Haida Gwaii) and varied in size, and in biomass (kg m−1 of spawning length) and species of salmon (chum O. keta, pink O. gorbuscha and coho O. kisutch). δ15N values in all plant species and invertebrate guilds were positively predicted by total salmon biomass (kg m−1) and negatively predicted by watershed size. We observed replicated parallel slopes among plant species and invertebrate guilds across the gradient in salmon biomass, with differences in means hypothesized to be due to plant fractionation and animal trophic position. As such, we derived a watershed δ15N‐index averaged across guilds, and using an information theoretic approach we find that the biomass of chum salmon is a much stronger predictor of the δ15N‐index than either pink or coho salmon, or the sum biomass of all species. The top linear model contained chum biomass and watershed size. Chum salmon biomass independently predicted δ15N‐index variation in all three regions of British Columbia. Chum salmon are larger than pink or coho and provide an energetic reward for bears that facilitates carcass transfer, tissue selective foraging, and nutrient distribution by insect scavengers. Analyses of biodiversity and habitat data across many watersheds moves towards a long‐term goal in fisheries ecology to better integrate ecosystem values in salmon conservation.
State‐dependent Bayesian foraging on spatially autocorrelated food distributions
Authors: Van Gils Jan A.
Published: July 2009

When prey are cryptic and are distributed in discrete clumps (patches), Bayesian foragers revise their prior expectation about a patch's prey density by using their foraging success in the patch as a source of information. Prey densities are often spatially autocorrelated, meaning that rich patches are often surrounded by other rich patches, while poor patches are often in the midst of other poor patches. In that case, foraging success is informative about prey densities in the current patch and in the surrounding patches. In a spatially explicit environment where prey are cryptic and their densities autocorrelated, I modelled two types of Bayesian foragers that aim to maximize their survival rate: (1) the spatially ignorant forager which does not take account of the spatial structure in its food supply and (2) the spatially informed forager which does take this into account. Not surprisingly, the spatially informed forager has a higher survivorship than the spatially ignorant forager, simply because it is able to obtain more reliable prey density estimates than the spatially ignorant forager. Surprisingly though, the emerging policy used by the spatially informed forager is to leave patches at a lower (expected) giving‐up density (GUD) the further away from its latest prey capture. This is because this forager is willing to wait for good news: a prey capture far from the latest prey capture drastically changes the forager's expectations about prey densities in the patches that it will exploit in the near future, whereas a prey capture near its latest prey capture hardly affects these expectations. Thus, by sacrificing current intake rate for information gain, the spatially informed forager ultimately maximizes its long‐term pay‐off. Finally, as the value of food is less the more energy is stored, both types make state‐dependent giving‐up decisions: the higher their energy store levels, the higher their GUDs.
A competitive coexistence principle?
Authors: Neill Cathy , Daufresne Tanguy , Jones Clive G.
Published: July 2009

Competitive exclusion – n species cannot coexist on fewer than n limiting resources in a constant and isolated environment – has been a central ecological principle for the past century. Since empirical studies cannot universally demonstrate exclusion, this principle has mainly relied on mathematical proofs. Here we investigate the predictions of a new approach to derive functional responses in consumer/resource systems. Models usually describe the temporal dynamics of consumer/resource systems at a macroscopic level – i.e. at the population level. Each model may be pictured as one time‐dependent macroscopic trajectory. Each macroscopic trajectory is, however, the product of many individual fates and from combinatorial considerations can be realized in many different ways at the microscopic – or individual – level. Recently it has been shown that, in systems with large enough numbers of consumer individuals and resource items, one macroscopic trajectory can be realized in many more ways than any other at the individual – or microscopic – level. Therefore, if the temporal dynamics of an ecosystem are assumed to be the outcome of only statistical mechanics – that is, chance – a single trajectory is near‐certain and can be described by deterministic equations. We argue that these equations can serve as a null to model consumer‐resource dynamics, and show that any number of species can coexist on a single resource in a constant, isolated environment. Competition may result in relative rarity, which may entail exclusion in finite samples of discrete individuals, but exclusion is not systematic. Beyond the coexistence/exclusion outcome, our model also predicts that the relative abundance of any two species depends simply on the ratio of their competitive abilities as computed from – and only from – their intrinsic kinetic and stoichiometric parameters.
Partitioning the mechanisms by which genetic diversity of parasite infections affects total parasite load
Authors: Fox Jeremy W. , Rauch Gisep
Published: July 2009

Genetically‐diverse parasite infections are common in nature, however what mechanisms influence parasite load are still under debate. Rauch et al. found consistently lower parasite loads in genetically‐mixed infections compared to uniform infections. Using the additive partition of Loreau and Hector they demonstrated that this lower parasite load was due to negative complementarity effects, but they only found weak selection effects. Complementarity effects arise from differentiation among genotypes that accrue equally to all genotypes, while selection effects arise from unexpectedly high performance of certain genotypes in mixed infections. However, selection effects might arise either because genotypes with certain traits perform unexpectedly well in mixed infections at the expense of other genotypes (‘dominance effects’, DEs), or because genotypes with certain traits perform unexpectedly well, but not at the expense of others genotypes (‘trait dependent complementarity effects’, TDCEs). Here, we reanalyze the data of Rauch et al. using the tripartite partition of Fox to separate DEs, TDCEs and trait‐independent complementarity effects (TICEs, corresponding to the complementarity effect of Loreau and Hector). We found significantly negative TDCEs that contribute strongly to the low parasite loads in mixed infections. We suggest novel, testable hypotheses to explain negative TDCEs. Ours is the first study to demonstrate consistently‐strong TDCEs, which are rare in studies of the productivity of plant mixtures. Our results highlight the importance of testing for TDCEs, rather than assuming them to be small. We discuss the interpretation and value of the tripartite partition as an analytical tool complementary to more mechanistic approaches.
Trophic structure and major trophic links in conventional versus organic farming systems as indicated by carbon stable isotope ratios of fatty acids
Authors: Haubert Dominique , Birkhofer Klaus , Fließbach Andreas , Gehre Matthias , Scheu Stefan , Ruess Liliane
Published: July 2009

Using bulk tissue and fatty acid13C analysis we investigated major trophic pathways from soil microorganisms to microbial consumers to predators in conventional versus organic farming systems planted for the first time with maize. Organic farming led to an increase in microbial biomass in particular that of fungi as indicated by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Microbial PLFAs reflected the conversion from C3to C4plants by a shift in δ13C of 2‰, whereas the isotopic signal in fatty acids (FAs) of Collembola was much more pronounced. In the euedaphicProtaphorura fimatathe δ13C values in maize fields exceeded that in C3(soybean) fields by up to 10‰, indicating a close relationship between diet and vegetation cover. In the epedaphicOrchesella villosaδ13C values shifted by 4‰, suggesting a wider food spectrum including carbon of former C3crop residues. Differences in δ13C of corresponding FAs in consumers and resources were assessed to assign food web links.P. fimatawas suggested as root and fungal feeder in soybean fields, fungal feeder in conventional and leaf consumer in organically managed maize fields.O. villosalikely fed on root and bacteria under soybean, and bacteria and fungi under maize. Comparison of δ13C values in FAs of the cursorial spiderPardosaagrestisandO. villosaimplied the latter as important prey species in soybean fields. In contrast, the web‐building spiderMangora acalyphashowed no predator–prey relationship with Collembola. The determination of δ13C values in trophic biomarker FAs allowed detailed insight into the structure of the decomposer food web and identified diet‐shifts in both consumers at the base of the food web and in top predators in organic versus conventional agricultural systems. The results indicate changes in major trophic links and therefore carbon flux through the food web by conversion of conventional into organic farming systems.
Rosuvastatin Attenuates Heart Failure and Cardiac Remodelling in the Ageing Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat
Authors: Loch David , Chan Vincent , Hoey Andrew , Brown Lindsay
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl(HMG)‐Coenzyme(Co)A reductase inhibitors such as rosuvastatin may improve clinical status in patients with hypertension and heart failure. The ageing spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) closely mimics the chronic heart failure disease process observed in humans. This study examined the structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system of 15‐month‐old SHR and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats treated with rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg/day perorally) for 24 weeks. Cardiovascular structure and function were monitored serially by echocardiography. At 21 months, ex vivo Langendorff, electrophysiological or histological studies were performed. Chronic rosuvastatin treatment attenuated elevations of left ventricular wet weight (mg/g body weight: 21‐month WKY, 2.30 ± 0.04; 15‐month SHR, 3.03 ± 0.08; 21‐month SHR, 4.09 ± 0.10; 21‐month SHR + rosuvastatin, 3.50 ± 0.13), myocardial extracellular matrix content (% left ventricular area: 21‐month WKY, 7.6 ± 0.5; 15‐month SHR, 13.2 ± 0.8; 21‐month SHR 19.6 ± 1.0; 21‐month SHR with rosuvastatin 14.6 ± 1.2) and diastolic stiffness (κ: 21‐month WKY, 24.9 ± 0.6; 15‐month SHR, 26.4 ± 0.4; 21‐month SHR, 33.1 ± 0.8; 21‐month SHR + rosuvastatin, 27.5 ± 0.6) as well as attenuating the deterioration of systolic and diastolic function (fractional shortening %: 21‐month WKY, 66 ± 2; 15‐month SHR, 51 ± 3; 21‐month SHR, 38 ± 3; 21‐month SHR + rosuvastatin, 52 ± 4). There was no effect on the increased systolic blood pressure, plasma low‐density lipoprotein concentrations or the prolonged action potential duration. Thus, chronic rosuvastatin treatment may attenuate myocardial dysfunction in heart failure by preventing fibrosis.
Antinociceptive Activity of a New Benzofuranone Derived from a Chalcone
Authors: Padaratz Pâmela , Fracasso Mauricio , De Campos‐Buzzi Fátima , Corrêa Rogério , Niero Rivaldo , Monache Franco Delle , Cechinel‐Filho Valdir
Published: July 2009

Abstract: Chalcones represent an important group of natural or synthetic compounds with a variety of biological activities including antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory ones. The aim of this work was the synthesis of a new benzofuranone compound and evaluation of its antinociceptive potential in mice. The new benzofuranone4was synthesized from chalcone3. The antinociceptive activity of4was determined by writhing, formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate and hot‐plate tests. Compound4caused potent and dose‐related inhibition against the writhing test with ID506.1 (5.1−7.6) μmol/kg, i.p., being about 15 times more active than the reference drugs, acetyl salicylic acid and acetaminophen. It was also effective in a dose‐dependent manner in significantly reducing the painful stimulus in both phases of formalin, in the capsaicin and in the glutamate test with ID50values of 27.3 (24.5−30.6) and 18.9 (18.5−19.4) μmol/kg (first and second phase), 12.6 (9.8−16.2) and 24.5 (20.4−29.6) μmol/kg respectively. The results showed that the studied compound exhibits both central and peripheral antinociceptive activities and might be further used as a model to obtain new and more potent analgesic drugs.
Conservation Value of Landscape Supplementation for Howler Monkeys Living in Forest Patches
Authors: Asensio Norberto , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Dunn Jacob C. , Cristóbal‐Azkarate Jurgi
Published: July 2009

Many animal populations are forced to inhabit very small forest patches, which may threaten their long‐term survival. In some cases, animals in these forest remnants are able to supplement their diet by using resources outside of their home patch, a process named ‘landscape supplementation’. Although this is probably a key process for population survival in fragmented landscapes, little is known about the ability of most animal species to move through the matrix and feed from different landscape elements. In this paper we report several cases of landscape supplementation by two groups of Mexican mantled howler monkeys Alouatta palliata mexicana inhabiting two different forest patches in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. Our observations show that howler monkeys used several landscape elements, such as isolated trees, live fences and neighboring forest patches to supplement their diet. These observations underline the importance of these landscape elements for the survival of forest‐dependent animals in highly fragmented landscapes, as they can provide important food resources and, hence, can be considered as potential extensions of their home range. However, the degree of protection the landowner provides to howler monkeys and proper management of these landscape elements are key aspects in determining the use of these elements by these animals.
Diflubenzuron inhibits reproduction of different strains of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Adamski Zbigniew , Błoszyk Jerzy , Musiał Jakub , Łysiak Marta , Urbaniak Lech , Ziemnicki Kazimierz
Published: July 2009

Abstract  The effect of (1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐(2,6‐difluorobenzoyl)urea) insecticide – diflubenzuron – on wild type and white type fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen, 1830) was studied. Adult insects were placed in vials with different concentrations of the insecticide in the nutrient (from 0.048 to 48 mg of diflubenzuron per 1 cm3 of the nutrient). In each case, the insects showed some mortality, which was concentration‐dependant. When comparing both strains, we could observe different acute toxicities, with wild type being more resistant to diflubenzuron. However, subacute toxicity was similar within both strains. In both strains the prolonged exposure led to the extinction of the majority of the populations (>70%). Although imagoes could freely copulate, we did not observe copulating fruit flies, and we did not find either eggs or larvae in any of the exposed groups. These results indicate that genetic mutation which leads to different eye colour can also affect resistance and survival of insects in pesticide‐exposed areas.
The effect of stellar rotation on colour–magnitude diagrams: on the apparent presence of multiple populations in intermediate age stellar clusters
Authors: Bastian N. , De Mink S. E.
Published: July 2009

A significant number of intermediate age clusters (1–2 Gyr) in the Magellanic Clouds appear to have multiple stellar populations within them, derived from bimodal or extended main-sequence turn-offs. If this is interpreted as an age spread, the multiple populations are separated by a few hundred million years, which would call into question the long-held notion that clusters are simple stellar populations. Here, we show that stellar rotation in stars with masses between 1.2 and 1.7 M⊙ can mimic the effect of a double or multiple population, whereas in actuality only a single population exists. The two main causes of the spread near the turn-off are the effects of stellar rotation on the structure of the star and the inclination angle of the star relative to the observer. Both effects change the observed effective temperature, hence colour, and flux of the star. In order to match observations, the required rotation rates are 20–50 per cent of the critical rotation, which are consistent with observed rotation rates of similar mass stars in the Galaxy. We provide scaling relations which can be applied to non-rotating isochrones in order to mimic the effects of rotation. Finally, we note that rotation is unlikely to be the cause of the multiple stellar populations observed in old globular clusters, as low-mass stars (<1 M⊙) are not expected to be rapid rotators.
Ultrasound Enhanced Sanitizer Efficacy in Reduction of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 Population on Spinach Leaves
Authors: Zhou Bin , Feng Hao , Luo Yaguang
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT:  The use of ultrasound to enhance the efficacy of selected sanitizers in reduction of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 populations on spinach was investigated. Spot‐inoculated spinach samples were treated with water, chlorine, acidified sodium chlorite (ASC), peroxyacetic acid (POAA), and acidic electrolyzed water with and without ultrasound (21.2 kHz) for 2 min at room temperature. The effects of ultrasound treatment time and acoustic energy density (AED) were evaluated at an ASC concentration of 200 mg/L. The effect of ASC concentration, with a fixed AED of 200 W/L, was also examined. Microbial analysis indicated that ASC reduced E. coli O157 : H7 population by 2.2 log cycles over that of water wash, while the reduction from other sanitizers was about 1 log cycle. Ultrasonication significantly enhanced the reduction of E. coli cells on spinach for all treatments by 0.7 to 1.1 log cycle over that of washes with sanitizer alone. An increase in the ASC concentration enhanced the efficacy of the combined treatment of ASC and ultrasonication, especially at ASC concentrations of < 300 mg/L. Increasing the ultrasound treatment time from 0 to 4 min and AED from 0 to 500 W/L were both effective in increasing the effectiveness of the ASC and ultrasound combined treatments. In addition, E. coli O157 : H7 inoculated on the underside of spinach leaves (rough side) were more difficult to remove than those inoculated on the upper side (smooth side).
High‐Temperature Natural Antioxidant Improves Soy Oil for Frying
Authors: Warner Kathleen , Gehring Marta Meta
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT:  The objectives of this study were to determine the frying stability of soybean oil (SBO) treated with a natural citric acid‐based antioxidant, EPT‐OILShield™ able to withstand high temperatures and to establish the oxidative stability of food fried in the treated oil. Soybean oil with 0.05% and 0.5% EPT‐OILShield and an untreated control SBO were used for intermittent batch frying of tortilla chips at 180 °C for up to 65 h. Oil frying stability was measured by free fatty acids (FFA) and total polar compounds (TPC). Chips were aged for up to 4 mo at 25 °C and evaluated for rancid flavor by a 15‐member, trained, experienced analytical sensory panel and for hexanal content as an indicator of oxidation. Oil with 0.05% EPT‐OILShield had significantly less FFA and TPC than the control. The effect of EPT‐OILShield was apparently retained in aged chips because hexanal levels were significantly lower in chips fried in oil with 0.05% EPT‐OILShield than in chips fried in the control. Tortilla chips fried in the control were rancid after 2 mo at 25 °C at sampling times evaluated from 25 to 65 h; however, chips fried in oil with 0.05% EPT‐OILShield and used for 65 h were described as only slightly rancid after 4 mo. Gamma tocopherol levels were significantly higher in the chips fried in the oil with 0.05% EPT‐OILShield than in the control, helping to inhibit oxidation in the tortilla chips during storage.
Optimization of Subcritical Fluid Extraction of Bioactive Compounds Using Hansen Solubility Parameters
Authors: Srinivas K. , King J.W. , Monrad J.K. , Howard L.R. , Hansen C.M.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT:  Process engineering operations in food and nutraceutical industries pertaining to the design of extraction of value‐added products from biomass using pressurized liquids involve a careful selection of the solvent and optimal temperature conditions to achieve maximum yield. Complex molecular structure and limited physical property data in the literature of biological solutes extracted from biomass compounds have necessitated the process modeling of such operations. In this study, we have applied the Hansen 3‐dimensional solubility parameter concept to optimize the extraction of molecularly complex solutes using subcritical fluid solvents. Hansen solubility spheres characterized by the relative energy differences (RED) have been used to characterize and quantify the solute–subcritical solvent interactions as a function of temperature. The solvent power of subcritical water and compressed hydroethanolic mixtures above their boiling points has been characterized using the above‐mentioned method. The use of group contribution methods in collaboration with computerized algorithms to plot the Hansen spheres provides a quantitative prediction tool for optimizing the design of extraction conditions. The method can be used to estimate conditions for solute–solvent miscibility, an optimum temperature range for conducting extractions under pressurized conditions, and approximate extraction conditions of solutes from natural matrices.
Characterization of Phase Separation Behavior, Emulsion Stability, Rheology, and Microstructure of Egg White–Polysaccharide Mixtures
Authors: Erçelebi E. Alben , Ibanoğlu E.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT:  Phase separation behavior of egg white‐pectin/guar gum mixtures was investigated. These systems led to phase separation arisen by either depletion flocculation or thermodynamic incompatibility. The influence of polysaccharides on the emulsifying activity index (EAI), emulsifying stability index (ESI), creaming stability, microstructure, and rheological properties was also studied at different polysaccharide concentrations (0% to 0.5%, [w/v]). Increasing pectin and guar gum concentration from 0.01% to 0.5% significantly improved EAI by 51% and 25%, respectively. The highest ESI and EAI values were obtained in the presence of 0.5% (w/v) pectin/guar gum. Microscopic images showed that emulsions containing polysaccharides had small droplets as compared to that of emulsions without polysaccharides. The addition of polysaccharides improved emulsion stability against creaming. Egg white‐stabilized emulsions with and without polysaccharides reflect the pseudoplastic behavior with n < 1.0. Polysaccharides, especially at high concentrations, affected the viscoelastic behavior of the emulsions; storage (G′) and loss modulus (G″) crossed‐over at lower frequency values as compared to that of emulsions containing no polysaccharide.
Myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome in patients younger than 55 years: impact of comorbidity and disease burden on the long‐term outcome
Authors: KANAMORI H. , ENAKA M. , ITO S. , MOTOHASHI K. , HAGIHARA M. , OSHIMA R. , SAKAI R. , FUJISAWA S. , TANAKA M. , FUJIMAKI K. , FUJITA H. , ISHIGATSUBO Y. , MARUTA A.
Published: July 2009

We retrospectively investigated 31 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients receiving myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and focused on prognostic factors affecting the long‐term outcome. Patients were classified according to the French‐American‐British classification and the HCT‐comorbidity index was determined. Cytosine arabinoside or thiotepa combined with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation was used as myeloablative conditioning in eight and 23 patients respectively. After a follow‐up period of 0.8–14.2 years from transplantation (median: 6.4 years), 23 patients were alive in complete remission, and the 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 79% and 72% respectively. The cumulative nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rate was 22% at 5 years. According to multivariate analysis, ≥20% blasts in the bone marrow and an HCT‐comorbidity score ≥ 3 were significantly associated with poor OS and DFS. Patients with a high HCT‐comorbidity score and male patients receiving transplantation from female donors were significantly more likely to have a higher NRM according to the univariate, but not the multivariate analysis. These data suggest that comorbidity and the tumor burden at the time of transplantation may be useful variables for predicting the outcome in MDS patients receiving myeloablative HCT.