bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitive cardiac troponin in the diagnosis and risk stratification of acute heart failure
Authors: Arenja N. , Reichlin T. , Drexler B. , Oshima S. , Denhaerynck K. , Haaf P. , Potocki M. , Breidthardt T. , Noveanu M. , Stelzig C. , Heinisch C. , Twerenbold R. , Reiter M. , Socrates T. , Mueller C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract.  Arenja N, Reichlin T, Drexler B, Oshima S, Denhaerynck K, Haaf P, Potocki M, Breidthardt T, Noveanu M, Stelzig C, Heinisch C, Twerenbold R, Reiter M, Socrates T, Mueller C (University Hospital, Basel). Sensitive cardiac troponin in the diagnosis and risk stratification of acute heart failure. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 598–607.

Background.  The aim of our study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of a sensitive cardiac troponin I (s‐cTnI) assay in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods.  Sensitive cardiac troponin I was measured in 667 consecutive patients at presentation to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea. Three s‐cTnI strata were predefined: below the limit of detection (<0.01 μg L−1, undetectable), detectable but still within the normal range (0.01–0.027 μg L−1) and increased (≥0.028 μg L−1, ≥99th percentile). The final diagnosis was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists blinded to the s‐cTnI levels. Median follow‐up in patients with AHF was 371 days.

Results.  Levels of s‐cTnI were higher in patients with AHF (n = 377, 57%) compared to patients with noncardiac causes of acute dyspnoea (median 0.02 vs. <0.01 μg L−1, P < 0.001). In patients with AHF, in‐hospital mortality increased with increasing s‐cTnI in the three strata (2%, 5% and 14%, P < 0.001). One‐year mortality also increased with increasing s‐cTnI (21%, 33% and 47%, P < 0.001). s‐cTnI remained an independent predictor of 1‐year mortality [adjusted odds ratio 1.03 for each increase of 0.1 μg L−1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.05, P < 0.001] after adjustment for other risk factors including B‐type natriuretic peptide. The net reclassification improvement was 68% (P < 0.001), and absolute integrated discrimination improvement was 0.18 (P < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of s‐cTnI for the diagnosis of AHF as quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.75–0.82).

Conclusions.  Sensitive cardiac troponin I is a strong predictor of short‐ and long‐term prognosis in AHF that helps to reclassify patients in terms of mortality risk. Detectable levels of s‐cTnI, even within the normal range, are independently associated with mortality.
Expression of Exocytosis Proteins in Rat Supraoptic Nucleus Neurones
Authors: Tobin V. , Schwab Y. , Lelos N. , Onaka T. , Pittman Q. J. , Ludwig M.
Published: October 2011

In magnocellular neurones of the supraoptic nucleus (SON), the neuropeptides vasopressin and oxytocin are synthesised and packaged into large dense‐cored vesicles (LDCVs). These vesicles undergo regulated exocytosis from nerve terminals in the posterior pituitary gland and from somata/dendrites in the SON. Regulated exocytosis of LDCVs is considered to involve the soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex [comprising vesicle associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP‐2), syntaxin‐1 and soluble N‐ethylmaleimide attachment protein‐25 (SNAP‐25)] and regulatory proteins [such as synaptotagmin‐1, munc‐18 and Ca2+‐dependent activator protein for secretion (CAPS‐1)]. Using fluorescent immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, in both oxytocin and vasopressin neurones, we observed VAMP‐2, SNAP‐25 and syntaxin‐1‐immunoreactivity in axon terminals. The somata and dendrites contained syntaxin‐1 and other regulatory exocytosis proteins, including munc‐18 and CAPS‐1. However, the distribution of VAMP‐2 and synaptotagmin‐1 in the SON was limited to putative pre‐synaptic contacts because they co‐localised with synaptophysin (synaptic vesicle marker) and had no co‐localisation with either oxytocin or vasopressin. SNAP‐25 immunoreactivity in the SON was limited to glial cell processes and was not detected in oxytocin or vasopressin somata/dendrites. The present results indicate differences in the expression and localisation of exocytosis proteins between the axon terminals and somata/dendritic compartment. The absence of VAMP‐2 and SNAP‐25 immunoreactivity from the somata/dendrites suggests that there might be different SNARE protein isoforms expressed in these compartments. Alternatively, exocytosis of LDCVs from somata/dendrites may use a different mechanism from that described by the SNARE complex theory.
Deficits in Spermatogenesis but not Neurogenesis are Alleviated by Chronic Testosterone Therapy in R6/1 Huntington’s Disease Mice
Authors: Hannan A. J. , Ransome M. I.
Published: October 2011

Despite the well established central pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease (HD), less is known about systemic impairments that are emerging as significant contributors to the morbidity of this neurodegenerative condition. Given the evidence of neuroendocrine dysfunction in HD patients and the pro‐neural properties of sex‐hormones, we explored the therapeutic potential of hormone therapy in the HD R6/1 mouse model (HD mice). HD mice over‐express exon‐1 of the defective human HD gene and replicate many of the clinical behavioural, biochemical and physiological impairments. Seven‐week‐old HD and wild‐type littermate mice had either saline (control) or testosterone (treatment; 160 μg/day over 90 days) pellets implanted s.c. and were subsequently subjected to behavioural, molecular and cellular analysis. Separate mice were used to establish a decrease in serum testosterone concentrations in HD mice at 12 weeks of age. Baseline serum testosterone was significantly reduced in control 19‐week‐old HD mice, whereas treatment significantly raised serum testosterone in both wild‐type and HD mice. Testosterone treatment had a limited effect on the development of rotarod deficiencies in HD mice and no effect on progressive body weight loss or the development of central mutant huntingtin‐containing aggregates. Testosterone treatment induced hypo‐locomotion in both genotypes. Deficits in hippocampal‐dependent cognition and neurogenesis were not rescued in testosterone‐treated HD mice. By contrast, wild‐type‐treatment mice experienced significantly increased neuronal survival and differentiation. Testosterone treatment in HD mice did rescue androgen receptor levels in the hippocampus and testes, significantly improved severe testicular atrophy and restored spermatogenesis. We conclude that chronic testosterone provides systemic efficacy in treating spermatogenesis deficits and testicular atrophy but not central cellular and behavioural pathologies in R6/1 HD mice.
A conserved haplotype controls parallel adaptation in geographically distant salmonid populations
Authors: MILLER MICHAEL R. , BRUNELLI JOSEPH P. , WHEELER PAUL A. , LIU SIXIN , REXROAD CAIRD E. , PALTI YNIV , DOE CHRIS Q. , THORGAARD GARY H.
Published: October 2011

Salmonid fishes exhibit extensive local adaptations owing to abundant environmental variation and precise natal homing. This extensive local adaptation makes conservation and restoration of salmonids a challenge. For example, defining unambiguous units of conservation is difficult, and restoration attempts often fail owing to inadequate adaptive matching of translocated populations. A better understanding of the genetic architecture of local adaptation in salmonids could provide valuable information to assist in conserving and restoring natural populations of these important species. Here, we use a combination of laboratory crosses and next‐generation sequencing to investigate the genetic architecture of the parallel adaptation of rapid development rate in two geographically and genetically distant populations of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Strikingly, we find that not only is a parallel genetic mechanism used but that a conserved haplotype is responsible for this intriguing adaptation. The repeated use of adaptive genetic variation across distant geographical areas could be a general theme in salmonids and have important implications for conservation and restoration.
Vulnerability curves by centrifugation: is there an open vessel artefact, and are ‘r’ shaped curves necessarily invalid?
Authors: SPERRY JOHN S. , CHRISTMAN MAIRGARETH A. , TORRES‐RUIZ JOSE M. , TANEDA HARUHIKO , SMITH DUNCAN D.
Published: October 2011

Vulnerability curves using the ‘Cavitron’ centrifuge rotor yield anomalous results when vessels extend from the end of the stem segment to the centre (‘open‐to‐centre’ vessels). Curves showing a decline in conductivity at modest xylem pressures (‘r’ shaped) have been attributed to this artefact. We determined whether the original centrifugal method with its different rotor is influenced by open‐to‐centre vessels. Increasing the proportion of open‐to‐centre vessels by shortening stems had no substantial effect in four species. Nor was there more embolism at the segment end versus centre as seen in the Cavitron. The dehydration method yielded an ‘r’ shaped curve in Quercus gambelii that was similar to centrifuged stems with 86% open‐to‐centre vessels. Both ‘r’ and ‘s’ (sigmoidal) curves from Cercocarpus intricatus were consistent with each other, differing only in whether native embolism had been removed. An ‘r’ shaped centrifuge curve in Olea europaea was indistinguishable from the loss of conductivity caused by forcing air directly across vessel end‐walls. We conclude that centrifuge curves on long‐vesselled material are not always prone to the open vessel artefact when the original rotor design is used, and ‘r’ shaped curves are not necessarily artefacts. Nevertheless, confirming curves with native embolism and dehydration data is recommended.
The Péclet effect on leaf water enrichment correlates with leaf hydraulic conductance and mesophyll conductance for CO2
Authors: FERRIO JUAN PEDRO , POU ALÍCIA , FLOREZ‐SARASA IGOR , GESSLER ARTHUR , KODAMA NAOMI , FLEXAS JAUME , RIBAS‐CARBÓ MIQUEL
Published: October 2011

Leaf water gets isotopically enriched through transpiration, and diffusion of enriched water through the leaf depends on transpiration flow and the effective path length (L). The aim of this work was to relate L with physiological variables likely to respond to similar processes. We studied the response to drought and vein severing of leaf lamina hydraulic conductance (Klamina), mesophyll conductance for CO2 (gm) and leaf water isotope enrichment in Vitis vinifera L cv. Grenache. We hypothesized that restrictions in water pathways would reduce Klamina and increase L. As a secondary hypothesis, we proposed that, given the common pathways for water and CO2 involved, a similar response should be found in gm. Our results showed that L was strongly related to mesophyll variables, such as Klamina or gm across experimental drought and vein‐cutting treatments, showing stronger relationships than with variables included as input parameters for the models, such as transpiration. Our findings were further supported by a literature survey showing a close link between L and leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf = 31.5 × L−0.43, r2 = 0.60, n = 24). The strong correlation found between L, Klamina and gm supports the idea that water and CO2 share an important part of their diffusion pathways through the mesophyll.
Minimal influence of G‐protein null mutations on ozone‐induced changes in gene expression, foliar injury, gas exchange and peroxidase activity in Arabidopsis thaliana L.
Authors: BOOKER FITZGERALD , BURKEY KENT , MORGAN PATRICK , FISCUS EDWIN , JONES ALAN
Published: October 2011

Ozone (O3) uptake by plants leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the intercellular space of leaves and induces signalling processes reported to involve the membrane‐bound heterotrimeric G‐protein complex. Therefore, potential G‐protein‐mediated response mechanisms to O3 were compared between Arabidopsis thaliana L. lines with null mutations in the α‐ and β‐subunits (gpa1‐4, agb1‐2 and gpa1‐4/agb1‐2) and Col‐0 wild‐type plants. Plants were treated with a range of O3 concentrations (5, 125, 175 and 300 nL L−1) for 1 and 2 d in controlled environment chambers. Transcript levels of GPA1, AGB1 and RGS1 transiently increased in Col‐0 exposed to 125 nL L−1 O3 compared with the 5 nL L−1 control treatment. However, silencing of α and β G‐protein genes resulted in little alteration of many processes associated with O3 injury, including the induction of ROS‐signalling genes, increased leaf tissue ion leakage, decreased net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, and increased peroxidase activity, especially in the leaf apoplast. These results indicated that many responses to O3 stress at physiological levels were not detectably influenced by α and β G‐proteins.
Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of white spruce stems during the transition from active growth to dormancy
Authors: GALINDO GONZÁLEZ LEONARDO M. , EL KAYAL WALID , JU CHELSEA J.‐T. , ALLEN CARMEN C. G. , KING‐JONES SUSANNE , COOKE JANICE E. K.
Published: October 2011

In the autumn, stems of woody perennials such as forest trees undergo a transition from active growth to dormancy. We used microarray transcriptomic profiling in combination with a proteomics analysis to elucidate processes that occur during this growth‐to‐dormancy transition in a conifer, white spruce (Picea glauca[Moench] Voss). Several differentially expressed genes were likely associated with the developmental transition that occurs during growth cessation in the cambial zone and the concomitant completion of cell maturation in vascular tissues. Genes encoding for cell wall and membrane biosynthetic enzymes showed transcript abundance patterns consistent with completion of cell maturation, and also of cell wall and membrane modifications potentially enabling cells to withstand the harsh conditions of winter. Several differentially expressed genes were identified that encoded putative regulators of cambial activity, cell development and of the photoperiodic pathway. Reconfiguration of carbon allocation figured centrally in the tree's overwintering preparations. For example, genes associated with carbon‐based defences such as terpenoids were down‐regulated, while many genes associated with protein‐based defences and other stress mitigation mechanisms were up‐regulated. Several of these correspond to proteins that were accumulated during the growth‐to‐dormancy transition, emphasizing the importance of stress protection in the tree's adaptive response to overwintering.
Different Effects of Bortezomib on the Expressions of Various Protein Kinase C Isoenzymes in T Cells of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and in Jurkat Cells
Authors: Griger Z. , Tóth B. I. , Baráth S. , Gyetvai Á. , Kovács I. , Tarr T. , Bíró T. , Zeher M. , Sipka S.
Published: October 2011

The effects of proteosome inhibitor Bortezomib (BZ) were studied in vitro for 24 h on the protein kinase C (PKC) profiles, rates of proliferation and apoptosis in Jurkat cells and lymphocytes of 10 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and nine healthy subjects. The expressions of PKC proteins, the rates of proliferation and apoptosis were determined. The effects of BZ were different in the Jurkat and lupus T cells. Whereas BZ elevated the expression of PKC θ, δ and ξ isoenzymes in the Jurkat cells, it was unable to do that in the lupus T cells. BZ induced a dose‐dependent increase in the apoptosis of Jurkat cells, while decreased the proliferation. The same effect of BZ was observed on the apoptosis of lymphocytes both in SLE and healthy subjects at concentrations higher than the therapeutic dose. We conclude that BZ treatment in vitro was not able to restore the SLE‐specific defect (decrease) in the expression of PKC isoenzymes in the T cells as it was expected. This can be a limiting factor in the positive clinical effects of BZ in lupus.
River‐dominated, shelf‐edge deltas: delivery of sand across the shelf break in the absence of slope incision
Authors: DIXON JOSHUA F , STEEL RONALD J , OLARIU CORNEL
Published: October 2011

Shelf‐edge deltas record the potential magnitude of sediment delivery from shallow water shelf into deep water slope and basin floor and, if un‐incised, represent the main increment of shelf‐margin growth into the basin, for that period. The three‐dimensional complexity of shelf‐edge delta systems and along‐strike variability at the shelf edge in particular, remains understudied. The Permian–Triassic Kookfontein Formation of the Tanqua Karoo Basin, South Africa, offers extensive three‐dimensional exposure (>100 km2) and therefore a unique opportunity to evaluate shelf‐edge strata from an outcrop perspective. Analysis of stratal geometry and facies distribution from 52 measured and correlated stratigraphic sections show the following: (i) In outer‐shelf areas, parasequences are characterized by undeformed, river‐dominated, storm‐wave influenced delta mouth‐bar sandstones interbedded with packages showing evidence of syn‐depositional deformation. The amount and intensity of soft‐sediment deformation increases significantly towards the shelf edge where slump units and debris flows sourced from collapsed mouth‐bar packages transport material down slope. (ii) On the upper slope, mouth‐bar and delta‐front sandstones pinch out within 2 km of the shelf break and most slump and debris flow units pinch out within 4 km of the shelf break. (iii) Further down the slope, parasequences consist of finer‐grained turbidites, characterized by interbedded, thin tabular siltstones and sandstones. The results highlight that river‐dominated, shelf‐edge deltas transport large volumes of sand to the upper slope, even when major shelf‐edge incisions are absent. In this case, transport to the upper slope through slumping, debris flows and un‐channellized low density turbidites is distributed evenly along strike.
Ichnology and sedimentology of the Triassic carbonates of North‐west Sardinia, Italy
Authors: KNAUST DIRK , COSTAMAGNA LUCA G.
Published: October 2011

The classical Middle to Upper Triassic carbonate sections at Monte Santa Giusta and Punta del Lavatoio, North‐west Sardinia (Italy), referred to the Muschelkalk and Keuper lithofacies group, are revisited and their trace fossil content is investigated for the first time. A combined ichnological and sedimentological study reveals insights into the depositional environments, regional context, palaeogeography and sequence stratigraphy. The results indicate deposition on a homoclinal carbonate ramp with broad facies belts. All recognized trace fossils are also known from time‐equivalent deposits of Germany and thus indicate a close affinity between the North‐west Sardinian Triassic and the Germanic Basin. Only a few trace fossils are particularly abundant and these indicate opportunistic colonization by their producers, which is probably related to restricted endobenthic conditions due to reduced oxygen and/or increased salinity. The trace fossil association can be grouped into a softground suite belonging to the Cruziana ichnofacies, and a firmground suite of the Glossifungites ichnofacies. This discrimination enables an interpretation of the northern Monte Santa Giusta section as a carbonate ramp with extensive tidal flats and abundant carbonate accumulation in a relatively proximal position, whereas the southern Punta del Lavatoio section exhibits broad lagoonal environments with reduced sedimentation in a deeper and more Tethys‐influenced area. The Sardinian sections are ichnologically similar to the Anisian–Ladinian succession known from the Tatra Mountains, but differ from it by having a slightly higher ichnodiversity, which again can be attributed to a less restricted lagoonal environment. This study demonstrates the importance of integrating trace fossil analysis in sedimentological and palaeontological investigations of carbonate systems.
The human P2X7 receptor and its role in innate immunity
Authors: Wiley J. S. , Sluyter R. , Gu B. J. , Stokes L. , Fuller S. J.
Published: October 2011

The human P2X7 receptor is a two‐transmembrane ionotropic receptor which has a ubiquitous distribution and is most highly expressed on immune cells. In macrophages and similar myeloid cells primed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), activation of P2X7 by extracellular ATP opens a cation channel/pore allowing massive K+ efflux associated with processing and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18. A variety of other downstream effects follows P2X7 activation over several minutes including shedding of certain surface molecules, membrane blebbing, microvesicle/exosome release and apoptosis of the cell. High concentrations of ATP (>100 µM) are required to activate P2X7 but it remains unclear where these levels exist, other than in inflammatory foci or confined spaces such as in bone. A variety of potent selective antagonists of P2X7 activation have recently become available, allowing clinical trials to be undertaken in inflammatory and immune‐mediated disorders.

Proteomic studies have shown that P2X7 exists as a large multiprotein complex which includes non‐muscle myosin heavy chain and other elements of the cytoskeleton. In the absence of its ATP ligand and serum, P2X7 has an alternate function in the recognition and phagocytosis of non‐opsonized foreign particles, including bacteria and apoptotic cells. The P2RX7 gene has many polymorphic variants and isoforms which increase or decrease function of the receptor. Genetic association studies have linked loss‐of‐function polymorphisms with reactivation of latent tuberculosis as well as symptomatic infection with certain other obligate intracellular pathogens. The many roles involving P2X7 suggest that this receptor is essential to fundamental aspects of the innate immune response.
Dexamethasone has additive effect when combined with ondansetron and droperidol for treatment of established PONV
Authors: ORMEL G. , ROMUNDSTAD L. , LAMBERT‐JENSEN P. , STUBHAUG A.
Published: October 2011

Background

Prophylactic dexamethasone, ondansetron and droperidol have a documented effect on post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Still, there is a lack of studies investigating the effect of adding dexamethasone to ondansetron and droperidol in order to treat established PONV.

Methods

In this double‐blind randomised, controlled trial, we compared triple prophylaxis for PONV consisting of dexamethasone 8 mg intravenous (IV), ondansetron 4 mg IV and droperidol 0.625 mg IV (n = 157) with placebo (n = 156) given before gynaecological day‐case surgery. Subsequently, in those having PONV despite triple prophylaxis or placebo, a dose of ondansetron and droperidol plus dexamethasone was compared with the combination of ondansetron and droperidol.

Results

Triple prophylaxis reduced acute PONV (0–6 h) (P = 0.0003) and post‐discharge PONV (6–24 h) (P = 0.001) when compared with placebo. Among those suffering from PONV despite placebo or active prophylaxis (n = 80), adding dexamethasone to ondansetron and droperidol reduced acute PONV (0–6 h) (P = 0.025) as well as post‐discharge nausea (6–24 h) (P = 0.04) compared with duo treatment comprising ondansetron and droperidol. In those reporting PONV despite prophylaxis (n = 12), the treatment comprising ondansetron and droperidol, with or without dexamethasone, gave a 91.7% reduction in acute PONV and an 83.6% reduction in post‐discharge PONV.

Conclusion

Treatment of established PONV comprising ondansetron and droperidol, with or without dexamethasone, reduced PONV in both treatment groups. In those reporting PONV without active prophylaxis, the addition of dexamethasone resulted in a significant amplification of the PONV, reducing effects of ondansetron and droperidol.
A mass mortality of subtropical intertidal populations of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus: analysis of potential links with environmental conditions
Authors: Girard Dominique , Clemente Sabrina , Toledo‐Guedes Kilian , Brito Alberto , Hernández José Carlos
Published: October 2011

An outbreak of bald sea urchin disease was detected affecting intertidal populations of the edible temperate species Paracentrotus lividus at its southernmost geographical limit. The mortality event was detected in three sites (Güímar, Palmar and Alcalá) off Tenerife, Canary Islands (Northeastern Atlantic), in October 2003, coinciding with the highest sea surface temperatures (SST) and the lowest wave heights of the year. The prevalence of infection reached 100% but did not affect equally all studied sites or the different size classes. The disease was more prevalent in large sea urchins (>40 mm). The prevalence appeared to be positively correlated with the environmental variable SST and negatively correlated with wave height. In October 2004, only two infected urchins were found (prevalence 1%) at one of the studied sites. However, during 2004 no such extreme values of temperature and wave height were observed. We conclude that high SSTs and low wave heights such as those observed during 2003 are conditions that may trigger outbreaks of urchin disease.
Altered angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Hida Kyoko , Kawamoto Taisuke , Ohga Noritaka , Akiyama Kosuke , Hida Yasuhiro , Shindoh Masanobu
Published: October 2011

Tumor blood vessels play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. Thus, targeting the tumor blood vessels is an important strategy in cancer therapy. Tumor blood vessels generally arise from pre‐existing vessels and have been thought to be genetically normal. However, they have been shown to differ from their normal counterparts, e.g. with regard to the morphological changes. We isolated tumor endothelial cells (TEC) from mouse tumor xenografts and showed that they were abnormal. TEC up‐regulate many genes, proliferate more rapidly and migrate more than normal endothelial cells (NEC). Furthermore, the TEC in our study were cytogenetically abnormal. We concluded that TEC can acquire cytogenetic abnormalities while in the tumor microenvironment. In order to develop ideal antiangiogenic therapies, understanding the crosstalk between blood vessels and the tumor microenvironment is important. This review considers the current studies on TEC abnormalities and discusses the possible mechanism by which the tumor microenvironment produces abnormal TEC.
Effectiveness of fast‐track rehabilitation vs conventional care in laparoscopic colorectal resection for elderly patients: a randomized trial
Authors: Wang Q. , Suo J. , Jiang J. , Wang C. , Zhao Y.‐Q. , Cao X.
Published: October 2011

Aim  The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fast‐track rehabilitation in elderly patients over 65 years of age, following laparoscopic surgery to remove colorectal cancer.

Method  A total of 78 elderly patients with colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomly assigned to receive either the fast‐track care programme (n = 40) or the conventional perioperative care protocol (control group, n = 38). Medical personnel conducting the study were blinded to patients’ clinical outcomes prior to statistical analysis. The fast‐track protocol included no preoperative mechanical bowel irrigation, immediate oral alimentation and earlier postoperative ambulation exercise. The length of postoperative hospital stay, the length of time to regain bowel function and the rate of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

Results  The length of time to regain bowel function, including the passage of flatus[31 (26–40) h vs 38 (32–51) h, P = 0.001], to the first bowel movement [55 (48–63) h vs 64 (48–71) h, P = 0.009] and to start a liquid diet (12 [11–16] h vs 47 [35–50] h, P = 0.000) were significantly shorter in patients receiving the fast‐track care protocol compared with those receiving the conventional care protocol. A shorter duration of postoperative hospital stay was recorded in patients receiving the fast‐track program than in those receiving conventional care (P = 0.0001). A reduced percentage of patients who developed general complications was also observed in the fast‐track group (5.0%vs 21.1%, P = 0.045).

Conclusion  This randomized controlled trial has shown that in the elderly undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery, the fast‐track recovery programme resulted in a more rapid postoperative recovery, earlier discharge from hospital and fewer general complications compared with a conventional postoperative protocol.
Modeling Alternative Sequences of Events in Dynamic Geographic Domains
Authors: Hubbard Shane , Hornsby Kathleen Stewart
Published: October 2011

A model that emphasizes possible alternative sequences of events that occur over time is presented in this article. Representing alternative orbranching eventscaptures additional semantics unrealized by linear or non‐branching approaches. Two basic elements of branching,divergenceandconvergenceare discussed. From these elements, many complex branching models can be built capturing a perspective of events that will take place in the future or have occurred in the past. This produces likely sequences of events that a user may compare and analyze using spatial or temporal criteria. The branching events model is especially useful for spatiotemporal decision support systems, as decision‐makers are able to identify alternative locations and times of events and, depending on the context, also identify regions of multiple possible events. A branching events viewer application is presented illustrating a case study based on a tornado response.
Using Federated Catalogs to Improve Semantic Integration among Spatial Data Infrastructures
Authors: de Andrade Fabio Gomes , Baptista Cláudio de Souza , Leite Jr Fabio Luiz
Published: October 2011

Nowadays, Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) play an important role in government agencies, at different levels: global, national, and local. They aim to improve the management and sharing of geospatial data. Nonetheless, these SDIs have been developed as information islands, in which a user's query is compared to metadata described only in their own catalog services. The lack of interaction among SDIs limits the potential of these infrastructures in providing geospatial data to a larger audience. This article presents a distributed architecture, based on a federation of SDIs which interact among themselves, using query propagation. This propagation facilitates data discovery and sharing. We also describe a distributed query processing service used to enable the resource discovery in distributed infrastructures.
LINKAGES BETWEEN EXCHANGE RATE POLICY AND MACROECONOMIC PERFORMANCE
Authors: SOKOLOV VLADIMIR , LEE BYUNG‐JOO , MARK NELSON C.
Published: October 2011

Using a sample of 104 countries, we study macroeconomic performance from 1973 to 2007. We examine GDP growth, inflation rate, growth volatility and inflation volatility, and their response to a ‘words versus deeds’ measure of exchange‐rate policy, which is obtained by interacting a country's de jure and its de facto policy. For non‐industrialized countries, the highest growth rates and the lowest inflation volatility are associated with countries that pursue fear of floating policy, whereas countries that pursue a matched float policy (de jure and de facto floating) have the highest inflation rates but the lowest GDP volatility.
‘MENTAL HEALTH AND EMPLOYMENT OF THE ELDERLY IN TAIWAN: A SIMULTANEOUS EQUATION APPROACH
Authors: CHANG HUNG‐HAO , YEN STEVEN T.
Published: October 2011

Longer life expectancy and declining birth rates have contributed to an aging population in many countries. This paper addresses the relationship between mental health and employment status among the elderly in Taiwan. A simultaneous equation system is developed that accommodates the discrete and censored nature of the two endogenous variables. Using data from a nationwide survey of the elderly in Taiwan, we find that older adults with mental illness are less likely to work, while those currently working are less prone to mental illness compared to their unemployed cohort.
Board Characteristics and Profit Efficiency in the United Kingdom Life Insurance Industry
Authors: Hardwick Philip , Adams Mike , Zou Hong
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  This paper examines the effects of corporate governance mechanisms (measured by a set of board characteristics) on the profit efficiency of United Kingdom (UK) life insurance firms. A parametric ‘stochastic frontier’ approach is used to compute profit efficiency scores and second‐stage regression models are estimated to test the influence of governance mechanisms on these efficiencies. We find that, viewed in isolation, board characteristics tend to have little effect on firm efficiency in the UK life insurance market. However, we do find that the proportion of non‐executive directors on the board exhibits a significant effect on the profit efficiency of our sample UK insurers once the interaction effects among governance mechanisms are taken into account. The effect can be either positive or negative depending on whether there is separation of the CEO and board chairman positions and whether there is an audit committee. These results suggest that corporate governance is an inherently complex process and it is problematical to evaluate the effectiveness of an individual governance mechanism on a firm's economic performance. Insurers’ profit efficiency is also negatively related to risk proxies and exhibits a concave relation with firm size.
From embryo sac to oil and protein bodies: embryo development in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Wang Xin‐Ding , Song Youhong , Sheahan Michael B. , Garg Manohar L. , Rose Ray J.
Published: October 2011

The cell and developmental biology of zygotic embryogenesis in the model legume Medicago truncatula has received little attention. We studied M. truncatula embryogenesis from embryo sac until cotyledon maturation, including oil and protein body biogenesis.

We characterized embryo development using light and electron microscopy, measurement of protein and lipid fatty acid accumulation and by profiling the expression of key seed storage genes.

Embryo sac development in M. truncatula is of the Polygonum type. A distinctive multicellular hypophysis and suspensor develops before the globular stage and by the early cotyledon stage, the procambium connects the developing apical meristems. In the storage parenchyma of cotyledons, ovoid oil bodies surround protein bodies and the plasma membrane. Four major lipid fatty acids accumulate as cotyledons develop, paralleling the expression of OLEOSIN and the storage protein genes, VICILIN and LEGUMIN.

Zygotic embryogenesis in M. truncatula features the development of a distinctive multicellular hypophysis and an endopolyploid suspensor with basal transfer cell. A clear procambial connection between the apical meristems is evident and there is a characteristic arrangement of oil bodies in the cotyledons and radicle. Our data help link embryogenesis to the genetic regulation of oil and protein body biogenesis in legume seed.
Repairing breaks in the plant genome: the importance of keeping it together
Authors: Waterworth Wanda M. , Drury Georgina E. , Bray Clifford M. , West Christopher E.
Published: October 2011

DNA damage threatens the integrity of the genome and has potentially lethal consequences for the organism. Plant DNA is under continuous assault from endogenous and environmental factors and effective detection and repair of DNA damage are essential to ensure the stability of the genome. One of the most cytotoxic forms of DNA damage are DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) which fragment chromosomes. Failure to repair DSBs results in loss of large amounts of genetic information which, following cell division, severely compromises daughter cells that receive fragmented chromosomes. This review will survey recent advances in our understanding of plant responses to chromosomal breaks, including the sources of DNA damage, the detection and signalling of DSBs, mechanisms of DSB repair, the role of chromatin structure in repair, DNA damage signalling and the link between plant recombination pathways and transgene integration. These mechanisms are of critical importance for maintenance of plant genome stability and integrity under stress conditions and provide potential targets for the improvement of crop plants both for stress resistance and for increased precision in the generation of genetically improved varieties.

Contents

Summary
805

I.
Introduction
806

II.
Sources of DNA damage
806

III.
The toxic effects of DSBs
806

IV.
Detection of DSBs
806

V.
Growth responses to genotoxic stress
809

VI.
Chromatin structure and DSB repair
810

VII.
Genome stability and environmental stress
811

VIII.
Mechanisms of DSB repair
813

IX.
Outlook
818

Acknowledgements
818

References
818
The phosphorylation status of extracellular‐regulated kinase 1/2 in astrocytes and neurons from rat hippocampus determines the thrombin‐induced calcium release and ROS generation
Authors: Zündorf Gregor , Reiser Georg
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07527.x

Challenge of protease‐activated receptors induces cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) increase, mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation with a bandwidth of responses in individual cells. We detected in this study in situ the thrombin‐induced [Ca2+]c rise and ROS formation in dissociated hippocampal astrocytes and neurons in a mixed culture. In identified cells, single cell responses were correlated with extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation level. On average, in astrocytes, thrombin induced a transient [Ca2+]c rise with concentration‐dependent increase in amplitude and extrusion rate and high ERK1/2 phosphorylation level. Correlation analysis of [Ca2+]c response characteristics of single astrocytes reveals that astrocytes with nuclear phosphoERK1/2 localization have a smaller Ca2+amplitude and extrusion rate compared with cells with a cytosolic phosphoERK1/2 localization. In naive neurons, without thrombin challenge, variable ERK1/2 phosphorylation patterns are observed. ROS were detected by hydroethidine. Only in neurons with increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation level, we see sustained intracellular rise in fluorescence of the dye lasting over several minutes. ROS formation was abolished by pre‐incubation with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Additionally, thrombin induced an immediate, transient hydroethidine fluorescence increase. This was interpreted as NADPH oxidase‐mediated O2•−‐release into the extracellular milieu, because it was decreased by pre‐incubation with apocynin, and could be eluted by superfusion. In conclusion, the phosphorylation status of ERK1/2 determines the thrombin‐dependent [Ca2+]c increase and ROS formation and, thus, influences the capacity of thrombin to regulate neuroprotection or neurodegeneration.
Aberrant striatal dopamine transmitter dynamics in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐deficient mice
Authors: Bosse Kelly E. , Maina Francis K. , Birbeck Johnna A. , France Marion M. , Roberts Joseph J. P. , Colombo Michelle L. , Mathews Tiffany A.
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 385–395.

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates the synaptic transmission of several monoaminergic neuronal systems, including forebrain dopamine‐containing neurons. Recent evidence shows a strong correlation between neuropsychiatric disorders and BDNF hypofunction. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of low endogenous levels of BDNF on dopamine system function in the caudate‐putamen using heterozygous BDNF (BDNF+/−) mice. Apparent extracellular dopamine levels in the caudate‐putamen, determined by quantitative microdialysis, were significantly elevated in BDNF+/− mice compared with wildtype controls (12 vs. 5 nM, respectively). BDNF+/− mice also had a potentiated increase in dopamine levels following potassium (120 mM)‐stimulation (10‐fold) relative to wildtype controls (6‐fold). Slice fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry revealed that BDNF+/− mice had reductions in both electrically evoked dopamine release and dopamine uptake rates in the caudate‐putamen. Superfusion of BDNF led to partial recovery of the electrically stimulated dopamine release response in BDNF+/− mice. Conversely, tissue accumulation of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine, extracellular levels of dopamine metabolites, and spontaneous locomotor activity were unaltered. Together, this study indicates that endogenous BDNF influences dopamine system homeostasis by regulating the release and uptake dynamics of pre‐synaptic dopamine transmission.
Measurement of Dielectric Properties of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3, Ba0.5Sr0.5Nb2O6, and BaTiO3 Ferroelectric Ceramics at Microwave Frequencies
Authors: Li Lei , Fang Yong , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: October 2011

A modified resonant cavity method was developed to measure the dielectric properties of ferroelectric ceramics at microwave frequencies, which were difficult to be evaluated accurately because of the high dielectric constant and high dielectric loss. With the aid of low‐loss reference ceramic, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the small‐sized ferroelectric ceramic sample could be measured accurately from the difference between the resonant peaks (TE01δ mode) with and without introducing the to‐be‐determined sample. The microwave dielectric properties of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3, Ba0.5Sr0.5Nb2O6, and BaTiO3 ferroelectric ceramics were measured between 3.4 and 4.9 GHz using this method, together with the temperature dependence.
Tobacco smoking
Authors: DREYER L. , WINTHER J. F. , PUKKALA E. , ANDERSEN A.
Published: October 2011

Active smoking is causally associated with cancers of the lung, larynx, oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, pancreas, renal parenchyma, renal pelvis and urinary bladder, and passive smoking appears to be causally associated with cancer of the lung. Information on smoking habits for the years 1965, 1975 and 1985 shows that more men than women in the Nordic countries were current smokers. The rates of women were stable over time and those of men were decreasing, approaching those of women. Lung cancer, in particular, is strongly associated with active smoking: by increasing the number of cigarettes smoked per day (lifelong) to 5, 10, 20 and 40 or more, the risk increases by five‐, eight‐, 16‐ and 30‐fold, respectively, over that of people who have never smoked. Thus, with approximately 35% current smokers and 25% former smokers among Nordic men in 1985 and approximately 30% current smokers and 15% former smokers among Nordic women in that year, by the year 2000 10,000 cases of lung cancer (6,500 in men and 3,500 in women) will be caused by active smoking; this is equivalent to 82% of all cases of lung cancer in these populations. Another 6,000 cancers of other types (4,000 in men and 2,000 in women) are caused annually by active smoking, yielding a total of 16,000 new cases each year around the turn of the century. This implies that 14% (19% in men and 9% in women) of all incident cancers in the Nordic countries around the year 2000 will be caused by active tobacco smoking. In comparison, passive smoking is a minor cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 0.6% of all new cases (approximately 70 cases annually) in this area around the turn of the century.
Oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit Toll‐like receptor 3 mediated cytotoxicity and CXCL8 release in keratinocytes
Authors: Grimstad Øystein , Pukstad Brita , Stenvik Jørgen , Espevik Terje
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) is an important sensor of viral infections and injury of self in keratinocytes. In this study, we stimulated primary keratinocytes with the TLR3‐ligand polyI:C. This induced a toxic effect shown by up‐regulation of the alarmin high‐mobility group protein B1 and reduced responses in a MTT‐assay. PolyI:C was a potent inducer of proinflammatory cytokines, and both these responses and the cytotoxic effects were found to be TLR3 dependent, as demonstrated by the use of siRNA for TLR3. Interestingly, co‐stimulation with oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) inhibited all polyI:C induced effects. This inhibition was found to be mediated by the competition of endocytic uptake of polyI:C and ODNs. We have found polyI:C induced cytotoxicity and proinflammatory responses to be dependent of TLR3 and that this may be inhibited by ODNs. With these findings, we see a promising potential for ODNs in inhibiting TLR3‐induced responses in inflammatory skin disorders.
Ebselen is a new skin depigmenting agent that inhibits melanin biosynthesis and melanosomal transfer
Authors: Kasraee Behrooz , Nikolic Damjan S. , Salomon Denis , Carraux Pierre , Fontao Lionel , Piguet Vincent , Omrani Gholamhossein R. , Sorg Olivier , Saurat Jean‐Hilaire
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  We assessed the ability of ebselen, a glutathione peroxidase mimic, to reduce pigmentation in various models. In murine B16 melanocytes, 25 μm ebselen inhibited melanogenesis and induced a depolymerisation of actin filaments. In co‐cultures of B16 melanocytes with BDVII keratinocytes, a pretreatment of melanocytes with ebselen resulted in a strong inhibition of melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, as shown under optical and electron microscopy. In reconstructed epidermis, topical 0.5% ebselen led to a twofold decrease of melanin without affecting the density of active melanocytes. A similar result was obtained with topical 0.5% ebselen in black guinea pig ears. Ebselen induced a decrease of epidermal melanin parallel to a localisation of melanin and melanosomes in the basal layer. Ebselen appears as a new depigmenting compound that inhibits melanin synthesis and melanosome transfer to keratinocytes.
Effects of salinity on growth and mortality of migratory and resident forms of Eurasian perch in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Tibblin Petter , Koch‐Schmidt Per , Larsson Per , Stenroth Patrik
Published: October 2011

Abstract –  In the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea, there are two forms of perch (Perca fluviatilis). One of the forms is migratory and spawns in streams entering the Baltic Sea. The other form is resident and spawns in brackish water. Both forms utilise the coastal habitat for foraging. We examined the spawning success of the two forms in fresh and brackish water (7‰, equal to salinity in the south Baltic Sea). The experiments showed that hatching success was equally high in freshwater and in brackish water despite female origin. The survival of yellow‐sac and free swimming fry was significantly reduced in brackish water, which was independent if the fish was of migratory or brackish resident origin. Further, growth rate of perch fry was severely reduced in brackish water. The results indicate that perch has not developed any tolerance to brackish water in the young life stages. The migratory life strategy of perch can thus be explained by higher survival of fry in freshwater.