bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral cyclosporin in psoriasis: a systematic review on treatment modalities, risk of kidney toxicity and evidence for use in non‐plaque psoriasis
Authors: Maza A , Montaudié H , Sbidian E , Gallini A , Aractingi S , Aubin F , Bachelez H , Cribier B , Joly P , Jullien D , Le Maître M , Misery L , Richard M‐A , Ortonne J‐P , Paul C
Published: March 2011

Background  Although cyclosporin (CyA) has been in use in psoriasis for more than 20 years, there is still controversy regarding treatment strategy, monitoring of kidney function and utility in non‐plaque psoriasis.

Objectives  To prepare for evidence‐based recommendations concerning the practical use of CyA in psoriasis, we performed a systematic review to better define treatment strategy, risk of kidney toxicity and evidence for use in non‐plaque psoriasis.

Methods  A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases, using the key‐words ‘psoriasis’, ‘CyA’, ‘nephrotoxicity’ during the period from 1980 to June 2010.

Results  The initial literature search identified 428 articles. The final selection included 16 randomized controlled trials (RCT) for treatment strategy, 25 articles (histological studies and RCT) for risk of kidney toxicity and 10 articles (RCT, prospective studies and case series) for use in non‐plaque psoriasis. Higher doses of CyA of 5 mg/kg produced Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75 response in between 50 and 97% of patients, whereas lower doses of 2.5 mg/kg yielded PASI 75 in between 28 and 85%. CyA could maintain remission at doses of at least 3 mg/kg/day. Low calory diet in obese patients was shown to improve CyA efficacy. More than 50% of the patients treated with CyA may have an increase in serum creatinin value over 30% of baseline if treatment is prolonged for 2 years. CyA at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day was effective for 89% of patients with palmoplantar pustulosis. More than 50% of the patients with erythrodermic psoriasis obtained a significant improvement at doses between 3 and 5 mg/kg/day at 2–4 months. CyA was more effective than etretinate on nail psoriasis.

Conclusion  Oral CyA is indicated for patients with plaque psoriasis, pustular psoriasis or erythrodermic psoriasis. The starting dose of 5 mg/kg is associated with a higher degree of clearance. The benefit‐risk appears to be better for patients without risk factors for nephrotoxicity: non‐obese patients without hypertension and aged below 60. Although CyA is ideally suited for crisis intervention, continuous maintenance treatment with CyA may be envisaged in some patients provided serum creatinin is regularly monitored and the cumulative treatment duration is preferably limited to 2 years or less.
Efficacy and safety of oral retinoids in different psoriasis subtypes: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sbidian E , Maza A , Montaudié H , Gallini A , Aractingi S , Aubin F , Cribier B , Joly P , Jullien D , Le Maître M , Misery L , Richard M‐A , Paul C , Ortonne J‐P , Bachelez H
Published: March 2011

Background  There is limited evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of retinoids in different psoriasis subtypes.

Objective  To systematically review the available literature on: (i) modalities of administration and prescription of oral retinoids as single agent or combined therapy for the treatment of plaque‐type psoriasis (PV), nail psoriasis and localized and generalized pustular psoriasis : initial and optimal dosage; (ii) skeletal toxicity of retinoid for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methods  A systematic literature search was carried out in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from 1975 to 2010 searching for randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating 1) various dosages of retinoid in psoriasis and 2) skeletal toxicity of retinoid in psoriasis. Articles were limited to human subjects and English/French languages.

Results  Efficacy of retinoids in psoriasis. Among 1348 identified references, 44 published studies were included. Starting daily dosages between 10 and 25 mg and stepwise escalation were associated with higher clinical efficacy and lower incidence of adverse events in comparison with higher doses and regimens rapidly reaching optimal dose. Retinoids as single agent therapy appeared to show limited efficacy in PV, while the good clinical efficacy reported in pustular forms should be cautiously considered, given the spontaneously remitting course of the disease. Combining retinoids with phototherapy appeared to be highly effective in patients with PV.

Potential skeletal toxicity of retinoids. 15 published studies out of 105 identified references were included. There is no strong evidence of an increased risk of skeletal abnormalities in psoriasis patients treated with retinoids.

Conclusion  Acitretin appears to provide better efficacy in pustular psoriasis than in PV as a single agent treatment. There is no evidence for skeletal toxicity of retinoids in the setting of psoriasis, and accordingly monitoring this risk through X‐ray is not warranted.
Skin pain and skin discomfort is associated with quality of life in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Ljosaa T.M. , Mork C. , Stubhaug A. , Moum T. , Wahl A.K.
Published: March 2011

Background  Patients with psoriasis commonly report severe sensory skin symptoms, sleep disturbance, psychological distress and impaired health related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the complex associations among these factors are poorly investigated in this patient group.

Objectives  The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between skin pain or skin discomfort and HRQoL, and explore whether sleep disturbance and psychological distress were mediators of these associations.

Methods  A total of 139 psoriasis patients from a university hospital setting participated in this exploratory, cross‐sectional study. Data were obtained through interviews and questionnaires (Dermatology Life Quality Index, General Sleep Disturbance Scale, Illness Perception Questionnaire) and analysed using a series of multiple regression analyses. HRQoL was the dependent variable. Independent variables and assumed mediators were entered into the model in a predefined order.

Results  Skin pain, skin discomfort, sleep disturbance and psychological distress were significantly associated with HRQoL (all P < 0.05). Sleep disturbance was a partial mediator for the association between skin pain and HRQoL. No such mediation effect was found in terms of psychological distress. The total model explained 40% of the variance in HRQoL.

Conclusion  In this study, skin pain and skin discomfort were significantly related to HRQoL when controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. In addition, sleep disturbance mediated the association between skin pain and HRQoL. An understanding of the complex association among physiological and psychological factors, and HRQoL is clinically important in order to provide proper treatment and care of patients with psoriasis.
Banksia born to burn
Authors: He Tianhua , Lamont Byron B. , Downes Katherine S.
Published: March 2011

See also the Commentary by Midgley and Bond
Strigolactones are regulators of root development
Authors: Koltai Hinanit
Published: March 2011

Strigolactones (SLs) have been defined as a new group of plant hormones or their derivatives that suppress lateral shoot branching. Recently, a new role for SLs was discovered, in the regulation of root development. Strigolactones were shown to alter root architecture and affect root‐hair elongation. Here, I review the recent findings regarding the effects of SLs on root growth and development, and their association with changes in auxin flux. The networking between SLs and other plant hormones that regulate root development is also presented. Strigolactone regulation of plant development suggests that they are coordinators of shoot and root development and mediators of plant responses to environmental conditions.
Learning to multitask: Effects of video game practice on electrophysiological indices of attention and resource allocation
Authors: Maclin Edward L. , Mathewson Kyle E. , Low Kathy A. , Boot Walter R. , Kramer Arthur F. , Fabiani Monica , Gratton Gabriele
Published: March 2011

Changes in attention allocation with complex task learning reflect processing automatization and more efficient control. We studied these changes using ERP and EEG spectral analyses in subjects playing Space Fortress, a complex video game comprising standard cognitive task components. We hypothesized that training would free up attentional resources for a secondary auditory oddball task. Both P3 and delta EEG showed a processing trade‐off between game and oddball tasks, but only some game events showed reduced attention requirements with practice. Training magnified a transient increase in alpha power following both primary and secondary task events. This contrasted with alpha suppression observed when the oddball task was performed alone, suggesting that alpha may be related to attention switching. Hence, P3 and EEG spectral data are differentially sensitive to changes in attentional processing occurring with complex task training.
Rosiglitazone promotes pancreatic regeneration in experimental model of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Sidhu Shabir , Pandhi Promila , Malhotra Samir , Vaiphei Kim , Khanduja KL
Published: March 2011

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas caused by release of activated digestive enzymes in the pancreas. A number of therapeutic options have been explored for acute pancreatitis, but none has been unambiguously proven to be effective. Rosiglitazone has been shown to be efficacious in acute pancreatitis; thus, the present study was planned to evaluate the effect of rosiglitazone on pancreatic regeneration. Pancreatitis was induced by l‐arginine in rats which were divided into three groups: cholecystokinin (CCK‐8), rosiglitazone and vehicle. Rats were sacrificed at four time points after induction of pancreatitis i.e. 24 h, day 3, day 14 and day 28 for determination of biochemical parameters and histological examination. Rate of DNA synthesis, immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR were performed at day 3 and day 7. Drug administration was started 2 h after last L‐arginine injection and continued till the day of sacrifice. The lower levels of enzyme in rosiglitazone‐treated group compared to vehicle group proved the efficacy of rosiglitazone treatment in reducing severity of acute pancreatitis. The nucleic acid content and rate of DNA synthesis were significantly higher in rosiglitazone group indicating promotion of pancreatic regeneration. The histopathological score were lower in rosiglitazone group. Rosiglitazone treatment promoted pancreatic regeneration after acute injury. Currently, only symptomatic treatment is available, regeneration of pancreatic tissue can be a future strategy in the management of acute pancreatitis. Further studies are required to support the findings of the present study.
Candidate gene study of FOXO1, FOXO4, and FOXO6 reveals no association with human longevity in Germans
Authors: Kleindorp Rabea , Flachsbart Friederike , Puca Annibale A. , Malovini Alberto , Schreiber Stefan , Nebel Almut
Published: March 2011

In mammals, the forkhead box class O (FOXO) family of transcription factors consists of the four members FOXO1, FOXO3A, FOXO4, and FOXO6. The FOXO genes are homologues of daf‐16, a key regulator of the insulin‐IGF1 signaling pathway and a modulator of lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. Recently, variants in FOXO3A have consistently been associated with human longevity in various populations worldwide. Given this confirmed finding, it is conceivable that polymorphisms in the other FOXO genes might have a similar effect on human longevity. To evaluate whether allelic variation in FOXO1, FOXO4, and FOXO6 influences the ability to become long‐lived, we performed a comprehensive haplotype‐tagging analysis of the three genes in a group of 1447 centenarians/nonagenarians and 1029 younger controls from Germany. This is the first investigation to analyze a possible association of human longevity with FOXO4 and FOXO6, respectively, and the largest and most comprehensive study to date to assess the genetic contribution of FOXO1 to the phenotype. Our results suggest that in Germans, none of the three genes plays a significant role in the ability to reach old age. With regard to FOXO1, this observation is supported by data from an Italian sample and is consistent with several previous reports, but appears to be in contrast to a recent study of Han Chinese. The discrepant association findings in Europeans and Chinese may be explained by their different FOXO1 linkage disequilibrium structures and could indicate a Chinese‐ or Asian‐specific effect.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress in wake‐active neurons progresses with aging
Authors: Naidoo Nirinjini , Zhu Jingxu , Zhu Yan , Fenik Polina , Lian Jie , Galante Ray , Veasey Sigrid
Published: March 2011

Fragmentation of wakefulness and sleep are expected outcomes of advanced aging. We hypothesize that wake neurons develop endoplasmic reticulum dyshomeostasis with aging, in parallel with impaired wakefulness. In this series of experiments, we sought to more fully characterize age‐related changes in wakefulness and then, in relevant wake neuronal populations, explore functionality and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. We report that old mice show greater sleep/wake transitions in the active period with markedly shortened wake periods, shortened latencies to sleep, and less wake time in the subjective day in response to a novel social encounter. Consistent with sleep/wake instability and reduced social encounter wakefulness, orexinergic and noradrenergic wake neurons in aged mice show reduced c‐fos response to wakefulness and endoplasmic reticulum dyshomeostasis with increased nuclear translocation of CHOP and GADD34. We have identified an age‐related unfolded protein response injury to and dysfunction of wake neurons. It is anticipated that these changes contribute to sleep/wake fragmentation and cognitive impairment in aging.
Fat maintenance is a predictor of the murine lifespan response to dietary restriction
Authors: Liao Chen‐Yu , Rikke Brad A. , Johnson Thomas E. , Gelfond Jonathan A. L. , Diaz Vivian , Nelson James F.
Published: March 2011

Dietary restriction (DR), one of the most robust life‐extending manipulations, is usually associated with reduced adiposity. This reduction is hypothesized to be important in the life‐extending effect of DR, because excess adiposity is associated with metabolic and age‐related disease. Previously, we described remarkable variation in the lifespan response of 41 recombinant inbred strains of mice to DR, ranging from life extension to life shortening. Here, we used this variation to determine the relationship of lifespan modulation under DR to fat loss. Across strains, DR life extension correlated inversely with fat reduction, measured at midlife (males, r = −0.41, P < 0.05, n = 38 strains; females, r = −0.63, P < 0.001, n = 33 strains) and later ages. Thus, strains with the least reduction in fat were more likely to show life extension, and those with the greatest reduction were more likely to have shortened lifespan. We identified two significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting fat mass under DR in males but none for lifespan, precluding the confirmation of these loci as coordinate modulators of adiposity and longevity. Our data also provide evidence for a QTL previously shown to affect fuel efficiency under DR. In summary, the data do not support an important role for fat reduction in life extension by DR. They suggest instead that factors associated with maintaining adiposity are important for survival and life extension under DR.
Prognostic implications of antibodies to Ro/SSA and soluble liver antigen in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Montano‐Loza Aldo J. , Shums Zakera , Norman Gary L. , Czaja Albert J.
Published: March 2011

Background: Antibodies to soluble liver antigen are frequently co‐expressed with antibodies to ribonucleoprotein/Sjögren's syndrome A (Ro/SSA) in autoimmune hepatitis.

Aims: Our goals were to evaluate the prognostic implications of antibodies to Ro/SSA in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and to determine their independence from antibodies to soluble liver antigen.

Methods: Three hundred and seventy‐six serum samples from 170 patients were tested by enzyme immunoassays.

Results: Sixty‐five patients (38%) had antibodies to Ro52; 11 patients (6%) had antibodies to Ro60; and 27 patients had antibodies to soluble liver antigen (16%). Twenty‐six patients with antibodies to Ro52 had antibodies to soluble liver antigen (40%), and 26 patients with antibodies to soluble liver antigen had antibodies to Ro52 (96%). Patients with antibodies to Ro52 and antibodies to soluble liver antigen had a higher frequency of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*03 (78 vs 50%, P=0.05) and lower occurrence of HLA DRB1*04 (22 vs 57%, P=0.01) than patients with antibodies to Ro52 alone. Antibodies to Ro52 alone [hazard ratio (HR), 2.90; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–7.14, P=0.02] and antibodies to Ro52 in conjunction with antibodies to soluble liver antigen (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.07–8.43, P=0.04) were independently associated with the development of cirrhosis and hepatic death or liver transplantation.

Conclusions: Antibodies to Ro52 alone and antibodies to Ro52 in conjunction with antibodies to soluble liver antigen are independently associated with a poor prognosis in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. The prognostic implications ascribed to antibodies to soluble liver antigen may reflect their almost invariable concurrence with antibodies to Ro52.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma in an Atopic Dermatitis Patient: A Case Report and a Review of Literature
Authors: Salem Hanan A. , El Sohafy Magdy , Abd El Gawad Mamdouh
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  A 7‐year‐old girl suffering from atopic dermatitis developed multiple lesions of Kaposi’s sarcoma, which could not be categorized under any one of the four known types of Kaposi’s sarcoma (classic, human immunodeficiency virus‐associated, endemic, or iatrogenic). We propose that atopic dermatitis may cause susceptibility to human herpes virus 8 infection, which is related to the pathogenesis of Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Leclercia Adecarboxylata Cellulitis in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Shah Avnee , Nguyen Josephine , Sullivan Lisa M. , Chikwava Kudakwashe R. , Yan Albert C. , Treat James R.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Leclercia adecarboxylata is a rare, gram‐negative rod that has been infrequently reported in the literature. The organism has been documented to cause solitary infections in immunocompromised hosts and polymicrobial wound infections in the immunocompetent. We present a case of an 8‐year‐old boy with significant past medical history of acute lymphobastic leukemia who developed cellulitis due to local infection by L. adecarboxylata. This case is presented to raise awareness of this rare organism’s ability to cause common cutaneous disease, especially in the immunocompromised.
Longitudinal Associations Between Other‐Sex Friendships and Substance Use in Adolescence
Authors: Poulin François , Denault Anne‐Sophie , Pedersen Sara
Published: March 2011

The impact of the changes in the gender composition of friendship networks during early adolescence on substance use in late adolescence was examined. The hypothesis was that initial level and increase in the proportion of other‐sex friends in the network would be associated with higher levels of substance use among girls, but not among boys. Girls and boys (n=390) were interviewed annually from ages 12 to 18 (79% retention). For both boys and girls, initial level in the proportion of other‐sex friends predicted alcohol use in late adolescence, whereas it was predictive of drug use in girls only. Moreover, for girls only, a faster increase in the proportion of other‐sex friends in the network predicted later use of alcohol and drugs.
The Salience of Adolescent Romantic Experiences for Romantic Relationship Qualities in Young Adulthood
Authors: Madsen Stephanie D. , Collins W. Andrew
Published: March 2011

Conceptual links between aspects of adolescents' dating experiences (i.e., involvement and quality; ages 15–17.5) and qualities of their romantic relationships in young adulthood (ages 20–21) were examined in a prospective longitudinal design. Even after accounting for earlier relationship experiences with parents and peers, aspects of adolescent dating experiences predicted romantic relationship qualities in young adulthood. Adolescents who dated fewer partners in mid‐adolescence and who experienced a better quality dating relationship at age 16 demonstrated romantic partner interactions characterized by smoother relationship process in young adulthood (e.g., negotiating conflict to mutual satisfaction, effective and timely caregiving/seeking); adolescents who dated more partners in mid‐adolescence displayed greater negative affect in romantic partner interactions in young adulthood.
Defense Resource Distribution Between Protection and Redundancy for Constant Resource Stockpiling Pace
Authors: Levitin Gregory , Hausken Kjell
Published: March 2011

The article considers the optimal resource distribution in a parallel system between increasing protection and providing redundancy in a situation when the attacker's and defender's resources are stockpiling and the resource increment rate is constant. It is assumed that the system must perform within an exogenously given time horizon and the attack time probability is uniformly distributed along this horizon. The defender optimizes the resource distribution in order to minimize the system destruction probability during the time horizon. First, we find the optimal pace of construction of the new redundant elements assuming that the construction must start in the initial stage of the stockpiling process. We show that starting construction of new elements in the beginning of the system's existence results in its high initial vulnerability. Introducing the time delay before starting the construction can reduce the initial system vulnerability and the entire system destruction probability. The problem of optimization of time delay and new element construction pace is considered with and without constraint on the initial system vulnerability. Examples illustrating the methodology of the optimal defense strategy analysis are presented.
Potential Uncertainty Reduction in Model‐Averaged Benchmark Dose Estimates Informed by an Additional Dose Study
Authors: Shao Kan , Small Mitchell J.
Published: March 2011

A methodology is presented for assessing the information value of an additional dosage experiment in existing bioassay studies. The analysis demonstrates the potential reduction in the uncertainty of toxicity metrics derived from expanded studies, providing insights for future studies. Bayesian methods are used to fit alternative dose‐response models using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation for parameter estimation and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) is used to compare and combine the alternative models. BMA predictions for benchmark dose (BMD) are developed, with uncertainty in these predictions used to derive the lower bound BMDL. The MCMC and BMA results provide a basis for a subsequent Monte Carlo analysis that backcasts the dosage where an additional test group would have been most beneficial in reducing the uncertainty in the BMD prediction, along with the magnitude of the expected uncertainty reduction. Uncertainty reductions are measured in terms of reduced interval widths of predicted BMD values and increases in BMDL values that occur as a result of this reduced uncertainty. The methodology is illustrated using two existing data sets for TCDD carcinogenicity, fitted with two alternative dose‐response models (logistic and quantal‐linear). The example shows that an additional dose at a relatively high value would have been most effective for reducing the uncertainty in BMA BMD estimates, with predicted reductions in the widths of uncertainty intervals of approximately 30%, and expected increases in BMDL values of 5–10%. The results demonstrate that dose selection for studies that subsequently inform dose‐response models can benefit from consideration of how these models will be fit, combined, and interpreted.
Embryonic liver fodrin involved in hepatic stellate cell activation and formation of regenerative nodule in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Liu Fang , Tu Wei , Chang Ying , Yao Jinjian , Wu Wei , Jiang Xiang , He Xingxing , Lin Jusheng , Song Yuhu
Published: March 2011

Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 plays a critical role in liver fibrosis. Previous studies demonstrated embryonic liver fodrin (ELF), a β‐spectrin was involved in TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway as Smad3/4 adaptor. Here we investigate the role of ELF in pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. In carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced mice model of liver cirrhosis, ELF is up‐regulated in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and down‐regulated in regenerative hepatocytes of cirrhotic nodules. In activated HSCs in vitro, reduction of ELF expression mediated by siRNA leads to the inhibition of HSC activation and procollagen I expression. BrdU assay demonstrates that down‐regulation of ELF expression does not inhibit proliferation of activated HSCs in vitro. Immunostaining of cytokeratin 19 and Ki67 indicates that regenerative hepatocytes in cirrhotic liver are derived from hepatic progenitor cells (HPC). Further study reveals that HPC expansion occurs as an initial phase, before the reduction of ELF expression in regenerative hepatocytes. Regenerative hepatocytes in cirrhotic liver show the change in proliferative activity and expression pattern of proteins involved in G1/S transition, which suggests the deregulation of cell cycle in regenerative hepatocytes. Finally, we find that ELF participates in TGF‐β/Smad signal in activated HSCs and hepatocytes through regulating the localization of Smad3/4. These data reveal that ELF is involved in HSC activation and the formation of regenerative nodules derived from HPC in cirrhotic liver.
Elevated levels of hypoxia‐inducible microRNA‐210 in pre‐eclampsia: new insights into molecular mechanisms for the disease
Authors: Zhang Yi , Fei Mingyu , Xue Geng , Zhou Qi , Jia Yin , Li Li , Xin Hong , Sun Shuhan
Published: March 2011

Pre‐eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Insufficient uteroplacental oxygenation is believed to be responsible for the disease. However, what molecular events involve in hypoxic responses and how they affect placental development remain unclear. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as a new class of molecules in response to hypoxia. We show here that the expression of microRNA‐210 (mir‐210) is up‐regulated in patients with pre‐eclampsia, as well as in trophoblast cells cultured under hypoxic conditions. Ectopic expression of mir‐210 inhibited the migration and invasion capability of trophoblast cells. Ephrin‐A3 and Homeobox‐A9, which related with cell migration and vascular remodelling, were then experimentally validated as the functional targets of mir‐210 both in vivo and in vitro. Using luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments, we finally identified a new transcriptional mechanism that the overexpression of mir‐210 under hypoxia was regulated by NF‐κB transcriptional factor p50, apart from the well‐known HIF 1α. Taken together, our study implicates an important role for mir‐210 in the molecular mechanism of pre‐eclampsia.
An experimental approach to estimating vulnerability of European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) ova to predation by invasive ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)
Authors: Etheridge Elizabeth C. , Bean Colin W. , Adams Colin E.
Published: March 2011

Abstract –  The complexity of substrate covering spawning grounds of Coregonus lavaretus is assumed to have a role in the protection of incubating ova from predation. It is believed that the Loch Lomond population of C. lavaretus is adversely affected by invasive ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) predation on eggs. To discover the protective ability of substrate commonly found on whitefish spawning grounds, predation experiments of ruffe on artificial eggs were conducted. These were presented to ruffe over different substrates: sand, gravel, pebbles and cobbles. It was found that the greatest protection was provided by pebbles and gravel. Eggs are exposed on sand, but are protected by small gaps between pebbles and gravel, while in cobbles the gaps between substrate particles are large enough to sometimes allow ruffe to foraging within the substrate. Using these results, a comparison between the potential protective ability of substrates of spawning grounds in four Scottish whitefish sites was attempted.
Functional traits of individual trees reveal ecological constraints on community assembly in tropical rain forests
Authors: Paine C. E. Timothy , Baraloto Christopher , Chave Jérôme , Hérault Bruno
Published: March 2011

Niche differentiation and ecological filtering are primary ecological processes that shape community assembly, but their relative importance remains poorly understood. Analyses of the distributions of functional traits can provide insight into the community structure generated by these processes. We predicted the trait distributions expected under the ecological processes of niche differentiation and environmental filtering, then tested these predictions with a dataset of 4672 trees located in nine 1‐ha plots of tropical rain forest in French Guiana. Five traits related to leaf function (foliar N concentration, chlorophyll content, toughness, tissue density and specific leaf area), and three traits related to stem function (trunk sapwood density, branch sapwood density, and trunk bark thickness), as well as laminar surface area, were measured on every individual tree. There was far more evidence for environmental filtering than for niche differentiation in these forests. Furthermore, we contrasted results from species‐mean and individual‐level trait values. Analyses that took within‐species trait variation into account were far more sensitive indicators of niche differentiation and ecological filtering. Species‐mean analyses, by contrast, may underestimate the effects of ecological processes on community assembly. Environmental filtering appeared somewhat more intense on leaf traits than on stem traits, whereas niche differentiation affected neither strongly. By accounting for within‐species trait variation, we were able to more properly consider the ecological interactions among individual trees and between individual trees and their environment. In so doing, our results suggest that the ecological processes of niche differentiation and environmental filtering may be more pervasive than previously believed.
The role of El Niño–Southern Oscillation in the dynamics of a savanna large herbivore population
Authors: Marshal Jason P. , Owen‐Smith Norman , Whyte Ian J. , Stenseth Nils Chr.
Published: March 2011

Our understanding of large‐scale climatic phenomena and dynamics of large herbivore populations comes principally from research in northern regions with temperate, seasonal climate and animal communities with relatively low species diversity. To assess the generality of that perspective, we investigated effects of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on population dynamics of African buffalo Syncerus caffer inhabiting a semi‐arid savanna with variable rainfall. We used linear and nonlinear‐threshold models to investigate relationships between population parameters and explanatory variables affecting forage conditions (seasonal rainfall, Southern Oscillation Index [SOI]). El Niño‐related droughts in 1982–1983 and 1991–1992 were associated with strongly negative population change, a pattern expected to coincide with a decrease in normally high and constant adult survival. Consistent with that nonlinear pattern, we detected threshold relationships between wet‐season rainfall and population change. Juvenile recruitment was described best by linear relationships with dry‐season. Because ENSO operates primarily through wet‐season rainfall, whereas population dynamics were also related to dry‐season rainfall, SOI did not have the predictive ability of individual weather components.
Syntaxin 11 Binds Vti1b and Regulates Late Endosome to Lysosome Fusion in Macrophages
Authors: Offenhäuser Carolin , Lei Nazi , Roy Sandrine , Collins Brett M. , Stow Jennifer L. , Murray Rachael Z.
Published: March 2011

Syntaxin 11 (Stx11) is a SNARE protein enriched in cells of the immune system. Loss or mutation of Stx11 results in familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type‐4 (FHL‐4), an autosomal recessive disorder of immune dysregulation characterized by high levels of inflammatory cytokines along with defects in T‐cell and natural killer cell function. We show here Stx11 is located on endosomal membranes including late endosomes and lysosomes in macrophages. While Stx11 did not form a typical trans‐SNARE complex, it did bind to the Q‐SNARE Vti1b and was able to regulate the availability of Vti1b to form the Q‐SNARE complexes Stx6/Stx7/Vtib and Stx7/Stx8/Vti1b. The mutant form of Stx11 sequestered Vti1b from forming the Q‐SNARE complex that mediates late endosome to lysosome fusion. Depletion of Stx11 in activated macrophages leads to an accumulation of enlarged late endocytic compartments, increased trafficking to the cell surface and inhibition of late endosome to lysosome fusion. These phenotypes are rescued by the expression of an siRNA‐resistant Stx11 construct in Stx11‐depleted cells. Our results suggest that by regulating the availability of Vti1b, Stx11 regulates trafficking steps between late endosomes, lysosomes and the cell surface in macrophages.
Left or right temporal lesion might induce aggression or escape during awake surgery, respectively: role of the amygdala
Authors: Shinoura Nobusada , Yamada Ryozi , Tabei Yusuke , Otani Ryohei , Itoi Chihiro , Saito Seiko , Midorikawa Akira
Published: March 2011

Objective: Some patients with temporal lobe brain tumours show aggressive or escape behaviour during awake surgery. As the amygdala plays a critical role in coping with stress, we evaluated whether the left or right amygdala was involved in aggressive or escape behaviour in six patients undergoing awake surgery for temporal lobe brain tumours.

Methods: Brain tumours were located in the left temporal lobe in cases 1–3 and in the right temporal lobe in cases 4–6. In cases 1, 2, 4 and 5, the tumours invaded the amygdala.

Results: In case 1, the patient showed aggressive behaviour before partial removal of the left amygdala during awake surgery; just after partial removal of left amygdala, the patient was calm and cooperative. In case 2, the patient showed aggressive behaviour when the tumour near the left amygdala was removed. In case 3, the patient showed aggressive behaviour when awakening during awake surgery. In case 4, the patient showed escape behaviour when removal of the tumour near the right amygdala was initiated. In cases 5 and 6, patients showed escape behaviour upon awakening and upon initiation of tumour removal from the temporal lobe.

Conclusion: In conclusion, these results suggest that left or right temporal lesions might induce aggressive or escape behaviour during awake surgery, respectively, and that the amygdala on the respective side may play a role in these behaviours.
Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide levels in children with heart disease
Authors: Knirsch Walter , Häusermann Eliane , Fasnacht Margrit , Hersberger Martin , Gessler Peter , Bauersfeld Urs
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To determine plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in children with heart diseases before medical or surgical treatment for monitoring therapeutic efficacy in an observational prospective clinical trial at tertiary care centre.

Methods:  In 522 paediatric patients at an age of 6.4 ± 5.2 years (mean ± SD; range: 14 days–18 years) with congenital heart disease (CHD), cardiomyopathies (CMP) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), plasma BNP levels were evaluated before and under treatment.

Results:  Most types of heart disease are associated with increased mean plasma BNP levels before treatment, with highest values in children with CMP (BNP 6165 pg/mL in dilated CMP vs. 817 pg/mL in hypertrophic, vs. 1236 pg/mL in restrictive CMP, each p < 0.05). Children with PAH showed a significant decrease in BNP levels under medical treatment (mean BNP 981 pg/mL before vs. 26 pg/mL under treatment, p < 0.05). Children with univentricular CHD undergoing surgical staged palliation showed a significant decrease in BNP levels after bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis (BDCP) (BNP 109 pg/mL before vs. 70 pg/mL after BDCP, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Plasma BNP levels are elevated in children with heart disease before treatment and are a useful laboratory parameter under treatment during long‐term follow‐up.
Maintenance of remission with cyclosporine in paediatric patients with Kimura′s disease – two case reports
Authors: Soeria‐Atmadja Sandra , Oskarsson Trausti , Celci Gianni , Sander Birgitta , Berg Ulla , Gustafsson Britt
Published: March 2011

Here we report two paediatric cases of Kimura′s disease, which is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder with undetermined aetiology. The first patient was a 17‐year‐old boy presenting with a swelling behind his right ear and a nephrotic syndrome. The second patient was a 9‐year‐old boy presenting with a left‐sided preauricular swelling. Both displayed peripheral blood eosinophilia, raised levels of serum IgE and typical histological findings. Initial response to prednisolone was excellent but both relapsed as medication was tapered or discontinued. Adding cyclosporine to the regimen resulted in prolonged remission in both patients.

Conclusion:  We support the use of cyclosporine for maintaining remission in paediatric patients with Kimura′s disease.
A Global Perspective on Happiness and Fertility
Authors: Margolis Rachel , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: March 2011

The literature on fertility and happiness has neglected comparative analysis. we investigate the fertility/happiness association using data from the world values Surveys for 86 countries. we fnd that, globally, happiness decreases with the number of children. this association, however, is strongly modifed by individual and contextual factors. most importantly, we find that the association between happiness and fertility evolves from negative to neutral to positive above age 40, and is strongest among those who are likely to beneft most from upward intergenerational transfers. in addition, analyses by welfare regime show that the negative fertility/ happiness association for younger adults is weakest in countries with high public support for families, and the positive association above age 40 is strongest in countries where old‐age support depends mostly on the family. overall these results suggest that children are a long‐term investment in well‐being, and highlight the importance of the life‐cycle stage and contextual factors in explaining the happiness/fertility association.
Family Policies in OECD Countries: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Thévenon Olivier
Published: March 2011

This article discusses the diversity of family policy models in 28 oecd countries in terms of the balance between their different objectives and the mix of instruments adopted to implement the policies. cross‐country policy differences are investigated by applying a principal component analysis to comprehensive country‐level data from the oecd Family database covering variables such as parental leave conditions, childcare service provision, and fnancial support to families. the results fnd persistent differences in the family policy patterns embedded in different contexts of work‐family “outcomes.” country classifcations of family policy packages only partially corroborate categorizations in earlier studies, owing to considerable within‐group heterogeneity and the presence of group outliers. the nordic countries outdistance the others with comprehensive support to working parents with very young children. anglo‐Saxon countries provide much less support for working parents with very young children, and fnancial support is targeted on low‐income and large families and focuses on preschool and early elementary education. continental and eastern european countries form a more heterogeneous group, while the support received by families in Southern europe and in asian countries is much lower in all its dimensions.
Socioeconomic Marriage Differentials in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Heard Genevieve
Published: March 2011

While marriage rates are relatively stable among better‐educated men and women, they are rapidly declining among those with low educational attainment. this development has been recognized in the uS as a new socioeconomic pattern of marriage. this article uses census data to show that socioeconomic marriage differentials are also increasing in australia and new Zealand. these differentials have previously been noted independently of each other and of the international picture. in synthesizing the antipodean data, the article documents the new socioeconomic marriage pattern as an international phenomenon. this article further considers the extent to which the available explanations for the new marriage pattern ft the antipodean setting. in general, the factors identifed as important in the north american setting are applicable to both australia and new Zealand. in particular, the poor marriage prospects of men with low educational attainment appear to be common to these post‐industrial economies with minimalist welfare states.
The Demise of the American Indios
Authors: Livi Bacci Massimo
Published: March 2011

This symposium takes as its point of departure two books by massimo livi Bacci, Conquest and El Dorado in the Marshes, published in english in 2008 and 2010. livi Bacci assesses widely varying estimates of the demographic dimensions of the collapse of the native populations following their contact with europeans and elucidates the proximate causes of that catastrophe. drawing on models that combine production potential with demography, environment, and technology, Shripad tuljapurkar discusses analogous historical experiences of the populations of Polynesia and the social transformation they entailed. david S. Reher argues that explanations of the estimated demographic dynamics need to take into account the negative fertility responses of the indigenous population to the disruption of their traditional way of life. Focusing on the biological aspects of immunity to diseases such as smallpox, andrew noymer demonstrates that infectious diseases alone could not account for the indios' population collapse. the contributions to this symposium are based on presentations at a session at the 2010 annual meeting of the Population association of america, held in dallas, texas, that examined the demographic consequences of the Spanish conquest of the caribbean region and of South america in light of the two books.
PROS AND CONS OF LOW‐FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN VETERINARY PRACTICE
Authors: KONAR MARTIN , LANG JOHANN
Published: March 2011

Low‐field (LF) (0.2–0.4 T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging predominates in veterinary practice. Advantages of LF MR include reduced costs, better patient access, and greater safety. High quality examinations can be achieved using appropriate protocols and investing more scanning time than with high‐field (HF) systems. The main disadvantage of LF MR is the reduced signal to noise ratio compared with HF systems. LF MR protocols for small animal brain and spine imaging are described.
OPTIMAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE BRAIN
Authors: ROBERTSON IAN
Published: March 2011

Quality magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is complex and requires optimization of many technical factors. The most important factors are: magnet field and gradient strengths, coil selection, receiver bandwidth, field of view and image matrix size, number of excitations, slice thickness, image weighting and contrast, imaging planes and the direction of the phase, and frequency gradients. The ability to augment a standard MR study with additional sequences, and the need to ensure the completed study is comprehensive and robust must be balanced against the time the patient spends under anesthesia in the magnet.
CORRELATING MAGNETIC RESONANCE FINDINGS WITH NEUROPATHOLOGY AND CLINICAL SIGNS IN DOGS AND CATS
Authors: VITE CHARLES H. , CROSS JOHNNY R.
Published: March 2011

The histologic characteristics that are the basis for diagnosis of central nervous system conditions cannot be visualized directly using magnetic resonance (MR) methods, but clinical diagnosis may be based on the frequency and pattern of MR imaging signs, which represent predominantly the gross morphologic features of lesions. Additional quantitative MR measures of myelination, cell swelling, gliosis, and neuronal loss may also be used for more specific characterization of lesions. These measures include magnetization transfer ratio, apparent diffusion coefficient, and the concentrations or ratios of metabolites identified by spectroscopy. Confidence that an MR abnormality is responsible for the clinical signs depends primarily on the degree of correspondence between the site of the lesion and the neuroanatomical localization.
IMAGING THE CRANIAL NERVES
Authors: PARRY ANDREW T. , VOLK HOLGER A.
Published: March 2011

An understanding of the normal course of the cranial nerves (CN) is essential when interpreting images of patients with cranial neuropathies. CN foramina are depicted best using computed X‐ray tomography, but the nerves are depicted best using magnetic resonance imaging. The function and anatomy of the CN in the dog are reviewed and selected examples of lesions affecting the CN are illustrated.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF CANINE INTRACRANIAL NEOPLASIA
Authors: WISNER ERIK R. , DICKINSON PETER J. , HIGGINS ROBERT J.
Published: March 2011

Although histologic examination following stereotactic or surgical brain biopsy is required for definitive antemortem diagnosis of intracranial neoplasms, these tumors are often associated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features that warrant a presumptive or prioritized differential diagnosis. The MR imaging features of common canine central nervous system (CNS), adenohypophyseal, and metastatic intracranial neoplasms are reviewed. Characterization of neoplasms by histologic type and biological grade is based on the 2007 World Health Organization classification system for CNS tumors in humans.
VALUE OF FAT SUPPRESSION IN GADOLINIUM‐ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE NEUROIMAGING
Authors: D'ANJOU MARC‐ANDRÉ , CARMEL ÉRIC NORMAN , TIDWELL AMY S.
Published: March 2011

T1‐weighted, gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is frequently used to investigate neurologic disease in small animals; however, the abundance of hyperintense adipose tissue adjacent to neural structures, particularly the cranial nerves and spinal cord, can decrease the conspicuity of contrast‐enhanced tissues on T1‐weighted images. For this reason, chemical fat saturation techniques are used to suppress the signal of adipose tissues, enabling improved depiction of gadolinium‐enhanced structures and detection of lesions affecting the nervous system.