bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The tumor‐suppressive function of miR‐1 by targeting LASP1 and TAGLN2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Du Yan‐Yan , Zhao Lian‐Mei , Chen Liang , Sang Mei‐Xiang , Li Jie , Ma Ming , Liu Jun‐Feng
Published: September 2015

Objective

This study determined the expression of microRNA‐1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue and cell lines to evaluate its effects on clinicopathological parameters and its target genes LASP1 and TAGLN2.

Methods

The expression of miR‐1, lasp1, and tagln2 was detected in 55 ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The association between miR‐1, lasp1, and tagln2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was observed. MicroRNA‐1 (mimics‐miR‐1) and its inhibitor (Inhibitor‐miR‐1) were transfected into esophageal cancer cells KYSE 510 and Eca 109; cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were carried out. Plasmid construction and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were also carried out to indicate whether LASP1 and TAGLN2 were miR‐1 target genes. The expression of LASP1 and TAGLN2 was detected with Western blot methods in cell lines, by immunohistochemistry in ESCC tissue.

Results

The gene expression level of microRNA‐1 in cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.01). The expression of miR‐1 in ESCC was correlated with involvement of lymph nodes (P = 0.002), histologic classification (P = 0.000), and vessel invasion (P = 0.022). The expression of lasp1 and tagln2 increased in cancer tissues compared with in adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.05). MiR‐1 suppresses the cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro. The expression of LASP1 and TAGLN2 decreased in mimics‐miR‐1 transfected cells, and increased in inhibitor‐miR‐1 transfected cells. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that LASP1 and TAGLN2 mRNA actually had the target sites of miR‐1.

Conclusions

miR‐1 suppresses cell proliferation, invasiveness, metastasis, and progression of ESCC by binding its targeted genes LASP1 and TAGLN2.
Low testosterone as a better predictor of mortality than sarcopenia in men with advanced liver disease
Authors: Sinclair Marie , Grossmann Mathis , Angus Peter W , Hoermann Rudolf , Hey Penelope , Scodellaro Thomas , Gow Paul J
Published: September 2015

Background and Aim

Both sarcopenia and low serum testosterone have been associated with increased mortality in men with cirrhosis. It is not known how these variables interact.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 145 men referred for liver transplant evaluation between 2005 and 2012. Baseline demographics included hormone profile and model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score. Baseline computerized tomography was reformatted to calculate skeletal muscle area at L4 using validated, Tomovision software‐based methodology. The primary outcome was time to death or liver transplantation.

Results

Median testosterone was low at 6.2 nmol/L (ref. 10–27.6 nmol/L) as was muscle mass at 48.0 cm2/m2 (ref. > 52.4 cm2/m2). Muscle mass correlated with both serum testosterone (tau = 0.132, P = 0.019) and MELD score (tau = −0.155, P = 0.007). In separate multivariable models, both sarcopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, P = 0.04) and low testosterone (HR 1.08, P = 0.01) were significantly associated with mortality independent of MELD score. When the variables MELD score, muscle area, and testosterone were entered into a single model, low testosterone but not sarcopenia remained significantly predictive of mortality (HR 1.07, P = 0.02, and HR 1.04, P = 0.09, respectively).

Conclusion

Low testosterone and sarcopenia are both associated with increased mortality in men with advanced liver disease and may identify patients at high risk of mortality that would be missed by the MELD score alone. Low testosterone appears to be a better predictor of mortality than sarcopenia and is a simpler test to improve the prognostic value of the MELD score. Interventional trials are required to determine whether low testosterone and sarcopenia are markers or mediators of mortality in this population.
Looking towards objective quality evaluation in colonoscopy: Analysis of visual gaze patterns
Authors: Edmondson Matthew J , Pucher Philip H , Sriskandarajah Kumuthan , Hoare Jonathan , Teare Julian , Yang Guang‐Zhong , Darzi Ara , Sodergren Mikael H
Published: September 2015

Background and Aim

There are currently limited training and assessment tools available to novice endoscopists. A potential tool for the objective assessment of endoscopist visual search strategy is eye‐tracking technology. The aim of this study is to assess whether eye‐tracking technology can be used to differentiate the visual gaze patterns (VGP) of experienced and novice endoscopists, and to characterize any differences arising between the two groups.

Method

With the use of portable eye‐tracking glasses, VGP of novice (n = 20) and experienced (n = 14) endoscopists were compared while viewing a colonoscopy withdrawal through the hepatic flexure. Analysis was performed by comparing the central versus peripheral distribution and the horizontal distribution of novice and experienced endoscopist fixations, along with comparison of basic eye‐tracking metrics.

Results

This study found that experienced endoscopists had a significantly higher percentage of fixations within the periphery of the screen (13.4% vs 23.0%, P = 0.013). Experienced endoscopists also had a significantly greater percentage of fixations on the left side of the screen (18.6% vs 33.5%, P = 0.005) that displayed the poorly visualized “inside bend” of the hepatic flexure.

Conclusion

This study has detailed specific VGP acquired through expertise, which can potentially explain why adenomas are regularly missed at the hepatic flexure during colonoscopy. These may be useful for the training of novice colonoscopists, and further validation may utilize VGP in the development of an objective proficiency based curriculum to improve the detection of pathology and overall quality in endoscopy.
Toward Social Material Flow Analysis: On the Usefulness of Boundary Objects in Urban Mining Research
Authors: Wallsten Björn
Published: September 2015

Material flow analysis (MFA) has been an effective tool to identify the scale of physical activity, the allocation of materials across economic sectors for different purposes, and to identify inefficiencies in production systems or in urban contexts. However, MFA relies on ignoring the social drivers of those flows to be able to perform its calculations. In many cases therefore, it remains detached from the processes (e.g., urban) that underpin them. This becomes a problem when the purpose of research is to inform the design of detailed recycling schemes, for which micro‐level practice knowledge on how material flows are mediated by human agency is needed. The aim of this article is to demonstrate how a particular social science approach, namely, infrastructure studies (IS), can be combined with MFA to enhance the latter's potential as a decision support tool. To achieve a successful combination between IS and MFA, the object of inquiry must be carefully defined to function as a ‘boundary object,’ which allows academic approaches to work together without the need for consensus. This approach is illustrated with a case study example in urban mining research that assesses the hibernating stock of subsurface urban infrastructure in Norrköping, Sweden. It provides an example of how a well‐calibrated MFA and a complementary social science approach can provide hands‐on advice for private as well as public actors in a local and place‐specific context. The article aims to advance the integration of social science and the study of the physical economy to contribute to the emerging field of social industrial ecology.
Online interferometric study of viscoelastic rupture and necking deformation of as‐spun (iPP) fibres due to creep process
Authors: SOKKAR TAHA , EL‐FARAHATY KERMAL , AZZAM AMIRA
Published: September 2015

Creep deformation under constant load leads to rupture when the polymer chains can no longer separate and accommodate the load. This fracture phenomenon is investigated interferometrically. The creep behaviour of as‐spun isotactic Polypropylene (iPP) fibres is studied at different stresses, different initial lengths and different radii. The creep rate, which defines the velocity of the creep deformation and the dimensional stability of the material, is studied. The failure time and stress of iPP due to creep process is determined. The necking deformation was in situ detected during creep process. The mean refractive indices (nP and) profiles of iPP fibres were determined at different positions along the fibre axis before and after necking. The relation between the creep behaviour and different optical and structural parameters is investigated. Microinterferograms are given for illustration.
Areca nut alkaloids induce irreparable DNA damage and senescence in fibroblasts and may create a favourable environment for tumour progression
Authors: Rehman Ambreen , Ali Sitara , Lone Mohid Abrar , Atif Muhammad , Hassona Yazan , Prime Stephen Stewart , Pitiyage Gayani Nadika , James Emma Louise Naomi , Parkinson Eric Kenneth
Published: September 2015

Background

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a pre‐malignant condition that is strongly associated with the areca nut alkaloids, arecoline (ARC) and arecaidine (ARD). The condition is characterised by the presence of senescent fibroblasts in the subepithelial mesenchyme which have the potential to promote malignancy in the neighbouring epithelial cells. We tested the hypothesis that areca nut alkaloids induce senescence in oral fibroblasts and promote the secretion of invasion‐promoting transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2).

Methods

Two oral fibroblast lines were treated for 48h with ARC and ARD. Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐βGal) activity, Ki67 (cycling cells), large 53BP1 foci (irreparable DNA strand breaks) and p16INK4A (late senescence) were used as markers of cellular senescence and were quantified using indirect immunofluorescence and the ImageJ program. TGF‐β and MMP‐2 levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed with the two‐tailed unpaired t‐test where n = 3 and the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test where n = 6.

Results

ARC (100 and 300 μM) and ARD (30 and 100 μM) significantly (P < 0.05) induced fibroblast senescence, as determined by the increased expression of SA‐βGal, 53BP1 staining and CDKN2A/p16INK4A; there was also a non‐significant reduction in Ki67 staining. Treated cells also showed a three‐ fivefold increase in TGF‐β and a small non‐significant increase in MMP‐2.

Conclusions

Areca nut alkaloids induce senescence in oral fibroblasts and promote increased secretion of TGF‐β and perhaps MMP‐2 that may create a tissue environment thought to be critical in the progression of OSMF to malignancy.
Costs and outcomes of treating chronic hepatitis C patients in routine care – results from a nationwide multicenter trial
Authors: Stahmeyer J. T. , Krauth C. , Bert F. , Pfeiffer‐Vornkahl H. , Alshuth U. , Hüppe D. , Mauss S. , Rossol S.
Published: September 2015

Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Long‐term consequences are the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of the study was to assess outcomes and costs of treating patients with chronic hepatitis C in clinical practice in Germany. We carried out a prospective noninterventional study. Information on treatment outcomes, resource utilization and quality of life was provided by 281 physicians throughout Germany. Data of 3708 monoinfected HCV‐patients treated between 2008 and 2011 were analysed. Therapy consisted of peginterferon/ribavirin. Mean age of patients was 43.7 years, 60.3% were male and estimated duration of infection was 13.6 years. Predominantly genotype 1 (61.3%) or 3 (28.5%) infections were observed. Sustained viral response (SVR)‐rates in most frequently observed genotypes were 49.2% in GT‐1 and 61.9% in GT‐3 treatment‐naive patients (Relapser: GT‐1: 35.3% and GT‐3: 57.3%; Nonresponder: GT‐1: 25.0% and GT‐3: 33.3%). Average treatment costs were lowest in treatment‐naive patients (€18 965) and higher in patients who failed previous treatments (relapsers: €24 753; nonresponders: €19 511). Differences according to genotype were observed. Average costs per SVR in treatment‐naive patients were €44 744 for GT‐1 and €22 218 for GT‐3. Treatment was associated with a decrease in quality of life; post‐treatment quality of life was higher in patients achieving SVR. Our insight on real‐life treatment outcomes and costs can serve as a reference for a comparison with other treatments. There is high need for short‐term and long‐term cost‐effectiveness analysis in real‐life settings as newly introduced treatment strategies with direct acting antivirals result in high SVR‐rates but are more costly.
A plant economics spectrum in Mediterranean forests along environmental gradients: is there coordination among leaf, stem and root traits?
Authors: de la Riva Enrique G. , Tosto Ambra , Pérez‐Ramos Ignacio M. , Navarro‐Fernández Carmen M. , Olmo Manuel , Anten Niels P.R. , Marañón Teodoro , Villar Rafael
Published: September 2015

Questions

Is there any evidence of coordination among leaf, stem and root traits, and thereby of the existence of a plant economics spectrum at the species and community level in Mediterranean forests? Are these traits related to plant size and seed mass?

Location

Mediterranean forests and shrublands, Sierra Morena mountains, Córdoba, southern Spain.

Methods

We selected nine woody plant communities along a natural local gradient of soil water and nutrient availability. We measured key leaf, stem, root and whole‐plant traits for 38 dominant woody plant species. The variation across species of 15 functional traits (of the leaf, stem and root) was analysed and coordination among them was tested. We explored the relationships between these traits (hereafter ‘resource‐use traits’ due to their close association with the acquisition–conservation trade‐off) and plant height and seed mass. Finally, we compared results at species level with those calculated at community level, considering community‐weighted means (CWMs).

Results

We found a significant coordination between traits belonging to different plant organs, and propose the existence of a plant economics spectrum in Mediterranean forests along the environmental gradient. However, weaker relationships were found within groups of species under similar environmental conditions. We did not find the expected orthogonal relationships between plant height, seed mass and resource‐use traits. Relationships among functional traits were stronger at the community level than at the species level.

Conclusions

This study reveals a high degree of functional coordination between traits belonging to different plant organs at both species and community level, and suggests the existence of a plant economics spectrum across 38 Mediterranean woody plant species. However, this general trend of functional coordination between organs became weaker or disappeared when considering restricted groups of species belonging to environmentally similar sites (e.g. dry vs wet sites), suggesting that the diversification of strategies within communities is not related to the economics spectrum at a lower spatial scale. Interestingly, the high degree of coordination between resource‐use traits and seed mass at the community level seems to support the tolerance–fecundity model, which predicts an inverse relationship between fecundity and stress tolerance.
Concurrent Statistical Learning of Adjacent and Nonadjacent Dependencies
Authors: Vuong Loan C. , Meyer Antje S. , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: September 2015

When children learn their native language, they have to deal with a confusing array of dependencies between various elements in an utterance. The dependent elements may be adjacent to one another or separated by intervening material. Prior studies suggest that nonadjacent dependencies are hard to learn when the intervening material has little variability, which may be due to a trade‐off between adjacent and nonadjacent learning. In this study, we investigate the statistical learning of adjacent and nonadjacent dependencies under low intervening variability using a modified serial reaction time (SRT) task. Young adults were trained on mixed sets of materials comprising equally probable adjacent and nonadjacent dependencies. Offline tests administered after training showed better performance for adjacent than nonadjacent dependencies. However, online SRT data indicated that the participants developed sensitivity to both types of dependencies during training, with no significant differences between dependency types. The results demonstrate the value of online measures of learning and suggest that adjacent and nonadjacent learning can occur together even when there is low variability in the intervening material.
Speciation genomics and a role for the Z chromosome in the early stages of divergence between Mexican ducks and mallards
Authors: Lavretsky Philip , Dacosta Jeffrey M. , Hernández‐Baños Blanca E. , Engilis Andrew , Sorenson Michael D. , Peters Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2015

Speciation is a continuous and dynamic process, and studying organisms during the early stages of this process can aid in identifying speciation mechanisms. The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Mexican duck (A. [p.] diazi) are two recently diverged taxa with a history of hybridization and controversial taxonomy. To understand their evolutionary history, we conducted genomic scans to characterize patterns of genetic diversity and divergence across the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region, 3523 autosomal loci and 172 Z‐linked sex chromosome loci. Between the two taxa, Z‐linked loci (ΦST = 0.088) were 5.2 times more differentiated than autosomal DNA (ΦST = 0.017) but comparable to mtDNA (ΦST = 0.092). This elevated Z differentiation deviated from neutral expectations inferred from simulated data that incorporated demographic history and differences in effective population sizes between marker types. Furthermore, 3% of Z‐linked loci, compared to <0.1% of autosomal loci, were detected as outlier loci under divergent selection with elevated relative (ΦST) and absolute (dXY) estimates of divergence. In contrast, the ratio of Z‐linked and autosomal differentiation among the seven Mexican duck sampling locations was close to 1:1 (ΦST = 0.018 for both markers). We conclude that between mallards and Mexican ducks, divergence at autosomal markers is largely neutral, whereas greater divergence on the Z chromosome (or some portions thereof) is likely the product of selection that has been important in speciation. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature indicating elevated divergence on the Z chromosome and its likely importance in avian speciation.
Cofeeding intra‐ and interspecific transmission of an emerging insect‐borne rickettsial pathogen
Authors: Brown Lisa D. , Christofferson Rebecca C. , Banajee Kaikhushroo H. , Del Piero Fabio , Foil Lane D. , Macaluso Kevin R.
Published: September 2015

Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are known as the primary vector and reservoir of Rickettsia felis, the causative agent of flea‐borne spotted fever; however, field surveys regularly report molecular detection of this infectious agent from other blood‐feeding arthropods. The presence of R. felis in additional arthropods may be the result of chance consumption of an infectious bloodmeal, but isolation of viable rickettsiae circulating in the blood of suspected vertebrate reservoirs has not been demonstrated. Successful transmission of pathogens between actively blood‐feeding arthropods in the absence of a disseminated vertebrate infection has been verified, referred to as cofeeding transmission. Therefore, the principal route from systemically infected vertebrates to uninfected arthropods may not be applicable to the R. felis transmission cycle. Here, we show both intra‐ and interspecific transmission of R. felis between cofeeding arthropods on a vertebrate host. Analyses revealed that infected cat fleas transmitted R. felis to naïve cat fleas and rat fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis) via fleabite on a nonrickettsemic vertebrate host. Also, cat fleas infected by cofeeding were infectious to newly emerged uninfected cat fleas in an artificial system. Furthermore, we utilized a stochastic model to demonstrate that cofeeding is sufficient to explain the enzootic spread of R. felis amongst populations of the biological vector. Our results implicate cat fleas in the spread of R. felis amongst different vectors, and the demonstration of cofeeding transmission of R. felis through a vertebrate host represents a novel transmission paradigm for insect‐borne Rickettsia and furthers our understanding of this emerging rickettsiosis.
Diverse mechanisms of post‐transcriptional repression by the small RNA regulator of glucose‐phosphate stress
Authors: Bobrovskyy Maksym , Vanderpool Carin K.
Published: September 2015

The Escherichia coli small RNA SgrS controls a metabolic stress response that occurs upon accumulation of certain glycolytic intermediates. SgrS base pairs with and represses translation of ptsG and manXYZ mRNAs, which encode sugar transporters, and activates translation of yigL mRNA, encoding a sugar phosphatase. This study defines four new genes as direct targets of E. coli SgrS. These new targets, asd, adiY, folE and purR, encode transcription factors or enzymes of diverse metabolic pathways, including aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, arginine decarboxylase gene activator, GTP cyclohydrolase I and a repressor of purine biosynthesis, respectively. SgrS represses translation of each of the four target mRNAs via distinct mechanisms. SgrS binding sites overlapping the Shine–Dalgarno sequences of adiY and folE mRNAs suggest that SgrS pairing with these targets directly occludes ribosome binding and prevents translation initiation. SgrS binding within the purR coding sequence recruits the RNA chaperone Hfq to directly repress purR translation. Two separate SgrS binding sites were found on asd mRNA, and both are required for full translational repression. Ectopic overexpression of asd, adiY and folE is specifically detrimental to cells experiencing glucose‐phosphate stress, suggesting that SgrS‐dependent repression of the metabolic functions encoded by these targets promotes recovery from glucose‐phosphate stress.
Epidemiology of onychomycosis in Italy: prevalence data and risk factor identification
Authors: Papini Manuela , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Difonzo Elisa , Brunoro Andrea
Published: September 2015

The prevalence of onychomycosis differs according to geographic area and over time and is influenced by several factors. The epidemiology of onychomycosis in Italy is still unclear. To evaluate the prevalence of onychomycosis in a representative sample of the Italian population a group of Dermatologists and General Practitioners carried out an observational survey on the patients coming to their office during a 1‐month period. Any patient with skin or systemic disease giving their consent was enrolled. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyles, history of previous mycosis, clinical aspects of onychomycosis and mycological evaluation were studied. A total of 8331 patients (56.7% female and 43.3% male) were evaluated. More than half of them were aged ≥46 years. Onychomycosis was diagnosed in 14.2% of patients. Big toe and thumb were the most frequently affected nails. Onychomycosis was moderate‐severe in 74.1% of the cases. Mycological tests were positive in 81.3% of the cases. Dermatophytes were found in 76.6% of the cases, yeasts in 17.2% and moulds in 6.3%. Risk factors and/or comorbidities were present in 68.2% of the cases. This survey showed a 14% prevalence of onychomycosis in the evaluated population. The main risk factors were previous onychomycosis, diabetes, hallux valgus and use of occlusive footwear.
OPTIMAL FISH HARVESTING FOR A POPULATION MODELED BY A NONLINEAR PARABOLIC PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION
Authors: KELLY MICHAEL R. , XING YULONG , LENHART SUZANNE
Published: September 2015

As the human population continues to grow, there is a need for better management of our natural resources in order for our planet to be able to produce enough to sustain us. One important resource we must consider is marine fish populations. We use the tool of optimal control to investigate harvesting strategies for maximizing yield of a fish population in a heterogeneous, finite domain. We determine whether these solutions include no‐take marine reserves as part of the optimal solution. The fishery stock is modeled using a nonlinear, parabolic partial differential equation with logistic growth, movement by diffusion and advection, and with Robin boundary conditions. The objective for the problem is to find the harvest rate that maximizes the discounted yield. Optimal harvesting strategies are found numerically.
Tricking CARTO: Cryoablation of Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children with Minimal Radiation Exposure Using the CARTO3 System
Authors: CERESNAK SCOTT R. , NAPPO LYNN , JANSON CHRISTOPHER M. , PASS ROBERT H.
Published: September 2015

Background

CARTO3 is frequently used during ablation but is not designed to allow visualization of non‐CARTO3 ablation catheters. We describe how cryoablation catheters can be visualized and recorded using CARTO3 with minimal fluoroscopy (FLUORO) usage.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients ≤21 years undergoing cryoablation with CARTO3 from 2010 to 2013 for ablation of supraventricular tachycardia. After mapping with a Navistar catheter, the Navistar was removed and a cryocatheter was utilized. The cryocatheter was connected to the pin box via a jumper cable and the pin box was connected to the CARTO3 patient interface unit. Locations of ablation attempts with the cryocatheter were recorded with the “Create Snapshot” tool. Clinical characteristics and radiation doses were compared between patients undergoing cryoablation (cryoenergy [CRYO]) to an age‐ and diagnosis‐matched control group (CONTROL) undergoing RF ablation.

Results

A total of 174 ablations were performed and 14 patients underwent cryoablation (CRYO, 13.3 ± 4.7 years, weight 42 ± 14 kg). Indications for cryoablation were: five atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (36%), four ectopic atrial tachycardia (29%), three concealed accessory pathways (21%), and two Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndromes (14%). Acute success was achieved in all patients (100%) with no complications and one recurrence (7%). The site of successful cryoablation was successfully recorded on the CARTO3 system in all cases. Radiation doses were low and not different from an age‐, era‐, and diagnosis‐matched control group undergoing RF ablation (CRYO 3.2 ± 0.8 mGy vs CONTROL 1.6 ± 0.4 mGy, P = 0.07).

Conclusions

Though a “closed” system, CARTO3 can be “tricked” to allow for the use of cryoablation, allowing clear catheter visualization, mapping, and recording of ablation lesions with minimal FLUORO usage.
Simplified Cardioneuroablation in the Treatment of Reflex Syncope, Functional AV Block, and Sinus Node Dysfunction
Authors: AKSU TOLGA , GOLCUK EBRU , YALIN KIVANÇ , GULER TÜMER ERDEM , ERDEN İSMAIL
Published: September 2015

Background

Cardio neuroablation (CNA) is a lesser‐known technique for management of patients with excessive vagal activation on the basis of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of the areas related to the three main autonomic ganglia around the heart. We investigated the effectiveness of selective and/or stepwise RFCA of these areas via right atrium (RA) and/or left atrium (LA) in the patients with recurrent syncope due to excessive vagal activity.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients presenting symptomatic functional bradyarrhythmias, neurally mediated reflex syncope (NMS), symptomatic atrioventricular (AV) block, and symptomatic sinus node dysfunction (SND; number = 8, 7, 7, respectively) were enrolled. The three main paracardiac ganglia were targeted via RA and LA in the patients with NMS and SND. The procedure was performed via RA in the patients with AV block, followed by RFCA of all ganglia via LA, if AV conduction disorder persists. The sites showing fragmented potentials were identified by electrical mapping and verified by high‐frequency stimulation and ablated until atrial electrical potential was completely eliminated (<0.1 mV).

Results

The patients with NMS and SND were free from new syncopal episode at a mean 12.3 ± 3.4 months and 9.5 ± 3.1 months follow‐up, respectively. Ablation from RA was successful in six of seven patients with AV block. Despite the increased heart rate, the resolution of AV block after the RFCA could not be achieved in one patient who had partial resolution with atropine infusion on admission.

Conclusion

CNA may be an alternative and safe strategy to reduce NMS episodes, and to treat functional AV block and symptomatic SND, especially in young patients.
Nutrient availability and nutrient use efficiency in plants growing in the transition zone between land and water
Authors: Cavalli G. , Baattrup‐Pedersen A. , Riis T.
Published: September 2015

The transition zone between terrestrial and freshwater habitats is highly dynamic, with large variability in environmental characteristics. Here, we investigate how these characteristics influence the nutritional status and performance of plant life forms inhabiting this zone. Specifically, we hypothesised that: (i) tissue nutrient content differs among submerged, amphibious and terrestrial species, with higher content in submerged species; and (ii) PNUE gradually increases from submerged over amphibious to terrestrial species, reflecting differences in the availability of N and P relative to inorganic C across the land–water ecotone. We found that tissue nutrient content was generally higher in submerged species and C:N and C:P ratios indicated that content was limiting for growth for ca. 20% of plant individuals, particularly those belonging to amphibious and terrestrial species groups. As predicted, the PNUE increased from submerged over amphibious to terrestrial species. We suggest that this pattern reflects that amphibious and terrestrial species allocate proportionally more nutrients into processes of importance for photosynthesis at saturating CO2 availability, i.e. enzymes involved in substrate regeneration, compared to submerged species that are acclimated to lower availability of CO2 in the aquatic environment. Our results indicate that enhanced nutrient loading may affect relative abundance of the three species groups in the land–water ecotone of stream ecosystems. Thus, species of amphibious and terrestrial species groups are likely to benefit more from enhanced nutrient availability in terms of faster growth compared to aquatic species, and that this can be detrimental to aquatic species growing in the land–water ecotone, e.g. Ranunculus and Callitriche.
ABA and GA3 increase carbon allocation in different organs of grapevine plants by inducing accumulation of non‐structural carbohydrates in leaves, enhancement of phloem area and expression of sugar transporters
Authors: Murcia Germán , Pontin Mariela , Reinoso Herminda , Baraldi Rita , Bertazza Gianpaolo , Gómez‐Talquenca Sebastián , Bottini Rubén , Piccoli Patricia N.
Published: September 2015

Grape quality for winemaking depends on sugar accumulation and metabolism in berries. Abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs) have been reported to control sugar allocation in economically important crops, although the mechanisms involved are still unknown. The present study tested if ABA and gibberellin A3 (GA3) enhance carbon allocation in fruits of grapevines by modifying phloem loading, phloem area and expression of sugar transporters in leaves and berries. Pot‐grown Vitis vinifera cv. Malbec plants were sprayed with ABA and GA3 solutions. The amount of soluble sugars in leaves and berries related to photosynthesis were examined at three points of berry growth: pre‐veraison, full veraison and post‐veraison. Starch levels and amylase activity in leaves, gene expression of sugar transporters in leaves and berries and phloem anatomy were examined at full veraison. Accumulation of glucose and fructose in berries was hastened in ABA‐treated plants at the stage of full veraison, which was correlated with enhancement of Vitis vinifera HEXOSE TRANSPORTER 2 (VvHT2) and Vitis vinifera HEXOSE TRANSPORTER 6 (VvHT6) gene expression, increases of phloem area and sucrose content in leaves. On the other hand, GA3 increased the quantity of photoassimilates delivered to the stem thus increasing xylem growth. In conclusion, stimulation of sugar transport by ABA and GA3 to berries and stems, respectively, was due to build‐up of non‐structural carbohydrates in leaves, modifications in phloem tissue and modulation in gene expression of sugar transporters.
Lymphocystis disease virus: its importance in aquaculture
Authors: Borrego Juan J. , Valverde Estefania J. , Labella Alejandro M. , Castro Dolores
Published: September 2015

Lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) is the causative agent of a well‐known fish viral disease that is characterized by hypertrophy of fibroblastic cells in the connective tissue. This viral disease affects more than 125 wild and cultured species of teleost fish from marine and freshwater environments and has a cosmopolitan geographical distribution. In aquaculture systems, the prevalence ofLCDVinfection is very high, likely reflecting the horizontal transmission of this virus. The incidence rate of the disease may reach 70%, causing significant economic losses for the aquaculture industry. This review provides information on the taxonomy, viral properties, epizootiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic methods and control measures ofLCDVinfection in fish.
Contribution of air pollution to COPD and small airway dysfunction
Authors: Berend Norbert
Published: September 2015

Although in many Western countries levels of ambient air pollution have been improving with the setting of upper limits and better urban planning, air pollution in developing countries and particularly those with rapid industrialization has become a major global problem. Together with increased motor vehicle ownership and traffic congestion, there is a growing issue with airborne particles of respirable size. These particles are thought responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular effects and have also been implicated in cancer pathogenesis. The pathologic effects in the lung are mediated via inflammatory pathways and involve oxidative stress similar to cigarette smoking. These effects are seen in the peripheral airways where the smaller particle fractions are deposited and lead to airway remodelling. However, emphysema and loss of bronchioles seen with cigarette smoking have not been described with ambient air pollution, and there are few studies specifically looking at peripheral airway function. Definitive evidence of air pollution causing COPD is lacking and a different study design is required to link air pollution and COPD.
Role of the private sector in childbirth care: cross‐sectional survey evidence from 57 low‐ and middle‐income countries using Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Benova Lenka , Macleod David , Footman Katharine , Cavallaro Francesca , Lynch Caroline A. , Campbell Oona M. R.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Maternal mortality rates have decreased globally but remain off track for Millennium Development Goals. Good‐quality delivery care is one recognised strategy to address this gap. This study examines the role of the private (non‐public) sector in providing delivery care and compares the equity and quality of the sectors.

Methods

The most recent Demographic and Health Survey (2000–2013) for 57 countries was used to analyse delivery care for most recent birth among >330 000 women. Wealth quintiles were used for equity analysis; skilled birth attendant (SBA) and Caesarean section rates served as proxies for quality of care in cross‐sectoral comparisons.

Results

The proportion of women who used appropriate delivery care (non‐facility with a SBA or facility‐based births) varied across regions (49–84%), but wealth‐related inequalities were seen in both sectors in all regions. One‐fifth of all deliveries occurred in the private sector. Overall, 36% of deliveries with appropriate care occurred in the private sector, ranging from 9% to 46% across regions. The presence of a SBA was comparable between sectors (≥93%) in all regions. In every region, Caesarean section rate was higher in the private compared to public sector. The private sector provided between 13% (Latin America) and 66% (Asia) of Caesarean section deliveries.

Conclusion

This study is the most comprehensive assessment to date of coverage, equity and quality indicators of delivery care by sector. The private sector provided a substantial proportion of delivery care in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Further research is necessary to better understand this heterogeneous group of providers and their potential to equitably increase the coverage of good‐quality intrapartum care.
SCARECROW‐LIKE23 and SCARECROW jointly specify endodermal cell fate but distinctly control SHORT‐ROOT movement
Authors: Long Yuchen , Goedhart Joachim , Schneijderberg Martinus , Terpstra Inez , Shimotohno Akie , Bouchet Benjamin P. , Akhmanova Anna , Gadella Theodorus W. J. , Heidstra Renze , Scheres Ben , Blilou Ikram
Published: September 2015

Intercellular signaling through trafficking of regulatory proteins is a widespread phenomenon in plants and can deliver positional information for the determination of cell fate. In the Arabidopsis root meristem, the cell fate determinant SHORT‐ROOT (SHR), a GRAS domain transcription factor, acts as a signaling molecule from the stele to the adjacent layer to specify endodermal cell fate. Upon exiting the stele, SHR activates another GRAS domain transcription factor, SCARCROW (SCR), which, together with several BIRD/INDETERMINATE DOMAIN proteins, restricts movement of SHR to define a single cell layer of endodermis. Here we report that endodermal cell fate also requires the joint activity of both SCR and its closest homologue SCARECROW‐LIKE23 (SCL23). We show that SCL23 protein moves with zonation‐dependent directionality. Within the meristem, SCL23 exhibits short‐ranged movement from ground tissue to vasculature. Away from the meristem, SCL23 displays long‐range rootward movement into meristematic vasculature and a bidirectional radial spread, respectively. As a known target of SHR and SCR, SCL23 also interacts with SCR and SHR and can restrict intercellular outspread of SHR without relying on nuclear retention as SCR does. Collectively, our data show that SCL23 is a mobile protein that controls movement of SHR and acts redundantly with SCR to specify endodermal fate in the root meristem.
Migrant Mindworkers and the New Division of Academic Labor
Authors: Ovetz Robert
Published: September 2015

The reorganization of higher education has been made possible by a new division of labor that is rationalizing and deskilling college teaching. These new relations of academic labor are disempowering the professorate by transferring control over teaching to a growing middle management and automating it as online distance learning. In order to respond to this threat to higher education, it is necessary to shift the focus from the commercialization of higher education to the adjunctification of the professorate. This requires a critical rethinking of organizational tactics, strategies, and objectives of academic labor organizing.
Riesgos y tensiones de las marcas colectivas y denominaciones de origen de las creaciones colectivas artesanales indígenas
Authors: Barrera Jurado Gloria Stella , Quiñones Aguilar Ana Cielo , Jacanamijoy Juajibioy Juan Carlos
Published: September 2015

Este trabajo se realizó como parte del proceso de la investigación “Protección de las creaciones artesanales colectivas indígenas desde el enfoque de derechos humanos”, la cual se viene elaborando para comprender e interpretar las dinámicas de las creaciones indígenas y sus posibles formas de protección. Durante mucho tiempo los conocimientos tradicionales indígenas fueron de interés solo para algunos intelectuales, artistas y científicos sociales, mientras que para otros eran invisibles, despreciados y concebidos como atrasados. Hoy para diversos actores sociales adquieren un gran valor al considerarse como significativas mercancías para la explotación comercial.  Actualmente contamos con una gran preocupación por lo que hemos denominado en este trabajo las apropiaciones consentidas y las apropiaciones no consentidas de estas creaciones por parte del Estado, empresas, artistas y diseñadores, por lo cual realizamos una aproximación a dos casos de estudio que han tenido importante relevancia mediática. Este análisis suscitó más preguntas que respuestas.
Redes neuronales para el tratamiento de agua potable en zona de altitud del Perú
Authors: Peña Rojas Anieval , Flores del Pino Lisveth
Published: September 2015

Se evaluó la dosificación de coagulantes utilizando redes neuronales artificiales, enuna planta de agua potable ubicada en Perú (12° 00’ 00" S y 75° 11?’ 00" W) a3420m, donde la calidad al ingreso es inestable debido a precipitaciones fluvialesque alteran sus propiedades fisicoquímicas. Se utilizó la “prueba de jarras” paraevaluar la dosis de coagulante (Al2SO4), considerando turbiedad, pH, conductividady sólidos disueltos, con temperatura y caudal promedio de 10° C y 148 L/s. Los datosde once meses fueron usadas para entrenar diversas tipologías de redes, siendo lade regresión generalizada la que presentó un rendimiento de 97,77 % y evidencióque los factores más influentes son los sólidos disueltos, la turbidez, la conductividady el pH, con 42,79 , 32,43 , 10,33 y 7,26 %, respectivamente.
Organización comunitaria y sustentabilidad del agua
Authors: Sandoval Moreno Adriana
Published: September 2015

Mediante el método cualitativo se analiza cómo las organizaciones comunitarias para el riego y para el consumo humano del agua hacen frente a la problemática de la sustentabilidad de este recurso en la región Lerma-Chapala de Michoacán, México. Los resultados muestran, por un lado, que las organizaciones se basan en arreglos consuetudinarios, buscan la distribución equitativa del agua y tienen una función de control sobre esta en forma de autogestión, con recursos propios, capacidades, saberes y marcos institucionales comunitarios. Por otro lado, hay evidencias de desgaste y presión hacia estas formas de acción colectiva, debido a las dinámicas productivas del modelo económico imperante. Como conclusión se anotan los aportes de estas organizaciones para la sustentabilidad del agua en la región. 
Los impactos medioambientales del evento “2012 Guimarães Capital Europea de la Cultura” percibidos por la comunidad local
Authors: Remoaldo Paula , Duque Eduardo , Ribeiro Cadima
Published: September 2015

Este trabajo presenta los resultados de la evaluación de las percepciones de los impactos medioambientales del evento 2012 Capital Europea de Cultura (ECOC) en la comunidad de Guimarães, Patrimonio de la Humanidad. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de una encuesta autoadministrada de un total de 510 residentes en el municipio de Guimarães, a finales de 2011. Los resultados primarios indican que los residentes reconocieron que el acontecimiento aportó beneficios a la ciudad, pero también impactos negativos. Los impactos percibidos por los residentes fueron clasificados como socioculturales, económicos y medioambientales. De todos ellos, los impactos medioambientales negativos fueron los que más repercutieron en el municipio.
The Governance System of Rural Tourism in the Guanentá Province, Santander: Cultural and Political Transformations
Authors: Vargas Tangua Sergio Ivan , Ortiz Guerrero Cesar Enrique
Published: September 2015

El turismo rural impacta no solamente la dimensión socioeconómica y política de las regiones. Como nueva función de la región, introducida en el territorio de la provincia de Guanentá, Colombia, el turismo rural puede entenderse como el resultado de la gestión llevada a cabo por el sistema de gobernanza y acogida por la cultura regional, en un proceso acumulativo y de largo plazo. Esta dinámica desencadena una serie de transformaciones para su implementación y consolidación, generando así un proceso de cambio y reordenamiento de la estructura espacial regional. Este proceso coadyuva a la explicación de la dinámica de construcción de esta región durante la última década.
Unequal development in Barcelos, Northwest Portugal: articulation of the central-peripheral model with the territorialist model
Authors: Cardoso Antonio , Silva Manuel Carlos
Published: September 2015

En el contexto de la dinámica regional de Minho, los indicadores estadísticos permiten destacar notables disparidades socioespaciales y socioeconómicas, no solo entre grupos sociales, sino también entre sectores (agricultura, industria y servicios) y areas socioespaciales con diferentes niveles de (sub)desarrollo. En una perspectiva histórico-sociológica, se da cuenta brevemente de la evolución socio- demográfica de la región norte y, más concretamente, en el municipio de Barcelos, lo que nos permitió verificar asimetrías de tipo territorial por municipios más centrales frente a municipios del interior. Además, se pretende evidenciar otras dimensiones de las desigualdades sociales en materia de infraestructuras, desempleo y salud, seguridad social y vivienda, por un lado, y la educación y la cultura, en el otro. A pesar de algunas mejoras en infraestructuras y equipamientos, el territorio de la subregión Minho es cruzado por disparidades sociales, educativas y culturales y reproduce en su interior y en la escala regional la distribución desigual de los recursos nacionales de salud, educación y cultura, señalando, en el marco de la globalización actual, la relevancia analítica de la teoría del centro-periferia, no solo en el nivel de la economía mundial, sino también en términos nacionales y regionales.
Efectos financieros en una cooperativa colombiana por la implementación de estándares internacionales de información financiera para las pyme en su balance de apertura
Authors: Castaño-Rios Carlos Eduardo , Zamarra-Londoño Julián Esteban , Correa-García Jaime Andrés
Published: September 2015

Dado el proceso de convergencia hacia estándaresinternacionales de información financiera en Colombiay sus potenciales implicaciones para el empresariadocolombiano y en particular para el sector de la economíasolidaria, se realizó un estudio de caso, con el objetivo deidentificar y analizar los efectos financieros por la implementaciónde estándares internacionales de informaciónfinanciera para pyme en una cooperativa colombiana, enparticular, en su balance de apertura. Para lograrlo, se simulóla implementación de los estándares internacionalesde información para pyme por primera vez para el período2010 en esa entidad. Los principales resultados arrojaronque el patrimonio y el pasivo se ven altamente impactadosde forma negativa, esto debido a la aplicación del estándarreferente a los instrumentos financieros. Se concluye quela implementación por primera vez de estos estándares requiereun arduo proceso de planeación para evitar los posiblesefectos negativos que podría generar.