bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual behaviour mediates effects of warming on movement across a fragmented landscape
Authors: Barnes Andrew D. , Spey Ina‐Kathrin , Rohde Lena , Brose Ulrich , Dell Anthony I.
Published: May 2015

Global warming and habitat fragmentation impose dramatic and potentially interactive impacts on ecosystems. Warming induces shifts in species' distributions as they track temperature changes, but this can be hindered in fragmented landscapes. Corridors connecting habitat patches might ameliorate the combined effects of fragmentation and global warming.

Using novel automated tracking methods, the movement of woodlice (Oniscus asellus) ranging in body size from 15·3 to 108·6 mg was quantified across a temperature range from 15 to 25 °C as they moved around an experimental fragmented landscape. We used confirmatory path analysis to test causal effects of temperature and body size on individual movement and corridor crossing rates between two habitat patches.

Results showed that woodlice behaved differently in corridors than patches by moving, on average, faster and more often. This is congruent with natural systems where corridors generally provide lower quality habitat than patches. Although metabolic theory suggests positive scaling of movement with body temperature (up to a peak) and body size, we found that corridor crossing rate was (i) not directly affected by body size and (ii) negatively influenced by temperature, possibly due to its indirect effects via humidity.

Our path model revealed that metabolic scaling could only explain temperature effects on maximum body velocity, but decision‐based behaviour explained most variation in corridor crossing rates. This led to direct and indirect effects of temperature and size on individual movement between habitat patches.

Our findings suggest that increasing mean global temperatures, coupled with increasing habitat fragmentation, could have synergistic negative impacts on populations through a combination of physiological and behavioural factors that mediate individual responses to temperature and fragmentation.
Xylem vessel traits predict the leaf phenology of native and non‐native understorey species of temperate deciduous forests
Authors: Yin Jingjing , Fridley Jason D. , Smith Maria S. , Bauerle Taryn L.
Published: May 2015

Non‐native understorey woody species have been shown to extend leaf display and inhabit vacant phenological niches in early spring and late autumn when growing with native counterparts in temperate deciduous forests across the world. Despite the potential competitive advantages, extended leaf duration also subjects non‐native species to possible hydraulic risks associated with maintaining leaves during periods of increased frost probability. It remains unclear how non‐native species are able to maintain xylem function within this context.

Leaf phenology in temperate deciduous trees has been shown to be a function of xylem anatomy, with earlier bud break associated with smaller xylem vessels due to the presumed resistance of smaller vessels to freezing‐induced cavitation. We examined relationships between leaf phenology and xylem vessel traits across 82 native and non‐native understorey deciduous woody species common to eastern U.S. deciduous forests. We hypothesized that non‐native species possess xylem vessel traits associated with maximum hydraulic safety during frost‐prone spring and autumn leaf display without compromising rapid growth rate.

Larger metaxylem vessels in non‐native species were associated with both faster spring growth and delayed autumn leaf fall compared to native species. Non‐native species also had smaller latewood vessel diameter, latewood vessel area percentage and a higher proportion of solitary vessels in the entire secondary xylem cross section compared to natives, potentially increasing their resistance to freezing‐ and/or drought‐induced cavitation in autumn, thus allowing for delayed autumn leaf fall.

Native and non‐native species exhibited similar dates of spring bud break and leaf emergence, consistent with similar xylem vessel size and vessel area percentage within metaxylem and earlywood. Within both groups, species with earlier bud and leaf emergence had a higher total percentage of vessel area within metaxylem and earlywood. This suggests understorey species need sufficient water to support their early spring growth at the risk of freezing‐induced cavitation.

Our study suggests xylem vessel properties, along with cross‐sectional spatial xylem vessel distribution, reflect the capacity of non‐native plants to thrive in a new environment and deepen our understanding of the physiological mechanisms of successful invasions of non‐native understorey woody plant species.
Regulation of a phenylalanine ammonia lyase (BbPAL) by calmodulin in response to environmental changes in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Park Hyesung , Han Jae‐Gu , Oh Junsang , Choi Hyung‐Kyoon , Kim Seong Hwan , Sung Gi‐Ho
Published: May 2015

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL, E.C. 4.3.1.5) catalyses the deamination of L‐phenylalanine to trans‐cinnamic acid and ammonia, facilitating a critical step in the phenylpropanoid pathway that produces a variety of secondary metabolites. In this study, we isolated BbPAL gene in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. According to multiple sequence alignment, homology modelling and in vitro PAL activity, we demonstrated that BbPAL acts as a typical PAL enzyme in B. bassiana. BbPAL interacted with calmodulin (CaM) in vitro and in vivo, indicating that BbPAL is a novel CaM‐binding protein. The functional role of CaM in BbPAL action was to negatively regulate the BbPAL activity in B. bassiana. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that L‐phenylalanine was reduced and trans‐cinnamic acid was increased in response to the CaM inhibitor W‐7. Dark conditions suppressed BbPAL activity in B. bassiana, compared with light. In addition, heat and cold stresses inhibited BbPAL activity in B. bassiana. Interestingly, these negative effects of BbPAL activity by dark, heat and cold conditions were recovered by W‐7 treatment, suggesting that the inhibitory mechanism is mediated through stimulation of CaM activity. Therefore, this work suggests that BbPAL plays a role in the phenylpropanoid pathway mediated by environmental stimuli via the CaM signalling pathway.
How training and innovation link to farm performance: a structural equation analysis
Authors: Xayavong Vilaphonh , Kingwell Ross , Islam Nazrul
Published: May 2015

The complexity of modern farm management places great demands on the skill, knowledge and capability of farm managers and their families. Keeping abreast of emerging technologies and innovations that can affect each key farm enterprise, and knowing how best to marshal the resources required for profitable farm production, are key tasks of farm management. This study draws on a longitudinal data set of 240 broadacre farmers to compare and analyse their farm performance over a decade. Using structural equation modelling, we examine relationships between the farm family's involvement in training, their human capital, their use of various innovations and ultimately the linkages of these factors to farm financial and productivity performance. Several statistically significant inter‐relationships are found, and some factors are shown to have significant positive links to farm performance. We find that training undertaken by the farm family, the farm family's human capital and their use of innovations, particularly key cropping innovations, have significant beneficial impacts on farm performance. The farmer's skills in time and organisational management, their engagement in business planning and the unique environmental characteristics of the farm also significantly and positively influence farm performance.
What Do We Mean When We Talk about the ‘Political Class’?
Authors: Allen Peter , Cairney Paul
Published: May 2015

Recent years have seen an explosion of popular complaint about the British ‘political class’. Within this narrative, the political class is feckless, unrepresentative, immoral and elitist. It rules over ‘ordinary people’ from Westminster with no conception of what ‘real people’ think. How can one respond to such complaints? It is argued in this article that a coherent solution will only be possible when the problem can be deﬁned clearly. ‘Political class’ should not be a catch-all description for elected politicians. Instead, the ‘political class’ narrative should be divided into three distinct but related concepts – the political elite, political professionalisation and political careerism – in order to highlight the ways in which the term needlessly conﬂates distinct ideas and adds more confusion to an already vague debate.
Evolution of induction chemotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer over the last 30 years: A surgical appraisal
Authors: Fabre Elizabeth , Rivera Caroline , Mordant Pierre , Gibault Laure , Dujon Antoine , Foucault Christophe , Le Pimpec‐Barthes Françoise , Riquet Marc
Published: May 2015

Background

Induction chemotherapy (ICT) is supposed to reduce the risk of micrometastatic progression and improve resectability of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, best indications for ICT strategy remain unclear in published meta‐analyses. Based on this observation, an evaluation of daily practice is of importance. Therefore, we reviewed indications and efficacy time trends in our 30‐year series.

Methods

A database including all patients with NSCLC who underwent surgical resection in two French centers from 1980 to 2009 (n = 5563) was prospectively set and retrospectively reviewed. The indications, clinical and pathologic response rates, and overall survival of ICT patients (n = 732) were analyzed during three successive time‐periods: P1 from 1980 to 1989, P2 from 1990 to 1999, and P3 from 2000 to 2009.

Results

The proportion of patients who benefited from ICT increased over time, from 2.8% (n = 35) in P1 to 12.5% (n = 274) in P2, and 20.2% (n = 423) in P3. Indications evolved over time with more N2 patients (n = 211; 49.8%) and less initially unresectable patients (n = 72; 17%) in P3. The clinical response rate between P1 and P2 increased. Five and 10‐year survival rates of ICT patients were 35.2% and 21.5%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, time‐period, age, type of resection, histology, and pathologic response to chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Our report on the off‐trial use of induction therapy during the last 30 years demonstrates an increased use of ICT, a progressive focus on N2 disease, and improved response rates.
Reversal of neuromuscular block with sugammadex: a comparison of the corrugator supercilii and adductor pollicis muscles in a randomized dose–response study
Authors: Yamamoto S. , Yamamoto Y. , Kitajima O. , Maeda T. , Suzuki T.
Published: May 2015

Background

Neuromuscular monitoring using the corrugator supercilii muscle is associated with a number of challenges. The aim of this study was to assess reversal of a rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex according to monitoring either using the corrugator supercilii muscle or the adductor pollicis muscle. We hypothesized that a larger dose of sugammadex would be required to obtain a train‐of‐four (TOF) ratio of 1.0 with the corrugator supercilii muscle than with the adductor pollicis muscle.

Methods

Forty patients aged 20–60 years and 40 patients aged ≥ 70 years were enrolled. After induction of anesthesia, we recorded the corrugator supercilii muscle response to facial nerve stimulation and the adductor pollicis muscle response to ulnar nerve stimulation using acceleromyography. All patients received 1 mg/kg rocuronium. When the first twitch (T1) of TOF recovered to 10% of control values at the corrugator supercilii, rocuronium infusion was commenced to maintain a T1 of 10% of the control at the corrugator supercilii. Immediately after discontinuation of rocuronium infusion, 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg of sugammadex was administered. The time for recovery to a TOF ratio of 1.0 and the number of patients not reaching a TOF ratio of 1.0 by 5 min at each dose and muscle was recorded.

Results

When neuromuscular block at the corrugator supercilii was maintained at a T1 of 10% of control, that at the adductor pollicis was deep (post‐tetanic count ≤ 5). Sugammadex 4 mg/kg completely antagonized neuromuscular block at both muscles within 5 min. The time to a TOF ratio of 1.0 at the adductor pollicis was significantly longer in the group ≥ 70 years than the group 20–60 years (mean (SD): 178 (42.8) s vs. 120 (9.4) s, P < 0.0001). In contrast, 2 mg/kg sugammadex reversed neuromuscular blockade at the corrugator supercilii but not at the adductor pollicis, with 10 patients in the group 20–60 years and 8 patients in the group ≥ 70 years requiring an additional sugammadex (P < 0.05 vs. 4 mg/kg sugammadex).

Conclusion

Sugammadex 4 mg/kg was required to reverse a moderate rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block when the corrugator supercilii muscle is used for monitoring.
Evaluation of brief screens for gambling disorder in the substance use treatment setting
Authors: Himelhoch Seth S. , Miles‐McLean Haley , Medoff Deborah R. , Kreyenbuhl Julie , Rugle Loreen , Bailey‐Kloch Marie , Potts Wendy , Welsh Christopher , Brownley Julie
Published: May 2015

Background and Objectives

The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of brief screens for Gambling Disorder within a sample of people receiving outpatient treatment for substance use disorders.

Methods

Individuals (n = 300) recruited from intensive outpatient substance use treatment (23.67%) or methadone maintenance programs (76.34%) participated in the study. Four brief screens for Gambling Disorder were administered and compared to DSM‐5 criteria. Receiver operator curves were created and an Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis (an overall summary of the utility of the scale to correctly identify Gambling Disorder) was assessed for each.

Results

On average participants were aged 46.4 years (SD = 10.2), African American/Black (70.7%), with an income less than $20,000/year (89.5%). Half the participants were female. Approximately 40% of participants (40.5%; n = 121) met DSM‐5 criteria for Gambling Disorder. Accuracy of the brief screens as measured by hit rate were .88 for the BBGS, .77 for the Lie/Bet, .75 for NODS‐PERC, and .73 for the NODS‐CLiP. AUC analysis revealed that the NODS‐PERC (AUC: .93 (95% CI: .91–.96)) and NODS‐CLiP (AUC: .90 (95% CI: .86–.93)) had excellent accuracy.

Discussion and Conclusions

The NODS‐PERC and NODS‐CLiP had excellent accuracy at all cut‐off points. However, the BBGS appeared to have the best accuracy at its specified cut‐off point.

Scientific Significance

Commonly used brief screens for Gambling Disorder appear to be associated with good diagnostic accuracy when used in substance use treatment settings. The choice of which brief screen to use may best be decided by the needs of the clinical setting. (Am J Addict 2015;24:460 –466)
CHANGES IN THE PUBLIC FUNDING OF FRENCH VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS: EVIDENCE, PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES
Authors: PROUTEAU Lionel , TCHERNONOG Viviane
Published: May 2015

In France a considerable share of the resources of voluntary associations traditionally came from the public purse. In recent years, however, these resources have undergone significant changes. This article is intended to document and analyse these changes. It shows that the public funding for voluntary associations has risen more slowly than the number of applicants. In parallel, a repositioning among the public funding bodies has led to an increasing role of certain levels of sub‐national governments while a substitution of public contracts for grants has taken place. The article emphasizes the gradual trend towards the privatization and marketization of associations’ resources induced by such changes. Various effects that may arise from this new context in the medium term are considered. Particular emphasis is placed on the increasing impact of local government policies on the dynamic of the voluntary sector.
The clinical predictors of aetiology and complications among 173 patients presenting to the Emergency Department with oesophageal food bolus impaction from 2004–2014
Authors: Sengupta N. , Tapper E. B. , Corban C. , Sommers T. , Leffler D. A. , Lembo A. J.
Published: May 2015

Background

Oesophageal food bolus impaction (OFBI) is a common gastrointestinal emergency.

Aim

To describe contemporary aetiologies of OFBI, and variables that may predict eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) related OFBI as well as complications.

Methods

Patients presenting to the Emergency Department between 2004 and 2014 with OFBI who underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were included. Clinical and endoscopic variables, as well as complications, were recorded. Aetiology of OFBI was determined by reviewing endoscopy reports. A diagnosis of EoE was confirmed via pathology (>15 eosinophils/high‐powered field) at the index or follow‐up EGD. Logistic regression was used to report associations of variables and complications.

Results

Of the 173 patients with OFBI, 139 (80%) had an aetiology recognised, the most frequent being EoE (27%, n = 47), Schatzki's ring (20%, n = 34) and oesophageal stricture (13%, n = 22). Six patients (3%) had oesophageal cancer. Patients with EoE‐related OFBI tended to be younger (42 vs. 69 years, P < 0.001), male (81% vs. 52%, P = 0.001), have a prior history of OFBI (45% vs. 18%, P = 0.001), and present during spring or summer (62% vs. 44%, P = 0.04). Eighteen patients (10%) had a complication associated with OFBI, with 3 (2%) perforations. On multivariate regression, patients with EoE‐related OFBI were not more likely to have a complication (OR 1.07, P = 0.92), although hypoxia at presentation (OR 59.7, P = 0.006) was associated with complications.

Conclusions

Eosinophilic esophagitis accounts for over a quarter of patients with oesophageal food bolus impaction. Overall complication rate was 10%, with a 2% perforation rate. Clinical characteristics of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis differ from other patients with oesophageal food bolus impaction.
BJP is linking its articles to the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY
Authors: McGrath J C , Pawson A J , Sharman J L , Alexander S P H
Published: May 2015

Linked Editorials

This Editorial is part of a series. To view the other Editorials in this series, visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12956/abstract; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12954/abstract; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12955/abstract and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12856/abstract.

Video

To view the video on the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhy3q33VtRI
Neutrophil extracellular traps can activate alternative complement pathways
Authors: Wang H , Wang C , Zhao M-H , Chen M
Published: May 2015

The interaction between neutrophils and activation of alternative complement pathway plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). ANCAs activate primed neutrophils to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which have recently gathered increasing attention in the development of AAV. The relationship between NETs and alternative complement pathway has not been elucidated. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between NETs and alternative complement pathway. Detection of components of alternative complement pathway on NETs in vitro was assessed by immunostain and confocal microscopy. Complement deposition on NETs were detected after incubation with magnesium salt ethyleneglycol tetraacetic acid (Mg-EGTA)-treated human serum. After incubation of serum with supernatants enriched in ANCA-induced NETs, levels of complement components in supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Complement factor B (Bb) and properdin deposited on NETs in vitro. The deposition of C3b and C5b-9 on NETs incubated with heat-inactivated normal human serum (Hi-NHS) or EGTA-treated Hi-NHS (Mg-EGTA-Hi-NHS) were significantly less than that on NETs incubated with NHS or EGTA-treated NHS (Mg-EGTA-NHS). NETs induced by ANCA could activate the alternative complement cascade in the serum. In the presence of EGTA, C3a, C5a and SC5b-9 concentration decreased from 800·42 ± 244·81 ng/ml, 7·68 ± 1·50 ng/ml, 382·15 ± 159·75 ng/ml in the supernatants enriched in ANCA induced NETs to 479·07 ± 156·2 ng/ml, 4·86 ± 1·26 ng/ml, 212·65 ± 44·40 ng/ml in the supernatants of DNase I-degraded NETs (P < 0·001, P = 0·008, P < 0·001, respectively). NETs could activate the alternative complement pathway, and might thus participate in the pathogenesis of AAV.
Mutations in SLC6A17 cause autosomal‐recessive intellectual disability
Authors: Waltl S.
Published: May 2015

Homozygous SLC6A17‐mutations cause autosomal‐recessive intellectual disability with progressive tremor, speech impairment, and behavioral problems

Iqbal Z et al. (2015)

American Journal of Human Genetics 96(3): 386–396
Mutation analysis in Norwegian families with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: founder mutations in ACVRL1
Authors: Heimdal K. , Dalhus B. , Rødningen O.K. , Kroken M. , Eiklid K. , Dheyauldeen S. , Røysland T. , Andersen R. , Kulseth M.A.
Published: May 2015

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, Osler–Weber–Rendu disease) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease defined by the presence of epistaxis and mucocutaneous telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in internal organs. In most families (∼85%), HHT is caused by mutations in the ENG (HHT1) or the ACVRL1 (HHT2) genes. Here, we report the results of genetic testing of 113 Norwegian families with suspected or definite HHT. Variants in ENG and ACVRL1 were found in 105 families (42 ENG, 63 ACVRL1), including six novel variants of uncertain pathogenic significance. Mutation types were similar to previous reports with more missense variants in ACVRL1 and more nonsense, frameshift and splice‐site mutations in ENG. Thirty‐two variants were novel in this study. The preponderance of ACVRL1 mutations was due to founder mutations, specifically, c.830C>A (p.Thr277Lys), which was found in 24 families from the same geographical area of Norway. We discuss the importance of founder mutations and present a thorough evaluation of missense and splice‐site variants.
Relativistic Effects for Time‐Resolved Light Transport
Authors: Jarabo Adrian , Masia Belen , Velten Andreas , Barsi Christopher , Raskar Ramesh , Gutierrez Diego
Published: May 2015

We present a real‐time framework which allows interactive visualization of relativistic effects for time‐resolved light transport. We leverage data from two different sources: real‐world data acquired with an effective exposure time of less than 2 picoseconds, using an ultra‐fast imaging technique termed femto‐photography, and a transient renderer based on ray‐tracing. We explore the effects of time dilation, light aberration, frequency shift and radiance accumulation by modifying existing models of these relativistic effects to take into account the time‐resolved nature of light propagation. Unlike previous works, we do not impose limiting constraints in the visualization, allowing the virtual camera to explore freely a reconstructed 3D scene depicting dynamic illumination. Moreover, we consider not only linear motion, but also acceleration and rotation of the camera. We further introduce, for the first time, a pinhole camera model into our relativistic rendering framework, and account for subsequent changes in focal length and field of view as the camera moves through the scene.
Recovery of ink particles in a concurrent column flotation
Authors: Mozaffari Ezatollah
Published: May 2015

Deinked pulp is made from recycled paper in an industrial process called deinking. In this process, printing ink is removed from paper fibres. This research demonstrates the deinking process and discusses factors associated with the collection of released ink particles by bubbles. Flotation is introduced as a technology for the creation of ink‐laden bubbles and for the removal of the ink‐concentrated froth. A downward concurrent column reactor has been designed, manufactured, and used in a series of two‐phase flow experiments. The objective is to measure the liquid and gas retention time to highlight the most effective features associated with bubble particle attachment/detachment. A residence time of <10 s in the downcomer and 20 s in total was found to be sufficient for the collection and recovery of ink particles. It has been concluded that concurrent column reactors are potentially efficient for removing ink from paper fibres.
In Vivo Kinetics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplanted into the Knee Joint in a Rat Model Using a Novel Magnetic Method of Localization
Authors: Ikuta Yasunari , Kamei Naosuke , Ishikawa Masakazu , Adachi Nobuo , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: May 2015

We have developed a magnetic system for targeting cells in minimally invasive cell transplantation. Magnetically labeled MSCs (m‐MSCs) with nanoscale iron particles can be guided into the desired region by magnetic force from an extracorporeal device. We reported that magnetic targeting of m‐MSCs enhances cartilage repair in a mini‐pig model. However, the detailed kinetics of these magnetically targeted m‐MSCs remain unknown. For clinical use, this aspect should be clarified from a safety standpoint. We therefore investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of the fluorescently‐labeled m‐MSCs transplanted into the knee joint using in vivo fluorescence combined with three‐dimensional computed tomographic imaging in a rat model. Although the intraarticularly injected m‐MSCs were spread throughout the joint cavity in the absence of magnetic force, the magnetic force caused the injected m‐MSCs to accumulate around the chondral lesion. Further examinations including ex vivo imaging, histological assessments and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that transplanted MSCs were not present in any major organs after intraarticular administration, regardless of magnetic targeting. Our data suggest that m‐MSCs can be accumulated efficiently into a chondral lesion using our magnetic targeting system, while none of the intraarticularly transplanted MSCs migrate to other major organs.
Herpes zoster granulomatous dermatitis: histopathologic findings in a case series
Authors: Ferenczi Katalin , Rosenberg Arlene S. , McCalmont Timothy H. , Kwon Eun Ji , Elenitsas Rosalie , Somach Stephen C.
Published: May 2015

Several types of cutaneous reactions have been reported to arise at the site of herpes zoster (HZ) infection weeks to years after the acute disease. Among these, granulomatous reactions are the most frequently reported. In this study, we describe the spectrum of histopathologic findings of HZ granulomatous reactions observed in 26 patients with cutaneous lesions confined to the area of previous HZ eruption and compare them with biopsy specimens taken from 25 patients with acute HZ. All patients with persistent reactions from whom history was available presented within 12 weeks of the onset of the acute eruption. The most frequent findings were interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with lymphocytes, histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells displaying elastophagocytosis and a perineural, perivascular and perieccrine mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate rich in lymphocytes and plasma cells. Less common features included intra‐arrector and peri‐arrector pili granulomas, follicular dilatation and hyperkeratosis, and vasculitis. Specimens from patients with acute HZ were found to have small numbers of perineural plasma cells and most had subtle granulomatous inflammation, in patterns similar to the group with late granulomatous reactions. Our findings suggest that granulomatous reactions to varicella zoster virus represent a persistent evolving inflammatory reaction after acute infection.
Exocytic and endocytic membrane trafficking in axon development
Authors: Tojima Takuro , Kamiguchi Hiroyuki
Published: May 2015

In the complex neuronal circuits in the nervous systems, billions of neurons are precisely interconnected by long, thin processes called the axons. The growth cone, a highly motile structure at the tip of an extending axon, navigates by responding to a variety of extracellular molecular cues toward their distant target cells and make synaptic connections. Emerging evidence indicates that exocytic and endocytic membrane trafficking systems play multiple important roles in the regulation of such axonal morphogenetic processes. Exocytosis and endocytosis organize the subcellular distribution of membrane‐associated molecules, such as receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and cytoskeletal regulators, to control intracellular signaling and driving machineries. Furthermore, the exocytosis of trophic factors and extracellular proteinases act on surrounding microenvironments to affect growth cone motility. In this Review Article, we summarize our current understanding of the regulation and function of exocytic and endocytic membrane trafficking in axon morphogenesis during development, and discuss potential mechanisms of how the membrane trafficking systems exert such morphological changes.
Cardiovascular risks associated with second‐line oral antidiabetic agents added to metformin in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chang Y.‐C. , Chuang L.‐M. , Lin J.‐W. , Chen S.‐T. , Lai M.‐S. , Chang C.‐H.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To compare the cardiovascular risks associated with second‐line oral antidiabetic agents added to initial metformin therapy in a large nationwide observational study.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. A total of 36 118 users of different add‐on oral antidiabetic agents (sulphonylureas, glinides, pioglitazone, α‐glucosidase inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors) after initial metformin therapy were included in the analysis. The reference group was sulphonylureas added to metformin, the most commonly used combination regimen. The main outcomes of interest were hospitalizations for any cardiovascular event including acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and ischaemic stroke. In the main analysis, all patients were followed within their initiation groups until the study end, disregarding any changes in treatment status over time.

Results

In intention‐to‐treat analyses, there was no difference in the risk of any cardiovascular event among the add‐on combination treatment groups, but significantly lower risks of acute myocardial infarction were found for the glinides plus metformin treatment group (crude hazard ratio 0.52, adjusted hazard ratio 0.39; 95% CI 0.20–0.75) and for the α‐glucosidase inhibitors plus metformin treatment group (crude hazard ratio 0.63, adjusted hazard ratio 0.54; 95% CI 0.31–0.95). No difference in risk of congestive heart failure or ischaemic stroke risk was found among the combination treatment groups. In secondary as‐treated analyses, similar but less significant associations were found as compared with the primary intention‐to‐treat analyses for all treatment groups.

Conclusion

There were no differences in overall cardiovascular risks among several add‐on second‐line oral antidiabetic agents; however, glinide plus metformin and α‐glucosidase inhibitors plus metformin combination therapies might be associated with lower risks of acute myocardial infarction.
Magnesium and disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism
Authors: Mooren Frank C.
Published: May 2015

Magnesium is actively involved in a number of metabolic reactions as an important co‐factor, with special emphasis on carbohydrate metabolism. After a brief overview of the regulation of intra‐ and extracellular magnesium, the present review first describes the regulatory role of magnesium in important metabolic pathways involved in energy metabolism and glycaemic control. Next the clinical significance of hypomagnesaemic conditions with regard to the management of glucose in prediabetic stages, such as insulin resistance/impaired glucose tolerance and in type 2 diabetes mellitus are characterized. Cross‐sectional as well as longitudinal studies suggest that a reduced dietary magnesium intake serves as a risk factor for the incidence of both impaired glucose regulation and type 2 diabetes. Mechanisms that might be responsible for diabetes‐associated hypomagnesaemia are discussed. Furthermore, the role of hypomagnesaemia in the development and progression of chronic diabetic complications are addressed. Finally, the available literature on the effects of magnesium supplementation on glycaemic control parameters during prediabetic conditions (preventive approach) as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus (therapeutic approach) are reviewed systematically. There is considerable evidence that chronic magnesium supplementation may delay the progression from impaired glucose regulation to type 2 diabetes; however, the effects of oral magnesium supplementation as an adjunct therapy for type 2 diabetes are quite heterogeneous with respect to the various measures of glycaemic control. The results of this review suggest a requirement for critical consideration of the pros and cons of magnesium replacement therapy, based on variables such as magnesium status, stage of disease and glycaemic control.
Temperamental and socioeconomic factors associated with traumatic dental injuries among children aged 0–17 years in the Swedish BITA study
Authors: Oldin Anna , Lundgren Jesper , Norén Jörgen G. , Robertson Agneta
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify individual risk factors for traumatic dental injuries (TDI) among Swedish children aged 0–17 years. The studied risk factors were temperamental reactivity of the child, family structure, parent's country of birth, and the socioeconomic status of the family represented by parental education and occupation.

Subjects and methods

The study included 2363 children in four different age cohorts at 12 public dental service clinics in Sweden, representing different types of demographic areas, both rural and urban. Data were collected from parents and children through an interview and questionnaires.

Results

The more social and active children in the two older age cohorts showed less occasions of TDI. Having one parent/guardian protected the child from dental injury just as well as two parents/guardians. Parents born outside of the Nordic countries showed children with less TDI. Low parental education was related to more occasions of TDI among the children.

Conclusions

This study has increased the knowledge on certain individual risk factors for TDI. To prevent dental injuries, information could be given to families and children at risk.
Current CAPE‐15: a measure of recent psychotic‐like experiences and associated distress
Authors: Capra Carina , Kavanagh David J. , Hides Leanne , Scott James G.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) are common in young people and are associated with both distress and adverse outcomes. The Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences‐Positive Scale (CAPE‐P) provides a 20‐item measure of lifetime PLEs. A 15‐item revision of this scale was recently published (CAPE‐P15). Although the CAPE‐P has been used to assess PLEs in the last 12 months, there is no version of the CAPE for assessing more recent PLEs (e.g. 3 months). This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the current CAPE‐P15 and assess its relationship with current distress.

Method

A cross‐sectional online survey of 489 university students (17–25 years) assessed lifetime and current substance use, current distress, and lifetime and 3‐month PLEs on the CAPE‐P15.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the current CAPE‐P15 retained the same three‐factor structure as the lifetime version consisting of persecutory ideation, bizarre experiences and perceptual abnormalities. The total score of the current version was lower than the lifetime version, but the two were strongly correlated (r = .64). The current version was highly predictive of generalized distress (r = .52) and indices that combined symptom frequency with associated distress did not confer greater predictive power than frequency alone.

Conclusion

This study provided preliminary data that the current CAPE‐P15 provides a valid and reliable measure of current PLEs. The current CAPE‐P15 is likely to have substantial practical utility if it is later shown to be sensitive to change, especially in prevention and early intervention for mental disorders in young people.
Political Instability, Austerity and Wishful Thinking: Analysing Stakeholders' Perceptions of Higher Education's Funding Reforms in Portugal
Authors: Teixeira Pedro , Koryakina Tatyana
Published: May 2015

In the last decades, European higher education systems have been experiencing an unprecedented expansion, which created significant financial and political challenges. At the same time, we have seen a shift in attitudes towards public higher education that has promoted new ways of funding this sector. This context has led to major changes in the funding of public higher education, namely through the promotion of greater efficiency in the use of public resources and greater diversification of revenues of public higher education institutions. This article analyses funding reforms in Portuguese higher education and discusses their aims vis‐à‐vis the actual changes in funding sources and modes of funding. The analysis is based in the perceptions of several major stakeholders (collected through semi‐structured interviews) about the effects of funding reforms.
Individual differences in perceptual abilities predict target visibility during masking
Authors: Pagano Silvia , Mazza Veronica
Published: May 2015

Many studies have shown that the visual system can implicitly process a single stimulus under conditions of low visibility. However, it remains unknown whether this ability extends when viewing conditions become more difficult, and whether differences in early perceptual abilities modulate masking sensitivity. To address these issues, participants enumerated a variable number of target elements among distracters in two electroencephalography experiments. Either one (Experiment 1) or all targets (Experiment 2) were masked through object‐substitution. Results showed that an event‐related potential measure of selective individuation, the N2pc component, was modulated by target numerosity in both masked and unmasked trials, suggesting that multiple object individuation can operate in conditions of limited visibility. However, this effect was present mainly for participants with low masking effects, who overall showed more pronounced N2pc modulations as a function of target numerosity. Finally, oscillatory activity analyses revealed that early segmentation mechanisms, as reflected by lateralized gamma synchronization, were more active in participants with low sensitivity to masking, suggesting that individual variation in early perceptual functions is associated with susceptibility to masking such that more efficient segmentation and individuation mechanisms reduce the effects of masking. These findings cast doubt on the claim that effectively masked stimuli can be individuated.
A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of rasagiline on depressive symptoms in non‐demented Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Barone P. , Santangelo G. , Morgante L. , Onofrj M. , Meco G. , Abbruzzese G. , Bonuccelli U. , Cossu G. , Pezzoli G. , Stanzione P. , Lopiano L. , Antonini A. , Tinazzi M.
Published: May 2015

Background and purpose

Depressed mood is a common psychiatric problem associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), and studies have suggested a benefit of rasagiline treatment.

Methods

ACCORDO (see the ) was a 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to evaluate the effects of rasagiline 1 mg/day on depressive symptoms and cognition in non‐demented PD patients with depressive symptoms. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline to week 12 in depressive symptoms measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐IA) total score. Secondary outcomes included change from baseline to week 12 in cognitive function as assessed by a comprehensive neuropsychological battery; Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire (PDQ‐39) scores; Apathy Scale scores; and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) subscores.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐three patients were randomized. At week 12 there was no significant difference between groups for the reduction in total BDI‐IA score (primary efficacy variable). However, analysis at week 4 did show a significant difference in favour of rasagiline (marginal means difference ± SE: rasagiline −5.46 ± 0.73 vs. placebo −3.22 ± 0.67; P = 0.026). There were no significant differences between groups on any cognitive test. Rasagiline significantly improved UPDRS Parts I (P = 0.03) and II (P = 0.003) scores versus placebo at week 12. Post hoc analyses showed the statistical superiority of rasagiline versus placebo in the UPDRS Part I depression item (P = 0.04) and PDQ‐39 mobility (P = 0.007) and cognition domains (P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Treatment with rasagiline did not have significant effects versus placebo on depressive symptoms or cognition in PD patients with moderate depressive symptoms. Although limited by lack of correction for multiple comparisons, post hoc analyses signalled some improvement in patient‐rated cognitive and depression outcomes.
The development of a crack propagation model for railway wheels and rails
Authors: Dirks B. , Enblom R. , Ekberg A. , Berg M.
Published: May 2015

Rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and wear of railway wheels and rails are the main phenomena that affect their maintenance costs. When crack propagation and wear rates can be predicted, maintenance planning can be optimised, and cost‐effective measures can be developed. Several RCF models exist, but none which can be used in combination with vehicle dynamics simulations and can predict the actual crack depth. This study shows the development of a crack propagation model that can be applied for both railway wheels and rails. Two unknown material parameters in the model were calibrated against crack measurements in a curve on the Dutch railways over a period of 5 years. Two different RCF models were used to calculate the stress magnitudes for the propagation model. The propagation model can be used in combination with vehicle‐track dynamics simulations and shows promise in predicting the actual crack depth and/or surface length. Further research is needed to determine the model's validity for other operational conditions.
Mammalian herbivores confer resilience of Arctic shrub‐dominated ecosystems to changing climate
Authors: Kaarlejärvi Elina , Hoset Katrine S. , Olofsson Johan
Published: May 2015

Climate change is resulting in a rapid expansion of shrubs in the Arctic. This expansion has been shown to be reinforced by positive feedbacks, and it could thus set the ecosystem on a trajectory toward an alternate, more productive regime. Herbivores, on the other hand, are known to counteract the effects of simultaneous climate warming on shrub biomass. However, little is known about the impact of herbivores on resilience of these ecosystems, that is, the capacity of a system to absorb disturbance and still remain in the same regime, retaining the same function, structure, and feedbacks. Here, we investigated how herbivores affect resilience of shrub‐dominated systems to warming by studying the change of shrub biomass after a cessation of long‐term experimental warming in a forest–tundra ecotone. As predicted, warming increased the biomass of shrubs, and in the absence of herbivores, shrub biomass in tundra continued to increase 4 years after cessation of the artificial warming, indicating that positive effects of warming on plant growth may persist even over a subsequent colder period. Herbivores contributed to the resilience of these systems by returning them back to the original low‐biomass regime in both forest and tundra habitats. These results support the prediction that higher shrub biomass triggers positive feedbacks on soil processes and microclimate, which enable maintaining the rapid shrub growth even in colder climates. Furthermore, the results show that in our system, herbivores facilitate the resilience of shrub‐dominated ecosystems to climate warming.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by methazolamide in a Chinese–Korean man carrying HLA‐B*59:01
Authors: Shu Chang , Shu Dan , Tie Duerna , Yu Mengqing , Zhang Rui , Wang Tong , Dong Qi , Sun Qiuning , Mao Xuming , Yan Yan
Published: May 2015

Background

Methazolamide is used to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) associated with methazolamide treatment have been diagnosed in Korean, Japanese, and Japanese‐American patients. According to recent research, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele HLA‐B*59:01 is strongly linked to SJS/TEN associated with methazolamide treatment.

Objective

A patient of Chinese–Korean ethnicity was diagnosed with TEN associated with methazolamide treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential genetic basis of this disease.

Methods

A polymerase chain reaction sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) typing system was used to genotype this patient's peripheral blood DNA for HLA‐B*59.

Results

The genotype HLA‐B*59:01 was detected in the patient.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the genotype of HLA‐B*59:01 in a patient with TEN associated with methazolamide treatment and thus supports the possible correlation between genetic background and methazolamide‐associated SJS/TEN.
Enhanced differentiation of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the intestine of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor‐deficient mice
Authors: Kato‐Nagaoka Noriko , Shimada Shin‐Ichiro , Yamakawa Yoko , Tsujibe Satoshi , Naito Tomoaki , Setoyama Hiromi , Watanabe Yohei , Shida Kan , Matsumoto Satoshi , Nanno Masanobu
Published: May 2015

To clarify the effect of secretory IgA (sIgA) deficiency on gut homeostasis, we examined intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the small intestine (SI) of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor‐deficient (pIgR−/−) mice. The pIgR−/− mice exhibited the accumulation of CD8αβ+ T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐αβ+ IELs (CD8αβ+αβ‐IELs) after weaning, but no increase of CD8αβ+γδ‐IELs was detected in pIgR−/− TCR‐β−/− mice compared with pIgR+/+ TCR‐β−/− mice. When 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) was given for 14 days, the proportion of BrdU‐labelled cells in SI‐IELs was not different between pIgR+/+ mice and pIgR−/− mice. However, the proportion of BrdU‐labelled CD8αβ+‐IELs became higher in pIgR−/− mice than pIgR+/+ mice 10 days after discontinuing BrdU‐labelling. Intravenously transferred splenic T cells migrated into the intraepithelial compartments of pIgR+/+ TCR‐β−/− mice and pIgR−/− TCR‐β−/− mice to a similar extent. In contrast, in the case of injection of immature bone marrow cells, CD8αβ+αβ‐IELs increased much more in the SI of pIgR−/− TCR‐β−/− mice than pIgR+/+ TCR‐β−/− mice 8 weeks after the transfer. αβ‐IELs from pIgR−/− mice could produce more interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17 than those of pIgR+/+ mice, and intestinal permeability tended to increase in the SI of pIgR−/− mice with aging. Taken together, these results indicate that activated CD8αβ+αβ‐IELs preferentially accumulate in pIgR−/− mice through the enhanced differentiation of immature haematopoietic precursor cells, which may subsequently result in the disruption of epithelial integrity.