bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification, Characterization, and Distribution of Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus in Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Anh Ta , Zhang Heng-mu , Yang Jian , Chen Jian-ping , Hébrard Eugénie , Zhou Guo-hui , Vinh Vien Ngo , Cheng Jia-an
Published: April 2011

A novel dwarf and twisting syndrome first observed on rice in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, in 2009 has spread rapidly to the other 19 provinces of North and Central Vietnam. Infected rice plants showed stunting, darkening of leaves, twisting of leaf tips, and splitting of leaf margins. At a later stage, white waxy enations that eventually turned black were observed on the underside of leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and culms. The disease also infected maize after rice was harvested. Infected maize plants were stunted and dark green with small enations along the minor veins on the back of leaves. The disease agent has now been identified as Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) recently reported from Southern China. Typical fijivirus viroplasms containing crystalline arrayed spherical virions approximately 70 to 75 nm in diameter were observed under the electron microscope in ultrathin sections of infected rice leaves. The virus was transmitted to rice and maize seedlings by the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcimera). A one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol was used to confirm the presence of SRBSDV in 477 samples of rice or maize from 29 provinces among 5 agroecological regions in North and Central Vietnam. Rice black-streaked dwarf virus was not detected in these samples. Partial sequences of RNA segments 4 and 10 from several isolates showed very low genetic divergences between isolates from Vietnam and China, suggesting a common origin, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of SRBSDV as a distinct virus within subgroup 2 of the genus Fijivirus.
Identification and Distribution of Fungi Associated with Fairy Rings on Golf Putting Greens
Authors: Miller G. L. , Grand L. F. , Tredway L. P.
Published: April 2011

Traditional methods for identification of fairy ring fungi rely on the morphology of mature basidiocarps, which are ephemeral and often do not reach maturity on golf greens due to management practices. From 2007 to 2009, basidiocarps and soil samples were collected from 15 hybrid bermudagrass and 30 bentgrass greens exhibiting fairy ring symptoms in California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Oklahoma, North Caroline, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Genomic DNA was extracted from 122 unknown samples. Extractions were made from mycelium isolated from puffball or mushroom tissue, from mycelium isolated from a soil block, or through direct DNA extraction from infested soil. DNA also was extracted from 16 reference isolates. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA was amplified and sequenced using the basidiomycete-specific primer sets ITS1f/ITS4b and Basid0001/2R. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with the neighborjoining algorithm, with nodes evaluated by bootstrap analysis. Most samples grouped into one of three clades corresponding to species within the family Lycoperdaceae: Arachnion album, Bovista dermoxantha, and Vascellum curtisii. Although over 60 different basidiomycetes have been associated with fairy rings in turfgrasses, relatively few species were found on golf putting greens in this study. Presently, DNA sequencing may be the most efficient method for attempting speciation of fairy ring fungi from infested soil.
Susceptibility to Laurel Wilt and Disease Incidence in Two Rare Plant Species, Pondberry and Pondspice
Authors: Fraedrich S. W. , Harrington T. C. , Bates C. A. , Johnson J. , Reid L. S. , Best G. S. , Leininger T. D. , Hawkins T. S.
Published: April 2011

Laurel wilt, caused by Raffaelea lauricola, has been responsible for extensive losses of redbay (Persea borbonia) in South Carolina and Georgia since 2003. Symptoms of the disease have been noted in other species of the Lauraceae such as the federally endangered pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) and the threatened pondspice (Litsea aestivalis). Pondberry and pondspice seedlings were inoculated with R. lauricola from redbay, and both species proved highly susceptible to laurel wilt. Field assessments found substantial mortality of pondberry and pondspice, but in many cases the losses were not attributable to laurel wilt. R. lauricola was isolated from only 4 of 29 symptomatic pondberry plants at one site, but the fungus was not recovered from three plants at another site. R. lauricola was isolated from one of two symptomatic pondspice plants at one site, and from five of 11 plants at another site, but not from any plant at a third site. Insect bore holes, similar to those produced by Xyleborus glabratus (the vector of laurel wilt), were found in some pondberry and pondspice stems, but adults were not found. Damage caused by Xylosandrus compactus was found in pondberry stems, but this ambrosia beetle does not appear to be a vector of R. lauricola. Xyleborinus saxeseni adults were found in a dying pondspice with laurel wilt, and R. lauricola was recovered from two of three adults. Isolates of R. lauricola from pondberry, pondspice, and X. saxeseni had rDNA sequences that were identical to previously characterized isolates, and inoculation tests confirmed that they were pathogenic to redbay. Because pondberry and pondspice tend to be shrubby plants with small stem diameters, these species may not be frequently attacked by X. glabratus unless in close proximity to larger diameter redbay.
Reproduction of Soybean Cyst Nematode on Dry Bean Cultivars Over Multiple Generations
Authors: Pormarto Susilo H. , Nelson Berlin D. , Helms Ted C.
Published: April 2011

Phaseolus vulgaris is a host of soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines), a pathogen recently introduced into the major dry bean production area of North Dakota and northern Minnesota. The nematode reproduces less on most bean classes compared with soybean but can reduce plant growth and seed yield. An important question is the following: will SCN adapt to dry bean and, over time, increase in ability to reproduce on roots? To answer this question, the following experiments were conducted with cultivars from three bean classes. The cultivars ‘Premiere’ and ‘Cirrus’ (navy), ‘Buster’ and ‘Othello’ (pinto), and ‘Eclipse’ and ‘Jaguar’ (black) were grown in “Cone-tainers” in sand in plastic pots immersed in a water bath at 27°C in the greenhouse. Seedlings were inoculated with 2,000 eggs per plant of SCN HG 0 and cysts were harvested and counted after 40 days. The eggs were immediately extracted from those cysts and seedlings were inoculated again and grown for 40 days using the same methods. Soybean ‘Lee 74’ was used as a control. A female index (number of cysts produced on the test plant divided by the number of cysts produced on Lee 74) was calculated for each bean cultivar after each period of 40 days. This procedure was repeated until eight generations of eggs were completed and then the experiment was repeated. There was no significant (P ≤ 0.05) change over time in the female index on the six bean cultivars. Therefore, there was no evidence that SCN HG 0 was increasing reproduction on dry bean cultivars during two 11-month periods of continual reproduction of HG 0 on roots.
Deoxynivalenol Biosynthesis-Related Gene Expression During Wheat Kernel Colonization by Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Hallen-Adams Heather E. , Wenner Nancy , Kuldau Gretchen A. , Trail Frances
Published: April 2011

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a potent mycotoxin and virulence factor produced by Fusarium graminearum. We examined the expression of the core DON biosynthetic gene Tri5 during wheat head infection of susceptible and resistant cultivars and susceptible cultivars treated with strobilurin fungicides (e.g., azoxystrobin). DON was quantified to correlate expression with toxin accumulation. The highest Tri5 expression relative to housekeeping genes occurred at the infection front. As infection progressed, earliest-infected kernels showed diminished relative Tri5 expression but Tri5 expression never ceased during the 21 days observed. Azoxystrobin treatment showed no significant effect on either relative Tri5 expression or DON quantity. The resistant cultivar ‘Alsen’ showed minimal spread of the fungus, with no fungus detected by day 21. DON was not detected in significant quantities in Alsen in the later stages sampled. In Wheaten, DON levels were negligible at 8 days postinoculation (dpi), with detectable DON at later-sampled time points. Tri5 was detected even in fully senesced kernels 21 dpi. Our data demonstrate the presence of Tri5 transcripts in a susceptible cultivar over a much longer time period than has been previously documented. This suggests the ability of the fungus to rapidly resume toxin biosynthesis in dried infected grain should conducive environmental conditions be present, and provides a possible mechanism for high DON levels in asymptomatic grain.
Development and Validation of a Risk Quantification Index for 30-Day Postoperative Mortality and Morbidity in Noncardiac Surgical Patients
Authors: Dalton Jarrod E. , Kurz Andrea , Turan Alparslan , Mascha Edward J. , Sessler Daniel I. , Saager Leif
Published: April 2011

Background

Optimal risk adjustment is a requisite precondition for monitoring quality of care and interpreting public reports of hospital outcomes. Current risk-adjustment measures have been criticized for including baseline variables that are difficult to obtain and inadequately adjusting for high-risk patients. The authors sought to develop highly predictive risk-adjustment models for 30-day mortality and morbidity based only on a small number of preoperative baseline characteristics. They included the Current Procedural Terminology code corresponding to the patient's primary procedure (American Medical Association), American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status, and age (for mortality) or hospitalization (inpatient vs. outpatient, for morbidity).

Methods

Data from 635,265 noncardiac surgical patients participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2005 and 2008 were analyzed. The authors developed a novel algorithm to aggregate sparsely represented Current Procedural Terminology codes into logical groups and estimated univariable Procedural Severity Scores-one for mortality and morbidity, respectively-for each aggregated group. These scores were then used as predictors in developing respective risk quantification models. Models were validated with c-statistics, and calibration was assessed using observed-to-expected ratios of event frequencies for clinically relevant strata of risk.

Results

The risk quantification models demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy for 30-day postoperative mortality (c-statistic [95% CI] 0.915 [0.906-0.924]) and morbidity (0.867 [0.858-0.876]). Even in high-risk patients, observed rates calibrated well with estimated probabilities for mortality (observed-to-expected ratio: 0.93 [0.81-1.06]) and morbidity (0.99 [0.93-1.05]).

Conclusion

The authors developed simple risk-adjustment models, each based on three easily obtained variables, that allow for objective quality-of-care monitoring among hospitals.
Moderate-dose Vasopressin Therapy May Impair Gastric Mucosal Perfusion in Severe Sepsis
Authors: Klinzing Stefan , Simon Mark , Reinhart Konrad , Meier-Hellmann Andreas , Sakr Yasser
Published: April 2011

Background

The effects of moderate-dose vasopressin on gastric mucosal perfusion and its relation to global and hepatosplanchnic hemodynamic and oxygen transport variables were investigated in patients with severe sepsis.

Methods

Vasopressin was administered at a dose of 0.04 IU · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ over 4 h in 12 patients with severe sepsis who were receiving norepinephrine. During the study period, the norepinephrine infusion rate was reduced to keep mean arterial blood pressure constant. Hepatosplanchnic blood flow, oxygen delivery, and oxygen consumption (via hepatic venous catheterization using the Fick principle and continuous indocyanine green infusion technique), global hemodynamics (transpulmonary thermodilution method), and the difference between the gastric mucosal and arterial carbon dioxide tension (Pco₂-gap) were measured at baseline and 4 h after the start of the vasopressin infusion.

Results

The administration of 0.04 IU · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ vasopressin over 4 h was associated with minimal changes in global hemodynamics. Heart rate decreased slightly from 99 [81-115] (median [interquartile range]) to 96 [74-109] beats/min (P = 0.016) and cardiac index from 3.7 [2.8-4.7] to 3.5 [2.7-3.6] L · min⁻¹ · m⁻² (P = 0.003). Global oxygen delivery index decreased significantly from 461 [375-637] to 419 [352-551] ml · min⁻¹ · m⁻² (P = 0.002), whereas hepatosplanchnic blood flow and oxygen uptake remained unchanged. Gastric mucosal Pco₂-gap increased significantly from 13.3 [8.0-16.7] to 17.1 [10.3-28.7] mmHg (P = 0.002), suggesting that blood flow may have been redistributed away from the gut mucosa.

Conclusions

Vasopressin at a dosage of 0.04 IU · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ may impair gastric mucosal perfusion with minimal global hemodynamic effects.
Eyes in the Needle
Authors: Chiang Huihua K. , Zhou Qifa , Mandell M. Susan , Tsou Mei-Yung , Lin Shih-Pin , Shung K. Kirk , Ting Chien-Kun
Published: April 2011

Background

Epidural needle insertion is usually a blind technique where the rate of adverse events depends on the experience of the operator. A novel ultrasound method to guide epidural catheter insertion is described.

Methods

An ultrasound transducer (40 MHz, a -6 dB fractional bandwidth of 50%) was placed into the hollow chamber of an 18-gauge Tuohy needle. The single crystal was polished to a thickness of 50 μm, with a width of 0.5 mm. Tissue planes were identified from the reflected signals in an A-mode display. The device was inserted three times into both the lumbar and thoracic regions of five pigs (average weight, 20 kg) using a paramedian approach at an angle of 35-40°. The epidural space was identified using signals from the ligamentum flavum and dura mater. Epidural catheters were placed with each attempt and placement confirmed by contrast injection.

Results

The ligamentum flavum was identified in 83.3% of insertions and the dura mater in all insertions. The dura mater signal was stronger than that of the ligamentum flavum and served as a landmark in all epidural catheter insertions. Contrast studies confirmed correct placement of the catheter in the epidural space of all study animals.

Conclusions

This is the first study to introduce a new ultrasound probe embedded in a standard epidural needle. It is anticipated that this technique could reduce failed epidural blocks and complications caused by dural puncture.
Distinct DNA methylation patterns associated with active and inactive centromeres of the maize B chromosome
Authors: Koo Dal-Hoe , Han Fangpu , Birchler James A. , Jiang Jiming
Published: April 2011

Centromeres are determined by poorly understood epigenetic mechanisms. Centromeres can be activated or inactivated without changing the underlying DNA sequences. However, virtually nothing is known about the epigenetic transition of a centromere from an active to an inactive state because of the lack of examples of the same centromere exhibiting alternative forms and being distinguishable from other centromeres. The centromere of the supernumerary B chromosome of maize provides such an opportunity because its functional core can be cytologically tracked, and an inactive version of the centromere is available. We developed a DNA fiber-based technique that can be used to assess the levels of cytosine methylation associated with repetitive DNA sequences. We report that DNA sequences in the normal B centromere exhibit hypomethylation. This methylation pattern is not affected by the genetic background or structural rearrangement of the B chromosome, but is slightly changed when the B chromosome is transferred to oat as an addition chromosome. In contrast, an inactive version of this same centromere exhibits hypermethylation, indicating that the inactive centromere was modified into a different epigenetic state at the DNA level.
Scattering functions of Platonic solids
Authors: Li Xin , Shew Chwen-Yang , He Lilin , Meilleur Flora , Myles Dean A. A. , Liu Emily , Zhang Yang , Smith Gregory S. , Herwig Kenneth W. , Pynn Roger , Chen Wei-Ren
Published: April 2011

The single-particle small-angle scattering properties of five Platonic solids, including the tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron and icosahedron, are systematically investigated. For each given geometry, the Debye spatial autocorrelation function, pair distance distribution function and intraparticle structure factor (form factor) are calculated and compared with the corresponding scattering function of a spherical reference system. From the theoretical models, the empirical relationship between the dodecahedral and icosahedral structural characteristics and those of the equivalent spheres is found. Moreover, the single-particle scattering properties of icosahedral and spherical shells with identical volume are investigated, and the prospect of using different data analysis approaches to explore their structural differences is presented and discussed.
Toward Eliminating Signal Demodulation Jumps in Optical Fiber Intrinsic Fabry–Perot Interferometric Sensors
Authors: Ma Cheng , Lally Evan M. , Wang Anbo
Published: April 2011

Fiber optic Fabry-Perot sensors are commonly interrogated by spectral interferometric measurement of optical path difference (OPD). Spurious jumps in sensor output, previously attributed to noise, are often observed in OPD-based measurements. Through analysis and experimentation based on intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (IFPI) sensors, we show that these discontinuities are actually caused by a time-varying interferogram phase term. We identify several physical causes for varying initial phase and derive a threshold value at which it begins to cause errors in the sensor output. Finally, we present a total phase measurement method as an alternative to OPD-based techniques to reduce the occurrence of output signal jumps.
Round gobyNeogobius melanostomusattraction to conspecific and heterospecific egg odours
Authors: Yavno S. , Corkum L. D.
Published: April 2011

In this study, cannibalistic and predatory responses of juvenileNeogobius melanostomus(either fed or deprived of food and caught during the reproductive summer or non‐reproductive winter season) to water washings of fertilized eggs from conspecifics (N. melanostomus), heterospecifics (rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykiss) and control lake water were tested. Fed juveniles (summer season) spent significantly more time on the side of the flume containing stimuli from conspecific eggs over control water, while significantly preferring control water to heterospecific stimuli. In addition, fish showed a significant preference towards stimuli from conspecific eggs over heterospecific stimuli by associating near conspecific egg odours 1·5 times longer [Correction added after online publication 28 April 2011, text changed]. Fish that were deprived of food, regardless of whether caught during the summer or winter season, did not show any preference towards either conspecific or heterospecific stimuli. These findings show that conspecific egg odours attract fed juveniles and that there is a potential to lure fish to odour traps as a means of control.
Queering Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: The Subversion of Heteronormativity in Practice
Authors: LeFrançois Brenda A.
Published: April 2011

This article explores the exercise of heterosexist‐infused power relations within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) inpatient unit in the UK. The ways in which heterosexism may wield its power within CAMHS in conjunction with the support of sexism, adultism, classism and sanism are discussed. That is, this article contributes to the understanding and subverting of heteronormativity in practice. With this focus in mind, other forms of intersecting oppressions are detailed to highlight the role they play in both controlling young people and teaching them about the workings of patriarchy and social norms. The aim of the article is to contribute to the disruption of the heteronormativity inherent in the arrangements within CAMHS and the dominant normative practice that produces multiple subjectivities in this setting.
The Form of Children’s Political Engagement in Everyday Life
Authors: Moss Dorothy
Published: April 2011

This article explores the form of children’s political engagement, considering the politicization of events, their political understanding and alignments. It draws on research into memories of childhood and social change in the latter half of the 20th century and builds on academic debates about children’s political participation. Children’s experience of policing, industrial unrest, popular dissent, social movements and party politics is discussed. Children’s political engagement involves three elements. They must navigate different political perspectives, their understanding grows through feelings of concern and empathy, and they align to groups they can relate to and feel might make a difference.
Knocking down cyclin D1b inhibits breast cancer cell growth and suppresses tumor development in a breast cancer model
Authors: Wei Min , Zhu Li , Li Yafen , Chen Weiguo , Han Baosan , Wang Zhiwei , He Jianrong , Yao Hongliang , Yang Zhongyin , Zhang Qing , Liu Bingya , Gu Qinlong , Zhu Zhenggang , Shen Kunwei
Published: April 2011

Cyclin D1 is aberrantly expressed in many types of cancers, including breast cancer. High levels of cyclin D1b, the truncated isoform of cyclin D1, have been reported to be associated with a poor prognosis for breast cancer patients. In the present study, we used siRNA to target cyclin D1b overexpression and assessed its ability to suppress breast cancer growth in nude mice. Cyclin D1b siRNA effectively inhibited overexpression of cyclin D1b. Depletion of cyclin D1b promoted apoptosis of cyclin D1b‐overexpressing cells and blocked their proliferation and transformation phenotypes. Notably, cyclin D1b overexpression is correlated with triple‐negative basal‐like breast cancers, which lack specific therapeutic targets. Administration of cyclin D1b siRNA inhibited breast tumor growth in nude mice and cyclin D1b siRNA synergistically enhanced the cell killing effects of doxorubicin in cell culture, with this combination significantly suppressing tumor growth in the mouse model. In conclusion, the results indicate that cyclin D1b, which is overexpressed in breast cancer, may serve as a novel and effective therapeutic target. More importantly, the present study clearly demonstrated a very promising therapeutic potential for cyclin D1b siRNA in the treatment of cyclin D1b‐overexpressing breast cancers, including the very malignant triple‐negative breast cancers. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1537–1544)
Formation and fragmentation of a late Miocene supradetachment basin in central Crete: implications for exhumation mechanisms of high‐pressure rocks in the Aegean forearc
Authors: Zachariasse Willem Jan , van Hinsbergen Douwe J.J. , Fortuin Anne Rutger
Published: April 2011

We present a new lithostratigraphy and chronology for the Miocene on central Crete, in the Aegean forearc. Continuous sedimentation started at ∼10.8 Ma in the E–W trending fluvio‐lacustrine Viannos Basin, formed on the hangingwall of the Cretan detachment, which separates high‐pressure (HP) metamorphic rocks from very low‐grade rocks in its hangingwall. Olistostromes including olistoliths deposited shortly before the Viannos Basin submerged into the marine Skinias Basin between 10.4 and 10.3 Ma testifies to significant nearby uplift. Uplift of the Skinias Basin between 9.7 and 9.6 Ma, followed by fragmentation along N–S and E–W striking normal faults, marks the onset of E–W arc‐parallel stretching superimposed on N–S regional Aegean extension. This process continued between 9.6 and 7.36 Ma, as manifested by tilting and subsidence of fault blocks with subsidence events centred at 9.6, 8.8, and 8.2 Ma. Wholesale subsidence of Crete occurred from 7.36 Ma until ∼5 Ma, followed by Pliocene uplift and emergence. Subsidence of the Viannos Basin from 10.8 to 10.4 Ma was governed by motion along the Cretan detachment. Regional uplift at ∼10.4 Ma, followed by the first reworking of HP rocks (10.4–10.3 Ma) is related to the opening and subsequent isostatic uplift of extensional windows exposing HP rocks. Activity of the Cretan detachment ceased sometime between formation of extensional windows around 10.4 Ma, and high‐angle normal faulting cross‐cutting the detachment at 9.6 Ma. The bulk of exhumation of the Cretan HP‐LT metamorphic rocks occurred between 24 and 12 Ma, before basin subsidence, and was associated with extreme thinning of the hangingwall (by factor ∼10), in line with earlier inferences that the Cretan detachment can only explain a minor part of total exhumation. Previously proposed models of buyoant rise of the Cretan HP rocks along the subducting African slab provide an explanation for extension without basin subsidence.
External quality control for immunocytochemistry on cytology samples: a review of UK NEQAS ICC (cytology module) results
Authors: Kirbis I. S. , Maxwell P. , Fležar M. S. , Miller K. , Ibrahim M.
Published: April 2011

I. S. Kirbis, P. Maxwell, M. S. Fležar, K. Miller and M. Ibrahim

External quality control for immunocytochemistry on cytology samples: a review of UK NEQAS ICC (cytology module) results

Objective:  To date, external quality control for immunocytochemistry on cytology samples is provided only by the United Kingdom national external quality assessment service for immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridisation (UK NEQAS ICC & ISH). For the purpose of this study a retrospective analysis of a comprehensive collection of quality‐related data regarding immunocytochemistry on cytology samples collected through this service was analysed.

Methods:  The quality of immunocytochemical reactions, using on‐line collected data, was analysed for the last 23 UK NEQAS ICC cytology module external quality assessments carried out on cytology samples completed in the period from 2004 to 2010.

Results:  Our study showed that the majority of participants in the cytology module (66%) sent formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue sections for assessment as in‐house control slides and only 34% sent cytology slides of various types. The highest UK NEQAS ICC score for the quality of immunocytochemical staining among in‐house control slides was achieved on cell block sections, followed by cytospins, FFPE tissue sections, liquid‐based cytology slides and smears. With regard to fixation, acetone‐fixed slides achieved significantly lower scores than other reported fixatives. The strength of agreement in perception of immunocytochemical staining quality was good between in‐house assessors (Kappa = 0.64) but only fair between in‐house and UK NEQAS ICC assessors (Kappa = 0.22).

Conclusions:  Good quality of immunocytochemical staining can be achieved on cytology slides prepared and fixed in different ways as well as on cell blocks. Unified criteria for high‐quality immunocytochemical staining and proper internal and external quality assurance could facilitate further improvement and standardization of immunocytochemistry on cytology samples.
Pathological ankle–brachial index is equivalent of advanced age in acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Cordero Alberto , Morillas Pedro , Bertomeu‐González Vicente , Quiles Juan , Soria Federico , Guindo Josep , Mazón Pilar , Anguita Manuel , Rodríguez‐Padial Luís , González‐Juanatey José Ramón , Bertomeu‐Martínez Vicente ,   en nombre de los investigadores del estudio PAMISCA
Published: April 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1268–1274

Background  Age is one the factors associated with poor prognosis in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and elderly patients are a high‐risk collective with few parameters for mid‐term cardiovascular stratification. We aimed to assess the predictive value of ankle–brachial index (ABI) in patients (> 75 years) for 1‐year mortality after an ACS.

Materials and methods  Prospective, observational and multicentre study of ACS patients in whom ABI was assessed during hospitalization.

Results  A total of 1·054 patients were included, mean age 66·6 (11·7) years from whom 26·6% were > 75 years. Elderly patients showed more history of cardiovascular disease and higher prevalence of all risk factors, except current smoking. Angiography and revascularization were performed less frequently in the elderly. Patients > 75 years showed higher presence of three vessel coronary disease and received fewer guideline‐recommended treatments. Patients who died through the follow‐up, mean time 387·9 ± 7·2 days, had lower ABI (0·73 ± 0·24 vs. 0·92 ± 0·22; P < 0·01), also in the elderly patients (0·73 ± 0·24 vs. 0·86 ± 0·23; P < 0·01). Cox regression analysis identified age > 75 years (HR: 2·30; IC 95% 1·26–4·18; P < 0·01) and ABI < 0·90 (HR: 3·58; IC 95% 1·80–7·15; P < 0·01) as risk factors for to 1‐year mortality. Mortality was similar in elderly patients with ABI > 0·90 and young patients with ABI < 0·90; the worst prognosis was observed in elderly patients with ABI < 0·90 (HR: 10·01; 95% CI 3·74–27·15).

Conclusions  Elderly patients represent a relevant collective of patients with ACS and are treated less optimally. ABI predicts 1‐year mortality after an ACS in elderly patients.
Unraveling the drivers of intensifying forest disturbance regimes in Europe
Authors: SEIDL RUPERT , SCHELHAAS MART‐JAN , LEXER MANFRED J.
Published: April 2011

Natural disturbances like wildfire, windthrow and insect outbreaks are critical drivers of composition, structure and functioning of forest ecosystems. They are strongly climate‐sensitive, and are thus likely to be distinctly affected by climatic changes. Observations across Europe show that in recent decades, forest disturbance regimes have intensified markedly, resulting in a strong increase in damage from wind, bark beetles and wildfires. Climate change is frequently hypothesized as the main driving force behind this intensification, but changes in forest structure and composition associated with management activities such as promoting conifers and increasing standing timber volume (i.e. ‘forest change’) also strongly influence susceptibility to disturbances. Here, we show that from 1958 to 2001, forest change contributed in the same order of magnitude as climate change to the increase in disturbance damage in Europe's forests. Climate change was the main driver of the increase in area burnt, while changes in forest extent, structure and composition particularly affected the variation in wind and bark beetle damage. For all three disturbance agents, damage was most severe when conducive weather conditions and increased forest susceptibility coincided. We conclude that a continuing trend towards more disturbance‐prone conditions is likely for large parts of Europe's forests, and can have strong detrimental effects on forest carbon storage and other ecosystem services. Understanding the interacting drivers of natural disturbance regimes is thus a prerequisite for climate change mitigation and adaptation in forest ecosystem management.
Effects of fishing and acidification‐related benthic mortality on the southeast Australian marine ecosystem
Authors: GRIFFITH GARY P. , FULTON ELIZABETH A. , RICHARDSON ANTHONY J.
Published: April 2011

Oceanic uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) is altering the carbonate chemistry of seawater, with potentially negative consequences for many calcifying marine organisms. At the same time, increasing fisheries exploitation is impacting on marine ecosystems. Here, using increased benthic‐invertebrate mortality as a proxy for effects of ocean acidification, the potential impact of the two stressors of fishing and acidification on the southeast Australian marine ecosystem to year 2050 was explored. The individual and interaction effects of the two stressors on biomass and diversity were examined for the entire ecosystem and for regional assemblages. For 61 functional groups or species, the cumulative effects of moderate ocean acidification and fishing were additive (30%), synergistic (33%), and antagonistic (37%). Strong ocean acidification resulted in additive (22%), synergistic (40%), and antagonistic (38%) effects. The greatest impact was on the demersal food web, with fishing impacting predation and acidification affecting benthic production. Areas that have been subject to intensive fishing were the most susceptible to acidification effect, although fishing also mitigated some of the decline in biodiversity observed with moderate acidification. The model suggested that ocean acidification and long‐term fisheries exploitation could act synergistically with the increasing sensitivity to change from long‐term (decades) fisheries exploitation potentially causing unexpected restructuring of the pelagic and demersal food webs. Major regime shifts occur around year 2040. Greater focus is needed on how differential fisheries exploitation of marine resources may exacerbate or accelerate effects of environmental changes such as ocean acidification.
Effects of cost sharing on seeking outpatient care: a propensity‐matched study in Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Huber Carola A. , Rüesch Peter , Mielck Andreas , Böcken Jan , Rosemann Thomas , Meyer Peter C.
Published: April 2011

Background  Several studies have assessed the effect of cost sharing on health service utilization (HSU), mostly in the USA. Results are heterogeneous, showing different effects. Whereas previous studies compared insurants within one health care system but different modes of insurance, we aimed at comparing two different health care systems in Europe: Germany and Switzerland. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of cost sharing depending on socio‐demographic factors as well as health status.

Methods  Two representative samples of 5197 Swiss insurants with and 5197 German insurants without cost sharing were used to assess the independent association between cost sharing and the use of outpatient care. To minimize confounding, we performed cross‐sectional analyses between propensity score matched Swiss and German insurants. We investigated subgroups according to health and socio‐economic status to assess a potential social gradient in HSU.

Results  We found a significant association between health insurance scheme and the use of outpatient services. German insurants without cost sharing (visit rate: 4.8 per year) consulted a general practitioner or specialist more frequently than Swiss insurants with cost sharing (visit rate: 3.0 per year; P < 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed that vulnerable populations were differently affected by cost sharing. In the group of respondents with poor health and low socio‐economic status, the cost‐sharing effect was strongest.

Conclusion  Cost‐sharing models reduce HSU. The challenge is to create cost‐sharing models which do not preclude vulnerable populations from seeking essential health care.
Methods to assess the reliability of the interRAI Acute Care: a framework to guide clinimetric testing. Part II
Authors: Wellens Nathalie I. H. , Milisen Koen , Flamaing Johan , Moons Philip
Published: April 2011

The interRAI Acute Care is a comprehensive geriatric assessment tool that provides a holistic picture of complex and frail hospitalized older persons. It is designed to support holistic care planning and to transfer patient data across settings. Its usefulness in clinical decision making depends on the extent to which clinicians can rely on the patient data as accurate and meaningful indicators of patients functioning. But its multidimensional character implies challenges for clinimetric testing as some of the traditional analyses techniques cannot be unconditionally applied. The objective was to present an overview of methods to examine the reliability of the interRAI Acute Care. For each line of evidence, examples of hypotheses and research questions are listed.
The chlorarachniophyte nucleomorph is supplemented with host cell nucleus‐encoded histones
Authors: Löffelhardt Wolfgang
Published: April 2011

In chlorarachniophytes, algae originating from secondary endosymbiosis, the complex plastids retained a nucleomorph, the vestigial nucleus of the green algal endosymbiont. The nucleomorph of Bigelowiella natans encodes several plastid‐targeted proteins and hundreds of housekeeping proteins. However, many fundamental genes for the maintainance of this subcompartment are missing. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Hirakawa et al. (2011) demonstrate nuclear histone genes of dual evolutionary origin in B. natans and convincingly show the targeting of the corresponding proteins to nucleus and nucleomorph respectively. One of the ways through which the nuclear genome exerts control upon its endosymbiotic junior partner is revealed. Insights into the nature of bipartite targeting sequences directing the respective proteins into the periplastidal space (where the nucleomorph resides) are gained. Further, cell cycle‐dependent, differential regulation is shown for both nuclear and nucleomorph histone genes.
Integration of a complex regulatory cascade involving the SirA/BarA and Csr global regulatory systems that controls expression of the Salmonella SPI‐1 and SPI‐2 virulence regulons through HilD
Authors: Martínez Luary C. , Yakhnin Helen , Camacho Martha I. , Georgellis Dimitris , Babitzke Paul , Puente José L. , Bustamante Víctor H.
Published: April 2011

Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 and 2 (SPI‐1 and SPI‐2) play key roles in the pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica. Previously, we showed that when Salmonella grows in Luria–Bertani medium, HilD, encoded in SPI‐1, first induces the expression of hilA, located in SPI‐1, and subsequently of the ssrAB operon, located in SPI‐2. These genes code for HilA and the SsrA/B two‐component system, the positive regulators of the SPI‐1 and SPI‐2 regulons respectively. In this study, we demonstrate that CsrA, a global regulatory RNA binding protein, post‐transcriptionally regulates hilD expression by directly binding near the Shine–Dalgarno and translation initiation codon sequences of the hilD mRNA, preventing its translation and leading to its accelerated turnover. Negative regulation is counteracted by the global SirA/BarA two‐component system, which directly activates the expression of CsrB and CsrC, two non‐coding regulatory RNAs that sequester CsrA, thereby preventing it from binding to its target mRNAs. Our results illustrate the integration of global and specific regulators into a multifactorial regulatory cascade controlling the expression of virulence genes acquired by horizontal transfer events.
Duration of gestation, size at birth and later childhood behaviour
Authors: Yang Seungmi , Fombonne Eric , Kramer Michael S.
Published: April 2011

Yang S, Fombonne E, Kramer MS. Duration of gestation, size at birth and later childhood behaviour. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 377–387.

Although many previous studies have reported an association between preterm birth or small size at birth and later behaviour, multiple methodological limitations threaten the validity of causal inferences from reported associations. The authors have examined the association between gestational age and gestational age‐specific size at birth (weight, length and head circumference) and behaviour in a large sample of children born healthy at term. The data were from the 6.5‐year follow‐up of 13 889 Belarusian children who participated in the Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial, a cluster‐randomised trial of a breast‐feeding promotion intervention. Child behaviour was measured using the parent and teacher versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Differences in SDQ scores by gestational age and by birthweight, birth length and birth head circumference standardised for gestational age and sex (z‐scores) were analysed after controlling for potentially confounding maternal and family factors. There was no association between gestational age and child behaviour after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Lower birthweight‐for‐gestational age was associated with higher scores in problem behaviours including total difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity, emotional symptoms and peer problems. Similar but smaller differences were observed with birth length and birth head circumference, but those differences were attenuated with adjustment for birthweight. The patterns of association were consistent in both parent and teacher assessments. Among school‐age children born at term within normal range of birthweight, fetal growth, but not gestational age, was associated with behavioural problem scores.
Socioeconomic inequalities and infant mortality of 46 470 preterm infants born in Sweden between 1992 and 2006
Authors: Calling Susanna , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: April 2011

Calling S, Li X, Sundquist J, Sundquist K. Socioeconomic inequalities and infant mortality of 46 470 preterm infants born in Sweden between 1992 and 2006. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 357–365.

Studies on possible sociodemographic inequities in the survival of preterm infants are scarce. Individual and neighbourhood sociodemographic factors are related to preterm birth and to infant mortality in full‐term infants. The aim here was to examine whether infant mortality in Swedish preterm infants is related to individual and neighbourhood sociodemographic factors, and to study whether the hypothesised association between neighbourhood deprivation and infant mortality persists after accounting for individual sociodemographic factors.

The study included 46 470 infants with a gestational length of <37 weeks, born in Sweden between 1992 and 2006. Neighbourhood deprivation was assessed by an index (education, income, unemployment, welfare assistance) in small geographical units, and categorised into low, moderate and high deprivation. Adjusted odds ratios for infant mortality were examined in relation to individual and neighbourhood sociodemographic factors.

After adjusting for maternal age, infant mortality was associated with the following sociodemographic variables: maternal non‐married/non‐cohabiting status, low family income, low maternal education and rural status. After full adjustment, the odds ratio [95% confidence interval] was 2.98 [2.42, 3.67] for low family income compared with high family income. An increase in infant mortality was also associated with high neighbourhood deprivation; however, this increased risk no longer remained statistically significant after adjusting for individual sociodemographic factors. In conclusion, this study showed an increased infant mortality in preterm infants born to women with a less favourable sociodemographic profile.
Subregion‐specific role of glutamate receptors in the nucleus accumbens on drug context‐induced reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behavior in rats
Authors: Xie Xiaohu , Lasseter Heather C. , Ramirez Donna R. , Ponds KaiCee L. , Wells Audrey M. , Fuchs Rita A.
Published: April 2011

The functional integrity of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) core and shell is necessary for contextual cocaine‐seeking behavior in the reinstatement animal model of drug relapse; however, the neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. The present study evaluated the contribution of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 (mGluR1) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptor populations to drug context‐induced reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behavior. Rats were trained to lever press for un‐signaled cocaine infusions in a distinct context followed by extinction training in a different context. Cocaine‐seeking behavior (non‐reinforced active lever pressing) was then assessed in the previously cocaine‐paired and extinction contexts after JNJ16259685 (mGluR1 antagonist: 0.0, 0.6, or 30 pg/0.3 µl/hemisphere) or CNQX (AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist: 0.0, 0.03, or 0.3 µg/0.3 µl /hemisphere) administration into the NAC core, medial or lateral NAC shell, or the ventral caudate‐putamen (vCPu, anatomical control). JNJ16259685 or CNQX in the NAC core dose‐dependently impaired contextual cocaine‐seeking behavior relative to vehicle. Conversely, CNQX, but not JNJ16259685, in the lateral or medial NAC shell attenuated, whereas CNQX or JNJ16259685 in vCPu failed to inhibit, this behavior. The manipulations failed to alter instrumental behavior in the extinction context, general motor activity or food‐reinforced instrumental behavior in control experiments. Thus, glutamate‐mediated changes in drug context‐induced motivation for cocaine involve distinct neuropharmacological mechanisms within the core and shell subregions of the NAC, with the stimulation of mGlu1 and AMPA/kainate receptors in the NAC core and the stimulation of AMPA/kainate, but not mGlu1, receptors in the NAC shell being necessary for this phenomenon.
Monoamine oxidase A variants are associated with heavy betel quid use
Authors: Chen Ping‐Ho , Tu Hung‐Pin , Wang Shu‐Jung , Ko Albert Min‐Shan , Lee Chi‐Pin , Chiang Tai‐An , Tsai Yi‐Shan , Lee Chien‐Hung , Shieh Tien‐Yu , Ko Chih‐Hung , Chiang Shang‐Lun , Ko Ying‐Chin
Published: April 2011

Few studies have investigated whether genetic abnormalities predispose individuals to heavy betel quid (BQ) use. One of the major ingredients of BQ, arecoline, is known to affect the expression of monoamine oxidase A (MAO‐A). We investigated the extent to which arecoline inhibits MAO‐A expression and the role of MAO‐A polymorphisms in BQ use in Taiwanese aborigines. Cytotoxicity assays, microarrays and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction were used to examine the effects of arecoline and areca nut extract (ANE) on cell viability and MAO‐A expression in neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. After identifying the effective concentrations of arecoline and ANE in vitro, we examined the in vivo effects of these compounds using a rat model system. Our results indicate that arecoline and ANE inhibit MAO‐A expression both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we examined the correlation between plasma MAO‐A activity and cumulative exposure to BQ in humans. We recruited 1307 aborigines from a large‐scale community‐based survey to determine whether MAO‐A variants were associated with high BQ use and a preference for use with smoking or alcohol and whether gender bias existed. MAO‐A expression was significantly downregulated by arecoline and ANE at 100–200 µg/ml and in rat whole brains on days 30 and 45. MAO‐A activity levels in human plasma were positively correlated with the extent of BQ exposure, and individuals with at‐risk alleles exhibited lower activity, although this result did not reach statistical significance. We found two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in aboriginal males [rs2283725, odds ratio (OR) = 2.04; rs5953210, OR = 2.03] and females (rs2283725, OR = 1.54; rs5953210, OR = 1.59) that were associated with heavy BQ use. Those individuals carrying at‐risk alleles who drank alcohol were twice as likely to be heavy BQ users. However, the effects of these SNPs on BQ use were significant even after controlling for alcohol use. Our results suggest that two specific loci may confer a susceptibility to BQ abuse and affect MAO‐A enzymatic activity.