bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of catchment characteristics on aquatic carbon export from a boreal catchment and its importance in regional carbon cycling
Authors: Huotari Jussi , Nykänen Hannu , Forsius Martin , Arvola Lauri
Published: July 2013

Inland waters transport and emit into the atmosphere large amounts of carbon (C), which originates from terrestrial ecosystems. The effect of land cover and land‐use practises on C export from terrestrial ecosystems to inland waters is not fully understood, especially in heterogeneous landscapes under human influence. We sampled for dissolved C species in five tributaries with well‐determined subcatchments (total size 174.5 km2), as well as in various points of two of the subcatchments draining to a boreal lake in southern Finland over a full year. Our aim was to find out how land cover and land‐use affect C export from the catchments, as well as CH4 and CO2 concentrations of the streams, and if the origin of C in stream water can be determined from proxies for quality of dissolved organic matter (DOM). We further estimated the gas evasion from stream surfaces and the role of aquatic fluxes in regional C cycling. The export rate of C from the terrestrial system through an aquatic conduit was 19.3 g C m−2(catchment) yr−1, which corresponds to 19% of the estimated terrestrial net ecosystem exchange of the catchment. Most of the C load to the recipient lake consisted of dissolved organic carbon (DOC, 6.1 ± 1.0 g C m−2 yr−1); the share of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was much smaller (1.0 ± 0.2 g C m−2 yr−1). CO2 and CH4 emissions from stream and ditch surfaces were 7.0 ± 2.4 g C m−2 yr−1 and 0.1 ± 0.04 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively, C emissions being thus equal with C load to the lake. The proportion of peatland in the catchment and the drainage density of peatland increased DOC in streams, whereas the proportion of agricultural land in the catchment decreased it. The opposite was true for DIC. Drained peatlands were an important CH4 source for streams.
The Eocene climate of China, the early elevation of the Tibetan Plateau and the onset of the Asian Monsoon
Authors: Wang Qing , Spicer Robert A. , Yang Jian , Wang Yu‐Fei , Li Cheng‐Sen
Published: July 2013

Eocene palynological samples from 37 widely distributed sites across China were analysed using co‐existence approach to determine trends in space and time for seven palaeoclimate variables: Mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, mean temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the coldest month, mean annual range of temperature, mean maximum monthly precipitation and mean minimum monthly precipitation. Present day distributions and observed climates within China of the nearest living relatives of the fossil forms were used to find the range of a given variable in which a maximum number of taxa can coexist. Isotherm and isohyet maps for the early, middle and late Eocene were constructed. These illustrate regional changing patterns in thermal and precipitational gradients that may be interpreted as the beginnings of the modern Asian Monsoon system, and suggest that the uplift of parts of the Tibetan Plateau appear to have taken place by the middle to late Eocene.
Establishment of erythroleukemic GAK14 cells and characterization of GATA1 N‐terminal domain
Authors: Mukai Harumi Y. , Suzuki Mikiko , Nagano Masumi , Ohmori Shin'ya , Otsuki Akihito , Tsuchida Kouhei , Moriguchi Takashi , Ohneda Kinuko , Shimizu Ritsuko , Ohneda Osamu , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: July 2013

GATA1 is a transcription factor essential for erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. It has been found that Gata1 gene knockdown heterozygous female (Gata1G1.05/+) mice spontaneously develop erythroblastic leukemias. In this study, we have generated a novel Gata1 knockdown erythroblastic cell line, designated GAK14, from the leukemia cells in the Gata1G1.05/+ mice. Although GAK14 cells maintain immature phenotype on OP9 stromal cells in the presence of erythropoietin and stem cell factor, the cells produce Gr‐1‐, Mac1‐, B220‐, CD3e‐ or CD49b‐positive hematopoietic cells when co‐cultured with DAS104‐8 feeder cells. However, GAK14 cells did not produce erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages, perhaps due to the absence of GATA1. Indeed, GAK14 cells became capable of differentiating into mature erythroid cells when complemented with full‐length GATA1 and co‐cultured with fetal liver–derived FLS5 stromal cells. This differentiation potential was impaired when GATA1 lacking the N‐terminal domain was complemented. The N‐terminal domain is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of transient abnormal myelopoiesis and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia related to Down syndrome. These results thus showed that GAK14 cells will serve as a powerful tool for dissecting domain function of GATA1 and that the GATA1 N‐terminal domain is essential for the erythroid differentiation of GAK14 cells.
Mental health training experiences among Haitian healthcare workers post‐earthquake 2010
Authors: Cianelli R. , Wilkinson C. , Mitchell E. , Anglade D. , Nicolas G. , Mitrani V. , Peragallo N.
Published: July 2013

Background

After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the large number of persons with major limb damage, amputations, shock, trauma, anxiety and depression placed a severe strain on mental health (MH) services.

Purpose

This qualitative study describes the impact and acceptability of a Mental Health Training Program (MHTP) implemented in the north of Haiti after the earthquake.

Methods

A total of 113 healthcare workers (HCWs) participated in a training program designed to build local MH care capacity. The training curriculum draws on literature related to MH and the impact of the Haiti earthquake. Two focus groups were conducted with 16 HCWs; discussions centred on the personal and professional impact and acceptability of the training program.

Discussion

Results demonstrated that the MHTP changed the HCWs' perceptions about MH issues and provided them with the knowledge and skills to respond to growing community MH needs. Acceptability of the MHTP was related to the content covered, to the delivery mode of the content and to the cultural appropriateness of the program.

Conclusions

Disasters of different types will continue to occur and to impact MH in communities around the world. MH training will allow nurses to quickly and effectively respond to disasters. A coordinated emergency plan that is subject to frequent review, rehearsal and evaluation is also essential.
Testing the Strategic Asset Allocation of Stabilization Sovereign Wealth Funds
Authors: Bertoni Fabio , Lugo Stefano
Published: July 2013

None of the models that have been developed to determine the optimal strategic asset allocation (SAA) of stabilization sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) has received direct empirical validation, primarily because there is a lack of transparency regarding some of the key parameters that characterize the problem. In this paper, building on a mean‐variance framework, we derive three sets of parsimonious statistical tests to compare the actual SAA of SWFs to a theoretical optimum. We apply these tests to the portfolio of the world's largest stabilization SWF (the Norwegian Government Pension Fund—Global or GPF) for the period between 2002 and 2005. The empirical analysis confirms that the static and dynamic deviations of the GPF's SAA from the market equity portfolio are consistent with the theoretical predictions.
Biomechanical Comparison Between Bicortical Pin and Monocortical Screw/Polymethylmethacrylate Constructs in the Cadaveric Canine Cervical Vertebral Column
Authors: Hettlich Bianca F. , Allen Matthew J. , Pascetta Daniel , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Litsky Alan S.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To compare biomechanical stiffness of cadaveric canine cervical spine constructs stabilized with bicortical stainless steel pins and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), monocortical stainless steel screws with PMMA, or monocortical titanium screws with PMMA.

Study Design

Biomechanical cadaver study.

Animals

Eighteen canine cervical vertebral columns (C2–C7) were collected from skeletally mature dogs (weighing 22–32 kg).

Methods

Specimens were radiographed and examined by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Stiffness of the unaltered C4–C5 intervertebral motion unit was measured in extension, flexion and lateral bending using non‐destructive 4‐point bend testing. Specimens were then stabilized by (1) bicortical stainless steel pins/PMMA, (2) monocortical stainless steel screws/PMMA, or (3) monocortical titanium screws/PMMA. Mechanical testing was repeated and stiffness data from unaltered specimens and the 3 treatment groups were compared.

Results

All 3 surgical methods significantly increased stiffness of the C4–C5 motion unit compared with the unaltered specimen (P < .001 for all treatments), but stiffness was not significantly different among the 3 fixation groups (P = .578).

Conclusions

In this model, monocortical screw fixation (with stainless steel or titanium screws) was biomechanically equivalent to bicortical fixation.
Prevalence of obesity among 10–11‐year‐old Maltese children using four established standards
Authors: Decelis A. , Fox K. , Jago R.
Published: July 2013

What is already known about this subject

Obesity rates in children are particularly high in European countries.

Based on self‐report data in the Health Behaviour in School‐age Children study, obesity in 11‐year‐old Maltese children is second only to children in the United States.

What this study adds

This is the first study on obesity in 10–11‐year‐old Maltese children using objective measures with a nationally representative sample that confirms very high levels of overweight and obesity.

Prevalence appears to be high with no strong social or geographical patterning.

Objective

The objective of this study was to establish, through measured height and weight, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a representative sample of Maltese children aged 10–11 years.

Methods

Height and weight were measured in a sample, stratified by sex, region and type of school, of 874 year 6 children and their body mass index classified as normal weight, overweight, and obese using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), World Health Organization (WHO), US Centre for Disease Control and UK Department of Health standards.

Results

IOTF standards indicated 20.4% overweight and 14.2% obese, while WHO standards indicated 23.1% overweight and 20.9% obese. All four standards reported significant sex differences, classifying more boys in the overweight and obesity categories.

Conclusions

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among 10–11‐year‐old Maltese children are higher than previously estimated through self‐reported height and weight and all other countries in the world except Greece. These high rates confirm the urgent need to identify causes and tackle childhood obesity in Malta.
Adiponectin‐impaired adipocyte differentiation negatively regulates fat deposition in chicken
Authors: Yan J. , Yang H. , Gan L. , Sun C.
Published: July 2013

Adiponectin is a protein hormone secreted exclusively by adipocytes that plays an important role in the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. To investigate the effect of adiponectin on lipid metabolism in chicken, rosiglitazone (agonist of adiponectin) and dexamethasone (inhibitor of adiponectin) were used to treat 23‐day‐old broilers in vivo. To verify the functionality of adiponectin on fat deposition, chicken pre‐adipocytes were cultured in the medium containing 10 μg/ml adiponectin. Serum adiponectin and lipids and fat distribution were analysed. Oil Red O staining was used to determine lipid deposition in adipocytes. The expression levels of adiponectin, adiponectin receptors (AdipoR) and lipid metabolism–related genes in different tissues and pre‐adipocytes were measured using real‐time PCR, and the abundance of lipid metabolism–related proteins was measured by Western blot. Rosiglitazone increased serum adiponectin concentration and the expression levels of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) in tissues and significantly decreased levels of serum lipids and fat deposition. Rosiglitazone significantly increased the expression levels of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and AdipoR1 and decreased the expression levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS). Dexamethasone had the converse effects compared with rosiglitazone. Oil red O staining results showed a marked decrease in fat deposition in cells treated with adiponectin. In adipocytes, adiponectin could decrease the expression levels of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α (C/EBPα) and FAS and increased the expression levels of ATGL and AdipoR1. These results indicate that adiponectin has a remarkable effect on impairment of adipocyte differentiation, which contributes to the negative regulation of fat deposition in chicken.
The law of unfair dismissal and behaviour outside work
Authors: Sanders Astrid
Published: July 2013

Four of the better-known unfair dismissal cases involve dismissals of employees for behaviour outside work. All four of those dismissals were held to be ‘fair’. This paper looks afresh at the subject matter of dismissals for behaviour outside work. It will argue, first, that employment tribunals should apply a separate framework to dismissals for behaviour outside work and not just apply the normal framework that is designed for dismissals for behaviour at work. Secondly, the paper will construct this separate framework to apply to dismissals for extramural behaviour. It will be argued that there should henceforth be a presumption that dismissals for behaviour outside work will be unfair unless the employer has a strong reason for thinking that the extramural behaviour of the employee will damage the business of the employer. The purpose of this paper is to suggest legal reasons for change to this area of unfair dismissal law as an addition to previously discussed normative reasons for change. In particular, the paper will develop the analogy between unfair dismissal cases on behaviour outside work and breach of personal confidence cases since the Human Rights Act 1998.
Post‐secondary School Type and Academic Achievement
Authors: Meschi Elena , Vignoles Anna , Cassen Robert
Published: July 2013

The Further Education (FE) sector has been the Cinderella of English education, attracting less research, despite the large number of students who attend FE colleges. We ask whether the post‐16 institution attended by the pupil, i.e. FE college or school‐based provision, influences pupils' final achievement and whether the gain in pupil achievement at A level is greater in FE colleges as compared with school‐based provision. Allowing for the fact that FE colleges admit more disadvantaged pupils, those who attend an FE college do marginally less well at A level. Sixth form colleges have significantly higher value‐added, particularly for higher achieving pupils.
Proteases hold the key to an exclusive mutualism
Authors: Bronstein Judith L.
Published: July 2013

Mutualisms, cooperative interactions between species, generally involve an economic exchange: species exchange commodities that are cheap for them to provide, for ones that cannot be obtained affordably or at all. But these associations can only succeed if effective partners can be enticed to interact. In some mutualisms, partners can actively seek one another out. However, plants, which use mutualists for a wide array of essential life history functions, do not have this option. Instead, natural selection has repeatedly favoured the evolution of rewards – nutritional substances (such as sugar‐rich nectar and fleshy fruit) with which plants attract certain organisms whose feeding activities can then be co‐opted for their own benefit. The trouble with rewards, however, is that they are usually also attractive to organisms that confer no benefits at all. Losing rewards to ‘exploiters’ makes a plant immediately less attractive to the mutualists it requires; if the reward cannot be renewed quickly (or at all), then mutualistic service is precluded entirely. Thus, it is in plants' interests to either restrict rewards to only the most beneficial partners or somehow punish or deter exploiters. Yet, at least in cases where the rewards are highly nutritious, we can expect counter‐selection for exploiter traits that permit them to skirt such control. How, then, can mutualisms persist? In this issue, Orona‐Tamayo et al. () describe a remarkable adaptation that safeguards one particularly costly reward from nonmutualists. Their study helps to explain the evolutionary success of an iconic interaction and illuminates one way in which mutualism as a whole can persist in the face of exploitation.
Reproductive seasonality of a recently designated bottlenose dolphin stock near Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.A
Authors: McFee Wayne E. , Speakman Todd R. , Balthis Len , Adams Jeff D. , Zolman Eric S.
Published: July 2013

Reproductive seasonality of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can be affected by numerous ecological and behavioral factors. In 2009, stock boundaries were revised to recognize a Charleston Estuarine System Stock (CESS) of bottlenose dolphins in Charleston, South Carolina. The CESS is a well‐studied population with long‐term data collected from photo‐identification and stranding studies. From 2004 to 2008, a systematic mark‐recapture photo‐identification study was conducted in the Charleston Estuary to estimate population size of the CESS. Sightings data from this photo‐identification study coupled with strandings data (1993–2008) were analyzed to determine the reproductive seasonality of this local population. Both neonate sightings and strandings depicted a primary season of reproduction in the spring into early summer with a small peak in neonate sightings in early autumn, and were significantly different from circular uniform and Von Mises distributions (strandings: P < 0.01, V = 2.8644; sightings: P < 0.01, V = 3.2302). This study increases the knowledge of seasonal reproductive patterns of estuarine stocks of bottlenose dolphin stocks in the southeastern United States. The results will also help wildlife managers detect unusual neonate mortality events, and provide information about critical habitat relevant for evaluating and mitigating coastal development projects.
A different kind of hedgehog pathway: tinea manus due to Trichophyton erinacei transmitted by an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
Authors: Weishaupt Julia , Kolb‐Mäurer Annette , Lempert Sigrid , Nenoff Pietro , Uhrlaß Silke , Hamm Henning , Goebeler Matthias
Published: July 2013

The unusual case of a 29‐year‐old woman with tinea manus caused by infection due to Trichophyton erinacei is described. The patient presented with marked erosive inflammation of the entire fifth finger of her right hand. Mycological and genomic diagnostics resulted in identification of T. erinacei as the responsible pathogen, which had been transmitted by a domestic African pygmy hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris. Upon prolonged treatment with topical and systemic antifungal agents skin lesions slowly resolved. This case illustrates that the increasingly popular keeping of extraordinary pets such as hedgehogs may bear the risk of infections with uncommon dermatophytes.
Irritable bowel syndrome, its cognition, anxiety sensitivity, and anticipatory anxiety in panic disorder patients
Authors: Sugaya Nagisa , Yoshida Eiji , Yasuda Shin , Tochigi Mamoru , Takei Kunio , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Otowa Takeshi , Minato Takanobu , Umekage Tadashi , Sakano Yuji , Chen Junwen , Shimada Hironori , Nomura Shinobu , Okazaki Yuji , Kaiya Hisanobu , Tanii Hisashi , Sasaki Tsukasa
Published: July 2013

Aim

The present study examined the effect of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cognitive appraisal of IBS, and anxiety sensitivity on anticipatory anxiety (AA) and agoraphobia (AG) in patients with panic disorder (PD).

Methods

We examined 244 PD patients who completed a set of questionnaires that included the Rome II Modular Questionnaire to assess the presence of IBS, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Cognitive Appraisal Rating Scale (CARS; assessing the cognitive appraisal of abdominal symptoms in four dimensions: commitment, appraisal of effect, appraisal of threat, and controllability), and items about the severity of AA and AG. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to diagnose AG and PD.

Results

After excluding individuals with possible organic gastrointestinal diseases by using ‘red flag items,’ valid data were obtained from 174 participants, including 110 PD patients without IBS (PD/IBS[–]) and 64 with IBS (PD/IBS[+]). The PD/IBS[+] group had higher AA and higher comorbidity with AG than the PD/IBS[–] group. In the PD/IBS[+] group, the controllability score of CARS was significantly correlated with AA and ASI. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant effect of ASI but not of controllability on AA in PD/IBS[+] subjects.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the presence of IBS may be related to agoraphobia and anticipatory anxiety in PD patients. Cognitive appraisal could be partly related to anticipatory anxiety in PD patients with IBS with anxiety sensitivity mediating this correlation.
Segmental Juvenile Xanthogranuloma
Authors: Ng Su Yuen
Published: July 2013

A 5‐month‐old boy had erythematous nodules over the left side of his trunk with a segmental arrangement since birth. Histopathologic examination revealed sheets of foamy histiocytes infiltrating the dermis and subcutaneous fat, admixed with multinucleated giant cells and lymphocytes, making this an unusual case of juvenile xanthogranuloma appearing in a segmental distribution.
Occurrence of different development time patterns induced by photoperiod in Anagrus atomus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), an egg parasitoid of Empoasca vitis (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: ZANOLLI PENELOPE , PAVAN FRANCESCO
Published: July 2013

The wasp Anagrus atomus L. parasitizes eggs of the cicadellid Empoasca vitis (Göthe) on grapevines during the vegetative season. In vineyards, abundant parasitoid emergence occurs in the autumn as a result of a developmental delay in part of the A. atomus population. In this context, physiological times required by the parasitoid to develop in E. vitis eggs are recorded during the summer. In early summer, all individuals develop fully, with physiological times in agreement with those reported in the literature. From early August onwards, an increasing proportion of parasitoids show a delay in development involving pre‐imaginal stages. Under transmission microscopy, larvae of A. atomus inside the eggs of E. vitis can be clearly differentiated as ‘light’ and ‘dark’ types, which are associated with normal and delayed development, respectively. The decreasing photoperiod as autumn approaches appears to promote the retardation of growth. This phenomenon can be considered a typical case of risk spreading because, when the availability of E. vitis eggs in vineyards is high (i.e. in early summer), A. atomus shows (i) only a normal developmental pattern that allows a faster population increase, whereas (ii) when E. vitis egg availability begins to be scarce (i.e. from mid summer), an increasing proportion of individuals having delayed development provides better fitness because it allows the parasitoid to synchronize its life history with leafhopper species that lay overwintering eggs on plants other than grapevines.
Plant biology in reduced gravity on the Moon and Mars
Authors: Kiss J. Z.
Published: July 2013

While there have been numerous studies on the effects of microgravity on plant biology since the beginning of the Space Age, our knowledge of the effects of reduced gravity (less than the Earth nominal 1 g) on plant physiology and development is very limited. Since international space agencies have cited manned exploration of Moon/Mars as long‐term goals, it is important to understand plant biology at the lunar (0.17 g) and Martian levels of gravity (0.38 g), as plants are likely to be part of bioregenerative life‐support systems on these missions. First, the methods to obtain microgravity and reduced gravity such as drop towers, parabolic flights, sounding rockets and orbiting spacecraft are reviewed. Studies on gravitaxis and gravitropism in algae have suggested that the threshold level of gravity sensing is around 0.3 g or less. Recent experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) showed attenuation of phototropism in higher plants occurs at levels ranging from 0.l g to 0.3 g. Taken together, these studies suggest that the reduced gravity level on Mars of 0.38 g may be enough so that the gravity level per se would not be a major problem for plant development. Studies that have directly considered the impact of reduced gravity and microgravity on bioregenerative life‐support systems have identified important biophysical changes in the reduced gravity environments that impact the design of these systems. The author suggests that the current ISS laboratory facilities with on‐board centrifuges should be used as a test bed in which to explore the effects of reduced gravity on plant biology, including those factors that are directly related to developing life‐support systems necessary for Moon and Mars exploration.
Population genetic diversity and species relationships in the genusRhinanthusL. based on microsatellite markers
Authors: Talve T. , McGlaughlin M. E. , Helenurm K. , Wallace L. E. , Oja T.
Published: July 2013

The genusRhinanthusL. is complex, containing many taxonomically unresolved taxa. In this paper we studied genetic variation and species relationships in 15 populations of sixRhinanthusspecies from three sections. For this purpose, we developed new microsatellite primers forR. osiliensisand used them to investigate genetic variation in two narrow endemics (R. osiliensis,R. javorkae) and in four widespread species (R. rumelicusR. wagneri,R. angustifoliusandR. minor). Species‐specific private alleles were found in all species exceptR. osiliensisandR. angustifolius. TheBulgarian endemicR. javorkaeshowed the lowest genetic variation, followed by widespreadR. minorandEstonian endemicR. osiliensis.Rhinanthus javorkaeandR. minorwere genetically most differentiated. SectionCleistolemusis weakly structured genetically, indicating close affinity betweenR. osiliensis,R. rumelicus,R. wagneriandR. angustifolius.
Plastid‐associated polyamines: their role in differentiation, structure, functioning, stress response and senescence
Authors: Sobieszczuk‐Nowicka E. , Legocka J.
Published: July 2013

Polyamines are low‐molecular weight biogenic amines. They are a specific group of cell growth and development regulators. In the past decade biochemical, molecular and genetic studies have contributed much to a better understanding of the biological role of polyamines in the plant cell. Substantial evidence has also been added to our understanding of the role of polyamines in plastid development. In developing chloroplasts, polyamines serve as a nitrogen source for protein and chlorophyll synthesis. In chloroplast structure, thylakoid proteins linked to polyamines belong mainly to antenna proteins of light‐harvesting chlorophyll a/b–protein complexes. The fact that LHCII oligomeric forms are much more intensely labelled by polyamines, in comparison to monomeric forms, suggests that polyamines participate in oligomer stabilisation. In plastid metabolism, polyamines modulate effectiveness of photosynthesis. The role of polyamines in mature chloroplasts is also related to the photo‐adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus to low and high light intensity and its response to environmental stress. The occurrence of polyamines and enzymes participating in their metabolism at every stage of plastid development indicates that polyamines play a role in plastid differentiation, structure, functioning and senescence.
Impact of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Authors: Gould Madelyn S. , Cross Wendi , Pisani Anthony R. , Munfakh Jimmie Lou , Kleinman Marjorie
Published: July 2013

We examined the impact of the implementation of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) across the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's national network of crisis hotlines. Data were derived from 1,507 monitored calls from 1,410 suicidal individuals to 17 Lifeline centers in 2008–2009. Callers were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls handled by ASIST‐trained counselors. Few significant changes in ASIST‐trained counselors' interventions emerged; however, improvements in callers' outcomes were linked to ASIST‐related counselor interventions, including exploring reasons for living and informal support contacts. ASIST training did not yield more comprehensive suicide risk assessments.
Differentiating Adolescent Suicide Attempters from Ideators: Examining the Interaction between Depression Severity and Alcohol Use
Authors: McManama O'Brien Kimberly H. , Becker Sara J. , Spirito Anthony , Simon Valerie , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: July 2013

Depressed mood, frequency of alcohol use, and their combination were examined to see if they differentiated nonsuicidal adolescents from those with suicidal ideation and adolescents with suicidal ideation from those who have made a suicide attempt. Hierarchical logistic regressions indicated that frequency of alcohol use did not differentiate nonsuicidal adolescents from those with current suicidal ideation, but severity of depressed mood did so. In contrast, alcohol use was a significant differentiating factor between adolescents who had attempted suicide compared to those with suicidal ideation only, with severity of depressed mood not being significant. However, there was also a significant interaction effect such that for adolescents with suicidal ideation and low levels of depression, increased frequency of alcohol use was associated with increased odds of a suicide attempt. These findings suggest that alcohol use may hasten the transition from suicidal ideation to suicide attempt in adolescents with low levels of depressed mood.
Increased mast cell numbers in a calcaneal tendon overuse model
Authors: Pingel J. , Wienecke J. , Kongsgaard M. , Behzad H. , Abraham T. , Langberg H. , Scott A.
Published: July 2013

Tendinopathy is often discovered late because the initial development of tendon pathology is asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to examine the potential role of mast cell involvement in early tendinopathy using a high‐intensity uphill running (HIUR) exercise model. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were divided in two groups: running group (n = 12); sedentary control group (n = 12). The running‐group was exposed to the HIUR exercise protocol for 7 weeks. The calcaneal tendons of both hind limbs were dissected. The right tendon was used for histologic analysis using Bonar score, immunohistochemistry, and second harmonic generation microscopy (SHGM). The left tendon was used for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. An increased tendon cell density in the runners were observed compared to the controls (P = 0.05). Further, the intensity of immunostaining of protein kinase B, P = 0.03; 2.75 ± 0.54 vs 1.17 ± 0.53, was increased in the runners. The Bonar score (P = 0.05), and the number of mast cells (P = 0.02) were significantly higher in the runners compared to the controls. Furthermore, SHGM showed focal collagen disorganization in the runners, and reduced collagen density (P = 0.03). IL‐3 mRNA levels were correlated with mast cell number in sedentary animals. The qPCR analysis showed no significant differences between the groups in the other analyzed targets. The current study demonstrates that 7‐week HIUR causes structural changes in the calcaneal tendon, and further that these changes are associated with an increased mast cell density.
Posaconazole concentrations after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Heinz W.J. , Einsele H. , Helle‐Beyersdorf A. , Zirkel J. , Grau A. , Schirmer D. , Lenker U. , Klinker H.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Posaconazole is recommended for prophylaxis of fungal infections and for salvage therapy of invasive aspergillosis after stem cell transplantation. An impact of drug concentration on efficacy has been suggested.

Methods

In this study, we investigated serum levels of posaconazole in 262 samples from 64 allogeneic stem cell recipients.

Results

A high degree of interindividual variation was observed. Concentrations were significantly higher for male patients compared with female patients (median 570 and 426 ng/mL, respectively), but no differences for age or dosing groups (400 mg twice daily [BID] or 200 mg three times a day) could be detected. The predictive value of the first determined posaconazole concentration in steady state and of a concentration >500 and 700 ng/mL at any time was evaluated, compared with patients with a first level <300 ng/mL (mean 10.3%, median 0%).

Conclusion

In patients receiving 400 mg BID, the mean rate of serum levels >500 ng/mL in subsequent determinations was higher, if the first serum concentration during steady state was >300 ng/mL (mean 61.1%, median 60%, P = 0.002) or >500 ng/mL (67.7%, median 75%, P = 0.002). Based on this retrospective analysis, a posaconazole serum concentration >500 ng/mL at any time point might also help to predict sufficient drug concentrations.
Vaccination adherence in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: a pilot study on the impact of vaccination cards and reminder telephone calls
Authors: Lerchenfeldt S.M. , Cronin S.M. , Chandrasekar P.H.
Published: July 2013

Background

The Karmanos Cancer Center Bone Marrow Transplant (KCC BMT) Center updated the vaccination protocol for transplant patients based on joint guidelines recently published by European Bone Marrow Transplantation, Centers for Disease Control, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the American Society for Bone Marrow Transplantation. The objectives for this study were to determine the impact of vaccination cards and telephone outreach on vaccine adherence and to determine the reasons for missed or delayed vaccinations.

Methods

Retrospective analysis consisted of autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients at the KCC BMT Clinic who received vaccines based on the guidelines published in 2009. Adherence was calculated as percentage of vaccines missed over the vaccination period.

Results

Overall, 37 of 111 patients (33%) missed at least 1 vaccine set and 29 patients (26%) received 1 set later than recommended. Reasons for missed and delayed vaccines included neutropenia/thrombocytopenia, anticoagulation, active infection, and graft‐versus‐host complications.

Conclusions

Current guidelines recommend a complex vaccination schedule for the HSCT recipients, which may lead to difficulties with adherence. Our study shows that missed and delayed vaccinations are common in both autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients. Methods to improve adherence are needed.
Human rhinovirus infections of the lower respiratory tract in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Jacobs S.E. , Soave R. , Shore T.B. , Satlin M.J. , Schuetz A.N. , Magro C. , Jenkins S.G. , Walsh T.J.
Published: July 2013

Background

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are a common cause of upper respiratory infection (URI) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients; yet, their role in lower respiratory illness is not well understood.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of HSCT recipients with HRV infection from the time molecular detection methods were implemented at our institution in 2008. Factors associated with proven or possible HRV pneumonia at the first HRV detection were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. We then characterized all episodes of proven and possible HRV pneumonia from the initial HRV infection through a 1‐year follow‐up period.

Results

Between 2008 and 2011, 63 HSCT recipients had ≥1 documented HRV infections. At first HRV detection, 36 (57%) patients had HRV URI and 27 (43%) had proven or possible HRV pneumonia; in multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio [OR] 9.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–71.7; P = 0.03) and isolation of respiratory co‐pathogen(s) (OR 24.2, 95% CI 2.0–288.4; P = 0.01) were independently associated with pneumonia. During the study period, 22 patients had 25 episodes of proven HRV pneumonia. Fever (60%), cough (92%), sputum production (61%), and dyspnea (60%) were common symptoms. Fifteen (60%) episodes demonstrated bacterial (n = 7), fungal (n = 5), or viral (n = 3) co‐infection. Among the remaining 10 (40%) cases of HRV monoinfection, patients’ oxygen saturations ranged from 80% to 97% on ambient air, and computed tomography scans showed peribronchiolar, patchy, ground glass infiltrates.

Conclusions

HRV pneumonia is relatively common after HSCT and frequently accompanied by bacterial co‐infection. As use of molecular assays for respiratory viral diagnosis becomes widespread, HRV will be increasingly recognized as a significant cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts.
Risk factors associated with Clostridium difficile infection after kidney and pancreas transplantation
Authors: Shah S.A. , Tsapepas D.S. , Kubin C.J. , Martin S.T. , Mohan S. , Ratner L.E. , Pereira M. , Kapur S. , Dadhania D. , Walker‐McDermott J.K.
Published: July 2013

Background

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common cause of nosocomial antibiotic‐associated diarrhea with an increased incidence reported in solid organ transplant recipients. We sought to determine if kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients possess unique risk factors for CDI.

Methods

Between January 2009 and February 2011, 942 kidney and 56 pancreas transplants were performed at the 2 centers. Of these, 28 recipients (kidney, n = 24; pancreas, n = 4) developed CDI. Cases were matched to controls (n = 56) in a 1:2 ratio.

Results

Those with CDI were mostly male patients (82% vs. 48%, P = 0.003), deceased‐donor organ recipients (86% vs. 64%, P = 0.045), more likely to have leukopenia (18% vs. 4%, P = 0.038), and had undergone a gastrointestinal procedure within 3 months preceding CDI diagnosis (18% vs. 4%, P = 0.038). Cases had higher cumulative and restricted antimicrobial exposure in days (37 ± 79 vs. 8 ± 12, P = 0.009 and 27 ± 69 vs. 7 ± 10, P = 0.032). Cephalosporin use was more common among cases (43% vs. 16%, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Careful antimicrobial selection and assurance of optimal treatment duration in the kidney and pancreas transplant population is prudent. Clinicians should have a heightened awareness of CDI risk particularly during periods of leukopenia and in the setting of gastrointestinal procedures.
A multicenter evaluation of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Reid G. , Huprikar S. , Patel G. , Razonable R.R. , Mossad S. , Levi M. , Gregg K. , Shoham S. , Humar A. , Adams W. , Kumar D.
Published: July 2013

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients have increased morbidity from respiratory viral infections. Pandemic influenza A – A(H1N1)/pdm09 – in 2009–2010 was associated with increased severity of illness in patients with underlying co‐morbidities including HSCT, but the factors that contribute to severe disease in HSCT patients are not well characterized.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter review of microbiologically proven influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in the HSCT population between April 2009 and April 2010 to determine factors that are associated with severe disease.

Results

We identified 37 adult patients (26 allogeneic and 11 autologous HSCT recipients). Median time from transplant to diagnosis was 411 days (range 4 days–14.9 years). Three cases were hospital acquired. Twenty‐eight of 37 (75.7%) had confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09. Presumed viral lower respiratory tract infection was present in 12/37 (32.4%) patients. Antiviral therapy was given to 33/37 (89%) patients, primarily oseltamivir (n = 24) and oseltamivir before or after another antiviral (n = 8). Excluding those with nosocomial A(H1N1)pdm09, 18/34 (52.9%) were hospitalized and 6 (33%) required admission to an intensive care unit. Mortality within 30 and 60 days of symptom onset was 7/37 (18.9%) and 11/37 (29.7%), respectively. Factors associated with mortality included nosocomial acquisition (P = 0.023), receipt of mycophenolate mofetil (P = 0.001), or antilymphocyte antibody (P = 0.005) within the past 6 months, reduced‐intensity conditioning (P = 0.027), and bacteremia (P = 0.021).

Conclusions

A(H1N1)pdm09 infection was particularly severe in HSCT recipients, specifically among those receiving augmented immunosuppression for graft‐versus‐host disease. The high mortality of the nosocomial cases highlights the need for strict infection‐control measures in hospitals during influenza outbreaks.
Modulation of root‐skewing responses by KNAT1 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Qi Bin , Zheng Huiqiong
Published: July 2013

The KNOTTED1 homeobox (KNOX) family transcription factors are essential for stem cell establishment and maintenance and regulate various aspects of development in all green plants. Expression patterns of the KNOX genes in the roots of plants have been reported, but their role in development remains unclear. Here we show how the KNAT1 gene is specifically involved in root skewing in Arabidopsis. The roots of two mutant alleles of KNAT1 (bp‐1 and bp‐5) exhibited exaggerated skewing to the right of gravity when grown on both vertical and tilted agar medium surfaces. This skewing phenotype was enhanced by treatments with low concentrations of propyzamide, and required auxin transport. The KNAT1 mutation substantially decreased basipetal auxin transport and increased auxin accumulation in the roots. Using a PIN2–GFP reporter and western blot analysis, we found that this alteration in auxin transport was accompanied by a decrease in PIN2 levels in the root tip. Decreased PIN2 expression in the mutant roots was not accompanied by reduced mRNA levels, suggesting that the KNAT1 mutations affected PIN2 expression at the posttranscriptional level. In vivo visualization of intracellular vacuolar targeting indicated that vacuolar degradation of PIN2–GFP was significantly promoted in the root tips of the bp allelic mutants. Together, these results demonstrate that KNAT1 negatively modulates root skewing, possibly by regulating auxin transport.
A plasma membrane‐localized small peptide is involved in rice aluminum tolerance
Authors: Xia Jixing , Yamaji Naoki , Ma Jian Feng
Published: July 2013

A transcription factor for Al tolerance, ART1, regulates the expression of at least 30 genes in rice. Here we functionally characterized one of the downstream genes, OsCDT3, which encodes a predicted peptide of only 53 amino acid residues rich in cysteine. Knockdown of this gene resulted in decreased tolerance to Al, but did not affect the tolerance to Cd. The aluminum (Al) content in the root residues including cell wall and the plasma membrane of knockdown lines decreased, but the Al concentration in the root cell sap increased compared with those of the wild‐type rice. OsCDT3 was mainly expressed in the roots and its expression was specifically induced by Al exposure, not by low pH and other metals. There was a small genotypic variation in OsCDT3 expression level, but no correlation between Al tolerance and the OsCDT3 variation was found among 17 rice cultivars. Analysis of pOsCDT3::GFP transgenic rice showed that OsCDT3 was expressed at all cells in the root tips. Transient expression of OsCDT3 fused with GFP at both N‐ and C‐termini showed that OsCDT3 was anchored to the plasma membrane. Expression of OsCDT3 in yeast conferred tolerance to Al, but not to Cd. Furthermore, OsCDT3 did not show transport activity for Al in yeast, but was able to directly bind Al in vitro. Taken together, our results indicate that OsCDT3 anchoring to the plasma membrane may play a role in stopping entry of Al into the root cells by binding Al, therefore, contributing to high Al tolerance in rice.
Very rapid phosphorylation kinetics suggest a unique role for Lhcb2 during state transitions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Leoni Claudia , Pietrzykowska Malgorzata , Kiss Anett Z. , Suorsa Marjaana , Ceci Luigi R. , Aro Eva‐Mari , Jansson Stefan
Published: July 2013

Light‐harvesting complex II (LHCII) contains three highly homologous chlorophyll‐a/b‐binding proteins (Lhcb1, Lhcb2 and Lhcb3), which can be assembled into both homo‐ and heterotrimers. Lhcb1 and Lhcb2 are reversibly phosphorylated by the action of STN7 kinase and PPH1/TAP38 phosphatase in the so‐called state‐transition process. We have developed antibodies that are specific for the phosphorylated forms of Lhcb1 and Lhcb2. We found that Lhcb2 is more rapidly phosphorylated than Lhcb1: 10 sec of ‘state 2 light’ results in Lhcb2 phosphorylation to 30% of the maximum level. Phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated forms of the proteins showed no difference in electrophoretic mobility and dephosphorylation kinetics did not differ between the two proteins. In state 2, most of the phosphorylated forms of Lhcb1 and Lhcb2 were present in super‐ and mega‐complexes that comprised both photosystem (PS)I and PSII, and the state 2‐specific PSI–LHCII complex was highly enriched in the phosphorylated forms of Lhcb2. Our results imply distinct and specific roles for Lhcb1 and Lhcb2 in the regulation of photosynthetic light harvesting.
Pacemaking kisspeptin neurons
Authors: Kelly Martin J. , Zhang Chunguang , Qiu Jian , Rønnekleiv Oline K.
Published: July 2013

New findings

What is the topic for this review?

This review focuses on analysis of the electrophysiological properties of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons.

What advances does it highlight?

Molecular and cellular electrophysiological analysis of kisspeptin neurons reveals that they express the critical pacemaker channels for generating burst‐firing activity.

Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons are vital for reproduction. Gonatotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons express the kisspeptin receptor (GPR54), and kisspeptins potently stimulate the release of GnRH by depolarizing and inducing sustained action potential firing in GnRH neurons. As such, Kiss1 neurons may be the presynaptic pacemaker neurons in the hypothalamic circuitry that controls reproduction. There are at least two different populations of Kiss1 neurons; one in the rostral periventricular area (RP3V) that is stimulated by oestrogens and the other in the arcuate nucleus that is inhibited by oestrogens. How each of these Kiss1 neuronal populations participates in the regulation of the reproductive cycle is currently under intense investigation. Based on electrophysiological studies in the guinea‐pig and mouse, Kiss1 neurons in general are capable of generating burst‐firing behaviour. Essentially, all Kiss1 neurons, which have been studied thus far in the arcuate nucleus, express the ion channels necessary for burst firing, which include hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation (HCN) channels and the T‐type calcium (Cav3.1) channels. In voltage‐clamp conditions, these channels produce distinct currents that can generate burst‐firing behaviour in current‐clamp conditions. The future challenge is to identify other key channels and synaptic inputs involved in the regulation of the firing properties of Kiss1 neurons and the physiological regulation of the expression of these channels and receptors by oestrogens and other hormones. The ultimate goal is to understand how Kiss1 neurons control the different phases of GnRH neurosecretion, hence reproduction.