bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal endophyte infection and host genetic background jointly modulate host response to an aphid‐transmitted viral pathogen
Authors: Rúa Megan A. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Mitchell Charles E.
Published: June 2013

Despite their ubiquitous nature, interactions between multiple micro‐organisms and their effects on host growth and each other's success have received limited scientific attention. In particular, grasses can be commonly infected by both endophytic fungi and viruses, which are typically transmitted by aphids. In this study, we investigated how an aphid‐transmitted viral pathogen and a symbiotic endophytic fungus altered host growth and allocation. We hypothesized that, by reducing aphid feeding, endophyte infection would lower viral titre and consequently decrease the negative effects of virus infection on host biomass production.

In a greenhouse experiment, we manipulated fungal endophyte status and virus infection (Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus – PAV) of two tall fescue cultivars with different genetic backgrounds [KY 31 and pasture demonstration farm (PDF)]. In one cultivar (PDF), we also manipulated endophyte strain, using two strains that had been selected for differences in alkaloid production. We assessed host, virus and vector responses.

As hypothesized, endophyte infection decreased reproduction and abundance of aphid vectors; however, in contrast to our hypothesis, this response by aphids did not impact viral titre. For both tall fescue cultivars, endophyte infection alleviated the negative effect of virus infection on the proportion of total plant biomass allocated to roots. On the other hand, for the KY 31 cultivar only, virus infection decreased tillering in endophyte‐infected individuals, but not endophyte‐free individuals. Within the PDF cultivar, both endophyte strains produced similar effects on host, virus and vector responses.

Synthesis These results indicate that some of the beneficial effects provided by endophyte infection, particularly alleviating the negative effect of virus infection on the proportion of total plant biomass allocated to roots, do not arise strictly from altering host interactions with herbivores (aphids), but also occur by changing host responses to viral infection. Furthermore, these results emphasize the importance of exploring multispecies microbial interactions and genetic controls on these interactions in order to more fully understand their role in community‐ and ecosystem‐level dynamics.
Effects of native pollinator specialization, self‐compatibility and flowering duration ofEuropean plant species on their invasiveness elsewhere
Authors: Chrobock Thomas , Weiner Christiane N. , Werner Michael , Blüthgen Nico , Fischer Markus , van Kleunen Mark
Published: June 2013

When entomophilous plants are introduced to a new region, they may leave behind their usual pollinators. In particular, plant species with specialized pollination may then be less likely to establish and spread (i.e. become invasive). Moreover, other reproductive characteristics such as self‐compatibility and flowering duration may also affect invasion success.

Here, we specifically asked whether plant species' specialization towards pollinator species and families, respectively, as measured in the native range, self‐compatibility, flowering duration and their interactions are related to the degree of invasion (i.e. a measure of regional abundance) in non‐native regions.

We used plant–pollinator interaction data from 119 German grassland sites to calculate unbiased indices of plant specialization towards pollinator species and families for 118European plant species. We related these specialization indices, flowering duration, self‐compatibility and their interactions to the degree of invasion of each species in seven large countries on four non‐Eurasian continents.

In all models, plant species with long flowering durations had the highest degree of invasion. The best model included the specialization index based on pollinator species instead of the one based on pollinator families. Specialization towards pollinator species had a marginally significant positive effect on the degree of invasion in non‐native regions for self‐compatible, but not for self‐incompatible species.

Synthesis. We showed that long flowering duration is related to the degree of invasion in other parts of the world, and a trend that pollinator generalization in the native range may interact with self‐compatibility in determining the degree of invasion. Therefore, we conclude that such reproductive characteristics should be considered in risk assessment and management of introduced plant species.
Patient characteristics and outcomes in metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma after radical nephroureterectomy: the experience of Japanese multi‐institutions
Authors: Tanaka Nobuyuki , Kikuchi Eiji , Kanao Kent , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Miyazaki Yasumasa , Ide Hiroki , Obata Jun , Hoshino Katsura , Shirotake Suguru , Hayakawa Nozomi , Kosaka Takeo , Miyajima Akira , Momma Tetsuo , Nakagawa Ken , Hasegawa Shintaro , Nakajima Yosuke , Oya Mototsugu
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To investigate oncological outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who experienced disease recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Few studies have focused on the clinical courses of patients who experienced disease recurrence after RNU.

Patients and Methods

A total of 204 UTUC patients who experienced disease recurrence from a retrospective multi‐institutional cohort were included in the present study.

Associated patient outcomes were analyzed using multivariate analysis.

Results

The mean time from RNU to first disease recurrence was 15.0 months and ≈90% of patients experienced disease recurrence within the first 3 years after RNU.

During a median follow‐up of 8.1 month after disease recurrence, 165 patients died from UTUC and five patients died from other causes. In the 204 cohorts, 1‐ and 3‐year cancer‐specific survival rates were 40.2% and 9.7%, respectively, and 1‐ and 3‐year overall survival rates were 39.5% and 9.4%, respectively.

After disease recurrence, 132 patients underwent systemic chemotherapy, and a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent systemic chemotherapy multivariate analysis showed that performance status, the presence of liver metastasis and the number of recurrence sites were independently prognostic of cancer‐specific and overall survival after relapsing.

According to three significant variables, 1‐ and 3‐year cancer‐specific survival rates were 72.7% and 20.8% in patients with no risk factors, 46.5% and 7.5% in patients with one risk factor, and 26.4% and 4.4% in patients with two or three risk factors, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Most patients died from UTUC within 3 years, even though systemic chemotherapies were administered after relapsing.

Multivariate analysis showed that performance status, the presence of liver metastasis and the number of recurrence sites were independently related to poor survival after systemic chemotherapy.
Effect of statin use on outcomes of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Crivelli Joseph J. , Xylinas Evanguelos , Kluth Luis A. , da Silva Rodrigo Donalisio , Chrystal James , Novara Giacomo , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , David Scott G. , Scherr Douglas S. , Lotan Yair , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To assess the impact of statin use on outcomes of patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

To measure the effect of statin use on the efficacy of intravesical bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) therapy.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 1117 patients treated with transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) for NMIBC at three institutions between 1996 and 2007.

Statin use at the time of diagnosis was recorded for each patient.

Univariable Cox regression models addressed the association of statin use with disease recurrence, disease progression, cancer‐specific mortality and overall mortality in all patients, patients with primary NMIBC, patients not treated with BCG, and patients treated with BCG.

Results

Overall, 341 patients (30.5%) used statins and 776 (69.5%) did not.

Within a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 62.7 (25.0–110.7) months, 469 patients (42.0%) experienced disease recurrence, 103 (9.2%) progression, 50 (4.5%) cancer‐specific mortality, and 299 (26.8%) any‐cause mortality.

In univariable Cox regression analyses, statin use was not associated with any of these four endpoints (P > 0.05 for all). In subgroup analyses, statin use was also not associated with prognosis in patients with primary NMIBC or patients not receiving BCG (P > 0.05 for all four endpoints).

Statin use was not associated with response to BCG (P > 0.05 for all four endpoints).

Conclusion

Statin users did not experience different outcomes compared with non‐users and statin use did not affect the efficacy of BCG immunotherapy; these data do not support modification or discontinuation of statin therapy for patients with NMIBC.
Low‐pressure pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy to optimize live donors’ comfort
Authors: Warlé M.C. , Berkers A.W. , Langenhuijsen J.F , van der Jagt M.F. , Dooper Ph.M. , Kloke H.J. , Pilzecker D. , Renes S.H. , Wever K.E. , Hoitsma A.J. , van der Vliet J.A. , D'Ancona F.C.H.
Published: June 2013

Nowadays, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has become the gold standard to procure live donor kidneys. As the relationship between donor and recipient loosens, it becomes of even greater importance to optimize safety and comfort of the surgical procedure. Low‐pressure pneumoperitoneum has been shown to reduce pain scores after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Live kidney donors may also benefit from the use of low pressure during LDN. To evaluate feasibility and efficacy to reduce post‐operative pain, we performed a randomized blinded study. Twenty donors were randomly assigned to standard (14 mmHg) or low (7 mmHg) pressure during LDN. One conversion from low to standard pressure was indicated by protocol due to lack of progression. Intention‐to‐treat analysis showed that low pressure resulted in a significantly longer skin‐to‐skin time (149 ± 86 vs. 111 ± 19 min), higher urine output during pneumoperitoneum (23 ± 35 vs. 11 ± 20 mL/h), lower cumulative overall pain score after 72 h (9.4 ± 3.2 vs. 13.5 ± 4.5), lower deep intra‐abdominal pain score (11 ± 3.3 vs. 7.5 ± 3.1), and a lower cumulative overall referred pain score (1.8 ± 1.9 vs. 4.2 ± 3). Donor serum creatinine levels, complications, and quality of life dimensions were not significantly different. Our data show that low‐pressure pneumoperitoneum during LDN is feasible and may contribute to increase live donors’ comfort during the early post‐operative phase.
Eye–voice span during rapid automatized naming of digits and dice in Chinese normal and dyslexic children
Authors: Pan Jinger , Yan Ming , Laubrock Jochen , Shu Hua , Kliegl Reinhold
Published: June 2013

We measured Chinese dyslexic and control children's eye movements during rapid automatized naming (RAN) with alphanumeric (digits) and symbolic (dice surfaces) stimuli. Both types of stimuli required identical oral responses, controlling for effects associated with speech production. Results showed that naming dice was much slower than naming digits for both groups, but group differences in eye‐movement measures and in the eye–voice span (i.e. the distance between the currently fixated item and the voiced item) were generally larger in digit‐RAN than in dice‐RAN. In addition, dyslexics were less efficient in parafoveal processing in these RAN tasks. Since the two RAN tasks required the same phonological output and on the assumption that naming dice is less practiced than naming digits in general, the results suggest that the translation of alphanumeric visual symbols into phonological codes is less efficient in dyslexic children. The dissociation of the print‐to‐sound conversion and phonological representation suggests that the degree of automaticity in translation from visual symbols to phonological codes in addition to phonological processing per se is also critical to understanding dyslexia.
What aspects of rehabilitation provision contribute to self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation one year after stroke – amount, place, operator or timing?
Authors: Tistad Malin , von Koch Lena , Sjöstrand Christina , Tham Kerstin , Ytterberg Charlotte
Published: June 2013

Background and Objective

To a large extent, people who have suffered a stroke report unmet needs for rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to explore aspects of rehabilitation provision that potentially contribute to self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation 12 months after stroke with consideration also to severity of stroke.

Methods

The participants (n = 173) received care at the stroke units at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. Using a questionnaire, the dependent variable, self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation, was collected at 12 months after stroke. The independent variables were four aspects of rehabilitation provision based on data retrieved from registers and structured according to four aspects: amount of rehabilitation, service level (day care rehabilitation, primary care rehabilitation and home‐based rehabilitation), operator level (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist) and time after stroke onset. Multivariate logistic regression analyses regarding the aspects of rehabilitation were performed for the participants who were divided into three groups based on stroke severity at onset.

Results

Participants with moderate/severe stroke who had seen a physiotherapist at least once during each of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd–4th quarters of the first year (OR 8.36, CI 1.40–49.88 P = 0.020) were more likely to report met rehabilitation needs.

Conclusion

For people with moderate/severe stroke, continuity in rehabilitation (preferably physiotherapy) during the first year after stroke seems to be associated with self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation.
Nasolabial Flaps for Repair of Defects on the Upper Lip and Lateral Aspects of the Nose
Authors: VANNIEUWENHUYSE J. B. , DUFLOS M.
Published: June 2013

The nasolabial fold seems to be an excellent donor site for the repair of defects on the upper lip and on the lateral wall of the nose. Several types of flaps can be chosen according to the size and site of the defect and whether the defect involves partial or total loss of tissue. After reexamining their principal advantages, some variations of nasolabial flaps are reviewed and illustrated.
Nail Surgery: A Review
Authors: SIEGLE RONALD J. , SWANSON NEIL A.
Published: June 2013

The ability to perform nail surgery broadens a physician's diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in managing disorders or dysfunction of the nail apparatus. Nail anatomy and function are reviewed. Principles and general techniques of nail surgery are presented as a background for the discussion of several commonly employed surgical procedures.
The Iconoclast as an Aid in Blunt Dissection of Flaps of the Scalp and Forehead
Authors: WEBSTER RICHARD C. , PEDROZA FERNANDO , PEDROZA LINA V. , HALL BRADLEY , HOPPING STEVEN B. , SMITH RICHARD C. , SMITH KAREN F.
Published: June 2013

The “Iconoclast,” an instrument with long, large blades without cutting edges, invented by Dr. Ralph Luikart, is a valuable aid in the blunt dissection required for elevation of flaps in the forehead and scalp. Its design is well suited for penetration and more forceful spreading apart of relatively adherent tissues from deeper structures while preserving larger blood vessels.
Surgical Flaps: The Upper‐to‐Lower Eyelid Transposition Flap
Authors: FIELD LAWRENCE M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. One of the methods of reconstructing superficial lower eyelid defects is by transposition of upper eyelid skin to the defect area. The stepwise methodology of this flap is discussed and demonstrated. The additional use of small, centrally placed grafts from the superfluous distal flap skin broadens the use of the flap.
Surgical Treatment of Recalcitrant Warts
Authors: MAHRLE GUSTAV , ALEXANDER WITIKO
Published: June 2013

Abstract. ryosurgery is the first choice for surgical treatment of viral warts. It is applied in two ways: with blister induction in extraplantar common warts and without blister induction in genital, filiform, and mosaic warts. Plantar and periungual warts are enucleated with a spoon or scraped off with a curet after preparatory focal electrocoagulation with a ball probe. Genital warts may be treated with “extracutaneous” electrosection and electrocoagulation.
Growth Factors and Wound Healing in the Hamster
Authors: LEITZEL KIM , CANO CHERYL , MARKS JAMES G. , LIPTON ALLAN
Published: June 2013

We have investigated the effect of topically applied mitogenic preparations on the healing of full‐thickness skin wounds in the Syrian hamster. In an attempt to accelerate the healing process, dexamethasone and insulin, platelet‐derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, thrombin, defined medium F for fibroblasts, liver cell supernatant, epidermal growth factor, and colostrum were applied to the wounds. These mitogens had no significant influence on the rate of wound contraction or on the time to complete healing in full‐thickness, noncompromised skin wounds in this animal model.
Chemosurgical Report: A Nongeometric Approach to Wound Closure following Mohs Surgery
Authors: DZUBOW LEONARD M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Scars are best camouflaged by placing incisions precisely within preexistent creases and cosmetic junctions rather than only following the regional favorable scar direction. Since natural rhytids, contours, and junctions are not straight or composed of geometric shapes, this requires an understanding of techniques of creating scars of irregular curvature. Such a method is presented and illustrated with clinical examples.
A Modified M‐Plasty
Authors: ASKEN SAUL
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A modified M‐plasty, which shortens the length of the excision by the length of the triangular flaps present in the traditional M‐plasty, is described.
Dermabrasion by Wire Brush
Authors: YARBOROUGH JOHN M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. While many physicians choose the fraise for all dermabrasive surgery, others prefer the faster abrasive‐ness and reduced friction of the brush for deep full‐faced abrasions, removal of tattoos, and revision of scars. In addition to preoperative preparation and postoperative care of the patient, the author's technique for full‐face abrasion with the power‐driven rotary brush is described.
Advantages of nonlinear mixed models for fitting avian growth curves
Authors: Sofaer Helen R. , Chapman Phillip L. , Sillett T. Scott , Ghalambor Cameron K.
Published: June 2013

Our understanding of avian growth rates can benefit from the use of two statistical approaches that explicitly model the sources of intraspecific variation. First, random effects can evaluate whether there are consistent differences between individuals and groups of siblings within a population, and also account for any lack of statistical independence among data points. Second, nonlinear fixed‐effect functions can be extended to test specific biological hypotheses of interest, such as for differences between groups or populations. We illustrate the advantages of these methods by using nonlinear mixed models to study variation in the growth trajectories of nestling orange‐crowned warblersOreothylpis celata. Specifically, we quantify the sources of variation within populations, analyze the effects of asynchronous hatching, and test for a difference in the growth rates of populations in Alaska and California, which are at the northern and southern limits of the species’ breeding distribution. We found that growth rates did not consistently vary between nests and individuals within populations and were not affected by asynchronous hatching, but were higher in Alaska than in California. Our extensions of traditional methods allowed us to accurately quantify this difference between populations, which is consistent with life history theory but has rarely been demonstrated in previous comparisons of intraspecific passerine populations. The methods we present can be applied to any taxonomic group and adjusted to fit any nonlinear function, and we provide code and implementation advice to facilitate the use of this analytical framework in future studies.
Geographic patterns of low‐polymorphic enzyme‐encoding genes allelic variation in Aegilops tauschii
Authors: DUDNIKOV Alexander Ju.
Published: June 2013

Allele variation of ten low‐polymorphic enzyme‐encoding genes were analyzed among 349 accessions of Aegilops tauschii Coss., 183 of ssp. tauschii and 166 of ssp. strangulata (Eig) Tzvelev, representing all the species area. The data obtained indicated that both of these subspecies had originated and occupied their areas in ancient times. In ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata geographic occurrence of rare allozymes was sporadic and rather even through the subspecies areas. The probability of finding a rare allele of some of the ten loci studied in Ae. tauschii accession was also similar in the two subspecies and made up 0.066 and 0.060 for ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata, respectively. In both ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata an accession was found (k‐1954 and t‐91s, respectively) having more than one rare allele. Both accessions are of Caucasian origin, indicating that Ae. tauschii originated in this geographic region. Geographic distribution of rare allozymes occurrences reveals that genetic exchange between ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata takes place. Also this distribution indicates that in Ae. tauschii the same allozymes could have originated independently in different local populations: there are examples when the same rare allele was found in local populations located geographically very far from one another and belonging to different subspecies. Therefore it seems that the genetic system of Ae. tauschii local populations are in stochastic steady state. This makes this species a perfect model object for the studies of genetic basis of adaptive divergence.
Competing ethical paradigms in forensic psychiatry and forensic psychology: Commentary for a special section of legal and criminological psychology
Authors: Day Andrew
Published: June 2013

In her paper Gwen Adshead (2013) identifies the principle of respect for justice as the foundation for ethical practice in forensic psychiatry. This commentary discusses how forensic psychologists have approached a key aspect of the justice principle, the ethical imperative to promote the welfare of the individual client. The approaches of the psychiatric and psychological professions are compared and the role of psychologists as allied health professionals working in the forensic setting considered.
Doing justice to justice
Authors: Radden Jennifer
Published: June 2013

Adshead's recognition that only when taken together can the many different conceptions of justice accommodate what is called for in the particularly demanding setting of forensic mental health care, is to be applauded. Each must be honoured and built into the systems of assessment and treatment that are the tasks of the forensic psychiatrist, she demonstrates. Adshead's far‐reaching revisions could resolve much that is troubling about the present practice of forensic psychiatry. Yet how much these revisions can overcome the moral dilemmas associated with dual roles in forensic psychiatry, is not so clear.
Selection on QTL and complex traits in complex environments
Authors: Mitchell‐Olds Thomas
Published: June 2013

Understanding genetic variation for complex traits in heterogeneous environments is a fundamental problem in biology. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Fournier‐Level et al. () analyse quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing ecologically important phenotypes in mapping populations of Arabidopsis thaliana grown in four habitats across its native European range. They used causal modelling to quantify the selective consequences of life history and morphological traits and QTL on components of fitness. They found phenology QTL colocalizing with known flowering time genes as well as novel loci. Most QTL influenced fitness via life history and size traits, rather than QTL having direct effects on fitness. Comparison of phenotypes among environments found no evidence for genetic trade‐offs for phenology or growth traits, but genetic trade‐offs for fitness resulted because flowering time had opposite fitness effects in different environments. These changes in QTL effects and selective consequences may maintain genetic variation among populations.
Overweight and television and computer habits in Swedish school‐age children and adolescents: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Garmy Pernilla , Clausson Eva K. , Nyberg Per , Jakobsson Ulf
Published: June 2013

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents (6–16 years), and relationships between being overweight and sleep, experiencing of fatigue, enjoyment of school, and time spent in watching television and in sitting at the computer. Trained school nurses measured the weight and height of 2891 children aged 6, 7, 10, 14, and 16, and distributed a questionnaire to them regarding television and computer habits, sleep, and enjoyment of school. Overweight, obesity included, was present in 16.1% of the study population. Relationships between lifestyle factors and overweight were studied using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Having a bedroom television and spending more than 2 h a day watching television were found to be associated with overweight (OR 1.26 and 1.55 respectively). No association was found between overweight and time spent at the computer, short sleep duration, enjoyment of school, tiredness at school, or difficulties in sleeping and waking up. It is recommended that the school health service discuss with pupils their media habits so as to promote their maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Nitrogen deprivation promotes Populus root growth through global transcriptome reprogramming and activation of hierarchical genetic networks
Authors: Wei Hairong , Yordanov Yordan S. , Georgieva Tatyana , Li Xiang , Busov Victor
Published: June 2013

We show a distinct and previously poorly characterized response of poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba) roots to low nitrogen (LN), which involves activation of root growth and significant transcriptome reprogramming.

Analysis of the temporal patterns of enriched ontologies among the differentially expressed genes revealed an ordered assembly of functionally cohesive biological events that aligned well with growth and morphological responses. A core set of 28 biological processes was significantly enriched across the whole studied period and 21 of these were also enriched in the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana during the LN response. More than half (15) of the 28 processes belong to gene ontology (GO) terms associated with signaling and signal transduction pathways, suggesting the presence of conserved signaling mechanisms triggered by LN.

A reconstruction of genetic regulatory network analysis revealed a sub‐network centered on a PtaNAC1 (P. tremula × alba NAM, ATAF, CUC 1) transcription factor. PtaNAC1 root‐specific up‐regulation increased root biomass and significantly changed the expression of the connected hub genes specifically under LN.

Our results provide evidence that the root response to LN involves hierarchically structured genetic networks centered on key regulatory factors. Targeting these factors via genetic engineering or breeding approaches can allow dynamic adjustment of root architecture in response to variable nitrogen availabilities in the soil.
Woody clockworks: circadian regulation of night‐time water use in Eucalyptus globulus
Authors: Resco de Dios Víctor , Díaz‐Sierra Rubén , Goulden Michael L. , Barton Craig V. M. , Boer Matthias M. , Gessler Arthur , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Pfautsch Sebastian , Tissue David T.
Published: June 2013

The role of the circadian clock in controlling the metabolism of entire trees has seldom been considered. We tested whether the clock influences nocturnal whole‐tree water use.

Whole‐tree chambers allowed the control of environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity). Night‐time stomatal conductance (gs) and sap flow (Q) were monitored in 6‐ to 8‐m‐tall Eucalyptus globulus trees during nights when environmental variables were kept constant, and also when conditions varied with time. Artificial neural networks were used to quantify the relative importance of circadian regulation of gs and Q.

Under a constant environment, gs and Q declined from 0 to 6 h after dusk, but increased from 6 to 12 h after dusk. While the initial decline could be attributed to multiple processes, the subsequent increase is most consistent with circadian regulation of gs and Q.

We conclude that endogenous regulation of gs is an important driver of night‐time Q under natural environmental variability. The proportion of nocturnal Q variation associated with circadian regulation (23–56%) was comparable to that attributed to vapor pressure deficit variation (25–58%). This study contributes to our understanding of the linkages between molecular and cellular processes related to circadian regulation, and whole‐tree processes related to ecosystem gas exchange in the field.
Body mass index and risk of pneumonia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Phung D. T. , Wang Z. , Rutherford S. , Huang C. , Chu C.
Published: June 2013

The aims of our meta‐analysis were to examine the pattern and gender's influence on body mass index (BMI) – pneumonia relationship. Published studies were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases using keywords of pneumonia, BMI and epidemiologic studies. Random‐effects analysis was applied to estimate pooled effect sizes from individual studies. The Cochrane Q‐test and index of heterogeneity (I2) were used to evaluate heterogeneity, and Egger's test was used to evaluate publication bias. Random‐effects meta‐regression was applied to examine the pattern and gender's influence on BMI–pneumonia relationship.

A total of 1,531 studies were initially identified, and 25 studies finally were included. The pooled relative risk (RR) and meta‐regression model revealed a J‐shaped relationship between BMI and risk of community‐acquired pneumonia (underweight, RR 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–2.2, P < 0.01; overweight, 0.89, 95%CI, 0.8–1.03, P, 0.1; obesity, 1.03, 95% CI, 0.8–1.3, p. 8) and U‐shaped relationship between BMI and risk of influenza‐related pneumonia (underweight, RR 1.9, 95% CI, 1.2–3, P < 0.01; overweight, 0.89, 95% CI, 0.79–0.99, P, 0.03; obesity, 1.3, 95% CI, 1.05–1.63, p. 2; morbidity obesity, 4.6, 95% CI, 2.2–9.8, P < 0.01); whereas, no difference in risk of nosocomial pneumonia was found across the BMI groups. Gender difference did not make significant contribution in modifying BMI–pneumonia risk relationship.
HIF‐1α, VEGF, and EGFR: contributing factors in the pathogenesis of necrotizing sialometaplasia
Authors: Allon I , Kaplan I , Allon DM , Vered H , Shlomi B , Hirshberg A
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is an uncommon reactive lesion involving the minor salivary glands. This study aimed to investigate the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor alpha (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the pathogenesis of NS.

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded tissue sections from 10 cases of NS were immunohistochemically stained for HIF‐1α, VEGF, and EGFR. A semiquantitative morphometric analysis was performed and compared with normal palatal salivary glands and traumatic ulcerations.

Results

Hypoxia‐inducible factor alpha staining was observed in most elements of the affected area, the acini and ducts of the involved salivary glands as well as in the inflammatory infiltrate, the endothelial cells, and stromal cells. HIF‐1α was almost absent in the control glands (P < 0.0001). VEGF staining was positive in the stromal capillaries and in the inflammatory infiltrate. The expression was higher in cases of NS compared with the normal salivary glands (P < 0.001). EGFR was expressed in the surface epithelium, the pseudo‐epitheliomatous hyperplasia, and the islands of squamous metaplasia. VEGF expression in traumatic ulcerations was lower than that in cases of NS.

Conclusion

This study provides molecular evidence to the role of hypoxia in NS; HIF‐1α, the main regulator of hypoxia, was expressed in the infarcted salivary glands, EGFR in the metaplastic epithelium and VEGF in the stromal capillaries, all three components are the key factors induced by hypoxia.
I Can't Make Heads Or Tails Out Of What You Are Saying, So Let's Just Agree To Be Fair
Authors: Carter Rickey E.
Published: June 2013

Assuming a coin is fair is common place in introductory statistical education. This article offers three approaches to test if a coin is fair. The approaches lend themselves to straightforward simulation studies that can enrich student understanding of joint probability and sample size requirements. Simulation studies comparing the relative merits of the three, or potential other, approaches are an example of problem‐based learning.
Altered Ca2+ concentration, permeability and buffering in the myofibre Ca2+ store of a mouse model of malignant hyperthermia
Authors: Manno Carlo , Figueroa Lourdes , Royer Leandro , Pouvreau Sandrine , Lee Chang Seok , Volpe Pompeo , Nori Alessandra , Zhou Jingsong , Meissner Gerhard , Hamilton Susan L. , Ríos Eduardo
Published: June 2013

Key points

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) affects the Ca2+ movements that control muscle contraction. We measured Ca2+ movements in skeletal muscle of “Y522S” mice, with a tyrosine‐to‐serine mutation in the RyR channel that causes MH in mice and humans.

In YS cells, [Ca2+] inside the Ca2+ store (sarcoplasmic reticulum, SR) was 45% of that in the wild type (WT), but the SR membrane permeability increased 2‐fold, resulting in Ca2+ release of initially normal value.

During Ca2+release, cytosolic [Ca2+] and SR Ca2+ buffering power evolved differently in YS and WT. These variables became similar in WT exposed to BAPTA, an inhibitor of Ca2+‐dependent inactivation (CDI) of the RyR, suggesting that tyrosine 522 is involved in CDI.

Similar paradoxical observations in YS and WT cells with reduced content of the SR protein calsequestrin, revealed the importance of balance between SR Ca permeability (increased in YS) and storage capability (decreased when calsequestrin is low).

Abstract  Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is linked to mutations in the type 1 ryanodine receptor, RyR1, the Ca2+ channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle. The Y522S MH mutation was studied for its complex presentation, which includes structurally and functionally altered cell ‘cores’. Imaging cytosolic and intra‐SR [Ca2+] in muscle cells of heterozygous YS mice we determined Ca2+ release flux activated by clamp depolarization, permeability (P) of the SR membrane (ratio of flux and [Ca2+] gradient) and SR Ca2+ buffering power (B). In YS cells resting [Ca2+]SR was 45% of the value in normal littermates (WT). P was more than doubled, so that initial flux was normal. Measuring [Ca2+]SR(t) revealed dynamic changes in B(t). The alterations were similar to those caused by cytosolic BAPTA, which promotes release by hampering Ca2+‐dependent inactivation (CDI). The [Ca2+] transients showed abnormal ‘breaks’, decaying phases after an initial rise, traced to a collapse in flux and P. Similar breaks occurred in WT myofibres with calsequestrin reduced by siRNA; calsequestrin content, however, was normal in YS muscle. Thus, the Y522S mutation causes greater openness of the RyR1, lowers resting [Ca2+]SR and alters SR Ca2+ buffering in a way that copies the functional instability observed upon reduction of calsequestrin content. The similarities with the effects of BAPTA suggest that the mutation, occurring near the cytosolic vestibule of the channel, reduces CDI as one of its primary effects. The unstable SR buffering, mimicked by silencing of calsequestrin, may help precipitate the loss of Ca2+ control that defines a fulminant MH event.
The Influence of Tip Clearance Momentum Flux on Stall Inception in a High-Speed Axial Compressor
Authors: Cameron Joshua D. , Bennington Matthew A. , Ross Mark H. , Morris Scott C. , Du Juan , Lin Feng , Chen Jingyi
Published: June 2013

Experimental and numerical studies were conducted to investigate tip-leakage flow and its relationship to stall in a transonic axial compressor. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results were used to identify the existence of an interface between the approach flow and the tip-leakage flow. The experiments used a surface-streaking visualization method to identify the time-averaged location of this interface as a line of zero axial shear stress at the casing. The axial position of this line, denoted xzs, moved upstream with decreasing flow coefficient in both the experiments and computations. The line was consistently located at the rotor leading edge plane at the stalling flow coefficient, regardless of inflow boundary condition. These results were successfully modeled using a control volume approach that balanced the reverse axial momentum flux of the tip-leakage flow with the momentum flux of the approach fluid. Nonuniform tip clearance measurements demonstrated that movement of the interface upstream of the rotor leading edge plane leads to the generation of short length scale rotating disturbances. Therefore, stall was interpreted as a critical point in the momentum flux balance of the approach flow and the reverse axial momentum flux of the tip-leakage flow.
Conserved Signals in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: June 2013

Members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade promote the pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.
Antileishmanial Activity, Uptake, and Biodistribution of an Amphotericin B and Poly(α-Glutamic Acid) Complex
Authors: Mohamed-Ahmed Abeer H. A. , Seifert Karin , Yardley Vanessa , Burrell-Saward Hollie , Brocchini Stephen , Croft Simon L.
Published: June 2013

A noncovalent, water-soluble complex of amphotericin B (AMB) and poly(α-glutamic acid) (PGA), with AMB loadings ranging from 25 to 55% (wt/wt) using PGA with a molecular weight range of 50,000 to 70,000, was prepared as a potential new treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The AMB-PGA complex was shown to be as active as Fungizone (AMB deoxycholate) against intracellular
Leishmania donovani
amastigotes in differentiated THP-1 cells. The
in vitro
uptake of the AMB-PGA complex by differentiated THP-1 cells was similar to that of Fungizone and higher than that of AmBisome (liposomal AMB). The AMB-PGA complex also displayed a dose-response profile similar to that of AmBisome
in vivo
in BALB/c mice against
L. donovani
, with 50% effective doses (ED
50
s) of 0.24 ± 0.03 mg/kg of body weight for the AMB-PGA complex and 0.24 ± 0.06 mg/kg for AmBisome. A biodistribution study with mice indicated that the AMB-PGA complex cleared more rapidly from plasma than AmBisome, with a comparable low level of distribution to the kidneys.
The Mycoplasma gallisepticum Virulence Factor Lipoprotein MslA Is a Novel Polynucleotide Binding Protein
Authors: Masukagami Yumiko , Tivendale Kelly A. , Mardani Karim , Ben-Barak Idan , Markham Philip F. , Browning Glenn F.
Published: June 2013

Although lipoproteins of mycoplasmas are thought to play a crucial role in interactions with their hosts, very few have had their biochemical function defined. The gene encoding the lipoprotein MslA in
Mycoplasma gallisepticum
has recently been shown to be required for virulence, but the biochemical function of this gene is not known. Although this gene has no significant sequence similarity to any gene of known function, it is located within an operon in
M. gallisepticum
that contains a homolog of a gene previously shown to be a nonspecific exonuclease. We mutagenized both genes to facilitate expression in
Escherichia coli
and then examined the functions of the recombinant proteins. The capacity of MslA to bind polynucleotides was examined, and we found that the protein bound single- and double-stranded DNA, as well as single-stranded RNA, with a predicted binding site of greater than 1 nucleotide but less than or equal to 5 nucleotides in length. Recombinant MslA cleaved into two fragments
in vitro
, both of which were able to bind oligonucleotides. These findings suggest that the role of MslA may be to act in concert with the lipoprotein nuclease to generate nucleotides for transport into the mycoplasma cell, as the remaining genes in the operon are predicted to encode an ABC transporter.
The effect of multiple chronic conditions on self-rated health, disability and quality of life among the older populations of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: a comparison of two nationally representative cross-sectional surveys
Authors: McDaid Olga , Hanly Mark J , Richardson Kathryn , Kee Frank , Kenny Rose Anne , Savva George M
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Multimorbidity is common in the older population, but the impact of combinations of chronic conditions on disability and quality of life (QoL) is not well known. This analysis explores the effect of specific combinations of chronic diseases on disability, QoL and self-rated health (SRH).

Design

We used data from two population representative cross-sectional studies, the Northern Ireland Health and Social Wellbeing Survey (NIHSWS) 2005 and the Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLAN) 2007 (conducted in the Republic of Ireland).

Setting

Randomly selected community-living participants were interviewed at home.

Participants

A total of 6159 participants aged 50 years and older were included in the analysis.

Outcome measures

Chronic conditions were classified as cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, diabetes or respiratory disease. Interaction terms estimated by logistic regression were used to examine the effects of multiple chronic conditions on disability, SRH and QoL.

Results

Each chronic condition group was correlated with each of the others after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Those from Northern Ireland were more likely to report a limitation in daily activities (45%) compared to those from the Republic of Ireland (21%). Each condition had an independent effect on disability, SRH and QoL, and those with multiple chronic conditions reported the worst outcomes. However, there were no statistically significant positive interactions between chronic condition groups with respect to any outcome.

Conclusions

Chronic conditions affect individuals largely independent of each other with respect to their effect on disability, SRH and QoL. However, a significant proportion of the population aged 50 years and over across the island of Ireland lives with multimorbidity, and this group is at the highest risk of disability, poor SRH and poor QoL.
Gender differences in the association of individual social class and neighbourhood unemployment rate with prevalent type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study from the DIAB-CORE consortium
Authors: Müller Grit , Hartwig Saskia , Greiser Karin Halina , Moebus Susanne , Pundt Noreen , Schipf Sabine , Völzke Henry , Maier Werner , Meisinger Christa , Tamayo Teresa , Rathmann Wolfgang , Berger Klaus
Published: June 2013

Objective

To analyse gender differences in the relationship of individual social class, employment status and neighbourhood unemployment rate with present type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design

Five cross-sectional studies.

Setting

Studies were conducted in five regions of Germany from 1997 to 2006.

Participants

The sample consisted of 8871 individuals residing in 226 neighbourhoods from five urban regions.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Prevalent T2DM.

Results

We found significant multiplicative interactions between gender and the individual variables–—social class and employment status. Social class was statistically significantly associated with T2DM in men and women, whereby this association was stronger in women (lower vs higher social class: OR 2.68 (95% CIs 1.66 to 4.34)) than men (lower vs higher social class: OR 1.78 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.58)). Significant associations of employment status and T2DM were only found in women (unemployed vs employed: OR 1.73 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.92); retired vs employed: OR 1.77 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.84); others vs employed: OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.67)). Neighbourhood unemployment rate was associated with T2DM in men (high vs low tertile: OR 1.52 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.96)). Between-study and between-neighbourhood variations in T2DM prevalence were more pronounced in women. The considered covariates helped to explain statistically the variation in T2DM prevalence among men, but not among women.

Conclusions

Social class was inversely associated with T2DM in both men and women, whereby the association was more pronounced in women. Employment status only affected T2DM in women. Neighbourhood unemployment rate is an important predictor of T2DM in men, but not in women.
Does smoking cessation with varenicline worsen vascular endothelial function?
Authors: Umeda Akira , Kato Toru , Yamane Tateki , Yano Heiichi , Ieiri Tamio , Miyagawa Kazuya , Takeda Hiroshi , Okada Yasumasa
Published: June 2013

Objectives

A meta-analysis suggested that the use of varenicline, which is a partial agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and is effective in smoking cessation, increases the risk of cardiovascular events within 52 weeks of starting treatment. Defining these events as occurring during drug treatment (usually for 12 weeks) or within 30 days of discontinuation, another meta-analysis showed that the risk was statistically insignificant. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the effect of varenicline-assisted smoking cessation on vascular endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD).

Design

Before–after and time-series.

Setting

Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Participants

Data of 85 participants who visited nicotine-dependent outpatient services were reviewed. FMD was repeatedly measured in 33 of the 85 participants. Inclusion criteria: 20 years and older, Brinkman index ≥200, Tobacco Dependence Screener ≥5 and stated motivation to quit smoking.

Interventions

Each participant was treated with varenicline titrated up to 1.0 mg twice daily (for 12 weeks in total).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Participants were evaluated by FMD prior to, and 3 months after, complete smoking cessation. Follow-up FMD measurements were carried out every 3 months if possible. Changes in FMD during varenicline use were also evaluated.

Results

FMD was significantly increased from 4.0±1.8% to 5.5±2.2% (p<0.01, n=22) 3 months after complete cessation. Although the timecourse of FMD in most of the cases showed an increase with fluctuations, there was an exceptional case where FMD decreased over the 9 months following complete cessation. Although statistically insignificant, FMD also increased during varenicline use (from 3.7±2.7% to 4.3±2.8%, n=11).

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that in ceasing smokers, varenicline and smoking cessation do not lead to a worsening of the vascular endothelial function.

Trial registration

FK-79 (International University of Health and Welfare).