bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal for the spatial and genetic structures of a neotropical palm
Authors: CHOO J. , JUENGER T. E. , SIMPSON B. B.
Published: January 2012

The idiosyncratic behaviours of seed dispersers are important contributors to plant spatial associations and genetic structures. In this study, we used a combination of field, molecular and spatial studies to examine the connections between seed dispersal and the spatial and genetic structures of a dominant neotropical palm Attalea phalerata. Field observation and genetic parentage analysis both indicated that the majority of A. phalerata seeds were dispersed locally over short distances (<30 m from the maternal tree). Spatial and genetic structures between adults and seedlings were consistent with localized and short‐distance seed dispersal. Dispersal contributed to spatial associations among maternal sibling seedlings and strong spatial and genetic structures in both seedlings dispersed near (<10 m) and away (>10 m) from maternal palms. Seedlings were also spatially aggregated with juveniles. These patterns are probably associated with the dispersal of seeds by rodents and the survival of recruits at specific microsites or neighbourhoods over successive fruiting periods. Our cross‐cohort analyses found palms in older cohorts and cohort pairs were associated with a lower proportion of offspring and sibling neighbours and exhibited weaker spatial and genetic structures. Such patterns are consistent with increased distance‐ and density‐dependent mortality over time among palms dispersed near maternal palms or siblings. The integrative approaches used for this study allowed us to infer the importance of seed dispersal activities in maintaining the aggregated distribution and significant genetic structures among A. phalerata palms. We further conclude that distance‐ and density‐dependent mortality is a key postdispersal process regulating this palm population.
Temporal trends in sudden infant death syndrome in Canada from 1991 to 2005: contribution of changes in cause of death assignment practices and in maternal and infant characteristics
Authors: Gilbert Nicolas L. , Fell Deshayne B. , Joseph K. S. , Liu Shiliang , León Juan Andrés , Sauve Reg ,   for the Fetal and Infant Health Study Group of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System
Published: January 2012

Gilbert NL, Fell DB, Joseph KS, Liu S, León JA, Sauve R, for the Fetal and Infant Health Study Group of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System. Temporal trends in sudden infant death syndrome in Canada from 1991 to 2005: contribution of changes in cause of death assignment practices and in maternal and infant characteristics. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 124–130.

The rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) declined significantly in Canada and the US between the late 1980s and the early 2000s. In the US, this decline was shown to be due in part to a shift in diagnosis, as deaths from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed and from other ill‐defined and unspecified cause increased concurrently. This study was undertaken to determine whether there was such a shift in diagnosis from SIDS to other causes of death in Canada, and to quantify the true temporal decrease in SIDS. Cause‐specific infant death rates were compared across three periods: 1991–95, 1996–2000 and 2001–05 using the Canadian linked livebirth‐infant death file. The temporal decline in SIDS was estimated after adjustment for maternal and infant characteristics such as maternal age and small‐for‐gestational age using logistic regression. Deaths from SIDS decreased from 78.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 73.4, 83.4] per 100 000 livebirths in 1991–95, to 48.5 [95% CI 44.3, 52.7] in 1996–2000 and to 34.6 [95% CI 31.0, 38.3] in 2001–05. Mortality rates from other ill‐defined and unspecified causes and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed remained stable. The temporal decline in SIDS between 1991–95 and 2001–05 did not change substantially after adjustment for maternal and infant factors. It is unlikely that the temporal decline of SIDS in Canada was due to changes in cause‐of‐death assignment practices or in maternal and infant characteristics.
Trichinella spiralis‐secreted products modulate DC functionality and expand regulatory T cells in vitro
Authors: ARANZAMENDI C. , FRANSEN F. , LANGELAAR M. , FRANSSEN F. , Van Der LEY P. , Van PUTTEN J.P.M. , RUTTEN V. , PINELLI E.
Published: January 2012

Helminths and their products can suppress the host immune response which may benefit parasite survival. Trichinella spiralis can establish chronic infections in a wide range of mammalian hosts including humans and mice. Here, we aim at studying the effect of T. spiralis muscle larvae excretory/secretory products (TspES) on the functionality of DC and T cell activation. We found that TspES suppress in vitro DC maturation induced by both S‐ and R‐form lipopolysaccharide(LPS) from enterobacteria. Using different toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists, we show that the suppressive effect of TspES on DC maturation is restricted to TLR4. These helminth products also interfere with the expression of several genes related to the TLR‐mediated signal transduction pathways. To investigate the effect of TspES on T cell activation, we used splenocytes derived from OVA‐TCR transgenic D011.10 that were incubated with OVA and TspES‐pulsed DC. Results indicate that the presence of TspES resulted in the expansion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells. These regulatory T (Treg) cells were shown to have suppressive activity and to produce TGF‐β. Together these results suggest that T. spiralis secretion products can suppress DC maturation and induce the expansion of functional Treg cells in vitro.
Excretory–secretory products of Giardia lamblia induce interleukin‐8 production in human colonic cells via activation of p38, ERK1/2, NF‐κB and AP‐1
Authors: LEE H.‐Y. , HYUNG S. , LEE N. Y. , YONG T.‐S. , HAN S.‐H. , PARK S.‐J.
Published: January 2012

Giardia lamblia, a pathogen causing diarrhoeal outbreaks, is interesting how it triggers immune response in the human epithelial cells. This study defined the crucial roles of signalling components involved in G. lamblia‐induced cytokine production in human epithelial cells. Incubation of the gastrointestinal cell line HT‐29 with G. lamblia GS trophozoites triggered production of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. IL‐8 production was not significantly decreased by physically separating the HT‐29 cells and G. lamblia GS trophozoites. Indeed, treatment of HT‐29 with G. lamblia excretory–secretory products (ESP) induced IL‐8 production. Electrophoretic mobility gel shift and transfection assays using mutagenized IL‐8 promoter reporter plasmids indicated that IL‐8 production by G. lamblia ESP occurs through activation of two transcriptional factors, nuclear factor kappaB (NF‐κB) and activator protein 1 (AP‐1) in HT‐29 cells. In addition, activation of two mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), p38 and ERK1/2, was also detected in the HT‐29 cells stimulated with G. lamblia ESP. Selective inhibition of these MAPKs resulted in decreased production of ESP‐induced IL‐8. These results indicate that activation of p38, ERK1/2 MAPK, NF‐κB and AP‐1 comprises the signalling pathway responsible for IL‐8 production by G. lamblia ESP.
Effect of rotation of canola (Brassica napus) cultivars with different complements of blackleg resistance genes on disease severity
Authors: Marcroft S. J. , Van de Wouw A. P. , Salisbury P. A. , Potter T. D. , Howlett B. J.
Published: January 2012

Blackleg disease (phoma stem canker) caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans is a major disease of canola (oilseed rape, Brassica napus) worldwide. Canola plants in pots were exposed to blackleg‐infested stubble of canola with different complements of resistance genes and then assessed for disease. Plant mortality was reduced when plants were exposed to stubble from a cultivar with a different complement of resistance genes compared to stubble of a cultivar with the same resistance gene. These findings were consistent with 7 years of field surveys, which showed that changes in selection pressure as a result of extensive sowing of cultivars with major‐gene resistance, termed ‘sylvestris resistance’, dramatically influenced the frequency of virulent isolates in the population towards particular resistance genes, and therefore disease severity. All these data were supported by PCR‐genotyping surveys of fungal populations whereby the frequency of virulence alleles of avirulence genes AvrLm1 and AvrLm4 changed significantly depending on the resistance gene present in the cultivar from which the isolates were cultured. This is the first example of a study showing that sowing of canola cultivars with different complements of resistance genes in subsequent years, i.e. rotation of resistance genes, minimizes disease pressure by manipulating fungal populations. This approach provides a valuable disease management strategy for canola growers and is likely to be applicable to other plant diseases.
Increased levels of angiopoietins 1 and 2 in sputum supernatant in severe refractory asthma
Authors: Tseliou E. , Bakakos P. , Kostikas K. , Hillas G. , Mantzouranis K. , Emmanouil P. , Simoes D. , Alchanatis M. , Papiris S. , Loukides S.
Published: January 2012

Background:

Airway and vascular remodeling may play a prominent role in the clinical severity of severe refractory asthma (SRA). Angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) is an essential mediator of angiogenesis by establishing vascular integrity, whereas angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) acts as its natural inhibitor.

Objective:

We aimed to determine the levels of angiopoietins in sputum supernatants of patients with SRA and to investigate the possible associations with mediators and cells involved in both the inflammatory and the vascular remodeling processes.

Methods:

Thirty‐eight patients with SRA, 35 patients with moderate asthma, and 20 healthy subjects were studied. All participants underwent lung function tests, bronchial hyperresponsiveness assessment and sputum induction for cell count identification and Ang‐1, Ang‐2, VEGF, TGF‐β1, Cys‐LTs, MMP‐2, IL‐13, ECP, and IL‐8 measurement in supernatants. Airway vascular permeability (AVP) index was also assessed.

Results:

Ang‐1 (ng/ml) and Ang‐2 (pg/ml) levels were significantly elevated in patients with SRA compared with patients with moderate asthma and control subjects [median, interquartile ranges: 30 (17–39) vs 7.5 (5–11) vs 4.7 (3.8–5.9) respectively, P < 0.001; and 506 (400–700) vs 190 (146–236) vs 96 (89–120) respectively, P < 0.001]. Regression analysis showed a significant positive association between Ang‐2 and AVP index, MMP‐2, Ang‐1, and VEGF in SRA. A weak association was also observed between Ang‐1 and sputum eosinophils% in SRA.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that both angiopoietins levels are higher in SRA compared with moderate asthma and healthy subjects. In SRA, Ang‐2 is associated with mediators involved in both the inflammatory and the vascular remodeling processes.
Extracellular matrix in airway smooth muscle is associated with dynamics of airway function in asthma
Authors: Yick C. Y. , Ferreira D. S. , Annoni R. , von der Thüsen J. H. , Kunst P. W. , Bel E. H. , Lutter R. , Mauad T. , Sterk P. J.
Published: January 2012

Background

Altered deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer as observed in asthma may influence ASM mechanical properties. We hypothesized that ECM in ASM is associated with airway function in asthma. First, we investigated the difference in ECM expression in ASM between asthma and controls. Second, we examined whether ECM expression is associated with bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation in vivo.

Methods

Our cross‐sectional study comprised 19 atopic mild asthma patients, 15 atopic and 12 nonatopic healthy subjects. Spirometry, methacholine responsiveness, deep‐breath‐induced bronchodilation (ΔRrs) and bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsies were performed. Positive staining of elastin, collagen I, III and IV, decorin, versican, fibronectin, laminin and tenascin in ASM was quantified as fractional area and mean density. Data were analysed using Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Results

Extracellular matrix expression in ASM was not different between asthma and controls. In asthmatics, fractional area and mean density of collagen I and III were correlated with methacholine dose–response slope and ΔRrs, respectively (r = 0.71, P < 0.01; r = 0.60, P = 0.02). Furthermore, ASM collagen III and laminin in asthma were correlated with FEV1 reversibility (r = −0.65, P = 0.01; r = −0.54, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

In asthma, ECM in ASM is related to the dynamics of airway function in the absence of differences in ECM expression between asthma and controls. This indicates that the ASM layer in its full composition is a major structural component in determining variable airways obstruction in asthma.
Prenatal allergen exposures prevent allergen‐induced sensitization and airway inflammation in young mice
Authors: Gerhold K. , Avagyan A. , Reichert E. , Seib C. , Van D. V. , Luger E. O. , Hutloff A. , Hamelmann E.
Published: January 2012

Background:

Immune‐modulation such as tolerance induction appears to be an upcoming concept to prevent development of atopic diseases. Pregnancy might present a critical period for preventing allergic sensitization of the progeny. We investigated the effect of maternal allergen exposures during pregnancy on allergen‐induced sensitization and airway inflammation in the offspring in a murine model.

Methods:

BALB/c mice were exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) three times per week from day 7 of pregnancy until delivery (day 0). Offspring were systemically sensitized by six intraperitoneal injections with OVA between postnatal days 21 and 35, prior to airway allergen challenges on days 48, 49, and 50. Analyses were performed on day 52. To examine long‐lasting effects of maternal OVA exposures some offspring were sensitized between days 115 and 129; analyses took place on day 147.

Results:

Compared to maternal placebo exposures, maternal OVA exposures suppressed OVA‐specific IgE serum levels and inhibited development of allergen‐induced airway inflammation in the OVA‐sensitized offspring on both days 52 and 147. This protective effect was associated with a shift from a predominant Th2 immune response toward a predominant production of the cytokines IFN‐γ and IL‐10. Further, maternal OVA exposures were associated with development of CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the OVA‐sensitized offspring. Depletion of Tregs or neutralization of IL‐10 prior to allergen sensitization re‐established OVA‐induced sensitization and eosinophilic airway inflammation in the OVA‐sensitized offspring.

Conclusions:

In our model, maternal allergen exposures during pregnancy prevented later allergen‐mediated sensitization and airway inflammation by allergen‐specific tolerance induction in the offspring.
Negative impact of occupational exposure on surgical outcome in patients with rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hox V. , Delrue S. , Scheers H. , Adams E. , Keirsbilck S. , Jorissen M. , Hoet P. H. , Vanoirbeek J. A. , Nemery B. , Hellings P. W.
Published: January 2012

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequent condition that is treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) when medical treatment fails. Endogenous as well as exogenous factors may be responsible for persisting symptoms after FESS. The role of occupational exposures on success of FESS has never been investigated.

Methods

In this case–control study, we tested the hypothesis that the outcome of FESS procedures is related to exposures at work. Questionnaires were sent to 890 patients who had undergone one or more FESS procedures and to 182 controls. Three independent experts assessed blindly the reported work exposures to inhaled agents. The relationship between exposure and the number of FESS procedures was analyzed.

Results

Relevant occupational exposure was reported by 25% of all responding patients undergoing FESS (n = 467) and 12% of controls (n = 69). The prevalence of occupational exposures increased linearly with the number of FESS procedures from 21% in those who had one FESS to 44% in those who had four or more FESS (χ2 = 12.74, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis with adjustments for potential confounders, including smoking, atopy, and asthma, confirmed that the odds ratio (OR) for reporting occupational exposures was significantly higher in those needing more than one FESS (OR = 1.64) or more than two FESS (OR = 1.97). These results were mainly driven by exposure to low molecular weight agents.

Conclusion

Exposure at work appears to be a risk factor for the occurrence of CRS and for its recurrence or persistence, as evidenced by the need for revision surgery.
Full‐length HLA‐DPB1 diversity in multiple alleles of individuals from Caucasian, Black, or Oriental origin
Authors: Lauterbach N. , Voorter C. E. M. , Stallinga C. M. H. A. , Groeneweg M. , Wieten L. , Tilanus M. G. J.
Published: January 2012

Despite DP antigens have been shown to be stimulators of the mixed lymphocyte reaction, human leukocyte antigen‐DPB1 is not considered in the matching criteria for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The role of DPB1 matching in HSCT remains inconclusive because of contradictory findings in different studies. The concept of permissible and non‐permissible mismatches might clarify these contradictory results. Although several groups have attempted to identify immunogenic epitopes in exon 2 to establish permissive and non‐permissive allele groups, the direct correlation between individual exon 2 amino acids and epitopes with DPB1 immunogenicity is still not evident. We hypothesize that polymorphism within the entire molecule, including polymorphic variability in different ethnic groups, is crucial to unravel the function of DPB1 polymorphism. Using an RNA‐based approach, we sequenced all frequent and available non‐frequent DPB1 alleles full length from 148 samples representing 28 different DPB1 alleles from either Black, Caucasian, or Oriental origin. We identified various DPB1 alleles with, in addition to the exon 2 polymorphism, polymorphisms in exons 1, 3, 4, and 5. Based on this polymorphism outside exon 2, we defined one new allele. Two alleles with identical exon 2 polymorphism but differing outside exon 2 were identified in individuals of different ethnic groups. As T cell binding is not restricted to the polymorphic groove and polymorphism in the β2 domain of the DP molecule affects CD4 interaction, full‐length polymorphism should be considered to determine immunogenicity. Eventually, this knowledge will provide new insights in the classification of DPB1 polymorphism and more importantly will add new perspectives to the concept of permissiveness in transplantation.
Species‐specific effect of UV‐B radiation on the temporal pattern of leaf growth
Authors: Robson Thomas Matthew , Aphalo Pedro José
Published: January 2012

Recent molecular and physiological studies have demonstrated that ultraviolet‐B radiation (UV‐B) can affect some of the processes involved in leaf growth, but the phases of leaf growth affected have not been clearly delimited. We used functional growth analysis to assess the effects of UV‐B radiation on the time course of leaf growth in seedlings of two birch species (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens). Our aim was to identify the phase(s) of leaf development affected by UV‐B radiation. In a greenhouse study, 1‐year‐old birch seedlings were subjected to three daily doses of supplemental UV‐B radiation treatments (UV‐B+) and no UV‐B radiation controls (UV‐B−). Leaf growth measurements every 2 days were complemented by assessment of other functional traits over a 4‐week period at the start of the growing season. Using fitted curves, we were able to determine that the rate of leaf expansion was slowed by the UV‐B+ treatment in leaves of B. pendula because of a slower maximum leaf growth rate compared with plants under the UV‐B− controls, but that compensation toward the end of the period of expansion negated this difference when leaves reached their final size. UV‐B+ had little effect on the rate of B. pubescens leaf growth despite a larger reduction in leaf final size due to UV‐B+ than occurred in B. pendula leaves. In conclusion, effective regulation ameliorated the effects of UV‐B radiation on leaf and seedling growth in B. pendula, whereas in B. pubescens, reductions in leaf final size under UV‐B+ were consistent with a slightly reduced rate of height growth.
Progestagen Supplementation During Early Pregnancy does not Improve Embryo Survival in Pigs
Authors: Soede NM , Bouwman EG , van der Laan I , Hazeleger W , Jourquin J , Langendijk P , Kemp B
Published: January 2012

Contents

Progesterone supplementation during early pregnancy may increase embryo survival in pigs. The current study evaluated whether oral supplementation with an analogue of progesterone, altrenogest (ALT), affects embryo survival. A first experiment evaluated the effect of a daily 20‐mg dosage of ALT during days 1–4 or 2–4 after onset of oestrus on embryo survival at day 42 of pregnancy. A control group (CTR1) was not treated. The time of ovulation was estimated by transrectal ultrasound at 12‐h intervals. Altrenogest treatment significantly reduced pregnancy rate when start of treatment was before or at ovulation: 25% (5/20) compared to later start of treatment [85% (28/33)] and non‐treated CTR1 [100% (23/23)]. Altrenogest treatment also reduced (p < 0.05) number of foetuses, from 14.6 ± 2.6 in CTR1 to 12.5 ± 2.5 when ALT started 1–1.5 days from ovulation and 10.7 ± 2.9 when ALT started 0–0.5 days from ovulation. In a second experiment, sows with a weaning‐to‐oestrous interval (WOI) of 6, 7 or 8–14 days were given ALT [either 20 mg (ALT20; n = 49) or 10 mg (ALT10; n = 48)] at day 4 and day 6 after onset of oestrus or were not treated (CTR2; n = 49), and farrowing rate and litter size were evaluated. Weaning‐to‐oestrous interval did not affect farrowing rate or litter size. ALT did not affect farrowing rate (86% vs 90% in CTR2), but ALT20 tended to have a lower litter size compared with CTR2 (11.7 ± 4.1 vs 13.3 ± 3.1; p = 0.07) and ALT10 was intermediate (12.3 ± 2.9). In conclusion, altrenogest supplementation too soon after ovulation reduces fertilization rate and embryo survival rate and altrenogest supplementation at 4–6 days of pregnancy reduces litter size. As a consequence, altrenogest supplementation during early pregnancy may reduce both farrowing rate and litter size and cannot be applied at this stage in practice as a remedy against low litter size.
Potential role of green tea catechins in various disease therapies: Progress and promise
Authors: Mak Judith CW
Published: January 2012

Green tea (from the plant Camellia sinensis), a beverage whose consumption started 5000 years ago in China, has important biological and pharmacological properties.

The beneficial effects of green tea have been attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds that are powerful anti‐oxidants and free iron scavengers. Of all the catechins found in green tea, namely (–)‐epicatechin‐3‐gallate, (–)‐epigallocatechin, (–)‐epicatechin and (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), EGCG is the most abundant and powerful.

It is widely believed that green tea may protect against death from all causes, especially cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease and stroke) owing to the presence of catechins associated with green tea consumption. Other health benefits include various types of cancer chemoprevention, weight loss and protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease).

Thus far, numerous pharmacological activities regulating disease‐specific molecular targets have been reported in vitro for EGCG concentrations in the micromolar range, which are physiologically irrelevant. Although most of the studies have shown benefits with two to three cups of green tea per day, the optimal dose has not yet been established to enable any solid conclusions to be drawn regarding the various health benefits of green tea or its constituents in humans. With Phase I trials providing information on the safety profile and pharmacokinetics of EGCG, the window of opportunity is wider to undertake well‐controlled long‐term human studies to enable a full understanding of the protective effects of green tea catechins on various parameters in different settings.
What other anomalies? Failure to wean post ventricular septal defect repair secondary to anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Callaghan Michael Andrew , O’Hare Brendan , Casey William
Published: January 2012

A six week old infant underwent ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect closure. Preoperative echocardiography showed evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The post operative course was complicated failure to wean from ventilatory and inotropic support. Echocardiography showed severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and suggested some fistulous drainage of the left coronary artery into the right pulmonary artery; this anomalous drainage of the left coronary artery into the right pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) was confirmed with coronary angiogram. Re‐implantation of the left coronary artery into the aorta was performed. Extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was required to allow time for ventricular recovery. Supports were weaned gradually, with concurrent evidence of LV recovery and the child was discharged on postoperative day 30. ALCAPA is rare and typically presents at 8 weeks of age with symptoms of heart failure, as pulmonary pressure falls leading to myocardial ischaemia due to myocardial hypoperfusion with relatively desaturated blood. In our case the pulmonary hypertension and left to right shunt preoperatively were protective, maintaining forward flow of relatively oxygenated blood. While protective to the myocardium this made the preoperative diagnosis of ALCAPA difficult, as there was no flow reversal on Doppler echocardiography. Closure of the septal defects meant this protective effect was lost, with subsequent severe myocardial ischaemia and heart failure. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of ALCAPA, the ‘protective’ effects of pulmonary hypertension with ALCAPA, and the importance of early cardiac catheterization in the setting of unexplained failure to wean post cardiac surgery.
The polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism controls carbon and energy spillage in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Escapa I. F. , García J. L. , Bühler B. , Blank L. M. , Prieto M. A.
Published: January 2012

The synthesis and degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), the storage polymer of many bacteria, is linked to the operation of central carbon metabolism. To rationalize the impact of PHA accumulation on central carbon metabolism of the prototype bacterium Pseudomonas putida, we have revisited PHA production in quantitative physiology experiments in the wild‐type strain vs. a PHA negative mutant growing under low nitrogen conditions. When octanoic acid was used as PHA precursor and as carbon and energy source, we have detected higher intracellular flux via acetyl‐CoA in the mutant strain than in the wild type, which correlates with the stimulation of the TCA cycle and glyoxylate shunt observed on the transcriptional level. The mutant defective in carbon and energy storage spills the additional resources, releasing CO2 instead of generating biomass. Hence, P. putida operates the metabolic network to optimally exploit available resources and channels excess carbon and energy to storage via PHA, without compromising growth. These findings demonstrate that the PHA metabolism plays a critical role in synchronizing global metabolism to availability of resources in PHA‐producing microorganisms.
The microbial ecology of anaerobic cellulose degradation in municipal waste landfill sites: evidence of a role for fibrobacters
Authors: McDonald James E. , Houghton James N. I. , Rooks David J. , Allison Heather E. , McCarthy Alan J.
Published: January 2012

Cellulose is reputedly the most abundant organic polymer in the biosphere, yet despite the fundamental role of cellulolytic microorganisms in global carbon cycling and as potential sources of novel enzymes for biotechnology, their identity and ecology is not well established. Cellulose is a major component of landfill waste and its degradation is therefore a key feature of the anaerobic microbial decomposition process. Here, we targeted a number of taxa containing known cellulolytic anaerobes (members of the bacterial genus Fibrobacter, lineages of Clostridium clusters I, III, IV and XIV, and anaerobic fungi of the Neocallimastigales) in landfill leachate and colonized cellulose ‘baits’ via PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Fibrobacter spp. and Clostridium clusters III, IV and XIV were detected in almost all leachate samples and cluster III and XIV clostridia were the most abundant (1–6% and 1–17% of total bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies respectively). Two landfill leachate microcosms were constructed to specifically assess those microbial communities that colonize and degrade cellulose substrates in situ. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of colonized cotton revealed extensive cellulose degradation in one microcosm, and Fibrobacter spp. and Clostridium cluster III represented 29% and 17%, respectively, of total bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies in the biofilm. Visible cellulose degradation was not observed in the second microcosm, and this correlated with negligible relative abundances of Clostridium cluster III and Fibrobacter spp. (≤ 0.1%), providing the first evidence that the novel fibrobacters recently detected in landfill sites and other non‐gut environments colonize and degrade cellulose substrates in situ.
Weight changes and their predictors amongst 11 140 patients with type 2 diabetes in the ADVANCE trial
Authors: van Dieren S. , Czernichow S. , Chalmers J. , Kengne A. P. , de Galan B. E. , Poulter N. , Woodward M. , Beulens J. W. J. , Grobbee D. E. , van der Schouw Y. T. , Zoungas S.
Published: January 2012

Aims: To determine the baseline characteristics and glucose‐lowering therapies associated with weight change among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Eleven thousand one hundred and forty participants in the ADVANCE trial were randomly assigned to an intensive [aiming for a haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤6.5%] or a standard blood glucose‐control strategy. Weight was measured at baseline and every 6 months over a median follow‐up of 5 years. Multivariable linear regression and linear‐mixed effect models were used to examine predictors of weight change.

Results: The mean difference in weight between the intensive and standard glucose‐control arm during follow‐up was 0.75 kg (95% CI: 0.56–0.94), p‐value <0.001. The mean weight decreased by 0.70 kg (95% CI: 0.53–0.87), p < 0.001 by the end of follow‐up in the standard arm but remained stable in the intensive arm, with a non‐significant gain of 0.16 kg (95% CI: −0.02 to 0.34), p = 0.075. Baseline factors associated with weight gain were younger age, higher HbA1c, Caucasian ethnicity and number of glucose‐lowering medications. Treatment combinations including insulin [3.22 kg (95% CI: 2.92–3.52)] and thiazolidinediones [3.06 kg (95% CI: 2.69–3.43)] were associated with the greatest weight gain while treatment combinations including sulphonylureas were associated with less weight gain [0.71 kg (95%CI: 0.39–1.03)].

Conclusions: Intensive glucose‐control regimens are not necessarily associated with substantial weight gain. Patient characteristic associated with weight change were age, ethnicity, smoking and HbA1c. The main treatment strategies predicting weight gain were the use of insulin and thiazolidinediones.
Confidence Regions for Means of Random Sets Using Oriented Distance Functions
Authors: JANKOWSKI HANNA , STANBERRY LARISSA
Published: January 2012

Abstract.  Image analysis frequently deals with shape estimation and image reconstruction. The objects of interest in these problems may be thought of as random sets, and one is interested in finding a representative, or expected, set. We consider a definition of set expectation using oriented distance functions and study the properties of the associated empirical set. Conditions are given such that the empirical average is consistent, and a method to calculate a confidence region for the expected set is introduced. The proposed method is applied to both real and simulated data examples.
Average Collapsibility of Distribution Dependence and Quantile Regression Coefficients
Authors: VELLAISAMY P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract.  The Yule–Simpson paradox notes that an association between random variables can be reversed when averaged over a background variable. Cox and Wermuth introduced the concept of distribution dependence between two random variables X and Y, and gave two dependence conditions, each of which guarantees that reversal of qualitatively similar conditional dependences cannot occur after marginalizing over the background variable. Ma, Xie and Geng studied the uniform collapsibility of distribution dependence over a background variable W, under stronger homogeneity condition. Collapsibility ensures that associations are the same for conditional and marginal models. In this article, we use the notion of average collapsibility, which requires only the conditional effects average over the background variable to the corresponding marginal effect and investigate its conditions for distribution dependence and for quantile regression coefficients.
Industrial Loan Companies: Where Banking and Commerce Meet
Authors: Barth James R. , Li Tong , Angkinand Apanard , Chiang Yuan‐Hsin , Li Li
Published: January 2012

Should commercial firms be prohibited from owning banking institutions? Should the United States remain the only G20 country opposed to the “mixing of banking and commerce”? These questions have assumed new urgency as the Dodd Frank Act of July 2010 imposed a moratorium on the commercial ownership of industrial loan companies (ILCs), which was the last remaining entry point for commercial firms into banking. This paper specifically examines the role of ILCs in America's financial system from its beginnings in 1910 to the present. Special attention is paid to the performance of commercially owned ILCs prior to, during and after the most recent financial crisis. The examination is based upon both survey data and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) data, which represents a database of the ILC industry that is the most comprehensive one available to date. The paper also reviews the laws and regulations regarding the mixing of banking and commerce, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of allowing commercial ownership of banks.
Poor and Rich: Student Economic Stratification and Academic Performance in a Public Research University System
Authors: Douglass John , Thomson Gregg
Published: January 2012

One sees various efforts in developed as well as in developing economies to seek a greater participation of lower‐income students in their nation's leading universities. Once lower‐income students do enroll in a highly selective institution, what happens to them? How well do they do academically when compared to their more wealthy counterparts? How integrated are they into the academic community and in their satisfaction with their choice and sense of support by the institution and fellow students? These are crucial questions, if and when élite universities in various parts of the world become more representative of their general population; the stated desire of most of these institution, virtually all of which are nationally funded entities that must justify their public subsidies. This paper explores the divide between poor and rich students, first comparing a group of selective US institutions and their number and percentage of Pell Grant recipients and then, using institutional data and results from the University of California, Student Experience in the Research University Survey (SERU Survey), presenting an analysis of the high percentage of low‐income undergraduate students within the University of California system; who they are, their academic performance and quality of their undergraduate experience.
GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphism in polymorphous light eruption
Authors: Zirbs M. , Pürner C. , Buters J.T.M. , Effner R. , Weidinger S. , Ring J. , Eberlein B.
Published: January 2012

Background  Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common chronic and idiopathic photodermatosis. PLE is assumed to represent an immunological hypersensitivity reaction to a radiation‐induced cutaneous antigen involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the basis of a genetic predisposition. Among others, cellular protection against ROS is provided by glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs). Different variants of the GST enzymes may influence the activity and efficiency of detoxification and biotransformation of unknown UV‐induced skin‐antigens and other factors that may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PLE.

Methods  In this study the relationship between isoenzymes of the GST genes GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 and possible protective or predisposing effects on PLE was examined in 29 patients and 144 controls. Diagnosis of PLE was based on the presence of characteristic clinical features.

Results  No association between the functional polymorphisms of the GST gene family and PLE was found. Prevalence of certain GST isoenzymes or polymorphisms in patients with PLE did not differ from healthy controls.

Conclusion  Our data do not support prevalence of GST isoenzymes or polymorphisms as a protective effect against PLE. Especially a higher carrier frequency of GSTP1 Val105 as a protective factor against PLE which has been published before could not be proved. The GST genotypes GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 (including SNPs) seem to have no relevant association with PLE.
Revision of the fossil vole assemblage (Mammalia, Rodentia, Arvicolidae) from Pleistocene deposits at Kisláng, Hungary
Authors: MAYHEW DAVID F.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The species‐rich fossil vertebrate assemblage from Pleistocene sedimentary deposits at Kisláng, Hungary, was originally described as containing eight species of arvicolids, six of which were considered new. Re‐examination of the material in the collection of the Hungarian Geological Institute, consisting of most of the previously described material, including the six name‐bearing types and also further undescribed specimens, indicates that the taxa Kislangia rex, Mimomys cf. hassiacus, Mimomys coelodus, Mimomys pusillus, Mimomys tornensis, Pitymimomys sp., Borsodia newtoni, Lagurodon arankae and Allophaiomys deucalion are present. Most of these species are compatible with Early Pleistocene age close to the boundary between the Villányian and Biharian regional stages (MQR10, MQ1, c. 1.6–2.0 Ma). However, the specimen of Mimomys cf. hassiacus is of approximately mid‐Pliocene age (MN15 c. 3.6–4.0 Ma), and one of the Pitymimomys specimens is referable to P. stenokorys, described from the earliest Pleistocene (MNR2–MNR3, MN17 c. 2.3–2.4 Ma). The assemblage is therefore interpreted as derived from at least three different geological periods and because of reworking of material is considered unusable to characterize any particular stratigraphic level. These conclusions are placed in the context of historical and current biostratigraphies.
New Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae: Oonopidae) from Cretaceous ambers of Spain and France: first spiders described using phase‐contrast X‐ray synchrotron microtomography
Authors: SAUPE ERIN E. , PÉREZ‐de la FUENTE RICARDO , SELDEN PAUL A. , DELCLÒS XAVIER , TAFFOREAU PAUL , SORIANO CARMEN
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Two new species of Orchestina (Araneae: Oonopidae) are described as O. gappi sp. nov. and O. rabagensis sp. nov. from the Cretaceous of France and Spain, respectively. Two additional specimens from Spain are placed within Orchestina but not assigned to species. These formal descriptions are the oldest for the genus and the family Oonopidae. The discovery of these older Orchestina is not surprising, as the genus is considered a basal member of the Oonopidae and one of the most diverse and long‐lived spider lineages. Two of the spiders were imaged at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility using propagation phase‐contrast X‐ray synchrotron microtomography, demonstrating once again the enormous potential of this technique for studying fossil inclusions in amber.
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs use and risk of upper gastrointestinal adverse events in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Lee Yen‐Chieh , Chang Chia‐Hsuin , Lin Jou‐Wei , Chen Hsi‐Chieh , Lin Min‐Shung , Lai Mei‐Shu
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims

The upper gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity associated with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) use among cirrhotic patients remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of upper GI adverse events associated with celecoxib and oral and parenteral non‐selective NSAIDs in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

All the patients aged ≥ 20 years with a diagnosis of cirrhosis hospitalized for variceal bleeding and non‐variceal upper GI adverse events (oesophageal, gastric, duodenal ulcer, bleeding; gastritis and duodenitis) in 2006 were identified using ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes from inpatient claims from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. In the case‐crossover study design, the case period was defined as 1–30 days and the control period as 31–60 days before the date of hospitalization. The information for individual NSAID use was obtained from the outpatient pharmacy prescription database. Adjusted self‐matched odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with a conditional logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 4876 cirrhotic patients were included. The adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.44 (0.89–2.31) for celecoxib, 1.87 (1.66–2.11) for oral non‐selective NSAIDs and 1.90 (1.55–2.32) for parenteral NSAIDs overall. Risks were similar for variceal and non‐variceal events. Concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and histamine‐2 receptor antagonists tended to decrease the upper GI toxicity associated with non‐selective NSAIDs and celecoxib.

Conclusion

The use of nsNSAIDs but not celecoxib was associated with a two‐fold increased risk of variceal and non‐variceal upper GI events among cirrhotic patients.
The Term Breech Trial Ten Years On: Primum Non Nocere?
Authors: Lawson Gerald W.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  In 2000, the Term Breech Trial was published, and its authors recommended cesarean section as the safest mode of delivery for breech‐presenting babies. Criticisms of the trial were raised at the time, which the authors dismissed. Since then, maternal deaths have been recorded among women undergoing cesarean sections for breech presentations. Accordingly, those initial criticisms deserve to be revisited. (BIRTH 39:1 March 2012)
Fetal Movement Counting—Maternal Concern and Experiences: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Saastad Eli , Winje Brita A. , Israel Pravin , Frøen J. Frederik
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Background:  Fetal movement counting may improve timely identification of decreased fetal activity and thereby contribute to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, but it may also contribute to maternal concern. This study aimed to test whether fetal movement counting increased maternal concern.

Methods:  In a multicenter, controlled trial 1,013 women with a singleton pregnancy were randomly assigned either to perform daily fetal movement counting from pregnancy week 28 or to follow standard Norwegian antenatal care where fetal movement counting is not encouraged. The primary outcome was maternal concern, measured by the Cambridge Worry Scale. Analysis was by intention‐to‐treat.

Results:  The means and SDs on Cambridge Worry Scale scores were 0.77 (0.55) and 0.90 (0.62) for the intervention and the control groups, respectively, a mean difference between the groups of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06–0.21, p < 0.001). Decreased fetal activity was of concern to 433 women once or more during pregnancy, 45 and 42 percent in the intervention and control groups, respectively (relative risk = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.9–1.2). Seventy‐nine percent of the women responded favorably to the use of counting charts.

Conclusions:  Women who performed fetal movement counting in the third trimester reported less concern than those in the control group. The frequency of maternal report of concern about decreased fetal activity was similar between the groups. Most women considered the use of a counting chart to be positive. (BIRTH 39:1 March 2012)
Women’s Experiences of Participating in the Early External Cephalic Version 2 Trial
Authors: Murray‐Davis Beth , Marion Anya , Malott Anne , Reitsma Angela , Hutton Eileen K. ,   the Early ECV2 Trial Collaborative Group
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Background:  The international, multicenter External Cephalic Version 2 (ECV2) Trial compared early external cephalic version at 340/7 to 356/7 weeks with that at greater than 37 weeks. A total of 1,543 women were randomized from 68 centers in 21 countries. The goal of this component of the trial was to understand women’s views about participation in a research trial and timing of external cephalic version.

Methods:  A postpartum questionnaire was completed containing a 5‐point Likert scale examining contact and availability of staff, choice of timing of external cephalic version, preference of randomization, convenience of participating, and overall satisfaction. Participants also completed two open‐ended questions related to timing of external cephalic version and satisfaction with the trial. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze data.

Results:  A total of 1,458 women completed the questionnaire, of whom 86 percent said “yes”—they would participate in the trial again. Themes influencing decisions about participating were perceptions of the external cephalic version experience, preferred mode of delivery, preferred timing of external cephalic version, and perceptions of the effectiveness of external cephalic version and of the trial environment. Many participants preferred the early timing of the procedure offered through the trial because of perceived advantages of a smaller baby being easier to turn and the opportunity for repeat procedures.

Conclusions:  Women were positive about their participation in the trial. Early external cephalic version was preferred over the traditional timing as it was perceived to afford both physiologic and practical advantages. (BIRTH 39:1 March 2012)