bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical range of fire frequency is not the Achilles' heel of the Corsican black pine ecosystem
Authors: Leys Bérangère , Finsinger Walter , Carcaillet Christopher
Published: December 2013

This study investigated the fire‐vegetation relationship by reconstructing the long‐term fire and vegetation dynamics around a small lake in the Mediterranean montane belt on Corsica Island. The vegetation is characterised by forests dominated by Pinus nigra ssp. laricio, an endemic subspecies that is currently threatened. Populations of this taxon are geographically restricted, and their ranges are decreasing, possibly because of disturbance, that is, fire and logging.

Here, we examine the role of fire in vegetation dynamics and its effect on diversity since the lateglacial at a montane site using sedimentary plant macrofossils and charcoal to reconstruct local vegetation and fire frequency, respectively.

Macrofossils of P. laricio provide evidence for its growth around the Lac de Creno since 13 200 cal. years bp, which is consistent with its natural origin in Corsica. The onset of the Holocene (~11 700 cal. years bp) was marked by a rapid shift in the treeline, the establishment of P. laricio‐dominated woodlands with low species turnover, and a long‐term increase in taxa richness as a result of successive expansions of broadleaved deciduous trees. In spite of fire‐return intervals (FRIs) fluctuating between 30 and 490 years during the Holocene, P. laricio‐dominated woodlands persisted for several millennia, and fires likely played an ecological role in the functioning of these woodlands. The 12 000 year record of mean FRI (80 years between fires; i.e. frequency of 12.5 fires 1000 year−1) can be used to define a baseline for the management and conservation of P. laricio montane forests. Our findings demonstrate that P. laricio has a long history, a natural origin in Corsica, and that Corsican pine forests have survived to a wide range of burning conditions over the last 13 200 years.

Synthesis: We present multimillennial fire and vegetation histories of a Mediterranean montane site. Pinus nigra ssp. laricio has been present near the study site since approximately 13 200 cal. years bp, demonstrating that this pine was present on the island prior to the arrival of pre‐historic humans. The long‐term records also show that P. laricio woodlands were mixed with deciduous broadleaf trees (Betula sp. and Fagus sylvatica), and other needleleaf trees (Abies alba), at least, and were not influenced by changes in fire frequency. We conclude that (i) fire is a natural component of the ecosystem and (ii) fires likely played an important ecological role in the functioning of the Corsican black pine woodland ecosystem.
Are children's psychological self‐concepts predictive of their self reported activity preferences and leisure participation?
Authors: Goltz Hana , Brown Ted
Published: December 2013

Background/aim

Participation in leisure and play activities is recognised as an important outcome in occupational therapy for children. To investigate whether children's psychological self‐concept are predictive of their activity preferences and leisure participation.

Method

A group of 38 healthy children aged 10–14 years from Victoria, Australia completed the Piers‐Harris Self Concept Scale (Piers Harris‐2) and the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment/Preferences for Activities of Children (CAPE/PAC). Correlation and regression analyses were completed to investigate the predictive relationships between the Pier Harris‐2 and the CAPE/PAC.

Results

The Piers Harris‐2 Intellectual and School Status subscale was found to be predictive of children's Overall Enjoyment of Participation as measured on the CAPE, explaining 21.9% of the total variance (β = 0.566, P < 0.01). The Piers Harris‐2 Freedom from Anxiety subscale made a unique contribution to children's preferences for skill‐based activities as measured by the PAC, explaining 18.9% of the total variance (β = −.435, P < 0.01). Children's gender accounted for 22.7% of the total variance of the PAC Physical Activities subscale (β = −.476, P ≤ 0.01) and 14.6% of the PAC Preferences for Skill‐Based Activities subscale (β = 0.382, P ≤ 0.05) while age made unique contributions to the PAC Social Activities subscale (β = −0.418, P ≤ 0.01) explaining 17.5% of its total variance.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that children's psychological self‐concept, age and gender are predictive of components of children's activity preferences and leisure participation. In particular, participation enjoyment is influenced by their perceived self‐esteem and how well they do at school. Further investigation of this topic is recommended.
Isolation and Detection of Extended Spectrum β‐Lactamase (ESBL)‐Producing Enterobacteriaceae from Meat using Chromogenic Agars and Isothermal Loop‐Mediated Amplification (LAMP) Assays
Authors: Anjum M.F. , Lemma F. , Cork D.J. , Meunier D. , Murphy N. , North S.E. , Woodford N. , Haines J. , Randall L.P.
Published: December 2013

The aim of this work was to develop a molecular method using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of extended spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae from meat, and to compare it with different isolation agars and microarrays. LAMP assays were developed for CTX‐M groups 1, 2, and 9 and OXA‐10‐like genes. Chicken, lamb, beef, pork, and turkey samples were spiked with 10, 100, and 1,000 cfu/gram using 8 strains of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae (CTX‐M sequence types 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, OXA‐11, SHV‐2, TEM‐52) +/– a mix of competitor organisms. Samples were enriched overnight in buffered peptone water (BPW) +/– antibacterials before plating to CHROMagar CTX, OXOID ESBL Brilliance agar, and MacConkey agar with 1 mg/L cefotaxime. Selected BPW broths were also tested using LAMP assays, microarrays and using cefpodoxime discs on agar. For isolation/detection of ESBL producers from beef, pork, lamb, and turkey spiked with 10 or 100 cfu/gram ESBL (natural flora only), all agars and the LAMP assays showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for ESBL spike strains. For chicken samples, both LAMP and chromogenic agars showed improved sensitivity and specificity for isolation of ESBLs compared with MacConkey agar, particularly with competitor bacteria added. In comparison, the cefpodoxime disc method and microarray showed reduced sensitivity.
Impact of the O2 Concentrations on Bacterial Communities and Quality of Modified Atmosphere Packaged Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus Vannamei)
Authors: Qian Yun‐Fang , Yang Sheng‐Ping , Xie Jing , Xiong Qing , Gao Zhi‐Li
Published: December 2013

The importance of spoilage‐related bacteria in fresh Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under different modified atmospheres (MAs) at 4 °C and the effect of O2 were demonstrated in the current study. The changes of bacterial communities in MA‐packed shrimp during cold storage were studied by a combined method of plate counts with isolation and identification. Three gas mixtures were applied: 80% CO2/5% O2/15% N2, 80% CO2/10% O2/10% N2 and 80% CO2/20% O2, and unsealed packages of shrimp were used as the control. In addition, the TVB‐N, pH, whiteness index, and sensory scores were also determined to evaluate the quality changes of shrimp. MA packaging effectively inhibited the increase of total psychrotrophic bacteria counts and H2S‐producing bacteria counts by about 1.7 and 2.1 log cycles, respectively. The growth of Gram‐negative spoilage bacteria in shrimp, including Shewanella spp., Aeromonas spp., and Pseudomonas spp., was inhibited by MA packaging, but the growth rate of Gram‐positive bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Brochothrix spp. were less affected by MA as effectively as Gram‐negative bacteria. In comparison with the MA‐packaged samples, the counts of H2S producers in shrimp under a CO2‐enriched atmosphere with 20% O2 were slightly lower than the count in samples under an atmosphere with 5% O2. However, MA with 20% O2 led to higher concentrations of TVB‐N, and lower whiteness values and sensory scores. The shelf life of shrimp under 80% CO2/10% O2/10% N2 has been prolonged by > 6 d in comparison with the control according to the sensory scores.
Total adiponectin, but not inflammatory markers C‐reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interluekin‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, correlates with increasing glucose intolerance in pregnant Chinese–Americans (总脂联素，而不是炎症标志物包括C‐反应蛋白、肿瘤坏死因子‐α、白细胞介素‐6以及单核细胞趋化蛋白‐1与妊娠的华裔美国人的葡萄糖耐量受损加重有关)
Authors: Kim So‐Young , Sy Vanessa , Araki Takako , Babushkin Nicole , Huang Diana , Tan Doris , Liao Emilia , Liu George , Wan Stephen , Poretsky Leonid , Seto‐Young Donna
Published: December 2013

Background

Elevated insulin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 levels and decreased high molecular weight adiponectin (HMW‐APN) levels have been reported in Caucasians with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). No similar studies have been performed in Chinese women.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained 1 h after a 50‐g glucose challenge test (1HGCT) from Chinese–American women at 24–28 gestational weeks and total adiponectin (T‐APN), HMW‐APN, CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and MCP‐1 concentrations were measured. Correlation coefficients for glucose (1HGCT), HbA1c, insulin, and body mass index (BMI) were calculated against T‐APN, HMW‐APN, CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and MCP‐1. Significant P‐values were determined using Bonferroni adjustments.

Results

Women with GDM had higher insulin and 1HGCT and lower T‐APN. In addition, T‐APN was lower in non‐GDM subjects who had 1HGCT ≥135 mg/dL with no abnormal or one abnormal glucose value on the 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test. There were no significant differences in HMW‐APN and inflammatory marker levels between non‐GDM and GDM groups. There were negative correlations between T‐APN and 1HGCT, insulin, BMI, and HbA1c, as well as between HMW‐APN and 1HGCT, insulin, and BMI. No significant correlations were observed between 1HGCT, HbA1c, insulin, or BMI and CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, or MCP‐1.

Conclusions

T‐APN is reduced in Chinese women with GDM and those without GDM but with evidence of glucose intolerance. Unlike results reported for Caucasians, Chinese–American women with GDM do not exhibit elevated levels of CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, or MCP‐1, possibly because Chinese women are relatively leaner compared with Caucasians.
Alcohol and tobacco use among maltreated and non‐maltreated adolescents in a birth cohort
Authors: Mills Ryan , Alati Rosa , Strathearn Lane , Najman Jake M.
Published: December 2013

Aims

This study examines whether child maltreatment experience predicts adolescent tobacco and alcohol use.

Methods

The subjects were participants in the Mater‐University Study of Pregnancy (MUSP), a birth cohort of 7223, of whom 5158 (71.4%) were available for analysis at the 14‐year follow‐up. Child protection history was obtained from the state's child protection agency and confidentially linked. Exposure to reported child maltreatment was the primary predictor variable. The outcome variables were self‐reported smoking and alcohol use. Associations were adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Reported child maltreatment was associated with early adolescent smoking [odds ratio (OR) 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.32–2.34] after adjustment for socio‐demographic variables and coexisting alcohol use. Both neglect/emotional abuse (OR 2.03, 95% CI = 1.20–3.42) and neglect/emotional abuse that included physical abuse (OR 1.85, 95% CI = 1.19–2.88) were associated with smoking after full adjustment, including for coexisting alcohol use. After full adjustment, including coexisting smoking, only child neglect/emotional abuse predicted early adolescent alcohol use (OR 1.78, 95% CI = 1.06–2.97), but not the other types of maltreatment.

Conclusions

Reported child maltreatment predicts early adolescent smoking after adjusting for alcohol use, but does not predict alcohol use after adjustment for smoking. Both smoking and alcohol use are predicted by reported child neglect. Early adolescent smoking is also predicted by multi‐type maltreatment that includes physical abuse.
Chickenpox and stroke in children: case studies and literature review
Authors: Reis Ana F , Pais Patrícia , Monteiro José P
Published: December 2013

Postvaricella cerebral arteriopathy (PVCA) presents with acute haemiparesis and/or haemidistonia, caused by ischaemic lesions of internal capsule and/or basal ganglia, related to stenosis of proximal middle and/or anterior cerebral arteries. Anti‐aggregant drugs are recommended to prevent thrombus expansion and recurrent stroke, but neurologic outcome is usually good regardless of the therapeutic approach.

Conclusion

Chickenpox should be considered in differential diagnosis of ischaemic stroke in healthy children who fit the clinical and radiological typical profile of PVCA.
The representation of ethnic and linguistic groups in the federal civil service of Belgium and Canada
Authors: Turgeon Luc , Gagnon Alain‐G.
Published: December 2013

This article investigates how the struggles of national groups have affected the politics of bureaucratic representation of ethnic minorities in Belgium and Canada, and vice‐versa. It argues that the politics of multinational representation in Belgium limited the adoption of measures seeking to guarantee a greater representation of ethnic and racial minorities. In contrast, the politics of multiculturalism in Canada associated with the political mobilization of ethnic groups, contributed to the rejection of measures of guaranteed representation of Francophones in the federal bureaucracy. Measures adopted to increase the representation of Francophones, however, did not impede later attempts to augment representation of visible minorities in the civil service.
Deciding who will decide: Assessing random selection for participants inEdmonton'sCitizenPanel on budget priorities
Authors: Mao Yuping , Adria Marco
Published: December 2013

Selecting participants is a key component in the design, operation, and outcomes of public‐deliberation events to reflect the diversity of opinion in the larger public. This article examines how theCity ofEdmonton selected the members of itsCitizenPanel on budget priorities in 2009 to informEdmonton's 2010–2011 budget. The organizers relied on random selection stratified by gender, age, length of residence in the city, educational attainment, and income. This article also reports on the findings from pre‐event and post‐event public‐opinion surveys sent to 5,000 citizens. It argues that the selection method for theCitizenPanel was justified because there were distinct views on key issues among different groups of citizens.
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 induced upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 2 and its receptor 3 induces angiogenesis in human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Ren Tao , Qing Yi , Dai Nan , Li Mengxia , Qian Chengyuan , Yang Yuxin , Cheng Yi , Li Zheng , Zhang Shiheng , Zhong Zhaoyang , Wang Dong
Published: December 2013

Tumor angiogenesis contributes to inferior prognosis in osteosarcoma. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptor 3 (FGFR3) signaling pathway plays an important role in the angiogenic process. In this study we observed that high expression of APE1, FGF2 and FGFR3, and microvessel density are positively correlated with poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Furthermore, the Cox model showed that the tumor size, FGF2 and its receptor 3 (FGFR3), and microvessel density were adverse prognostic factors. Based on our clinical data, and the fact that APE1 is involved in tumor angiogenesis, we hypothesize that it is very likely that APE1 may indirectly promote angiogenesis by upregulating fibroblast FGF2 and FGFR3. Our preliminary data show small interfering RNA‐mediated silence of APE1 experiments, which further supports this hypothesis. APE1‐small interfering RNA significantly inhibited tumor angiogenesis by downregulating in vitro expression of FGF2 and FGFR3 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in Matrigel tube formation assay, and further inhibited tumor growth in vivo in a mouse xenograft model. Thus, the proposed APE1‐FGF2 and FGFR3 pathway may provide a novel mechanism for regulation of FGF2 and FGFR3 by APE1 in tumor angiogenesis.
Allergen hybrids – next generation vaccines for Fagales pollen immunotherapy
Authors: Pichler U. , Hauser M. , Hofer H. , Himly M. , Hoflehner E. , Steiner M. , Mutschlechner S. , Hufnagl K. , Ebner C. , Mari A. , Briza P. , Bohle B. , Wiedermann U. , Ferreira F. , Wallner M.
Published: December 2013

Background

Trees belonging to the order of Fagales show a distinct geographical distribution. While alder and birch are endemic in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, hazel, hornbeam and oak prefer a warmer climate. However, specific immunotherapy of Fagales pollen‐allergic patients is mainly performed using birch pollen extracts, thus limiting the success of this intervention in birch‐free areas.

Objectives

T cells are considered key players in the modification of an allergic immune response during specific immunotherapy (SIT), therefore we thought to combine linear T cell epitope‐containing stretches of the five most important Fagales allergens from birch, hazel, alder, oak and hornbeam resulting in a Fagales pollen hybrid (FPH) molecule applicable for SIT.

Methods

A Fagales pollen hybrid was generated by PCR‐based recombination of low IgE‐binding allergen epitopes. Moreover, a structural‐variant FPH4 was calculated by in silico mutagenesis, rendering the protein unable to adopt the Bet v 1‐like fold. Both molecules were produced in Escherichia coli, characterized physico‐chemically as well as immunologically, and tested in mouse models of allergic sensitization as well as allergy prophylaxis.

Results

Using spectroscopic analyses, both proteins were monomeric, and the secondary structure elements of FPH resemble the ones typical for Bet v 1‐like proteins, whereas FPH4 showed increased amounts of unordered structure. Both molecules displayed reduced binding capacities of Bet v 1‐specific IgE antibodies. However, in a mouse model, the proteins were able to induce high IgG titres cross‐reactive with all parental allergens. Moreover, prophylactic treatment with the hybrid proteins prevented pollen extract‐induced allergic lung inflammation in vivo.

Conclusion

The hybrid molecules showed a more efficient uptake and processing by dendritic cells resulting in a modified T cell response. The proteins had a lower IgE‐binding capacity compared with the parental allergens, thus the high safety profile and increased efficacy emphasize clinical application for the treatment of Fagales multi‐sensitization.
The degree of whey hydrolysis does not uniformly affect in vitro basophil and T cell responses of cow's milk‐allergic patients
Authors: Meulenbroek L. A. P. M. , Oliveira S. , den Hartog Jager C. F. , Klemans R. J. B. , Lebens A. F. M. , van Baalen T. , Knulst A. C. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. F. M. , Garssen J. , Knippels L. M. J. , van Hoffen E.
Published: December 2013

Background

Several studies investigated whether hydrolysed proteins can induce tolerance to cow's milk (CM) in children at risk of developing CM allergy. Due to methodological problems and inconsistent findings, the evidence for a tolerogenic effect is limited. A major problem is that different hydrolysates may give different outcomes due to variations in their production and composition.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the degree of hydrolysis on the allergenicity and immunogenicity of whey hydrolysates.

Methods

The hydrolysis of whey was stopped at different time‐points between 1 and 60 min. In 18 CM allergic patients, the allergenicity of the hydrolysates was determined by immunoblot and the basophil activation test. To test immunogenicity, CM‐specific T cell lines were generated.

Results

In most patients, increasing time of hydrolysis decreased IgE recognition and basophil activation. However, in five patients, hydrolysed proteins induced more basophil activation than non‐hydrolysed proteins. The immunoblot data indicated that these patients recognized either a 25‐ to 30‐kDa degradation product of casein or a 10‐kDa degradation product of whey. Although T cell activation was decreased in all patients over time, half of them still showed a positive response to the proteins after 60 min of hydrolysis.

Conclusion

Increasing the time of hydrolysis reduces both allergenicity and immunogenicity of whey hydrolysates in most but not all patients. This indicates that not the degree of hydrolysis is decisive but the presence and stability of IgE and T cell epitopes in the hydrolysate recognized by individual patients.
HIV-exposed uninfected children: a growing population with a vulnerable immune system?
Authors: Afran L , Garcia Knight M , Nduati E , Urban B C , Heyderman R S , Rowland-Jones S L
Published: December 2013

Through the successful implementation of policies to prevent mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV-1 infection, children born to HIV-1-infected mothers are now much less likely to acquire HIV-1 infection than previously. Nevertheless, HIV-1-exposed uninfected (HEU) children have substantially increased morbidity and mortality compared with children born to uninfected mothers (unexposed uninfected, UU), predominantly from infectious causes. Moreover, a range of phenotypical and functional immunological differences between HEU and UU children has been reported. As the number of HEU children continues to increase worldwide, two questions with clear public health importance need to be addressed: first, does exposure to HIV-1 and/or ART in utero or during infancy have direct immunological consequences, or are these poor outcomes simply attributable to the obvious disadvantages of being born into an HIV-affected household? Secondly, can we expect improved maternal care and ART regimens during and after pregnancy, together with optimized infant immunization schedules, to reduce the excess morbidity and mortality of HEU children?
Resonance frequency analysis as a predictor of early implant failure in the partially edentulous posterior maxilla following immediate nonfunctional loading or delayed loading with single unit restorations
Authors: Kim Steven J. , Ribeiro Alexandre L. V. L. , Atlas Alan M. , Saleh Najeed , Royal Jamie , Radvar Mehrdad , Korostoff Jonathan
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To assess the ability of baseline resonance frequency analysis (RFA) measurements to predict early implant failure in the posterior maxilla and to evaluate potential correlations between this measurement with Hounsfield units, bone quality variables, and implant dimension.

Materials and methods

This prospective randomized study involved 46 SLActive Straumann implants placed in the posterior maxillae of 21 subjects. Each patient received at least one control (delayed loading) and one experimental (immediate nonfunctional loading) implant. Each site was evaluated with presurgical computer‐assisted tomography (CT) scans, histomorphometric analysis of bone cores, and subjective determination of bone quality. Baseline implant stability quotients (ISQ) were determined by RFA measurements made at the time of fixture placement. Pearson's correlation analysis and Spearman's test were used to identify statistically significant correlations within the resultant data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine whether baseline ISQ values can accurately predict early implant failure.

Results

The mean baseline ISQ values for the two groups were 66.8 (experimental) and 66.2 (control). The 12‐month survival rates were 86.4% (experimental) and 100% (control). There were no statistically significant correlations between baseline ISQ values and early implant failure, bone quality variables, or implant dimension. ROC analysis showed that baseline ISQ values cannot predict early implant failure.

Conclusion

Baseline RFA measurements were not able to predict early failure of immediately loaded implants placed in the posterior maxilla and therefore should not be used to determine whether an implant is a candidate for immediate nonfunctional loading in this region of the mouth.
Periorbital dermatitis in 4779 patients – patch test results during a 10‐year period
Authors: Landeck Lilla , John Swen M. , Geier Johannes
Published: December 2013

Background

The thinness of the periorbital skin may facilitate allergen penetration, making this area particularly susceptible to sensitization.

Material and methods

For the cross‐sectional study, data were collected by the 57 participating centres of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. A total of 101 403 patients patch tested between January 2001 and December 2010 were included. Of these, 4779 patients suffered from periorbital dermatitis.

Results

Two major subgroups with different general epidemiological data and sensitization to specific allergens have to be considered: (i) young females with increased rates of skin atopy and allergies, particularly from cosmetic and skin care products; and (ii) older subjects with allergy to topical medications. The prevalence of sensitization to ophthalmic allergens is generally less than that to environmental allergens.

Conclusions

Allergic contact dermatitis is a leading cause of periorbital dermatitis. Patch testing should be considered in all patients with periorbital dermatitis when contact allergy is suspected, in order to identify and avoid offending allergens.
Study of the desorption of hydrolysed reactive dyes from cotton fabrics in an ethanol–water solvent system
Authors: Hang Caiyun , He Jinxin
Published: December 2013

The factors influencing the desorption of hydrolysed dyes resulting from reactive cotton dyeings in an ethanol–water solvent system, including the volume ratio of ethanol to water, pH, and temperature, were investigated. The maximum desorption was achieved when the volume ratio of ethanol to water was optimised to 4:6. Desorption increased with an increase in pH and temperature. The kinetic curves of dye desorption at three different temperatures fit a two‐step kinetic model. The dye desorbability at 60 °C in an ethanol–water system was similar to that observed using conventional water washing in the presence of detergent at 95 °C. Findings suggest that wash‐off in an ethanol–water system can be considered as an alternative, more effective process for removing hydrolysed dyes from reactive cotton dyeings.
Daytime sleepiness in renal transplant recipients is associated with immunosuppressive non‐adherence: a cross‐sectional, multi‐center study
Authors: Burkhalter Hanna , Wirz‐Justice Anna , Cajochen Christian , Weaver Terri E. , Steiger Jürg , Fehr Thomas , Venzin Reto M. , De Geest Sabina
Published: December 2013

Background

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of immunosuppressive non‐adherence (NA) in renal transplant patients and describe whether the degree of daytime sleepiness (DS) and depressive symptomatology are associated with immunosuppressive NA.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, 926 home‐dwelling renal transplant recipients who were transplanted at one of three Swiss transplant centers provided data by self‐report. The Basel Assessment of Adherence Scale for immunosuppressive was used to measure the following: taking, timing, and overall NA to immunosuppressive medication. DS was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (cut‐off ≥6 for DS) and the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study DS item (cut‐off ≥4 for DS), and depressive symptomatology was assessed with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (cut‐off>10). An ordinal logistical regression model was applied for statistical analysis.

Results

The prevalence of the ESS‐DS was 51%. NA for taking, timing, and the median overall NA level assessed by 0–100% visual analog scale (VAS) was 16%, 42%, and 0%, respectively. Based on the multivariate analysis, DS was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with taking (1.08 [1.04–1.13]), timing (1.07 [1.03–1.10]), and overall NA (1.09 [1.05–1.13]). Very similar results were found for the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study DS item.

Conclusion

DS is associated with immunosuppressive medication NA in renal transplant recipients. Admittedly, the association's strength is limited.
Invaded grassland communities have altered stability‐maintenance mechanisms but equal stability compared to native communities
Authors: Wilsey Brian J. , Daneshgar Pedram P. , Hofmockel Kirsten , Polley H. Wayne
Published: December 2013

Theory predicts that stability should increase with diversity via several mechanisms. We tested predictions in a 5‐year experiment that compared low‐diversity exotic to high‐diversity native plant mixtures under two irrigation treatments. The study included both wet and dry years. Variation in biomass across years (CV) was 50% lower in mixtures than monocultures of both native and exotic species. Growth among species was more asynchronous and overyielding values were greater during and after a drought in native than exotic mixtures. Mean‐variance slopes indicated strong portfolio effects in both community types, but the intercept was higher for exotics than for natives, suggesting that exotics were inherently more variable than native species. However, this failed to result in higher CV's in exotic communities because species that heavily dominated plots tended to have lower than expected variance. Results indicate that diversity‐stability mechanisms are altered in invaded systems compared to native ones they replaced.
Frontiers in epidermal barrier homeostasis – an approach to mathematical modelling of epidermal calcium dynamics
Authors: Denda Mitsuhiro , Denda Sumiko , Tsutsumi Moe , Goto Makiko , Kumamoto Junichi , Nakatani Masashi , Takei Kentaro , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Nakata Satoshi , Sawabu Yusuke , Kobayashi Yasuaki , Nagayama Masaharu
Published: December 2013

Intact epidermal barrier function is crucial for survival and is associated with the presence of gradients of both calcium ion concentration and electric potential. Although many molecules, including ion channels and pumps, are known to contribute to maintenance of these gradients, the mechanisms involved in epidermal calcium ion dynamics have not been clarified. We have established that a variety of neurotransmitters and their receptors, originally found in the brain, are expressed in keratinocytes and are also associated with barrier homeostasis. Moreover, keratinocytes and neurons show some similarities of electrochemical behaviour. As mathematical modelling and computer simulation have been employed to understand electrochemical phenomena in brain science, we considered that a similar approach might be applicable to describe the dynamics of epidermal electrochemical phenomena associated with barrier homeostasis. Such methodology would also be potentially useful to address a number of difficult problems in clinical dermatology, such as ageing and itching. Although this work is at a very early stage, in this essay, we discuss the background to our approach and we present some preliminary results of simulation of barrier recovery.
First‐in‐human trial of nanoelectroablation therapy for basal cell carcinoma: proof of method
Authors: Nuccitelli Richard , Wood Ryan , Kreis Mark , Athos Brian , Huynh Joanne , Lui Kaying , Nuccitelli Pamela , Epstein Ervin H.
Published: December 2013

This nanoelectroablation therapy effectively treats subdermal murine allograft tumors, autochthonous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors in Ptch1+/‐K14‐Cre‐ER p53 fl/fl mice, and UV‐induced melanomas in C57/BL6 HGF/SF mice. Here, we described the first human trial of this modality. We treated 10 BCCs on three subjects with 100–1000 electric pulses 100 ns in duration, 30 kV/cm in amplitude, applied at 2 pulses per second. Seven of the 10 treated lesions were completely free of basaloid cells when biopsied and two partially regressed. Two of the 7 exhibited seborrheic keratosis in the absence of basaloid cells. One of the 10 treated lesions recurred by week 10 and histologically had the appearance of a squamous cell carcinoma. No scars were visible at the healed sites of any of the successfully ablated lesions. One hundred pulses were sufficient for complete ablation of BCCs with a single, 1‐min nanoelectroablation treatment.
Perceived Relationship Improvement From Premarital and Relationship Education
Authors: Kruenegel‐Farr Debbie , McEnturff Amber , Acker Jennifer , Jacobson Arminta , Kildare Cory , Hawkins Alan J.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this research was to analyze participants' perceptions of the impact of premarital and relationship education workshops offered across the state of Texas. Regional marriage coalition leaders conducted online and telephone interview surveys of 1,109 participants between 6 and 24 months after participating in the workshops. Research questions included whether participants perceived the workshops as helping to improve their relationship skills and quality, whether these evaluations differed by demographics, and how participant relationship status changed after the workshop. A large majority of participants reported their relationship skills had improved as a result of the workshop. Workshop impact scores generally did not differ by gender, age, cohabitation status, and socioeconomic status. However, Hispanic participants reported somewhat higher workshop impact scores.
Resistance of the size structure of the fish community to ecological perturbations in a large river ecosystem
Authors: Murry Brent A. , Farrell John M.
Published: December 2013

Frequency distributions of log‐scaled abundance and body size for aquatic biota, including fish, yield size spectra that provide gross estimates of food‐web capacity (number of individuals supported by the food web indexed by the midpoint height or y‐intercept) and ecological efficiency (rate of decreasing organismal abundance with increasing body size as indicated by the size‐spectra slope).

Size spectra are known to respond in predictable fashion to exploitation by commercial (marine) fisheries, but there has been relatively little research of size spectra in freshwater systems and less evaluation of how community size‐structure responds to the wider array of ecological perturbations prevalent in freshwater systems.

We used a 29‐year experimental gillnet data set to test the responses of food‐web capacity and ecological efficiency (as indexed by size spectra) of a large river fish community to variations in predatory demand (population expansion of double‐crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus) and perturbations affecting primary production (reductions in total phosphorus and warming summer water temperature).

Fish community capacity (size‐spectra elevation) and ecological efficiency (size‐spectra slope) showed low interannual variation (coefficients of variation 5.6 and 15.4%, respectively). Though highly stable, food‐web capacity decreased over time concurrent with declining total phosphorus concentrations and increasing cormorant abundance. Interannual variation in ecological efficiency was not related to the measured perturbations.

Relative abundance of the core species that comprised 95% of the community remained relatively consistent over time. The fish community size‐structure was also stable and resistant to ecological perturbation. However, we found measurable changes in the composition of secondary species, and these were associated with an increase in cormorant abundance and decrease in total phosphorus. The lack of change in core community species representation and in overall size structure suggest community‐level compensatory mechanisms were operating.
Putative domal microbial structures in fluvial siliciclastic facies of the Mesoproterozoic (1.09 Ga) Copper Harbor Conglomerate, Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA
Authors: Wilmeth Dylan T. , Dornbos Stephen Q. , Isbell John L. , Czaja Andrew D.
Published: December 2013

The Copper Harbor Conglomerate is a Mesoproterozoic (1.09 Ga) freshwater sedimentary sequence that outcrops in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The formation was deposited during infilling of the failed Midcontinent Rift and contains fluvial, lacustrine, and alluvial fan facies. This study describes and analyzes the formation of small domal structures preserved in fluvial sandstone facies within the lower portion of the formation. These domal structures range from millimeters to several centimeters in diameter and height, and are preserved in convex epirelief on fine‐grained sandstone beds. The structures have a pustulose texture and a patchy distribution on bedding planes. Slabs containing the structures were collected in the field and analyzed in the laboratory through inspection of cut slabs, petrographic thin sections, X‐radiographs, and RAMAN spectroscopy. Results of these analyses reveal that the domal structures often contain weak, wavy horizontal bedding and laminae, and lack any vertical structures. These results support a biogenic origin of the domal structures instead of through abiogenic processes such as loading, sand volcanoes, or adhesion warts. These structures are akin to what were traditionally labeled as ‘sand stromatolites’, but are now known as ‘domal sand structures’. Along with previous descriptions of carbonate stromatolites, organic‐rich paleosols, and microbial sand structures, our findings provide further evidence that mat‐forming microbial communities thrived in the late Mesoproterozoic freshwater systems of the Midcontinent Rift.
Translation and validation of Hindi version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index
Authors: Mathur Vijay Prakash , Jain Veena , Pillai Rajath Sasidharan , Kalra Sandeep
Published: December 2013

Objective

The aim of the study was to translate and validate the oral health‐related quality of life assessment tool named Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) into Hindi language for use in the Indian population.

Methodology

The 12‐item GOHAI questionnaire was translated into Hindi, back‐translated and compared with the original English version. After pilot testing and appropriate changes, the Hindi version was administered to a group of 500 patients visiting the geriatric medicine clinic in All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The questionnaire was re‐administered to 29 participants after a gap of minimum 7 days. The measures for reliability and validity were also assessed.

Results

Cronbach's α score (0.79) showed excellent internal consistency. Item‐scale correlations varied from 0.06 to 0.75. Test–retest correlation on the 29 patients showed excellent results (ranging from 0.748 to 0.946). Lower GOHAI scores were associated with patient's self‐perception of nutritional status, perceptive need for prosthesis, number of posterior occluding pair of teeth. Higher GOHAI scores were seen with patients with removable prosthesis than with edentulous or partially edentulous participants. Age group was also found to be a significant factor for GOHAI scores.

Conclusion

The Hindi version of GOHAI exhibits acceptable validity and reliability and can be used in the elderly Indian population as a measure of oral health‐related quality of life.
Effect of cutting height on the chemical composition, nutritional value and yield, fermentative quality and aerobic stability of corn silage and relationship with plant maturity at harvest
Authors: Aoki Yasuhiro , Oshita Tomoko , Namekawa Hiroaki , Nemoto Eiko , Aoki Mari
Published: December 2013

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of cutting height at harvest on the nutritional and fermentative properties and yield per unit area of corn (Zea mays L.) silage in relation to the maturity of the corn plants at the time of harvest. Corn forage at the early or late dent stage was harvested at normal (30 cm) or high (78 cm) heights. After the yield of fresh matter and dry matter per ha was recorded, whole‐crop corn silage was prepared. After 60 days of the ensiling, the samples were collected to examine the chemical composition, whole‐tract digestibility, fermentative quality and aerobic stability. Whole‐tract digestibility was determined by total fecal collections using wether sheep, and total digestible nutrition (TDN) was calculated. The yield per ha was also expressed on a TDN basis. We found that silage from corn harvested at the high cutting height contained significantly less neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin. There was a significant interaction between cutting height and maturity for starch content; it increased for the high cutting height only in silage from corn harvested at the early dent stage, but did not exceed those levels in corn harvested later. The nitrate‐nitrogen content was significantly lower in corn silage harvested at high cutting height. Cutting at a higher level increased NDF and ADF digestibility and it could cause the significantly higher TDN content. The loss of nutritional yield per unit area due to high cutting was much less when corn forage was harvested at a later stage. No adverse effect on fermentative quality and aerobic stability was observed due to high cutting. These results suggest that high cutting of corn plants at the late dent stage is useful for silage preparation.
Overexpression of FOXC1 correlates with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Xu Yuan , Shao Qin‐shu , Yao Hai‐bo , Jin Yi , Ma Ying‐yu , Jia Li‐hua
Published: December 2013

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine FOXC1 expression in gastric tissues, and the clinical significance of FOXC1 in the development, progression and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC).

Methods and results

We screened GCs for the expression of FOXC1 using the Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0 Gene Chip Array, and found that expression was significantly higher in GC tissues than in controls. Furthermore, we validated the expression levels of FOXC1 using real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR), and of FOXC1 using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our study showed that expression levels of FOXC1 mRNA and FOXC1 in GC tissues were significantly higher than those in corresponding non‐tumour tissues. High FOXC1 expression correlated with the degree of histological differentiation (P < 0.01), TNM stage (P < 0.001), invasive depth (P < 0.05), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), and distant metastasis (P < 0.01). Survival analysis revealed that patients with high FOXC1 expression had shorter overall survival than those with low expression (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that high FOXC1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for GC patients (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Overexpression of FOXC1 may play a key role in the progression of GC, and FOXC1 expression may serve as a useful marker for predicting the outcome of patients with GC.
Ovarian carcinoma histotype determination is highly reproducible, and is improved through the use of immunohistochemistry
Authors: Köbel Martin , Bak Julia , Bertelsen Björn I , Carpen Olli , Grove Anni , Hansen Estrid S , Levin Jakobsen Anne‐Marie , Lidang Marianne , Måsbäck Anna , Tolf Anna , Gilks C Blake , Carlson Joseph W
Published: December 2013

Aims

To assess the variation in ovarian carcinoma type diagnosis among gynaecological pathologists from Nordic countries, and whether a rationally designed panel of immunohistochemical markers could improve diagnostic reproducibility.

Methods and results

Eight pathologists from four countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland) received an educational lecture on the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma type. All tumour‐containing slides from 54 ovarian carcinoma cases were independently reviewed by the participants, who: (i) determined type purely on the basis of histology; (ii) indicated whether they would apply immunohistochemistry in their routine practice; and (iii) determined type after reviewing the staining results. The results for six markers (WT1, p53, p16, HNF‐1β, ARID1A, and progesterone receptor) were determined for all 54 cases, by staining of a tissue microarray. The median concordance with central review diagnosis was 86%, and significantly improved to 90% with the incorporation of immunostaining results (P = 0.0002). The median interobserver agreement was 78%, and significantly improved to 85% with the incorporation of immunostaining results (P = 0.0002).

Conclusions

Use of the immunostaining results significantly improved both diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement. These results indicate that ovarian carcinoma type can be reliably diagnosed by pathologists from different countries, and also demonstrate that immunohistochemistry has an important role in improving diagnostic accuracy and agreement between pathologists.
A Biocompatible Low Temperature Co‐fired Ceramic Substrate for Biosensors
Authors: Luo Jin , Eitel Richard E.
Published: December 2013

Low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC) are widely utilized in the fabrication of compact, three dimensional, and highly integrated microelectronic components. Typical applications include military and mobile electronics applications requiring custom, hermetic, and/or high reliability packaging. These characteristics make LTCC attractive for use in microfluidic and biomedical application. However, commercial LTCC systems are not designed for biomedical applications and have unknown cytocompatibility. In the current work, an LTCC tape has been developed starting with materials of known composition and biocompatibility, a commercially available lime silicate glass and alumina. Tapes achieve high density for sintering temperatures compatible with LTCC processing (850 < T < 1000°C). The LTCC also exhibits low dielectric constant (K = 9.3) and dielectric loss (tan d < 0.005). A commercial gold electrode paste has also been co‐fired with the LTCC, with no delamination, cracks nor camber observed. In vitro biocompatibility was subsequently evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs are observed to attach and spread on fibronectin‐coated LTCC substrates, and also in the leachate obtained by soaking LTCC in cell medium for 7 days. These results establish that the developed LTCC material is biocompatible and suitable for in vitro applications utilizing live cells.
Monitoring colour, volatiles in the headspace and enzyme activity to assess the quality of broccoli florets (Brassica oleracea L. italica cv. Bellstar and Legacy) during postharvest storage
Authors: Raseetha Siva , Oey Indrawati , Burritt David , Hamid Nazimah
Published: December 2013

The research objective was to study whether volatile organic compounds released in the headspace could be used to assess the broccoli quality (Brassica oleracea L. italica cv. Bellstar and Legacy) during postharvest storage (23 °C for 7 days) and correlated with colour change and the activity of peroxidase/POD, ascorbic acid oxidase/AAO and lipoxygenase/LOX. Volatile organic compounds were monitored using PTR‐MS. Methanol had the highest concentration compared with other volatiles released in the headspace that significantly increased during senescence. The methanol concentration was approximately 500 ppbv before the broccoli colour began to change from green to yellow. The concentration of methanol in the headspace increased to 1000–1100 ppbv for Bellstar and Legacy when the colour became yellowish. LOX had high correlation (0.91 and 0.83 for Bellstar and Legacy, respectively) with volatiles for both cultivars, but not for POD. Methanol production is proposed as the best volatile marker to assess the broccoli quality.