bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does the Earth system generate and maintain thermodynamic disequilibrium and what does it imply for the future of the planet?
Authors: Kleidon Axel
Published: January 2012

The Earth's chemical composition far from chemical equilibrium is unique in our Solar System, and this uniqueness has been attributed to the presence of widespread life on the planet. Here, I show how this notion can be quantified using non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Generating and maintaining disequilibrium in a thermodynamic variable requires the extraction of power from another thermodynamic gradient, and the second law of thermodynamics imposes fundamental limits on how much power can be extracted. With this approach and associated limits, I show that the ability of abiotic processes to generate geochemical free energy that can be used to transform the surface–atmosphere environment is strongly limited to less than 1 TW. Photosynthetic life generates more than 200 TW by performing photochemistry, thereby substantiating the notion that a geochemical composition far from equilibrium can be a sign for strong biotic activity. Present-day free energy consumption by human activity in the form of industrial activity and human appropriated net primary productivity is of the order of 50 TW and therefore constitutes a considerable term in the free energy budget of the planet. When aiming to predict the future of the planet, we first note that since global changes are closely related to this consumption of free energy, and the demands for free energy by human activity are anticipated to increase substantially in the future, the central question in the context of predicting future global change is then how human free energy demands can increase sustainably without negatively impacting the ability of the Earth system to generate free energy. This question could be evaluated with climate models, and the potential deficiencies in these models to adequately represent the thermodynamics of the Earth system are discussed. Then, I illustrate the implications of this thermodynamic perspective by discussing the forms of renewable energy and planetary engineering that would enhance the overall free energy generation and, thereby ‘empower’ the future of the planet.
Change-point analysis as a tool to detect abrupt climate variations
Authors: Beaulieu Claudie , Chen Jie , Sarmiento Jorge L.
Published: January 2012

Recently, there have been an increasing number of studies using change-point methods to detect artificial or natural discontinuities and regime shifts in climate. However, a major drawback with most of the currently used change-point methods is the lack of flexibility (able to detect one specific type of shift under the assumption that the residuals are independent). As temporal variations in climate are complex, it may be difficult to identify change points with very simple models. Moreover, climate time series are known to exhibit autocorrelation, which corresponds to a model misspecification if not taken into account and can lead to the detection of non-existent shifts. In this study, we extend a method known as the informational approach for change-point detection to take into account the presence of autocorrelation in the model. The usefulness and flexibility of this approach are demonstrated through applications. Furthermore, it is highly desirable to develop techniques that can detect shifts soon after they occur for climate monitoring. To address this, we also carried out a simulation study in order to investigate the number of years after which an abrupt shift is detectable. We use two decision rules in order to decide whether a shift is detected or not, which represents a trade-off between increasing our chances of detecting a shift and reducing the risk of detecting a shift while in reality there is none. We show that, as of now, we have good chances to detect an abrupt shift with a magnitude that is larger than that of the standard deviation in the series of observations. For shifts with a very large magnitude (three times the standard deviation), our simulation study shows that after only 4 years the probabilities of shift detection reach nearly 100 per cent. This reveals that the approach has potential for climate monitoring.
Climate predictions: the influence of nonlinearity and randomness
Authors: Thompson J. Michael T. , Sieber Jan
Published: January 2012

The current threat of global warming and the public demand for confident projections of climate change pose the ultimate challenge to science: predicting the future behaviour of a system of such overwhelming complexity as the Earth's climate. This Theme Issue addresses two practical problems that make even prediction of the statistical properties of the climate, when treated as the attractor of a chaotic system (the weather), so challenging. The first is that even for the most detailed models, these statistical properties of the attractor show systematic biases. The second is that the attractor may undergo sudden large-scale changes on a time scale that is fast compared with the gradual change of the forcing (the so-called climate tipping).
Retinal pigment epithelial cells use a MerTK‐dependent mechanism to limit the phagocytic particle binding activity of αvβ5 integrin
Authors: Nandrot Emeline F. , Silva Kathryn E. , Scelfo Christina , Finnemann Silvia C.
Published: January 2012

Background information

αvβ5 integrin and Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) receptors reside at the apical surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the eye to promote the diurnal, synchronised phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor outer segment fragments (POS) that is critical for vision. Phagocytosis assays studying RPE cells in culture have defined roles for αvβ5 in POS surface binding and for MerTK in engulfment of bound POS. Both receptors have thus far only been studied separately. It is therefore unknown if αvβ5 integrin activity in POS binding is independent of the engulfment function of RPE cells. This study investigates how increasing αvβ5 receptor levels affect POS binding and internalisation by wild‐type (wt), αvβ5‐ or MerTK‐deficient RPE.

Results

β5 integrin–green fluorescent protein (β5–GFP) fusion proteins formed heterodimeric receptors with endogenous αv integrin subunits at the apical surface of mouse or rat RPE cells that co‐immunoprecipitated focal adhesion kinase and redistributed with bound POS such as endogenous αvβ5 receptors. In β5−/− RPE cells, de novo formation of αvβ5–GFP receptors restored POS binding and internalisation up to, but not, above wt POS uptake levels. In wt RPE cells, increasing levels of αvβ5 surface receptors by over‐expressing β5–GFP only moderately stimulated POS binding, even if POS internalisation was inhibited pharmacologically or by lowering incubation temperatures. In contrast, the same increase in αvβ5 receptor levels dramatically enhanced POS binding of RPE cells lacking MerTK. Furthermore, decreasing MerTK expression by RNA interference increased POS binding to endogenous αvβ5 receptors of wt RPE cells.

Conclusions

Expressing β5–GFP is sufficient to reverse phagocytic deficiencies of RPE cells derived from β5−/− mice, indicating that these cells do not irreversibly lose other components of the phagocytic machinery. RPE cells expressing the engulfment receptor MerTK control POS binding by limiting activity of endogenous αvβ5 and αvβ5–GFP integrins, although they reside at the apical, phagocytic surface. In contrast, RPE cells permanently or transiently losing MerTK expression lack this regulatory mechanism and bind excess POS via surface αvβ5 receptors. Taken together, these data reveal a novel feedback mechanism that restricts binding of POS to surface αvβ5 integrin receptors in RPE cells.
A review of elasmobranch research in the Red Sea
Authors: Spaet J. L. Y. , Thorrold S. R. , Berumen M. L.
Published: January 2012

Given the global concern about the status of elasmobranch fishes, the paucity of information on elasmobranchs in the Red Sea is worrisome. Management of elasmobranchs in areas other than the Red Sea has been helped by research on population ecology, reproductive biology and resource partitioning, subjects that are virtually absent in the Red Sea elasmobranch literature. This review provides the first comprehensive summary of elasmobranch biology in the Red Sea with the aim of facilitating research in a region that remains remarkably under‐studied.
Specificity of botulinum protease for human VAMP family proteins
Authors: Yamamoto Hideyuki , Ida Tomoaki , Tsutsuki Hiroyasu , Mori Masatoshi , Matsumoto Tomoko , Kohda Tomoko , Mukamoto Masafumi , Goshima Naoki , Kozaki Shunji , Ihara Hideshi
Published: January 2012

The botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT‐LC) is a zinc‐dependent metalloprotease that cleaves neuronal SNARE proteins such as SNAP‐25, VAMP2, and Syntaxin1. This cleavage interferes with the neurotransmitter release of peripheral neurons and results in flaccid paralysis. SNAP, VAMP, and Syntaxin are representative of large families of proteins that mediate most membrane fusion reactions, as well as both neuronal and non‐neuronal exocytotic events in eukaryotic cells. Neuron‐specific SNARE proteins, which are target substrates of BoNT, have been well studied; however, it is unclear whether other SNARE proteins are also proteolyzed by BoNT. Herein, we define the substrate specificity of BoNT‐LC/B, /D, and /F towards recombinant human VAMP family proteins. We demonstrate that LC/B, /D, and /F are able to cleave VAMP1, 2, and 3, but no other VAMP family proteins. Kinetic analysis revealed that all LC have higher affinity and catalytic activity for the non‐neuronal SNARE isoform VAMP3 than for the neuronal VAMP1 and 2 isoforms. LC/D in particular exhibited extremely low catalytic activity towards VAMP1 relative to other interactions, which we determined through point mutation analysis to be a result of the Ile present at residue 48 of VAMP1. We also identified the VAMP3 cleavage sites to be at the Gln 59‐Phe 60 (LC/B), Lys 42‐Leu 43 (LC/D), and Gln 41‐Lys 42 (LC/F) peptide bonds, which correspond to those of VAMP1 or 2. Understanding the substrate specificity and kinetic characteristics of BoNT towards human SNARE proteins may aid in the development of novel therapeutic uses for BoNT.
Effects of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling on proliferation and differentiation of apical papilla stem cells
Authors: Wang J. , Liu B. , Gu S. , Liang J.
Published: January 2012

Objectives:  The Wnt signalling pathway has been shown to play an important role in tooth development, however its effects with stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP) have remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine effects of Wnt/β‐catenin on proliferation and differentiation of SCAP in vitro.

Materials and methods:  SCAP were obtained, identified and cultured. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA expression of mineralization‐related genes and mineralized nodule formation were measured in presence or absence of various concentrations of lithium chloride.

Results:  MTT assay and flow cytometry demonstrated that Wnt/β‐catenin activity could promote proliferation of SCAP. Real‐time PCR analysis found that Wnt/β‐catenin strongly upregulated expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein, osteocalcin and ALP in SCAP after incubation with mineralization induction medium, while ALP and alizarin red staining indicated that Wnt/β‐catenin enhanced ALP activity and formation of mineralized nodules.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling promotes proliferation and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAP.
Influence of host and environmental factors on wheezing severity in infants: findings from the PARIS birth cohort
Authors: Herr M. , Just J. , Nikasinovic L. , Foucault C. , Le Marec A.‐M. , Giordanella J.‐P. , Momas J. I.
Published: January 2012

Background

Determinants of wheezing severity are poorly documented in infants.

Objectives

To study the determinants of wheezing severity in infants aged 18 months followed‐up in the PARIS (« Pollution and Asthma Risk : an Infant Study ») birth cohort.

Methods

Data on wheezing disorders, medical visits and medications, as well as biological markers of atopy, were collected during a medical examination at age 18 months. Severe wheeze was defined as wheeze that required inhaled corticosteroid and/or hospital‐based care. Environmental exposures were assessed prospectively with regular questionnaires. Risk factors for wheeze in the first 18 months of life were assessed by multivariate regression models.

Results

Participation in the medical examination concerned 48.2% of the original cohort. Prevalence of wheeze was 560/1879 (35.7%) and was influenced by male gender, parental history of asthma, siblings, daycare attendance, heavy parental smoking at home, and carpet covered floor in the child's bedroom. Being overweight increased the risk of wheeze by 62% (OR = 1.62, 95%CI 1.13–2.32). In addition, trends towards an increased risk of wheeze were found in infants exposed to daily use of cleaning sprays and to renovation activities. Conversely, the presence of a cat reduced the risk of wheeze (OR = 0.65, 95%CI 0.47–0.89), without any evidence of healthy‐pet keeping effect. Severe wheeze concerned 286 of the wheezers (42.7%). The prevalence of severe wheeze was related to atopy, and risk of severe wheeze was in particular increased in infants having eosinophilia (OR = 1.76, 95%CI 1.21–2.55) or being sensitized to ≥ 2 allergens (OR = 1.88, 95%CI 1.13–3.14).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Whilst risk factors for wheeze before 18 months of age are factors related to infections, indoor air pollution, and being overweight, the severity of wheeze is mainly due to the atopic status of the child. We suggest that atopy should be further considered in the assessment of wheezing severity in infants.
Larval fish assemblages in the Taiwan Strait, western North Pacific: linking with monsoon‐driven mesoscale current system
Authors: HSIEH HUNG‐YEN , LO WEN‐TSENG , WU LONG‐JING , LIU DONG‐CHUNG
Published: January 2012

This study, based on samples taken in seven cruises from February 2003 to November 2004, linked larval fish assemblages with mesoscale oceanographic features dominated by the monsoon‐driven current system in the Taiwan Strait. A total of 7753 specimens of larval fish were identified from our samples, belonging to 467 taxa in 112 families and 230 genera. Engraulidae, Myctophidae, Scombridae, Carangidae, and Gobiidae were the five most abundant families. Three larval fish assemblages were distinguished by association respectively with the China Coastal Current, Kuroshio Branch Current, and South China Sea Surface Current, and accordingly designated as the cold‐period northern Taiwan Strait (CNTS), southern Taiwan Strait (STS), and warm‐period northern Taiwan Strait (WNTS) assemblages. The composition of larval fish differed significantly between assemblages, with the CNTS being the most dissimilar assemblage, probably due to the presence of neritic/oceanic taxa in the STS and WNTS and primarily neritic‐associated taxa in the CNTS. The alternate intrusions of currents in the Taiwan Strait driven by seasonal monsoons play a pivotal role in the dispersal and community structure of larval fish. In addition, winter front turbulence and local topographic upwelling contributed to the increase in biological production; consequently resulting in high chlorophyll a concentrations and zooplankton biomass to provide abundant food for the survival of larval fish. The high correlation between the environmental variables and the larval fish assemblages offers the possibility to use the assemblages as indicators of the surface circulation in the Taiwan Strait and thereby improve our understanding of the ecosystems.
Why don't haemophilia nurses do research?
Authors: KHAIR K. , HOLLAND M. , VIDLER V. , LORAN C. , HARRINGTON C.
Published: January 2012

Summary.  Clinical research should form a core component of the role of haemophilia nurse specialists. The UK Haemophilia Nurses Association sought to determine the barriers that prevent nurse specialists from engaging in research and to seek ways to promote clinical research by haemophilia nurses in the UK. Web‐based survey with subsequent workshop discussion was conducted. Responses were received from 32 nurses (a 50% response rate), all of whom agreed that haemophilia nurses should be actively involved in nursing research although only 21 had actually participated in research specifically related to haemophilia practice. Of these, most research had been related to educational programmes or (less commonly) was limited to data collection as part of multidisciplinary studies. Involvement in research rarely resulted in publication. Some barriers to involvement in nursing research and subsequent publication were suggested by survey respondents. They also indentified key practice areas that warranted nurse‐based research including carriership and antenatal decision‐making, along with the role and impact on care of the specialist haemophilia nurse, education and empowerment. To overcome the barriers to engaging in research and publishing, nurses require dedicated research time, mentorship and collaboration with more experienced haemophilia nurse researchers.
Demystifying moderators and mediators in intellectual and developmental disabilities research: a primer and review of the literature
Authors: Farmer C.
Published: January 2012

Background  Intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) researchers have been relatively slow to adopt the search for moderators and mediators, although these variables are key in understanding how and why relationships exist between variables. Although the traditional method of causal steps is useful for describing and understanding moderators and mediators, it is not sufficient for statistical analysis.

Methods  The theoretical and statistical processes of evaluating moderators and mediators are explained in terms familiar to IDD psychologists, using examples from IDD literature. Moderator and mediator analyses in five leading IDD journals are assessed for patterns of usage.

Results  Although the number of publications in the past decade exceeds previous years, the field is still behind others in both the quantity and quality of the use of moderators and mediators.

Conclusion  The field as a whole will advance if the recent theoretical and technical advances outlined in this paper are employed.
Interactional patterns between staff and clients with borderline to mild intellectual disabilities
Authors: Reuzel E. , Embregts P. J. C. M. , Bosman A. M. T. , van Nieuwenhuijzen M. , Jahoda A.
Published: January 2012

Background  Client‐centred models of care imply that clients should have a collaborative relationship with staff providing support. This study investigates whether dialogues between staff and clients in naturally occurring contexts reflect this collaborative ideal.

Methods  Nineteen staff members video recorded a social interaction with one of their clients. The topic of the interaction concerned an aspect of their support needs. The recordings were transcribed and analysed using the Initiative Response Analysis designed by Linell et al.

Results  Staff were more dominant than clients, albeit the level of asymmetry in the dialogues was relatively small. However, a different pattern of turns was used by staff and clients. Staff asked more direct questions and sometimes neglected meaningful client contributions. Clients, on the other hand, provided more extended turns in response to staff members' questions, thereby helping to maintain the dialogue. However, in a notable minority of communicative turns, the clients failed to link with the staff member's contribution.

Conclusions  The interactional patterns found in this study suggest that staff and clients can face difficulties establishing collaborative dialogues on shared topics. Future research should take account of what staff and clients want to achieve in dialogues, along with the nature of their non‐verbal communication.
Measurement of dynamic bite force during mastication
Authors: SHIMADA A. , YAMABE Y. , TORISU T. , BAAD‐HANSEN L. , MURATA H. , SVENSSON P.
Published: January 2012

Summary  Efficient mastication of different types and size of food depends on fast integration of sensory information from mechanoreceptors and central control mechanisms of jaw movements and applied bite force. The neural basis underlying mastication has been studied for decades but little progress in understanding the dynamics of bite force has been made mainly due to technical limitations of bite force recorders. The aims of this study were to develop a new intraoral bite force recorder which would allow the study of natural mastication without an increase in the occlusal vertical dimension and subsequently to analyze the relation between electromyographic (EMG) activity of jaw‐closing muscles, jaw movements and bite force during mastication of five different types of food. Customized force recorders based on strain gauge sensors were fitted to the upper and lower molar teeth on the preferred chewing side in fourteen healthy and dentate subjects (21–39 years), and recordings were carried out during voluntary mastication of five different kinds of food. Intraoral force recordings were successively obtained from all subjects. anova showed that impulse of bite force as well as integrated EMG was significantly influenced by food (P < 0·05), while time‐related parameters were significantly affected by chewing cycles (P < 0·001). This study demonstrates that intraoral force recordings are feasible and can provide new information on the dynamics of human mastication with direct implications for oral rehabilitation. We also propose that the control of bite force during mastication is achieved by anticipatory adjustment and encoding of bolus characteristics.
Dynamics of posterior tongue during pronunciation and voluntary tongue lift movement in young adults
Authors: SHIRAHIGE C. , OKI K. , MORIMOTO Y. , OISAKA N. , MINAGI S.
Published: January 2012

Summary  The lifting‐up movement of the posterior part of the tongue to touch the palate, which is a requirement for performing physiological functions such as deglutition and speech, is an important phenomenon that is difficult to objectively evaluate. The purpose of this study was to develop a new modality to evaluate the tongue‐lifting function, especially in the posterior part of the tongue, and to elucidate the dynamic properties of the tongue in normal subjects. Twenty‐three healthy volunteers (9 men and 14 women; mean age, 27·6 years) participated in this study. A new device was developed that could evaluate the up‐down movement of the posterior part of the tongue in a non‐invasive manner. The experimental tasks were as follows: (i) /a/ pronunciation for 1 s followed by /ka/ pronunciation (a‐ka task), (ii) /a/ pronunciation for 1 s followed by /ga/ pronunciation (a‐ga task) and (iii) /a/ pronunciation for 1 s followed by a voluntary push‐up movement of the posterior part of the tongue (a‐lift task). Maximum upward velocity in the a‐ga task was larger than that in the a‐ka task (P < 0·05). The a‐lift task showed the highest tongue lift range among the three tasks, and the a‐ga task showed a higher range than that of the a‐ka task (P < 0·05). This study revealed that precise quantification of the motility of the posterior part of the tongue, which would be useful in rehabilitation of articulation and/or swallowing, could be achieved using this new device in a non‐invasive manner.
Residual ridge resorption, lower denture stability and subjective complaints among edentulous individuals
Authors: HUUMONEN S. , HAIKOLA B. , OIKARINEN K. , SÖDERHOLM A‐L. , REMES‐LYLY T. , SIPILÄ K.
Published: January 2012

Summary  Residual ridge resorption in the mandible after tooth loss may lead to worsening of complete denture stability and to various subjective complaints. The aim was to evaluate the association between radiologically assessed residual ridge resorption in the mandible, clinically assessed stability of lower complete denture and subjective complaints among elderly denture wearers. The study population consisted of 326 (115 men and 211 women) edentulous subjects aged 60–78 years, all of whom were wearing complete dentures in the mandible. Data on subjective complaints were obtained from questionnaires and interviews. Denture stability was assessed clinically. Residual ridge resorption was analysed from panoramic radiographs. The results showed that women were significantly more often satisfied with their lower dentures and reported fewer problems with eating than men. They also had significantly more often residual ridge resorption than men. Among women, residual ridge resorption was significantly associated with poor chewing ability, low satisfaction with dentures and poor denture stability. Among men, residual ridge resorption did not associate with subjective complaints or denture stability. Poor satisfaction with dentures associated significantly with poor denture stability in both genders. In conclusion, these results highlight the importance of denture maintenance treatment. As the extent of residual ridge resorption in the mandible was the most important factor that increased dissatisfaction with lower complete dentures, it is also important to inhibit the progression of resorption by preventing tooth loss or by using implant‐retained dentures.
Differential gene expression of CYP3A isoforms in equine liver and intestines
Authors: TYDÉN E. , LÖFGREN M. , PEGOLO S. , CAPOLONGO F. , TJÄLVE H. , LARSSON P.
Published: January 2012

Tydén, E., Löfgren, M., Pegolo, S., Capolongo, F., Tjälve, H., Larsson, P. Differential gene expression of CYP3A isoforms in equine liver and intestines. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 588–595.

Recently, seven CYP3A isoforms – CYP3A89, CYP3A93, CYP3A94, CYP3A95, CYP3A96, CYP3A97 and CYP129 – have been isolated from the horse genome. In this study, we have examined the hepatic and intestinal gene expression of these CYP3A isoforms using TaqMan probes. We have also studied the enzyme activity using luciferin‐isopropyl acetal (LIPA) as a substrate. The results show a differential gene expression of the CYP3A isoforms in the liver and intestines in horses. In the liver, CYP3A89, CYP3A94, CYP3A96 and CYP3A97 were highly expressed, while in the intestine there were only two dominating isoforms, CYP3A93 and CYP3A96. The isoform CYP3A129 was not detected in the liver or the intestine, although this gene consists of a complete set of exons and should therefore code for a functional protein. It is possible that this gene is expressed in tissues other than the liver and intestines. In the intestine, both CYP3A96 and CYP3A93 showed the highest gene expression in the duodenum and the proximal parts of the jejunum. This correlated with a high protein expression in these tissues. Studies of the enzyme activity showed the same Km for the LIPA substrate in the liver and the intestine, while the maximum velocity (Vmax) in the liver was higher than in the intestine. Our finding of a differential gene expression of the CYP3A isoforms in the liver and the intestines contributes to a better understanding of drug metabolism in horses.
A promiscuous antitoxin of bacteriophage T4 ensures successful viral replication
Authors: Short Francesca L. , Blower Tim R. , Salmond George P. C.
Published: January 2012

Bacteria are constantly threatened by predation from bacteriophage parasites and, in response, have evolved an array of resistance mechanisms. These resistance mechanisms then place greater selection pressure on the infecting bacteriophages, which develop counter‐strategies in a perpetual ‘arms race’ between virus and host. Toxin–antitoxin (TA) loci are widespread in bacteria and can confer multiple benefits, including resistance to bacteriophages. The study by Otsuka and Yonesaki, published in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, describes a new plasmid‐encoded TA system, lsoAB, which confers resistance to a dmd‐ mutant of bacteriophage T4 through the activity of the LsoA toxin. Infections with wild‐type T4, however, are unaffected as the Dmd protein acts as an alternative antitoxin to LsoA, thus preventing its anti‐bacteriophage activity. Dmd has also been shown to negate the activity of a related toxin, RnlA. This is a striking result indicating that Dmd can act as a promiscuous antitoxin, binding and inhibiting multiple toxin partners, when antitoxin activity is generally considered to be limited to a single cognate toxin. This study is an exciting addition to both the bacteriophage resistance and TA fields, and suggests a greater role for TA system‐based resistance and counter‐resistance in the world's oldest predator‐prey relationship.
Factors related to attitudes toward organ donation after death in the immigrant population in Spain
Authors: López Jorge S. , Valentín María O. , Scandroglio Barbara , Coll Elisabeth , Martín María J. , Sagredo Encarnación , Martínez José M. , Serna Emilio , Matesanz Rafael
Published: January 2012

López JS, Valentín MO, Scandroglio B, Coll E, Martín MJ, Sagredo E, Martínez JM, Serna E, Matesanz R. Factors related to attitudes toward organ donation after death in the immigrant population in Spain.  Clin Transplant 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01586.x.  © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Considering the relevance of the migratory processes in Western societies, the attitudes toward organ donation after death are analyzed by means of a survey applied to a representative random sample of the resident immigrant population in Spain, comprising 1202 subjects (estimated margin of error of ±2.88%, p = q, p < 0.05). Considered variables were disposition toward own organ donation, disposition toward deceased relatives’ donation in different situations, arguments against donation, socio‐demographic indicators, religious beliefs, social integration, and information about organ donation and transplantation. Predisposition to donate varies strongly across geographical origin and religious beliefs and also shows relationships with additional socio‐demographic, social integration, and informative variables. In turn, the relationship between religious beliefs and attitude toward donation varies as a function of the degree of social integration. In Spain, the immigrant population is a heterogeneous collective that requires differential strategies to promote donation. Such strategies should be aimed at reinforcing the existing positive attitudes of citizens from West Europe and Latin America, and at familiarizing and informing about donation in citizens from the East, and at making specific efforts to break down the cultural and religious barriers toward donation in African citizens, with special emphasis on people of the Muslim faith.
Time‐series resolution of gradual nitrogen starvation and its impact on photosynthesis in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803
Authors: Krasikov Vladimir , Aguirre von Wobeser Eneas , Dekker Henk L. , Huisman Jef , Matthijs Hans C. P.
Published: January 2012

Sequential adaptation to nitrogen deprivation and ultimately to full starvation requires coordinated adjustment of cellular functions. We investigated changes in gene expression and cell physiology of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 during 96 h of nitrogen starvation. During the first 6 h, the transcriptome showed activation of nitrogen uptake and assimilation systems and of the core nitrogen and carbon assimilation regulators. However, the nitrogen‐deprived cells still grew at the same rate as the control and even showed transiently increased expression of phycobilisome genes. After 12 h, cell growth decreased and chlorosis started with degradation of the nitrogen‐rich phycobilisomes. During this phase, the transcriptome showed suppression of genes for phycobilisomes, for carbon fixation and for de novo protein synthesis. Interestingly, photosynthetic activity of both photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II was retained quite well. Excess electrons were quenched by the induction of terminal oxidase and hydrogenase genes, compensating for the diminished carbon fixation and nitrate reduction activity. After 48 h, the cells ceased most activities. A marked exception was the retained PSI gene transcription, possibly this supports the viability of Synechocystis cells and enables rapid recovery after relieving from nitrogen starvation. During early recovery, many genes changed expression, supporting the resumed cellular activity. In total, our results distinguished three phases during gradual nitrogen depletion: (1) an immediate response, (2) short‐term acclimation and (3) long‐term survival. This shows that cyanobacteria respond to nitrogen starvation by a cascade of physiological adaptations reflected by numerous changes in the transcriptome unfolding at different timescales.
Maize calcium‐dependent protein kinase (ZmCPK11): local and systemic response to wounding, regulation by touch and components of jasmonate signaling
Authors: Szczegielniak Jadwiga , Borkiewicz Lidia , Szurmak Blanka , Lewandowska‐Gnatowska Elżbieta , Statkiewicz Małgorzata , Klimecka Maria , Cieśla Jarosław , Muszyńska Grażyna
Published: January 2012

Expression of ZmCPK11, a member of the maize (Zea mays) calcium‐dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) family, is induced by mechanical wounding. A rapid increase of the activity of a 56‐kDa CDPK has been observed in damaged leaves. In the present work, it is shown that the 56‐kDa CDPK, identified as ZmCPK11, is also activated in non‐wounded leaves as an element of systemic wound response. Moreover, an increase of the enzyme's activity and induction of ZmCPK11 expression was observed after touching the leaves. To study the role of ZmCPK11 in wound and touch signaling, transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants in which c‐Myc‐ZmCPK11 was expressed under control of the CaMV 35S promoter were generated. Analysis of the transgenic plants showed that c‐Myc‐ZmCPK11 was activated upon wounding and touching. Furthermore, pre‐treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (acSA), an inhibitor of jasmonic acid (JA)‐dependent wound signaling, abolished the wound‐induced activation of ZmCPK11 in maize and the transgenic A. thaliana plants. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and linolenic acid (LA) stimulated the activity of ZmCPK11 as well as induced the expression of ZmCPK11 and other wound‐responsive genes, lipoxygenase 1 (ZmLOX1) and proteinase inhibitor 1 (ZmWIP1). These results indicate that ZmCPK11, regulated at the enzymatic and transcriptional level by LA and MeJA, is a component of touch‐ and wound‐induced pathway(s), participating in early stages of local and systemic responses.
On the trail of anti‐CDE to unexpected highlights of the RHD*weak 4.3 allele in the Upper Austrian population
Authors: Polin H. , Gaszner W. , Hackl C. , Danzer M. , Niklas N. , Gabriel C.
Published: January 2012

Background and Objectives  The application of a commercial available microcolumn system for ABO/RH determination lead to irregular results in CDE typing of seemingly D‐ blood samples. In this study, we introduce a comprehensive serological and molecular work‐up of a novel haplotype carrying the RHD*weak 4.3 in combination with an aberrant RHCE*ce.

Materials and Methods  The molecular background was characterized by RHD and RHCE‐specific DNA sequencing, RHD cDNA sequencing and RHD zygosity testing. Haplotype‐specific extraction and inheritance analysis were initiated to determine the linkage of the polymorphisms. The genetic admixture was studied by whole genome SNP array analysis. Serology was done using commercial available standard techniques and by in‐house sera likewise.

Results  All samples (n = 29) were shown to harbour an altered RHD(T201R, F223V, P291R) allele known as RHD*weak 4.3 associated with a RHCE*ce(W16C, A36T, L245V) gene formation, expressing CX and VS. Both anti‐CX and anti‐V/VS were detected as contaminating antibodies in a commercial available microcolumn system for ABO/RH determination accounting for the positive results in CDE typing. Compared with other population data, the samples were clearly identified as Caucasian.

Conclusion  The RHD*weak 4.3 allele with markedly reduced antigen D expression was shown to be associated with an altered RHCE gene formation leading to the expression of CX and VS. Its frequency was estimated 1 in 854 among apparently D‐ Upper Austrian blood donors.
Litter mixture effects on tropical tree seedling growth – a greenhouse experiment
Authors: Coq S. , Weigel J. , Bonal D. , Hättenschwiler S.
Published: January 2012

Decomposing litter provides critical nutrients for plants, particularly in nutrient‐poor ecosystems such as tropical forests. We hypothesised that decomposing litter improves the performance of a variety of tropical tree seedlings, and that this litter effect varies depending on the species of litter present in litter mixtures. We addressed these hypotheses with a large pot experiment manipulating a range of different litter mixtures of contrasting quality and using seedlings of four tree species from the Amazonian forest of French Guiana. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, decomposing litter had either neutral or negative impacts on seedling growth, despite strongly different growth rates, biomass allocation patterns and leaf and root traits among tree species. Tree species varied in their responses to litter additions, which were further modified by species identity of the added litter. Our data show litter species‐specific effects on growth, biomass allocation and leaf and root traits of tropical tree seedlings. These results suggest that a net nutrient release from decomposing litter does not necessarily improve tree seedling growth, even under nutrient‐limiting conditions. In conclusion, litter layer composition may affect seedling establishment and recruitment success beyond litter‐derived plant nutrient availability, which may contribute to tree species composition and dynamics in the studied tropical forest.
Water regime and growth of young oak stands subjected to air‐warming and drought on two different forest soils in a model ecosystem experiment
Authors: Kuster T. M. , Arend M. , Bleuler P. , Günthardt‐Goerg M. S. , Schulin R.
Published: January 2012

Global climate change is expected to increase annual temperatures and decrease summer precipitation in Central Europe. Little is known of how forests respond to the interaction of these climate factors and if their responses depend on soil conditions. In a 3‐year lysimeter experiment, we investigated the growth response of young mixed oak stands, on either acidic or calcareous soil, to soil water regime, air‐warming and drought treatments corresponding to an intermediate climate change scenario. The air‐warming and drought treatments were applied separately as well as in combination. The air‐warming treatment had no effect on soil water availability, evapotranspiration or stand biomass. Decreased evapotranspiration from the drought‐exposed stands led to significantly higher air and soil temperatures, which were attributed to impaired transpirational cooling. Water limitation significantly reduced the stand foliage, shoot and root biomass as droughts were severe, as shown in low leaf water potentials. Additional air warming did not enhance the drought effects on evapotranspiration and biomass, although more negative leaf water potentials were observed. After re‐watering, evapotranspiration increased within a few days to pre‐drought levels. Stands not subjected to the drought treatment produced significantly less biomass on the calcareous soil than on the acidic soil, probably due to P or Mn limitation. There was no difference in biomass and water regime between the two soils under drought conditions, indicating that nutrient availability was governed by water availability under these conditions. The results demonstrate that young oak stands can cope with severe drought and therefore can be considered for future forestry.
Chronic exercise partially restores the transmural heterogeneity of action potential duration in left ventricular myocytes of spontaneous hypertensive rats
Authors: Roman‐Campos Danilo , Carneiro‐Júnior Miguel A , Prímola‐Gomes Thales N , Silva Karina A , Quintão‐Júnior Judson F , Gondim Antonio NS , Duarte Hugo L , Cruz Jader S , Natali Antonio J
Published: January 2012

Hypertension leads to electrophysiological changes in the heart. Chronic exercise induced by a treadmill‐running programme (TRP) is considered a potential non‐pharmacological treatment for hypertension and may have implications in heart remodelling. However, it is not known whether the TRP is able to improve the electrophysiological properties of the heart in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, we investigated whether TRP affects the electrical properties of left ventricular (LV) myocytes isolated from different layers of the LV wall of SHR.

Male SHR were divided into exercised (chronic treadmill running for 8 weeks; CEX‐SHR) and sedentary (SED‐SHR) groups. Age‐matched normotensive Wistar male rats served as controls. Action potentials (AP) and transient outward potassium current (Ito) were recorded in subepicardial (EPI) and subendocardial (ENDO) LV myocytes.

In normotensive controls, AP duration (APD) was longer in ENDO cells than in EPI cells. This sort of transmural heterogeneity in the LV was not observed in sedentary SHR and was partially restored in SHR subject to chronic exercise. This partial recovery was associated with an increase in Ito density in EPI cells but not in ENDO cells. The electrophysiological changes observed in the CEX‐SHR group were not accompanied by either amelioration of systolic blood pressure or a reduction in heart hypertrophy.

These findings imply that a TRP is able to improve the electrophysiological parameters of isolated cardiac myocytes in SHR. This sort of adaptation contributes to the overall improvement of heart physiology in this model.
Systematic review of the emotional state and self‐management of widows
Authors: Holm Anne Lise , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: January 2012

The death of a partner in later life is generally experienced as the most stressful normative life event. This study reviewed evidence about the emotional state of widows. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included in the review. A systematic search was made of the OVID Medline, PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost/Academic Search Premier databases using the following search words: “depression”, “elderly”/“older”, “emotional state”, “mood”, “self‐management”, “widows”, and “women” for the period January 2000 to December 2010. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria, and a qualitative content analysis was used to review them. The findings revealed one main theme: “A struggle to perceive meaning in the meaningless”, which was based on three themes: “Numbing the pain and struggling to control feelings”, “Feeling sad, yet trying to maintain close emotional relationships and meaningful activities”, and “The process of change and self‐management dominated by resilience”. The widows seemed overwhelmed by the need to overcome an unbearable emotional state. The resilience process was experienced as a struggle, and they required time to improve their well‐being and self‐management. To achieve self‐management, nurses should strengthen widows' optimism, control, well‐being, and the pathways that lead to recovery.
Clinical considerations for the management of residual diabetes following bariatric surgery
Authors: Kashyap S. R. , Schauer P.
Published: January 2012

Residual diabetes following bariatric surgery is increasingly recognized despite initial weight loss. It occurs more commonly following banding and sleeve gastrectomy procedures than with gastric bypass, is associated with long duration and advanced stages of diabetes and is exacerbated by weight regain. Long‐term diabetes management following various gastric restrictive surgery (i.e. lap banding) requires targeting weight loss, insulin resistance and insulin secretion defects with antidiabetic agents that have weight negative or neutral effects. In contrast, re‐emergence of hyperglycaemia following gastric bypass may require targeting β‐cell failure with insulin analogues. Revisional bariatric surgery is also a consideration. On the basis of our experience, we propose a clinical approach for long‐term management of diabetes following various bariatric procedures in the presence and absence of weight regain that is based on recognized pathophysiological effects of these procedures on diabetes remission.
Serum levels of pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) are positively associated with acanthosis nigricans in obese adolescents
Authors: Galhardo J. , Hunt L. P. , Shield J. P. H.
Published: January 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e117–e120 (2012)

Introduction  Circulating pigment epithelium‐derived factor, or serine protease inhibitor F1, is upregulated during adipogenesis, contributing to obesity‐induced insulin resistance. Furthermore, pigment epithelium‐derived factor is abundant in stage I melanosomes and has been reported to increase pigment granules and the appearance of mature melanosomes in retinal pigment epithelium. As acanthosis nigricans is a well‐recognized clinical marker of insulin resistance, we hypothesized that increased pigment epithelium‐derived factor might be associated with the generation of acanthosis nigricans.

Methods  Acanthosis nigricans, anthropometric measurements, circulating total PEDF and metabolic profiles were assessed in 28 obese adolescents in a hospital‐based obesity clinic.

Results  Subjects with acanthosis nigricans (n = 10) showed greater plasma levels of pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) than those without [geometric mean 23.55 (range 15.2–40.2) vs. 9.01 (range 5.5–18.7) μg/ml; P < 0.001]. Although pigment epithelium‐derived factor was positively correlated with the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (r = 0.779, P < 0.001; 95% CI 0.573–0.892), as previously reported, for the same degree of insulin resistance, those with acanthosis nigricans exhibited a 2.1‐fold (95%CI 2.0–2.3) higher level of pigment epithelium‐derived factor.

Conclusions  While acanthosis nigricans is undoubtedly associated with insulin resistance, its appearance is not ubiquitous in patients at any given level of HOMA‐IR. The higher levels of pigment epithelium‐derived factor in those with acanthosis nigricans compared with those without, with similar levels of resistance, suggest that pigment epithelium‐derived factor levels are associated with acanthosis nigricans.