bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral lesions in a group of Thai people with AIDS
Authors: Nittayananta W , Chungpanich S
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of oral lesions present in Thai people with AIDS and to determine whether gender influences the occurrence of oral lesions.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Extra‐ and intra‐oral examinations were performed on 124 AIDS patients (90 men, aged 19–62 years, median 30 years; and 34 women, aged 19–41 years, median 28 years).

RESULTS: Oral lesions were found in 102 patients (82%). Pseudomembranous candidiasis was the most common lesions, (n = 67; 54%) followed by erythematous candidiasis (n = 31; 25%), and hairy leukoplakia (n=16; 13%). Other lesions were atypical ulcers (n = 14; 11%), periodontal disease (n = 9; 7%), angular cheilitis (n = 8; 6%), and infection with herpes simplex virus (n = 6; 5%). Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma was the only detected neoplasm (n = 5; 4%). Other lesions caused by fungi were histoplasmosis (n = 5; 4%) and penicilliosis (n = 2; 2%). Xerostomia was also found to be a common condition (n = 79; 63%). Most patients had a total number of lymphocytes of less than 1000 cell mm−3 (n = 85; 68%).

CONCLUSIONS: The types of oral lesions observed in AIDS patients in Thailand show some similarities with studies from other countries. The prevalence of oral lesions did not appear to be influenced by gender.
Clinical applications of two detection systems for HIV using saliva
Authors: Wisnom C , DePaola L , Saville RD , Constantine NT , Falkler W
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this research was to determine if the accuracy of HIV saliva and serum test results were influenced by changes in collection sites. In order to do so, serum and saliva samples were collected from 615 subjects in eight different geographic settings. The oral fluid collection/testing systems utilized were the Orapette SalivaCard HIV‐1/HIV‐2 antibody test (Trinity Biotech, Ireland) and the Omni‐SAI/Immuno Comb II HIV 1 & 2 Saliva Test (Orgenics Ltd, Israel). For comparison, serum samples were tested by ELISA (Ortho) with reactive results confirmed via HIV‐1 and HIV‐2 Western blots (Biotech/Dupont, Institute Pasteur). The HIV serum and oral fluid collections were conducted in numerous test sites, which provided a great diversity in temperature, lighting and physical layout. The tests proved to be 99.8% and 100% specific, and both were 100% sensitive, regardless of the physical setting of the collections. While these systems are not currently available in the US, this study clearly demonstrates they can accurately be utilized in a variety of clinical settings, providing great promise for future applications.
The Baby Boom and Its Causes: What We Know and What We Need to Know
Authors: Van Bavel Jan , Reher David S.
Published: June 2013

This study analyzes the timing, magnitude, and volume of the mid‐twentieth century baby boom in European and non‐European Western countries. The baby boom is found to have been especially strong in the non‐European countries, fairly strong in some European countries, and quite weak in others. While the boom has often been linked with postwar economic growth and the recuperation of births postponed during the Depression era, we argue that this is only a limited part of the story. In most cases the recovery of the birth rate started well before the end of World War II, a fact not accounted for by existing theories. We investigate the roles played by the recovery of period as well as cohort fertility, the underlying marriage boom, and the recovery of marital fertility. We identify major puzzles for future research, including the reasons for strongly declining ages at marriage and the role played by contraceptive failure in the rise of high‐parity births.
Olmesartan/Amlodipine/Hydrochlorothiazide in Obese Participants With Hypertension: A TRINITY Subanalysis
Authors: Roth Eli M. , Oparil Suzanne , Melino Michael , Lee James , Fernandez Victor , Heyrman Reinilde
Published: June 2013

The objective of this prespecified TRINITY study subgroup analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of triple‐combination treatment with olmesartan medoxomil (OM) 40 mg, amlodipine besylate (AML) 10 mg, and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 25 mg vs the component dual‐combination treatments in obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) and nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m2) hypertensive participants. The double‐blind treatment period primary end point was the least‐squares (LS) mean reduction in seated diastolic BP (SeDBP) at week 12 (end of the double‐blind period). Of the 2492 randomized participants, 1555 (62.4%) had BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Irrespective of BMI, triple‐combination treatment resulted in greater LS mean reductions in seated BP (SeBP) (≥30 kg/m2, 6.7–10.5/4.5–7.3 mm Hg; <30 kg/m2, 5.1–8.6/2.5–6.0 mm Hg [P<.005] vs dual‐combination treatments for both subgroups) at week 12. Furthermore, triple‐combination treatment enabled a greater proportion of participants to reach BP goal vs the dual‐combination treatments (≥30 kg/m2, 62% vs 31%–46% [P<.0001]; <30 kg/m2, 69% vs 41%–55% [P<.005]) at week 12. SeBP reduction and goal attainment (≥30 kg/m2, 63%; <30 kg/m2, 67%) was maintained through week 52/early termination. Triple‐combination treatment was well tolerated in both BMI subgroups.
Research Review: The role of cytokines in depression in adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Mills Natalie T. , Scott James G. , Wray Naomi R. , Cohen‐Woods Sarah , Baune Bernhard T.
Published: June 2013

Background

While cytokines have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression in adults, the potential role in younger age groups such as adolescents is less clear. This article therefore reviews the literature (a) to explore the relationship between cytokines and depression in adolescents, and (b) to examine how cytokines may be related to adolescent depression in the context of other neurobiological theories of depression.

Method

A systematic review of the scientific literature on the subject was conducted in February 2013, searching the Web of Knowledge, PubMed (Medline), PsycInfo and Cochrane electronic databases.

Results

Eighteen studies were identified measuring both depression or depressive symptoms and cytokines or immune markers in adolescents. Adolescents with depression show age‐specific characteristics of the immune and inflammatory system, specifically in NK cell activity and in pro‐inflammatory cytokines (such as IL‐1β and TNF‐α). In addition, the role of cytokines in adolescent depression is influenced by neurodevelopment, hormonal changes, stress and trauma.

Conclusions

There may be differences in the neurobiology of adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) compared with adult MDD. Increased understanding of the role of cytokines in adolescent MDD may lead to improved outcomes in the treatment of adolescent depression.
Acne treatment in the field: how guidelines and other sources can be included in daily practice
Authors: Rzany Berthold , Nast Alexander
Published: June 2013

Background

Acne is a complex disease ranging from mild to very severe. Quality of life can be considerably affected although the impact on the quality of life does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the disease.

Aim

To show how good external evidence can be used in individual treatment decisions.

Methods

Description of four typical case secenarios usining the recommendation of the recent evidence based guidelines and other sources.

Results

The four quite typical patients presented here (i) a young boy with comedonal acne; (ii) a young black girl with papulopustular acne; (iii) an older boy with conglobate acne; and (iv) a young women with postadolescent papulopustular acne give a range of the possible challenges a dermatologist may face.

Conclusion

How can the best treatment be selected for our patients? By keeping a clear mind, using the available best evidence and taking of course into account individual factors.
A double‐blind, randomized, vehicle‐controlled efficacy assessment study of a skin care formulation for improvement of mild to moderately severe acne
Authors: Angelova‐Fischer I. , Rippke F. , Fischer T.W. , Neufang G. , Zillikens D.
Published: June 2013

Background

Inflammation, increased sebum production and P. acnes colonization are key factors in acne pathogenesis. Cosmetic formulations based on a combination of active compounds with in vitro proven anti‐inflammatory, sebum regulating and P. acnes reducing properties may therefore contribute to improve the clinical signs and associated burden of disease.

Objective

To provide in vivo proof‐of‐concept, we performed a 9‐week, double‐blind, randomized, vehicle‐controlled study to assess the stand‐alone efficacy of a skin care formulation containing licochalcone A, l‐carnitine and 1,2‐decanediol in volunteers with mild to moderately severe acne (10–25 inflammatory lesions) involving the face.

Materials and methods

After enrolment followed by a 1‐week standardization of the cleansing procedure, 60 volunteers aged 14–40 years (40 women and 20 men, mean age 22.4 years) were randomized into two groups of 30 volunteers each, to apply either the active formulation or the vehicle twice daily on the face for 8 weeks. Reduction in the lesion count, P. acnes and sebum levels, stratum corneum hydration, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and skin tolerability, assessed after 4 and 8 weeks were defined as outcomes.

Results

Compared to baseline, the active formulation group showed at the end of the study a reduction in the mean total lesions count and papular lesions, significant reduction in the pustules (P < 0.05) and sebum levels (P < 0.01), marked reduction in P. acnes and improvement of DLQI. No significant changes in the respective parameters were found in the vehicle group. At the end of the study, greater reduction in the total lesion count, papules and pustules, P. acnes colonization, sebum production and more pronounced improvement of life quality in the active formulation group compared to the vehicle were found.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence for improved outcomes in result of the application of the active formulation compared to the vehicle from both physician's and patient's perspective.
Improvements to Rapfish: a rapid evaluation technique for fisheries integrating ecological and human dimensionsa
Authors: Pitcher T. J. , Lam M. E. , Ainsworth C. , Martindale A. , Nakamura K. , Perry R. I. , Ward T.
Published: June 2013

This paper reports recent developments in Rapfish, a normative, scalable and flexible rapid appraisal technique that integrates both ecological and human dimensions to evaluate the status of fisheries in reference to a norm or goal. Appraisal status targets may be sustainability, compliance with a standard (such as the UN code of conduct for responsible fisheries) or the degree of progress in meeting some other goal or target. The method combines semi‐quantitative (e.g. ecological) and qualitative (e.g. social) data via multiple evaluation fields, each of which is assessed through scores assigned to six to 12 attributes or indicators: the scoring method allows user flexibility to adopt a wide range of utility relationships. For assessing sustainability, six evaluation fields have been developed: ecological, technological, economic, social, ethical and institutional. Each field can be assessed directly with a set of scored attributes, or several of the fields can be dealt with in greater detail using nested subfields that themselves comprise multidimensional Rapfish assessments (e.g. the hierarchical institutional field encompasses both governance and management, including a detailed analysis of legality). The user has the choice of including all or only some of the available sustainability fields. For the attributes themselves, there will rarely be quantitative data, but scoring allows these items to be estimated. Indeed, within a normative framework, one important advantage with Rapfish is transparency of the rigour, quality and replicability of the scores. The Rapfish technique employs a constrained multidimensional ordination that is scaled to situate data points within evaluation space. Within each evaluation field, results may be presented as a two‐dimensional plot or in a one‐dimensional rank order. Uncertainty is expressed through the probability distribution of Monte‐Carlo simulations that use the c.l. on each original observation. Overall results of the multidisciplinary analysis may be shown using kite diagrams that compare different locations, time periods (including future projections) and management scenarios, which make policy trade‐offs explicit. These enhancements are now available in the R programming language and on an open website, where users can run Rapfish analyses by downloading the software or uploading their data to a user interface.
Variability in energy density of forage fishes from the Bay of Biscay (north‐east Atlantic Ocean): reliability of functional grouping based on prey quality
Authors: Spitz J. , Jouma'a J.
Published: June 2013

Energy densities of 670 fishes belonging to nine species were measured to evaluate intraspecific variability. Functional groups based on energy density appeared to be sufficiently robust to individual variability to provide a classification of forage fish quality applicable in a variety of ecological fields including ecosystem modelling.
Differential roles of serum hepatitis B virus DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen level in predicting virological breakthrough in patients receiving lamivudine therapy
Authors: Su Chien‐Wei , Wu Chun‐Ying , Hung Hung‐Hsu , Wu Chu‐Hui , Sheen I‐Jane , Wu Jaw‐Ching
Published: June 2013

Background and Aim

The role of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level in determining virological breakthrough (VB) for patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection receiving lamivudine remains unclear. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of serum HBsAg levels on VB among patients receiving lamivudine therapy, especially in a setting of low HBV viral load.

Methods

Two hundred sixty‐eight consecutive treatment‐naïve patients who underwent lamivudine therapy for chronic hepatitis B were enrolled. Factors in terms of VB were analyzed by multivariate analysis.

Results

After a median treatment duration of 67.1 weeks, 102 patients had VB. Multivariate analysis showed that positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) (hazard ratio 2.165, P = 0.026) and HBV DNA levels ≥ 2000 IU/mL after 6 months of lamivudine therapy (hazard ratio 5.236, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors predicting VB. The cumulative VB rates stratified by HBeAg‐positive and ‐negative at 3 years were 44.7% and 26.3%, respectively. At 3 years, the cumulative VB rates stratified by the HBV DNA < 2000 and ≥ 2000 IU/mL after 6 months of therapy were 25.5% and 79.4%, respectively. For HBeAg‐positive patients with serum HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL after 6 months of therapy, baseline HBsAg levels ≥ 20 000 IU/mL was the only risk factor associated with VB.

Conclusions

For chronic hepatitis B patients treated with lamivudine, serum HBV DNA level > 2000 IU/mL after 6 months of therapy could predict subsequent VB. In patients with lower on‐treatment viral load, baseline serum HBsAg level is associated with the emergence of VB, especially for those with serum positive HBeAg.
Association of MDM2 T309G and p53 Arg72Pro polymorphisms and gastroesophageal reflux disease with survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Renouf Daniel J , Zhai Rihong , Sun Bin , Xu Wei , Cheung Winson Y , Heist Rebecca S , Kulke Matthew H , Cescon David , Asomaning Kofi , Marshall Ariella L , Li Su , Christiani David C , Liu Geoffrey
Published: June 2013

Background and Aim

Although gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), some patients develop EAC in the absence of GERD. A putative mechanism of reflux‐induced tumorigenesis involves disruptions in the p53 pathway. We assessed the interaction of GERD and p53 pathway polymorphisms on EAC prognosis.

Methods

In a prospective cohort of 358 EAC patients, clinical data (including GERD history and survival) were collected. Germline DNA was genotyped for MDM2 T309G and p53 Arg72Pro. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) for associations between genotype, GERD, and genotype‐GERD interactions with survival.

Results

Compared with other genotypes, MDM2 G/G (median overall survival 21 vs 30 months; P < 0.001) and p53 Pro/Pro (12 vs 30 months; P = 0.004) were associated with shorter survival. When analyzed by GERD, MDM2 G/G was associated with shorter survival in patients without GERD (AHR 3.4, 95% CI 2.0–6.0), but not in patients with GERD (AHR 1.1 [0.7–1.8]); the MDM2‐GERD interaction was significant (P = 0.003). A similar trend was seen for p53 Pro/Pro (AHRs 2.5 without GERD vs 1.4 with GERD). Combined analysis of at‐risk variants (MDM2 G or p53 Pro), revealed each additional at‐risk variant was associated with shorter survival in patients without GERD (AHR 1.6) but not with GERD (AHR 1.0).

Conclusions

MDM2 G/G and the combination of MDM2 G and p53 Pro were negative prognostic factors for EAC patients without GERD but not for those with GERD. There may be biological differences between GERD positive and GERD negative EAC.
Application of design‐based stereology for estimation of absolute volume and surface area of the articular and calcified cartilage compartments of undecalcified human femoral heads
Authors: HARTLEV L.B. , NYENGAARD J.R. , THOMSEN J.S. , BOEL L.W.T. , STENGAARD‐PEDERSEN K. , HAUGE E.‐M.
Published: June 2013

Design‐based stereological methods using systematic uniform random sampling, the Cavalieri estimator and vertical sections are used to investigate undecalcified human femoral heads. Ten entire human femoral heads, obtained from normal women and normal men, were systematically sampled and thin undecalcified vertical sections were obtained. Absolute volumes and surface areas of the entire femoral head, the articular cartilage and the calcified cartilage compartments were estimated. In addition, the average thickness of the articular cartilage and the calcified cartilage were calculated. The stereological procedures applied to the human femoral heads resulted in average coefficient of errors, which were 0.03–0.06 for the volume estimates and 0.03–0.04 for the surface area estimates. We conclude that design‐based stereology using the Cavalieri estimator and vertical sections can successfully be used in large undecalcified tissue specimens, like the human femoral head, to estimate the absolute volume and surface area of macroscopic as well as of microscopic tissue compartments. The application of well‐known design‐based stereological methods carries potential advantage for investigating the pathology in inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases.
Correlative light and electron microscopy for the analysis of cell division
Authors: REDEMANN STEFANIE , MÜLLER‐REICHERT THOMAS
Published: June 2013

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) has recently gained increasing attention, because it enables the acquisition of dynamic as well as ultrastructural information about subcellular processes. It is the power of combining the two imaging modalities that gives additional information as compared to using the imaging techniques separately. Here, we briefly summarize two CLEM approaches for the analysis of cells in mitosis and cytokinesis.
Fatigue Behavior of Zirconia‐Ceramic, Galvano‐Ceramic, and Porcelain‐Fused‐to‐Metal Fixed Partial Dentures
Authors: Eroğlu Zekiye , Gurbulak Aysegul G.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This study evaluated the fatigue behavior of three fixed partial dentures (FPDs) before and after artificial fatigue testing.

Materials and Methods

Sixty, three‐unit zirconia‐ceramic (ZC), galvano‐ceramic (GC), and porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) FPDs (N = 20) were fabricated. Ten specimens from each group were exposed to fatigue testing by being thermocycled (5 to 55°C, 10,000 cycles) and loaded (100,000 cycles, 50 N, 0.5 Hz). All specimens were then subjected to occlusal loading in a universal testing machine until fracture. The fractures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's significant difference post hoc test and the paired t‐test. The chi‐squared test was used to evaluate the type of fracture (α = 0.05).

Results

The mean fracture loads of non‐fatigued and fatigued specimens for ZC were 2434.9 ± 154.3 and 2333.1 ± 183.0 N, respectively; for GC were 1678.1 ± 211.6 and 1475.8 ± 227.9 N, respectively; and 1878.5 ± 176.5 and 1687.8 ± 162.2 N, respectively, for PFM restorations. Significant differences were observed between fatigued and non‐fatigued specimens of both the GC group and PFM group (p < 0.05), but not between fatigued and non‐fatigued ZC specimens (p > 0.05). Differences between the PFM and GC specimens were not statistically significant for fatigued or non‐fatigued specimens (p > 0.05). Fracture types did not differ significantly among groups.

Conclusions

ZC specimens were not significantly affected by fatigue, whereas GC and PFM specimens were affected. All tested restorations have the potential to withstand occlusal forces applied in the posterior region.
Profiles of Anticipated Support: Religion's Place in the Composition of Americans’ Emotional Support Networks
Authors: Edgell Penny , Tranby Eric P. , Mather Darin M.
Published: June 2013

In this article we analyze the role of religion in the composition of Americans’ networks of anticipated emotional support. Drawing on data from the National Survey of Religion and Family Life, which contains information on multiple sources of potential emotional support, we use latent class analysis to uncover four different anticipated support profiles, which are organized along two dimensions of variation: religiosity and breadth. We label these profiles religious, secular, broad, and limited. Our analyses demonstrate associations between these anticipated support profiles and a person's gender, family status, age, race, socioeconomic status, and religious involvement. For instance, we find that Catholics are more likely than non‐Catholics to have secular rather than religious support profiles, and African Americans tend to have profiles that are either religious or limited. Finally, we show that these profiles have implications for well‐being. We contribute to research on religion and emotional support by describing how religious and secular sources combine into overall anticipated support profiles. Our conclusion addresses the implications of these findings for current scholarship on religion and emotional support networks.
“Secularization of Consciousness” or Alternative Opportunities? The Impact of Economic Growth on Religious Belief and Practice in 13 European Countries
Authors: Hirschle Jochen
Published: June 2013

This research note contributes to an evaluation of the validity of secularization theory by studying the relationship between economic modernization and patterns of religious change. Both the disenchantment narrative of Berger and Weber and the existential security perspective of Inglehart hypothesize that economic development should be accompanied by a weakening of religious values. Using macro‐level panel regressions, my analysis reveals that while economic growth is directly associated with diminishing church attendance rates, it is not directly associated with a decline in belief. The relation between economic growth and religious decline is therefore not primarily mediated by a “secularization of consciousness.” Findings instead indicate that economic prosperity leads to a change in consumption patterns on the part of individuals due to increased income and availability of alternative, secular opportunities to meet needs previously fulfilled by traditional religion. A decline in religious belief may occur as a secondary consequence of this behavioral change, since diminishing worship attendance rates reduce the influence of religion on value socialization.
Civil Religion and the Cultural Politics of National Identity in Obama's America
Authors: Williams Rhys H.
Published: June 2013

American civil religion (ACR) burst on to the scholarly scene in 1967, and has been periodically revived as a source of analytic insight and normative hope since that time. It posited a universalist, prophetic, nonsectarian faith, referenced on the nation, that served as both a source of unity for the American people and a discursive resource for political leaders and protest movements. Using recent political events as illustrative cases, I argue that ACR is not only a universalist, prophetic creed, it is also an expression of tribal identity that ascribes a particular character and purpose to the American people. In particular, this “tribal” civil religion has an often‐unstated assumption about the inseparability of religion, race, and national identity—that is, white, Christian, and American. Recent events have disrupted those implicit connections, leading to a vociferous reemphasis of their centrality to the national story. I maintain that neither ACR, nor recent politics involving immigration and Barack Obama's presidency, can be understood fully without considering the religion‐race‐national identity nexus.
Anti‐HBV effect of individual traditional Chinese herbal medicine in vitro and in vivo: an analytic review
Authors: Chen Y. , Zhu J.
Published: June 2013

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) has been widely used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China. The systematic analysis of clinical research of TCHM against CHB revealed its potential but not confirmed its therapeutic effect. To understand the detailed antiviral effect of TCHM against HBV infection, we systematically analysed the anti‐HBV effect of individual Chinese herbs on the basis of the research on individual TCHM in vitro and in vivo, which were published from 1995 to 2012. Among 171 herbal components isolated from 76 Chinese herbs, we found 13 compounds and 9 extracts isolated from 18 Chinese herbs showing strong inhibitory effect on HBV DNA, HBeAg or HBsAg release with low cytotoxicity in HepG2.2.15 cells, and agents from 12 Chinese herbs showing the highest inhibition rates of plasma DHBV DNA of more than 50% in DHBV‐infected ducks. In addition, the two compounds chrysophanol 8‐O‐beta‐D‐glucoside isolated from Rheum palmatum and wogonin isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis were found to display strong anti‐HBV activity. Interestingly, compounds isolated from 5 of these effective anti‐HBV Chinese herbs were found to show strong antibacterial or antifungal activity also. This review summarizes and analyses the studies on the anti‐HBV effect of individual TCHM in cell and animal models, providing potential perspective in the understanding of TCHM in the treatment of hepatitis B and the development of new anti‐HBV drugs from TCHM.
Human leucocyte antigen alleles and haplotypes and their associations with antinuclear antibodies features in Chinese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Zhao Dan‐Tong , Liao Hui‐Yu , Zhang Xin , Liu Yan‐Min , Zhao Yan , Zhang Hai‐Ping , Sun Li‐Mei , Ma Yin‐Xue , Yan Hui‐Ping
Published: June 2013

Background & Aims

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease. Genetic factors are critical in determining susceptibility to PBC. Among human leuocyte antigen (HLA) genes, an association between the DRB1*08 allele and PBC has been reported in many populations, but not in Chinese patients.

Methods

We investigated HLA‐A, B, DRB1, and DQB1 alleles and haplotypes in 145 PBC patients and 500 healthy subjects. Patients were also stratified according to autoantibody features, and associations between these and HLA alleles were analyzed.

Results

Significant associations existed between HLA‐DRB1*08:03 (22.1% vs. 9.0%, Pc < 0.0001, OR = 2.86), DQ2 (41.4% vs. 25.4%, Pc < 0.0001, OR = 2.07) and DQB1*06:01 (31.0% vs. 17.8%, Pc = 0.014, OR = 2.08) alleles and PBC. DRB1*08:03‐DQB1*06:01 (22.1% vs. 8.2%, P < 0.0001, OR = 3.17) and DRB1*07:01‐DQB1*02:02 haplotypes (28.3% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.005, OR = 1.85) were also associated with PBC susceptibility. In contrast, the DQB1*03:01 allele (21.4% vs. 39.2%, Pc < 0.0001, OR = 0.42) and DRB1*12:02‐DQB1*03:01 haplotype (6.9% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.015, OR = 0.43) were significantly decreased in PBC patients compared with controls. DRB1*14:54 and DQ5(1) protected against antinuclear antibody (ANA) (OR = 0.25) and anti‐gp210 antibody (OR = 0.39) production, respectively, while HLA‐B*44:03 predisposed patients to anti‐gp210 antibody (OR = 5.70) production.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Chinese patients with PBC have a distinct genetic background in eastern Asia, and we confirmed the role of HLA genes in determining PBC susceptibility and autoantibody features in the Chinese population.
Phylogeny and assemblage composition of Frankia in Alnus tenuifolia nodules across a primary successional sere in interior Alaska
Authors: Anderson M. D. , Taylor D. L. , Ruess R. W.
Published: June 2013

In nitrogen (N) fixing symbioses, host‐symbiont specificity, genetic variation in bacterial symbionts and environmental variation represent fundamental constraints on the ecology, evolution and practical uses of these interactions, but detailed information is lacking for many naturally occurring N‐fixers. This study examined phylogenetic host specificity of Frankia in field‐collected nodules of two Alnus species (A. tenuifolia and A. viridis) in interior Alaska and, for A. tenuifolia, distribution, diversity, spatial autocorrelation and correlation with specific soil factors of Frankia genotypes in nodules collected from replicated habitats representing endpoints of a primary sere. Frankia genotypes most commonly associated with each host belonged to different clades within the Alnus‐infective Frankia clade, and for A. tenuifolia, were divergent from previously described Frankia. A. tenuifolia nodules from early and late succession habitats harboured distinct Frankia assemblages. In early succession, a single genotype inhabited 71% of nodules with no discernable autocorrelation at any scale, while late succession Frankia were more diverse, differed widely among plants within a site and were significantly autocorrelated within and among plants. Early succession Frankia genotype occurrence was strongly correlated with carbon/nitrogen ratio in the mineral soil fraction, while in late succession, the most common genotypes were correlated with different soil variables. Our results suggest that phylogenetic specificity is a significant factor in the A. tenuifolia‐Frankia interaction and that significant habitat‐based differentiation may exist among A. tenuifolia‐infective genotypes. This is consistent with our hypothesis that A. tenuifolia selects specific Frankia genotypes from early succession soils and that this choice is attenuated in late succession.
Using multilevel models to identify drivers of landscape‐genetic structure among management areas
Authors: Dudaniec Rachael Y. , Rhodes Jonathan R. , Worthington Wilmer Jessica , Lyons Mitchell , Lee Kristen E. , McAlpine Clive A. , Carrick Frank N.
Published: June 2013

Landscape genetics offers a powerful approach to understanding species' dispersal patterns. However, a central obstacle is to account for ecological processes operating at multiple spatial scales, while keeping research outcomes applicable to conservation management. We address this challenge by applying a novel multilevel regression approach to model landscape drivers of genetic structure at both the resolution of individuals and at a spatial resolution relevant to management (i.e. local government management areas:LGAs) for the koala (Phascolartos cinereus) in Australia. Our approach allows for the simultaneous incorporation of drivers of landscape‐genetic relationships operating at multiple spatial resolutions. Using microsatellite data for 1106 koalas, we show that, at the individual resolution, foliage projective cover (FPC) facilitates high gene flow (i.e. low resistance) until it falls below approximately 30%. Out of six additional land‐cover variables, only highways and freeways further explained genetic distance after accounting for the effect ofFPC. At theLGAresolution, there was significant variation in isolation‐by‐resistance (IBR) relationships in terms of their slopes and intercepts. This was predominantly explained by the average resistance distance amongLGAs, with a weaker effect of historical forest cover. Rates of recent landscape change did not further explain variation inIBRrelationships amongLGAs. By using a novel multilevel model, we disentangle the effect of landscape resistance on gene flow at the fine resolution (i.e. among individuals) from effects occurring at coarser resolutions (i.e. amongLGAs). This has important implications for our ability to identify appropriate scale‐dependent management actions.
Estimation of population allele frequencies from next‐generation sequencing data: pool‐versus individual‐based genotyping
Authors: Gautier Mathieu , Foucaud Julien , Gharbi Karim , Cézard Timothée , Galan Maxime , Loiseau Anne , Thomson Marian , Pudlo Pierre , Kerdelhué Carole , Estoup Arnaud
Published: June 2013

Molecular markers produced by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are revolutionizing genetic research. However, the costs of analysing large numbers of individual genomes remain prohibitive for most population genetics studies. Here, we present results based on mathematical derivations showing that, under many realistic experimental designs, NGS of DNA pools from diploid individuals allows to estimate the allele frequencies at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with at least the same accuracy as individual‐based analyses, for considerably lower library construction and sequencing efforts. These findings remain true when taking into account the possibility of substantially unequal contributions of each individual to the final pool of sequence reads. We propose the intuitive notion of effective pool size to account for unequal pooling and derive a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate this parameter directly from the data. We provide a user‐friendly application assessing the accuracy of allele frequency estimation from both pool‐ and individual‐based NGS population data under various sampling, sequencing depth and experimental error designs. We illustrate our findings with theoretical examples and real data sets corresponding to SNP loci obtained using restriction site–associated DNA (RAD) sequencing in pool‐ and individual‐based experiments carried out on the same population of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa). NGS of DNA pools might not be optimal for all types of studies but provides a cost‐effective approach for estimating allele frequencies for very large numbers of SNPs. It thus allows comparison of genome‐wide patterns of genetic variation for large numbers of individuals in multiple populations.
Low levels of genetic differentiation characterize Australian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations
Authors: Schmitt Natalie T. , Double Michael C. , Jarman Simon N. , Gales Nick , Marthick James R. , Polanowski Andrea M. , Scott Baker C. , Steel Debbie , Jenner K. Curt S. , Jenner Micheline‐N. M. , Gales Rosemary , Paton David , Peakall Rod
Published: June 2013

Humpback whales undertake long‐distance seasonal migrations between low latitude winter breeding grounds and high latitude summer feeding grounds. We report the first in‐depth population genetic study of the humpback whales that migrate to separate winter breeding grounds along the northwestern and northeastern coasts of Australia, but overlap on summer feeding grounds around Antarctica. Weak but significant differentiation between eastern and western Australia was detected across ten microsatellite loci (FST = 0.005, P = 0.001; DEST = 0.031, P = 0.001, n = 364) and mitochondrial control region sequences (FST = 0.017 and ΦST = 0.069, P = 0.001, n = 364). Bayesian clustering analyses using microsatellite data could not resolve any population structure unless sampling location was provided as a prior. This study supports the emerging evidence that weak genetic differentiation is characteristic among neighboring Southern Hemisphere humpback whale breeding populations. This may be a consequence of relatively high gene flow facilitated by overlapping summer feeding areas in Antarctic waters.
Our Cosmic Insignificance
Authors: Kahane Guy
Published: June 2013

The universe that surrounds us is vast, and we are so very small. When we reflect on the vastness of the universe, our humdrum cosmic location, and the inevitable future demise of humanity, our lives can seem utterly insignificant. Many philosophers assume that such worries about our significance reflect a banal metaethical confusion. They dismiss the very idea of cosmic significance. This, I argue, is a mistake. Worries about cosmic insignificance do not express metaethical worries about objectivity or nihilism, and we can make good sense of the idea of cosmic significance and its absence. It is also possible to explain why the vastness of the universe can make us feel insignificant. This impression does turn out to be mistaken, but not for the reasons typically assumed. In fact, we might be of immense cosmic significance—though we cannot, at this point, tell whether this is the case.
So Close, Yet So Far: Why Solutions to the Closeness Problem for the Doctrine of Double Effect Fall Short
Authors: Nelkin Dana Kay , Rickless Samuel C.
Published: June 2013

According to the classical Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE), there is a morally significant difference between intending harm and merely foreseeing harm. Versions of DDE have been defended in a variety of creative ways, but there is one difficulty, the so‐called “closeness problem”, that continues to bedevil all of them. The problem is that an agent's intention can always be identified in such a fine‐grained way as to eliminate an intention to harm from almost any situation, including those that have been taken to be paradigmatic instances in which DDE applies to intended harm. In this paper, we consider and reject a number of recent attempts to solve the closeness problem. We argue that the failure of these proposals strongly suggests that the closeness problem is intractable, and that the distinction between intending harm and merely foreseeing harm is not morally significant. Further, we argue that there may be a deeper reason why such attempts must fail: the rationale that makes the best fit with DDE, namely, an imperative not to aim at evil, is itself irredeemably flawed. While we believe that these observations should lead us to abandon further attempts to solve the closeness problem for DDE, we also conclude by showing how a related principle that is supported by a distinct rationale and avoids facing the closeness problem altogether nevertheless shares with DDE its most important features, including an intuitive explanation of a number of cases and a commitment to the relevance of intentions.
If This Is My Body … : A Defence of the Doctrine of Doing and Allowing
Authors: Woollard Fiona
Published: June 2013

I defend theDoctrine ofDoing andAllowing: the claim that doing harm is harder to justify than merely allowing harm. A thing does not genuinely belong to a person unless he has special authority over it. TheDoctrine ofDoing andAllowing protects us against harmful imposition – against the actions or needs of another intruding on what is ours. This protection is necessary for something to genuinely belong to a person. The opponent of theDoctrine must claim that nothing genuinely belongs to a person, even his own body.
The impact of environmental stress on male reproductive development in plants: biological processes and molecular mechanisms
Authors: DE STORME NICO , GEELEN DANNY
Published: June 2013

In plants, male reproductive development is extremely sensitive to adverse climatic environments and (a)biotic stress. Upon exposure to stress, male gametophytic organs often show morphological, structural and metabolic alterations that typically lead to meiotic defects or premature spore abortion and male reproductive sterility. Depending on the type of stress involved (e.g. heat, cold, drought) and the duration of stress exposure, the underlying cellular defect is highly variable and either involves cytoskeletal alterations, tapetal irregularities, altered sugar utilization, aberrations in auxin metabolism, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS; oxidative stress) or the ectopic induction of programmed cell death (PCD). In this review, we present the critically stress‐sensitive stages of male sporogenesis (meiosis) and male gametogenesis (microspore development), and discuss the corresponding biological processes involved and the resulting alterations in male reproduction. In addition, this review also provides insights into the molecular and/or hormonal regulation of the environmental stress sensitivity of male reproduction and outlines putative interaction(s) between the different processes involved.
Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and other malignancies after pediatric intestinal transplantation: Incidence, clinical features and outcome
Authors: Ramos Esther , Hernández Francisco , Andres Ane , Martínez‐Ojinaga Eva , Molina Manuel , Sarría Jesús , Lopez‐Santamaria Manuel , Prieto Gerardo
Published: June 2013

PTLDs are a well‐recognized and potentially fatal complication after intestinal transplantation. We analyzed the incidence, clinical features, and outcome in a 63 intestinal transplantation series performed in our unit between October 1999 and July 2011. Types of graft included ISB (n = 23), LSB (n = 20), and MV (n = 20). Patients were categorized into three groups of immunosuppression: I (n = 43) received basiliximab, tacrolimus, and steroids; II (n = 11) thymoglobulin and tacrolimus, and III (n = 9) alemtuzumab and tacrolimus. EBV status was serially assessed. All PTLD cases were biopsied to establish histopathological diagnosis. The incidence of PTLD was 14.2% (9/63). Median onset of PTLD after transplant was four months (range: 0.5–28), within first postoperative year in 6 (66.6%) patients. Fever was the most common symptom. Graft removal was needed in four patients (44%). The patient survival rate was 66.6% (6/9). We have not found any association between PTLD and immunosuppression regimen or transplant type. However, there was a statistical association with EBV active infection.
Kidney transplantation in children weighing less than 15 kg: Extraperitoneal surgical access–experience with 62 cases
Authors: Vitola S. P. , Gnatta D. , Garcia V. D. , Garcia C. D. , Bittencourt V. B. , Keitel E. , Pires F. S. , D'Avila A. R. , Silva J. G. , Amaral R. L. , Santos L. N. , Kruel C. D. P.
Published: June 2013

Small children are a challenging group in whom to perform KT. This retrospective study analyzed the results of 62 KTs in children weighing <15 kg, performed between 1998 and 2010, using extraperitoneal access and anastomosis of the renal vessels of donors to the aorta and IVC or iliac vessels of the recipients. Thirty‐two (51.6%) grafts were LRDTs and 30 (48.4%) were DDRTs—28 of them pediatric. The mean age at KT was 3.7 ± 2.2 yr (1–12), and the mean weight was 12.3 ± 2.1 kg (5.6–14.9). Ten children weighed <10 kg, and five (8.1%) children presented previous thrombosis of the venous system. At one and five yr, patient survival was 93.2% and 84.2%, and graft survival was 85.2% and 72.7%. There were no differences between the rates for LRDT and DDRT. There were six vascular complications (four vascular thromboses, one laceration, and one renal artery stenosis) and two perirenal collections. Extraperitoneal access is a valid KT technique in children weighing <15 kg.
Plant cell gravisensitivity and adaptation to microgravity
Authors: Kordyum E. L.
Published: June 2013

A short overview on the effects of real and simulated microgravity on certain cell components and processes, including new information obtained recently, is presented. Attention is focused on the influence of real and simulated microgravity on plant cells that are not specialised to gravity perception and on seed formation. The paper considers the possibility of full adaptation of plants to microgravity, and suggests some questions for future plant research in order to make decisions on fundamental and applied problems of plant space biology.
Personal Identity Processes from Adolescence Through the Late 20s: Age Trends, Functionality, and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Luyckx Koen , Klimstra Theo A. , Duriez Bart , Van Petegem Stijn , Beyers Wim
Published: June 2013

Personal identity formation constitutes a crucial developmental task during the teens and 20s. Using a recently developed five‐dimensional identity model, this cross‐sectional study (N = 5834) investigated age trends from ages 14 to 30 for different commitment and exploration processes. As expected, results indicated that, despite some fluctuations over time, commitment processes tended to increase in a linear fashion. Exploration in breadth and exploration in depth were characterized by quadratic trends, with the highest levels occurring in emerging adulthood. Further, the functionality of these identity processes, and especially of exploration, changed over time. Exploration in breadth and exploration in depth were strongly related to commitment processes especially in adolescence and emerging adulthood, but these exploration processes became increasingly associated with ruminative exploration and depressive symptoms in the late 20s. Theoretical implications and suggestions for future research are outlined.
The rise of the diptera‐microbial mat interactions during the Cenozoic: consequences for the sedimentary record of saline lakes
Authors: Esther Sanz‐Montero M. , Calvo José‐Pedro , Angeles García del Cura M. , Ornosa Concepción , Outerelo Raimundo , Pablo Rodríguez‐Aranda J.
Published: June 2013

Shoreline gypsiferous sediments of an inland lake in central Spain furnishes valuable insight into reconstructions of early sedimentary changes related to shore fly–microbial mat interactions in fossil gypsum precipitating saline lake systems. The association of adult and larval forms of Ephydra (Diptera) with microbial matgrounds overlying the lake margin results in the formation of gypsiferous meniscate back‐filled burrows that provide an analogue for recurring, extensively developed trace fossils that occur in Cenozoic, but not older, lacustrine gypsum rocks. In this setting, sediment burrowing by ephydridae hinders significant preservation of microbialites. The overwhelming rise of Diptera at the onset of the Cenozoic resulted in extensive feeding and dwelling activity and contributed to reshape the saline aquatic habitat where microbial mats thrived, thus leading to the formation of specific trace fossils that are illustrative of the existence of microbes in the paleoenvironment.
Tufa and travertines of southern Italy: deep‐seated, fault‐relatedCO2as the key control in precipitation
Authors: Ascione Alessandra , Iannace Alessandro , Imbriale Pamela , Santangelo Nicoletta , Santo Antonio
Published: June 2013

Continental carbonates of Quaternary age in southern Italy commonly exhibit the facies of calcareous tufa, often reported as related to shallow aquifers fed by meteoric waters and to organic processes. A close spatial relationship exists between the mappable tufa deposits and major Quaternary extensional faults. With respect to the Ca‐Mg‐HCO3composition of limestone aquifers’ springs, tufa‐depositing springs exhibit higher salinity and alkalinity, are slightly warmer, have lowerpHand are enriched inSO4andCO2. Their δ13C values are systematically positive and compatible with a deep‐seated carbon source. A clear input of soil‐derived organic carbon is indicated only for small, non‐mappable tufas deposited by perched springs. The dataset indicates that the large tufa deposits owe their origin to a supplementary source of CO2advected by degassing through active faults, as a necessary prerequisite for inducing a rise of total dissolved salts and alkalinity. Meteoric waters that have come from a shallow aquifer are able to precipitate only limited amount of carbonates.