bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of ocean acidification and warming on overwintering pteropods in the Arctic
Authors: Lischka Silke , Riebesell Ulf
Published: September 2012

Ocean acidification and warming will be most pronounced in the Arctic Ocean. Aragonite shell‐bearing pteropods in the Arctic are expected to be among the first species to suffer from ocean acidification. Carbonate undersaturation in the Arctic will first occur in winter and because this period is also characterized by low food availability, the overwintering stages of polar pteropods may develop into a bottleneck in their life cycle. The impacts of ocean acidification and warming on growth, shell degradation (dissolution), and mortality of two thecosome pteropods, the polar Limacina helicina and the boreal L. retroversa, were studied for the first time during the Arctic winter in the Kongsfjord (Svalbard). The abundance of L. helicina and L. retroversa varied from 23.5 to 120 ind m−2 and 12 to 38 ind m−2, and the mean shell size ranged from 920 to 981 μm and 810 to 823 μm, respectively. Seawater was aragonite‐undersaturated at the overwintering depths of pteropods on two out of ten days of our observations. A 7‐day experiment [temperature levels: 2 and 7 °C, pCO2 levels: 350, 650 (only for L. helicina) and 880 μatm] revealed a significant pCO2 effect on shell degradation in both species, and synergistic effects between temperature and pCO2 for L. helicina. A comparison of live and dead specimens kept under the same experimental conditions indicated that both species were capable of actively reducing the impacts of acidification on shell dissolution. A higher vulnerability to increasing pCO2 and temperature during the winter season is indicated compared with a similar study from fall 2009. Considering the species winter phenology and the seasonal changes in carbonate chemistry in Arctic waters, negative climate change effects on Arctic thecosomes are likely to show up first during winter, possibly well before ocean acidification effects become detectable during the summer season.
Crystal structure and DNA‐binding mode of Klebsiella pneumoniae primosomal PriB protein
Authors: Huang Yen‐Hua , Lo Yu‐Hua , Huang Wenya , Huang Cheng‐Yang
Published: September 2012

PriB is a primosomal DNA replication protein required for the re‐initiation of replication in bacteria. In this study, we investigated the gene expression of PriB in Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpPriB) and characterized the gene product through crystal structural and functional analyses. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis (Q‐PCR) indicated that the 104‐aa priB was expressed in K. pneumoniae with a CT value of 22.4. The crystal structure of KpPriB (Protein Data Bank entry: 4APV) determined at a resolution of 2.1 Å was similar to that of Escherichia coli PriB (EcPriB). KpPriB formed a single complex with single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) of different lengths, suggesting a highly cooperative process. Structure‐based mutational analysis revealed that substitution at K18, F42, R44, W47, K82, K84, or K89 but not R34 in KpPriB had a significant effect on both ssDNA and double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) binding. Based on these findings, the known ssDNA interaction sites of PriB were expanded to include R44 and F42, thus allowing nucleic acids to wrap around the whole PriB protein.
Helicobacter pylori Induces Increased Expression of Toll‐Like Receptors and Decreased Toll‐Interacting Protein in Gastric Mucosa that Persists Throughout Gastric Carcinogenesis
Authors: Pimentel‐Nunes Pedro , Gonçalves Nádia , Boal‐Carvalho Inês , Afonso Luís , Lopes Paula , Roncon‐Albuquerque Roberto , Henrique Rui , Moreira‐Dias Luís , Leite‐Moreira Adelino F. , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário
Published: September 2012

Background

Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are essential for Helicobacter pylori (HP) recognition. Their role in the progression of gastric lesions leading to cancer is not established.

Aim

To evaluate for the first time in humans the expression of TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5, as well as the expression of other related molecules in the entire sequence of gastric lesions.

Methods

Biopsy samples (n = 80, 48% HP+) from normal mucosa, HP gastritis, metaplasia, dysplasia or adenocarcinoma were obtained from 44 patients. mRNA quantification of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, Toll‐interacting protein (TOLLIP), PPAR‐γ, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, COX‐1, COX‐2, and CDX‐2 was performed by real‐time RT‐PCR. TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 protein expression was quantified by immunohistochemistry.

Results

When compared to normal mucosa (1.0 arbitrary unit (AU)), HP gastritis presented higher expression of TLR2 (2.23 ± 0.36 AU), TLR4 (1.92 ± 0.40 AU) and TNF‐α (2.14 ± 0.50 AU) and lower TOLLIP and PPARγ expression (0.72 ± 0.12 AU, p < .05 all genes). Metaplasia and dysplasia/carcinoma presented higher expression of TLR2 (1.66 ± 0.46 and 1.48 ± 0.20 AU, respectively, p < .05), lower expression of TOLLIP (0.66 ± 0.09 and 0.52 ± 0.04 AU, p < .05) and PPARγ (0.73 ± 0.12 and 0.63 ± 0.10 AU, p < .05). The significant trend for decrease in TOLLIP and PPARγ was associated with increasing levels of CDX‐2 from normal mucosa to carcinoma (p < .05), translating that in diffuse and higher TLRs protein expression (p < .05).

Conclusion

Gastric carcinogenesis is associated with decreasing levels of TLRs inhibitors and elevated TLRs levels throughout all the spectrum of lesions. Future studies should investigate if modulation of these receptors activity may influence gastric carcinogenesis and tumor progression.
The Pathogenic Potential of Helicobacter pullorum: Possible Role for the Type VI Secretion System
Authors: Sirianni Andrea , Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Raftery Mark J. , Mitchell Hazel M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Helicobacter pullorum is a putative enterohepatic pathogen that has been associated with hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal diseases in chickens and in humans. The pathogenic potential of H. pullorum NCTC 12826 was investigated.

Methods

Adherence and gentamicin protection assays and scanning electron microscopy were performed to quantitate and visualise H. pullorum adherence and invasion. Proteomics coupled with mass spectrometry was employed to characterise the secretome of H. pullorum.

Results

Helicobacter pullorum was able to adhere to the Caco‐2 intestinal epithelial cell line with a mean attachment value of 1.98 ± 0.16% and invade Caco‐2 cells with a mean invasion value of 0.25 ± 0.02%. The in vitro adherence and invasion assays were confirmed with scanning electron microscopy, which showed that H. pullorum can adhere to host cells through flagellum–microvillus interaction and invade causing a membrane‐ruffling effect. One hundred and thirty‐seven proteins were identified, of which 33 were bioinformatically predicted to be secreted. Further functional classifications revealed six putative virulence and colonisation factors, which included cell‐binding factor 2, flagellin, secreted protein Hcp, valine‐glycine repeat protein G, a type VI secretion protein, and a protease. Protein threading of H. pullorum Hcp and subsequent 3D‐Blast searches revealed structural similarities between Hcp and endocytic vesicle coat proteins, suggesting the type VI secretion system of H. pullorum may interact with endocytic vesicles.

Conclusions

This study has shown that H. pullorum has the ability to adhere to and invade human cells and secrete factors that may contribute to the pathogenic potential of H. pullorum.
Use of a United States‐based laboratory as a hematopathology reference center for a developing country: logistics and results
Authors: Deetz C. O. , Scott M. G. , Ladenson J. H. , Seyoum M. , Hassan A. , Kreisel F. H. , Nguyen T. T. , Frater J. L.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

With proper logistical support and sponsorship, a laboratory in an industrialized nation might be able to act as a reference laboratory for clinicians based in a developing country.

Methods

We built on previous experience in the clinical laboratory to see whether a specialized histopathology service (hematopathology) could be provided to a developing country without the expertise or experience to do it in country.

Results

Over an 13‐year period, 582 cases from 579 individuals were analyzed. Principal pathologic findings included acute leukemia in 84 cases (14%), dyspoiesis in one or more of the hematopoietic lineages in 65 cases (11%, including three cases with high‐grade myelodysplasia), 23 cases (4%) with findings suspicious for a chronic myeloproliferative disorder, 35 cases (6%) with findings suspicious for a lymphoproliferative disorder, and infectious organisms (presumably Leishmania in most instances) in 9 (1%) of cases. Specimens from 45 cases (8%) were unsatisfactory owing to extreme hemodilution and/or specimen degeneration.

Conclusion

With proper support, a medical laboratory in an industrialized nation may serve as a reference facility for a developing nation. The use of existing infrastructure may be remarkably effective to achieve optimal turnaround time. Although the lack of ancillary studies and follow‐up biopsies limit the ability to achieve a definitive diagnosis in many cases, this must be viewed in the context of the limited ability to diagnose or manage hematopoietic neoplasia in developing nations.
Label‐free mass spectrometry‐based quantification of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in influenza virus preparations and vaccines
Authors: Getie‐Kebtie Melkamu , Sultana Ishrat , Eichelberger Maryna , Alterman Michail
Published: September 2012

Please cite this paper as: Getie‐Kebtie et al. (2012) Label‐free mass spectrometry‐based quantification of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in influenza virus preparations and vaccines. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(4), 521–530.

Background  Influenza vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza and its severe complications. An accurate rapid method to determine hemagglutinin (HA) concentration would facilitate reference antigen preparation and consequently expedite availability of seasonal as well as pandemic vaccines.

Objective  The goal of this study was to develop a label‐free mass spectrometry (MS) based method that enables simultaneous identification and quantification of HA, neuraminidase (NA), and other viral proteins and protein contaminations in influenza vaccine or virus preparations.

Methods  The method presented is based on LC/MSE analysis of vaccine or virus preparations tryptic digests spiked with a known amount of protein standard from which a universal response factor is generated and applied to calculate the concentration of proteins identified in the mixture.

Results  We show that, with the use of an appropriate internal standard, the label‐free MS‐based protein quantification method is applicable for simultaneous identification and absolute quantification of HA and identification and relative quantification of other influenza proteins as well as protein impurities in influenza vaccines and virus preparations. We show that different subtype recombinant HA is preferred internal standard that provides the most accurate results in absolute quantification of HAs and other influenza proteins. We applied this method to measure the absolute quantity of HA as well as relative quantities of other viral proteins and impurities in preparations of whole virus and monovalent vaccine, providing data to demonstrate strain‐dependent differences in the amount of NA.

Conclusion  The label‐free MS method presented here is ideally suited for timely preparation of reference material needed for potency testing of seasonal and pandemic vaccines.
Detection of low‐frequency tones and whale predator sounds by the American sand lance Ammodytes americanus
Authors: Strobel S. M. , Mooney T. A.
Published: September 2012

Auditory evoked potentials (AEP) were used to measure the hearing range and auditory sensitivity of the American sand lance Ammodytes americanus. Responses to amplitude‐modulated tone pips indicated that the hearing range extended from 50 to 400 Hz. Sound pressure thresholds were lowest between 200 and 400 Hz. Particle acceleration thresholds showed an improved sensitivity notch at 200 Hz but not substantial differences between frequencies and only a slight improvement in hearing abilities at lower frequencies. The hearing range was similar to Pacific sand lance Ammodytes personatus and variations between species may be due to differences in threshold evaluation methods. AEPs were also recorded in response to pulsed sounds simulating humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae foraging vocalizations termed megapclicks. Responses were generated with pulses containing significant energy below 400 Hz. No responses were recorded using pulses with peak energy above 400 Hz. These results show that A. americanus can detect the particle motion component of low‐frequency tones and pulse sounds, including those similar to the low‐frequency components of megapclicks. Ammodytes americanus hearing may be used to detect environmental cues and the pulsed signals of mysticete predators.
Family Responses to Young People Who have Sexually Abused: Anger, Ambivalence and Acceptance
Authors: Hackett Simon , Balfe Myles , Masson Helen , Phillips Josie
Published: September 2012

Data on 117 British young people who had sexually abused others were examined in order to investigate the nature and impact of family responses on the management of young sexual abusers. Parental responses were varied, ranging from being entirely supportive of the child, through to ambivalence and uncertainty and, at the other end of the continuum, to outright rejection. Parents were more likely to be supportive when their child's victims were extra‐familial and condemnatory when the victims were intra‐familial. Sibling responses were complex and strongly influenced by whether that sibling was the victim of the young person's abuse or not. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Botrytis cinerea mutants deficient in d‐galacturonic acid catabolism have a perturbed virulence on Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis, but not on tomato
Authors: Zhang Lisha , van Kan Jan A. L.
Published: September 2012

d‐Galacturonic acid is the most abundant monosaccharide component of pectic polysaccharides that comprise a significant part of most plant cell walls. Therefore, it is potentially an important nutritional factor for Botrytis cinerea when it grows in and through plant cell walls. The d‐galacturonic acid catabolic pathway in B. cinerea consists of three catalytic steps converting d‐galacturonic acid to pyruvate and l‐glyceraldehyde, involving two nonhomologous galacturonate reductase genes (Bcgar1 and Bcgar2), a galactonate dehydratase gene (Bclgd1) and a 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐l‐galactonate aldolase gene (Bclga1). Knockout mutants in each step of the pathway (ΔBcgar1/ΔBcgar2, ΔBclgd1 and ΔBclga1) showed reduced virulence on Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, but not on Solanum lycopersicum leaves. The cell walls of N. benthamiana and A. thaliana leaves were shown to have a higher d‐galacturonic acid content relative to those of S. lycopersicum. The observation that mutants displayed a reduction in virulence, especially on plants with a high d‐galacturonic acid content in the cell walls, suggests that, in these hosts, d‐galacturonic acid has an important role as a carbon nutrient for B. cinerea. However, additional in vitro growth assays with the knockout mutants revealed that B. cinerea growth is reduced when d‐galacturonic acid catabolic intermediates cannot proceed through the entire pathway, even when fructose is present as the major, alternative carbon source. These data suggest that the reduced virulence of d‐galacturonic acid catabolism‐deficient mutants on N. benthamiana and A. thaliana is not only a result of the inability of the mutants to utilize an abundant carbon source as nutrient, but also a result of the growth inhibition by catabolic intermediates.
Applied clinical pharmacology and public health in rural Asia – preventing deaths from organophosphorus pesticide and yellow oleander poisoning
Authors: Eddleston Michael
Published: September 2012

Self‐poisoning with pesticides or plants is a major clinical problem in rural Asia, killing several hundred thousand people every year. Over the last 17 years, our clinical toxicology and pharmacology group has carried out clinical studies in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka to improve treatment and reduce deaths. Studies have looked at the effectiveness of anti‐digoxin Fab in cardiac glycoside plant poisoning, multiple dose activated charcoal in all poisoning, and pralidoxime in moderate toxicity organophosphorus insecticide poisoning. More recently, using a Haddon matrix as a guide, we have started conducting public health and animal studies to find strategies that may work outside of the hospital. Based on the 2009 GSK Research in Clinical Pharmacology prize lecture, this review shows the evolution of the group's research from a clinical pharmacology approach to one that studies possible interventions at multiple levels, including the patient, the community and government legislation.
Nitrogen metabolism and milk production in dairy cows fed semi‐restricted amounts of ryegrass–legume silage with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) or white clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Eriksson T. , Norell L. , Nilsdotter‐Linde N.
Published: September 2012

In change‐over trials, mid‐lactation dairy cows were fed concentrate‐supplemented, isonitrogenous and isofibrous perennial ryegrass–legume silage diets that satisfied energy requirements but were suboptimal with respect to metabolizable protein supply. Legumes were either birdsfoot trefoil with low levels of condensed tannins (typical for hemiboreal conditions), or white clover. Averaged over two experimental years, birdsfoot trefoil–based silage resulted in lower digestibility (P < 0·001) of dry matter (50 g kg−1), organic matter (52 g kg−1), neutral detergent fibre (120 g kg−1) and nitrogen (24 g kg−1) and lower rumen total volatile fatty acid concentration (7 mm; P = 0·009). Milk protein yield was 36 g d−1 higher with birdsfoot trefoil silage (P = 0·002), while raw milk yield tended to be 0·8 kg d−1 higher (P = 0·06). Rumen ammonia concentration was similar between diets, but milk urea concentration (P < 0·001), urinary urea excretion (P = 0·002) and faecal‐N proportion (P = 0·001) were higher with birdsfoot trefoil silage. The results suggest that grass–birdsfoot trefoil silage produced in hemiboreal areas exhibits a protein‐sparing effect in dairy rations, despite a low condensed tannin content that is further diluted by companion grasses and ration concentrate proportion.
Oral Health Care for Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa ‐ Best Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Krämer Susanne M. , Serrano María Concepción , Zillmann Gisela , Gálvez Pablo , Araya Ignacio , Yanine Nicolás , Carrasco‐Labra Alonso , Oliva Patricio , Brignardello‐Petersen Romina , Villanueva Julio
Published: September 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22 (Suppl. 1): 1–35

Objective.  To provide the users with information on the current best practices for managing the oral health care of people living with EB.

Methods.  A systematic literature search, in which the main topic is dental care in patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa, was performed. Consulted sources, ranging from 1970 to 2010, included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, DARE, and the Cochrane controlled trials register (CENTRAL). In order to formulate the recommendations of the selected studies the SIGN system was used. The first draft was analysed and discussed by clinical experts, methodologists and patients representatives on a two days consensus meeting. The resulting document went through an external review process by a panel of experts, other health care professionals, patient representatives and lay reviewers. The final document was piloted in three different centres in United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Argentina.

Results.  The guideline is composed of 93 recommendations divided into 3 main areas: 1) Oral Care ‐ access issues, early referral, preventative strategies, management of microstomia, prescriptions and review appointments‐, 2) Dental treatment: general treatment modifications, radiographs, restorations, endodontics, oral rehabilitation, periodontal treatment, oral surgery and orthodontics‐, and 3) Anaesthetic management of dental treatment.

Conclusions.  A preventive protocol is today's dental management approach of choice.
Biting injuries and transmission ofTasmanian devil facial tumour disease
Authors: Hamede Rodrigo K. , McCallum Hamish , Jones Menna
Published: September 2012

TheTasmanian devil is threatened with extinction by devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), a unique infectious cancer in which the tumour cells themselves, which derive from a single long‐dead host devil, are the infective agent and the tumour is an infectious parasitic cell line.

Transmission is thought to occur via direct inoculation of tumour cells when susceptible and infected individuals bite each other or by fomitic transfer of tumour cells. The nature of transmission and the extent to which biting behaviour and devil ecology is associated with infection risk remains unclear. Until our recent study in north‐west Tasmania showed reduced population and individual impacts,DFTDhad caused massive population declines in all populations monitored.

In this paper, we investigate seasonal patterns of injuries resulting from bites between individuals,DFTDinfection status and tumour location in two populations to determine whether the number of bites predicts the acquisition ofDFTDand to explore the possibility that the reduced impacts ofDFTDin north‐west Tasmania are attributed to reduced bite rates.

Devils with fewer bites were more likely to developDFTDand primary tumours occurred predominantly inside the oral cavity. These results are not consistent with transmission occurring from the biter to the bitten animal but suggest that dominant individuals delivering bites, possibly by biting the tumours of other devils, are at higher risk of acquiring infection than submissive individuals receiving bites. Bite rates, which were higher during autumn and winter, did not differ between sites, suggesting that the reduced population impacts in north‐west Tasmania cannot be explained by lower bite rates.

Our study emphasizes the importance of longitudinal studies of individually marked animals for understanding the ecology and transmission dynamics of infectious diseases and parasites in wild populations.
The ecological economics of kleptoparasitism: pay‐offs from self‐foraging versus kleptoparasitism
Authors: Flower Tom P. , Child Matthew F. , Ridley Amanda R.
Published: September 2012

Animals commonly steal food from other species, termed interspecific kleptoparasitism, but why animals engage in kleptoparasitism compared with alternate foraging tactics, and under what circumstances they do so, is not fully understood.

Determining what specific benefits animals gain from kleptoparasitism could provide valuable insight into its evolution. Here, we investigate the benefits of kleptoparasitism for a population of individually recognizable and free‐living fork‐tailed drongos (Dicrurus adsimilis) in the southern Kalahari Desert.

Drongos engaged in two foraging behaviours: self‐foraging for small insects or following other species which they kleptoparasitized for larger terrestrial prey that they could not capture themselves. Kleptoparasitism consequently enabled drongos to exploit a new foraging niche.

Kleptoparasitism benefitted drongos most in the morning and on colder days because at these times pay‐offs from kleptoparasitism remained stable, while those from self‐foraging declined. However, drongos engaged in kleptoparasitism less than expected given the overall high (but more variable) pay‐offs from this behaviour, suggesting that kleptoparasitism is a risky foraging tactic and may incur additional foraging costs compared with self‐foraging.

This is the first study to comprehensively investigate the benefits of facultatively engaging in kleptoparasitism, demonstrating that animals may switch to kleptoparasitism to exploit a new foraging niche when pay‐offs exceed those from alternate foraging behaviours.
Molecular evolutionary and population genomic analysis of the nine‐spined stickleback using a modified restriction‐site‐associated DNA tag approach
Authors: Bruneaux Matthieu , Johnston Susan E. , Herczeg Gábor , Merilä Juha , Primmer Craig R. , Vasemägi Anti
Published: September 2012

In recent years, the explosion of affordable next generation sequencing technology has provided an unprecedented opportunity to conduct genome‐wide studies of adaptive evolution in organisms previously lacking extensive genomic resources. Here, we characterize genome‐wide patterns of variability and differentiation using pooled DNA from eight populations of the nine‐spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius L.) from marine, lake and pond environments. We developed a novel genome complexity reduction protocol, defined as paired‐end double restriction‐site‐associated DNA (PE dRAD), to maximize read coverage at sequenced locations. This allowed us to identify over 114 000 short consensus sequences and 15 000 SNPs throughout the genome. A total of 6834 SNPs mapped to a single position on the related three‐spined stickleback genome, allowing the detection of genomic regions affected by divergent and balancing selection, both between species and between freshwater and marine populations of the nine‐spined stickleback. Gene ontology analysis revealed 15 genomic regions with elevated diversity, enriched for genes involved in functions including immunity, chemical stimulus response, lipid metabolism and signalling pathways. Comparisons of marine and freshwater populations identified nine regions with elevated differentiation related to kidney development, immunity and MAP kinase pathways. In addition, our analysis revealed that a large proportion of the identified SNPs mapping to LG XII is likely to represent alternative alleles from divergent X and Y chromosomes, rather than true autosomal markers following Mendelian segregation. Our work demonstrates how population‐wide sequencing and combining inter‐ and intra‐specific RAD analysis can uncover genome‐wide patterns of differentiation and adaptations in a non‐model species.
Bayesian inference of a complex invasion history revealed by nuclear and chloroplast genetic diversity in the colonizing plant, Silene latifolia
Authors: Keller Stephen R. , Gilbert Kimberly J. , Fields Peter D. , Taylor Douglas R.
Published: September 2012

Species invading new ranges are subject to a series of demographic events that can strongly shape genetic diversity. Describing this demographic history is important for understanding where invasive species come from and how they spread, and is critical to testing hypotheses of postinvasion adaptation. Here, we analyse nuclear and chloroplast genetic diversity to study the invasion history of the widespread colonizing weed, Silene latifolia (Caryophyllaceae). Bayesian clustering and PCA revealed strong population structure in the native range of Europe, and although genotypes from multiple native sources were present in the introduced range of North America, the spatial distribution of genetic variance was dramatically reorganized. Using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), we compared support for different invasion scenarios, including the number and size of independent introduction events and the amount of admixture occurring between sources of introduced genotypes. Our results supported independent introductions into eastern and western North America, with the latter forming a bridgehead for a secondary invasion into the Great Lakes region of central North America. Despite small estimated founder population sizes, the duration of the demographic bottleneck after the initial introduction appeared extremely short‐lived. This pattern of repeated colonization and rapid expansion has effectively eroded the strong population structure and cytonuclear associations present in Europe, but has retained overall high genetic diversity since invasion. Our results highlight the flexibility of the ABC approach for constructing a narrative of the demographic history of species invasions and provide baseline for future studies of evolutionary changes in introduced S. latifolia populations.
Gastroparesis on the rise: incidence vs awareness?
Authors: Nusrat S. , Bielefeldt K.
Published: September 2012

Background  Recent reports provide a conflicting picture with a stable prevalence of gastroparesis (GP) in a population‐based study, but a more than doubling in hospitalizations for gastroparesis within the last 10 years. We hypothesized that this apparent discrepancy is due to changes in disease recognition and coding rather than prevalence.

Methods  Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Healthcare cost and utilization project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, we examined time trends of resource utilization for GP and related disorders.

Key Results  Between 1994 and 2009, annual hospitalizations for gastroparesis as primary diagnosis increased more than 18‐fold from 918 to 16 736. In the same time frame, hospitalizations for not otherwise specified functional disorders of the stomach decreased by nearly 50% from 13 430 to 6480 per year.

Conclusions & Inferences  Although hospitalizations rates and emergency encounters for gastroparesis have increased dramatically within the last 2 decades, there was a concomitant decrease in resource utilization for other functional disorders of the stomach, suggesting that increased awareness contributed to this trend, which represents a shift in diagnoses rather than a true difference in the incidence and/or prevalence of these illnesses.
Evidence‐based options for treatment‐resistant adult bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Poon Shi Hui , Sim Kang , Sum Min Yi , Kuswanto Carissa Nadia , Baldessarini Ross J
Published: September 2012

Poon SH, Sim K, Sum MY, Kuswanto CN, Baldessarini RJ. Evidence‐based options for treatment‐resistant adult bipolar disorder patients. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 573–584. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Many patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) respond incompletely or unsatisfactorily to available treatments. Given the potentially devastating nature of this prevalent disorder, there is a pressing need to improve clinical care of such patients.

Methods:  We performed a literature review of the research findings related to treatment‐resistant BD reported through February 2012.

Results:  Therapeutic trials for treatment‐resistant bipolar mania are uncommon, and provide few promising leads other than the use of clozapine. Far more pressing challenges are the depressive‐dysthymic‐dysphoric‐mixed phases of BD and long‐term prophylaxis. Therapeutic trials for treatment‐resistant bipolar depression have assessed anticonvulsants, modern antipsychotics, glutamate [N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)] antagonists, dopamine agonists, calcium‐channel blockers, and thyroid hormones, as well as behavioral therapy, sleep deprivation, light therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation, and deep brain stimulation—all of which are promising but limited in effectiveness. Several innovative pharmacological treatments (an anticholinesterase, a glutamine antagonist, a calcium‐channel blocker, triiodothyronine, olanzapine and topiramate), ECT, and cognitive‐behavior therapy have some support for long‐term treatment of resistant BD patients, but most of trials of these treatments have been methodologically limited.

Conclusions:  Most studies identified were small, involved supplementation of typically complex ongoing treatments, varied in controls, randomization, and blinding, usually involved brief follow‐up, and lacked replication. Clearer criteria for defining and predicting treatment resistance in BD are needed, as well as improved trial design with better controls, assessment of specific clinical subgroups, and longer follow‐up.
Mental disorders in offspring of parents with bipolar and major depressive disorders
Authors: Vandeleur Caroline , Rothen Stéphane , Gholam‐Rezaee Mehdi , Castelao Enrique , Vidal Sonia , Favre Sophie , Ferrero François , Halfon Olivier , Fumeaux Pierre , Merikangas Kathleen R , Aubry Jean‐Michel , Burstein Marcy , Preisig Martin
Published: September 2012

Vandeleur C, Rothen S, Gholam‐Rezaee M, Castelao E, Vidal S, Favre S, Ferrero F, Halfon O, Fumeaux P, Merikangas KR, Aubry J‐M, Burstein M, Preisig M. Mental disorders in offspring of parents with bipolar and major depressive disorders. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 641–653. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  There is limited information on the specificity of associations between parental bipolar disorder (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) and the risk of psychopathology in offspring. The chief aim of the present study was to investigate the association between mood disorder subtypes in the two parents and mental disorders in the offspring.

Methods: A total of 376 offspring (aged 6.0–17.9 years; mean = 11.5 years) of 72 patients with BPD (139 offspring), 56 patients with MDD (110 offspring), and 66 controls (127 offspring) participated in a family study conducted in two university hospital centers in Switzerland. Probands, offspring, and biological co‐parents were interviewed by psychologists blind to proband diagnoses, using a semi‐structured diagnostic interview.

Results:  Rates of mood and anxiety disorders were elevated among offspring of BPD probands (34.5% any mood; 42.5% any anxiety) and MDD probands (25.5% any mood; 44.6% any anxiety) as compared to those of controls (12.6% any mood; 22.8% any anxiety). Moreover, recurrent MDD was more frequent among offspring of BPD probands (7.9%) than those of controls (1.6%). Parental concordance for bipolar spectrum disorders was associated with a further elevation in the rates of mood disorders in offspring (64.3% both parents versus 27.2% one parent).

Conclusions:  These findings provide unique information on the broad manifestations of parental mood disorders in their offspring. The earlier onset and increased risk of recurrent MDD in the offspring of parents with BPD compared to those of controls suggests that the episodicity characterizing BPD may emerge in childhood and adolescence.
Chyluria after partial nephrectomy: A rare but considerable complication
Authors: Komeya Mitsuru , Sahoda Tamayo , Sugiura Shinpei , Sawada Takuto , Kitami Kazuo
Published: September 2012

An 82‐year‐old male patient underwent open left lower‐pole partial nephrectomy with a microwave tissue coagulator (Microtaze). Pathological findings showed clear cell renal cell carcinoma, pT1a, Fuhrman grade 2 with negative margins. Then 2 years later, he presented with urinary retention. His urine appeared cloudy and milky only after meals, but appeared normal at other times. He was diagnosed with chyluria after partial nephrectomy. Endoscopic sclerotherapy with silver nitrate was carried out, because his serum albumin decreased to 3.4 g/dL within 3 months. He had an uneventful postoperative course. His chyluria completely disappeared and has not recurred for 11 months. Although chyluria after nephrectomy is very rare, there is a possibility that the frequency of chyluria after partial nephrectomy might increase, because the number of partial nephrectomies continues to increase worldwide. We herein summarize this rare surgical complication and discuss the effectiveness of endoscopic sclerotherapy as a therapeutic tool.
Evaluating life‐history strategies of reef corals from species traits
Authors: Darling Emily S. , Alvarez‐Filip Lorenzo , Oliver Thomas A. , McClanahan Timothy R. , Côté Isabelle M.
Published: September 2012

Classifying the biological traits of organisms can test conceptual frameworks of life‐history strategies and allow for predictions of how different species may respond to environmental disturbances. We apply a trait‐based classification approach to a complex and threatened group of species, scleractinian corals. Using hierarchical clustering and random forests analyses, we identify up to four life‐history strategies that appear globally consistent across 143 species of reef corals: competitive, weedy, stress‐tolerant and generalist taxa, which are primarily separated by colony morphology, growth rate and reproductive mode. Documented shifts towards stress‐tolerant, generalist and weedy species in coral reef communities are consistent with the expected responses of these life‐history strategies. Our quantitative trait‐based approach to classifying life‐history strategies is objective, applicable to any taxa and a powerful tool that can be used to evaluate theories of community ecology and predict the impact of environmental and anthropogenic stressors on species assemblages.
Biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning change along environmental stress gradients
Authors: Steudel Bastian , Hector Andy , Friedl Thomas , Löfke Christian , Lorenz Maike , Wesche Moritz , Kessler Michael
Published: September 2012

Positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning has been observed in many studies, but how this relationship is affected by environmental stress is largely unknown. To explore this influence, we measured the biomass of microalgae grown in microcosms along two stress gradients, heat and salinity, and compared our results with 13 published case studies that measured biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships under varying environmental conditions. We found that positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning decreased with increasing stress intensity in absolute terms. However, in relative terms, increasing stress had a stronger negative effect on low‐diversity communities. This shows that more diverse biotic communities are functionally less susceptible to environmental stress, emphasises the need to maintain high levels of biodiversity as an insurance against impacts of changing environmental conditions and sets the stage for exploring the mechanisms underlying biodiversity effects in stressed ecosystems.
Immunohistochemical evidence suggests repeated intravesical application of botulinum toxin A injections may improve treatment efficacy of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Shie Jia‐Heng , Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Wang Yu‐Syuan , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: September 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

A single set of botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) injections relieves clinical symptoms of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), but lacks long‐term effect. An inadequate anti‐inflammatory effect is likely to cause treatment failure.

The study shows that chronic inflammation and apoptotic signalling molecules are significantly reduced after repeated intravesical BoNT‐A injection in patients with IC/BPS. It also shows that repeated BoNT‐A injections are necessary to achieve greater success in the treatment of IC/BPS.

Objective

To investigate the mechanisms of action of botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) treatment on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

Patients and Methods

A total of 23 women with IC/BPS who received single intravesical BoNT‐A injection were studied. Among them, 11 received three repeated injections every 6 months to improve their symptoms.

Bladder biopsy was obtained before each BoNT‐A injection and the clinical symptoms and urodynamic variables were recorded.

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for TUNEL and mast cell activity, and western blotting analysis of tryptase, cytokines, Bax and phospho‐p38 (p‐p38) were carried out. We compared the clinical results and IHC data among baseline, single or repeated BoNT‐A treatments.

Results

Single BoNT‐A injection improved clinical symptoms, pain score and daytime urinary frequency.

Mast cell activity and apoptotic cell count did not decrease significantly, while Bax and p‐p38, but not tryptase, decreased significantly after a single BoNT‐A injection.

The 11 patients who received three repeated BoNT‐A injections had significantly lower pain scores than the remaining patients (mean [SD]: 5.80 [2.27] vs. 3.03 [2.30], P = 0), glomerulation degree (mean [SD]: 1.80 [1.06] vs. 1.20 [1.06], P = 0.026) and global response scores (mean [SD]: 0.30 [0.92] vs. 1.20 [1.06], P = 0) after treatment.

Tryptase, Bax, p‐p38 and apoptotic cell counts all decreased significantly.

25‐kD synaptosomal‐associated protein also decreased after BoNT‐A treatments, which confirmed the therapeutic effect of repeated BoNT‐A injections.

Conclusions

Chronic inflammation and apoptotic signalling molecules were significantly reduced after repeated BoNT‐A injections in patients with IC/BPS.

The IHC improvement was associated with clinical symptom improvement.

Repeated BoNT‐A injections are necessary to achieve a greater success rate in the treatment of IC/BPS.
Audit Fees and Deeds of Cross Guarantee: An Empirical Evaluation
Authors: van der Laan Sandra , Christodoulou Demetris
Published: September 2012

Since 1985, directors of Australian corporate groups have had the opportunity to execute a regulatory financing instrument, currently described as a deed of cross guarantee (DXG), between a holding company and one or more subsidiaries. This unique Australian regulatory intervention was advanced and justified on the basis that relieving subsidiaries from financial reporting requirements with associated cross‐guaranteeing debt obligations would reduce the regulatory burden on groups of companies, and subsequently reduce audit and administration costs. Given the claims of regulators' and others in the business community, this paper examines whether, ceteris paribus, the DXG has a significant mitigating effect on audit fee determination. Specifically, the study evaluates whether a particular engagement attribute decreases audit complexity and subsequently audit risk and audit fees. After controlling for size and group structure complexity of the auditee, the study finds that first‐time adopters of a DXG pay less in audit fees relative to non‐DXG groups, but there is lack of evidence to support ongoing audit fee savings from having a DXG in place. On the contrary, results show that a group with an established DXG pays much higher audit fees, which may be a consequence of the DXG introducing added complexity to the audit. The study also contributes to the methodological development of the standard audit fee model, particularly for the Australian context.
Using Forecasting Criteria to Identify Value Relevance in the Relationship Between Accounting Numbers and Market Value
Authors: Alexander David R. , Falta Michael , Willett Roger J.
Published: September 2012

We explain and demonstrate a disciplined and systematic approach to repeatable modelling using forecast criteria, in addition to the usual statistical estimation criteria, to identify value relevance in regressions of the market‐accounting relation. The method was used in Cooke et al. (). It is illustrated here in the case of a single firm over a 59‐year period. Market and accounting data for the U.S. firm Abbott Laboratories Inc. from 1955 are modelled using a testing‐down, error correction approach. Hold‐out samples of 10 to 15 years are used to assess forecasting performance relative to a random walk. Emphasis is placed upon the use of simple, directly observable and theory‐independent model variables that can be replicated with other sample data. In this case, logarithmic transformations of all variables have to be computed in order to achieve correct statistical specification, implying a multiplicative relationship in the raw data. The strongest cointegrating accounting variable with forecasting ability for Abbott's market value is earnings. The model parameters exhibit long‐run stability and the accounting regressor marginally improves forecasts of market value compared to a random walk, demonstrating ‘value relevance’.
Therapeutic moments are the key: foster children give clues to their past experience of infant trauma and neglect
Authors: Brown Judith M.
Published: September 2012

Foster parents often despair over the lack of information about the past experience of the children in their care, particularly with children who have experienced infant trauma and neglect. In the context of family therapy these unknowns pose both a challenge and an opportunity. The author proposes that foster children gives clues to their past experiences in therapeutic moments, which the therapist may recognize as a result of her own inner conversation. In conjunction with a sound theoretical knowledge of infant trauma and neglect, these moments have the capacity to open a dialogue in the relationships between therapist, child and foster family. This dialogical process offers an opportunity for the child's past experience of infant trauma and neglect to be expressed in silence, and the foster parent's present experience to be heard in stillness, opening for them a way to go on beyond the family therapy sessions.
Community‐Based Resource Management in Turkey: ‘Je Participe, Tu Participes, Il Participe… Ils Profitent’1
Authors: Akbulut Bengi
Published: September 2012

The current discourse and practice of natural resource management rest on the assumption that participatory decision‐making mechanisms offer efficient and equitable policy solutions. There is increasing recognition, however, that such mechanisms might fail in ensuring effective participation of all stakeholders and, consequently, be prone to (re)producing inequalities and remaining ineffective in environmental protection. Taking this observation as a backdrop, this study addresses the under‐investigated implications of state–society relationships on the operation of participatory processes. By employing a unique combination of data provided by focus groups, in‐depth interviews, and a survey administered to 377 individuals, it analyses the ‘failure’ of participatory decision making within the context of an internationally‐funded environmental conservation project in Sultan Sazlığı, Turkey. The article argues that the specific manifestations of state–society relationships and the political economy dynamics at the local level account for this failure. It shows that local materializations of state behaviour, interacting with local inequalities and perceptions of the decision‐making process, impinge on effective participation. In emphasizing that the capability of different groups to participate is shaped by the state in important ways, this article calls for more research on the political economy of state–society relationships and community‐based resource management.
Natural Disasters and Asia: Introduction
Authors: Abe Shigeyuki , Thangavelu Shandre M.
Published: September 2012

Natural disasters inflict tremendous social, economic and human costs. They have the potential to affect the economic development not only of a domestic economy, but also the rest of the world, given the extent of interconnected production networks in this globalized era. The main objective of this special issue is to highlight the real issues of natural disaster management. This special issue focuses on key policy issues and case studies of recent events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake, and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). We believe the lessons learned from past natural disasters should help to alleviate both the direct and indirect impacts of future disasters.