bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence with statins in a real-life setting is better when associated cardiovascular risk factors increase: a cohort study
Authors: Latry Philippe , Molimard Mathieu , Dedieu Bernard , Couffinhal Thierry , Bégaud Bernard , Martin-Latry Karin
Published: July 2011

Background

While the factors for poor adherence for treatment with statins have been highlighted, the impact of their combination on adherence is not clear.

Aims

To estimate adherence for statins and whether it differs according to the number of cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using data from the main French national health insurance system reimbursement database. Newly treated patients with statins between September 1 and December 31, 2004 were included. Patients were followed up 15 months. The cohort was split into three groups according to their number of additional cardiovascular risk factors that included age and gender, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (using co-medications as a proxy). Adherence was assessed for each group by using four parameters: (i) proportion of days covered by statins, (ii) regularity of the treatment over time, (iii) persistence, and (iv) the refill delay.

Results

16,397 newly treated patients were identified. Of these statin users, 21.7% did not have additional cardiovascular risk factors. Thirty-one percent had two cardiovascular risk factors and 47% had at least three risk factors. All the parameters showed a sub-optimal adherence whatever the group: days covered ranged from 56% to 72%, regularity ranged from 23% to 33% and persistence ranged from 44% to 59%, but adherence was better for those with a higher number of cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

The results confirm that long-term drug treatments are a difficult challenge, particularly in patients at lower risk and invite to the development of therapeutic education.
Versican but not decorin accumulation is related to malignancy in mammographically detected high density and malignant-appearing microcalcifications in non-palpable breast carcinomas
Authors: Skandalis Spyros S , Labropoulou Vassiliki T , Ravazoula Panagiota , Likaki-Karatza Eleni , Dobra Katalin , Kalofonos Haralabos P , Karamanos Nikos K , Theocharis Achilleas D
Published: July 2011

Background

Mammographic density (MD) and malignant-appearing microcalcifications (MAMCs) represent the earliest mammographic findings of non-palpable breast carcinomas. Matrix proteoglycans versican and decorin are frequently over-expressed in various malignancies and are differently involved in the progression of cancer. In the present study, we have evaluated the expression of versican and decorin in non-palpable breast carcinomas and their association with high risk mammographic findings and tumor characteristics.

Methods

Three hundred and ten patients with non-palpable suspicious breast lesions, detected during screening mammography, were studied. Histological examination was carried out and the expression of decorin, versican, estrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR) and c-erbB2 (HER-2/neu) was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Histological examination showed 83 out of 310 (26.8%) carcinomas of various subtypes. Immunohistochemistry was carried out in 62/83 carcinomas. Decorin was accumulated in breast tissues with MD and MAMCs independently of the presence of malignancy. In contrast, versican was significantly increased only in carcinomas with MAMCs (median ± SE: 42.0 ± 9.1) and MD (22.5 ± 10.1) as compared to normal breast tissue with MAMCs (14.0 ± 5.8), MD (11.0 ± 4.4) and normal breast tissue without mammographic findings (10.0 ± 2.0). Elevated levels of versican were correlated with higher tumor grade and invasiveness in carcinomas with MD and MAMCs, whereas increased amounts of decorin were associated with in situ carcinomas in MAMCs. Stromal deposition of both proteoglycans was related to higher expression of ERα and PR in tumor cells only in MAMCs.

Conclusions

The specific accumulation of versican in breast tissue with high MD and MAMCs only in the presence of malignant transformation and its association with the aggressiveness of the tumor suggests its possible use as molecular marker in non-palpable breast carcinomas.
Development of a proxy-reported pulmonary outcome scale for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Massie Sara E , Tolleson-Rinehart Sue , DeWalt Darren A , Laughon Matthew M , Powell Leslie M , Price Wayne A
Published: July 2011

Background

To develop an accurate, proxy-reported bedside measurement tool for assessment of the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (also called chronic lung disease) in preterm infants to supplement providers' current biometric measurements of the disease.

Methods

We adapted Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) methodology to develop the Proxy-Reported Pulmonary Outcomes Scale (PRPOS). A multidisciplinary group of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, neonatologists, developmental specialists, and feeding specialists at five academic medical centers participated in the PRPOS development, which included five phases: (1) identification of domains, items, and responses; (2) item classification and selection using a modified Delphi process; (3) focus group exploration of items and response options; (4) cognitive interviews on a preliminary scale; and (5) final revision before field testing.

Results

Each phase of the process helped us to identify, classify, review, and revise possible domains, questions, and response options. The final items for field testing include 26 questions or observations that a nurse assesses before, during, and after routine care time and feeding.

Conclusions

We successfully created a prototype scale using modified PROMIS methodology. This process can serve as a model for the development of proxy-reported outcomes scales in other pediatric populations.
Rational design of the gram-scale synthesis of nearly monodisperse semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Protière Myriam , Nerambourg Nicolas , Renard Olivier , Reiss Peter
Published: July 2011

We address two aspects of general interest for the chemical synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals: (1) the rational design of the synthesis protocol aiming at the optimization of the reaction parameters in a minimum number of experiments; (2) the transfer of the procedure to the gram scale, while maintaining a low size distribution and maximizing the reaction yield. Concerning the first point, the design-of-experiment (DOE) method has been applied to the synthesis of colloidal CdSe nanocrystals. We demonstrate that 16 experiments, analyzed by means of a Taguchi L16 table, are sufficient to optimize the reaction parameters for controlling the mean size of the nanocrystals in a large range while keeping the size distribution narrow (5-10%). The DOE method strongly reduces the number of experiments necessary for the optimization as compared to trial-and-error approaches. Furthermore, the Taguchi table analysis reveals the degree of influence of each reaction parameter investigated (e.g., the nature and concentration of reagents, the solvent, the reaction temperature) and indicates the interactions between them. On the basis of these results, the synthesis has been scaled up by a factor of 20. Using a 2-L batch reactor combined with a high-throughput peristaltic pump, different-sized samples of CdSe nanocrystals with yields of 2-3 g per synthesis have been produced without sacrificing the narrow size distribution. In a similar setup, the gram-scale synthesis of CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals exhibiting a fluorescence quantum yield of 81% and excellent resistance of the photoluminescence in presence of a fluorescent quencher (aromatic thiol) has been achieved.

PACS: 81.20.Ka, 81.07.Bc, 78.67.Bf
Isolation and characterization of a novel podovirus which infects burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Gatedee Jiraporn , Kritsiriwuthinan Kanyanan , Galyov Edouard E , Shan Jinyu , Dubinina Elena , Intarak Narin , Clokie Martha RJ , Korbsrisate Sunee
Published: July 2011

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a saprophytic soil bacterium and the etiological agent that causes melioidosis. It is naturally resistant to many antibiotics and therefore is difficult to treat. Bacteriophages may provide an alternative source of treatment. We have isolated and characterised the bacteriophage ΦBp-AMP1. The phage is a member of the Podoviridae family and has a genome size of ~ 45 Kb. Molecular data based on the gene which encodes for the phage tail tubular protein suggests that the phage is distinct from known phages but related to phages which infect B. thailandensis and Ralstonia spp. The phage ΦBp-AMP1 is the first B. pseudomallei podovirus to be isolated from the environment rather than being induced from a bacterial culture. It has a broad host range within B. pseudomallei and can infect all 11 strains that we tested it on but not related Burkholderia species. It is heat stable for 8 h at 50°C but not stable at 60°C. It may potentially be a useful tool to treat or diagnose B. pseudomallei infections as it can lyse several strains of clinical relevance.
Lung function in asbestos-exposed workers, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wilken Dennis , Garrido Marcial Velasco , Manuwald Ulf , Baur Xaver
Published: July 2011

Background

A continuing controversy exists about whether, asbestos exposure is associated with significant lung function impairments when major radiological abnormalities are lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to assess whether asbestos exposure is related to impairment of lung function parameters independently of the radiological findings.

Methods

MEDLINE was searched from its inception up to April 2010. We included studies that assessed lung function parameters in asbestos exposed workers and stratified subjects according to radiological findings. Estimates of VC, FEV1and FEV1/VC with their dispersion measures were extracted and pooled.

Results

Our meta-analysis with data from 9,921 workers exposed to asbestos demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in VC, FEV1and FEV1/VC, even in those workers without radiological changes. Less severe lung function impairments are detected if the diagnoses are based on (high resolution) computed tomography rather than the less sensitive X-ray images. The degree of lung function impairment was partly related to the proportion of smokers included in the studies.

Conclusions

Asbestos exposure is related to restrictive and obstructive lung function impairment. Even in the absence of radiological evidence of parenchymal or pleural diseases there is a trend for functional impairment.
The evolution of rectal and urinary toxicity and immune response in prostate cancer patients treated with two three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy techniques
Authors: Vranova Jana , Vinakurau Stepan , Richter Jan , Starec Miroslav , Fiserova Anna , Rosina Jozef
Published: July 2011

Background

Our research compared whole pelvic (WP) and prostate-only (PO) 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) techniques in terms of the incidence and evolution of acute and late toxicity of the rectum and urinary bladder, and identified the PTV-parameters influencing these damages and changes in antitumor immune response.

Methods

We analyzed 197 prostate cancer patients undergoing 3DCRT for gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities, and conducted a pilot immunological study including flow cytometry and an NK cell cytotoxicity assay. Acute and late toxicities were recorded according to the RTOG and the LENT-SOMA scales, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for factors associated with toxicity.

Results

In the WP group, an increase of acute rectal toxicity was observed. A higher incidence of late GI/GU toxicity appeared in the PO group. Only 18 patients (WP-7.76% and PO-11.11%) suffered severe late GI toxicity, and 26 patients (WP-11.21% and PO-16.05%) severe late GU toxicity. In the majority of acute toxicity suffering patients, the diminution of late GI/GU toxicity to grade 1 or to no toxicity after radiotherapy was observed. The 3DCRT technique itself, patient age, T stage of TNM classification, surgical intervention, and some dose-volume parameters emerged as important factors in the probability of developing acute and late GI/GU toxicity. The proportion and differentiation of NK cells positively correlated during 3DCRT and negatively so after its completion with dose-volumes of the rectum and urinary bladder. T and NKT cells were down-regulated throughout the whole period. We found a negative correlation between leukocyte numbers and bone marrow irradiated by 44-54 Gy and a positive one for NK cell proportion and doses of 5-25 Gy. The acute GU, late GU, and GI toxicities up-regulated the T cell (CTL) numbers and NK cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the association of acute and late damage of the urinary bladder and rectum, with clinical and treatment related factors. The 3DCRT itself does not induce the late GI or GU toxicity and rather reduces the risk of transition from acute to late toxicity. We have described for the first time the correlation between organs at risk, dose-volume parameters, and the immunological profile.
Reduced expression of SMAD4 in gliomas correlates with progression and survival of patients
Authors: He Shi-ming , Zhao Zhen-wei , Wang Yuan , Zhao Ji-pei , Wang Liang , Hou Fang , Gao Guo-dong
Published: July 2011

Background

To examine the expression of SMAD4 at gene and protein levels in glioma samples with different WHO grades and its association with survival.

Methods

Two hundreds fifty-two glioma specimens and 42 normal control tissues were collected. Immunochemistry assay, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were carried out to investigate the expression of SMAD4. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards model were used in survival analysis.

Results

Immunohistochemistry showed that SMAD4 expression was decreased in glioma. SMAD4 mRNA and protein levels were both lower in glioma compared to control on real-time PCR and Western blot analysis (both P < 0.001). In addition, its expression levels decrease from grade I to grade IV glioma according to the results of real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry analysis and Western blot. Moreover, the survival rate of SMAD4-positive patients was higher than that of SMAD4-negative patients. We further confirmed that the loss of SMAD4 was a significant and independent prognostic indicator in glioma by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Our data provides convincing evidence for the first time that the reduced expression of SMAD4 at gene and protein levels is correlated with poor outcome in patients with glioma. SMAD4 may play an inhibitive role during the development of glioma and may be a potential prognosis predictor of glioma.
High central venous oxygen saturation in the latter stages of septic shock is associated with increased mortality
Authors: Textoris Julien , Fouché Louis , Wiramus Sandrine , Antonini François , Tho Sowita , Martin Claude , Leone Marc
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Current guidelines recommend maintaining central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) higher than 70% in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. As high levels of ScvO2 may reflect an inadequate use of oxygen, our aim was to evaluate the relation between maximal ScvO2 levels (ScvO2max
) and survival among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with septic shock.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from all admissions to our ICU between January 2008 and December 2009. All septic shock patients in whom the ScvO2 was measured were included. The measures of ScvO2max
within the first 72 hours after the onset of shock were collected.

Results

A total of 1,976 patients were screened and 152 (7.7%) patients met the inclusion criteria. The level of ScvO2max
was 85% (78 to 89) in the non-survivors, compared with 79% (72 to 87) in the survivors (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Our findings raise concerns about high levels of ScvO2 in patients with septic shock. This may reflect the severity of the shock with an impaired oxygen use. Future strategies may target an optimization of tissue perfusion in this specific subgroup of patients.
TLR2-dependent modulation of dendritic cells by LT-IIa-B5, a novel mucosal adjuvant derived from a type II heat-labile enterotoxin
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Masso-Welch Patricia , Hajishengallis George , Connell Terry D
Published: July 2011

A host of human pathogens invades the body at mucosal surfaces. Yet, strong, protective mucosal immune responses directed against those pathogens routinely cannot be induced without the use of adjuvants. Although the strongest mucosal adjuvants are members of the family of HLTs, the inherent toxicities of HLT holotoxins preclude their clinical use. Herein, it is shown that LT-IIa-B5 enhances mucosal immune responses by modulating activities of DCs. i.n. immunization of mice with OVA in the presence of LT-IIa-B5 recruited DCs to the NALT and significantly increased uptake of OVA by those DCs. Furthermore, LT-IIa-B5 increased expression of CCR7 by DCs, which mediated enhanced migration of the cells from the NALT to the draining CLNs. LT-IIa-B5 also enhanced maturation of DCs, as revealed by increased surface expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86. Ag-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation was augmented in the CLNs of mice that had received i.n. LT-IIa-B5. Finally, when used as an i.n. adjuvant, LT-IIa-B5 dramatically increased the levels of OVA-specific salivary IgA and OVA-specific serum IgG. Strikingly, each of the activities induced by LT-IIa-B5 was strictly TLR2-dependent. The data strongly suggest that the immunomodulatory properties of LT-IIa-B5 depend on the productive modulation of mucosal DCs. Notably, this is the first report for any HLT to demonstrate in vivo the elicitation of strong, TLR2-dependent modulatory effects on DCs with respect to adjuvanticity.
Protein disulfide isomerase redox-dependent association with p47phox: evidence for an organizer role in leukocyte NADPH oxidase activation
Authors: de A. Paes Antonio Marcus , Veríssimo-Filho Sidney , Guimarães Luciana Lopes , Silva Ana Carolina B , Takiuti Júlia T , Santos Célio X C , Janiszewski Mariano , Laurindo Francisco R M , Lopes Lucia R
Published: July 2011

Mechanisms of leukocyte NADPH oxidase regulation remain actively investigated. We showed previously that vascular and macrophage oxidase complexes are regulated by the associated redox chaperone PDI. Here, we investigated the occurrence and possible underlying mechanisms of PDI-mediated regulation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase. In a semirecombinant cell-free system, PDI inhibitors scrRNase (100 μg/mL) or bacitracin (1 mM) near totally suppressed superoxide generation. Exogenously incubated, oxidized PDI increased (by ∼40%), whereas PDIred diminished (by ∼60%) superoxide generation. No change occurred after incubation with PDI serine-mutated in all four redox cysteines. Moreover, a mimetic CxxC PDI inhibited superoxide production by ∼70%. Thus, oxidized PDI supports, whereas reduced PDI down-regulates, intrinsic membrane NADPH oxidase complex activity. In whole neutrophils, immunoprecipitation and colocalization experiments demonstrated PDI association with membrane complex subunits and prominent thiol-mediated interaction with p47phox in the cytosol fraction. Upon PMA stimulation, PDI was mobilized from azurophilic granules to cytosol but did not further accumulate in membranes, contrarily to p47phox. PDI-p47phox association in cytosol increased concomitantly to opposite redox switches of both proteins; there was marked reductive shift of cytosol PDI and maintainance of predominantly oxidized PDI in the membrane. Pulldown assays further indicated predominant association between PDIred and p47phox in cytosol. Incubation of purified PDI (>80% reduced) and p47phox in vitro promoted their arachidonate-dependent association. Such PDI behavior is consistent with a novel cytosolic regulatory loop for oxidase complex (re)cycling. Altogether, PDI seems to exhibit a supportive effect on NADPH oxidase activity by acting as a redox-dependent enzyme complex organizer.
Systematic Analysis of Protease Gene Expression in the Rhesus Macaque Ovulatory Follicle: Metalloproteinase Involvement in Follicle Rupture
Authors: Peluffo Marina C. , Murphy Melinda J. , Talcott Baughman Serena , Stouffer Richard L. , Hennebold Jon D.
Published: July 2011

Protease genes were identified that exhibited increased mRNA levels before and immediately after rupture of the naturally selected, dominant follicle of rhesus macaques at specific intervals after an ovulatory stimulus. Quantitative real-time PCR validation revealed increased mRNA levels for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP1, MMP9, MMP10, and MMP19) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-like repeats (ADAMTS1, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS9, and ADAMTS15) family members, the cysteine protease cathepsin L (CTSL), the serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU), and the aspartic acid protease pepsinogen 5 (PGA5). With the exception of MMP9, ADAMTS1, and PGA5, mRNA levels for all other up-regulated proteases increased significantly (P < 0.05) 12 h after an ovulatory human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) bolus. MMP1, -10, and -19; ADAMTS1, -4, and -9; CTSL; PLAU; and PGA5 also exhibited a secondary increase in mRNA levels in 36-h postovulatory follicles. To further determine metalloproteinase involvement in ovulation, vehicle (n = 4) or metalloproteinase inhibitor (GM6001, 0.5 μg/follicle, n = 8) was injected into the preovulatory follicle at the time of hCG administration. Of the eight GM6001-injected follicles, none displayed typical stigmata indicative of ovulation at 72 h after hCG; whereas all four vehicle-injected follicles ovulated. No significant differences in mean luteal progesterone levels or luteal phase length occurred between the two groups. Subsequent histological analysis revealed that vehicle-injected follicles ruptured, whereas GM6001-injected follicles did not, as evidenced by an intact stroma and trapped oocytes (n = 3). These findings demonstrate metalloproteinases are critical for follicle rupture in primates, and blocking their activity would serve as a novel, nonhormonal means to achieve contraception.
Endogenous vascular synthesis of B-type and C-type natriuretic peptides in the rainbow trout
Authors: Johnson Keven R. , Hoagland Todd M. , Olson Kenneth R.
Published: July 2011

In mammals, natriuretic peptides (NPs) lower blood pressure, reduce blood volume and broadly inhibit cardiovascular remodeling. NPs are often referred to as cardiac hormones, though they also have integral roles in regulating vascular tone, endothelial remodeling and inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy. Two NPs [atrial (ANP) and C-type (CNP)] have been identified as endogenous constituents in the vasculature of mammals, though such a phenomenon has not previously been described in fishes. Here we describe the endogenous production of B-type NP (BNP) and CNP in multiple blood vessels of the rainbow trout. Western blot analysis showed pro-BNP and pro-CNP production in the efferent branchial artery, celiacomesenteric artery, ventral aorta and anterior cardinal vein. The detection of pro-BNP and pro-CNP was also supported by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis of NP-enriched tissue extracts. Although vascular pro-peptide levels of BNP and CNP were quantitatively quite comparable to those found in reference tissues (the atrium for BNP and brain for CNP), mRNA levels of these NPs in the vasculature were greatly reduced as determined by quantitative PCR. When the evolutionarily conserved vascular NP (CNP) was infused into un-anesthetized trout, it reduced central venous pressure and mean circulatory filling pressure. CNP also decreased cardiac output via a reduction in preload. The presence of endogenous NP production in the trout vasculature and potent in vivo hypotensive effects further support the numerous functional similarities between teleost and mammalian NP systems.
Identification and evolutionary implications of neurotransmitter–ciliary interactions underlying the behavioral response to hypoxia inLymnaea stagnalisembryos
Authors: Goldberg Jeffrey I. , Rich Darren R. , Muruganathan Siva P. , Liu Maple B. , Pon Julia R. , Tam Rose , Diefenbach Thomas J. , Kuang Shihuan
Published: July 2011

Acceleration of embryonic rotation is a common response to hypoxia among pond snails. It was first characterized in Helisoma trivolvis embryos, which have a pair of sensorimotor neurons that detect hypoxia and release serotonin onto postsynaptic ciliary cells. The objective of the present study was to determine how the hypoxia response is mediated in Lymnaea stagnalis, which differ from H. trivolvis by having both serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons, and morphologically distinct ciliated structures at comparative stages of embryonic development. Time-lapse video recordings of the rotational behavior in L. stagnalis revealed similar rotational features to those previously observed in H. trivolvis, including rotational surges and rotational responses to hypoxia. Serotonin and dopamine increased the rate of rotation with similar potency. In contrast, serotonin was more potent than dopamine in stimulating the ciliary beat frequency of isolated pedal cilia. Isolated apical plate cilia displayed an irregular pattern of ciliary beating that precluded the measurement of ciliary beat frequency. A qualitative assessment of ciliary beating revealed that both serotonin and dopamine were able to stimulate apical plate cilia. The ciliary responses to dopamine were reversible in both pedal and apical plate cilia, whereas the responses to serotonin were only reversible at concentrations below 100 μmol l–1. Mianserin, a serotonin receptor antagonist, and SKF83566, a dopamine receptor antagonist, effectively blocked the rotational responses to serotonin and dopamine, respectively. The rotational response to hypoxia was only partially blocked by mianserin, but was fully blocked by SKF83566. These data suggest that, despite the ability of serotonin to stimulate ciliary beating in L. stagnalis embryos, the rotational response to hypoxia is primarily mediated by the transient apical catecholaminergic neurons that innervate the ciliated apical plate.
The influence of 17β-estradiol on intestinal calcium carbonate precipitation and osmoregulation in seawater-acclimated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Al-Jandal Noura J. , Whittamore Jonathan M. , Santos Eduarda M. , Wilson Rod W.
Published: July 2011

The intestine of marine teleosts produces carbonate precipitates from ingested calcium as part of their osmoregulatory strategy in seawater. The potential for estrogens to control the production of intestinal calcium carbonate and so influence osmoregulation was investigated in seawater-acclimated rainbow trout following intraperitoneal implantation of 17β-estradiol (E2) at two doses (0.1 and 10 μg E2 g–1). Levels of plasma vitellogenin provided an indicator of estrogenic effect, increasing significantly by three and four orders of magnitude at the low and high doses, respectively. Plasma osmolality and muscle water content were unaffected, whereas E2-treated fish maintained lower plasma [Na+] and [Cl–]. Plasma [Ca2+] and [Mg2+] and muscle [Ca2+] increased with vitellogenin induction, whereas the intestinal excretion of calcium carbonate was reduced. This suggests that elevated levels of circulating E2 may enhance Ca2+ uptake via the gut and simultaneously reduce CaCO3 formation, which normally limits intestinal availability of Ca2+. Increasing E2 caused an elevation of [Na+] and [Cl–] and a reduction of [HCO3–] in intestinal fluid. We speculate that E2 may influence a number of intestinal ion transport processes that ultimately may influence water absorption: (1) reduced NaCl cotransport, (2) reduced Cl– uptake via Cl–/HCO3– exchange and (3) reduced precipitation of Ca2+ and Mg2+ carbonates. Despite these effects on intestinal ion and water transport, overall osmoregulatory status was not compromised in E2-treated fish, suggesting the possibility of compensation by other organs.
Experimentally increased in ovo testosterone leads to increased plasma bactericidal activity and decreased cutaneous immune response in nestling house wrens
Authors: Clairardin Sandrine G. , Barnett Craig A. , Sakaluk Scott K. , Thompson Charles F.
Published: July 2011

Maternally derived testosterone in the eggs of birds may benefit nestlings by increasing various aspects of their growth, condition and behavioral development, but these benefits may come at a cost, including suppression of immune responsiveness. Experiments on a variety of species in which in ovo levels of testosterone have been experimentally increased have produced mixed results; some have found increased growth and suppressed immune function of nestlings whereas others have found the opposite. In an attempt to clarify the relationship between in ovo testosterone and nestling size, mass, health state and immune responsiveness, we experimentally increased levels of testosterone in the eggs of house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). We simultaneously determined the size, mass, hematocrit (a measure of health state), cutaneous immune response to phytohaemagglutinin and plasma bactericidal activity of nestlings near the time of fledging. We predicted that nestlings hatching from testosterone-injected eggs would exhibit lower immune responsiveness, but achieve greater mass, size and condition, than nestlings hatching from vehicle-injected control eggs. Instead, we found that nestlings hatching from testosterone-injected eggs had a weaker cutaneous immune response but greater bactericidal activity than those hatching from control eggs. They did not, however, differ significantly in mass, size or hematocrit from controls. These results suggest that experimentally increased in ovo testosterone induced a trade-off between bactericidal activity and the cutaneous immune response. The opposite responses by two different measures of immune function to experimentally increased in ovo testosterone underscore the importance of including multiple immune assays when investigating the potential for trade-offs with the immune system and other physiological functions.
Physiological trade-offs in self-maintenance: plumage molt and stress physiology in birds
Authors: Cornelius Jamie M. , Perfito Nicole , Zann Richard , Breuner Creagh W. , Hahn Thomas P.
Published: July 2011

Trade-offs between self-maintenance processes can affect life-history evolution. Integument replacement and the stress response both promote self-maintenance and affect survival in vertebrates. Relationships between the two processes have been studied most extensively in birds, where hormonal stress suppression is down regulated during molt in seasonal species, suggesting a resource-based trade-off between the two processes. The only species found to differ are the rock dove and Eurasian tree sparrow, at least one of which performs a very slow molt that may reduce resource demands during feather growth, permitting investment in the stress response. To test for the presence of a molt–stress response trade-off, we measured hormonal stress responsiveness during and outside molt in two additional species with extended molts, red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) and zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We found that both species maintain hormonal stress responsiveness during molt. Further, a comparative analysis of all available species revealed a strong relationship between molt duration and degree of hormonal suppression. Though our results support trade-off hypotheses, these data can also be explained by alternative hypotheses that have not been formally addressed in the literature. We found a strong relationship between stress suppression and seasonality of breeding and evidence suggesting that the degree of suppression may be either locally adaptable or plastic and responsive to local environmental conditions. We hypothesize that environmental unpredictability favors extended molt duration, which in turn allows for maintenance of the hormonal stress response, and discuss implications of a possible trade-off for the evolution of molt schedules.
Dominance hierarchy-dependent behavioural plasticity of crayfish avoidance reactions
Authors: Fujimoto Sawako , Hirata Bunpei , Nagayama Toshiki
Published: July 2011

Crayfish showed avoidance reactions when mechanical stimulation was applied to their tailfan. The response pattern of the avoidance reaction was dependent on crayfish size. Small crayfish showed an escape-like dart response while larger crayfish displayed a defensive-like turn response. We show that the response pattern to the same sensory stimulus changed with social status in the small crayfish. Crayfish are territorial animals and a dominant–subordinate relationship was determined when two previously unacquainted animals were paired. This winner–loser hierarchy was observed in pairs of small crayfish. Before fighting, all crayfish showed a dart response following mechanical stimulation of the tailfan. However, the probability of occurrence of a turn response increased significantly in the crayfish that won a fight. This behavioural transition from dart to turn response occurred immediately and was maintained for at least 3 days even if a dominant crayfish was isolated again with no opponent.
Do wood ants learn sequences of visual stimuli?
Authors: Riabinina Olena , de Ibarra Natalie Hempel , Howard Lisa , Collett Thomas S.
Published: July 2011

The visually guided foraging routes of some formicine ants are individually stereotyped, suggesting the importance of visual learning in maintaining these routes. We ask here whether the wood ant Formica rufa learns a sequence of visual features encountered at different stages along a route, as reported for honeybees. We trained ants in several simple mazes to follow two alternative routes. Along each two-stage route, the ants first encountered one of two priming stimuli. The identity of the priming stimulus determined which of two choice stimuli was rewarded in the second stage of the route. As stimuli we used ultraviolet and yellow/green light panels, and two black-and-white patterns. Did ants learn to pair each colour with the appropriate black-and-white pattern? Ants learnt readily to discriminate between the two coloured stimuli or between the two black-and-white patterns. They could also pair coloured and black-and-white patterns, provided that the two were presented simultaneously. The ants' behaviour with sequential stimuli varied according to whether the priming stimulus was a coloured stimulus or a black-and-white pattern. When the priming stimulus was coloured, ants seemed to learn the two sequences, but tests showed that their success was probably caused by the after-effects of colour adaptation. With a black-and-white priming stimulus and a coloured second stage stimulus, robust sequential learning could not be demonstrated, although under certain experimental conditions a tiny proportion of ants did acquire the sequence. Thus, ants perform conditional discriminations reliably when priming and choice stimuli are simultaneous, but they usually fail when the stimuli are sequential.
Fully reversible phenotypic plasticity of digestive physiology in young house sparrows: lack of long-term effect of early diet composition
Authors: Brzęk Paweł , Kohl Kevin D. , Caviedes-Vidal Enrique , Karasov William H.
Published: July 2011

Feeding conditions during the nestling period may significantly affect whole-life fitness in altricial birds but little is known about the physiological mechanisms responsible for these effects. Permanent changes (irreversible developmental plasticity) in digestive physiology caused by the neonatal diet may form such a mechanism. We previously showed that the lack of starch in the diet of house sparrow (Passer domesticus) nestlings between 3 and 12 days post-hatching significantly decreased the activity of intestinal maltase, an enzyme essential for starch digestion. To check whether diet-induced variation in maltase activity in young house sparrows is reversible, we raised them under laboratory conditions from 3 until 30 days of age on diets with either 0% starch or 25% starch, with some individuals experiencing a switch in their assigned diet at 12 days of age. We found evidence for the presence of an internal, presumably genetic, program for changes in the activity of maltase and sucrase, which was, however, significantly affected by diet composition (i.e. environmental factor). Digestive enzyme activity in 30 day old birds was not influenced by diet composition prior to day 12 but instead depended only on diet that was fed between days 12 and 30. We conclude that plasticity in the activity of intestinal disaccharidases in house sparrow nestlings represents completely reversible phenotypic flexibility that can help young sparrows to cope with unpredictable variation in food composition during ontogeny without long-term effects on their digestive system. However, comparison with other species suggests that the magnitude of digestive flexibility in young passerines may be evolutionarily matched to species-specific variation in feeding conditions.
Mesoporous Silica Hollow and Solid Spheres by Templating Poly(pyrrole) Inverse Opals
Authors: Yu Aimin
Published: July 2011

Poly(pyrrole) inverse opals (PPY-IO) with three-dimentional (3D) network of macropores were prepared by electropolymerization of pyrrole in the voids of polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystals and subsequently removing the PS. The as-prepared PPY-IO were then served as templates to be filled with prehydrolyzed silica sols followed by calcination to synthesize mesoporous silica spheres with well-controlled diameters. It was demonstrated that the reactant composition of the silica sol played an important role in controlling the shell thickness of the hollow spheres. Solid mesoporous silica spheres could be obtained when a concentrated TEOS sol was used. The morphology and pore structures of PPY-IO and silica spheres were characterized by SEM. TEM and small-angle XRD confirmed the ordered mesostructure of the prepared silica spheres with an average pore size of ca. 6 nm.
Synthesis and Properties of New Trimeric and Tetrameric Tetrathiafulvalenes with Alternate Links
Authors: Nakamura Ken-ichi , Hashimoto Tomomi , Shirahata Takashi , Hino Shojun , Hasegawa Masashi , Mazaki Yasuhiro , Misaki Yohji
Published: July 2011

Trimeric and tetrameric TTFs 1 and 2 linked alternately by methylenedithio groups were synthesized. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry indicated that the dicationic state of tetrameric TTF 2 exhibited the mixed-valence state constructed not by the tetrameric TTF units but by two dimeric mutually independent TTF units.
One-pot Solvothermal Crystallization of Two Three-dimensional Manganese 2,6-Naphthalenedicarboxylates: Secondary Ligand-induced Pseudopolymorphism
Authors: Chen Jinxi
Published: July 2011

Two manganese 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylates, [Mn(ndc)(DMF)] (1) and [Mn3(ndc)3(DMF)4] (2) (ndc: 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate), have been isolated from a one-pot reaction system. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction results indicate that both compounds exhibit three-dimensional porous structures. Compounds 1 and 2 can be considered pseudopolymorphs. Careful inspection of the structures of compounds 1 and 2 suggests that the spatial arrangement of a secondary ligand of DMF plays a crucial role in the formation of the two supramolecular isomers.
Electoral Rules and Politicians' Behavior: A Micro Test
Authors: Gagliarducci Stefano , Nannicini Tommaso , Naticchioni Paolo
Published: July 2011

Theory predicts that the majoritarian electoral system should produce more targeted redistribution and lower rents than proportional representation. We test these predictions using data on the Italian House of Representatives, and address the nonrandom selection into different systems exploiting one feature of the two-tier elections between 1994–2001: candidates could run for both the majoritarian and proportional tier, but if they won in both they had to accept the majoritarian seat. Focusing on elections decided by a narrow margin, we find that majoritarian representatives put forward more bills targeted at their constituency and show lower absenteeism rates than their proportional colleagues. (JEL D72)
Government Form and Public Spending: Theory and Evidence from US Municipalities
Authors: Coate Stephen , Knight Brian
Published: July 2011

There are two main forms of government in US cities: council-manager and mayor-council. This paper develops a theory of fiscal policy determination under these two forms. The theory predicts that expected public spending will be lower under mayor-council but that either form of government could be favored by a majority of citizens. The latter prediction means that the theory is consistent with the co-existence of both government forms. Support for the former prediction is found in both a cross-sectional analysis and a panel analysis of changes in government form. (JEL H11, H72, R51)
Transplantation of induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improves the cardiac function of rabbits with dilated cardiomyopathy via upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors
Authors: Mu Yuming , Cao Guiqiu , Zeng Qianqian , Li Yanhong
Published: July 2011

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have shown promise in repairing injured myocardium. However, few studies have explored the potential of BMMSC transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this study we aimed to examine whether BMMSC transplantation improves the cardiac function of dilated cardiomyopathy and investigate the underlying mechanism. We established a DCM model in rabbit, then transplanted BMMSCs induced by 5-azacytidine into the rabbit, and determined the left ventricular pressure and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors. Immunohistochemisty, ultrastructural and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis proved that 5-azacytidine induced the differentiation of BMMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Upon transplantation of the induced BMMSCs into a DCM model, significantly higher maximum rates of rise and decline (±d p/d t) of left ventricular pressure and left ventricular systolic pressure, as well as much lower left ventricular diastolic pressure, were observed compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). After four weeks, deposition of collagen fibers in the myocardium of transplantation group was reduced, accompanied by increased expression of VEGF and its receptors as detected by RT-PCR. Taken together, our results suggest that BMMSC transplantation could alleviate DCM through angiogenesis via the upregulation of VEGF and its receptors.
Asking about condom use: a key to individualized care when screening for chlamydia
Authors: Carré H , Lindström R , Boman J , Janlert U , Lundqvist L , Nylander E
Published: July 2011

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection has been a target for both selective and national screening programmes, and Sweden has an opportunistic approach. A national plan of action states that risk groups should be identified and offered risk reduction counselling. Patients attending a drop-in sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic reception at the University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden, were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and sexual risk behaviour; all had a CT test taken. A total of 1305 patients were included, 58% men, mean age 27.8 years. CT prevalence was 11%; 51% of those with CT were ≥25 years old. Only 5% used a condom during the entire sexual intercourse with their last new/temporary partner. Sexually active inconsistent condom users comprised 62% of the study population and contributed to 81% of the chlamydia infections. Asking whether a condom was used could quickly triage patients into groups with a ‘higher risk’ (none or inconsistent use of condoms and at least one new/temporary partners), and ‘lower risk’ (with more consistent condom use, although not always accurate) allowing for individualized care and counselling when screening for chlamydia. Evaluating whether a condom was used throughout the sexual intercourse did not add any useful information.
Abnormalities in body composition and nutritional status in HIV-infected children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Ramalho L C de Barros , Gonçalves E M , de Carvalho W R G , Guerra-Junior G , Centeville M , Aoki F H , Morcillo A M , dos Santos Vilela M M , da Silva M T N
Published: July 2011

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare growth, nutritional status and body composition outcomes between a group of 94 HIV-infected children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 364 healthy controls, and to evaluate their association with clinical and lifestyle variables within the HIV-infected group. When compared with the control group, HIV patients had higher risk of stunting (odds ratio [OR] 5.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.83–10.04) and thinness (OR 4.7, 95% CI: 2.44–9.06), higher waist-to-hip ratios (medians 0.89 versus 0.82 for boys and 0.90 versus 0.77 for girls, P < 0.001), and lower prevalence of overweight or obesity (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.78). Protease inhibitor usage was associated with thinness (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.07–11.44) and lipoatrophy (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.37–8.95). HIV-infected children on ART showed significant nutritional status and body composition abnormalities, consistent with the severity of vertical HIV infection and the consequences of prolonged ART.
The prevalence of renal impairment among adults with early HIV disease in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Struik G M , den Exter R A , Munthali C , Chipeta D , van Oosterhout J J G , Nouwen J L , Allain T J
Published: July 2011

We determined the prevalence of renal impairment and possible HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) in adults with World Health Organization (WHO) stages I or II HIV, presenting to the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic in a central hospital in Malawi. We enrolled 526 ART-naïve subjects, 67% women, median age 34 (17–73) years and mean CD4 count 305 (3–993) cells/μL. Blood pressure, weight, urine dipstick and microscopy, CD4 cell count and serum creatinine were measured. Creatinine clearance (CrCL) was estimated using the Cockcroft–Gault equation. Possible HIVAN was diagnosed based on levels of proteinuria and CrCl. In all, 23.3% had proteinuria (≥1+). 57.4% had reduced CrCl (<90 mL/minute): 18.8% had moderate (CrCl 30–59 mL/minute) and 2.2% severe (CrCl <30 mL/minute) renal dysfunction. Extrapolating from renal biopsy studies that confirmed HIVAN, the proportion of patients with HIVAN in our clinic ranges from 1.8–21.2%. We conclude that renal impairment was common, though rarely severe, among HIV-infected adults with clinically non-advanced HIV disease. Renal dysfunction has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for (early) mortality. These results are relevant for ART programmes, such as those in Malawi, where renal function is not routinely assessed.
European (IUSTI/WHO) guideline on the management of vaginal discharge, 2011
Authors: Sherrard J , Donders G , White D , Jensen J Skov
Published: July 2011

Three common infections are associated with vaginal discharge: bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and candidiasis, of which trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This guideline covers the presentation and clinical findings of these infections and outlines the differential diagnoses. Recommendations for investigation and management based on currently available evidence are made, including the management of persistent and recurrent infections.