bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infant feeding in Sweden: Socio-demographic determinants and associations with adiposity in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Grjibovski Andrej M , Ehrenblad Bettina , Yngve Agneta
Published: September 2008

Background

Recent reviews and meta-analyses conclude that breastfeeding constitutes a small but consistent protective effect against obesity or higher values of body mass index (BMI) in children, though in some studies this effect was weakened after adjustment for potential confounders. The aim of this study was to explore the socio-demographic determinants of the duration of breastfeeding in Sweden and the associations between breastfeeding duration and adiposity in childhood and adolescence.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of Swedish children. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured and the sum of five skin fold measurements were obtained in 1137 9- and 15-year old children. Breastfeeding data were retrospectively obtained from the medical records for 812 (71.4%) children. Multiple ordinal logistic regression was applied to study individual effects of the maternal characteristics on the duration of breastfeeding. The relationship between children's anthropometric characteristics and duration of breastfeeding was studied by multiple linear regression. Associations between the odds of being overweight or obese and the duration of breastfeeding were studied by multiple logistic regression. Both linear and logistic models were adjusted for children's age, gender, birth weight, maternal education and parental BMI in 1998 as well as maternal age and smoking status at childbirth.

Results

Maternal education was positively associated with the duration of breastfeeding in both 1983 and 1989. Non-smoking mothers were more likely to breastfeed longer than smokers in 1989 (OR = 1.9, 95%CI: 1.3, 3.0). Fifteen-year old children breastfed for shorter than 2 months had 1.2 kg/m2 (95%CI: 0.1, 2.4) higher BMI, 3.2 cm (95%CI: 0.2, 6.2) higher waist circumference and 10.6 mm (95%CI: 1.7, 19.6) higher sum of five skin fold measurements compared to those breastfed for 6 months or longer when adjusted for children's characteristics and maternal characteristics in 1998. Adjustment for maternal age and smoking status at childbirth weakened these associations to non-significant levels (0.9 kg/m2, 95%CI: -0.4, 2.1; 1.4 cm, 95%CI: -1.5, 4.4 and 5.1 mm, 95%CI: -4.0, 14.2, respectively). In the 9-year olds, the associations were less pronounced, but in the same direction. No trends between duration of breastfeeding and children's anthropometric characteristics were observed in any of the age groups.

Conclusion

Maternal education and smoking were significant predictors of breastfeeding duration in Sweden in the 1980s. Associations with measures of adiposity were observed only in 15-year old children between the children with shortest and longest breastfeeding duration, which were weakened after adjustment for maternal characteristics at childbirth.
A genome-scale metabolic reconstruction of Pseudomonas putida KT2440: i JN746 as a cell factory
Authors: Nogales Juan , Palsson Bernhard Ø , Thiele Ines
Published: September 2008

Background

Pseudomonas putida is the best studied pollutant degradative bacteria and is harnessed by industrial biotechnology to synthesize fine chemicals. Since the publication of P. putida KT2440's genome, some in silico analyses of its metabolic and biotechnology capacities have been published. However, global understanding of the capabilities of P. putida KT2440 requires the construction of a metabolic model that enables the integration of classical experimental data along with genomic and high-throughput data. The constraint-based reconstruction and analysis (COBRA) approach has been successfully used to build and analyze in silico genome-scale metabolic reconstructions.

Results

We present a genome-scale reconstruction of P. putida KT2440's metabolism, i JN746, which was constructed based on genomic, biochemical, and physiological information. This manually-curated reconstruction accounts for 746 genes, 950 reactions, and 911 metabolites. i JN746 captures biotechnologically relevant pathways, including polyhydroxyalkanoate synthesis and catabolic pathways of aromatic compounds (e.g., toluene, benzoate, phenylacetate, nicotinate), not described in other metabolic reconstructions or biochemical databases. The predictive potential of i JN746 was validated using experimental data including growth performance and gene deletion studies. Furthermore, in silico growth on toluene was found to be oxygen-limited, suggesting the existence of oxygen-efficient pathways not yet annotated in P. putida's genome. Moreover, we evaluated the production efficiency of polyhydroxyalkanoates from various carbon sources and found fatty acids as the most prominent candidates, as expected.

Conclusion

Here we presented the first genome-scale reconstruction of P. putida, a biotechnologically interesting all-surrounder. Taken together, this work illustrates the utility of i JN746 as i) a knowledge-base, ii) a discovery tool, and iii) an engineering platform to explore P. putida's potential in bioremediation and bioplastic production.
Biliary peritonitis caused by a leaking T-tube fistula disconnected at the point of contact with the anterior abdominal wall: a case report
Authors: Nikolić Marko , Karthikesalingam Alan , Nachimuthu Senthil , Tang Tjun Y , Harris Adrian M
Published: September 2008

Introduction

Operations on the common bile duct may lead to potentially serious complications such as biliary peritonitis. T-tube insertion is performed to reduce the risk of this occurring postoperatively. Biliary leakage at the point of insertion into the common bile duct, or along the fistula, can sometimes occur after T-tube removal and this has been reported extensively in the literature. We report a case where the site at which the T-tube fistula leaked proved to be the point of contact between the fistula and the anterior abdominal wall, a previously unreported complication.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old sub-Saharan African woman presented with gallstone-induced pancreatitis and, once her symptoms settled, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed, common bile duct stones were removed and a T-tube was inserted. Three weeks later, T-tube removal led to biliary peritonitis due to the disconnection of the T-tube fistula which was recannulated laparoscopically using a Latex drain.

Conclusion

This case highlights a previously unreported mechanism for bile leak following T-tube removal caused by detachment of a fistula tract at its contact point with the anterior abdominal wall. Hepatobiliary surgeons should be aware of this mechanism of biliary leakage and the use of laparoscopy to recannulate the fistula.
Acral lentiginous melanoma of the foot and ankle: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Bristow Ivan R , Acland Katharine
Published: September 2008

Background

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is an uncommon, cutaneous malignant tumour which may arise on the foot. Its relative rarity, atypical appearance and late presentation frequently serve as poor prognostic indicators.

Methods

At a tertiary skin tumour centre, a retrospective review was undertaken of all patients diagnosed with the tumour at the level of ankle or below.

Results

Over a six year period, 27 cases (20 female, 7 male) were identified with positive histology confirming the disease. The age ranged from 35–96 years of age (mean 62.7 years). The majority of the cohort were white (59%) with plantar lesions (62%). 33% of patients were initially were diagnosed incorrectly. The average time taken from the point of recognition, by the patient, to the lesion being correctly diagnosed was around 13.5 months.

Conclusion

Earlier diagnosis of ALM requires education at both a patient and practitioner level.
Segmentation-based detection of allelic imbalance and loss-of-heterozygosity in cancer cells using whole genome SNP arrays
Authors: Staaf Johan , Lindgren David , Vallon-Christersson Johan , Isaksson Anders , Göransson Hanna , Juliusson Gunnar , Rosenquist Richard , Höglund Mattias , Borg Åke , Ringnér Markus
Published: September 2008

We present a strategy for detection of loss-of-heterozygosity and allelic imbalance in cancer cells from whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping data. Using a dilution series of a tumor cell line mixed with its paired normal cell line and data generated on Affymetrix and Illumina platforms, including paired tumor-normal samples and tumors characterized by fluorescent in situ hybridization, we demonstrate a high sensitivity and specificity of the strategy for detecting both minute and gross allelic imbalances in heterogeneous tumor samples.
Leukotriene modifiers in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Riccioni Graziano , Capra Valerie , D’Orazio Nicolantonio , Bucciarelli Tonino , Bazzano Lydia A
Published: September 2008

Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) and LTB4 are potent proinflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid through the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, which exerts important pharmacological effects through their interaction with specific receptors: Cys-LT receptors (CysLT1 and CysLT2) and LTB4 receptors (BLT1 and BLT2). Published evidence justifies a broader role for LT receptor antagonists (LTRAs), in particular, montelukast, in the treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and recently, in cardiocerebrovascular disease. The actions of Cys-LTs on the cardiovascular (CV) system are well-documented and include a broad array of activities with promising therapeutic targets in animal models exploring the use of selective 5-LO (or 5-LO-activating protein) inhibitors or dual LO-cycloxygenase-blocking agents in experimentally induced acute myocardial infarction. The picture that emerges from studies with LTRAs is more controversial at the moment, and some findings suggest a role for Cys-LTs in the extension of ischemic damage and in cardiac dysfunction during reperfusion; others do not. The aim of this short review is to summarize the state of present research about LT modifier treatment in CV disease.
Prognostic Significance of Disseminated Tumor Cells in the Bone Marrow of Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Neoadjuvant Hormone Treatment
Authors: Köllermann Jens , Weikert Steffen , Schostak Martin , Kempkensteffen Carsten , Kleinschmidt Klaus , Rau Thomas , Pantel Klaus
Published: September 2008

Purpose

To explore whether the presence of occult disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow before neoadjuvant hormone therapy influences the prognosis of patients with organ confined prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy.

Patients and Methods

Pretreatment bone marrow aspirates from 193 cT (1-4) pN0M0 prostate cancer patients submitted to neoadjuvant hormone therapy (mean, 8 months) followed by radical prostatectomy were immunohistochemically evaluated by anticytokeratin antibody A45-B/B3 previously validated for the detection of DTCs. Bone marrow status was compared with established clinical and histopathologic risk parameters. Patients’ outcome was evaluated using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood serum measurements as surrogate marker for recurrence over a median follow-up of 44 months.

Results

DTCs were detected in 44.6% of patients. Bone marrow status neither correlated with tumor grade and stage, nor with the pretreatment PSA risk category (all P values > .05). In the univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis, the presence of DTCs was a significant prognostic factor with respect to poor PSA progression-free survival (log-rank test P = .0035). Using a multivariable piecewise Cox regression model, the presence of DTCs was an independent predictor of PSA relapse (relative risk 1.82; P = .014).

Conclusion

The presence of DTCs in the bone marrow of patients with prostate cancer before neoadjuvant hormone therapy and subsequent surgery represents an independent prognostic parameter, suggesting that DTCs may contribute to the failure of current neoadjuvant hormone therapy regimens.
Pediatric Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Erlotinib Followed by the Combination of Erlotinib and Temozolomide: A Children's Oncology Group Phase I Consortium Study
Authors: Jakacki Regina I. , Hamilton Marta , Gilbertson Richard J. , Blaney Susan M. , Tersak Jean , Krailo Mark D. , Ingle Ashish M. , Voss Stephan D. , Dancey Janet E. , Adamson Peter C.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

We conducted a phase I and pharmacokinetic study of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor erlotinib as a single agent and in combination with temozolomide in children with refractory solid tumors.

Patients and Methods

Erlotinib was administered orally once daily to cohorts of three to six children for a single 28-day course. Patients then received the combination of daily erlotinib and temozolomide daily for 5 days for all subsequent 28-day courses. An oral erlotinib solution was administered during the dose-finding phase and a tablet formulation was subsequently studied at the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD). Pharmacokinetic studies and ERBB-receptor expression and signaling studies were performed.

Results

Forty-six patients, median age 11.5 years, received erlotinib at doses of 35, 50, 65, 85, or 110 mg/m2/d. At 110 mg/m2/d, two of four patients had dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) consisting of rash and hyperbilirubinemia, whereas one of six patients developed dose-limiting rash at 85 mg/m2/d. The most frequent non-DLTs included diarrhea, rash, and hyperbilirubinemia. The combination of erlotinib and temozolomide was well tolerated. The median apparent erlotinib clearance was 3.1 L/h/m2and the median terminal half-life was 8.7 hours. One patient with a neurocytoma had stable disease for 19 months, two patients with neuroblastoma remained on study for 23 and 24 months, and one patient with myoepithelioma had a mixed response.

Conclusion

The recommended phase II dose of erlotinib in recurrent pediatric solid tumors is 85 mg/m2/d, either alone or in combination with temozolomide.
Treatment and Survival Differences in Older Medicare Patients With Lung Cancer as Compared With Those Who Are Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
Authors: Bradley Cathy J. , Dahman Bassam , Given Charles W.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This study compares non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatments provided to older patients (age ≥ 66 years) who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid with treatments provided to similar patients who are insured by Medicare. We extend the analysis to include a comparison of survival rates between Medicare and dually eligible patients. Dual eligibility is associated with low socioeconomic status. However, Medicaid coverage in addition to Medicare removes many financial barriers to care.

Patients and Methods

The sample included 2,626 older patients with local and regional stage NSCLC diagnosed between 1997 and 2000. Four outcomes were studied: the likelihood of receiving resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and survival (perioperative and longer-term). Logistic regression was used to predict the likelihood of treatment, and stratified and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate differences in survival.

Results

Dually eligible patients were half as likely to undergo resection as Medicare patients (P < .001) and were more likely to receive radiation than Medicare patients. Stratified and multivariate analyses showed that surgically treated dually eligible patients had slightly inferior survival as compared with that of Medicare patients. Survival was equivalent among patients who did not undergo resection, regardless of insurance coverage.

Conclusion

Older dually eligible patients with NSCLC had a lower likelihood of undergoing resection despite controls for socioeconomic factors and comorbidities. However, if such patients were surgically treated, survival improved substantially, but it remained inferior to the survival of Medicare patients. Additional research is needed to understand why resection rates were substantially lower among dually eligible patients.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Potentially Curative Resection of Metastases From Colorectal Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Two Randomized Trials
Authors: Mitry Emmanuel , Fields Anthony L.A. , Bleiberg Harry , Labianca Roberto , Portier Guillaume , Tu Dongsheng , Nitti Donato , Torri Valter , Elias Dominique , O'Callaghan Chris , Langer Bernard , Martignoni Giancarlo , Bouché Olivier , Lazorthes Franck , Van Cutsem Eric , Bedenne Laurent , Moore Malcolm J. , Rougier Philippe
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy administered after surgical resection of colorectal cancer metastases may reduce the risk of recurrence and improve survival, but its benefit has never been demonstrated. Two phase III trials (Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive [FFCD] Trial 9002 and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group/Gruppo Italiano di Valutazione Interventi in Oncologia [ENG] trial) used a similar design and showed a trend favoring adjuvant chemotherapy, but both had to close prematurely because of slow accrual, thus lacking the statistical power to demonstrate the predefined difference in survival. We report here a pooled analysis based on individual data from these two trials.

Patients and Methods

After complete resection of colorectal liver or lung metastases, patients were randomly assigned to chemotherapy (CT arm; fluorouracil [FU] 400 mg/m2 administered intravenously [IV] once daily plus dl-leucovorin 200 mg/m2 [FFCD] × 5 days or FU 370 mg/m2 plus l-leucovorin 100 mg/m2 IV × 5 days [ENG] for six cycles at 28-day intervals) or to surgery alone (S arm).

Results

A total of 278 patients (CT, n = 138; S, n = 140) were included in the pooled analysis. Median progression-free survival was 27.9 months in the CT arm as compared with 18.8 months in the S arm (hazard ratio = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.76; P = .058). Median overall survival was 62.2 months in the CT arm compared with 47.3 months in the S arm (hazard ratio = 1.32; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.82; P = .095). Adjuvant chemotherapy was independently associated with both progression-free survival and overall survival in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

This pooled analysis shows a marginal statistical significance in favor of adjuvant chemotherapy with an FU bolus–based regimen after complete resection of colorectal cancer metastases.
Metronomic Cyclophosphamide and Capecitabine Combined With Bevacizumab in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Dellapasqua Silvia , Bertolini Francesco , Bagnardi Vincenzo , Campagnoli Elisabetta , Scarano Eloise , Torrisi Rosalba , Shaked Yuval , Mancuso Patrizia , Goldhirsch Aron , Rocca Andrea , Pietri Elisabetta , Colleoni Marco
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Metronomic chemotherapy has shown efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. When used in association with targeted antiangiogenic drugs, it was more active than metronomic therapy alone in preclinical and clinical studies.

Patients and Methods

Patients with advanced breast cancer were candidates to receive metronomic oral capecitabine (500 mg thrice daily) and cyclophosphamide (50 mg daily) plus bevacizumab (10 mg/kg every 2 weeks).

Results

In 46 assessable patients, we observed one complete response (CR; 2%), 21 partial responses (PR; 46%), 19 patients (41%) with stable disease (SD), and five patients (11%) with progressive disease, for an overall response rate of 48% (95% CI, 33% to 63%). Additional long-term disease stabilization (SD ≥ 24 weeks) occurred in eight patients, for an overall clinical benefit (CR + PR + SD ≥ 24 weeks) of 68% (95% CI, 51% to 81%). Median time to progression was 42 weeks (95% CI, 26 to 72 weeks). Toxicity was generally mild. Grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic adverse effects included hypertension (n = 8), transaminitis (n = 2), and nausea/vomiting (n = 2). Higher baseline circulating endothelial cells (CECs) were correlated with overall response (P = .02), clinical benefit (P = .01), and improved progression-free survival (P = .04).

Conclusion

Treatment with metronomic capecitabine and cyclophosphamide in combination with bevacizumab was effective in advanced breast cancer and was minimally toxic. The number of baseline CECs significantly correlated with response and outcome, therefore supporting further studies on this surrogate marker for the selection of patients to be candidates for antiangiogenic treatments.
Microfluidic Distillation Utilizing Micro–Nano Combined Structure
Authors: Hibara Akihide , Toshin Kunihiko , Tsukahara Takehiko , Mawatari Kazuma , Kitamori Takehiko
Published: September 2008

This paper reports a novel distillation method in microchannels. For the gas–liquid separator in the evaporator, hydrophilic–hydrophobic patterned microchannel structure was utilized. In order to control condensation of the vapor, nanopillar structures having a capillary radius of 270 nm were fabricated after the separator. In the nanopillars, vapor pressure is lower than that at a flat liquid surface. An aqueous solution of 9.0 wt % ethanol was used as a model sample, and concentration of the condensed liquid in the nanopillar was estimated as 19 wt %.
Synthesis of Macrocycles Comprising 2,7-Disubstituted Naphthalene and Polyamine Moieties via Pd-catalyzed Amination
Authors: Averin Alexei D , Uglov Alexei N , Beletskaya Irina P
Published: September 2008

The Pd-catalyzed reaction of equimolar amounts of 2,7-dibromonaphthalene and various polyamines led to the formation of the macrocycles comprising one naphthalene and one polyamine moieties. The same reaction also gave cyclodimers and cyclotrimers as by-products. Application of excess 2,7-dibromonaphthalene provided N,N′-bis(7-bromonaphth-2-yl)oxadiamine which was used for the synthesis of macrocycles with two naphthalene and two oxadiamine fragments.
An Efficient Method for the Transformation of High Fatty Acid Containing Vegetable Oils to Biodiesel Fuels
Authors: Kótai László , Gömöry Ágnes , Gács István , Holly late Sándor , Sajó István E , Tamics Ernö , Aradi Tamás , Bihátsi László
Published: September 2008

Transesterification of fatty acid containing used or nonfood type vegetable oils with methanol in the presence of partially hydrated calcium oxide has been performed. The calcium soaps formed are treated with sulfuric acid without separation from the ester phase, and the free acids formed are immediately converted to ester with the excess of methanol and the sulfuric acid (as catalyst).
Linear-Programming-Based Lifting and Its Application to Primal Cutting-Plane Algorithms
Authors: Dey Santanu S. , Richard Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2008

We propose an approximate lifting procedure for general integer programs. This lifting procedure uses information from multiple constraints of the problem formulation and can be used to strengthen formulations and cuts for mixed-integer programs. In particular, we demonstrate how it can be applied to improve Gomory's fractional cut, which is central to Glover's primal cutting-plane algorithm. We show that the resulting algorithm is finitely convergent. We also present numerical results that illustrate the computational benefits of the proposed lifting procedure.
Effect of ion pairs in fast-light bandwidth in high-concentration erbium-doped fibers
Authors: Calderon Oscar G. , Melle Sonia , Arrieta-Yañez Francisco , Anton M. A. , Carreño F.
Published: September 2008

The effect of ion pairs in high-concentration erbium-doped fibers on slow- and fast-light propagation enabled by coherent population oscillations at room temperature has been experimentally investigated. We find that an increase of the erbium ion concentration increases the fractional advancement although it degrades the bandwidth of the modulated signals that propagate at superluminal velocities due to the presence of ion pairs in the fiber.
Oat5 and NaDC1 Protein Abundance in Kidney and Urine After Renal Ischemic Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Di Giusto Gisela , Anzai Naohiko , Endou Hitoshi , Torres Adriana M.
Published: September 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the abundance of the organic anion transporter 5 (Oat5) and the sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter 1 (NaDC1) in kidney and urine after renal ischemic reperfusion injury. Renal injury was induced in male Wistar rats by occlusion of both renal pedicles for 0 (Group Sham), 5 (Group I5R60), or 60 (Group I60R60) min. The studies were performed after 60 min of reperfusion. The expression of Oat5 and NaDC1 was evaluated by IHC and Western blotting. Oat5 and NaDC1 abundance and alkaline phosphatase activity (AP) were assayed in urine. A decreased expression in renal homogenates and apical membranes and an increase in urinary excretion of Oat5 and NaDC1 were observed in I60R60 rats, as well as alterations of other widely used parameters for renal dysfunction and injury (plasma creatinine, urinary AP activity, kidney weight, histological lesions). In contrast, in the I5R60 group, only an increase in urinary excretion of Oat5 and mild histopathological damage was detected. This is the first study on Oat5 and NaDC1 detection in urine. These results suggest that urinary excretion of Oat5 might be an early indicator of renal dysfunction, which is useful for detection of even minor alterations in renal structural and functional integrity.
Membrane Domain Specificity in the Spatial Distribution of Aquaporins 5, 7, 9, and 11 in Efferent Ducts and Epididymis of Rats
Authors: Hermo Louis , Schellenberg Morgan , Liu Lauren Ye , Dayanandan Bama , Zhang Tong , Mandato Craig A. , Smith Charles E.
Published: September 2008

Water content within the epididymis of the male reproductive system is stringently regulated to promote sperm maturation. Several members of the aquaporin (AQP) family of water channel-forming integral membrane proteins have been identified in epididymal cells, but expression profiling for this epithelium is presently incomplete, and no AQP isoform has yet been identified on basolateral plasma membranes of these cells. In this study, we explored AQP expression by RT-PCR and light microscopy immunolocalizations using peroxidase and wide-field fluorescence techniques. The results indicate that several AQPs are coexpressed in the epididymis including AQP 5, 7, 9, and 11. Immunolocalizations suggested complex patterns in the spatial distribution of these AQPs. In principal cells, AQP 9 and 11 were present mainly on microvilli, whereas AQP 7 was localized primarily to lateral and then to basal plasma membranes in a region-specific manner. AQP 5 was also expressed regionally but was associated with membranes of endosomes. Additionally, AQPs were expressed by some but not all basal (AQP 7 and 11), clear (AQP 7 and 9), and halo (AQP 7 and 11) cells. These findings indicate unique associations of AQPs with specific membrane domains in a cell type- and region-specific manner within the epididymis of adult animals.
Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) in Human Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Jørgensen Louise H. , Petersson Stine J. , Sellathurai Jeeva , Andersen Ditte C. , Thayssen Susanne , Sant Dorte J. , Jensen Charlotte H. , Schrøder Henrik D.
Published: September 2008

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)/osteonectin is expressed in different tissues during remodeling and repair, suggesting a function in regeneration. Several gene expression studies indicated that SPARC was expressed in response to muscle damage. Studies on myoblasts further indicated a function of SPARC in skeletal muscle. We therefore found it of interest to study SPARC expression in human skeletal muscle during development and in biopsies from Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy and congenital muscular dystrophy, congenital myopathy, inclusion body myositis, and polymyositis patients to analyze SPARC expression in a selected range of inherited and idiopathic muscle wasting diseases. SPARC-positive cells were observed both in fetal and neonatal muscle, and in addition, fetal myofibers were observed to express SPARC at the age of 15–16 weeks. SPARC protein was detected in the majority of analyzed muscle biopsies (23 of 24), mainly in mono-nuclear cells of which few were pax7 positive. Myotubes and regenerating myofibers also expressed SPARC. The expression-degree seemed to reflect the severity of the lesion. In accordance with these in vivo findings, primary human-derived satellite cells were found to express SPARC both during proliferation and differentiation in vitro. In conclusion, this study shows SPARC expression both during muscle development and in regenerating muscle. The expression is detected both in satellite cells/myoblasts and in myotubes and muscle fibers, indicating a role for SPARC in the skeletal muscle compartment.
Class III β-Tubulin Is a Component of the Mitotic Spindle in Multiple Cell Types
Authors: Jouhilahti Eeva-Mari , Peltonen Sirkku , Peltonen Juha
Published: September 2008

The findings of this study show that Class III β-tubulin is a component of the mitotic spindle in multiple cell types. Class III β-tubulin has been widely used as a neuron-specific marker, but it has been detected also in association with breast and pancreatic cancers. In this study, we describe a novel finding of Class III β-tubulin in a subpopulation of cells in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The findings of this study also show that Class III β-tubulin is expressed by normal mesenchymal and epithelial cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes), two transitional cell carcinoma cell lines, and neurofibroma Schwann cells, as shown by immunolabeling and Western transfer analysis using two different Tuj-1 antibodies that are specific for Class III β-tubulin. The corresponding mRNA was detected using RT-PCR and whole human genome microarrays. Both antibodies localized Class III β-tubulin to the mitotic spindle and showed a colocalization with α-tubulin. The immuno-reaction became visible in early prophase, and the most intense immunoreaction was detected during metaphase and anaphase when microtubules were connected to the kinetochores on chromosomes. Class III β-tubulin–specific immunoreaction lasted to the point when the midbody of cytokinesis became detectable.
Saint Elsewhere: German and English Reactions to Mendelssohn's Paulus
Authors: Sposato Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2008

This article examines German and English reactions to Felix Mendelssohn's 1836 oratorio, Paulus. German Protestant audiences recognized Paulus's devotional, or spiritual, quality, which derived from its incorporation of well-known Lutheran chorales. In using chorales and reflective arias and choruses, Mendelssohn followed the model established by Johann Sebastian Bach in his St. Matthew Passion, a work that Mendelssohn had reintroduced to German audiences in 1829. When Paulus was premiered for English audiences in a translation called St. Paul, it was enthusiastically received. But these audiences misunderstood St. Paul's devotional elements, for several reasons. Not only were English audiences unfamiliar with both Bach's music and the Lutheran chorale, they also expected oratorios to follow the model established by Handel. As such, English audiences were confused by those places in St. Paul where the present-day audience is called to reflect and attempted to attribute these numbers to characters in the drama. Mendelssohn responded to this confusion when writing his next oratorio, Elias (or Elijah), in which he hewed more closely to the Handelian model.
Acute changes in endocrine and fluid balance markers during high-intensity, steady-state, and prolonged endurance running: unexpected increases in oxytocin and brain natriuretic peptide during exercise
Authors: Hew-Butler Tamara , Noakes Timothy D , Soldin Steven J , Verbalis Joseph G
Published: September 2008

Maintenance of fluid homeostasis during periods of heightened physical stress can be best evaluated in humans using exercise as a model. Although it is well established that arginine vasopressin (AVP), aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are the principle hormones regulating fluid balance at rest, the potential contributions of other related endocrine factors, such as oxytocin (OT) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), have not been well described during exercise. Seven endurance-trained runners completed three separate running trials: a maximal test to exhaustion (high intensity), a 60-min treadmill run (steady state), and a 56 km ultramarathon (prolonged endurance exercise). Statistically significant pre- to post-run increases were found only following the ultramarathon in [AVP]p (1.9 vs 6.7 pg/ml; P<0.05), [OT]p (1.5 vs 3.5 pg/ml; P<0.05), [NT-proBNP]p (23.6 vs 117.9 pg/ml; P<0.01), [interleukin 6]p (4.0 vs 59.6 pg/ml; P<0.05), [cortisol]p (14.6 vs 32.6 μg/ml; P<0.01), [corticosterone]p (652.8 vs 3491.4 ng/ml; P<0.05) and [11-deoxycortisol]p (0.1 vs 0.5 μg/ml; P<0.05) while a significant post-run increase in [aldosterone]p was documented after high-intensity (4.9 vs 12.5 ng/ml; P<0.05), steady-state (6.1 vs 16.9 ng/ml; P<0.05) and prolonged endurance running (2.6 vs 19.7 ng/ml; P<0.05). Similarly, changes in fluid balance parameters were significantly different between the ultramarathon versus high-intensity and steady-state running with regard to plasma volume contraction (less % contraction), body weight loss (increased % weight loss), plasma [Na+] Δ (decreased from baseline), and urine osmolality Δ (increase from baseline). Hypothetically driven relationships between [OT]p and [AVP]p (r=0.69; P<0.01) and between [NT-proBNP]p Δ and plasma [Na+] Δ (r=−0.79; P<0.001) – combined with the significant and unexpected pre- to post-race increases after prolonged endurance exercise – allows for possible speculation that OT and BNP may assist their better known companion hormones (AVP and ANP) in the regulation of fluid balance during conditions of extreme physical stress.
The Case Against Routine Electroencephalography in Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Venkateswaran Sunita , Shevell Michael
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND. Specific language impairment is a primary developmental language disorder in which language is impaired disproportionately to other developmental domains. Electroencephalography is often conducted in the medical investigation of a child with specific language impairment; however, at present, there is uncertainty regarding necessary testing using electroencephalography.

METHODS. The cases of 111 children with the diagnosis of specific language impairment over a 10-year interval, who also underwent electroencephalography, were systematically reviewed in a retrospective manner. Children with a history of previous afebrile seizures, acquired language delay, or documented language regression, developmental delay, hearing loss, coexisting autistic features, and known central nervous system disorders were excluded.

RESULTS. The majority (76%) of the children were boys. Thirty-five (31.5%) children had abnormal electroencephalography results, including 7 (6.3%) children with epileptiform activity. This is higher than the prevalence rate of epileptiform activity in a historical cohort of 3726 (3.54%) children but not statistically significant. The epileptiform activity was deemed active in only 3 of 7 patients and was not related to the specific type of language delay observed.

CONCLUSIONS. Although abnormal electroencephalographic activity is seen frequently in children with specific language impairment, epileptiform activity is rare and without apparent impact on clinical care. Awake electroencephalography does not seem to be useful in the routine diagnostic evaluation of young children with specific language impairment, although further investigations of both wake and sleep electroencephalography in this homogenous population must be conducted before definitive recommendations can be made.
One in Five Cancer Clinical Trials Is Published: A Terrible Symptom—What's the Diagnosis?
Authors: Curt Gregory A. , Chabner Bruce A.
Published: September 2008

This editorial invites readers to weigh in on whether The Oncologist should expend the considerable effort and expense to produce a peer-reviewed, searchable venue for publishing the results of all well-executed cancer trials that fail to meet positive endpoints.
GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN MATERNAL INVESTMENT: ACIDITY AFFECTS EGG SIZE AND FECUNDITY IN RANA ARVALIS
Authors: Räsänen Katja , Söderman Fredrik , Laurila Anssi , Merilä Juha
Published: September 2008

Environmental‐stress‐mediated geographic variation in reproductive parameters has been little studied in natural vertebrate populations outside the context of climatic variation. Based on life‐history theory, an increase in the degree of environmental stress experienced by a population should lead to (1) a shift in reproductive allocation from fecundity to offspring quality, (2) stronger trade‐offs between reproductive parameters, and (3) changes in the relationship between female phenotype and maternal investment. To test these predictions, we investigated geographic variation in maternal investment of moor frogs (Rana arvalis) in relation to breeding site acidity (pH 4–8). We found that mean egg size increased and clutch size and total reproductive output (TRO) decreased with increasing acidity among 19 Swedish moor frog populations. Tests for variation and co‐variation in maternal investment and female size and age in 233 females from a subset of four acid origin (AO) and four neutral origin (NO) populations revealed that clutch size and TRO increased with female size in both acid and neutral environments. However, in AO populations, egg size also increased with female size, and clutch size and TRO with female age, whereas in NO populations, egg size increased with female age. The strength of the egg‐size–clutch‐size trade‐off tended to be stronger in AO than in NO females as expected if the former experience stronger environmental constraints. All in all, these results suggest that environmental acidification selects for investment in larger eggs at a cost to fecundity, imposes negative effects on reproductive output, and alters the relationship between female phenotype and maternal investment.
OFFSPRING SIZE VARIATION WITHIN BROODS AS A BET‐HEDGING STRATEGY IN UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Marshall Dustin J. , Bonduriansky Russell , Bussière Luc F.
Published: September 2008

Offspring size is strikingly variable within species. Although theory can account for variation in offspring size among mothers, an adaptive explanation for variationwithinindividual broods has proved elusive. Theoretical considerations of this problem assume that producing offspring that are too small results in reduced offspring viability, but producing offspring that are too large (for that environment) results only in a lost opportunity for increased fecundity. However, logic and recent evidence suggest that offspring above a certain size will also have lower fitness, such that mothers face fitness penalties on either side of an optimum. Although theory assuming intermediate optima has been developed for other diversification traits, the implications of this idea for selection on intra‐brood variance in offspring size have not been explored theoretically. Here we model the fitness of mothers producing offspring of uniform vs. variable size in unpredictably variable environments and compare these two strategies under a variety of conditions. Our model predicts that producing variably sized offspring results in higher mean maternal fitness and less variation in fitness among generations when there is a maximum and minimum viable offspring size, and when many mothers under‐ or overestimate this optimum. This effect is especially strong when the viable offspring size range is narrow relative to the range of environmental variation. To determine whether this prediction is consistent with empirical evidence, we compared within‐ and among‐mother variation in offspring size for five phyla of marine invertebrates with different developmental modes corresponding to contrasting levels of environmental predictability. Our comparative analysis reveals that, in the developmental mode in which mothers are unlikely to anticipate the relationship between offspring size and performance, size variation within mothers exceeds variation among mothers, but the converse is true when optimal offspring size is likely to be more predictable. Together, our results support the hypothesis that variation in offspring size within broods can reflect an adaptive strategy for dealing with unpredictably variable environments. We suggest that, when there is a minimum and a maximum viable offspring size and the environment is unpredictable, selection will act on both the meanandvariance of offspring size.
INTERGENERATIONAL EFFECTS OF CLIMATE GENERATE COHORT VARIATION IN LIZARD REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Marquis Olivier , Massot Manuel , Le Galliard Jean François
Published: September 2008

An evaluation of the link between climate and population dynamics requires understanding of climate effects both within and across generations. In ectothermic vertebrates, demographic responses to climate changes should crucially depend on balancing needs for heat and water. Here, we studied how temperature and rainfall regimes experienced before and during adulthood influenced reproductive performances (litter size, offspring size, and survival) in a natural population of the live‐bearing common lizard,Lacerta vivipara, monitored continuously from 1989 to 2004. Rainfall regime, but not temperature, had both immediate and delayed effects on these reproductive performances. Rainfall during the first month of life was positively correlated with juvenile survival. Females experiencing more rainfall during gestation produced smaller neonates that showed greater survival when controlling for the positive effect of body size on survival. Furthermore, females that experienced heavier rainfall when in utero produced fewer but longer neonates during adulthood. These demographic effects of rainfall on adult reproductive traits may come from maternal effects of climate conditions and/or from delayed effects of rainfall on the environment experienced early in life. Irrespective of the precise mechanism, however, this study provides evidence of intergenerational climate effects in natural populations of an ectothermic vertebrate.
RELATIVE AND INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF PLANT AND GRAZER RICHNESS IN A BENTHIC MARINE COMMUNITY
Authors: Bruno John F. , Boyer Katharyn E. , Duffy J. Emmett , Lee Sarah C.
Published: September 2008

The interactive effects of changing biodiversity of consumers and their prey are poorly understood but are likely to be important under realistic scenarios of biodiversity loss and gain. We performed two factorial manipulations of macroalgal group (greens, reds, and browns) and herbivore species (amphipods, sea urchin, and fish) composition and richness in outdoor mesocosms simulating a subtidal, hard‐substratum estuarine community in North Carolina, USA. In the experiment where grazer richness treatments were substitutive, there were no significant effects of algal or herbivore richness on final algal biomass. However, in the experiment in which grazer treatments were additive (i.e., species‐specific densities were held constant across richness treatments), we found strong independent and interactive effects of algal and herbivore richness. Herbivore polycultures reduced algal biomass to a greater degree than the sum of the three herbivore monocultures, indicating that the measured grazer richness effects were not due solely to increased herbivore density in the polycultures. Taking grazer density into account also revealed that increasing algal richness dampened grazer richness effects. Additionally, the effect of algal richness on algal biomass accumulation was far stronger when herbivores were absent, suggesting that grazers can utilize the increased productivity and mask the positive effects of plant biodiversity on primary production. Our results highlight the complex independent and interactive effects of biodiversity between adjacent trophic levels and emphasize the importance of performing biodiversity–ecosystem functioning experiments in a realistic multi‐trophic context.
INCREASING LITTER SPECIES RICHNESS REDUCES VARIABILITY IN A TERRESTRIAL DECOMPOSER SYSTEM
Authors: Keith Aidan M. , van der Wal René , Brooker Rob W. , Osler Graham H. R. , Chapman Stephen J. , Burslem David F. R. P. , Elston David A.
Published: September 2008

Debate on the relationship between diversity and stability has been driven by the recognition that species loss may influence ecosystem properties and processes. We conducted a litterbag experiment in the Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom, to examine the effects of altering plant litter diversity on decomposition, microbial biomass, and microfaunal abundance. The design of treatments was fully factorial and included five species from an upland plant community (silver birch,Betula pendula; Scots' pine,Pinus sylvestris; heather,Calluna vulgaris; bilberry,Vaccinium myrtillus; wavy‐hair grass,Deschampsia flexuosa); species richness ranged from one to five species. We tested the effects of litter species richness and composition on variable means, whether increasing litter species richness reduced variability in the decomposer system, and whether any richness–variability relationships were maintained over time (196 vs. 564 days). While litter species composition effects controlled variable means, we revealed reductions in variability with increasing litter species richness, even after accounting for differences between litter types. These findings suggest that higher plant species richness per se may result in more stable ecosystem processes (e.g., decomposition) and decomposer communities. Negative richness–variation relationships generally relaxed over time, presumably because properties of litter mixtures became more homogeneous. However, given that plant litter inputs continue to enter the belowground system over time, we conclude that variation in ecosystem properties may be buffered by greater litter species richness.
LEAF DROP IN EVERGREEN CEANOTHUS VELUTINUS AS A MEANS OF REDUCING HERBIVORY
Authors: Karban Richard
Published: September 2008

Conventional explanations for deciduousness do not include losses to herbivory. However, a recent explanation posits that deciduous leaf drop allows trees to reduce their herbivore loads and that this benefit of the deciduous habit may partly offset lost opportunities for photosynthesis. Much of the damage caused by chewing herbivores occurs early in the season when adult insects colonize as new leaves are expanding; trees without leaves from previous leaf flushes at this time are less attractive and suffer less cost of herbivory. I tested this hypothesis using Ceanothus velutinus, an evergreen shrub that shows considerable individual variation in leaf retention. Stems that held more leaves through winter experienced more chewing damage the following season. Stems with leaves experimentally removed through winter also were less likely to receive chewing damage the following season. At least some herbivores in this system make oviposition decisions before new leaves have expanded, and old leaves may provide cues about the suitability of the stem. Holding leaves through winter increased the likelihood of herbivory, and experimental protection from herbivores caused 60% greater inflorescence production compared to unprotected stems. However, the cost of leaf retention was more than offset by an overall benefit. Stems that were allowed to keep winter leaves produced larger new leaves in summer and expanded them more rapidly in the season than stems with winter leaves experimentally removed. As a result, stems with leaves through winter experienced higher survival, four times as many inflorescences, and 40 times as many fruits as shoots that were experimentally defoliated. Losses to herbivores may be an unappreciated cost of leaf retention, and cost–benefit models of deciduous and evergreen behavior should include these losses.