bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Breast Cancer Risk Distribution for Women Undergoing Screening in British Columbia
Authors: Weisstock Christina R. , Rajapakshe Rasika , Bitgood Christabelle , McAvoy Steven , Gordon Paula B. , Coldman Andrew J. , Parker Brent A. , Wilson Christine
Published: August 2013

Breast cancer risk estimations are both informative and useful at the population level, with many screening programs relying on these assessments to allocate resources such as breast MRI. This cross-sectional multicenter study attempts to quantify the breast cancer risk distribution for women between the ages of 40 to 79 years undergoing screening mammography in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The proportion of women at high breast cancer risk was estimated by surveying women enrolled in the Screening Mammography Program of British Columbia (SMPBC) for known breast cancer risk factors. Each respondent's 10-year risk was computed with both the Tyrer–Cuzick and Gail risk assessment models. The resulting risk distributions were evaluated using the guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (United Kingdom). Of the 4,266 women surveyed, 3.5% of women between the ages of 40 to 79 years were found to have a high 10-year risk of developing breast cancer using the Tyrer–Cuzick model (1.1% using the Gail model). When extrapolated to the screening population, it was estimated that 19,414 women in the SMPBC are considered to be at high breast cancer risk. These women may benefit from additional MRI screening; preliminary analysis suggests that 4 to 5 additional MRI machines would be required to screen these high-risk women. However, the use of different models and guidelines will modify the number of women qualifying for additional screening interventions, thus impacting the MRI resources required. The results of this project can now be used to inform decision-making groups about resource allocation for breast cancer screening in BC. Cancer Prev Res; 6(10); 1084–92. ©2013 AACR.
Knockdown of PSMB7 Induces Autophagy in Cardiomyocyte Cultures: Possible Role in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Kyrychenko Victoria O. , Nagibin Vasyl S. , Tumanovska Lesya V. , Pashevin Denis O. , Gurianova Veronika L. , Moibenko Alexey A. , Dosenko Victor E. , Klionsky Daniel J.
Published: August 2013

Proteasomal and autophagic pathways of protein degradation are two essential, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated proteolytic systems involved in the ER stress response. The functional interaction between them has been shown by proteasome pharmacological inhibition. However, little data have been found concerning autophagy induction using an RNA interference approach due to the multisubunit composition of proteolytic systems. We suggested that silencing of single proteasome subunits can induce massive autophagy. Psmb7-specific small interference RNA added to isolated cardiomyocytes significantly affected mRNA expression of essential ER stress marker proteins, including DDIT3/CHOP and HSPA5/GRP78. mRNA expression of the key autophagy regulator MTOR was also increased. These findings were confirmed by single-cell reverse transcription real-time PCR on individual monodansylcadaverine (MDC)-labeled cardiomyocytes. RNA interference that decreased the levels of non-catalytic PSMB7 subunits of the proteasome had no influence on chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like activities, but significantly decreased peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing activity. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased levels of LC3-marked vacuoles in the cytoplasm of Psmb7-knockdown cells, and MDC staining showed significantly increased numbers of neonatal cardiomyocytes with autophagic vacuoles. After anoxia-reoxygenation, the number of cells with signs of autophagy after Psmb7 gene silencing was higher. Our results indicate that Psmb7 knockdown induces ER stress and autophagy in cardiomyocytes, which may be a useful approach to activate specific autophagy.
Cascade Screening in Families with Inherited Cardiac Diseases Driven by Cardiologists: Feasibility and Nationwide Outcome in Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Theilade Juliane , Kanters Jørgen , Henriksen Finn Lund , Gilså-Hansen Michael , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Eschen Ole , Toft Egon , Reimers Jesper Irving , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Christiansen Michael , Jensen Henrik Kjærulf , Bundgaard Henning
Published: August 2013

Objectives: We assessed the outcome of cascade screening of families with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) in Danish heart centers. Methods: Affected family members were identified through systematic family screening. Results: In total, 228 affected relatives were identified from 90 families. A disease-causing mutation useful for presymptomatic genetic testing was found in 82% of probands. Two-thirds of affected relatives fulfilled electrocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis, whereas diagnosis was based on genetic findings in only one-third. The majority of affected relatives were asymptomatic. Symptomatic relatives and probands most often presented with syncope, followed by aborted cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. A serious cardiac event (SCE, such as syncope, aborted cardiac arrest or cardiac arrest) was reported by 32% of affected relatives and 87% of probands (p < 0.0001). Fifty-two percent of affected relatives were on β-blockers and 11% had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), as compared to 88 and 49% of probands (p < 0.0001). Appropriate ICD therapy was given to 13% of affected relatives and to 27% of probands (p = 0.1). Conclusions: Clinically driven cascade screening of Danish LQTS families identified 2-3 affected relatives per proband. Affected relatives had milder disease courses, but SCEs in a subset strongly support screening. Danish cardiologists have adopted cascade screening of LQTS families according to specific Danish guidelines.
Atypical Microorganisms in Expressed Prostatic Secretion from Patients with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Microbiological Results from a Case-Control Study
Authors: Xiao Jiaquan , Ren Ligang , Lv Huoxiang , Ding Qing , Lou Shuixin , Zhang Wei , Dong Zhichao
Published: August 2013

Objectives: To investigate the microorganisms in expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) of both chronic prostatitis patients and normal young male adults and to determine which microorganisms are associated with the degree of intraprostatic inflammation. Methods: Specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology was performed to confirm Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycoplasma and Chlamydia trachomatis as well as human papilloma virus (HPV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Universal primer PCR technology was carried out to detect 16S bacteria rDNA, followed by cloning and sequencing of the entire 16S rDNA product. Results: The total number of bacteria and/or viruses detected by PCR assays was significantly associated with disease severity (p < 0.001). The white blood cell count and lecithin level was significantly correlated with the number of detected bacteria and/or viruses (p = 0.001 and p = 0.046, respectively). 17 bacterial isolates were identified from 14 EPS samples by 16S rDNA sequencing. Conclusions: Various microorganisms including Ureaplasma urealyticum, C. trachomatis, CMV, HPV and HSV-2 were identified in the EPS from patients with type III prostatitis. HPV infection may be associated with the degree of intraprostatic inflammation.
DNA Damage Response-Related Proteins in Gastric Cancer: ATM, Chk2 and p53 Expression and Their Prognostic Value
Authors: Lee Hee Eun , Han Nayoung , Kim Min A , Lee Hye Seung , Yang Han-Kwang , Lee Byung Lan , Kim Woo Ho
Published: August 2013

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess expressions of the DNA damage response (DDR)-related proteins and to investigate their clinical significances in gastric carcinoma. Methods: Two independent cohorts, a training set (n = 524) and validation set (n = 394), of gastric cancer patients were enrolled. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2), and p53 expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray. Results: ATM loss, Chk2 loss, and p53 positivity were observed in 21.8, 14.1, and 36.1% of the training set, and in 17.3, 12.2, and 35.8% of the validation set, respectively. In the training set, the aberrant expressions of ATM, Chk2, or p53 were significantly associated with an advanced TNM stage and poor disease-specific survival. This association was verified in the validation set. Chk2 positivity and p53 negativity were significantly related to a prolonged disease-specific survival. Also, patients with nonaberrant expressional levels of all 3 DDR-related proteins had a more favorable outcome than others. Multivariate analyses showed that Chk2 loss and at least 1 aberrant DDR-related protein remained as independent prognostic factors of poor disease-specific survival. Conclusions: This study elucidated the prognostic implications of DDR-related proteins, and suggests that their aberrant expressions play critical roles in the development and progression of gastric cancer.
AKT Activation and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Expression are Concurrently Associated with Prognosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sasaki Takamitsu , Kuniyasu Hiroki , Luo Yi , Kitayoshi Misaho , Tanabe Eriko , Kato Daisuke , Shinya Satoshi , Fujii Kiyomu , Ohmori Hitoshi , Yamashita Yuichi
Published: August 2013

AKT is a protein in the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) pathway and associated with diverse pro-tumoral responses. Activation of the human telomere reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is one of AKT's tumorigenic effects. In this study, the significance of AKT phosphorylation and hTERT on prognosis of gastric cancer were examined. AKT activation by epidermal growth factor increased hTERT expression and telomerase activity. In contrast, AKT inactivation by inhibitors and knockdown decreased hTERT expression and telomerase activity in MKN28 gastric cancer cells. In 40 gastric cancer tissues, significant correlations were found among the levels of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT), hTERT expression, and telomer length. The pAKT levels or the levels of pAKT/hTERT were not associated with clinicopathological parameters, including stage and nodal metastasis. However, survival rates of the pAKT-high patients or the pAKT-high and hTERT-high patients were significantly poorer than those in other patients. These findings suggest that AKT and hTERT are good molecular targets for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Analog Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale
Authors: Shaikh Aasef G. , Mehndiratta Prachi , Gonzalez Carmela , Koo Brian B.
Published: August 2013

We propose an analog restless legs syndrome (RLS) rating scale (ARLS) to assess RLS severity. ARLS has three components: overall perceived severity of symptoms, the severity of urge to move and the degree to which symptoms improve with movement, each scored from 0 to 100. ARLS is relatively convenient, easy to administer in clinics and can be rapidly assessed. Our goal was to compare the novel ARLS with the well-known International RLS Study Group scale (IRLS) to assess the efficacy of the ARLS. ARLS and IRLS were administered on 93 occasions. Perceived severity of the disease measured with ARLS positively correlated with the normalized IRLS score (correlation coefficient 0.6; slope 1.2; p < 0.0001). Improvement in symptoms after movement inversely correlated with the disease burden as measured with normalized IRLS score (slope -0.94; correlation coefficient 0.4; p = 0.0001). For both low and high IRLS scores, the urge to move measured with ARLS saturated, suggesting a non-linear, multifactorial relationship between the perception of RLS severity and the urge to move. In conclusion, individual components of the ARLS correlated well with total IRLS score. We emphasize that the ARLS is a simple RLS rating tool that can be used in clinical settings.
Epidemiology of Surgically Treated Primary Spinal Cord Tumors in Miyagi, Japan
Authors: Ozawa Hiroshi , Aizawa Toshimi , Kanno Haruo , Sano Hirotaka , Itoi Eiji
Published: August 2013

Background: Data for spinal cord tumors have not been collected in the past on a population-based level in Japan. The objective of the study was to provide detailed estimates of the population-based incidence of surgically treated primary spinal cord tumors in Japan. Methods: Incidence of primary spinal cord tumors was estimated from patients treated surgically between 2008 and 2010 in Miyagi Prefecture. The overall incidence of spinal cord tumors was calculated, as well as the individual incidence rates according to age group, gender, pathology and tumor location. Results: Of the primary spinal cord tumors identified (n = 112), 98% were nonmalignant. The overall incidence of spinal cord tumors was 1.60/100,000 person-years with an incidence of 1.77/100,000 in males and 1.45/100,000 in females. The incidence rate was highest in the age group of 60-64 years (3.04/100,000). Schwannoma accounted for 56% and meningioma accounted for 13% of the tumors. The histological type with the highest incidence was schwannoma (0.90/100,000), followed by meningioma (0.20/100,000). Conclusions: Due to the high incidence of schwannomas, the overall incidence of spinal cord tumors is higher in Japan than in Western countries, and Japanese males have a higher incidence than females, different from that observed in Western countries.
Possible Role of Dynorphins in Alzheimer's Disease and Age-Related Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Ménard Caroline , Herzog Herbert , Schwarzer Christoph , Quirion Rémi
Published: August 2013

Background/Aims: Expression of dynorphin, an endogenous opioid peptide, increases with age and has been associated with cognitive deficits in rodents. Elevated dynorphin levels have been reported in postmortem samples from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, and prodynorphin (PDYN) gene polymorphisms might be linked to cognitive function in the elderly. Activation of κ-opioid receptors by dynorphins has been associated with stress-related memory impairments. Interestingly, these peptides can also modulate glutamate neurotransmission and may affect synaptic plasticity underlying memory formation. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazol-propionate (AMPA) ionotropic glutamate receptor levels generally decrease with aging, and their function is impaired in AD. Methods: Here, we compared the impact of aging on ionotropic glutamate receptor levels in the hippocampal formation of wild-type (WT) and Pdyn knock-out (KO) mice. Results: We observed a significant reduction in GluR1 and GluR2 AMPA receptor subunits in the hippocampal formation of 18- to 25-month-old WT mice in comparison with 6-month-old mice. Conversely, the GluR1 protein level was maintained in old Pdyn KO mice, and the NMDA NR2B subunit level was increased by 42% when compared to old WT animals. Conclusions: These results suggest that elevated dynorphin expression occurring during aging and AD may mediate cognitive deficits by altering the glutamatergic system integrity.
Transposable Elements in Fish Chromosomes: A Study in the Marine Cobia Species
Authors: Costa G.W.W.F. , Cioffi M.B. , Bertollo L.A.C. , Molina W.F.
Published: August 2013

Rachycentron canadum, a unique representative of the Rachycentridae family, has been the subject of considerable biotechnological interest due to its potential use in marine fish farming. This species has undergone extensive research concerning the location of genes and multigene families on its chromosomes. Although most of the genome of some organisms is composed of repeated DNA sequences, aspects of the origin and dispersion of these elements are still largely unknown. The physical mapping of repetitive sequences on the chromosomes of R. canadum proved to be relevant for evolutionary and applied purposes. Therefore, here, we present the mapping by fluorescence in situ hybridization of the transposable element (TE) Tol2, the non-LTR retrotransposons Rex1 and Rex3, together with the 18S and 5S rRNA genes in the chromosome of this species. The Tol2 TE, belonging to the family of hAT transposons, is homogeneously distributed in the euchromatic regions of the chromosomes but with huge colocalization with the 18S rDNA sites. The hybridization signals for Rex1 and Rex3 revealed a semi-arbitrary distribution pattern, presenting differentiated dispersion in euchromatic and heterochromatic regions. Rex1 elements are associated preferentially in heterochromatic regions, while Rex3 shows a scarce distribution in the euchromatic regions of the chromosomes. The colocalization of TEs with 18S and 5S rDNA revealed complex chromosomal regions of repetitive sequences. In addition, the nonpreferential distribution of Rex1 and Rex3 in all heterochromatic regions, as well as the preferential distribution of the Tol2 transposon associated with 18S rDNA sequences, reveals a distinct pattern of organization of TEs in the genome of this species. A heterogeneous chromosomal colonization of TEs may confer different evolutionary rates to the heterochromatic regions of this species.
Temporal Trends in Patient Characteristics and Treatment With Intravenous Thrombolysis Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients at Get With the Guidelines–Stroke Hospitals
Authors: Schwamm Lee H. , Ali Syed F. , Reeves Mathew J. , Smith Eric E. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Messe Steven , Bhatt Deepak L. , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V. , Peterson Eric D. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: August 2013

Background—

Substantial efforts over the past decade have increased rates of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use in the United States. We sought to determine changes in patient characteristics and rates of tPA use over time among hospitalized acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed all AIS patients (n=1 093 895) and those arriving ≤2 hours and treated with tPA ≤3 hours after onset (n=50 798) from 2003 to 2011 in the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guideline–Stroke (GWTG–Stroke). Categorical data were analyzed by Pearson χ
2
and continuous data by Wilcoxon test. Intravenous tPA use ≤3 hours after onset increased from 4.0% to 7.0% in all AIS admissions and 42.6% to 77.0% in AIS patients arriving ≤2 hours and fully eligible for tPA (
P
<0.001). In univariate analysis, tPA use increased over time, especially in those aged >85 years, nonwhite, and with milder strokes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 0–4). Door-to-image time (median 24 versus 20 minutes) and door-to-tPA time (median 81 versus 72 minutes) also improved, with ≈65% of tPA-treated patients getting brain imaging ≤25 minutes after arrival. Multivariable analysis showed that with each additional calendar year, the odds that an eligible patient would receive tPA increased by 1.37-fold, adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusions—

The frequency of IV tPA use among all AIS patients, regardless of contraindications, nearly doubled from 2003 to 2011. Treatment with tPA has expanded to include more patients with mild deficits, nonwhite race/ethnicity, and oldest old age.
Proinflammatory Stimuli Engage Brahma Related Gene 1 and Brahma in Endothelial Injury
Authors: Fang Fei , Chen Dewei , Yu Liming , Dai Xin , Yang Yuyu , Tian Wenfang , Cheng Xian , Xu Huihui , Weng Xinyu , Fang Mingming , Zhou Jiliang , Gao Yuqi , Chen Qi , Xu Yong
Published: August 2013

Rationale:

Endothelial dysfunction inflicted by inflammation is found in a host of cardiovascular pathologies. One hallmark event in this process is the aggregation and adhesion of leukocyte to the vessel wall mediated by the upregulation of adhesion molecules (CAM) in endothelial cells at the transcriptional level. The epigenetic modulator(s) of CAM transactivation and its underlying pathophysiological relevance remain poorly defined.

Objective:

Our goal was to determine the involvement of Brahma related gene 1 (Brg1) and Brahma (Brm) in CAM transactivation and its relevance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results:

In the present study, we report that proinflammatory stimuli augmented the expression of Brg1 and Brm in vitro in cultured endothelial cells and in vivo in arteries isolated from rodents. Overexpression of Brg1 and Brm promoted while knockdown of Brg1 and Brm abrogated transactivation of adhesion molecules and leukocyte adhesion induced by inflammatory signals. Brg1 and Brm interacted with and were recruited to the CAM promoters by nuclear factor κB/p65. Conversely, depletion of Brg1 and Brm disrupted the kinetics of p65 binding on CAM promoters and crippled CAM activation. Silencing of Brg1 and Brm also altered key epigenetic changes associated with CAM transactivation. Of intrigue, 17β-estradiol antagonized both the expression and activity of Brg1/Brm. Most importantly, endothelial-targeted elimination of Brg1/Brm conferred atheroprotective effects to
Apoe
-/-
mice on a Western diet.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that Brg1 and Brm integrate various proinflammatory cues into CAM transactivation and endothelial malfunction and, as such, may serve as potential therapeutic targets in treating inflammation-related cardiovascular diseases.
Yield of Molecular and Clinical Testing for Arrhythmia Syndromes
Authors: Hofman Nynke , Tan Hanno L. , Alders Mariëlle , Kolder Iris , de Haij Simone , Mannens Marcel M.A.M. , Lombardi Maria Paola , Lekanne dit Deprez Ronald H. , van Langen Irene , Wilde Arthur A.M.
Published: August 2013

Background—

Sudden cardiac death is often caused by inherited arrhythmia syndromes, particularly if it occurs at a young age. In 1996, we started a cardiogenetics clinic aimed at diagnosing such syndromes and providing timely (often presymptomatic) treatment to families in which such syndromes or sudden cardiac death existed. We studied the yield of DNA testing for these syndromes using a candidate-gene approach over our 15 years of experience.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed the yield of DNA testing. In subanalyses, we studied differences in the yield of DNA testing over time, between probands with isolated or familial cases and between probands with or without clear disease-specific clinical characteristics. In cases of sudden unexplained death (antemortem or postmortem analysis of the deceased not performed or providing no diagnosis), we analyzed the yield of cardiological investigations. Among 7021 individuals who were counseled, 6944 from 2298 different families (aged 41±19 years; 49% male) were analyzed. In 702 families (31%), a possible disease-causing mutation was detected. Most mutations were found in families with long-QT syndrome (47%) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (46%). Cascade screening revealed 1539 mutation-positive subjects. The mutation detection rate decreased over time, in part because probands with a less severe phenotype were studied, and was significantly higher in familial than in isolated cases. We counseled 372 families after sudden unexplained death; in 29% of them (n=108), an inherited arrhythmia syndrome was diagnosed.

Conclusions—

The proportion of disease-causing mutations found decreased over time, in part because probands with a less severe phenotype were studied. Systematic screening of families identified many (often presymptomatic) mutation-positive subjects.
Increased Atherosclerotic Lesions in LDL Receptor Deficient Mice With Hematopoietic Nuclear Receptor Rev‐erbα Knock‐ Down
Authors: Ma Hongling , Zhong Wenbin , Jiang Yingliang , Fontaine Coralie , Li Shiqian , Fu Jiangnan , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Staels Bart , Yan Daoguang
Published: August 2013

Background

Nuclear receptor Rev‐erbα plays important roles in circadian clock timing, lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and vascular inflammation. However, the role of Rev‐erbα in atherosclerotic lesion development has not been assessed in vivo.

Methods and Results

The nuclear receptor Rev‐erbα was knocked down in mouse haematopoietic cells by means of sh
RNA
‐lentiviral transduction, followed by bone marrow transplantation into
LDL
receptor knockout mice. The Rev‐erbα protein in peripheral macrophage was reduced by 70% as compared to control mice injected with nontargeting sh
RNA
lentivirus‐transduced bone marrow. A significant increase in atherosclerotic lesions was observed around the aorta valves as well as upon en face aorta analysis of Rev‐erbα knock‐down bone marrow recipients (
P
<0.01) as compared to the control mice, while plasma cholesterol, phospholipid, and triacylglycerol levels were not affected. Overexpression of Rev‐erbα in bone marrow mononuclear cells decreased inflammatory M1 while increasing M2 macrophage markers, while Rev‐erbα knock down increased the macrophage inflammatory phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, treatment of differentiating macrophages with the Rev‐erbα ligand heme promoted expression of antiinflammatory M2 markers.

Conclusions

These observations identify hematopoietic cell Rev‐erbα as a new modulator of atherogenesis in mice.
Leukoaraiosis and Increased Cerebral Susceptibility to Ischemia: Lack of Confounding by Carotid Disease
Authors: Schulz Ursula G. , Grüter Basil E. , Briley Dennis , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Leukoaraiosis is associated with an increased risk of stroke, but the underlying mechanism remains uncertain, as do the associations with other risk factors, such as carotid disease. We aimed to determine the role of carotid disease and of other clinical variables in the development of leukoaraiosis and to define their contributions to the associated increased risk of stroke.

Methods and Results

We prospectively studied a large cohort of consecutive patients with transient ischemic attack (
TIA
) and minor stroke who attended a
TIA
clinic between 2002 and 2009. Detailed clinical data were obtained, and patients underwent magnetic resonance brain and vascular imaging. We assessed the severity of leukoaraiosis with use of the ARWMC (Age Related White Matter Changes) score: 671 patients (374 [56%] men; mean [
SD
] age 71 [11] years) were studied, of whom 415 (62%) had leukoaraiosis. In a multivariate analysis, leukoaraiosis was associated with increasing age (
P
<0.0001) and hypertension (
P
=0.01), as well as the presence of acute (
P
<0.0001) and chronic (
P
=0.014) infarction on magnetic resonance imaging. In the univariate analysis, a current and past diagnosis of stroke versus
TIA
also showed a strong association. Carotid disease was not associated with leukoaraiosis, even in the presence of a flow‐limiting (>70%) stenosis or occlusion, and the risk factor profiles for leukoaraiosis and carotid disease differed.

Conclusions

The association with more severe ischemic events (stroke versus
TIA
) and infarction on imaging is consistent with leukoaraiosis being a marker of increased cerebral susceptibility to ischemia. In contrast, the presence, severity of, and risk factors for atheromatous disease showed no association with leukoaraiosis, suggesting that these are two unrelated disease processes.
Long‐Term
miR‐669a
Therapy Alleviates Chronic Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dystrophic Mice
Authors: Quattrocelli Mattia , Crippa Stefania , Montecchiani Celeste , Camps Jordi , Cornaglia Antonia Icaro , Boldrin Luisa , Morgan Jennifer , Calligaro Alberto , Casasco Andrea , Orlacchio Aldo , Gijsbers Rik , D'Hooge Jan , Toelen Jaan , Janssens Stefan , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: August 2013

Background

Dilated cardiomyopathy (
DCM
) is a leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality in muscular dystrophy (
MD
) patients. Current pharmacological treatments are not yet able to counteract chronic myocardial wastage, thus novel therapies are being intensely explored. Micro
RNA
s have been implicated as fine regulators of cardiomyopathic progression. Previously,
miR‐669a
downregulation has been linked to the severe
DCM
progression displayed by
Sgcb
‐null dystrophic mice. However, the impact of long‐term overexpression of
miR‐669a
on muscle structure and functionality of the dystrophic heart is yet unknown.

Methods and Results

Here, we demonstrate that intraventricular delivery of adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors induces long‐term (18 months)
miR‐669a
overexpression and improves survival of
Sgcb
‐null mice. Treated hearts display significant decrease in hypertrophic remodeling, fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Moreover,
miR‐669a
treatment increases sarcomere organization, reduces ventricular atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels, and ameliorates gene/mi
RNA
profile of
DCM
markers. Furthermore, long‐term
miR‐669a
overexpression significantly reduces adverse remodeling and enhances systolic fractional shortening of the left ventricle in treated dystrophic mice, without significant detrimental consequences on skeletal muscle wastage.

Conclusions

Our findings provide the first evidence of long‐term beneficial impact of
AAV
‐mediated mi
RNA
therapy in a transgenic model of severe, chronic
MD
‐associated
DCM
.
Elevated Aerobic Fitness Sustained Throughout the Adult Lifespan Is Associated With Improved Cerebral Hemodynamics
Authors: Bailey Damian M. , Marley Christopher J. , Brugniaux Julien V. , Hodson Danielle , New Karl J. , Ogoh Shigehiko , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

Age-related impairments in cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide (CVR
CO2
) are established risk factors for stroke that respond favorably to aerobic training. The present study examined to what extent cerebral hemodynamics are improved when training is sustained throughout the adult lifespan.

Methods—

Eighty-one healthy males were prospectively assigned to 1 of 4 groups based on their age (young, ≤30 years versus old, ≥60 years) and lifetime physical activity levels (trained, ≥150 minutes recreational aerobic activity/week versus sedentary, no activity). Middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv, transcranial Doppler ultrasound), mean arterial pressure (MAP, finger photoplethysmography), and end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P
ETCO
2
, capnography) were recorded during normocapnia and 3 mins of iso-oxic hypercapnea (5% CO
2
). Cerebrovascular resistance/conductance indices (CVRi/CVCi) were calculated as MAP/MCAv and MCAv/MAP, respectively, and CVR
CO2
as the percentage increase in MCAv from baseline per millimeter of mercury (mm Hg) increase in P
ETCO
2
. Maximal oxygen consumption (

O
2MAX
, online respiratory gas analysis) was determined during cycling ergometry.

Results—

By design, older participants were active for longer (49±5 versus 6±4 years,
P
<0.05). Physical activity attenuated the age-related declines in

O
2MAX
, MCAv, CVCi, and CVR
CO2
and increase in CVRi (
P
<0.05 versus sedentary). Linear relationships were observed between

O
2MAX
and both MCAv and CVR
CO2
(
r
=0.58–0.77,
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

These findings highlight the importance of maintaining aerobic fitness throughout the lifespan given its capacity to improve cerebral hemodynamics in later-life.
Lectotypification of Peruvian Melastomataceae described by Cogniaux from Weberbauer collections
Authors: Burke Janelle M , Michelangeli Fabian
Published: August 2013

We provide a comprehensive reference for lectotypifications of Peruvian Melastomataceae taxa described by Cogniaux in 1908 from Weberbauer specimens at Berlin. Of the 45 taxa described from the Cogniaux publication, we designate new lectotypes for 39 taxa: Axinaea nitida, Axinaea tetragona, Blakea villosa, Brachyotum asperum, Centradeniastrum roseum, Calyptrella robusta, Graffenrieda foliosa, Macrocentrum fasciculatum var. peruvianum, Miconia alpina, Miconia atrofusca, Miconia brevistylis, Miconia chrysanthera, Miconia crassistigma, Miconia densifolia, Miconia dumetosa, Miconia falcata, Miconia floccosa, Miconia fruticulosa, Miconia glutinosa, Miconia grisea, Miconia hamata, Miconia lugubris, Miconia monzoniensis, Miconia neriifolia var. brevifolia, Miconia nigricans, Miconia secundifolia, Miconia setinervia, Miconia urbaniana, Miconia weberbaueri, Myrmidone peruviana, Tibouchina asperifolia, Tibouchina brevisepala, Tibouchina calycina, Tibouchina calycina var. parvifolia, Tibouchina cymosa, Tibouchina laevis, Tibouchina rhynchantherifolia, Tibouchina virescens, and Tibouchina weberbaueri.
A new species of Thismia (Thismiaceae) from Brunei Darussalam, Borneo
Authors: Dančák Martin , Hroneš Michal , Sochor Michal , Kobrlova Lucie , Hédl Radim , Hrázský Záboj , Vildomcová Anna , Sukri Rahayu Sukmaria , Metali Faizah
Published: August 2013

A new species of Thismia (Thismiaceae) from Borneo is described. Thismia hexagona was discovered in 2013 in lowland mixed dipterocarp forest in Ulu Temburong, Brunei Darussalam. The species is circumscribed, illustrated and its position within the Malesian species of the genus is characterised by insertion into the existing determination key. Its most conspicuous feature is bright yellow, sharply hexagonal flower annulus.
Discovery through photography: Amyema nickrentii, a new species of Loranthaceae from Aurora Province, Philippines
Authors: Pelser Pieter B. , Barcelona Julie F.
Published: August 2013

Amyema nickrentii Barcelona & Pelser is described here as a new mistletoe species in family Loranthaceae. It was discovered through plant photography fieldwork for the Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines website in coastal forest at Dicasalarin Cove, Baler, Aurora Province, Philippines. Amyema nickrentii differs from all other described Amyema species in having a whorled leaf arrangement with mostly nine flat linear leaves per node. This new species is named in honor of Daniel L. Nickrent, an esteemed expert on parasitic plants.
Dates of publication of the Zoology parts of the Report of the Scientific Results of the Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger During the Years 1873–76
Authors: LOW MARTYN E. Y. , EVENHUIS NEAL L.
Published: August 2013

The dates of publication and exact titles of the 83 parts of the Zoology of the Report of the Scientific Results of the Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger During the Years 1873–76 are presented. Exact dates of publication for 71 of these parts have been determined using notices of their publication in contemporary publications. The dates of publication of the two Narrative volumes of the voyage of the H.M.S. Challenger (which contain available indications of new names) are also determined.
Review of the leafhopper genus Evinus Dlabola (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: LU LIN , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: August 2013

The leafhopper genus Evinus Dlabola (Deltocephalinae: Macrostelini) is reviewed. Seven new species are described including E. angulatus sp. nov., E. hainanensis sp. nov., E. longus sp. nov., E. obscurus sp. nov., E. planus sp. nov., E. sinuatus sp. nov. E. tenuis sp. nov. One previously described species, E. peri Anufriev, newly recorded from China, is redescribed. The species of the genus have so far been recorded from Iran, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China; here several new species from Thailand are added. A checklist and a key to species (males) are also provided.
Description of a new species, Toxorhynchites (Toxorhynchites) tyagii (Diptera: Culicidae), from Nilgiri hills, Western Ghats, southern India
Authors: KRISHNAMOORTHY R. , MUNIRATHINAM A. , DHANANJEYAN K. J. , HIRIYAN J. , MARIAPPAN T. , SAMUEL P. PHILIP , VENKATESH A.
Published: August 2013

Specimens of Toxorhynchites (Toxorhynchites) tyagii, sp. n., were collected from the fringe areas of Gudaloor town, Ooty in the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level in Western Ghats ranges in southern India during October 2011and from Darjeeling ranges in the northern hilly region of Raymatang TG in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, in eastern India during February 2012. The adults, pupa and fourth-instar larva of this species are described and illustrated to distinguish it from Toxorhynchites (Tox.) splendens and Toxorhynchites (Tox.) edwardsi, which are the closest allies of Tx. (Tox.) tyagii. Besides possessing remarkable distinguishing male genital characteristics, Tx. tyagii differs from Tx. splendens also by the presence of conspicuous yellow scale-patches over the wing root that extend to the scutellum, and differs from Tx. edwardsi by having midtarsomeres 3–5 all dark whereas in Tx. edwardsi tarsomeres 3 and 4 and a larger part of 5 are white.
Priority of the slipper lobster genus Crenarctus Holthuis, 2002, over Antipodarctus Holthuis, 2002 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Scyllaridae)
Authors: CHAN TIN-YAM , AHYONG SHANE T. , YANG CHIEN-HUI
Published: August 2013

In revising the Indo-Pacific scyllarine lobsters, Holthuis (2002) proposed a new genus, Antipodarctus, for Scyllarus aoteanus Powell, 1949 (type locality: Great Barrier Island, New Zealand), and a new genus, Crenarctus, for two species, Scyllarus bicuspidatus De Man, 1905 (type species; type locality: Flores Sea, Indonesia) and S. crenatus (Whitelegge, 1900) (type locality: off Wata Mooli (= Wattamolla), New South Wales, Australia). According to Holthuis (2002), Antipodarctus is distinguished from Crenarctus only by the presence of an additional carina on the fourth antennal segment. Examination of the male holotype of A. aoteanus in 2009 (Auckland War Memorial Museum, registration number MA76171) revealed that the original diagnosis of Antipodarctus was incorrect — A. aoteanus does not have an additional carina on the fourth antennal segment and is indistinguishable from C. crenatus. Moreover, a recent molecular phylogenetic study of the slipper lobsters (Yang et al. 2012) showed that Antipodarctus and Crenarctus are indistinguishable and that A. aoteanus and C. crenatus are conspecific. Being conspecific, A. aoteanus and C. crenatus must also be congeneric and so both genera cannot be maintained. In the online appendix to their paper (Appendix A. Supplementary material, doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2011.09.019), Yang et al. (2012) assumed that the name Antipodarctus had priority over Crenarctus on the basis of page priority in Holthuis (2002) (p. 551 for Antipodarctus, p. 659 for Crenarctus) (see discussion in Nemésio 2007). According to Article 24.2.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999), however, priority of taxon names simultaneously published in the same paper is determined by the deliberate choice of the first reviser and not by order of appearance in the original publication. Additionally, the appendix of Yang et al. (2012) was only published as online supplementary information, rather than as part of the main printed article. In any case, the ‘action’ in the appendix would not be nomenclaturally valid because it was simply stating what the authors thought to be a Code requirement rather than being a deliberate First Reviser action (Article 24.2, ICZN 1999). The status of Antipodarctus and Crenarctus thus remains unresolved because no formal (Code-compliant) action has been taken to fix name priority.
New species and records of freshwater Chaetonotus (Gastrotricha: Chaetonotidae) from Sweden
Authors: KÅNNEBY TOBIAS
Published: August 2013

Chaetonotus is the most speciose genus of the family Chaetonotidae within Gastrotricha, a small phylum of aquatic acoelomate invertebrates. The freshwater gastrotrich fauna of Sweden has been studied during the last five years and so far 44 species have been reported in the literature from the country. This study describes the new species, Chaetonotus (Primochaetus) veronicae n. sp., and reports 9 species new to the Swedish fauna raising the known number of freshwater species from the country to 54. Some records stand out from a biogeographic point of view: Chaetonotus (Primochaetus) soberanus is reported for the first time from Europe and Chaetonotus (Chaetonotus) arethusae, Chaetonotus (Chaetonotus) naiadis and Chaetonotus (Hystricochaetonotus) euhystrix are reported for the first time outside the countries from which they were originally described.
A Novel and Low-Cost Sea Ice Mass Balance Buoy
Authors: Jackson Keith , Wilkinson Jeremy , Maksym Ted , Meldrum David , Beckers Justin , Haas Christian , Mackenzie David
Published: August 2013

The understanding of sea ice mass balance processes requires continuous monitoring of the seasonal evolution of the ice thickness. While autonomous ice mass balance (IMB) buoys deployed over the past two decades have contributed to scientists' understanding of ice growth and decay processes, deployment has been limited, in part, by the cost of such systems. Routine, basinwide monitoring of the ice cover is realistically achievable through a network of reliable and affordable autonomous instrumentation. This paper describes the development of a novel autonomous platform and sensor that replaces the traditional thermistor strings for monitoring temperature profiles in the ice and snow using a chain of inexpensive digital temperature chip sensors linked by a single-wire data bus. By incorporating a heating element into each sensor, the instrument is capable of resolving material interfaces (e.g., air–snow and ice–ocean boundaries) even under isothermal conditions. The instrument is small, low cost, and easy to deploy. Field and laboratory tests of the sensor chain demonstrate that the technology can reliably resolve material boundaries to within a few centimeters. The discrimination between different media based on sensor thermal response is weak in some deployments and efforts to optimize the performance continue.
Restoring Institutional Integrity in the Wake of Sexual Boundary Violations
Authors: Honig Richard G. , Barron James W.
Published: August 2013

It is widely acknowledged that sexual boundary violations by a faculty member at an analytic institute damage the local analytic community in ways that can reverberate for years. Yet little has been written about the process of institutional recovery. With one exception, a paper published after the major protagonists had died, no actual case studies are to be found in the literature. In 2010 a senior training analyst at a psychoanalytic training program abruptly resigned under the cloud of a presumed sexual boundary violation. Seventeen months later, an APsaA Committee on Institutes site visit presented a unique opportunity to study the institutional trauma and recovery process as they unfolded. This report highlights the importance of recognizing and working through the expectable institutional resistance to processing the trauma. This enables a sensitive response to the various constituencies that have been affected and allows the integrity of the institute to be restored.
Prosecutors’ perceptions of the utility of ‘relationship’ evidence in sexual abuse trials
Authors: Darwinkel Elli , Powell Martine , Tidmarsh Patrick
Published: August 2013

For successful prosecution of sex offences, defined elements that comprise each charge (such as the acts that occurred and offenders’ identities) need to be established beyond reasonable doubt. This study explored the potential benefit (from a prosecution perspective) of eliciting another type of evidence; evidence regarding the relationship between the victim and perpetrator that may explain the victim’s responses. Fourteen prosecutors representing every major Australian jurisdiction participated in individual interviews or a focus group where they were asked to reflect on the perceived relevance of relationship evidence in sex offence trials, and the potential impact of this evidence on court process and outcomes. All prosecutors gave strong support for the premise of including relationship evidence in victim and witness statements, as well as in suspect interviews; however, this type of evidence was not routinely being included in interviews or admitted in trials. The majority of the discussion centred on: (a) the benefits and prevalence of eliciting relationship evidence; (b) how relationship evidence is best elicited in police interviews; and (c) challenges in presenting relationship evidence at trial. Each of these areas, their practical implications and directions for future research are briefly discussed.
The Influences of Teacher Delivery and Student Progress on Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Teaching Effectiveness
Authors: Napoles Jessica , MacLeod Rebecca B.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine how teacher delivery and student progress influenced preservice teachers’ perceptions of overall teaching effectiveness. Experienced teachers ( n = 6) were videotaped teaching mini applied lessons under four conditions: (a) high teacher delivery and more student progress, (b) high teacher delivery and less student progress, (c) low teacher delivery and more student progress, and (d) low teacher delivery and less student progress. Preservice teachers ( n = 75) viewed these teaching excerpts and rated each for teacher delivery, student progress, student musicianship, teacher knowledge of subject matter, and overall teaching effectiveness. Participants rated teachers with high delivery as more effective than teachers with low delivery, irrespective of student progress. There was a moderate positive correlation ( r = .53) between perceptions of teacher delivery and student progress. Results of a multiple regression analysis revealed that teacher delivery was the best predictor of perceptions of overall teaching effectiveness, followed closely by student progress.
Physically Developed and Exploratory Young Infants Contribute to Their Own Long-Term Academic Achievement
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Hahn Chun-Shin , Suwalsky Joan T. D.
Published: August 2013

A developmental cascade defines a longitudinal relation in which one psychological characteristic uniquely affects another psychological characteristic later in time, separately from other intrapersonal and extrapersonal factors. Here, we report results of a large-scale ( N = 374), normative, prospective, 14-year longitudinal, multivariate, multisource, controlled study of a developmental cascade from infant motor-exploratory competence at 5 months to adolescent academic achievement at 14 years, through conceptually related and age-appropriate measures of psychometric intelligence at 4 and 10 years and academic achievement at 10 years. This developmental cascade applied equally to girls and boys and was independent of children’s behavioral adjustment and social competence; mothers’ supportive caregiving, verbal intelligence, education, and parenting knowledge; and the material home environment. Infants who were more motorically mature and who explored more actively at 5 months of age achieved higher academic levels as 14-year-olds.
A Cross-Sectional Survey of Dental Caries, Oral Hygiene, and Helicobacter pylori Infection in Adults
Authors: Liu Peng , Yue Ji , Han Shufang , Deng Tianzheng , Fu Chongjian , Zhu Guoxiong , Chen Dong
Published: August 2013

We explored the epidemiological risk factors for dental caries to help explain differences in the prevalence of adult dental caries. We examined 841 people for the presence of Helicobacter pylori in their dental plaque and for dental caries. Of the 841 subjects, 574 (68.25%) were infected with H pylori, and 516 (61.36%) were diagnosed with dental caries. Among the 574 subjects with H pylori, the prevalence of dental caries was 73.52% (422/574), while the prevalence among the 267 cases without H pylori was 35.21% (94/267). A correlation existed between the presence of H pylori and the occurrence of dental caries (χ2 = 112.8, P < .01, odds ratio = 5.110, 95% confidence interval = 3.740-6.982). The 574 persons with H pylori had a higher mean dental plaque index than those without. In conclusion, H pylori infection in the oral cavity is associated with dental caries and poor dental hygiene.