bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchrony in the abundance trend of spear squid Loligo bleekeri in the Japan Sea and the Pacific Ocean with special reference to the latitudinal differences in response to the climate regime shift
Authors: Tian Yongjun , Nashida Kazuya , Sakaji Hideo
Published: February 2013

Tian, Y., Nashida, K., and Sakaji, H. 2013. Synchrony in the abundance trend of spear squid Loligo bleekeri in the Japan Sea and the Pacific Ocean with special reference to the latitudinal differences in response to the climate regime shift. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 968–979. Spear squid Loligo bleekeri is widely distributed in the Japanese coastal waters. The fisheries depend largely on four stocks: the southern and northern stocks both in the Japan Sea and the coastal regions of the Pacific. The catch per unit effort (cpue) for the northern stock in the Japan Sea decreased substantially during the 1980s but increased during the 1990s, while the abundance index for the southern stock showed the opposite trend. The cpue for the southern and northern stocks in the Pacific coast showed a similar pattern to that in the Japan Sea. The synchrony in the abundance trends between the Japan Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and latitudinal differences between the northern and southern stocks indicate the impact of the climate regime shift. Generalized additive model analysis identified significant effects of environmental factors. Increased water temperature had a positive effect on the northern stock but a negative effect on the southern stock in the Japan Sea and the Pacific, whereas El Niño–southern oscillation events and the Asian monsoon had additional significant effects on the Pacific stocks. These results suggest that the abundance trends of spear squid were largely forced by environmental factors with latitudinal differences in the response to the climate regime shift.
Network science
Authors: Barabási Albert-László
Published: February 2013

Professor Barabási's talk described how the tools of network science can help understand the Web's structure, development and weaknesses. The Web is an information network, in which the nodes are documents (at the time of writing over one trillion of them), connected by links. Other well-known network structures include the Internet, a physical network where the nodes are routers and the links are physical connections, and organizations, where the nodes are people and the links represent communications.
Density‐ and resource‐dependent movement characteristics in a rotifer
Authors: Kuefler Daniel , Avgar Tal , Fryxell John M.
Published: February 2013

Theory predicts that consumers can increase their energy intake by spending more time within resource‐rich areas and/or by avoiding areas where local competitor densities are high. A consumer whose movements are described by a simple random walk can achieve these objectives by adjusting its turn frequency and/or speed.

We recorded movements, as series of steps, by 180 individual rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus) in glass capillary tubes to test the influence of resource density, competitor density and their statistical interaction on movement parameters. Four treatments contrasted opposing levels of algae (resource) and conspecific density in a 2 × 2 factorial design.

Our results indicate that density‐ and resource‐dependent behaviours act through different mechanisms to shape patterns of rotifer movement. Turn frequency increased up to twofold in resource‐rich treatments, depending on the presence or absence of competitors. In contrast, swimming speed was 50% greater in the presence of competitors under all treatments, but was only slightly depressed by the presence of resources alone.

We show how these two different movement mechanisms may be integrated into predictions of consumer population spread as resource and competitor densities vary. We discuss implications of the contrasting and complementary nature of these different movement mechanisms and their possible adaptations to different environmental stimuli.
Who's hot and who's not: ocean warming alters species dominance through competitive displacement
Authors: Nagelkerken Ivan , Simpson Stephen D.
Published: February 2013

A male ornate wrasse Thalassoma pavo, a warm‐water fish, which is the ‘winner’ species dominating the best quality habitat at the expense of the ‘loser’ species, a cool‐water wrasse Coris julis, under conditions of warming. Photo by Agostino Tomasello.

image

A male ornate wrasse Thalassoma pavo, a warm‐water fish, which is the ‘winner’ species dominating the best quality habitat at the expense of the ‘loser’ species, a cool‐water wrasse Coris julis, under conditions of warming. Photo by Agostino Tomasello.

Milazzo, M., Mirto, S., Domenici, P. & Gristina, M. (2013) . Journal of Animal Ecology, 82, 468–477.

Species interactions have received little attention in climate‐change studies, yet these interactions are fundamental to the functioning of ecosystems. Milazzo et al. () combined field surveys and controlled experiments to show how increasing abundance of a range‐extending species and ocean warming interactively affect the habitat occupancy of two co‐occurring species with similar habitat preferences. The authors found that in warmer conditions the ‘cool‐water’ species is competitively displaced from preferred algal habitat to sub‐optimal seagrass habitat, but only at higher densities of the warm‐water species. Their results provide an important first step for unravelling how simple species interactions can create novel communities.
Stroke‐specific executive function assessment: A literature review of performance‐based tools
Authors: Poulin Valérie , Korner‐Bitensky Nicol , Dawson Deirdre R.
Published: February 2013

Background/aim

Executive function should be an integral component of post‐stroke assessment. However, a Canada‐wide survey of occupational therapists on stroke rehabilitation practices found a rare use of executive function assessments. Performance‐based executive function assessments that closely reflect real‐world activities are useful in identifying individuals who will face difficulties when returning to home and community activities. To increase clinicians' awareness of these tools, a literature review was conducted to identify performance‐based measures of executive function and their stroke‐specific psychometric properties.

Methods

The review identified 17 performance‐based tools and 41 studies that reported their psychometric properties specific to stroke. Each tool was critically appraised according to the executive function components assessed, the level of functioning assessed (i.e. impairment, activity or participation), the environment within which the assessment is conducted and the tool's psychometric properties and clinical utility. Standard criteria were used to evaluate the tools' psychometric properties. The findings were compiled in aStroke‐SpecificExecutiveFunctionToolkit.

Results

The assessments that demonstrated the strongest evidence of reliability and validity were theExecutiveFunctionPerformanceTest, theMultipleErrandsTest and theAssessment ofMotor andProcessSkills. Only the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills has been adequately evaluated for its ability to detect change. In terms of clinical utility, the Kettle Test has the shortest administration time (i.e. less than 20 minutes) and requires limited equipment.

Conclusions and significance of the study

TheStroke‐SpecificExecutiveFunctionToolkit provides clinicians with useful information that should facilitate identification of appropriate executive function tools for use across the continuum of stroke care.
Non‐infectious risk factors for different types of cerebral palsy in term‐born babies: a population‐based, case–control study
Authors: Ahlin K , Himmelmann K , Hagberg G , Kacerovsky M , Cobo T , Wennerholm U‐B , Jacobsson B
Published: February 2013

Objective

To identify non‐infectious antenatal and perinatal risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP) and its subtypes in children born at term.

Design

A population‐based, case–control study.

Setting

The western healthcare region of Sweden.

Population

A population‐based series of children with CP born at term during 1983–94 (n = 309) was matched with a control group (n = 618).

Methods

A total of 62 variables, maternal characteristics, and prepartal, intrapartal and postpartal variables were retrieved from obstetric records. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for spastic and dyskinetic CP, and for the total CP group.

Main outcome measures

Cerebral palsy (CP) and subtypes.

Results

Univariate analysis resulted in 26 significant risk factors for CP. Birthweight (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.39–0.74), not living with the baby's father (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.11–5.97), admittance to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (OR 4.43, 95% CI 3.03–6.47), maternal weight at 34 weeks of gestation (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.03) and neonatal encephalopathy (OR 69.2, 95% CI 9.36–511.89) were found to be risk factors for CP in the total CP group in our multivariate analysis. Factors during the periods before, during and after delivery were all shown to increase the risk of spastic diplegia and tetraplegia, whereas mostly factors during the period before delivery increased the risk of spastic hemiplegia, and only factors during delivery increased the risk of dyskinetic CP. Admittance to an NICU was a risk factor for all CP subtypes.

Conclusions

The risk factor pattern differed by CP subtype. The presented risk factors may be useful indicators for identifying children at risk of developing CP, and helpful for targeting individuals for early intervention programmes.
Near‐infrared fluorescence sentinel lymph node biopsy in vulvar cancer: a randomised comparison of lymphatic tracers
Authors: Schaafsma BE , Verbeek FPR , Peters AAW , van der Vorst JR , de Kroon CD , van Poelgeest MIE , Trimbos JBMZ , van de Velde CJH , Frangioni JV , Vahrmeijer AL , Gaarenstroom KN
Published: February 2013

This study aims to confirm the feasibility of near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in vulvar cancer and to compare the tracer indocyanine green (ICG) bound to human serum albumin (HSA) versus ICG alone. Women received 99mTc‐nanocolloid and patent blue for SLN detection. Subsequently, women randomly received ICG:HSA or ICG alone. In 24 women, 35 SLNs were intraoperatively detected. All SLNs detected were radioactive and NIR fluorescent and 27 (77%) were blue. No significant difference was found between ICG:HSA and ICG alone. This trial confirms the feasibility of NIR fluorescence imaging for SLN mapping in vulvar cancer.
Risk factors for recurrent preterm birth in multiparous Utah women: a historical cohort study
Authors: Simonsen SE , Lyon JL , Stanford JB , Porucznik CA , Esplin MS , Varner MW
Published: February 2013

Objective

To describe risk factors for recurrent preterm birth (PTB) in the second and third birth.

Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Utah, USA.

Population

Women who had their first three singleton live births in Utah between 1989 and 2007 and a preterm first or second birth were included.

Methods

Maternally linked birth records were used. Multivariable‐adjusted risk ratios were calculated for recurrent PTB. Results were stratified by spontaneous and indicated PTB and by pattern of birth outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk factors for recurrent PTB.

Results

Among women with PTB in their first or second live birth, recurrent PTB occurred in 21% of second live births (n = 1011/4805) and 22% of third live births (n = 1872/8468). Risk factors for recurrence included short inter‐pregnancy interval, underweight prepregnancy body mass index, pre‐existing maternal medical conditions, history of PTB at 28–32 weeks of gestation (versus 33–36 weeks), the presence of a fetal anomaly, and young maternal age. Risk factors for spontaneous, but not indicated PTB included young maternal age and less than appropriate gestational weight gain. Risk factors also varied in women experiencing a first versus second recurrence in their third birth.

Conclusions

Risk factors may vary by the clinical subtype of the most recent PTB and the pattern of term and preterm outcomes across births 1–3; some of the risk factors identified in this study may be modifiable through interventions targeted at women in the inter‐conception period.
Early emergency department representations
Authors: Robinson Kent , Lam Bonnie
Published: February 2013

Objective

The present study aims to describe early ED representation rates and identify the causes for this commonly seen problem.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of all patients that represented within 72 h of discharge from a tertiary level ED in Sydney, Australia, over a 2 month period between 1 May 2010 and 30 June 2010. Presentations were categorised according to their diagnosis and cause for representation. Each representation was then classified as being avoidable or unavoidable.

Results

There were 10 141 presentations to the ED during the study period, with 497 patients (4.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5–5.3) representing within 72 h of discharge. Disease‐related causes of representation were seen in 55.1% (95% CI 50.7–59.5), with 39% (95% CI 34.8–43.4) of these caused by disease progression and 12.3% (95% CI 9.6–15.5) for scheduled review. Patient‐related causes were seen in 32.2% (95% CI 28.2–36.4) of representations with 20.9% (95% CI 17.6–24.7) of these for patients who did not wait or left against medical advice. Physician‐related causes were seen in 3.2% (95% CI 2.0–5.2) of representations. Furthermore, 23.7% (95% CI 20.2–27.7) of patients who represented to the ED required hospital admission. A total of 37.0% (95% CI 32.9–41.4) of representations were assessed as being preventable.

Conclusion

Early ED representations are a common problem. The majority of preventable representations are patient related, and interventions to target these areas might be of benefit in reducing this problem.
Outcomes in older patients requiring comprehensive allied health care prior to discharge from the emergency department
Authors: Arendts Glenn , Fitzhardinge Sarah , Pronk Karren , Hutton Marani
Published: February 2013

Objectives

There is increasing focus on use of multidisciplinary services within the ED to facilitate discharge of older patients that might otherwise require hospitalisation. The risks associated with this are not well established. We aimed to determine whether older patients requiring allied health‐facilitated discharge from the ED were at increased risk of hospital readmission and death after discharge.

Methods

A prospective comparative study with matched controls. Patients aged 65 years and over presenting to the ED underwent risk screening. Those with a positive screen formed the intervention group and received comprehensive allied health input from a care coordination team (CCT) prior to discharge. We prospectively enrolled 1098 patients to the intervention group and matched these 1:1 with controls deemed low risk on risk screening. The primary outcome measure was ED re‐attendance within 28 days. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year for other outcomes.

Results

At 28 days, there was a 3% absolute difference in the re‐attendance rate to ED (17.9% cases, 14.8% controls, P = 0.05) and no mortality difference (1.4% cases, 1.3% controls, P = 0.85). At 1 year, cases had a higher incidence of unplanned hospitalisation (43.4% vs 29.5%, P < 0.001) but not death (10.7% vs 10.2%, P = 0.66).

Conclusions

Facilitated discharge of selected older adults by a CCT is relatively safe in the short term. Such patients have an increased likelihood of hospitalisation in the year after discharge. The 1 year mortality rate even in a ‘low‐risk’ discharged population is 10%.
Role of aspirin in chemoprevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sivarasan Nishanth , Smith Geoff
Published: February 2013

Objective

To identify whether regular aspirin use protects against esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) and if so, the effect of the duration and frequency of drug exposure.

Methods

Studies were selected from five journal/trial databases based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria; most notably, the provision of multivariate EA odds ratios (ORs) in those taking regular aspirin. A subgroup analysis was then performed by stratifying the results according to the frequency and duration of aspirin use. The reliability of these investigations was assessed by calculating study heterogeneity and observing any elements of publication bias.

Results

Nine studies were selected for the main analysis, of which five were included in the frequency analysis and three assessed the duration of aspirin use. Data pooling revealed a statistically significant EA OR of 0.671 (95% CI 0.526–0.856, P = 0.001) among all aspirin users, suggesting a protective effect. The results for duration and frequency did not reach statistical significance but nonetheless suggested possible benefits of longer, more frequent drug regimens that may be statistically confirmed by studies of larger sample sizes. Funnel plots and statistical tests demonstrated a minimal impact of publication bias on our results.

Conclusion

Aspirin use confers a significant protective effect against EA with a suggestion that the degree of protection may be increased by the longer duration and higher frequency of usage.
A 37‐year prospective study of neuroticism and extraversion in women followed from mid‐life to late life
Authors: Billstedt E. , Skoog I. , Duberstein P. , Marlow T. , Hällström T. , André M. , Lissner L. , Björkelund C. , Östling S. , Waern M.
Published: February 2013

Objective

Personality traits are presumed to endure over time, but the literature regarding older age is sparse. Furthermore, interpretation may be hampered by the presence of dementia‐related personality changes. The aim was to study stability in neuroticism and extraversion in a population sample of women who were followed from mid‐life to late life.

Method

A population‐based sample of women born in 1918, 1922 or 1930 was examined with the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) in 1968–1969. EPI was assessed after 37 years in 2005–2006 (n = 153). Data from an interim examination after 24 years were analysed for the subsample born in 1918 and 1922 (n = 75). Women who developed dementia at follow‐up examinations were excluded from the analyses.

Results

Mean levels of neuroticism and extraversion were stable at both follow‐ups. Rank‐order and linear correlations between baseline and 37‐year follow‐up were moderate ranging between 0.49 and 0.69. Individual changes were observed, and only 25% of the variance in personality traits in 2005–2006 could be explained by traits in 1968–1969.

Conclusion

Personality is stable at the population level, but there is significant individual variability. These changes could not be attributed to dementia. Research is needed to examine determinants of these changes, as well as their clinical implications.
Characterization of In Vitro Chlamydia muridarum Persistence and Utilization in an In Vivo Mouse Model of Chlamydia Vaccine
Authors: Carey Alison J. , Huston Wilhelmina M. , Cunningham Kelly A. , Hafner Louise M. , Timms Peter , Beagley Kenneth W.
Published: February 2013

Problem

Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract infections are easily treated with antibiotics; however, the majority of infections are asymptomatic and therefore untreated, highlighting the need for a vaccine. Because most infections are asymptomatic, vaccination could potentially be administered to individuals who may have an acute infection at that time. In such individuals, the effect of vaccination on the existing infection is unknown; however, one potential outcome could be the development of a persistent infection. In vitro chlamydial persistence has been well characterized in various strains; however, there have been no reported studies in C. muridarum.

Method of Study

We performed ultrastructural characterization and transcriptome analysis of selected genes. We then used the transcriptional profiles of the selected genes to examine whether intranasal immunization of mice during an active genital infection would induce persistence in the upper reproductive tract of female mice.

Results and Conclusions

We found that persistence developed in the oviducts of mice as a result of immunization. This is a significant finding, not only because it is the first time that C. muridarum persistence has been characterized in vitro, but also due to the fact that there is a minimal characterization of in vivo persistence of any chlamydial species. This highlights the importance of the timing of vaccination in individuals.
Adaptive Immune Responses During Pregnancy
Authors: Zenclussen Ana Claudia
Published: February 2013

It has long been believed that there is no immune interaction between mother and conceptus during pregnancy. This concept changed after evidence was provided that the maternal immune system is aware of the semiallogeneic conceptus and develops strategies to tolerate it. Since then, finely regulated mechanisms of active tolerance toward the fetus have been described. This Special Issue of the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology deals with these mechanisms. It begins with the description of minor histocompatibility antigens in the placenta; it further goes through adaptive immune responses toward paternal fetal antigens, mostly concentrating on regulatory T cells and molecules modulating the Th1/Th2 balance. The participation of antibody‐producing B cells in normal and pathological pregnancies is also discussed. This introductory chapter resumes the concepts presented throughout the Issue and discusses the clinical applications raised from these concepts.
FcεRI stimulation promotes the differentiation of histamine receptor 1‐expressing inflammatory macrophages
Authors: Novak N. , Peng W. M. , Bieber T. , Akdis C.
Published: February 2013

Background

Monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells or macrophages and recruitment to peripheral organs in chronic inflammatory diseases are directed by allergen challenge via FcεRI as well as the nature of soluble factors in the microenvironment. High‐affinity receptor for IgE stimulation of effector cells results in the release of histamine, which acts on various histamine receptors (HR) 1‐4, expressed by immune cells.

Methods

We examined the effect of FcεRI stimulation of human monocytes on H1R expression and function of differentiating cells. The mRNA levels of H1R, H2R and histidine decarboxylase of differentiating cells were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR. Expression of CD1c, CD11c, CD68 and CD163 was detected by flow cytometry. Amount of histamine, IL‐6 and IL‐12p70 in the cell culture was measured with the help of cytometric bead arrays or ELISA assays. Numbers of H1R‐expressing macrophages were evaluated by immunofluorescence double staining of CD68 and H1R on human skin sections.

Results

We demonstrated that FcεRI stimulation promotes the generation of H1R‐expressing macrophage‐like cells with enhanced histamine biosynthesis and H1R‐mediated proinflammatory properties. Supporting our in vitro findings, high numbers of H1R‐expressing CD68pos macrophages were detected in the dermis of atopic dermatitis (AD) skin lesions.

Conclusion

Our observations point to a close histamine‐/HR‐mediated activation of dermal macrophages, leading to modified cell differentiation and responsiveness via H1R, which might contribute to the aggravation of allergic skin inflammation in AD.
Early outcomes from a new regional programme for the surgical management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Orr Yishay , Leclair Karen , Jacobe Stephen , Badawi Nadia , Nicholson Ian A. , Chard Richard B. , Sholler Gary F. , Winlaw David S.
Published: February 2013

Background

Early survival and quality of outcome after surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are influenced by patient‐specific factors, the quality of surgery and perioperative care. Some skills are common to the care of other complex neonatal presentations but integrating this expertise is a key challenge for new programmes. We began offering surgery for HLHS from 2006 and provided a regional service from January 2009 and report early outcomes.

Methods

Prospectively collected data for neonates with HLHS undergoing surgical palliation from January 2006 until June 2011 were analysed. Standard definitions of high‐risk and standard‐risk presentations were utilized.

Results

Thirty neonates underwent surgical palliation of HLHS with a modified Norwood procedure with an overall survival to stage II palliation of 80%. A total of 46.7% of our patients were categorized as high‐risk, mostly on the basis of low birth weight. Survival to stage II palliation was 100% in standard‐risk patients and 57.1% in the high‐risk group.

Conclusion

Outcomes for this new programme are comparable to reported outcomes demonstrating the feasibility of integrating a new complex procedure within an existing multidisciplinary unit handling large volumes of other complex neonatal work. Excellent outcomes can be achieved in standard‐risk patients. Outcomes in the high‐risk group may be improved by alternative approaches and rigorous case selection.
Prevalence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy Swedish preschool children
Authors: Kaarme Johan , Molin Ylva , Olsen Björn , Melhus Åsa
Published: February 2013

Aim

The objective was to determine the prevalence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in faeces from healthy Swedish preschool children and to establish whether transmission took place between children in preschools.

Methods

Diapers from children attending preschools in Uppsala city were collected during September to October 2010, and the faeces was cultured. Antibiotic profiles and carriage of CTX‐M, TEM, SHV and AmpC type enzymes were determined. PCR‐positive isolates were further characterized by sequencing and epidemiological typing. Statistics on antibiotic use and ESBL producers in paediatric patients at Uppsala University Hospital were extracted for comparison.

Results

A total of 313 stool specimens were obtained, representing 24.5% of all preschool children in Uppsala city. The carriage rate of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae was 2.9% among these healthy children. The corresponding figure for patients in the same age group was 8.4%. Escherichia coli with CTX‐M type enzymes predominated, and only one E. coli isolate carried genes‐encoding CMY. CTX‐M‐producing E. coli isolates with identical genotypes were found in children with no familial relation at two different preschools.

Conclusions

Using diapers, the prevalence of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in children was quickly established, and, most likely, a transmission of ESBL‐producing E. coli was for the first time documented between children at the same preschool.
Delta‐6‐desaturase activity and arachidonic acid synthesis are increased in human breast cancer tissue
Authors: Pender‐Cudlip Marilla C. , Krag Karen J. , Martini David , Yu Jeanne , Guidi Anthony , Skinner Sandy S. , Zhang Yu , Qu Xiying , He Chengwei , Xu Yi , Qian Steven Y. , Kang Jing X.
Published: February 2013

Omega‐6 (n‐6) arachidonic acid (AA) and its pro‐inflammatory metabolites, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), are known to promote tumorigenesis. Delta‐6 desaturase (D6D) is the rate‐limiting enzyme for converting n‐6 linoleic acid (LA) to AA. Our objective was to determine if AA synthesis, specifically D6D activity, and PGE2 levels are increased in cancerous breast tissue, and whether these variables differ between estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and negative (ER−) breast cancers. Gas chromatography was performed on surgical breast tissue samples collected from 69 women with breast cancer. Fifty‐four had ER+ breast cancer, and 15 had ER− breast cancer. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to determine PGE2 levels. Lipid analysis revealed higher levels of LA metabolites (C18:3 n‐6, C20:3 n‐6, and AA) in cancerous tissue than in adjacent noncancerous tissue (P < 0.01). The ratio of LA metabolites to LA, a measure of D6D activity, was increased in cancerous tissue, suggesting greater conversion of LA to AA (P < 0.001), and was higher in ER− than in ER+ patients, indicating genotype‐related trends. Similarly, PGE2 levels were increased in cancerous tissue, particularly in ER− patients. The results showed that the endogenous AA synthetic pathway, D6D activity, and PGE2 levels are increased in breast tumors, particularly those of the ER− genotype. These findings suggest that the AA synthetic pathway and the D6D enzyme in particular may be involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The development of drugs and nutritional interventions to alter this pathway may provide new strategies for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Serum butyrylcholinesterase and the risk of future type 2 diabetes: the Kansai Healthcare Study
Authors: Sato Kyoko Kogawa , Hayashi Tomoshige , Maeda Isseki , Koh Hideo , Harita Nobuko , Uehara Shinichiro , Onishi Yukiko , Oue Keiko , Nakamura Yoshiko , Endo Ginji , Kambe Hiroshi , Fukuda Kanji
Published: February 2013

Objective

Butyrylcholinesterase is synthesized in the liver. The serum butyrylcholinesterase level has been cross‐sectionally reported to be higher in patients with diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and fatty liver than in those without them. It is not known whether serum butyrylcholinesterase is associated with the risk of future type 2 diabetes.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Participants

A total of 8470 Japanese men aged 40–55 years without type 2 diabetes at baseline.

Measurements

Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed if a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level was ≥7·0 mmol/l, if a HbA1c level was ≥6·5% or if participants were taking oral hypoglycaemic medication or insulin.

Results

During the 42 227 person‐years of follow‐up, 868 cases had developed type 2 diabetes. Serum butyrylcholinesterase was significantly positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), FPG, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) and triglycerides (TG), whereas negatively with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In Cox proportional hazards models, after adjusting for age, BMI, FPG, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, walk to work, regular leisure‐time physical activity and family history of diabetes, the highest quartile (398–806 IU/l) of serum butyrylcholinesterase increased the risk of type 2 diabetes compared with the lowest quartile (56–311 IU/l) [hazard ratio (HR) 1·41 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1·14–1·74)]. After further adjusting for ALT and GGT, this association remained [HR 1·40 (95% CI, 1·13–1·73)]. Furthermore, this association was significant independent of TG and HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions

Elevated serum butyrylcholinesterase was independently associated with an increased risk of future type 2 diabetes.
Once‐daily initiation of basal insulin as add‐on to metformin: a 26‐week, randomized, treat‐to‐target trial comparing insulin detemir with insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meneghini L. , Kesavadev J. , Demissie M. , Nazeri A. , Hollander P.
Published: February 2013

Aims

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of once‐daily insulin initiation using insulin detemir (detemir) or insulin glargine (glargine) added to existing metformin in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

This 26‐week, multinational, randomized, treat‐to‐target trial involved 457 insulin‐naïve adults with T2D (HbA1c 7–9%). Detemir or glargine was added to current metformin therapy [any second oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) discontinued] and titrated to a target fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≤90 mg/dl (≤5.0 mmol/l). Primary efficacy endpoint was change in HbA1c.

Results

Mean (s.d.) HbA1c decreased with detemir and glargine by 0.48 and 0.74%‐points, respectively, to 7.48% (0.91%) and 7.13% (0.72%) [estimated between‐treatment difference, 0.30 (95% CI: 0.14–0.46)]. Non‐inferiority for detemir at the a priori level of 0.4%‐points was not established. The proportions of patients reaching HbA1c ≤ 7% at 26 weeks were 38% and 53% (p = 0.026) with detemir and glargine, respectively. FPG decreased ∼43.2 mg/dl (∼2.4 mmol/l) in both groups [non‐significant (NS)]. Treatment satisfaction was good for both insulins. Hypoglycaemia, which occurred infrequently, was observed less with detemir than glargine [rate ratio 0.73 (95% CI 0.54–0.98)]. The proportions of patients reaching HbA1c ≤ 7% without hypoglycaemia in the detemir and glargine groups were 32% and 38% (NS), respectively. Weight decreased with detemir [−0.49 (3.3) kg] and increased with glargine [+1.0 (3.1) kg] (95% CI for difference: −2.17 to −0.89 kg).

Conclusion

While both detemir and glargine, when added to metformin therapy, improved glycaemic control, glargine resulted in greater reductions in HbA1c, while detemir demonstrated less weight gain and hypoglycaemia.
Low serum fetuin A levels and incident stroke in patients with maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Chen Hung‐Yuan , Chiu Yen‐Ling , Hsu Shih‐Ping , Pai Mei‐Fen , Yang Ju‐Yeh , Peng Yu‐Sen
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Fetuin A, a predictor of mortality in dialysis patients, is associated with vascular calcification and atherosclerosis in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Whether it predicts stroke remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between fetuin A and incident stoke in maintenance HD patients.

Design, setting, participants and measurements

This is a prospective observational study. 238 prevalent HD patients (127 women and 111 men; mean age, 60 ± 12 years) were followed up for the occurrence of stroke for 55 months. Baseline circulating fetuin A levels, biochemical data and other markers of inflammation were measured. The major outcome was the occurrence of incident ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke.

Results

Thirty one patients had incident strokes; an incidence of 38·4/1000 patient‐years (95% confidence interval (CI) 36·5–39·8/1000 patient‐years) on follow‐up. Patients in the lowest tertile of fetuin A concentration had highest risk to have incident stroke (P < 0·001, log‐rank test). By Cox proportional‐hazards regression, patients with higher fetuin A levels experienced lower incidence of stroke, hazard ratio (HR) of 0·89 (95% CI, 0·84–0·96), while those with higher mean arterial blood pressure had an HR of 1·19 (95% CI, 1·07–1·34) and those with higher calcium phosphate product (CaxP) had an HR of 1·39 (95% CI, 1·1–1·73) for having strokes. For patients without previous history of diabetes and cerebrovascular disease, fetuin A deficiency also predicts the occurrence of incident stroke.

Conclusions

Fetuin A deficiency is associated with a higher risk of incident stroke among prevalent HD patients.
A meta‐analysis of steady undulatory swimming
Authors: van Weerden J Fransje , Reid Daniel A P , Hemelrijk Charlotte K
Published: February 2013

The mechanics underlying undulatory swimming are of great general interest, both to biologists and to engineers. Over the years, more data of the kinematics of undulatory swimming have been reported. At present, an integrative analysis is needed to determine which general relations hold between kinematic variables. We here perform such an analysis by means of a meta‐analysis. Using data of 27 species, we examine the relationships between the swimming speed and several kinematic variables, namely frequency and amplitude of the tail beat, length and speed of the propulsive wave, length of the body, the Reynolds number, the Strouhal number and the slip ratio U/V (between the forward swimming speed U and the rearward speed V of the propulsive wave). We present results in absolute units (cm) and in units relative to the length of the organism (total length, TL). Our data show several kinematic relations: the strongest influence on swimming speed is the speed of the propulsive wave, and the other variables (amplitude and frequency of the tail beat, length of the propulsive wave and length of the body) influence it more weakly (but significantly). In several cases, results differ when variables are expressed in different units (absolute or relative to length). Our data reveal significant differences between kinematics of swimming of shallow‐bodied and deep‐bodied individuals, with shallow‐bodied ones swimming with a shorter propulsive wave length and a higher Strouhal number. The slip ratio U/V and the Strouhal number appear to depend on the Reynolds number in a non‐linear manner.
Larvae of cryptic species of Anopheles gambiae respond differently to cues of predation risk
Authors: Roux Olivier , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Simard Frédéric
Published: February 2013

Predation is a major evolutionary force driving speciation. Identifying the stimuli prompting anti‐predator responses is essential for unravelling the proximate mechanisms of anti‐predator adaptations and for understanding how predation impacts species diversification.

Here, we explore for the first time the divergence in the use of cues of predation risk by different incipient species of mosquitoes within the Anopheles gambiae complex. We examined the anti‐predator responses to various predation cues by the aquatic larvae of Anopheles arabiensis and the two molecular forms, M and S, of Anopheles gambiae s.s. sampled from wild populations in Burkina Faso naturally exposed to different predator densities.

The larvae altered their behaviour in response to various predation cues, shifting from the surface of the water to a less exposed location on the walls of the experimental arena. There were important differences in the use of predation cues between populations sharing the same larval development sites and, within the M form, related to predation pressure at their site of origin. Anopheles arabiensis larvae, which develop in small temporary waterbodies, relied only on physical cues signalling the presence of a predator to mount a vigilance response, whereas the sympatric larvae of the M and S forms of An. gambiae used both physical and chemical cues to fine‐tune their response. M‐form larvae, developing in permanent aquatic habitats with high densities of predators, responded chiefly to chemical stimuli ensuing from acute predation.

Our results suggest that predation might play a role as a disruptive selective force promoting ecological divergence within the An. gambiae complex and, more recently, between the M and S molecular forms. Notably, beyond interspecific differences in the use of predation cues, our study also documented phenotypic differences within the M form based on predation pressure at their site of origin, suggesting that a process of ecological divergence is generating species ‘forerunners’ within the An. gambiae complex in the wild.
Diatom microfossils from cretaceous and eocene sediments contain native silica precipitating long‐chain polyamines
Authors: Bridoux M. C. , Ingalls A. E.
Published: February 2013

Organic molecules from known biological sources (biomarkers) that are preserved over geological time are critical tools in the study of past conditions and events on earth. Polar molecules are typically recycled rapidly in marine environments and do not survive burial within aquatic sediments in unambiguously recognizable form. As such, geological biomarkers are formed almost exclusively from precursor biomolecules that have been altered, limiting their utility as paleoproxies. Here, we report that nitrogen‐rich aliphatic long‐chain polyamines (LCPAs), biosynthesized by diatoms in species‐specific assemblages for the precipitation of nanopatterned siliceous cell walls (frustules), are preserved unaltered in the oldest available diatom fossils dating to the Lower Cretaceous (early Albian, 115–110 Ma). We further show that the cumulative LCPA pool accounts for 60% of the total C and 80% of the total N preserved in the Cretaceous age sediments. We suggest that silica glass formation by diatoms constitutes an important preservation mechanism for source‐specific, polar biomolecules, protecting them indefinitely by encapsulation within the silicified frustule. LCPAs are a unique, source‐specific carbon and nitrogen archive of diatom biomass, offering a promising tool for reconstruction of global cycles of carbon and nitrogen over geological timescales.
Geography, Science, and Subjectivity: Farm Animal Welfare in the United States and Europe
Authors: Johnston Connie L.
Published: February 2013

In the US and Europe, factory farm animal welfare has become a matter of significant public concern, leading to increased scientific research on animal welfare in order to guide public policy. In both locations, scientific opinion is growing that farm animals’ welfare is directly related to their capacities for subjective experiences and, as a result, increased research is on cognition, behavior, and emotions. The geography of science and animal geography literatures have broadly examined, respectively but with overlap, the social construction of scientific knowledge and ideas about animal subjectivity. This article argues that these literatures should be further employed to better understand the current construction and social negotiation of the concept of farm animal welfare in Europe and particularly in the US, specifically through the exploration of three significant spaces of knowledge production: the geopolitical environments of the US and Europe, the particular scientific research spaces, and animal spaces or the “locations” of their subjectivity.
Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter Pylori Isolated in the Southeast Coastal Region of China
Authors: Su Peng , Li Youming , Li Hongzhang , Zhang Jiakun , Lin Lang , Wang Qunying , Guo Feng , Ji Zizhong , Mao Jibo , Tang Wuheng , Shi Zhengchao , Shao Wei , Mao Junliang , Zhu Xinjian , Zhang Xiaofeng , Tong Yuefeng , Tu Huimin , Jiang Mizu , Wang Zhiyong , Jin Fengzhe , Yang Ningmin , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: February 2013

Background

The resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to antibiotics is increasing worldwide, lowering its efficacy in current eradication therapies. This study evaluated H. pylori resistance to antibiotics in the southeast coastal region of China and suggests appropriate alternatives.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty one H. pylori strains were collected from eight areas of two provinces in coastal southeast China from 2010 to 2012. The resistance of these strains to six antibiotics was tested using the agar dilution method.

Results

The resistance rates to clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, amoxicillin, gentamicin and furazolidone were 21.5, 95.4, 20.6, 0.1, 0.1 and 0.1%, respectively. Double, triple and quadruple antibacterial resistant percentages were 25.5, 7.5 and 0.1%, respectively. A positive association between the resistance to levofloxacin and to clarithromycin was found, but there was a negative correlation in the resistances to levofloxacin and to metronidazole.

Conclusions

The prevalence of H. pylori resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin and multiple antibiotics in coastal southeast China is high. Choice of therapy should be individualized based on a susceptibility test in this region of the country.
Defining the extracellular matrix using proteomics
Authors: Byron Adam , Humphries Jonathan D. , Humphries Martin J.
Published: February 2013

The cell microenvironment has a profound influence on the behaviour, growth and survival of cells. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides not only mechanical and structural support to cells and tissues but also binds soluble ligands and transmembrane receptors to provide spatial coordination of signalling processes. The ability of cells to sense the chemical, mechanical and topographical features of the ECM enables them to integrate complex, multiparametric information into a coherent response to the surrounding microenvironment. Consequently, dysregulation or mutation of ECM components results in a broad range of pathological conditions. Characterization of the composition of ECM derived from various cells has begun to reveal insights into ECM structure and function, and mechanisms of disease. Proteomic methodologies permit the global analysis of subcellular systems, but extracellular and transmembrane proteins present analytical difficulties to proteomic strategies owing to the particular biochemical properties of these molecules. Here, we review advances in proteomic approaches that have been applied to furthering our understanding of the ECM microenvironment. We survey recent studies that have addressed challenges in the analysis of ECM and discuss major outcomes in the context of health and disease. In addition, we summarize efforts to progress towards a systems‐level understanding of ECM biology.
A comparative study on different concentration methods of extracts obtained from two raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivars: evaluation of anthocyanins and phenolics contents and antioxidant activity
Authors: Yousefi Ghasem , Yousefi Shima , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra
Published: February 2013

The effects of conventional (CV) and microwave (MW) heating on total soluble solid (TSS) content, total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of raspberry juice obtained from two cultivars of Amol (AM) and Siyahkal (SK) were scrutinised. Antioxidant activity of the juices was measured by 2,2 diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and expressed as EC50 value. In the both methods, the concentration rate constant for the juices was significantly decreased by increasing operational pressure from 12 to 100 kPa (P < 0.05). A first‐order reaction kinetic model was successfully fitted for the degradation of monomeric anthocyanins at all operating pressures. The results also showed that thermal treatment of MW compared CV in both SK and AM cultivars caused a lower decrease in the TAC, TPC and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the changes in trend of the antioxidant activities due to the thermal treatment were positively correlated with the TPC (r = 0.74, P < 0.05) and TAC (r = 0.61, P < 0.05).
Using a continuum model to predict closure time of gaps in intestinal epithelial cell layers
Authors: Arciero Julia C. , Mi Qi , Branca Maria , Hackam David , Swigon David
Published: February 2013

A two‐dimensional continuum model of collective cell migration is used to predict the closure of gaps in intestinal epithelial cell layers. The model assumes that cell migration is governed by lamellipodia formation, cell–cell adhesion, and cell–substrate adhesion. Model predictions of the gap edge position and complete gap closure time are compared with experimental measures from cell layer scratch assays (also called scratch wound assays). The goal of the study is to combine experimental observations with mathematical descriptions of cell motion to identify effects of gap shape and area on closure time and to propose a method that uses a simple measure (e.g., area) to predict overall gap closure time early in the closure process. Gap closure time is shown to increase linearly with increasing gap area; however, gaps of equal areas but different aspect ratios differ greatly in healing time. Previous methods that calculate overall healing time according to the absolute or percent change in gap area assume that the gap area changes at a constant rate and typically underestimate gap closure time. In this study, data from scratch assays suggest that the rate of change of area is proportional to the first power or square root power of area.