bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gradient biomaterials and their influences on cell migration
Authors: Wu Jindan , Mao Zhengwei , Tan Huaping , Han Lulu , Ren Tanchen , Gao Changyou
Published: March 2012

Cell migration participates in a variety of physiological and pathological processes such as embryonic development, cancer metastasis, blood vessel formation and remoulding, tissue regeneration, immune surveillance and inflammation. The cells specifically migrate to destiny sites induced by the gradually varying concentration (gradient) of soluble signal factors and the ligands bound with the extracellular matrix in the body during a wound healing process. Therefore, regulation of the cell migration behaviours is of paramount importance in regenerative medicine. One important way is to create a microenvironment that mimics thein vivocellular and tissue complexity by incorporating physical, chemical and biological signal gradients into engineered biomaterials. In this review, the gradients existingin vivoand their influences on cell migration are briefly described. Recent developments in the fabrication of gradient biomaterials for controlling cellular behaviours, especially the cell migration, are summarized, highlighting the importance of the intrinsic driving mechanism for tissue regeneration and the design principle of complicated and advanced tissue regenerative materials. The potential uses of the gradient biomaterials in regenerative medicine are introduced. The current and future trends in gradient biomaterials and programmed cell migration in terms of the long-term goals of tissue regeneration are prospected.
Surface modification of biomaterials using plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition
Authors: Lu Tao , Qiao Yuqin , Liu Xuanyong
Published: March 2012

Although remarkable progress has been made on biomaterial research, the ideal biomaterial that satisfies all the technical requirements and biological functions is not available up to now. Surface modification seems to be a more economic and efficient way to adjust existing conventional biomaterials to meet the current and ever-evolving clinical needs. From an industrial perspective, plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIII&D) is an attractive method for biomaterials owing to its capability of treating objects with irregular shapes, as well as the control of coating composition. It is well acknowledged that the physico-chemical characteristics of biomaterials are the decisive factors greatly affecting the biological responses of biomaterials including bioactivity, haemocompatibility and antibacterial activity. Here, we mainly review the recent advances in surface modification of biomaterials via PIII&D technology, especially titanium alloys and polymers used for orthopaedic, dental and cardiovascular implants. Moreover, the variations of biological performances depending on the physico-chemical properties of modified biomaterials will be discussed.
Hyaluronic acid-based scaffold for central neural tissue engineering
Authors: Wang Xiumei , He Jin , Wang Ying , Cui Fu-Zhai
Published: March 2012

Central nervous system (CNS) regeneration with central neuronal connections and restoration of synaptic connections has been a long-standing worldwide problem and, to date, no effective clinical therapies are widely accepted for CNS injuries. The limited regenerative capacity of the CNS results from the growth-inhibitory environment that impedes the regrowth of axons. Central neural tissue engineering has attracted extensive attention from multi-disciplinary scientists in recent years, and many studies have been carried out to develop cell- and regeneration-activating biomaterial scaffolds that create an artificial micro-environment suitable for axonal regeneration. Among all the biomaterials, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a promising candidate for central neural tissue engineering because of its unique physico-chemical and biological properties. This review attempts to outline current biomaterials-based strategies for CNS regeneration from a tissue engineering point of view and discusses the main progresses in research of HA-based scaffolds for central neural tissue engineering in detail.
Dynamics of angiogenesis during murine retinal development: a coupledin vivoandin silicostudy
Authors: Watson M. G. , McDougall S. R. , Chaplain M. A. J. , Devlin A. H. , Mitchell C. A.
Published: March 2012

The manner in which the superficial retinal vascular plexus (RVP) develops in neonatal wild-type mice is relatively well documented and poses an interesting challenge to the mathematical modelling community. Prior to birth, astrocyte sprouting and proliferation begin around the edge of the optic nerve head, and subsequent astrocyte migration in response to a chemotactic gradient of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A results in the formation of a dense scaffold on the surface of the inner retina. Astrocytes express a variety of chemotactic and haptotactic proteins that subsequently induce endothelial cell sprouting and modulate growth of the RVP. An experimentally informed, two-dimensional hybrid partial differential equation-discrete model is derived to track the outward migration of individual astrocyte and endothelial tip cells in response to the appropriate biochemical cues. Blood perfusion is included throughout the development of the plexus, and the evolving retinal trees are allowed to adapt and remodel by means of several biological stimuli. The resulting wild-typein silicoRVP structures are compared with corresponding experimental whole mounts taken at various stages of development, and agreement between the respective vascular morphologies is found to be excellent. Subsequent numerical predictions help elucidate some of the key biological processes underlying retinal development and demonstrate the potential of the virtual retina for the investigation of various vascular-related diseases of the eye.
Assessing the potential for egg chemoattractants to mediate sexual selection in a broadcast spawning marine invertebrate
Authors: Evans Jonathan P. , Garcia-Gonzalez Francisco , Almbro Maria , Robinson Oscar , Fitzpatrick John L.
Published: March 2012

In numerous species, egg chemoattractants play a critical role in guiding sperm towards unfertilized eggs (sperm chemotaxis). Until now, the known functions of sperm chemotaxis include increasing the effective target size of eggs, thereby promoting sperm–egg encounters, and facilitating species recognition. Here, we report that in the broadcast spawning mussel,
Mytilus galloprovincialis
, egg chemoattractants may play an unforeseen role in sexual selection by enabling sperm to effectively ‘choose’ between the eggs of different conspecific females. In an initial experiment, we confirmed that sperm chemotaxis occurs in
M. galloprovincialis
by showing that sperm are attracted towards unfertilized eggs when given the choice of eggs or no eggs in a dichotomous chamber. We then conducted two cross-classified mating experiments, each comprising the same individual males and females crossed in identical male × female combinations, but under experimental conditions that offered sperm ‘no-choice’ (each fertilization trial took place in a Petri dish and involved a single male and female) or a ‘choice’ of a female's eggs (sperm were placed in the centre of a dichotomous choice chamber and allowed to choose eggs from different females). We show that male-by-female interactions characterized fertilization rates in both experiments, and that there was remarkable consistency between patterns of sperm migration in the egg-choice experiment and fertilization rates in the no-choice experiment. Thus, sperm appear to exploit chemical cues to preferentially swim towards eggs with which they are most compatible during direct sperm-to-egg encounters. These results reveal that sperm differentially select eggs on the basis of chemical cues, thus exposing the potential for egg chemoattractants to mediate mate choice for genetically compatible partners. Given the prevalence of sperm chemotaxis across diverse taxa, our findings may have broad implications for sexual selection in other mating systems.
Noise pollution alters ecological services: enhanced pollination and disrupted seed dispersal
Authors: Francis Clinton D. , Kleist Nathan J. , Ortega Catherine P. , Cruz Alexander
Published: March 2012

Noise pollution is a novel, widespread environmental force that has recently been shown to alter the behaviour and distribution of birds and other vertebrates, yet whether noise has cumulative, community-level consequences by changing critical ecological services is unknown. Herein, we examined the effects of noise pollution on pollination and seed dispersal and seedling establishment within a study system that isolated the effects of noise from confounding stimuli common to human-altered landscapes. Using observations, vegetation surveys and pollen transfer and seed removal experiments, we found that effects of noise pollution can reverberate through communities by disrupting or enhancing these ecological services. Specifically, noise pollution indirectly increased artificial flower pollination by hummingbirds, but altered the community of animals that prey upon and disperse
Pinus edulis
seeds, potentially explaining reduced
P. edulis
seedling recruitment in noisy areas. Despite evidence that some ecological services, such as pollination, may benefit indirectly owing to noise, declines in seedling recruitment for key-dominant species such as
P. edulis
may have dramatic long-term effects on ecosystem structure and diversity. Because the extent of noise pollution is growing, this study emphasizes that investigators should evaluate the ecological consequences of noise alongside other human-induced environmental changes that are reshaping human-altered landscapes worldwide.
Individual plastic responses by males to rivals reveal mismatches between behaviour and fitness outcomes
Authors: Bretman Amanda , Westmancoat James D. , Gage Matthew J. G. , Chapman Tracey
Published: March 2012

Plasticity in behaviour is of fundamental significance when environments are variable. Such plasticity is particularly important in the context of rapid changes in the socio-sexual environment. Males can exhibit adaptive plastic responses to variation in the overall level of reproductive competition. However, the extent of behavioural flexibility within individuals, and the degree to which rapidly changing plastic responses map onto fitness are unknown. We addressed this by determining the behaviour and fitness profiles of individualDrosophila melanogastermales subjected to up to three episodes of exposure to rivals or no rivals, in all combinations. Behaviour (mating duration) was remarkably sensitive to the level of competition and fully reversible, suggesting that substantial costs arise from the incorrect expression of even highly flexible behaviour. However, changes in mating duration matched fitness outcomes (offspring number) only in scenarios in which males experienced zero then high competition. Following the removal of competition, mating duration, but not offspring production, decreased to below control levels. This indicates that the benefit of increasing reproductive investment when encountering rivals may exceed that of decreasing investment when rivals disappear. Such asymmetric fitness benefits and mismatches with behavioural responses are expected to exert strong selection on the evolution of plasticity.
Bioeconomic synergy between tactics for insect eradication in the presence of Allee effects
Authors: Blackwood Julie C. , Berec Ludek , Yamanaka Takehiko , Epanchin-Niell Rebecca S. , Hastings Alan , Liebhold Andrew M.
Published: March 2012

Preventing the establishment of invading pest species can be beneficial with respect to averting future environmental and economic impacts and also in preventing the accumulation of control costs. Allee effects play an important role in the dynamics of newly established, low-density populations by driving small populations into self-extinction, making Allee effects critical in influencing outcomes of eradication efforts. We consider interactions between management tactics in the presence of Allee effects to determine cost-effective and time-efficient combinations to achieve eradication by developing a model that considers pesticide application, predator augmentation and mating disruption as control tactics, using the gypsy moth as a case study. Our findings indicate that given a range of constant expenditure levels, applying moderate levels of pesticides in conjunction with mating disruption increases the Allee threshold which simultaneously substantially decreases the time to eradication relative to either tactic alone. In contrast, increasing predation in conjunction with other tactics requires larger economic expenditures to achieve similar outcomes for the use of pesticide application or mating disruption alone. These results demonstrate the beneficial synergy that may arise from nonlinearities associated with the simultaneous application of multiple eradication tactics and offer new prospects for preventing the establishment of damaging non-native species.
Ontogeny of classical and operant learning behaviors in zebrafish
Authors: Valente André , Huang Kuo-Hua , Portugues Ruben , Engert Florian
Published: March 2012

The performance of developing zebrafish in both classical and operant conditioning assays was tested with a particular focus on the emergence of these learning behaviors during development. Strategically positioned visual cues paired with electroshocks were used in two fully automated assays to investigate both learning paradigms. These allow the evaluation of the behavioral performance of zebrafish continuously throughout development, from larva to adult. We found that learning improves throughout development, starts reliably around week 3, and reaches adult performance levels at week 6. Adult fish quickly learned to perform perfectly, and the expression of the learned behavior is manifestly controlled by vision. The memory is behaviorally expressed in adults for at least 6 h and retrievable for at least 12 h.
Factor VIII: C increases after desmopressin in a subgroup of patients with autosomal recessive severe von Willebrand disease
Authors: Castaman Giancarlo , Lattuada Antonella , Mannucci Pier Mannuccio , Rodeghiero Francesco
Published: March 2012

Summary. Patients with severe von Willebrand disease (vWD) usually show no increase of factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (VIII/vWF) after desmopressin (DDAVP) infusion and the bleeding time (BT) remains markedly prolonged. We have tested the biological responsiveness to DDAVP in six patients, belonging to six different families, with phenotypic evidence for severe vWD. Baseline VIII:C ranged from 12 to 32 IU/dl, ristocetin cofactor activity (RiCof) was unmeasurable in all the patients, vWF antigen (vWF: Ag) ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 IU/dl, and in all patients the BT was longer than 30 min. No measurable vWF was present in patient's platelets, and plasma and platelet vWF multimers were virtually absent. An autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance was evident in all the propositi. After DDAVP infusion, there was no BT shortening. In four patients, VIII:C increased post‐infusion and in three patients levels greater than 50 IU/dl were attained. RiCof reached a maximum of 11 IU/dl and vWF: Ag 9 IU/dl. In one of these four patients, DDAVP allowed a safe dental extraction, without resorting to blood products. In the remaining two patients no VIII/vWF changes were observed after DDAVP. In conclusion, a subgroup of patients with severe vWD shows an increase of VIII:C after DDAVP. A test infusion with this agent is advisable in patients with severe vWD before considering treatment with VIII/vWF concentrates.
Genomic RFLP typing of human platelet alloantigens Zw(PlA), Ko, Bak and Br (HPA‐1, 2, 3, 5)
Authors: Unkelbach K. , Kalb R. , Santoso S. , Kroll H. , Mueller‐Eckhardt C. , Kiefel V.
Published: March 2012

Summary. The diallelic human platelet alloantigen systems 1–5 have been found to result from single base pair substitutions in the encoding genes of platelet membrane glycoproteins IIIa, Ib, IIb and Ia. This is the basis of DNA methods for determination of platelet alloantigens. In this study, 98 blood donors were typed in the HPA‐1, 2, 3 systems and, for the first time, in the HPA‐5 system. Serologically obtained data (MAIPA and platelet agglutination) were compared with results from analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). Discordances were found in the HPA‐2 and 3 systems and can be ascribed to false typing results in both the serological and genomic methods. In the HPA‐1, 2 and 5 systems, all samples were typed correctly with RFLP analysis. Serologically, two donors were falsely typed positive with anti‐HPA‐2b in platelet agglutination and one donor with anti‐HPA‐3a in MAIPA assay. In the HPA‐3 system, another four donors were misinterpreted to be HPA‐3 a negative in RFLP analysis. Possible technical problems in PCR‐RFLP‐typing are discussed and another strategy of HPA‐1 typing using the restriction enzyme Scr FI is evaluated.
Myelodysplasitic syndrome in two young brothers
Authors: Hirose Masao , Kawahito Masami , Kuroda Yasuhiro
Published: March 2012

Summary. We report the youngest cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in two brothers aged 7 and 2 years. The maternal grandfather and maternal grandmother had been exposed to radioactive fallout after the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima in 1945. The elder brother demonstrated pancytopenia with <1% blast cells in his peripheral blood and <5% in his bone marrow at diagnosis. The younger brother was thrombocytopenic without increased blasts. The karyotype of bone marrow cells from the elder brother was 46, XY, −7, +der (7), t(1:7) (lqter‐lq11:: 7q11–7pter), but the younger brother's karyotype was normal. Immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow from both brothers were morphologically abnormal. A diagnosis of refractory anaemia (RA) was made in both brothers.

Atavism due to radioactive poisoning was suspected in the development of MDS in these two cases.
Osteocalcin as a predictor of the metabolic syndrome in older persons: a population‐based study
Authors: Oosterwerff Mirjam M. , van Schoor Natasja M. , Lips Paul , Eekhoff Elisabeth M. W.
Published: March 2012

Background

Recent evidence indicates that the osteoblast‐derived protein osteocalcin is able to influence adiposity and glucose homeostasis in mice. Little is known about this relationship in humans.

Objective

To investigate the association of plasma osteocalcin levels with the metabolic syndrome in a community‐dwelling cohort of older persons in the Netherlands.

Design and Participants

Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), an ongoing multidisciplinary cohort study in a representative sample of the older Dutch population (≥65 years old). A total of 1284 subjects (629 men and 655 women) between the age of 65 and 88 years participated in this study.

Measurements

Metabolic syndrome (U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program definition) and its individual components were assessed as well as plasma osteocalcin levels.

Results

Among the participants, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 37·1%. The median osteocalcin level was 2·0 nmol/l. Plasma osteocalcin was inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome. The odds ratio (OR) was 3·68 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·53–5·34 for the lowest osteocalcin quartile compared to the highest quartile. The association between osteocalcin and the metabolic syndrome was mainly determined by high triglycerides, low HDL, waist circumference and hypertension.

Conclusion

Low plasma osteocalcin levels are strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome in an older community‐dwelling population.
Detection of medullary thyroid microcarcinoma using ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Yang G. C. H. , Fried K. , Levine P. H.
Published: March 2012

G. C. H. Yang, K. Fried and P. H. Levine

Detection of medullary thyroid microcarcinoma using ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology

Objective:  Compared with incidental papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (microPTC), incidental medullary thyroid microcarcinoma (microMTC) is clinically more significant. The objective of the present study was to summarize our experience in detecting microMTCs.

Methods:  From 1995 to 2011, there were 10 825 thyroid fine needle aspirates (FNAs) guided using high‐resolution ultrasound with on‐site preparation and evaluation by a cytopathologist. Of the 140 microcarcinomas detected, 132 were microPTCs and eight were microMTCs, which are the subject of the present study.

Results:  All eight cases were incidentalomas and none of the five women and three men, age 37–70 years, had a family history of MTC. One patient had two FNAs at an interval of 10 months, two had a single lymph node metastasis and one had a 0.1‐cm tumour nodule near the main tumour. Four of five plasmacytoid cell microMCTs had irregular borders; two round cell and one rectangular cell tumours had smooth borders. In contrast, 17 larger MTCs diagnosed in the same period included seven plasmacytoid, four giant cell and six spindle cell types. All five plasmacytoid microMTCs were correctly diagnosed on FNA, but the round cell and rectangular cell tumours were undercalled as follicular lesions. Sampling of colloid from adjacent follicles was noted in microMTCs. Two were diagnosed on histology following recommended surgery and one was diagnosed on recommended repeat FNA.

Conclusions:  US‐guided FNA of thyroid lesions is a powerful tool in the detection of microMTCs, provided that cytopathologists are alerted to the pitfalls described in the present study.
The influence of large wood on brown trout (Salmo trutta) behaviour and surface foraging
Authors: GUSTAFSSON PÄR , GREENBERG LARRY A. , BERGMAN EVA
Published: March 2012

1. Changes in riparian vegetation owing to forest harvesting may affect the input of large wood, a major structural element, to streams. Studies of large wood impacts on stream fish have focused on population‐level responses, whereas little attention has been given to how wood affects fish behaviour.

2. In a laboratory stream experiment, we tested how two size classes of brown trout, Salmo trutta, (mean size of 85 and 125 mm), alone and together, responded to a gradient of large wood in terms of activity, foraging on terrestrial drift and interactions between conspecifics.

3. The results showed that the presence of large wood significantly reduced the overall activity of the fish, the number of agonistic interactions between individuals and the proportion of captured prey. However, activity decreased relatively more than the proportion of captured prey, resulting in a significant positive net effect of wood on the number of prey captures per time spent active (PTA). This indicates that trout living in habitats with high wood density may have a higher net energy gain than trout living in habitats with less wood.

4. There were no observable size‐class differences in the benefits of large wood or in the utilisation of surface‐drifting terrestrial prey.

5. These results suggest that the presence of large wood may be an important factor shaping stream communities and that a lack of structural complexity may decrease energy gain, increase agonistic interactions and, consequently, lower the production of brown trout.
Improving the application of vertebrate trait‐based frameworks to the study of ecosystem services
Authors: Luck Gary W. , Lavorel Sandra , McIntyre Sue , Lumb Katrina
Published: March 2012

1. Examining the consequences of environmental change for the provision of ecosystem services can be facilitated through trait‐based frameworks that consider linkages between traits that influence a species’ response to change and traits that determine its effect on ecosystem services.

2. Developing these frameworks requires a systematic approach to trait selection and addressing the interrelationships among the scale of the environmental change, area of ecosystem service provision and the most appropriate traits for analysis.

3. We examine key issues in the application of trait approaches to vertebrates, drawing specifically on the substantial progress made in this area for plants. We argue that vertebrate ecologists need to develop more coherent and systematic trait‐based approaches that are broadly applicable.

4. We present a new framework for selecting response and effect traits to link environmental change with ecosystem services. An empirical example of each step in the framework is provided using birds as a case study, linking the environmental change of loss of tree cover with the ecosystem service of invertebrate pest regulation in apple orchards. We found that as tree cover around orchards increased so did the abundance and foraging rate of bird species that pursue invertebrates in flight, and this may help reduce the abundance of certain pests of apples (e.g. adult stages ofCydia pomonellaandHelicoverpa armigera).

5. Implementing a systematic and transparent approach to trait selection should further refine the development of trait‐based approaches for vertebrates.
From weight management goals to action planning: identification of a logical sequence from goals to actions and underlying determinants
Authors: van Genugten L. , van Empelen P. , Oenema A.
Published: March 2012

van Genugten L., van Empelen P. & Oenema A. (2012) From weight management goals to action planning: identification of a logical sequence from goals to actions and underlying determinants. J Hum Nutr Diet . 25, 354–364

Background:  Weight gain prevention (WGP) among adults who are overweight is an important target in the prevention of obesity. However, little is known about the process from WGP as a goal to successful weight‐management. The present study aimed to: (i) gain more insight into this process; (ii) identify cognitive predictors of intention for WGP; and (iii) examine WGP as a potential predictor for the intention to change weight‐related behaviours [dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA)] and specific action planning.

Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study, overweight adults [n = 510; body mass index 25–30 kg m–2; mean (SD) age 48 (9.5) years; 30.8% male] completed an online questionnaire, assessing goal intention for WGP, behavioural intention for DI and PA, planning for change in DI and PA and socio‐cognitive correlates. Ordinal regression analyses were used to analyse the data.

Results:  In 89% of the sample, (parts of) the proposed sequence from goal intention (for WGP), behavioural intention (for DI/PA) and planning (for DI/PA) was observed. Attitude, social norm and perceived control towards WGP, and perceived weight status and risk perception, were associated with intention for WGP. Behaviour‐specific perceived control and preferences were more strongly associated with intention to change DI or PA and planning for change than intention for WGP was.

Conclusions:  Intention for WGP is important in the process toward weight‐management because, for most people, intention for WGP precedes behavioural intention, which precedes planning. Intention for WGP is associated with behavioural intention but behaviour‐specific factors are the strongest correlates of behavioural intention and planning.
Methodological challenges in the study of dental occlusion
Authors: JOKSTAD A.
Published: March 2012

Summary  This narrative review describes the methodological challenges in the study of dental occlusion. The reigning confusion about the scope of this topic is discussed, and a conceptual framework for understanding dental occlusion research is suggested. The characteristics of clinical studies used in the study of dental occlusion are presented within this proposed framework consisting of a triad comprising the relative positions of the teeth‐mandible‐maxilla, the oral functions and oral appearance. Challenges in the preparation for a clinical study of dental occlusion are reviewed, which include a discourse on the objectives of a clinical study and appropriateness of different study designs. Guidelines are provided for the conduct of studies with a central focus on dental occlusion and diagnostic tests, prognosis, therapy and aetiology, respectively. Summarising chapters present methodological challenges in designing a clinical study of dental occlusion and threats to the proper conduct of a clinical study.
Non‐carious cervical lesions and occlusion: a systematic review of clinical studies
Authors: SENNA P. , DEL BEL CURY A. , RÖSING C.
Published: March 2012

Summary  Non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are a group of lesions that affect the cervical area of the teeth. Different aetiological factors have been reported, among them tooth brushing force, erosive agents and occlusal forces. The aim of this study was to ascertain, by means of a systematic review, the association between NCCLs and occlusion. A search was performed in the MEDLINE database, retrieving a total of 286 articles. After title and abstract screening, the clinical investigations were read in full to select those that evaluated the occlusal aspects of NCCL aetiology. This systematic review describes the results of three prospective and 25 cross‐sectional studies. As there is an extreme heterogeneity in design, diagnostic criteria, forms of analysis and associated factors, a meta‐analysis was not possible. The wide variety of classification and diagnostic criteria reflects a high range of reported prevalence. An extensive heterogeneity of independent variables was noted, even in occlusal analysis, which helps to mask any conclusion about the role of occlusion in NCCL aetiology. The literature reveals that studies on this topic are subject to a substantial amount of bias, such as evaluation (use of non‐blinded examiners) and confounding bias (no control of others aetiological factors). Up to now, it has been impossible to associate NCCLs with any specific causal agent, and the role of occlusion in the pathogenesis of non‐carious cervical lesions seems as yet undetermined. Therefore, additional studies, properly designed to diminish bias, are warranted.
A new slant to the Z ring and bacterial cell branch formation
Authors: Wells Veronica L. , Margolin William
Published: March 2012

Rod‐shaped bacteria such as Escherichia coli accurately maintain their shape from generation to generation. The cytoskeletal proteins MreB and FtsZ, which respectively guide parallel growth of the sidewall and perpendicular growth of the division septum, are important to maintain a straight sidewall and uniformly rounded cell poles. FtsZ normally assembles into a ring at the cell midpoint, called the Z ring, which is oriented perpendicular to the cell's axis and is thus in perfect position to guide growth of a perpendicular septum. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Potluri et al. show that low molecular weight penicillin binding proteins, particularly PBP5, have a role in maintaining the perpendicular geometry of the Z ring and subsequent septum in E. coli. When these factors are absent or perturbed, division septa are readily deformed, which results in abnormal cell poles that often bifurcate over time to generate branches. The data suggest that cellular branching in E. coli is specifically induced by aberrant septation events caused by mis‐oriented Z rings and not by deformation of a growing cell pole or emergence of new tips from the sidewall, which are likely mechanisms of branching in other bacterial families.
Review of submarine cold seep plumbing systems: leakage to seepage and venting
Authors: Talukder Asrarur Rahman
Published: March 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 255–272, 2012

Cold seep systems comprise three structural elements: source, plumbing system, and venting structures or seeping features at or near the seabed. The transition from leakage to seepage, represented by the plumbing system, is the most complex and least understood part of the whole system. Quantifying the processes which operate in seep conduits is challenging because they are highly transient, and vary both in time and space. This paper reviews the literature to define our present understanding of complex plumbing systems and how they vary in active and passive continental margins. The plumbing systems are reviewed in the framework of tectonics, rock deformation mechanics and petro‐physical evolution between the sediments. The review of the worldwide association of faults and seeps in diverse tectonic settings suggests that fault permeability is the most important controlling factor for the distribution and temporal and spatial variability of seeps. The key to unlocking the plumbing systems is to understand and quantify long‐term fault behaviour in relation to fluid flow.
High basophil allergen sensitivity (CD‐sens) is associated with severe allergic asthma in children
Authors: Konradsen Jon R. , Nordlund Björn , Nilsson Ola B. , van Hage Marianne , Nopp Anna , Hedlin Gunilla , Grönlund Hans
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Konradsen JR, Nordlund B, Nilsson OB, van Hage M, Nopp A, Hedlin G, Grönlund H. High basophil allergen sensitivity (CD‐sens) is associated with severe allergic asthma in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 376–384.

Children with problematic severe asthma (PA) have persistent symptoms and/or severe exacerbations despite treatment with several drugs. Classification of asthma severity is currently based on level of treatment and assessment of asthma control, but objective biomarkers of asthma severity are needed.

To investigate the clinical relevance of basophil allergen threshold sensitivity (CD‐sens) as a measure of allergen sensitivity in a well‐characterized cohort of children with different manifestations of persistent allergic asthma.

Cat‐allergic children (6–18 yr) with problematic severe asthma (n = 11) according to GINA were compared with eleven age‐matched children with controlled, but persistent asthma (CA). The protocol included standardized questionnaires, asthma control test (ACT), spirometry, methacholine challenges, measurement of FENO, IgE, cat IgE and IgG antibodies, and analysis of CD‐sens (CD63‐expression) by flow cytometry.

The 11 cat‐allergic children with PA had a significantly lower ACT score (p < 0.001), reduced FEV1 (p = 0.04), and increased numbers of blood eosinophils (p = 0.03) compared with the 11 children with CA. The former exhibited a higher CD‐sens to cat (p = 0.02). No significant differences were detected with respect to FENO (p = 0.17), IgE (p = 0.84), cat IgE (p = 0.12), and the major cat‐allergen rFel d 1 (p = 0.30). CD‐sens significantly correlated with ACT (p = 0.002, r = −0.63) and FENO (p = 0.01, r = 0.55). No significant differences between PA and CA were found regarding IgG antibodies to rFel d 1.

Cat‐allergic children with problematic severe asthma have higher sensitivity to cat allergen, as measured by CD‐sens, compared with children with controlled asthma. This suggests that CD‐sens could be used as an additional marker for identifying children with the most severe allergic asthma.
Aggregation of pre‐implantation embryos improves establishment of parthenogenetic stem cells and expression of imprinted genes
Authors: Shan Zhi‐Yan , Wu Yan‐Shuang , Shen Xing‐Hui , Li Xue , Xue Yuan , Zheng Zhong , Wang Zhen‐Dong , Liu Chun‐Jia , Sun Rui‐Zhen , Li Zhao‐Yuan , Shen Jing‐Ling , Liu Zhong‐Hua , Lei Lei
Published: March 2012

Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PgES) might advance cell replacement therapies and provide a valuable in vitro model system to study the genomic imprinting. However, the differential potential of PgES cells was limited. It could result from relative low heterology of PgES cells compared with ES cells from fertilization (fES), which produce different expression of most imprinted genes. Here, we described the establishment of PgES cells by aggregating parthenogenetic embryos at the 8‐cell stage (aPgES cells), which may increase heterozygy. We found that derivation of aPgES cells in association with an increased number of inner cell mass cells by aggregating was more efficient than that of PgES cells from a single parthenogenetic blastocyst. The aPgES cells have normal karyotype, stain positive for alkaline phosphatase, express high levels of ES cell markers and can differentiate into teratomas composed of the three germ layers. Moreover, compared with PgES cells, the more highly upregulated paternally expressed imprinted genes were observed in aPgES cells, the same change was not shown in aPg blastocysts. This suggested that the aggregation induced effect could modify the expression of paternally expressed imprinted genes. Our studies showed that aPgES cells, the expression of imprinted genes in which more closely resemble fES cells than PgES cells, would contribute to all organs and avoiding immuno‐rejection, which may provide invaluable material for regeneration medicine.
Risk factors for a 6‐year decline in physical disability and functional limitations among elderly people with type 2 diabetes in the Japanese elderly diabetes intervention trial
Authors: Sakurai Takashi , Iimuro Satoshi , Sakamaki Kentaro , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Araki Atsushi , Ohashi Yasuo , Ito Hideki ,   the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial Study Group
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of disability. The purpose of this study was to clarify the explanatory factors for disability in Japanese diabetic elderly.

Methods:  The 6‐year decline in physical disability and functional limitations was investigated among 317 elderly people with type 2 diabetes recruited in a large‐scale prospective study of the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial. Information about diabetes, blood examinations and complications was obtained, and basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) were assessed by total score of the Barthel index and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence, respectively.

Results:  After 6 years of follow up, 13.6% of patients had developed a new ADL disability and 38.3% had developed a new functional impairment. In the 65–74 years age group, basic ADL decreased only in males, whereas females became functionally impaired. In the 75–84 years age group, basic and IADL decreased in both males and females. Older age and metabolic syndrome were prognostic for impairment of basic ADL, whereas baseline IADL problems, lower cognitive function, physical inactivity and insulin therapy were significant predictors of a future decline in the IADL.

Conclusion:  This study identified several factors predicting the future decline of basic ADL and IADL in diabetic elderly patients, and provided a conceptual framework that might help to clarify the pathways leading to disability. Because the specific causes of each functional problem are modifiable, comprehensive treatment and care are needed to allow Japanese diabetic elderly patients to have more favorable living conditions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12 (Suppl. 1): 117–126.
Factors associated with progression of diabetic nephropathy in Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: Sub‐analysis of the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial
Authors: Araki Shin‐ichi , Nishio Yoshihiko , Araki Atsushi , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Sakurai Takashi , Iimuro Satoshi , Ohashi Yasuo , Uzu Takashi , Maegawa Hiroshi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Ito Hideki ,   the Japanese Elderly Intervention Trial Research Group
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with the progression of this complication in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:  This retrospective study of a subgroup of patients registered with the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial included 621 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age ≥65 years, 346 with normoalbuminuria, 190 with microalbuminuria and 85 with overt proteinuria). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model with a backward stepwise procedure was applied to select factors with significant effects on worsening of nephropathy stage and the doubling of serum creatinine.

Results:  During the follow up (median 52 months), 21% of patients progressed from normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria to a worse nephropathy stage. Aging, female sex and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were identified as independent and significant factors that worsen nephropathy stage. Also, 6.1% of patients showed doubling of serum creatinine during follow up. A positive history of cardiovascular disease, hyperuricemia and conventional therapy were identified as significant factors involved in the doubling of serum creatinine. The cumulative incidence of the doubling of serum creatinine was significantly lower in the intensive therapy group than the conventional therapy group (P = 0.016), although that of progression of nephropathy stage was similar in the two groups.

Conclusions:  We identified several factors associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that multiple risk factor intervention seems important in preventing deterioration of renal dysfunction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12 (Suppl. 1): 127–133.
A systematic review of the use of aromatherapy in treatment of behavioral problems in dementia
Authors: Fung Jo Kamen KM , Tsang Hector WH , Chung Raymond CK
Published: March 2012

We aimed to fill the literature gap by identifying the clinical benefits of aromatherapy in older adults with dementia, and its efficacy in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) based on available randomized controlled trials (RCT). A systematic review of 11 clinical trials shortlisted from electronic databases from 1995 to 2011 was carried out. The RCT showed that aromatherapy had positive effects on reduction of BPSD, improvement in cognitive functions, increasing quality of life, enhancing independence of activities of daily living and so on. However, adverse effects were noted in some studies. Limitations on methodology are discussed and suggestions on directions of further studies are made. It is recommended that aromatherapy shows the potential to be applied as a therapeutic and safe complementary and alternative therapy for the management of BPSD on more evidence collected from better designed RCT. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 372–382.
Adverse associations of increases in television viewing time with 5‐year changes in glucose homoeostasis markers: the AusDiab study
Authors: Hansen A. L. S. , Wijndaele K. , Owen N. , Magliano D. J. , Thorp A. A. , Shaw J. E. , Dunstan D. W.
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 918–925 (2012)

Background  Television viewing time is associated cross‐sectionally with abnormal glucose tolerance and diabetes risk; however, the impact of changes in television viewing time on glycaemic measures is less understood. We examined relationships of 5‐year change in television viewing time with 5‐year change in glucose homeostasis markers.

Methods  Participants in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study with data available at the 1999–2000 baseline and the 2004–2005 follow‐up were included (4870; 45% men). Television viewing time (h/week) was assessed by questionnaire. Fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin and 2‐h plasma glucose were obtained from an oral glucose tolerance test. Beta‐cell function and insulin resistance were ascertained using the homeostasis model assessment 2‐calculator. Associations of change in television viewing time with changes in glucose homeostasis markers were examined using linear regression models [β‐coefficients (95% CI)]. Adjustments included baseline measures of age, television viewing time and glycaemic marker, and baseline and 5‐year change in diet quality, energy intake, physical activity and waist circumference.

Results  For every 5‐h per week increase in television viewing time from baseline to 5‐year follow‐up, changes in glucose homeostasis markers were observed: among women there was a significant increase in fasting plasma glucose [0.01 (0.00–0.02) mmol/l] insulin resistance [0.03 (0.01–0.05)] and insulin secretion [1.07 (0.02–2.12) %]; insulin levels increased [men: 1.20 (0.30–2.09); women: 1.06 (0.32–1.80) pmol/l]; in men, 2‐h plasma glucose levels increased [0.06 (0.01–0.1) mmol/l].

Conclusion  Five‐year increases in television viewing time were associated adversely with changes in glucose homeostasis markers. These findings add to earlier cross‐sectional evidence that television viewing time can be associated with biomarkers of diabetes risk.
Self‐monitoring of blood glucose in patients with diabetes who do not use insulin—are guidelines evidence‐based?
Authors: Aakre K. M. , Watine J. , Bunting P. S. , Sandberg S. , Oosterhuis W. P.
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1226–1236 (2012)

Aims  To evaluate if clinical practice guideline recommendations regarding self‐monitoring of blood glucose in patients with diabetes not using insulin follow the principles of evidence‐based medicine.

Methods  After a search from 1999 to 2011, 18 clinical practice guidelines were included. Recommendations regarding self‐monitoring of blood glucose were graded on a scale from one (strongly against self‐monitoring) to four (strongly in favour of self‐monitoring) and compared with the similarly graded conclusions of systematic reviews that were cited by the clinical practice guidelines. We also investigated how clinical practice guideline characteristics, for example funding sources, and quality of references cited could be related to the guideline recommendations.

Results  The clinical practice guidelines cited in total 15 systematic reviews, 14 randomized controlled trials, 33 non‐randomized controlled trials papers and 18 clinical practice guidelines or position statements. The clinical practice guideline recommendations had an average grade of 3.4 (range 2.0–4.0). Higher grades were seen for clinical practice guidelines that acknowledged industry funding (mean value 4.0) or were issued by organizations depending on private funding (mean value 3.6 vs. 3.0 for governmental funding). The conclusions of the 15 systematic reviews had a mean grade of 2.2 (range 1.0–3.8). Systematic reviews with low grades were less cited. In total, 21 randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic reviews. Approximately half of these evaluated an educational intervention where the effect of self‐monitoring of blood glucose could not be clearly isolated.

Conclusions  Clinical practice guidelines were more in favour of self‐monitoring use than the systematic reviews that were cited. The citation practice was non‐systematic and industry funding seemingly led to a more positive attitude towards use of self‐monitoring of blood glucose.