bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the relative efficacy of cognitive and non‐cognitive factors as predictors of dental anxiety
Authors: Carrillo‐Diaz Maria , Crego Antonio , Armfield Jason M. , Romero‐Maroto Martin
Published: January 2012

Carrillo‐Diaz M, Crego A, Armfield JM, Romero‐Maroto M. Assessing the relative efficacy of cognitive and non‐cognitive factors as predictors of dental anxiety.
 
Eur J Oral Sci 2012; 120: 82–88. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci

Although previous research has successfully tested the usefulness of cognitive and non‐cognitive factors to predict dental anxiety, they have rarely been jointly analysed. This study therefore aimed to compare the relative predictive power of a set of cognitive and non‐cognitive factors in accounting for dental anxiety scores. A sample of 167 Spanish undergraduate students (81.4% women; mean age 21.2 yr) completed a questionnaire comprising measures of dental anxiety, non‐cognitive antecedents of dental anxiety (i.e. past aversive dental experiences, exposure to dentally fearful relatives, and trait‐based negative mood), and cognitive variables (i.e. dental‐related cognitive vulnerability, probability/aversiveness expectancies, and dental cognitions and beliefs). In multiple linear regression analyses, cognitions were found to significantly increase the proportion of variance accounted for in dental fear scores (ΔR2 = 0.15, maximum ΔR2 = 0.35). Cognitive factors were found to be the best individual predictors of dental fear (β‐values ranging from 0.23–0.66). Furthermore, scores for past aversive treatment experiences and negative mood were not significant predictors of scores for dental anxiety when cognitive variables were included in the models. The analysis of cognitive mechanisms involved in dental anxiety is revealed as a potentially important point in better understanding this problem.
Role of Protein Kinase D in Golgi Exit and Lysosomal Targeting of the Transmembrane Protein, Mcoln1
Authors: Marks David L. , Holicky Eileen L. , Wheatley Christine L. , Frumkin Ayala , Bach Gideon , Pagano Richard E.
Published: January 2012

The targeting of lysosomal transmembrane (TM) proteins from the Golgi apparatus to lysosomes is a complex process that is only beginning to be understood. Here, the lysosomal targeting of mucolipin‐1 (Mcoln1), the TM protein defective in the autosomal recessive disease, mucolipidosis type IV, was studied by overexpressing full‐length and truncated forms of the protein in human cells, followed by detection using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. We demonstrated that a 53‐amino acid C‐terminal region of Mcoln1 is required for efficient exit from the Golgi. Truncations lacking this region exhibited reduced delivery to lysosomes and decreased proteolytic cleavage of Mcoln1 into characteristic ∼35‐kDa fragments, suggesting that this cleavage occurs in lysosomes. In addition, we found that the co‐expression of full‐length Mcoln1 with kinase‐inactive protein kinase D (PKD) 1 or 2 inhibited Mcoln1 Golgi exit and transport to lysosomes and decreased Mcoln1 cleavage. These studies suggest that PKDs play a role in the delivery of some lysosomal resident TM proteins from the Golgi to the lysosomes.
The Karyopherin Sal3 is Required for Nuclear Import of the Core RNA Interference Pathway Protein Rdp1
Authors: Park Jungsook , Freitag Silja I. , Young Paul G. , Hobman Tom C.
Published: January 2012

RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase activity is required for RNA interference (RNAi) in many lower eukaryotes including the fission yeast Schizosacchromyces pombe. Together with Ago1 and Dcr1, the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase Rdp1 is critical for RNA‐dependent transcriptional‐ and post‐transcriptional gene silencing. Although the bulk of Rdp1 is localized to the nucleus, Ago1 and Dcr1 are primarily cytoplasmic. This may reflect the fact that Rdp1 is required early in the RNAi pathway to generate double strand RNA from transcripts that originate from centromeric loci. The relatively large size of Rdp1 (139.4 kD) precludes passive diffusion of the enzyme into the nucleus suggesting that karyopherin‐dependent transport is involved in nuclear targeting of this enzyme. In this study, we report that the karyopherin/importin β3 homolog Sal3 is required for nuclear import of Rdp1 in S. pombe. Loss of nuclear Rdp1 was associated with substantially reduced transcriptional gene silencing, and surprisingly, post‐transcriptional gene silencing which occurs in the cytoplasm of other eukaryotes, was also significantly affected. Together, these results identify Sal3 as a modulator of RNAi‐dependent transcriptional gene silencing as well as a potential link between nuclear import and post‐transcriptional gene silencing.
Prevalence and factors associated to actinic cheilitis in beach workers
Authors: de Souza Lucena EE , Costa DCB , da Silveira EJD , Lima KC
Published: January 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 575–579

Objectives:  Assess the prevalence and potential factors associated to actinic cheilitis (AC) in workers exposed to the sun.

Materials and methods:  Workers assigned to urban beaches in a city in Northeastern Brazil completed a questionnaire containing personal and health data. Lips were examined to identify AC.

Results:  A total of 362 workers, of which 15.5% exhibited AC, were examined. Among those with AC, there was a prevalence of males (86%), aged 37 years or older (61.4%) and light‐skinned (52.6%). They were undocumented (96.5%), exposed to the sun (84.2%), worked up to 6 h daily (57.9%), five or more times per week (52.6%), and for more than 8 years (54.4%). Photoprotection was used by 89.5%, including sunscreen (42.0%), lip protector (17.5%), and cap/hat (87.7%). Approximately 30% smoked and 29.8% consumed alcohol, 56.2% over two standard shots per day. Most (91.2%) ate healthy food five or more times per week. Being male, aged 37 years or older, having up to 6 years of schooling, being light‐skinned, wearing a cap/hat, and using sunscreen were factors associated to AC.

Conclusion:  A high prevalence of actinic AC was observed. Special attention should be given to individuals chronically exposed to UV radiation, with the institution of educational, preventive, and curative measures.
Altered mTOR signaling and enhanced CYFIP2 expression levels in subjects with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Hoeffer C. A. , Sanchez E. , Hagerman R. J. , Mu Y. , Nguyen D. V. , Wong H. , Whelan A. M. , Zukin R. S. , Klann E. , Tassone F.
Published: January 2012

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and autism. The protein (FMRP) encoded by the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1), is an RNA‐binding protein linked to translational control. Recently, in the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS, dysregulated translation initiation signaling was observed. To investigate whether an altered signaling was also a feature of subjects with FXS compared to typical developing controls, we isolated total RNA and translational control proteins from lymphocytes of subjects from both groups (38 FXS and 14 TD). Although we did not observe any difference in the expression level of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for translational initiation control proteins isolated from participant with FXS, we found increased phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) substrate, p70 ribosomal subunit 6 kinase1 (S6K1) and of the mTOR regulator, the serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt), in their protein lysates. In addition, we observed increased phosphorylation of the cap binding protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) suggesting that protein synthesis is upregulated in FXS. Similar to the findings in lymphocytes, we observed increased phosphorylation of S6K1 in brain tissue from patients with FXS (n = 4) compared to normal age‐matched controls (n = 4). Finally, we detected increased expression of the cytoplasmic FMR1‐interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2), a known FMRP interactor. This data verify and extend previous findings using lymphocytes for studies of neuropsychiatric disorders and provide evidence that misregulation of mTOR signaling observed in the FXS mouse model also occurs in human FXS and may provide useful biomarkers for designing targeted treatments in FXS.
Crystal structures of the Chromobacterium violaceumω‐transaminase reveal major structural rearrangements upon binding of coenzyme PLP
Authors: Humble Maria S. , Cassimjee Karim E. , Håkansson Maria , Kimbung Yengo R. , Walse Björn , Abedi Vahak , Federsel Hans‐Jürgen , Berglund Per , Logan Derek T.
Published: January 2012

The bacterial ω‐transaminase from Chromobacterium violaceum (Cv‐ωTA, EC2.6.1.18) catalyses industrially important transamination reactions by use of the coenzyme pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP). Here, we present four crystal structures of Cv‐ωTA: two in the apo form, one in the holo form and one in an intermediate state, at resolutions between 1.35 and 2.4 Å. The enzyme is a homodimer with a molecular mass of ∼ 100 kDa. Each monomer has an active site at the dimeric interface that involves amino acid residues from both subunits. The apo‐Cv‐ωTA structure reveals unique ‘relaxed’ conformations of three critical loops involved in structuring the active site that have not previously been seen in a transaminase. Analysis of the four crystal structures reveals major structural rearrangements involving elements of the large and small domains of both monomers that reorganize the active site in the presence of PLP. The conformational change appears to be triggered by binding of the phosphate group of PLP. Furthermore, one of the apo structures shows a disordered ‘roof ’ over the PLP‐binding site, whereas in the other apo form and the holo form the ‘roof’ is ordered. Comparison with other known transaminase crystal structures suggests that ordering of the ‘roof’ structure may be associated with substrate binding in Cv‐ωTA and some other transaminases.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors for the Chromobacterium violaceumω‐transaminase crystal structures can be found in the RCSB Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org) under the accession codes 4A6U for the holoenzyme, 4A6R for the apo1 form, 4A6T for the apo2 form and 4A72 for the mixed form

Structured digital abstract

 ‐transaminases and ‐transaminases bind by dynamic light scattering (View interaction)

 ‐transaminase and ‐transaminase bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)

 ‐transaminase and ‐transaminase bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Hydroxylation of the triterpenoid dipterocarpol with CYP106A2 from Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Schmitz Daniela , Zapp Josef , Bernhardt Rita
Published: January 2012

The bacterial steroid‐hydroxylase CYP106A2 from Bacillus megaterium ATCC 13368 hydroxylates a variety of 3‐oxo‐Δ‐4‐steroids and has recently been shown to catalyse regioselective hydroxylation of the diterpene abietic acid, as well as the pentacyclic triterpene 11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid. The broad substrate spectrum of this enzyme makes it an excellent candidate for biotechnological application. Because the natural substrate of this enzyme is not known, we assumed that the whole substrate spectrum might not yet be fully discovered. The difference spectroscopy method was used to screen a natural product library of 502 compounds. Screening of the library resulted in the identification of twelve hits, among them eight potential and four known substrates for CYP106A2. Interestingly, when testing the potential substrates, product formation was obtained only with triterpenes, namely dipterocarpol and betulin. Dipterocarpol is the most promising compound for biotechnological application because it is a dammarane‐type triterpenoid, as are the major bioactive compounds of ginseng. The dipterocarpol hydroxylation products were analysed by NMR and identified as 7β‐hydroxydipterocarpol and 7β,11α‐dihydroxydipterocarpol. To investigate the putative bioactive properties of these novel compounds, in vitro cytotoxicity assays with HeLa and COS‐1 cells were performed. The substrate dipterocarpol and the dihydroxylated product did not show cytotoxic activity in our study. By contrast, the 7β‐hydroxylated product was found to be cytotoxic to both tested cell lines. This study highlights the potency of CYP106A2 as a versatile biocatalyst for the bioconversion of natural products into pharmaceutically relevant bioactive products.
Cell Damage Following Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecule Exposure: Implications for Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Winburn Ian C. , Gunatunga Kishan , McKernan Robert D. , Walker Robert J. , Sammut Ivan A. , Harrison Joanne C.
Published: January 2012

The cytoprotective properties of carbon monoxide (CO) gas and CO‐releasing molecules (CORMs) are well established. Despite promising pre‐clinical results, little attention has been paid to the toxicological profile of CORMs. The effects of CORM‐2 and its CO‐depleted molecule (iCORM‐2) (20–400 μM) were compared in primary rat cardiomyocytes and two cell lines [human embryonic kidney (HeK) and Madine‐Darby canine kidney Cells (MDCK)]. Cells were assessed for cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis, cytology, mitochondrial energetics, oxidative stress and cell cycle arrest markers. In separate experiments, the anti‐apoptotic effects of CORM‐2 and i‐CORM‐2 treatment were compared against CO gas treatment in HeK and MDCK lines. H2O2‐induced cellular damage, measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from primary cardiomyocytes, was reduced by 20 μM CORM‐2; LDH activity, however, was directly inhibited by 400 μM CORM‐2. Both CORM‐2/iCORM‐2 and CO gas decreased cisplatin‐induced caspase‐3 activity in MDCK and HeK cells suggesting an anti‐apoptotic effect. Conversely, both CORM‐2 and iCORM‐2 induced significant cellular toxicity in the form of decreased cell viability, abnormal cell cytology, increased apoptosis and necrosis, cell cycle arrest and reduced mitochondrial enzyme activity. Comparison of these markers after CO gas administration to MDCK cells found significantly less cellular toxicity than in 100 μM CORM‐2/iCORM‐2‐treated cells. CO gas did not have an adverse effect on mitochondrial energetics and integrity. Release of CO by low concentrations of intact CORM‐2 molecules provides cytoprotective effects. These results show, however, that the ruthenium‐based CORM by‐product, iCORM‐2, is cytotoxic and suggest that the accumulation of iCORM‐2 would seriously limit any clinical application of the ruthenium‐based CORMs.
Investigation of JAK2, STAT3 and CCR6 polymorphisms and their gene–gene interactions in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Polgar N. , Csongei V. , Szabo M. , Zambo V. , Melegh B. I. , Sumegi K. , Nagy G. , Tulassay Z. , Melegh B.
Published: January 2012

Genome‐wide association studies identified many loci associated with the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Components of the interleukin‐23 signalling pathway, such as IL23R, JAK2 and STAT3, have been implicated in both diseases. In addition, emerging evidence supports the role of IL23‐driven Th17 cells in inflammation. Here, we studied the susceptibility nature of three components of IL23 signalling and Th17 cell differentiation: JAK2 rs10758669, STAT3 rs744166 and CCR6 rs2301436 initially associated with CD in Hungarian CD and UC patients. A total of 616 unrelated subjects with either form of IBD and 496 healthy controls were genotyped with PCR‐RFLP methods. We also tested the genetic interactions of JAK2, STAT3 and CCR6 polymorphisms in a pairwise fashion with regard to disease risk. We could confirm the susceptibility of STAT3 rs744166 TT homozygotes for UC (OR: 1.483, 95% CI: 1.103–1.992, P = 0.009). Data on genetic interaction reveals that the above JAK2 and STAT3 risk alleles contribute to CD susceptibility in combination with each other (OR: 2.218; 95% CI: 1.097–4.487; P = 0.024), while the JAK2 variant shows a tendency to confer UC risk only on a wild‐type STAT3 background (OR: 1.997, 95%CI: 0.994–4.009, P = 0.049). Our results may help in understanding how these natural variants contribute to development of IBD through their genetic association.
A Revised Conservation Assessment of Dipterocarps in Sabah
Authors: Maycock Colin R. , Kettle Chris J. , Khoo Eyen , Pereira Joan T. , Sugau John B. , Nilus Reuben , Ong Robert C. , Amaludin Nazahatul A. , Newman Mark F. , Burslem David F.R.P.
Published: January 2012

Borneo has experienced a rapid decline in the extent of forest cover, which has reduced the amount of habitat available for many plant and animal species. The precise impact of habitat loss on the conservation status of dipterocarp trees is uncertain. We use three contrasting techniques, the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy and ecological niche models derived using maxent, in conjunction with a current land‐use map of Sabah, to derive estimates of habitat loss and infer a regional IUCN Red List conservation status for 33 Sabah dipterocarp species. Estimates of habitat loss differed significantly according to the methods employed and between species on different habitat types. Proportion of habitat loss determined from the ecological niche models varied from 21 percent for Shorea micans to 99.5 percent for Dipterocarpus lamellatus. Thirty‐two of the 33 dipterocarp species analyzed in this study would have their Sabah populations classified as Threatened (equal to a habitat loss of > 30%) under the A2 IUCN Red List criterion. Dipterocarps that occur in lowland forests have experienced greater habitat loss than upland/lower montane or ultramafic species. In addition, species with the lowest predicted area within their historic distributions had the highest proportion of habitat lost, which provides a rationale for targeting conservation effort on the species with narrow distributions. We recommend the ecological niche modeling approach as a rapid assessment tool for reconstructing species’ historic distributions during conservation assessments of tropical trees.
Virus‐induced Gene Silencing in Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Authors: Liu Haiping , Fu Daqi , Zhu Benzhong , Yan Huaxue , Shen Xiaoying , Zuo Jinhua , Zhu Yi , Luo Yunbo
Published: January 2012

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is an economically important vegetable requiring investigation into its various genomic functions. The current limitation in the investigation of genomic function in eggplant is the lack of effective tools available for conducting functional assays. Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) has played a critical role in the functional genetic analyses. In this paper, TRV‐mediated VIGS was successfully elicited in eggplant. We first cloned the CDS sequence of PDS (PHYTOENE DESATURASE) in eggplant and then silenced the PDS gene. Photo‐bleaching was shown on the newly‐developed leaves four weeks after agroinoculation, indicating that VIGS can be used to silence genes in eggplant. To further illustrate the reliability of VIGS in eggplant, we selected Chl H, Su and CLA1 as reporters to elicit VIGS using the high‐pressure spray method. Suppression of Chl H and Su led to yellow leaves, while the depletion of CLA1 resulted in albino. In conclusion, four genes, PDS, Chl H, Su (Sulfur), CLA1, were down‐regulated significantly by VIGS, indicating that the VIGS system can be successfully applied in eggplant and is a reliable tool for the study of gene function.
Ligand‐Based Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking Studies to Identify the Critical Chemical Features of Potent Cathepsin D Inhibitors
Authors: Sakkiah Sugunadevi , Thangapandian Sundarapandian , Lee Keun Woo
Published: January 2012

Cathepsin D is a major component of lysosomes and plays a major role in catabolism and degenerative diseases. The quantitative structure–activity relationship study was used to explore the critical chemical features of cathepsin D inhibitors. Top 10 hypotheses were built based on 36 known cathepsin D inhibitors using HypoGen/Discovery Studio v2.5. The best hypothesis Hypo1 consists of three hydrophobic, one hydrogen bond acceptor lipid, and one hydrogen bond acceptor features. The selected Hypo1 model was cross‐validated using Fischer’s randomization method to identify the strong correlation between experimental and predicted activity value as well as the test set and decoy sets used to validate its predictability. Moreover, the best hypothesis was used as a 3D query in virtual screening of Scaffold database. Subsequently, the screened hit molecules were filtered by applying Lipinski’s rule of five, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicity, and molecular docking studies. Finally, 49 compounds were obtained as potent cathepsin D inhibitors based on the consensus scoring values, critical interactions with protein active site residues, and predicted activity values. Thus, we suggest that the application of Hypo1 could assist in the selection of potent cathepsin D leads from various databases. Hence, this model was used as a valuable tool to design new candidate for cathepsin D inhibitors.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Biofilm Formation Inhibitory Activity of 5‐Substituted 3,4‐Dihalo‐5H‐furan‐2‐one Derivatives on Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Liu Guo‐Yong , Guo Bao‐Qin , Chen Wan‐Na , Cheng Chao , Zhang Qian‐Lan , Dai Mi‐Bei , Sun Jun‐Rong , Sun Ping‐Hua , Chen Wei‐Min
Published: January 2012

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) colonize on most wounds and live as biofilm, which causes antibiotic resistance and wounds unhealed. To investigate the effects of 5‐substituted 3,4‐dihalo‐5H‐furan‐2‐one compounds on biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa, a set of 5‐(aryl‐1′‐hydroxy‐methyl)‐ or 5‐(aryl‐2‐methylene)‐3,4‐dihalo‐5H‐furan‐2‐one compounds were designed and synthesized. Their inhibitory activities on biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa were studied by MIC assay, quantitative analysis of biofilm inhibition, and observation of biofilm formation with SEM. It was found that compounds 2i, 3f, 3i showed remarkable effects of biofilm formation inhibition on P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to identify the key structural features of these compounds with the binding site of LasR receptor.
Ecology and management of white‐tailed deer in a changing world
Authors: McShea William J.
Published: January 2012

Due to chronic high densities and preferential browsing, white‐tailed deer have significant impacts on woody and herbaceous plants. These impacts have ramifications for animals that share resources and across trophic levels. High deer densities result from an absence of predators or high plant productivity, often due to human habitat modifications, and from the desires of stakeholders that set deer management goals based on cultural, rather than biological, carrying capacity. Success at maintaining forest ecosystems require regulating deer below biological carrying capacity, as measured by ecological impacts. Control methods limit reproduction through modifications in habitat productivity or increase mortality through increasing predators or hunting. Hunting is the primary deer management tool and relies on active participation of citizens. Hunters are capable of reducing deer densities but struggle with creating densities sufficiently low to ensure the persistence of rare species. Alternative management models may be necessary to achieve densities sufficiently below biological carrying capacity. Regardless of the population control adopted, success should be measured by ecological benchmarks and not solely by cultural acceptance.
Hyper‐IgE syndrome update
Authors: Sowerwine Kathryn J. , Holland Steven M. , Freeman Alexandra F.
Published: January 2012

Autosomal dominant hyper‐IgE syndrome (AD‐HIES) or Job's syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency with a wide array of clinical features caused by dominant negative mutations in STAT3. In recent years, not only the clinical phenotype of the disease has been expanded with recognition of features such as arterial aneurysms, but also our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease has greatly improved.
Diurnal Variation of Ocular Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Based on Data from a Manikin Head
Authors: Gao Na , Hu Li‐Wen , Gao Qian , Ge Tian‐Tian , Wang Fang , Chu Chun , Yang Hui , Liu Yang
Published: January 2012

Measurements were conducted at San Ya, China (18.4°N, 109.7°E, altitude 18 m) to investigate the diurnal variation of ocular exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The experimental apparatus was composed of a manikin and a dual‐detector spectrometer to simultaneously measure ocular and ambient UV data. The experimental apparatus was rotated clockwise to simulate three different types of exposure. When the manikin was facing into the sun, the ocular exposure to UV radiation on a summer day was bimodally distributed. The maximum ocular UV irradiance occurred at solar elevations of around 40° and 50° for UVA and UVB respectively. The spectral irradiances were measured at specific wavelength to obtain the ocular biologically effective UV (UVBE) irradiances for photokeratitis, photoconjunctivitis and cataract, and the UV index (UVI) was calculated at the same time point for comparison. When the manikin faced the sun, the maximal ocular UVBE irradiance values were obtained at the solar elevation where the UVI value was 8. The results of this study showed that protection against ocular overexposure during outdoor activities should be taken not only at noon but also at other times.
Worsening Renal Function and Prognosis in Pulmonary Hypertension Patients Hospitalized for Right Heart Failure
Authors: Mielniczuk Lisa M. , Chandy George , Stewart Duncan , Contreras‐Dominguez Vladamir , Haddad Haissam , Pugliese C , Davies Ross A.
Published: January 2012

Increased central venous pressures have been associated with the development of worsening renal function (WRF), an important marker of prognosis. We sought to determine the incidence and prognostic significance of WRF in pulmonary hypertension patients (PH) with isolated right HF. A prospective study of PH clinic patients admitted to hospital for right HF. WRF was defined as a rise in creatinine of 26 μmol/L (0.3 mg/dL) within the first 48 hours of admission. A total of 32 patients were enrolled in this study, 67% of patients had moderate‐severe chronic kidney disease with an eGFR≤60 mL/min and 34% (n=11) developed WRF during their admission. The mean right atrial pressure was higher in patients with WRF (19±7 mm Hg vs 12±6 mm Hg, P=.05). A total of 36% of patients with WRF died in hospital compared to 5% in the group that did not develop WRF (OR for hospital death 13.3±16, P=.03). The combined endpoint of death or readmission at 6 months was 45% in the WRF group and 43% in the group without WRF (P=.89). Significant renal dysfunction is common in patients with PH and an acute decline in renal function is an important marker of in hospital death and short term mortality in right heart failure. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Techniques for Self‐Measurement of Blood Pressure: Limitations and Needs for Future Research
Authors: Palatini Paolo , Frick Gerhard N.
Published: January 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:139–143. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Self blood pressure measurement (SBPM) improves the overall management of hypertension provided it is implemented with methodologic care. This concerns especially the accuracy and technical requirements of blood pressure (BP) measuring devices that should be validated according to internationally accepted protocols. The use of memory‐equipped automatic home monitors is strongly recommended because they reduce observer bias, avoid patients’ misreporting, and allow fully automatic analysis by software. For current use, simple software should be worked out that allow for analysis of readings in an objective manner. Miscuffing is also a frequent source of measurement error in obese arms when oscillometric devices are used. Modern automatic devices can overcome this problem because of special software algorithms that can provide accurate measurements over a wide range of arm circumferences when coupled with a single cuff of standard dimensions. Tronco‐conical–shaped cuffs are a key component of this instrumentation because they better fit on large conical arms frequently present in obese individuals. Semi‐rigid cuffs should be increasingly used because they ensure that the proper amount of tension is applied without the intervention of the user. Continuous technology improvement of instrumentation for SBPM can be achieved through close cooperation between manufacturers and validation centers.
Life history and demographic determinants of effective/census size ratios as exemplified by brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Serbezov Dimitar , Jorde Per Erik , Bernatchez Louis , Olsen Esben Moland , Vøllestad Leif Asbjørn
Published: January 2012

A number of demographic factors, many of which related to human‐driven encroachments, are predicted to decrease the effective population size (Ne) relative to the census population size (N), but these have been little investigated. Yet, it is necessary to know which factors most strongly impact Ne, and how to mitigate these effects through sound management actions. In this study, we use parentage analysis of a stream‐living brown trout (Salmo trutta) population to quantify the effect of between‐individual variance in reproductive success on the effective number of breeders (Nb) relative to the census number of breeders (Ni). Comprehensive estimates of the Nb/N ratio were reduced to 0.16–0.28, almost entirely due to larger than binomial variance in family size. We used computer simulations, based on empirical estimates of age‐specific survival and fecundity rates, to assess the effect of repeat spawning (iteroparity) on Ne and found that the variance in lifetime reproductive success was substantially higher for repeat spawners. Random family‐specific survival, on the other hand, acts to buffer these effects. We discuss the implications of these findings for the management of small populations, where maintaining high and stable levels of Ne is crucial to extenuate inbreeding and protect genetic variability.
AFLPMax: a user‐friendly application for computing the optimal number of amplified fragment length polymorphism markers needed in phylogenetic reconstruction
Authors: GARCÍA‐PEREIRA M. J. , QUESADA H. , CABALLERO A. , CARVAJAL‐RODRÍGUEZ A.
Published: January 2012

Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) are widely used for phylogenetic inference especially in non‐model species. Frequently, trees obtained with other nuclear or mitochondrial markers or with morphological information need additional resolution, increased branch support, or independent data sources (i.e. unlinked loci). In such cases, the use of AFLPs is a quick and cheap option. Computer simulation has shown that dominant AFLP markers lead to less accurate tree topologies than bi‐allelic codominant markers such as SNPs, but this difference becomes negligible for shallow trees when using AFLP data sets that include a sufficiently large number of characters. Thus, determining how many AFLP characters are required to recover a given phylogeny is a key issue regarding the appropriateness of AFLPs for phylogenetic reconstruction. Here, we present a user‐friendly, java‐based graphical interface, AFLPMax, which executes an automatic pipeline of different programs providing the user with the optimal number of AFLP characters needed to recover a given phylogeny with high accuracy and support. Executables for Windows, linux and MacOS X operating systems, source code and user manual are available from: http://webs.uvigo.es/acraaj/AFLPMax.htm.
Superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan for intraocular retinoblastoma: preliminary results from 140 treatments
Authors: Venturi Carlo , Bracco Sandra , Cerase Alfonso , Cioni Samuele , Galluzzi Paolo , Gennari Paola , Vallone Ignazio M. , Tinturini Rebecca , Vittori Cesare , De Francesco Sonia , Caini Mauro , D’Ambrosio Alfonso , Toti Paolo , Renieri Alessandra , Hadjistilianou Theodora
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  To report our experience in superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan (SOAIM) for intraocular retinoblastoma.

Methods:  From June 2008 to October 2010, 38 patients (18 women, 20 men; age range at first treatment, 7 months to 22 years) with 41 eyes with retinoblastoma were scheduled for SOAIM, for 17 newly diagnosed retinoblastomas Tumour, Node and Metastasis (TNM) 7th Edition 1a (n = 1), 1b (n = 1), 2a (n = 7), 2b (n = 4) and 3a (n = 4) and 24 retinoblastomas with partial remission/relapse TNM 7th Edition 1b (n = 13), 2a (n = 1) and 2b (n = 10). Eight patients (ten eyes) have been treated by SOAIM alone. Follow‐up was 6–27 months in 28 patients (30 eyes).

Results:  Ophthalmic artery cannulation failed in two patients. Thirty‐six patients underwent 140 treatments by internal (n = 112) or external (n = 28) carotid arteries. No major procedural complications occurred. Two patients have been lost to follow‐up. Remaining 34 patients (37 eyes) had no metastatic disease. Four patients suffered permanent ocular complications: chorioretinal dystrophy (n = 2), ptosis (n = 1) and strabismus/exotropia (n = 1). Eight (22%) eyes in eight (24%) patients underwent enucleation: 7/16 (43%) newly diagnosed retinoblastomas and 1/22 (4.5%) retinoblastomas undergoing partial remission/relapse. For all treated eyes, Kaplan–Meier eye enucleation‐free rates (K‐M) were 85.4% (95% CI, 73.3–97.5%), 74.4% (95% CI, 57–91.8%) and still stable at 6, 12 months and 2 years, respectively. For eyes with partial remission/relapse, and eyes at presentation, K–M at 2 years were 95.5% (95% CI, 86.9–100%) and 45.6% (95% CI, 16.6–74.6%), respectively.

Conclusion:  Superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan was safe and powerful, especially following other therapies. Superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan should be added to focal therapies spectrum. In selected cases, melphalan should be combined with other chemotherapeutic agents.
Associations of early age‐related macular degeneration with ocular and general parameters. The central India eyes and medical study
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Nangia Vinay , Kulkarni Maithili , Gupta Rajesh , Khare Anshu
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  To assess associations between age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and ocular and general parameters.

Methods:  The Central India Eye and Medical Study, a population‐based study performed in rural Central India, included 4711 subjects (aged 30+ years) out of 5885 eligible subjects (response rate: 80.1%). Fundus photographs were assessed using the Wisconsin Age‐Related Maculopathy Grading system.

Results:  Fundus photographs were available for 4542 (96.4%) subjects. Early AMD was present in 215/4542 subjects (4.7 ± 0.3%), and late AMD was detected in 8/4542 (0.2 ± 0.03%) subjects. After adjustment for age, prevalence of AMD was significantly associated with hyperopic refractive error (p = 0.001), shorter axial length (p = 0.01), and higher corneal refractive power (p = 0.02). Each dioptre increase in hyperopic refraction or each millimetre decrease in axial length was associated with a 15% [odds ratio (OR):1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.24] and 19% (OR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.69, 0.95) increased probability of early AMD, respectively. AMD was not significantly associated with blood pressure, serum concentration of cholesterol, glycosylated haemoglobin Hb1Ac, high‐density lipoproteins and postprandial glucose, gender, level of education, any parameter of smoking, alcohol consumption, psychiatric depression or of daily activities, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, intraocular pressure, size of the optic disc, neuroretinal rim and parapapillary atrophy, nor amount of nuclear cataract and status after cataract surgery. If the statistical analysis was adjusted for age and refractive error, age‐related macular degeneration was marginally significantly associated with a low intake of fruits (p = 0.06).

Conclusions:  Hyperopia (and short axial length) besides age was the single most important associated factor for AMD in adult Indians.
Disturbed correlation between arterial resistance and pulsatility in glaucoma patients
Authors: Abegão Pinto Luís , Vandewalle Evelien , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  (i) To investigate whether pulsatility index (PI) and mean flow velocities (MFV) are altered in glaucoma patients. (ii) To evaluate the significance of PI in retrobulbar autoregulation capacity.

Methods:  Patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG; n = 49), normal tension glaucoma (NTG; n = 62) and healthy controls (n = 48) underwent colour Doppler imaging measurements of the retrobulbar vasculature. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare variables between the three diagnostic groups. Restricted cubic splines were used to determine nonlinearities between the resistive index (RI) and PI correlations.

Results:  Mean flow velocities (MFV) were lower in both short posterior ciliary arteries (SCPA) and central retinal arteries (CRA) from the two glaucoma groups (p < 0.04 versus healthy controls). No differences were detected in RI or PI in any arteries of the three diagnostic groups (p > 0.08). In healthy individuals, correlations between RI and PI were linear in all arteries. In both POAG and NTG patients, CRA presented a nonlinear curve with a cutpoint at RI 0.77 (p < 0.001) and 0.61 (p = 0.03), respectively, above which the slope increased nearly five‐ and tenfold (POAG: 1.96 to 10.06; NTG: −0.46–4.06), respectively. A nonlinear correlation in the ophthalmic artery was only observed in NTG patients, with a cutpoint at RI 0.82 (p < 0.001), above which the slope increased from 3.47 to 14.03.

Conclusions:  Glaucoma patients do not present the linear relationships between RI and PI observed in healthy individuals. Their nonlinear relations may be indicative of an altered autoregulation and suggest a possible threshold RI could be determined above which autoregulatory disturbances become more relevant.
Absence of the fourth cranial nerve in congenital Brown syndrome
Authors: Kaeser Pierre‐François , Kress Bodo , Rohde Stefan , Kolling Gerold
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  To elucidate the aetiology of congenital Brown syndrome.

Methods:  Four consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral congenital Brown syndrome had a comprehensive standardized ocular motility examination. Any compensatory head posture was measured. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with regard for the IV cranial nerve (CN) was performed in all patients. Orbital MRI was performed in 2/4 patients, with images acquired in eight directions of gaze and superior oblique (SO) muscle areas compared.

Results:  CN IV could not be identified bilaterally in two patients, but was absent only on the side of the Brown syndrome in the two other patients. On the normal side, orbital MRI revealed a smaller SO muscle area in upgaze than in downgaze, demonstrating normal actions of this muscle. On the side of the Brown syndrome, the SO area remained the same in upgaze and in downgaze and approximately symmetric to the area of SO in downgaze on the normal side.

Conclusions:  These cases add further anatomical support to the theory of paradoxical innervation in congenital Brown syndrome. CN IV was absent in two patients on the side of the Brown syndrome, but without muscle hypoplasia. SO muscle size did not vary in up‐ and downgaze, which we interpreted as a sign of constant innervation through branches of CN III.
Glaucoma screening during regular optician visits: the feasibility and specificity of screening in real life
Authors: de Vries Margriet M. , Stoutenbeek Remco , Müskens Rogier P. H. M. , Jansonius Nomdo M.
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  To determine the feasibility and specificity of glaucoma screening during regular optician visits.

Methods:  In four optician shops, glaucoma screening was offered to 400 consecutive visitors aged 45 years or above. If the visitor agreed to participate, an intraocular pressure measurement and – in those with a pressure below 25 mmHg – a frequency‐doubling perimeter (FDT) C20‐1 visual field screening test were performed. Those with an elevated pressure or at least one reproducibly abnormal test location on FDT were referred to our hospital.

Results:  Three‐hundred and fifty‐two of 400 consecutive visitors (88%) were screened. Fifteen of the unscreened visitors were not screened because they were already regularly checked by an ophthalmologist related to glaucoma. Forty‐two of 352 screened participants (12%) were referred. Of these 42 referrals, seven were diagnosed with glaucoma, 10 were diagnosed with ocular hypertension (OHT), 12 did not have any eye disease, seven had an eye disease other than glaucoma or OHT that was diagnosed previously and six were newly diagnosed with an eye disease other than glaucoma or OHT. The specificity of the screening protocol was 91% (95% confidence interval 88–94%).

Conclusions:  Glaucoma screening at the optician shop was feasible, but the specificity of the screening protocol was rather low. With more stringent cut‐off points (30 mmHg; at least two reproducibly abnormal test locations), the specificity could be improved to 96% (94–98%), apparently without a significant loss of sensitivity. This suggests that screening during regular optician visits might be a viable approach.
Lifestyle modification, nutritional and vitamins supplements for age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Sin Helena P. Y. , Liu David T. L. , Lam Dennis S. C.
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  To provide a systematic review of the published studies pertaining to the lifestyle modification, dietary, nutritional and vitamins supplements for preventing occurrence or halting deterioration of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods:  The literature searches from 1990 to December 2010 with following keywords, ‘age related macular degeneration’, ‘nutrition’, ‘antioxidant’, ‘diet’ and ‘vitamins supplements’ using search engines Pubmed, Google Scholar, Medline and the Cochrane Library.

Meta‐analyses, population‐based cohort studies and case‐controlled trials were reviewed, whereas small cases series, case reports, commentaries, abstracts in proceedings or personal observations were excluded.

Results:  Smoking and obesity are identified risk factors for AMD. High dietary intakes of omega‐3 fatty acids, and macular xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin have been associated with a lower risk of prevalence and incidence in AMD. Vitamin B and extracts from wolfberry, Gingko biloba and berry anthocyanins were also subjects of intense research interests, but there has been no concluding scientific evidence yet. The Age‐Related Eye Disease study (AREDS) is the only large‐scale randomized controlled clinical trial to show beneficial effect of AREDS formulation of vitamins C, E, beta‐carotene and zinc with copper in reducing the risk progression to advanced AMD in patients with intermediate AMD or with advanced AMD in one eye.

Conclusion:  Quit smoking is an important advice to patients to prevent or slow the progress of AMD. There is no recommendation for routine nutritional or vitamins supplementation for primary prevention. However, patients with documented intermediate risk of AMD or advanced AMD in one eye are recommended to take AREDS‐type vitamin supplements.
Association between Article Citation Rate and Level of Evidence in the Companion Animal Literature
Authors: Giuffrida M.A. , Brown D.C.
Published: January 2012

Background

Level of evidence (LOE) hierarchies rank scientific articles according to the use of study design features intended to limit bias. Citation analysis of medical articles has shown that studies with highLOEranking are preferentially cited.

Objectives

To determine whether clinical companion animal articles reporting study designs classified as highLOEare more frequently cited than those with designs classified as lowLOEand to characterize other factors associated with 5‐year citation rate.

Methods

Literature survey of all original clinical articles published in 2004 in 5 peer‐reviewed clinical veterinary journals. For each eligible article, details of scientific and nonscientific characteristics were collected, anLOEclassification was assigned, and the 5‐year citation rate following publication was determined. Linear regression was used to identify factors associated with citation rate.

Results

OverallLOEwas low with 188 of 209 eligible articles describing a study design classified as lowLOE. An association was not identified between 5‐year citation frequency andLOEclassification or any specific feature of study methodology. Articles pertaining to infectious disease or published in theJournal ofVeterinaryInternalMedicinewere associated with significantly greater subsequent citations.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Reports of veterinary studies designed to limit the influence of bias are not more widely referenced than articles reporting data obtained through less stringent methodologies. Medical subspecialty and publishing journal prestige can influence an article's subsequent citation rate.
MODELING NUTRIENT (DISSOLVED INORGANIC NITROGEN) AND PLANKTON DYNAMICS AT SAGAR ISLAND OF HOOGHLY–MATLA ESTUARINE SYSTEM, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Authors: MANDAL SUDIPTO , RAY SANTANU , GHOSH PHANI BHUSAN
Published: January 2012

Abstract Degradation of litter from mangrove forests adjacent to the creeks at Sagar Island of the Hooghly–Matla estuarine ecosystem is one of the principal sources of nutrient to the estuary. Nutrients augment the growth of phytoplankton, which in turn stimulates the production of zooplankton. Zooplankton serves as major food source for fish population of this estuarine system. Here, a dynamic model with three state variables (nutrient, phytoplankton, and zooplankton) is proposed using nitrogen (mgN/l) as currency. Input of dissolved inorganic nitrogen as nutrient, water temperature, surface solar irradiance, and salinity of upstream and downstream of the estuary, collected from the field, are incorporated as graph time functions in the model. Calibration and validation are performed by using collected data of two consecutive years. Model results indicate that the growth of zooplankton and phytoplankton are enhanced by increase in nutrient input in the system. Zooplankton biomass is affected by decrease in the salinity of the estuary. Sensitivity analysis results at ±10% indicate that maximum growth rate of phytoplankton (Pmax) is the most sensitive parameter to the nutrient pool although growth rate of zooplankton (gz) and half saturation constant for phytoplankton grazing by zooplankton (Kz) are most sensitive parameters to phytoplankton and zooplankton compartments, respectively. The model depicts the present status of plankton dynamics, which serve as major food resource for herbivorous and carnivorous fish species of the estuary. Effect of deforestation is tested in the model. Therefore, from management perspective, this model can be used to predict the impact of mangroves on nutrient and plankton dynamics, which will give complete information of both shell and fin fish productions in the estuary.