bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative floral ontogeny of single-flowered and double-flowered phenotypes of Alcea rosea (Malvaceae)
Authors: Naghiloo Somayeh , Esmaillou Zahra , Dadpour Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2014

A comparative study of floral ontogeny in single- and double-flowered Alcea rosea L. was conducted using epi-illumination light microscopy. In both floral types, floral differentiation starts with the appearance of three epicalyx lobes, which subsequently subdivide to produce a 7–10-parted epicalyx. Five sepals appear then in a unidirectional or possibly spiral sequence. In single flowers, a corolla-androecium common primordium is formed and subsequently differentiated into five androecial sectors (= primary androecial primordia). Petals are developed at the base of the androecial sectors and secondary androecial primordia are initiated centrifugally in two rows on each sector. Later, tertiary androecial primordia are formed by the subdivision of secondary androecial primordia, which then differentiate into androecial units. Three types of double flowers were identified regarding androecial development. The first type of double flowers shows a more or less disorganised nature. However, 10 proliferation zones can be indentified in the proximal and distal tips of the androecial sectors. In the second and third types of double flowers, androecial development follows similar developmental pathways to that of single flowers. However, in second-type double flowers, the secondary androecial primordia differentiate into petals and the stamens then develop from the free space between the two rows of secondary androecial primordia. In third-type double flowers, after complete primordial partitioning, some primordia on the marginal parts of each androecial sector develop into petaloids or intermediate appendages. The gynoecium appears similarly in both floral types as numerous congenitally united carpel primordia. The double-flowered phenotypes of Alcea appear to fit the criteria for homoheterotopy with complete or partial replacement of stamens with petals, as well as for neoheterotopy, with the formation of stamens in a new position. Based on mutant phenotypes, it is suggested that different functions possibly contribute to the proliferation and differentiation of common primordia.
Molecular phylogenetics of the land snail genus Quistrachia (Gastropoda : Camaenidae) in northern Western Australia
Authors: O'Neill Caitlin , Johnson Michael S. , Hamilton Zoë R. , Teale Roy J.
Published: June 2014

Recent collecting in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia has revealed substantial increases in the apparent distributions of species of the genus Quistrachia, and the discovery of new forms, raising questions about the morphological taxonomy. To resolve these questions, we examined mtDNA sequences in all known species of Quistrachia, the unidentified new forms and other members of the subfamily Sinumeloninae. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Quistrachia, including one of the new forms. The two other new forms represent new genera within the Sinumeloninae. Monophyly of each species was confirmed, with the exception of Q. legendrei, in which populations from the Dampier Archipelago and those from the adjacent Burrup Peninsula are in separate clades. Based on phylogeny and levels of divergence within other species in the genus, the Burrup populations appear to be conspecific with Q. turneri. This is supported by anatomical comparisons, but not by shell morphology, which may well reflect the evolutionary plasticity of shell form. Given the patchiness of searches for land snails in the largely inaccessible Pilbara region, additional species almost certainly remain to be discovered. Our study shows the value of including molecular analyses in determining the taxonomic status of new forms.
Molecular phylogenetic analyses of Drakaeinae: Diurideae (Orchidaceae) based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region
Authors: Miller Joseph T. , Clements Mark A.
Published: June 2014

Results of the analysis of rDNA sequences based on 55 collections representative of 32 Drakaeinae orchid species and outgroups supported the monophyly of the subtribe, with weak support for the inclusion of Spiculaea, and revealed six strongly supported monophyletic, well defined morphological groups. Caleana is monophyletic. Chiloglottis s.lat. is monophyletic when Simpliglottis and Myrmechila are included. Our results also suggested that the segregate genus Phoringopsis is better treated as part of Arthrochilus.There is sufficient molecular and morphological support for recognition of the leafless, mycroheterotrophic Thynninorchis to be maintained as a separate genus. A taxonomic summary is provided, including reassignment of taxa at generic ranks and new combinations for Caleana alcockii (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem., Caleana brockmanii (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem., Caleana disjuncta (D.L.Jones) M.A.Clem., Caleana dixonii (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem., Caleana gracilicordata (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem., Caleana granitica (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem., Caleana hortiorum (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem., Caleana lyonsii (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem., Caleana parvula (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem., Caleana terminalis (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem. and Caleana triens (Hopper & A.P.Br.) M.A.Clem.
Molecular phylogeny reveals the true colours of Myeloconidaceae (Ascomycota: Ostropales)
Authors: Nelsen Matthew P. , Lücking Robert , Andrew Carrie J. , Aptroot André , Cáceres Marcela E. S. , Mercado-Díaz Joel A. , Plata Eimy Rivas , Lumbsch H. Thorsten
Published: June 2014

The lichen-forming fungal family Myeloconidaceae, with the single genus Myeloconis, has been suggested to share affinities with Porinaceae (Lecanoromycetes: Ostropales). We examined its position relative to this family by using molecular data from the mitochondrial small-subunit and nuclear large-subunit rDNA. Our results revealed that Myeloconis forms a monophyletic group nested within Porinaceae, closely related to Porina farinosa. Neither Porina s.str. nor Clathroporina sensu Harris form monophyletic groups; instead, two strongly supported clades were recovered, which differ in ascospore septation (septate v. muriform), with the clade producing muriform ascospores including Myeloconis. We therefore reduce Myeloconidaceae to synonymy with Porinaceae; however, because generic delimitations within Porinaceae remain unclear, we retain Myeloconis as a separate genus within the family. The species concept currently used in the genus, based largely on secondary metabolites and ascospore measurements, is supported by the phylogeny.
Nomenclatural updates of Aristolochia subgenus Pararistolochia (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: Buchwalder Katja , Samain Marie-Stéphanie , Sankowsky Garry , Neinhuis Christoph , Wanke Stefan
Published: June 2014

Aristolochia subgenus Pararistolochia is revised and 35 species, distributed in tropical Africa and Australasia, are recognised. Fourteen new combinations and two new names are presented, resulting from the transfer of all taxa of Pararistolochia to Aristolochia. Additionally, a neotype is designated for Aristolochia preussii.
'I demand to be treated as the person I am': experiences of accessing primary health care for Australian adults who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer
Authors: Koh Chee S. , Kang Melissa , Usherwood Tim
Published: July 2014

Background
Individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer (GLBTQ) suffer higher rates of illness and morbidity compared with the general population but may experience significant barriers to accessing primary health care. Method: We used an online questionnaire to explore GLBTQ adults’ experiences of accessing primary health care in Australia. We developed the questionnaire in consultation with individuals who belonged to or worked closely with the GLBTQ community. Questions were open-ended and sought information about four topic areas: sexual identity and its meaning, utilisation of primary health care services, disclosure of sexual identity to primary care providers and experiences of accessing primary health care. Data were analysed by coding free-text responses into themes. Results: Ninety-nine valid responses were received. Participants were 18–60+ years old (modal age group: 20–29 years); 70% lived in cities. Of these, 49% identified as gay, 35% as lesbian, 13% as bisexual, 8% as queer and 3% as transgender. Some participants indicated more than one identity. GLBTQ-identifying adults often divided care, seeking different primary care services for different health concerns. Themes in relation to disclosure of sexual identity were: taking a rights-based position, experiences of homophobia and clinical context. Themes about access to primary health care were: diversity and heterogeneity, real or perceived discrimination, visual symbols and respect. Conclusion: Despite diversity, GLBTQ adults experience many barriers to accessing health care due to sexual identity. General practitioners and other primary health care providers have a role in ensuring equitable access to health care.
Excited-state structural dynamics of a dual-emission calmodulin-green fluorescent protein sensor for calcium ion imaging
Authors: Oscar Breland G. , Liu Weimin , Zhao Yongxin , Tang Longteng , Wang Yanli , Campbell Robert E. , Fang Chong
Published: July 2014

Significance

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) started their incredible, colorful journey in bioimaging and biomedicine with the extraction and purification of GFP from the Pacific jellyfish
Aequorea victoria
more than 50 years ago. Recently, an expanded palette of genetically encodable Ca
2+
-sensing FPs have paved the way to image neural activities and important biological processes where Ca
2+
is the ubiquitous messenger. To unravel the molecular choreography of FPs engineered for visualizing Ca
2+
movement, we study the embedded chromophore upon photoexcitation and monitor its subsequent excited-state structural evolution with femtosecond Raman spectroscopy. The vivid insights on H-bonding network and functional roles played by strategic mutations provide a deep understanding of excited-state processes in biology and will guide future bioengineering efforts toward better biosensors.
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-dependent energy depletion occurs through inhibition of glycolysis
Authors: Andrabi Shaida A. , Umanah George K. E. , Chang Calvin , Stevens Daniel A. , Karuppagounder Senthilkumar S. , Gagné Jean-Philippe , Poirier Guy G. , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M.
Published: July 2014

Significance

Excessive activation of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerase (PARP) is intimately linked to cell death in a variety of organ systems. It has long been thought that the cell death caused by excessive activation of PARP occurs through the catalytic consumption of NAD+followed by reduction of ATP and bioenergetic collapse. This study shows that the bioenergetic collapse is caused not by the consumption of NAD+but by PAR-dependent inhibition of hexokinase activity leading to defects in glycolysis. These results are consistent with the notion that cell death induced by excessive PARP activity (parthanatos) is an active cell-death program that is initiated by PAR signaling.
Capitalized Amenity Value of Native Vegetation in a Multifunctional Rural Landscape
Authors: Polyakov Maksym , Pannell David J. , Pandit Ram , Tapsuwan Sorada , Park Geoff
Published: July 2014

In many parts of the world, natural vegetation has been cleared to allow agricultural production. To ensure a long‐term flow of ecosystem services without compromising agricultural activities, restoring the environment requires a balance between public and private benefits and costs. Information about private benefits generated by environmental assets can be utilized to identify conservation opportunities on private lands, evaluate environmental projects, and design effective policy instruments. We use a spatio‐temporal hedonic model to estimate the private benefits of native vegetation on rural properties in the state of Victoria, Australia. Specifically, we estimate the marginal value of native vegetation on private land and examine how it varies with the extent of vegetation on a property and across a range of property types and sizes. Private benefits of native vegetation are greater per unit area on small and medium‐sized properties and smaller on large production‐oriented farms. Native vegetation exhibits diminishing marginal benefits as its proportion of a property increases. The current extent of native vegetation cover is lower than the extent that would maximize the amenity value to many landowners. There is scope for improved targeting of investment in the study region by incorporating private benefits of environmental projects into environmental planning processes. Landowners with high marginal private benefits from revegetation would be more willing to participate in a revegetation program. Targeting these landowners would likely provide higher value for money because such projects could be implemented at lower public cost.
bammds:
a tool for assessing the ancestry of low-depth whole-genome data using multidimensional scaling (MDS)
Authors: Malaspinas Anna-Sapfo , Tange Ole , Moreno-Mayar José Víctor , Rasmussen Morten , DeGiorgio Michael , Wang Yong , Valdiosera Cristina E. , Politis Gustavo , Willerslev Eske , Nielsen Rasmus
Published: June 2014

Summary: We present bammds , a practical tool that allows visualization of samples sequenced by second-generation sequencing when compared with a reference panel of individuals (usually genotypes) using a multidimensional scaling algorithm. Our tool is aimed at determining the ancestry of unknown samples—typical of ancient DNA data—particularly when only low amounts of data are available for those samples.

Availability and implementation: The software package is available under GNU General Public License v3 and is freely available together with test datasets https://savannah.nongnu.org/projects/bammds/ . It is using R ( http://www.r-project.org/ ), parallel ( http://www.gnu.org/software/parallel/ ), samtools ( https://github.com/samtools/samtools ).

Contact:  bammds-users@nongnu.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Applying lessons learned from the USAID family planning graduation experience to the GAVI graduation process
Authors: Shen Angela K , Farrell Marguerite M , Vandenbroucke Mary F , Fox Elizabeth , Pablos-Mendez Ariel
Published: June 2014

As low income countries experience economic transition, characterized by rapid economic growth and increased government spending potential in health, they have increased fiscal space to support and sustain more of their own health programmes, decreasing need for donor development assistance. Phase out of external funds should be systematic and efforts towards this end should concentrate on government commitments towards country ownership and self-sustainability. The 2006 US Agency for International Development (USAID) family planning (FP) graduation strategy is one such example of a systematic phase-out approach. Triggers for graduation were based on pre-determined criteria and programme indicators. In 2011 the GAVI Alliance (formerly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations) which primarily supports financing of new vaccines, established a graduation policy process. Countries whose gross national income per capita exceeds $1570 incrementally increase their co-financing of new vaccines over a 5-year period until they are no longer eligible to apply for new GAVI funding, although previously awarded support will continue. This article compares and contrasts the USAID and GAVI processes to apply lessons learned from the USAID FP graduation experience to the GAVI process. The findings of the review are 3-fold: (1) FP graduation plans served an important purpose by focusing on strategic needs across six graduation plan foci, facilitating graduation with pre-determined financial and technical benchmarks, (2) USAID sought to assure contraceptive security prior to graduation, phasing out of contraceptive donations first before phasing out from technical assistance in other programme areas and (3) USAID sought to sustain political support to assure financing of products and programmes continue after graduation. Improving sustainability more broadly beyond vaccine financing provides a more comprehensive approach to graduation. The USAID FP experience provides a window into understanding one approach to graduation from donor assistance. The process itself—involving transparent country-level partners well in advance of graduation—appears a valuable lesson towards success.
Genetic Analyses Trace the Yunnan, China Population of Ceratocystis fimbriata on Pomegranate and Taro to Populations on Eucalyptus in Brazil
Authors: Harrington Thomas C. , Huang Qiong , Ferreira Maria A. , Alfenas Acelino C.
Published: July 2014

Genotypes of the Latin American wilt pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata have been moved around the world in vegetatively propagated material of various crop plants, including Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), Colocasia esculenta (taro), and Eucalyptus spp. When compared to a worldwide collection of isolates of C. fimbriata, isolates from taro, Punica granatum (pomegranate), and Eriobotrya japonica (loquat) from Yunnan Province, China were found to have sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and mating type genes that were identical to isolates from Eucalyptus in Brazil. Analyses of 35 isolates with 14 microsatellite markers revealed that the Yunnan population was nearly uniform, consisting of only 19 alleles and seven closely related genotypes, suggesting that the population is not natural and is the result of an introduction. As in comparisons of sequences of ITS rDNA and mating type genes, the microsatellite alleles of the Yunnan isolates were most similar to those of Eucalyptus isolates from Minas Gerais and Bahia, Brazil, where C. fimbriata is native, soilborne, and commonly infects cuttings of Eucalyptus spp. used for rooting in nurseries. Thus, the Yunnan population, which is causing severe losses on pomegranate, may have been indirectly derived from introductions of C. fimbriata in contaminated Eucalyptus cuttings from Brazil.
Rodents of the Caribbean: origin and diversification of hutias unravelled by next-generation museomics
Authors: Fabre Pierre-Henri , Vilstrup Julia T. , Raghavan Maanasa , Der Sarkissian Clio , Willerslev Eske , Douzery Emmanuel J. P. , Orlando Ludovic
Published: July 2014

The Capromyidae (hutias) are endemic rodents of the Caribbean and represent a model of dispersal for non-flying mammals in the Greater Antilles. This family has experienced severe extinctions during the Holocene and its phylogenetic affinities with respect to other caviomorph relatives are still debated as morphological and molecular data disagree. We used target enrichment and next-generation sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear genes to infer the phylogenetic relationships of hutias, estimate their divergence ages, and understand their mode of dispersal in the Greater Antilles. We found that Capromyidae are nested within Echimyidae (spiny rats) and should be considered a subfamily thereof. We estimated that the split between hutias and Atlantic Forest spiny rats occurred 16.5 (14.8–18.2) million years ago (Ma), which is more recent than the GAARlandia land bridge hypothesis (34–35 Ma). This would suggest that during the Early Miocene, an echimyid-like ancestor colonized the Greater Antilles from an eastern South American source population via rafting. The basal divergence of the Hispaniolan
Plagiodontia
provides further support for a vicariant separation between Hispaniolan and western islands (Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica) hutias. Recent divergences among these western hutias suggest Plio-Pleistocene dispersal waves associated with glacial cycles.
Individual-level personality influences social foraging and collective behaviour in wild birds
Authors: Aplin Lucy M. , Farine Damien R. , Mann Richard P. , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: July 2014

There is increasing evidence that animal groups can maintain coordinated behaviour and make collective decisions based on simple interaction rules. Effective collective action may be further facilitated by individual variation within groups, particularly through leader–follower polymorphisms. Recent studies have suggested that individual-level personality traits influence the degree to which individuals use social information, are attracted to conspecifics, or act as leaders/followers. However, evidence is equivocal and largely limited to laboratory studies. We use an automated data-collection system to conduct an experiment testing the relationship between personality and collective decision-making in the wild. First, we report that foraging flocks of great tits (Parus major) show strikingly synchronous behaviour. A predictive model of collective decision-making replicates patterns well, suggesting simple interaction rules are sufficient to explain the observed social behaviour. Second, within groups, individuals with more reactive personalities behave more collectively, moving to within-flock areas of higher density. By contrast, proactive individuals tend to move to and feed at spatial periphery of flocks. Finally, comparing alternative simulations of flocking with empirical data, we demonstrate that variation in personality promotes within-patch movement while maintaining group cohesion. Our results illustrate the importance of incorporating individual variability in models of social behaviour.
Genetic and biological characterization of selected Changuinola viruses (Reoviridae, Orbivirus) from Brazil
Authors: Silva Sandro P. , Dilcher Meik , Weber Franziska , Hufert Frank T. , Weidmann Manfred , Cardoso Jedson F. , Carvalho Valéria L. , Chiang Jannifer O. , Martins Lívia C. , Lima Clayton P. S. , Da Silva Daisy E. A. , Vianez-Júnior João L. S. G. , Popov Vsevolod L. , Travassos da Rosa Amélia P. A. , Tesh Robert B. , Vasconcelos Pedro F. C. , Nunes Márcio R. T.
Published: July 2014

The genus Orbivirus of the family Reoviridae comprises 22 virus species including the Changuinola virus (CGLV) serogroup. The complete genome sequences of 13 CGLV serotypes isolated between 1961 and 1988 from distinct geographical areas of the Brazilian Amazon region were obtained. All viral sequences were obtained from single-passaged CGLV strains grown in Vero cells. CGLVs are the only orbiviruses known to be transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Ultrastructure and molecular analysis by electron microscopy and gel electrophoresis, respectively, revealed viral particles with typical orbivirus size and morphology, as well as the presence of a segmented genome with 10 segments. Full-length nucleotide sequencing of each of the ten RNA segments of the 13 CGLV serotypes provided basic information regarding the genome organization, encoded proteins and genetic traits. Segment 2 (encoding VP2) of the CGLV is uncommonly larger in comparison to those found in other orbiviruses and shows varying sizes even among different CGLV serotypes. Phylogenetic analysis support previous serological findings, which indicate that CGLV constitutes a separate serogroup within the genus Orbivirus. In addition, six out of 13 analysed CGLV serotypes showed reassortment of their genome segments.
Improved vectors and genome-wide libraries for CRISPR screening
Authors: Sanjana Neville E , Shalem Ophir , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2014

Genome-wide, targeted loss-of-function pooled screens using the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindrome repeats)?associated nuclease Cas9 in human and mouse cells provide an alternative screening system to RNA interference (RNAi). Initial lentiviral delivery systems for CRISPR screening had low viral titer or required a cell line already expressing Cas9, limiting the range of biological systems amenable to screening. In this work, we present 1- and 2-vector lentiCRISPR systems capable of producing higher viral titers and, in these vectors, new human and mouse libraries for genome-scale CRISPR knock-out (GeCKO) screening.
Political Trust as a Rational Attitude: A Comparison of the Nature of Political Trust across Different Levels of Education
Authors: van Elsas Erika
Published: July 2014

This article examines whether political trust is a relatively more rational attitude for citizens with a higher level of education. Previous research has found the higher educated to have greater political attentiveness, knowledge and understanding. The proposition that they, consequently, trust politics in a more rational way has not been tested. The present study analyses how higher and lower educated citizens construct their political trust, by assessing the extent to which political trust is internally consistent, domain-specific and consistent with political evaluations across educational groups. This is explored by applying Mokken scale analysis and structural equation modeling to data from the 2010 Dutch Parliamentary Election Survey. The findings indicate that political trust is not a fundamentally different construct for the higher and lower educated. Political trust is, to some extent, a rational attitude for all citizens.
The Urban, Politics and Subject Formation
Authors: M. Hoffman Lisa
Published: July 2014

In contrast to more traditional debates about voting patterns, local versus state administrations, and individual rights and participatory democracy, this article addresses the question of urban politics through an analysis of subject formation. By taking subject formation as the analytical focus, research questions about ‘politics’ shift from traditional ones about local or state government and the development of consensus, for instance, to ones about the constitution of subjects who are governed and govern themselves in particular ways. Using the emergence of two increasingly commonplace subject forms in contemporary China — urban professionals and volunteers — as examples, the article considers how modes of self‐regulation become political problems and also how subjects may be of the urban as well as located in the urban. The problematizations of socialist state planning have led to new governmental rationalities and technologies that not only produced new subject positions, but also new urban spaces, landscapes, economies and lifestyles. From this view, the article is an intervention into discussions about the ‘where’ of urban politics. It also argues that it is critical to examine politics as problematization and normalization if we are to understand what is at stake in the constitution of potential ‘communities of action’.
Cognitive Correlates of Improvised Behaviour in Disaster Response: the Cases of the Murrah Building and the World Trade Center
Authors: Mendonça David , Webb Gary , Butts Carter , Brooks James
Published: July 2014

While emergency response actions are known to range from conventional to improvised, less is known about the thinking processes that underlie these actions. This paper presents a statistical analysis of cognition and behaviour reported by police personnel who responded to two significant US disasters: the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City and the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. The results suggest the prominence of conventional behaviour coupled with cognitive processes closely tied to recognition, and of improvised behaviours that are linked to more explicit reasoning processes. The results underscore the value of exploring cognitive foundations of both conventional and improvised behaviours to enrich understanding of human response to disaster.
Macronutrients and Micronutrients of Soybean Oil Bodies Extracted at Different pH
Authors: Chen Yeming , Cao Yanyun , Zhao Luping , Kong Xiangzhen , Hua Yufei
Published: July 2014

In this study, the macronutrients and micronutrients of pH 6.8, 8.0, 9.5, and 11.0 extracted soybean oil bodies (OBs) were examined, revealing that soybean OBs might be used as a natural carrier for bioactive components (unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipid, tocopherol, and phytosterol). pH 6.8 extracted OBs (dry basis) contained 85.88% neutral lipid, 8.18% protein, and 5.85% polar lipid (mainly phospholipid) by gravimetric analysis. The percentage of neutral lipid was increased, while those of protein and polar lipid were decreased with increasing pH. Tocopherol (about 75 mg/100 g neutral lipid of OBs) was not affected, while phytosterol was decreased (136 to 110 mg/100 g neutral lipid of OBs) with increasing pH. The detectable total monosaccaride (galactosamine, glucosamine, and glucose) content of extracted OBs was low and also decreased (35.80 to 6.13 mg/100 g neutral lipid of OBs) with increasing pH. The protein of extracted OBs had higher percentage of essential amino acids than soybean protein isolate with tryptophan and methionine as limited amino acids. The fatty acid composition of extracted OBs was rich in linoleic acid (about 59%), oleic acid (about 20%), and α‐linolenic acid (about 7%).
Age and sex differences in the incidence of diabetes mellitus in a population‐based Spanish cohort在一个基于人群的西班牙队列中糖尿病发病率的年龄与性别差异
Authors: Vega Tomás , Gil Milagros , Lozano Jose
Published: July 2014

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Spain ranges between 10% and 20%. However, very little is known about the incidence of DM because of difficulties involved in estimating it and its apparent lack of usefulness in practice. The aim of the present study was to describe the incidence of type 1 and type 2 DM (T1DM and T2DM, respectively) in the Castilla y León diabetes cohort (CODICyL).

Methods

New diabetes cases, were registered on a standard form that included diagnostic criteria, background, symptoms, results of clinical examination, complications, other cardiovascular risk factors, and treatment. There were 1 354 619 person‐years monitored between 2000 and 2013. We estimated the incidence of DM and calculated the relative risks adjusted for age, gender, and year of diagnosis with Poisson regression models.

Results

The incidence of DM in individuals aged ≥15 years was 196.9 per 100 000 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI] 188.4–205.7), whereas in those aged <15 years the incidence was 10.8 per 100 000 person‐years (95% CI 7.8–14.8). Men had a 36% higher risk than women of developing T2DM (95% CI 25%–49%). The greatest incidence of T2DM was found in 55–64‐year‐old men and 65–69‐year‐old women.

Conclusions

The annual incidence of T2DM is approximately 2 per 1000 person‐years, higher in men, and peaks in middle age. Although specific tests to differentiate between the two types of DM are not available in this study, the estimation of incidence in those <15 years of age (10.8 per 100 000 person‐years) represents a close approximation of the incidence of T1DM.
Magnetic resonance imaging of intramedullary spinal cord lesions: A pictorial review
Authors: Watts Jane , Box Georgia Alexandra , Galvin Angela , Van Tonder Frans , Trost Nicholas , Sutherland Thomas
Published: July 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for the investigation of intramedullary lesions of the spinal cord. A wide variety of conditions may result in similar imaging findings on MRI, and it is essential that the reporting radiologist have a detailed understanding of spinal cord anatomy, the pertinent imaging features of specific intramedullary lesions and the typical clinical presentation of those conditions to aid clinicians to make a prompt diagnosis. This pictorial essay discusses the clinical features and MRI appearance of a number of intramedullary conditions, which can be broadly categorised as congenital, demyelinating, vascular, neoplastic or infectious, and highlights their differentiating features.
American &ForeignPower inArgentina andBrazil (1926–65)
Authors: Lanciotti Norma S. , Saes Alexandre Macchione
Published: July 2014

The article analyses the evolution, strategies, and position of theAmerican &ForeignPower company (AFP) inArgentina andBrazil from the mid‐1920s to the second post‐war period. We compare the economic performance and the strategies followed by thisUSgroup in different host economies, examining the relations between theUSelectricity firms and the governments of both countries that explainAmerican &ForeignPower's withdrawal fromArgentina andBrazil in 1959–65. The study is based upon the annual reports and proceedings ofAmerican &ForeignPower (1923–63) and other corporate reports, government statistics, and official reports fromArgentina,Brazil, and theUS.
The Evolution of a Socially Committed Business Group in Colombia, 1911–85
Authors: Dávila Carlos , Dávila José Camilo
Published: July 2014

This article examines the historical path of a century‐old business group – Fundación Social – in an ‘emerging society’ in Latin America (Colombia) in terms of strategy, top management structure, and governance. Conducted within the grounded theory methodology and relying on broad empirical data, the article identifies a series of issues that emerge from the Fundación Social's history. It offers opportunities for dialogue and comparison with scholars in at least two fields: corporate social responsibility and business groups.
Corporate Networks and Business Groups inArgentina in the Early 1970s
Authors: Lluch Andrea , Salvaj Erica , Barbero María Inés
Published: July 2014

This article examines the interlocking directorates' structure of prominent Argentine business groups at the end of the import substitution period (1970–72), identifying corporate relations among and between business groups and the largest companies, during a period characterised by high institutional and macroeconomic instability. Applying social network analysis, it seeks to clarify how business groups can contribute to the cohesion of a corporate network structure, through their ability to create links among firms not only within their boundaries but also external to them. The article contributes to both corporate network and business groups' literature, highlighting a role of business groups that extant literature has failed to identify as relevant.
Imprinted loci in domestic livestock species as epigenomic targets for artificial selection of complex traits
Authors: Magee D. A. , Spillane C. , Berkowicz E. W. , Sikora K. M. , MacHugh D. E.
Published: July 2014

The phenomenon of genomic imprinting, whereby a subset of mammalian genes display parent‐of‐origin‐specific monoallelic expression, is one of the most active areas of epigenetics research. Over the past two decades, more than 100 imprinted mammalian genes have been identified, while considerable advances have been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing imprinting. These studies have helped to unravel the epigenome – a separate layer of regulatory information contained in eukaryotic chromosomes that influences gene expression and phenotypes without involving changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Although most studies of genomic imprinting in mammals have focussed on mouse models or human biomedical disorders, there is burgeoning interest in the phenotypic effects of imprinted genes in domestic livestock species. In particular, research has focused on imprinted genes influencing foetal growth and development, which are associated with economically important production traits in cattle, sheep and pigs. These findings, when coupled with the data emerging from the various different livestock genome projects, have major implications for the future of animal breeding, health and management. Here, we review current scientific knowledge regarding genomic imprinting in livestock species and evaluate how this information can be used in modern livestock improvement programmes.
Goat casein genotypes are associated with milk production traits in the Sarda breed
Authors: Vacca G. M. , Dettori M. L. , Piras G. , Manca F. , Paschino P. , Pazzola M.
Published: July 2014

The aim of the current work was to analyze, in the Sarda breed goat, genetic polymorphism within the casein genes and to assess their influence on milk traits. Genetic variants at the CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2 and CSN3 gene loci were investigated using PCR‐based methods, cloning and sequencing. Strong alleles prevailed at the CSN1S1 gene locus and defective alleles also were revealed. Null alleles were evidenced at each calcium‐sensitive gene locus. At the CSN3 gene locus, we observed a prevalence of the CSN3 A and B alleles; the occurrence of rare alleles such as CSN3 B'', C, C', D, E and M; and the CSN3 S allele (GenBank KF644565) described here for the first time in Capra hircus. Statistical analysis showed that all genes, except CSN3, significantly influenced milk traits. The CSN1S1 BB and AB genotypes were associated with the highest percentages of protein (4.41 and 4.40 respectively) and fat (5.26 and 5.34 respectively) (P < 0.001). A relevant finding was that CSN2 and CSN1S2 genotypes affected milk protein content and yield. The polymorphism of the CSN2 gene affected milk protein percentage with the highest values recorded in the CSN2 AA goats (4.35, at P < 0.001). The CSN1S2 AC goats provided the highest fat (51.02 g/day) and protein (41.42 g/day) (P < 0.01) production. This information can be incorporated into selection schemes for the Sarda breed goat.
Dose‐Intensified Granulocyte‐Monocyte Apheresis in Therapy Refractory Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Schultheiß Caroline , Weischenberg René , Herrmann Andrea , Haller Bernhard , Schmid Roland M. , Reindl Wolfgang , Huber Wolfgang
Published: July 2014

Granulocyte‐monocyte apheresis (GMA) is an emerging therapeutic option in active course of ulcerative colitis (UC). Appropriate GMA dose, including total number, frequency, and duration of the individual GMA session, is a matter of debate. It was the aim of the present study to evaluate the efficacy of a dose‐intensified GMA regimen in patients with moderately to severely active UC. A prospective open‐label, single‐center study was performed in 10 patients with active UC (Rachmilewitz Clinical Activity Index [CAI] ≥ 8 points; Rachmilewitz Endoscopic Index ≥ 7 points). Patients had failed to improve after treatment with steroids and/or immunomodulators. GMA was performed twice weekly for 2 h to a maximum of 10 sessions. In each GMA session, the adsorber was changed after 1 h of treatment time. Four patients achieved remission with a CAI ≤ 4 points. Three patients had a response with an improvement of CAI of ≥3 points. Three patients showed no benefit from GMA. The quality of life score determined by the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire‐Deutschland increased by 26 points in median. First and second filters had similar efficiency in granulocyte and monocyte adsorption. No major adverse effects were observed. Dose‐intensified GMA as reported in this study provided an encouraging short‐term response rate of 70% in patients with moderately to severely active UC not responding to standard steroid or immunomodulator therapy. Although all patients relapsed not later than 16 weeks, GMA might be useful to reduce steroid and immunomodulator usage, or to delay surgery in this patient group.
Children's trust in unexpected oral versus printed suggestions: Limitations of the power of print
Authors: Eyden Julie , Robinson Elizabeth J. , Einav Shiri
Published: July 2014

Children have a bias to trust spoken testimony, yet early readers have an even stronger bias to trust print. Here, we ask how enduring is the influence of printed testimony: Can the learning be applied to new scenarios? Using hybrid pictures more dominant in one animal species (e.g., squirrel) than another (e.g., rabbit), we examined 3–6‐year‐olds' (N = 130) acceptance of an unexpected, non‐dominant label suggested only orally or via print. Consistent with previous findings, early readers, but not pre‐readers, accepted printed labels more frequently than when spoken. Children were then presented with identical but unlabelled hybrid exemplars and frequently applied the non‐dominant labels to these. Despite early readers' prior greater acceptance of text, when oral suggestions were accepted they retained a greater influence. Findings highlight potential implications for educators regarding knowledge being applied to new scenarios: For early readers, unexpected information from text may be fragile, while a greater confidence might be placed in such information gained from spoken testimony.
Safety and clinical outcomes of patients treated with abiraterone acetate after docetaxel: results of the Italian Named Patient Programme
Authors: Caffo Orazio , De Giorgi Ugo , Fratino Lucia , Lo Re Giovanni , Basso Umberto , D'Angelo Alessandro , Donini Maddalena , Verderame Francesco , Ratta Raffaele , Procopio Giuseppe , Campadelli Enrico , Massari Francesco , Gasparro Donatello , Macrini Sveva , Messina Caterina , Giordano Monica , Alesini Daniele , Zustovich Fable , Fraccon Anna P. , Vicario Giovanni , Conteduca Vincenza , Maines Francesca , Galligioni Enzo
Published: July 2014

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of abiraterone acetate (AA) in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated in a compassionate named patient programme (NPP).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with mCRPC treated with AA at the standard daily oral dose of 1000 mg plus prednisone 10 mg/day in 19 Italian hospitals.

Results

We assessed 265 patients with mCRPC treated with AA. The most frequent (>1%) grade 3–4 toxicities were anaemia (4.2%), fatigue (4.2%), and bone pain (1.5%). The median progression‐free survival was 7 months; median overall survival was 17 months after starting AA, and 35 months after the first docetaxel administration. Our study reproduced the clinical outcomes reported in the AA pivotal trial, including those relating to special populations such as the elderly, patients with a poor performance status, symptomatic patients, and patients with visceral metastases.

Conclusions

Our data show the safety and activity of AA when administered outside clinical trials, and confirm the findings of the post‐docetaxel pivotal trial in the patients as a whole population and in special populations of specific interest.
Medium‐term oncological outcomes for extended vs saturation biopsy and transrectal vs transperineal biopsy in active surveillance for prostate cancer
Authors: Thompson James E. , Hayen Andrew , Landau Adam , Haynes Anne‐Maree , Kalapara Arveen , Ischia Joseph , Matthews Jayne , Frydenberg Mark , Stricker Phillip D.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To assess, in men undergoing active surveillance (AS) for low‐risk prostate cancer, whether saturation or transperineal biopsy altered oncological outcomes, compared with standard transrectal biopsy.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from two cohorts with localised prostate cancer (1998–2012) undergoing AS. Prostate cancer‐specific, metastasis‐free and treatment‐free survival, unfavourable disease and significant cancer at radical prostatectomy (RP) were compared for standard (<12 core, median 10) vs saturation (>12 core, median 16), and transrectal vs transperineal biopsy, using multivariate analysis.

Results

In all, 650 men were included in the analysis with a median (mean) follow‐up of 55 (67) months. Prostate cancer‐specific, metastasis‐free and biochemical recurrence‐free survival were 100%, 100% and 99% respectively. Radical treatment‐free survival at 5 and 10 years were 57% and 45% respectively (median time to treatment 7.5 years). On Kaplan–Meier analysis, saturation biopsy was associated with increased objective biopsy progression requiring treatment (log‐rank P = 0.01). On multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, saturation biopsy (hazard ratio 1.68, P < 0.01) but not transperineal approach (P = 0.89) was associated with increased objective biopsy progression requiring treatment. On logistic regression analysis of 179 men who underwent RP for objective progression, transperineal biopsy was associated with lower likelihood of unfavourable RP pathology (odds ratio 0.42, P = 0.03) but saturation biopsy did not alter the likelihood (P = 0.25). Neither transperineal nor saturation biopsy altered the likelihood of significant vs insignificant cancer at RP (P = 0.19 and P = 0.41, respectively).

Conclusions

AS achieved satisfactory oncological outcomes. Saturation biopsy increased progression to treatment on AS; longer follow‐up is needed to determine if this represents beneficial earlier detection of significant disease or over‐treatment. Transperineal biopsy reduced the likelihood of unfavourable disease at RP, possibly due to earlier detection of anterior tumours.
Mark4 promotes adipogenesis and triggers apoptosis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes by activating JNK1 and inhibiting p38MAPK pathways
Authors: Feng Min , Tian Liang , Gan Lu , Liu Zhenjiang , Sun Chao
Published: July 2014

Background Information

Microtubule affinity‐regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) deficiency has been reported to negatively regulate diet‐induced obesity and to mitigate insulin resistance in knockout mice, and thus may play a role in metabolic syndrome. However, the details of the molecular mechanism have yet to be revealed and the impacts of MARK4 on apoptosis remain unexplored. This study investigated the role of Mark4 in the regulation of lipid accumulation and apoptosis in adipocytes and analysed signalling pathways involved.

Results

We found that Mark4 significantly up‐regulated the expression of gene sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase‐α (ACCα) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ); and reduced the protein contents of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), as evidenced by the dramatic increasing lipid droplet accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells. Furthermore, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay showed that Mark4 triggered apoptosis of adipocytes; and apoptosis was confirmed by the decreased protein contents of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2), full‐length caspase‐3 and full‐length caspase‐9, as well as the increased expression of Bax, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved caspase‐9. Analysis of special inhibitors allowed us to offer the following explanation for these impacts of Mark4: activation of Jun N‐terminal kinase1 (JNK1) promoted both apoptosis and adipogenesis, whereas inhibition of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) pathway contributed to lipid accumulation alone.

Conclusions

Mark4 promotes adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes by activating the JNK1 and inhibiting the p38MAPK pathway, and triggers apoptosis by activating the JNK1 pathway. We conclude that anti‐Mark4 therapy targetted to inhibit lipid accumulation and apoptosis of adipocytes shows potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of obesity‐associated metabolic complications.