bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography of speciation: allopatric divergence and secondary contact between outcrossing and selfingClarkia
Authors: PETTENGILL JAMES B. , MOELLER DAVID A.
Published: July 2012

The origins of hybrid zones between parapatric taxa have been of particular interest for understanding the evolution of reproductive isolation and the geographic context of species divergence. One challenge has been to distinguish between allopatric divergence (followed by secondary contact) versus primary intergradation (parapatric speciation) as alternative divergence histories. Here, we use complementary phylogeographic and population genetic analyses to investigate the recent divergence of two subspecies ofClarkia xantianaand the formation of a hybrid zone within the narrow region of sympatry. We tested alternative phylogeographic models of divergence using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) and found strong support for a secondary contact model and little support for a model allowing for gene flow throughout the divergence process (i.e. primary intergradation). Two independent methods for inferring the ancestral geography of each subspecies, one based on probabilistic character state reconstructions and the other on palaeo‐distribution modelling, also support a model of divergence in allopatry and range expansion leading to secondary contact. The membership of individuals to genetic clusters suggests geographic substructure within each taxon where allopatric and sympatric samples are primarily found in separate clusters. We also observed coincidence and concordance of genetic clines across three types of molecular markers, which suggests that there is a strong barrier to gene flow. Taken together, our results provide evidence for allopatric divergence followed by range expansion leading to secondary contact. The location of refugial populations and the directionality of range expansion are consistent with expectations based on climate change since the last glacial maximum. Our approach also illustrates the utility of combining phylogeographic hypothesis testing with species distribution modelling and fine‐scale population genetic analyses for inferring the geography of the divergence process.
Environmental risk assessment for the small tortoiseshell Aglais urticae and a stacked Bt‐maize with combined resistances against Lepidoptera and Chrysomelidae in central European agrarian landscapes
Authors: SCHUPPENER MECHTHILD , MÜHLHAUSE JULIA , MÜLLER ANNE‐KATRIN , RAUSCHEN STEFAN
Published: July 2012

The cultivation of Lepidoptera‐resistant Bt‐maize may affect nontarget butterflies. We assessed the risk posed by event MON89034 × MON88017 (expressing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 against corn borers) to nontarget Lepidoptera. Using the small tortoiseshell Aglais urticae, a butterfly species common in central Europe, as a test organism we (i) assessed the toxicity of Bt‐maize pollen on butterfly larvae; (ii) measured pollen deposition on leaves of the host plant Urtica dioica; (iii) mapped the occurrence and distribution of host plants and larvae in two arable landscapes in Germany during maize anthesis; and (iv) described the temporal occurrence of a 1‐year population of A. urticae. (i) Larvae‐fed 200 Bt‐maize pollen grains/cm2 had a reduced feeding activity. Significant differences in developmental time existed at pollen densities of 300 Bt‐maize pollen grains/cm2 and in survival at 400 grains/cm2. (ii) The highest pollen amount found was 212 grains/cm2 at the field margin. Mean densities were much lower. (iii) In one region, over 50% of A. urticae nests were located within 5 m of a maize field, while in the other, all nests were found in more than 25 m distance to a maize field. (iv) The percentage of larvae developing during maize anthesis was 19% in the study area. The amount of pollen from maize MON89034 × MON88017 found on host plants is unlikely to adversely affect a significant proportion of larvae of A. urticae. This paper concludes that the risk of event MON89034 × MON88017 to populations of this species is negligible.
Diastolic dysfunction, prolonged QTc interval and pericardial effusion as predictors of mortality in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Nadkarni Nikhil , Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Rana Surinder Singh , Bahl Ajay , Sinha Saroj Kant , Rao Chalapathi , Talwar Kewal Kishan
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim

The cardiac changes in acute pancreatitis have been earlier studied but the data on their prognostic significance is limited. This study was done to determine electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic changes in acute pancreatitis and determine their prognostic significance.

Methods

Fifty‐two consecutive patients (mean age 36.5 ± 11 years (44 males)) with acute pancreatitis and without prior cardiovascular comorbidites were prospectively enrolled and subjected to clinical, laboratory and radiological investigation. ECG and echocardiography was done at admission and during follow up.

Results

Seventeen patients (32.7%) had mild pancreatitis and 35 (67.3%) patients had severe pancreatitis. Sinus tachycardia was the most common ECG abnormality. QTc prolongation was seen in 30/52 (57.7%) patients. On echocardiography, no patient had systolic dysfunction but 31/52 (59.6%) patients had diastolic dysfunction. All 22 patients with QTc interval < 440 ms survived compared with 8/30 patients with QTc interval ≥ 440 ms who died (P = 0.01). All eight patients who died had evidence of diastolic dysfunction (100%). None of the patients without diastolic dysfunction succumbed to illness (P = 0.02). Pericardial effusion was present in 6/52 (11.5%) patients. Of the eight patients who died, pericardial effusion was present in three (37.5%) patients and this frequency was significantly higher than that in patients who recovered (3/44 [6.8%]; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes are seen in more than 50% of patients with acute pancreatitis. Prolonged QTc interval, pericardial effusion and diastolic dysfunction are associated with higher mortality.
Early angiographic embolization is more effective than delayed angiographic embolization in patients with duodenal ulcer bleeding
Authors: Lee Seok , Kim Sang Wook , Moon Jin Chang , Jang Ji Won , Kim Heyoung Il , Park Won Seok , Jeon Byung Jun , Sohn Ji Youn , Kim Seong Hun , Kim In Hee , Lee Seung Ok , Lee Soo Teik
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim

Though angiographic embolization (AE) is a type of effective treatment modality for duodenal ulcer bleeding, the optimum time at which to perform the procedure, early or delayed, is unknown. The authors compared the prognosis of early AE (EAE) and delayed AE (DAE) in patients with duodenal ulcer bleeding.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with duodenal ulcer bleeding were evaluated with first‐look endoscopy followed by AE. The patients were divided into two groups, the EAE group and DAE group, according to endoscopic attempts to stop the bleeding during the first‐look endoscopy.

Results

The success rate of AE, rebleeding rate, and number of patients who underwent surgery was not significantly different between the EAE group and DAE group (91.3% vs 93.5%, 21.7% vs 29.0% and 4.3% vs 16.1%, respectively; P > 0.05). With respect to death and intensive care unit (ICU) care rate, multivariate analysis showed more favorable results in the EAE group (0% vs 22.6%, P = 0.016 and 4.3% vs 57.4%, P = 0.003, respectively). Multivariate analysis also showed that prolonged prothrombin time (PT) > 1.2 international normalized ratio and the endoscopic attempt were independent factors associated with ICU care.

Conclusion

When the AE was performed early with correction for prolonged PT, the patients with duodenal ulcer bleeding had a more favorable prognosis.
Role of intervention for biliary and gastric/intestinal obstruction in gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Nakai Yousuke , Ishigami Hironori , Isayama Hiroyuki , Sasaki Takashi , Kawakubo Kazumichi , Kogure Hirofumi , Emoto Shigenobu , Yamaguchi Hironori , Kitayama Joji , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Sasahira Naoki , Hirano Kenji , Tada Minoru , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: July 2012

Background and Aim

Gastrointestinal (GI) luminal obstruction or malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) is not a rare condition in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis. The role of endoscopic or percutaneous interventions is not fully elucidated in this setting.

Methods

A total of 123 patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis receiving intravenous and intraperitoneal paclitaxel combined with S‐1 were retrospectively studied. Safety and efficacy of interventions for GI luminal obstruction and MBO were evaluated.

Results

A total of 27 patients (22%) underwent GI luminal and/or biliary interventions; GI luminal alone in 10, biliary alone in 10 and both in seven, with a technical success rate of 100%. Clinical success rate was 65% in self‐expandable metallic stents (SEMS) placement for GI luminal obstruction. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) was prognostic of clinical success in GI luminal stenting (100% in PS of 1 vs 14% in PS of 2–3, P < 0.001). Biliary drainage (endoscopic SEMS placement in four and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in 12) relieved obstructive jaundice in 94%. Six complications were observed: four after GI luminal stenting (two occlusion and one aspiration pneumonia) and two after biliary stenting (one cholangitis and one cholecystitis). Median survival after the initial intervention was 5.7 months. PS at interventions was prognostic of survival after interventions (12.3 months in PS of 1 vs 2.2 months in PS of 2 or 3, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Endoscopic or percutaneous interventions for GI luminal obstruction or MBO were feasible and effective in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination receiving combination chemotherapy.
Selective bronchial intubation in a preterm infant with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and pulmonary air leak syndrome
Authors: Balegar V Kiran Kumar , Barr Peter A , McCauley James Charles , Thomas Gordon
Published: July 2012

A preterm infant with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) who developed a right‐sided pulmonary air leak syndrome (pulmonary interstitial emphysema and bronchopleural fistula) following CCAM resection is reported. The pulmonary air leak syndrome was successfully ameliorated by intubating the right mainstem bronchus using a modified endotracheal tube that allowed selective ventilation of the left lung. The procedure was used successfully as rescue treatment to control the pulmonary air leak and to confirm the functional adequacy of the left lung prior to definitive operative surgery.
UNIFORM SPATIAL PRICING
Authors: Lederer Phillip J.
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT Uniform spatial pricing means that a firm delivers its product to any customer at a fixed price, independent of location. Economic theory explains the use of uniform pricing by the added profit generated by absorbing freight charges of distant customers. I extend this insight by demonstrating that when demand elasticity and transportation cost are positively enough correlated, uniform pricing generates higher profits than mill pricing. I show that this result can better explain observed patterns of price policy choice by mail order and web firms. A second result is application of this idea to firms with many shipping facilities.
Coeliac disease, epilepsy, and cerebral calcifications: association with TG6 autoantibodies
Authors: JOHNSON ALEXANDRA M , DALE RUSSELL C , WIENHOLT LOUISE , HADJIVASSILIOU MARIOS , AESCHLIMANN DANIEL , LAWSON JOHN A
Published: July 2012

A 4‐year‐old boy presented with occipital seizures but normal initial neuroimaging and proved refractory to antiepileptic medications. On repeat neuroimaging after 1 year, he had developed bi‐occipital calcification and was then found to have positive coeliac serology. He was diagnosed with coeliac disease, epilepsy, and cerebral calcifications (CEC) and became seizure free after starting the gluten‐free diet. Positive antibody binding to neurons and glia was demonstrated on indirect immunofluorescence. High levels of immunoglobulin‐A directed against transglutaminase isoenzyme 6 (TG6) were found in the patient’s serum. The positive response to the diet, TG6 antibodies, and neuronal antibody binding suggest that CEC might be autoimmune in nature, as in other extra‐intestinal manifestations of gluten‐related diseases, such as gluten ataxia.
Gastrostomy tube feeding of children with cerebral palsy: variation across six European countries
Authors: DAHLSENG MAGNUS O , ANDERSEN GURO L , DA GRACA ANDRADA MARIA , ARNAUD CATHERINE , BALU RAJESH , DE LA CRUZ JAVIER , FOLHA TERESA , HIMMELMANN KATE , HORRIDGE KAREN , JÚLÍUSSON PÉTUR B , PÅHLMAN MAGNUS , RACKAUSKAITE GIJA , SIGURDARDOTTIR SOLVEIG , ULDALL PETER , VIK TORSTEIN ,   on behalf of the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe Network
Published: July 2012

Aim  To compare the prevalence of gastrostomy tube feeding (GTF) of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in six European countries.

Method  Data on 1295 children (754 males, 541 females; mean age 5y 11mo, range 11y 2mo, min 6mo, max 11y 8mo) with CP born from 1999 to 2001 were collected from geographically defined areas in six European countries; four of the areas covered the whole country. Distribution of CP was unilateral 37%, bilateral 51%, dyskinetic 8%, and ataxic 4%. Sixty children were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I and II, 6 in level III and 34 in levels IV and Vas Outcome measures were GTF, age at placement, feeding difficulties and the children’s height and weight for age standard deviation scores (z‐scores).

Results  The use of GTF among all children with CP was highest in western Sweden (22%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 16–29), and lowest in Portugal (6%, 95% CI 3–10), northern England (6%, 95% CI 3–9) and in Iceland (3%, 95% CI 0–13; p<0.001). The difference between areas was greater among children in GMFCS levels IV and V (non‐ambulant); in this group, lower height z‐scores were more prevalent in the areas with lower prevalence of GTF. The children’s age at placement of gastrostomy also varied between areas (p<0.002).

Interpretation  The observed differences in the use of GTF may reflect differences in access to treatment or clinical practice, or both. Our results suggest that the use of GTF may improve growth in height and weight among children with more severely affected gross motor function – the group most likely to have associated feeding difficulties.
Prolactin gene polymorphism in Nili‐Ravi buffaloes in relation to Sahiwal and Achai Cattle
Authors: ISHAQ RAFAQAT , SULEMAN MUHAMMAD , RIAZ MUHAMMAD NAEEM , YOUSAF MUHAMMAD , SHAH ABDULLAH , GHAFOOR ABDUL
Published: July 2012

In this study, prolactin gene polymorphism was investigated in Nili‐ Ravi buffaloes, Sahiwal and Achai cattle breeds, 100 per group, using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique. Only genotype GG was observed in the case of Nili‐Ravi buffaloes. In Sahiwal and Achai cattle, three genotypes were found, AA, AG and GG: the frequency of these genotypes were 72%, 18% and 10% in Sahiwal cattle and 44%, 34% and 22% in Achai cattle, respectively. The frequency of genotype AA was found to be higher in both cattle breeds. Results of chi‐square test at P < 0.05 revealed that animals of Achai cattle were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, whereas Sahiwal cattle were found to be deviating.
Epineurial adipocytes are dispensable for Schwann cell myelination
Authors: Nadra Karim , Médard Jean‐Jacques , Quignodon Laure , Verheijen Mark H. G. , Desvergne Béatrice , Chrast Roman
Published: July 2012

Previous clinical observations and data from mouse models with defects in lipid metabolism suggested that epineurial adipocytes may play a role in peripheral nervous system myelination. We have used adipocyte‐specific Lpin1 knockout mice to characterize the consequences of the presence of impaired epineurial adipocytes on the myelinating peripheral nerve. Our data revealed that the capacity of Schwann cells to establish myelin, and the functional properties of peripheral nerves, were not affected by compromised epineurial adipocytes in adipocyte‐specific Lpin1 knockout mice. To evaluate the possibility that Lpin1‐negative adipocytes are still able to support endoneurial Schwann cells, we also characterized sciatic nerves from mice carrying epiblast‐specific deletion of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, which develop general lipoatrophy. Interestingly, even the complete loss of adipocytes in the epineurium of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma knockout mice did not lead to detectable defects in Schwann cell myelination. However, probably as a consequence of their hyperglycemia, these mice have reduced nerve conduction velocity, thus mimicking the phenotype observed under diabetic condition. Together, our data indicate that while adipocytes, as regulators of lipid and glucose homeostasis, play a role in nerve function, their presence in epineurium is not essential for establishment or maintenance of proper myelin.
Use of recombinant activated Factor VII for refractory after lung transplant bleeding as an effective strategy to restrict blood transfusion and associated complications
Authors: Bhaskar Balu , Zeigenfuss Marc , Choudhary Jivesh , Fraser John F.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been increasingly used to stop massive bleeding after cardiothoracic surgical procedures. However, the risk : benefit profile of such a potent hemostatic agent remains unclear in the postsurgical patient, and the cost benefit is even less clear. In patients after lung transplantation, volume of blood transfused is of major concern, and all attempts are made to minimize large blood transfusions in this cohort. We report our experience with rFVIIa in patients with refractory bleeding after lung transplant surgery.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All lung transplant patients who underwent single‐ or double‐lung transplantation who received rFVIIa in the 5‐year period, from January 2005 to June 2011, were included. A total of 15 patients were identified from a total of 95 lung transplant cases operated during this study period. Patient demographics, intra‐ and postoperative records were reviewed to assess the efficacy and safety of rFVIIa treatment.

RESULTS: Patients with major bleeding treated with rFVIIa showed improved hemostasis with rapid normalization of coagulation variables. rFVIIa treatment was not associated with an increase in mechanical ventilation time, length of intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay compared to other lung transplant patients. In addition, the use of rFVIIa was associated with reduction in transfusion requirements of red blood cells, fresh‐frozen plasma, and platelets (all p < 0.001). No definite thromboembolic‐related event was recorded in our cohort.

CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that rFVIIa was associated with reduced blood loss, improvement of coagulation variables, and decreased need for transfusions. This reduction in losses led to a reduced requirement for blood transfusion, which may translate to a decrease in transfusion‐related complications. Further investigation is needed to determine rFVIIa's safety and its efficacy in improving postoperative morbidity and mortality specifically in the field of post–lung transplantation surgery.
Association Between Child Restraint Systems Use and Injury in Motor Vehicle Crashes
Authors: Ma Xiaoguang , Layde Peter , Zhu Shankuan
Published: July 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:916–923 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The objective was to estimate the fatal and nonfatal injury risk associated with inappropriate or no use of child restraint systems (CRS) for children younger than 13 years of age involved in motor vehicle crashes (MVC) in the United States.

Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study of children aged 0 to 12 years involved in MVCs based on a nationally representative probability sample from 1996 to 2005 in the United States. A total of 7,633 children were included in the analysis, weighted to represent 3,798,830 children. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between restraint use and fatal or nonfatal injury.

Results:  In all age groups, failure to use a restraint increased the risk of fatal injury (odds ratio [OR] ranged from 9.81 to 23.79, all p < 0.05). In children aged 1 to 3 years, inappropriate use of a restraint was associated with fatal injury (OR = 6.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.40 to 16.48). Restrained children aged 4 to 7 years in rear seats with seat belts only (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.94) and infants in front seats using child safety seats (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.99) were associated with decreased nonfatal but not fatal injury compared to children with the recommended use of CRS in the two age groups.

Conclusions:  Failure to use child restraints was associated with increased fatal injury. Our findings raise questions regarding current recommendations for specific CRS use in infants and children 4 to 7 years old. Further research is needed to identify the most effective CRS and seating location for children of each age.
The Effect of Weight‐based Volume Loading on the Inferior Vena Cava in Fasting Subjects: A Prospective Randomized Double‐blinded Trial
Authors: Weekes Anthony J. , Lewis Margaret R. , Kahler Zachary P. , Stader Donald E. , Quirke Dale P. , Norton H. James , Almond Courtney , Middleton Dawn , Tayal Vivek S.
Published: July 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:901–907 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Inferior vena cava ultrasound (IVC‐US) assessment has been proposed as a noninvasive method of assessing volume status. Current literature is divided on its ability to do so. The primary objective was to compare IVC‐US changes in healthy fasting subjects randomized to either 10 or 30 mL/kg of intravenous (IV) fluid administration versus a control group that received only 2 mL/kg.

Methods:  This was a prospective randomized double‐blinded trial set in emergency department (ED) clinical care rooms. Volunteer subjects with no history of cardiac disease or hypertension fasted for 12 hours. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive IV 0.9% saline bolus of 2 (control group), 10, or 30 mL/kg over 30 minutes. IVC‐US was performed before and 15 minutes after each fluid bolus.

Results:  Forty‐two fasting subjects were enrolled. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparison showed that IVC‐US was unable to detect any significant difference between the control group and those given either 10 or 30 mL/kg fluid, whether using maximum or minimum IVC diameter or caval index (IVC‐CI). The groups receiving 10 and 30 mL/kg each had a statistically significant change in IVC‐CI; however, the 30 mL/kg group had no significant change in either of the mean IVC diameters.

Conclusions:  Overall, there were statistically significant differences in mean IVC‐US measurements before and after fluid loading, but not between groups. Fasting asymptomatic subjects had a wide intersubject variation in both baseline IVC‐US measurements and fluid‐related changes. The degree of IVC‐US change in association with graded acute volume loading was not predictably proportional between our subjects.
Serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 are correlated with liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhu Chuan Long , Li Wen Ting , Li Yi , Gao Ren Tao
Published: July 2012

Objective

To investigate the relationship between tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) expression and the severity of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and to explore the diagnostic value of serum TIMP‐1.

Methods

A total of 159 CHB patients underwent liver biopsy for the analysis of liver fibrosis stages and inflammation. Serum TIMP‐1 was determined by ELISA. Hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III (PCIII), collagen type IV (CIV), laminin (LN), and FIB‐4 index were determined and calculated, and diagnostic accuracy was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Serum levels of TIMP‐1 were associated with the grade of liver inflammation in CHB patients (r = 0.695, P < 0.01), especially in those without fibrosis or with stage 1 fibrosis, and were also positively correlated with liver fibrosis in CHB patients (r = 0.854, P < 0.01), particularly in those with inflammation at grade 1, 2 and 3. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of serum TIMP‐1 was 0.918 for significant liver fibrosis (≥stage 2), and a sensitivity of 89.4% and specificity of 83.6% were obtained with a cut‐off value of ≥174.5 ng/mL of serum TIMP‐1, which were higher than that of HA, CIV and FIB‐4 index.

Conclusion

TIMP‐1 is a valuable single biomarker for the evaluation of significant fibrosis in CHB patients.
The pitfalls of ultrasonography in the evaluation of soft tissue masses
Authors: Kwok Henry CK , Pinto Clinton H , Doyle Anthony J
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Ultrasonography is associated with a high error rate in the evaluation of soft tissue masses. The purposes of this study were to examine the nature of the diagnostic errors and to identify areas in which reporting could be improved.

Methods

Patients who had soft tissue tumours and received ultrasonography during a 10‐year period (1999–2009) were identified from a local tumour registry. The sonographic and pathological diagnoses were categorised as either ‘benign’ or ‘non‐benign’. The accuracy of ultrasonography was assessed by correlating the sonographic with the pathological diagnostic categories. Recommendations from radiologists, where offered, were assessed for their appropriateness in the context of the pathological diagnosis.

Results

One hundred seventy‐five patients received ultrasonography, of which 60 had ‘non‐benign’ lesions and 115 had ‘benign’ lesions. Ultrasonography correctly diagnosed 35 and incorrectly diagnosed seven of the 60 ‘non‐benign’ cases, and did not suggest a diagnosis in 18 cases. Most of the diagnostic errors related to misdiagnosing soft tissue tumours as haematomas (four out of seven). Recommendations for further management were offered by the radiologists in 144 cases, of which 52 had ‘non‐benign’ pathology. There were eight ‘non‐benign’ cases where no recommendation was offered, and the sonographic diagnosis was either incorrect or unavailable.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography lacks accuracy in the evaluation of soft tissue masses. Ongoing education is required to improve awareness of the limitations with its use. These limitations should be highlighted to the referrers, especially those who do not have specific training in this area.
Centenary of schizophrenia: Should the term survive “togo shicchou sho” and “salience syndrome”?
Authors: Palm Ulrich
Published: July 2012

The term “schizophrenia” has been associated with stigma since its appearance in 1911. Several destigmatization programs in occidental countries have had favorable results. In Japan, schizophrenia has been renamed as a kind of integration disorder. A debate is ongoing about whether to replace the term schizophrenia with “salience syndrome”, a term that implies a disorder of stimulus–reaction control. Increased dopamine, a mediator between a stimulus and the affective reaction, is the supposed neurobiological correlate. Reducing the disease entity schizophrenia to a syndromal level might mean that accessory symptoms, which could be important for predicting the course and outcome of the illness, are neglected. A mere syndromal description with a new term will not improve destigmatization. It will, however, blur physicians' perception and impair patients' acceptance of the disorder. Furthermore, ethnic and cultural aspects are not reflected by nosological changes.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF DROUGHT RESILIENCE IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: RANJAN RAM
Published: July 2012

Abstract.  Ensuring drought resilience for farmers is an important policy concern. Yet, a quantitative treatment of the concept of drought resilience has been lacking in the literature. This paper designs a mathematical model of drought resilience to assess farmers’ survival strategies when faced with the prospect of repeated droughts. A key distinction is being made here between consecutive droughts and one‐off droughts, as it is the former, which is of most concern to farmers as well as policy makers. The mathematical model is generalized to incorporate the possibility of more than one set of a certain number of consecutive droughts occurring in the future. Findings indicate varying implications for groundwater sustainability when resilience outcomes are directly linked to the length of a farmer's drought planning horizon as well as to the planned minimum consumption during drought years.
Mechanism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor‐induced decrease of T‐type Ca2+ channel current in atrium‐derived cells
Authors: Rao Fang , Deng Chun‐Yu , Wu Shu‐Lin , Xiao Ding‐Zhang , Huang Wei , Deng Hai , Kuang Su‐Juan , Lin Qiu‐Xiong , Shan Zhi‐Xin , Liu Xiao‐Ying , Zhu Jie‐Ning , Yu Xi‐Yong
Published: July 2012

New findings

What is the central question of this study?

Recent evidence indicates that T‐type calcium channels may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. We previously reported that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, reduced L‐type calcium channel expression in atrial fibrillation. The role of MIF in the regulation of atrial T‐type calcium channels has not been previously investigated.

What is the main finding and its importance?

In the present study, we report that MIF decreases the T‐type calcium current in atrium‐derived myocytes through impairment of channel function and activation of c‐Src kinases, representing a potential pathogenic mechanism in atrial fibrillation.

The T‐type Ca2+ current (ICa,T) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study sought to investigate the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pleiotropic cytokine, in the regulation of T‐type Ca2+ channels (TCCs) in atrial myocytes. We used the whole‐cell voltage‐clamp technique and biochemical assays to study the regulation and expression of ICa,T in atrial myocytes. Gene levels of the α1G and α1H subunit of TCCs were decreased in human atrial tissue of patients with AF. In cultured atrium‐derived myocytes (HL‐1 cells), mouse recombinant MIF (20 or 40 nm, 24 h) suppressed peak ICa,T in a concentration‐dependent manner, impaired the voltage‐dependent activation of ICa,T and downregulated TCC α1G and α1H mRNA. The Src inhibitors genistein and PP1 significantly enhanced ICa,T. The reduction of ICa,T and TCC subunit mRNA induced by recombinant MIF could be reversed by genistein and PP1. The TCC α1G associated with Src in HL‐1 cells and mouse cardiomycytes. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is involved in the pathogenesis of AF, probably by decreasing the T‐type calcium current in atrium‐derived myocytes through impairment of channel function and activation of c‐Src kinases, representing a potential pathogenic mechanism in atrial fibrillation.
Netting the Bad Guys
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: July 2012

Rather than killing bacteria directly, a gut antimicrobial peptide forms netlike structures that ensnare invading bacteria.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Continuous and Conventional Intrathecal Amphotericin B in Rabbits
Authors: Fang Min , Lü Tian Ming , Ma An De , Wang Li , Li Guo Liang , Qiu Ai Zhu , Pan Zhi Yong , Wang Yuan Yuan , Liu Xiao Jia
Published: July 2012

We previously reported a new effective therapy, continuous intrathecal amphotericin B (AMB), for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis, which had fewer side effects and complications than conventional intrathecal AMB. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of continuous intrathecal administration and conventional intrathecal AMB were compared in rabbits, providing a pharmacokinetic basis for the use of continuous intrathecal AMB therapy. The AMB concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), sampled via an inserted cisterna magna catheter, was determined by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. The results revealed significant pharmacokinetic differences between the two groups. In the continuous intrathecal group (0.15 mg/kg/24 h), the concentration of AMB peaked 7.01 μg/ml at 4 h and then decreased to a stable level of 1.0 to 1.34 μg/ml, with no neurological impairments, while in the conventional intrathecal group (0.015 mg/kg), the drug concentration reached a peak of 3.41 μg/ml at 1 h and then decreased progressively, with fever and neurological impairments, including convulsion and paralysis. The pharmacokinetic results indicated that the continuous intrathecal AMB is a more effective and safe therapy than the conventional intrathecal AMB, with comparatively rational pharmacokinetics and fewer neurological impairments.
Various
pfcrt
and
pfmdr1
Genotypes of Plasmodium falciparum Cocirculate with P. malariae, P. ovale spp., and P. vivax in Northern Angola
Authors: Fançony Cláudia , Gamboa Dina , Sebastião Yuri , Hallett Rachel , Sutherland Colin , Sousa-Figueiredo José Carlos , Nery Susana Vaz
Published: July 2012

Artemisinin-based combination therapy for malaria has become widely available across Africa. Populations of
Plasmodium falciparum
that were previously dominated by chloroquine (CQ)-resistant genotypes are now under different drug selection pressures.
P. malariae
,
P. ovale curtisi
, and
P. ovale wallikeri
are sympatric with
P. falciparum
across the continent and are frequently present as coinfections. The prevalence of human
Plasmodium
species was determined by PCR using DNA from blood spots collected during a cross-sectional survey in northern Angola.
P. falciparum
was genotyped at resistance-associated loci in
pfcrt
and
pfmdr1
by real-time PCR or by direct sequencing of amplicons. Of the 3,316 samples collected, 541 (16.3%) contained
Plasmodium
species infections; 477 (88.2%) of these were
P. falciparum
alone, 6.5% were
P. falciparum
and
P. malariae
together, and 1.1% were
P. vivax
alone. The majority of the remainder (3.7%) harbored
P. ovale curtisi
or
P. ovale wallikeri
alone or in combination with other species. Of 430
P. falciparum
isolates genotyped for
pfcrt
, 61.6% carried the wild-type allele CVMNK at codons 72 to 76, either alone or in combination with the resistant allele CVIET. No other
pfcrt
allele was found. Wild-type alleles dominated at codons 86, 184, 1034, 1042, and 1246 of the
pfmdr1
locus among the sequenced isolates. In contrast to previous studies,
P. falciparum
in the study area comprises an approximately equal mix of genotypes associated with CQ sensitivity and with CQ resistance, suggesting either lower drug pressure due to poor access to treatment in rural areas or a rapid impact of the policy change away from the use of standard monotherapies.
In Vitro
Activity of Fluorescent Dyes against Asexual Blood Stages of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Joanny Fanny , Held Jana , Mordmüller Benjamin
Published: July 2012

Many successful antimicrobial drugs originate from synthetic dyes. This paper reports the
in vitro
activity of 14 fluorescent dyes against
Plasmodium falciparum
. Five of these dyes (Hoechst 33342, MitoRed, DiOC
6
, SYTO 9, and rhodamine B) show activity at a low nanomolar concentration against two
P. falciparum
strains in the histidine-rich protein 2 drug sensitivity assay, while toxicity in HeLa cells is low. These dyes may be a starting point for developing new drugs against
P. falciparum
.
Antibacterial Activities of Iron Chelators against Common Nosocomial Pathogens
Authors: Thompson Mitchell G. , Corey Brendan W. , Si Yuanzheng , Craft David W. , Zurawski Daniel V.
Published: July 2012

The activities of iron chelators (deferoxamine, deferiprone, Apo6619, and VK28) were evaluated against type strains of
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Escherichia coli
. Deferiprone, Apo6619, and VK28 each inhibited growth in standard and RPMI tissue culture medium, while deferoxamine had no effect. Additionally, time-kill assays revealed that VK28 had a bacteriostatic effect against
S. aureus
. Therefore, these newly developed iron chelators might provide a nontraditional approach for treatment of bacterial infections.
Nocardia brasiliensis Cell Wall Lipids Modulate Macrophage and Dendritic Responses That Favor Development of Experimental Actinomycetoma in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Trevino-Villarreal J. Humberto , Vera-Cabrera Lucio , Valero-Guillén Pedro L. , Salinas-Carmona Mario C.
Published: July 2012

Nocardia brasiliensisis a Gram-positive facultative intracellular bacterium frequently isolated from human actinomycetoma. However, the pathogenesis of this infection remains unknown. Here, we used a model of bacterial delipidation with benzine to investigate the role ofN. brasiliensiscell wall-associated lipids in experimental actinomycetoma. Delipidation ofN. brasiliensiswith benzine resulted in complete abolition of actinomycetoma without affecting bacterial viability. Chemical analyses revealed that trehalose dimycolate and an unidentified hydrophobic compound were the principal compounds extracted fromN. brasiliensiswith benzine. By electron microscopy, the extracted lipids were found to be located in the outermost membrane layer of theN. brasiliensiscell wall. They also appeared to confer acid-fastness.In vitro, the extractable lipids from theN. brasiliensiscell wall induced the production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and CCL-2 in macrophages. TheN. brasiliensiscell wall extractable lipids inhibited important macrophage microbicidal effects, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) production, phagocytosis, bacterial killing, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) expression in response to gamma interferon (IFN-γ). In dendritic cells (DCs),N. brasiliensiscell wall-associated extractable lipids suppressed MHC-II, CD80, and CD40 expression while inducing tumor growth factor β (TGF-β) production. Immunization with delipidatedN. brasiliensisinduced partial protection preventing actinomycetoma. These findings suggest thatN. brasiliensiscell wall-associated lipids are important for actinomycetoma development by inducing inflammation and modulating the responses of macrophages and DCs toN. brasiliensis.
Toxoplasma gondii Antigens Recognized by IgG Antibodies Differ between Mice with and without Active Proliferation of Tachyzoites in the Brain during the Chronic Stage of Infection
Authors: Hester James , Mullins Jeremi , Sa Qila , Payne Laura , Mercier Corinne , Cesbron-Delauw Marie-France , Suzuki Yasuhiro
Published: July 2012

We examined whether tachyzoite proliferation in the brains of immunocompetent hosts during the chronic stage of infection with
Toxoplasma gondii
induces production of IgG antibodies that recognize parasite antigens different from those recognized by the antibodies of infected hosts that do not have tachyzoite growth. For this purpose, two groups of CBA/J mice, which display continuous tachyzoite growth in their brains during the later stage of infection, were infected, and one group received treatment with sulfadiazine to prevent tachyzoite proliferation during the chronic stage of infection.
T. gondii
antigens recognized by the IgG antibodies from these two groups of mice were compared using immunoblotting following separation of tachyzoite antigens by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Several antigens, including the microneme protein MIC2, the cyst matrix protein MAG1, and the dense granule proteins GRA4 and GRA7, were commonly recognized by IgG antibodies from both groups of mice. There were multiple antigens recognized mostly by IgG antibodies of only one group of mice, either with or without cerebral tachyzoite growth. The antigens recognized only by or mostly by the antibodies of mice with cerebral tachyzoite growth include MIC6, the rhoptry protein ROP1, GRA2, one heat shock protein HSP90, one (putative) HSP70, and the myosin heavy chain. These results indicate that levels of IgG antibody to only selected
T. gondii
antigens increase in association with cerebral tachyzoite proliferation (reactivation of infection) in immunocompetent hosts with chronic infection.
GENERALIZED QUANTIZATION PRINCIPLE IN CANONICAL QUANTUM GRAVITY AND APPLICATION TO QUANTUM COSMOLOGY
Authors: KOBER MARTIN
Published: July 2012

In this paper, a generalized quantization principle for the gravitational field in canonical quantum gravity, especially with respect to quantum geometrodynamics is considered. This assumption can be interpreted as a transfer from the generalized uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, which is postulated as generalization of the Heisenberg algebra to introduce a minimal length, to a corresponding quantization principle concerning the quantities of quantum gravity. According to this presupposition there have to be given generalized representations of the operators referring to the observables in the canonical approach of a quantum description of general relativity. This also leads to generalized constraints for the states and thus to a generalized Wheeler–DeWitt equation determining a new dynamical behavior. As a special manifestation of this modified canonical theory of quantum gravity, quantum cosmology is explored. The generalized cosmological Wheeler–DeWitt equation corresponding to the application of the generalized quantization principle to the cosmological degree of freedom is solved by using Sommerfelds polynomial method.
THRESHOLD-TUNABLE OPTICAL LIMITERS OF Au NANOPARTICLES IN CASTOR OIL
Authors: ALEALI HODA , SARKHOSH LEILA , KARIMZADEH ROUHOLLAH , MANSOUR NASTARAN
Published: July 2012

Optical limiting performance of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in castor oil is studied using a low power laser irradiation at 532 nm. Our results suggest that it is possible to tune the optical limiting threshold of the AuNPs by modifying the parameters of the set-up and gold nanoparticle concentration of the colloids. The closed Z-scan measurements reveal that non-local thermal nonlinear refraction process is responsible for the limiting action of the colloids. We have investigated the Z-scan behavior of the samples based on the non-local thermal nonlinear refraction process without using photo-thermal thin lens approximation. It is shown that this model is in good agreement with the experimental results and large enhancement factors are measured for values of nonlinear thermal refractive index and thermo-optical coefficients of the colloids at higher gold nanoparticle concentration compared to the measurement of castor oil.
SPECTRUM OF SPIN-½ SYSTEM DRIVEN BY RESONANT EXPONENTIAL PULSE
Authors: BATARFI H. A.
Published: July 2012

The exact operator solution for a system of a single 2-level atom (spin-1/2 system) driven by a short resonant exponential pulse is used to examine the atomic dynamics and to calculate the time-dependent spectrum of the fluorescent radiation. The spectrum is expressed analytically in terms of the incomplete Gamma funtion (of complex arguments). Computational display of the results are presented for various system parameters.
MEDICAL IMAGING AND COMPUTER-AIDED FLOW ANALYSIS OF A HEART WITH ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT
Authors: WONG KELVIN K. L. , SUN ZHONGHUA , TU JIYUAN
Published: July 2012

Computer-aided magnetic resonance (MR) fluid motion tracking and cardiac vorticity quantification of the right atrial flow is implemented in this study to suggest a new method for the diagnosis of an atrial septal defect (ASD). MR signals of blood moving in a cardiac chamber can be represented as an image and vary in intensity at every consecutive cardiac phase. A method was devised to perform flow analysis using MR imaging without modification of scan mode or protocol that allows velocity encoding. A single vortex or multiple vortices may appear in the cardiac chamber. However, velocity fields in any flow scenario are normally unable to reveal information for a concise analysis; therefore, in addition to velocity maps, vorticity flow maps on which the velocity field is superimposed are presented. Through a case study, the difference in vortex strengths pre- and post-atrial septal occlusion can be examined, and the results can be verified using computational fluid dynamics. Based on this framework, the degree of vortical flow was assessed for the right atrium of a subject with atrial septal defect. A relationship can be established between right atrial vorticity and the ASD. As such, there is clear utility of the developed system in its potential as a prognostic and investigative tool for the quantitative assessment of cardiac abnormalities parallel to examining magnetic resonance images.
Photophysical and photochemical properties of novel phthalocyanines bearing non-peripherally substituted mercaptoquinoline moiety
Authors: Yaşa Göknur , Erdoğmuş Ali , Uğur Ahmet Lütfi , Şener M. Kasım , Avcıata Ulvi , Nyokong Tebello
Published: July 2012

The synthesis, photophysical and photochemical properties of nonperipherally (α) mercaptoquinoline substituted Zn(II) , TiO(IV) and Mg(II) and quaternized Zn(II) phthalocyanines are described for the first time. These complexes (2 to 5) and their precursor are characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, electronic spectroscopy as well as mass spectroscopy. Complexes 2, 4 and 5 have good solubility in organic solvents such as CHCl3 , DCM, DMSO, DMF, THF and toluene and are not aggregated in all solvents within a wide concentration range. Complex 3 showed very good solubility in water as well as DMSO and DMF. General trends are described for singlet oxygen, photodegradation and fluorescence quantum yields of these complexes in DMSO and DMF. While complex 2 has higher singlet oxygen and fluorescence quantum yields than 3, 4 and 5, complex 4 has higher fluorescence quantum yields in DMF and DMSO than 2, 3 and 5. The effect of the solvents and metal on the photophysical and photochemical parameters of the metallophthalocyanines are also reported.
Porphyrazines with annulated diazepine rings 4: Synthesis and properties of MgII tetradiazepinoporphyrazine carrying exocyclic styryl fragments
Authors: Stuzhin Pavel A. , Tarakanov Pavel , Shiryaeva Svetlana , Zimenkova Anna , Koifman Oscar I. , Viola Elisa , Donzello Maria Pia , Ercolani Claudio
Published: July 2012

A novel tetradiazepinoporphyrazine MgII complex bearing eight peripheral styryl substituents, [St8TDzPAMg(H2O)] ( St = -CH=CHAr , where Ar = 4-methoxyphenyl ) was prepared by template cyclotetramerization of the corresponding precursor — 5,7-distyryl substituted diazepino-2,3-dicarbonitrile — in the presence of MgII butoxide in n-butanol. UV-visible and 1H NMR spectral data indicate that the complex is strongly aggregated in non-coordinating solvents (dichloromethane, chloroform, benzene), it is dimeric in pyridine, whereas it is predominantly monomeric in dimethylsulfoxide and dimethylformamide. The fluorescence response is high for solutions in which the monomeric form is prevalent, but it is strongly quenched as the content of the dimer is increased. Evidence was obtained that dimerization occurs due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding between acidic CH2 groups in the diazepine ring (6H form) of one molecule with meso- and/or diazepine N atoms of another molecule, dimerization being also contributed by the presence of chlatrated water. In the presence of fluoride anions the dimer is destroyed with formation of the monomeric species, which is changed to the 1H form upon heating, as indicated by 1H NMR spectra.