bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of atenolol, perindopril and verapamil on haemodynamic and vascular function in Marfan syndrome – a randomised, double‐blind, crossover trial
Authors: Williams Andrew , Kenny Damien , Wilson Dirk , Fagenello Giorgio , Nelson Martyn , Dunstan Frank , Cockcroft John , Stuart Graham , Fraser Alan G.
Published: February 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012

Background  Aortic dilatation is the main therapeutic target in patients with Marfan syndrome. Standard treatment with a β‐blocker may not lower central pulse pressure – the major objective – because it does not do so in hypertension, unlike angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium‐channel blockers. We therefore performed a prospective, randomised, double‐blind, crossover trial to compare the effects of these three agents on large artery function and central aortic pressure in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Methods and Results  Eighteen patients had applanation tonometry, pulse wave analysis and echocardiography, before and after atenolol 75 mg, perindopril 4 mg and verapamil 240 mg, each given for 4 weeks, in a random order, with 2 weeks between medications. Fourteen patients completed the study. Within‐drug comparisons demonstrated that perindopril (−10·3 mmHg, P = 0·002), verapamil (−9·2 mmHg, P = 0·003) and atenolol (−7·1 mmHg, P = 0·01) all reduced central systolic pressure and brachial pressure; central changes were least, and peripheral changes greatest with atenolol but between‐drug comparisons (analysis of covariance) were not significant. There was a trend for augmentation to be reduced by perindopril (−6·3%, P = 0·05), verapamil (−5·5%, P = 0·07) and atenolol (−3·2%, P = 0·09). Only atenolol reduced heart rate (by 16%) and delayed expansion in the arch and abdominal aorta (by 8% and 11%) (P < 0·001, P < 0·01 and P < 0·05, respectively, for between‐drug comparisons).

Conclusions  Perindopril, verapamil and atenolol all reduced peripheral and central systolic pressure. As atenolol slowed heart rate and delayed aortic wave travel, β‐blockade may have a continuing role in the treatment of patients with Marfan syndrome.
Understorey environments influence functional diversity in tank‐bromeliad ecosystems
Authors: BROUARD OLIVIER , CÉRÉGHINO RÉGIS , CORBARA BRUNO , LEROY CÉLINE , PELOZUELO LAURENT , DEJEAN ALAIN , CARRIAS JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: February 2012

1. A substantial fraction of the freshwater available in neotropical forests is impounded within the rosettes of bromeliads that form aquatic islands in a terrestrial matrix. The ecosystem functioning of bromeliads is known to be influenced by the composition of the contained community but it is not clear whether bromeliad food webs remain functionally similar against a background of variation in the understorey environment.

2. We considered a broad range of environmental conditions, including incident light and incoming litter, and quantified the distribution of a very wide range of freshwater organisms (from viruses to macroinvertebrates) to determine the factors that influence the functional structure of bromeliad food webs in samples taken from 171 tank‐bromeliads.

3. We observed a gradient of detritus‐based to algal‐based food webs from the understorey to the overstorey. Algae, rotifers and collector and predatory invertebrates dominated bromeliad food webs in exposed areas, whereas filter‐feeding insects had their highest densities in shaded forest areas. Viruses, bacteria and fungi showed no clear density patterns. Detritus decomposition is mainly due to microbial activity in understorey bromeliads where filter feeders are the main consumers of microbial and particulate organic matter (POM). Algal biomass may exceed bacterial biomass in sun‐exposed bromeliads where amounts of detritus were lower but functional diversity was highest.

4. Our results provide evidence that tank‐bromeliads, which grow in a broad range of ecological conditions, promote aquatic food web diversity in neotropical forests. Moreover, although bromeliad ecosystems have been categorised as detritus‐based systems in the literature, we show that algal production can support a non‐detrital food web in these systems.
Effects of algal and terrestrial carbon on methane production rates and methanogen community structure in a temperate lake sediment
Authors: WEST WILLIAM E. , COLOSO JAMES J. , JONES STUART E.
Published: February 2012

1. Sources of atmospheric CH4 are both naturally occurring and anthropogenic. In fact, some anthropogenic activities may influence the production of CH4 from natural sources, such as lakes.

2. Ongoing changes in the catchment of lakes, including eutrophication and increased terrestrial organic carbon export, may affect CH4 production rates as well as shape methanogen abundance and community structure. Therefore, inputs from catchments to lakes should be examined for their effects on CH4 production.

3. We added algal and terrestrial carbon separately to lake sediment cores and measured CH4 production. We also used quantitative polymerase chain reaction and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism to determine the effects of these carbon additions on methanogen abundance and community composition.

4. Our results indicate that CH4 production rates were significantly elevated following the addition of algal biomass. Terrestrial carbon addition also appeared to increase methanogenesis rates; however, the observed increase was not statistically significant.

5. Interestingly, increased CH4 production rates resulted from increases in per‐cell activity rather than an increase in methanogen abundance or community compositional shifts, as indicated by our molecular analyses.

6. Overall, anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems can influence methanogenesis rates and should be considered in models of global methane cycling and climate.
Disregarding the edaphic dimension in species distribution models leads to the omission of crucial spatial information under climate change: the case of Quercus pubescens in France
Authors: Bertrand Romain , Perez Vincent , Gégout Jean‐Claude
Published: February 2012

Species distribution modelling is an easy, persuasive and useful tool for anticipating species distribution shifts under global change. Numerous studies have used only climate variables to predict future potential species range shifts and have omitted environmental factors important for determining species distribution. Here, we assessed the importance of the edaphic dimension in the niche‐space definition of Quercus pubescens and in future spatial projections under global change over the metropolitan French forest territory. We fitted two species distribution models (SDM) based on presence/absence data (111 013 plots), one calibrated from climate variables only (mean temperature of January and climatic water balance of July) and the other one from both climate and edaphic (soil pH inferred from plants) variables. Future predictions were conducted under two climate scenarios (PCM B2 and HadCM3 A2) and based on 100 simulations using a cellular automaton that accounted for seed dispersal distance, landscape barriers preventing migration and unsuitable land cover. Adding the edaphic dimension to the climate‐only SDM substantially improved the niche‐space definition of Q. pubescens, highlighting an increase in species tolerance in confronting climate constraints as the soil pH increased. Future predictions over the 21st century showed that disregarding the edaphic dimension in SDM led to an overestimation of the potential distribution area, an underestimation of the spatial fragmentation of this area, and prevented the identification of local refugia, leading to an underestimation of the northward shift capacity of Q. pubescens and its persistence in its current distribution area. Spatial discrepancies between climate‐only and climate‐plus‐edaphic models are strengthened when seed dispersal and forest fragmentation are accounted for in predicting a future species distribution area. These discrepancies highlight some imprecision in spatial predictions of potential distribution area of species under climate change scenarios and possibly wrong conclusions for conservation and management perspectives when climate‐only models are used.
Long‐term carbon storage through retention of dissolved aromatic acids by reactive particles in soil
Authors: Kramer Marc G. , Sanderman Jonathan , Chadwick Oliver A. , Chorover Jon , Vitousek Peter M.
Published: February 2012

Soils retain large quantities of carbon, thereby slowing its return to the atmosphere. The mechanisms governing organic carbon sequestration in soil remain poorly understood, yet are integral to understanding soil‐climate feedbacks. We evaluated the biochemistry of dissolved and solid organic carbon in potential source and sink horizons across a chronosequence of volcanic soils in Hawai'i. The soils are derived from similar basaltic parent material on gently sloping volcanic shield surfaces, support the same vegetation assemblage, and yet exhibit strong shifts in soil mineralogy and soil carbon content as a function of volcanic substrate age. Solid‐state13carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectra indicate that the most persistent mineral‐bound carbon is comprised of partially oxidized aromatic compounds with strong chemical resemblance to dissolved organic matter derived from plant litter. A molecular mixing model indicates that protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and char content decreased whereas oxidized lignin and carboxyl/carbonyl content increased with increasing short‐range order mineral content. When solutions rich in dissolved organic matter were passed through Bw‐horizon mineral cores, aromatic compounds were preferentially sorbed with the greatest retention occurring in horizons containing the greatest amount of short‐range ordered minerals. These minerals are reactive metastable nanocrystals that are most common in volcanic soils, but exist in smaller amounts in nearly all major soil classes. Our results indicate that long‐term carbon storage in short‐range ordered minerals occurs via chemical retention with dissolved aromatic acids derived from plant litter and carried along preferential flow‐paths to deeper B horizons.
The dynamics of soil redistribution and the implications for soil organic carbon accounting in agricultural south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Chappell Adrian , Sanderman Jonathan , Thomas Mark , Read Arthur , Leslie Chris
Published: February 2012

Anthropogenically induced change in soil redistribution plays an important role in the soil organic carbon (SOC) budget. Uncertainty of its impact is large because of the dearth of recent soil redistribution estimates concomitant with changing land use and management practices. An Australian national survey used the artificial radionuclide caesium‐137 (137Cs) to estimate net (1950s–1990) soil redistribution. South‐eastern Australia showed a median net soil loss of 9.7 t ha−1 yr−1. We resurveyed the region using the same 137Cs technique and found a median net (1990–2010) soil gain of 3.9 t ha−1 yr−1 with an interquartile range from −1.6 t ha−1 yr−1 to +10.7 t ha−1 yr−1. Despite this variation, soil erosion across the region has declined as a likely consequence of the widespread adoption of soil conservation measures over the last ca 30 years. The implication of omitted soil redistribution dynamics in SOC accounting is to increase uncertainty and diminish its accuracy.
Increased expression of ZBP‐89 and its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chris Z Y , Cao Yun , Yun Jing‐Ping , Chen George G , Lai Paul B S
Published: February 2012

Zhang C Z Y, Cao Y, Yun J P, Chen G G & Lai P B S  (2012) Histopathology 60, 1114–1124

Increased expression of ZBP‐89 and its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims:  ZBP‐89 plays a role in cell growth and death. Its expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well documented. This study aimed to analyse ZBP‐89 expression in HCC.

Methods and results:  We examined ZBP‐89 expression in five HCC cell lines and 182 HCC tissue samples by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Our results showed that the expression of ZBP‐89 was higher in HCC than adjacent non‐tumour liver, at both mRNA and protein levels. ZBP‐89 was localized in the nucleus in most HCC tissue samples, but was found in the cytoplasm in 11.5% of cases. Patient survival in those tumours showing high ZBP‐89 expression was better than in those with low expression. High ZBP‐89 expression tended to be more common in World Health Organization (WHO) grade I than grades II–IV HCC. There was a significant association between HBV positivity and high ZBP‐89 expression. Colony formation was reduced dramatically in those HCC cell lines in which ZBP‐89 overexpression was demonstrated; this appeared to correlate with increased apoptosis, inferred by finding elevated levels of cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerases (PARP), the probable mechanisms for which may involve increased p53 or p21 expression.

Conclusions:  ZBP‐89 has anti‐tumour properties and is a potential biomarker for prognosis of HCC.
Key features of extrauterine pelvic serous tumours (fallopian tube, ovary, and peritoneum)
Authors: DeLair Deborah , Soslow Robert A
Published: February 2012

DeLair D & Soslow R A  (2012) Histopathology 61, 329–339

Key features of extrauterine pelvic serous tumours (fallopian tube, ovary, and peritoneum)

Ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC) is the most common of the ovarian epithelial malignancies, and accounts for most of the mortality. Traditionally, ovarian cancer has been considered to be one disease; however, it is now apparent that it actually consists of many different entities. OSC can be further segregated into two processes: high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) and low‐grade serous carcinoma. This classification is supported by molecular changes, morphological appearance, clinical behaviour, and distinct precursor lesions. This review will describe in detail these features of OSC, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and recent challenges to the existing hypotheses regarding the origin of these tumours. Special attention will be paid to HGSC and its relationship with BRCA abnormalities, especially those seen in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Finally, treatment options based on specific molecular targets will be discussed.
Clinicopathological characterization of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of salivary glands
Authors: Chiosea Simion I , Griffith Christopher , Assaad Adel , Seethala Raja R
Published: February 2012

Chiosea S I, Griffith C, Assaad A & Seethala R R  (2012) Histopathology 61, 387–394

Clinicopathological characterization of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of salivary glands

Aims:  Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a recently described tumour with ETV6 translocation. We aimed to characterize the clinical significance of recognizing MASC.

Methods and results:  Thirty‐six patients with MASC (27 identified retrospectively and nine prospectively) are presented. Historically, MASC mimicked other salivary tumours, as follows: 14 of 37 (37.8%) adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, 11 of 89 (12.4%) acinic cell carcinomas (AciCC), one of five (20%) mucin‐producing signet ring adenocarcinomas, and one of 165 (0.6%) mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Demographically, MASC affected males more commonly (1.4:1). The average age at diagnosis was 45.7 years. Parotid gland was the most common site of involvement (26 of 36, 72.2%), although other head and neck sites, including the base of tongue, were affected. Of 18 patients with neck dissection, lymph node involvement was identified in four patients (four of 18, 22.2%). Survival analysis of MASC cases presented here, combined with those reported previously, revealed a mean disease‐free survival for patients with MASC of 92 months [n = 29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 71–115 months], compared with a mean DFS of 121 months for patients with AciCC (n = 38; 95% CI 92–149, P = 0.43).

Conclusions:  Although perhaps slightly more aggressive, MASC clinical outcome mimics that of AciCC.
The ability of cone‐beam computed tomography to detect simulated buccal and lingual recesses in root canals
Authors: Liang Y.‐H. , Yuan M. , Li G. , Shemesh H. , Wesselink P. R. , Wu M.‐K.
Published: February 2012

Liang Y‐H, Yuan M, Li G, Shemesh H, Wesselink PR, Wu M‐K. The ability of cone‐beam computed tomography to detect simulated buccal and lingual recesses in root canals. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 724–729, 2012.

Aim  To compare the ability of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiographs (PR) to detect simulated tissue‐occupied recesses in root canals.

Methodology  A standard canal was created in 30 extracted mandibular premolar roots. Each root was longitudinally split into buccal and lingual halves. In 20 teeth, a standard groove, 4 mm in length, 0.5 mm deep and 0.3 mm wide, was prepared on each root half and filled with radiolucent plasticine (a modelling clay), simulating tissue‐occupied buccal and lingual recesses. In the other 10 teeth, no grooves were cut. Each root was reassembled and filled with laterally compacted gutta‐percha and sealer. PR and CBCT were used to detect the plasticine‐filled grooves. The images were pooled and blindly evaluated by three calibrated examiners (A, B and C). A chi‐square test was used to analyse the data.

Results  Examiner A, B, C detected grooves on CBCT scans in 20, 20 and 23 teeth, respectively, of which 19, 18 and 19 were true positives. The accuracy of CBCT in diagnosing plasticine‐filled grooves was 82–92% for three examiners, significantly higher than the accuracy of PR (30–33%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Cone‐beam computed tomography accurately detected simulated tissue‐occupied buccal and lingual recesses.
The protective effects of quercetin on the cytotoxicity of atrazine on rat Sertoli‐germ cell co‐culture
Authors: Abarikwu S. O. , Pant A. B. , Farombi E. O.
Published: February 2012

To evaluate the direct effect of atrazine (ATZ) and the protective effect of quercetin (QT) on testicular cells, we used primary cultures of rat Sertoli‐germ cells (SGCs). ATZ (232 μm) up‐regulated the mRNA expression of GATA‐4, androgen receptor (AR), androgen‐binding protein (ABP), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side‐chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and NF‐κappaB (NF‐κB) and down‐regulated the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) mRNA. There was no change on the mRNA expression of oestrogen receptor‐alpha (ER‐α). Simultaneous supplementation of QT in the culture normalizes the expression of these genes. The stimulatory action of follicle stimulating hormone (10 ng/mL) on ATZ‐induced StAR and CYP11A1 mRNA levels were also prevented by QT. Furthermore, ATZ‐stimulatory action on AR mRNA was opposed in a dose‐dependent manner in the presence of increasing concentrations of QT (10–50 μm).The dislodgement of germ cells from the Sertoli cells monolayer and decrease in SGCs viability was prevented by QT. To show whether or not the disrupted interactions of Sertoli and germ cells impaired spermatogenesis, adult male rats exposed in vivo to ATZ (50 mg/kg b.wt) for 1 week had their daily spermatozoa production (DSP) per gram testis lowered by 30%. DSP was significantly increased in the QT(10 mg/kg) + ATZ‐treated rats as compared with the ATZ‐treated rats. Taken together, ATZ can alter SGCs expression of spermatogenesis‐ and steroiodogenesis‐related genes resulting in a decrease in sperm production in the testis as well as cell viability. QT might block these molecular events‐induced by ATZ thereby protecting testicular Sertoli‐germ cells from ATZ‐induced toxicity.
Mixtures of endocrine disrupting contaminants modelled on human high end exposures: an exploratory study in rats
Authors: Christiansen S. , Kortenkamp A. , Axelstad M. , Boberg J. , Scholze M. , Jacobsen P. R. , Faust M. , Lichtensteiger W. , Schlumpf M. , Burdorf A. , Hass U.
Published: February 2012

By diminishing the action of androgens during gestation, certain chemicals can induce irreversible demasculinization and malformations of sex organs in the male rat after gestational exposure. Studies with mixtures of such anti‐androgens have shown that substantial combined effects occur even though each individual chemical is present at low, ineffective doses, but the effects of mixtures modelled based on human intakes have not previously been investigated. To address this issue for the first time, we selected 13 chemicals for a developmental mixture toxicity study in rats where data about in vivo endocrine disrupting effects and information about human exposures was available, including phthalates, pesticides, UV‐filters, bisphenol A, parabens and the drug paracetamol. The mixture ratio was chosen to reflect high end human intakes. To make decisions about the dose levels for studies in the rat, we employed the point of departure index (PODI) approach, which sums up ratios between estimated exposure levels and no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (NOAEL) values of individual substances. For high end human exposures to the 13 selected chemicals, we calculated a PODI of 0.016. As only a PODI exceeding 1 is expected to lead to effects in the rat, a total dose more than 62 times higher than human exposures should lead to responses. Considering the high uncertainty of this estimate, experience on lowest‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (LOAEL)/NOAEL ratios and statistical power of rat studies, we expected that combined doses 150 times higher than high end human intake estimates should give no, or only borderline effects, whereas doses 450 times higher should produce significant responses. Experiments indeed showed clear developmental toxicity of the 450‐fold dose in terms of increased nipple retention (NR) and reduced ventral prostate weight. The 150‐fold dose group exhibited significantly increased NR. These observations suggest that highly exposed population groups, especially women of reproductive age, may not be protected sufficiently against the combined effects of chemicals that affect the hormonal milieu required for normal male sexual differentiation.
Biomarkers of endocrine disruption: cluster analysis of effects of plasticisers on Phase 1 and Phase 2 metabolism of steroids
Authors: Waring R. H. , Ramsden D. B. , Jarratt P. D. B. , Harris R. M.
Published: February 2012

Although some endocrine disruptors (EDs) act at steroid receptors, it is now apparent that compounds may have ED potential if they alter steroid synthesis or metabolism, particularly if they affect Phase 1 or Phase 2 pathways. In the ENDOMET project (EU‐funded 5th Framework programme), 23 different assays were used on a wide range of EDs. Cluster analysis of the matrix results enabled identification of four integrated test systems that can be used to pinpoint compounds that are able to alter steroid metabolism or function. Critical pathways were shown to include oestrogen synthesis and sulphonation, synthesis of sulphate/PAPS and thyroid hormone regulation so that the activity profiles of some Phase 1 and Phase 2 reactions can be used as biomarkers for detection of compounds with ED potential.
Carers' perspectives of a weight loss intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity: a qualitative study
Authors: Spanos D. , Hankey C. R. , Boyle S. , Koshy P. , Macmillan S. , Matthews L. , Miller S. , Penpraze V. , Pert C. , Robinson N. , Melville C. A.
Published: February 2012

Background  To date, no studies have explored the role of carers in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and obesity during a weight loss intervention. The present study explored perceptions of carers supporting adults with ID, as they participated in a 6‐month multi‐component weight loss intervention (TAKE 5).

Methods  Semi‐structured interviews were used to explore the experiences of 24 carers. The transcripts were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis.

Results  Three themes emerged from the analysis: carers' perceptions of participants' health; barriers and facilitators to weight loss; and carers' perceptions of the weight loss intervention. Data analysis showed similarities between the experiences reported by the carers who supported participants who lost weight and participants who did not. Lack of sufficient support from people from the internal and external environment of individuals with ID and poor communication among carers, were identified as being barriers to change. The need for accessible resources tailored to aid weight loss among adults with ID was also highlighted.

Conclusion  This study identified specific facilitators and barriers experienced by carers during the process of supporting obese adults with ID to lose weight. Future research could utilise these findings to inform appropriate and effective weight management interventions for individuals with ID.
Reduction of errors during practice facilitates fundamental movement skill learning in children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Capio C. M. , Poolton J. M. , Sit C. H. P. , Eguia K. F. , Masters R. S. W.
Published: February 2012

Background  Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) have been found to have inferior motor proficiencies in fundamental movement skills (FMS). This study examined the effects of training the FMS of overhand throwing by manipulating the amount of practice errors.

Methods  Participants included 39 children with ID aged 4–11 years who were allocated into either an error‐reduced (ER) training programme or a more typical programme in which errors were frequent (error‐strewn, ES). Throwing movement form, throwing accuracy, and throwing frequency during free play were evaluated.

Results  The ER programme improved movement form, and increased throwing activity during free play to a greater extent than the ES programme. Furthermore, ER learners were found to be capable of engaging in a secondary cognitive task while manifesting robust throwing accuracy performance.

Conclusions  The findings support the use of movement skills training programmes that constrain practice errors in children with ID, suggesting that such approach results in improved performance and heightened movement engagement in free play.
Can persistent organic pollutants and plastic‐associated chemicals cause cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Lind L. , Lind P. M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  Lind L, Lind PM (Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden). Can persistent organic pollutants and plastic‐associated chemicals cause cardiovascular disease? (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 537–553.

During the last decade, associations between persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins and pesticides, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and overt CV disease (CVD) have been reported in humans. Recently, associations between plastic‐associated chemicals (PACs), such as bisphenol A and phthalates, and CVD have also begun to emerge. Several approaches to evaluating such associations have been used: accidents with a high level of exposure, occupational exposure studies, geographical studies of subjects living near a contaminated area and traditional case–control or cohort studies with measurements of circulating levels of different environmental contaminants in the general population. Exposure to POPs has consistently been associated with diabetes using all the approaches described above, including prospective studies. The evidence regarding associations between exposure to POPs and other CV risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity and lipids, is less strong and is mainly based on cross‐sectional data. Associations between overt CVD and POPs have been reported using all the above approaches, but prospective data from population‐based studies are still lacking to provide firm evidence of an important and independent role of POP exposure in the pathogenesis of CVD. Nevertheless, taken together, current evidence suggests that further longitudinal and experimental studies should be conducted to investigate the effect of exposure to both POPs and PACs, such as bisphenol A and phthalates.
Bacillus thuringiensis protein transfer between rootstock and scion of grafted poplar
Authors: Wang L. , Yang M. , Akinnagbe A. , Liang H. , Wang J. , Ewald D.
Published: February 2012

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac protein is a toxin against different leaf‐eating lepidopteran insects that attack poplar trees. In the present study, the mode of migration of the Bt‐Cry1Ac protein within poplar grafts was investigated. Grafting was done using Pb29 (transgenic poplar 741 with cry1Ac genes), CC71 (transgenic poplar 741 with cry3A genes), non‐transgenic poplar 741 and non‐transgenic Populus tomentosa, either as scion or as rootstock. In order to detect migration of Bt‐Cry1Ac protein from one portion of the graft union to different tissues in the grafted plant, ELISA analysis was employed to assess the content of Bt‐Cry1Ac protein in the phloem, xylem, pith and leaves of the grafted poplar. To further verify migration of Bt‐Cry1Ac protein, Clostera anachoreta larvae, which are susceptible to Bt‐Cry1Ac protein, were fed leaves from the control graft (i.e., graft portion that originally did not contain Bt‐Cry1Ac protein). The results showed that Bt‐Cry1Ac protein was transported between rootstock and scion mainly through the phloem. Migration of Bt‐Cry1Ac protein in the grafted union was also evidenced in that the leaves of the control graft did have a lethal effect on C. anachoreta larvae in laboratory feeding experiments.
Enzymatic characteristics of crude feruloyl and acetyl esterases of rumen fungus Neocallimastix sp. YAK11 isolated from yak (Bos grunniens)
Authors: Cao Y. C. , Yang H. J. , Zhang D. F.
Published: February 2012

Rumen fungus Neocallimastix sp. YAK11 was isolated from yak (Bos grunniens), and three consecutive 10‐day pure cultures were anaerobically performed at 39 °C in 20‐ml Hungate’s tubes to explore ferulic acid esterase (FAE) and acetyl esterase (AE) activity profiles of the fungus grown on whole hay fraction of Chinese wildrye grass (Leymus chinensis) (WHOcw, n = 4) and its neutral detergent fibre fraction (NDFcw, n = 4), respectively. An aliquot of 0.7‐ml culture was sampled daily using a sterile syringe, and 0.7‐ml fresh medium was immediately added to the tubes to compensate for the withdrawn samples. Peak esterase activity occurred for FAE on day 5 (p < 0.001) and for AE on day 6 (p < 0.001). The mean activities of FAE and AE in WHOcw were 2.07 and 1.29 times of those in NDFcw (p < 0.001). Both FAE and AE activities were positively correlated with xylanase (r > 0.65, p < 0.001) and carboxymethyl cellulase (r > 0.57, p < 0.001) activities. Total volatile fatty acid concentration was positively correlated with enzyme activities of AE (r > 0.87, p < 0.001), FAE (r > 0.82, p < 0.001) and xylanase (r > 0.56, p < 0.001). Crude enzyme solution was harvested for the fungus grown on WHOcw, and the pH optimum of FAE activity was 8.0 while the optimum for AE was 9.0. Both FAE and AE had a broad pH stability range. The optimal temperatures for FAE and AE activity were 40 and 50 °C. The Michaelis constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax) for FAE against methyl ferulate at pH 6.0 and 39 °C were 0.078 mm and 2.93 mU, respectively. The Km and Vmax for AE against p‐nitrophenyl acetate at pH 7.0 and 39 °C were 2.73 mm and 666.67 mU, respectively. Both FAE and AE may have prospective advantages for the enzymatic degradation of roughages in ruminant animals.
Review of the Pilbara Craton and Fortescue Basin, Western Australia: Crustal evolution providing environments for early life
Authors: HICKMAN ARTHUR HUGH
Published: February 2012

The oldest part of the Pilbara Craton is 3.80–3.55 Ga crust. Between 3.53 and 3.22 Ga, mantle plume activity resulted in eight successive volcanic cycles forming the Pilbara Supergroup. Large volumes of granitic magma were intruded during the same period. By 3.22 Ga, a thick continental crust, the East Pilbara Terrane, had been established. Between 3.22 and 3.16 Ga, rifting of the East Pilbara Terrane separated off two additional terranes (Karratha and Kurrana), with intervening basins of oceanic crust. After 3.16 Ga, the three terranes began to converge, resulting in both obduction of oceanic crust (Regal Terrane) and, in another area, subduction to form a 3.13 Ga island arc (Sholl Terrane). At 3.07 Ga, the Karratha, Regal, and Sholl Terranes collided to form the West Pilbara Superterrane, and this collided with the East Pilbara Terrane. The 3.05–2.93 Ga De Grey Superbasin was deposited as a succession of basins: Gorge Creek, Whim Creek, Mallina, and Mosquito Creek. Eventual closure of the basins, between 2.94 and 2.93 Ga, formed two separate orogenic belts on either side of the East Pilbara Terrane. Post‐orogenic granites were intruded between 2.89 and 2.83 Ga. The 2.78–2.63 Ga Fortescue Basin developed in four stages: (i) rifting of the Pilbara Craton; (ii) folding and erosion; (iii) large igneous province (LIP) volcanism; and (iv) marine sedimentation on a passive margin. A review of all known evidence for early life in the Pilbara Craton is provided. In hydrothermal settings, most of the evidence occurs as filamentous and spheroidal microfossils, organic carbon, microbial mats, and rare stromatolites. By contrast, shallow‐water marine sedimentary rocks contain a diverse range of stromatolites, and microbial mats. Lacustrine and shallow‐water marine carbonate rocks in the Fortescue Basin contain abundant and morphologically diverse stromatolites, widespread microbial mats, and organic carbon.
Analysing decadal land use/cover dynamics of the Lake Basaka catchment (Main Ethiopian Rift) using LANDSAT imagery and GIS
Authors: Dinka Megersa Olumana
Published: February 2012

Development of accurate classification methods for rapidly changing catchments like that of Lake Basaka is fundamental to better understanding the catchment dynamics, which were not addressed in previous studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to map the decadal land use/cover (LUC) regimes of the Lake Basaka catchment, utilizing time series of LANDSAT images and to analyse the changes that occurred at different time periods. Both unsupervised and supervised image classification systems were utilized in Earth Resources Data Analysis System (ERDAS) Imagine (9.1). Appropriate pre‐ and postprocessing also was utilized. Seven major LUC classes were identified in the final land cover maps produced after the supervised (maximum likelihood) classification exercise. The analysis results indicated the Lake Basaka catchment had experienced a drastic change in its LUC conditions over the last 4–5 decades because of rapid increases in human settlement, deforestation, establishment of irrigation schemes and Awash National Park (ANP). Approximately 18 924 ha of forest and 4730 ha of grazing lands were devastated between 1973 and 2008. At the same time, there was a shift in land cover from forests/woodlands to open woodlands, shrub and grazing lands. The land cover classifications generally were achieved at a very high overall accuracy (84.34%) and overall kappa statistics (0.802), substantiating the value of using the classified LUC in this study as an input to hydrological models. This study results provide an opportunity to better understand and quantify the hydrological response regimes of the lake catchment from the perspective of changing LUC conditions during different hydrological periods and the resulting dynamics of the lake water balance.
Biological monitoring and pollution assessment of the Mukuvisi River, Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Regina Ndebele‐Murisa Mzime
Published: February 2012

The ecological health and biodiversity of the Mukuvisi River system were investigated during this brief study to assess the functioning of the natural river system, utilizing biological monitoring. The study covered a period of 5 weeks from 15 September to 12 October 2005, during which a weekly sampling routine was conducted, and the effects of pollution on the river were investigated. The pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature and electrical conductivity, as well as the two major nutrients in the water (phosphorus; nitrogen) were measured at four sites along the Mukuvisi River. Macroinvertebrate species also were identified and enumerated at each site, using the South African Scoring System version 4 (SASS4) to assess the biological diversity and to evaluate pollution levels at each site. Site 2 was the most polluted, while site 4 was the cleanest site. It was concluded that, although the river receives pollutants along its course, it also has a self‐purification capacity that can be enhanced by remedial measures against pollution. Possible remedial actions are discussed as recommendations in this study.
Phagocytized corpora amylacea as a histological hallmark of astrocytic injury in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Suzuki Aya , Yokoo Hideaki , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Harigaya Yasuo , Ikota Hayato , Nakazato Yoichi
Published: February 2012

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating and necrotizing disorder of the CNS that mainly affects the optic nerve and spinal cord. The etiology is still uncertain; however, the discovery of serum anti‐aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) autoantibody is becoming the center of attention, and a new hypothesis is emerging that NMO is essentially astrocytopathy provoked by this autoantibody. In this study, we focused on corpora amylacea (CA), glycoproteinaceous inclusions in astrocytic processes. We examined 57 lesions in nine cases of NMO spectrum disorder, and demonstrated that CA were phagocytized by macrophages in 42 lesions (74%) of eight cases, while phagocytized figures were not seen in unaffected areas. Phagocytized CA were frequently encountered in early‐phase lesions still retaining myelin structures, while fewer or none were found in chronic destructive lesions. Moreover, phagocytized CA were significantly smaller in diameter than intact ones, and CA were decreased or absent in most lesions assessed. These findings suggest the following pathophysiological process: the astrocytes are affected at an early phase in NMO, CA are expelled from the astrocytes and phagocytized by macrophages finally leading to clearance. A phagocytized figure and subsequent loss of CA can be a histological hallmark of astrocytic injury of NMO.
Access to anticancer drugs: many evidence‐based treatments are off‐label and unfunded by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Authors: Mellor J. D. , Van Koeverden P. , Yip S. W. K. , Thakerar A. , Kirsa S. W. , Michael M.
Published: February 2012

Background

The off‐label use of a drug refers to a use outside the terms of its approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It is also possible to prescribe unlicensed drugs under the TGA's special access scheme. A high rate of off‐label prescribing has previously been reported in cancer. Our study aimed to document the disparity between evidence‐based clinical guidelines for anticancer therapy, product approval and funding status of these agents within an academic tertiary/quaternary cancer centre.

Methods

All chemotherapy protocols approved for use in our specialist oncology centre were assessed to determine if the drugs were off‐label or unlicensed for that indication based on review of their current product information. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) funding status for each protocol was subsequently assessed.

Results

A total of 448 protocols containing 82 different drugs across 15 tumour groups was identified. Overall, 189 (42.2%) of protocols were off‐label, and three (0.7%) were unlicensed. This resulted in all 192 protocols being unfunded by the PBS. Of the 189 off‐label protocols, 132 (69.9%) were based on established evidence‐based treatment guidelines, and a further 39 (20.6%) was based on phase II or III clinical trial data.

Conclusion

Over 90% of off‐label protocols are supported by established treatment guidelines or published peer‐reviewed research even though the medications are not approved for that particular use by the TGA. However, these off‐label protocols are unfunded by the PBS; this results in a marked inequality of access to appropriate medications for cancer patients across Australia.
Sleep, blood pressure and obesity in 22 389 New Zealanders
Authors: Wilsmore B. R. , Grunstein R. R. , Fransen M. , Woodward M. , Norton R. , Ameratunga S.
Published: February 2012

Aim:  To determine the relationship of sleep disorders with blood pressure and obesity in a large, relatively healthy, community‐based cohort.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was undertaken using data from 22 389 volunteer blood donors in New Zealand aged 16–84 years. Height, weight, neck circumference and blood pressure were measured directly, and data on sleep and other factors were ascertained using a validated self‐administered questionnaire.

Results:  Even in a relatively young, non‐clinical cohort, lack of sleep (34%), snoring (33%), high blood pressure (20%) and obesity (19%) are common. After adjusting for relevant confounders, participants at high risk of sleep apnoea had double the odds of having high blood pressure but only in participants over 40 years. Very low and high quantities of sleep are also associated with high blood pressure. Even after controlling for neck circumference, self‐reported sleep apnoea, sleep dissatisfaction and low amounts of sleep are associated with a higher body mass index.

Conclusions:  Obesity and hypertension have significant associations with a variety of sleep disorders, even in those less than 40 years of age and after adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders.
Rapid ambulatory pathway laser prostatectomy is safe: results within the global period
Authors: Jumper Cullen , Snyder Paul , Yap Ronald L.
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Laser prostatectomy is a commonly performed procedure for BOO, and has been shown to have short‐ and medium‐term results equivalent to the gold standard procedure (i.e. TURP) in various studies. It also has an advantage over TURP in that it can be performed on patients who are taking anticoagulant medication. However, patients in most studies are admitted to the hospital overnight on continuous bladder irrigation and are discharged home the next day.

The present study shows that it is safe and feasible to perform laser prostatectomy in an ambulatory fashion with discharge of patients within hours of their surgery. The discharge pathway is associated with minimal morbidity or the need for admission after surgery, and the reported short‐term results are in accordance with the available literature on laser prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and safety of a rapid ambulatory discharge pathway after holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group comprised a cohort of 65 consecutive patients undergoing HoLAP scheduled as a day surgical case by a single surgeon between January 2007 and December 2009.

Patients were discharged from day surgery with a catheter in place, and returned for a voiding trial on postoperative day 3.

Preoperative, intra‐operative and postoperative parameters were reviewed with follow‐up data for the 90‐day global postoperative period.

Statistical analysis employed Student's t‐test with P < 0.05 (two‐tailed) being considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean (range) patient age was 64 (41–87) years; mean (range) American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.2 (1–4); mean (sd) operation duration was 44 (17) min; and mean (sd) time after surgery until discharge was 149 (51) min.

Postoperative complications included catheter occlusion (1.5%) and admission for haematuria (1.5%).

There were no re‐admissions after discharge from the hospital.

Within the 90‐day global period, 13 patients described lower urinary tract symptoms (20%), five patients had postoperative urinary retention (7.7%) and one patient had a urinary tract infection (1.5%).

After surgery, mean American Urological Association Symptom Score decreased from 21.3 to 7.6 (P < 0.001); mean quality of life score decreased from 4.04 to 1.38 (P < 0.001); and mean post‐void residual decreased from 190.2 to 46.4 mL (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In appropriately selected patients, HoLAP can be safely performed as an ambulatory case with a rapid discharge pathway and minimal morbidity during the 90‐day global period.
Managing Maturing Government‐Supported Networks: The Shift from Monitoring to Embeddedness Controls
Authors: Wincent Joakim , Thorgren Sara , Anokhin Sergey
Published: February 2012

In formal inter‐firm networks backed with significant financial support by policy‐makers, network boards are typically established to monitor network activities and to manage the tension between organizational and collective interests. This approach to network governance, however, builds mainly upon agency logic. We integrate agency with embeddedness theory to offer insights into the effectiveness of monitoring as a governance mechanism as networks mature and member firms become embedded. The analyses focus on two issues: (1) how network board characteristics typically associated with monitoring – board independence, board size and board compensation – influence network performance; and (2) how these effects are moderated by network age. The model is tested with longitudinal data on 53 government‐supported networks. In addition to the direct effects of board characteristics, network board size and board compensation have a stronger positive impact on network performance in younger networks than in more mature networks. This study provides insight into why the instituting of boards may prove successful for network‐level performance in newly formed government‐supported networks, but also explains why the positive effects from network board monitoring may diminish as networks grow older.
The State of the Art in Interactive Global Illumination
Authors: Ritschel Tobias , Dachsbacher Carsten , Grosch Thorsten , Kautz Jan
Published: February 2012

The interaction of light and matter in the world surrounding us is of striking complexity and beauty. Since the very beginning of computer graphics, adequate modelling of these processes and efficient computation is an intensively studied research topic and still not a solved problem. The inherent complexity stems from the underlying physical processes as well as the global nature of the interactions that let light travel within a scene. This paper reviews the state of the art in interactive global illumination (GI) computation, i.e., methods that generate an image of a virtual scene in less than 1 s with an as exact as possible, or plausible, solution to the light transport. Additionally, the theoretical background and attempts to classify the broad field of methods are described. The strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, when applied to the different visual phenomena, arising from light interaction are compared and discussed. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting design patterns for interactive GI and a list of open problems.