bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjunctival microvascular haemodynamics in sickle cell retinopathy
Authors: Kord Valeshabad Ali , Wanek Justin , Zelkha Ruth , Lim Jennifer I. , Camardo Nicole , Gaynes Bruce , Shahidi Mahnaz
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To determine alterations in bulbar conjunctival microvascular haemodynamics in sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) subjects with focal macular thinning (FMT).

Methods

Conjunctival microcirculation imaging and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) were performed in 22 subjects (eyes) diagnosed with SCR. Based on evaluation of SD‐OCT retinal thickness maps, eyes were assigned to one of the two groups: with or without FMT. Conjunctival venular diameter and axial blood velocity were measured in multiple venules in each eye by customized image analysis algorithms. Measurements were then categorized into two vessel size groups (vessel size 1 and 2) and compared between FMT groups. A Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to assess the relationship between retinal thickness and axial blood velocity.

Results

Mean age, haematocrit, sickle cell haemoglobin type and median retinopathy score were not significantly different between the two groups (p ≥ 0.1). Retinal thickness in parafoveal and perifoveal temporal subfields was significantly lower in eyes with FMT as compared to eyes without FMT (p ≤ 0.04). There was a significant effect of FMT on axial blood velocity (p = 0.04), while the effect of vessel size was not significant (p = 0.4). In vessel size 1, axial blood velocity was lower in eyes with FMT than in eyes without FMT (p = 0.03), while in vessel size 2, there was no statistically significant difference between FMT groups (p = 0.1). In vessel size 1, there was a significant positive correlation between axial blood velocity and retinal thickness in the perifoveal (r = 0.48, p = 0.02) and parafoveal (r = 0.43, p = 0.04) temporal subfields.

Conclusion

Conjunctival axial blood velocity in small venules is reduced in SCR subjects with focal macular thinning.
Inhibition of urothelial P2X3 receptors prevents desensitization of purinergic detrusor contractions in the rat bladder
Authors: Ferguson Andrew C. , Sutton Broderick W. , Boone Timothy B. , Ford Anthony P. , Munoz Alvaro
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To evaluate whether P2X3 receptors (P2X3R) are expressed in the bladder urothelium and to determine their possible function in modulating purinergic detrusor contractions in the rat urinary bladder.

Materials and Methods

The expression of urothelial receptors was determined using conventional immunohistochemistry in bladders from normal Sprague–Dawley rats. The urothelial layer was removed by incubation with protamine, and disruption of the urothelium was confirmed using haematoxylin and eosin staining on bladder sections. Open cystometry was used to determine the effects of both urothelial removal as well as intravesical application of a specific P2X3R antagonist on bladder properties from intact and protamine‐treated rats. Isometric contractile responses to potassium chloride (KCl) depolarization, electrical field stimulation (EFS) or chemical P2X activation were determined in normal and urothelium‐denuded bladder strips, with and without application of the P2X3R antagonist.

Results

Immunohistochemical staining showed high expression of P2X3R in the medial and basal layers of the urothelium. Removal of the urothelial layer disturbed normal bladder performance in vivo and eliminated the effects of the P2X3R antagonist on increasing the contractile interval and reducing the amplitude of voiding contractions. Removal of the urothelium did not affect bladder strip contractile responses to KCl depolarization or EFS. Pharmacological inhibition of P2X3R prevented desensitization to P2X‐mediated detrusor muscle contractions during EFS only in the strips with an intact urothelium. A concentration‐dependent, specific inhibition of P2X3R also prevented desensitization of purinergic contractile responses in intact bladder strips.

Conclusions

In the rat bladder, medial and basal urothelial cells express P2X3R, and specific inhibition of the receptor leads to a more hyporeflexive bladder condition. This pathway may involve P2X3R driving a paracrine amplification of ATP released from umbrella cells to increase afferent transmission in the sub‐urothelial sensory plexus and desensitization of P2X1‐mediated purinergic detrusor contractions.
A High‐Sensitivity Coumarin‐Based Fluorescent Probe for Monitoring Hydrogen Sulfide in Living Cells
Authors: Qiu Qianqian , Deng Xin , Jiao Lei , Zhao Tianxiao , Meng Fanfei , Huang Wenlong , Qian Hai
Published: November 2014

A novel coumarin‐based fluorescence probe has been constructed for the selective and sensitive detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This probe displays high sensitivity and linearity to H2S in degassed PBS buffers and fetal bovine serum. It reacts with H2S with high selectivity over Cys, GSH, and other anions. Meanwhile, successful detection of H2S in living cells was also demonstrated.
A Novel Protocol to Differentiate Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Neuronal microRNAs to Provide a Suitable Cellular Model
Authors: Zare Mehrak , Soleimani Masoud , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Bakhshandeh Behnaz , Aghaee‐Bakhtiari Seyed Hamid , Zarghami Nosratollah
Published: November 2014

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the most challenging subjects in medicine. Investigation of their underlying genetic or epigenetic factors is hampered by lack of suitable models. Patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) represent a valuable approach to provide a proper model for poorly understood mechanisms of neuronal diseases and the related drug screenings. miR‐124 and miR‐128 are the two brain‐enriched miRNAs with different time‐points of expression during neuronal development. Herein, we transduced human iPS cells with miR‐124 and miR‐128 harboring lentiviruses sequentially. The transduced plasmids contained GFP and puromycin antibiotic‐resistant genes for easier selection and identification. Morphological assessment and immunocytochemistry (overexpressions of beta‐tubulin and neuron‐specific enolase) confirmed that induced hiPS cells by miR‐124 and miR‐128 represent similar characteristics to those of mature neurons. In addition, the upregulation of neuron‐specific enolase, beta‐tubulin, Map2, GFAP, and BDNF was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR. In conclusion, it seems that our novel protocol remarks the combinatorial effect of miR‐124 and miR‐128 on neural differentiation in the absence of any extrinsic factor. Moreover, such cellular models could be used in personalized drug screening and applied for more effective therapies.
A common variant in RAB27A gene is associated with fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in adults
Authors: Bouzigon E. , Nadif R. , Thompson E. E. , Concas M.P. , Kuldanek S. , Du G. , Brossard M. , Lavielle N. , Sarnowski C. , Vaysse A. , Dessen P. , van der Valk R.J.P. , Duijts L. , Henderson A.J. , Jaddoe V.W.V. , de Jongste J.C. ,   GABRIEL consortium, Early Genetics Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) Consortium, Casula S. , Biino G. , Dizier M.‐H. , Pin I. , Matran R. , Lathrop M. , Pirastu M. , Demenais F. , Ober C.
Published: November 2014

Background

Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a biomarker for eosinophilic inflammation in the airways and for responsiveness to corticosteroids in asthmatics.

Objective

We sought to identify in adults the genetic determinants of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels and to assess whether environmental and disease‐related factors influence these associations.

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide association study of FeNO through meta‐analysis of two independent discovery samples of European ancestry: the outbred EGEA study (French Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma, N = 610 adults) and the Hutterites (N = 601 adults), a founder population living on communal farms. Replication of main findings was assessed in adults from an isolated village in Sardinia (Talana study, N = 450). We then investigated the influence of asthma, atopy and tobacco smoke exposure on these genetic associations, and whether they were also associated with FeNO values in children of the EAGLE (EArly Genetics & Lifecourse Epidemiology, N = 8858) consortium.

Results

We detected a common variant in RAB27A (rs2444043) associated with FeNO that reached the genome‐wide significant level (P = 1.6 × 10−7) in the combined discovery and replication adult data sets. This SNP belongs to member of RAS oncogene family (RAB27A) and was associated with an expression quantitative trait locus for RAB27A in lymphoblastoid cell lines from asthmatics. A second suggestive locus (rs2194437, P = 8.9 × 10−7) located nearby the sodium/calcium exchanger 1 (SLC8A1) was mainly detected in atopic subjects and influenced by inhaled corticosteroid use. These two loci were not associated with childhood FeNO values.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study identified a common variant located in RAB27A gene influencing FeNO levels specifically in adults and with a biological relevance to the regulation of FeNO levels. This study provides new insight into the biological mechanisms underlying FeNO levels in adults.
Management of urticaria: not too complicated, not too simple
Authors: Ferrer M. , Bartra J. , Giménez‐Arnau A. , Jauregui I. , Labrador‐Horrillo M. , Ortiz de Frutos J. , Silvestre J. F. , Sastre J. , Velasco M. , Valero A.
Published: November 2014

In spite of being an old disease and apparently easy to diagnose, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is still perceived as an uncontrollable and difficult to manage disease. The perception of the patient is that his/her condition is not well understood and that is suffering from a disorder with hidden causes that doctors are not able to tackle. Sometimes patients go through a number of clinicians until they found some CSU expert who is familiar with the disease. It is surprising that myths and believes with no scientific support still persist. Guidelines are not widely implemented, and recent tools to assess severity are infrequently used. European and American recent guidelines do not agree in several key points related to diagnosis and treatment, which further contributes to confusion. With the aim to clarify some aspects of the CSU picture, a group of allergists and dermatologists from the Spanish Dermatology and Allergy societies developed a Frequent Asked Questions leaflet that could facilitate physicians work in daily practice and contribute to a better knowledge of common clinical scenarios related to patients with CSU.
Association of extinction risk of saproxylic beetles with ecological degradation of forests in Europe
Authors: Seibold Sebastian , Brandl Roland , Buse Jörn , Hothorn Torsten , Schmidl Jürgen , Thorn Simon , Müller Jörg
Published: November 2014

To reduce future loss of biodiversity and to allocate conservation funds effectively, the major drivers behind large‐scale extinction processes must be identified. A promising approach is to link the red‐list status of species and specific traits that connect species of functionally important taxa or guilds to resources they rely on. Such traits can be used to detect the influence of anthropogenic ecosystem changes and conservation efforts on species, which allows for practical recommendations for conservation. We modeled the German Red List categories as an ordinal index of extinction risk of 1025 saproxylic beetles with a proportional‐odds linear mixed‐effects model for ordered categorical responses. In this model, we estimated fixed effects for intrinsic traits characterizing species biology, required resources, and distribution with phylogenetically correlated random intercepts. The model also allowed predictions of extinction risk for species with no red‐list category. Our model revealed a higher extinction risk for lowland and large species as well as for species that rely on wood of large diameter, broad‐leaved trees, or open canopy. These results mirror well the ecological degradation of European forests over the last centuries caused by modern forestry, that is the conversion of natural broad‐leaved forests to dense conifer‐dominated forests and the loss of old growth and dead wood. Therefore, conservation activities aimed at saproxylic beetles in all types of forests in Central and Western Europe should focus on lowlands, and habitat management of forest stands should aim at increasing the amount of dead wood of large diameter, dead wood of broad‐leaved trees, and dead wood in sunny areas.
Information Ordering with an Event‐Enriched Vector Space Model for Multi‐Document News Summarization
Authors: Zhang Renxian , Li Wenjie , Liu Naishi , Lu Qin
Published: November 2014

Information ordering is a nontrivial task in multi‐document summarization (MDS), which typically relies on the traditional vector space model (VSM) notorious for semantic deficiency. In this article, we propose a novel event‐enriched VSM to alleviate the problem by building event semantics into sentence representations. The mediation of event information between sentence and term, especially in the news domain, has an intuitive appeal as well as technical advantage in common sentence‐level operations such as sentence similarity computation. Inspired by the block‐style writing by humans, we base the sentence ordering algorithm on sentence clustering. To accommodate the complexity introduced by event information, we adopt a soft‐to‐hard clustering strategy on the event and sentence levels, using expectation–maximization clustering and K‐means, respectively. For the purpose of cluster‐based sentence ordering, the event‐enriched VSM enables us to design an ordering algorithm to enhance event coherence computed between sentence and sentence–context pairs. Drawing on the findings of earlier research, we also incorporate topic continuity measures and time information into the scheme. We evaluate the performance of the model and its variants automatically and manually, with experimental results showing clear advantage of the event‐based model over baseline and non‐event‐based models in information ordering for multi‐document news summarization. We are confident that the event‐enriched VSM has even greater potential in summarization and beyond, which awaits further research. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A colour printer calibration method based on gamut division algorithms
Authors: Sun Bangyong , Liu Han , Zhou Shisheng , Xing Junhong , Cao Congjun , Zheng Yuanlin
Published: November 2014

A colour printer calibration method based on gamut division algorithms is proposed in this paper, with the main task of converting colours from CIELab coordinates to CMYK space. The printer 3D gamut is firstly divided into seven subgamuts according to the K values of sample data, and then the subgamuts, which enclose the given point in CIELab space, are found. Because the K value stays the same for all sample colours of the determined subgamuts, a polynomial regression method is employed to convert the colours from CIELab space to CMY. Finally, by using black generation coefficients, the complete CMYKs are obtained according to the image characteristics. In experiments, for 256 test colours, the mean colour error of our algorithm, measured as , is 1.45, which is acceptable for most printing products. Furthermore, the errors are less than those in both Neugebauer equations and the neural network method. These positive features suggest that the precision of our method is acceptable.
Effect of silver on cellulose fibre colour
Authors: Smiechowicz Emilia , Kulpinski Piotr , Niekraszewicz Barbara , Bemska Jadwiga , Morgiel Jerzy
Published: November 2014

Silver nanoparticles were embedded into cellulose fibres using N‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide as a direct cellulose solvent that was also the system from which silver nanoparticles were generated. The process of generation of silver nanoparticles in the N‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide enables the properties of cellulose fibres to be modified without any additional reducing agent, which makes this process more environmentally friendly. By varying the reaction time of the precursor with the N‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide, a range of nanoparticle sizes was obtained. The fibres contain the same concentration of silver, but, on account of the varying morphology of the nanoparticles, they show a range of colour shades. The primary aim of this study was to show how temperature and reaction time affect the basic parameters of the obtained nanoparticles (shape, size, and distribution in the polymer matrix of fibres), which consequently influences the colour of the modified cellulose fibres. Nanoparticles were characterised by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy methods, while the fibre hues were estimated by colorimetric analysis. Trichromatic coordinates of colour x, y were delineated, and the colour was identified by positioning the x and y values in the CIE chromaticity diagram. It is noted that many parameters, especially the diameter and shape of the silver nanoparticles, influence the colour of the fibre obtained.
Synthesis of N‐[4‐(dimethylalkylammoniomethyl) benzoyl]caprolactam chlorides as cationic bleach activators for low‐temperature bleaching of cotton fabric under near‐neutral pH conditions
Authors: Wei Dong , Sun Chang , Wang Mengze , Du Jinmei , Xu Changhai
Published: November 2014

Low‐temperature bleaching of cotton fabric can be achieved by incorporating a so‐called bleach activator into an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. In this study, a series of N‐[4‐(dimethylalkylammoniomethyl)benzoyl]caprolactam chlorides were synthesised for use as cationic bleach activators with various alkyl chain lengths. All these synthesised cationic bleach activators were confirmed by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. Bleaching experiments revealed that these synthesised bleach activators were effective for bleaching of cotton fabric at 50 °C under near‐neutral pH conditions, but the alkyl chain lengths had a great influence on their bleaching performance. Increasing the alkyl chain length from 2 to 6 carbon atoms could slightly enhance bleaching performance, while increasing the alkyl chain length from 8 to 16 carbon atoms markedly reduced bleaching performance.
Is allogeneic transplantation really the best treatment for FLT3/ITD‐positive acute myeloid leukemia? A systematic review
Authors: Ma Yingying , Wu Yazhou , Shen Zhaohua , Zhang Xi , Zeng Dongfeng , Kong Peiyan
Published: November 2014

Fetal liver tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)–internal tandem duplications (ITDs) has been used as a powerful adverse prognostic indicator for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in any age group. Evidence is mixed regarding the effects of allogeneic transplantation (allo‐HSCT) in first complete remission (CR) for patients with FLT3/ITD AML. To fill this gap, this study provides a systematic review and meta‐analysis of patients with FLT3/ITD AML receiving HSCT. A search of PubMed, Embase, and OVID yielded 1706 abstracts, two researchers screening the trials based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and assessed the methodology quality independently. Meta‐analysis showed that compared with chemotherapy, both allo‐HSCT and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto‐HSCT) can reduce the relapse rate (p < 0.01) and improve both the OS (p < 0.01) and DFS (p < 0.01). But when compared allo‐HSCT with auto‐HSCT, the OS (p = 0.27) and DFS (p = 0.19) have no statistical significance, and only the relapse indicator has statistical significance, p < 0.01. Based on the results, we can conclude that allo‐HSCT is an efficient therapy approach for patients with FLT3/ITD AML. Chemotherapy cannot change the poor prognosis. Auto‐HSCT can improve OS and DFS, but it cannot reduce the relapse rate.
Reason, emotion, compassion: can altruism survive professionalisation in the humanitarian sector?
Authors: Carbonnier Gilles
Published: November 2014

The humanitarian sector has grown enormously over the past two decades. Some fear that professionalisation comes at the expense of altruistic volunteering. This may be a valid concern if altruism is the product of organisational culture and individual experiences rather than an innate trait. This paper examines advances in evolutionary biology and neurology that provide evidence in support of both the nature and nurture arguments, echoing earlier insights from social sciences. It then questions to what extent humanitarian principles build on altruistic impulses or instead seek to constrain them, and reviews recruitment profiles of selected humanitarian organisations and applicants' letters accordingly. This initial investigation warrants further research to identify how altruism as a personal trait and an organisational principle has influenced diverse humanitarian actors and traditions. This paper outlines how training curricula and organisational reward systems can build on—rather than stifle—natural altruism to nurture critical, reflexive practitioners.
NGO collaboration in community post‐disaster reconstruction: field research following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China
Authors: Lu Yi , Xu Jiuping
Published: November 2014

The number of communities affected by disasters has been rising. As a result, non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) that attend community post‐disaster reconstruction are often unable to deliver all requirements and have to develop cooperative approaches. However, this collaboration can cause problems because of the complex environments, the fight for limited resources and uncoordinated management, all of which result in poor service delivery to the communities, adding to their woes. From extensive field research and case studies conducted in the post‐Wenchuan earthquake‐stricken communities, this paper introduces an integrated collaboration framework for community post‐disaster reconstruction with the focus on three types of NGOs: international, government organised and civil. The proposed collaboration framework examines the three interrelated components of organisational structure, operational processes and reconstruction goals/implementation areas. Of great significance in better promoting collaborative participation between NGOs are the crucial concepts of participatory reconstruction, double‐layer collaborative networks, and circular review and revision.
Assessing the impact of microfinance programming on children: an evaluation from post‐tsunami Aceh
Authors: Stark Lindsay , Kassim Nafessa , Sparling Thalia , Buscher Dale , Yu Gary , Boothby Neil
Published: November 2014

This paper presents an evaluation of the long‐term impact of microfinance programmes on Acehnese children during the post‐tsunami recovery. The study, conducted from June to August 2010, examined the impact of microfinance programming six years after the tsunami. The sample consisted of 185 microfinance participants, with a comparison group of 192 individuals who did not participate in microfinance programmes. All respondents were parents, interviewed through a structured survey. The study used four child protection indicators—diet, health, childcare and education—in contrast to traditional repayment rate indicators. The primary results were insignificant with respect to all four child protection indicators, suggesting that, with respect to these indicators, there was no long‐term difference between the impact of microfinance on beneficiaries' children and non‐beneficiaries' children. These findings signify a need for microfinance actors to move beyond traditional indicators of economic success to evaluate the social changes microfinance programmes are presumed to effect.
Reconciling reintegration: the complexity of economic and social reintegration of ex‐combatants in Burundi
Authors: Willems Rens , van Leeuwen Mathijs
Published: November 2014

The extent to which disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes initiated by state or multilateral agencies can realise the reintegration of ex‐combatants remains debated. While some consider that DDR should have the ambition to result in long‐term reintegration, others argue that DDR should focus on short‐term goals. This paper explores experiences with the reintegration of ex‐combatants in Burundi. It shows the interconnectedness of economic and social reintegration processes, and demonstrates that the reintegration of ex‐combatants cannot be seen in isolation from the wider recovery and development context in which DDR is taking place. Moreover, the case demonstrates that reconciliation and social reintegration are deeply interconnected, to the extent that social reintegration may fail if reconciliation is not taken into account. Rather than a debate between long‐ and short‐term goals, the focus should therefore be on increasing the understanding of reintegration processes and finding ways in which programmes can contribute to those.
Explaining implementation behaviour of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Authors: Jensen Jessica , Youngs George
Published: November 2014

This paper explains the perceived implementation behaviour of counties in the United States with respect to the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The system represents a massive and historic policy mandate designed to restructure, standardise and thereby unify the efforts of a wide variety of emergency management entities. Specifically, this study examined variables identified in the NIMS and policy literature that might influence the behavioural intentions and actual behaviour of counties. It found that three key factors limit or promote how counties intend to implement NIMS and how they actually implement the system: policy characteristics related to NIMS, implementer views and a measure of local capacity. One additional variable—inter‐organisational characteristics—was found to influence only actual behaviour. This study's findings suggest that the purpose underlying NIMS may not be fulfilled and confirm what disaster research has long suggested: the potential for standardisation in emergency management is limited.
Life‐history variation in a species complex of nonmigratory galaxiids
Authors: Jones Peter E. , Senior Alistair , Allibone Richard M. , Closs Gerard P.
Published: November 2014

Life‐history theory predicts that the optimal strategy in the trade‐off between egg size and number varies in relation to resource availability and environmental disturbance. We assessed interspecific differences in egg size, fecundity and other life‐history traits in a species complex of stream‐resident galaxiid fish, which are distributed across a range of contrasting habitat types on the South Island, New Zealand. Oocyte size, fecundity and reproductive effort were measured from gravid females collected immediately before spawning. Proxy measures of stream productivity, flow variability and predation pressure were extracted from modelled data sets. A suite of different egg sizes were identified across species within the Galaxias vulgaris complex, with mean oocyte volume differing by up to 133% between species. The species with the smallest eggs showed mean size‐relative fecundities 246% higher than the species with the largest eggs. A significant negative relationship was found between species’ mean egg size and size‐relative fecundity, suggesting a trade‐off between these traits. Species with larger eggs had larger maternal body size, lower reproductive effort and delayed maturity compared to ‘small‐egg’ species. Consistent with the predictions of life‐history theory, species with larger eggs, lower size‐relative fecundity, lower reproductive effort and delayed maturity were associated with low productivity, stable streams, whereas species exhibiting the opposite set of traits occurred in relatively productive but disturbed systems.
Plant diversity predicts beta but not alpha diversity of soil microbes across grasslands worldwide
Authors: Prober Suzanne M. , Leff Jonathan W. , Bates Scott T. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Firn Jennifer , Harpole W. Stanley , Lind Eric M. , Seabloom Eric W. , Adler Peter B. , Bakker Jonathan D. , Cleland Elsa E. , DeCrappeo Nicole M. , DeLorenze Elizabeth , Hagenah Nicole , Hautier Yann , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Kirkman Kevin P. , Knops Johannes M.H. , La Pierre Kimberly J. , MacDougall Andrew S. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Mitchell Charles E. , Risch Anita C. , Schuetz Martin , Stevens Carly J. , Williams Ryan J. , Fierer Noah
Published: November 2014

Aboveground–belowground interactions exert critical controls on the composition and function of terrestrial ecosystems, yet the fundamental relationships between plant diversity and soil microbial diversity remain elusive. Theory predicts predominantly positive associations but tests within single sites have shown variable relationships, and associations between plant and microbial diversity across broad spatial scales remain largely unexplored. We compared the diversity of plant, bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities in one hundred and forty‐five 1 m2plots across 25 temperate grassland sites from four continents. Across sites, the plant alpha diversity patterns were poorly related to those observed for any soil microbial group. However, plant beta diversity (compositional dissimilarity between sites) was significantly correlated with the beta diversity of bacterial and fungal communities, even after controlling for environmental factors. Thus, across a global range of temperate grasslands, plant diversity can predict patterns in the composition of soil microbial communities, but not patterns in alpha diversity.
The biodiversity‐dependent ecosystem service debt
Authors: Isbell Forest , Tilman David , Polasky Stephen , Loreau Michel
Published: November 2014

Habitat destruction is driving biodiversity loss in remaining ecosystems, and ecosystem functioning and services often directly depend on biodiversity. Thus, biodiversity loss is likely creating an ecosystem service debt: a gradual loss of biodiversity‐dependent benefits that people obtain from remaining fragments of natural ecosystems. Here, we develop an approach for quantifying ecosystem service debts, and illustrate its use to estimate how one anthropogenic driver, habitat destruction, could indirectly diminish one ecosystem service, carbon storage, by creating an extinction debt. We estimate that c. 2–21 Pg C could be gradually emitted globally in remaining ecosystem fragments because of plant species loss caused by nearby habitat destruction. The wide range for this estimate reflects substantial uncertainties in how many plant species will be lost, how much species loss will impact ecosystem functioning and whether plant species loss will decrease soil carbon. Our exploratory analysis suggests that biodiversity‐dependent ecosystem service debts can be globally substantial, even when locally small, if they occur diffusely across vast areas of remaining ecosystems. There is substantial value in conserving not only the quantity (area), but also the quality (biodiversity) of natural ecosystems for the sustainable provision of ecosystem services.
The influence of vitamin D on postpartum relapse and quality of life in pregnant multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Runia T. F. , Neuteboom R. F. , de Groot C. J. M. , de Rijke Y. B. , Hintzen R. Q.
Published: November 2014

Background and purpose

In relapsing−remitting MS patients, lower serum vitamin D concentrations are associated with higher relapse risk. In a number of conditions, low vitamin D has been associated with fatigue. Pregnant women are at particular risk for vitamin D insufficiency. Our objective was to investigate whether vitamin D status is associated with postpartum relapse and quality of life during pregnancy.

Methods

Forty‐three pregnant relapsing−remitting MS patients and 21 pregnant controls were seen at regular times before, during and after pregnancy. At every clinical assessment visit, samples for 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) measurements and quality of life questionnaires were taken.

Results

Lower 25(OH)D concentrations were not associated with postpartum relapse risk. Pregnancy 25(OH)D levels of patients and controls were not significantly different. In controls, but not patients, higher 25(OH)D concentrations were correlated with better general health, social functioning and mental health, but not with vitality.

Conclusion

Low vitamin D levels are not associated with postpartum relapse. In pregnant MS patients, vitamin D levels are similar to levels in healthy women and are not associated with quality of life. Therefore, with regard to quality of life and postpartum relapse, no arguments were found for advising pregnant MS patients to take more vitamin D supplements than healthy women.
Epilepsy surgery in patients with bilateral temporal lobe seizures: A systematic review
Authors: Aghakhani Yahya , Liu Xiaorong , Jette Nathalie , Wiebe Samuel
Published: November 2014

We explored the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion, degree of seizure laterality on intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG), and seizure outcome in patients with ambiguous or presumed bilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (BiTLE) on scalp EEG. We systematically reviewed the literature using Embase and MEDLINE up to May 31, 2012. Patients with bilateral iEEG, temporal lobe surgery, and follow‐up ≥1 year were included. We undertook three separate analyses on patients whose scalp EEG showed ambiguous onset or BiTLE (1) group data of those whose iEEG demonstrated unilateral TLE, (2) group data of those whose iEEG demonstrated BiTLE, (3) individual patient analysis in those with BiTLE for whom iEEG seizure laterality data were provided. Of 1,403 patients with ambiguous or presumed BiTLE on scalp EEG, 1,027 (73%) proved to have unilateral TLE on iEEG and contributed to the first analysis. Of these, 58% had Engel class I and 9% Engel class II outcomes. Of 132 patients in the second analysis (true BiTLE), Engel class I and II outcomes were achieved in 23% and 14%, respectively. Of 41 patients in the third analysis, 66% and 2% had Engel class I and II outcomes, respectively. The median proportion of seizures ipsilateral to the resection on iEEG did not differ between BiTLE patients with Engel class I–II (76%) and Engel III–IV (78%) outcomes (p = 0.87). Patients with ambiguous or independent bitemporal seizure onset on scalp EEG achieved good surgical outcomes. Overall, a significantly higher proportion of patients achieved good outcomes when iEEG showed unilateral TLE (67%) than when it showed true BiTLE (45%). However, the degree of seizure lateralization in those with BiTLE was not associated with seizure outcome, and it has a limited role in selecting the side of surgery.
Ecological and Social Determinants of Group Cohesiveness and Within‐Group Spatial Position in Wild Assamese Macaques
Authors: Heesen Marlies , Macdonald Sally , Ostner Julia , Schülke Oliver
Published: November 2014

Individual spatial positioning plays an important role in mediating the costs and benefits of group living and, as such, shapes different aspects of animal social systems including group structure and cohesiveness. Here, we aim to quantify variation in individual spacing behaviour and its correlates in a group of wild Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) in north‐eastern Thailand, which experiences both predation pressure and within‐group feeding competition. Data on individual spatial positions were collected during group scans usingGPSdevices and results suggest that both group cohesiveness and individual spatial positions within a group can be adjusted to mediate the costs and benefits of group living. Individuals had greater nearest neighbour distances and lower numbers of close neighbours when the group was feeding, compared to when the main group activity was resting/social or moving. This is likely due to the high costs of proximity associated with feeding competition. Immature individuals and females with young infants which are more vulnerable to predation were located closer to the centre of the group than both adult males and females without infants. This indicates the importance of predation risk in driving individual spatial position. Among adults, higher ranking individuals occupied more central positions within the group while lower ranking individuals were more peripheral. It appears that low ranking individuals trade reduced feeding interference and improved feeding success for increased predation risk. This could help explain why females in the study population do not display a rank related skew in energy intake.
Impact and effects of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins derived from harmful algal blooms to marine fish
Authors: Reis Costa Pedro
Published: November 2014

Fish are frequently exposed to paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) derived from harmful algal blooms (HAB). PSTs are potent neurotoxins with strong effects on fish at multiple trophic levels. Here, we examine the historical and contemporary mass mortality events combining with the available data on response of fish to PSTs' exposure. The data show that fish are negatively affected by these natural toxins on a recurring basis. Transient effects of PSTs have also been observed in fish and although difficult to quantify, these sublethal effects can affect foraging and predation avoidance. Additionally, the spatiotemporal overlapping of fish spawning and HAB can also be critical for fish survival and fisheries recruitment. Exposure of fish in their early life stages to dissolved toxins in the water column has also been identified as a risk factor for fish survival. In the context of global climate change, where PSTs are likely to become increasingly important, new insights and a synthesis of up‐to‐date information on fish response to PSTs and the risk associated with toxic dinoflagellate blooms are presented.
Interactive effects of ocean acidification and rising sea temperatures alter predation rate and predator selectivity in reef fish communities
Authors: Ferrari Maud. C. O. , Munday Philip L. , Rummer Jodie L. , McCormick Mark I. , Corkill Katherine , Watson Sue‐Ann , Allan Bridie J. M. , Meekan Mark G. , Chivers Douglas P.
Published: November 2014

Ocean warming and acidification are serious threats to marine life. While each stressor alone has been studied in detail, their combined effects on the outcome of ecological interactions are poorly understood. We measured predation rates and predator selectivity of two closely related species of damselfish exposed to a predatory dottyback. We found temperature and CO2 interacted synergistically on overall predation rate, but antagonistically on predator selectivity. Notably, elevated CO2 or temperature alone reversed predator selectivity, but the interaction between the two stressors cancelled selectivity. Routine metabolic rates of the two prey showed strong species differences in tolerance to CO2 and not temperature, but these differences did not correlate with recorded mortality. This highlights the difficulty of linking species‐level physiological tolerance to resulting ecological outcomes. This study is the first to document both synergistic and antagonistic effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on a crucial ecological process like predator–prey dynamics.
The new geography of food security: exploring the potential of urban food strategies
Authors: Sonnino Roberta
Published: November 2014

Food insecurity is increasingly ‘bimodal’, encompassing issues of quantity and quality, under‐ and overconsumption, in developed and developing countries alike. At a time when most of the world's population lives in cities, food security has also assumed a strong urban dimension, raising new issues of physical and financial access to food. Finally, the recent emergence of a ‘New Food Equation’, marked by food price hikes, dwindling natural resources, land grabbing activities, social unrest, and the effects of climate change, is bringing onto the global food security agenda a range of often interrelated sustainability concerns. Responses to this new geography of food security are increasingly emerging at the local level, particularly in industrialised countries, where municipal governments are recasting themselves as food system innovators. Based on the documentary analysis of 15 urban food strategies from Canada, the USA and the UK, the paper addresses three main questions: What type of ‘foodscape’ do these documents envision, and why? Does the rescaling of food governance coincide with the emergence of a new localistic approach to food security? What type of priorities and concrete measures do city governments identify to deal with the new geography of food security? By highlighting the centrality of the relationships between urban and rural areas and actors as targeted intervention areas, the analysis raises the need for a tighter scholarly and policy focus on ‘connectivities’ – i.e. the role of food exchange nodes and of governance coordination in the design and implementation of more effective food security strategies.
Expression and diagnostic implications of carbonic anhydrase IX in several tumours with predominantly clear cell morphology
Authors: Lin Xu‐Yong , Zhang Heng , Tang Na , Zhang Xiu‐Peng , Zhang Wei , Wang En‐Hua , Han Yu‐Chen
Published: November 2014

Aims

High expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) has been reported in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); few studies have reported CA IX expression in other tumours with predominantly clear cell morphology. The aim of study was to examine the expression and diagnostic implications of CA IX in these latter tumours.

Methods and results

An immunohistochemical study was performed of 159 tumours with predominantly clear cell morphology. The results showed that, in addition to primary (25/25) and metastatic (10/11) ccRCC, CA IX was also expressed in breast (2/2), pulmonary (3/5) and hepatic (1/4) clear cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma with clear cell change (3/6), clear cell meningioma (4/6) and ependymoma (2/3), haemangioblastoma (10/10), and clear cell hidradenoma (5/6). However, while strong and diffuse positivity for CA IX was observed in ccRCC, clear cell breast carcinoma, haemangioblastoma, and clear cell hidradenoma, the other cases showed predominantly focal positivity for CA IX. In particular, CA IX staining was often seen at the periphery of necrotic areas.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that strong and diffuse CA IX expression may be useful for differentiating ccRCC from several clear cell tumours, with the exception of clear cell breast carcinoma, haemangioblastoma, and clear cell hidradenoma.
Clinicopathological characteristics and rituximab addition to cytotoxic therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and methotrexate‐associated large B lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Yamada Kozue , Oshiro Yumi , Okamura Seiichi , Fujisaki Tomoaki , Kondo Seiji , Nakayama Yoshifuku , Suematsu Eiichi , Tamura Kazuo , Takeshita Morishige
Published: November 2014

Aims

To analyse the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of 40 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with methotrexate (MTX)‐associated large B cell lymphoproliferative disorders (MTX–BLPD).

Methods and results

Soluble interleukin 2 receptor titres (median 1500 U/ml) in 40 patients with MTX–BLPD were lower than those of 24 RA patients with non‐MTX‐ associated (non‐MTX) BLPD (5731 U/ml) and 15 with control diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL, 5918 U/ml) (P < 0.01). Using in‐situ hybridization, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was detected in tumour cells of 25 of 40 RA patients with MTX–BLPD (63%). Immunohistologically, BCL2 expression was detected in 35% of patients with MTX–BLPD, which was lower than 93% of control DLBCL patients (P < 0.01). Eleven patients with EBV+ MTX–BLPD (44%) showed remission after MTX withdrawal. In RA patients with clinical stage III/IV BLPD, 15 with rituximab (R)+ cytotoxic therapies pursued better prognosis than 10 with R− cytotoxic therapies (P < 0.05). Among the 15 patients, seven with MTX–BLPD showed better overall survival than nine control DLBCL patients (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In RA patients with MTX–BLPD, immunosuppression by MTX, EBV infection and low BCL2 expression in tumour cells may play roles in tumorigenesis and tumour regression. R+ cytotoxic therapies as well as MTX withdrawal were highly effective in these patients.
Risk factors of striae gravidarum
Authors: Kasielska‐Trojan A. , Sobczak M. , Antoszewski B.
Published: November 2014

Synopsis

Background

Stretch marks are a common skin disorder. Pregnancy‐related lesions are defined as striae gravidarum. The root cause of striae formation remains unknown.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to identify the risk factors associated with striae gravidarum (SG) development.

Patients and methods

The study was conducted at Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic and Obstetrics Outpatient Department among 299 Caucasian women maximum 6 months after the delivery, regardless of whether they were primiparas or multiparas.

Results

Among the women participating in the study, 71.2% (213 of 299) developed striae gravidarum at least in one site. Logistic regression analysis showed that four of the analysed factors were independent predictors of striae gravidarum occurrence: family history of SG, BMI before pregnancy, the lack of chronic diseases and birthweight (P < 0.0001). It has been found that the presence of striae distensae on the breasts increases the risk of SG development (71.4% vs. 28.6%, P = 0.0008), whereas the presence of these lesions on the thighs decreases the risk (23% vs. 77%, P = 0.0076).

Conclusion

In this study, we presented a model that can help to predict the risk of SG formation, including family history of SG, BMI before pregnancy, birthweight and chronic diseases. Moreover, women with stretch marks on their breasts should know that the risk of SG development is significantly higher, whereas lesions on the thighs do not increase such a risk.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: epidemiology, classification, management, and novel trends
Authors: Kallini Joseph R. , Hamed Nouran , Khachemoune Amor
Published: November 2014

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common non‐melanoma skin cancer. It originates from epidermal keratinocytes or adnexal structures (such as eccrine glands or pilosebaceous units). We describe the salient features of cutaneousSCC. We also review novel classification schemes proposed during the last decade which attempt to stratifySCClesions based on prognosis. Biopsy leads to definitive diagnosis. Treatment includes surgical excision; Mohs micrographic surgery produces excellent cure rates and spares the maximal amount of tissue. Other modalities include electrodessication and curettage, cryosurgery, radiotherapy, topical medications, photodynamic therapy, and systemic therapy. Management and follow‐up depend on the risk stratification of individual lesions.
Self‐conscious Shyness: Growth during Toddlerhood, Strong Role of Genetics, and No Prediction from Fearful Shyness
Authors: Eggum‐Wilkens Natalie D. , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn , Aksan Nazan , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: November 2014

Fearful and self‐conscious subtypes of shyness have received little attention in the empirical literature. Study aims included the following: (1) determining whether fearful shyness predicted self‐conscious shyness, (2) describing development of self‐conscious shyness, and (3) examining genetic and environmental contributions to fearful and self‐conscious shyness. Observed self‐conscious shyness was examined at 19, 22, 25, and 28 months in same‐sex twins (MZ = 102, DZ = 111, missing zygosity = 3 pairs). Self‐conscious shyness increased across toddlerhood, but onset was earlier than predicted by theory. Fearful shyness (observed [6 and 12 months] and parents’ reports [12 and 22 months]) was not predictive of self‐conscious shyness. Independent genetic factors made strong contributions to parent‐reported (but not observed) fearful shyness (additive genetic influence = .69 and .72 at 12 and 22 months, respectively) and self‐conscious shyness (additive genetic influence = .90 for the growth model intercept). Results encourage future investigation of patterns of change and inter‐relations in shyness subtypes.