bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aridibacter famidurans gen. nov., sp. nov. and Aridibacter kavangonensis sp. nov., two novel members of subdivision 4 of the Acidobacteria isolated from semiarid savannah soil
Authors: Huber Katharina J. , Wüst Pia K. , Rohde Manfred , Overmann Jörg , Foesel Bärbel U.
Published: February 2014

Acidobacteria constitute an abundant fraction of the soil microbial community and are currently divided into 26 subdivisions. Most cultivated members of the

Acidobacteria

are affiliated with subdivision 1, while only a few representatives of subdivisions 3, 4, 8, 10 and 23 have been isolated and described so far. Two novel isolates of subdivision 4 of the

Acidobacteria

were isolated from subtropical savannah soils and are characterized in the present work. Cells of strains A22_HD_4HT and Ac_23_E3T were immotile rods that divided by binary fission. Colonies were pink and white, respectively. The novel strains A22_HD_4HT and Ac_23_E3T were aerobic mesophiles with a broad range of tolerance towards pH (4.0–9.5 and 3.5–10.0, respectively) and temperature (15–44 and 12–47 °C, respectively). Both showed chemo-organoheterotrophic growth on some sugars, the amino sugar N-acetylgalactosamine, a few amino acids, organic acids and various complex protein substrates. Major fatty acids of A22_HD_4HT and Ac_23_E3T were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 1 (C13 : 0 3-OH/iso-C15 : 1 H), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) and anteiso-C17 : 0. The major quinone was MK-8; in addition, MK-7 occurred in small amounts. The DNA G+C contents of A22_HD_4HT and Ac_23_E3T were 53.2 and 52.6 mol%, respectively. The closest described relative was

Blastocatella fastidiosa

A2-16T, with 16S rRNA gene sequence identity of 93.2 and 93.3 %, respectively. Strains A22_HD_4HT and Ac_23_E3T displayed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.4 % to each other. On the basis of the low DNA–DNA hybridization value, the two isolates represent different species. Based on morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics, the new genus Aridibacter gen. nov. is proposed, with two novel species, the type species Aridibacter famidurans sp. nov. (type strain A22_HD_4HT = DSM 26555T = LMG 27985T) and a second species, Aridibacter kavangonensis sp. nov. (type strain Ac_23_E3T = DSM 26558T = LMG 27597T).
Down-Regulation of Plasma Intrinsic Protein1 Aquaporin in Poplar Trees Is Detrimental to Recovery from Embolism
Authors: Secchi Francesca , Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Published: February 2014

During their lifecycles, trees encounter multiple events of water stress that often result in embolism formation and temporal decreases in xylem transport capacity. The restoration of xylem transport capacity requires changes in cell metabolic activity and gene expression. Specifically, in poplar (Populus spp.), the formation of xylem embolisms leads to a clear up-regulation of plasma membrane protein1 (PIP1) aquaporin genes. To determine their role in poplar response to water stress, transgenic Populus tremula × Populus alba plants characterized by the strong down-regulation of multiple isoforms belonging to the PIP1 subfamily were used. Transgenic lines showed that they are more vulnerable to embolism, with 50% percent loss of conductance occurring 0.3 MPa earlier than in wild-type plants, and that they also have a reduced capacity to restore xylem conductance during recovery. Transgenic plants also show symptoms of a reduced capacity to control percent loss of conductance through stomatal conductance in response to drought, because they have a much narrower vulnerability safety margin. Finally, a delay in stomatal conductance recovery during the period of stress relief was observed. The presented results suggest that PIP1 genes are involved in the maintenance of xylem transport system capacity, in the promotion of recovery from stress, and in contribution to a plant’s control of stomatal conductance under water stress.
Monosuccinate ester of melampomagnolide B
Authors: Janganati Venumadhav , Penthala Narsimha Reddy , Madadi Nikhil Reddy , Parkin Sean , Crooks Peter A.
Published: February 2014

The title monosuccinate derivative of melampomagnolide B [systematic name: 4-(((1aR,7aS,10aS,10bS,E)-1a-methyl-8-methylene-9-oxo-1a,2,3,6,7,7a,8,9,10a,10b-decahydrooxireno[2′,3′:9,10]cyclodeca[1,2-b]furan-5-yl)methoxy)-4-oxobutanoic acid], C19H24O7, was obtained from the reaction of melampomagnolide B with succinic anhydride under nucleophilic addition reaction conditions. The molecule is built up from fused ten-, five- (lactone) and three-membered (epoxide) rings. The internal double bond in the ten-membered ring has thecisgeometry (i.e.it is theEisomer). The lactone ring has an envelope-type conformation, with the (chiral) C atom opposite the lactone O atoms as the flap atom. In the crystal, O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains parallel to theb-axis direction.
Methyl 3′-(2,5-dimethylbenzyl)-1′-methyl-2-oxo-4′-phenylspiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidine]-3′-carboxylate chloroform monosolvate
Authors: Karthikeyan S. , Narayanan P. , Sethusankar K. , Devaraj Anthonisamy , Bakthadoss Manickam
Published: February 2014

In the title solvate, C29H30N2O3·CHCl3, the dihedral angle between the indole ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.050 Å) and the 4-methylpyrrolidine ring is 88.88 (8)°. The latter ring adopts an envelope conformation with the N atom as the flap. Its mean plane makes dihedral angles of 86.94 (11) and 42.08 (9)° with the phenyl and dimethylbenzene rings, respectively. The molecular conformation is stabilized by intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which generateS(6) andS(9) ring motifs. The chloroform solvent molecule is linked to the organic molecule by a C—H...O hydrogen bond involving the carbonyl O atom of the carboxylate group. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviabifurcated N—H...(N,O) and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [001].
1-[3-(Morpholin-4-yl)propyl]-4-(3-nitrophenyl)spiro[azetidine-3,9′-xanthen]-2-one
Authors: Çelik Ísmail , Akkurt Mehmet , Jarrahpour Aliasghar , Heiran Roghayeh , Özdemir Namık
Published: February 2014

The β-lactam (azetidin-2-one) ring of the title compound, C28H27N3O5, is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.010 (1) Å] and makes dihedral angles of 75.77 (5), 52.78 (9) and 88.72 (5)°, respectively, with the benzene ring, the least-squares plane formed by the four C atoms of the morpholine ring, which adopts a chair conformation, and the xanthene ring system. In the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen-bond contacts connect neighbouring molecules into infinite zigzag chains running parallel to thebaxis.
Dimethyl 2-nitrobiphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate
Authors: Vieira Vanessa C. M. , Golen James A. , Rheingold Arnold L. , Manke David R.
Published: February 2014

The title compound, C16H13NO6, exhibits a biphenyl unit with a dihedral angle between the two aryl rings of 56.01 (5)°. The two ester groups vary slightly from planarity, with aryl–ester dihedral angles of 4.57 (5) and 16.73 (5)°. The nitro group is turned from the aromatic unit with an aryl–nitro dihedral angle of 48.66 (4)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected by weak C—H...O interactions, forming a three-dimensional network.
Poly[(μ3-3,5-dinitrobenzoato-κ3O1:O1′:O3)(μ2-hydroxido-κ2O:O)copper(II)]
Authors: Sinha B. , Dey G. C. , Sarkar B. , Roy A. , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: February 2014

The title complex, [Cu{μ3-O2CC6H3(NO2)2-3,5}(μ-OH)]n, features zigzag chains in which successive pairs of CuIIatoms are connected by OH bridges and bidentate carboxylate ligands, leading to six-membered Cu(O)(OCO)Cu rings. The zigzag chains are connected into a three-dimensional architecture by Cu—O(nitro) bonds. The coordination geometry of the CuIIatom is square-pyramidal, with the axial position occupied by the nitro O atom, which forms the longer Cu—O bond. Bifurcated hydroxy–nitro O—H...O hydrogen bonds contribute to the stability of the crystal structure.
Fidelity and repeatability of wave fields reconstructed from multicomponent streamer data
Authors: Eggenberger Kurt , Christie Philip , Vassallo Massimiliano , Özbek Ali , Muyzert Everhard , van Manen Dirk‐Jan , Kragh Ed
Published: February 2014

Wave field reconstruction – the estimation of a three‐dimensional (3D) wave field representing upgoing, downgoing or the combined total pressure at an arbitrary point within a marine streamer array – is enabled by simultaneous measurements of the crossline and vertical components of particle acceleration in addition to pressure in a multicomponent marine streamer. We examine a repeated sail line of North Sea data acquired by a prototype multicomponent towed‐streamer array for both wave field reconstruction fidelity (or accuracy) and reconstruction repeatability. Data from six cables, finely sampled in‐line but spaced at 75 m crossline, are reconstructed and placed on a rectangular data grid uniformly spaced at 6.25 m in‐line and crossline. Benchmarks are generated using recorded pressure data and compared with wave fields reconstructed from pressure alone, and from combinations of pressure, crossline acceleration and vertical acceleration. We find that reconstruction using pressure and both crossline and vertical acceleration has excellent fidelity, recapturing highly aliased diffractions that are lost by interpolation of pressure‐only data. We model wave field reconstruction error as a linear function of distance from the nearest physical sensor and find, for this data set with some mismatched shot positions, that the reconstructed wave field error sensitivity to sensor mispositioning is one‐third that of the recorded wave field sensitivity. Multicomponent reconstruction is also more repeatable, outperforming single‐component reconstruction in which wave field mismatch correlates with geometry mismatch. We find that adequate repeatability may mask poor reconstruction fidelity and that aliased reconstructions will repeat if the survey geometry repeats. Although the multicomponent 3D data have only 500 m in‐line aperture, limiting the attenuation of non‐repeating multiples, the level of repeatability achieved is extremely encouraging compared to full‐aperture, pressure‐only, time‐lapse data sets at an equivalent stage of processing.
Adaptation of Bacillus subtilis carbon core metabolism to simultaneous nutrient limitation and osmotic challenge: a multi‐omics perspective
Authors: Kohlstedt Michael , Sappa Praveen K. , Meyer Hanna , Maaß Sandra , Zaprasis Adrienne , Hoffmann Tamara , Becker Judith , Steil Leif , Hecker Michael , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Lalk Michael , Mäder Ulrike , Stülke Jörg , Bremer Erhard , Völker Uwe , Wittmann Christoph
Published: February 2014

The Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis encounters nutrient limitations and osmotic stress in its natural soil ecosystem. To ensure survival and sustain growth, highly integrated adaptive responses are required. Here, we investigated the system‐wide response of B. subtilis to different, simultaneously imposed stresses. To address the anticipated complexity of the cellular response networks, we combined chemostat experiments under conditions of carbon limitation, salt stress and osmoprotection with multi‐omics analyses of the transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and fluxome. Surprisingly, the flux through central carbon and energy metabolism is very robust under all conditions studied. The key to achieve this robustness is the adjustment of the biocatalytic machinery to compensate for solvent‐induced impairment of enzymatic activities during osmotic stress. Specifically, increased production of several enzymes of central carbon metabolism compensates for their reduced activity in the presence of high salt. A major response of the cell during osmotic stress is the production of the compatible solute proline. This is achieved through the concerted adjustment of multiple reactions around the 2‐oxoglutarate node, which drives metabolism towards the proline precursor glutamate. The fine‐tuning of the transcriptional and metabolic networks involves functional modules that overarch the individual pathways.
Parallel tagged amplicon sequencing of transcriptome‐based genetic markers for Triturus newts with the Ion Torrent next‐generation sequencing platform
Authors: Wielstra B. , Duijm E. , Lagler P. , Lammers Y. , Meilink W. R. M. , Ziermann J. M. , Arntzen J. W.
Published: February 2014

Next‐generation sequencing is a fast and cost‐effective way to obtain sequence data for nonmodel organisms for many markers and for many individuals. We describe a protocol through which we obtain orthologous markers for the crested newts (Amphibia: Salamandridae: Triturus), suitable for analysis of interspecific hybridization. We use transcriptome data of a single Triturus species and design 96 primer pairs that amplify c. 180 bp fragments positioned in 3‐prime untranslated regions. Next, these markers are tested with uniplex PCR for a set of species spanning the taxonomical width of the genus Triturus. The 52 markers that consistently show a single band of expected length at gel electrophoreses for all tested crested newt species are then amplified in five multiplex PCRs (with a plexity of ten or eleven) for 132 individual newts: a set of 84 representing the seven (candidate) species and a set of 48 from a presumed hybrid population. After pooling multiplexes per individual, unique tags are ligated to link amplicons to individuals. Subsequently, individuals are pooled equimolar and sequenced on the Ion Torrent next‐generation sequencing platform. A bioinformatics pipeline identifies the alleles and recodes these to a genotypic format. Next, we test the utility of our markers. baps allocates the 84 crested newt individuals representing (candidate) species to their expected (candidate) species, confirming the markers are suitable for species delineation. newhybrids, a hybrid index and hiest confirm the 48 individuals from the presumed hybrid population to be genetically admixed, illustrating the potential of the markers to identify interspecific hybridization. We expect the set of markers we designed to provide a high resolving power for analysis of hybridization in Triturus.
The effects of read length, quality and quantity on microsatellite discovery and primer development: from Illumina to PacBio
Authors: Wei Na , Bemmels Jordan B. , Dick Christopher W.
Published: February 2014

The advent of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has transformed the way microsatellites are isolated for ecological and evolutionary investigations. Recent attempts to employ NGS for microsatellite discovery have used the 454, Illumina, and Ion Torrent platforms, but other methods including single‐molecule real‐time DNA sequencing (Pacific Biosciences or PacBio) remain viable alternatives. We outline a workflow from sequence quality control to microsatellite marker validation in three plant species using PacBio circular consensus sequencing (CCS). We then evaluate the performance of PacBio CCS in comparison with other NGS platforms for microsatellite isolation, through simulations that focus on variations in read length, read quantity and sequencing error rate. Although quality control of CCS reads reduced microsatellite yield by around 50%, hundreds of microsatellite loci that are expected to have improved conversion efficiency to functional markers were retrieved for each species. The simulations quantitatively validate the advantages of long reads and emphasize the detrimental effects of sequencing errors on NGS‐enabled microsatellite development. In view of the continuing improvement in read length on NGS platforms, sequence quality and the corresponding strategies of quality control will become the primary factors to consider for effective microsatellite isolation. Among current options, PacBio CCS may be optimal for rapid, small‐scale microsatellite development due to its flexibility in scaling sequencing effort, while platforms such as Illumina MiSeq will provide cost‐efficient solutions for multispecies microsatellite projects.
Decreased maspin combined with elevated vascular endothelial growth factor C is associated with poor prognosis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Xing , Wang Yang , Li Shaolei , Dong Bin , Zheng Qingfeng , Yan Shi , Ma Yuanyuan , Zhang Jianzhi , Fang Jian , Wu Nan , Wu Huijuan , Yang Yue
Published: February 2014

Background

This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the combination of maspin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C expression in the prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed to assay the expression of maspin and VEGF‐C in primary tumor tissues, metastatic, and non‐metastatic lymph nodes in 98 NSCLC patients. Survival analysis was determined by Kaplan‐Meier curves.

Results

The positive expression rate of maspin was 26.5% (26/98) in NSCLC primary tumor tissues, significantly associated with histological type (P = 0.005) and the absence of nodal metastasis (P < 0.001). The expression of maspin in primary tumor tissues was stronger than metastatic lymph nodes of the N1 group (P = 0.048), while the metastatic lymph nodes of the N1 group had a stronger maspin expression than the N2 group (P = 0.008). In survival analysis, a positive expression of maspin of the N1 lymph node was also found to be an independent positive prognostic factor in overall survival (P = 0.003). We also found that decreased maspin combined with elevated VEGF‐C is associated with a poor prognosis for disease‐free survival (P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that positive expression of maspin might significantly inhibit nodal metastasis in NSCLC. Decreased maspin combined with elevated VEGF‐C might be associated with a poor prognosis in NSCLC.
Long‐term inhibition of ethanol intake by the administration of an aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2)‐coding lentiviral vector into the ventral tegmental area of rats
Authors: Karahanian Eduardo , Rivera‐Meza Mario , Tampier Lutske , Quintanilla María Elena , Herrera‐Marschitz Mario , Israel Yedy
Published: February 2014

Previous studies suggest that acetaldehyde generated from ethanol in the brain is reinforcing. The present studies tested the feasibility of achieving a long‐term reduction of chronic and post‐deprivation binge ethanol drinking by a single administration into the brain ventral tegmental area (VTA) of a lentiviral vector that codes for aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2), which degrades acetaldehyde. The ALDH2 gene coding vector or a control lentiviral vector were microinjected into the VTA of rats bred for their alcohol preference. In the chronic alcohol administration model, naïve animals administered the control vector and subsequently offered 10% ethanol and water ingested 8–9 g ethanol/kg body weight/day. The single administration of the ALDH2‐coding vector prior to allowing ethanol availability reduced ethanol drinking by 85–90% (P < 0.001) for the 45 days tested. In the post‐deprivation binge‐drinking model, animals that had previously consumed ethanol chronically for 81 days were administered the lentiviral vector and were thereafter deprived of ethanol for three 7‐day periods, each interrupted by a single 60‐minute ethanol re‐access after the last day of each deprivation period. Upon ethanol re‐access, control vector‐treated animals consumed intoxicating ‘binge’ amounts of ethanol, reaching intakes of 2.7 g ethanol/kg body weight in 60 minutes. The administration of the ALDH2‐coding vector reduced re‐access binge drinking by 75–80% (P < 0.001). This study shows that endowing the ventral tegmental with an increased ability to degrade acetaldehyde greatly reduces chronic alcohol consumption and post‐deprivation binge drinking for prolonged periods and supports the hypothesis that brain‐generated acetaldehyde promotes alcohol drinking.
Pregnancy after definitive treatment for Graves’ disease – Does treatment choice influence outcome?
Authors: Elston Marianne S. , Tu'akoi Kelson , Meyer‐Rochow Goswin Y. , Tamatea Jade A.U. , Conaglen John V.
Published: February 2014

Background

Women requiring thyroid hormone replacement after definitive therapy (surgery or radioiodine) for Graves’ disease who later conceive require an early increase in levothyroxine dose and monitoring of thyroid hormone levels throughout pregnancy. In addition, as TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, measurement of these antibodies during pregnancy is recommended.

Aim

To review the management of pregnancies following definitive treatment for Graves’ disease in order to assess the rates of maternal hypothyroidism and TRAb measurement.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective chart review of women who had undergone definitive treatment for Graves’ disease at a tertiary hospital and subsequently had one or more pregnancies.

Results

A total of 29 women were identified, each of whom had at least one pregnancy since receiving definitive treatment for Graves’ disease: there were a total of 49 pregnancies (22 in the surgical group and 27 in the radioiodine group). Both groups had high rates of hypothyroidism documented during pregnancy (47 and 50%, respectively). The surgical group was more likely to be euthyroid around the time of conception. Less than half of the women were referred to an endocrinologist or had TRAb measured during pregnancy. Neonatal thyroid function was measured in one‐third of live births. One case of neonatal thyrotoxicosis was identified.

Conclusions

Adherence to the current American Thyroid Association guidelines is poor. Further education of both patients and clinicians is important to ensure that treatment of women during pregnancy after definitive treatment follows the currently available guidelines.
The panorama of cerebral palsy in Sweden. XI. Changing patterns in the birth‐year period 2003–2006
Authors: Himmelmann Kate , Uvebrant Paul
Published: February 2014

Aim

To describe the epidemiology of cerebral palsy (CP) in western Sweden.

Methods

A population‐based study covering 94 466 live births in the area in 2003–2006. Birth characteristics and neuroimaging findings were recorded, prevalence was calculated and aetiology was analysed.

Results

CP was found in 206 children, including postneonatal cases, corresponding to a crude prevalence of 2.18 per 1000 live births. The gestational age‐specific prevalence for <28 gestational weeks was 71.4 per 1000 live births, while it was 39.6 for 28–31 weeks, 6.4 for 32–36 weeks and 1.41 per 1000 for >36 weeks. Hemiplegia accounted for 44%, diplegia for 29% and tetraplegia for 6%, while 16% had dyskinetic CP and 5% had ataxia. Neuroimaging was available in 95% of the children. This showed maldevelopment in 13%, white matter lesions in 36%, cortical/subcortical lesions in 23% and basal ganglia lesions in 14%. The aetiology was considered to be prenatal in 36% and perinatal/neonatal in 46% and remained unclassified in 18%.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of CP in western Sweden was stable. However, the distribution of CP types changed and the term hemiplegia increased significantly. Among children with CP born extremely preterm, the percentage born before 26 weeks of gestation had increased.
Swedish and American studies show that initiatives to decrease maternal obesity could play a key role in reducing preterm birth
Authors: Gould Jeffrey B. , Mayo Jonathan , Shaw Gary M. , Stevenson David K. ,   the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University School of Medicine
Published: February 2014

Maternal obesity is a major source of preventable perinatal morbidity, but studies of the relationship between obesity and preterm birth have been inconsistent. This review looks at two major studies covering just under 3.5 million births, from California, USA, and Sweden.

Conclusion

Inconsistent findings in previous studies appear to stem from the complex relationship between obesity and preterm birth. Initiatives to decrease maternal obesity represent an important strategy in reducing preterm birth.
Comparison of open, laparoscopic, and hand‐assisted laparoscopic devascularization of the upper stomach and splenectomy for treatment of esophageal and gastric varices: A single‐center experience
Authors: Akahoshi Tomohiko , Uehara Hideo , Tomikawa Morimasa , Kawanaka Hirofumi , Hashizume Makoto , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Laparoscopic devascularization of the upper stomach and splenectomy (Dev+Sp), is technically difficult in patients with portal hypertension because of enlarged collateral vessels and spleen. This report presents the efficacy and safety of hand‐assisted laparoscopic (HALS) Dev+Sp.

Methods

Ten patients underwent HALS Dev+Sp as a treatment for esophagogastric varices between 2005 and 2012 (HALS group). A vessel‐sealing system was used for devascularization of vessels. An autosuture device was applied to dissect the splenic hilum and the left gastric and enlarged short gastric vessels. The operative and postoperative data were compared between patients who previously underwent laparoscopic Dev+Sp (LAP group, n = 9) and conventional Dev+Sp (OP group, n = 10) between 2001 and 2008.

Results

The mean operative time was 328, 336, and 245 min (P < 0.05) and the mean blood loss was 1786, 981, and 250 mL (P < 0.05) in the OP, LAP, and HALS groups, respectively. Laparoscopic surgery was converted to HALS in one patient and to open surgery in three patients. There were no conversions in the HALS group. There was no significant difference in the cumulative recurrence rate and bleeding rate in the groups.

Conclusion

HALS Dev+Sp is a feasible and effective surgery in patients with portal hypertension.
Physiological changes induced by salt intake in female Spontaneously Diabetic Torii‐Leprfa (SDT fatty) rat, a novel obese type 2 diabetic model
Authors: Katsuda Yoshiaki , Kemmochi Yusuke , Maki Mimi , Sano Ryuhei , Ishii Yukihito , Miyajima Katsuhiro , Kakimoto Kochi , Ohta Takeshi
Published: February 2014

Salt plays an important role in the control of blood pressure in obesity and diabetes mellitus. In this study, we investigated physiological changes such as blood pressure and renal function in salt‐loaded female Spontaneously Diabetic Torii‐Leprfa (SDT fatty) rats. SDT fatty rats were given 1% NaCl in drinking water for 14 weeks, from 4 to 18 weeks of age. Significant salt‐sensitive hypertension was observed in the salt‐loaded SDT fatty rats. Moreover, the salt‐loaded rats showed a decrease of creatinine clearance and deterioration on pathological renal findings, including glomerulosclerosis and tubular and interstitial lesions. Female SDT fatty rat is a useful model for investigating the mechanisms of high salt sensitivity in obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Evaluation of image registration spatial accuracy using a Bayesian hierarchical model
Authors: Liu Suyu , Yuan Ying , Castillo Richard , Guerrero Thomas , Johnson Valen E.
Published: February 2014

To evaluate the utility of automated deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms, it is necessary to evaluate both the registration accuracy of the DIR algorithm itself, as well as the registration accuracy of the human readers from whom the “gold standard” is obtained. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to evaluate the spatial accuracy of human readers and automatic DIR methods based on multiple image registration data generated by human readers and automatic DIR methods. To fully account for the locations of landmarks in all images, we treat the true locations of landmarks as latent variables and impose a hierarchical structure on the magnitude of registration errors observed across image pairs. DIR registration errors are modeled using Gaussian processes with reference prior densities on prior parameters that determine the associated covariance matrices. We develop a Gibbs sampling algorithm to efficiently fit our models to high‐dimensional data, and apply the proposed method to analyze an image dataset obtained from a 4D thoracic CT study.
Asking Women about Mental Health and Social Adversity in Pregnancy: Results of an Australian Population‐Based Survey
Authors: Yelland Jane , Brown Stephanie J.
Published: February 2014

Background

Social adversity undermines health in pregnancy. The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which pregnant women were asked about their mental health and life circumstances in pregnancy checkups.

Method

Population‐based postal survey of recent mothers in two Australian states.

Findings

Around half of the 4,366 participants reported being asked about depression (45.9%) and whether they were anxious or worried about things happening in their life (49.6%); fewer reported being asked about relationship issues (29.6%), financial problems (16.6%), or family violence (14.1%). One in five women (18%) reported significant social adversity. These women were more likely to recall being asked about their mental health and broader social health issues. Far higher levels of inquiry were reported by women in the public maternity system with midwives more likely than doctors to ask about mental health, family violence, and other social hardships.

Conclusions

Routine pregnancy visits afford a window of opportunity for identifying and supporting women experiencing mental health problems and social adversity. Changing practice to take advantage of this opportunity will require concerted and coordinated efforts by practitioners and policy makers to build systems to support public health approaches to antenatal care.
Association of type of renal surgery and access to robotic technology for kidney cancer: results from a population‐based cohort
Authors: Kardos Steven V. , Gross Cary P. , Shah Nilay D. , Schulam Peter G. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Smaldone Marc C. , Sun Maxine , Weight Christopher J. , Sammon Jesse , Han Leona C. , Kim Simon P.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between partial nephrectomy (PN) and hospital availability of robot‐assisted surgery from a population‐based cohort in the USA.

Methods

After merging the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the American Hospital Association survey from 2006 to 2008, we identified 21 179 patients who underwent either PN or radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The primary outcome assessed was the type of nephrectomy performed. Multivariable logistic regression identified the patient and hospital characteristics associated with receipt of PN.

Results

We identified 4832 (22.8%) and 16 347 (77.2%) patients who were treated for RCC with PN and RN, respectively. On multivariable analysis, patients were more likely to receive PN at academic centres (odds ratio [OR] 2.77; P < 0.001), urban centres (OR 3.66; P < 0.001) and American College of Surgeons (ACOS)‐designated cancer centres (OR: 1.10; P < 0.05) compared with non‐academic, rural and non‐ACOS‐designated cancer centre hospitals, respectively. Robot‐assisted surgery availability at a hospital was also associated with a higher adjusted odds of PN compared with centres without that availability (OR 1.28; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although academic and urban locations are established factors that affect the receipt of PN for RCC, the availability of robot‐assisted surgery at a hospital was also independently associated with higher use of PN. Our results are informative in identifying other key hospital characteristics which may facilitate greater adoption of PN.
A pooled analysis of individual patient data from registrational trials of silodosin in the treatment of non‐neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Authors: Novara Giacomo , Chapple Christopher R. , Montorsi Francesco
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silodosin in a pooled analysis based on individual patients data from three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing silodosin and placebo.

Patients and methods

A pooled analysis of 1494 patients from three 12‐week, similarly designed, parallel‐group, multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III RCTs (SI04009, SI04010, KMD3213‐IT‐CL 0215) was performed. Differences from placebo for the mean change from baseline to the end of treatment for the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and uroflowmetry data were tested using an analysis of covariance model.

Results

At study end, in the intention‐to‐treat population, silodosin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving IPSS total score (adjusted means differences [AMD] 2.7; P < 0.001). Silodosin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving storage, voiding, and quality‐of‐life‐item subscores (all P < 0.001). Similarly, silodosin was more effective than placebo in improving maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax; AMD 0.8; P = 0.002). The most frequently reported adverse event (AE) was ejaculatory dysfunction, reported in 186 (22%) patients in the silodosin group and six (0.9%) in the placebo group (odds ratio 28.14; P < 0.001). Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension rates were similar in silodosin and placebo groups.

Conclusions

Silodosin is an effective treatment for male lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The drug is able to improve total IPSS, all IPSS‐related parameters, and Qmax at uroflowmetry. Ejaculatory dysfunction is the main treatment‐related AE, whereas prevalence of cardiovascular AEs was similar to placebo.
Editorial
Authors: Summers R J
Published: February 2014

This themed issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology stems from the 7th in the series of meetings on the Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors (MPGPCR) held at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Melbourne Australia from the 6th–8th December 2012.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐5
Myeloid dendritic cells type 2 after allergen inhalation in asthmatic subjects
Authors: Dua B. , Tang W. , Watson R. , Gauvreau G. , O'Byrne P. M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen‐presenting cells that mediate the response to inhaled allergen. A major division in DC ontogeny exists between myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). A subtype of mDC expressing thrombomodulin, termed myeloid DCs type 2 (mDC2s), has been identified in both the circulation and lung and has recently been suggested to have a role in allergic asthma.

Objective

To investigate changes in circulating and sputum mDC2s after allergen inhalation in subjects with asthma.

Methods

Peripheral blood and induced sputum were obtained before and 3, 7, and 24 h after inhalation of diluent and allergen from allergic asthmatic subjects who develop both allergen‐induced early‐ and late‐phase responses. mDC2s were measured by flow cytometry. Soluble BDCA‐3 (thrombomodulin) was measured in sputum by ELISA.

Results

The number of sputum mDC2s significantly increased 24 h after allergen challenge compared with diluent. The expression of BDCA‐3 on sputum mDCs also increased, albeit non‐significantly, at 7 and 24 h after allergen. Soluble BDCA‐3 in sputum and the number of circulating mDC2s were not different between allergen and diluent.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Myeloid DCs type 2 (mDC2s) increase in the sputum of subjects with asthma after allergen challenge, suggesting this subtype of mDC is involved in the regulation of allergen responses in the lung.
Direct comparison of the dynamics of IL‐25‐ and ‘allergen’‐induced airways inflammation, remodelling and hypersensitivity in a murine asthma model
Authors: Yao X. J. , Huang K. W. , Li Y. , Zhang Q. , Wang J. J. , Wang W. , Liu J. , Lv Z. , An Y. Q. , Ding Y. Z. , Corrigan C. J. , Wang W. , Sun Y. C. , Ying S.
Published: February 2014

Background

Interleukin‐25 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma from studies on human asthmatics and in murine asthma models.

Objectives

In this study, we hypothesized that chronic exposure of the airways to IL‐25 alone is able to induce pathogenic changes observed in animal models of asthma.

Methods

We performed a detailed comparison of the dynamics of development of cellular infiltration, cytokine expression and airways remodelling and hyperresponsiveness in mice sensitized and challenged with OVA, a classical model of allergic asthma and those exposed to IL‐25 alone.

Results

Intranasal challenge of BALB/c mice with IL‐25 alone induced a delayed (compared with OVA‐challenge), predominantly eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltration into the airways lumen, along with increased production of Th2‐type cytokines, chemokines and collagen, secretion of epithelial mucus, goblet cell hyperplasia, deposition of subepithelial collagen, airways smooth muscle cell hyperplasia and angiogenesis. Correspondingly, IL‐25 as well as OVA challenge both induced airways hyperresponsiveness and increased lung tissue damping. In contrast, IL‐25 exposure did not increase IgE or IgG1 production.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The data suggest that chronic airways exposure to IL‐25 alone is sufficient to induce allergen‐ and IgE‐independent, asthma‐like airways inflammation, remodelling and hyperresponsiveness in mice. Thus, IL‐25 is a key molecular target in asthma, irrespective of the coexistence of IgE‐dependent mechanisms.
Zirconia‐Based Screw‐Retained Prostheses Supported by Implants: A Retrospective Study on Technical Complications and Failures
Authors: Worni Andreas , Kolgeci Lumni , Rentsch‐Kollar Andrea , Katsoulis Joannis , Mericske‐Stern Regina
Published: February 2014

Background

Little information is yet available on zirconia‐based prostheses supported by implants.

Purpose

To evaluate technical problems and failures of implant‐supported zirconia‐based prostheses with exclusive screw‐retention.

Material and Methods

Consecutive patients received screw‐retained zirconia‐based prostheses supported by implants and were followed over a time period of 5 years. The implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation were performed in one clinical setting, and all patients participated in the maintenance program. The treatment comprised single crowns (SCs) and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) of three to 12 units. Screw‐retention of the CAD/CAM‐fabricated SCs and FDPs was performed with direct connection at the implant level. The primary outcome was the complete failure of zirconia‐based prostheses; outcome measures were fracture of the framework or extensive chipping resulting in the need for refabrication. A life table analysis was performed, the cumulative survival rate (CSR) calculated, and a Kaplan‐Meier curve drawn.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐four implants supported 156 zirconia‐based prostheses in 95 patients (52 men, 43 women, average age 59.1 ± 11.7 years). Sixty‐five SCs and 91 FDPs were identified, comprising a total of 441 units. Fractures of the zirconia framework and extensive chipping resulted in refabrication of nine prostheses. Nearly all the prostheses (94.2%) remained in situ during the observation period. The 5‐year CSR was 90.5%, and 41 prostheses (14 SCs, 27 FDPs) comprising 113 units survived for an observation time of more than 5 years. Six SCs exhibited screw loosening, and polishing of minor chipping was required for five prostheses.

Conclusions

This study shows that zirconia‐based implant‐supported fixed prostheses exhibit satisfactory treatment outcomes and that screw‐retention directly at the implant level is feasible.
A novel framework for disentangling the scale‐dependent influences of abiotic factors on alpine treeline position
Authors: Case Bradley S. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: February 2014

Low‐temperature growth limitation largely determines alpine treeline position globally, but treeline elevation also varies locally at a range of scales in response to multiple biotic and abiotic factors. In this study, we conceptualise how variability in treeline elevation is related to abiotic factors that act as thermal modifiers, physiological stressors, or disturbance agents. We then present a novel analytical framework for quantifying how abiotic factors influence treeline elevation at different spatial scales using New Zealand Nothofagus treelines as a case study. We delineated Nothofagus treelines in a GIS, along which we extracted data for treeline elevation and eight abiotic explanatory variables at 54 000 points. Each location was classified at each of five spatial scales based on nested river catchments, ranging from large regional to small hillslope catchments. We used hierarchical linear models to partition the variation in both treeline elevation and the eight abiotic variables by spatial scale, and then quantified the relationships between these at each spatial scale in turn. Nothofagus treeline elevation varied from 800–1740 m a.s.l. across New Zealand. Abiotic factors explained 82% of the variation in treeline elevation at the largest (regional) scale and 44–52% of variation at the four finer scales. Broad‐scale variation in Nothofagus treeline elevation was strongly associated with thermal modifiers, consistent with the idea that treelines coincide with a temperature‐driven, physiological limit. However, much of the finer‐scale variation in treeline elevation was explained by a combination of thermal, physiological stress‐related, and disturbance variables operating at different spatial scales. The conceptual model and analytical methods developed here provide a general framework for understanding treeline variation at different spatial scales.
Functional and phylogenetic diversity and assemblage structure of frugivorous birds along an elevational gradient in the tropical Andes
Authors: Dehling D. Matthias , Fritz Susanne A. , Töpfer Till , Päckert Martin , Estler Patrizia , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Schleuning Matthias
Published: February 2014

Tropical mountains are hotspots of biodiversity, but the factors that generate this high diversity remain poorly understood. To identify possible mechanisms that influence avian species assemblages in the tropical Andes, we studied the functional and phylogenetic diversity and the structure of species assemblages of an avian feeding guild. We analysed how functional and phylogenetic diversity, structure and composition of frugivorous bird assemblages changed along a 3300 m elevational transect from the lowlands to the tree line with a novel combination of functional and phylogenetic approaches, and used null models to infer possible drivers of the observed patterns. Species richness, functional richness and phylogenetic diversity decreased almost monotonically with increasing elevation, but assemblage structure and composition changed abruptly in the Andean foothills at around 1200 m. In the lowland assemblages, species were functionally and phylogenetically less similar than expected from null models, whereas species in the highland assemblages were functionally and phylogenetically more similar than expected by chance, suggesting an abrupt reduction in the number of functionally and phylogenetically distinct species in the transition from lowlands to the highlands. Nevertheless, the functional and phylogenetic evenness of the assemblages, i.e. the regularity of the spacing of species in functional trait space and phylogeny, remained constant along the gradient, which suggests that the mechanisms that influence the co‐occurrence of species within the assemblages are similar in lowlands and highlands. The observed differences between lowland and highland assemblages imply sharp distributional limits for frugivorous bird species in the Andean foothills, probably caused by environmental factors other than climate, e.g. changes in habitat types or topography, or independent species radiations in lowlands and highlands. These strong distributional limits may hinder uphill range shifts of frugivorous bird species, and the plant species they disperse, in the tropical Andes as a response to climate change.
Analysis of pulp prognosis in 603 permanent teeth with uncomplicated crown fracture with or without luxation
Authors: Wang Chao , Qin Man , Guan Yue
Published: February 2014

Aim

To analyze the pulp prognosis of uncomplicated crown‐fractured teeth with or without concurrent luxation injury in adolescent.

Material and methods

Complete dental records of traumatized permanent teeth were obtained, including the patient's name, gender and age, position of the traumatized tooth, its stage of root development, time elapsed between dental injury and treatment, diagnosis, clinical procedures, and follow‐up period. Pulp prognosis was evaluated over a period of at least 6 months using Andreasen's classification. Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox regression were used to examine the risk factors inherent to the prognosis of pulp healing, withP < 0.05 accepted as statistically significant.

Results

The study involved 603 teeth with uncomplicated crown fractures followed up for 6 months or longer, of which 104 suffered luxation at the same time. The frequency of pulp necrosis in teeth with complete root development was higher than those with incomplete root development. For uncomplicated crown fracture with luxation, crown‐fractured teeth with intrusion had a higher incidence of pulp necrosis than other types of concurrent luxation (OR: 33.613). The incidence of pulp necrosis within 3 months was significantly higher than in other time periods (P = 0.021), and the median survival time was 53 days (95% confidence interval: 34–67 days).

Conclusions

Existence of concurrent luxation injury and complete root development are important risk factors of pulp necrosis in teeth with uncomplicated crown fractures in adolescent.
Review of international early psychosis programmes and a model to overcome unique challenges to the treatment of early psychosis in the United States
Authors: De Maio Mara , Graham Patricia , Vaughan David , Haber Lawrence , Madonick Steven
Published: February 2014

Aim

This article presents a literature review of treatments for first‐episode psychosis throughout the world and describes the POTENTIAL (Patient‐Oriented Treatment for Early or New onset schizophrenia To Initiate A Long‐term recovery) Early Psychosis Programme in detail, explaining the model and the rationale, as well as the uniqueness of the programme.

Methods

An international search was conducted for English articles using PubMed, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, as well as the reference lists of published studies and reviews. One article that is currently in press was included, which was not part of the original literature search. Inclusion criteria included any published or in press study focused upon treatment programmes for early psychosis. Out of the 62 articles collected, 27 publications met this criterion and were utilized. In addition to identifying clinical programmes, gaps in treatment for this population were identified.

Results

The primary method in the United States for the treatment of early psychosis is randomized trial for new pharmacological treatments where patients are research subjects. Although there are a multitude of both research and clinical programmes internationally, the few programmes that exist in the United States that focus upon first‐episode psychosis are either research based or focus upon prodromal symptoms. Clinical programmes such as the POTENTIAL programme are nearly non‐existent.

Conclusions

Although the POTENTIAL programme has been successful both clinically and financially, there are still more strides to be taken to improve upon young adult services. Future development of the programme is continuing with the incorporation of outcome data and outreach into the community.