bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) establishment in the semi-arid and arid regions of Western Australia
Authors: Sawyer Benjamin
Published: March 2013

Harvesting of sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) occurs mainly from wild stands in the semi-arid and arid regions (typical annual rainfall 150–300 mm) of Western Australia. Regeneration of wild sandalwood in these regions is believed to be low since the occurrence of changes in land use associated with European settlement. This is thought to be due to factors including drought, poor seed dispersal and grazing. The objective of the study was to increase the germination and establishment of sandalwood through exploring seed response to rainfall. Additionally, the potential of soil-preparation techniques to utilise trace amounts of moisture was investigated. Two 25-ha plots were located either side of the semi-arid–arid divide. Into the plots 16 replicates of the control and 96 replicates of treatments were installed and sown with 11 200 seeds. Rainfall and other weather parameters were recorded at each site with an automated weather station. The study was replicated in 2008 and 2009. It was concluded from the study that there was a statistically significant relationship between germination and rainfall. It is proposed that the germination threshold is 264 mm per year which coincides with the long-term annual rainfall average of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship between germination and soil preparation was demonstrated. Ripping crust-forming soils before sowing and the construction of water-harvest banks had a positive effect. Information gained from these studies has led to the Western Australian State Government implementing a seeding program to increase sandalwood regeneration in the semi-arid region.
Jürgen Roth: Immunogold master
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: March 2013

Roth pioneered immunogold EM on thin sections and studies protein glycosylation.
MISP is a novel Plk1 substrate required for proper spindle orientation and mitotic progression
Authors: Zhu Mei , Settele Florian , Kotak Sachin , Sanchez-Pulido Luis , Ehret Lena , Ponting Chris P. , Gönczy Pierre , Hoffmann Ingrid
Published: March 2013

Precise positioning of the mitotic spindle determines the correct cell division axis and is crucial for organism development. Spindle positioning is mediated through a cortical machinery by capturing astral microtubules, thereby generating pushing/pulling forces at the cell cortex. However, the molecular link between these two structures remains elusive. Here we describe a previously uncharacterized protein, MISP (C19orf21), as a substrate of Plk1 that is required for correct mitotic spindle positioning. MISP is an actin-associated protein throughout the cell cycle. MISP depletion led to an impaired metaphase-to-anaphase transition, which depended on phosphorylation by Plk1. Loss of MISP induced mitotic defects including spindle misorientation accompanied by shortened astral microtubules. Furthermore, we find that MISP formed a complex with and regulated the cortical distribution of the +TIP binding protein p150glued, a subunit of the dynein–dynactin complex. We propose that Plk1 phosphorylates MISP, thus stabilizing cortical and astral microtubule attachments required for proper mitotic spindle positioning.
The C8ORF38 homologue Sicily is a cytosolic chaperone for a mitochondrial complex I subunit
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Zhihong , Jaiswal Manish , Bayat Vafa , Xiong Bo , Sandoval Hector , Charng Wu-Lin , David Gabriela , Haueter Claire , Yamamoto Shinya , Graham Brett H. , Bellen Hugo J.
Published: March 2013

Mitochondrial complex I (CI) is an essential component in energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Most CI subunits are encoded by nuclear genes, translated in the cytoplasm, and imported into mitochondria. Upon entry, they are embedded into the mitochondrial inner membrane. How these membrane-associated proteins cope with the hydrophilic cytoplasmic environment before import is unknown. In a forward genetic screen to identify genes that cause neurodegeneration, we identified sicily, the Drosophila melanogaster homologue of human C8ORF38, the loss of which causes Leigh syndrome. We show that in the cytoplasm, Sicily preprotein interacts with cytosolic Hsp90 to chaperone the CI subunit, ND42, before mitochondrial import. Loss of Sicily leads to loss of CI proteins and preproteins in both mitochondria and cytoplasm, respectively, and causes a CI deficiency and neurodegeneration. Our data indicate that cytosolic chaperones are required for the subcellular transport of ND42.
Pericentric chromatin loops function as a nonlinear spring in mitotic force balance
Authors: Stephens Andrew D. , Haggerty Rachel A. , Vasquez Paula A. , Vicci Leandra , Snider Chloe E. , Shi Fu , Quammen Cory , Mullins Christopher , Haase Julian , Taylor Russell M. , Verdaasdonk Jolien S. , Falvo Michael R. , Jin Yuan , Forest M. Gregory , Bloom Kerry
Published: March 2013

The mechanisms by which sister chromatids maintain biorientation on the metaphase spindle are critical to the fidelity of chromosome segregation. Active force interplay exists between predominantly extensional microtubule-based spindle forces and restoring forces from chromatin. These forces regulate tension at the kinetochore that silences the spindle assembly checkpoint to ensure faithful chromosome segregation. Depletion of pericentric cohesin or condensin has been shown to increase the mean and variance of spindle length, which have been attributed to a softening of the linear chromatin spring. Models of the spindle apparatus with linear chromatin springs that match spindle dynamics fail to predict the behavior of pericentromeric chromatin in wild-type and mutant spindles. We demonstrate that a nonlinear spring with a threshold extension to switch between spring states predicts asymmetric chromatin stretching observed in vivo. The addition of cross-links between adjacent springs recapitulates coordination between pericentromeres of neighboring chromosomes.
Misshapen decreases integrin levels to promote epithelial motility and planar polarity in Drosophila
Authors: Lewellyn Lindsay , Cetera Maureen , Horne-Badovinac Sally
Published: March 2013

Complex organ shapes arise from the coordinate actions of individual cells. The Drosophila egg chamber is an organ-like structure that lengthens along its anterior–posterior axis as it grows. This morphogenesis depends on an unusual form of planar polarity in the organ’s outer epithelial layer, the follicle cells. Interestingly, this epithelium also undergoes a directed migration that causes the egg chamber to rotate around its anterior–posterior axis. However, the functional relationship between planar polarity and migration in this tissue is unknown. We have previously reported that mutations in the Misshapen kinase disrupt follicle cell planar polarity. Here we show that Misshapen’s primary role in this system is to promote individual cell motility. Misshapen decreases integrin levels at the basal surface, which may facilitate detachment of each cell’s trailing edge. These data provide mechanistic insight into Misshapen’s conserved role in cell migration and suggest that follicle cell planar polarity may be an emergent property of individual cell migratory behaviors within the epithelium.
Resident Bacteria on Leaves Enhance Survival of Immigrant Cells of Salmonella enterica
Authors: Poza-Carrion Cesar , Suslow Trevor , Lindow Steven
Published: March 2013

Although Salmonella enterica apparently has comparatively low epiphytic fitness on plants, external factors that would influence its ability to survive on plants after contamination would be of significance in the epidemiology of human diseases caused by this human pathogen. Viable population sizes of S. enterica applied to plants preinoculated with Pseudomonas syringae or either of two Erwinia herbicola strains was ≥10-fold higher than that on control plants that were not precolonized by such indigenous bacteria when assessed 24 to 72 h after the imposition of desiccation stress. The protective effect of P. fluorescens, which exhibited antibiosis toward S. enterica in vitro, was only ≈50% that conferred by other bacterial strains. Although S. enterica could produce small cellular aggregates after incubation on wet leaves for several days, and the cells in such aggregates were less susceptible to death upon acute dehydration than solitary cells (as determined by propidium iodide staining), most Salmonella cells were found as isolated cells when it was applied to leaves previously colonized by other bacterial species. The proportion of solitary cells of S. enterica coincident with aggregates of cells of preexisting epiphytic species that subsequently were judged as nonviable by viability staining on dry leaves was as much as 10-fold less than those that had landed on uncolonized portions of the leaf. Thus, survival of immigrant cells of S. enterica on plants appears to be strongly context dependent, and the presence of common epiphytic bacteria on plants can protect such immigrants from at least one key stress (i.e., desiccation) encountered on leaf surfaces.
SalmonellaInteractions with Plants and Their Associated Microbiota
Authors: Brandl Maria T. , Cox Clayton E. , Teplitski Max
Published: March 2013

The increase in the incidence of gastroenteritis outbreaks linked to the consumption of foods of plant origin has ignited public concern and scientific interest in understanding interactions of human enteric pathogens with plants. Enteric disease caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella is a major public health burden, with the number of cases of illness linked to fresh produce, spices, and nuts surpassing those linked to foods of animal origin. Mounting evidence supports the hypothesis that colonization of plants is an important part of the life cycle of this human pathogen. Although plant responses to human pathogens are distinct from the more specific responses to phytopathogens, plants appear to recognize Salmonella, likely by detecting conserved microbial patterns, which subsequently activates basal defenses. Numerous Salmonella genes have been identified as playing a role in its colonization of plant surfaces and tissues, and in its various interactions with other members of the phyto-microbial community. Importantly, Salmonella utilizes diverse and overlapping strategies to interact with plants and their microflora, and to successfully colonize its vertebrate hosts. This review provides insight into the complex behavior of Salmonella on plants and the apparent remarkable adaptation of this human pathogen to a potentially secondary host.
Polls and the Vote in Britain
Authors: Wlezien Christopher , Jennings Will , Fisher Stephen , Ford Robert , Pickup Mark
Published: March 2013

Little is known about the evolution of electoral sentiment over British election cycles. How does party support converge on the eventual election outcome? Do preferences evolve in a patterned and understandable way? What role does the official election campaign period play? In this article, we begin to address these issues. We outline an empirical analysis relating poll results over the course of the election cycle and the final vote for the three main political parties. Then we examine the relationship relying on vote intention polls for the seventeen British general elections between 1950 and 2010. Predictably, polls become increasingly informative about the vote over the election cycle. More surprisingly, early polls contain substantial information about the final outcome, much more than we see in presidential and congressional elections in the US. The final outcome in Britain comes into focus over the long campaign and is to a large extent in place well before the official election campaign begins. The findings are understandable, we think, but raise other questions, which we begin to consider in a concluding section.
What to Do (and Not to Do) with the Comparative Manifestos Project Data
Authors: Gemenis Kostas
Published: March 2013

The Comparative Manifestos Project (CMP) data are the most popular source for parties' positions on the left–right and other ideological and policy dimensions. Over the past few years, several researchers have identified various methodological problems in the CMP data, but third-party users rarely acknowledge them. This article classifies the problems associated with the CMP into four areas: (1) theoretical underpinnings of the coding scheme; (2) document selection; (3) coding reliability; and (4) scaling. The article reviews each area systematically and concludes with a set of recommendations regarding the use of the CMP data.
Genetic parameters for natural antibody isotype titers in milk of Dutch Holstein‐Friesians
Authors: Wijga S. , Bovenhuis H. , Bastiaansen J. W. M. , van Arendonk J. A. M. , Ploegaert T. C. W. , Tijhaar E. , van der Poel J. J.
Published: March 2013

The objective of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters for natural antibody isotypes immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG1 and IgM titers binding the bacterial antigens lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and the model antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin in Dutch Holstein‐Friesian cows (n = 1695). Further, this study included total natural antibody titers binding the antigens mentioned above, making no isotype distinction, as well as total natural antibody titers and natural antibody isotypes IgA, IgG1 and IgM binding lipoteichoic acid. The study showed that natural antibody isotype titers are heritable, ranging from 0.06 to 0.55, and that these heritabilities were generally higher than heritabilities for total natural antibody titers. Genetic correlations, the combinations of total natural antibody titers and natural antibody isotype titers, were nearly all positive and ranged from −0.23 to 0.99. Strong genetic correlations were found between IgA and IgM. Genetic correlations were substantially weaker when they involved an IgG1 titer, indicating that IgA and IgM have a common genetic basis, but that the genetic basis for IgG1 differs from that for IgA or IgM. Results from this study indicate that natural antibody isotype titers show the potential for effective genetic selection. Further, natural antibody isotypes may provide a better characterization of different elements of the immune response or immune competence. As such, natural antibody isotypes may enable more effective decisions when breeding programs start to include innate immune parameters.
Involvement of inflammation in normal pregnancy
Authors: Palm Maria , Axelsson Ove , Wernroth Lisa , Larsson Anders , Basu Samar
Published: March 2013

To study the role of inflammation throughout normal pregnancy and postpartum, 37 women with normal pregnancies, including normal neonatal outcome, participated. Blood and urine samples were collected from each woman at least six times during pregnancy and postpartum. Plasma levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and urinary levels of a prostaglandin‐F2α (PGF2α) metabolite were measured. Median, 25th to 75th centile and average change per gestational week of IL‐6, TNF‐α and the PGF2α metabolite were measured. Levels of IL‐6 increased significantly throughout pregnancy and remained high postpartum. No change in TNF‐α could be seen. The PGF2α metabolite levels increased significantly throughout pregnancy and decreased postpartum. These results suggest that mild but significant inflammatory activity is involved in the development of normal pregnancy, which might have important physiological roles.
Evaluation of the Antinociceptive Effects of Lidocaine and Bupivacaine on the Tail Nerves of Healthy Rats
Authors: Li Zhuo , Chai Yunfei , Gong Chunyu , Du Guizhi , Liu Jin , Yang Jing
Published: March 2013

This study was designed to develop a simple and effective model of tail nerve block without general anaesthesia and surgical incision, to assist in exploring and studying new local anaesthetics. Tail nerves of adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats were blocked by injecting 1% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine, respectively. To evaluate the tail nerve block model, the effects of tail nerve blocks induced by two classical local anaesthetics were assessed and compared by recording disappearance and recovery time of thermal and mechanical nociception. The results showed that thermal and mechanical nociception of the tail disappeared after application of local anaesthetics but were unchanged by normal saline. No abnormal results were found in both the 3‐day observation period and the pathological study, and pain thresholds of all rats recovered fully. We have thus developed an easily operated, reliable and reversible model of tail nerve block for conscious rats that can be used to evaluate efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of new local anaesthetics and additives.
Medication Reviews by Clinical Pharmacists at Hospitals Lead to Improved Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Graabæk Trine , Kjeldsen Lene Juel
Published: March 2013

Suboptimal medication use may lead to morbidity, mortality and increased costs. To reduce unnecessary patient harm, medicines management including medication reviews can be provided by clinical pharmacists. Some recent studies have indicated a positive effect of this service, but the quality and outcomes vary among studies. Hence, there is a need for compiling the evidence within this area. The aim of this systematicMiniReview was to identify, assess and summarize the literature investigating the effect of pharmacist‐led medication reviews in hospitalized patients. Five databases (MEDLINE,EMBASE,CINAHL,Web ofScience and theCochraneLibrary) were searched from their inception to 2011 in addition to citation tracking and hand search. Only original research papers published inEnglish describing pharmacist‐led medication reviews in a hospital setting including minimum 100 patients or 100 interventions were included in the final assessment. A total of 836 research papers were identified, and 31 publications were included in the study: 21 descriptive studies and 10 controlled studies, of which 6 were randomized controlled trials. The pharmacist interventions were well implemented with acceptance rates from 39% to 100%. The 10 controlled studies generally show a positive effect on medication use and costs, satisfaction with the service and positive as well as insignificant effects on health service use. Several outcomes were statistically insignificant, but these were predominantly associated with low sample sizes or low acceptance rates. Therefore, future research within this area should be designed using rigorous design, large sample sizes and includes comparable outcome measures for patient health outcomes.
Ethical judgment in business: culture and differential perceptions of justice among Italians and Germans
Authors: Stedham Yvonne , Beekun Rafik I.
Published: March 2013

This study focuses on the cultural context of ethical decision making by considering the relationship between power distance and ethical judgment. Specifically, we propose that this relationship exists because of the influence of peers on ethical judgment and perceptions of justice. Considering the importance of peers in stage three of Kohlberg's model of moral development, we argue that peers are the basis for social comparisons, social cues and social identification and, hence, are critical to an individual's beliefs about justice. Using scenarios developed by Reidenbach and Robin, data were collected from German and Italian graduate business students. Germany and Italy differ substantially in power distance, but not in the three other cultural dimensions of Hofstede. Results show that the ethical assessment of the respondents from the two countries differs when justice criteria are used. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular vasculopathy in sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Connes Philippe , Verlhac Suzanne , Bernaudin Françoise
Published: March 2013

Cerebral vasculopathy is the most severe complication to affect children with sickle cell anaemia and its pathophysiology is complex. Traditionally, small‐vessel occlusion by intravascular sickling and sludging was considered to underlie the strokes but, in the last 20 years, progressive major cerebral vessel involvement has become recognized as the principal responsible factor. Macrovasculopathy is well detected by abnormally high velocities on transcranial Doppler and with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and is responsible for the majority of overt strokes. Silent infarcts are ischaemic lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients without history of stroke. They are associated with compromised cognitive functioning. The present review discusses the pathophysiologal mechanisms that could be involved in the development of cerebral vasculopathy, such as inflammation and hypoxia, anaemia, haemolysis and the resulting decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, genetic factors, impaired blood rheology and particular local haemodynamic profiles.
Anal sphincter fibrillation: is this a new finding that identifies resistant chronic anal fissures that respond to botulinum toxin?
Authors: Moon A. , Chitsabesan P. , Plusa S.
Published: March 2013

Aim

Anal fissures can be resistant to treatment and some patients may undergo several trials of medical therapy before definitive surgery. It would be useful to identify predictors of poor response to medical therapy. This study assesses the role of anorectal physiological criteria to identify patients with anal fissure predicted to fail botulinum toxin (BT) treatment.

Method

A retrospective analysis of anorectal physiological data collected for patients with resistant chronic anal fissures, referred to one consultant surgeon between 2007 and 2011, was undertaken. These were correlated with treatment plans and healing rates.

Results

Twenty‐five patients with idiopathic chronic anal fissures underwent anorectal physiology studies and were subsequently treated with BT injection. Eleven had a characteristic high‐frequency low‐amplitude ‘saw tooth’ waveform or anal sphincter fibrillation (ASF) and higher anal sphincter pressures. Nine (82%) of these patients had resolution of their anal fissure symptoms following treatment with BT. Of 14 patients with no evidence of ASF and a greater range of anal sphincter pressures, only one (7%) had resolution following BT.

Conclusion

ASF appears to be an anorectal physiological criterion that helps predict response of anal fissures to BT injection. This could help streamline fissure management.
IMPROVING MULTILABEL CLASSIFICATION BY AVOIDING IMPLICIT NEGATIVITY WITH INCOMPLETE DATA
Authors: Heath Derrall , Ventura Dan
Published: March 2013

Many real‐world problems require multilabel classification, in which each training instance is associated with a set of labels. There are many existing learning algorithms for multilabel classification; however, these algorithms assume implicit negativity, where missing labels in the training data are automatically assumed to be negative. Additionally, many of the existing algorithms do not handle incremental learning in which new labels could be encountered later in the learning process. A novel multilabel adaptation of the backpropagation algorithm is proposed that does not assume implicit negativity. In addition, this algorithm can, using a naïve Bayesian approach, infer missing labels in the training data. This algorithm can also be trained incrementally as it dynamically considers new labels. This solution is compared with existing multilabel algorithms using data sets from multiple domains, and the performance is measured with standard multilabel evaluation metrics. It is shown that our algorithm improves classification performance for all metrics by an overall average of 7.4% when at least 40% of the labels are missing from the training data and improves by 18.4% when at least 90% of the labels are missing.
A comparison of single plasma sample methods to estimate renal clearance using 99mTc‐ethylenedicysteine and 99mTc‐mercaptoacetyltriglycine
Authors: Sohaib Muhammad , Rafique Asif , Saeed Shabana , Afshan Anjum
Published: March 2013

Several single sample methods for determination of 99mTc‐mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) clearance are being used clinically. Kabasakal et al. proposed a similar formula for 99mTc‐ethylenedicysteine (EC). This study was performed to compare his method with Bubeck et al. formula for 99mTc‐MAG3 already in use. Twenty‐eight subjects divided in two groups were registered which included 22 patients with various renal diseases (group‐I) and six normal volunteers (group II). All subjects were studied twice using both the radiopharmaceuticals. The images and renogram parameters, that is TMAX and T1/2 of both the agents, were similar in all the subjects. The clearance of the 99mTc‐EC was however considerably higher than 99mTc‐MAG3 in both the groups (mean ± SEM =279 ± 14 ml min−1/1·73 m2 versus 177 ± 15 ml min−1/1·73 m2 in group‐I and 377 ± 11·90 ml min−1/1·73 m2 versus 238 ± 8·23 ml min−1/1·73 m2 in group II). This difference was more pronounced in cases with reduced renal functions. Among the Effective Renal Plasma Flow (ERPF) values determined from EC and MAG3 clearances in six normal volunteers, four cases only in MAG3 had ERPF below the lower limit. This study has demonstrated superiority of single sample method for 99 mTc‐EC clearance over its analogous method for 99mTc‐MAG3.
Among perinatal factors, only the Apgar score is associated with specific language impairment
Authors: Diepeveen F Babette , De Kroon Marlou L A , Dusseldorp Elise , Snik Ad F M
Published: March 2013

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the relation of perinatal risk factors with later development of specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

In a case–control study, 179 children attending special needs schools for SLI were matched with non‐affected children attending mainstream schools. Both groups consisted of 134 males and 45 females (age range 4–13y; mean age 9y, SD 2y 4mo). Data on duration of pregnancy, birthweight, delivery complications, birth characteristics, and Apgar scores were collected from the Preventive Child Health Care files of the Municipal Health Service.

Results

The gestational age of the children with SLI (mean 39.6wks, SD 0.1wk) and for the comparison group (mean 39.4wks, SD 0.1wk) and the birthweight of children with SLI (mean 3330.4g; SD 41.4g) and for the comparison group (mean 3388.1g; SD 39.8g) were not statistically different; neither were other pregnancy and birth characteristics, with the exception of the Apgar scores (effect of group for Apgar score after 1min p=0.045; after 5min p=0.001). The difference in Apgar scores was larger for females than for males (effect of group × sex for Apgar score after 1min p=0.049; after 5min p=0.043).

Interpretation

The relation between Apgar scores and SLI together with the influence of sex may be meaningful for predicting modelling and for understanding the causal pathway for SLI.
Prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose metabolism in younger ‘at risk’ UK adults: insights from the STAND programme of research
Authors: Wilmot E. G. , Edwardson C. L. , Biddle S. J. H. , Gorely T. , Henson J. , Khunti K. , Nimmo M. A. , Yates T. , Davies M. J.
Published: March 2013

Aims

Rising rates of obesity have led to an increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in young people. Uncertainty exists over the utility of screening younger adults for Type 2 diabetes, as existing data sets have focused on mature (> 40 years) cohorts. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism in higher risk younger adults.

Methods

Overweight (with an additional risk factor) or obese adults (18–40 years) were recruited for the Sedentary Time And Diabetes (STAND) randomized controlled trial. Measures included an oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1c, biochemical and anthropometric data.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐three individuals (68% female; median age 33.8 years; median BMI 33.9 kg/m2) were recruited. Forty‐three per cent had a first‐degree family history of Type 2 diabetes. Previously undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes was present in 4.7% (n = 9). Of participants, 18.1% (n = 35) had impaired glucose metabolism: 4.7% (n = 9) HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%); 9.3% (n = 18) HbA1c 42–46 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%); 3.1% (n = 6) Type 2 diabetes on oral glucose tolerance test; 6.2% (n = 12) isolated impaired glucose tolerance; 2.1% (n = 4) isolated impaired fasting glucose; 1% (n = 2) both impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance. Of participants, 58.5% (n = 113) had dyslipidaemia, 28.0% (n = 54) had hypertension, 31.1% (n = 60) were vitamin D deficient and 7.3% (n = 14) had abnormal liver function.

Conclusions

This study identified a high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose regulation in overweight and obese younger adults. These findings require confirmation in a larger, representative, population.
Do high fasting glucose levels suggest nocturnal hypoglycaemia? The Somogyi effect—more fiction than fact?
Authors: Choudhary P. , Davies C. , Emery C. J. , Heller S. R.
Published: March 2013

Aims

The Somogyi effect postulates that nocturnal hypoglycaemia causes fasting hyperglycaemia attributable to counter‐regulatory hormone release. Although most published evidence has failed to support this hypothesis, this concept remains firmly embedded in clinical practice and often prevents patients and professionals from optimizing overnight insulin. Previous observational data found lower fasting glucose was associated with nocturnal hypoglycaemia, but did not assess the probability of infrequent individual episodes of rebound hypoglycaemia. We analysed continuous glucose monitoring data to explore its prevalence.

Methods

We analysed data from 89 patients with Type 1 diabetes who participated in the UK Hypoglycaemia study. We compared fasting capillary glucose following nights with and without nocturnal hypoglycaemia (sensor glucose < 3.5 mmol/l).

Results

Fasting capillary blood glucose was lower after nights with hypoglycaemia than without [5.5 (3.0) vs. 14.5 (4.5) mmol/l, P < 0.0001], and was lower on nights with more severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia [5.5 (3.0) vs. 8.2 (2.3) mmol/l; P = 0.018 on nights with nadir sensor glucose of < 2.2 mmol/l vs. 3.5 mmol/l]. There were only two instances of fasting capillary blood glucose > 10 mmol/l after nocturnal hypoglycaemia, both after likely treatment of the episode. When fasting capillary blood glucose is < 5 mmol/l, there was evidence of nocturnal hypoglycaemia on 94% of nights.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that, in clinical practice, the Somogyi effect is rare. Fasting capillary blood glucose ≤ 5 mmol/l appears an important indicator of preceding silent nocturnal hypoglycaemia.
Firebrats, Thermobia domestica, aggregate in response to the microbes Enterobacter cloacae and Mycotypha microspora
Authors: Woodbury Nathan , Gries Gerhard
Published: March 2013

The firebrat, Thermobia domestica (Packard) (Thysanura: Lepismatidae), aggregates in response to the faeces of conspecifics as well as shelters previously inhabited by conspecifics. Our objective was to determine the source of the aggregation signal. Filter paper previously exposed to firebrats induced strong arrestment of firebrats. Polar solvents (water, methanol, acetonitrile) and less polar solvents (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl ether), alone or in combination, failed to extract the aggregation signal from firebrat‐exposed paper. Moreover, solvent‐extracted paper continued to induce firebrat arrestment. In contrast, the aggregation signal could be obtained by physical extraction (freeze/thawing or ultrasonication) of firebrat‐exposed paper submerged in water. Five fungal species and four bacterial species were isolated from ultrasonicant solutions on potato dextrose‐, nutrient‐, and GlcNAc‐agar. Of the nine isolated microbes tested, only the fungus Mycotypha microspora Fenner (Mucorales) and the bacterium Enterobacter cloacae (Jordan) Hormaeche & Edwards (Enterobacteriaceae) induced arrestment of firebrats in bioassays. Our data support the conclusion that firebrats do not form aggregations in response to pheromones; instead, they aggregate in the presence of specific microbes or their metabolites.
The outcome of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients who relapsed after fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab
Authors: Panovská Anna , Smolej Lukáš , Lysák Daniel , Brychtová Yvona , Šimkovič Martin , Motyčková Monika , Vodárek Pavel , Lindtnerová Michaela , Trbušek Martin , Malčíková Jitka , Pospíšilová Šárka , Mayer Jiří , Doubek Michael
Published: March 2013

Background

There are minimal data about the efficacy of subsequent therapy in patients with relapse after FCR (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab) chemoimmunotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 119 patients who relapsed after standard‐dose FCR. The patient cohort consisted of patients who relapsed after FCR administered as first‐line therapy (Group 1, n = 63) and patients relapsing after FCR administered in second/subsequent line; (Group 2, n = 56).

Results

Basic parameters (age, clinical stage, cytogenetics, molecular genetics) did not differ significantly between these subgroups. Likewise, median progression‐free survival (PFS) was not considerably different after FCR (18.6 vs. 14.7 months). Subsequent therapy for relapsed disease included FCR retreatment, R‐CHOP, alemtuzumab, or rituximab plus high‐dose dexamethasone. Overall response rates for the two groups did not significantly differ (59% vs. 44%). Although PFS after subsequent therapy was relatively short, longer PFS was observed in Group 1 (13.3 vs. 5.9 months; P = 0.01), in patients with response duration ≥24 months after previous FCR (13 vs. 6.1 months; P < 0.01), and in patients who achieved complete remission after FCR (10.8 vs. 7.9 months in partial remission; P = 0.01). Newly detected 17p deletions were observed in 5/62 patients, and new p53 mutations in 6/34 FCR‐treated patients.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that the prognosis of patients who relapse after FCR remains poor regardless of the subsequent treatment regimen.
Flow cytometric assessment of circulating platelet and erythrocytes microparticles in young thalassemia major patients: relation to pulmonary hypertension and aortic wall stiffness
Authors: Tantawy Azza A.G. , Adly Amira A.M. , Ismail Eman A.R. , Habeeb Nevin M.
Published: March 2013

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in β‐thalassemia major (β‐TM). Aggregability of abnormal red cells and membrane‐derived microparticles (MPs) stemming from activated platelets and erythrocytes are responsible for thrombotic risk. We measured platelet and erythrocyte MPs (PMPs and ErMPs) in 60 young β‐TM patients compared with 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls and assessed their relation to clinicopathological characteristics and aortic elastic properties. Patients were studied stressing on transfusion history, splenectomy, thrombotic events, chelation therapy, hematological and coagulation profiles, flow cytometric measurement of PMPs (CD41b+) and ErMPs (glycophorin A+) as well as echocardiographic assessment of aortic elastic properties. Aortic stiffness index and pulmonary artery pressure were significantly higher, whereas aortic strain and distensibility were lower in TM patients than controls (P < 0.001). Both PMPs and ErMPs were significantly elevated in TM patients compared with controls, particularly patients with risk of pulmonary hypertension, history of thrombosis, splenectomy or serum ferritin >2500 μg/L (P < 0.001). Compliant patients on chelation therapy had lower MPs levels than non‐compliant patients (P < 0.001). PMPs and ErMPs were positively correlated to markers of hemolysis, serum ferritin, D‐dimer, vWF Ag, and aortic stiffness, whereas negatively correlated to hemoglobin level and aortic distensibility (P < 0.05). We suggest that increased MPs may be implicated in vascular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension risk, and aortic wall stiffness observed in thalassemia patients. Their quantification could provide utility for early detection of cardiovascular abnormalities and monitoring the biological efficacy of chelation therapy.
Persistent reduced ecosystem respiration after insect disturbance in high elevation forests
Authors: Moore David J. P. , Trahan Nicole A. , Wilkes Phil , Quaife Tristan , Stephens Britton B. , Elder Kelly , Desai Ankur R. , Negron Jose , Monson Russell K.
Published: March 2013

Amid a worldwide increase in tree mortality, mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) have led to the death of billions of trees from Mexico to Alaska since 2000. This is predicted to have important carbon, water and energy balance feedbacks on the Earth system. Counter to current projections, we show that on a decadal scale, tree mortality causes no increase in ecosystem respiration from scales of several square metres up to an 84 km2 valley. Rather, we found comparable declines in both gross primary productivity and respiration suggesting little change in net flux, with a transitory recovery of respiration 6–7 years after mortality associated with increased incorporation of leaf litter C into soil organic matter, followed by further decline in years 8–10. The mechanism of the impact of tree mortality caused by these biotic disturbances is consistent with reduced input rather than increased output of carbon.
Patch and soil characteristics of pastures with water‐spreading banks and woody encroachment in semi‐arid Australia
Authors: Smith Rhiannon , Tighe Matthew , Reid Nick , Briggs Sue , Wilson Brian
Published: March 2013

Water‐spreading banks are used in semi‐arid areas such as the Cobar pediplain in western New South Wales, Australia to encourage pasture growth, often after removal of woody encroachment. We studied the arrangement of bare inter‐patches and vegetated patches, and associated surface soil variables, in three pastures following installation of water‐spreading banks (2, 15, 38 years ago) and in an area of woody encroachment near Cobar. The aims of the study were as follows: (i) to determine the number and percent area of inter‐patches and vegetated patches, and associated surface soil variables at the three pasture sites and at the woody encroachment site and (ii) by inference, explore effects of establishing water‐spreading banks and pasture following removal of woody encroachment on these factors, to understand the role of water‐spreading banks as a management tool. The percent area of inter‐patches in pasture with 38‐year‐old water‐spreading banks was much lower, and the percent area of medium‐vegetated patches (but not of well‐vegetated patches) was substantially higher, than in the woody encroachment. Differences in soil carbon and nitrogen between the sites were related to their percent areas of inter‐patches and vegetated patches. The results suggest that the mosaic of bare inter‐patches and vegetated patches changes over time after clearing of woody encroachment and establishment of pasture with water‐spreading banks, from many large inter‐patches to a few small inter‐patches, and from small to large medium‐vegetated patches. Water‐spreading banks are a useful management tool in these landscapes because of their benefits for landscape function, that is, bare areas become less connected, the percent area of moderately vegetated patches increases, and soil carbon builds up with time following their installation.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the role of ABCC2 variants on drug response in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Kukreti Ritushree
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Increasing evidence suggests that genetic variants from ABCC2 transporter may be associated with an altered response to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, the variability in the selective inclusion of genetic variants in different studies makes delineation of the causal variant/s difficult. Furthermore, the differences in the frequency distribution and linkage disequilibrium (LD) pattern among genetic variants in different populations add to the heterogeneity in the reported results. The aim of this study is to carry out a systematic assessment of the published studies by performing meta‐analysis of the commonly reported genetic variants from ABCC2 with drug response in patients with epilepsy (PWE).

Methods

A literature search of the electronic databases namely Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews available to the September 8, 2012 was performed. Pooled crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using both fixed‐effect and random‐effect models.

Key Findings

A total of eight reports were identified as eligible studies, which included 1,294 good responders and 1,529 poor responders. Of all the commonly reported variants that included c.‐24C>T or rs717620, c.1249G>A or rs2273697 (V417I) and c.3972C>T or rs3740066 (I1324I), we observed an overall significant association of high activity promoter variant c.‐24C>T with drug response (TT + CT vs. CC: ORdom = 1.38 (1.11–1.71), pdom = 0.004, I2 = 3%; CT vs. CC: ORco‐dom = 1.28 (1.02–1.61), pco‐dom = 0.03, I2 = 0%; T vs. C: ORall = 1.34 (1.11–1.61), pall = 0.002, I2 = 35%). However, all the associations were lost after testing for multiple corrections. Tests for publication bias did not reveal any significant influence on the observed results.

Significance

In summary, the results of our meta‐analysis indirectly suggests possible role of the ABCC2 transporter at the blood brain barrier in altered drug response in PWE. Further studies are warranted in different ethnic groups to investigate the effects of the ABCC2 haplotypic variants and perform stratified analysis on the basis of different phenotypic covariates.
Seizure control and developmental trajectories after hemispherotomy for refractory epilepsy in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Ramantani Georgia , Kadish Navah Ester , Brandt Armin , Strobl Karl , Stathi Angeliki , Wiegand Gert , Schubert‐Bast Susanne , Mayer Hans , Wagner Kathrin , Korinthenberg Rudolf , Stephani Ulrich , van Velthoven Vera , Zentner Josef , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Bast Thomas
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the seizure control and developmental outcomes after hemispherotomy for refractory epilepsy in childhood and to identify their predictive factors.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the clinical courses and outcomes of 52 children with refractory epilepsy who underwent hemispherotomy in the Epilepsy Center Freiburg between 2002 and 2011.

Key Findings

Mean age at epilepsy onset was 1.8 years (range 0–8 years) and mean age at surgery was 6.7 years (range 6 months–18 years). The underlying etiology was congenital in 22 (42%) children, acquired in 24 (46%), and progressive in 6 (12%). At final follow‐up of 1–9.8 years (mean 3.3), 43 children (83%) were seizure‐free. Seizure outcome was not correlated to etiology, with the exception of hemimegalencephaly that was linked to poor seizure control. Presurgical development was impaired in all but one child. Postsurgical development highly correlated with presurgical development. Patients with acquired or progressive etiology, later epilepsy onset, and subsequent later surgery exhibited higher presurgical developmental status that substantially determined postoperative developmental outcome. Improved postsurgical development was determined by acquired etiology and seizure freedom off antiepileptic drugs.

Significance

In our study, most of the selected children and adolescents achieved seizure freedom, including those with congenital etiology. Developmental outcomes, however, were superior in patients with acquired etiology and older age at surgery, underscoring that it is never too late to reap the benefits of this procedure in terms of both epilepsy and development.
Male‐Biased Mate Competition in King Penguin Trio Parades
Authors: Keddar Ismaël , Andris Malvina , Bonadonna Francesco , Dobson F. Stephen
Published: March 2013

Darwin devised sexual selection theory to explain sexual dimorphisms. Further developments of the theory identified the operational sex‐ratio (OSR) as one of its cornerstones, and it was commonly admitted that an OSR biased toward one sex would lead to stronger selection pressures toward that sex. Recent theoretical developments have challenged this view and showed that the OSR alone does not determine the direction of sexual selection, more particularly in mutually ornamented species exhibiting high and similar parental investment by both sexes. These developments, however, focused on mutual intersexual selection, and little is known about intrasexual selection of both males and females in species exhibiting such characteristics. The first aim of our study was to test the relative involvement of males and females in same‐sex contest over mates in the king penguin, a species exhibiting mutual ornamentation of the sexes, high parental investment by both sexes, and a male‐biased OSR. We investigated the sex composition of trio parades, which are groups of three individuals that compete for mates during pair formation. We found that these trios consist of a female trailed by two fighting males in 19 of 20 cases; the 20th trio was all male. The second aim of our study was to investigate the existence of within‐sex differences in colour ornaments between individuals involved in such trios and individuals already paired. While limited sample sizes precluded detection of statistically significant differences between trios vs. pairs, reflectance measurements suggested that the beak spot of males in trios were more strongly ultraviolet than the beak spot of males in pairs. We concluded that intrasexual selection in our colony follows the typical pattern of mate competition observed in species in which sexual dimorphisms and OSR are male biased, and discussed the ultraviolet difference within the framework of the king penguins' colour perception.
Rook, But Not Jackdaw, Post‐Conflict Third‐Party Affiliation Reduces Aggression for Aggressors
Authors: Logan Corina J. , Ostojić Ljerka , Clayton Nicola S.
Published: March 2013

Post‐conflict (PC) affiliation refers to positive social interactions that occur after fights. Although this behavior has been widely studied, its functions are rarely tested. We examine a potential function of PC third‐party affiliation (affiliation between former opponents and bystanders) in rooks and jackdaws by investigating the hypothesis that conflicts lead to further aggression and that PC third‐party affiliation increases to reduce such aggression. The results show that PC affiliation reduces PC aggression for rook aggressors who were less likely to receive aggression after conflicts when they were affiliating with another vs. when they were alone. The opposite result was found for victims of both species who received more aggression after conflicts, and this aggression was not reduced by the act of affiliating. Finally, for jackdaw aggressors, the amount of aggression received after conflicts was not influenced by whether the individual was affiliating or alone, indicating that PC third‐party affiliation may serve a function that we did not examine. These findings highlight the importance of investigating functional differences in PC affiliative behavior according to the role played in the conflict.