bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orlistat‐induced fulminant hepatic failure
Authors: Sall D. , Wang J. , Rashkin M. , Welch M. , Droege C. , Schauer D.
Published: September 2014

Orlistat was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998 and has been shown to be superior to placebo in achieving weight loss. It is generally well tolerated. However, severe liver injury has been reported. We present a case of hepatic failure in a patient taking orlistat. A 54‐year‐old African‐American woman with hypertension presented with hepatic failure. She had noticed increasing fatigue, jaundice and confusion. She used alcohol sparingly and denied tobacco or illicit drug use, but had been taking over‐the‐counter orlistat for the past two months. Physical examination revealed scleral icterus, jaundice, asterixis and slow speech. Laboratory testing showed markedly abnormal liver function tests with coagulopathy. Acute viral and autoimmune serologies were negative, as was toxicology screen. Liver biopsy showed necrotic hepatic parenchyma likely secondary to drug toxicity. Based upon her clinical presentation and time course, the pattern of liver injury seen on liver biopsy and lack of an alternative plausible explanation, her liver failure was most likely associated with orlistat use. She continued to deteriorate and ultimately underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. Fourteen cases of severe liver injury associated with orlistat use have been reported, four of which are detailed in the literature. This is the second published case of liver failure associated with over‐the‐counter orlistat usage. Clinicians should be aware of the growing number of cases associating liver injury and orlistat use and carefully monitor their patients on this medication for signs of hepatic dysfunction.
Hauterkrankungen bei Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gkogkolou Paraskevi , Böhm Markus
Published: September 2014

Diabetes mellitus ist eine der häufigsten Erkrankungen der westlichen Industrienationen mit weltweit circa 300 Millionen Betroffenen. Die diabetische Stoffwechsellage führt zu Veränderungen praktisch aller Zelltypen und Organe des Körpers. Komplikationen an der Haut zählen hierbei zu den häufigsten Veränderungen. Da Hauterscheinungen einem Diabetes mellitus vorangehen können, besitzen sie eine diagnostische Relevanz. Andere Hautveränderungen und ‐erkrankungen entwickeln sich erst im Laufe eines Diabetes mellitus, sind mitunter mit Komplikationen innerer Organe assoziiert oder treten als unerwünschte Wirkung einer antidiabetischen Therapie auf. Besonders das Auftreten eines diabetischen Fußsyndroms geht mit einer signifikant erhöhten Morbidität und Mortalität von Diabetes‐Patienten einher und führt zu einem bedeutsamen Anstieg direkter und indirekter Kosten im Gesundheitssystem. In diesem Übersichtsartikel werden die häufigsten Hauterkrankungen bei Diabetes mellitus sowie deren Pathophysiologie und aktuelle Therapie dargestellt.
Die Bedeutung von humanen 6‐sulfo LacNAc dendritischen Zellen (slanDCs) bei Autoimmunität und Tumorerkrankungen
Authors: Döbel Thomas , Schäkel Knut
Published: September 2014

Dendritische Zellen spielen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Regulation immunologischer Reaktivität. Die Existenz funktionell spezialisierter Populationen dendritischer Zellen der Haut ist eine Konsequenz der unterschiedlichen Qualität von Angriffen auf unseren Organismus. Als slanDCs werden inflammatorische dendritische Zellen des Menschen bezeichnet, die sich durch die spezifische Expression des Zuckers 6‐sulfo LacNAc (slan) auszeichnen. Nach phänotypischer Maturation besitzen slanDCs die Fähigkeit zur Produktion großer Mengen proinflammatorischer Mediatoren wie IL‐12, TNF‐α, IL‐1β und IL‐23. Aktuelle Daten beschreiben eine mögliche Bedeutung dieser proinflammatorischen Zellen bei so unterschiedlichen Erkrankungen wie der Psoriasis, dem Lupus erythematodes aber auch Tumorerkrankungen und eröffnen dadurch neue Felder der Pathogeneseforschung. Zudem wurde als Basis einer gezielten therapeutischen Manipulation ein slanDC‐spezifisches Targeting‐System entwickelt. Zukünftige Herausforderungen liegen in der Erarbeitung eines besseren Verständnisses der spezifischen Bedeutung von slanDCs für die Regulation der unspezifischen und spezifischen Immunantwort sowie einer Translation dieses Wissens in therapeutische Optionen.
Allergie gegen Meeresfrüchte bei Köchen: Fallserie und Literaturübersicht
Authors: Dickel Heinrich , Bruckner Thomas , Altmeyer Peter , Künzlberger Beate
Published: September 2014

Hintergrund

Meeresfrüchte sind sehr potente Allergene. Epidemiologische Studien über Meeresfruchtallergien bei Köchen, der herausragend exponierten Berufsgruppe, existieren bislang nicht. Ziel der Arbeit war es anhand einer ersten größeren Fallserie die hohe Relevanz und Konsequenzen einer Meeresfrüchteallergie bei Köchen aufzuzeigen.

Patienten und Methodik

Retrospektive Auswertung aller zugesandten Feststellungsverfahrensakten zur Frage des Vorliegens einer Berufskrankheit nach Nr. 5101 der Anlage zur Berufskrankheitenverordnung.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen Januar 2008 und April 2014 wurden 30 Köche (Männeranteil 70 %) mit einer berufsbedingten Meeresfrüchteallergie begutachtet. Es handelte sich mehrheitlich um recht junge Versicherte (Altersmedian 24,7 J.) mit einer frühen Manifestation der Meeresfrüchteallergie (im Median nach 1,7 Berufsjahren), fast ausnahmslos beginnend an den Händen (96,7 %). Am häufigsten waren Soforttypsensibilisierungen gegenüber Kabeljau, Lachs, Forelle und Hering aktendokumentiert. In fünf Fällen (16,7 %) war eine notärztliche Therapie aufgrund eines anaphylaktischen Schocks am Arbeitsplatz notwendig geworden. Die Berufsaufgabe war in 27 Fällen (90 %) geboten und erfolgte im Median nach 6,3 Berufsjahren.

Schlussfolgerungen

Meeresfruchtallergien bei Köchen zeichnen sich durch einen rasch progredienten Verlauf bereits nach wenigen Berufsjahren aus. Die Hinlänglichkeit von Arbeits‐, Hautschutz‐ und Therapiemaßnahmen bleibt stets kritisch zu hinterfragen. Rechtzeitig ist daher der Aufgabezwang der gefährdenden Kochtätigkeit zu prüfen. Die Versorgung mit einem einen Epinephrin‐Autoinjektor beinhaltenden Notfallset zu Lasten des Unfallversicherungsträgers ist unabdingbar.
Pulmonary Pulse Transit Time: A Novel Echocardiographic Indicator of Hemodynamic and Vascular Alterations in Pulmonary Hypertension and Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Wibmer Thomas , Rüdiger Stefan , Scharnbeck Dominik , Radermacher Michael , Markovic Sinisa , Stoiber Kathrin M. , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Schumann Christian
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Pulse transit time (PTT) is generally assumed to be a surrogate marker for blood pressure changes and arterial stiffness. The aim was to evaluate whether pulmonary PTT (pPTT) may be noninvasively measured by Doppler echocardiography and whether it might be valuable for detecting pulmonary hemodynamic and vascular alterations.

Methods

We defined pPTT as the interval between R‐wave in the ECG and the corresponding peak late systolic pulmonary vein flow velocity measured by pw‐Doppler in the pulmonary vein. Twelve consecutive patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and 12 subjects without any cardiovascular or respiratory disease were included in the study. All patients underwent a standard echocardiography including pPTT measurement.

Results

In the PH group, 5 patients had idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO 1), 1 patient PH associated with connective tissue disease (CTD, WHO 1) without pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and 6 patients PH associated with PF either due to CTD (WHO 1) or other etiology (WHO 3). Mean pPTT was significantly shorter in the PH group (138.0 ± 16.78 msec; P < 0.0001) than in the control group (383.5 ± 23.84 msec). Within the PH group, the subgroup of patients with PF showed significantly shorter mean pPTT (93.50 ± 15.47 msec; P = 0.004) than the subgroup of patients with PH without PF (182.6 ± 14.35 msec).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that pPTT might be an interesting surrogate marker of pulmonary hemodynamic and vascular alterations in PH and PF. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the possible influence of other variables on pPTT.
Comparison of measures of functioning for use with treatment‐seeking adolescents experiencing attenuated symptoms of psychosis
Authors: Wilson Camille , Kline Emily , Thompson Elizabeth , Demro Caroline , Pitts Steven , Bussell Kristin , Reeves Gloria M. , Schiffman Jason
Published: September 2014

Aim

A growing body of research documents a relation between psychosis risk and functional impairment. Although a general picture of psychosis risk and impaired functioning is emerging, less is known about how different functional measures relate to specific psychosis‐risk symptoms.

Methods

The current study examines the relative contribution of psychosis‐risk symptoms across multiple measures of functioning in a sample of treatment‐seeking adolescents and young adults.

Results

Results indicate that different domains of psychosis‐risk symptoms (negative and positive psychotic symptoms, related affective symptoms) contribute differentially to measures of different types of functioning.

Conclusion

Study of the relation between psychosis‐risk symptoms and different measures of functional impairment can potentially contribute towards a more efficient use of measures of functioning and help inform individualized treatment considerations.
Relationship between menarche and psychosis onset in women with first episode of psychosis
Authors: Rubio‐Abadal Elena , Usall Judith , Barajas Anna , Carlson Janina , Iniesta Raquel , Huerta‐Ramos Elena , Baños Iris , Dolz Montserrat , Sánchez Bernardo ,   GENIPE Group, Ochoa Susana
Published: September 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between age at menarche and age at first episode of psychosis, as well as clinical severity and outcome, in a population of women with first‐episode psychosis.

Methods

Clinical and socio‐demographical data, age at menarche and at first‐episode psychosis, parental history of psychosis and cannabis‐use habits were obtained from 42 subjects with a first episode of psychosis. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impression, Global Assessment Function, Disability Assessment Schedule, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, European Quality of Life, and Lewis and Murray Obstetric Complication Scales were administered. Statistical analysis was performed by means of zero‐order correlations and Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests using SPSS version 17.0.

Results

We found no significant correlation between age at menarche and age at first‐episode psychosis, or with the clinical scores performed. We observed that subjects with earlier age at menarche had more parental history of psychosis.

Conclusions

Our negative results do not support the theory of a possible protective role of oestrogen, which seems to be more complex than previously thought. We would suggest that further research is needed to investigate developmental influences of sex steroids on the onset of psychosis and potentially therapeutic benefits based upon oestrogen.
The predictability of frequency‐altered auditory feedback changes the weighting of feedback and feedforward input for speech motor control
Authors: Scheerer Nichole E. , Jones Jeffery A.
Published: September 2014

Speech production requires the combined effort of a feedback control system driven by sensory feedback, and a feedforward control system driven by internal models. However, the factors that dictate the relative weighting of these feedback and feedforward control systems are unclear. In this event‐related potential (ERP) study, participants produced vocalisations while being exposed to blocks of frequency‐altered feedback (FAF) perturbations that were either predictable in magnitude (consistently either 50 or 100 cents) or unpredictable in magnitude (50‐ and 100‐cent perturbations varying randomly within each vocalisation). Vocal and P1–N1–P2 ERP responses revealed decreases in the magnitude and trial‐to‐trial variability of vocal responses, smaller N1 amplitudes, and shorter vocal, P1 and N1 response latencies following predictable FAF perturbation magnitudes. In addition, vocal response magnitudes correlated with N1 amplitudes, vocal response latencies, and P2 latencies. This pattern of results suggests that after repeated exposure to predictable FAF perturbations, the contribution of the feedforward control system increases. Examination of the presentation order of the FAF perturbations revealed smaller compensatory responses, smaller P1 and P2 amplitudes, and shorter N1 latencies when the block of predictable 100‐cent perturbations occurred prior to the block of predictable 50‐cent perturbations. These results suggest that exposure to large perturbations modulates responses to subsequent perturbations of equal or smaller size. Similarly, exposure to a 100‐cent perturbation prior to a 50‐cent perturbation within a vocalisation decreased the magnitude of vocal and N1 responses, but increased P1 and P2 latencies. Thus, exposure to a single perturbation can affect responses to subsequent perturbations.
The diverse roles and multiple forms of focal adhesion kinase in brain
Authors: Armendáriz Beatriz G. , Masdeu Maria del Mar , Soriano Eduardo , Ureña Jesús M. , Burgaya Ferran
Published: September 2014

Although it was originally characterized as a constituent of focal adhesions in fibroblasts, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is now considered to be not only a mediator of adhesion processes but also a crucial regulator of guidance and a modulator of gene expression. FAK is the main transducer of the integrin signaling required to stabilize the actin cytoskeleton. However, additional activities have been described over the years. In the brain, FAK deserves particular attention as it is found in various alternatively spliced forms – these distributed in multiple subcellular compartments or bound to multiple partners. Moreover, its signaling involves not only phosphorylation but also ubiquitination and proteolysis. Several experimental cell models demonstrate that FAK increases or decreases migration, participates in differentiation and contributes to plasticity events. In addition, this kinase is linked to cell survival in cancer and apoptosis. This review focuses on the diversity of events involving brain‐located forms of FAK.
Potential alteration of cross‐ecosystem resource subsidies by an invasive aquatic macroinvertebrate: implications for the terrestrial food web
Authors: Gergs René , Koester Meike , Schulz Robert S. , Schulz Ralf
Published: September 2014

Biodiversity is globally threatened by the replacement of native species by invasive species and ensuing changes in ecosystem functioning. Although trophic linkages between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have received attention, effects of aquatic invasive species on the flow of resource subsidies have been considered only recently.

We examined how the effects of one of the most invasive macroinvertebrate species in European waterways, the amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus, extend from streams to the terrestrial food web. We quantified aquatic emergence and the contribution of aquatic resources to the diets of two riparian spider taxa in relation to the density of D. villosus.

Our results indicated that the effects of this invasive species carry over to the terrestrial system via cross‐ecosystem flow of resource subsidy. The contribution of aquatic resources to the diet of the terrestrial web‐building spider Tetragnatha decreased from 60% at low densities of D. villosus to 10% at a D. villosus density >5000 individuals m−2. This correlates with a decreasing emergence rate of merolimnic midges (species with an aquatic larval phase) from 12 to <3 mg dry biomass m−2 day−1 at the respective densities of D. villosus.

The magnitude of biomass flow from the aquatic to the terrestrial ecosystem is most likely decreased by D. villosus, and this decrease extends to the diet of riparian web‐building spiders. Effects of this aquatic invader may also extend to a decoupling of the terrestrial ecosystem from the aquatic ecosystem in terms of subsidy flux.
Warmer winters reduce frog fecundity and shift breeding phenology, which consequently alters larval development and metamorphic timing
Authors: Benard Michael F.
Published: September 2014

One widely documented phenological response to climate change is the earlier occurrence of spring‐breeding events. While such climate change‐driven shifts in phenology are common, their consequences for individuals and populations have rarely been investigated. I addressed this gap in our knowledge by using a multi‐year observational study of six wood frog (Rana sylvatica) populations near the southern edge of their range. I tested first if winter temperature or precipitation affected the date of breeding and female fecundity, and second if timing of breeding affected subsequent larval development rate, mass at metamorphosis, date of metamorphosis, and survival. Warmer winters were associated with earlier breeding but reduced female fecundity. Winter precipitation did not affect breeding date, but was positively associated with female fecundity. There was no association between earlier breeding and larval survival or mass at metamorphosis, but earlier breeding was associated with delayed larval development. The delay in larval development was explained through a counterintuitive correlation between breeding date and temperature during larval development. Warmer winters led to earlier breeding, which in turn was associated with cooler post‐breeding temperatures that slowed larval development. The delay in larval development did not fully compensate for the earlier breeding, such that for every 2 days earlier that breeding took place, the average date of metamorphosis was 1 day earlier. Other studies have found that earlier metamorphosis is associated with increased postmetamorphic growth and survival, suggesting that earlier breeding has beneficial effects on wood frog populations.
Investigating the genetic association of HCP5,SPATA2,TNIP1,TNFAIP3 and COG6 with psoriasis in Chinese population
Authors: Li X.‐L. , Yu H. , Wu G.‐S.
Published: September 2014

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease occurred under the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The genes HLA complex P5 (HCP5), spermatogenesis associated 2 (SPATA2), tumour necrosis factor alpha‐induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), TNFAIP3‐interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) and the component of oligomeric Golgi complex 6 (COG6) were reported to be associated with psoriasis in western populations by genome‐wide association studies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the HCP5, TNIP1, TNFAIP3, SPATA2 and COG6 genes were genetic risk factors for psoriasis in Chinese population. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) from each gene was evaluated using Chinese patients with psoriasis (n = 201) and controls (n = 300). The results demonstrated that SNPs rs2395029, rs17728338 and rs610604 from the HCP5, TNIP1 and TNFAIP3 genes, respectively, were associated with psoriasis in the studied population at both genotype level and allelic level (P < 0.05). Thus, the data suggested that HCP5, TNIP1 and TNFAIP3 may play a role in common pathogenic of psoriasis in Chinese and confer risk factors for psoriasis in various ethnic populations. These results provide potential makers for diagnosing, treating and preventing the psoriasis.
Energy‐Transfer Modulation for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Near‐Infrared Upconversion Photocatalyst
Authors: Zheng Binbin , Guo Qiangbing , Wang Di , Zhang Hao , Zhu Yifei , Zhou Shifeng
Published: September 2014

One of the major challenges of near‐infrared upconversion photocatalyst concerns strengthening the cooperation between Rare‐earth (RE) ions and semiconductor materials for enhancing NIR photocatalytic activity. Herein, the basic energy‐transfer (ET) process between RE ions and semiconductor materials is discussed and the appropriate mode, nonradiative ET, is proposed for efficiently coupling them. As an example, a novel NIR‐based UC photocatalyst, CaIn2O4:Yb3+,Tb3+ was designed and successfully fabricated, which exhibited high photocatalytic activity under 980 nm irradiation. The present report highlights the potential of ET tuning between RE ions and semiconductors toward high performance of NIR photocatalysis.
Constructing a high‐density linkage map for Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense and identifying QTLs for lint percentage
Authors: Shi Yuzhen , Li Wentan , Li Aiguo , Ge Ruihua , Zhang Baocai , Li Junzhi , Liu Guangping , Li Junwen , Liu Aiying , Shang Haihong , Gong Juwu , Gong Wankui , Yang Zemao , Tang Feiyü , Liu Zhi , Zhu Weiping , Jiang Jianxiong , Yu Xiaonan , Wang Tao , Wang Wei , Chen Tingting , Wang Kunbo , Zhang Zhengsheng , Yuan Youlu
Published: September 2014

To introgress the good fiber quality and yield from Gossypium barbadense into a commercial Upland cotton variety, a high‐density simple sequence repeat (SSR) genetic linkage map was developed from a BC1F1 population of Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense. The map comprised 2,292 loci and covered 5115.16 centiMorgan (cM) of the cotton AD genome, with an average marker interval of 2.23 cM. Of the marker order for 1,577 common loci on this new map, 90.36% agrees well with the marker order on the D genome sequence genetic map. Compared with five published high‐density SSR genetic maps, 53.14% of marker loci were newly discovered in this map. Twenty‐six quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for lint percentage (LP) were identified on nine chromosomes. Nine stable or common QTLs could be used for marker‐assisted selection. Fifty percent of the QTLs were from G. barbadense and increased LP by 1.07%–2.41%. These results indicated that the map could be used for screening chromosome substitution segments from G. barbadense in the Upland cotton background, identifying QTLs or genes from G. barbadense, and further developing the gene pyramiding effect for improving fiber yield and quality.
Organelle trafficking, the cytoskeleton, and pollen tube growth
Authors: Cai Giampiero , Parrotta Luigi , Cresti Mauro
Published: September 2014

The pollen tube is fundamental for the reproduction of seed plants. Characteristically, it grows relatively quickly and uni‐directionally (“polarized growth”) to extend the male gametophyte to reach the female gametophyte. The pollen tube forms a channel through which the sperm cells move so that they can reach their targets in the ovule. To grow quickly and directionally, the pollen tube requires an intense movement of organelles and vesicles that allows the cell's contents to be distributed to sustain the growth rate. While the various organelles distribute more or less uniformly within the pollen tube, Golgi‐released secretory vesicles accumulate massively at the pollen tube apex, that is, the growing region. This intense movement of organelles and vesicles is dependent on the dynamics of the cytoskeleton, which reorganizes differentially in response to external signals and coordinates membrane trafficking with the growth rate of pollen tubes.

Giampiero Cai
Effects of rare earth element lanthanum on rumen methane and volatile fatty acid production and microbial flora in vitro
Authors: Zhang T. T. , Zhao G. Y. , Zheng W. S. , Niu W. J. , Wei C. , Lin S. X.
Published: September 2014

The objectives of the trial were to study the effects of rare earth element (REE) lanthanum (La) on the in vitro rumen methane (CH4) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and the microbial flora of feeds. Four feed mixtures with different levels of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), that is 20.0% (I), 31.0% (II), 41.9% (III) and 52.7% (IV), were formulated as substrates. Five levels of LaCl3, that is 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mmol/kg dry matter (DM), were added to the feed mixtures, respectively, as experimental treatments in a two‐factor 5 × 4 randomized design. The in vitro incubation lasted for 24 h. The results showed that supplementing LaCl3 increased the total gas (p < 0.001) production and tended to increase the total VFA production (p = 0.072) and decreased the CH4 production (p = 0.001) and the ratios of acetate/propionate (p = 0.019) and CH4/total VFA (p < 0.001). Interactions between LaCl3 and NDF were significant in total gas production (p = 0.030) and tended to be significant in CH4 production (p = 0.071). Supplementing LaCl3 at the level of 0.8 mmol/g DM decreased the relative abundance of methanogens and protozoa in the total bacterial 16S rDNA analysed using the real‐time PCR (p < 0.0001), increased F. succinogenes (p = 0.0003) and decreased R. flavefaciens (p < 0.0001) whereas did not affect R. albus and anaerobic fungi (p > 0.05). It was concluded that LaCl3 decreased the CH4 production without negatively affecting feed digestion through manipulating rumen microbial flora when feed mixtures with different levels of NDF were used as substrates.
Population structure and conservation status of the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826) in the Eastern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Kipson Silvija , Linares Cristina , Čižmek Hrvoje , Cebrián Emma , Ballesteros Enric , Bakran‐Petricioli Tatjana , Garrabou Joaquim
Published: September 2014

Gorgonians are important structuring species of the Mediterranean hard‐bottom communities that are threatened by disturbances such as increasing seawater temperature, mucilaginous events and destructive fishing, among others. In this study we assessed for the first time the population structure and conservation status of one of the most common gorgonians in the Eastern Adriatic Sea, the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata. During late spring 2009, nine populations dwelling between 30 and 50 m depth were examined by SCUBA diving along 200 km of the Croatian coastline. The density ranged between 7 and 20 colonies·m−2. The mean and maximum colony heights were 31.2 ± 22.7 cm (±SD) and 138 cm, respectively. Two main patterns of P. clavata size frequency distributions were observed: the first one with a higher proportion of juveniles (~30%) observed mostly in the northernmost populations, and the second one with a higher proportion of larger colonies (>25% of colonies >40 cm in height). Regarding the disturbance impact level, the proportion of healthy colonies (with <10% of injured surface) was high in almost all of the studied populations (>60%) and the mean extent of injury (i.e. denuded axis or epibiosis) was 9.7 ± 4% (±SD), indicating low impacts. Contrasting population size structures with high recruitment in mature populations provides new insights into the demographic structure of the Mediterranean gorgonian forests dwelling in their upper bathymetric range (<50 m depth). Furthermore, these size structures and the low impact levels suggest a current favorable conservation status of the studied populations in the Eastern Adriatic Sea and provide a baseline for their monitoring in the future.
The Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire: Cross‐Cultural Adaptation into Italian and Assessment of Its Measurement Properties
Authors: Chiarotto Alessandro , Vanti Carla , Ostelo Raymond W. , Ferrari Silvano , Tedesco Giuseppe , Rocca Barbara , Pillastrini Paolo , Monticone Marco
Published: September 2014

The Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) is a patient self‐reported measurement instrument that evaluates pain self‐efficacy beliefs in patients with chronic pain. The measurement properties of the PSEQ have been tested in its original and translated versions, showing satisfactory results for validity and reliability. The aims of this study were 2 fold as follows: (1) to translate the PSEQ into Italian through a process of cross‐cultural adaptation, (2) to test the measurement properties of the Italian PSEQ (PSEQ‐I). The cross‐cultural adaptation was completed in 5 months without omitting any item of the original PSEQ. Measurement properties were tested in 165 patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) (65% women, mean age 49.9 years). Factor analysis confirmed the one‐factor structure of the questionnaire. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94) and test–retest reliability (ICCagreement = 0.82) of the PSEQ‐I showed good results. The smallest detectable change was equal to 15.69 scale points. The PSEQ‐I displayed a high construct validity by meeting more than 75% of a priori hypotheses on correlations with measurement instruments assessing pain intensity, disability, anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and coping strategies. Additionally, the PSEQ‐I differentiated patients taking pain medication or not. The results of this study suggest that the PSEQ‐I can be used as a valid and reliable tool in Italian patients with CLBP.
Risk Factors for Chronic Saphenous Neuralgia Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Utilizing Saphenous Vein Grafts
Authors: Hakim Sameh M. , Narouze Samer N.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of this trial was to determine risk factors for chronic saphenous neuralgia (SN) following harvesting of the great saphenous vein (GSV) for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Methods

In a prospective observational trial, 526 patients with no history of chronic painful disorders or surgery in the lower limbs were followed up for 13 weeks after undergoing CABG surgery in which GSV grafts were used. The primary outcome measure was persistence of clinically significant pain of neuropathic type in the territory supplied by the saphenous nerve beyond 12 weeks after surgery.

Results

Eighty‐one (15.4%) patients consistently had probable neuropathic pain of clinically significant severity throughout the follow‐up period and were labeled as suffering from chronic SN. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed that younger age (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88–0.95; P‐value, < 0.0001), female gender (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.21–4.29; P‐value, 0.011), higher body mass index (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17–1.35; P‐value, < 0.0001), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.13–4.01; P‐value, 0.020), distal‐to‐proximal dissection of the GSV (OR, 7.28; 95% CI, 3.62–14.66; P‐value, < 0.0001), and closure of the leg wound in two layers (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.81–5.95; P‐value, 0.0001) were independent risk factors for chronic SN.

Conclusions

Chronic SN after CABG surgery utilizing GSV grafts is not uncommon. Risk factors identified in this trial are younger age, female gender, higher body mass index, diabetes mellitus, distal‐to‐proximal dissection of the GSV, and closure of the leg wound in two layers.
Risk factors for early and late biliary complications in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Lüthold Samuel C. , Kaseje Neema , Jannot Anne‐Sophie , Mentha Gilles , Majno Pietro , Toso Christian , Belli Dominique C. , McLin Valérie A. , Wildhaber Barbara E.
Published: September 2014

BC are a common source of morbidity after pediatric LT. Knowledge about risk factors may help to reduce their incidence. Retrospective analysis of BC in 116 pediatric patients (123 LT) (single institution, 05/1990–12/2011, medium follow‐up 7.9 yr). One‐, five‐, and 10‐yr survival was 91.1%, no patient died of BC. Prevalence and risk factors for anastomotic and intrahepatic BC were examined. There were 29 BC in 123 LT (23.6%), with three main categories: 10 (8.1%) primary anastomotic strictures, eight (6.5%) anastomotic leaks, and three (2.4%) intrahepatic strictures. Significant risk factors for anastomotic leaks were total operation time (increase 1.26‐fold) and early HAT (<30 days post‐LT; increase 5.87‐fold). Risk factor for primary anastomotic stricture was duct‐to‐duct choledochal anastomosis (increase 5.96‐fold when compared to biliary‐enteric anastomosis). Risk factors for intrahepatic strictures were donor age >48 yr (increase 1.09‐fold) and MELD score >30 (increase 1.2‐fold). To avoid morbidity from anastomotic BC in pediatric LT, the preferred biliary anastomosis appears to be biliary‐enteric. Operation time should be kept to a minimum, and HAT must by all means be prevented. Children with a high MELD score or receiving livers from older donors are at increased risk for intrahepatic strictures.
Pediatric split liver transplantation after Fontan procedure in left isomerism combined with biliary atresia: A case report
Authors: Youn Joong Kee , Lee Jeong‐Moo , Yi Nam‐Joon , Choi Young Rok , Suh Suk‐Won , You Tae , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Jung Chul‐Woo , Lee Ji‐won , Bae Eun‐Jung , Ko Jae Sung , Kim Woong‐Han , Park Kwi‐Won , Suh Kyung‐Suk
Published: September 2014

LI is a subset of the heterotaxy syndrome and a rare birth defect that involves the heart and other organs. It can be combined with extracardiac abnormalities, especially BA. CHD can be associated with LI in up to 15% of cases, although it is rare in BA. Pediatric LT for a child with ESLD due to BA combined with LI and CHD is a challenging issue for a transplant surgeon. Herein, we report a successful split LT on a three‐yr‐old boy with LI who survived after a Fontan procedure due to single ventricle, but who suffered from HPS associated with BA.
Stress physiology functions of the Arabidopsis histidine kinase cytokinin receptors
Authors: Kumar M. Nagaraj , Verslues Paul E.
Published: September 2014

Cytokinin signaling has complex effects on abiotic stress responses that remain to be fully elucidated. The Arabidopsis histidine kinases (AHKs), AHK2, AHK3 and CRE1 (cytokinin response1/AHK4) are the principle cytokinin receptors of Arabidopsis. Using a set of ahk mutants, we found dramatic differences in response to low water potential and salt stress among the AHKs. ahk3‐3 mutants had increased root elongation after transfer to low water potential media. Conversely ahk2‐2 was hypersensitive to salt stress in terms of root growth and fresh weight and accumulated higher than wild‐type levels of proline specifically under salt stress. Strongly reduced proline accumulation in ahk double mutants after low water potential treatment indicated a more general role of cytokinin signaling in proline metabolism. Reduced P5CS1 (Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase1) gene expression may have contributed to this reduced proline accumulation. Low water potential phenotypes of ahk mutants were not caused by altered abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation as all ahk mutants had wild‐type ABA levels, despite the observation that ahk double mutants had reduced NCED3 (9‐cis‐epoxycartenoid dioxygenase3) expression when exposed to low water potential. No difference in osmoregulatory solute accumulation was detected in any of the ahk mutants indicating that they do not affect drought responsive osmotic adjustment. Overall, our examination of ahk mutants found specific phenotypes associated with AHK2 and AHK3 as well as a general function of cytokinin signaling in proline accumulation and low water potential induction of P5CS1 and NCED3 expression. These results show the stress physiology function of AHKs at a new level of detail.
The Key Role of Color Doppler Ultrasound in the Work‐up of Hemodialysis Vascular Access
Authors: Lomonte Carlo , Meola Mario , Petrucci Ilaria , Casucci Francesco , Basile Carlo
Published: September 2014

Vascular access (VA) is the lifeline for the hemodialysis patient and the native arterio‐venous fistula (AVF) is the first‐choice access. Among the different tests used in the VA domain, color Doppler ultrasound (CD‐US) plays a key role in the clinical work‐up. At the present time, three are the main fields of CD‐US application: (i) evaluation of forearm arteries and veins in surgical planning; (ii) testing of AVF maturation; (iii) VA complications. Specifically, during the AVF maturation, CD‐US allows to measure the diameter and flow volume in the brachial artery and calculate the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the arterial axis, anastomosis and efferent vein, to detect critical stenosis. The borderline stenosis, revealed by the discrepancies between access flow rate and PSV, should be followed up with subsequent tests to detect progression of stenosis; the cases with significant changes in brachial flow should be referred to angiography. In conclusion, clinical monitoring remains the backbone of any VA program. CD‐US is of utmost importance in a patient‐centered VA evaluation, because it allows the appropriate management of all aspects of VA care. These are the main reasons why we strongly advocate the adoption of a VA surveillance program based on CD‐US.
The heart's ‘little brain’ controlling cardiac function in the rabbit
Authors: Brack Kieran E.
Published: September 2014

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The topic of the review is the intrinsic cardiac nervous system in the rabbit.

What advances does it highlight?

The anatomy of rabbit intrinsic ganglia is similar to that of other species, including humans. Immunohistochemistry confirms the presence of cholinergic and adrenergic neurones, with a striking arrangement of neuronal nitric oxide synthase‐positive cell bodies. Activation of atrial ganglia produces effects on local and remote regions.

Heart disease is a primary cause of mortality in the developed world, and it is well recognized that neural mechanisms play an important role in many cardiac pathologies. The role of extrinsic autonomic nerves has traditionally attracted the most attention. However, there is a rich intrinsic innervation of the heart, including numerous cardiac ganglia (ganglionic plexuses), that has the potential to affect cardiac function independently as well as to influence the actions of the extrinsic nerves. To investigate this, an isolated, perfused, innervated rabbit Langendorff heart preparation was considered the best option. Although ganglionic plexuses have been well described for several species, there was no full description of the anatomy and histochemistry of rabbit hearts. To this end, rabbit intrinsic ganglia were located using acetylcholinesterase histology (n = 33 hearts). This revealed six generalized ganglionic regions, defined as a left neuronal complex above the left pulmonary vein, a right neuronal complex around the base of right cranial vein, three scattered in the dorsal right atrium and a region containing numerous ventricular ganglia located on the conus arteriosus. Using immunohistochemistry, neurons were found to contain choline acetyltransferase or tyrosine hydroxylase and/or neuronal nitric oxide synthase in differing amounts (choline acetyltransferase > tyrosine hydroxylase > neuronal nitric oxide synthase). The function of rabbit intrinsic ganglia was investigated using a bolus application of nicotine or electrical stimulation at each of the above sites whilst measuring heart rate and atrioventricular conduction. Nicotine applied to different ganglionic plexuses caused a bradycardia, a tachycardia or a mixture of the two, with the right atrial plexus producing the largest chronotropic responses. Electrical stimulation at these sites induced only a bradycardia. Atrioventricular conduction was modestly changed by nicotine, the main response being a prolongation. Electrical stimulation produced significant prolongation of atrioventricular conduction, particularly when the right neuronal complex was stimulated. These studies show that the intrinsic plexuses of the heart are important and could be crucial for understanding impairments of cardiac function. Additionally, they provide a strong basis from which to progress using the isolated, innervated rabbit heart preparation.
The role of AMPK in controlling metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis during exercise
Authors: Marcinko Katarina , Steinberg Gregory R.
Published: September 2014

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The topic of this review is the metabolic effects of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) on glucose and fatty acid (FA) uptake, FA oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle at rest and during exercise/muscle contractions.

What advances does it highlight?

This review describes recent studies examining the molecular mechanisms by which AMPK regulates muscle metabolism. It specifically discusses the role of exercise on acetyl‐CoA carboxylase and malonyl‐CoA in the regulation of FA oxidation. It also discusses the role of AMPK in regulating glucose and FA uptake during exercise. Finally, the review describes the interaction between AMPK, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ co‐activator‐1α and sirtuin 1 in controlling mitochondrial biogenesis.

Insulin resistance is associated with defects in skeletal muscle fatty acid (FA) metabolism that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Endurance exercise increases FA and glucose metabolism, muscle mitochondrial content and insulin sensitivity. In skeletal muscle, basal rates of FA oxidation are dependent on AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 2, the rate‐limiting enzyme controlling the production of the metabolic intermediate malonyl‐CoA. Likewise, AMPK is essential for maintaining muscle mitochondrial content in untrained mice; effects that may be mediated through regulation of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ co‐activator‐1α. However, the importance of AMPK in regulating glucose and FA uptake, FA oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis during and following endurance exercise training is not fully understood. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which endurance exercise regulates substrate utilization and mitochondrial biogenesis may lead to improved therapeutic and preventative strategies for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Triadin regulation of the ryanodine receptor complex
Authors: Marty Isabelle
Published: September 2014

The calcium release complex is the major player in excitation–contraction coupling, both in cardiac and skeletal muscle. The core of the complex is the ryanodine receptor, and triadin is a regulating protein. Nevertheless, the precise function of triadin is only partially understood. Besides its function in the anchoring of calsequestrin at the triad/dyad, our recent results allow us to propose hypotheses on new triadin scaffolding functions, based on the studies performed using different models, from triadin knockout mice to human patients, and expression in non‐muscle cells, taking into account the presence of multiple triadin isoforms.
Linear Variable-Stiffness Mechanisms Based on Preloaded Curved Beams
Authors: Wu Yi-Syuan , Lan Chao-Chieh
Published: September 2014

A machine with an internal variable-stiffness mechanism can adapt its output force to the working environment. In the literature, linear variable-stiffness mechanisms (LVSMs) are rarer than those producing rotary motion. This paper presents the design of a class of novel LVSMs. The idea is to parallel connect two lateral curved beams with an axial spring. Through preload adjustment of the curved beams, the output force-to-displacement curves can exhibit different stiffness. The merit of the proposed LVSMs is that very large-stiffness variation can be achieved in a compact space. The stiffness can even be tuned to zero by assigning the appropriate stiffness to the axial spring. LVSMs with pinned curved beams and fixed curved beams are investigated. To achieve the largest stiffness variation with sufficient linearity, the effects of various parameters on the force curves are discussed. Techniques to scale an LVSM and change the equilibrium position are introduced to increase the usefulness of the proposed design. Finally, the LVSMs are experimentally verified through prototypes.
Pitch planning in English and Taiwanese Mandarin: Evidence from startle-elicited responses
Authors: Chiu Chenhao , Gick Bryan
Published: September 2014

Startling auditory stimulus (SAS) can trigger rapid release of pre-planned movement sequences and can effect a physiological perturbation of pitch level. An SAS-based paradigm was used to investigate planning of pitch profiles in English and Taiwanese Mandarin. Results show that startle-elicited pitch level is elevated, whereas pitch contours are preserved. These results support the view that pitch contours are pre-specified in speech plans, while absolute pitch level is not.
Influence of Lysogeny of Tectiviruses GIL01 and GIL16 on Bacillus thuringiensis Growth, Biofilm Formation, and Swarming Motility
Authors: Gillis Annika , Mahillon Jacques
Published: September 2014

Bacillus thuringiensis
is an entomopathogenic bacterium that has been used as an efficient biopesticide worldwide. Despite the fact that this bacterium is usually described as an insect pathogen, its life cycle in the environment is still largely unknown.
B. thuringiensis
belongs to the
Bacillus cereus
group of bacteria, which has been associated with many mobile genetic elements, such as species-specific temperate or virulent bacteriophages (phages). Temperate (lysogenic) phages are able to establish a long-term relationship with their host, providing, in some cases, novel ecological traits to the bacterial lysogens. Therefore, this work focuses on evaluating the potential influence of temperate tectiviruses GIL01 and GIL16 on the development of different life traits of
B. thuringiensis
. For this purpose, a
B. thuringiensis
serovar israelensis plasmid-cured (nonlysogenic) strain was used to establish bacterial lysogens for phages GIL01 and GIL16, and, subsequently, the following life traits were compared among the strains: kinetics of growth, metabolic profiles, antibiotics susceptibility, biofilm formation, swarming motility, and sporulation. The results revealed that GIL01 and GIL16 lysogeny has a significant influence on the bacterial growth, sporulation rate, biofilm formation, and swarming motility of
B. thuringiensis
. No changes in metabolic profiles or antibiotic susceptibilities were detected. These findings provide evidence that tectiviruses have a putative role in the
B. thuringiensis
life cycle as adapters of life traits with ecological advantages.
Factors Affecting the Uptake and Retention of Vibrio vulnificus in Oysters
Authors: Froelich Brett A. , Noble Rachel T.
Published: September 2014

Vibrio vulnificus
, a bacterium ubiquitous in oysters and coastal water, is capable of causing ailments ranging from gastroenteritis to grievous wound infections or septicemia. The uptake of these bacteria into oysters is often examined
in vitro
by placing oysters in seawater amended with
V. vulnificus
. Multiple teams have obtained similar results in studies where laboratory-grown bacteria were observed to be rapidly taken up by oysters but quickly eliminated. This technique, along with suggested modifications, is reviewed here. In contrast, the natural microflora within oysters is notoriously difficult to eliminate via depuration. The reason for the transiency of exogenous bacteria is that those bacteria are competitively excluded by the oyster's preexisting microflora. Evidence of this phenomenon is shown using
in vitro
oyster studies and a multiyear
in situ
case study. Depuration of the endogenous oyster bacteria occurs naturally and can also be artificially induced, but both of these events require extreme conditions, natural or otherwise, as explained here. Finally, the “viable but nonculturable” (VBNC) state of
Vibrio
is discussed. This bacterial torpor can easily be confused with a reduction in bacterial abundance, as bacteria in this state fail to grow on culture media. Thus, oysters collected from colder months may appear to be relatively free of
Vibrio
but in reality harbor VBNC cells that respond to exogenous bacteria and prevent colonization of oyster matrices. Bacterial-uptake experiments combined with studies involving cell-free spent media are detailed that demonstrate this occurrence, which could explain why the microbial community in oysters does not always mirror that of the surrounding water.