bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemerodromiinae (Diptera: Empididae): a tentative phylogeny and biogeographical discussion
Authors: PLANT ADRIAN R.
Published: September 2010

A cladistic analysis of adult morphological characters was used to hypothesize phylogenetic and zoogeographical relationships in Hemerodromiinae (Diptera: Empididae). Afrodromia Smith, Drymodromia Becker and an undescribed Chilean genus subtended a sister‐group relationship between the tribes Chelipodini and Hemerodromiini. Chelipodozus Smith and an undescribed Australian genus were supported only weakly in Hemerodromiini, and are regarded as incertae sedis within Hemerodromiinae. In Chelipodini, Anaclastoctedon Plant and an undescribed Australian genus subtended all others that form two sister‐group clades. (i) A widespread Chelipoda‐like group comprising Achelipoda Yang, Zhang & Zhang, Ptilophyllodromia Bezzi, Chelipoda Macquarts.s. and Phyllodromia Zetterstedt s.s. has a worldwide distribution, excepting the Afrotropical, considered to date from before or during the early phase of Gondwanan fragmentation. Phyllodromia s.s. is an exclusively Palaearctic genus of doubtful validity, to which Southern Hemisphere forms have been assigned incorrectly. Ptilophyllodromia Bezzi syn.n. is regarded as a junior synonym of Chelipoda, with the included species relegated to a species group. (ii) An austral Chelipoda‐like group confined to New Zealand, New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island and Vanuatu, includes Monodromia Collin and species currently incorrectly assigned to Chelipoda and Phyllodromia. The group is hypothesized as a relictual Gondwanan element that has survived Oligocene drowning as metapopulations persisting in situ on ephemeral islands along arcs, ridges and buoyant crustal blocks overlying hot spots in New Zealand and the Southwest Pacific. In the tribe Hemerodromiini, many Southern Hemisphere species assigned currently to Hemerodromia Meigen, Cladodromia Bezzi and Neoplasta Coquillett require reassignment. The sister‐group relationship between the southern African endemic Afrodromia and other Hemerodromiinae is viewed as evidence of early divergence of Hemerodromiinae and Empidinae by the early Cretaceous, pre‐dating major Gondwanan fragmentation. An assessment of fossil forms indicated that Chelifera detestata (Meunier) from Eocene/Oligocene Baltic amber is the only genuine described fossil representative of Hemerodromiinae.
Managing invasive weeds under climate change: considering the current and potential future distribution of Buddleja davidii
Authors: KRITICOS D J , WATT M S , POTTER K J B , MANNING L K , ALEXANDER N S , TALLENT‐HALSELL N
Published: October 2010

Kriticos DJ,Watt MS, Potter KJB, Manning LK,Alexander NS &Tallent‐Halsell N (2011). Managing invasive weeds under climate change: considering the current and potential future distribution of Buddleja davidii. Weed Research 51, 85–96.

Buddleja davidii is both a prized garden ornamental and an invasive shrub that rapidly colonises disturbed ground. Originally from China, B. davidii has been widely distributed by horticulturalists and has subsequently invaded much of Europe and New Zealand, and to a lesser degree the Americas and Australia. The present and future climate suitability for B. davidii was assessed using a process‐oriented climate suitability model. There appears to be a considerable scope for further invasion, with the most suitable areas occurring adjacent to existing naturalised populations in the north‐eastern United States, north‐eastern Europe, south‐eastern Australia and south‐eastern New Zealand. Under future climates, the potential distribution and climate suitability for B. davidii increases most noticeably in the northern United States and southern Canada, northern and eastern Europe, and to a lesser extent in the south‐western part of the South Island of New Zealand. Elsewhere, there are projected poleward range shifts (South America) or range contractions out of subtropical areas (Africa and Australia). Climate‐based potential distribution models can help adapt weed management programmes to expected climate changes by: (i) classifying areas for the different types of weed management, (ii) supporting strategic control initiatives to prevent the spread of a weed, (iii) informing the reallocation of resources away from controlling a weed where climate suitability is expected to diminish in the future and (iv) identifying opportunities for relatively inexpensive preventative management to be applied to minimise future weed impacts.
Mannose‐binding lectin (+54) exon‐1 gene polymorphism influence human immunodeficiency virus‐1 susceptibility in North Indians
Authors: Chatterjee A. , Rathore A. , Yamamoto N. , Dhole T. N.
Published: October 2010

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a circulating pattern‐recognition molecule involved in the innate immune system that mediates phagocytosis and activates complement by binding to carbohydrate motifs. MBL‐2 allelic variants are associated with deficiencies in innate immunity and have been found to be correlated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The present study investigated the role of MBL‐2 exon‐1 gene polymorphism (A, B, C and D) in 180 HIV‐1 seropositive (HSP) stratified on the basis of disease severity (stage I, II, III), 50 HIV‐1 exposed seronegative (HES) and 305 HIV‐1 seronegative (HSN) individuals as a possible factor in the susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection and the influence on disease progression among North Indian individuals. In our population, gene frequencies of MBL‐2 variants were 15%, 5% and 2% for B, C and D alleles, respectively. The frequency of A/O heterozygous genotype was higher (42.00%), mainly because of A/D in HES group compared with HSP (35.00%) and HSN (36.72%) group. Homozygous B/B genotype was more frequent in HSP (6.11%) group than in HSN (1.31%; P = 0.005; odds ratio (OR) = 4.898) and was significantly associated with fourfold risk of acquiring HIV‐1 infection. Our findings indicate that homozygosity for the codon 54‐allele associated with low MBL production in the exon‐1 of the MBL‐2 gene is associated with increased susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection in the studied population.
Tumour necrosis factor haplotypes associated with sensory neuropathy in Asian and Caucasian human immunodeficiency virus patients
Authors: Chew C. S. N. , Cherry C. L. , Imran D. , Yunihastuti E. , Kamarulzaman A. , Varna S. , Ismail R. , Phipps M. , Aghafar Z. , Gut I. , Price P.
Published: October 2010

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, neuropathy is a common adverse side effect to some antiretroviral treatments, particularly stavudine. As stavudine is cheap, it is widely used in Asia and Africa. We showed that increasing age and height moderately predict the development of neuropathy. This was improved by the inclusion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐1031 (rs1799964). To investigate this association, Malay (n = 64), Chinese (n = 74) and Caucasian patients (n = 37) exposed to stavudine were screened for neuropathy. DNA samples were genotyped for polymorphisms in the central major histocompatibility complex (MHC) near TNF, and haplotypes were derived. The haplotype group FVa6,7,8 (incorporating TNF‐1031) was found to be associated with neuropathy in Chinese patients in bivariate analyses (P = 0.03), and in Malays and Chinese in a multivariate analysis correcting for age and height (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, respectively). This trend was also confirmed in Caucasians.
The Efficiency of In vitro Ovine Embryo Production Using an Undefined or a Defined Maturation Medium is Determined by the Source of the Oocyte
Authors: Cocero MJ , Alabart JL , Hammami S , Martí JI , Lahoz B , Sánchez P , Echegoyen E , Beckers JF , Folch J
Published: October 2010

Contents

In vitro oocyte maturation can be influenced by oocyte source and maturation media composition. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of a defined in vitro maturation medium (TCM199 supplemented with cysteamine and epidermal growth factor; Cys + EGF) with an undefined medium (TCM199 supplemented with follicle‐stimulating hormone and follicular fluid; FSH + FF) for in vitro production (IVP) of ovine embryos, using oocytes obtained by laparoscopic ovum pick‐up from FSH‐stimulated [n = 11; 158 cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs)] and non‐stimulated (n = 16; 120 COCs) live ewes, as well as abattoir‐derived oocytes (170 COCs). The produced blastocysts were vitrified and some of them were transferred to synchronized recipients. The best and the worst final yields of embryo IVP observed in this study were obtained using oocytes from FSH‐stimulated ewes matured in FSH + FF (41.3%; 33/80) and in Cys + EGF (19.2%; 15/78) medium, respectively (p < 0.01). No significant differences between both media were attained in the blastocyst development rate or in the final yield of embryo IVP using oocytes from non‐stimulated ewes or abattoir‐derived oocytes. The overall in vivo survival rate of the transferred vitrified blastocysts was 13.1% (8/61), without significant differences between oocyte sources or maturation media. In conclusion, under the experimental conditions of the present study, TCM199 supplemented with cysteamine and EGF is a convenient defined maturation medium for IVP of embryos from oocytes of live non‐stimulated ewes or from oocytes of abattoir‐derived ovaries. However, the best final yield of embryo IVP observed in this study was attained when oocytes came from FSH‐stimulated donors and TCM199 was supplemented with FSH and follicular fluid.
How to read critically a prognostic cohort study
Authors: PALMER SUETONIA C , STRIPPOLI GIOVANNI FM
Published: September 2010

In nephrology, cohort studies are an abundant source of information. They are the ideal study design to answer clinical questions about prevalence, prognosis and aetiology. In this study, the evaluation of a cohort study to guide decisions about prognosis in clinical nephrology is discussed.
Spontaneous twin cervico‐isthmic pregnancy in a grand multiparous woman
Authors: Cetin Meral , Yildiz Caglar , Yenicesu Ayse G. I. , Cetin Ali
Published: September 2010

Cervico‐isthmic pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy and is defined as the implantation of a fertilized ovum in the cervico‐isthmic portion. The cause is unknown; local pathology related to previous cervical or uterine surgery may play a role, given an apparent association with a prior history of curettage or cesarean delivery. Transvaginal ultrasonography and β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin assays are useful for diagnosis. Here we report a case of spontaneous twin cervico‐isthmic pregnancy in a grand multiparous patient who was diagnosed early in the first trimester with transvaginal ultrasonography. The pregnancy was terminated successfully with methotrexate. Methotrexate seems to be most successful at early gestational ages.
The impact of systematic para‐aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy on survival in patients with optimally debulked ovarian cancer
Authors: Abe Akiko , Furumoto Hiroyuki , Irahara Minoru , Ino Hiroyasu , Kamada Masaharu , Naka Osamu , Sasaki Masaru , Kagawa Toshiaki , Okitsu Osamu , Kushiki Norio
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The objective of this study was to verify the impact of systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy on survival in patients with ovarian cancer.

Material & Methods:  During 2001–2005, clinical records of 118 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer were collected in Tokushima prefecture. From a number of hospitals, patients in one group were treated without systematic lymphadenectomy, and in another group, patients were treated with routine systematic lymphadenectomy. Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively and progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared.

Results:  Sixty‐two patients were staged as I–II according to the macroscopic findings at surgery. Forty of these patients received systematic lymphadenectomy and 22 patients did not. The 5‐year OS was 100 and 80%, respectively (P = 0.07). The 5‐year PFS was 94 and 71%, respectively (P = 0.04). In patients with clear cell adenocarcinoma, 3‐year OS and PFS were significantly better in the lymphadenectomy group (P = 0.01, P = 0.046, respectively). The 56 patients staged as III–IV according to the macroscopic findings at surgery were optimally debulked. Twenty‐eight of these patients received systematic lymphadenectomy and 28 patients did not. There is no difference in the 5‐year OS (65 and 66%, respectively; P = 0.71) or the 5‐year PFS (30 and 52%, respectively; P = 0.48).

Conclusion:  This study has demonstrated that the systematic lymphadenectomy had benefit only in patients with ovarian cancer macroscopically confined to the pelvis. In patients with clear cell adenocarcinoma, systematic lymphadenectomy was beneficial. To the contrary, systematic lymphadenectomy had no benefit on OS or PFS in patients with advanced ovarian cancer if optimally debulked.
Correlations between the detection of stress‐associated hormone/oxidative stress markers in umbilical cord blood and the physical condition of the mother and neonate
Authors: Chiba Takako , Omori Atsuko , Takahashi Kenji , Tanaka Kanako , Kudo Kaori , Manabe Mami , Mariya Yasushi , Kashiwakura Ikuo
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The objective of this study was to assess the correlations between the detection of stress‐associated hormone/oxidative stress markers in umbilical cord blood (CB) and the physical condition of the mother and neonate.

Methods:  CB units collected from normal vaginal deliveries were analyzed for various biochemical markers, some stress‐associated hormones, such as progesterone, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and oxidative stress marker 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), respectively.

Results:  The progesterone concentration closely correlated with Apgar score, hemoglobin, maternal smoking and insulin concentration, respectively. In particular, its concentration in the non‐smoker group and Apgar score 10 points group was significantly lower in comparison to the smoker group and Apgar score 8 points group, respectively. Cortisol concentration correlated significantly with the number of parities, pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and increase of neonatal weight and height per day, respectively. In particular, its concentration in deliveries of males and first babies was significantly higher in comparison to female deliveries and second babies, respectively. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the duration between spontaneous/artificial membrane rupture time and delivery time and the ACTH concentration. However, no significant relationship was observed between maternal/neonatal factors and CRF concentration and 8‐OHdG concentration, respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between cortisol and 8‐OHdG concentration.

Conclusion:  CB stress‐associated hormone/oxidative stress markers strongly reflect maternal and neonatal condition at the time of delivery.
Autophagic pathways and metabolic stress
Authors: Kaushik S. , Singh R. , Cuervo A. M.
Published: October 2010

Autophagy is an essential intracellular process that mediates degradation of intracellular proteins and organelles in lysosomes. Autophagy was initially identified for its role as alternative source of energy when nutrients are scarce but, in recent years, a previously unknown role for this degradative pathway in the cellular response to stress has gained considerable attention. In this review, we focus on the novel findings linking autophagic function with metabolic stress resulting either from proteins or lipids. Proper autophagic activity is required in the cellular defense against proteotoxicity arising in the cytosol and also in the endoplasmic reticulum, where a vast amount of proteins are synthesized and folded. In addition, autophagy contributes to mobilization of intracellular lipid stores and may be central to lipid metabolism in certain cellular conditions. In this review, we focus on the interrelation between autophagy and different types of metabolic stress, specifically the stress resulting from the presence of misbehaving proteins within the cytosol or in the endoplasmic reticulum and the stress following a lipogenic challenge. We also comment on the consequences that chronic exposure to these metabolic stressors could have on autophagic function and on how this effect may underlie the basis of some common metabolic disorders.
A link between endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced β‐cell apoptosis and the group VIA Ca2+‐independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β)
Authors: Lei X. , Zhang S. , Emani B. , Barbour S. E. , Ramanadham S.
Published: October 2010

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is becoming recognized as an important contributing factor in various diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Prolonged ER stress can cause β‐cell apoptosis; however, the underlying mechanism(s) that contribute to this process are not well understood. Early reports suggested that arachidonic acid metabolites and a Ca2+‐independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) activity play a role in β‐cell apoptosis. The PLA2 family of enzymes catalyse the hydrolysis of the sn‐2 substituent (i.e. arachidonic acid) of membrane phospholipids. In light of our findings that the pancreatic islet β‐cells are enriched in arachidonate‐containing phospholipids and express the group VIA iPLA2β, we considered the possibility that iPLA2β participates in ER stress‐induced β‐cell apoptosis. Our work revealed a novel mechanism, involving ceramide generation and triggering of mitochondrial abnormalities, by which iPLA2β participates in the β‐cell apoptosis process. Here, we review our evidence linking ER stress, β‐cell apoptosis and iPLA2β. Continued studies in this area will increase our understanding of the contribution of iPLA2β to the evolution of diabetes mellitus and will further our knowledge of factors that influence β‐cell health in diabetes mellitus and identify potential targets for future therapeutic interventions to prevent β‐cell death.
Hepatic steatosis: a role for de novo lipogenesis and the transcription factor SREBP‐1c
Authors: Ferré P. , Foufelle F.
Published: October 2010

Steatosis is an accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. Although an excessive availability of plasma fatty acids is an important determinant of steatosis, lipid synthesis from glucose (lipogenesis) is now also considered as an important contributing factor. Lipogenesis is an insulin‐ and glucose‐dependent process that is under the control of specific transcription factors, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c), activated by insulin and carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) activated by glucose. Insulin induces the maturation of SREBP‐1c by a proteolytic mechanism initiated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). SREBP‐1c in turn activates glycolytic gene expression, allowing glucose metabolism, and lipogenic genes in conjunction with ChREBP. Lipogenesis activation in the liver of obese markedly insulin‐resistant steatotic rodents is then paradoxical. Recent data suggest that the activation of SREBP‐1c and thus of lipogenesis is secondary in the steatotic liver to an ER stress. The ER stress activates the cleavage of SREBP‐1c independent of insulin, thus explaining the paradoxical stimulation of lipogenesis in an insulin‐resistant liver. Inhibition of the ER stress in obese rodents decreases SREBP‐1c activation and lipogenesis and improves markedly hepatic steatosis and insulin sensitivity. ER is thus a new partner in steatosis and metabolic syndrome which is worth considering as a potential therapeutic target.
A switch from life to death in endoplasmic reticulum stressed β‐cells
Authors: Oslowski C. M. , Urano F.
Published: October 2010

β‐Cell death is an important pathogenic component of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent findings indicate that cell signalling pathways emanating from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) play an important role in the regulation of β‐cell death during the progression of diabetes. Homeostasis within the ER must be maintained to produce properly folded secretory proteins, such as insulin, in response to the body's need for them. However, the sensitive protein‐folding environment in the ER can be perturbed by genetic and environmental factors leading to ER stress. To counteract ER stress, β‐cells activate cell signalling pathways termed the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR functions as a binary switch between life and death, regulating both survival and death effectors. The outcome of this switch depends on the nature of the ER stress condition, the regulation of UPR activation and the expression and activation of survival and death components. This review discusses the mechanisms and the components in this switch and highlights the roles of this UPR's balancing act between life and death in β‐cells.
The unfolded protein response is required to maintain the integrity of the endoplasmic reticulum, prevent oxidative stress and preserve differentiation in β‐cells
Authors: Kaufman R. J. , Back S. H. , Song B. , Han J. , Hassler J.
Published: October 2010

Diabetes is an epidemic of worldwide proportions caused by β‐cell failure. Nutrient fluctuations and insulin resistance drive β‐cells to synthesize insulin beyond their capacity for protein folding and secretion and thereby activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive signalling pathway to promote cell survival upon accumulation of unfolded protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Protein kinase‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) signals one component of the UPR through phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 on the α‐subunit (eIF2α) to attenuate protein synthesis, thereby reducing the biosynthetic burden. β‐Cells uniquely require PERK‐mediated phosphorylation of eIF2α to preserve cell function. Unabated protein synthesis in β‐cells is sufficient to initiate a cascade of events, including oxidative stress, that are characteristic of β‐cell failure observed in type 2 diabetes. In contrast to acute adaptive UPR activation, chronic activation increases expression of the proapoptotic transcription factor CAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). Chop deletion in insulin‐resistant mice profoundly increases β‐cell mass and prevents β‐cell failure to forestall the progression of diabetes. The findings suggest an unprecedented link by which protein synthesis and/or misfolding in the ER causes oxidative stress and should encourage the development of novel strategies to treat diabetes.
The long‐term efficacy of sacral neuromodulation in the management of intractable cases of bladder pain syndrome: 14 years of experience in one centre
Authors: Gajewski Jerzy B. , Al‐Zahrani Ali A.
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

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

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic debilitating disease. A recently done survey estimates the prevalence of the BPS symptoms among adult females in the U.S. to be 7%. Conservative management is the first line of therapy but at least 10% of the patients show poor response.

Sacral neuromodulation is a minimal invasive technique with good long‐term outcomes in these patients. It should be considered before any invasive surgical intervention is planned. However, the revision rate is high and patients need lifelong follow‐up.

OBJECTIVE

• To evaluate the long‐term success and tolerability of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in the control of the symptoms of bladder pain syndrome (BPS).

METHODS

• This was a retrospective study of all patients with BPS who underwent peripheral nerve evaluation and then SNM in our department of urology by a single surgeon from 1994 till 2008. The global response assessment scale was used to evaluate the outcome of the SNM.

RESULTS

• A total of 78 patients fulfilled the International Consultation on Incontinence clinical criteria for BPS and showed cystoscopic evidence of glomerulation or ulcer as recommended by the European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome. All patients failed conservative management before considering SNM.

• Permanent SNM implant was performed in patients who showed at least 50% improvement in their symptoms with a temporary peripheral nerve evaluation test. Median follow up was 61.5 months (sd± 27.7). Good long‐term success of the SNM was seen in 72% of the patients.

• Presence of urgency was a positive predictor of the long‐term success of the implant. The explantation rate was 28%. The commonest reason for explantation was poor outcome (54% of the failed patients). The revision rate was 50%.

• The most common indication for revision was lack of stimulation sensation and worsening of symptoms. The average durability of the pulse generator battery was 93 months.

CONCLUSION

• SNM is an effective treatment to control the symptoms of BPS. It should be considered before any major invasive surgical intervention if conservative measures have failed. It is a minimally invasive, safe procedure with good long‐term outcome. However, the revision rate is high and patients require lifelong follow‐up.
Local Labour Markets, Organizations and the Distribution of Family‐responsive Benefits in the USA
Authors: Ruppanner Leah , Huffman Matt L.
Published: October 2010

Family‐responsive benefits have important consequences for workers balancing work–family demands. Previous research on the distribution of family‐responsive benefits has focused on intra‐organizational determinants or general labour market characteristics, at the expense of local labour market factors. We address this deficiency by analysing a unique random sample of US work establishments nested in their local labour markets. Specifically, we ask whether, net of establishment and local labour market characteristics, women's local labour market standing influences the prevalence of family‐responsive benefits. The results indicate that women's labour market status, measured with a composite of occupational gender integration, aggregate educational attainment and percentage of women in managerial roles, has a strong positive net effect on the prevalence of family‐responsive workplace benefits. However, no significant interaction between women's status and establishment‐level characteristics was found. Our findings highlight the importance of local labour markets in the distribution of family‐responsive benefits across organizations.
Contrasting Patterns of Nuclear and mtDNA Diversity in Native American Populations
Authors: Yang Ning Ning , Mazières Stephane , Bravi Claudio , Ray Nicolas , Wang Sijia , Burley Mari‐Wyn , Bedoya Gabriel , Rojas Winston , Parra Maria V. , Molina Julio A. , Gallo Carla , Poletti Giovanni , Hill Kim , Hurtado Ana M. , Petzl‐Erler Maria L. , Tsuneto Luiza T. , Klitz William , Barrantes Ramiro , Llop Elena , Rothhammer Francisco , Labuda Damian , Salzano Francisco M. , Bortolini Maria‐Cátira , Excoffier Laurent , Dugoujon Jean Michel , Ruiz‐Linares Andrés
Published: October 2010

We report an integrated analysis of nuclear (autosomal, X‐ and Y‐chromosome) short tandem repeat (STR) data and mtDNA D‐loop sequences obtained in the same set of 22 Native populations from across the Americas. A north to south gradient of decreasing population diversity was observed, in agreement with a settlement of the Americas from the extreme northwest of the continent. This correlation is stronger with “least cost distances,” which consider the coasts as facilitators of migration. Continent‐wide estimates of population structure are highest for the Y‐chromosome and lowest for the autosomes, consistent with the effective size of the different marker systems examined. Population differentiation is highest in East South America and lowest in Meso America and the Andean region. Regional analyses suggest a deviation from mutation–drift equilibrium consistent with population expansion in Meso America and the Andes and population contraction in Northwest and East South America. These data hint at an early divergence of Andean and non‐Andean South Americans and at a contrasting demographic history for populations from these regions.
Can out‐of‐context musical sounds convey meaning? An ERP study on the processing of meaning in music
Authors: Painter Julia Grieser , Koelsch Stefan
Published: September 2010

There has been much debate over whether music can convey extra‐musical meaning. The experiments presented here investigated whether low level musical features, specifically the timbre of a sound, have a direct access route to meaningful representations. Short musical sounds with varying timbres were investigated with regard to their ability to elicit meaningful associations, and the neural mechanisms underlying the meaningful processing of sounds were compared to those underlying the semantic processing of words. Two EEG experiments were carried out, and N400 effects were found for sound and word targets following sound and word primes in a semantic relatedness judgment task. No N400 effects were found in a memory task. The results show that even short musical sounds outside of a musical context are capable of conveying meaning information, but that sounds require more elaborate processing than other kinds of meaningful stimuli.
Reflections on efforts to improve medical publishing in Africa
Authors: Gondwe Mzamose
Published: October 2010

Over the last five years several scholarly publishing associations have been launched in Africa ‐ the Forum for African Medical Editors (FAME), the Society of African Journals (SAJE), the Consortium of African Scholarly Publishers (CASP), the Africa Journals Partnership Project and the African Association of Science Editors (AASE). What, if any, has been the impact of these initiatives? This paper reviews the most notable of these associations, FAME, which was established in 2003 with the support of the World Association of Medical Editors, the Council of Science Editors and the Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR). FAME is evaluated in relation to two other international scholarly publishing associations ‐ the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) in South America and the Eastern Mediterranean Association of Medical Editors (EMAME). The article also discusses the future of FAME with regards to new developments in open access publishing through African Journals Online. JM
Theories of learning: models of good practice for evidence‐based information skills teaching
Authors: Spring Hannah
Published: October 2010

This feature considers models of teaching and learning and how these can be used to support evidence based practice.
Domestic exotics and the perception of invasibility
Authors: Guo Qinfeng , Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: October 2010

Susceptibility of an area to invasion by exotic species is often judged by the fraction of introduced species in the local biota. However, the degree of invasion, particularly in mainland areas, has often been underestimated because of the exclusion of ‘domestic exotics’ (those introduced to internal units from within the national border) in calculations. Because all introduced species on islands are considered as exotics, this contributes to the perception that islands are more susceptible to invasion than are continental regions. Here, we determine the contribution of domestic exotic species to the degree of invasion (exotic fraction) in mainland areas. We quantify the relationships of exotic fraction to the area, human population density and land use within each of the 48 conterminous US states to identify mechanisms that potentially influence the degree of invasion. For each of the 48 conterminous US states, we compiled the number of species introduced from outside the United States (‘foreign exotics’) and the number of exotics introduced from other conterminous US states (‘domestic exotics’). The status of each species as foreign or domestic was determined for each state by researching its precise origins through vouchered herbarium records, supplemented by literature (Kartesz, 2010). We found that (1) the exotic fraction inevitably decreases with increasing area as the pool of potential exotic species decreases; (2) exotic richness of areas within large mainland regions is underestimated to the extent that species introduced among areas within a region are considered as natives; and (3) human activities contribute disproportionately more exotics to smaller than to larger administrative areas. How we define ‘exotic’ influences how we count non‐native species and perceive invasibility. Excluding domestic exotics in mainland regions leads to a biased perception of increased invasibility on islands, where all introduced species are considered exotic. Thus, future documentation and interpretation of invasion patterns and management of exotics should account for these biases in quantifying the exotic fraction.
Delayed transplantation of human neural precursor cells improves outcome from focal cerebral ischemia in aged rats
Authors: Jin Kunlin , Mao XiaoOu , Xie Lin , Greenberg Rose B. , Peng Botao , Moore Alexander , Greenberg Maeve B. , Greenberg David A.
Published: September 2010

Neural precursor cell (NPC) transplantation may have a role in restoring brain function after stroke, but how aging might affect the brain’s receptivity to such transplants is unknown. We reported previously that transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)‐derived NPCs together with biomaterial (Matrigel) scaffolding into the brains of young adult Sprague–Dawley rats 3 weeks after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) reduced infarct volume and improved neurobehavioral performance. In this study, we compared the effect of NPC and Matrigel transplants in young adult (3‐month‐old) and aged (24‐month‐old) Fisher 344 rats from the National Institute on Aging’s aged rodent colony. Distal MCAO was induced by electrocoagulation, and hESC‐derived NPCs were transplanted into the infarct cavity 3 weeks later. Aged rats developed larger infarcts, but infarct volume and performance on the cylinder and elevated body swing tests, measured 6–8 weeks post‐transplant, were improved by transplantation. We conclude that advanced age does not preclude a beneficial response to NPC transplantation following experimental stroke.
The metamorphic history of rocks buried, accreted and exhumed in an accretionary prism: an example from the Otago Schist, New Zealand
Authors: FAGERENG Å. , COOPER A. F.
Published: October 2010

Although subgreenschist facies metamorphic rocks are widespread in the upper crust, mineralogical processes affecting these rocks are poorly understood. Subgreenschist mineralogical transitions have been invoked as critical controls on the mechanical behaviour of rocks within the crustal seismogenic zone, calling for further study of very low‐grade metamorphic assemblages. In this study a multi‐technique thermobarometric study of the Chrystalls Beach Complex mélange, which is located within the Otago Schist accretion‐collision assemblage of the South Island of New Zealand, is presented. The Chrystalls Beach Complex comprises highly sheared trench‐fill sedimentary rocks and scattered pillow basalts, and is inferred to have formed during Jurassic subduction under the paleo‐Pacific Gondwana margin. Equilibrium mineral assemblages indicate peak P–T conditions in the range 400–550 MPa and 250–300 °C, which is supported by chlorite thermometry. Relatively high pressures of burial and accretion during foliation development are inferred from phengite content and b0 spacing analyses of white mica. Rare lawsonite occurs in a post‐foliation vein, and illite ‘crystallinity’ measurements indicate a thermal overprint during exhumation. These P–T estimates and their relative chronology indicate that the mineral assemblages developed along a clockwise P–T path. Based on variability in P–T estimates from different techniques, mineral assemblages developed during burial are largely overprinted during exhumation at similar or higher‐T than experienced along the prograde path. Observed subduction‐related subgreenschist assemblages are therefore likely to indicate lower‐P than experienced during subduction, as higher‐P mineral compositions re‐equilibrate during exhumation. The P–T path inferred in this study is similar in shape to P–T paths for higher grade parts of the Otago Schist, and other exhumed accretionary prisms around the world, and is therefore probably common for rocks buried, accreted and exhumed in accretionary prisms.
Prolonged EEG depression in term and near‐term infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and later development of West syndrome
Authors: Kato Toru , Okumura Akihisa , Hayakawa Fumio , Tsuji Takeshi , Hayashi Seiji , Kubota Tetsuo , Fukasawa Tatsuya , Suzuki Motomasa , Maruyama Koichi , Oshiro Makoto , Hattori Tetsuo , Kidokoro Hiroyuki , Natsume Jun , Hayakawa Masahiro , Watanabe Kazuyoshi
Published: September 2010

Purpose:  This study was performed to clarify the relationship between prolonged depression of electroencephalography (EEG) in term and near‐term infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and the later development of West syndrome (WS).

Methods:  We investigated 17 term and near‐term infants with HIE. Inclusion criteria were as follows: ≥35 weeks of gestation, clinical signs of HIE, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions corresponding to HIE, assessment of outcome at >18 months of age, depression of EEG, and serial EEG examinations. The 17 infants were divided into the following two groups: Group A (n = 4) with prolonged EEG depression over 21 days of age, and group B (n = 13) with disappearance of EEG depression by 21 days of age.

Results:  WS developed in all four infants in group A, but in only one of 13 infants in group B. WS occurred significantly more frequently in group A than in group B. For the prediction of subsequent development of WS, prolonged EEG depression over 21 days of age showed sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 1.0. In both groups, abnormal irregular faster waves with or without EEG depression were seen in 11 infants between 2 and 28 days of age. They had no significant relationship with WS, but were significantly related to an adverse developmental outcome.

Conclusions:  Prolonged depression of EEG over 21 days of age in term or near‐term infants with HIE is a valuable predictor of the later development of WS.
A Review of Selected Longitudinal Studies on Aging: Past Findings and Future Directions
Authors: Stanziano Damian C. , Whitehurst Michael , Graham Patricia , Roos Bernard A.
Published: October 2010

A review of the 51 longitudinal aging studies currently in the National Institute on Aging Database of Longitudinal Studies was conducted to identify major information gaps and areas for future research. Database information, which included posted study summaries, study details from principal investigators or directors of these projects, and more than 300 recent publications based on the studies, were reviewed to identify significant findings of each study. This review summarizes the main findings and identifies the need for future work within six broad study topics: cognitive function, socioeconomic status, health and physical performance, morbidity and mortality predictors, healthcare costs, and genetics. The percentages of these 51 studies addressing the four most common topics are as follows: cognitive function (44%), health and physical performance (51%), socioeconomic factors (55%), and predictors of morbidity/mortality (63%). Important areas not addressed to any major degree were healthcare costs and genetics. Only two studies reported findings on genetics or epigenetics of human aging, and only a single study reported on associations between aging and financial costs, especially healthcare costs, which have been postulated to be important determinants of care and life quality. The results of this review, together with the specific directions proposed by other investigators with longitudinal study expertise, will inform the strategic planning of future long‐term studies of aging.
Modeling Cognitive Trajectories Within Longitudinal Studies: A Focus on Older Adults
Authors: Steinerman Joshua R. , Hall Charles B. , Sliwinski Martin J. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: October 2010

The natural history of life span cognitive performance and its late‐life determinants have been studied from an array of perspectives. Significant insights come from psychological disciplines, including cognitive, developmental, and neuropsychology, as well as from medical specialties, such as geriatrics, neurology, psychiatry, neuroradiology, and neuropathology, that contribute to the growing interdisciplinary scientific field: cognitive neuroscience of aging. This survey of longitudinal studies of aging suggests that disease‐oriented investigations commonly do not adequately consider normative cognitive changes, whereas developmental studies do not sufficiently measure and model nonnormative cognitive aging. This article argues for an integrative perspective that considers both of these influences on cognitive trajectories and presents a series of methodological concerns that have not been addressed comprehensively. Interdisciplinary methods from longitudinal observational studies should be leveraged to enable translational interventions to promote brain longevity.
Missing Data? Plan on It!
Authors: Palmer Raymond F. , Royall Donald R.
Published: October 2010

Longitudinal study designs are indispensable for investigating age‐related functional change. There now are well‐established methods for addressing missing data in longitudinal studies. Modern missing data methods not only minimize most problems associated with missing data (e.g., loss of power and biased parameter estimates), but also have valuable new applications such as research designs that use modern missing data methods to plan missing data purposefully. This article describes two state‐of‐the‐art statistical methodologies for addressing missing data in longitudinal research: growth curve analysis and statistical measurement models. How the purposeful planning of missing data in research designs can reduce subject burden, improve data quality and statistical power, and manage costs is then described.
Effect of Pacing‐Induced Ventricular Dyssynchrony on Right Ventricular Function
Authors: NUNES MARIA CARMO P. , ABREU CLÁUDIA DRUMOND G. , RIBEIRO ANTÔNIO LUIZ P. , BARBOSA MARCIA M. , RINCON LEONOR G. , REIS RODRIGO CITTON P. , ROCHA MANOEL OTÁVIO C.
Published: October 2010

Background: Asynchronous electrical activation induced by right ventricular (RV) pacing can cause several abnormalities in left ventricular (LV) function. However, the effect of ventricular pacing on RV function has not been well established. We evaluated RV function in patients undergoing long‐term RV pacing.

Methods: Eighty‐five patients and 24 healthy controls were included. After pacemaker implantation, conventional echocardiography and strain imaging were used to analyze RV function. Strain imaging measurements included peak systolic strain and strain rate. LV function and ventricular dyssynchrony by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were assessed. Intra‐ and interobserver variabilities of TDI parameters were tested on 15 randomly selected cases.

Results: All patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II and percentage of ventricular pacing was 96 ± 4%. RV apical induced interventricular dyssynchrony in 49 patients (60%). LV dyssynchrony was found in 51 patients (60%), when the parameter examined was the standard deviation of the time to peak myocardial systolic velocity of all 12 segments greater than 34 ms. Likewise, septal‐to‐lateral delay ≥65 ms was found in 31 patients (36%). All echocardiographic indexes of RV function were similar between patients and controls (strain: −22.8 ± 5.8% vs −22.1 ± 5.6%, P = 0.630; strain rate: −1.47 ± 0.91 s−1 vs −1.42 ± 0.39 s−1, P = 0.702). Intra‐ and interobserver variability for RV strain was 3.1% and 5.3%, and strain rate was 1.3% and 2.1%, respectively.

Conclusions: In patients with standard pacing indications, RV apical pacing did not seem to affect RV systolic function, despite induction of electromechanical dyssynchrony. (PACE 2011; 34:155–162)
Individualized medicine 2010
Authors: Blum Hubert E.
Published: October 2010

Molecular analyses

Mutations – polymorphisms – HapMap

Signature analyses – omics

Molecular and cell biology have revolutionized not only diagnosis, therapy and prevention of human diseases but also greatly contributed to the understanding of their pathogenesis. Based on modern molecular and biochemical methods it is possible to identify on the one hand point mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms. On the other hand, using high throughput array technologies, it is possible to analyse thousands of genes or gene products simultaneously, resulting in an individual gene or gene expression profile (signature). These data increasingly allow to define the individual risk for a given disease and to predict the individual prognosis of a disease as well as the efficacy of therapeutic strategies (individualized medicine). In the following sections some of the recent advances of predictive medicine and their clinical relevance will be addressed.
Update on the use of melatonin in pediatrics
Authors: Gitto Eloisa , Aversa Salvatore , Reiter Russel J. , Barberi Ignazio , Pellegrino Salvatore
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  Melatonin, an endogenously produced indoleamine, is a highly effective antioxidant, free radical scavenger, and a primary circadian regulator. Melatonin has important antioxidant properties owing to direct and indirect effects. It directly scavenges reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, prevents molecular oxidation, improves mitochondrial physiology, and restores glutathione homeostasis. Its indirect antioxidant effects stem from its ability to stimulate the activities of the enzymes involved in the glutathione cycling and production. Melatonin, by reducing free radical damage, may be an effective protective agent for the fetus as it is in adults. Several clinical studies on melatonin have shown that it reduces oxidative stress in human newborns with sepsis, hypoxic distress, or other conditions, where there is excessive free radical generation. A role of melatonin in infant development has also been suggested. Pineal dysfunction may be associated with deleterious outcomes in infants and may contribute to an increased prevalence of sudden infant death syndrome. Delayed melatonin production is evident in infants who had experienced an apparent life‐threatening event. Melatonin has been used as a pharmacologic treatment for insomnias associated with shift work, jet lag, and delayed sleep onset in adults for decades. In children as well, melatonin has value as a sleep‐promoting agent. Evidence suggests that melatonin has utility as an analgesic agent presumably related to its ability to release β‐endorphin. The data support the notion that melatonin, or one of its analogs, might find use as an anesthetic agent in children.