bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β-Actin mRNA compartmentalization enhances focal adhesion stability and directs cell migration
Authors: Katz Zachary B. , Wells Amber L. , Park Hye Yoon , Wu Bin , Shenoy Shailesh M. , Singer Robert H.
Published: September 2012

Directed cell motility is at the basis of biological phenomena such as development, wound healing, and metastasis. It has been shown that substrate attachments mediate motility by coupling the cell's cytoskeleton with force generation. However, it has been unclear how the persistence of cell directionality is facilitated. We show that mRNA localization plays an important role in this process, but the mechanism of action is still unknown. In this study, we show that the zipcode-binding protein 1 transports β-actin mRNA to the focal adhesion compartment, where it dwells for minutes, suggesting a means for associating its localization with motility through the formation of stable connections between adhesions and newly synthesized actin filaments. In order to demonstrate this, we developed an approach for assessing the functional consequences of β-actin mRNA and protein localization by tethering the mRNA to a specific location—in this case, the focal adhesion complex. This approach will have a significant impact on cell biology because it is now possible to forcibly direct any mRNA and its cognate protein to specific locations in the cell. This will reveal the importance of localized protein translation on various cellular processes.
PTPN14 is required for the density-dependent control of YAP1
Authors: Wang Wenqi , Huang Jun , Wang Xin , Yuan Jingsong , Li Xu , Feng Lin , Park Jae-Il , Chen Junjie
Published: September 2012

Through an shRNA-mediated loss-of-function screen, we identified PTPN14 as a potential tumor suppressor. PTPN14 interacts with yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a member of the hippo signaling pathway. We showed that PTPN14 promotes the nucleus-to-cytoplasm translocation of YAP1 during contact inhibition and thus inhibits YAP1 transactivation activity. Interestingly, PTPN14 protein stability was positively controlled by cell density. We identified the CRL2LRR1(cullin2 RING ubiquitin ligase complex/leucine-rich repeat protein 1) complex as the E3 ligase that targets PTPN14 for degradation at low cell density. Collectively, these data suggest that PTPN14 acts to suppress cell proliferation by promoting cell density-dependent cytoplasmic translocation of YAP1.
TUNEL-Antibody Double-Labeling Method for Drosophila Embryos
Authors: Sweeney Sean T. , Hidalgo Alicia , de Belle J. Steven , Keshishian Haig
Published: September 2012

The terminal deoxynucleotide transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method for monitoring targeted cell ablation is based on the in situ labeling of DNA fragmentation sites in nuclei of intact fixed cells. Unlike other methods of detecting dying cells, the use of fixed material allows antigen expression to be monitored at the same time that apoptosis is confirmed in the targeted cells. Double-labeling of Drosophila embryos using the TUNEL reaction and fluorescently tagged antibodies can be adapted to the selected antigen. For some antigens, it is preferable that the TUNEL reaction be performed first, whereas for others, the TUNEL reaction should follow antigen detection. This may be because some antigens may not survive the 37°C incubation or the conditions of the reaction. Similarly, increased fixation times yield better results for some antigens, but not for others. This protocol describes a TUNEL reaction adapted for use on Drosophila embryos in conjunction with fluorescently labeled antibodies.
Intracardial Embryonic Delivery of Developmental Modifiers In Utero
Authors: Domínguez-Bendala Juan , Álvarez-Cubela Silvia , Nieto Margarita , Vargas Nancy , Espino-Grosso Pedro , Sacher Vikas Y. , Pileggi Antonello , García Enrique , Ricordi Camillo , Inverardi Luca , Pastori Ricardo L.
Published: September 2012

Our knowledge of organ ontogeny is largely based on loss-of-function (knockout) or gain-of-function (transgenesis) approaches. However, developmental modulators such as proteins, mRNAs, microRNAs(miRNAs), small interfering RNAs, and other small molecules may complement the above DNA-modifying technologies in a much more direct way. Unfortunately, their use is often limited by the ability of these compounds to cross the placenta and reach physiologically relevant concentrations when administered systemically to the mother. The design of safe and effective techniques to deliver these compounds into the embryo is therefore an area of great scientific potential. In this article we report a new method for introducing developmental modulators into murine embryos by means of direct injection into the heart. Unlike other reported methods that require surgical exposure of the uterus, our percutaneous ultrasound-guided approach allows for the intracardial injection of mouse embryos as early as embryonic day 10.5 (e10.5) and throughout gestation in a minimally invasive manner that largely preserves embryo viability. This system offers a critical advantage over in vitro settings because the effects of any given treatment can be observed without disturbing the native environment of the developing organ. Procedures are described for the delivery and detection of transducible proteins as well as morpholinos designed to block the expression of specific miRNAs within the living embryo.
Labeling DNA (or RNA) for Single-Molecule FRET: Figure 1.
Authors: Joo Chirlmin , Ha Taekjip
Published: September 2012

Single-molecule (sm) fluorescence detection is a powerful method for studying biological events without time and population averaging. Förster (fluorescence) resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a spectroscopic technique for measuring distances in the 30–80 Å range in which excitation energy of a donor molecule is transferred to an acceptor via interaction between two induced dipoles. A variant of smFRET is based on total internal reflection (TIR) microscopy. This protocol describes the labeling of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) for smFRET with TIR microscopy. The protocol is optimized for 5 nanomoles of DNA that has an amine-modified thymine in its sequence. It is a simplified version of a protocol from Invitrogen.
Arc Lamps and Monochromators for Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Uhl Rainer
Published: September 2012

Fluorescence microscopy requires high photon-flux densities in the specimen plane. These intensities are only achieved by lasers, arc lamps, and, most recently, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Lasers and LEDs, however, are restricted to a limited number of wavelength regions, whereas with arc lamps it is possible to select arbitrary wavelengths and wavelength regions. Moreover, the lower cost of arc lamps, compared with lasers, makes them the light source of choice for the majority of fluorescence microscopy applications. Recently, so-called white light lasers have become commercially available, but their photon fluxes—although sufficient for laser scanning applications—are still not high enough for applications where extended areas need to be illuminated. This article discusses arc lamps and the design and performance of an arc lamp-based illumination system for fluorescence microscopy that allows the user to choose any wavelength from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared. The system permits rapid switching speed between colors, while maintaining quite stable and homogenous emissions.
Efficacy of psychoeducation on symptomatic and functional recovery in bipolar disorder
Authors: de Barros Pellegrinelli K. , de O. Costa L. F. , Silval K. I. D. , Dias V. V. , Roso M. C. , Bandeira M. , Colom F. , Moreno R. A.
Published: September 2012

Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy of psychoeducation in the symptomatic and functional recovery, and quality of life (QoL) in a sample of patients with bipolar disorder (BD).

Method:  The sample comprised 55 patients with BD I and II in remission (Young Mania Rating Scale ≤6 and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ≤7). Out‐patients were matched assigned to receive 16 sessions of psychoeducation [experimental group (EG)] or 16 sessions of placebo without psychoeducation [control group (CG)]. Groups were evaluated at study baseline, midpoint, endpoint, and at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups.

Results:  No significant differences between the groups were found for the variables evaluated (mood symptoms, functioning and QoL), except for overall clinical improvement, subjectively perceived by EG subjects. Both groups showed a trend toward improved clinical global impression and QoL (environmental). No reduction in mood symptoms or improvement in psychosocial functioning was observed. Psychosocial treatment compliance was positively correlated with global functioning, social adjustment, sociability, and global clinical impression.

Conclusion:  Sixteen session psychoeducation seems to be ineffective to prevent mood episodes or improve functioning in a sample of bipolar patients.
Evidence for the early clinical relevance of hallucinatory‐delusional states in the general population
Authors: Nuevo R. , Van Os J. , Arango C. , Chatterji S. , Ayuso‐Mateos J. L.
Published: September 2012

Nuevo R, Van Os J, Arango C, Chatterji S, Ayuso‐Mateos JL. Evidence for the early clinical relevance of hallucinatory‐delusional states in the general population.

Objective:  To analyze, in a general population sample, clustering of delusional and hallucinatory experiences in relation to environmental exposures and clinical parameters.

Method:  General population‐based household surveys of randomly selected adults between 18 and 65 years of age were carried out. Setting: 52 countries participating in the World Health Organization’s World Health Survey were included. Participants: 225 842 subjects (55.6% women), from nationally representative samples, with an individual response rate of 98.5% within households participated.

Results:  Compared with isolated delusions and hallucinations, co‐occurrence of the two phenomena was associated with poorer outcome including worse general health and functioning status (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.92–0.93), greater severity of symptoms (OR = 2.5 95% CI: 2.0–3.0), higher probability of lifetime diagnosis of psychotic disorder (OR = 12.9; 95% CI: 11.5–14.4), lifetime treatment for psychotic disorder (OR = 19.7; 95% CI: 17.3–22.5), and depression during the last 12 months (OR = 11.6; 95% CI: 10.9–12.4). Co‐occurrence was also associated with adversity and hearing problems (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.8–2.3).

Conclusion:  The results suggest that the co‐occurrence of hallucinations and delusions in populations is not random but instead can be seen, compared with either phenomenon in isolation, as the result of more etiologic loading leading to a more severe clinical state.
Intrinsic Innervation of the Persian Squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) Ileum
Authors: Sadeghinezhad J. , Tootian Z. , Latorre R. , Sorteni C. , Chiocchetti R.
Published: September 2012

Most investigations related to the characterisation of the enteric nervous system (ENS) are pivoted on the intestine of small rodents, but few studies are available on the ENS of wild or ‘unconventional’ rodents. Anti‐PGP 9.5 and anti‐Hu antibodies were utilised to recognise the distribution pattern of neuronal cell bodies and fibres of the ileum of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) ENS. The percentages of subclasses of enteric neurones in the total neuronal population were investigated by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), and calbindin (CALB). Myenteric plexus (MP) and submucosal plexus (SMP) neurones showing nNOS immunoreactivity (IR) were 41 ± 4% and 11 ± 6%, respectively, whereas cells expressing ChAT‐IR were 56 ± 9% and 74 ± 16%, respectively. nNOS‐IR was co‐expressed by 21 ± 2% and 9 ± 4% of the MP and SMP cholinergic neurones, respectively, whereas the nNOS‐IR MP and SMP neurones co‐expressing ChAT‐IR were 86 ± 6% and 89 ± 2%, respectively. CGRP‐IR and SP‐IR were expressed, respectively, by 13 ± 5% and 6 ± 3% of MP and 18 ± 2% and 2 ± 2% of SMP neurones. CALB‐IR was expressed by 22 ± 8% and 56 ± 14% of MP and SMP neurones, respectively. MP and SMP cholinergic neurones co‐expressed nNOS‐IR (21 ± 2% and 9 ± 4%, respectively) and a very high percentage of nNOS‐IR neurones showed ChAT‐IR (86 ± 6% and 89 ± 2%, respectively). MP and SMP CALB‐IR neurones co‐expressed ChAT‐IR (100% and 63 ± 11%, respectively) and CGRP‐IR (89 ± 5% and 26 ± 7%, respectively). Our data might contribute to the neuroanatomical knowledge of the gastrointestinal tract in exotic mammals and provide a comparison with the available data on other mammals.
Declining woodland birds in North America: should we blame Bambi?
Authors: Chollet Simon , Martin Jean‐Louis
Published: September 2012

Aim

We evaluate the possible link between increasing deer populations and declines in woodland birds.

Location

North American continent.

Methods

We used a group of 73 forest bird species that had been tested for their sensitivity to the impact of overabundant deer on forest understory. We used Breeding Bird Survey data to assess population trends for these 73 songbird species between 1966 and 2009, a period of marked continent‐wide increases in white‐tailed (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule or black‐tailed (Odocoileus hemionus) deer.

Results

We show a continent‐wide link between increase in deer populations and declines in forest–songbird species‐dependent on understory for nesting and/or foraging.

Main conclusions

Increasing deer populations may actually play an important and underestimated role in the decline of North American songbirds.
Effectiveness of screening for diabetes mellitus in dental health care
Authors: Engström S. , Berne C. , Gahnberg L. , Svärdsudd K.
Published: September 2012

Diabet. Med. 30, 239–245 (2013)

Aims  The aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of opportunistic blood glucose screening in a cooperational framework between dental and primary health care.

Methods  Altogether, 1568 subjects, age 20–75 years, with no previous history of diabetes, who came for a regular dental examination, had their non‐fasting blood glucose measured with a portable blood glucose meter. Subjects with a concentration of ≥ 6.7 mmol/l (121 mg dl−1) were referred to their primary healthcare centre for follow‐up. The outcome, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, was obtained from primary healthcare centre and hospital patient records, during 3 years after screening.

Results  Of the 155 (9.9%) subjects who screened positive, 139 (89.7%) came to their primary healthcare centre within the 3‐year follow‐up period and nine (5.8%) were diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus according to the World Health Organization criteria. Of the 1413 subjects who screened negative, 1137 (80.5%) came to the primary healthcare centre and eight (0.6%) were found to have diabetes mellitus. Screening sensitivity was 52.9%, specificity 90.6% and positive predictive value 5.8%. The number of subjects needed to screen to find one case of diabetes was 196. Delineating the study population to those 40‐ to 75‐year‐olds with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and 30‐to 75‐year‐olds with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, the numbers needed to screen was reduced to 96.

Conclusions  Cooperation between dental and primary care for high blood glucose screening and follow‐up appears to be a feasible method for early diagnosis of diabetes.
Climate change, phenology, and habitat degradation: drivers of gosling body condition and juvenile survival in lesser snow geese
Authors: Aubry Lise M. , Rockwell Robert F. , Cooch Evan G. , Brook Rodney W. , Mulder Christa P. H. , Koons David N.
Published: September 2012

Nesting migratory geese are among the dominant herbivores in (sub) arctic environments, which have undergone unprecedented increases in temperatures and plant growing days over the last three decades. Within these regions, theHudsonBayLowlands are home to an overabundant breeding population of lesser snow geese that has dramatically damaged the ecosystem, with cascading effects at multiple trophic levels. In some areas the overabundance of geese has led to a drastic reduction in available forage. In addition, warming of this region has widened the gap between goose migration timing and plant green‐up, and this ‘mismatch’ between goose and plant phenologies could in turn affect gosling development. The dual effects of climate change and habitat quality on gosling body condition and juvenile survival are not known, but are critical for predicting population growth and related degradation of (sub) arctic ecosystems. To address these issues, we used information on female goslings marked and measured between 1978 and 2005 (4125 individuals). Goslings that developed within and near the traditional center of the breeding colony experienced the effects of long‐term habitat degradation: body condition and juvenile survival declined over time. In newly colonized areas, however, we observed the opposite pattern (increase in body condition and juvenile survival). In addition, warmer than average winters and summers resulted in lower gosling body condition and first‐year survival. Too few plant ‘growing days’ in the spring relative to hatch led to similar results. Our assessment indicates that geese are recovering from habitat degradation by moving to newly colonized locales. However, a warmer climate could negatively affect snow goose populations in the long‐run, but it will depend on which seasons warm the fastest. These antagonistic mechanisms will require further study to help predict snow goose population dynamics and manage the trophic cascade they induce.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas with prominent atypical multinucleated giant tumour cells
Authors: Li Lei , Othman Mohammad , Rashid Asif , Wang Hua , Li Zhaoshen , Katz Matthew H , Lee Jeffrey E , Pisters Peter W , Abbruzzese James L , Fleming Jason B , Wang Huamin
Published: September 2012

Aims

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas (SPN) is a rare low‐grade malignant neoplasm. To our knowledge, SPN with prominent atypical multinucleated giant tumour cells (MNGTCs) has not yet been reported.

Methods and results

We identified four cases of SPN with prominent atypical MNGTCs in a cohort of 62 cases of SPN (6.5%). The MNGTCs contained multiple enlarged, hyperchromatic, irregular nuclei with ample eosinophilic cytoplasm, typically present in the solid area of the tumour. The MNGTCs had an immunohistochemical profile typical of the conventional SPN and were positive for vimentin, β‐catenin, CD10 and progesterone receptor, but negative for pan‐cytokeratin, chromogranin, synaptophysin, trypsin, Ki‐67 and CD68 in all four cases. Patients of SPN with prominent MNGTCs were older than those with conventional SPN (P = 0.01); tumours were discovered incidentally by imaging studies for an unrelated disease in all four cases, and with a female to male ratio of 1:1. The proliferation index (Ki‐67) was <1% in all four cases. None of the three patients for whom information was available developed recurrence during follow‐up of 2.7, 3.8 and 5.0 years.

Conclusions

The presence of MNGTCs in SPN most probably represents degenerative change of the tumour cells and does not seem to affect the prognosis.
Analytical evaluation of the Capillarys 2 Flex piercing for routine haemoglobinopathies diagnosis
Authors: Agouti I. , Merono F. , Bonello‐Palot N. , Badens C.
Published: September 2012

To evaluate the analytical performance of a new capillary electrophoresis instrument, the Capillarys 2 Flex piercing (Sebia, France), allowing the separation and quantitative estimation of the different haemoglobin fractions from whole blood, in capped primary tube.The analytical precision for the determination of HbA2 and HbF percentages was satisfactory and within the range of previously published results for HPLC methods. The correlation between Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing and Bio‐Rad Variant II HPLC system showed a linear correlation for HbA2, HbF and HbS measurements, and the analysis interpretation was the same whatever the method used. Conversely to HPLC method, the capillary's electrophoresis technology allowed HbE and Hb Lepore fraction separation from HbA2. We showed that the Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing is suitable for haemoglobinopathies diagnosis and screening and offers an excellent alternative to HPLC techniques as a first‐line method or for confirmatory analysis.
In and out of Africa: how did the Strait of Gibraltar affect plant species migration and local diversification?
Authors: Lavergne Sébastien , Hampe Arndt , Arroyo Juan
Published: September 2012

Aim

The biotic mechanisms by which land bridges influence the formation of regional floras remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that some land bridges have biased the migration of species between landmasses according to their biological traits, and that this relative spatial isolation has caused some lineages to diversify more than others.

Location

The Strait of Gibraltar Floristic Region, a major biodiversity hotspot of the Mediterranean Basin.

Methods

We compiled the angiosperm flora of the study region to examine patterns of narrow endemism and species disjunctions between southern Iberia and northern Morocco. We focused on species that occur in the western portion of the Mediterranean Basin (n = 566) but not further east in this region, in order to test for the specific effect of the Strait of Gibraltar. Using phylogenetic supertrees, we tested whether species' life‐history traits were related to their probability of occurring on both sides of the strait. We looked at patterns of narrow endemism in different families and computed birth–death model estimates of local diversification within the region.

Results

Species with a short life cycle and propagules dispersed by wind or externally on animals were disproportionately likely to occur on both sides of the strait. Different plant lineages exhibited disparate distribution and endemism patterns across the strait. Some families have experienced disproportionately high rates of local diversification, and these families were systematically characterized by a low migration rate across the strait. We detected no difference of overall rates of local diversification between the southern Iberian and northern Moroccan parts of the study region.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that the Strait of Gibraltar has biased species migration between northern Morocco and southern Iberia and that reduced migration through the strait may have triggered local speciation in certain plant families. This pinpoints the fundamental interplay between species migration and evolutionary diversification in the construction of hotspots of biodiversity and narrow endemism.
High efficacy of white spot syndrome virus replication in tissues of freshwater rice‐field crab, Paratelphusa hydrodomous (Herbst)
Authors: Sundar Raj N , Nathiga Nambi K S , Abdul Majeed S , Taju G , Vimal S , Farook M A , Sahul Hameed A S
Published: September 2012

An attempt was made to determine the replication efficiency of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) of shrimp in different organs of freshwater rice‐field crab, Paratelphusa hydrodomous (Herbst), using bioassay, PCR, RT‐PCR, ELISA, Western blot and real‐time PCR analyses, and also to use this crab instead of penaeid shrimp for the large‐scale production of WSSV. This crab was found to be highly susceptible to WSSV by intramuscular injection. PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed the systemic WSSV infection in freshwater crab. The RT‐PCR analysis revealed the expression of VP28 gene in different organs of infected crab. The indirect ELISA was used to quantify the VP28 protein in different organs of crab. It was found that there was a high concentration of VP28 protein in gill tissue, muscle, haemolymph and heart tissue. The copy number of WSSV in different organs of infected crab was quantified by real‐time PCR, and the results revealed a steady increase in copy number in different organs of infected crab during the course of infection. The viral inoculum prepared from different organs of infected crab caused significant mortality in tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius). The results revealed that this crab can be used as an alternate host for WSSV replication and production.
Short‐term incubation of equine laminar veins with cortisol and insulin alters contractilityin vitro: possible implications for the pathogenesis of equine laminitis
Authors: Keen J. A. , McGorum B. C. , Hillier C. , Nally J. E.
Published: September 2012

This study investigated the effects of cortisol and insulin, hormones that affect both glycaemic status and vascular function, on thein vitrocontractility of isolated healthy equine small laminar veins. Small veins (150–500 μm) draining the digital laminae from healthy horses or ponies were investigated by wire myography. Concentration response curves were constructed for noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in the presence of either cortisol (10−6 m) or insulin (1000 μIU/mL). Cortisol significantly increased the maximum contractility of laminar veins to the vasoconstrictorsNAand 5‐HTbut decreased the maximal contraction toET‐1. Insulin decreased the contractility of vessels toPEandET‐1. It is possible that short‐term cortisol excess could enhance venoconstrictor responses to 5‐HTandNAin laminar veinsin vivo, thereby predisposing to laminitis. Additionally, a reduction in the ability of insulin to counteract alpha‐adrenoreceptor andET‐1‐mediated contraction, likely to occur in subjects with insulin resistance, may further exacerbate venoconstriction in animals prone to laminitis. These mechanisms may also predispose horses with disorders such as equine Cushing's disease and equine metabolic syndrome to laminitis.
Fluid therapy in uncontrolled hemorrhage – what experimental models have taught us
Authors: HAHN R. G.
Published: September 2012

Intravenous fluid is life‐saving in hypovolemic shock, but fluid sometimes aggravates the bleeding. During the past 25 years, animal models have helped our understanding of the mechanisms involved in this unexpected effect. A key issue is that vasoconstriction is insufficient to arrest the bleeding when damage is made to a major blood vessel. ‘Uncontrolled hemorrhage’ is rather stopped by a blood clot formed at the outside surface of the vessel, and the immature clot is sensitive to mechanical and chemical interactions. The mortality increases if rebleeding occurs. In the aortic tear model in swine, hemorrhage volume and the mortality increase from effective restoration of the arterial pressure. The mortality vs. amount of fluid curve is U‐shaped with higher mortality at either end. Without any fluid at all, irreversible shock causes death provided the hemorrhage is sufficiently large. Crystalloid fluid administered in a 3 : 1 proportion to the amount of lost blood initiates serious rebleeding. Hypertonic saline 7.5% in 6% dextran 70 (HSD) also provokes rebleeding resulting in higher mortality in the recommended dosage of 4 ml/kg. Uncontrolled hemorrhage models in rats, except for the ‘cut‐tail’ model, confirm the results from swine. To avoid rebleeding, fluid programs should not aim to fully restore the arterial pressure, blood flow rates, or blood volume. For a hemorrhage of 1000 ml, computer simulations show that deliberate hypovolemia (−300 ml) would be achieved by infusing 600–750 ml crystalloid fluid over 20–30 min or 100 ml of HSD over 10–20 min in an adult male.
The benefits of interpopulation hybridization diminish with increasing divergence of small populations
Authors: Pekkala N. , E. Knott K. , Kotiaho J. S. , Nissinen K. , Puurtinen M.
Published: September 2012

Interpopulation hybridization can increase the viability of small populations suffering from inbreeding and genetic drift, but it can also result in outbreeding depression. The outcome of hybridization can depend on various factors, including the level of genetic divergence between the populations, and the number of source populations. Furthermore, the effects of hybridization can change between generations following the hybridization. We studied the effects of population divergence (low vs. high level of divergence) and the number of source populations (two vs. four source populations) on the viability of hybrid populations using experimental Drosophila littoralis populations. Population viability was measured for seven generations after hybridization as proportion of populations facing extinction and as per capita offspring production. Hybrid populations established at the low level of population divergence were more viable than the inbred source populations and had higher offspring production than the large control population. The positive effects of hybridization lasted for the seven generations. In contrast, at the high level of divergence, the viability of the hybrid populations was not significantly different from the inbred source populations, and offspring production in the hybrid populations was lower than in the large control population. The number of source populations did not have a significant effect at either low or high level of population divergence. The study shows that the benefits of interpopulation hybridization may decrease with increasing divergence of the populations, even when the populations share identical environmental conditions. We discuss the possible genetic mechanisms explaining the results and address the implications for conservation of populations.
Virus adaptation to quantitative plant resistance: erosion or breakdown?
Authors: Montarry J. , Cartier E. , Jacquemond M. , Palloix A. , Moury B.
Published: September 2012

Adaptation of populations to new environments is frequently costly due to trade‐offs between life history traits, and consequently, parasites are expected to be locally adapted to sympatric hosts. Also, during adaptation to the host, an increase in parasite fitness could have direct consequences on its aggressiveness (i.e. the quantity of damages caused to the host by the virus). These two phenomena have been observed in the context of pathogen adaptation to host's qualitative and monogenic resistances. However, the ability of pathogens to adapt to quantitative polygenic plant resistances and the consequences of these potential adaptations on other pathogen life history traits remain to be evaluated. Potato virus Y and two pepper genotypes (one susceptible and one with quantitative resistance) were used, and experimental evolutions showed that adaptation to a quantitative resistance was possible and resulted in resistance breakdown. This adaptation was associated to a fitness cost on the susceptible cultivar, but had no consequence either in terms of aggressiveness, which could be explained by a high tolerance level, or in terms of aphid transmission efficiency. We concluded that quantitative resistances are not necessarily durable but management strategies mixing susceptible and resistant cultivars in space and/or in time should be useful to preserve their efficiency.
Pulmonary embolism and the use of vena cava filters after major trauma
Authors: Batty Lachlan M. , Lyon Stuart M. , Dowrick Adam S. , Bailey Michael , Mahar Patrick D. , Liew Susan M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Major trauma patients are at significant risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to (i) analyse the current incidence and timing of PE after injury; (ii) identify risk factors that predispose major trauma patients to the occurrence of PE; and (iii) describe the use of vena cava filters (VCFs) following major trauma.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from The Alfred Hospital's Trauma Registry were used to identify all major trauma patients admitted over a 7‐year period. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the occurrence of PE. A similar model was developed to identify factors associated with the use of VCFs inserted at the discretion of the treating clinician.

Results

 A total of 6344 major trauma patients were treated during this period, with 73.2% male, mean age of 44.2, 90.2% with a blunt mechanism of injury and mean injury severity score of 24.3. Prophylactic VCFs were inserted in 511 patients (8.1%), with a mean time to insertion of 3.6 days after injury. There were 45 PE, 2 of which were fatal. The mean time to PE was 12 days post‐injury. Three variables were independently associated with the occurrence of PE: the absence of a VCF; number of injuries to the lower limb; and central venous catheterization.

Conclusion

The PE rate was 0.71%. Lower limb injuries and central venous catheterization are independently associated with a higher risk of PE after major trauma and VCFs are associated with a reduced risk.
Enhanced random skin flap survival by sustained delivery of fibroblast growth factor 2 in rats
Authors: Park Hyoung Joon , Lee Seahyoung , Kang Kyo Hwa , Heo Chan Yeong , Kim Ji Hoon , Yang Hee Seok , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: September 2012

Background

Skin flap survival is a major challenge in reconstructive plastic surgery. Here, we examined the effect of sustained delivery of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) using heparin‐conjugated fibrin (HCF) on skin flap survival in rats.

Methods

Rats with a skin flap received either phosphate‐buffered saline/FGF2 or HCF/FGF2 in the recipient bed. For the no‐treatment group, a random skin flap was sutured on the back without any treatment. Seven days after surgery, angiogenesis in the skin flap was evaluated by using Visitrak system and conventional healing quality scoring method. The efficacy of HCF/FGF2 in skin flap survival was evaluated by comparing the results from different groups.

Results

The necrotic area of the skin flap significantly decreased in the HCF/FGF2 group as compared with the other groups.

Conclusion

The sustained delivery of FGF2 using HCF has a therapeutic potential to improve skin flap survival.
Cirrhosis and microvascular invasion predict outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Barreto Savio G. , Brooke‐Smith Mark , Dolan Paul , Wilson Thomas G. , Padbury Robert T. A. , Chen John W. C.
Published: September 2012

Background

Liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) are two modalities offering potential for cure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term survival of patients with HCC treated with LT and LR and to analyse variables influencing these outcomes.

Methods

Patients referred to the South Australian Liver Transplant Unit and Hepatopancreatobiliary Unit at Flinders Medical Centre from January 1992 to September 2009 with a diagnosis of HCC who underwent LT or LR were included in the study. Histopathological parameters analysed included size, number and grade of tumour, microscopic vascular invasion and presence or absence of cirrhosis in remnant liver.

Results

Eighty‐five patients with a median age of 58 years (range 26–85 years) underwent LT or LR. Median follow‐up was 40 months in both groups. Overall, 5‐year actuarial survival for all patients with HCC in both groups was 55%. LR patients were significantly older (P < 0.001) than LT patients. Their tumours were larger (P < 001) and more often solitary (P < 0.001) compared with the LT group. In multivariate analysis, age >60 (P < 0.02), histopathological evidence of vascular invasion (P < 0.02) and presence of cirrhosis (P < 0.02) were associated with a significantly reduced survival. Patients without vascular invasion and cirrhosis had an actuarial 5‐year survival >70%.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that LT (within University of California, San Francisco criteria) and LR can lead to acceptable long‐term survival outcomes in patients with HCC. Microscopic vascular invasion and cirrhosis were the most significant prognostic factors impacting on survival.
Functional response to total hip arthroplasty in patients with hip dysplasia
Authors: Boyle Matthew J. , Singleton Neal , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Muir Dawson
Published: September 2012

Background

While recent studies have shown patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) to achieve comparable post‐operative outcomes to patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA), it is unclear whether DDH patients display better or worse preoperative function than the general THA population. We aimed to compare the preoperative function and functional response to THA of DDH patients with OA patients.

Methods

Through a retrospective review of prospectively collected regional joint registry data, we compared the preoperative, 1‐year post‐operative and post‐operative change in disease‐specific (Oxford hip score (OHS), Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)) and general health (short form 12 physical health (SF‐12 PH), mental health (SF‐12 MH) scores) functional scores of 33 DDH patients and 968 OA patients undergoing primary THA.

Results

The DDH group displayed substantially worse preoperative function than the OA group (mean OHS 11.2 versus 16.3 (P = 0.001), WOMAC 72.7 versus 60.6 (P < 0.001), SF‐12 PH 27.8 versus 28.9 (P = 0.433), SF‐12 MH 35.5 versus 44.7 (P < 0.001)). Functional response to THA at 1 year was significantly better in the DDH group than the OA group (mean score improvements: OHS 31.1 versus 24.6 (P < 0.001), WOMAC 61.4 versus 47.2 (P < 0.001), SF‐12 PH 22.3 versus 16.5 (P = 0.003), SF‐12 MH 18.4 versus 8.4 (P < 0.001)).

Conclusion

Despite experiencing significantly worse preoperative function, DDH patients undergoing THA demonstrated superior early functional response to OA patients, with substantially greater improvements observed in all disease‐specific and general health outcome measures.
Usefulness of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in malignancy of pulmonary artery mimicking pulmonary embolism
Authors: Lee Eun Jeong , Moon Seung Hwan , Choi Joon Young , Lee Kyung Soo , Choi Yong Soo , Choe Yearn Seong , Lee Kyung‐Han , Kim Byung‐Tae
Published: September 2012

Background

The role of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) in evaluating pulmonary artery lesions has not yet been established. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging in differentiating malignant from benign pulmonary artery (PA) lesions.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 18 subjects with 26 low‐attenuated filling defects suspicious for PA malignancy on contrast‐enhanced chest CT were enrolled; all of whom subsequently underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for all PA lesions, defined as the 18F‐FDG uptake, was measured. The final diagnosis was then determined by pathological findings, follow‐up chest CT or clinical follow‐up, and compared with the PET imaging.

Results

In total, 6 PA sarcomas, 5 tumour embolism, and 15 pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) occurred in this cohort. Not only was the SUVmax of the malignant PA lesions (10.2 ± 10.8) was significantly higher than that associated with PTE (1.7 ± 0.3; P < 0.001), no overlap occurred between groups. Conversely, no statistically significant difference in SUVmax occurred between PA sarcomas (12.8 ± 14.7) and tumour embolism (7.0 ± 1.32; P = 1.000).

Conclusions

 18F‐FDG PET/CT is a useful imaging modality for differentiating malignant from benign PA lesions in patients with inconclusive low‐attenuation filling defects on contrast‐enhanced chest CT.
Outcomes of preoperative radiotherapy and resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Alford Simone , Choong Peter , Chander Sarat , Henderson Michael , Powell Gerard , Ngan Samuel
Published: September 2012

Background

Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) is an important component of the management of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). We aimed to establish the feasibility of this approach by determining the accuracy of computed tomography (CT)‐guided core biopsy, proportion of patients completing treatment, rates of acute toxicity and surgical complications, and treatment outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective review. Consecutive patients presenting between January 1999 and December 2009 with a diagnosis of either primary or recurrent RPS were identified. Those patients suitable for preoperative RT and surgery were included. Exclusions included presence of metastatic disease, age under 18 years and/or paediatric histology, and treatment with palliative intent.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were included, 14 were males. Median age was 61.4 years. Twenty‐three patients had Stage T2b, high‐grade disease. Twenty patients were treated at initial presentation and four at first local recurrence. Five‐year progression‐free survival, overall survival and local recurrence rates were 48.9, 53.7 and 22%, respectively. A malignant diagnosis was confirmed in all patients who underwent CT‐guided core biopsy; a diagnosis of sarcoma was reached in 90%, histological subtype correctly identified in 66%. All patients in the cohort completed preoperative RT. Grade 3 toxicity occurred in 4% of patients (n = 1). Seventy‐five per cent (n = 18) proceeded to radical resection, where complete macroscopic excision was achieved in all cases. There was no perioperative mortality.

Conclusion

Preoperative RT has low levels of Grades 3 or 4 toxicity, and does not adversely impact surgical management. CT‐guided core biopsy is an accurate means of confirming a diagnosis of RPS prior to definitive treatment.
N w‐Propyl‐l‐arginine (L‐NPA) reduces status epilepticus and early epileptogenic events in a mouse model of epilepsy: behavioural, EEG and immunohistochemical analyses
Authors: Beamer Edward , Otahal Jakub , Sills Graeme J. , Thippeswamy Thimmasettappa
Published: September 2012

We investigated the anticonvulsant and neurobiological effects of a highly selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, N w‐propyl‐l‐arginine (L‐NPA), on kainic acid (KA)‐induced status epilepticus (SE) and early epileptogenesis in C57BL/6J mice. SE was induced with 20 mg/kg KA (i.p.) and seizures terminated after 2 h with diazepam (10 mg/kg, i.p). L‐NPA (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle was administered 30 min before KA. Behavioural seizure severity was scored using a modified Racine score and electrographic seizure was recorded using an implantable telemetry device. Neuronal activity, activity‐dependent synaptogenesis and reactive gliosis were quantified immunohistochemically, using c‐Fos, synaptophysin and microglial and astrocytic markers. L‐NPA treatment reduced the severity and duration of convulsive motor seizures, the power of electroencephalogram in the gamma band, and the frequency of epileptiform spikes during SE. It also reduced c‐Fos expression in dentate granule cells at 2 h post‐KA, and reduced the overall rate of epileptiform spiking (by 2‐ to 2.5‐fold) in the first 7 days after KA administration. Furthermore, treatment with L‐NPA suppressed both hippocampal gliosis and activity‐dependent synaptogenesis in the outer and middle molecular layers of the dentate gyrus in the early phase of epileptogenesis (72 h post‐KA). These results suggest that nNOS facilitates seizure generation during SE and may be important for the neurobiological changes associated with the development of chronic epilepsy, especially in the early stages of epileptogenesis. As such, it might represent a novel target for disease modification in epilepsy.
Concordance between self‐reported and actual hepatitis C virus infection status in a cohort of people who inject drugs
Authors: O'Keefe Daniel , Aitken Campbell , Higgs Peter , Dietze Paul
Published: September 2012

Introduction and Aims.

Accurate knowledge of individual hepatitis C virus (HCV) status is an important component of comprehensive health services for people who inject drugs (PWID). In this paper we compare the perceived HCV status of PWID in a longitudinal cohort study with their actual status, as verified by HCV‐RNA testing.

Methods.

Participants who consented to blood testing at first follow up (352/688) were included. Self‐reported HCV status (positive/negative/don't know), was compared with serology test results for participants.

Results.

In comparing self‐report with HCV‐RNA results, 274 of 352 participants had valid serology and self‐report results; of these, 220 (80%) accurately reported their HCV status.

Discussion and Conclusions.

The findings of this study suggest that large proportions of PWID know their true HCV infection status, but the discordant participants represent potential HCV infection risks. Despite the majority of participants displaying concordance, this study reinforces the need for regular blood testing and the giving of accurate, practical and comprehensive HCV result information.
The role of the endocannabinoid system in skeletal muscle and metabolic adaptations to exercise: potential implications for the treatment of obesity
Authors: Heyman E. , Gamelin F.‐X. , Aucouturier J. , Di Marzo V.
Published: September 2012

The results of recent studies add the endocannabinoid system, and more specifically CB1 receptor signalling, to the complex mechanisms that negatively modulate insulin sensitivity and substrate oxidation in skeletal muscle. CB1 receptors might become overactive in the skeletal muscle during obesity due to increased levels of endocannabinoids. However, quite surprisingly, one of the most studied endocannabinoids, anandamide, when administered in a sufficient dose, was shown to improve muscle glucose uptake and activate some key molecules of insulin signalling and mitochondrial biogenesis. This is probably because anandamide is only a partial agonist at CB1 receptors and interacts with other receptors (PPARγ, TRPV1), which may trigger positive metabolic effects. This putative beneficial role of anandamide is worth considering because increased plasma anandamide levels were recently reported after intense exercise. Whether the endocannabinoid system is involved in the positive exercise effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and glucose fatty acid oxidation remains to be confirmed. Noteworthy, when exercise becomes chronic, a decrease in CB1 receptor expression in obese metabolically deregulated tissues occurs. It is then tempting to hypothesize that physical activity would represent a complementary alternative approach for the clinical management of endocannabinoid system deregulation in obesity, without the side effects occurring with CB1 receptor antagonists.
EMOTION DETECTION IN EMAIL CUSTOMER CARE
Authors: Gupta Narendra , Gilbert Mazin , Fabbrizio Giuseppe Di
Published: September 2012

Prompt and knowledgeable responses to customers’ email are critical in maximizing customer satisfaction. Such messages often contain complaints about unfair treatment due to negligence, incompetence, rigid protocols, unfriendly systems, and unresponsive personnel. In this paper, we refer to these email messages as emotional email. They provide valuable feedback to improve contact center efficiency and the quality of the overall customer care experience, which in turn results in increased customer retention. We describe a method that uses salient features to identify emotional email in the customer care domain. Salient features in customer care related email are expressions of customer frustration, dissatisfaction with the business, and threats to either leave, take legal action, and/or report to authorities. Compared to a baseline system using word unigram features, our proposed approach significantly improves emotional email detection performance.
A BOOTSTRAPPING METHOD FOR EXTRACTING PARAPHRASES OF EMOTION EXPRESSIONS FROM TEXTS
Authors: Keshtkar Fazel , Inkpen Diana
Published: September 2012

Because paraphrasing is one of the crucial tasks in natural language understanding and generation, this paper introduces a novel technique to extract paraphrases for emotion terms, from nonparallel corpora. We present a bootstrapping technique for identifying paraphrases, starting with a small number of seeds. WordNet Affect emotion words are used as seeds. The bootstrapping approach learns extraction patterns for six classes of emotions. We use annotated blogs and other data sets as texts from which to extract paraphrases, based on the highest scoring extraction patterns. The results include lexical and morphosyntactic paraphrases, that we evaluate with human judges.