bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agreed Statistics
Authors: Bland J. Martin , Altman Douglas G. , Warner David S.
Published: December 2011

Statistical Methods for Assessing Agreement between Two Methods of Clinical Measurement. By J. Martin Bland, Douglas G. Altman. Lancet 1986; 1(8476):307-10. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier, copyright 1986. In clinical measurement comparison of a new measurement technique with an established one is often needed to see whether they agree sufficiently for the new to replace the old. Such investigations are often analyzed inappropriately, notably by using correlation coefficients. The use of correlation is misleading. An alternative approach, based on graphical techniques and simple calculations, is described, together with the relation between this analysis and the assessment of repeatability.
Symbiotic bacteria on the cuticle of the leaf-cutting ant
Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus
protect workers from attack by entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Mattoso Thalles C. , Moreira Denise D. O. , Samuels Richard I.
Published: December 2011

Although only discovered in 1999, the symbiotic filamentous actinobacteria present on the integument of certain species of leaf-cutting ants have been the subject of intense research. These bacteria have been shown to specifically suppress fungal garden parasites by secretion of antibiotics. However, more recently, a wider role for these bacteria has been suggested from research revealing their generalist anti-fungal activity. Here we show, for the first time, evidence for a role of these bacteria in the defence of young worker ants against a fungal entomopathogen. Experimental removal of the bacterial bio-film using an antibiotic resulted in a significant increase in susceptibility of worker ants to infection by the entomopathogenic fungus
Metarhizium anisopliae
. This is the first direct evidence for the advantage of maintaining a bacterial bio-film on the cuticle as a defensive strategy of the ants themselves and not exclusively for protection of the fungus garden.
The widespread collapse of an invasive species: Argentine ants (
Linepithema humile
) in New Zealand
Authors: Cooling Meghan , Hartley Stephen , Sim Dalice A. , Lester Philip J.
Published: December 2011

Synergies between invasive species and climate change are widely considered to be a major biodiversity threat. However, invasive species are also hypothesized to be susceptible to population collapse, as we demonstrate for a globally important invasive species in New Zealand. We observed Argentine ant populations to have collapsed in 40 per cent of surveyed sites. Populations had a mean survival time of 14.1 years (95% CI = 12.9–15.3 years). Resident ant communities had recovered or partly recovered after their collapse. Our models suggest that climate change will delay colony collapse, as increasing temperature and decreasing rainfall significantly increased their longevity, but only by a few years. Economic and environmental costs of invasive species may be small if populations collapse on their own accord.
Remote automated multi-generational growth and observation of an animal in low Earth orbit
Authors: Oczypok Elizabeth A. , Etheridge Timothy , Freeman Jacob , Stodieck Louis , Johnsen Robert , Baillie David , Szewczyk Nathaniel J.
Published: December 2011

The ultimate survival of humanity is dependent upon colonization of other planetary bodies. Key challenges to such habitation are (patho)physiologic changes induced by known, and unknown, factors associated with long-duration and distance space exploration. However, we currently lack biological models for detecting and studying these changes. Here, we use a remote automated culture system to successfully grow an animal in low Earth orbit for six months. Our observations, over 12 generations, demonstrate that the multi-cellular soil worm
Caenorhabditis elegans
develops from egg to adulthood and produces progeny with identical timings in space as on the Earth. Additionally, these animals display normal rates of movement when fully fed, comparable declines in movement when starved, and appropriate growth arrest upon starvation and recovery upon re-feeding. These observations establish
C. elegans
as a biological model that can be used to detect changes in animal growth, development, reproduction and behaviour in response to environmental conditions during long-duration spaceflight. This experimental system is ready to be incorporated on future, unmanned interplanetary missions and could be used to study cost-effectively the effects of such missions on these biological processes and the efficacy of new life support systems and radiation shielding technologies.
Genome-wide detection of natural selection in African Americans pre- and post-admixture
Authors: Jin Wenfei , Xu Shuhua , Wang Haifeng , Yu Yongguo , Shen Yiping , Wu Bailin , Jin Li
Published: December 2011

It is particularly meaningful to investigate natural selection in African Americans (AfA) due to the high mortality their African ancestry has experienced in history. In this study, we examined 491,526 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped in 5210 individuals and conducted a genome-wide search for selection signals in 1890 AfA. Several genomic regions showing an excess of African or European ancestry, which were considered the footprints of selection since population admixture, were detected based on a commonly used approach. However, we also developed a new strategy to detect natural selection both pre- and post-admixture by reconstructing an ancestral African population (AAF) from inferred African components of ancestry in AfA and comparing it with indigenous African populations (IAF). Interestingly, many selection-candidate genes identified by the new approach were associated with AfA-specific high-risk diseases such as prostate cancer and hypertension, suggesting an important role these disease-related genes might have played in adapting to a new environment. CD36 and HBB, whose mutations confer a degree of protection against malaria, were also located in the highly differentiated regions between AAF and IAF. Further analysis showed that the frequencies of alleles protecting against malaria in AAF were lower than those in IAF, which is consistent with the relaxed selection pressure of malaria in the New World. There is no overlap between the top candidate genes detected by the two approaches, indicating the different environmental pressures AfA experienced pre- and post-population admixture. We suggest that the new approach is reasonably powerful and can also be applied to other admixed populations such as Latinos and Uyghurs.
The TvPirin Gene Is Necessary for Haustorium Development in the Parasitic Plant Triphysaria versicolor
Authors: Bandaranayake Pradeepa C.G. , Tomilov Alexey , Tomilova Natalya B. , Ngo Quy A. , Wickett Norman , dePamphilis Claude W. , Yoder John I.
Published: December 2011

The rhizosphere is teemed with organisms that coordinate their symbioses using chemical signals traversing between the host root and symbionts. Chemical signals also mediate interactions between roots of different plants, perhaps the most obvious being those between parasitic Orobanchaceae and their plant hosts. Parasitic plants use specific molecules provided by host roots to initiate the development of haustoria, invasive structures critical for plant parasitism. We took a transcriptomics approach to identify parasitic plant genes associated with host factor recognition and haustorium signaling and previously identified a gene, TvPirin, which is transcriptionally up-regulated in roots of the parasitic plant Triphysaria versicolor after being exposed to the haustorium-inducing molecule 2,6-dimethoxybenzoquinone (DMBQ). Because TvPirin shares homology with proteins associated with environmental signaling in some plants, we hypothesized that TvPirin may function in host factor recognition in parasitic plants. We tested the function of TvPirin in T. versicolor roots using hairpin-mediated RNA interference. Reducing TvPirin transcripts in T. versicolor roots resulted in significantly less haustoria development in response to DMBQ exposure. We determined the transcript levels of other root expressed transcripts and found that several had reduced basal levels of gene expression but were similarly regulated by quinone exposure. Phylogenic investigations showed that TvPirin homologs are present in most flowering plants, and we found no evidence of parasite-specific gene duplication or expansion. We propose that TvPirin is a generalized transcription factor associated with the expression of a number of genes, some of which are involved in haustorium development.
Overexpression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of CheY4 from Vibrio cholerae O395
Authors: Biswas Maitree , Khamrui Susmita , Sen Udayaditya , Dasgupta Jhimli
Published: December 2011

Chemotaxis and motility greatly influence the infectivity of Vibrio cholerae, although the role of chemotaxis genes in V. cholerae pathogenesis is poorly understood. In contrast to the single copy of CheY found in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, four CheYs (CheY1–CheY4) are present in V. cholerae. While insertional disruption of the cheY4 gene results in decreased motility, insertional duplication of this gene increases motility and causes enhanced expression of the two major virulence genes. Additionally, cheY3/cheY4 influences the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which triggers the generation of acute inflammatory responses. V. cholerae CheY4 was cloned, overexpressed and purified by Ni–NTA affinity chromatography followed by gel filtration. Crystals of CheY4 grown in space group C2 diffracted to 1.67 Å resolution, with unit-cell parameters a = 94.4, b = 31.9, c = 32.6 Å, β = 96.5°, whereas crystals grown in space group P3221 diffracted to 1.9 Å resolution, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 56.104, c = 72.283 Å, γ = 120°.
Auditor's Gender and Audit Fees
Authors: Ittonen Kim , Peni Emilia
Published: December 2011

Documented behavioral differences between women and men suggest that the gender of the audit engagement partner may have implications for the price setting of the audit. Thus, this paper examines the effect of the auditor's gender on audit fees in an environment where the responsible audit partners can be identified. Using a sample of public firms from the NASDAQ OMX exchanges in three Nordic countries, we find evidence indicating that firms with female audit engagement partners have significantly higher audit fees. Although this is an interesting finding, it should be interpreted with caution since there is no clear theoretical explanation to support it. Potential reasons are introduced, such as the gender differences in risk tolerance, which may affect the pricing decisions by increasing the audit investment and/or increasing the audit fee risk premium. Alternatively, female auditors' diligence, lower overconfidence, and higher level of preparation could also lead to an increase in audit investment, and thereby result in higher audit fees.
Effects of measurement methods on the relationship between smoking and delay reward discounting
Authors: Stillwell David J. , Tunney Richard J.
Published: December 2011

Aims  Delay reward discounting (DRD) measures the degree to which a person prefers smaller rewards soon or larger rewards later. People who smoke have been shown to have higher DRD. There are several ways of measuring DRD, and the method used might influence the association between smoking and DRD. The key differences are the order in which the items are presented, the delays used and the magnitude of the delayed amount.

Setting  An international online study running from September 2010 to June 2011.

Participants  A total of 9454 individuals; 38% male, mean age = 23.1 years.

Design and measurements  Users completed a multi‐item DRD task. They were randomly presented the immediate rewards in an ascending, descending or randomized order. The delays were between 1 week and 5 years. The delayed amounts were $1000 for all delays, and $100 for 1 month. Users also self‐reported their smoking status.

Findings  A hyperbolic DRD function fitted better than an exponential function. There were differences in the derived DRD function based on methodology used; items presented in a randomized order, longer delays and smaller rewards showed steeper discounting. However, these did not interact with smoking status, as for all methodologies used daily smokers showed the steepest discounting, followed by non‐daily smokers, then non‐smokers.

Conclusions  Smokers discount future consequences more than non‐smokers, irrespective of which measurement is used, but variations in method lead to different estimates that are not comparable between experiments.
Clinical significance of early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: results of the Tokyo Children’s Cancer Study Group Study L99‐15
Authors: Inukai Takeshi , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Campana Dario , Coustan‐Smith Elaine , Kikuchi Akira , Kobayashi Miyuki , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Koh Katsuyoshi , Manabe Atsushi , Kumagai Masaaki , Ikuta Koichiro , Hayashi Yasuhide , Tsuchida Masahiro , Sugita Kanji , Ohara Akira
Published: December 2011

Early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ETP‐ALL) is a recently identified subtype of T‐ALL with distinctive gene expression and cell marker profiles, poor response to chemotherapy and a very high risk of relapse. We determined the reliability of restricted panel of cell markers to identify EPT‐ALL using a previously classified cohort. Then, we applied the cell marker profile that best discriminated ETP‐ALL to a cohort of 91 patients with T‐ALL enrolled in the Tokyo Children’s Cancer Study Group L99‐15 study, which included allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) for patients with poor prednisone response. Five of the 91 patients (5·5%) met the ETP‐ALL criteria. There were no significant differences in presenting clinical features between these and the remaining 86 patients. Response to early remission induction therapy was inferior in ETP‐ALL as compared with T‐ALL. The ETP‐ALL subgroup showed a significantly poorer event‐free survival (4‐year rate; 40%) than the T‐ALL subgroup (70%, P = 0·014). Of note, three of four relapsed ETP‐ALL patients survived after allo‐SCT, indicating that allo‐SCT can be effective for this drug‐resistant subtype of T‐ALL.
Dendritic cell‐targeted protein vaccines: a novel approach to induce T‐cell immunity
Authors: Trumpfheller C. , Longhi M. P. , Caskey M. , Idoyaga J. , Bozzacco L. , Keler T. , Schlesinger S. J. , Steinman R. M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract.  Trumpfheller C, Longhi MP, Caskey M, Idoyaga J, Bozzacco L, Keler T, Schlesinger SJ, Steinman RM (The Rockefeller University, New York, NY; and Celldex Therapeutics, Phillipsburg, NJ; USA). Dendritic cell‐targeted protein vaccines: a novel approach to induce T‐cell immunity (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 183–192.

Current vaccines primarily work by inducing protective antibodies. However, in many infections like HIV, malaria and tuberculosis as well as cancers, there remains a need for durable and protective T‐cell immunity. Here, we summarize our efforts to develop a safe T‐cell–based protein vaccine that exploits the pivotal role of dendritic cells (DC) in initiating adaptive immunity. Focusing on HIV, gag‐p24 protein antigen is introduced into a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that efficiently and specifically targets the DEC‐205 antigen uptake receptor on DC. When administered together with synthetic double‐stranded RNA, polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid (poly IC) or its analogue poly IC stabilized with carboxymethylcellulose and poly‐L‐lysine (poly ICLC), as adjuvant, HIV gag‐p24 within anti‐DEC‐205 mAb is highly immunogenic in mice, rhesus macaques, and in ongoing research, healthy human volunteers. Human subjects form both T‐ and B‐cell responses to DC‐targeted protein. Thus, DC‐targeted protein vaccines are a potential new vaccine platform, either alone or in combination with highly attenuated viral vectors, to induce integrated immune responses against microbial or cancer antigens, with improved ease of manufacturing and clinical use.
Is diversification history of maize influencing selection of soil bacteria by roots?
Authors: BOUFFAUD MARIE‐LARA , KYSELKOVÁ MARTINA , GOUESNARD BRIGITTE , GRUNDMANN GENEVIEVE , MULLER DANIEL , MOËNNE‐LOCCOZ YVAN
Published: December 2011

A wide range of plant lines has been propagated by farmers during crop selection and dissemination, but consequences of this crop diversification on plant‐microbe interactions have been neglected. Our hypothesis was that crop evolutionary history shaped the way the resulting lines interact with soil bacteria in their rhizospheres. Here, the significance of maize diversification as a factor influencing selection of soil bacteria by seedling roots was assessed by comparing rhizobacterial community composition of inbred lines representing the five main genetic groups of maize, cultivated in a same European soil. Rhizobacterial community composition of 21‐day‐old seedlings was analysed using a 16S rRNA taxonomic microarray targeting 19 bacterial phyla. Rhizobacterial community composition of inbred lines depended on the maize genetic group. Differences were largely due to the prevalence of certain Betaproteobacteria and especially Burkholderia, as confirmed by quantitative PCR and cloning/sequencing. However, these differences in bacterial root colonization did not correlate with plant microsatellite genetic distances between maize genetic groups or individual lines. Therefore, the genetic structure of maize that arose during crop diversification (resulting in five main groups), but not the extent of maize diversification itself (as determined by maize genetic distances), was a significant factor shaping rhizobacterial community composition of seedlings.
Caudolateral orbitofrontal regional cerebral blood flow is decreased in abstinent cocaine‐addicted subjects in two separate cohorts
Authors: Adinoff Bryon , Braud Jacquelyn , Devous Michael D. , Harris Thomas S.
Published: December 2011

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is crucial for the inhibition of extraneous stimuli, evaluation of aversive information and emotional regulation—all behaviors impaired in cocaine addiction. Previous studies suggest that cocaine‐addicted subjects have decreased basal activity in the OFC. In this study, we examined regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during a saline infusion in two independent populations of abstinent cocaine‐ (and mostly nicotine‐) addicted (n = 33 and 26) and healthy control (n = 35 and 20) men and women. Isolated rCBF decreases (P < 0.001) were observed in the left caudolateral OFC, as well as left superior temporal cortex, in cocaine‐addicted subjects relative to controls in both cohorts and bilaterally in the combined cohort. An anatomically defined region of the caudolateral OFC showed similar findings and were evident in both male and female addicted subjects. The reliability of these findings across two cohorts reveals a functional disruption in the lateral OFC, a brain region implicated in the evaluation of behavior‐terminating stimuli. This may contribute to an addicted individual's persistent drug use despite negative consequences.
Duodenoduodenostomy in pancreas transplantation
Authors: Gunasekaran Ganesh , Wee Alvin , Rabets John , Winans Charles , Krishnamurthi Venkatesh
Published: December 2011

Gunasekaran G, Wee A, Rabets J, Winans C, Krishnamurthi V. Duodenoduodenostomy in pancreas transplantation.

Abstract:  Enteric drainage (ED) using duodenojejunostomy (DJ) is an established technique in pancreatic transplantation. Duodenoduodenostomy (DD), an alternative ED technique, may provide unique advantages over DJ. We compared our experience with these two types of ED through a retrospective review of all pancreas transplants performed at our institution from November 2007 to November 2009. The allograft duodenum was anastomosed to the recipient jejunum or duodenum. Duodenal drainage was performed by a stapled or hand‐sewn technique. Patient demographics, operative times, major post‐operative complications, and graft survival data were analyzed. Of 57 pancreas transplants, DJ was performed in 36 patients, stapled DD in 14 patients, and hand‐sewn DD in seven patients. Two DD grafts (9.5%) thrombosed compared with no DJ grafts (p = NS). Enteric leak and small‐bowel obstruction occurred in 3 of 36 DJ patients and in two DD patients (p = NS). Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred more frequently in stapled DD compared with DJ (4 vs. 0, p < 0.015). In conclusion, DD is technically feasible with no increase in operative time or enteric complications. GI bleeding rates appear to be higher following DD (stapled) technique. Potential complications of DD should be balanced against the benefits conferred by this technique.
Anidulafungin treatment in a kidney transplant recipient with hepatic damage
Authors: De Rosa Francesco G. , Manzione NA. , Ranghino Andrea , Messina Marina , Ottobrelli Antonio , Raviolo Stefania , Di Perri Giovanni , Segoloni Giuseppe Paolo
Published: December 2011

A 50‐year old female was treated with anidulafungin after fluconazole treatment, for a complex clinical picture and immunosuppression. Anidulafungin was chosen when liver function test was abnormal in a setting of multiple causes of liver toxicity.
Obesity‐induced renal impairment is exacerbated in interleukin‐6‐knockout mice
Authors: HARCOURT BROOKE E , FORBES JOSEPHINE M , MATTHEWS VANCE B
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is secreted from adipose tissue and thought to contribute to obesity‐related disorders. The aim of this study was to assess if IL‐6‐knockout (IL‐6‐/‐) mice would develop obesity‐induced renal impairment.

Methods:  Wild‐type (WT) and IL‐6‐/‐ mice were high‐fat fed (HFF) for 16 weeks to induce obesity. At the end of the study, renal function was measured via albumin/creatinine ratio and serum creatinine levels, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Glomerulosclerotic index (GSI) was scored in periodic acid Schiff‐stained sections and collagen IV accumulation was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Renal cortical tumour growth factor beta (TGF‐β1) activity and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) levels were measured via ELISA.

Results:  Renal IL‐6 concentrations were increased with obesity. Although both WT HFF and IL‐6‐/‐ HFF mice exhibited renal impairment as measured by increased serum creatinine and urinary albumin/creatinine ratios, this was exacerbated in IL‐6‐/‐ mice. Obese mice had renal activation of cortical TGF‐β1, which was also higher in IL‐6‐/‐ mice. Collagen IV staining was not affected by obesity. GSI was increased with obesity in both WT and IL‐6‐/‐ mice.

Conclusion:  Obese IL‐6‐/‐ mice demonstrated renal functional and structural abnormalities above that seen in obese WT mice. We suggest that absence or low IL‐6 levels may be an important accelerating factor implicated in the development and progression of obesity‐induced renal disease.
Successful salvage treatment of steroid‐refractory bronchiolar COP with low‐dose macrolides
Authors: Chang Won Jin , Lee Eun Joo , Lee Sang Yeub , In Kwang Ho , Kim Chul Hwan , Kim Han‐Kyeom , Park Sanghoon
Published: December 2011

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) is an idiopathic interstitial pneumonia characterized by fibroblastic tissues that occupy the lumina of alveoli and alveolar ducts or respiratory bronchioles. Although adequate doses and durations of glucocorticoids can improve its condition, COP is sometimes resistant to glucocorticoid therapy and is often lethal.Herein, a very rare case of ‘bronchiolar COP’ that was confined to the respiratory bronchioles is reported. This case indicates that macrolides may act as anti‐inflammatory agents in patients with COP. Timely and precise pathological diagnosis may corroborate clinician diagnoses and eventually improve chances to overcome the disease.
A comparative analysis of chemically induced sex reversal in teleosts: challenging conventional suppositions
Authors: Senior Alistair M , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: December 2011

Environmental sex reversal (ESR) occurs when extreme environmental factors overpower predetermined sexual development. Scientific theory is beginning to acknowledge the potential roles of sex‐reversed individuals in influencing population dynamics and driving the evolution of sex‐determination mechanisms. ESR is a phenomenon that has been widely observed in fish and can be induced by exposing individuals to exogenous hormones. However, reports of the susceptibility of fish to hormonally induced ESR vary greatly – a concept we termed ‘inducibility’. It has been suggested that variation in inducibility can be attributed to biological differences among species of different taxonomic groups (i.e. phylogenetic effects are present). Here, we provide the first quantitative test of this theory, which was achieved by combining published data with phylogenetic trees, using phylogenetically controlled comparative analysis. Our results confirm that a great amount of variation exists in the reported inducibility of fish. However, species and taxonomic relationships were responsible for trivial portions of variation. Rather, we found that sampling (measurement) errors in combination with methodological differences across studies accounted for much more variation in inducibility than taxonomy did. Given that our analysis contains representatives from over 25% of all teleost orders, we conclude that inducibility is not a taxonomically constrained trait in teleosts. Therefore, we suggest that the sex‐determination mechanisms of most fish are uniformly plastic. Further, we propose that ESR occurs relatively regularly over evolutionary time in many teleost species, playing a vital role in the maintenance of homomorphic sex chromosomes in this taxonomic group.
Flat whites: who gets progression in the UK café sector?
Authors: Lloyd Caroline , Payne Jonathan
Published: December 2011

The article examines the opportunities for, and barriers to, career progression in the UK café sector. The research finds that some workers are able to move up within organisations to reach managerial levels, regardless of their qualifications. However, the limited positions available, the nature of the work and low rewards mean that most workers either do not want progression or feel that they are unlikely to succeed.
Cost‐efficacy of adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis
Authors: Ferrándiz C. , García A. , Blasco A.J. , Lázaro P.
Published: December 2011

Background  Different biological agents are used for the treatment of psoriasis. Previous data have shown adalimumab to be the most efficient drug in terms of cost‐efficacy. However, newer data are required to include recent drugs.

Objective  To estimate the cost‐efficacy ratios of biological agents licensed in Spain (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab) for the treatment of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Methods  An economic evaluation model was developed by building a decision tree for each drug regimen for which scientific evidence was available. The payer perspective (Spanish National Health System) was considered, taking into account only the drug costs. Data on efficacy [proportion of patients with a 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75)] reported in the randomized controlled trials were used. When more than one trial for each treatment had been published, a meta‐analysis was performed. In case of weight‐dependent doses (infliximab), weight of the study subjects was standardized by age and gender of the Spanish population, corrected for the increase in weight in subjects with psoriasis. Uncertainty was assessed by sensitivity analysis.

Results  Incremental efficacy ranged from 31.19% (etanercept at a dosage of 25 mg twice a week for 12 weeks) to 78.35% (infliximab at 5 mg/kg for 24 weeks). Efficiency, in terms of incremental cost‐efficacy, ranged from 8013€ (adalimumab) to 17 981€ (ustekinumab at a dose of 90 mg) per PASI 75 responder gained.

Conclusion  In terms of cost‐efficacy, the most efficient biological drug was adalimumab. The robustness of this finding was confirmed by sensitivity analysis.
Salt stress induces the formation of a novel type of ‘pressure wood’ in two Populus species
Authors: Janz Dennis , Lautner Silke , Wildhagen Henning , Behnke Katja , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Rennenberg Heinz , Fromm Jörg , Polle Andrea
Published: December 2011

Featured paper: See also the Commentary by Ellis
The effect of topical negative pressure on wound biofilms using an in vitro wound model
Authors: Ngo Quan D. , Vickery Karen , Deva Anand K.
Published: December 2011

Chronic non‐healing wounds affect a significant number of patients worldwide. Although the etiologies of these wounds are varied, bacterial infection has been suggested as a major factor responsible for the perpetual inflammation and tissue destruction observed in such wounds. Recent evidence has emerged suggesting that bacterial biofilms in particular may have a significant role in this process. At the same time, topical negative pressure dressing is gaining acceptance as a therapy which promotes healing in recalcitrant wounds. In this study an in vitro Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm model was developed to mimic potential surface wound biofilms. Topical negative pressure dressing was applied to the model and the effects of topical negative pressure dressing on the in vitro wound biofilms were examined using both quantitative microbiological counting technique and imaging studies. The results demonstrated a small but statistically significant reduction in biofilm bacteria at 2 weeks when exposed to topical negative pressure. When this was combined with silver impregnated foam, the reduction was far more significant and was observable within 24 hours. Microscopically, it was also noted that topical negative pressure compressed the biofilm architecture with a reduction in thickness and diffusion distance.
Quad‐Site Pacing Using a Quadripolar Left Ventricular Pacing Lead
Authors: SHETTY ANOOP K. , MEHTA PARESH , BOSTOCK JULIAN , RINALDI C. ALDO
Published: December 2011

Pacing the left ventricle (LV) from multiple sites simultaneously may result in a better response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We sought to assess whether multisite pacing using a quadripolar LV lead improves acute hemodynamic response (AHR) to CRT. We paced four ventricular sites simultaneously using two vectors of a Quartet lead, a right ventricular apical lead, and an additional LV lead temporarily placed in an anterior branch of the coronary sinus. Multisite pacing using the Quartet lead alone did not improve the AHR but “quad‐site” pacing using an additional temporary LV lead did increase dP/dtmax. (PACE 2013; 36:e48–e50)
Spatial patterns of sterile Mediterranean fruit fly dispersal
Authors: Gavriel Sagi , Gazit Yoav , Leach Adrian , Mumford John , Yuval Boaz
Published: December 2011

The success of the sterile insect technique (SIT) for the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), depends largely on the ability of sterile flies to spread in the target area and compete with the wild males for wild females. Our objectives in the present study were three‐fold: (1) to evaluate the dispersal ability of sterile male medflies and compare their spatial dispersion patterns with that of wild males, (2) to evaluate how different release methods affect subsequent spatial dispersal, and (3) to determine whether manipulating the pre‐release diet of sterile males affects their dispersal. To achieve these objectives, we conducted three experiments in the field where we quantified and analyzed the spatial and temporal dispersal patterns of sterile medflies and the dispersion of resident wild males. Overall, ca. 5% of the released sterile flies were recaptured 100 m from the release point, and ca. 2% were recaptured 200 m from the release point. The released flies rarely survived longer than 5–7 days. We repeatedly found that the spatial dispersion patterns of sterile males significantly correlated with those of wild males. Release methods strongly affected subsequent fly dispersal in the field as significantly more flies were recaptured following a scattered release vs. a central one. Finally, we show that enriching sterile fly pre‐release diet with protein did not affect subsequent dispersal in the field. We conclude that sterile males are able to match the dispersion patterns of wild males, an outcome that is highly important for SIT success. Large releases from central points distant from each other may leave many areas uncovered. Accordingly, scattered releases, repeated twice a week, will provide better coverage of all available aggregations sites. The spatial performance of protein‐fed males suggests that pre‐release diet amendments may be used without detriment as a sexual stimulant in SIT programs.
Female‐targeted attractant containing pear ester for Synanthedon myopaeformis
Authors: Tóth Miklós , Landolt Peter , Szarukán István , Szólláth Imre , Vitányi Imre , Pénzes Béla , Hári Katalin , Jósvai Júlia Katalin , Koczor Sándor
Published: December 2011

When testing pear ester (ethyl‐2,4‐decadienoate) + acetic acid (PEAA) lures to catch codling moths, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in Hungary, significant catches of the apple clearwing moth, Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkhausen) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), were also recorded. This sesiid is one of the most important pests of apple in Europe. Pear ester plus acetic acid lures were attractive to S. myopaeformis no matter whether the two compounds were provided in separate dispensers or mixed together in a single dispenser, and a large percentage (40–80%) of the clearwing moths caught were females. In all cases, traps baited with binary combinations of PEAA caught far more than traps baited with either of the compounds presented alone. Traps with PEAA lures in some tests caught (females and males together) up to ca. 20% of the catch in traps baited with the synthetic apple clearwing moth sex attractant (all males). Consequently, the PEAA lure shows potential for future practical applications as a female‐targeted lure. To our knowledge, this is the first report of attractiveness of a lure containing pear ester for non‐tortricid Lepidoptera. Our finding suggests that the compound may be exploited as a host location stimulus by a wider array of insects than was indicated previously.
Repertoire of endothelial progenitor cells mobilized by femoral artery ligation: a nonhuman primate study
Authors: Shi Qiang , Cox Laura A. , Hodara Vida , Wang Xing Li , VandeBerg John L.
Published: December 2011

To determine in the baboon model the identities and functional characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) mobilized in response to artery ligation, we collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) before and 3 days after a segment of femoral artery was removed. Our goal was to find EPC subpopulations with highly regenerative capacity. We identified 12 subpopulations of putative EPCs that were altered >1.75‐fold; two subpopulations (CD146+/CD54–/CD45– at 6.63‐fold, and CD146+/UEA‐1–/CD45– at 12.21‐fold) were dramatically elevated. To investigate the regenerative capacity of putative EPCs, we devised a new assay that maximally resembled their in vivo scenario, we purified CD34+ and CD146+ cells and co‐cultured them with basal and mobilized PBMNCs; both cell types took up Dil‐LDL, but purified CD146+ cells exhibited accelerated differentiation by increasing expression of CD31 and CD144, and by exhibiting more active cord‐like structure formation by comparison to the CD34+ subpopulation in a co‐culture with mobilized PBMNCs. We demonstrate that ischaemia due to vascular ligation mobilizes multiple types of cells with distinct roles. Baboon CD146+ cells exhibit higher reparative capacity than CD34+ cells, and thus are a potential source for therapeutic application.
Influence of the application area on finite dose permeation in relation to drug type applied
Authors: Hahn Tsambika , Selzer Dominik , Neumann Dirk , Kostka Karl‐Heinz , Lehr Claus‐Michael , Schaefer Ulrich F.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  For finite dose skin absorption experiments, a homogeneous donor distribution over the skin surface is usually assumed. However, the influence of the surface distribution on skin absorption is still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the application area on the permeation of drugs during finite dose skin absorption experiments in static Franz diffusion cells. Permeation experiments with stained aqueous drug formulations were conducted, and the application area was determined by a suitable, objective, automated computational approach. The permeation of caffeine is strongly dependent on the application area. The variability between single experiments decreased when including the application area. For the lipophilic flufenamic acid, this was not the case. The variability highly increased after inclusion of the application area. Thus, a correction of the area is misleading. In summary, depending on the drug’s physicochemical characteristics, the application area may influence skin absorption.
When will litter mixtures decompose faster or slower than individual litters? A model for two litters
Authors: Berglund S. Linnea , Ågren Göran I.
Published: December 2011

Litter mixtures often decompose at a different rate than the average of the individual litters, but, so far, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. We propose here an explanation based on a model with two litters. The model describes the carbon and nitrogen mineralisation of the litters. The decomposition rates of the litters become linked because the growth efficiency (production‐to‐assimilation ratio) of the decomposers responds to the amount of inorganic nitrogen (initial plus mineralised) in the surrounding environment. The model shows that, when in a mixture, one litter decomposes always faster and the other one always slower compared to when they decompose on their own. The relative changes in decomposition rates are also equal and consequently the decomposition rate for the whole mixture can be expected to lie between the rates of the two individual litters. The mixture decomposes faster than the average of the two litters separately when the litter of the higher quality also mineralises nitrogen fastest. If the litter of the higher quality instead has the smallest nitrogen mineralisation rate, the mixture decomposes slower. The model predictions are consistent with observations from 23 published experimental litter‐mixture studies.
Burn size estimation in children: Still a problem
Authors: Chan Queenie E , Barzi Federica , Cheney Lukas , Harvey John G , Holland Andrew JA
Published: December 2011

Background: Accurate determination of burn size and depth forms an integral part of the initial assessment of any burn injury. Errors might lead to inaccurate fluid resuscitation and inappropriate transfer of patients to specialized burns units (BUs). Although recent data suggest some improvement in the estimation of burn injury in adults, this has not been shown in children.

Methods: A retrospective review of children with burn injuries referred to the BU of our institution was performed. Data were collected from all patients presenting to the BU during the calendar year 2009. The total body surface area burned (TBSA‐B) estimated by the referring centre was compared with the actual TBSA determined measured on arrival at the BU.

Results: Of the 71 paediatric patients referred during the study period, 10 did not have any TBSA‐B estimation documented by the referring hospital. Inaccurate estimation of burn area was noted in 48 out of 61 patients (79%). Burn size was more likely to be overestimated than underestimated by a ratio of 2.2 to 1, especially in burns >10% TBSA‐B (P= 0.002).

Conclusions: Inaccurate estimation of burn size remains a problem in children. The persistent miscalculation of burn size might be a result of the various methods employed in assessing burn area, the inclusion of simple erythema and inadequate training or exposure of first responders. Accurate assessment of TBSA‐B and burn depth in children remains elusive and would appear to require additional training and education.
Growth of a solitary pulmonary nodule after 6 years diagnosed as oncocytic carcinoid tumour with a high 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) uptake in positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT)
Authors: Turan Onur , Ozdogan Ozhan , Gurel Duygu , Onen Ahmet , Kargi Aydanur , Sevinc Can
Published: December 2011

Introduction:  Pulmonary carcinoid tumour is low‐grade neuroendocrine malignancy that is seen 1%–2% of all lung neoplasms. Oncocytic carcinoid type is a rarely seen variant of pulmonary carcinoids. As carcinoid tumours have hypometabolic activity, they usually have lower 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) uptake than expected for lung carcinoma on positron emission tomography (PET).

Case Report:  A 45‐year‐old non‐smoking man had a stable solitary pulmonary nodule followed for 6 years; the tumour remained the same size (1.5 × 2.4 cm) during this period. The patient was admitted to the hospital with complaints of repetitive sneezing and rhinorrhoea. He also experienced flushing and bronchospasm. His chest X‐ray revealed a minimal increase in the size of the solitary pulmonary nodule (2.0 × 2.8 cm). In PET‐computed tomography (CT), the parenchymal nodule in the anterior segment of the right lung had a standard uptake value of 38.0 mg/mL, which was interpreted as a malignant nodule. He underwent fibre‐optic bronchoscopy, but cytology showed no evidence of malignancy. Right upper and middle bilobectomy was performed, and a pulmonary carcinoid tumour with an oncocytic subgroup was diagnosed. The diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome was further confirmed by an elevated 24‐h urinary excretion of 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid.

Conclusion:  We present a rare case of an oncocytic carcinoid tumour with an increase in the size of a solitary pulmonary nodule after 6 years' follow‐up. In addition, PET‐CT showed a very high 18F‐FDG uptake in this patient, which is an unexpected finding with a pulmonary carcinoid tumour.

Please cite this paper as: Turan O, Ozdogan O, Gurel D, Onen A, Kargi A and Sevinc C. Growth of a solitary pulmonary nodule after 6 years diagnosed as oncocytic carcinoid tumour with a high 18F‐FDG uptake in positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT). Clin Respir J 2013; 7: e1–e5.
Carcinogen treatment in mouse selectively expressing activated N‐RasQ61K in melanocytes recapitulates metastatic cutaneous melanoma development
Authors: Contassot Emmanuel , Jankovic Dragana , Schuler Prisca , Preynat‐Seauve Olivier , Gehrke Samuel , Kerl Katrin , Beermann Friedrich , French Lars E.
Published: December 2011

The incidence of melanoma has significantly increased, and a better understanding of its pathogenesis and development of new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Here, we describe a murine model of metastatic cutaneous melanoma using C57BL/6 mice expressing a mutated human N‐Ras gene under the control of a tyrosinase promoter (TyrRas). These mice were topically exposed to 7,12‐ dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) for brief exposure periods. Cutaneous melanoma developed at the site of exposure on average by 19 weeks of age and in 80% of mice. Importantly, as in humans, melanoma development was associated with subsequent metastasis to tumor‐draining lymph nodes. Critically, such metastatic behavior is transplantable, as intradermal inoculation of melanoma cells from TyrRas‐DMBA mice into non‐transgenic mice led to the growth of melanoma and, again, metastasis to skin‐draining lymph nodes. This metastatic melanoma model closely mimics human pathology and should be a useful tool for studying melanoma pathogenesis and developing new therapies.
Distinct impacts of syndesmophyte formation on male and female patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: HUANG Wen‐Nan , TSO Tim K. , KUO Yi‐Chi , TSAY Gregory J.
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, mainly affects the axial skeleton, leading to sacroiliitis and rigidity of the spine. Both spinal rigidity and syndesmophyte development can affect bone formation and resorption. In addition, inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules are correlated with bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gender difference and syndesmophyte formation on cytokines, adhesion molecules and bone metabolism markers in AS patients.

Method:  Eighty‐seven AS patients (68 males, 19 females) were enrolled in this study. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were performed to measure studied parameters.

Results:  Regarding gender, the serum levels of C‐terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin (IL)‐18 in male patients were all significantly higher than those in female patients. The serum levels of osteocalcin and type I procollagen N‐terminal propeptide showed downward trends, whereas CTX and parathyroid hormone concentrations were remarkably lower and IL‐18 levels were significantly higher in male AS patients with syndesmophytes compared to those without syndesmophytes. In female patients, CTX and IL‐6 levels in those with syndesmophytes were significantly higher than in those without syndesmophytes. Cytokines, adhesion molecules and bone metabolism markers were all positively related with syndesmophyte formation and gender differences.

Conclusion:  AS patients with syndesmophytes experienced imbalance of bone metabolism due to inflammatory cytokine release. Male AS patients had high levels of bone resorption markers, cytokines and adhesion molecules, reflecting a disorder of bone metabolism.
A Modified Rabbit Model for Rotator Cuff Tendon Tears: Functional, Histological and Radiological Characteristics of the Supraspinatus Muscle
Authors: Farshad Mazda , Meyer Dominik C. , Nuss Katja M. R. , Gerber Christian
Published: December 2011

Background

A well-defined, reproducible small animal model that allows quantitative assessment of musculotendinous changes would be desirable for investigations concerning rotator cuff pathology.

Methods

The supraspinatus tendon was released by osteotomy of the greater tuberosity in seven New Zealand rabbits. The musculotendinous unit was then allowed to retract during 6 weeks. Retraction was monitored with computed tomography (CT). At sacrifice, CT measurements of retraction were validated by measurement of the total length of the musculotendinous unit after sacrifice and by correlation with functional and structural properties of the musculotendinous unit at tendon release and at sacrifice.

Results

Mean (SD) retraction of the musculotendinous unit was 1.8 (0.2) cm on CT, precisely, and negatively correlated with the total length of the retracted musculotendinous unit at sacrifice ( r = –0.87, p = 0.011) but not significantly correlated with CT measurements of atrophy ( r = 0.20, p = 0.699) or fatty infiltration ( r = 0.13, p = 0.78). Mean (SD) muscle work decreased from 1.6 (0.23) Nm to 1.2 (1) Nm ( p = 0.056). Mean (SD) muscle fibre diameter decreased from 65 (10) μm to 48 (16) μm ( p = 0.063). This decrease was significantly correlated with the amount of fatty infiltration ( r = 0.79, p = 0.033).

Discussion

Tendon release using osteotomy of the rabbit greater tuberosity allows precise measurement of musculotendinous retraction and offers the possibility for functional muscular testing. Changes in the rabbit supraspinatus muscle caused by myotendinous retraction correspond to those observed in established sheep models.