bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical climate‐human‐ecosystem interaction in East Africa: a review
Authors: Gelorini Vanessa , Verschuren Dirk
Published: November 2012

The palaeoecological visibility of historical human impact on natural ecosystems in tropical East Africa is strongly impeded by an overriding dominant signature of climate change at decadal‐to‐millennial time scales. Better knowledge of the relative magnitude and timing of present and past human impact and climate variability is, however, instrumental to properly assess the resilience, and recovery potential, of East Africa's natural ecosystems. Here, we briefly review comprehensive previous attempts to assess past ecosystem responses to climate change and human impact. We further discuss some key issues of climate‐human‐ecosystem relationships in a multidisciplinary framework and address some future challenges and outcomes, which may pave the way to a better understanding of past climate‐human‐ecosystem interaction‐ in tropical Africa.
Local receptor revision and class switching to IgE in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Gevaert P. , Nouri‐Aria K. T. , Wu H. , Harper C. E. , Takhar P. , Fear D. J. , Acke F. , De Ruyck N. , Banfield G. , Kariyawasam H. H. , Bachert C. , Durham S. R. , Gould H. J.
Published: November 2012

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (NP) and allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by local Th2 inflammation and up‐regulation of IgE; however, IgE in NP is ‘polyclonal’ and allergen specific, whereas IgE in AR is ‘oligoclonal’ and allergen specific. Germinal center (GC) reactions occur in AR, while only the formation of GC‐like structures in NP is described. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of local IgE production, class switch recombination, and receptor revision in NP.

Methods

We compared the levels of local IgE, germline gene transcripts, and mature Ig mRNA expression, recombination activating gene (RAG1 and RAG2), key markers of Th2 inflammation, and GC reactions in NP tissue vs AR and control tissue. Nasal mucosa was immunostained for the co‐expression of RAG1 and RAG2 in B cells, plasma cells, and T cells, using dual or triple immunofluorescence (IF).

Results

In NP, local IgE level and key markers of local class switching are increased compared with AR and normal controls (NC). In NP, switch circle transcripts reveal ongoing local class switch recombination to IgE. Up to 30% of B cells, plasma cells, and T cells in nasal polyps re‐express both RAG1 and RAG2, required for receptor revision. RAG1 and RAG2 mRNA concentrations are increased in NP and correlated with the magnitude of inflammation and the presence of S. aureus enterotoxin (superantigen)‐specific IgE in the nasal polyp mucosa.

Conclusion

Our results provide the first evidence of local receptor revision and class switching to IgE, and B‐cell differentiation into IgE‐secreting plasma cells in NP.
Features of airway remodeling in different types of Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis are associated with inflammation patterns
Authors: Shi L‐L. , Xiong P. , Zhang L. , Cao P‐P. , Liao B. , Lu X. , Cui Y‐H. , Liu Z.
Published: November 2012

Background

The remodeling patterns in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have rarely been compared, particularly the difference between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Moreover, whether there is a link between remodeling and inflammation remains controversial.

Objective

To directly compare the remodeling features of different CRS and to explore their relationship with inflammation in Chinese patients.

Methods

Histologic characteristics of surgical samples were analyzed in 33 controls, 72 eosinophilic and 76 noneosinophilic CRSwNP, and 72 CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) patients. Tissue samples from 38 controls, 26 eosinophilic and 26 noneosinophilic CRSwNP, and 32 CRSsNP patients were measured for mRNA and/or protein expression of profibrotic growth factors, metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, interleukin (IL)‐8, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO).

Results

The amount of collagen decreased, whereas the edema scores increased, from CRSsNP to noneosinophilic CRSwNP and to eosinophilic CRSwNP. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β2 protein levels were enhanced in CRSsNP compared with CRSwNP. TIMP‐4 protein levels decreased in eosinophilic CRSwNP compared with noneosinophilic CRSwNP and CRSsNP. The number of neutrophils decreased from CRSsNP to noneosinophilic CRSwNP and to eosinophilic CRSwNP. ECP levels were only up‐regulated in eosinophilic CRSwNP. ECP levels and neutrophil number correlated positively with the severity of edema and fibrosis, respectively. Neutrophils were the major sources of TGF‐β2 in CRSsNP and noneosinophilic CRSwNP.

Conclusion

Distinct remodeling patterns are revealed for different types of CRS, particularly for eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP. Tissue remodeling associates with inflammation in CRS.
A randomised comparison of InnoScope and Macintosh laryngoscope in simulated difficult tracheal intubation in manikins
Authors: Fong A. W. Y. , Lam K. C. , Cheng B. C. P. , Lam K. K. , Chan M. T. V.
Published: November 2012

We conducted a crossover randomised study to evaluate the performance of a novel optical stylet, the InnoScope, for tracheal intubation in simulated normal and difficult airways. Twenty‐five anaesthetists attempted tracheal intubation on a SimMan 3G simulator using the InnoScope first followed by the Macintosh laryngoscope or vice versa. Three airway scenarios were tested: (1) normal airway; (2) difficult airway with swollen pharynx; and (3) limited neck movement. In each scenario, the laryngeal view, duration of and success rate for tracheal intubation were recorded. Compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope, the use of InnoScope increased the percentage of glottic opening seen by 17% in normal airway, 23% in the difficult airway and 32% with limited neck movement, p < 0.01. Despite this better laryngeal view, successful tracheal intubation achieved with the InnoScope (88.0%) was lower than that for the Macintosh laryngoscope (98.7%), p = 0.008. Using the InnoScope, tracheal intubation during the first attempt was only successful in 48% of cases with difficult airway. In this scenario, the median (interquartile range [range]) duration of tracheal intubation was significantly longer with the InnoScope (53 (20–100 [15–120]) s) compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope (27 (20–62 [15–120]) s), p = 0.01. We conclude that an improved laryngeal view with the use of the InnoScope did not translate into better conditions for tracheal intubation.
Premenstrual syndrome and dysphoric disorder as risk factors for postpartum depression
Authors: Sylvén Sara M. , Ekselius Lisa , Sundström‐Poromaa Inger , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: November 2012

Objective

To investigate a possible association between postpartum depression and premenstrual symptoms.

Design

Population‐based cohort.

Setting

University Hospital, Sweden.

Population

During one year, May 2006 to June 2007, all delivering women in the hospital were asked to participate.

Methods

The participating women answered three questionnaires, at five days, six weeks and six months postpartum, containing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and questions assessing previous premenstrual symptoms, medical history and life style.

Main outcome measures

The woman's self‐reported depressive case/control status, women with 12 or more points on the EPDS being considered as cases.

Results

Among the 2318 participating women, 7.1% had a history of premenstrual syndrome and 2.9% a history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Previous premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder was associated with self‐reported postpartum depression at five days, six weeks and six months postpartum. After stratification for parity, the associations remained significant solely among multiparas.

Conclusions

There appears to be an association between a history of premenstrual symptoms and development of self‐reported postpartum depression. Parity was identified as effect modifier. This finding is clinically important for health care professionals working in maternity care.
Obesity and dental caries in children: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hayden Ceara , Bowler Jennifer O. , Chambers Stephanie , Freeman Ruth , Humphris Gerald , Richards Derek , Cecil Joanne E.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Obesity and dental caries have become increasingly prevalent challenges to public health. Research results into the relationship between obesity and dental caries in children have been mixed and inconclusive. The aim of this review and meta‐analysis was to provide evidence to quantify the relationship between obesity and dental caries in children using a systematic approach.

Methods

A systematic search for papers between 1980 and 2010 addressing childhood obesity and dental caries was conducted and a random effects model meta‐analysis applied.

Results

Fourteen papers met the selection criteria. Overall, a significant relationship between childhood obesity and dental caries (effect size = 0.104, P = 0.049) was found. When analysed by dentition type (primary versus permanent), there was a nonsignificant association of obesity and dental caries in permanent and primary dentitions, yet on accounting only for standardized definitions for assessment of child obesity using body mass index, a strong significant relationship was evident in children with permanent dentitions. Moderating for study country of origin (newly ‘industrialized’ versus industrialized) showed a significant relationship between obesity and dental caries in children from industrialized but not newly industrialized countries. Cofactors such as age and socioeconomic class were significant moderators.

Conclusions

Future analysis should investigate these confounding variables, helping shape the future of obesity management programmes and oral health interventions, through determining common risk factors.
Controlling immune response and demyelination using highly potent bifunctional peptide inhibitors in the suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Kiptoo P , Büyüktimkin B , Badawi A H , Stewart J , Ridwan R , Siahaan T J
Published: November 2012

In this study, we investigated the efficacy of new bifunctional peptide inhibitors (BPIs) in suppressing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in an animal model. BPI [e.g. proteolipid protein–cyclo(1,8)-CPRGGSVC-NH2 (PLP-cIBR)] is a conjugate between the PLP139–151 peptide derived from proteolipid protein (PLP) and the cIBR7 peptide derived from domain-1 (D1) of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). PLP–cIBR is designed to bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II and leucocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) simultaneously to inhibit the formation of the immunological synapse and alter the differentiation and activation of a subpopulation of T cells, thus inducing immunotolerance. The results show that PLP–cIBR is highly potent in ameliorating EAE, even at low concentrations and less frequent injections. Mice treated with PLP–cIBR had a higher secretion of cytokines related to regulatory and/or suppressor cells compared to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated mice. In contrast, T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines were higher in mice treated with PBS compared to PLP–cIBR, suggesting that it suppressed Th1 proliferation. Also, we observed significantly less demyelination in PLP-cIBR-treated mice compared to the control, further indicating that PLP–cIBR promoted protection against demyelination.
Muramyl dipeptide mediated activation of human bronchial epithelial cells interacting with basophils: a novel mechanism of airway inflammation
Authors: Qiu H N , Wong C K , Chu I M T , Hu S , Lam C W K
Published: November 2012

Respiratory tract bacterial infection can amplify and sustain airway inflammation. Intracytosolic nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) is one member of the nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family, which senses the conserved structural peptidoglycan component muramyl dipeptide (MDP) in almost all bacteria. In the present study, activation of the NOD2 ligand MDP on primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) co-cultured with human basophils was investigated. Cytokines, NOD2, adhesion molecules and intracellular signalling molecules were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or flow cytometry. The protein expression of NOD2 was confirmed in basophils/KU812 cells and HBE/human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) cells. MDP was found to up-regulate significantly the cell surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 on basophils and HBE in the co-culture system with or without basophil priming by interleukin (IL)-33 (all P < 0·05). MDP could further enhance the release of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and chemokine CXCL8, and epithelium-derived anti-microbial peptide β-defensin 2 in the co-culture. HBE cells were the major source for the release of IL-6, CXCL8 and β-defensin2 upon stimulation by MDP in the co-culture system. The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and release of IL-6 and CXCL8 were suppressed by various signalling molecule inhibitors, implying that the interaction between basophils and primary human bronchial epithelial cells could be regulated differentially by the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and nuclear transcription factors. The results therefore provide a new insight into the functional role of basophils in innate immunity, and the link between respiratory bacteria-mediated innate immunity and subsequent amplification of allergic inflammation in the airway.
Computer‐Aided Design Evaluation of Harvestable Mandibular Bone Volume: A Clinical and Tomographic Human Study
Authors: Verdugo Fernando , Simonian Krikor , Raffaelli Luca , D'Addona Antonio
Published: November 2012

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the volume of bone graft material that can be safely harvested from the mandibular symphysis and rami using a computer‐aided design (CAD) software program.

Materials and Methods

Preoperative computerized tomography scans from 40 patients undergoing bone augmentation procedures were analyzed. Symphysis and rami cross sections were mapped using a CAD software program (AutoCAD®, Autodesk, Inc., San Rafael, CA, USA) to evaluate the bone volume that can be safely harvested. CAD calculations were contrasted to intrasurgical measurements in a subgroup of 20 individuals.

Results

CAD calculations yielded a safe harvestable osseous volume of 1.44 cm3 ± 0.49 for the symphysis and 0.82 cm3 ± 0.21 for each ramus (p < .0001, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.47–0.78). These measurements were significantly lower (p < .0001) than the bone volumes harvested intrasurgically for both symphysis and ramus, respectively (2.40 cm3 ± 0.50 vs. 2.65 cm3 ± 0.45). CAD calculations of harvestable symphysis and ramus bone translated into an average of 2.40 cm3 ± 0.50 (range: 1.80–3.10 cm3) and 2.65 cm3 ± 0.45 (range: 1.90–3.50) of particulate bone graft intrasurgically, respectively. Ramus cortical was significantly thicker than the symphysis cortical, 2.9 ± 0.4 mm versus 2.19 mm ± 0.4 mm (p < .0001, CI 95%: 0.45–1.03).

Conclusion

The symphysis and rami are good harvesting sources to obtain dense corticocancellous bone. The significant volumetric CAD differences between the symphysis and ramus seem to balance out intrasurgically and may be due to the greater cortical bone volume at the ramus area. It is plausible to harvest an average of 7.70 cm3 from the symphysis and rami alone. The use of a CAD software program can enhance surgical treatment planning prior to bone transplantation.
Simultaneous Sinus Lift and Implant Installation: Prospective Study of Consecutive Two Hundred Seventeen Sinus Lift and Four Hundred Sixty‐Two Implants
Authors: Cha Hyun‐Suk , Kim Andrew , Nowzari Hessam , Chang Hoo‐Sun , Ahn Kang‐Min
Published: November 2012

Purpose

If less than 4 mm of residual bone is remained in posterior maxilla, two‐stage operation is recommended for implant installation. However, if primary stability could be obtained using tapered designed implants, one‐stage surgery could be performed with reliable success rate in severely resorbed maxilla. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate survival and success rates of the implants simultaneously placed into grafted sinus using rough‐surfaced implant.

Materials and Methods

A total of two hundred seventeen consecutive sinus lifting through lateral approach and four hundred sixty‐two simultaneous implants were installed from November 2003 for 5.5 years. Xenogenic bone was used solely for bone graft materials. Second surgery was performed around 6 months after operation and porcelain fused metal or gold crown was used for definitive restorations. Cumulative survival and success rates were evaluated according to residual alveolar bone height (RABH), smoking status, and Schneiderian membrane perforation.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 57.1 ± 15.6 (36–98) months. Of the four hundred sixty‐two implants, two hundred sixty‐two implants (56.7%: group 1) were installed in posterior maxilla less than 4‐mm RABH and two hundred implants (43.3%: group 2) were placed in over 5‐mm RABH. The cumulative survival and success rates were 98.91% and 96.54%. There was no statistically significant difference in success rate between group 1 and group 2 (p = .3135). Perforation of the membrane was not related to success (p = .7162), but smoking status is significantly related with implant failure (p = .0003).

Conclusions

Sinus lifting with simultaneous implant placement could be used to treat atrophic maxilla in patients with minimal RABH when initial stability could be obtained by using taper designed implants with surgical techniques. Smoking is a possible factor for implant failure. Membrane perforation did not have an adverse effect on implant success if the membrane was repaired with absorbable membrane and fibrin glue.
Quantitative Comparison of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Microradiography in the Evaluation of Bone Density after Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Soardi Carlo M. , Zaffe Davide , Motroni Alessandro , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and microradiographic analyses were comparatively performed in maxillary sinus augmentation to preliminarily verify the diagnostic potential of CBCT on the evaluation of bone regeneration.

Materials and Methods

A two‐stage protocol was conducted in 19 consenting patients, all having the crestal bone ≤2 mm, in private dental office. Mineralized human bone allograft particles were used to augment sinus using lateral window approach. A succession of CBCT scans of the maxilla was taken before surgery, after sinus augmentation, and immediately after implant insertion. Using virtual probes, CBCT data were processed by medical imaging software and expressed as gray level (GL). A bone core biopsy was taken at implant placement, 6 months after surgery. Microradiography of transverse sections, taken 6, 8, and 10 mm from the crestal surface, of methacrylate‐embedded biopsies was performed to analyze and to evaluate the mineralized material amount (MM%).

Results

A total of 21 sinus augmentations were performed. CBCT (mean GL: 646–693) data were not statistically different when comparing 6‐, 8‐, and 10‐mm sites to after grafting/implant‐insertion values. Furthermore, microradiographic (mean MM%: 45.3–48.3) data were not statistically different comparing 6‐, 8‐, and 10‐mm sites, due to variation of values among patients. A GL and MM% parallelism was identified considering each patient, instead. A significant correlation (p < .001) between GL and MM% was found after both Wilcoxon test for paired data and simple linear regression analysis.

Conclusions

The preliminary result clearly demonstrated the predictability of the CBCT analysis. Due to the limited sample and great variations of the MM% recorded in patients, further clinical and morphometric studies are needed to fulfill diagnostic expectations.
Penetration and differentiation of cephalic neural crest‐derived cells in the developing mouse telencephalon
Authors: Yamanishi Emiko , Takahashi Masanori , Saga Yumiko , Osumi Noriko
Published: November 2012

Neural crest (NC) cells originate from the neural folds and migrate into the various embryonic regions where they differentiate into multiple cell types. A population of cephalic neural crest‐derived cells (NCDCs) penetrates back into the developing forebrain to differentiate into microvascular pericytes, but little is known about when and how cephalic NCDCs invade the telencephalon and differentiate into pericytes. Using a transgenic mouse line in which NCDCs are genetically labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), we observed that NCDCs started to invade the telencephalon together with endothelial cells from embryonic day (E) 9.5. A majority of NCDCs located in the telencephalon expressed pericyte markers, that is, PDGFRβ and NG2, and differentiated into pericytes around E11.5. Surprisingly, many of the NC‐derived pericytes express p75, an undifferentiated NCDC marker at E11.5, as well as NCDCs in the mesenchyme. At the same time, a minor population of NCDCs that located separately from blood vessels in the telencephalon were NG2‐negative and some of these NCDCs also expressed p75. Proliferation and differentiation of pericytes appeared to occur in a specific mesenchymal region where blood vessels penetrated into the telencephalon. These results indicate that (i) NCDCs penetrate back into the telencephalon in parallel with angiogenesis, (ii) many NC‐derived pericytes may be still in pre‐mature states even though after differentiation into pericytes in the early developing stages, (iii) a small minority of NCDCs may retain undifferentiated states in the developing telencephalon, and (iv) a majority of NCDCs proliferate and differentiate into pericytes in the mesenchyme around the telencephalon.
Electroporation: Past, present and future
Authors: Nakamura Harukazu , Funahashi Junichi
Published: November 2012

Gene transfer by electroporation has become an indispensable method for the study of developmental biology. The technique is applied not only in chick embryos but also in mice and other organisms. Here, a short history and perspectives of electroporation for gene transfer in vertebrates are described.
A little winning streak: The reptilian‐eye view of gastrulation in birds
Authors: Bertocchini Federica , Alev Cantas , Nakaya Yukiko , Sheng Guojun
Published: November 2012

The primitive streak is where the mesoderm and definitive endoderm precursor cells ingress from the epiblast during gastrulation. It is often described as an embryological feature common to all amniotes. But such a feature has not been associated with gastrulation in any reptilian species. A parsimonious model would be that the primitive streak evolved independently in the avian and mammalian lineages. Looking beyond the primitive streak, can one find shared features of mesoderm and endoderm formation during amniote gastrulation? Here, we survey the literature on reptilian gastrulation and provide new data on Brachyury RNA and laminin protein expression in gastrula‐stage turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) embryos. We propose a model to reconcile the primitive streak‐associated gastrulation in birds and the blastopore‐associated gastrulation in extant reptiles.
Neurocognitive consequences of a paediatric brain tumour and its treatment: a meta‐analysis
Authors: DE RUITER MARIEKE A , VAN MOURIK ROSA , SCHOUTEN‐VAN MEETEREN ANTOINETTE Y N , GROOTENHUIS MARTHA A , OOSTERLAAN JAAP
Published: November 2012

Aim  This meta‐analysis provides a systematic review of studies into intellectual and attentional functioning of paediatric brain tumour survivors (PBTS) as assessed by two widely used measures: the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (3rd edition; WISC‐III) and the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT).

Method  Studies were located that reported on performance of PBTS (age range 6–16y). Meta‐analytic effect sizes were calculated for Full‐scale IQ, Performance IQ, and Verbal IQ as measured by the WISC‐III, and mean hit reaction time, errors of omission, and errors of commission as measured by the CPT. Exploratory analyses investigated the possible impacts of treatment mode, tumour location, age at diagnosis, and time since diagnosis on intelligence.

Results  Twenty‐nine studies were included: 22 reported on the WISC‐III in 710 PBTS and seven on CPT results in 372 PBTS. PBTS performed below average (ps<0.001) on Full‐scale IQ (Cohen’s d=−0.79), Performance IQ (d=−0.90), and Verbal IQ (d=−0.54). PBTS committed more errors of omission than the norm (d=0.82, p<0.001); no differences were found for mean hit reaction time and errors of commission. Cranial radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and longer time since diagnosis were associated with lower WISC‐III scores (ps<0.05).

Interpretation  PBTS have seriously impaired intellectual functioning and attentiveness. Being treated with cranial radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy as well as longer time since diagnosis leads to worse intellectual functioning.
Autism and other psychiatric comorbidity in neurofibromatosis type 1: evidence from a population‐based study
Authors: GARG SHRUTI , LEHTONEN ANNUKKA , HUSON SUSAN M , EMSLEY RICHARD , TRUMP DOROTHY , EVANS D GARETH , GREEN JONATHAN
Published: November 2012

Aim  To investigate psychopathology in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), particularly the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology, using a population‐based sampling approach.

Method  Standard questionnaire screen reports were analysed for ASD (Social Responsiveness Scale, SRS), ADHD (Conners’ Parent Rating Scale‐ Revised, CPRS‐R), and other psychiatric morbidity (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ) from parents and teachers of children aged from 4 to 16 years (112 females, 95 males) on the UK North West Regional Genetic Service register for NF1.

Results  Parental response rate was 52.7% (109/207 children; 59 females, 50 males, mean age 9y 11mo, SD 3y 3mo). The SRS showed that in 29.4% (32/109) of children, autism was in the severe, clinical range (T‐score>75) and in 26.6% (29/109) in the mild to moderate range (T‐score 60–75). CPRS‐R scores showed that in 53.8% (57/106) of children autism was in the clinical ADHD range (ADHD index T‐score>65). Based on their scores on the SDQ total difficulties scale, 41.5% (44/106) of children were in the abnormal range and 14.2% (15/106) were in the borderline range. Twenty‐five per cent (26/104) of children met criteria for both clinical autism and ADHD.

Interpretation  This representative population‐based sample of children with NF1 indicates a high prevalence of ASD symptoms associated with NF1 as well as substantial co‐occurrence with ADHD symptoms. The findings clarify the psychopathology of NF1 and show the disorder as a potentially important single‐gene cause for autism symptoms.
Emerged or imposed: a theory on the role of physical templates and self‐organisation for vegetation patchiness
Authors: Sheffer Efrat , von Hardenberg Jost , Yizhaq Hezi , Shachak Moshe , Meron Ehud
Published: November 2012

In this article, we develop a unifying framework for the understanding of spatial vegetation patterns in heterogeneous landscapes. While much recent research has focused on self‐organised vegetation the prevailing view is still that biological patchiness is mostly due to top‐down control by the physical landscape template, disturbances or predators. We suggest that vegetation patchiness in real landscapes is controlled both by the physical template and by self‐organisation simultaneously, and introduce a conceptual model for the relative roles of the two mechanisms. The model considers four factors that control whether vegetation patchiness is emerged or imposed: soil patch size, plant size, resource input and resource availability. The last three factors determine the plant‐patch size, and the plant‐to‐soil patch size ratio determines the impact of self‐organisation, which becomes important when this ratio is sufficiently small. A field study and numerical simulations of a mathematical model support the conceptual model and give further insight by providing examples of self‐organised and template‐controlled vegetation patterns co‐occurring in the same landscape. We conclude that real landscapes are generally mixtures of template‐induced and self‐organised patchiness. Patchiness variability increases due to source–sink resource relations, and decreases for species of larger patch sizes.
Modulation of endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump expression during lung cancer cell differentiation
Authors: Arbabian Atousa , Brouland Jean‐Philippe , Apáti Ágota , Pászty Katalin , Hegedűs Luca , Enyedi Ágnes , Chomienne Christine , Papp Béla
Published: November 2012

Cellular calcium signaling plays important roles in several signal transduction pathways that control proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In epithelial cells calcium signaling is initiated mainly by calcium release from endoplasmic‐reticulum‐associated intracellular calcium pools. Because calcium is accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum by sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases (SERCA), these enzymes play a critical role in the control of calcium‐dependent cell activation, growth and survival. We investigated the modulation of SERCA expression and function in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. In addition to the ubiquitous SERCA2 enzyme, the SERCA3 isoform was also expressed at variable levels. SERCA3 expression was selectively enhanced during cell differentiation in lung cancer cells, and marked SERCA3 expression was found in fully differentiated normal bronchial epithelium. As studied by using a recombinant fluorescent calcium probe, induction of the expression of SERCA3, a lower calcium affinity pump, was associated with decreased intracellular calcium storage, whereas the amplitude of capacitative calcium influx remained unchanged. Our observations indicate that the calcium homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum in lung adenocarcinoma cells presents a functional defect due to decreased SERCA3 expression that is corrected during pharmacologically induced differentiation. The data presented in this work show, for the first time, that endoplasmic reticulum calcium storage is anomalous in lung cancer cells, and suggest that SERCA3 may serve as a useful new phenotypic marker for the study of lung epithelial differentiation.
Does metazooplankton regulate the ciliate community in a shallow eutrophic lake?
Authors: AGASILD HELEN , ZINGEL PRIIT , KARUS KATRIT , KANGRO KERSTI , SALUJÕE JAANA , NÕGES TIINA
Published: November 2012

1. As grazers on picoplankton and nanoplankton, planktonic ciliates form an important link in pelagic food webs. Ciliate communities may be controlled by predation by metazooplankton. In eutrophic systems, however, where the number of large crustaceans is often low, the mechanisms that regulate ciliate dynamics have rarely been described.

2. We conducted an enclosure experiment with natural and screened (145 μm) summer plankton communities to investigate the effect of the small‐sized crustacean zooplankton on ciliate community structure and the microbial loop in a shallow eutrophic lake.

3. The removal of the larger fraction of crustaceans initiated a decrease in total ciliate abundance. At the community level, we observed a substantial increase in large‐sized predacious ciliates (>100 μm) and a simultaneous decrease in the abundance of smaller ciliates (<20–40 μm) that were mostly bacterivores and bacterio‐herbivores. The compositional shift in the ciliate community, however, did not cascade down to the level of bacteria and edible phytoplankton.
Hydrological connectivity structures concordant plant and animal assemblages according to niche rather than dispersal processes
Authors: WARFE DANIELLE M. , PETTIT NEIL E. , MAGIEROWSKI REGINA H. , PUSEY BRADLEY J. , DAVIES PETER M. , DOUGLAS MICHAEL M. , BUNN STUART E.
Published: November 2012

1. Understanding the processes that structure community assembly across landscapes is fundamental to ecology and for predicting and managing the consequences of anthropogenically induced changes to ecosystems.

2. We assessed the community similarity of fish, macroinvertebrate and vegetation communities against geographic distances ranging from 4 to 480 km (i.e. distance–decay relationships) to determine the balance between local environmental factors and regional dispersal processes, and thus whether species‐sorting (niche processes) or dispersal limitation (neutral processes) was more important in structuring these assemblages in Australia’s wet‐dry tropics. We investigated whether the balance between niche and dispersal processes depended on the degree of hydrological connectivity, predicting that dispersal processes would be more important at connected sites, and also whether there was spatial concordance among these three assemblage types.

3. There was significant but weak spatial concordance among the study communities, suggesting limited potential for surrogacy among them. Distance–decay in community similarity was not observed for any study assemblage at perennial sites, suggesting dispersal was not limiting and assemblages were structured more strongly by local niche processes at these connected sites. At intermittent sites, weak distance–decay relationships for each assemblage type were confounded by significant relationships with environmental dissimilarity, suggesting that dispersal limitation contributed, albeit weakly, to niche processes in structuring our three study assemblages at disconnected sites.

4. Two environmental factors, flow regime and channel width, explained significant proportions of variation in all three assemblages, potentially contributing to the observed spatial concordance between them and representing local environmental gradients along which these communities re‐assemble after the wet season, according to niche rather than dispersal processes.
How do different dispersal modes shape the species–area relationship? Evidence for between‐group coherence in the Macaronesian flora
Authors: Aranda Silvia C. , Gabriel Rosalina , Borges Paulo A. V. , Santos Ana M. C. , Hortal Joaquín , Baselga Andrés , Lobo Jorge M.
Published: November 2012

Aim

We explore the island species–area relationships (ISARs) of several plant groups differing in dispersal ability. We examine whether: (i) the ISAR slope is higher for less dispersive groups (diminishing from not‐wind‐dispersed seed plants to wind‐dispersed seed plants, pteridophytes and bryophytes); and (ii) the regional richness is higher than that predicted by the ISAR of its constituent islands for groups with lower dispersal ability. Additionally, we relate both patterns to the compositional dissimilarity (beta diversity) between islands.

Location

The Macaronesian archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands.

Methods

ISARs were estimated using the conventional power model. Differences in slopes among taxa were analysed through ANCOVA tests. We assessed the deviation of the total richness of the Macaronesian flora from that predicted by the ISAR and calculated several measures of beta diversity (turnover, nestedness‐resultant dissimilarity and nestedness). Analyses were repeated after excluding the two Canarian islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, which have unique climatic and geological conditions in the region.

Results

All ISAR models were significant except for pteridophytes (for which it was significant when excluding Lanzarote and Fuerteventura). ISAR slopes did not differ among taxa. Regional richness followed ISAR predictions for bryophytes and pteridophytes when Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were excluded, while the total number of Macaronesian seed plants (particularly not‐wind‐dispersed species) always fell above the ISAR. Turnover was higher in seed plants than in bryophytes and pteridophytes, and the opposite occurred with nestedness.

Main conclusions

Differences in dispersal ability influence the compositional dissimilarity between these islands, but not the rate of species increase with area. This may be because ISAR slopes are mostly determined by within‐island processes of species accumulation, while differences in dispersal generate different between‐island patterns. The lack of relationship between the ISAR slope and species replacement or nestedness prevents its use as a proxy for beta diversity.
Towards an understanding of the pattern of biodiversity in the oceans
Authors: Beaugrand Grégory , Rombouts Isabelle , Kirby Richard R
Published: November 2012

Aim

Latitudinal gradients in diversity intrigue scientists, and various hypotheses have been proposed to explain why the diversity of so many taxonomic groups increases from the poles to the equator. These hypotheses range from null models to environmental factors, and biotic interactions to those that include patterns of dispersal and speciation. Here, we formulate a new theory based upon the concept of the niche sensu Hutchinson and the principle of competitive exclusion, which shows that the latitudinal diversity gradient in the marine environment may result from an interaction between the thermal tolerances of species and climatic variability.

Location

The global ocean.

Methods

We design a bioclimatic model that creates pseudospecies from strict stenotherms to large eurytherms and subsequently allows them to colonize a global ocean provided they can tolerate fluctuations in temperature. We test 74 ecologically realistic scenarios that are then correlated with observed patterns of species richness for foraminifers and copepods, two important oceanic planktonic groups.

Results

We found that the model accounted for 96% of the latitudinal gradient in foraminifers and 85% for copepods. Our model both reveals how patterns of biodiversity may develop, and suggests why some taxonomic groups appear not to follow the general pattern. While climate ultimately selected species that could establish in any given habitat, we saw a strong mid‐domain effect (MDE) in the niche space. We believe this negates some shortcomings of the MDE that is often assumed to occur in the geographical space.

Main conclusions

By showing the strong effect of temperature on biodiversity and revealing how it enables the development of a planetary gradient in marine biodiversity, our results offer a way to better understand why temperature is so often positively correlated with global patterns in species richness on a global scale.
Antigen 85A and mycobacterial DNA‐binding protein 1 are targets of immunoglobulin G in individuals with past tuberculosis
Authors: Osada‐Oka Mayuko , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Hirayama Yukio , Ozeki Yuriko , Niki Mamiko , Kitada Seigo , Maekura Ryoji , Tsujimura Kunio , Koide Yukio , Ohara Naoya , Yamamoto Taro , Kobayashi Kazuo , Matsumoto Sohkichi
Published: November 2012

Development of accurate methods for predicting progression of tuberculosis (TB) from the latent state is recognized as vitally important in controlling TB, because a majority of cases develop from latent infections. Past TB that has never been treated has a higher risk of progressing than does latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in patients who have previously received treatment. Antibody responses against 23 kinds of M. tuberculosis proteins in individuals with past TB who had not been medicated were evaluated. These individuals had significantly higher concentrations of antibodies against Antigen 85A and mycobacterial DNA‐binding protein 1 (MDP1) than did those with active TB and uninfected controls. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed colocalization of tubercle bacilli, antigen 85 and MDP1 inside tuberculous granuloma lesions in an asymptomatic subject, showing that M. tuberculosis in lesions expresses both antigen 85 and MDP1. Our study suggests the potential usefulness of measuring antibody responses to antigen 85A and MDP1 for assessing the risk of TB progression.
Safety results from a pooled analysis of randomized, controlled phase II and III clinical trials and interim data from an open‐label extension trial of the interleukin‐12/23 monoclonal antibody, briakinumab, in moderate to severe psoriasis
Authors: Langley R.G. , Papp K. , Gottlieb A.B. , Krueger G.G. , Gordon K. B. , Williams D. , Valdes J. , Setze C. , Strober B.
Published: November 2012

Background  Anti‐interleukin‐12/23 treatment (anti‐IL‐12/23) has recently demonstrated significant efficacy for moderate to severe psoriasis, yet potential safety signals warrant further investigation.

Objectives  Expand safety findings for the anti‐IL‐12/23, briakinumab, beyond individual phase II and III clinical trials.

Methods  Safety data pooled from five phase II and III clinical trials (parent studies) and an open‐label extension study (OLE), through 22 October 2010; patients with ≥1 dose of briakinumab in a parent study or the OLE are included. All parent study briakinumab treatment groups were combined with the OLE population, which received 100‐mg briakinumab every 4 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were collected from the first dose of briakinumab, whether in a parent study or the OLE, through 45 days post‐last dose.

Results  Two thousand five hundred and twenty patients (4704 patient‐years drug exposure) received ≥1 dose of briakinumab during the interim period: 5.6% withdrew due to AEs. Serious infections occurred in 1.3% and malignancies in 2.6% (including 1.0% basal cell carcinoma, 0.8% squamous cell carcinoma). Twenty‐seven major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred, seven in one parent study and 20 in the OLE (incidence = 0.57 events/100 PY). Four cardiovascular risk factors were retrospectively found to be significant predictors for MACE during briakinumab exposure: history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, body mass index (≥30) and baseline blood pressure (systolic ≥140 or diastolic ≥90).

Conclusions  Pooled briakinumab safety results from five parent studies and an OLE suggest increased rates of infections, malignancies and MACE, and that patients receiving anti‐IL‐12/23 treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis should be monitored for these potential safety signals.
Citizens against Europe? Civil Society and Eurosceptic Protest in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Denmark*
Authors: FITZGIBBON JOHN
Published: November 2012

This article seeks to broaden the study of Euroscepticism by developing a basic system of analysis for investigating civil‐society‐based opposition to European integration. Existing studies of Euroscepticism have almost exclusively focused on examining political parties and, as a result, theoretical approaches to understanding opposition to European integration have been strongly influenced by the party‐based literature. By drawing from the body of work on both party‐based Euroscepticism and European civil society, this article formulates a series of hypotheses and applies them to the case studies of Ireland, the United Kingdom and Denmark. Its main conclusion is that civil‐society‐based Euroscepticism generally conforms to the hard/soft model of opposition to the EU, but that this Euroscepticism is drawn from a more mainstream societal base than its party equivalent. Additionally, this study argues that civil‐society‐based Euroscepticism can be interpreted as a form of grass‐roots civic engagement with the EU that mobilizes mainly around the salience of EU‐related referendums.
Laying Sound Foundations for Social Identity Theory‐Inspired European Union Attitude Research: Beyond Attachment and Deeply Rooted Identities
Authors: Mols Frank , Weber Martin
Published: November 2012

There is a growing body of literature examining the influence of social identification on European Union (EU) attitudes. Broadly speaking, this literature can be divided into two strands. One strand examines the way social identity affects support for EU integration quantitatively, using opinion poll data. The other draws (often loosely) on social constructivism, using qualitative research methods. Social Identity Theory (SIT) is increasingly invoked in both these literatures and this development is to be welcomed. However, so far engagement with SIT has been rather tentative, drawing largely on theoretically impoverished versions of SIT. It is argued in this article that this practice has resulted in SIT's theoretical potential being underutilized. At other times, this has resulted in theoretical confusion because SIT explanations are being used alongside other theories whose premises clash with core SIT assumptions. We conclude that more in‐depth engagement with SIT's basic and core tenets will enable quantitative EU identity researchers to move beyond ‘attachment’ to territorial identities, and allow qualitative EU identity researchers to move beyond ‘shared history’, ‘deeply rooted identities’ and ‘resonance’.
Explaining Policy Conflict across Institutional Venues: European Union‐Level Struggles over the Memory of the Holocaust
Authors: Littoz‐Monnet Annabelle
Published: November 2012

After the 2004 eastern enlargement, the European Union has become a terrain of competition between different memory narratives. At the core of the debate is the status of the Holocaust and its role in the identity‐definition process of European societies. This article asks why similar memory debates have resulted in different policy outcomes when taking place in different institutional settings at the EU level. It finds, along with Schattschneider's analysis of policy conflicts, that the choice of the venue of the conflict determined what the conflict was about and how people were divided. Policy outcomes were determined by which of the different possible conflicts gained the dominant position and this, in turn, depended on ‘losers’ in the policy debate being able to choose the right venue for the defence of their concerns.
Separating stimulus‐driven and response‐related LRP components with Residue Iteration Decomposition (RIDE)
Authors: Stürmer Birgit , Ouyang Guang , Zhou Changsong , Boldt Annika , Sommer Werner
Published: November 2012

When the lateralized readiness potential (LRP) is recorded in stimulus–response compatibility (SRC) tasks, two processes may overlap in the LRP, stimulus‐driven response priming and activation based on response selection rules. These overlapping processes are hard to disentangle with standard analytical tools. Here, we show that Residue Iteration Decomposition (RIDE), based on latency variability, separates the overlapping LRP components from a Simon task into stimulus‐driven and response‐related components. SRC affected LRP amplitudes only in the stimulus‐driven component, whereas LRP onsets were affected only in the response‐locked component. Importantly, the compatibility effect in reaction times was more similar to the effect in the onsets of the RIDE‐derived response‐locked LRP component than in the unseparated LRP. Thus, RIDE‐separated LRP components are devoid of distortions inherent to standard LRPs.
An electrophysiological analysis of contextual and temporal constraints on parafoveal word processing
Authors: Barber Horacio A. , van der Meij Maartje , Kutas Marta
Published: November 2012

During natural reading, parafoveal information is processed to some degree. Although isolated words can be fully processed in the parafovea, not all sentence reading experiments have found evidence of semantic processing in the parafovea. We suggest a possible reconciliation for these mixed results via two ERP studies in which volunteers read sentences presented word by word at fixation, flanked bilaterally by the next word to its right and the previous word to its left. Half the words in the right parafovea of critical triads and in the fovea for the subsequent triad were semantically incongruent. The conditions under which parafoveal words elicit canonical visual N400 congruity effects suggest that they are processed in parallel with foveal words, but that the extraction of semantic information parafoveally is a function of contextual constraint and presentation rate, most likely under high contextual constraint and at slower rates.