bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroendocrine differentiation in breast carcinoma: clinicopathological features and outcome
Authors: Bogina Giuseppe , Munari Enrico , Brunelli Matteo , Bortesi Laura , Marconi Marcella , Sommaggio Marco , Lunardi Gianluigi , Gori Stefania , Massocco Alberto , Pegoraro Maria C , Zamboni Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

Aims

Primary neuroendocrine (NE) breast carcinoma (BC) is an entity with a wide range of prevalence and poorly defined clinical behaviour. We evaluated the prevalence, clinicopathological features and clinical outcome of NEBC.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemical staining for synaptophysin and chromogranin A was performed on whole sections from 1232 consecutive cases of invasive BC. We divided NEBC into focal (10–49% positive cells) and diffuse (≥50% positive cells) and compared the outcome of patients with NEBC with strictly matched non‐NEBC. A total of 128 BC showed NE differentiation (10.4%): 84 diffuse (6.8%) and 44 focal (3.6%). NE differentiation showed a significant association with T4 stage (P = 0.001), solid‐papillary and mucinous histotype (P < 0.0001), G2 grading (P = 0.002), positive oestrogen receptor (ER) (P = 0.003) and progesterone receptor (PR) (P = 0.002). Almost 90% of NEBC were ER+/HER2− and more than half ER+/HER2−/Ki67≥14%. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with NEBC showed worse disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = 0.04) compared to matched non‐NEBC. We did not find significant differences regarding clinicopathological features, DFS and CSS between diffuse and focal neuroendocrine BC.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that NEBC represents 7–10% of invasive BC and that NE differentiation does not affect the prognosis of BC in terms of CSS.
Safety assessment of a novel active ingredient, acetyl aspartic acid, according to the EU Cosmetics Regulation and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety guidelines
Authors: Daly P. , Moran G.
Published: June 2015

Synopsis

Objective

Acetyl aspartic acid (A‐A‐A) was proposed as a new novel active ingredient for use in cosmetics. The safety of A‐A‐A was assessed by following an in‐house‐developed ‘New Ingredient Testing Strategy’, which was designed in accordance with the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) notes of guidance and the requirements of Annex I of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. The aim of the project was to determine whether A‐A‐A was safe for use in cosmetics and to determine a maximum permitted safe level in the formulations.

Methods

A literature review was conducted, consulting over 40 different information sources. This highlighted a number of gaps which required testing data. A‐A‐A was tested for phototoxicity according to OECD test guideline 432, skin irritation according to OECD test guideline 439 and eye irritation according to OECD test guideline 437. Dermal absorption of A‐A‐A was measured according to OECD test guideline 428 and was used to calculate the margin of safety (MoS). Finally, A‐A‐A was tested in a human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) and a 14‐day in‐use tolerance study.

Results

A‐A‐A was non‐phototoxic and was non‐irritating to skin and eyes in in vitro testing. Dermal absorption was calculated to be 5%. The MoS for A‐A‐A was 351, at a level of 5%, for all cosmetic product types, indicating no systemic safety toxicity concern. A‐A‐A at 5% under occlusive patch on a panel of 50 adult volunteers induced no skin irritation or allergic reaction in the HRIPT study. Finally, repeated application of A‐A‐A to the periocular area, twice per day for 14 days, in 21 female volunteers, demonstrated that 1% A‐A‐A was well tolerated following dermatological and ophthalmological assessment in a cosmetic formulation.

Conclusion

A‐A‐A was assessed as safe by the cosmetic safety assessor for use in cosmetics at a level of 5% in all cosmetic product types, in line with the requirements of the EU Cosmetics Regulation and in accordance with the SCCS notes of guidance.
Method for quantification of oils and sebum levels on skin using the Sebumeter®
Authors: Crowther J. M.
Published: June 2015

Synopsis

Objective

The Sebumeter® is widely used in both cosmetic and medical research, for measuring changes in sebum levels on skin. It is commonly reported that the units correlated to a mass of sebum on the skin in μg cm−2; however, validation for this has not been published. Also, its use for assessing the presence of other oily materials which are widely utilized in topical skincare products on skin has not been widely discussed. Determining a calibration scale and whether the response of the device is linear with the level of oils present enables quantification of the output of the device, and would validate the device for claims substantiation.

Methods

Different doses of a variety of oily materials (paraffin oil, white soft paraffin, capric‐caprylic triglyceride, 350cSt silicone fluid and synthetic sebum) were applied to skin, and the Sebumeter® used to collect and quantify them. The mass per square centimetre of the oily material delivered to the skin was then compared to the Sebumeter® output to develop calibration curves for the different materials. Measurements were carried out on a single volunteer as this work was to verify the concept of quantitative oil assessment using the device.

Results

A linear correlation between the mass of the oily material and the Sebumeter® output was seen for all the materials tested. However, the absolute response of the device was different for each material, and the output values did not directly give the mass of material on the skin in μg cm−2. As part of the calibration, it was also demonstrated that to remove all the oily material from a given area of the skin required multiple 30‐s applications of the Sebumeter® cartridge.

Conclusions

The Sebumeter® is a precise analytical instrument capable of quantitative measurement of deposition of oily materials onto skin from topical products (down to the μg cm−2 level), as well as its traditional use of measuring sebum levels. However, the output values do not directly correlate with the mass of oil present, and generation of a calibration curve is necessary for any ingredient of interest to produce quantitative data for claim support and formulation development.
One is Not Enough: Multiple Exemplars Facilitate Infants' Generalizations of Novel Properties
Authors: Vukatana Ena , Graham Susan A. , Curtin Suzanne , Zepeda Michelle S.
Published: June 2015

Across three experiments, we examined 9‐ and 11‐month‐olds' mappings of novel sound properties to novel animal categories. Infants were familiarized with novel animal–novel sound pairings (e.g., Animal A [red]–Sound 1) and then tested on: (1) their acquisition of the original pairing and (2) their generalization of the sound property to a new member of a familiarized category (e.g., Animal A [blue]–Sound 1). When familiarized with a single exemplar of a category, 11‐month‐olds showed no evidence of acquiring or generalizing the animal–sound pairings. In contrast, 11‐month‐olds learnt the original animal–sound mappings and generalized the sound property to a novel member of that category when familiarized with multiple exemplars of a category. Finally, when familiarized with multiple exemplars, 9‐month‐old infants learnt the original animal–sound pairing, but did not extend the novel sound property. The results of these experiments provide evidence for developmental differences in the facilitative role of multiple exemplars in promoting the learning and generalization of information.
Independent association between glycated hemoglobin and arterial stiffness in healthy men
Authors: Noh Jin‐Won , Kim Eun‐Jung , Seo Hyun‐Ju , Kim Soo Geun
Published: June 2015

Aims/Introduction

Many studies have reported that high levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) are strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Many researchers have not studied the association of HbA1c with various subclinical atherosclerosis phenotypes. We evaluated the impact of HbA1c on arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis in healthy Korean healthy men.

Materials and Methods

The study population included healthy adult men who participated in health check‐ups. All participants fasted for at least 8 h before taking the blood sample for fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride. Arterial stiffness was measured using brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity. Hierarchical regression analysis allowed us to determine the relationship between brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Results

Age and HbA1c were significantly related to baPWV, in model 1. In model 2, blood pressure was added to model 1. Systolic blood pressure was a more significant variable, which was more affected on baPWVthan diastolic blood pressure. In the case of model 3, we included all variables regarding arterial stiffness. According to model 3, the most explainable variable was age, and then systolic blood pressure, body mass index and triglyceride, respectively.

Conclusions

We analyzed the associations between HbA1c, which is one of the risk factors, and arterial stiffness independently. An arterial stiffness measurement using baPWVcan show the level of severity of the arteriosclerosis. When the level of stiffness has been increased, we could assume that the risk of arteriosclerosis would be increased. It can also be related to the increase of the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fine Structure and Molecular Phylogeny of Parametopidium circumlabens (Ciliophora: Armophorea), Endocommensal of Sea Urchins
Authors: da Silva‐Neto Inácio Domingos , da Silva Paiva Thiago , do Nascimento Borges Bárbara , Harada Maria Lúcia
Published: June 2015

Metopid armophoreans are ciliates commonly found in anaerobic environments worldwide; however, very little is known of their fine structure. In this study, the metopid Parametopidium circumlabens (Biggar and Wenrich 1932) Aescht, 1980, a common endocommensal of sea urchins, is investigated for the first time with emphasis on transmission electron microscopy, revealing several previously unknown elements of its morphology. Somatic dikinetids of P. circumlabens have a typical ribbon of transverse microtubules, an isolated microtubule near triplets 4 and 5 of the anterior kinetosome, plus two other microtubules between anterior and posterior kinetosomes, a short kinetodesmal striated fiber and long postciliary microtubules. In the dikinetids of the perizonal stripe, the kinetodesmal fiber is very pronounced, and there is a conspicuous microfibrillar network system associated with the kinetosomes. A new structure, shaped as a dense, roughly cylindrical mass surrounded by microtubules, is found associated with the posterior kinetosome of perizonal dikinetids. The paroral membrane is diplostichomonad and the adoral membranelles are of the “paramembranelle” type. Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood analysis of the 18S‐rDNA gene unambiguously placed P. circumlabens as sister group of the cluster formed by ((Atopospira galeata, Atopospira violacea) Metopus laminarius) + Clevelandellida, corroborating its classification within the Metopida.
Sarcocystis rommeli, n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from Cattle (Bos taurus) and its Differentiation from Sarcocystis hominis
Authors: Dubey Jitender P. , Moré Gastón , van Wilpe Erna , Calero‐Bernal Rafael , Verma Shiv K. , Schares Gereon
Published: June 2015

Cattle (Bos taurus) are intermediate hosts for three named species of Sarcocystis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, and S. hominis. Recently, a fourth species was identified and named S. sinensis. However, S. sinensis originally named a species of Sarcocystis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in China. Based on unverifiable evidence, it was suggested that the same parasite infects cattle. In addition, S. sinensis was recently declared as nomen nudum because its naming violated the rules of International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Thus, the fourth species using cattle as an intermediate host does not have a valid name. Here, we propose a new name, Sarcocystis rommeli for the S. sinensis‐like parasite from cattle in Argentina, and differentiate it ultrastructurally from S. hominis sarcocysts from experimentally infected cattle. Sarcocystis rommeli sarcocysts were microscopic with a 5‐μm‐thick wall with slender villar protrusions (Vp); the Vp were up to 5 μm long, up to 0.5 μm wide, and of uneven thickness, often bent at an angle. The ground substance layer (Gs) was up to 0.8 μm thick and smooth. Vesicular structures were seen at the base of the Vp. The bradyzoites were 10–12 μm long. Sarcocystis hominis sarcocysts had Vp that were often upright, up to 7.5 μm long, and up to 1.8 μm wide; the Gs was up to 2 μm thick and without vesicles. Its sarcocyst wall was up to 5.6 μm thick, the vp were bent at an angle, up to 5.8 μm long, the Gs was up to 2 μm thick, but without vesicles seen in S. rommeli. Beef containing sarcocysts of S. rommeli was not orally infectious for two human volunteers and a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The Sarcocystis described here is molecularly different from S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, and S. hominis based on 18S rRNA and cox1 gene sequences.
First evidence of natural reproduction of the Allis shad Alosa alosa in the River Rhine following re‐introduction measures
Authors: Hundt M. , Scharbert A. , Weibel U. , Kuhn G. , Metzner K. , Jatteau P. , Pies A. , Schulz R. , Gergs R.
Published: June 2015

After stocking with larvae from the Gironde–Garonne–Dordogne population, in 2013, three young‐of‐the‐year Allis shad Alosa alosa, probably originating from natural reproduction, were documented for the first time in a period of nearly 100 years in the River Rhine. In 2014, a further increase was observed when 57 juveniles and eight adults were caught; seven of these eight adults were derived from stocking, indicating the success of stocking measures within the framework of the EU‐LIFE project.
Tesmilifene modifies brain endothelial functions and opens the blood–brain/blood–glioma barrier
Authors: Walter Fruzsina R. , Veszelka Szilvia , Pásztói Mária , Péterfi Zoltán A. , Tóth András , Rákhely Gábor , Cervenak László , Ábrahám Csongor S. , Deli Mária A.
Published: June 2015

Tesmilifene, a tamoxifen analog with antihistamine action, has chemopotentiating properties in experimental and clinical cancer studies. In our previous works, tesmilifene increased the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in animal and culture models. Our aim was to investigate the effects of tesmilifene on brain microvessel permeability in the rat RG2 glioma model and to reveal its mode of action in brain endothelial cells. Tesmilifene significantly increased fluorescein extravasation in the glioma. Short‐term treatment with tesmilifene reduced the resistance and increased the permeability for marker molecules in a rat triple co‐culture BBB model. Tesmilifene also affected the barrier integrity in brain endothelial cells co‐cultured with RG2 glioblastoma cells. Tesmilifene inhibited the activity of P‐glycoprotein and multidrug resistance‐associated protein‐1 efflux pumps and down‐regulated the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, efflux pumps, solute carriers, and metabolic enzymes important for BBB functions. Among the possible signaling pathways that regulate BBB permeability, tesmilifene activated the early nuclear translocation of NFκB. The MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt kinase pathways were also involved. We demonstrate for the first time that tesmilifene increases permeability marker molecule extravasation in glioma and inhibits efflux pump activity in brain endothelial cells, which may have therapeutic relevance.

image

Tesmilifene, a chemopotentiator in experimental and clinical cancer studies increases vascular permeability in RG2 glioma in rats and permeability for marker molecules in a culture model of the blood–brain barrier. Tesmilifene inhibits the activity of efflux pumps and down‐regulates the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, transporters, and metabolic enzymes important for the blood–brain barrier functions, which may have therapeutic relevance.
New diagnostic criteria and operative strategy for cesarean scar syndrome: Endoscopic repair for secondary infertility caused by cesarean scar defect
Authors: Tanimura Satoshi , Funamoto Hiroshi , Hosono Takashi , Shitano Yasushi , Nakashima Masao , Ametani Yuka , Nakano Takashi
Published: June 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of endoscopic repair for secondary infertility caused by post‐cesarean scar defect (PCSD). Our investigation focused on the validity of new diagnostic criteria and selection methods.

Material and Methods

The subjects were 22 women with secondary infertility due to PCSD with retention of bloody fluid in the uterine cavity. Women with a residual myometrial thickness of ≥2.5 mm and an anteflexed or straight uterus underwent hysteroscopic surgery, while all others underwent laparoscopic repair. Hysteroscopic surgery involved resection and coagulation of scarred areas, whereas laparoscopic surgery involved removal of scarred areas combined with hysteroscopy, followed by resuturing.

Results

Fourteen of the 22 women (63.6%) who were followed up for ≥1 year after surgery achieved pregnancy. Pregnancies occurred in all four women (100%) who underwent hysteroscopic surgery and in 10 of the 18 women (55.6%) who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Three out of four women who underwent hysteroscopic surgery had term deliveries. Among the women who underwent laparoscopic surgery, five had term deliveries. No cases of uterine rupture were experienced, and the delivery method was cesarean section in all cases.

Conclusion

We propose that infertility associated with PCSD, cesarean scar syndrome, is caused by the retention of bloody fluid in the uterine cavity and scarring. Endoscopic treatment, such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy, was effective for cesarean scar syndrome.
Placental autotaxin expression is diminished in women with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Ichikawa Mayuko , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Schust Danny J. , Kawai‐Iwasawa Yuki , Kawana Kei , Yamashita Takahiro , Osuga Yutaka , Aoki Junken , Yatomi Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: June 2015

Aim

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a member of a new class of lipid mediators and exerts varied physiological and pathological functions. The secreted protein, autotaxin (ATX), is a key enzymatic determinant of local LPA production. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of the placental ATX–LPA system in pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Material and Methods

We compared human placental ATX mRNA expression in pregnancies complicated by severe PE with that in healthy placentas using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We further assessed whether these expression levels were associated with disease‐onset patterns.

Results

Placental transcription of ATX increased progressively during normal pregnancy. In the analysis for pre‐eclamptic placentas, the placental ATX expression in the early‐onset group, but not in late‐onset group, was significantly lower compared to normal controls. Multiple regression analysis revealed that occurrence of early‐onset PE, but not late‐onset PE, was a variable that was significantly associated with the placental ATX expression level.

Conclusion

These findings support our previous work showing reduced ATX antigen levels in the peripheral blood of pre‐eclamptic women. A disturbance in placental ATX production may be linked to poor placental development and systemic maternal symptoms in early‐onset PE.
Primary vaginal sarcoma: Experience of a regional cancer center in China
Authors: Wang Yin , Huang Yong‐Wen , Li Yan‐Fang
Published: June 2015

Aim

To evaluate the clinical characteristics of primary vaginal sarcoma, which is a rare malignancy

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of eight patients with primary vaginal sarcoma treated at Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer Centre from 1997 to 2012.

Results

Eight patients aged ≥17 years were identified (four had leiomyosarcoma, two had endometrial stromal sarcoma, one had undifferentiated sarcoma, and one had adenosarcoma). Four patients had stage I disease, one had stage II, and three had stage IV. Five patients with stage I or II tumor received surgery of mainly local wide excision. One of the five patients received postoperative radiation plus chemotherapy and two had postoperative chemotherapy only. Three of the four stage I patients who had low‐grade tumors and received wide local excision were alive without disease at 21, 53, and 81 months, respectively. One stage I patient with a high‐grade tumor received simple tumor excision only and died of the disease at 20 months. The patient with stage II disease was lost to follow up. The three stage IV patients received radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and all died within 2 years.

Conclusions

Surgery is the main treatment for primary vaginal sarcoma. Prognosis may be associated with tumor grade and stage.
Resource‐based interventions in the workplace: Integration, commentary, and recommendations
Authors: Baumeister Roy F. , Alghamdi Nawal
Published: June 2015

We discuss this issue's six articles regarding resource‐based interventions in the workplace. Despite some encouraging findings, overall these articles provide weak and inconsistent support for the view that such interventions yield benefits. In particular, the documented benefits are mostly confined to self‐reports and lack objective evidence. Future studies of such interventions might find better results by trying different research methods (as some articles have proposed) and by trying different interventions. Tailoring interventions to target populations and focusing emphasis on particular resources may improve outcomes.
The Winding Paths of the Lonesome Cowboy: Evidence for Mutual Influences Between Personality, Subjective Health, and Loneliness
Authors: Mund Marcus , Neyer Franz J.
Published: June 2015

Prior research demonstrated influences of personality traits and their development on later status of subjective health and loneliness. In the present study, we intended to extend these findings by examining mutual influences between health‐related characteristics and personality traits and their development over time. German adults were assessed at two time points across 15 years (NT1 = 654, NT2 = 271; Mage at Time 1 = 24.39, SD = 3.69). Data were analyzed with multivariate structural equation models and a multivariate latent change model. Neuroticism was found to predict later levels and the development of subjective health and loneliness. While subjective health likewise predicted later levels of Neuroticism, loneliness was found to be predictive of later levels as well as the development of Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness. Correlated changes indicated that developing a socially more desirable personality is associated with slower declines in subjective health and slower increases in loneliness. The findings indicate that characteristics related to an individual's health are reciprocally associated with personality traits. Thus, the study adds to the understanding of the development of personality and health‐related characteristics.
Beyond positivism: Understanding and addressing childhood obesity disparities through a Critical Theory perspective
Authors: Schroeder Krista , Kulage Kristine M. , Lucero Robert
Published: June 2015

Purpose

We apply Critical Theory to examine menu labeling with the aim of uncovering important implications for nursing practice, research, and policy.

Conclusions

Our critical analysis uncovers barriers to menu labeling's effectiveness, particularly for vulnerable populations. Nurses must work to minimize the impact of these barriers and optimize the effectiveness of menu labeling, in order to strengthen the fight against obesity.

Practice Implications

We suggest changes, guided by this critical analysis, which can be implemented by nurses working in clinical practice, research, and policy.
Transitioning home: A four‐stage reintegration hospital discharge program for adolescents hospitalized for eating disorders
Authors: Dror Sima , Kohn Yoav , Avichezer Mazal , Sapir Benjamin , Levy Sharon , Canetti Laura , Kianski Ela , Zisk‐Rony Rachel Yaffa
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Treatment for adolescents with eating disorders (ED) is multidimensional and extends after hospitalization. After participating in a four‐step reintegration plan, treatment success including post‐discharge community and social reintegration were examined from perspectives of patients, family members, and healthcare providers.

Design and Methods

Six pairs of patients and parents, and seven parents without their children were interviewed 2 to 30 months following discharge.

Results

All but two adolescents were enrolled in, or had completed school. Five worked in addition to school, and three completed army or national service. Twelve were receiving therapeutic care in the community.

Practice Implications

Adolescents with ED can benefit from a systematic reintegration program, and nurses should incorporate this into care plans.
Basal sympathetic predominance in periodic limb movements in sleep with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Wu Meng‐Ni , Lai Chiou‐Lian , Liu Ching‐Kuan , Yen Chen‐Wen , Liou Li‐Min , Hsieh Cheng‐Fang , Tsai Ming‐Ju , Chen Sharon C.‐J. , Hsu Chung‐Yao
Published: June 2015

Because the impact of periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) is controversial, no consensus has been reached on the therapeutic strategy for PLMS in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To verify the hypothesis that PLMS is related to a negative impact on the cardiovascular system in OSA patients, this study investigated the basal autonomic regulation by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Sixty patients with mild‐to‐moderate OSA who underwent polysomnography (PSG) and completed sleep questionnaires were analysed retrospectively and divided into the PLMS group (n = 30) and the non‐PLMS group (n = 30). Epochs without any sleep events or continuous effects were evaluated using HRV analysis. No significant difference was observed in the demographic data, PSG parameters or sleep questionnaires between the PLMS and non‐PLMS groups, except for age. Patients in the PLMS group had significantly lower normalized high frequency (n‐HF), high frequency (HF), square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of difference between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) and standard deviation of all normal to normal intervals index (SDNN‐I), but had a higher normalized low frequency (n‐LF) and LF/HF ratio. There was no significant difference in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Short‐Form 36 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale between the two groups. After adjustment for confounding variables, PLMS remained an independent predictor of n‐LF (β = 0.0901, P = 0.0081), LF/HF ratio (β = 0.5351, P = 0.0361), RMSSD (β = −20.1620, P = 0.0455) and n‐HF (β = −0.0886, P = 0.0134). In conclusion, PLMS is related independently to basal sympathetic predominance and has a potentially negative impact on the cardiovascular system of OSA patients.
Association of IFNL3 and IFNL4 polymorphisms with liver‐related mortality in a multiracial cohort of HIV/HCV‐coinfected women
Authors: Sarkar M. , Aouzierat B. , Bacchetti P. , Prokunina‐Olsson L. , French A. , Seaberg E. , O'Brien T. R. , Kuniholm M. H. , Minkoff H. , Plankey M. , Strickler H. D. , Peters M. G. ,   the Women's Interagency HIV
Published: June 2015

African Americans coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) have lower liver‐related mortality than Caucasians and Hispanics. While genetic polymorphisms near the IFNL3 and IFNL4 genes explain a significant fraction of racial differences in several HCV‐related outcomes, the impact of these variants on liver‐related mortality has not been investigated. We conducted a cohort study of HIV/HCV‐coinfected women followed in the multicentre, NIH‐funded Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) to investigate whether 10 polymorphisms spanning the IFN‐λ region were associated with liver‐related mortality by dominant, recessive or additive genetic models. We also considered whether these polymorphisms contributed to previously reported differences in liver‐related death by race/ethnicity (ascertained by self‐report and ancestry informative markers). Among 794 coinfected women, there were 471 deaths including 55 liver‐related deaths during up to 18 years of follow‐up. On adjusted analysis, rs12980275 GG genotype compared to AG+AA hazards ratios [(HR) 0.36, 95% CI 0.14–0.90, P = 0.029] and rs8109886 AA genotype compared to CC+AC (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.45–0.99, P = 0.047) were most strongly associated with liver‐related death although these associations were no longer significant after adjusting for race/ethnicity (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.16–1.04, P = 0.060 and HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.51–1.19, P = 0.25, respectively). African American women had persistently lower liver‐related death independent of IFN‐λ variants (HRs ≤ 0.44, P values ≤ 0.04). The lower risk of death among African American HIV/HCV‐coinfected women is not explained by genetic variation in the IFN‐λ region suggesting, that other genetic, behavioural and/or environmental factors may contribute to racial/ethnic differences in liver‐related mortality.
Species dynamics of epiphytic macrolichens in relation to time since fire and host tree species in boreal forest
Authors: Bartels Samuel F. , Chen Han Y.H.
Published: June 2015

Questions

(1) How is the abundance of individual epiphytic macrolichen species affected by host tree species and stand development, where canopy succession takes place in prolonged absence of stand‐replacing disturbance? (2) Do the associations between individual epiphytic macrolichen species and host tree species change through stand development?

Location

The central boreal forest of Canada (49°23′ N–49°36′ N, 89°31′ W–89°44′ W).

Methods

We estimated the percentage cover of epiphytic macrolichens on individual trees in 51 post‐fire successional stands of varying tree species composition, ranging from 7 to 209 yr since fire. We analysed how epiphytic macrolichen species cover on individual host tree species and community composition change with time since fire and host tree species using GLM and permutational multivariate ANOVA.

Results

Cover of individual epiphytic macrolichen species on the host tree species increased continuously, peaked at different time scales or gradually declined through stand development in which canopy succession took place. Some lichen species exhibited exclusive association to particular host tree species. Moreover, stand age‐related trends of the cover of some epiphytic macrolichen species differed with host species. Multivariate analysis indicated that host tree species at each stand development stage supported different epiphytic macrolichen species composition.

Conclusion

Epiphytic macrolichen species dynamics is strongly influenced by time since fire and host tree species identity. Host‐specific preferences and their interaction with time since fire suggest that epiphytic lichen composition on a particular host tree species is not merely a random sample of the local species pool, but rather related to their time since fire‐dependent preferences for their hosts.
Does drought incite tree decline and death in Austrocedrus chilensis forests?
Authors: Amoroso Mariano M. , Daniels Lori D. , Villalba Ricardo , Cherubini Paolo
Published: June 2015

Questions

Is mal del ciprés, the widespread decline and death of Austrocedrus chilensis trees, caused by a single pathogen or multiple factors? Using a novel dendrochronological approach, we disentangled the influences of climatic variation on the radial growth decline and death of A. chilensis trees in declining forests. We distinguish possible causes of reduced radial growth and mortality from autogenic processes driven by stand development. We present a conceptual model of forest decline including multiple factors that predispose, incite and contributed to decreased radial growth and death of A. chilensis.

Location

A. chilensis forests on mesic sites in northern Patagonia, Argentina.

Methods

We used dendrochronology to determine the years of (1) onset of radial growth decline of 301 living and dead trees stratified by canopy position at decline onset, and (2) mortality of 339 trees stratified by radial growth patterns and canopy position at death. Events were years with low or high numbers of trees initiating decline or dying. We tested the hypothesis that onset of decline and mortality were concurrent with drought for individual trees, using contingency tables, and for events, using superposed epoch analysis.

Results

Climatic variability acts as an environmental stress inciting and contributing to stand‐level forest decline. The onset of radial growth decline and mortality of individual trees were significantly associated with summer moisture deficits. High‐magnitude onset‐of‐decline and mortality events were concurrent with adverse climatic conditions.

Conclusions

Climatic variation and drought incite and contribute to tree‐ and stand‐level decline and mortality in A. chilensis forests. Deciphering the effects of stand development is critical as autogenic processes independently drive tree mortality and mediate the effects of climatic variability on A. chilensis forest decline. Based on our results, we present a conceptual model within the framework of a forest decline process, and conclude A. chilensis mortality is a forest decline process driven by complex interactions between allogenic abiotic and biotic factors and autogenic stand development processes. Site conditions, genetic variation and sex of trees are predisposing factors that likely interact with the pathogen Phytophthora.
Prizing children's science information books: the text, reading and the reader
Authors: Alexander Joy , Jarman Ruth
Published: June 2015

The Royal Society Young People's Book Prize is awarded annually in the United Kingdom for the best science information book, and the winning book is chosen by panels of young people. This article discusses the findings of a study of the responses to the books and to their judging experience of young people who participated on panels in the 2011 Royal Society Young People's Book Prize. Interviews were conducted with 46 young people, aged from 8 to 14 years, from across the United Kingdom. The nature of contemporary non‐fiction books is discussed, specifically science information books. The impact of their design and format on reading is explored, as is the social nature of reading, which was a consequence of the judging panel context. The young people had opinions on the age range for which each book was most suitable, but they generally did so in such a way as to include themselves. It was found that their judging responsibilities contributed to these young people displaying a positive reading identity and sense of self‐efficacy.
The genetic structure of the exotic ascidian Styela plicata (Tunicata) from Italian ports, with a re‐appraisal of its worldwide genetic pattern
Authors: Maltagliati Ferruccio , Lupi Lisa , Castelli Alberto , Pannacciulli Federica G.
Published: June 2015

The pleated ascidian Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823) is a solitary species commonly found in ports and marinas around the world. It has been recorded in the Mediterranean region since the mid‐19th century. In the present work, the species’ genetic diversity was analysed, employing a 613‐bp portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from 149 individuals collected in 14 ports along Italian coasts at spatial scales ranging from 1 to approximately 2200 km. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity values were h = 0–0.933 (total h = 0.789) and π = 0–0.145 (total π = 0.0094), respectively. A general southward trend of increasing within‐population genetic diversity was observed. Analysis of molecular variance revealed significant genetic structuring but no significant differences were detected among basins, and no isolation by distance was found. Our data were integrated with the COI sequences available from previous studies and re‐analysed in order to investigate the possible routes of introduction of this ascidian into the Mediterranean Sea. The presence of the two COI haplogroups detected in previous molecular investigations on S. plicata at intercontinental spatial scale was confirmed in the Mediterranean Sea. The results revealed multiple introductions of S. plicata, although some locations appear to have experienced rapid expansion from few founding individuals with reduced genetic diversity. However, continuous introductions would confound the pattern deriving from single founder events and make it difficult to estimate the time needed for gene diffusion into established populations. This mixing of effects creates difficulties in understanding the past and current dynamics of this introduction, and managing this alien invasive ascidian whose genetic structure is continuously shuffled by vessel‐mediated transport.
SUMOylation of Wor1 by a novel SUMO E3 ligase controls cell fate in Candida albicans
Authors: Yan Minghui , Nie Xinyi , Wang Huafeng , Gao Ning , Liu Haoping , Chen Jiangye
Published: June 2015

Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen, yet is a normal commensal resident of the human gut. CO2 levels in the gut are much higher than in air, and it is known that elevated CO2 concentration promotes C. albicans cells to undergo a phenotypic switch from white to opaque phase. Wor1, the master regulator of opaque cell formation, is required for both the white to opaque transition and opaque maintenance. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of Wor1, we set out to identify Wor1‐interacting proteins using a yeast two‐hybrid screen. A SUMO E3 ligase named Wos1 (Wor1 SUMO‐ligase 1) was identified to interact with Wor1 and regulate Wor1 SUMOylation. WOS1 expression is upregulated in response to high CO2, and the induction by CO2 is dependent on the transcription factor Flo8. Under high CO2 conditions, Wos1 is required for the white to opaque switch and acts downstream of Flo8. At atmospheric CO2 levels, overexpression of Wos1 enhances Wor1 SUMOylation and promotes the white to opaque switch. Wor1 is found to be SUMOylated at lysine 385, and loss of this mark by point mutation leads to a defect in CO2‐mediated opaque cell induction. Together, our genetic and biological data show that Wos1‐mediated Wor1 SUMOylation contributes to the regulation of CO2‐induced white to opaque switching as well as heritable maintenance of the opaque cell type.
Mapping of Re, a gene conferring the red leaf trait in ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala)
Authors: Ren Jie , Liu Zhiyong , Niu Ruiqing , Feng Hui
Published: June 2015

Variegated leaf colour is an important agronomic trait that affects the market value of ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala). The red leaf phenotype in kale is due to anthocyanin accumulation. To investigate the pattern of inheritance of this trait, we constructed an F2 population by crossing ‘Y005‐15’, a double haploid with red leaves, with a white‐leaved double haploid, ‘Y011‐13‐38’, followed by self‐pollination. An F2 population consisting of 4284 individuals was used to study the inheritance of this trait, which showed that the character was controlled by a dominate gene. All of the 1050 white leaf trait plants in the F2 were used for mapping and developing markers linked to Re gene. Results showed that Re was mapped to a locus on linkage group C09 of Brassica oleracea, and the locus was mapped between six SSR markers (C9Z1, C9Z16‐1, C9Z90, C9Z94, C9Z96 and C9Z99), with a genetic distance of 6.7, 1.0, 0.3, 2.0, 2.1 and 0.4 cM from Re gene, respectively. These results may facilitate marker‐assisted selection of the red leaf trait in kale breeding as well as map‐based cloning of the red leaf trait gene.
Disease state changes and safety of long‐term donepezil hydrochloride administration in patients with Alzheimer's disease: interim results from the long‐term, large‐scale J‐GOLD study in Japan
Authors: Arai Heii , Sumitomo Kenta , Sakata Yukinori , Daidoji Kasumi , Takase Takao , Toyoda Tetsumi
Published: June 2015

Background

There have been very few long‐term studies involving a large study population; existing studies usually have no more than a few hundred patients with Alzheimer's disease. For these reasons, there are no detailed investigations regarding changes in activities of daily living evaluated by the Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST).

Methods

A long‐term, large‐scale observational study of donepezil hydrochloride (Aricept®; Eisai Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) is currently in progress. Its objective is to investigate disease state changes associated with the long‐term administration of this drug and its safety in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In this report, data collected over a maximum of 24 months were compiled. Efficacy was assessed using FAST and a cognitive function test (Mini‐Mental State Examination or the Hasegawa's Dementia Scale‐Revised).

Results

The percentages of patients whose FAST stage improved or remained the same compared to at the start of donepezil hydrochloride administration (baseline) were 91.1% at 6 months, 83.0% at 12 months, 79.5% at 18 months, and 74.8% at 24 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors that affect the improvement and maintenance or exacerbation of FAST at 24 months. ‘Independence level in the daily life of elderly with dementia’ and ‘duration of illness’ were identified as variables that affected the improvement and maintenance or exacerbation of FAST.

Cognitive function improved significantly at 12 weeks and at 6 months compared to baseline, maintained baseline levels at 12 months and at 18 months, and decreased significantly at 24 months compared to baseline.

Conclusions

This is the largest prospective study involving Alzheimer's disease patients in Japan, and we believe it is an important study that shows the reality of daily clinical practice.
Gait speed in older people: an easy test for detecting cognitive impairment, functional independence, and health state
Authors: Garcia‐Pinillos Felipe , Cozar‐Barba Manuela , Munoz‐Jimenez Marcos , Soto‐Hermoso Victor , Latorre‐Roman Pedro
Published: June 2015

Background

With ageing, physical and cognitive functions become impaired. Analyzing and determining the association between both functions can facilitate the prevention and diagnosis of associated problems. Some previous works have proposed batteries of physical performance tests to determine both physical and cognitive functions. However, only a few studies have used the gait speed (GS) test as a tool to evaluate parameters representative of health in the elderly such as functionality, mobility, independence, autonomy, and comorbidity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between physical and cognitive functions in older people (over 65 years old) and to detect the most appropriate physical test to assess cognitive impairment, functional independence, comorbidity, and perceived health in this population.

Methods

One hundred six older adults (38 men, 68 women) participated voluntarily in this cross‐sectional study. To assess the physical function handgrip strength, GS, 30‐s chair stand tests, and body composition analysis were performed. To evaluate cognitive function, the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Barthel index, and Charlson index were employed. No significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between sexes were found.

Results

Multiple regression analysis of the Mini‐Mental State Examination and physical fitness variables, adjusted for age and sex, indicates that GS is a predictor of Mini‐Mental State Examination score (R2 = 0.138).

Conclusion

The results showed that GS is an important predictor of functional capacity (physical and cognitive function) in adults over 65 years old.
Suicidal ideation in Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a controlled study
Authors: Wong Tak‐Shun , Xiang Yu‐Tao , Tsoh Joshua , Ungvari Gabor S. , Ko Fanny W.S. , Hui David S.C. , Chiu Helen F.K.
Published: June 2015

Background

No study has been published on the prevalence of suicidal behaviour in older Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study examined the 1‐year prevalence of suicidal ideation in older Chinese COPD patients and explored its demographic and clinical correlates.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 143 COPD patients and 211 matched control subjects were recruited and interviewed using structured, standardized instruments.

Results

The 1‐year prevalence of suicidal ideation in COPD patients and controls were 15.4% and 10.9%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, suicidal ideation was significantly associated with the severity of depressive symptoms in COPD patients.

Conclusion

Suicidal ideation was not higher in COPD patients than in controls.
The effects of deer exclusion on the development of a Mediterranean plant community affected by a wildfire
Authors: Silva Joaquim S. , Catry Filipe X. , Moreira Francisco , Bugalho Miguel N.
Published: June 2015

Despite the resilience of Mediterranean ecosystems to fire, the ecological restoration of burned plant communities can be hindered by ungulate herbivores, particularly in areas with high population densities. This study compares the postfire development of a shrub community with and without deer, after a wildfire occurred in 2003 in a protected area in Central Portugal. We monitored 12 fenced and 12 unfenced plots 2, 3, 4, and 8 years after fire. Within each plot, we established a linear transect and measured the monospecific canopy projections (plant patches). Five plant community indicators (patch number, average patch length, average patch height, patch cover, and patch phytovolume per square meter) were obtained. The diameter and height of individuals of the most abundant shrub species (Cistus salvifolius,Erica scoparia,Myrtus communis,Pistacia lentiscus,Rubus ulmifolius, andUlex jussiaei) were also measured. These measurements were used as response variables in generalized linear mixed models in order to assess the effects of time‐after‐fire and fencing, on the development of the plant community. Patch height and phytovolume had a significantly higher growth in fenced plots. At the species level,C. salvifolius,M. communis,R. ulmifolius, andU. jussiaeishowed a higher growth across time both in height and in diameter, in the absence of herbivory. This work shows that deer exclusion needs to be considered when aiming at the postfire restoration of Mediterranean shrub communities.