bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible influences of plasticity and genetic/maternal effects on species coexistence: nativeGammarus fasciatusfacing exotic amphipods
Authors: Derry Alison M. , Kestrup Åsa M. , Hendry Andrew P. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryNative species might be able to persist in the face of a detrimental exotic invader by occupying refuge habitats where the exotic is not successful. These refuges might then provide demographic subsidies that enhance persistence of the native species in areas of coexistence with the exotic species. Phenotypic plasticity of the native species could play a critical role in this process by allowing individuals dispersing from refuge to invaded habitats to adaptively modify their phenotypes, thereby enhancing the subsidy. By contrast, locally adapted genetic or maternal differences between native populations could result in fitness disadvantages for dispersers at invaded habitats, thereby reducing the subsidy.We studied phenotypic variation in a native amphipod (Gammarus fasciatus) across ion gradients inLacSt.Louis,Québec,Canada. Ion gradients determine refuge vs. invaded habitats because native amphipods are found in both ion‐poor and ion‐rich habitats, whereas exotic (Echinogammarus ischnus) amphipods are found only in the latter.We tested for plastic vs. genetic/maternal contributions to spatial variation (ion‐rich vs. ion‐poor habitats) in native amphipod fitness components: postmoult calcification, body size, larval survival, time to first reproduction and fecundity. We did so by comparing the following: (i) F0(collected from the wild) individuals between the two habitats – some of which were reared for a time under varying conditions in the laboratory; and (ii) F1(reared in the laboratory for their entire lives) individuals from the two habitats under a variety of water conditions.We found strong plastic effects on postmoult calcification – it was more rapid in ion‐rich water. We found genetic/maternal differences in time to reproduction (almost twice as long in ion‐poor amphipods), fecundity and larval survival (higher in ion‐poor amphipods) in early summer. These plastic effects and genetic/maternal differences are likely to be adaptive.Plasticity and genetic/maternal effects both could influence the efficacy of ion‐poor populations in providing demographic subsidies that aid native persistence at ion‐rich habitats where exotic amphipods are present. These effects could thus have important consequences for native species persistence in the presence of non‐native species.
Molecular insights from dysregulation of the thiazide‐sensitive WNK/SPAK/NCC pathway in the kidney: Gordon syndrome and thiazide‐induced hyponatraemia
Authors: Glover Mark , O'Shaughnessy Kevin M 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Human blood pressure is dependent on balancing dietary salt intake with its excretion by the kidney. Mendelian syndromes of altered blood pressure demonstrate the importance of the distal nephron in this process and of the thiazide‐sensitive pathway in particular.

Gordon syndrome (GS), the phenotypic inverse of the salt‐wasting Gitelman syndrome, is a condition of hyperkalaemic hypertension that is reversed by low‐dose thiazide diuretics or a low‐salt diet. Variants within at least four genes [i.e. with‐no‐lysine(K) kinase 1 (WNK1), WNK4, kelch‐like family member 3 (KLHL3) and cullin 3 (CUL3)] can cause the phenotype of GS. Details are still emerging for some of these genes, but it is likely that they all cause a gain‐of‐function in the thiazide‐sensitive Na+–Cl− cotransporter (NCC) and hence salt retention. Herein, we discuss the key role of STE20/sporulation‐specific protein 1 (SPS1)‐related proline/alanine‐rich kinase (SPAK), which functions as an intermediary between the WNKs and NCC and for which a loss‐of‐function mutation produces a Gitelman‐type phenotype in a mouse model.

In addition to Mendelian blood pressure syndromes, the study of patients who develop thiazide‐induced‐hyponatraemia (TIH) may give further molecular insights into the role of the thiazide‐sensitive pathway for salt reabsorption. In the present paper we discuss the key features of TIH, including its high degree of reproducibility on rechallenge, possible genetic predisposition and mechanisms involving excessive saliuresis and water retention.

Together, studies of Gordon syndrome and TIH may increase our understanding of the molecular regulation of sodium trafficking via the thiazide‐sensitive pathway and have important implications for hypertensive patients, both in the identification of new antihypertensive drug targets and avoidance of hyponatraemic side‐effects.
Disease pattern and chronic illness in rural China: The Hong Kong Red Cross basic health clinic after 2008 Sichuan earthquake
Authors: Hung Kevin KC , Lam Eva CC , Chan Emily YY , Graham Colin A 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundMedical teams might have difficulties preparing for deployment to rural towns due to a lack of prior information. The study objective was to identify the health needs and chronic disease prevalence of rural Chinese following a major earthquake.MethodsHong Kong Red Cross organised a basic healthcare team to Yanmen town, Jiangyou 3 weeks after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. A cross‐sectional records‐based study of all patients treated by the Hong Kong Red Cross basic healthcare team from 1 June to 19 June 2008 was conducted.ResultsTwo thousand and thirty‐four individual patient encounters occurred during the 19‐day period. Musculoskeletal, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems were the top three categories and accounted for 30.4%, 17.4% and 12.7%, respectively. The 43.4% of the 762 patients with blood pressure measurements were above the recognised criteria for hypertension.ConclusionsWe identified that the management of chronic diseases was an important issue, especially with the high prevalence of hypertension found in our study. Medical responders need to be aware of the potential pre‐existing disease burden in the community, with the possible exacerbation in post‐disaster situations. Careful planning on the use of treatment guidelines with particular focus on the local health resources available and issues with continuation of care will provide better care for the patients.
Confined aquifers as viral reservoirs
Authors: Smith Renee J. , Jeffries Thomas C. , Roudnew Ben , Seymour Justin R. , Fitch Alison J. , Simons Keryn L. , Speck Peter G. , Newton Kelly , Brown Melissa H. , Mitchell James G. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryKnowledge about viral diversity and abundance in deep groundwater reserves is limited. We found that the viral community inhabiting a deep confined aquifer in South Australia was more similar to reclaimed water communities than to the viral communities in the overlying unconfined aquifer community. This similarity was driven by high relative occurrence of the single‐stranded DNA viral groups Circoviridae, Geminiviridae and Microviridae, which include many known plant and animal pathogens. These groups were present in a 1500‐year‐old water situated 80 m below the surface, which suggests the potential for long‐term survival and spread of potentially pathogenic viruses in deep, confined groundwater. Obtaining a broader understanding of potentially pathogenic viral communities within aquifers is particularly important given the ability of viruses to spread within groundwater ecosystems.
Respiratory virology and microbiology in intensive care units: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Østby Anne‐Cathrine , Gubbels Sophie , Baake Gerben , Nielsen Lars Peter , Riedel Casper , Arpi Magnus 
Published: May 2013

Our aim was to determine the frequency of 12 common respiratory viruses in patients admitted to intensive care units with respiratory symptoms, evaluate the clinical characteristics and to compare the results to routine microbiological diagnostics. Throat swabs from 122 intensive care‐patients >18 years with acute respiratory symptoms were collected upon admission and analysed with multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction, for 12 community respiratory viruses. Blood and respiratory tract specimens were analysed for bacteria and fungi upon clinicians' request. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected. Viruses were detected in 19 (16%) of the 122 study patients. Five virus‐positive patients (26%) had possible clinically relevant bacteria or fungi co‐detected. Patients with exacerbation in COPD were associated with a viral infection (p = 0.02). Other comorbidities, clinical and paraclinical parameters, and death were independent of a viral infection or co‐detection of bacteria/fungi. In conclusion, respiratory viruses were frequently detected in the patients. The investigated clinical and paraclinical parameters were not different in viral infections compared to other agents, thus respiratory viruses likely have similar impact on the clinical course as other agents. In 25% of the virus‐positive patients, polymicrobial aetiology was identified. Comprehensive and sensitive diagnostic methods should be emphasized to enhance respiratory diagnostics.
Review article: antitumoural immunity in colorectal cancer – current and potential future implications in clinical practice
Authors: Koudougou C. , Bonneville M. , Matysiak‐Budnik T. , Touchefeu Y. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBackgroundMost of the current research in gastrointestinal oncology is focused on biology of cancer itself, but there is growing interest in the patient's immune system response and its relation with cancer cells.AimTo review the impact of the antitumoural immune response on epidemiology, prognosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.MethodsSearch of the literature published in English using the PubMed database.ResultsThe role of the immune system in the antitumoural immunosurveillance is clearly supported by the increased incidence of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps in immunosuppressed patients. Moreover, the degree of infiltration of the tumours by the immune cells has been shown to be a strong prognostic factor of both disease recurrence and survival. The immune system plays an important role in the chemotherapy‐induced cell death. New therapeutic strategies targeting the antitumoural immunity are being currently investigated with promising results.ConclusionBetter knowledge of antitumoural immune system can have a major impact on patients' management in daily clinical practice. Colorectal cancer screening is an important issue in immunosuppressed patients, and recommendations should be refined for selected high‐risk patients. The use of an immune score to guide the therapeutic strategies in the adjuvant setting should be supported. Further and larger clinical trials are necessary to accelerate the development of innovative immune therapies.
Binding kinetics differentiates functional antagonism of orexin‐2 receptor ligands
Authors: Mould R , Brown J , Marshall F H , Langmead C J 
Published: May 2013

Orexin receptor antagonism represents a novel approach for the treatment of insomnia that directly targets sleep/wake regulation. Several such compounds have entered into clinical development, including the dual orexin receptor antagonists, suvorexant and almorexant. In this study, we have used equilibrium and kinetic binding studies with the orexin‐2 (OX2) selective antagonist radioligand, [3H]‐EMPA, to profile several orexin receptor antagonists. Furthermore, selected compounds were studied in cell‐based assays of inositol phosphate accumulation and ERK‐1/2 phosphorylation in CHO cells stably expressing the OX2 receptor that employ different agonist incubation times (30 and 5 min, respectively). EMPA, suvorexant, almorexant and TCS‐OX‐29 all bind to the OX2 receptor with moderate to high affinity (pKI values ≥ 7.5), whereas the primarily OX1 selective antagonists SB‐334867 and SB‐408124 displayed low affinity (pKI values ca. 6). Competition kinetic analysis showed that the compounds displayed a range of dissociation rates from very fast (TCS‐OX2‐29, koff = 0.22 min−1) to very slow (almorexant, koff = 0.005 min−1). Notably, there was a clear correlation between association rate and affinity. In the cell‐based assays, fast‐offset antagonists EMPA and TCS‐OX2‐29 displayed surmountable antagonism of orexin‐A agonist activity. However, both suvorexant and particularly almorexant cause concentration‐dependent depression in the maximal orexin‐A response, a profile that is more evident with a shorter agonist incubation time. Analysis according to a hemi‐equilibrium model suggests that antagonist dissociation is slower in a cellular system than in membrane binding; under these conditions, almorexant effectively acts as a pseudo‐irreversible antagonist.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Orexin Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐2
The relationship between serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D, parathormone and bone mineral density in Indian population
Authors: Garg M. K. , Tandon N. , Marwaha R. K. , Menon A. S. , Mahalle N. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryObjectivesVitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global problem. Not all patients with VDD have clinical manifestations or secondary hyperparathyroidism. We studied the interaction between serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD), parathormone (PTH) and bone mineral density (BMD) in Indian adolescents and adults.DesignPopulation survey.PatientsA total of 1829 adolescents and 1346 adults aged 50 years and above were analysed in this study.MeasurementsSerum biochemistry, 25OHD, PTH and BMD were estimated. Subjects were grouped according to quartiles of serum PTH. VDD was defined as severe (25OHD ≤ 5 ng/ml), moderate (25OHD ≤ 10 ng/ml) and mild (25OHD ≤ 20 ng/ml) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) when serum PTH levels >65 pg/ml.ResultsOnly 30–40% of subjects with moderate and severe VDD, respectively, had SHPT. BMD decreased from Quartile 1 to Quartile 4 of PTH at all sites among adolescents and adults, with only a marginal decline in serum 25OHD levels between these quartiles. Further, within each PTH quartile, there was no difference in BMD according to categories of VDD. Analysing BMD in the different PTH quartiles, the PTH cut‐offs beyond which BMD showed a significant decline, was 35 pg/ml in adolescents and 53 pg/ml in adults.ConclusionsLess than half of the subjects with VDD have SHPT. BMD levels start to decline at PTH values currently considered to be normal. These data suggest the need to redefine SHPT in different age groups keeping in mind the relationship between PTH and BMD. This may also influence the decision to supplement subjects with VDD.
Patients newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis receive earlier treatment in surgical clinics
Authors: Ward S. T. , Li K. K. , Trivedi P. J. , Hejmadi R. K. , Suggett N. , Iqbal T. , Ismail T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimThe diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is traditionally the realm of gastroenterologists. However, the symptoms of UC overlap with those of bowel cancer and patients may be initially referred to colorectal surgery clinics. The aims of this study were to define which specialty most frequently diagnoses UC and to determine if there were differences in management between the two specialities.MethodThe demographics, presenting symptoms and clinical management of patients with newly diagnosed UC were determined and compared by speciality clinic of initial referral. Histopathology reports and clinic letters were reviewed to identify patients newly diagnosed with UC at a large university teaching hospital from January 2007 to January 2012.ResultsPatients were more commonly referred to colorectal surgeons (74 vs 41 patients) than gastroenterologists. Patients referred to gastroenterology were younger (36.0 vs 59.6 years, P < 0.01) but there were no significant differences in gender, presenting symptoms or disease extent. Rigid sigmoidoscopy ± biopsy was more commonly performed in colorectal clinic (93.2 vs 31.7%, P < 0.01). There was a significantly shorter delay in starting disease‐specific treatment for those patients referred initially to colorectal surgery (13.8 vs 33.6 days, P = 0.01). Performing rigid sigmoidoscopy in clinic was associated with starting disease‐specific treatment at this visit.ConclusionPatients with first presentation UC are more commonly seen in colorectal surgery clinics where rigid sigmoidoscopy is more frequently undertaken, allowing earlier commencement of UC treatment.
Persisting anorectal dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Maris A. , Penninckx F. , Devreese A. M. , Staes F. , Moons P. , Van Cutsem E. , Haustermans K. , D'Hoore A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimSphincter‐saving rectal cancer management affects anorectal function. This study evaluated persisting anorectal dysfunction and its impact on patients' well‐being.MethodSeventy‐nine patients with a follow‐up of 12–37 (median 22) months and 79 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects completed questionnaires.ResultsThe median number of diurnal bowel movements was three in patients and one in controls (P < 0.0001). Nocturnal defaecation occurred in 53% of patients. The median Vaizey score was 8 in patients and 4 in controls (P < 0.0001). Urgency without incontinence was reported by 47% of patients and 49% of controls (P = 0.873), soiling by 28% of patients and 3% of controls (P < 0.0001), incontinence for flatus by 73% of patients and 49% of controls (P = 0.0019), and incontinence for solid stools by 16% of patients and 4% of controls (P = 0.0153). Incontinence of liquid stools occurred in 17 of 20 patients and in one of five controls who had liquid stools (P = 0.0123). Incontinence for gas, liquid or solid stool occurred once or more weekly in 47%, 19% and 6% of patients respectively. Evacuation difficulties were reported by 98% of patients, but also by 77% of controls. Neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy adversely affected defaecation frequency and continence. Incontinence was associated with severe discomfort in 50% of patients, severe anxiety in 40% and severe embarrassment in 48%.ConclusionAnorectal dysfunction is a frequent problem after management of rectal cancer with an impact on the well‐being of patients.
Various irrigation protocols for final rinse to improve bond strengths of fiber posts inside the root canal
Authors: Bitter Kerstin , Hambarayan Ani , Neumann Konrad , Blunck Uwe , Sterzenbach Guido 
Published: May 2013

Irrigation after post space preparation and its effects on the bond strength of different adhesive strategies are still an issue of interest. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of various irrigation protocols (IPs) on the push‐out bond strengths of fiber posts. One‐hundred and fifty extracted human anterior teeth were divided into three groups (n = 50 each) and endodontically treated. The post space was irrigated before post placement using the following five IPs in each group: IP1 (control): 5 ml of distilled water; IP2: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) applied with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI); IP3: 1% NaOCl applied with PUI; IP4: 18% ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) followed by 5.25% NaOCl; and IP5: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). Fiber posts placement in each group was performed using three different adhesive strategies. A self‐etch adhesive system revealed higher bond strength (16.2 ± 6.9 MPa) compared with an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive (8.5 ± 4.2 MPa) and a self‐adhesive resin cement (9.2 ± 4.7 MPa). The use of 18% EDTA/5.25% NaOCl increased the bond strength of the self‐adhesive resin cement. Conversely, this IP decreased the bond strength for the etch‐and‐rinse adhesive system, whilst 1% NaOCl enhanced the bond strength for the same system. Consequently, each adhesive strategy may need to be adapted to a specific IP.
Bioguidage search of active compounds from Waltheria indica L. (Malvaceae) used for asthma and inflammation treatment in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zongo Frank , Ribuot Christophe , Boumendjel Ahcène , Guissou Innocent 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWaltheria indica is used in traditional pharmacopeia in Burkina Faso for the treatment of asthma and conditions of inflammation. To evaluate its pharmacological properties and isolate the active compounds, a study through a bioguided phytochemical approach was conducted. This search was guided by a two‐level investigation. First, we evaluated the impact of various fractions on the activity of enzymes involved in smooth muscle contraction (PDE4A1α) and inflammatory processes (PLA2, 5‐LOX). Second, we investigated the inhibitory effect of fractions on isolated rat trachea. The initial hydroalcoholic extract from roots of W. indica (HA), n‐hexane fraction (F1), dichloromethane fraction (F2), ethyl acetate fraction (F3), residuary fraction (F4) reduced enzyme activity of PDE4A1α (inhibition of 22–42% at 50 μg/mL), 5‐LOX (60–80% at 10 μg/mL), and PLA2 (42–94% at 100 μg/mL). On isolated rat trachea, only HA, F3, and fractions obtained from F3 by chromatography on silica gel column, using dichloromethane/methanol, dose dependently inhibited contraction induced by acetylcholine. IC50 was 1051 μg/mL for HA and comprised between 181 and 477 μg/mL for F3 and its fractions. The most active fractions were purified and led to the identification of (‐)‐epicatechin. (‐)‐epicatechin from W. indica dose dependently inhibited PLA2 (IC50 = 154.7 μm) and 5‐LOX (IC50 = 15.8 μm). In conclusion, both inhibition of PDE4A1α, 5‐LOX, and PLA2 activities and rat trachea relaxation by W. indica validate its use in traditional management of asthma and other conditions of inflammation. These effects should be, at least in part, attributed to the presence of (‐)‐epicatechin in roots of W. indica.
Outcomes of non‐surgical periodontal treatment by dental hygienists in training: impact of site‐ and patient‐level factors
Authors: Preshaw PM , Holliday R , Law H , Heasman PA 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the site‐ and patient‐level factors that impact on the response to non‐surgical periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis.MethodsA retrospective evaluation of clinical outcomes following non‐surgical periodontal therapy delivered by dental hygienists in training was undertaken. Case notes from 195 patients with chronic periodontitis were reviewed and clinical data pre‐ and post‐treatment abstracted. Patients were categorized as ‘responders’ or ‘non‐responders’ according to defined outcome criteria, and the relationship between clinical and demographic variables and treatment outcomes was assessed.ResultsOverall, there was a good response to the periodontal treatment. At deep sites (those with pretreatment probing depth ≥5 mm), the mean probing depth reduction was 1.6 ± 0.9 mm. Seventy‐one (36%) patients were classified as non‐responders (indicating that at least 30% of their deep sites did not improve by at least 2 mm following treatment). The non‐responding group contained a significantly greater proportion of smokers (28%) than the responding group (16%). Plaque scores did not differ significantly between responders or non‐responders either pre‐ or post‐treatment. Regression analyses indicated that smoking status (odds ratio, OR: 2.04), mean pretreatment probing depth (OR: 1.49) and percentage of deep sites ≥5 mm at pretreatment (OR: 1.02) were significantly associated with response to treatment.ConclusionThis study supports the benefits of non‐surgical therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis by dental hygienists in training. Better responses to treatment tend to be observed in non‐smokers and in those with less advanced periodontitis at baseline.