bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do genetic correlations affect species range shifts in a changing environment?
Authors: Duputié Anne , Massol François , Chuine Isabelle , Kirkpatrick Mark , Ronce Ophélie 
Published: January 2012

Ecology Letters(2012)AbstractSpecies may be able to respond to changing environments by a combination of adaptation and migration. We study how adaptation affects range shifts when it involves multiple quantitative traits evolving in response to local selection pressures and gene flow. All traits develop clines shifting in space, some of which may be in a direction opposite to univariate predictions, and the species tracks its environmental optimum with a constant lag. We provide analytical expressions for the local density and average trait values. A species can sustain faster environmental shifts, develop a wider range and greater local adaptation when spatial environmental variation is low (generating low migration load) and multitrait adaptive potential is high. These conditions are favoured when nonlinear (stabilising) selection is weak in the phenotypic direction of the change in optimum, and genetic variation is high in the phenotypic direction of the selection gradient.
Regional spread pattern predicts survival in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gargiulo‐Monachelli G. M. , Janota F. , Bettini M. , Shoesmith C. L. , Strong M. J. , Sica R. E. P. 
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) is a disease with a focal clinical onset and contiguous spread. We examined patterns of disease spread following symptoms onset in sALS and whether the pattern of spread predicted survival.Methods:  Review of medical records (2003–2009) at London Ontario and Buenos Aires clinic cohorts retrieved 318 patients with sporadic sALS. According to patient self‐report, we determined eight spread patterns: rostro‐caudal, caudo‐rostral, crossed, circular, superior interposed, middle interposed, inferior interposed and isolated. The variables studied were as follows: age, gender, sALS phenotypes, time from onset to diagnosis and time and direction of the spreading to the first region. Survival from symptoms onset was analysed by Kaplan–Meier, Tarone‐Ware and Cox proportional hazards methods.Results:  The direction of first spread was horizontal in 33%, rostral to caudal in 32% and caudal to rostral in 21%, whereas spread to remote regions was observed in 14% of patients. Survival curves and 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates favoured patients with an isolated and caudo‐rostral pattern of spread compared to patients progressing to distant regions without involvement in the intervening region, or ‘superior and inferior interposed patterns’ (Tarone‐Ware P = 0.001, χ2 = 0.002 and χ2 = 0.006, respectively). Factors affecting survival were gender, time to diagnosis, flail arm phenotype and age at diagnosis.Conclusions:  We have provided evidence that not all spread in ALS is contiguous and that the nature of symptom progression influences survival. Patients with sALS with ‘interposed patterns’ had a worse prognosis, whereas patients with caudo‐rostral pattern fared better than the rest.
Duodenal levodopa/carbidopa infusion therapy in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease leads to improvement in caregivers’ stress and burden
Authors: Santos‐García D. , Añón M. J. , Fuster‐Sanjurjo L. , de la Fuente‐Fernández R. 
Published: January 2012

Background:  Continuous duodenal levodopa infusion (DLI) is an effective therapy that improves quality of life (QoL) in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the impact of DLI on caregivers’ stress and burden has not been reported.Methods:  We evaluated prospectively open‐label seven advanced PD patients (65.7 ± 9.6 years, 71.4% men) treated with DLI. Schwab & England Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS), 39‐item Parkinson’s disease QoL Questionnaire Summary Index score (PDQ‐39SI), Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZCBI), and Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) were used. Comparisons were made between scores obtained at baseline and those at a mean follow‐up of 31.4 ± 7.9 months (range, 23–42).Results:  In patients, mean ± SD ADLS was increased from 50 ± 8.2 to 80 ± 11.6 (P = 0.014), and mean ± SD PDQ‐39SI was decreased from 53.7 ± 11.9 to 33.6 ± 12.8 (P = 0.018). In caregivers, ZCBI decreased from 43 ± 13.3 to 20.7 ± 12.1 (P = 0.018) and CSI from 6.3 ± 2.5 to 1.6 ± 0.9 (P = 0.018). At baseline, 57.1% of caregivers reported moderate to severe burden (ZCBI 41–88) compared to 28.6% at the end of the follow‐up (P = 0.015); at that time, no caregiver reported high level of stress (CSI ≥ 7) compared to 57.1% at baseline (P = 0.046). There were significant correlations between ZCBI and CSI improvement (r = 0.813, P = 0.026), ZCBI and PDQ‐39SI (r = 0.875, P = 0.01), and ZCBI and ADLS (r = 0.813, P = 0.026).Conclusions:  Duodenal levodopa infusion‐related clinical improvement in patients with advanced PD leads to substantial reductions in caregivers’ stress and burden.
Innovations in Practice: Child and adolescent psychiatrists and primary care – innovative models of consultation in the United States
Authors: Gabel Stewart 
Published: January 2012

Background:  There is a severe shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) in the United States, an increasingly recognized high prevalence of mental disorders in young people, and widely supported goals to provide more mental health services in the primary care setting.Method:  A number of innovative, state‐wide or more local, publically funded programs have been developed in the United States over the last several years to respond to these challenges and to provide CAP consultation to primary care physicians (PCPs) who wish to address the mental health disorders of their patients in the primary care setting.Results:  A number of these programs and their approaches to consultation are described. An example of a clinical scenario that might be addressed using this model of CAP/PCP collaboration is offered.Conclusions:  An innovative model of consultation to PCPs from CAPs appears able to facilitate the treatment of many young people with mental health disorders in the primary care setting.
Characteristics of the actions by which 5‐hydroxytryptamine affects electrical and mechanical activities in rabbit jugular vein graft
Authors: Maekawa Takashi , Komori Kimihiro , Kajikuri Junko , Itoh Takeo 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The vasomodulating actions of 5‐HT in vein grafts, and the underlying mechanisms, remain to be fully clarified. Here, we characterized the actions by which 5‐HT affects electrical and mechanical activities in rabbit autologous jugular vein grafts.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Smooth muscle cell (SMC) membrane potential and isometric tension were measured in vein grafts 4 weeks after implantation into carotid arteries. Changes in the expression of 5‐HT receptor subtypes and in myosin heavy chain isoforms (SM1, SM2 and SMemb) were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.KEY RESULTS The walls of grafted veins displayed massive increases in the number of SM1‐ and SM2‐positive SMCs. 5‐HT induced a large depolarization and contraction that were each reduced by both 5‐HT2A‐ and 5‐HT1B/1D‐receptor antagonists. The 5‐HT‐induced contraction was not modified by a 5‐HT7‐receptor antagonist. The 5‐HT7‐receptor‐selective agonist AS 19 did not induce relaxation during the contraction to prostaglandin F2α. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that immunoreactive responses against 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1B/1D receptors were increased in the vein graft.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS 5‐HT is able to induce a large contraction in rabbit autologous jugular vein grafts through (i) an increased number of differentiated contractile SMCs; (ii) an increased number of SMCs expressing contractile 5‐HT2A‐ and 5‐HT1B/1D receptors; and (iii) a down‐regulation of the function of the relaxant SMC 5‐HT7 receptors. These changes in the vein graft may help it to resist the higher pressure present on the arterial side of the circulation.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Patterns and Alcohol‐Related Birth Defects and Growth Deficiencies: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sawada Feldman Haruna , Lyons Jones Kenneth , Lindsay Suzanne , Slymen Donald , Klonoff‐Cohen Hillary , Kao Kelly , Rao Smriti , Chambers Christina 
Published: January 2012

Background:  The physical features of fetal alcohol syndrome include smooth philtrum, thin vermillion border, short palpebral fissures, microcephaly, and growth deficiencies on weight and height. However, little is known about the specific quantities of alcohol exposure, pattern of drinking, timing of exposure, and magnitude of risk for each of these features.Methods:  Using data on 992 subjects collected prospectively in California between 1978 and 2005, we examined the patterns and timing of alcohol exposure in relation to these features. Structural features were assessed by a dysmorphologist who performed a blinded physical examination of all infants. Patterns of drinking were evaluated by drinks per day, number of binge episodes, and maximum number of drinks. Timing of exposure was evaluated 0 to 6 weeks postconception, 6 to 12 weeks postconception, first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester.Results:  Higher prenatal alcohol exposure in every pattern was significantly associated with the incidence of smooth philtrum but not with short palpebral fissures. The strongest associations were with timing of exposure in the second half of the first trimester (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.36 for average number of drinks per day; RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.26 for maximum number of drinks in 1 episode). Similarly, thin vermillion border was most strongly associated with exposure in the second half of the first trimester. Findings with respect to timing of exposure were similar for microcephaly and reduced birth weight. However, reduced birth length was increased with exposure in any trimester. These associations were linear, and there was no evidence of a threshold.Conclusions:  Reduced birth length and weight, microcephaly, smooth philtrum, and thin vermillion border are associated with specific gestational timing of prenatal alcohol exposure and are dose‐related without evidence of a threshold. Women should continue to be advised to abstain from alcohol consumption from conception throughout pregnancy.
Li‐Rich/Li‐Poor Vapor Transport Equilibration Time Dependence of Surface Composition of Congruent LiNbO3 Crystal
Authors: Wang Zhen , Hua Ping‐Rang , Chen Bei , Yu Dao‐Yin , Pun Edwin Yue‐Bun , Zhang De‐Long 
Published: January 2012

The influence of Li‐rich/Li‐poor vapor transport equilibration (VTE) at 1100°C on surface Li2O‐content of 1 mm thick, congruent X‐ and Z‐cut LiNbO3 crystal plates was studied against VTE duration. The VTE‐induced surface Li2O‐content alteration was determined from measured birefringence. The results show that the induced surface Li2O‐content alteration has a square root dependence on the VTE duration for both cases of Li‐rich and Li‐poor VTE. The dependence shows a slight effect of cut of plate and is stronger for the Z‐cut plate. The Li‐rich VTE duration required for surface composition reaching the stoichiometric boundary is similar to 20.0/15.6 h for the X‐/Z‐cut plate. In contrast, the Li‐poor VTE is a much slower process than the Li‐rich VTE. The Li‐poor duration required to reach the Li‐deficient boundary is 400/323 h for the X‐/Z‐cut plate. Based upon the known VTE duration dependence of surface Li2O‐content, a mathematical model is established and the solution to the diffusion equation, an integral of error function complement, is obtained and verified by previously reported experimental results on Li‐poor VTE.
Synthesis and Microstructure of Zirconium Diboride Formed from Polymeric Precursor Pyrolysis
Authors: Xie Changming , Chen Mingwei , Wei Xi , Ge Min , Zhang Weigang 
Published: January 2012

Zirconium diboride was synthesized by pyrolysis of a novel polymeric precursor. Phase compositions and microstructures of the formed ceramic were characterized. It was found that a precursor with B/Zr molar ratio of 2 can completely transform into zirconium diboride by heating in an inert atmosphere with temperatures above 1500°C. However, the initial formation temperature of zirconium diboride was as low as 1300°C whereas zirconium oxide was also produced from the precursor at 1100°C, the mixture was finally transformed into pure zirconium diboride at the elevated temperature. Zirconium diboride particles, dispersed relatively uniformly with characteristic dimension less than 100 nm, were found to be formed following a liquid phase reaction mechanism.
Normalization of Vital Signs Does Not Reduce the Probability of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Symptomatic Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Kline Jeffrey A. , Corredor Diane M. , Hogg Melanie M. , Hernandez Jackeline , Jones Alan E. 
Published: January 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:11–17 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  In a patient with symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE), the presence of an elevated pulse, respiratory rate, shock index, or decreased pulse oximetry increases pretest probability of PE. The objective of this study was to evaluate if normalization of an initially abnormal vital sign can be used as evidence to lower the suspicion for PE.Methods:  This was a prospective, noninterventional, single‐center study of diagnostic accuracy conducted on adults presenting to an academic emergency department (ED), with at least one predefined symptom or sign of PE and one risk factor for PE. Clinical data, including the first four sets of vital signs, were recorded while the patient was in the ED. All patients underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and had 45‐day follow‐up as criterion standards. Diagnostic accuracy of each vital sign (pulse rate, respiratory rate, shock index, pulse oximetry) at each time was examined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).Results:  A total of 192 were enrolled, including 35 (18%) with PE. All patients had vital signs at triage, and 174 (91%), 135 (70%), and 106 (55%) had second to fourth sets of vital signs obtained, respectively. The initial pulse oximetry reading had the highest AUC (0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50 to 0.76) for predicting PE, and no other vital sign at any point had an AUC over 0.60. Among patients with an abnormal pulse rate, respiratory rate, shock index, or pulse oximetry at triage that subsequently normalized, the prevalences of PE were 18, 14, 19, and 33%, respectively.Conclusions:  Clinicians should not use the observation of normalized vital signs as a reason to forego objective testing for symptomatic patients with a risk factor for PE.
Influence of AlF3 Concentration on Microstructures and Energy Storage Properties of Barium Strontium Titanate Glass Ceramics
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Zhang Yong , Ma Tao , Yuan Zongbao , Zhang Qian , Deng Changsheng , Liang Tongxiang 
Published: January 2012

The effect of AlF3 concentration on the microstructures and energy storage properties of barium strontium titanate glass ceramics was studied. Scanning electron microscopy investigations revealed that the addition of AlF3 significantly changed the microstructure morphology of the glass ceramics. Dielectric measurements indicated that the dielectric constant has a maximum value at 2 mol% AlF3 concentration. Using polarization‐electric field measurements, the energy storage properties were found to be influenced strongly by the AlF3 concentration. The correlation between the microstructure and the dielectric property in the barium strontium titanate glass ceramics with different AlF3 concentrations was qualitatively discussed.
Use of Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Dialysis Tables to Compare the Local and National Incidence of Dialysis
Authors: Wakasugi Minako , Kazama Junichiro James , Narita Ichiei 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy generates many tables of data on dialysis patients in their annual reports. These tables, derived from over 37 000 patients who started dialysis in 2008, allow comparison of the local incidence of new dialysis patients with the national incidence by estimating a standardized incidence ratio and confidence interval. Since this method adjusts for age and gender, it may be useful to evaluate local strategies for managing chronic kidney disease, including the response to campaigns and local quality assurance. Furthermore, the end‐stage renal disease population of other countries can also be directly compared by this method. That is, the age‐ and gender‐adjusted incidence of dialysis can be calculated for another country and compared with the national data for Japan. This might be one step toward improving local care and preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Effects of Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System Blockade on Chlorhexidine Gluconate‐Induced Sclerosing Encapsulated Peritonitis in Rats
Authors: Koçak Gülay , Azak Alper , Astarcı Hesna Müzeyyen , Huddam Bülent , Karaca Gökhan , Çeri Mevlüt , Can Murat , Sert Mehmet , Duranay Murat 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSclerosing encapsulated peritonitis (SEP) is a rare complication of long term peritoneal dialysis. Renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) may play a role in the development of peritoneal fibrosis in CAPD patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of aliskiren, valsartan, and aliskiren + valsartan therapy on SEP. The study included 30 Wistar albino rats which were divided into five groups: I (Control) SF solution i.p.; II (CG group) chlorhexidine gluconate i.p.; III aliskiren oral plus CG i.p.; IV valsartan oral plus CG i.p.; and V aliskiren oral, valsartan oral and CG i.p. On the twenty‐first day, all of the rats were sacrificed. All of the groups were analyzed in terms of peritoneal thickness, degree of inflammation, vasculopathy, neovascularization and fibrosis. Also, the parietal peritoneal tissue samples were evaluated for matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) using the ELISA method. Peritoneal thickness and fibrosis scores were lower in the valsartan group compared to the CG group (P < 0.05). Peritoneal fibrosis scores were lower in the aliskiren group compared to CG group (P < 0.05) but no difference was observed between the peritoneal thickness scores of the two groups (P > 0.05). Tissue MMP‐2 levels were significantly higher in the CG group compared other groups (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the aliskiren, valsartan and aliskiren + valsartan groups according to the tissue MMP‐2 levels. Due to the antifibrotic properties of valsartan, it is thought to be a possible choice to prevent SEP development. We found no positive impact of aliskiren or aliskiren + valsartan combination compared to valsartan alone.
Leptin regulates sugar and amino acids transport in the human intestinal cell line Caco‐2
Authors: Fanjul C. , Barrenetxe J. , Iñigo C. , Sakar Y. , Ducroc R. , Barber A. , Lostao M. P. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAimStudies in rodents have shown that leptin controls sugars and glutamine entry in the enterocytes by regulating membrane transporters. Here, we have examined the effect of leptin on sugar and amino acids absorption in the human model of intestinal cells Caco‐2 and investigated the transporters involved.MethodsSubstrate uptake experiments were performed in Caco‐2 cells, grown on plates, in the presence and the absence of leptin, and the expression of the different transporters in brush border membrane vesicles was analysed by Western blot.ResultsLeptin inhibited 0.1 mm α‐methyl‐D‐glucoside uptake after 5 or 30 min treatment and decreased SGLT1 protein abundance in the apical membrane. Uptake of 20 μm glutamine and 0.1 mm phenylalanine was also inhibited by leptin, indicating sensitivity to the hormone of the Na+‐dependent neutral amino acid transporters ASCT2 and B0AT1. This inhibition was accompanied by a reduction in the transporters expression at the brush border membrane. Leptin also inhibited 1 mm proline and β‐alanine uptake in Na+ medium at pH 6, conditions for optimal activity of the H+‐dependent neutral amino acid transporter PAT1. In this case, abundance of PAT1 in the brush border membrane after leptin treatment was not modified. Interestingly, leptin inhibitory effect on β‐alanine uptake was reversed by the PKA inhibitor H‐89 suggesting involvement of PKA pathway in leptin's regulation of PAT1 activity.ConclusionThese data show in human intestinal cells that leptin can rapidly control the activity of physiologically relevant transporters for rich‐energy molecules, that is, D‐glucose (SGLT1) and amino acids (ASCT2, B0AT1 and PAT1).
PCR Detection and Identification of Histamine‐Forming Bacteria in Filleted Tuna Fish Samples
Authors: Ferrario Chiara , Pegollo Chiara , Ricci Giovanni , Borgo Francesca , Fortina M. Grazia 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Total of 14 filleted yellowfin tuna fish (Thunnus albacares) sold in wholesale fish market and supermarkets in Milan, Italy, were purchased and tested to determine microbial count, histamine level, histamine‐forming bacteria, and their ability to produce histamine in culture broth. Although histamine level was less than 10 ppm, many samples showed high total viable bacterial and enterobacterial counts that reached dangerous levels after temperature abuse for short periods of time. A PCR assay targeting a 709‐bp fragment of the histidine decarboxylase gene (hdc) revealed that 30.5% of the 141 enteric bacteria isolated from samples were positive and potentially able to produce histamine. The hdc positive strains were mainly isolated from fish bought at wholesale fish market, where we observed several possible risk factors, such as handling in poor and non‐refrigerated conditions during fillet preparation. These positive strains were identified as Citrobacter koseri/Enterobacter spp. and Morganella morganii, by 16S/23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer amplification and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The strains showed a variable ability of histamine production, with Morganella morganii being the most active histamine‐producing species. A direct DNA extraction from fish and a PCR targeting the hdc gene showed a high degree of concordance with the results obtained through microbiological and chemical analyses, and could aid in the prompt detection of potentially contaminated fish products, before histamine accumulates.Practical Application:  The use of methods for the early and rapid detection of bacteria producing biogenic amines is important for preventing accumulation of these toxic substances in food products. In this study, we used a molecular approach for the detection of histamine‐forming bacteria in fish. PCR‐based methods require expensive equipment and a high degree of training for the user, but are fast (< 24 h) and reliable. They now represent the best predictive methods to identify a potential risk factor in fish products during processing, storage, and marketing and can be used in the investigation of risk reduction strategies.