bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a rapid genetic technique for the identification of clupeid larvae in the Western English Channel and investigation of mislabelling in processed fish products
Authors: Bréchon Amanda L. , Coombs Stephen H. , Sims David W. , Griffiths Andrew M.
Published: December 2012

Bréchon, A. L., Coombs S. H., Sims D. W., and Griffiths A. M. 2013. Development of a rapid genetic technique for the identification of clupeid larvae in the Western English Channel and investigation of mislabelling in processed fish products – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 399–407. A novel genetic technique, involving real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis was developed, which successfully identified four species of clupeid larvae from the Western English Channel and revealed the presence of herring (Clupea harengus). This was unexpected in a context of global warming as herring are at the southern limit of their range off southwest England, where the larvae are generally very rare. The application of the method in cases of degraded DNA, such as in processed fishery products, was also assessed, revealing a low level of misidentification or equivocal identity (8.3%). Eight-year-old formalin-preserved samples were also analysed successfully. This highlights the potentially broad applications for HRM-based approaches to species identification in marine science.
A Revealed Preference Ranking of U.S. Colleges and Universities
*
Authors: Avery Christopher N. , Glickman Mark E. , Hoxby Caroline M. , Metrick Andrew
Published: December 2012

We present a method of ranking U.S. undergraduate programs based on students’ revealed preferences. When a student chooses a college among those that have admitted him, that college “wins” his “tournament.” Our method efficiently integrates the information from thousands of such tournaments. We implement the method using data from a national sample of high-achieving students. We demonstrate that this ranking method has strong theoretical properties, eliminating incentives for colleges to adopt strategic, inefficient admissions policies to improve their rankings. We also show empirically that our ranking is (1) not vulnerable to strategic manipulation; (2) similar regardless of whether we control for variables, such as net cost, that vary among a college’s admits; (3) similar regardless of whether we account for students selecting where to apply, including Early Decision. We exemplify multiple rankings for different types of students who have preferences that vary systematically.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and risk of ovarian cancer: systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Baandrup Louise , Faber Mette T. , Christensen Jane , Jensen Allan , Andersen Klaus K. , Friis Søren , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Several observational studies have investigated the association between nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and ovarian cancer risk, but with conflicting results. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association between NSAID use and ovarian cancer risk.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies published until September 2012.

Setting

Studies were identified from the PubMed database.

Population

Fourteen case‐control and seven cohort studies were included.

Methods

Pooled relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for aspirin and non‐aspirin NSAIDs, separately, were calculated. Both fixed and random effect models were applied, but only random effect pooled RRs are presented. Risk estimates for invasive and borderline ovarian tumors combined and for invasive ovarian tumors only were calculated. Furthermore, heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated.

Main outcome measures

Ovarian cancer.

Results

In the combined analysis, a slight inverse association between use of aspirin (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.84–1.02) and non‐aspirin NSAIDs (RR 0.94; 95% CI 0.84–1.06) and ovarian cancer risk was found, although it was not statistically significant. However, the risk of invasive ovarian cancer was significantly reduced with use of aspirin (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79–0.98). A similar tendency was observed for non‐aspirin NSAIDs, but the results were not significant.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis showed a slight inverse association between NSAIDs and risk of ovarian cancer. However, data suggest that a chemopreventive effect of NSAIDs may be restricted to invasive ovarian tumors. Further research on NSAIDs and ovarian cancer is needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.
Deforestation Trends of Tropical Dry Forests in Central Brazil
Authors: Bianchi Carlos A. , Haig Susan M.
Published: December 2012

Tropical dry forests are the most threatened forest type in the world yet a paucity of research about them stymies development of appropriate conservation actions. The Paranã River Basin has the most significant dry forest formations in the Cerrado biome of central Brazil and is threatened by intense land conversion to pastures and agriculture. We examined changes in Paranã River Basin deforestation rates and fragmentation across three time intervals that covered 31 yr using Landsat imagery. Our results indicated a 66.3 percent decrease in forest extent between 1977 and 2008, with an annual rate of forest cover change of 3.5 percent. Landscape metrics further indicated severe forest loss and fragmentation, resulting in an increase in the number of fragments and reduction in patch sizes. Forest fragments in flatlands have virtually disappeared and the only significant forest remnants are mostly found over limestone outcrops in the eastern part of the basin. If current patterns persist, we project that these forests will likely disappear within 25 yr. These patterns may be reversed with creation of protected areas and involvement of local people to preserve small fragments that can be managed for restoration.
The Nature of Seedling Assemblages in a Fragmented Tropical Landscape: Implications for Forest Regeneration
Authors: Santo‐Silva Edgar E. , Almeida Wanessa R. , Melo Felipe P. L. , Zickel Carmen S. , Tabarelli Marcelo
Published: December 2012

Whether aging forest fragments are able to recover original assemblages or progressively move toward impoverished successional stages remains as an open question. This study tested the hypothesis that seedling assemblages in forest fragments differ from those across mature forest stands and examined to what extent the uncovered patterns supported the notion that edge‐affected habitats tend to support impoverished tree assemblages dominated by pioneer species. We contrasted a series of small forest remnants (3–91 ha) to old‐growth stands located in the largest (ca 3500 ha) and best preserved forest remnant in northeastern Brazil and found that tree seedling assemblages inhabiting forest fragments exhibited reduced species richness (up to 50%) at different spatial scales in comparison to seedling assemblages in mature forest and adult assemblages in both fragments and mature forest stands. Moreover, ordination analyses clearly segregated fragment seedling assemblages in taxonomic/functional terms and segregation correlated to the richness of pioneer species. Seedlings of pioneer species and those bearing medium‐sized seeds (0.6–1.5 cm) increased in fragments, whereas large‐seeded species (1.5–3.0 cm) were reduced by more than a half. Such a multiple‐scale replacement of the old‐growth flora by pioneers was also confirmed by an indicator species analysis and the resulting pioneer indicator species. Our results suggest that small forest fragments support impoverished and distorted seedling assemblages. This floristic/functional drift implies that forest remnants or edge‐affected habitats tend to be dominated by a small set of pioneer tree species rather than supporting a substantial portion of the old‐growth flora as do mature forest stands.
Mammal Abundances and Seed Traits Control the Seed Dispersal and Predation Roles of Terrestrial Mammals in a Costa Rican Forest
Authors: Kuprewicz Erin K.
Published: December 2012

In Neotropical forests, mammals act as seed dispersers and predators. To prevent seed predation and promote dispersal, seeds exhibit physical or chemical defenses. Collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) cannot eat some hard seeds, but can digest chemically defended seeds. Central American agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata) gnaw through hard‐walled seeds, but cannot consume chemically defended seeds. The objectives of this study were to determine relative peccary and agouti abundances within a lowland forest in Costa Rica and to assess how these two mammals affect the survival of large seeds that have no defenses (Iriartea deltoidea, Socratea exorrhiza), physical defenses (Astrocaryum alatum, Dipteryx panamensis), or chemical defenses (Mucuna holtonii) against seed predators. Mammal abundances were determined over 3 yrs from open‐access motion‐detecting camera trap photos. Using semi‐permeable mammal exclosures and thread‐marked seeds, predation and dispersal by mammals for each seed species were quantified. Abundances of peccaries were up to six times higher than those of agoutis over 3 yrs, but neither peccary nor agouti abundances differed across years. Seeds of A. alatum were predominantly dispersed by peccaries, which did not eat A. alatum seeds, whereas non‐defended and chemically defended seeds suffered high levels of predation, mostly by peccaries. Agoutis did not eat M. holtonii seeds. Peccaries and agoutis did not differ in the distances they dispersed seeds. This study shows that seed fates are contingent upon many factors such as seed defenses, frugivore–granivore abundances, and seed‐handling capabilities. Mammal–seed interactions are complex; the outcomes of these interactions depend on the inherent characteristics of seeds and their potential dispersers.
Role of α‐gal epitope/anti‐Gal antibody reaction in immunotherapy and its clinical application in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Tanemura Masahiro , Miyoshi Eiji , Nagano Hiroaki , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Taniyama Kiyomi , Kamiike Wataru , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: December 2012

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common causes of death from cancer. Despite the availability of various treatment modalities, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the 5‐year survival remains poor. Although gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy is typically offered as the standard care, most patients do not survive longer than 6 months. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed. The α‐gal epitope (Galα1‐3Galβ1‐4GlcNAc‐R) is abundantly synthesized from glycoproteins and glycolipids in non‐primate mammals and New World monkeys, but is absent in humans, apes and Old World monkeys. Instead, they produce anti‐Gal antibody (Ab) (forming approximately 1% of circulating immunoglobulins), which specifically interacts with α‐gal epitopes. Anti‐Gal Ab can be exploited in cancer immunotherapy as vaccines that target antigen‐presenting cells (APC) to increase their immunogenicity. Tumor cells or tumor cell membranes from pancreatic cancer are processed to express α‐gal epitopes. Subsequent vaccination with such processed cell membranes results in in vivo opsonization by anti‐Gal IgG in cancer patients. The interaction of the Fc portion of the vaccine‐bound anti‐Gal with Fcγ receptors of APC induces effective uptake of the vaccinating tumor cell membranes by the APC, followed by effective transport of the vaccinating tumor membranes to the regional lymph nodes, and processing and presentation of the tumor‐associated antigens. Activation of tumor‐specific B and T cells could elicit an immune response that in some patients is potent enough to eradicate the residual cancer cells that remain after completion of standard therapy. This review addresses these topics and new avenues of clinical importance related to this unique antigen/antibody system (α‐gal epitope/anti‐Gal Ab) and advances in immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer.
Nonionic surfactants and dispersants for biopolishing and stonewashing with Hypocrea jecorina cellulases
Authors: Zilz Luana , Rau Martinho , Budag Nelson , Scharf Mauro , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Andreaus Jürgen
Published: December 2012

Cellulases are widely applied in textile finishing, such as for the removal of protruding surface fibrils to reduce pilling propensity and to achieve the worn‐out look in denim garments. The main drawback of enzymatic denim processing is the back‐staining of indigo, which reduces the desired blue–white contrast. Alongside an accurate selection of the type of cellulase or vigorous post‐washing of the garments, the simultaneous application of auxiliaries in the enzymatic treatment may help to reduce back‐staining and improve cellulase efficiency. In the present work, the influence of additives such as surfactants and dispersing agents on indigo adsorption and on the treatment of an undyed cotton fabric with Hypocrea jecorina cellulases was investigated. Indigo adsorption was successfully reduced by more than 75% with ethoxylated nonionic surfactants at concentrations below 0.2 g l−1. The weight loss of cotton fabrics after 120 min treatment was significantly increased with nonionic surfactants and polyvinylpyrrolidone. It could be further shown that protein adsorption on the cotton fabric decreased with the increasing concentration of the additives, while the nonionic surfactants were more efficient than the polyvinylpyrrolidone. Adsorption of a complete cellulase mixture was affected differently by the surfactants than by an exoglucanase‐free endoglucanase‐rich preparation.
Effects of telomerase activity and apoptosis on ex vivo expansion of cord blood CD34+ cells
Authors: Ge J. , Cai H. , Li Q. , Du Z. , Tan W. S.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Ex vivo expansion of CD34+ cells has become critically important in order to obtain sufficient haematopoietic stem cells for clinical application. Among major regulators involved in ex vivo expansion, telomerase activity and apoptosis have been revealed to be closely linked to cell cycle progression. However, all exact roles remain to be elucidated. Here, change in telomerase activity and level of apoptosis in cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells were evaluated together with specific cell population growth rate during ex vivo culture.

Materials and methods

CD34+ cells isolated from human CB were expanded ex vivo over a 28‐day period. Besides monitoring cell proliferation kinetics of the CD34+ cells, changes in telomerase activity and apoptotic levels were investigated. Several relevant genes were quantified by qRT‐PCR during the culture period.

Results

Significant elevation of telomerase activity had close relationship to activation of CB CD34+ cell expansion. Peak apoptotic level was accompanied by a remarkable decline in cell‐specific growth rate, and apoptotic level of differentiated CD34– population was significantly higher than that of the CD34+ population.

Conclusion

Although telomerase activity was activated during the culture, expansion of CB CD34+ cells seemed to be more susceptible to apoptotic suppression when cultured ex vivo, which implied that apoptosis may serve as a rate‐limiting factor involved in controlling expansion efficiency.
Local genetic adaptation generates latitude‐specific effects of warming on predator–prey interactions
Authors: De Block Marjan , Pauwels Kevin , Van Den Broeck Maarten , De Meester Luc , Stoks Robby
Published: December 2012

Temperature effects on predator–prey interactions are fundamental to better understand the effects of global warming. Previous studies never considered local adaptation of both predators and prey at different latitudes, and ignored the novel population combinations of the same predator–prey species system that may arise because of northward dispersal. We set up a common garden warming experiment to study predator–prey interactions between Ischnura elegans damselfly predators and Daphnia magna zooplankton prey from three source latitudes spanning >1500 km. Damselfly foraging rates showed thermal plasticity and strong latitudinal differences consistent with adaptation to local time constraints. Relative survival was higher at 24 °C than at 20 °C in southern Daphnia and higher at 20 °C than at 24 °C, in northern Daphnia indicating local thermal adaptation of the Daphnia prey. Yet, this thermal advantage disappeared when they were confronted with the damselfly predators of the same latitude, reflecting also a signal of local thermal adaptation in the damselfly predators. Our results further suggest the invasion success of northward moving predators as well as prey to be latitude‐specific. We advocate the novel common garden experimental approach using predators and prey obtained from natural temperature gradients spanning the predicted temperature increase in the northern populations as a powerful approach to gain mechanistic insights into how community modules will be affected by global warming. It can be used as a space‐for‐time substitution to inform how predator–prey interaction may gradually evolve to long‐term warming.
Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation site networks under climate change: accounting for uncertainty
Authors: Bagchi Robert , Crosby Mike , Huntley Brian , Hole David G. , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Collingham Yvonne , Kalra Mohit , Rajkumar Jagadish , Rahmani Asad , Pandey Mitra , Gurung Hum , Trai Le Trong , Van Quang Nguyen , Willis Stephen G.
Published: December 2012

We forecasted potential impacts of climate change on the ability of a network of key sites for bird conservation (Important Bird Areas;IBAs) to provide suitable climate for 370 bird species of current conservation concern in two Asian biodiversity hotspots: the Eastern Himalaya and Lower Mekong. Comparable studies have largely not accounted for uncertainty, which may lead to inappropriate conclusions. We quantified the contribution of four sources of variation (choice of general circulation models, emission scenarios and species distribution modelling methods and variation in species distribution data) to uncertainty in forecasts and tested if our projections were robust to these uncertainties. Declines in the availability of suitable climate within theIBAnetwork by 2100 were forecast as ‘extremely likely’ for 45% of species, whereas increases were projected for only 2%. Thus, we predict almost 24 times as many ‘losers’ as ‘winners’. However, for no species was suitable climate ‘extremely likely’ to be completely lost from the network. Considerable turnover (median = 43%, 95%CI = 35–69%) in species compositions of mostIBAs were projected by 2100. Climatic conditions in 47% ofIBAs were projected as ‘extremely likely’ to become suitable for fewer priority species. However, noIBAwas forecast to become suitable for more species. Variation among General Circulation Models and Species Distribution Models contributed most to uncertainty among forecasts. This uncertainty precluded firm conclusions for 53% of species andIBAs because 95% confidence intervals included projections of no change. Considering this uncertainty, however, allows robust recommendations concerning the remaining species andIBAs. Overall, while theIBAnetwork will continue to sustain bird conservation, climate change will modify which species each site will be suitable for. Thus, adaptive management of the network, including modified site conservation strategies and facilitating species' movement among sites, is critical to ensure effective future conservation.
Soil organic matter quality influences mineralization and GHG emissions in cryosols: a field‐based study of sub‐ to high Arctic
Authors: Paré Maxime C. , Bedard‐Haughn Angela
Published: December 2012

Arctic soils store large amounts of labile soil organic matter (SOM) and several studies have suggested that SOM characteristics may explain variations in SOM cycling rates across Arctic landscapes and Arctic ecosystems. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of routinely measured soil properties and SOM characteristics on soil gross N mineralization and soil GHG emissions at the landscape scale. This study was carried out in three Canadian Arctic ecosystems: Sub‐Arctic (Churchill, MB), Low‐Arctic (Daring Lake, NWT), and High‐Arctic (Truelove Lowlands, NU). The landscapes were divided into five landform units: (1) upper slope, (2) back slope, (3) lower slope, (4) hummock, and (5) interhummock, which represented a great diversity of Static and Turbic Cryosolic soils including Brunisolic, Gleysolic, and Organic subgroups. Soil gross N mineralization was measured using the 15N dilution technique, whereas soil GHG emissions (N2O, CH4, and CO2) were measured using a multicomponent Fourier transform infrared gas analyzer. Soil organic matter characteristics were determined by (1) water‐extractable organic matter, (2) density fractionation of SOM, and (3) solid‐state CPMAS 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Results showed that gross N mineralization, N2O, and CO2 emissions were affected by SOM quantity and SOM characteristics. Soil moisture, soil organic carbon (SOC), light fraction (LF) of SOM, and O‐Alkyl‐C to Aromatic‐C ratio positively influenced gross N mineralization, N2O and CO2 emissions, whereas the relative proportion of Aromatic‐C negatively influenced those N and C cycling processes. Relationships between SOM characteristics and CH4 emissions were not significant throughout all Arctic ecosystems. Furthermore, results showed that lower slope and interhummock areas store relatively more labile C than upper and back slope locations. These results are particularly important because they can be used to produce better models that evaluate SOM stocks and dynamics under several climate scenarios and across Arctic landscapes and ecosystems.
Assessing potential of biochar for increasing water‐holding capacity of sandy soils
Authors: Basso Andres S. , Miguez Fernando E. , Laird David A. , Horton Robert , Westgate Mark
Published: December 2012

Increasing the water‐holding capacity of sandy soils will help improve efficiency of water use in agricultural production, and may be critical for providing enough energy and food for an increasing global population. We hypothesized that addition of biochar will increase the water‐holding capacity of a sandy loam soil, and that the depth of biochar incorporation will influence the rate of biochar surface oxidation in the amended soils. Hardwood fast pyrolysis biochar was mixed with soil (0%, 3%, and 6% w/w) and placed into columns in either the bottom 11.4 cm or the top 11.4 cm to simulate deep banding in rows (DBR) and uniform topsoil mixing (UTM) applications, respectively. Four sets of 18 columns were incubated at 30 °C and 80% RH. Every 7 days, 150 mL of 0.001 M calcium chloride solution was added to the columns to produce leaching. Sets of columns were harvested after 1, 15, 29, and 91 days. Addition of biochar increased the gravity‐drained water content 23% relative to the control. Bulk density of the control soils increased with incubation time (from 1.41 to 1.45 g cm−3), whereas bulk density of biochar‐treated soils was up to 9% less than the control and remained constant throughout the incubation period. Biochar did not affect the CEC of the soil. The results suggest that biochar added to sandy loam soil increases water‐holding capacity and might increase water available for crop use.
Long‐term stability of fracture systems and their behaviour as flow paths in uplifting granitic rocks from the Japanese orogenic field
Authors: Yoshida H. , Metcalfe R. , Ishibashi M. , Minami M.
Published: December 2012

In granitic rocks, fracture networks typically provide pathways for groundwater flow and solute transport that need to be understood to assess the long‐term performance of deep underground storage or disposal facilities such as radioactive waste repositories. However, relatively little is known about the long‐term processes of fracturing and/or the longevity of flow paths (FP) in granitic rocks distributed within orogenic belts. To clarify these issues, Japanese plutons of different ages and in situ fractures in granite at the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU) located in central Japan were studied. Detailed structural characterization and geochemical analysis of in situ fracture fillings sampled from a depth of 300 m were carried out to clarify the relationship between fracturing and mineral infilling processes. Different plutons show identical episodes of fracturing and fracture filling, consisting of: brittle tensile fracturing, due to decreasing temperature through the ductile–brittle transition after plutonic intrusion (Stage I); relatively rapid uplifting (ca. a few mm/year) accompanied by hydrothermal water circulation, which produced uncrushed layered mineral fillings (Stage II); and a period of low‐temperature meteoric water circulation following exposure after uplift (Stage III). The parageneses of carbonate mineral fracture fillings and their carbon isotopic compositions (14C, δ13C) show that there were distinct episodes of carbonate mineral precipitation during the rapid uplifting of a pluton. The carbonate minerals that formed during each episode incorporated carbon from a distinct source. The evolution of fillings identified here enables development of a specific model of fracturing and persistence of fluid‐conducting systems in the plutons of the orogenic field.
Developing a structured education reminiscence‐based programme for staff in long‐stay care facilities in Ireland
Authors: Cooney Adeline , O'Shea Eamon , Casey Dympna , Murphy Kathy , Dempsey Laura , Smyth Siobhan , Hunter Andrew , Murphy Edel , Devane Declan , Jordan Fionnuala
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

This paper describes the steps used in developing and piloting a structured education programme – the Structured Education Reminiscence‐based Programme for Staff (SERPS). The programme aimed to prepare nurses and care assistants to use reminiscence when caring for people with dementia living in long‐term care. Reminiscence involves facilitating people to talk or think about their past.

Background

Structured education programmes are used widely as interventions in randomised controlled trials. However, the process of developing a structured education programme has received little attention relative to that given to evaluating the effectiveness of such programmes. This paper makes explicit the steps followed to develop the SERPS, thereby making a contribution to the methodology of designing and implementing effective structured education programmes.

Design

The approach to designing the SERPS was informed by the Van Meijel et al. (2004) model (Journal of Advanced Nursing 48, 84): (1) problem definition, (2) accumulation of building blocks for intervention design, (3) intervention design and (4) intervention validation.

Methods

Grounded theory was used (1) to generate data to shape the ‘building blocks’ for the SERPS and (2) to explore residents, family and staff's experience of using/receiving reminiscence.

Results

Analysis of the pilot data indicated that the programme met its objective of preparing staff to use reminiscence with residents with dementia. Staff were positive both about the SERPS and the use of reminiscence with residents with dementia.

Conclusions

This paper outlines a systematic approach to developing and validating a structured education programme. Participation in a structured education programme is more positive for staff if they are expected to actively implement what they have learnt. Ongoing support during the delivery of the programme is important for successful implementation.

Relevance to clinical practice

The incorporation of client and professional experience in the design phase is a key strength of this approach to programme design.
Efficacy and safety of deep sclerectomy in childhood glaucoma in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Obeidan Saleh Ali , Osman Essam El‐Din Ahmed , Dewedar Ahmed Salah , Kestelyn Philippe , Mousa Ahmed
Published: December 2012

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of deep sclerectomy in childhood glaucoma.

Methods:  A prospective cohort of 120 children presenting with glaucoma to King Abdul Aziz University Hospital (KAUH) was subjected to nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy surgery (NPDS). Eventually, 57 patients had macro perforation and converted to penetrating deep sclerectomy (PDS). Intra‐operative mitomycin C (MMC) 0.2 mg/ml was used in all patients. Pre‐ and postintervention glaucoma indices were assessed. Complete success rate (CSR) was identified as achieving an end‐point of intraocular pressure <21 without any antiglaucoma medications. Data were analysed to compare pre‐ and postintervention changes and to compare both procedures.

Results:  After follow‐up of 35.8 (34.5) months, NPDS procedure went smooth in 74 eyes of 63 patients. The complete success rate was 79.7%, whereas the overall success rate was 82.4%. Thirteen cases failed. The probability to survive was 74.6% after the 12th month. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) went down to 11.5 ± 3.0 mmHg compared to 31.9 mmHg preoperatively. Comparing cases with NPDS to those with PDS, the magnitude of IOP reduction (15.8) was higher than that of the PDS (14.8); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.259). Apart from involuntary perforation of trabeculodescemetic window (TDW), neither intra‐operative nor early postoperative complications were observed.

Conclusions:  Deep sclerectomy in childhood glaucoma can effectively reduce the IOP, without the occurrence of serious complications that are commonly seen after trabeculotomy or combined trabeculotomy trabeculectomy.
Disentangling the effects of dispersal and salinity on beta diversity in estuarine benthic invertebrate assemblages
Authors: Josefson Alf B. , Göke Cordula
Published: December 2012

Aim

The identification of sources of beta diversity, the turnover component of diversity, is important to understand the generation of diversity, and thus central to biodiversity and biogeography. We investigated the relative importance of environmental filtering and dispersal‐based factors affecting beta diversity in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages at different spatial scales in an estuary, and tested the hypothesis that species with a long pelagic larval life are more dispersive and have lower beta diversity than species with direct benthic development.

Location

Denmark, the North Sea–Baltic Sea transition area.

Methods

Additive partitioning of alpha diversity computed with multiplicative beta diversity was performed on species abundance of 279 species using 330 samples from 110 sites at four hierarchically arranged spatial scales where the largest scale comprised regions (> 100 km) with different salinity regimes, each subdivided into two sediment habitats. Pairwise beta diversity between sites was examined across environmental gradients and by distance decay functions within areas with more homogeneous environments.

Results

Beta diversity was high among regions and among sites within habitats, but low between habitats. Abundance–occupancy relationships suggested that species with a long pelagic life were more dispersive than species with direct benthic development. Beta between sites in the two dispersal groups changed at the same rate with salinity difference among regions, but showed different rates of geographical distance decay among sites within regions. Average beta diversity and decay rates were higher, and halving distances were shorter for the less dispersive species.

Main conclusions

Different beta diversity of species groups with different propagule vagility suggest that beta diversity is negatively related to dispersivity. With the environmental filtering factor salinity as the overriding factor at the regional scale (> 100 km), and restrictions on dispersal affecting beta diversity at smaller scales, results show that the relative importance of niche‐based and dispersal‐based factors changes with scale.
Range size and climatic niche correlate with the vulnerability of epiphytes to human land use in the tropics
Authors: Köster Nils , Kreft Holger , Nieder Jürgen , Barthlott Wilhelm
Published: December 2012

Aim

Range‐restricted species account for a large proportion of global biodiversity, and many such species are highly threatened by deforestation and intensifying land use in the tropics. The effects of land use on the diversity of range‐restricted species have rarely been studied and remain unknown for vascular epiphytes – diverse and important elements of tropical forests. This study analyses the vulnerability of range‐restricted epiphyte species to human land use, compared to that of widespread species.

Location

Western Ecuador (Chocó ecoregion): lowland rain forest (Bilsa, 0°21′ N 79°44′ W, 450–650 m a.s.l.) and Andean cloud forest (Otonga, 0°25′ S 79°01′ W, 1650–2250 m a.s.l.).

Methods

The epiphytic vegetation of 220 study plots was surveyed. Distribution data based on herbarium specimens were compiled for all identified species in order to estimate their geographical and elevational ranges as well as the climatic conditions within the species' ranges. These range characteristics were compared for species found in contiguous primary forests, primary forest fragments, secondary forests, and for isolated remnant trees in pastures.

Results

Of the 587 identified epiphyte species, 252 were endemic to the Chocó ecoregion (42.9%). Chocó endemics were not more strongly affected by human land use than non‐endemics. However, small geographical ranges and narrow climatic niches were associated with higher vulnerability to habitat changes caused by land use. Epiphyte assemblages in young secondary forests had the lowest proportions of range‐restricted species and were dominated by species with broad elevational ranges. Species in secondary forests occupied the broadest ranges of mean annual temperature and precipitation; species on isolated remnant trees at the lowland site inhabited on average warmer and drier geographical ranges than species in the primary forest.

Main conclusions

Epiphyte species with restricted geographical distributions and narrow climatic tolerances are particularly vulnerable to human‐induced habitat changes, but endemism to national or biogeographical entities alone is a poor indicator of vulnerability. Instead, narrower ecological niches correlate with lower plasticity towards changes in microclimatic habitat conditions. Besides a higher extinction risk due to their small range sizes, many range‐restricted species might be threatened by their lower tolerance to the impacts of human land use.
Comparative phylogeography reveals distinct colonization patterns of Cretan snakes
Authors: Kyriazi Panagiota , Kornilios Panagiotis , Nagy Zoltán Tamás , Poulakakis Nikos , Kumlutaş Yusuf , Ilgaz Çetin , Avcı Aziz , Göçmen Bayram , Lymberakis Petros
Published: December 2012

Aim

We assessed genetic relationships among populations for each of the four snake species found on Crete (Zamenis situla, Hierophis gemonensis, Telescopus fallax and Natrix tessellata), including conspecific populations from the Aegean area. Our aim was to reconstruct their phylogeographical histories, especially regarding their occurrence on Crete.

Location

Crete, Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean.

Methods

Genetic diversity and relationships were based on sequences of the mitochondrial marker cytochrome b, applying phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference and neighbour‐joining), a median‐joining network analysis and a molecular dating analysis.

Results

The Z. situla phylogeny includes a clade with specimens from Crete, the Peloponnese and Thera, while specimens from Turkey, northern Greece and the eastern Aegean islands form a separate clade. The H. gemonensis tree also presents two clades: one comprising specimens from Crete and Kythera, and another representing the continental part of the species' distribution. For N. tessellata, Cretan populations are found as the sister clade to populations from Europe and western Turkey. A more complex genetic structure is found in T. fallax: specimens from Crete, Thera and Antikythera form a clade, which itself forms part of a ‘western’ clade, and an ‘eastern’ clade includes specimens from Turkey, the eastern Aegean islands and Cyprus. The splits resulting in the Cretan clades for T. fallax and N. tessellata occurred at the end of the Miocene and the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary, respectively. The Cretan lineages of H. gemonensis and Z. situla diversified during the Pleistocene.

Main conclusions

Zamenis situla and H. gemonensis exhibit a phylogeographical pattern that involves a transmarine dispersal from southern continental Greece to Crete (possibly by humans in the case of Z. situla). The occurrence of T. fallax on Crete is explained by a natural dispersal from the west and isolation by vicariance. Although these two patterns have also been inferred for other studied herptiles of Crete, the pattern in N. tessellata is unique and involves a transmarine dispersal from south‐western Turkey to Crete.
Deletion or activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor alters adult hippocampal neurogenesis and contextual fear memory
Authors: Latchney Sarah E. , Hein Amy M. , O'Banion M. Kerry , DiCicco‐Bloom Emanuel , Opanashuk Lisa A.
Published: December 2012

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor that mediates the toxicity of dioxin and serves multiple developmental roles. In the adult brain, while we now localize AhR mRNA to nestin‐expressing neural progenitor cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, its function is unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that AhR participates in hippocampal neurogenesis and associated functions. AhR deletion and activation by the potent environmental toxicant, 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), adversely impacted neurogenesis and cognition. Adult AhR‐deficient mice exhibited impaired hippocampal‐dependent contextual fear memory while hippocampal‐independent memory remained intact. AhR‐deficient mice displayed reduced cell birth, decreased cell survival, and diminished neuronal differentiation in the DG. Following TCDD exposure, wild‐type mice exhibited impaired hippocampal‐dependent contextual memory, decreased cell birth, reduced neuronal differentiation, and fewer mature neurons in the DG. Glial differentiation and apoptosis were not altered in either TCDD‐exposed or AhR‐deficient mice. Finally, defects observed in TCDD‐exposed mice were dependent on AhR, as TCDD had no negative effects in AhR‐deficient mice. Our findings suggest that AhR should be further evaluated as a potential transcriptional regulator of hippocampal neurogenesis and function, although other sites of action may also warrant consideration. Moreover, TCDD exposure should be considered as an environmental risk factor that disrupts adult neurogenesis and potentially related memory processes.
Repositioning techniques of malpositioned peripherally inserted central catheters
Authors: Jin Jingfen , Chen Chunfang , Zhao Ruiyi , Li Aiping , Shentu Yingqing , Jiang Nan
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

To describe potential repositioning techniques of malpositioned peripherally inserted central catheters.

Background

Various repositioning methods have been applied in clinical practice in managing malpositioned peripherally inserted central catheters, and many of them are proved effective. However, little publication reviewed on those literatures describing repositioning techniques to malpositioned peripherally inserted central catheters.

Design

Systematic review. The repositioning techniques were classified and concretely described according to different locations of malpositioned peripherally inserted central catheter tips.

Methods

Literature and relevant guidelines were reviewed, focusing on malpositioned locations and incidence, as well as repositioning skills to peripherally inserted central venous catheters. Six databases were searched, including MEDLINE, web of science, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Wanfang database and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. The articles (n = 21) were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

The malpositioned locations of postplacement peripherally inserted central catheter tips mainly include right atrium, right ventricular, axillary vein, ipsilateral and contralateral internal jugular vein, subclavian vein, brachiocephalic vein, other small venous branches or catheter looped. Repositioning techniques contained automatic reposition, manual repositioning techniques, re‐advancing catheters and catheters' replacement according to different malpositioned patterns.

Conclusions

The most appropriate repositioning techniques should be adopted on the basis of malpositioned locations, direction and length of the malpositioned tip, patients' integrated conditions and available medical equipments to maintain the catheter tip in the best position.

Relevance to clinical practice

The repositioning techniques described in this review can be applied in clinical practice to ensure the infusion therapy through peripherally inserted central catheter more economical and safe.
Unmet care needs of parents of children with cancer in Jordan: implications for bed‐side practice
Authors: Arabiat Diana H , Altamimi Amina
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the perceived care needs of parents of children with cancer in Jordan. (1) What are the parents' priority caring needs; (2) to what extent these needs are met by the healthcare team members; (3) the parents' need for further information (4) and whether socio‐demographic, disease and treatment variables predict parents' needs for further information.

Background

Providing support for families caring for a child with a long‐term illness has been recognised all through literature, yet studies focusing on parent needs are lacking.

Design

Descriptive survey.

Methods

A total of 98 parents from a tertiary oncology hospital in metropolitan area in Amman completed the Arabic Family Inventory of Needs–Pediatric II.

Results

Most of the 17 needs measured by the Family Inventory of Needs–Pediatric II were considered important. Only 78% of parents needs were met by the healthcare professionals; yet, the results clearly highlighted the importance of informing parents about the child's illness, treatment and outcome. The socio‐demographic variables were not significant predictors for the family needs for further information, with two major exceptions; parents with lower level of education and parents of children undergoing bone marrow transplantation or surgery.

Conclusions

The needs of parents vary from family to another, and healthcare professionals must become familiar to these needs and acquire the skills to direct their interventions more appropriately. The Family Inventory of Needs–Pediatric II may be a useful adjunct in assessing the parents' needs for care and for information, as well as the quality of care services provided.

Relevance to clinical practice

Priority needs should be central in the daily care of these families and support programmes should be adopted in Jordan for planning and developing the system of care for these families, as well as their children.
Quantification of plant dispersal ability within and beyond a calcareous grassland
Authors: Diacon‐Bolli Jacqueline C. , Edwards Peter J. , Bugmann Harald , Scheidegger Christoph , Wagner Helene H.
Published: December 2012

Question

Many calcareous grasslands in Europe have declined in species richness in recent decades. This loss of species could be partly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to increased distances and reduced connectivity through seed flow between calcareous grassland patches resulting in increased local extinction risk related to small population size, and partly due to abandonment of traditional management practices that fostered dispersal within and between patches. Here, we quantify short‐ and intermediate‐distance dispersal ability of dry calcareous grassland species and relate these to dispersal traits.

Location

Schaffhauser Randen, Switzerland.

Methods

We studied wind dispersal of diaspores under natural conditions within and beyond two replicate calcareous grassland patches. Funnel traps (n = 230) were set up at heights of 0.2 m and 0.7 m along ten transects traversing the calcareous grassland and extending 40 m into the surrounding landscape. We developed a new method for quantifying short ‐ (0–1 m) and intermediate‐distance (1–40 m) dispersal ability, related these to species traits, and tested whether they were able to explain dispersal rates into the adjacent landscape.

Results

While grasses could be categorized as good dispersers over short or intermediate distances, or both, forbs were generally poor dispersers over both distance classes. Only small numbers of diaspores were found in the adjacent landscape, and these were predominantly grasses. Diaspore traits, such as terminal velocity or diaspore mass, contributed little to explaining dispersal ability, whereas release height was an important predictor, especially for intermediate‐distance dispersal.

Conclusions

Under natural field conditions, dispersal into the adjacent landscape depends on release height rather than terminal velocity, and is heavily biased towards grasses, so that seed rain does not reflect the species composition of the calcareous grassland community. Thus natural regeneration of species richness of degenerated calcareous grassland communities even over short distances should not rely on wind dispersal alone.
Mechanism and implications of CXCR4‐mediated integrin activation by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Hajishengallis G. , McIntosh M.L. , Nishiyama S.‐I. , Yoshimura F.
Published: December 2012

In monocytes and macrophages, the interaction of Porphyromonas gingivalis with Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) leads to the activation of a MyD88‐dependent antimicrobial pathway and a phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) ‐dependent pro‐adhesive pathway, which activates the β2‐integrin complement receptor 3 (CR3). By means of its fimbriae, P. gingivalis binds CXC‐chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and induces crosstalk with TLR2 that inhibits the MyD88‐dependent antimicrobial pathway. In this paper, we investigated the impact of the P. gingivalis‐CXCR4 interaction on the pro‐adhesive pathway. Using human monocytes, mouse macrophages, or receptor‐transfected cell lines, we showed that the binding of P. gingivalis fimbriae to CXCR4 induces CR3 activation via PI3K, albeit in a TLR2‐independent manner. An isogenic strain of P. gingivalis expressing mutant fimbriae that do not interact with CXCR4 failed to efficiently activate CR3, leading to enhanced susceptibility to killing in vivo compared with the wild‐type organism. This in vivo observation is consistent with previous findings that activated CR3 mediates safe entry of P. gingivalis into macrophages. Taken together with our previous work, these results indicate that the interaction of P. gingivalis with CXCR4 leads to inhibition of antimicrobial responses and enhancement of pro‐adhesive responses, thereby maximizing its adaptive fitness in the mammalian host.