bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro functional interactions of acetylcholine esterase inhibitors and muscarinic receptor antagonists in the urinary bladder of the rat
Authors: Killi Uday K , Wsol Vladimir , Soukup Ondrej , Kuca Kamil , Winder Michael , Tobin Gunnar
Published: December 2013

Obidoxime, a weak acetylcholine‐esterase (AChE) inhibitor, exerts muscarinic receptor antagonism with a significant muscarinic M2 receptor selective profile.

The current examinations aimed to determine the functional significance of muscarinic M2 receptors in the state of AChE inhibition, elucidating muscarinic M2 and M3 receptor interaction.

In the in vitro examinations, methacholine evoked concentration‐dependent bladder contractile and atrial frequency inhibitory responses. Although atropine abolished both, methoctramine (1 μmol/L) only affected the cholinergic response in the atrial preparations.

However, in the presence of methoctramine, physostigmine, an AChE inhibitor, increased the basal tension of the bladder strip preparations (+68%), as well as the contractile responses to low concentrations of methacholine (< 5 μmol/L; +90–290%). In contrast to physostigmine, obidoxime alone raised the basal tension (+58%) and the responses to low concentrations of methacholine (< 5 μmol/L; +80–450%). Physostigmine concentration‐dependently increased methacholine‐evoked responses, similarly to obidoxime at low concentrations. However, at large concentrations (> 5 μmol/L), obidoxime, because of its unselective muscarinic receptor antagonism, inhibited the methacholine bladder responses.

In conclusion, the current results show that muscarinic M2 receptors inhibit muscarinic M3 receptor‐evoked contractile responses to low concentrations of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. The muscarinic M2 and M3 receptor crosstalk could be a counteracting mechanism in the treatment of AChE inhibition when using reactivators, such as obidoxime.
Unpacking the Beauty Premium: What Channels Does It Operate Through, and Has It Changed Over Time?
Authors: Borland Jeff , Leigh Andrew
Published: December 2013

Using data from representative samples of the Australian population in 1984 and 2009, we make two main contributions to analysis of the economic returns of beauty. First, we broaden analysis of the effects of beauty beyond the labour market to examine its relation to household income. We find that beauty significantly affects total household income – via respondents' probability of employment and their hours of work and hourly wage, and whether they have a partner who contributes income to the household. Second, we examine whether the returns to beauty in Australia changed between the 1980s and 2000s. It is found that, for the most part, the effect of beauty was constant across this period. There is, however, some evidence of an increasing effect of beauty on the likelihood that a female respondent is employed, which we suggest may be due to selection effects and the growth in female workforce participation.
The Influence of Deep Frying Using Various Vegetable Oils on Acrylamide Formation in Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) Chips
Authors: Lim P.K. , Jinap S. , Sanny M. , Tan C.P. , Khatib A.
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the precursors of acrylamide formation in sweet potato (SP) (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) chips and to determine the effect of different types of vegetable oils (VOs), that is, palm olein, coconut oil, canola oil, and soya bean oil, on acrylamide formation. The reducing sugars and amino acids in the SP slices were analyzed, and the acrylamide concentrations of SP chips were measured. SP chips that were fried in a lower degree of unsaturation oils contained a lower acrylamide concentration (1443 μg/kg), whereas those fried with higher degree of unsaturated oils contained a higher acrylamide concentration (2019 μg/kg). SP roots were found to contain acrylamide precursors, that is, 4.17 mg/g glucose and 5.05 mg/g fructose, and 1.63 mg/g free asparagine. The type of VO and condition used for frying, significantly influenced acrylamide formation. This study clearly indicates that the contribution of lipids in the formation of acrylamide should not be neglected.
Real‐Time PCR of cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus in adult Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mohamed Aly E. , Hasen Amany M. , Mohammed Ghada F. A. , Elmaraghy Nermin N.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Infections may act as environmental triggers for induction of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to explore the relative frequencies of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (CMV) in adult Egyptian patients with SLE and their correlation with disease activity and damage.

Methods

Thirty‐three consecutive adult patients satisfying the 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Classification Criteria for SLE and 30 healthy controls were included in this case–control study. All patients were subjected to complete clinical and laboratory evaluation to determine the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR). Sera from both groups were analyzed for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies against CMV and EBV. Qualitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for both viruses was performed for all SLE patients.

Results

Almost all SLE patients 32/33 (96.9%) were positive for IgG anti‐CMV antibodies versus 20/30 in the control group (66.6%) (P = 0.002). All SLE patients were positive for IgG anti‐EBV antibodies compared to 25 in the control group (100% vs. 83.3%, P = 0.02). CMV and EBV DNA were detected by PCR in 30.3% and 51.5% of SLE patients, respectively. A statistically significant lower SLEDAI was found in PCR positive patients for EBV compared to negative patients (9.6 ± 5.2 vs. 13.1 ± 3.1, respectively P = 0.041).

Conclusions

Adult Egyptian patients with SLE had higher frequencies of anti‐CMV and EBV IgG compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, our single point assessment of SLEDAI suggested that exposure to EBV infection might be associated with a lower disease activity.
Phylogenetic divergence between the obligate luminous symbionts of flashlight fishes demonstrates specificity of bacteria to host genera
Authors: Hendry Tory A. , Dunlap Paul V.
Published: December 2013

The luminous bacterial symbionts of anomalopid flashlight fishes, which appear to be obligately dependent on their hosts for growth, share several evolutionary patterns with unrelated obligate bacteria. However, only one flashlight fish symbiont species has been characterized in detail, and it is therefore not known if the bacteria from other anomalopid species are highly divergent (a pattern common to obligate symbionts). Unlike most obligate symbionts, the bacteria symbiotic with anomalopids are extracellular and spend time outside their hosts in the environment, from which they are thought to colonize new host generations. Environmental acquisition might decrease the likelihood of bacterial divergence between host species. We used phylogenetic analysis to determine the relatedness of symbionts from different anomalopid host species. The symbionts of hosts in the genus Photoblepharon were resolved as a new species, for which we propose the name ‘Candidatus Photodesmus blepharus’. Furthermore, different genera of anomalopids were found to harbour different species of bacteria, even when the hosts overlapped in geographic range. This finding suggests that the divergence between bacterial species is not the result of geographic isolation. The specificity of symbionts to host genera is consistent with obligate dependence on the host and has implications for symbiont transmission.
Social Relations and the Differential Local Impact of Global Standards: The Case of International Standards on Auditing
Authors: Samsonova‐Taddei Anna
Published: December 2013

This article contributes to the literature exploring the contextual conditions that lead international standards to produce a differential impact with regard to inducing convergence in local practice. The article documents three types of responses by local audit firms to the implementation of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) inRussia, namely: (1) those that claim to follow the national auditing standards modelled onISAsand mandated by audit law; (2) those that voluntarily provide ISA audits in accordance with originalISAs; and (3) those that provide pseudo audits (‘black audits’) and ignore auditing standards. The study investigates a link between these different responses and the degree of the indigenous firms' social embeddedness in relation to the international audit firms that first introducedISAstoRussia. The article argues that the higher the embeddedness levels the more likely the audit firms will genuinely commit to following the standards. It also shows that social embeddedness is influenced by a number of conditions, including geographical proximity between the indigenous and international audit firms, as well as commonalities in their professional characteristics, such as aspiration to intraprofessional status and target clientele. The study's findings demonstrate that the local impact of international standards is dependent not just on the characteristics of the local institutional environments in which the adopters operate but also on the social structures and relationships within which they are embedded.
Ventriculomegaly associated with ependymal gliosis and declines in barrier integrity in the aging human and mouse brain
Authors: Shook Brett A. , Lennington Jessica B. , Acabchuk Rebecca L. , Halling Meredith , Sun Ye , Peters John , Wu Qian , Mahajan Amit , Fellows Douglas W. , Conover Joanne C.
Published: December 2013

Age‐associated ventriculomegaly is typically attributed to neurodegeneration; however, additional factors might initiate or contribute to progressive ventricular expansion. By directly linking postmortem human MRI sequences with histological features of periventricular tissue, we show that substantial lateral ventricle surface gliosis is associated with ventriculomegaly. To examine whether loss of ependymal cell coverage resulting in ventricle surface glial scarring can lead directly to ventricle enlargement independent of any other injury or degenerative loss, we modeled in mice the glial scarring found along the lateral ventricle surface in aged humans. Neuraminidase, which cleaves glycosidic linkages of apical adherens junction proteins, was administered intracerebroventricularly to denude areas of ependymal cells. Substantial ependymal cell loss resulted in reactive gliosis rather than stem cell‐mediated regenerative repair of the ventricle lining, and the gliotic regions showed morphologic and phenotypic characteristics similar to those found in aged humans. Increased levels of aquaporin‐4, indicative of edema, observed in regions of periventricular gliosis in human tissue were also replicated in our mouse model. 3D modeling together with volume measurements revealed that mice with ventricle surface scarring developed expanded ventricles, independent of neurodegeneration. Through a comprehensive, comparative analysis of the lateral ventricles and associated periventricular tissue in aged humans and mouse, followed by modeling of surface gliosis in mice, we have demonstrated a direct link between lateral ventricle surface gliosis and ventricle enlargement. These studies highlight the importance of maintaining an intact ependymal cell lining throughout aging.
Reductions in serum IGF‐1 during aging impair health span
Authors: Gong Zhenwei , Kennedy Oran , Sun Hui , Wu YingJie , Williams Garry A , Klein Laura , Cardoso Luis , Matheny Ronald W. , Hubbard Gene B. , Ikeno Yuji , Farrar Roger P. , Schaffler Mitchell B , Adamo Martin L , Muzumdar Radhika H , Yakar Shoshana
Published: December 2013

In lower or simple species, such as worms and flies, disruption of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 and the insulin signaling pathways has been shown to increase lifespan. In rodents, however, growth hormone (GH) regulates IGF‐1 levels in serum and tissues and can modulate lifespan via/or independent of IGF‐1. Rodent models, where the GH/IGF‐1 axis was ablated congenitally, show increased lifespan. However, in contrast to rodents where serum IGF‐1 levels are high throughout life, in humans, serum IGF‐1 peaks during puberty and declines thereafter during aging. Thus, animal models with congenital disruption of the GH/IGF‐1 axis are unable to clearly distinguish between developmental and age‐related effects of GH/IGF‐1 on health. To overcome this caveat, we developed an inducible liver IGF‐1‐deficient (iLID) mouse that allows temporal control of serum IGF‐1. Deletion of liver Igf ‐1 gene at one year of age reduced serum IGF‐1 by 70% and dramatically impaired health span of the iLID mice. Reductions in serum IGF‐1 were coupled with increased GH levels and increased basal STAT5B phosphorylation in livers of iLID mice. These changes were associated with increased liver weight, increased liver inflammation, increased oxidative stress in liver and muscle, and increased incidence of hepatic tumors. Lastly, despite elevations in serum GH, low levels of serum IGF‐1 from 1 year of age compromised skeletal integrity and accelerated bone loss. We conclude that an intact GH/IGF‐1 axis is essential to maintain health span and that elevated GH, even late in life, associates with increased pathology.
Maternal Circulating Dendritic Cell Subtypes at Delivery and During the 1‐Year Postpartum Period
Authors: Lee Hye Ryun , Kim Byoung Jae , Shin Sue , Jeon Hye Won , Roh Eun Youn , Yoon Jong Hyun , Song Eun Young
Published: December 2013

Problem

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in maintaining pregnancy by inducing tolerance toward the fetus. Such an immunologic change in the mother should be restored to normal after delivery, but few studies have reported postpartum maternal immune recovery, in terms of the types circulating DCs.

Method of study

The level of each DC subtype and HLA‐DR‐positive immunoreactivity of the blood from 29 pregnant women with uncomplicated labor was serially analyzed by flowcytometry at delivery and at 1.5, 6, and 12 months after delivery. DC subtypes were characterized as myeloid, lymphoid, and less differentiated (ldDC). Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was evaluated for HLA‐DR expression for each DC subtype.

Results

The total number and the percentage of DCs at delivery were lower than those at 12 months postpartum. The ldDC fractions were significantly higher at delivery and at 1.5 months than at 12 months postpartum. The MFI of HLA‐DR expression on ldDCs at delivery was lower than that at 12 months postpartum. The myeloid‐to‐lymphoid DC ratio did not differ over the 1‐year postpartum period.

Conclusion

The maternal alteration in DCs rapidly normalized within 1.5 months, except for the ldDC fraction, which persisted between 1.5 and 6 months after delivery.
Ward safety checklist in the acute surgical unit
Authors: Blucher Kristopher M. , Dal Pra Samuel E. , Hogan James , Wysocki Arkadiusz Peter
Published: December 2013

Background

Deficiencies in daily ward rounds are increasingly identified. A ward safety checklist has recently been devised to improve the fast‐paced surgical ward round.

Methods

Over 2 weeks the morning post‐take surgical ward round was evaluated using the ward safety checklist. In order to avoid the Hawthorne effect, doctors involved were not aware their performance was being observed.

Results

One hundred patient encounters were evaluated. The three phases of the card safety checklist showed statistically significant improvement but for many components compliance was below 100%.

Conclusion

Implementing this simple checklist has provided our unit with a starting point in how to overcome some of the deficiencies of the post‐take surgical ward round.
Blood Flow in Hemodialysis Catheters: A Numerical Simulation and Microscopic Analysis of In Vivo‐Formed Fibrin
Authors: Lucas Thabata Coaglio , Tessarolo Francesco , Jakitsch Victor , Caola Iole , Brunori Giuliano , Nollo Giandomenico , Huebner Rudolf
Published: December 2013

Although catheters with side holes allow high flow rate during hemodialysis, they also induce flow disturbances and create a critical hemodynamic environment that can favor fibrin deposition and thrombus formation. This study compared the blood flow and analyzed the influence of shear stress and shear rate in fibrin deposition and thrombus formation in nontunneled hemodialysis catheters with unobstructed side holes (unobstructed device) or with some side holes obstructed by blood thrombi (obstructed device). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was performed to simulate realistic blood flow under laminar and turbulent conditions. The results from the numerical simulations were compared with the fibrin distribution and thrombus architecture data obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and two photons laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) on human thrombus formed in catheters removed from patients. CFD showed that regions of flow eddies and separation were mainly found in the venous holes region. TPLSM characterization of thrombi and fibrin structure in patient samples showed fibrin formations in accordance with simulated flux dynamics. Under laminar flow conditions, the wall shear stress close to border holes increased from 87.3 ± 0.2 Pa in the unobstructed device to 176.2 ± 0.5 Pa in the obstructed one. Under turbulent flow conditions, the shear stress increased by 47% when comparing the obstructed to the unobstructed catheter. The shear rates were generally higher than 5000/s and therefore sufficient to induce fibrin deposition. This findings were supported by SEM data documenting a preferential fibrin arrangement on side hole walls.
Using partial volumes to estimate available browse biomass in Southern African semi‐arid savannas
Authors: Penderis Caryn A. , Kirkman Kevin P.
Published: December 2013

Aims

With the increase of game farming in woody areas, as well as the pressing need to assess the spatial distribution of carbon, the quantification of available browse biomass has become an important subject to refine. We aimed to (1) calculate tree canopy volume (CVol) for varying tree canopy shapes and for strata within those shapes to cater for different herbivore browse heights, (2) develop a relation to estimate available browse of deciduous (micro‐ and mesophyllous) and evergreen (macrophyllous) semi‐arid savanna tree species using our calculated CVols, and (3) demonstrate the application of the use of partial volumes and the resultant regression models in the determination of available browse biomass for browsing game species.

Location

Four key savanna tree species were sampled in the open wooded grassland areas of three game reserves in northeastern KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa: Bonamanzi Game Park, Mun‐Ya‐Wana Private Game Reserve and Pongola Game Reserve.

Methods

Tree CVol determination involved calculation of partial volumes, using the integration of a series of circles, allowing a wider range of tree shapes to be included. Non‐linear regression was used to investigate the relation between available browse biomass of deciduous microphyllous Acacia nilotica, evergreen macrophyllous Euclea divinorum and Gymnosporia senegalensis and deciduous mesophyllous Spirostachys africana and their respective calculated partial CVols.

Results

Exponential non‐linear regression of the natural logarithm of CVol data provided an accurate and precise description of the tree CVol–available browse biomass relation. Significant relations were obtained over a 2‐yr period (2003–2004) for species–site models and general species models. The incorporation of tree foliage densities in available browse biomass estimation further improved model accuracy and precision.

Conclusion

The general models provided an objective means of determining the browsing capacity of a tree population. In addition, estimation of carbon sequestration could be related to the model output, particularly when changes over time are recorded. Regular measurement of available browse comprises a useful monitoring tool to evaluate impact of animals on trees and shrubs.
Women's Experiences, Emotional Responses, and Perceptions of Care After Emergency Peripartum Hysterectomy: A Qualitative Survey of Women from 6 Months to 3 Years Postpartum
Authors: de la Cruz Cara Z. , Coulter Martha L. , O'Rourke Kathleen , Amina Alio P. , Daley Ellen M. , Mahan Charles S.
Published: December 2013

Background

Little is known of the experience and perceptions of care for survivors of emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH), an obstetric event that is increasing in incidence. We sought to explore women's experiences of EPH to make recommendations for care.

Methods

This qualitative study utilized purposive sampling through an online support group of women who experienced EPH. Eligible participants were at least 18 years old, had their hysterectomy at least 6 months but no more than 3 years before the interview, had a surviving infant associated with the delivery, and did not report suicidal ideation. In‐depth, semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted and analyzed using Constant Comparative Analysis. Kappa statistics assessed interrater reliability for two independent coders.

Results

Fifteen women participated with a mean age of 32.5 years. Most had a cesarean section, with uterine atony as the most common indication for EPH. Kappa statistics indicated near‐perfect interrater agreement between two coders, ranging from .82 to .89. Seven major themes were identified: fear; pain; death and dying; numbness or delay in emotional reaction; bonding with baby; communication; and the need for information. Psychological upset occurred postpartum and was often delayed. A major finding is the need for additional follow‐up visits to address the emotional after‐effects and to fill in gaps in women's understanding and memory of what had occurred.

Conclusion

Understanding women's experiences with EPH can help practitioners address not only women's initial complications but provide needed long‐term support.
Transition from paediatric to adult care for patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: de Montalembert Mariane , Guitton Corinne ,   the French Reference Centre for Sickle Cell Disease
Published: December 2013

Advances achieved over the last three decades have transformed sickle cell disease (SCD) from a fatal childhood disease to a long‐term chronic condition. Consequently, patients must transition from paediatric to adult care. The transition is a high‐risk period associated with increases in hospital admissions and death. The factors underlying this increased risk include not only characteristics of the disease itself, with the accumulation of disabilities and progression of organ damage, but also psychological factors and a frequent paucity of adult‐care resources for SCD. Leaving the familiar paediatric team causes marked anxiety in many patients. The transition of care coincides with the many other transitions that characterize the emotional, social and academic development of adolescents. The shift from protection by parents and physicians to independent self‐management may be difficult. Finally, young adults may have limited access to health insurance. In recent years, many medical groups have suggested the development of transitioning programmes combining transition schedules, printed and web‐based materials, and, in some cases, transition‐dedicated physicians, nurses and psychologists. Transition must begin early, involve both the paediatric and the adult team, direct appropriate attention to the parents and occur over a period of several years. Evaluations of these programmes are urgently needed.
The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: Overview
Authors: Alexander Stephen P.H. , Benson Helen E. , Faccenda Elena , Pawson Adam J. , Sharman Joanna L. , McGrath John C. , Catterall William A. , Spedding Michael , Peters John A. , Harmar Anthony J. ,   CGTP Collaborators
Published: December 2013

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties from the IUPHAR database. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full.

This compilation of the major pharmacological targets is divided into seven areas of focus: G protein‐coupled receptors, ligand‐gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets.

It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors & Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC‐IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR‐DB and GRAC and provides a permanent, citable, point‐in‐time record that will survive database updates.
The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: Enzymes
Authors: Alexander Stephen P.H. , Benson Helen E. , Faccenda Elena , Pawson Adam J. , Sharman Joanna L. , Spedding Michael , Peters John A. , Harmar Anthony J. ,   CGTP Collaborators
Published: December 2013

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full.

Enzymes are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein‐coupled receptors, ligand‐gated ion channels, ion channels, nuclear hormone receptors, catalytic receptors and transporters. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets.

It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC‐IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR‐DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point‐in‐time record that will survive database updates.
Influence of Periodontal Biotype on Buccal Bone Remodeling after Tooth Extraction Using the Flapless Approach with a Xenograft: A Histomorphometric and Fluorescence Study in Small Dogs
Authors: Maia Luciana Prado , Reino Danilo Maeda , Novaes Arthur Belém , Muglia Valdir Antonio , Taba Mário , de Morais Grisi Márcio Fernando , de Souza Sérgio Luís Scombatti , Palioto Daniela Bazan
Published: December 2013

Background

Several approaches have been used to counteract alveolar bone resorption after tooth extraction.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of gingival thickness and bone grafting on buccal bone remodeling in extraction sockets with thin buccal bone, using a flapless approach.

Materials and Methods

The gingiva of 8 dogs was thinned at one side of the mandible and mandibular premolars were extracted without flaps. The sockets were randomly assigned to the test group (thin gingiva) (TG), the test group with grafting material TG + GM, the control group (normal gingiva) (CG), or the control group with grafting material CG + GM. Ground sections were prepared from 12‐week healing biopsies, and histomorphometry and fluorescence analysis were performed.

Results

In the groups with thin gingiva, numerically greater buccal bone loss was observed, while there were no differences between grafted and nongrafted sites. A numerically higher rate of mineralization was observed for the grafted sites, as compared with the nongrafted sites, at 12 weeks.

Conclusions

A thin buccal bone plate leads to higher bone loss in extraction sockets, even with flapless surgery. The gingival thickness or the use of a graft material did not prevent buccal bone resorption in a naturally thin biotype, but modified the mineralization process.
A national analysis of the outcome of major head and neck cancer surgery: implications for surgeon‐level data publication
Authors: Nouraei S.A.R. , Middleton S.E. , Hudovsky A. , Darzi A. , Stewart S. , Kaddour H. , Alam P. , Jallali N. , Birchall M.A. , Ghufoor K. , Aylin P. , Clarke P.M. , Bottle A.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To undertake a national outcomes analysis following major head and neck cancer surgery in order to identify risk factors for complications and in‐hospital mortality, as well as areas whose closer examination and formal benchmarking in the context of local and national quality assurance audits may lead to improved results for this condition.

Design

An analysis using Hospital Episode Statistics data.

Settings

All units undertaking major head and neck cancer surgery in England.

Main outcome measures

Cancer sites, co‐morbidities, social deprivation, surgical and non‐surgical treatments, complications, and in‐hospital mortality were recorded. Regression analysis was used for casemix adjustment and for identifying independent predictors of complications and mortality. Funnel plots were used for data visualisation.

Results

We identified 10 589 major head and neck cancer operations performed in England between 2006 and 2011. There were 7312 males, and mean age at surgery was 63 ± 13 years. Oral cavity (42%) and the larynx (28%) were the commonest cancer sites. At least one complication occurred in 33.1% of patients, and there were 322 (3.05%) in‐hospital deaths. Variables associated with in‐hospital mortality were trust volume, age, co‐morbidities, performing emergency major surgery and performing a tracheostomy or reconstructive surgery. Occurrence of major medical complications including pulmonary infections (7%), major acute cardiovascular events (4.7%) and acute renal failure (0.6%) also increased mortality risk. The analysis identified units that were outside of crude and risk‐adjusted 99.8% limits of confidence for complications and mortality.

Conclusion

Mortality following head and neck cancer surgery shows significant national variation and is associated with fixed risk factors like age and co‐morbidities, but also with modifiable risk factors like performing major surgery during an emergency admission, tracheostomy, reconstructive surgery and medical complications. We propose that the quality of tracheostomy care, reconstructive surgery, emergency major surgery rate, and occurrence and treatment of major medical complications should be closely examined and formally benchmarked as part of loco‐regional and national quality improvement audits.
THE SICH AND OTHER EXPEDITIONS TO CHINA AND THE FAR EAST, 1982–2003
Authors: Kirkham Tony
Published: December 2013

Recent collecting expeditions from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Quarryhill Botanic Garden, California and the Howick Arboretum in Northumberland, are listed and some of the noteworthy plants which have been introduced are described.
765. CUPRESSUS TORULOSA
Authors: Farjon Aljos
Published: December 2013

The distribution, history, taxonomy, ecology, uses and cultivation of Cupressus torulosa D. Don, a native of the Himalaya and adjacent areas, are discussed, and a full description, a distribution map and illustrations are provided.
767. LITSEA POPULIFOLIA
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: December 2013

Litsea populifolia (Hemsley) Gamble, from western China, a large‐leaved deciduous member of the Lauraceae, is illustrated. Its nomenclature and relationships with other species are discussed. Its habitat in the wild and cultivation are described.
771. CYCLOCARYA PALIURUS
Authors: Crane Peter R. , DuVal Ashley
Published: December 2013

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaya, an endemic tree of China and the sole living species of a very distinctive genus of Juglandaceae, is described, and an overview of its phylogenetic relationships and fossil record is provided. Fossil occurrences of Cyclocarya indicate that the genus was already differentiated around 55 million years ago and was once widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. The current restriction of Cyclocarya to China is the result of regional extinction in North America and Europe during the Cenozoic.
Functioning and disability after stroke in children: using the ICF‐CY to classify health outcome and inform future clinical research priorities
Authors: Gordon Anne L
Published: December 2013

Aim

The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health, Child‐Youth version (ICF‐CY) provides a framework for describing and evaluating health, intervention outcomes, and needs assessment. It can, however, also serve as a system for classifying the focus of outcome studies and identification of gaps in current knowledge.

Method

The paediatric arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) population was targeted. Multiple databases were systematically searched for AIS outcome studies focussing on functioning or disability. Findings were rated using the ICF‐CY framework.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies were identified. Most were cross‐sectional and age range at assessment varied widely. Sixty‐seven different standardized measures were used, predominantly evaluating body functions. The most common domains of activity and participation reported were learning and applying knowledge, general tasks and demands, and self‐care skills. Health‐related quality of life was measured in nine papers. Environmental factors were rarely evaluated.

Interpretation

AIS outcome studies addressing the relationship between body structures and functions (e.g. brain lesion characteristics, neurological examination findings) and activities, participation, and quality of life have emerged in recent years. Comparison of findings across studies is complicated by design and tool selection. The relationship between components of activity limitation and participation restriction is rarely explored.
Changes in procoagulants track longitudinally with insulin resistance: findings from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study
Authors: Klein O. L. , Okwuosa T. , Chan C. , Schreiner P. , Kanaya A. M. , Liu K. , Green D.
Published: December 2013

Aims

To examine the association between changes in procoagulants (fibrinogen factors VII and VIII and von Willebrand factor) and the risk of insulin resistance.

Methods

Using data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study, we followed 2398 black and white adults without diabetes, aged 25–37 years at year 7, to year 20. Levels of fibrinogen factors VII and VIII and von Willebrand factor were divided in tertiles (low/middle/high) at years 7 and 20 and four groups reflecting changes were defined: ‘low’ (low at years 7 and 20), ‘stable’ (low/middle at years 7 and 20, but not both low at years 7 and 20), ‘high’ (high at year 7 and low/middle at year 20; or low/middle at year 7 and high at year 20) and ‘highest’ (high at years 7 and 20). Linear regression models were used to evaluate 13‐year changes (year 20–year 7) in fibrinogen level and factors VII, VIII and von Willebrand change groups in relation to insulin resistance measures.

Results

Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (year 20) and changes in log homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (year 20–year 7) were significantly associated with the 13‐year increase in fibrinogen (P < 0.001). Compared with participants in the low group, those in the high group had significantly higher levels of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (year 20) and changes in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (year 20–year 7) for fibrinogen factor VII and von Willebrand factor (P < 0.017). No significant associations were observed between fibrinogen VIII and insulin resistance measures.

Conclusions

An increase in fibrinogen level and persistently high levels of factor VII and von Willebrand factor are significantly associated with increased risk of insulin resistance. These findings provide new insight into the mechanisms to explain the heightened risk for thrombosis in adults with insulin resistance/diabetes.
Associations of blood glucose and prevalent diabetes with risk of cardiovascular disease in 500 000 adult Chinese: the China Kadoorie Biobank
Authors: Bragg F. , Li L. , Smith M. , Guo Y. , Chen Y. , Millwood I. , Bian Z. , Walters R. , Chen J. , Yang L. , Collins R. , Peto R. , Lu Y. , Yu B. , Xie X. , Lei Y. , Luo G. , Chen Z. ,   the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: December 2013

Aims

To examine the relationship of self‐reported diabetes, and of random blood glucose levels among individuals without known diabetes, with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Chinese adults.

Methods

We examined cross‐sectional data from the China Kadoorie Biobank of 0.5 million people aged 30–79 years recruited from 10 diverse regions of China in the period 2004–2008. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios of prevalent cardiovascular disease associated with self‐reported diabetes, and with measured random blood glucose levels among participants with no history of diabetes, adjusting simultaneously for age, sex, area, education, smoking, alcohol, blood pressure and physical activity.

Results

A total of 3.2% of participants had self‐reported diabetes (men 2.9%; women 3.3%) and 2.8% had screen‐detected diabetes (men 2.6%; women 2.8%), i.e. they had no self‐reported history of diabetes but a blood glucose level suggestive of a diagnosis of diabetes. Compared with individuals without a history of diabetes, the odds ratios associated with self‐reported diabetes were 2.18 (95% CI 2.06–2.30) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.75–2.01) for prevalent ischaemic heart disease and stroke/transient ischaemic attack, respectively. Among participants without self‐reported diabetes there was a positive association between random blood glucose and ischaemic heart disease and stroke/transient ischaemic attack prevalence (P for trend <0.0001). Below the diabetic threshold (<11.1 mmol/l) each additional 1 mmol/l of random blood glucose was associated with 4% (95% CI 2–5%) and 5% (95% CI 3–7%) higher odds of prevalent ischaemic heart disease and stroke/transient ischaemic attack, respectively.

Conclusions

In this adult Chinese population, self‐reported diabetes was associated with a doubling of the odds of prevalent cardiovascular disease. Below the threshold for diabetes there was still a modest, positive association between random blood glucose and prevalent cardiovascular disease.
Multimodality Imaging of Holmes Heart with Parachute Mitral Valve
Authors: Sethi Rishi , Kharwar Rajiv Bharat , Sharma Akhil , Kumar Vikas , Narain Varun Shankar
Published: December 2013

Mini‐Abstract

Univentricular heart is a type of congenital heart defect that is characterized by presence of a single ventricle or 2 ventricular chambers in which one of the ventricle is hypoplastic. Holmes heart is a variety of single ventricle with double inlet left ventricle and a rudimentary right ventricle along with normally related great arteries. Other defects that are associated with single ventricle are mitral or tricuspid atresia, subaortic stenosis, coarctation of aorta, and pulmonic stenosis or atresia. We describe a case of a 10‐year‐old boy with effort dyspnea and cyanosis who was diagnosed to have Holmes heart type of univentricular heart with parachute mitral valve on evaluation with two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography.
Severity of Coronary Artery Disease and Echocardiographic Parameters of Ventricular Diastolic Function
Authors: Abalı Gülcan , Akpınar Onur , Nisanoğlu Vedat , İlgenli Tevfik Fikret
Published: December 2013

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the relation between the severity of the coronary artery disease (CAD) and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patient with stable CAD and normal LV ejection fraction.

Methods

Sixty patients with stable CAD were included in the study. All angiographic variables pertinent to SYNTAX Score (SS) and Gensini score (GS) calculation were computed by two experienced interventional cardiologists. All patients underwent echocardiographic examination.

Results

We divided the patients into 4 groups according to median of SS and GS. It was observed that LV diastolic function was impaired in 26 patients (86.7%) in under group of SS, 23 patients (76.7%) in upper group of SS, and 27 patients (87.1%) in under group of GS, and 22 patients (75.9%) in upper group of GS. There was no significant difference between the SS, GS, clinical, and echocardiographic findings.

Conclusion

The diastolic function did not demonstrate any impairment according to the severity of the CAD in patients which coronary angiography performed with the diagnosis of stable CAD.
Left Ventricular and Atrial Functions in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients with Very High LVOT Gradient: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Tigen Kursat , Sunbul Murat , Karaahmet Tansu , Dundar Cihan , Ozben Beste , Guler Ahmet , Cincin Altug , Bulut Mustafa , Sari Ibrahim , Basaran Yelda
Published: December 2013

Background

Determination of myocardial deformation (strain) by two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a new method for evaluating left ventricular (LV) regional function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The aim of this study was to assess LV and left atrial (LA) functions with 2DSTE in HCM patients and to investigate relation between strain analysis and LV outflow tract (LVOT) gradient.

Methods

Forty consecutive HCM patients (26 male, mean age: 47.7 ± 15.2 years), and 40 healthy volunteers (22 male, mean age: 46.6 ± 11.2 years) were included in the study. All subjects underwent a transthoracic echocardiography for evaluation of LV and LA functions with 2DSTE. The HCM patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of resting LVOT gradient >100 mmHg.

Results

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS), and global circumferential strain (GCS) were significantly lower in patients with HCM compared with controls (−20.3 ± 3.6% vs. −24.1 ± 3.4% P < 0.001, 38.1 ± 12.8% vs. 44.8 ± 10.2% P = 0.012, and −22.0 ± 4.4% vs. −23.9 ± 4.0% P = 0.045, respectively). Although basal and apical rotation were similar between the groups, mid‐rotation was significantly clockwise in HCM patients (−1.53 ± 2.06° vs. 0.05 ± 1.7° P < 0.001). Both LA reservoir functions and LA conduit functions were significantly lower in HCM patients (21.6 ± 9.1% vs. 39.4 ± 10.6% P < 0.001, and 10.5 ± 4.3% vs. 15.7 ± 5.3%, P < 0.001). Fifteen patients had a resting LVOT gradient of >100 mmHg and they had significantly decreased GLS, twist and untwist compared to the HCM patients with lower resting LVOT gradient (−18.7 ± 2.3% vs. −21.2 ± 3.9% P = 0.016, 19.4 ± 4.3° vs. 23.5 ± 7.4° P = 0.038 and −94.0 ± 29.1°/sec vs. −134.9 ± 55.8°/sec, 0.005, respectively). Although basal and apical rotation were similar between the 2 groups, mid‐rotation was significantly clockwise in HCM patients with higher LVOT gradient (−2.52 ± 1.76° vs. −0.96 ± 2.03°, P = 0.018). Correlation analysis revealed that LVOT peak velocity was associated with GLS (r = −0.358, P = 0.023), LV mid‐rotation (r = −0.366, P = 0.024), and LV untwist (r = −0.401, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Left ventricular and LA functions are impaired in patients with HCM. 2DSTE is useful in determining patients with impaired myocardial mechanics. High LVOT gradient may be one of the responsible factors that trigger deterioration of LV longitudinal strain and twist mechanics in patients with HCM. Further studies are required to clarify the preliminary results of this study.
Gene × environment tests discriminate the new EU2 evolutionary lineage of Phytophthora ramorum and indicate that it is adaptively different
Authors: Franceschini S. , Webber J. F. , Sancisi‐Frey S. , Brasier C. M.
Published: December 2013

A new evolutionary lineage of the destructive introduced tree pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, EU2 lineage, was recently discovered attacking larch and other hosts in Northern Ireland and south west Scotland, UK. Sixteen ‘medium × agar concentration × incubation temperature’ stress environments were tested to find a rapid and repeatable method to discriminate the known EU2 lineage from the EU1, NA1 and NA2 lineages in culture, in particular from the EU1 already prevalent across the UK; and to investigate whether EU2 might be adaptively different. At 25°C on both Carrot agar and V8 juice agar, the mean radial growth rates of all four lineages were significantly different, with NA2 > EU2 > EU1 > NA1. At this temperature, EU2 colonies were not only phenotypically distinct from EU1 and all other lineages but on average grew three times as fast as EU1. This indicates that EU2 is adaptively different from EU1. Twelve days growth in the environment ‘V8A/2% agar/25°C gave excellent discrimination of all four lineages in three repeat experiments, including clear discrimination of EU2 from EU1. Each lineage exhibited a distinctive colony pattern. The utility of this test environment was examined further by screening fresh UK isolates of unknown lineage from new larch outbreak sites alongside standard isolates. The lineage assignments predicted were corroborated by gene sequencing and RFLP profiling. These results also revealed that the EU2 lineage was present at several new larch sites in south west Scotland, whereas isolates from geographically adjacent areas such as the Isle of Mull, north west Scotland, the Isle of Man and north west England were all of EU1 lineage.
Food rewards modulate the activity of song neurons in Bengalese finches
Authors: Seki Yoshimasa , Hessler Neal A. , Xie Kate , Okanoya Kazuo
Published: December 2013

Vocal learning, a critical component of speech acquisition, is a rare trait in animals. Songbirds are a well‐established animal model in vocal learning research; male birds acquire novel vocal patterns and have a well‐developed ‘song system’ in the brain. Although this system is unique to songbirds, anatomical and physiological studies have reported similarities between the song system and the thalamo‐cortico‐basal ganglia circuit that is conserved among reptiles, birds, and mammals. Here, we focused on the similarity of the neural response between these two systems while animals were engaging in operant tasks. Neurons in the basal ganglia of vertebrates are activated in response to food rewards and reward predictions in behavioral tasks. A striatal nucleus in the avian song system, Area X, is necessary for vocal learning and is considered specialized for singing. We found that the spiking activity of singing‐related Area X neurons was modulated by food rewards and reward signals in an operant task. As previous studies showed that Area X is not critical for general cognitive tasks, the role of Area X in general learning might be limited and vestigial. However, our results provide a new viewpoint to investigate the independence of the vocal learning system from neural systems involved in other cognitive tasks.