bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracontinental plant invader shows matching genetic and chemical profiles and might benefit from high defence variation within populations
Authors: Tewes Lisa Johanna , Michling Florian , Koch Marcus A. , Müller Caroline
Published: September 2017

Whereas many studies have revealed mechanisms driving plant invasions between continents, research on intracontinental range expanders is scarce. Therefore, we studied genetic, chemical and ecological traits of a range‐expanding Brassicaceae, assuming that high genetic diversity should maintain chemical variation, which potentially benefits the invasion success. Moreover, we expected that within‐individual defence diversity plays an essential role in biotic interactions.

We comparedBunias orientalisL. plants from 16 populations of native, invasive or exotic non‐invasive origin. The genetic structure was investigated by analysing the plastidDNAand amplified fragment length polymorphisms. For characterisation of the leaf chemistry, metabolic fingerprinting and profiling of glucosinolates as defence compounds were performed. The plant defence potential was tested using the generalist herbivoreMamestra brassicae.

We found two major genetic lineages, which were mirrored in distinct chemical fingerprints of the plants. Genetic differentiation patterns point to a multiple introduction history ofB. orientalisunderlying the range expansion. Moreover, the genetic distance between individuals was correlated with the distance in chemical features. Genetic diversity tended to be reduced in potential leading edge (exotic) populations and was positively associated with quantitative metabolic diversity. Concentrations of indole glucosinolates were elevated in non‐native populations, and high glucosinolate diversity was associated with low herbivore survival.

Synthesis. This study suggests that the invasion success of this species may be facilitated by high chemical variation within populations. Moreover, high defence diversity within individuals of a population might be the main factor reducing herbivory and can be more important than the total concentration of defences. The combination of genetic and chemical analyses combined with bioassays revealed to be a powerful tool to study the differentiation between native and non‐native populations and should be applied more often to explore intraspecific divergence.
Emergent groups in disaster research: Varieties of scientific observation over time and across studies of nine natural disasters
Authors: Strandh Veronica , Eklund Niklas
Published: September 2017

There is an increasing emphasis on the diversity of disaster volunteering among disaster researchers. Our aim was to review the extent to which, and in what forms, emergent groups in the aftermath of natural disasters are examined as a topic of research. We review previous crisis and disaster management research, focusing particularly on those parts of the disaster research literature which treat with volunteerism. We describe and discuss how this research has evolved 1960–2016, and analyse how different forms of volunteerism, particularly emergent groups, have been researched following nine natural disasters. We utilize the Disaster Research Center typology to systematize and categorize research from different disaster contexts. The review shows that research on disaster management is fraught with an understanding of organization in disaster contexts based on the primacy of established formal organizations. We suggest a more fine‐tuned conceptualization of disaster volunteerism and we call for further research on actor motivations.
Outcomes of infants with a birthweight less than or equal to 500 g in Northern England: 15 years experience
Authors: Gillone Jenna , Banait Nishant , Miller Nicola , Ward Platt Martin , Harigopal Sundeep
Published: September 2017

Aim

We aimed to evaluate mortality and short‐term neonatal morbidity of babies born ≤500 g cared for in the Northern Neonatal Network over a 15‐year period.

Method

Using regional databases, we identified all live‐born babies ≥22 weeks gestation and ≤500 g, in North East England and North Cumbria from 1998 to 2012. We quantified major neonatal morbidities and survival to one year.

Results

We identified 104 live‐born babies ≥22 weeks gestation and ≤500 g (birth prevalence 0.22/1000), of which 49 were admitted for intensive care. Overall one‐year survival was 11%, but survival for those receiving intensive care was 22%. There was significant short‐term neonatal morbidity in survivors, in particular retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease.

Conclusion

Survival of babies born weighing ≤500 g in this cohort remains poor despite advances in neonatal care, with considerable short‐term neonatal morbidity in survivors. This could be due to a combination of attitudes and a rather conservative approach towards resuscitation and intensive care, and the intrinsic nature of these tiny babies.
Clinicopathological study of lip cancer: a retrospective hospital‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Hui‐Wen , Liou Huei‐Han , Tsai Kuo‐Wang , Ger Luo‐Ping , Shiue Yow‐Ling
Published: September 2017

To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics, high‐risk lifestyle factors (HRLF: chronic exposure to sun, betel quid, alcohol, and tobacco), and prognostic factors of lip cancer. The hospital records of patients with pathologically confirmed lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC, n = 112) and lip basal cell carcinoma (LBCC, n = 21) were reviewed. Differences in clinicopathological characteristics between LSCC and LBCC, upper and lower lip, and status of second primary tumors were compared by chi‐square test and logistic regression. The prognostic factors for LSCC were analyzed by Cox regression. Compared with LBCC patients, LSCC patients were men‐predominant (p < 0.001), had younger ages at onset (p < 0.001), and higher rates of lower lips involvement (p < 0.001) and HRLFs. Patients with second primary tumors were highly associated with lower lip cancer involvement (adjusted odds ratio = 2.91, p = 0.03). Patients with lower lip cancer had more HRLFs with an increasing linear trend (p = 0.004). The poorer prognostic factors of LSCC for disease‐specific survival were advanced stage III/IV [crude hazard ratio (CHR) = 11.16, p < 0.001], tumor dimension >4 cm (CHR = 8.19, p = 0.006), lymph node involvement (CHR = 11.48, p < 0.001), and recurrence (CHR = 3.96, p = 0.01); whereas for disease‐free survival were moderately to poorly differentiated LSCC (CHR = 4.97, p = 0.002) and alcohol consumption (CHR = 3.13, p = 0.04). LSCC and lower lip cancer were highly associated with HRLFs.
Effects of FCGRIIIa‐158V/F polymorphism on antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity of adalimumab
Authors: Kimura Koji , Kobayashi Daigo , Hatoyama Saori , Yamamoto Mizuki , Takayanagi Risa , Yamada Yasuhiko
Published: September 2017

The associations between the efficacy of IgG reagents and the FCGRIIIa‐158V/F polymorphism (rs396991) have been investigated. Although the genotype frequencies in healthy Japanese have been reported, those have varied, as one study reported that the proportions of V/V, V/F, and F/F were 59.1%, 38.6%, and 2.3%, respectively, while another study found that they were 4%, 44%, and 52%, respectively. However, there are no known investigations of the association between the antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of adalimumab (ADA), an IgG reagent, in combination with FcγRIIIa and the polymorphism. In this study, we analyzed healthy Japanese to clarify genotype frequency using a direct sequence method. In addition, we examined the association between the ADA‐mediated ADCC activity and the polymorphism. Our results showed that the frequencies of the V/V, V/F, and F/F genotypes in healthy Japanese were 9.2%, 39.8%, and 51.0%, respectively. The average activity of ADA‐mediated ADCC was 25.0%, 19.0%, and 13.3% in the V/V, V/F, and F/F genotypes, respectively. Then, the ADCC activity of V/V was significantly higher than that of F/F (p < 0.05) in therapeutic concentration. The differences in therapeutic effect of ADA among individuals can be explained, in part, by ADCC activity via the FCGRIIIa‐158V/F polymorphism.
Significant burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with advanced fibrosis in the US: a cross‐sectional analysis of 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wong R. J. , Liu B. , Bhuket T.
Published: September 2017

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease in the US. Understanding the epidemiology of NAFLD, with specific focus on individuals with hepatic fibrosis is important to guide healthcare resource planning.

Aim

To evaluate prevalence and predictors of hepatic fibrosis among US adults with NAFLD.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study using data from the updated 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national, stratified, multistage sampling survey of non‐institutionalised US adults age ≥ 20. METAVIR F2 or greater fibrosis among individuals with NAFLD was assessed using AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score > 0.7. METAVIR F3 or greater fibrosis was assessed using NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) > 0.676 and FIB‐4 score > 3.25. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated for predictors of fibrosis among individuals with NAFLD.

Results

Overall prevalence of NAFLD among US adults was 21.9% (95% CI 20.6‐23.3), representing 51.6 million adults. Among individuals with NAFLD, we observed a 23.8% prevalence of ≥F2 fibrosis, representing 12.2 million individuals, and we observed a 2.3%‐9.7% prevalence of ≥F3 fibrosis, representing as many as 5.0 million adults. On multivariate regression analyses, increasing age, obesity and concurrent diabetes mellitus were associated with increased risk of ≥F3 fibrosis.

Conclusions

NAFLD represents a major healthcare burden among US adults with as many as 5 million adults estimated to have NAFLD with ≥F3 fibrosis. Age and the components of the metabolic syndrome are independently associated with higher risk of fibrosis.
Explaining urban governance in the midst of political transformation: The city of Macao
Authors: Sheng Li , Wan Penny Yim King
Published: September 2017

This paper takes a close look at the urban governance and political culture of Macao, the world largest casino city. Macao has experienced spectacular economic growth since gaming liberalisation in 2002 and China's Free Individual Travel scheme launched in 2003. However, the booming gaming sector has crowded out other sectors of Macao. It has not only made the city's economy mono‐structured and consequently extremely vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations but also induced serious social divisions and political controversies within the local community. By tracing the root cause of the ongoing dilemma and crisis in the mode of governance, the dynamic relationships between formal and informal institutions, consensus politics and the social group culture are intensively discussed in a historical context. In fact, the sustainable development of the former Portuguese colony has largely been hindered by its residents' passive attitudes toward political communication, non‐transparent urban governance, the absence of a middle class and the dominance of pro‐establishment social groups.
Effect of negative dietary cation‐anion differences on carcass characteristics and beef tenderness of Japanese Black steers
Authors: Ishida Kyohei , Hirano Kazuo
Published: September 2017

Lowering dietary cation‐anion differences (DCAD) can enhance responsiveness to Ca‐homeostatic hormones and increase Ca availability, which might have potential to activate a Ca‐dependent protease, calpain, and to enhance postmortem myofibrillar proteolysis. In this study, we investigated the effects of DCAD manipulation on calpain activity and beef tenderness in Japanese Black cattle which are characterized by their high marbling. Thirty‐six Japanese Black steers were allotted to one of two treatments: (i) control (CON; DCAD +6.09 mEq/100 g of dry matter (DM)) or (ii) negative DCAD (NEGD; DCAD −8.27 mEq/100 g DM) for 70 days before slaughter. Lowering DCAD decreased DM and energy intake (P < 0.01) even though it did not negatively affect the growth performance or carcass characteristics. In NEGD, urine pH was decreased by acidification caused by the negative DCAD (P < 0.01). Calpain activities tended to be improved in NEGD (P = 0.09), but Warner‐Bratzler shear force values were not affected by treatment. Although calpain activities tended to improve, lowering DCAD to −8.27 for 70 days before slaughter was insufficient to enhance beef tenderness in Japanese Black steers.
Relationships between mineral concentrations and physicochemical characteristics in the Longissimus thoracis muscle of Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Kitagawa Takashi , Funaba Masayuki , Matsui Tohru
Published: September 2017

The relationship between mineral concentrations, and the relationship of mineral concentrations with physicochemical characteristics in muscles were investigated using the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of 44 Japanese Black steers. We determined moisture content, fat content, meat color, fatty acid composition and mineral concentrations in the LT muscle. Magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) concentrations had negative correlations with fat content, but sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations were not correlated with fat content. The concentrations of Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn largely and positively contributed to the first principal component of mineral concentrations. Because the red muscle was rich in these minerals compared to the white muscle, the variation of these minerals probably results from the abundance of red fibers in the LT muscle. The concentration of K was positively correlated with moisture content but Na concentration was not related to moisture content, suggesting that the intracellular fluid volume can largely affect moisture content. The results of the present experiment suggest that mineral concentrations reflect some traits such as not only fat content but also the composition of myofiber type and the intracellular fluid volume in the LT muscle of Japanese Black cattle.
Effects of hybrid and bacterial inoculation on fermentation quality and fatty acid profile of barley silage
Authors: Kim Dong Hyeon , Amanullah Sardar M. , Lee Hyuk Jun , Joo Young Ho , Han Ouk Kyu , Adesogan Adegbola T. , Kim Sam Churl
Published: September 2017

This study estimated the effects of hybrid and bacterial inoculant on fermentation quality and fatty acid profile of barley silages. Yuyeon (Silkless) and Youngyang (Silking) barley hybrids were harvested at 24.9 and 27.1% dry matter, respectively, and chopped to 10 cm lengths. Each hybrid was treated with or without an inoculant (2 × 104 colony‐forming units/g of Lactobacillus plantarum). A total of 48 silos were prepared in an experiment with a 2 × 2 (hybrid × inoculant) treatment arrangement with four replications and three ensiling durations (2, 7 and 100 days). After 100 days of ensiling, Yuyeon silage had higher (P < 0.05) in vitro dry matter digestibility and C18:3n‐3 than Youngyang silage. Youngyang silage had higher (P < 0.05) acetic acid and C18:2n‐6 than Yuyeon silage. Inoculation reduced the C18:3n‐3 concentration of both hybrids and increased (P < 0.05) the C18:2n‐6 of Youngyang. However, fermentation quality was not improved by the inoculant. These results indicate that Yuyeon hybrid might have better potential benefits on animal performances due to its smooth awn and silkless nature, and higher in vitro dry matter digestibility. Its higher C18:3n‐3 would be better for improving fatty acid profile of meat or milk than Youngyang hybrid.
A Semiparametric Likelihood-based Method for Regression Analysis of Mixed Panel-count Data
Authors: Zhu Liang , Zhang Ying , Li Yimei , Sun Jianguo , Robison Leslie L.
Published: September 2017

Panel-count data arise when each study subject is observed only at discrete time points in a recurrent event study, and only the numbers of the event of interest between observation time points are recorded (Sun and Zhao, 2013). However, sometimes the exact number of events between some observation times is unknown and what we know is only whether the event of interest has occurred. In this article, we will refer this type of data to as mixed panel-count data and propose a likelihood-based semiparametric regression method for their analysis by using the nonhomogeneous Poisson process assumption. However, we establish the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimator by employing the empirical process theory and without using the Poisson assumption. Also, we conduct an extensive simulation study, which suggests that the proposed method works well in practice. Finally, the method is applied to a Childhood Cancer Survivor Study that motivated this study.
Testing a biopsychosocial model of the basic birth beliefs
Authors: Preis Heidi , Chen Rony , Eisner Michal , Pardo Joseph , Peled Yoav , Wiznitzer Arnon , Benyamini Yael
Published: September 2017

Background

Women perceive what birth is even before they are pregnant for the first time. Part of this conceptualization is the basic belief about birth as a medical and natural process. These two separate beliefs are pivotal in the decision‐making process about labor and birth. Adapting Engel's biopsychosocial framework, we explored the importance of a wide range of factors which may contribute to these beliefs among first‐time mothers.

Method

This observational study included 413 primiparae ≥24 weeks’ gestation, recruited in medical centers and in natural birth communities in Israel. The women completed a questionnaire which included the Birth Beliefs Scale and a variety of biopsychosocial characteristics such as obstetric history, birth environment, optimism, health‐related anxiety, and maternal expectations.

Results

Psychological dispositions were more related to the birth beliefs than the social or biomedical factors. Sociodemographic characteristics and birth environment were only marginally related to the birth beliefs. The basic belief that birth is a natural process was positively related to optimism and to conceiving spontaneously. Beliefs that birth is a medical process were related to pessimism, health‐related anxiety, and to expectations that an infant's behavior reflects mothering. Expectations about motherhood as being naturally fulfilling were positively related to both beliefs.

Conclusion

Psychological factors seem to be most influential in the conceptualization of the beliefs. It is important to recognize how women interpret the messages they receive about birth which, together with their obstetric experience, shape their beliefs. Future studies are recommended to understand the evolution of these beliefs, especially within diverse cultures.
Psychosocial barriers associated with organ donation in Mexico
Authors: Marván Maria Luisa , Álvarez del Río Asunción , Jasso Kristian , Santillán‐Doherty Patricio
Published: September 2017

Introduction

There is a severe shortage of organs for transplantation worldwide, and Mexico has one of the lowest organ donation rates. In this study, we explored the psychosocial barriers that prevent posthumous organ donation by Mexicans.

Method

We asked 218 adults who were not willing to be donors to complete the sentence “I don't want to donate my organs after death because organ donation is…” The data were analyzed using the Natural Semantic Networks Technique.

Results

The most important answers given by the participants were related to mistrust. Older participants and those with limited education gave more answers that reflect misconceptions about organ donation. Many participants acknowledged its benefits, even though they did not want to be donors, especially the youngest and those with a higher education.

Conclusions

Mistrust and poor education are problems that urgently need to be addressed in order to increase acceptance of organ donation and transplantation.
Transplantation of solid organ recipients shedding Epstein‐Barr virus DNA pre‐transplant: A prospective study
Authors: Verghese Priya S. , Schmeling David O. , Filtz Emma A. , Grimm Jennifer M. , Matas Arthur J. , Balfour Henry H.
Published: September 2017

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) poses a significant threat to patient and graft survival post‐transplant. We hypothesized that recipients who shed EBV at transplant had less immunologic control of the virus and hence were more likely to have active EBV infection and disease post‐transplant. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a 5‐year prospective study in primary solid organ transplant recipients. We measured EBV DNA in oral washes and blood samples by quantitative PCR before transplant and periodically thereafter for up to 4 years. Pre‐transplant samples were available from 98 subjects. EBV DNA was detected pre‐transplant in 32 of 95 (34%) and 5 of 93 subjects (5%) in oral wash and blood, respectively. Recipients with and without detectable pre‐transplant EBV DNA were not significantly different demographically and had no significant difference in patient and graft survival (P = .6 for both comparisons) or post‐transplant EBV viremia‐free survival (P = .8). There were no cases of EBV‐related disease or post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in any of the patients with detectable EBV DNA pre‐transplant. In conclusion, detectable EBV DNA pre‐transplant was not associated with differences in patient/graft survival, post‐transplant EBV viremia, or EBV‐related diseases including PTLD.
An algorithmic approach to diagnose haematolymphoid neoplasms in effusion by combining morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular cytogenetics
Authors: Chen L. , Zhang J. S. , Liu D. G. , Cui D. , Meng Z. L.
Published: September 2017

Objective

There are limited studies of cytology diagnosis of haematopoietic and lymphoid tumours in serosal effusion except for occasional case reports. We would like to demonstrate an algorithmic approach for accurate diagnosis, especially in patients without previous history.

Methods

We reviewed 36 cases of lymphoma diagnosed in serosal effusion following an algorithmic approach. Suspected tumour cells were classified into small, intermediate and large sizes and two characteristic forms of plasmacytoid and Reed Sternberg‐like on smears (step 1), followed by utilising panels of immunohistochemical markers and Epstein‐Barr encoding region in situ hybridisation on cell blocks (step 2). A panel of CD3, CD20 and Ki‐67 formed the basic workup, followed by pertinent batteries of immunostaining. Molecular tests were applied in 22 selected cases by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (step 3).

Results

There were 15 diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas; 12 plasma cell myelomas; two mantle cell lymphomas; one anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALK +; one small lymphocytic lymphoma; one plasmablastic lymphoma; one peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, one extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type and two T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphomas. 14 cases with previous history had complete concordance in immunophenotype between cytology and histology. Another 14 cases were primarily diagnosed in patients with initial symptom of effusion based on immunophenotyping and cytogenetic test in selected cases. Eight cases were diagnosed based on morphology alone.

Conclusion

An algorithmic approach based on morphology and immunohistochemistry is the key to making an accurate diagnosis of haematopoietic and lymphoid tumours in effusion. A molecular test is also important for confirmation and prognostic prediction. We reviewed 36 haematolymphoid neoplasms diagnosed in effusion including 14 cases primarily diagnosed in patients without previous history following an algorithmic approach by combining morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular cytogenetics.
Incidence, malignancy rates of diagnoses and cyto‐histological correlations in the new Italian Reporting System for Thyroid Cytology: An institutional experience
Authors: Straccia P. , Santoro A. , Rossi E. D. , Brunelli C. , Mosseri C. , Musarra T. , Pontecorvi A. , Lombardi C. P. , Fadda G.
Published: September 2017

Objective

FNA biopsy is considered as the most accurate method for the selection of patients with thyroid nodules that need for surgery or for the wait and see management. The aim of the present study is to clarify the risk of malignancy for the cytological data classified according to the 2014 Italian reporting system.

Methods

We report a retrospective analysis of 4043 patients in our institution's experience during the period April 2014 through December 2016 with the Italian reporting system for thyroid cytology.

Results

The diagnostic incidences of the 4043 cases were as follows: 9.8% TIR1; 1.3% TIR1C; 70% TIR2; 6.6% TIR3A; 4.5% TIR3B; 2.4% TIR4; 5.2% TIR5. A repeated aspiration was carried out in 68 out of 269 cases (25%) classified as TIR3A. A total of 407 cases with cytology underwent surgical resection. A malignant neoplasm was detected in 261 out of 407 (64%) cases. Regarding TIR3B, surgical excision was undertaken in 109 cases, which included 42 high‐risk lesions and 67 Hürthle cell neoplasms. The risk of malignancy was significantly higher in the former compared to the latter (50% vs 9%; P<.05).

Conclusions

This investigation emphasises the reliability of the 2014 Italian Reporting System concerning the mutual frequency of the diagnostic categories. The risk of malignancy is perfectly within the range of the estimated values.
Dramatic pretend play games uniquely improve emotional control in young children
Authors: Goldstein Thalia R. , Lerner Matthew D.
Published: September 2017

Pretense is a naturally occurring, apparently universal activity for typically developing children. Yet its function and effects remain unclear. One theorized possibility is that pretense activities, such as dramatic pretend play games, are a possible causal path to improve children's emotional development. Social and emotional skills, particularly emotional control, are critically important for social development, as well as academic performance and later life success. However, the study of such approaches has been criticized for potential bias and lack of rigor, precluding the ability to make strong causal claims. We conducted a randomized, component control (dismantling) trial of dramatic pretend play games with a low‐SES group of 4‐year‐old children (N = 97) to test whether such practice yields generalized improvements in multiple social and emotional outcomes. We found specific effects of dramatic play games only on emotional self‐control. Results suggest that dramatic pretend play games involving physicalizing emotional states and traits, pretending to be animals and human characters, and engaging in pretend scenarios in a small group may improve children's emotional control. These findings have implications for the function of pretense and design of interventions to improve emotional control in typical and atypical populations. Further, they provide support for the unique role of dramatic pretend play games for young children, particularly those from low‐income backgrounds. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/2GVNcWKRHPk
Coarse woody debris can reduce mammalian browsing damage of woody plant saplings in box‐gum grassy woodlands
Authors: Stapleton Joseph P. , Ikin Karen , Freudenberger David
Published: September 2017

The critically endangered box‐gum grassy woodlands of south‐east Australia face numerous threats including the failure of woody plant regeneration caused by over‐browsing. In the Australian Capital Territory, over‐browsing of tree and shrub saplings is likely caused by dense populations of Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) found in many nature reserves free of livestock. One possible way to protect these saplings is using coarse woody debris (CWD) as a browsing deterrent. We tested this idea by planting palatable Red Stemmed Wattle (Acacia rubida) saplings among manually applied CWD, among naturally fallen CWD, and in the open, in five woodland reserves. We recorded the proportion of saplings browsed, the number of weeks to first browsing and the browsing severity (sapling height lost). Applied CWD protected saplings from being browsed only at relatively low‐to‐moderate kangaroo browsing pressure (as measured by faecal pellet counts). At relatively high browsing pressure, the probability of a sapling being browsed among applied CWD was 100%, similar to the probability in the open treatment (no CWD). Natural CWD, in contrast, provided some protection even at high browsing pressures. Time to browsing was most affected by browsing pressure, although CWD cover also had an influence. Browsing severity was similar between the three treatments and was only affected by browsing pressure. These results indicate that without protection, palatable woody plant saplings have a high chance of being browsed by kangaroos in woodland reserves, and therefore, some protection is needed for successful regeneration. The CWD being applied to reserves has a limited capacity to protect regenerating saplings. If more protection is wanted a CWD structure more resembling natural fallen timber should be used. This could be done by artificially placing branches around plantings. However, the most important action to facilitate regeneration is to manage kangaroo populations to reduce overall browsing pressure.
Enhancing seedling survival on former floodplain grazing land in the Capertee Valley, Australia
Authors: Baumber Alex , Evans Huw , Turner Richard J. , Merson John , Dixon Bill , Crust David
Published: September 2017

Active revegetation is an essential component of biodiversity conservation for fragmented ecosystems and the species that depend on them. However, key knowledge gaps exist around the most cost‐effective revegetation strategies to employ in different contexts. This article reports on a revegetation trial undertaken in the Capertee Valley of New South Wales, Australia, to assist the conservation of the critically endangered bird, the Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia). Seven treatments were compared to assess their cost‐effectiveness for enhancing plant survival at a floodplain site with a history of grazing on introduced pastures. While overall survival rates were low, treatments involving tree guards had higher survival rates and were more cost‐effective than treatments without guards. Weed growth, animal activity and water stress all appeared to play a role in the low survival rates at this site, with enhanced weed control emerging as a priority for future trials at similar sites.
Assisted natural regeneration accelerates recovery of highly disturbed rainforest
Authors: Uebel Konrad , Wilson Kerrie A. , Shoo Luke P.
Published: September 2017

Large areas of rainforests in Australia and other tropical regions have been extensively cleared since the mid‐19th century. As abandoned agro‐pastoral land becomes increasingly prominent, there is an ongoing need to identify cost‐effective approaches to reinstate forest on these landscapes. Assisted regeneration is a potentially lower cost restoration approach which aims to accelerate forest recovery by removing barriers to natural regeneration. However, despite being widely used its ecological benefits are poorly quantified, particularly on long cleared and grazed land. This study quantified the benefits of assisted regeneration on previously cleared land in a subtropical rainforest ecosystem within eastern Australia. Three different site types were used (grazed, grazing excluded and grazing excluded plus assisted regeneration, each with a maximum distance of 120 m to remnant forest) to compare forest recovery up to 10 years after grazing was relieved with and without 4–6 years of assisted regeneration. Assisted regeneration sites showed a threefold increase in canopy cover, fourfold increase in native tree and shrub species richness and over 40 times greater native stem density compared to nonassisted regeneration sites. Stimulation of native recruitment appears dependent on the simultaneous removal of multiple barriers to regeneration, with the exclusion of grazing alone insufficient. This demonstrates the additional ecological benefits arising from investment in assisted regeneration. It offers considerable promise as a cost‐effective tool for accelerating and improving reinstatement of forest on retired agro‐pastoral land in the humid subtropics.
Clinicopathological and molecular implications of aberrant thyroid transcription factor‐1 expression in colorectal carcinomas: an immunohistochemical analysis of 1319 cases using three different antibody clones
Authors: Bae Jeong Mo , Kim Jung Ho , Park Jeong Hwan , Park Hye Eun , Cho Nam‐Yun , Kang Gyeong Hoon
Published: September 2017

Aims

The precise profile of aberrant expression of thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) according to antibody clones in colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) has been controversial. Moreover, the detailed clinicopathological and molecular features of CRCs with TTF‐1 expression have rarely been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate TTF‐1 expression status in a large series of CRC cases by using three different antibody clones.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry for TTF‐1 with clones 8G7G3/1, SPT24 and SP141 was performed on tumour tissues of 1319 primary CRCs and 98 corresponding metastatic lesions. Among the 1319 CRCs, TTF‐1 expression was detected in 68 cases by both clone SPT24 and clone SP141. TTF‐1 expression was not detected in any of the cases when clone 8G7G3/1 was used. The 68 CRCs with TTF‐1 expression detected by both clone SPT24 and clone SP141 were considered to be TTF‐1‐positive in this study. TTF‐1 positivity was significantly associated with distal tumour location, non‐mucinous histology, intact CDX2 expression and a low frequency of KRAS mutations in CRCs. Nearly all TTF‐1‐positive CRCs showed microsatellite‐stable and CpG island methylator phenotype‐negative statuses. TTF‐1 positivity was also found in all metastatic lesions of the five TTF‐1‐positive primary CRCs. TTF‐1 negativity was maintained in all metastatic lesions of the 93 TTF‐1‐negative primary CRCs.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that the frequency and characteristics of aberrant TTF‐1 expression in CRCs vary according to the antibody clone. Aberrant TTF‐1 expression detected by clone SPT24 or SP141 may be encountered preferentially in distally located, conventional pathway‐type CRCs.
The chemotherapy response score is a useful histological predictor of prognosis in high‐grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Singh Priya , Kaushal Vikrant , Rai Bhavana , Rajwanshi Arvind , Gupta Nalini , Dey Pranab , Garg Rashi , Rohilla Manish , Suri Vanita , Ghoshal Sushmita , Srinivasan Radhika
Published: September 2017

Aims

High‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common tubal/ovarian malignant tumour, and usually presents at an advanced stage. Interval debulking surgery (IDS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is being increasingly used for the management of these patients. The chemotherapy response score (CRS) has been proposed for grading the response of tubo‐ovarian HGSC to NACT on the basis of examination of IDS specimens. Our aims were to evaluate the CRS in post‐NACT cases, assess the interobserver agreement, and correlate it with overall and progression‐free survival.

Methods and results

The CRS was applied by two independent pathologists on omental and adnexal tumour tissue sections from post‐NACT patients with HGSC who had undergone IDS. The assigned primary site of tumour origin was documented. The interobserver agreement and prognostic significance of the CRS were evaluated. There were 103 cases, and in 61.1% of cases a fallopian tubal origin was confirmed. There were 26, 35 and 42 cases with CRSs of 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The interobserver variability for CRS was low (κ = 0.806). The CRS showed a significant correlation with progression‐free survival (CRS 1 and 2 versus 3: median survival 16 months versus 18 months; P = 0.004); however, after controlling for debulking status, this association was not significant. The CRS applied to adnexal sections did not show any prognostic significance for either progression‐free or overall survival.

Conclusion

The CRS is an easy and reproducible method for predicting the prognosis in post‐NACT HGSC patients.
Inactivation kinetics of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in peach juice treated with gaseous ozone
Authors: Jaramillo Sánchez Gabriela M. , Garcia Loredo Analia B. , Contigiani Eunice V. , Gómez Paula L. , Alzamora Stella M.
Published: September 2017

The effectiveness of gaseous ozone for inactivating peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) in peach juice was investigated. The suitability of first‐order and Weibull models to describe inactivation kinetics was also analysed. Peach juice was exposed to ozone (0.11 and 0.20 mg O3 min−1 mL−1) in a bubble column up to 12 min at 20 ± 1 °C. Enzyme activities were reduced due to treatments. The magnitude of the inactivation increased with ozone level and exposure time. Reductions in activity after 12 min of treatment ranged between 99.5% and 99.8% for POD and between 93.9% and 97.3% for PPO, depending on ozone concentration. Inactivation curves were successfully fitted with the first‐order and Weibull models; although, based on the root‐mean‐square error, the corrected Akaike and the Bayesian Schwarz criterion, the Weibull model showed stronger capability in all cases.
THE TREATMENT OF LITHIUM POISONING
Authors: COATS D. A. , TRAUTNER E. M. , GERSHON S.
Published: September 2017

Lithium salts are valuable in treatment of psychomotor overactivity. Administered lithium is distributed throughout the total body water and intracellular lithium accumulates at the expense of potassium. Lithium appears to interfere with intracellular, potassium‐dependent, metabolism.

Sporadic cases of intoxication may occur if treatment is not controlled clinically and biochemically. The symptoms are: gastro‐intestinal disturbance, ataxia, urinary and fœtal incontinence, and coma. Preliminary symptoms may be insidious, and coma may develop suddenly. Treatment aims at promotion of cellular potassium uptake with release of lithium for renal excretion.

Six illustrative cases are reported.
EFFECT OF BILATERAL ADRENALECTOMY ON THE BLOOD PRESSURE OF RATS WITH SPONTANEOUS INHERITED HYPERTENSION
Authors: NOLLA—PANADES J. , SMIRK F. H.
Published: September 2017

Rats bred to develop hypertension spontaneously and control rats have been subjected to bilateral adrenalectomy. One per centum salt solution was given as drinking fluid to secure survival. The blood pressure difference between the genetic hypertensive rats and controls was maintained, and does not appear therefore to be dependent on the presence of the adrenal gland.
RADIOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE UPPER PART OF THE ALIMENTARY TRACT IN PARKINSONISM
Authors: EADIE M. J. , TYRER J. H.
Published: September 2017

Radiological studies of the upper part of the alimentary tract were made in 72 subjects with Parkinsonism and 264 control subjects of a similar age distribution. A significantly greater incidence of hiatus hernia, gastro‐œsophageal reflux, segmental spasm of the oesophagus and delayed cesophageal passage of contrast medium occurred in the Parkinsonian patients. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed.
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIZING CELLS IN THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF PATIENTS WITH “AUTO‐IMMUNE“ DISORDERS
Authors: COOPER I. A. , FIRKIN B. G.
Published: September 2017

The number of cells capable of synthesizing deoxyribonucleic acid was estimated in the peripheral blood of patients with a variety of disorders. A significant increase above normal was found in patients with a group of “autoimmune” disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus, progressive hepatitis, acquired hæmolytic anæmia and rheumatoid arthritis, and three further patients with aplastic A normal level of these cells was observed in two patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hæmoglobinuria, and in a patient with hæmolytic anæmia and renal insufficiency. However, in four patients with hereditary spherocytosis the level of these cells was elevated. The significance of these findings is discussed.
HEREDITARY ELLIPTOCYTOSIS : GENETIC LINKAGE WITH THE RH CHROMOSOME
Authors: LOVRIC V. A. , WALSH R. J. , BRADLEY MARGARET A.
Published: September 2017

A girl, aged seven years, who presented with hæmolytic anæmia, was found to have elliptocytosis. The inherited red‐cell anomaly was found in two of her siblings, her mother, and eight of her mother's relatives, but none suffered from hæmolytic anæmia. The elliptocyte gene was linked to the Rh blood group, and no instance of recombination was found.
SERUM URATE AND URATE CLEARANCE IN DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: DE COEK NANETTE M.
Published: September 2017

Values for serum urate level, urate clearance and serum creatinine and creatinine clearance from 32 male diabetics and 32 proven non‐diabetic matched controls are reported, together with relevant clinical data. Statistically, the serum urate level is significantly lower in the diabetic group, whereas the urate clearance is significantly higher than in the controls. It is postulated that the results indicate the occurrence of renal tubular damage in the diabetic kidney.
EUCALYPTUS OIL POISONING TREATED BY DIALYSIS AND MANNITOL INFUSION
Authors: GURR F. W. , SCROGGIE J. G.
Published: September 2017

Oil of eucalyptus is a toxic substance capable of producing severe cardio‐vascular, respiratory and central nervous system manifestations after ingestion by an adult of as little as 4 ml. The literature describing this substance as a poison is reviewed, and a case of severe intoxication with prolonged coma is reported. Successful management of this case included the use of mannitol, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and the contribution of these measures to the treatment of poisoning is discussed. The effective removal of eucalyptol by dialysis suggests the application of this form of therapy to poisoning by other volatile oils.
HYPOTHALAMIC‐PITUITARY SARCOIDOSIS
Authors: MORGAN TREFOR , COUPLAND W. G. , VANDERFIELD G. K. , CHURCH DAVID
Published: September 2017

Three cases of sarcoidosis involving the brain in the region of the hypothalamus are described. The lesions caused markedly different disturbances of hypothalamic‐pituitary function, ranging from anterior and posterior pituitary failure to a pure hypothalamic syndrome. Two patients had signs indicative of an intracranial space‐occupying lesion. Corticosteroid therapy was used in two cases, and produced remissions of diabetes insipidus which have lasted for six years.
OLIGURIC RENAL FAILURE: A REPORT OF 400 CASES INCLUDING CLASSIFICATION, SURVIVAL AND RESPONSE TO DIALYSIS
Authors: KIRKLAND K. , EDWARDS K. D. G. , WHYTE H. M.
Published: September 2017

A brief review is given of the clinical experience of the Renal Unit in 400 consecutive patient admissions for oliguric renal failure over a period of six and a half years. Clinical classification into 13 groups, depending on the circumstances initiating acute renal failure, revealed marked variation in survival (10% to 85%), and the need for and the results of dialysis also varied between groups. The findings support an earlier analysis of 275 cases (Healy et alii, 1963).

Ranked in ascending order of survival, the circumstances in which oliguria occurred were: primary renal disease; cardio‐vascular disease; other generalized medical disease; septicæmia; severe burns and trauma (53% of patients, with 10% to 30% survival) ; intra‐abdominal disorders, both medical and surgical (20% of patients, with 50% survival) ; urological procedures and reactions to drugs and chemicals (14% of patients, with 60% survival); and obstetrical cases and blood transfusion reactions (13% of patients, with 85% survival). Classification into such groups, which can be simply made, is valuable in assessing prognosis and the results of treatment.

Hæmodialysis and peritoneal dialysis were reserved until severe urmia developed in spite of conservative therapy (60% of cases). Survival was thought to depend on dialysis in 30% of all cases. Frequent or prophylactic dialysis (Easterling and Forland, 1964), when compared with the present series, did not seem to offer significantly better survival rates.
A METABOLIC DEFECT OF THE LYMPHOCYTES IN A CASE OF HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINÆMIA
Authors: FORBES I. J. , MILAZZO S. C.
Published: September 2017

A case of adult primary (acquired) hypogammaglobulinæmia is described. Mucosal atrophy of the stomach with lymphocytic infiltration was an unusual finding.

By immunoelectrophoretic analysis, gamma‐2 globulin was demonstrated in the serum, but beta‐2A and beta‐2M globulins were not detected. It is probable that most of the gamma‐2 globulin came from therapeutically administered globulin. The level of gamma globulin was estimated to be 20 mg. per 100 ml. before treatment with pooled gamma globulin was instituted.

Lymphocyte function studies showed that the patient's lymphocytes were capable of synthesizing protein in normal amounts under basal conditions. However, they failed to show the marked increase in globulin synthesis that normal lymphocytes show in the presence of phytohæmagglutinin (PHA), although there was no impairment of the cells' ability to undergo transformation when stimulated with this substance.

A metabolic defect is therefore demonstrated: the circulating lymphoid cells have lost the capacity to synthesize additional globulin when transforming in the presence of PHA.
ALVEOLAR HYDATID DISEASE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: BETT J. H. N. , ESSEX W. B.
Published: September 2017

A case of alveolar hydatid disease in a Russian migrant is described. The alveolar form of hydatid disease is characterized by an infiltrative mode of growth associated with extensive necrosis and caseation. A definite outer limiting membrane as found in the ordinary form of the disease is absent.
THE VALUE OF PROTEIN‐BOUND IODINE AND TRIIODOTHYRONINE RESIN UPTAKE IN ASSESSING THYROID FUNCTION
Authors: WELLBY MAURICE , O'HALLORAN M. W.
Published: September 2017

The experiences gained in performing protein‐bound iodine (P.B.I.) and triiodothyronine resin uptake (T3 uptake) assays in a series of 332 plasma samples from human subjects are described. The subjects are classified into clinical categories on the basis of their thyroid status, and from a consideration of extrathyroid factors such as iodine contamination and the presence of thyroid‐binding abnormalities in the serum. There are categories also for patients undergoing treatment for thyroid disorders.

The P.B.I. assay was performed by Acland's (1957) procedure, and the T3 uptake assay by modifications of the method of Woldring et alii (1961). The results in each category are subjected to an analysis of variance.

For euthyroid subjects without goitre, the mean value for P.B.I. level is 5·65 µg. per 100 ml. of plasma, with a standard deviation of 0·72. The value for T3 uptake is 91·4%, with a standard deviation of 10·7. The values for euthyroid subjects with goitre are not significantly different from those without. Iodine contamination causes no change in the T3 uptake value. In subjects with increased binding, the P.B.I. level is elevated and the T3 uptake is depressed. With decreased binding, the P.B.I. level is depressed and the T3 uptake is increased.

The “P.B.I.×T3 uptake index” of Clark and Horn (1965) is found to be very useful in assessing the thyroid status of patients with binding abnormalities. The P.B.I. assay is found to be the method of choice in the diagnosis of primary thyrotoxicosis and myxœdema. The P.B.I. assay is misleading, but the T3 uptake is accurate in the diagnosis of the thyroid status of thyroxine‐treated myxœdema patients. The P.B.I.×T3 uptake index is more useful than either the P.B.I. assay or the T3 uptake alone in assessing the response to radioiodine therapy of thyrotoxic patients.