bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and subclassification of thymoma by minimally invasive fine needle aspiration directed by endobronchial ultrasound: a review and discussion of four cases
Authors: Moonim M. T. , Breen R. , Gill‐Barman B. , Santis G.
Published: July 2012

M.T. Moonim, R. Breen, B. Gill‐Barman and G. Santis

Diagnosis and subclassification of thymoma by minimally invasive fine needle aspiration directed by endobronchial ultrasound: a review and discussion of four cases

Thymomas have been classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) into six groups, based on the morphology of epithelial cells and the ratio between epithelial cells and lymphocytes within the tumour. Among 1458 consecutive cases of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) performed in a tertiary referral centre between February 2008 and February 2012, we have encountered four cases of thymic neoplasms. We discuss the cytomorphological features of three cases of type B thymoma (one each of B1, B2 and B3 subtypes) and one case of thymic carcinoma diagnosed on EBUS‐TBNA using cell blocks, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry which allowed preoperative chemotherapy to be carried out in two cases, diagnosis to be made after unsatisfactory surgical mediastinoscopy in the third and diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of the thymic carcinoma in the fourth. The differential diagnosis and criteria for subclassification of thymomas are discussed; although subclassification of these cases was possible in these cases, and tumours other than thymoma excluded, additional cases would be necessary to assess the potential accuracy of EBUS‐TBNA. These, to the best of our knowledge, represent the first cases of thymoma that were diagnosed and subclassified according to WHO criteria using multimodality evaluation of EBUS‐derived cytological aspirates.
Rapid oxygen exchange across the leaves of Littorella uniflora provides tolerance to sediment anoxia
Authors: MØLLER CLAUS L. , SAND‐JENSEN KAJ
Published: July 2012

1. Littorella uniflora and Lobelia dortmanna are prominent small rosette species in nutrient‐poor, soft‐water lakes because of efficient root exchange of CO2 and O2. We hypothesise that higher gas exchange across the leaves of L. uniflora than of L. dortmanna ensures O2 uptake from water and underlies its greater tolerance to sediment anoxia following organic enrichment.

2. We studied plant response to varying sediment O2 demand and biogeochemistry by measuring photosynthesis, gas exchange across leaves and O2 dynamics in plants during long‐term laboratory and field studies. Frequent non‐destructive sampling of sediment pore water was used to track changes in sediment biogeochemistry.

3. Addition of organic matter triggered O2 depletion and accumulation of , Fe2+ and CO2 in sediments. Gas exchange across leaf surfaces was 13–16 times higher for L. uniflora than for L. dortmanna. Oxygen in the leaf lacunae of L. uniflora remained above 10 kPa late at night on anoxic sediments despite organic enrichment. Leaf content of N and P of L. uniflora remained sufficient to keep up photosynthesis despite prolonged sediment anoxia, whereas nutrient content was too low for long‐term survival of L. dortmanna.

4. High gas exchange across L. uniflora leaves improves its performance and survival on anoxic sediments compared with L. dortmanna. Lobelia dortmanna uses the same gas‐tight leaves in air and water, which makes it highly susceptible to sediment anoxia but more cost‐effective in ultra‐oligotrophic environments because of slow leaf turnover.
Effects of a nurse‐led acupressure programme for stroke patients in China
Authors: Yue Shujin , Jiang Xiaolian , Wong Thomas
Published: July 2012

Aim and objective.  To examine the effects of a nurse‐led acupressure programme on the recovery of motor function and daily activities of stroke patients.

Background.  Stroke is one of the main causes of death and permanent physical disability in the world. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with stroke in China. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy cannot be performed several times a day. Therefore, researchers and healthcare providers have been seeking effective and efficient alternative strategies for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Acupressure, non‐invasive and widely accessible to any healthcare professionals, is one of the promising alternatives.

Methods.  Seventy‐eight stroke patients were recruited and randomly assigned into an intervention or control group, with 39 patients in each. The intervention group received acupressure plus routine care, while the control group received only routine care only. The acupressure treatment was carried out by nurses. Patient’s activities of daily living (ADL) and motor function from both groups were evaluated at the point of recruitment, and at the end of the first and third month after stroke.

Results.  The ADL and the Fugl‐Meyer motor scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group at the end of the third month (p < 0·05).

Conclusion.  Nurse‐led acupressure programme had positive effects on the recovery of motor function and daily activities of stroke patients. Our study suggests that nurse‐led acupressure programmes play an important role in the recovery of stroke patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Healthcare providers need to think about alternative care methods including acupressure for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Acupressure is one of the promising alternatives nursing intervention for stroke patients in practice.
Detection of Neoparamoeba perurans by duplex quantitative Taqman real‐time PCR in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded Atlantic salmonid gill tissues
Authors: Fringuelli E , Gordon A W , Rodger H , Welsh M D , Graham D A
Published: July 2012

The development and the application of a quantitative duplex real‐time PCR for the detection of Neoparamoeba perurans and the elongation factor α 1 gene (ELF) of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), are described. A set of primers and probe was designed to amplify a 139‐bp fragment specific to the N. perurans 18S rRNA gene. The test was shown to be very sensitive, being able to detect as little as 13.4 DNA copies per μL corresponding to 0.15 fg of template DNA. In addition, the reaction that detected N. perurans was found to have a high degree of repeatability and reproducibility, to have a linear dynamic range (R2 = 0.999) extending over 5 log10 dilutions and to have a high efficiency (104%). The assay was applied to DNA samples extracted from 48 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) salmon gill tissues showing varying degrees of gill histopathology and amoebic gill disease (AGD)‐type histopathology ranging from absent to severe (each scored 0–3). Neoparamoeba perurans DNA was detected in all the blocks where AGD‐type histopathology was diagnosed microscopically and in 43.6% of the blocks showing signs of gill pathology. The association between parasitic load and gill histopathology and AGD‐type histopathology severity was also investigated. This study also describes the development and the application of a second real‐time PCR for the generic detection of Neoparamoeba spp., Page, 1987. A set of primers and probe conserved among the Neoparamoeba spp. was designed to amplify a 150‐bp fragment within the 18S rRNA gene. Applied to N. perurans‐negative gill tissues, the method was used to exclude the presence of other Neoparamoeba spp. in those blocks where gill pathology was observed microscopically.
Symbiont communities and host genetic structure of the brain coral Platygyra verweyi, at the outlet of a nuclear power plant and adjacent areas
Authors: KESHAVMURTHY SHASHANK , HSU CHIA‐MIN , KUO CHAO‐YANG , MENG PEI‐JIE , WANG JIH‐TERNG , CHEN CHAOLUN A.
Published: July 2012

In the context of rising seawater temperatures associated with climate change,  the issue of whether coral holobionts deal with this challenge by shuffling their associations with stress‐ and/or heat‐tolerant Symbiodinium, by generating heat‐resistant host genotypes, or both is important for coral survival. In this study, the composition of communities of the endosymbiont Symbiodinium and the population genetics of the coral host Platygyra verweyi were examined in a reef impacted by hot‐water discharged from the outlet of a nuclear power plant in operation in Kenting, Southern Taiwan since 1984. The water at this site is 2.0–3.0 °C warmer than adjacent reefs in summer, which have an average seawater temperature of 29.0 °C. The data were compared with those for the same species at other sites within 12 km of the outlet site. Platygyra verwyei was associated with one or both of Symbiodinium types C3 (heat sensitive) and D1a (heat tolerant) at all sites with the latter being the dominant at the nuclear power plant outlet. The proportion of C3 in populations increased gradually with increasing distance from the hot‐water discharge. Genetic analysis of the Platygyra verweyi host using mitochondrial and nuclear markers showed no genetic differentiation among sites. Changes in the composition of Symbiodinium types associated with P. verweyi among closely located sites in Kenting suggested that this coral might have acclimatized to the constant thermal stress by selective association with heat‐tolerant Symbiodinium types, whereas the role of the host in adaptation was inconclusive.
Mortality of Chagas’ disease in Brazil: spatial patterns and definition of high‐risk areas
Authors: Martins‐Melo Francisco Rogerlândio , Ramos Alberto Novaes , Alencar Carlos Henrique , Lange Wolfram , Heukelbach Jorg
Published: July 2012

Objective  To describe patterns of spatial distribution of mortality associated with Chagas’ disease in Brazil.

Methods  Nationwide study of all deaths in Brazil from 1999 to 2007, where Chagas’ disease was recorded as a cause of death. Data were obtained from the national Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health. We calculated the mean mortality rate for each municipality of residence in three‐year intervals and the entire period. Empirical Bayes smoothing was used to minimise random variation in mortality rates because of the population size in the municipalities. To evaluate the existence of spatial autocorrelation, global and local Moran’s I indices were used.

Results  The nationwide mean mortality rate associated with Chagas’ disease was 3.37/100 000 inhabitants/year, with a maximum of 138.06/100 000 in one municipality. Independently from the statistical approach, spatial analysis identified a large cluster of high risk for mortality by Chagas’ disease, involving nine states in the Central region of Brazil.

Conclusion  This study defined geographical priority areas for the management of Chagas’ disease and consequently reducing disease‐associated mortality in Brazil. Different spatial‐analytical approaches can be integrated to provide data for planning, monitoring and evaluating specific intervention measures.
A survey on the feeding of eventing horses during competition
Authors: Brunner J. , Wichert B. , Burger D. , von Peinen K. , Liesegang A.
Published: July 2012

Summary This study aims at the comparison of the actual feeding of horses with the recommendations from the literature, and it studies the effects of feeding and exercise on several blood metabolic parameters before and after exercise. Blood samples were collected from 25 horses during one‐star eventing competitions and evaluated for blood glucose, insulin, lactate, free fatty acids and triglyceride levels. Questionnaires on the feeding practices of the horses were evaluated. The questionnaires revealed that during training, and on tournament days, horses received on average 4.3 kg of concentrate per day (min. 1.54 kg, max. 8 kg). The statistical analysis showed no significant effect of the amount of concentrate fed before exercise on the measured blood values. Oil was supplied as a supplementary energy source to 30% of the horses, but most of them only received very small quantities (0.02–0.4 l/day). Five horses (20%) had no access to salt supplements at all, and eleven horses (45%) had no access to salt on tournament days. Fifteen horses (60%) were supplied with mineral feed. Twenty‐one horses (84%) had daily access to pasture during the training period. During competition, 55% of the horses received roughage ad libitum, compared with 37% during training. The majority of the horses received less roughage on days before the cross‐country competition. It could not be ascertained whether feeding a large amounts of roughage had a beneficial effect on performance, because only a few horses in this study were fed with very restrictive roughage. Feeding of most of the horses was in agreement with the recommendations from the literature, except the need for sodium and chloride. The sodium and chloride need for sport horses may be overestimated in literature and needs to be re‐evaluated.
In vitro adhesion of Candida glabrata to denture base acrylic resin modified by glow‐discharge plasma treatment
Authors: Zamperini Camila Andrade , de Lima Carneiro Haline , Rangel Elidiane Cipriano , Cruz Nilson Cristino , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Machado Ana Lucia
Published: July 2012

This study evaluated the potential of plasma treatments to modify the surface chemistry and hydrophobicity of a denture base acrylic resin to reduce the Candida glabrata adhesion. Specimens (n = 54) with smooth surfaces were made and divided into three groups (n = 18): control – non‐treated; experimental groups – submitted to plasma treatment (Ar/50 W; AAt/130 W). The effects of these treatments on chemical composition and surface topography of the acrylic resin were evaluated. Surface free energy measurements (SFE) were performed after the treatments and after 48 h of immersion in water. For each group, half (n = 9) of the specimens were preconditionated with saliva before the adhesion assay. The number of adhered C. glabrata was evaluated by cell counting after crystal violet staining. The Ar/50 W and AAt/130 W treatments altered the chemistry composition, hydrophobicity and topography of acrylic surface. The Ar/50 W group showed significantly lower C. glabrata adherence than the control group, in the absence of saliva. After preconditioning with saliva, C. glabrata adherence in experimental and control groups did not differ significantly. There were significant changes in the SFE after immersion in water. The results demonstrated that Ar/50 W treated surfaces have potential for reducing C. glabrata adhesion to denture base resins and deserve further investigation, especially to tailor the parameters to prolong the increased wettability.
Masseter muscle tension and chewing ability in older persons
Authors: Ohara Yuki , Hirano Hirohiko , Watanabe Yutaka , Edahiro Ayako , Sato Emiko , Shinkai Shoji , Yoshida Hiroto , Mataki Shiro
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Mastication is an important function to maintain, not only for oral health, but also for quality of life. An easy‐to‐use method to evaluate the chewing ability of elderly people in any environment is necessary. Few studies have discussed the effectiveness of the masseter muscle by palpation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the availability of masseter muscle tension assessment methods by investigating its relationship with oral health status, and comparing it with other methods of assessing chewing ability.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study was carried out with 547 community‐dwelling elderly subjects (246 men and 301 women; mean age 73.8 ± 6.2 years) who participated in a comprehensive annual geriatric health examination in 2010 at Kusatsu, Gunma, Japan. Chewing ability was evaluated by masseter muscle tension palpation, differences of masseter muscle thickness, occlusal force, self‐reported chewing ability, and the number of remaining and functional teeth. Masseter muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography.

Results:  Masseter muscle thickness and occlusal force showed significant differences between males and females. The strength of masseter muscle tension palpation was significantly associated with men's occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness, the number of remaining and functional teeth, and self‐reported chewing ability (P < 0.05). Female participants showed a significant association with occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness, the number of remaining teeth, and self‐reported chewing ability and results of palpation (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  These results showed that the palpation of masseter muscle tension is a reliable and easy‐to‐use method to evaluate the chewing ability of elderly people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 372–377.
Evaluation of the distance between Schwalbe’s line and the anterior lens capsule as a parameter for the correction of ultrasound biomicroscopic values of the canine iridocorneal angle
Authors: Kawata Manabu , Hasegawa Takashi
Published: July 2012

Objective To determine whether the distance between Schwalbe’s line (the peripheral termination of Descemet’s membrane, i.e., the borderline between the cornea and sclera) and the anterior lens capsule (SLD) is an applicable parameter for correcting raw ultrasound biomicroscopic values of the canine iridocorneal angle (ICA) and to establish a comparative system for the ICA values in different canine breeds with varied body sizes/weights.

Animal studied The dogs were divided into four groups based on body weight (BW): <4 kg, 4–8 kg, 8–20 kg, and >20 kg, and 180 normotensive eyes were studied.

Procedures The ICA microstructure was examined by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) using 40‐MHz probes in dogs with or without anesthesia/sedation. Linear regression analysis and correlation coefficients were evaluated between SLD or SLD2and UBM measurements; subsequently, noncorrected and SLD‐corrected UBM values were statistically assessed.

Results Significant linear correlations were detected between SLD and the ciliary cleft width, the minimum distance between the angle recess and the scleral venous plexus, and the scleral thickness. Positive linear correlations were also demonstrated between SLD2and the ciliary cleft area as well as the scleral venous plexus area. Raw UBM measurements were corrected by using a ratio with SLD on the distance or SLD2on the area. Although noncorrected UBM measurements increased with canine BW, SLD‐corrected UBM values remained similar with no significant statistical differences in any of the dogs.

Conclusions Correction with SLD would be clinically useful for comparing UBM measurements of the ICA in dogs with different body sizes/weights.
Predictors of ischaemic heart disease in a Malaysian population with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Yeow T. P. , Khir A. S. , Ismail A. A.‐S. , Ismail I. S. , Kamarul Imran M. , Khalid B. A. K. , Kamaruddin N. A. , Azwany Y. N. , Mustafa N. , Osman A. , Md Isa S. H. , Bebakar W. M. W. , Nazaimoon W. M. W.
Published: July 2012

Aims  Cardiovascular disease is the foremost cause of mortality in Malaysia but little is known about the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its associations with other known cardiovascular risk markers. We undertook a population‐based study to examine these.

Methods  For the study, 4341 subjects were selected using a multistage stratified sampling method. Subjects were interviewed for personal and past medical history. Biomedical markers and anthropometric indices were measured. The metabolic syndrome was defined using the harmonized criteria. The associations between the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk markers, including high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, microalbuminuria and HbA1c were examined.

Results  The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 42.5%. Subjects with the metabolic syndrome are significantly more likely to have higher BMI (> 25 kg/m2), HbA1c [≥ 42 mmol/mol (6.0%)], LDL (≥ 2.6 mmol/l), elevated albumin:creatinine ratio (> 2.5 μg/mmol creatinine for men, 3.5 μg/mmol creatinine for women) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (> 3 mg/l); odds ratio 5.48, 6.14, 1.44, 3.68 and 1.84, respectively, P < 0.001. The presence of an elevated albumin:creatinine ratio and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein are strong predictors for the presence of a higher number of positive criteria of the metabolic syndrome. HbA1c > 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) is associated with increased relative risk of elevated albumin:creatinine ratio, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and LDL (relative risk 3.10, 2.46 and 1.65 respectively, P < 0.001).

Conclusions  We confirmed the high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Malaysia. Our study revealed a strong relationship between risk markers of elevated BMI, HbA1c, LDL, albumin:creatinine ratio and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein with the presence of the metabolic syndrome, putting them at a statistically high risk for cardiovascular mortality.
Psychological consequences of bullying for hospital and aged care nurses
Authors: Rodwell J. , Demir D.
Published: July 2012

RODWELL J. & DEMIR D. (2012) Psychological consequences of bullying for hospital and aged care nurses. International Nursing Review

Aim:  This study examines the psychological consequences of workplace bullying by negative affectivity (NA) and demographics for hospital and aged care nurses.

Introduction/Background:  Nurses are particularly vulnerable to workplace bullying, with suggestions that oppressed group behaviours may play a role. Bullying is a potent stressor that can negatively impact psychological well‐being, which, with NA and demographics, may be important in understanding the consequences of nurse bullying. Such factors are yet to be examined together across different nursing contexts.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted across hospital and aged care nurses working within a medium to large Australian healthcare organization in October 2009. The sample comprised 233 (29.1%) hospital and 208 (43.8%) aged care nurses. Analyses of covariance were used to evaluate the data.

Results:  For hospital nurses, psychological distress was noted as an impact of bullying, while depression was the impact for aged care nurses. Full‐time aged care nurses reporting bullying had higher psychological distress scores, compared with part‐time workers in the same area. NA was a significant covariate across both outcomes in both contexts.

Discussion/Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that bullying has detrimental consequences for the mental health of nurses in both hospital and aged care contexts. The results support the suggestion that nurses are an oppressed group at high risk of bullying, confirm the intrinsic nature of NA to the bullying process, and highlight the importance of employment type for aged care nurses. Given the shortage of nurses, managers need to give higher priority to addressing workplace bullying and implementing zero tolerance policies.
Access to Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and Benefit‐sharing in China: Legal Framework, Current Practices and Future Developments
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: July 2012

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is the only legally binding international instrument that governs the conservation, sustainable use, access and benefit‐sharing of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). The Treaty plays a particularly vital role in ensuring sustainable agricultural development and food security. Since its entry into force, much progress has been made in implementing the Treaty. China has not yet acceded to the Treaty even though it holds a large number of accessions. Against this background, this article introduces China's legal framework that regulates access to PGRFA and benefit‐sharing as well as current practices for access to PGRFA and benefit‐sharing in China. It recommends China's accession to the Treaty following necessary amendments to the existing legal system.
Estimating the Period of a Cyclic Non‐Homogeneous Poisson Process
Authors: BELITSER EDUARD , SERRA PAULO , ZANTEN HARRY VAN
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Motivated by applications of Poisson processes for modelling periodic time‐varying phenomena, we study a semi‐parametric estimator of the period of cyclic intensity function of a non‐homogeneous Poisson process. There are no parametric assumptions on the intensity function which is treated as an infinite dimensional nuisance parameter. We propose a new family of estimators for the period of the intensity function, address the identifiability and consistency issues and present simulations which demonstrate good performance of the proposed estimation procedure in practice. We compare our method to competing methods on synthetic data and apply it to a real data set from a call center.
Borders Redrawn: Measuring the Statistical Creation of International Trade
Authors: Cuaresma Jesus Crespo , Roser Max
Published: July 2012

In this note, we quantify how much of the increase in the volume of international trade that took place since 1945 is attributed to the reclassification of within‐country trade to international trade owing to changes in national boundaries. We do so by imposing the territorial delimitations corresponding to 1946 to the current trade flow data, thus quantifying the volume of international trade that would not have been labelled international given national boundaries right after the end of World War II. Our results show that the effect of ‘boundary redrawing’ corresponds roughly to 1 per cent of the total volume of international trade. If colonial trade had been statistically considered to be within‐country (within‐empire) trade instead of international trade, the independence of colonies would have raised this effect to approximately 3 per cent of total trade.
Determinants of incident chronic kidney disease and progression in a cohort of HIV‐infected persons with unrestricted access to health care
Authors: Ganesan A , Krantz EM , Huppler Hullsiek K , Riddle MS , Weintrob AC , Lalani T , Okulicz JF , Landrum M , Agan B , Whitman TJ , Ross MJ , Crum‐Cianflone NF ,   the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program HIV/STI Working Group
Published: July 2012

Objectives

As socioeconomic factors may impact the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), we evaluated the incidence and risk factors of incident CKD among an HIV‐infected cohort with universal access to health care and minimal injecting drug use (IDU).

Methods

Incident CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filteration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for ≥ 90 days. eGFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation. Rates were calculated per 1000 person‐years (PY). Associations with outcomes were assessed using two separate Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for baseline and time‐updated covariates.

Results

Among 3360 participants [median age 29 years; 92% male; 44% African American (AA)] contributing 23 091 PY of follow‐up, 116 developed incident CKD [5.0/1000 PY; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.2–6.0/1000 PY]. The median first eGFR value was 97.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 [interquartile range (IQR) 85.3–110.1 mL/min/1.73 m2]. Baseline factors associated with CKD included older age, lower CD4 count at HIV diagnosis [compared with CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/μL, hazard ratio (HR) 2.1 (95% CI 1.2–3.8) for CD4 count 350–499 cells/μL; HR 3.6 (95% CI 2.0–6.3) for CD4 count 201–349 cells/μL; HR 4.3 (95% CI 2.0–9.4) for CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL], and HIV diagnosis in the pre‐highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. In the time‐updated model, low nadir CD4 counts, diabetes, hepatitis B, hypertension and less HAART use were also associated with CKD. AA ethnicity was not associated with incident CKD in either model.

Conclusions

The low incidence of CKD and the lack of association with ethnicity observed in this study may in part be attributable to unique features of our cohort such as younger age, early HIV diagnosis, minimal IDU, and unrestricted access to care. Lower baseline CD4 counts were significantly associated with incident CKD, suggesting early HIV diagnosis and timely introduction of HAART may reduce the burden of CKD.
Integrating research, monitoring and management into an adaptive management framework to achieve effective conservation outcomes
Authors: Walsh J. C. , Wilson K. A. , Benshemesh J. , Possingham H. P.
Published: July 2012

Read the Feature Paper: Unexpected outcomes of invasive predator control: the importance of evaluating conservation management actions

Commentaries on this Feature Paper:Unexpected outcomes of invasive predator control; Evidence, models, conservation programs and limits to management
Reid et al. reply
Authors: Reid Susan M , Carlin John B , Reddihough Dinah S
Published: July 2012

This letter is commented on by Strauss et al. on page 867 of this issue
Chronic pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms in adults with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: VAN DER SLOT WILMA M A , NIEUWENHUIJSEN CHANNAH , VAN DEN BERG‐EMONS RITA J G , BERGEN MICHAEL P , HILBERINK SANDER R , STAM HENK J , ROEBROECK MARIJ E
Published: July 2012

Aim  To investigate the prevalence and co‐occurrence of chronic pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms in adults with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy (SBCP) and explore associations of chronic pain and fatigue with depressive symptoms and daily functioning.

Method  Fifty‐six adults with SBCP without severe cognitive impairment participated (35 males, 21 females; mean age 36y 5mo, SD 5y 10mo; Gross Motor Function Classification System level I [13], II [28], III [11], IV [4]). Chronic pain (>3mo), severity and nature of fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale; Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) were assessed. Associations were explored using multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results  The study sample had a higher prevalence of chronic pain (75% vs 39%; p<0.001), mean fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale, 4.4 [SD 1.3] vs 2.9 [SD 1.1]; p<0.001), and prevalence of depressive symptoms (25% vs 12%; p=0.004) than Dutch healthy reference samples. Chronic pain and severe fatigue co‐occurred in 34% and in combination with depressive symptoms in 16% of the participants. Severity of fatigue was associated with depressive symptoms (OR 3.38; p<0.01). Chronic pain and fatigue were not associated with limitations in daily functioning.

Interpretation  These findings suggest that adults with SBCP are severely affected by chronic pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, in addition to their spastic paresis.
Unraveling the sources of chronic pain in cerebral palsy
Authors: BELEW JOHN
Published: July 2012

This commentary is on the original article by van der Slot et al. on pages 836‐842 of this issue.
Molecular signatures of long‐lived proteins: autolytic cleavage adjacent to serine residues
Authors: Su Shih‐Ping , Lyons Brian , Friedrich Michael , McArthur Jason D. , Song Xiaomin , Xavier Dylan , Truscott Roger J. W. , Aquilina John A.
Published: July 2012

The centre of the human lens, which is composed of proteins that were synthesized prior to birth, is an ideal model for the evaluation of long‐term protein stability and processes responsible for the degradation of macromolecules. By analysing the sequences of peptides present in human lens nuclei, characteristic features of intrinsic protein instability were determined. Prominent was the cleavage on the N‐terminal side of serine residues. Despite accounting for just 9% of the amino acid composition of crystallins, peptides with N‐terminal Ser represented one‐quarter of all peptides. Nonenzymatic cleavage at Ser could be reproduced by incubating peptides at elevated temperatures. Serine residues may thus represent susceptible sites for autolysis in polypeptides exposed to physiological conditions over a period of years. Once these sites are cleaved, other chemical processes result in progressive removal or ‘laddering’ of amino acid residues from newly exposed N‐ and C‐termini. As N‐terminal Ser peptides originated from several crystallins with unrelated sequences, this may represent a general feature of long‐lived proteins.
The effects of rock fragmentation and / or deep tillage on soil skeletal material and chemical properties in a Mediterranean climate
Authors: FERRARA G. , FARRAG K. , BRUNETTI G.
Published: July 2012

In Puglia, Italy, deep tillage and rock fragmentation are common agricultural practices to prepare land for vineyards or orchards. Unfortunately, little is known about how these practices influence soil structure and quality. There is a lack of information on the consequences of these practices on the soil fractions coarser than 2 mm, which are known as rock fragments or skeletal material, the focus of this study. Soil samples were obtained from depths of 0‐20 and 20–40 cm and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and total and active calcium carbonate. For each soil depth, we determined the amount of fine earth and skeletal material by volume. The results indicate that rock fragmentation and/or deep ploughing cause a major change in soils, leading to the progressive reduction in total organic carbon and nitrogen, and to an increase in total and active calcium carbonate. In addition, there was a marked increase in skeletal material compared to undisturbed soil. The results confirm that rock fragmentation causes significant changes in soil physical properties and increases greatly the amount of skeletal material.
The biological properties of the optical isomers of propranolol and their effects on cardiac arrhythmias
Authors: BARRETT A. M. , CULLUM VALERIE A.
Published: July 2012

The optical isomers of propranolol have been compared for their β‐blocking and antiarrhythmic activities.

In blocking the positive inotropic and chronotropic responses to isoprenaline, (+)‐propranolol had less than one hundredth the potency of (–)‐propranolol. At dose levels of (+)‐propranolol which attenuated the responses to isoprenaline, there was a significant prolongation of thePRinterval of the electrocardiogram.

The metabolic responses to isoprenaline in dogs (an increase in circulating glucose, lactate and free fatty acids) were all blocked by (–)‐propranolol. (+)‐Propranolol had no effect on fatty acid mobilization but significantly reduced the increments in both lactate and glucose.

Both isomers of propranolol possessed similar depressant potency on isolated atrial muscle taken from guinea‐pigs.

The isomers of propranolol exhibited similar local anaesthetic potencies on an isolated frog nerve preparation at a level approximately three times that of procaine. The racemic compound was significantly less potent than either isomer.

Both isomers of propranolol were capable of preventing adrenaline‐induced cardiac arrhythmias in cats anaesthetized with halothane, but the mean dose of (–)‐propranolol was 0.09 ± 0.02 mg/kg whereas that of (+)‐propranolol was 4.2 ± 1.2 mg/kg. At the effective dose level of (+)‐propranolol there was a significant prolongation of thePRinterval of the electrocardiogram. Blockade of arrhythmias with both isomers was surmountable by increasing the dose of adrenaline.

Both isomers of propranolol were also capable of reversing ventricular tachycardia caused by ouabain in anaesthetized cats and dogs. The dose of (–)‐propranolol was significantly smaller than that of (+)‐propranolol in both species but much higher than that required to produce evidence of β‐blockade.

The implications of these results are discussed.
Restoration of the chronotropic effect of tyramine on rat atria after reserpine
Authors: MURNAGHAN M. F.
Published: July 2012

The restoration by various sympathomimetic amines of the chronotropic response to tyramine was studied on the isolated atria of rats pretreated with reserpine. The atria were exposed to the “restorative” sympathomimetic amine for 10 min, washed over a period of 1 hr and then tested with 10 μm tyramine. The effect of noradrenaline, dopamine and norphenylephrine before and after inhibition of monoamine oxidase by 0.5 mm iproniazid were compared with their α‐methyl and N‐alkyl analogues in their ability to restore the chronotropic response to tyramine.

Noradrenaline and adrenaline restored the chronotropic response to tyramine, the degree of restoration depending on the concentration of the restorative amine used. Noradrenaline after iproniazid and α‐methylnoradrenaline were equipotent and were about 1,000 times more active than noradrenaline where monoamine oxidase was not inhibited. Dopamine, epinine, norphenylephrine, phenylephrine, octopamine, synephrine and isoprenaline in the absence of monoamine oxidase inhibition had no effect. Dopamine after iproniazid and α‐methyldopamine were equipotent and were about 1/10 as active as α‐methylnoradrenaline. Norphenylephrine after iproniazid and metaraminol were equipotent and were about 1/500 as active as α‐methylnoradrenaline. Octopamine after iproniazid was even less active. The N‐methylated analogues were about 1/10 as active as their nor‐compounds but the N‐isopropyl analogue, isoprenaline, was devoid of activity.

Dopamine after iproniazid and α‐methyldopamine were inactive if a dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase inhibitor, disulphiram or sodium diethyldithio‐carbamate, was present.

It is concluded that, in atria of reserpinized rats, (a) protection from monoamine oxidase increases; (b) N‐substitution decreases; and (c) hydroxyl groups at the β‐carbon and ring positions 3 and 4 increase the capabilities of a sympathomimetic amine to restore the chronotropic response to tyramine.
A study of the role of noradrenaline in behavioural changes produced in the rat by psychotomimetic drugs
Authors: SUGRUE M. F.
Published: July 2012

LSD‐25, psilocybin and JB‐329 reduced the noradrenaline content of the rat hypothalamus.

All three drugs affected the acquisition of a conditioned avoidance response, LSD‐25 and psilocybin retarding and JB‐329 enhancing the acquisition. With the exception of JB‐329, doses affecting the acquisition of a conditioned avoidance response were lower than those required to decide hypothalamic noradrenaline concentrations. The time of peak drug effect on the acquisition of a conditioned avoidance response occurred approximately 1.5 hr after injection as opposed to 3 hr in the case of noradrenaline content.

The amount of LSD‐25, psilocybin and JB‐329 necessary to elicit gross behavioural excitation was similar to the dose producing noradrenaline depletion. Here also the peak behavioural effect was detected earlier.

Pretreatment with reserpine and α‐MT had no effect on the intensity of gross behavioural excitation induced by LSD‐25 and psilocybin but shortened the duration of the response. The excitation induced by JB‐329 was abolished by reserpine pretreatment and was markedly reduced both in intensity and duration by the prior injection of α‐MT.
Brain monoamines and adrenocortical activation
Authors: DE SCHAEPDRYVER A. , PREZIOSI P. , SCAPAGNINI U.
Published: July 2012

The effect of a pharmacologically induced increase or depletion of brain monoamines (5‐hydroxytryptamine, noradrenaline, dopamine) was investigated with respect to adrenocortical function.

No strict correlation was found between the depletion of brain amine stores induced by prenylamine or p‐chlorophenylalanine and adrenocortical activation, even at times in which the peak effect of brain amine depletion occurs.

Restraint stress causes a manifest increase in brain 5‐hydroxytryptamine while decreasing the cerebral noradrenaline and dopamine content. This stress strongly stimulates corticosterone secretion by the adrenals.

A monoamine oxidase inhibitor, nialamide, at a dose which causes an evident increase in brain amine concentrations, does not modify plasma corticosterone. At the same dose it was, furthermore, unable to prevent the adrenocortical stimulation induced by restraint stress.

Brain amine content does not seem to play an important part in the control of corticotrophin releasing factor in corticotrophin secretion by the pituitary gland. The relationship between hypothalamic monoamines and other neuro‐humours is discussed.
Anti‐arrhythmic, local anaesthetic, and adrenergic blocking activity of some β‐receptor antagonists
Authors: HERMANSEN KELD
Published: July 2012

The antagonistic effect of the β‐receptor blocking compounds propranolol, Ph QA 33 and INPEA on ouabain‐induced cardiac fibrillations in guinea‐pigs was compared with their local anaesthetic and β‐receptor blocking properties.

All three compounds were found capable of increasing the tolerance to ouabain and of reversing ouabain‐induced fibrillations, the ED50 being 0.3 mg/kg intravenously, 0.5 mg/kg intravenously, and 1.5 mg/kg intravenously, respectively for propranolol, Ph QA 33 and INPEA.

Propranolol and Ph QA 33 were found to be moderate to strong local anaesthetics while INPEA had a considerably weaker though significant effect.

The order of potency as β‐receptor blocking compounds was propranolol ≥ Ph QA 33 > INPEA, the latter compound being less than 1% as active as propranolol.

Despite the surprising finding that INPEA was effective against non‐catecholamine‐induced arrhythmias, the results support the general assumption that the anti‐arrhythmic effect of β‐receptor blocking compounds is related to their local anaesthetic action rather than to their β‐blocking ability.
A pharmacological study of the toxin of a Cnidarian, Chironex fleckeri Southcott
Authors: FREEMAN SHIRLEY E. , TURNER R. J.
Published: July 2012

A study has been made of the pharmacological actions of toxic preparations obtained from the box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri Southcott. Two toxin preparations were used. One was a tentacle extract which was partially purified by Sephadex gel filtration; the second was obtained by a process analogous to snake milking, and is probably similar in composition to the material injected into victims.

All preparations were extremely toxic; death in animals, following minimally lethal doses, occurred in minutes. Respiratory arrest of central origin appeared to be the terminal event in all species tested. This was accompanied by marked signs of cardiotoxicity. The heart was slowed, irregular, and showed varying degrees of conduction delay. Terminally it showed atrioventricular block.

Blood pressure changes were biphasic. An initial rise in carotid pressure was followed by a profound fall; a second rise to an above normal level frequently followed this. These blood pressure oscillations were damped down by prior treatment with hexamethonium but the hypertensive response remained.

Blood samples taken before terminal apnoea showed a variable degree of haemolysis and a raised K+ level.

Experiments with isolated organ preparations suggested that the toxin had a non‐specific lytic effect on cells, but did not contain pharmacologically active substances of small molecular weight such as 5‐hydroxytryptamine.

It is suggested that the toxin(s) act by altering membrane permeability; the signs at death may reflect the sensitivity of the target organs to such a change.
Uptake of dopamine by platelets in vivo
Authors: Boullin D. J. , McMahon E. M. , O'Brien R. A.
Published: July 2012

Circulating platelets of cats infused with 141C‐dopamine take up the amine against a concentration gradient, with maximal concen‐tration occurring 10 min after infusion. 58%, of the platelet‐bound radioactive dopamine was localized in a subcellular fraction rich in 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) storage organ‐elles. The results support earlier work with human platelets showing in vitro dopamine

uptake by normal platelets, and in vivo accumulation in parkinsonian patients treated with l‐dopa.
The effects of adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoprenaline on inhibitory α‐ and β‐adrenoceptors in the longitudinal muscle of the guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: KOSTERLITZ H. W. , LYDON R. J. , WATT A. J.
Published: July 2012

Two preparations, a segment of the ileum and the myenteric plexus‐longitudinal muscle preparation, have been used for an analysis of the inhibitory effects of adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoprenaline on the contractor responses of the longitudinal muscle to acetylcholine or to electrical, coaxial or field, stimulation.

Since the inhibitory effects of adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoprenaline on the acetylcholine‐induced contractions were not affected by phenoxybenzamine but were antagonized by propranolol, it is concluded that β‐adrenoceptors are present on the muscle cells.

The responses to electrical stimulation were suppressed by adrenaline or noradrenaline but only partly inhibited by isoprenaline. Propranolol antagonized the effect of isoprenaline and, to some extent, that of noradrenaline, but scarcely affected the action of adrenaline. Phenoxybenzamine, on the other hand, antagonized most of the effect of adrenaline and, to some extent, that of noradrenaline; it usually potentiated the effect of isoprenaline.

The output of acetylcholine evoked by electrical stimulation was diminished by adrenaline or noradrenaline but was not affected by isoprenaline. The depressant effect on acetylcholine release was antagonized by phenoxybenzamine but not affected by propranolol; therefore these effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline are mediated by α‐adrenoceptors.

It may be assumed that α‐adrenoceptors in situ are stimulated mainly by circulating adrenaline and possibly noradrenaline and thus cause a prejunctional inhibition at the nerve‐smooth muscle junction.
Interaction of atropine‐like drugs with dopamine‐containing neurones in rat brain
Authors: BOWERS M. B. , ROTH R. H.
Published: July 2012

A variety of atropine‐like drugs effective in the treatment of drug‐induced extrapyramidal syndromes have been investigated with regard to their interaction with dopamine‐containing neurones in rat brain.

Under some conditions benztropine, trihexyphenidyl, atropine and ethopropazine significantly antagonized the chlorpromazine‐induced increase in subcortical concentrations of homovanillic acid.

Most of the atropine‐like drugs investigated also decreased the turnover of dopamine in the subcortex as measured by following the disappearance of dopamine after administration of α‐methyl‐p‐tyrosine.

These findings are suggestive that an imbalance between a dopaminergic and cholinergic system might be closely linked to the pathogenesis of extrapyramidal movement disorders.
Effect of physostigmine on ventricular fibrillation and myocardial glycogen in hypothermic dogs
Authors: DAS P. K. , SINHA P. S.
Published: July 2012

Physostigmine (0·1 mg/kg i.v.) given at 37° C and 25° C rectal temperatures, completely protected the hypothermic dog heart against ventricular fibrillation.

Pentolinium, atropine, vagotomy and reserpine did not significantly alter the incidence of ventricular fibrillation.

The incidence of ventricular fibrillation under hypothermia could be significantly increased by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation in coronary ligated hypothermic dogs was reduced to half by physostigmine pretreatment.

Hypothermia produced ventricular glycogen depletion and physostigmine prevented ventricular glycogenolysis under hypothermia. However, in the normothermic state physostigmine itself produced a significant decrease in cardiac glycogen.

The relation between the antifibrillatory and antiglycogenolytic effects of physostigmine under hypothermia are discussed.