bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species richness and diversity along edaphic and climatic gradients in Amazonia
Authors: Tuomisto Hanna , Zuquim Gabriela , Cárdenas Glenda
Published: July 2014

The number of species is known to decrease from the humid tropics towards drier and colder climates, but how species richness varies along environmental and spatial gradients within the tropical rain forests is not clear. We inventoried 214 transects of 0.25 ha to document species diversity patterns in an example plant group (ferns and lycophytes) across non‐inundated rain forests of western and central Amazonia, and assessed how well these conformed with proposed hypotheses about species richness. The observed number of species varied between 6 and 71 per transect. The effective number of species (emphasising the degree of unevenness in species abundances) varied between 1.02 and 8.60, and diversity profiles revealed considerable differences among transects in community structure. Although the density of individuals varied over almost two orders of magnitude, species diversity was better explained by other variables. In particular, within‐transect species diversity increased substantially with increasing soil cation concentration. It also increased with soil aluminium concentration, heterogeneity in soil chemistry, annual rainfall and dry season rainfall, and was higher in western than in central Amazonia. Multiple regression models explained up to 70% of the variance in species diversity, but the relationships between species diversity and the environmental gradients became progressively weaker as species abundances were given more weight in the calculation of diversity. Our results conformed to the proposal that site productivity promotes species diversity. This seemed to arise from larger species pools on more fertile soils and in wetter climates, even when it could be expected that the older and more widespread infertile soils would have provided more opportunities for speciation.
Assembly rules of ectoparasite communities across scales: combining patterns of abiotic factors, host composition, geographic space, phylogeny and traits
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Khokhlova Irina S. , Stanko Michal , Morand Serge , Mouillot David
Published: July 2014

We investigated the role of environmental filtering as an underlying mechanism of assembly of compound communities of fleas parasitic on Palearctic small mammals at two spatial scales; a continental scale (encompassing regions across the entire Palearctic) and a regional scale (across sampling localities within Slovakia). We used the three‐table ordination (the RLQ analysis) and its extended version that links species occurrences with geographic space, environmental variables, and species traits and phylogeny (the ESLTP analysis). We asked whether environmental filtering acts as an assembly rule of compound communities of fleas and, if yes, a) whether the effect of environment on species composition of compound communities of fleas differs between spatial scales and b) what are the relative importance of the abiotic and host environments. We found that compound communities of fleas are, to a great extent, assembled via environmental filters that represent interplay between filtering via abiotic environment and filtering via host composition. The relative importance of these two components of environmental filtering differed between spatial scales. Host composition had a stronger effect on flea assembly than abiotic environment on the continental scale, while the opposite was true for the regional scale. The likely reason behind this scale‐dependence is that communities on the regional scale are mainly governed by ecological and epidemiological processes, while communities on the continental scale are mainly affected by evolutionary, biogeographic and historical forces.
Important marine habitat off east Antarctica revealed by two decades of multi‐species predator tracking
Authors: Raymond Ben , Lea Mary‐Anne , Patterson Toby , Andrews‐Goff Virginia , Sharples Ruth , Charrassin Jean‐Benoît , Cottin Manuelle , Emmerson Louise , Gales Nick , Gales Rosemary , Goldsworthy Simon D. , Harcourt Rob , Kato Akiko , Kirkwood Roger , Lawton Kieran , Ropert‐Coudert Yan , Southwell Colin , van den Hoff John , Wienecke Barbara , Woehler Eric J. , Wotherspoon Simon , Hindell Mark A.
Published: July 2014

Satellite telemetry data are a key source of animal distribution information for marine ecosystem management and conservation activities. We used two decades of telemetry data from the East Antarctic sector of the Southern Ocean. Habitat utilization models for the spring/summer period were developed for six highly abundant, wide‐ranging meso‐ and top‐predator species: Adélie Pygoscelis adeliae and emperor Aptenodytes forsteri penguins, light‐mantled albatross Phoebetria palpebrata, Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella, southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina, and Weddell seals Leptonychotes weddellii. The regional predictions from these models were combined to identify areas utilized by multiple species, and therefore likely to be of particular ecological significance. These areas were distributed across the longitudinal breadth of the East Antarctic sector, and were characterized by proximity to breeding colonies, both on the Antarctic continent and on subantarctic islands to the north, and by sea‐ice dynamics, particularly locations of winter polynyas. These areas of important habitat were also congruent with many of the areas reported to be showing the strongest regional trends in sea ice seasonality. The results emphasize the importance of on‐shore and sea‐ice processes to Antarctic marine ecosystems. Our study provides ocean‐basin‐scale predictions of predator habitat utilization, an assessment of contemporary habitat use against which future changes can be assessed, and is of direct relevance to current conservation planning and spatial management efforts.
Dental student perception and assessment of their clinical knowledge in educating patients about preventive dentistry
Authors: Metz M. J. , Miller C. J. , Lin W. S. , Abdel‐Azim T. , Zandinejad A. , Crim G. A.
Published: July 2014

In today's dental school curricula, an increasing amount of time is dedicated to technological advances, and preventive dentistry topics may not be adequately addressed. Freshman (D1) students participated in a new Introduction to Preventive Dentistry course, which consisted of didactic lectures, active learning breakout sessions and case‐based studies. The goal of this study was to determine if D1 dental students completing the course had a better knowledge and comfort level with basic preventive dentistry concepts and caries risk assessment than the upcoming graduating senior dental students. Following the completion of the course, D1 students were administered a survey that assessed their comfort level describing preventive dentistry topics to patients. This was immediately followed by an unannounced examination over the same topics. Senior (D4) students, who had not taken a formal course, reported statistically significant higher comfort levels than D1 students. However, the D4s scored significantly lower in all of the examination areas than the D1 students. Higher scores in D1s may have been due to recent exposure to the course material. However, the basic nature of the content‐specific questions should be easily answered by novice practitioners educating their patients on oral disease prevention. As the current data shows lower content‐specific scores of basic preventive dentistry knowledge amongst graduating D4 students, this may indicate a need for more guidance and education of students during the patient care. This study showed that implementation of a formalised course for D1 students can successfully ameliorate deficiencies in knowledge of preventive dentistry topics.
Sex Discrimination via Anal Gland Secretion in a Territorial Monogamous Mammal
Authors: Cross Hannah B. , Zedrosser Andreas , Nevin Owen , Rosell Frank
Published: July 2014

Monogamy in mammals is relatively unusual, only occurring in 3–5% and to an even lesser degree in rodents. Monogamy exists in two forms, facultative which evolved due to female dispersion and obligate when male care is needed for offspring survival. Most monogamous rodents use scent marking as a form of territorial defence to obtain exclusive access to vital resources. Intrasexual competition occurs in many species to maintain pair bonds and also to signal presence within a territory. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that resident obligate monogamous Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) can discriminate between the sexes when investigating anal gland secretions (AGS) from unknown (stranger) mated pairs. We predicted that, due to intrasexual competition, dominant territorial male and female beavers will display a stronger response to AGS of same‐sex conspecifics. Territorial intrusion by mated pair strangers was simulated by the formation of experimental scent mounds (ESM) with AGS. Our results showed that both sexes (1) displayed a stronger response to the male AGS in sniffing duration, (2) physically responded for longer durations towards male AGS and (3) overmarked male AGS more frequently. We infer that obligate monogamous mammals can determine the sexual identity of intruding conspecifics of a mated pair via AGS and that intruding males may pose more of a threat to resident males via intrasexual competition and resident females due to the long‐term costs, such as infanticide and abortion, of a new dominant male.
Haemoperitoneum in a pregnant mare with an ovarian haematoma
Authors: Beachler T. M. , Bailey C. S. , McKelvey K. A. , Davis J. L. , Edwards A. , Diaw M. , Vasgaard J. M. , Whitacre M. D.
Published: July 2014

Haemoperitoneum is a rarely reported but life‐threatening complication of a multitude of disease processes that can affect horses. This report describes an unusual case of haemoperitoneum in a pregnant mare attributed to a unilateral ovarian haematoma during early gestation. The mare was treated with supportive care and discharged 8 days after initial presentation. Following discharge, the mare maintained her pregnancy to term and delivered a live colt at 321 days of gestation.
The embryogenesis of the equine femorotibial joint: The equine interzone
Authors: Jenner F. , van Osch G. J. V. M. , Weninger W. , Geyer S. , Stout T. , van Weeren R. , Brama P.
Published: July 2014

Reasons for performing study

Articular cartilage regeneration is the focus and goal of considerable research effort. Since articular chondrocytes descend from a distinct cohort of progenitor cells located in embryonic nascent joints (interzones), establishing the timing of equine interzone formation is an essential first step towards understanding equine joint and articular cartilage development.

Objectives

To establish the time frame during which the equine femorotibial interzone forms.

Study design

Descriptive anatomical study.

Methods

Equine embryos were harvested at 37 (E37), 40, 42, 45, 50 and 65 days' gestation. The femorotibial interzone was examined using high‐resolution episcopic microscopy of E37, E42, E45, E50 and E65. Additional histology and collagen‐II‐immunohistochemistry were performed on E42.

Results

At E37, the femorotibial interzone is first visible as a uniform layer, while at E42 the interzone is fully formed and consists of 3 morphologically distinct layers. The first evidence of cavitation was seen at E45. At E50, the cruciate ligaments were well formed and by E65, joint formation appeared complete.

Conclusions

The embryogenesis of the equine femorotibial joint is similar to the developmental timeline of stage‐matched human and murine embryos. Further studies looking at interzone formation on a cellular and molecular level may further our understanding of the intricate developmental patterns and pathways of articular cartilage development.
Crystal structure of the antimicrobial peptidase lysostaphin from Staphylococcus simulans
Authors: Sabala Izabela , Jagielska Elzbieta , Bardelang Philip T. , Czapinska Honorata , Dahms Sven O. , Sharpe Jason A. , James Richard , Than Manuel E. , Thomas Neil R. , Bochtler Matthias
Published: July 2014

Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus lysostaphin efficiently cleaves Staphylococcus aureus cell walls. The protein is in late clinical trials as a topical anti‐staphylococcal agent, and can be used to prevent staphylococcal growth on artificial surfaces. Moreover, the gene has been both stably engineered into and virally delivered to mice or livestock to obtain resistance against staphylococci. Here, we report the first crystal structure of mature lysostaphin and two structures of its isolated catalytic domain at 3.5, 1.78 and 1.26 Å resolution, respectively. The structure of the mature active enzyme confirms its expected organization into catalytic and cell‐wall‐targeting domains. It also indicates that the domains are mobile with respect to each other because of the presence of a highly flexible peptide linker. The high‐resolution structures of the catalytic domain provide details of Zn2+ coordination and may serve as a starting point for the engineering of lysostaphin variants with improved biotechnological characteristics.

Structured digital abstract

lysostaphin by x-ray crystallography (1, 2).
Organic and mineral imprints in fossil photosynthetic mats of an East Antarctic lake
Authors: Lepot K. , Compère P. , Gérard E. , Namsaraev Z. , Verleyen E. , Tavernier I. , Hodgson D. A. , Vyverman W. , Gilbert B. , Wilmotte A. , Javaux E. J.
Published: July 2014

Lacustrine microbial mats in Antarctic ice‐free oases are considered modern analogues of early microbial ecosystems as their primary production is generally dominated by cyanobacteria, the heterotrophic food chain typically truncated due to extreme environmental conditions, and they are geographically isolated. To better understand early fossilization and mineralization processes in this context, we studied the microstructure and chemistry of organo‐mineral associations in a suite of sediments 50–4530 cal. years old from a lake in Skarvsnes, Lützow Holm Bay, East Antarctica. First, we report an exceptional preservation of fossil autotrophs and their biomolecules on millennial timescales. The pigment scytonemin is preserved inside cyanobacterial sheaths. As non‐pigmented sheaths are also preserved, scytonemin likely played little role in the preservation of sheath polysaccharides, which have been cross‐linked by ether bonds. Coccoids preserved thylakoids and autofluorescence of pigments such as carotenoids. This exceptional preservation of autotrophs in the fossil mats argues for limited biodegradation during and after deposition. Moreover, cell‐shaped aggregates preserved sulfur‐rich nanoglobules, supporting fossilization of instable intracellular byproducts of chemotrophic or phototrophic S‐oxidizers. Second, we report a diversity of micro‐ to nanostructured CaCO3 precipitates intimately associated with extracellular polymeric substances, cyanobacteria, and/or other prokaryotes. Micro‐peloids Type 1 display features that distinguish them from known carbonates crystallized in inorganic conditions: (i) Type 1A are often filled with globular nanocarbonates and/or surrounded by a fibrous fringe, (ii) Type 1B are empty and display ovoid to wrinkled fringes of nanocrystallites that can be radially oriented (fibrous or triangular) or multilayered, and (iii) all show small‐size variations. Type 2 rounded carbonates 1–2 μm in diameter occurring inside autofluorescent spheres interpreted as coccoidal bacteria may represent fossils of intracellular calcification. These organo‐mineral associations support organically driven nanocarbonate crystallization and stabilization, hence providing potential markers for microbial calcification in ancient rocks.
Asymmetric changes of growth and reproductive investment herald altitudinal and latitudinal range shifts of two woody species
Authors: Matías Luis , Jump Alistair S.
Published: July 2014

Ongoing changes in global climate are altering ecological conditions for many species. The consequences of such changes are typically most evident at the edge of the geographical distribution of a species, where range expansions or contractions may occur. Current demographical status at geographical range limits can help us to predict population trends and their implications for the future distribution of the species. Thus, understanding the comparability of demographical patterns occurring along both altitudinal and latitudinal gradients would be highly informative. In this study, we analyse the differences in the demography of two woody species through altitudinal gradients at their southernmost distribution limit and the consistency of demographical patterns at the treeline across a latitudinal gradient covering the complete distribution range. We focus on Pinus sylvestris and Juniperus communis, assessing their demographical structure (density, age and mortality rate), growth, reproduction investment and damage from herbivory on 53 populations covering the upper, central and lower altitudes as well as the treeline at central latitude and northernmost and southernmost latitudinal distribution limits. For both species, populations at the lowermost altitude presented older age structure, higher mortality, decreased growth and lower reproduction when compared to the upper limit, indicating higher fitness at the treeline. This trend at the treeline was generally maintained through the latitudinal gradient, but with a decreased growth at the northern edge for both species and lower reproduction for P. sylvestris. However, altitudinal and latitudinal transects are not directly comparable as factors other than climate, including herbivore pressure or human management, must be taken into account if we are to understand how to infer latitudinal processes from altitudinal data.
Effect of nitrogen addition on Miscanthus × giganteus yield, nitrogen losses, and soil organic matter across five sites
Authors: Davis Morgan P. , David Mark B. , Voigt Thomas B. , Mitchell Corey A.
Published: July 2014

The US Department of Energy has mandated the production of 16 billion gallons (60.6 billion liters) of renewable biofuel from cellulosic feedstocks by 2022. The perennial grass, Miscanthus × giganteus, is a potential candidate for cellulosic biofuel production because of high productivity with minimal inputs. This study determined the effect of three different spring fertilizer treatments (0, 60, and 120 kg N ha−1 yr−1 as urea) on biomass production, soil organic matter (SOM), and inorganic N leaching in Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Virginia, along with N2O and CO2 emissions at the IL site. There were no significant yield responses to fertilizer treatments, except at the IL site in 2012 (yields in 2012, year 4, varied from 10 to 23.7 Mg ha−1 across all sites). Potentially mineralizable N increased across all fertilizer treatments and sites in the 0–10 cm soil depth. An increase in permanganate oxidizable carbon (POX‐C, labile C) in surface soils occurred at the IL and NJ sites, which were regularly tilled before planting. Decreases in POX‐C were observed in the 0 – 10 cm soil depth at the KY and NE sites where highly managed turfgrass was grown prior to planting. Growing M. × giganteus altered SOM composition in only 4 years of production by increasing the amount of potentially mineralizable N at every site, regardless of fertilization amount. Nitrogen applications increased N leaching and N2O emission without increasing biomass production. This suggests that for the initial period (4 years) of M. × giganteus production, N application has a detrimental environmental impact without any yield benefits and thus should not be recommended. Further research is needed to define a time when N application to M. × giganteus results in increased biomass production.
A New Spatial Optimization Perspective on the Delineation of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas
Authors: Tong Daoqin , Plane David A.
Published: July 2014

The current method for delineating U.S. metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (collectively referred to as core‐based statistical areas—CBSAs) is to cluster counties based on the strength of commuting interactions between outlying areas and urban cores. The social and economic integration of a metropolitan or a micropolitan statistical area is operationalized using what we believe is an outdated, monocentric perspective on functional spatial structure: one that fixates solely on inward and reverse commuting. We propose a new spatial optimization model for delineating CBSAs that can better account for polycentric urban structure by considering all intercounty commuting linkages. Our model seeks to find the boundaries that maximize the containment of entire webs of intra‐CBSA intercounty commuting. We apply the proposed method to delineate alternative sets of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas for comparison with the federal government's currently defined (2010 Office of Management and Budget [OMB] standards) official CBSAs.

El método actual para delimitar áreas estadísticas micropolitanas y metropolitana en los Estados Unidos (denomidado genéricamente áreas estadísticos nucleares o core‐statistical areas‐ CBSA) consiste en agrupar condados en base a la fuerza de las interacciones de los desplazamientos residencia‐trabajo entre las zonas periféricas y los núcleos urbanos. La integración social y económica de un área estadística metro y micro politana se pone en operación usando un enfoque funcional que los autores consideran obsoleto que se basa en una estructura espacial urbana monocéntrica. Dicho enfoque se limita únicamente a los desplazamientos hacia el interior y de vuelta. Los autores proponen un nuevo modelo de optimización espacial para delinear CBSAs que respresenta mejor una estructura urbana policéntrica que considera todos los desplazamientos entre condados. El modelo busca encontrar los límites que maximizan la inclusión de redes enteras de desplazamientos intra CBSA y entre condados. El método propuesto es aplicado para delinear conjuntos alternativos de áreas estadísticas metropolitanas y micropolitanas y es comparado con los límites oficiales actuales de CBSA proporcionados por gobierno federal (de acuerdo a los lineamientos de la Oficina de Administración y Presupuesto u Office of Management Budget‐OMB) en 2010).

目前用于描述美国大都市区与居住区统计区域（共同地被称为基于核心的统计区域—CBSAs）的方法，主要是基于边远地区和城市核心区间的相互作用强度对郡县进行聚类。大都市区或居住区统计区域社会与经济一体化的运作方式，采用的是一种功能空间结构上落伍的单中心视角，即仅关注内部交换或反向交换。本文提出了一种新的空间优化模型用于描述CBSAs，将所有内部通勤联系考虑在内，能更好地解释多中心城市结构。该模型力图发现能最大化包含内部CBSA通勤联系网的边界。最后，将该模型应用于大都市区和居住区的统计区域描述，并与联邦政府目前定义的官方CBSAs（管理与预算 [OMB]标准2010办公室）进行了对比研究。
The role of the health information professional
Authors: Marshall Audrey
Published: July 2014

This virtual issue has been published to mark the CILIP Health Libraries Group 2014 Conference, taking place in Oxford on 24th and 25th July 2014. The issue's theme is to highlight the key role of the health information professional and it shines a spotlight on professional expertise, demonstrating what we can share and learn from each other. It comprises a collection of articles published in the Health Information and Libraries Journal during the last 2 years but is very much about looking forward. The articles selected embrace three main themes: new ways of working; acquiring new skills and competencies; and fine‐tuning existing skills and practices. The virtual issue mirrors the format of the regular journal, namely a review article, six original articles and the three regular features, covering Dissertations into Practice, International Perspectives and Initiatives and Learning and Teaching in Action. All articles included in this virtual issue are available free online.
Cyclin A1 expression predicts progression in pT1 urothelial carcinoma of bladder: a tissue microarray study of 149 patients treated by transurethral resection
Authors: Munari Enrico , Chaux Alcides , Maldonado Leonel , Compérat Eva , Varinot Justine , Bivalacqua Trinity J , Hoque Mohammad O , Netto George J
Published: July 2014

Aims

To evaluate the immunoexpression of cyclin A1 in pT1 urothelial carcinomas of the bladder (UC) from a cohort of patients treated by transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB), to determine its value in predicting tumour recurrence, tumour progression, or systemic metastases.

Methods and results

Five tissue microarrays (TMAS) were constructed from representative paraffin blocks of high‐grade pT1 UC from 149 consecutive patients. Cyclin A1 immunoexpression was evaluated as the percentage of tumour cells with positive nuclear staining estimated at each TMA spot. The cutoff for cyclin A1 positivity was set at 10% of cells. Outcome variables included tumour recurrence and tumour progression as the primary endpoints. Cyclin A1 positivity was associated with tumour progression but not with tumour recurrence or the presence of adjacent carcinoma in situ in the biopsy. Also, patients with pT1b at biopsy and cyclin A1 expression showed higher progression rates than patients with pT1a at biopsy and without cyclin A1 expression, respectively. Combining pT1 stage at biopsy and cyclin A1 expression more accurately predicted tumour progression than pT1 stage at biopsy alone and cyclin A1 expression alone.

Conclusions

Cyclin A1 immunoexpression is of potential utility in predicting disease progression in patients with pT1 UC.
Detection of Ischemic Penumbra Using Combined Perfusion and T2* Oxygen Challenge Imaging
Authors: Robertson Craig A. , McCabe Christopher , Lopez-Gonzalez M. Rosario , Deuchar Graeme A. , Dani Krishna , Holmes William M. , Muir Keith W. , Santosh Celestine , Macrae I. Mhairi
Published: July 2014

Background

Acute ischemic stroke is common and disabling, but there remains a paucity of acute treatment options and available treatment (thrombolysis) is underutilized. Advanced brain imaging, designed to identify viable hypoperfused tissue (penumbra), could target treatment to a wider population. Existing magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography-based technologies are not widely used pending validation in ongoing clinical trials. T2* oxygen challenge magnetic resonance imaging, by providing a more direct readout of tissue viability, has the potential to identify more patients likely to benefit from thrombolysis – irrespective of time from stroke onset – and patients within and beyond the 4·5 h thrombolysis treatment window who are unlikely to benefit and are at an increased risk of hemorrhage.

Aims

This study employs serial multimodal imaging and voxel-based analysis to develop optimal data processing for T2* oxygen challenge penumbra assessment. Tissue in the ischemic hemisphere is compartmentalized into penumbra, ischemic core, or normal using T2* oxygen challenge (single threshold) or T2* oxygen challenge plus cerebral blood flow (dual threshold) data. Penumbra defined by perfusion imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient mismatch (dual threshold) is included for comparison.

Methods

Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 6) prior to serial multimodal imaging: T2* oxygen challenge, diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging (cerebral blood flow using arterial spin labeling).

Results

Across the different methods evaluated, T2* oxygen challenge combined with perfusion imaging most closely predicted 24 h infarct volume. Penumbra volume declined from one to four-hours post-stroke: mean ± SD, 77 ± 44 to 49 ± 37 mm3 (single T2* oxygen challenge-based threshold); 55 ± 41 to 37 ± 12 mm3 (dual T2* oxygen challenge/cerebral blood flow); 84 ± 64 to 42 ± 18 mm3 (dual cerebral blood flow/apparent diffusion coefficient), as ischemic core grew: 155 ± 37 to 211 ± 36 mm3 (single apparent diffusion coefficient threshold); 178 ± 56 to 205 ± 33 mm3 (dual T2* oxygen challenge/cerebral blood flow); 139 ± 30 to 168 ± 38 mm3 (dual cerebral blood flow/apparent diffusion coefficient). There was evidence of further lesion growth beyond four-hours (T2-defined edema-corrected infarct, 231 ± 19 mm3).

Conclusions

In conclusion, T2* oxygen challenge combined with perfusion imaging has advantages over alternative magnetic resonance imaging techniques for penumbra detection by providing serial assessment of available penumbra based on tissue viability.
Quality of Life after Surgical Decompression for Space-Occupying Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction: Systematic Review
Authors: van Middelaar Tessa , Nederkoorn Paul J. , van der Worp H. Bart , Stam Jan , Richard Edo
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose

In patients with space-occupying middle cerebral artery infarction, surgical decompression strongly reduces risk of death and increases the chance of a favorable outcome. This comes at the expense of an increase in the risk of survival with (moderately) severe disability. We assessed quality of life, depression, and caregiver burden in these patients.

Summary of Review

We systematically reviewed the literature by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO up to March 2014. We included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case–control studies, and case series with quality of life, depression, or caregiver burden as primary or secondary outcome. Seventeen articles reporting on 459 patients were included. At final follow-up at 7 to 51 months, 1344 patients (30%) had died, and 34 (11%) were lost to follow up. Data on 291 patients were available, of whom 81 of 213 survivors (39%) achieved good functional outcome at final follow-up (modified Rankin Scale ⩽3). Mean quality of life was 46% to 67% of the best possible score when based on questionnaires or visual analogue scales. At final follow-up, 143 of 189 patients (76%) would in retrospect again choose for surgical decompression. Severe depressive symptoms were present in 14 of 113 patients (16%). Three studies investigated caregiver burden and reported substantial burden. Patients more than 60 years old had a lower quality of life in comparison with younger patients.

Conclusions

Most patients treated with surgical decompression for space-occupying infarction have a reasonable quality of life at long-term follow-up and are satisfied with the treatment received. Severe depressive symptoms are uncommon.
Comparative Effects of Antihypertensive Drugs on Stroke Outcome in China
Authors: Heeley Emma L. , Wei Jade W. , Wang Ji-Guang , Arima Hisatomi , Huang Yining , Wong Lawrence K. S. , Anderson Craig S. ,   for the ChinaQUEST Investigators
Published: July 2014

Background

Antihypertensive drugs are useful in the prevention of stroke; however, much debate surrounds which class of agent provides the most benefit post-stroke.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of different classes of antihypertensive agent on stroke outcome using data from the ChinaQUEST study, a prospective, hospital-based stroke registry undertaken across 62 hospitals in China.

Methods

Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the comparative associations of different antihypertensive medications when initiated in-hospital post-stroke on the following poor outcomes in stroke survivors at three- and 12 months post-stroke: ( 1 ) death and dependency, based on modified Rankin Scale scores 3–5; ( 2 )death; and( 3 ) dependency.

Results

Of the 6416 patients with baseline data, 3986 (62%) were on at least one antihypertensive agent. After adjustment for baseline characteristics and concomitant therapies, there were no differences in outcomes between therapies at three- and 12 months, but at 12 months, calcium channel blocker use was associated with reduced risks of death/dependency (odds ratio 0·78, P = 0·001) and death (odds ratio 0·66, P < 0·001). In addition, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor antagonist use was associated with reduced risk of death (odds ratio 0·76, P = 0·009), whereas both beta-blockers and diuretics were shown to increase the risk of death/dependency and death but had no effect on the risk of dependency.

Conclusion

This study suggests that early initiation of calcium channel blockers is associated with improved outcome after stroke. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to delineate differential beneficial effects of antihypertensive therapy in stroke prevention.
Long‐term outcome of hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for T1 renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hongo Fumiya , Kawauchi Akihiro , Ueda Takashi , Fujihara Atsuko , Naitoh Yasuyuki , Nakamura Terukazu , Naya Yoshio , Kamoi Kazumi , Okihara Koji , Miki Tsuneharu
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To investigate the long‐term outcomes of hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy compared with those of open nephrectomy.

Methods

Hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was carried out in 132 patients with T1 renal cell carcinoma (between November 1999 and November 2008). Their outcomes were compared with those of 61 patients treated with open nephrectomy. The durations of follow up were 6–121 months (median 65 months) and 7–146 months (median 84 months) in the hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open nephrectomy groups, respectively.

Results

The 7‐year recurrence‐free rates were 88.5 and 85.6% in the hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open nephrectomy groups, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups. The 7‐year cancer‐specific survival rates were 92.3 and 91.4% in the hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open nephrectomy groups, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups. Also, the 10‐year recurrence‐free rates were 85.4 and 78.1% in the hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open nephrectomy groups, respectively. When changes in the recurrence‐free rate were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. The 10‐year cancer‐specific survival rates were 91.8 and 87.9% for hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open nephrectomy, respectively, showing no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusions

Hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy might be comparable with open nephrectomy with regard to long‐term cancer control.
The Coalition government's reforms to employment tribunals and statutory employment rights—echoes of the past
Authors: Dickens Linda
Published: July 2014

The current Coalition government's reforms of Employment Tribunals (ETs) and statutory rights echo the articulated rationale and argument, the underpinning deregulation ideology and the content of reforms initiated by Conservative governments of the 1980s and 1990s. The changes, while generally adverse for workers, are not necessarily positive for employers and risk adding to, rather than alleviating, the regulatory ‘burden’. A declared emphasis on alternative dispute resolution and workplace dispute settlement distinguishes the current reform agenda, but the potential this offers is unlikely to be realised given the short‐term policy focus on cost reduction, an emphasis on suppressing and deterring legal actions rather than on improving workplaces and the absence of such facilitating features as workplace representation and institutions, a continuing legacy of the 1979–1997 period.
Comparing the effects of nebivolol and dexpanthenol on wound healing: an experimental study
Authors: Ulger Burak V , Kapan Murat , Uslukaya Omer , Bozdag Zubeyir , Turkoglu Ahmet , Alabalık Ulas , Onder Akın
Published: July 2014

Wound healing is a dynamic, interactive process that is initiated in response to injury. A number of investigations and clinical studies have been performed to determine new approaches for the improvement of wound healing. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dexpanthenol, a molecule that is widely used for improving wound healing, and nebivolol, a molecule that increases nitric oxide release, on wound healing. A total of 30 rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 10). A linear 2 cm incision was made in the rats' skin. No treatment was administered in the first (control) group. Dexpanthenol cream was administered to the rats in the second group and 5% nebivolol cream was administered to the rats in the third group. The wound areas of all of the rats were measured on certain days. On the 21st day, all wounds were excised and histologically evaluated. The wound healing rates of the dexpanthenol and nebivolol groups were higher than those of the control group (P < 0·05). However, the wound healing rates of the dexpanthenol and nebivolol groups were not significantly different. Nebivolol and dexpanthenol have comparable effects on wound healing.
Changes in the expression of epidermal differentiation markers at sites where cultured epithelial autografts were transplanted onto wounds from burn scar excision
Authors: Kadoya Kuniko , Amano Satoshi , Nishiyama Toshio , Inomata Shinji , Tsunenaga Makoto , Kumagai Norio , Matsuzaki Kyoichi
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the recovery process during which grafted cultured epithelium formed normal epidermis. The subjects were 18 patients whose burn scars were excised at a depth not exposing the fat layer and who subsequently received cultured epithelial autografts. A total of 24 samples were obtained from the grafted sites: 6 samples within 6 weeks (stage 1), 5 samples after 6 weeks and within 6 months (stage 2), 6 samples after 6 months and within 18 months (stage 3) and 7 samples beyond 18 months (stage 4) after transplantation. These samples were stained for monoclonal antibodies against filaggrin, transglutaminase (TG), cytokeratin 6 and involucrin. Their expressions were examined in the epidermis. The expression patterns were classified using a six‐grade scale. The grades of filaggrin and TG were significantly higher at stage 3 and 4 compared with stage 1. There was a marginally significant increase in the grade of cytokeratin 6 at stage 3 and it was significantly higher at stage 4 compared with stage 1. These results showed that wound healing continued at a molecular level until the end of stage 3. The recovery of involucrin was delayed compared with that of other markers. TG and involucrin are thought to be regulated independently at the grafted sites.
Cellular interactions in prostate cancer
Authors: LEE C.
Published: July 2014

This article will review the different modes of action of soluble growth factors in the growth of benign and malignant prostatic cells. Cellular proliferation, growth arrest or even apoptosis requires the participation of appropriate growth factors [1], Proliferative activities of Prostatic epithelial cells, like other cells, are governed by the action of a variety of growth factors. Prostatic growth is traditionally considered to be regulated by androgen, as the prostate is an androgen‐sensitive organ, in that the growth and maintenance of the structure and functional integrity are dependent upon the presence of circulating androgen [2,3]. A depletion of this androgenic support, e.g. by bilateral orchidectomy in the host, results in massive apoptosis in prostatic epithelial cells, leading to a rapid rate of tissue involution [4], Subsequent androgen replacement therapy reactivates Prostatic growth. Therefore, androgen is the most potent mitogen to the prostate. It is now apparent that this autogenic effect of androgen on the prostate is mediated through the action of various growth factors as a consequence of an intricate cell‐to‐cell interaction, a characteristic feature of benign prostatic growth [5,6].

On the other hand, malignant prostatic growth is characterized by additional mechanisms of cellular proliferation that provide a distinct growth advantage over that of their benign counterparts. Cancer develops as a result of a series of genetic mutations [7]. Prostatic cancer is no exception; however, its progression seems to follow a relatively predictable course, from an androgen‐sensitive state to an autonomous state [8]. Sensitivity to androgen in prostatic cancer is mainly due to the presence of androgen receptors in malignant cells, which retain some properties of the benign prostatic cells. However, the manner in which androgen interacts with prostatic cancer cells can be drastically different from that in which it reacts with benign cells. Despite androgen playing an important role in the progression of prostatic cancer, eventually these cancer cells are able to convert from an androgen‐responsive growth mode to an androgen‐independent mode. Often, a conversion from one state to another is associated with a poorer prognosis and is preceded by the acquisition of new growth advantages within the cancer cells. Again, soluble growth factors are the underlying mechanisms of androgen‐sensitive and androgen‐insensitive malignant growth. The abnormal growth behaviour in prostatic cancer cells can be manifested by an over‐expression of growth‐stimulating factor(s) and/or a loss of expression (or function) of growth‐suppressive factor(s). The production and action of growth factors in the context of benign and malignant growth of prostatic cells will be the focus of the present discussion.
The cadherin cell—cell adhesion pathway in prostate cancer progression
Authors: PAUL R. , EWING C.M. , JARRARD D.F. , ISAACS W.B.
Published: July 2014

Cadherins are a family of calcium‐dependent cell—cell adhesion molecules involved in cell—cell aggregation and morphoregulatory cell function. Dysfunction of the cadherin pathway is involved in tumour invasiveness and disease progression for a variety of carcinomas. E‐cadherin is a prognostic marker in prostatic cancer, based on the correlation of the grade of E‐cadherin expression and tumour grade, stage, metastasis and survival, as well as recurrence after radical prostatectomy. P‐cadherin was shown to be lost in all prostatic cancers, although this most likely reflects loss of the basal cell population rather than a transcriptional down‐regulation, suggesting that loss of P‐cadherin expression is an early event in the tumorigenesis of prostatic carcinomas. Catenins, particularly α‐catenin, also play an important role in the dysfunction of the cell adhesion complex. Mechanisms of inactivation of the cadherin—catenin pathway include LOH, gene deletions and gene promoter hypermethylation. Therapeutic strategies have been investigated in tumour models, i.e. the use of demethylating agents for the hypermethylated promoter region of E‐cadherin or gene transfer in PC‐3 cells with homozygous deletion of the α‐catenin gene. The complexity of neoplastic changes cannot be explained by alterations of cell adhesion molecules alone; but as demonstrated, cadherins and catenins play an important role in this process.
Effect of Migration on Children's Self‐esteem in Rural China
Authors: Zhan Xuefeng , Li Shaoping , Liu Chengfang , Zhang Linxiu
Published: July 2014

China's rapid economic growth has been facilitated by its large volume of rural to urban migration. China's projected future development, especially increasing urbanization, implies that such migration will further intensify. However, migration does not come without cost. There are concerns about the potential negative impacts of migration on children's care, education, and, in particular, the self‐esteem of children left behind in villages where one or both parents have out‐migrated to cities. In this paper, we employ unique survey data collected from Shaanxi Province, where more than 4700 ninth grade students from 36 rural junior high schools in five counties were surveyed in late 2011. The results show that having both parents migrate into cities significantly reduced children's self‐esteem. The effects are also gender sensitive. Girls that had a father or both parents who had out‐migrated were inclined to have lower self‐esteem than boys. Moreover, our study findings indicate that parental migration decreased children's self‐esteem more for individuals with initial low self‐esteem.
Impact of cigarette smoking on histone (H2B) to protamine ratio in human spermatozoa and its relation to sperm parameters
Authors: Hamad M. F. , Shelko N. , Kartarius S. , Montenarh M. , Hammadeh M. E.
Published: July 2014

Smoking is strongly associated with abnormalities in histone‐to‐protamine transition and with alteration of protamine expression in human spermatozoa. A proper protamine to histone ratio is, however, essential for sperm chromatin maturity and DNA integrity. Alterations in these sperm nuclear proteins were observed in infertile men. The present prospective study is aimed at evaluating the possible relationship among smoking, semen quality and the histone‐to‐protamine transition ratio in mature spermatozoa. Histone H2B and protamine 1 (P1) and 2 (P2) were quantified using acid‐urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the spermatozoa of 35 smokers and 19 non‐smokers. Levels of lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in seminal plasma by thiobarbituric acid assay. Cotinine concentrations were determined in seminal plasma using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Histone H2B levels in smokers (292.27 ± 58.24 ng/106) were significantly higher (p = 0.001) than that of non‐smokers (109.1 ± 43.70 ng/106), besides, a significant difference (p > 0.0001) was found for the P1 and P2 ratio between smokers (1.71 ± 0.071) and non‐smokers (1.05 ± 0.033). The H2B/(H2B+P1 + P2) ratio (0.29 ± 0.71) of smokers were significantly higher (p = <0.0001) than that of non‐smokers (0.12 ± 0.01). The concentrations of MDA (μm) (7.13 ± 1.15) and cotinine (ng/mL) (60.44 ± 31.32) in seminal plasma of smokers were significantly higher (p = 0.001) than those in the samples of the non‐smoker group (4.42 ± 1.16 and 2.01 ± 2.84 respectively). In addition, smokers showed significantly (p ≤ 0.002) lower sperm count, motility (p = 0.018), vitality (p = 0.009) and membrane integrity (p = 0.0001) than non‐smokers. These results reveal that patients who smoke possess a higher proportion of spermatozoa with an alteration of the histone to protamine ratio than patients who do not smoke, and suggest that cigarette smoking may inversely affect male fertility.
Ultra‐Low Fire Glass‐Free Li3FeMo3O12 Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Liao Qingwei , Wang Yunli , Jiang Feng , Guo Dong
Published: July 2014

A new ultra‐low fire glass‐free microwave dielectric material Li3FeMo3O12 was investigated for the first time. Single phase ceramics were obtained by the conventional solid‐state route after sintering at 540°C–600°C. The atomic packing fraction, FWHM of the Ag oxygen‐octahedron stretching Raman mode and Qf values of samples sintered at different temperatures correlated well with each other. The sample with a Lower Raman shift showed a higher dielectric constant. Interestingly, the system also showed a distinct adjustable temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (from −84× 10−6/°C to 25 × 10−6/°C).
Uncontrolled Hypertension in Uganda: A Comparative Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Musinguzi Geofrey , Van Geertruyden Jean‐Pierre , Bastiaens Hilde , Nuwaha Fred
Published: July 2014

In a community survey, 4432 persons aged 15 years and older in two districts in Uganda were studied. Blood pressure was measured and predictors for subtypes of uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling. Prevalence of uncontrolled HTN was 20.2% and the subgroups of isolated systolic HTN (ISH), isolated diastolic HTN (IDH), and systolic‐diastolic HTN (SDH) were 7.2%, 4.2%, and 8.8%, respectively. No difference was observed between the sexes. For all HTN subtypes, middle (35–49 years) and older age (50+) groups had a higher prevalence compared with younger subjects (15–34 years) (all P<.001). IDH prevalence in older age was not higher compared with younger age (P=.417). After multivariate analysis, middle age predicted all subtypes of HTN and old age predicted ISH and SDH. Alcohol consumption predicted IDH and SDH. Uncontrolled HTN in this population increases in the order IDH, ISH, and SDH, with more than 1 in 5 having uncontrolled HTN.