bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skirting the pitfalls: a clear‐cut nomenclature for H3K4 methyltransferases
Authors: Bögershausen N , Bruford E , Wollnik B
Published: November 2012

To unravel the system of epigenetic control of transcriptional regulation is a fascinating and important scientific pursuit. Surprisingly, recent successes in gene identification using high‐throughput sequencing strategies showed that, despite their ubiquitous role in transcriptional control, dysfunction of chromatin‐modifying enzymes can cause very specific human developmental phenotypes. An intriguing example is the identification of de novo dominant mutations in MLL2 as a cause of Kabuki syndrome, a well‐known congenital syndrome that is associated with a very recognizable facial gestalt. However, the existing confusion in the nomenclature of the human and mouse MLL gene family impedes correct interpretation of scientific findings for these genes and their encoded proteins. This Review aims to point out this nomenclature pitfall, to explain its historical background, and to promote an unequivocal nomenclature system for chromatin‐modifying enzymes as proposed by Allis et al. (2007).
Self‐reported outcomes of trans‐tibial amputations for non‐reconstructable Charcot neuroarthropathy in patients with diabetes: a preliminary report
Authors: Wukich D. K. , Pearson K. T.
Published: November 2012

Aims

Lower‐extremity amputation in patients with diabetes is associated with premature mortality and impaired ambulatory status. Despite advances in limb salvage techniques, certain patients will require major amputation. The hypothesis of this study is that self‐reported outcomes of patients with non‐reconstructable Charcot neuroarthropathy and chronic osteomyelitis improve after trans‐tibial amputation.

Methods

Self‐reported outcome was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36‐item health survey (SF‐36) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure. The study group included 13 patients with diabetes who underwent a trans‐tibial amputation and completed both the Medical Outcome Study SF‐36 and the Foot and Ankle Measure pre‐ and post‐operatively.

Results

Significant improvement after trans‐tibial amputation occurred in the SF‐36 Physical Component Summary score and both the Foot and Ankle Measure Activity of Daily Living and Sports scores at a mean follow‐up of 79 weeks (range 53–122 weeks). Although the SF‐36 Mental Component Summary score improved, the improvement did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.30). Twelve of the 13 patients were satisfied with the amputation and had no reservations.

Conclusions

In a select group of Charcot neuroarthropathy patients with chronic osteomyelitis, trans‐tibial amputation resulted in improvement in self‐reported outcomes. Although major lower‐extremity amputation is a devastating complication in patients with diabetes, the results of this study provides some evidence for optimism in these high‐risk patients.
Morphologic, flow cytometric, functional, and molecular analyses of S100B positive lymphocytes, unique cytotoxic lymphocytes containing S100B protein
Authors: Miki Yukari , Gion Yuka , Mukae Yuriko , Hayashi Atsushi , Sato Hiaki , Yoshino Tadashi , Takahashi Kiyoshi
Published: November 2012

Little is known about the S100B+ lymphocytes, which are unique human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) containing the S100B protein. It has recently been shown that S100B is released from various types of S100B+ cells and exhibits varied cytokine‐like activities. In this study, we precisely characterized the S100B+ lymphocytes of healthy adults with respect to the proportion in the whole PBL, immunophenotypes, function, and their S100B mRNA expression and also evaluated their S100B‐releasing activity upon stimulation. S100B+ lymphocytes were detected in all individuals examined, and the proportion of S100B+ lymphocytes in the whole PBL ranged from 0.42% to 16.15% (mean, 4.21%). In addition, two subtypes of S100B+ lymphocytes, a CTL subtype (CD3+ CD8+ CD16‐) and a NK subtype (CD3‐ CD8‐ CD16+), were detected. The majority of the CTL subtype of S100B+ lymphocytes expressed the αβ‐T‐cell receptor. Surprisingly, S100B mRNA was detected not only in S100B+ lymphocytes, but also in every S100B‐ lymphocytes, although the expression levels of S100B mRNA in S100B‐ lymphocytes were much lower than those of S100B+ lymphocytes. The CTL subtype of S100B+ lymphocytes exhibited blastic morphological changes, proliferated and released S100B upon stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. The NK subtype of S100B+ lymphocytes exhibited morphological NK activity when cocultivated with NK‐sensitive target, K‐562 cells. Thus, the CTL subtype of S100B+ lymphocytes exhibit the biological characteristics of T cells, while the NK subtype of S100B+ lymphocytes exhibit the characteristics of NK cells. These results suggest that S100B+ lymphocytes are a particular subtype of cytotoxic lymphocytes that play a unique role in antitumor immunity.
Niche opportunities and invasion dynamics in a desert annual community
Authors: Allington Ginger R. H. , Koons David N. , Morgan Ernest S. K. , Schutzenhofer Michele R. , Valone Thomas J.
Published: November 2012

Although many factors influence the ability of exotics to invade successfully, most studies focus on only a few variables to explain invasion; attempts at theoretical synthesis are largely untested. The niche opportunities framework proposes that the demographic success of an invader is largely affected by the availability of resources and the abundance of its enemies. Here, we use a 31‐year study from a desert ecosystem to examine the niche opportunities framework via the invasion of the annual plant Erodium cicutarium. While the invader remained rare for two decades, a decline in granivory combined with an ideal climate window created an opportunity for E. cicutarium to escape control and become the dominant annual plant in the community. We show that fluctuations in consumption and resources can create niche opportunities for invaders and highlight the need for additional long‐term studies to track the influence of changing climate and community dynamics on invasions.
Spillover of fish naïveté from marine reserves
Authors: Januchowski‐Hartley Fraser A. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Cinner Joshua E. , Russ Garry R.
Published: November 2012

Spillover of adult fish biomass is an expected benefit from no‐take marine reserves to adjacent fisheries. Here, we show fisher‐naïve behaviour in reef fishes also spills over from marine reserves, potentially increasing access to fishery benefits by making fishes more susceptible to spearguns. The distance at which two targeted families of fishes began to flee a potential fisher [flight initiation distance (FID)] was lower inside reserves than in fished areas, and this reduction extended outside reserve boundaries. Reduced FID persisted further outside reserves than increases in fish biomass. This finding could help increase stakeholder support for marine reserves and improve current models of spillover by informing estimates for spatial changes in catchability. Behavioural changes of fish could help explain differences between underwater visual census and catch data in quantifying the spatial extent of spillover from marine reserves, and should be considered in the management of adjacent fisheries.
Rethinking the Origins of ‘Western’ Imperialism in China: Global Constellations and Imperial Policies, 1790–1860
Authors: Klein Thoralf
Published: November 2012

In the light of recent scholarship, this article revisits the conventional understanding of the origins of ‘Western’ imperialism in China. I argue, in particular, that global factors must be taken into account to explain the silver crisis that precipitated Qing China’s conflict with the ‘West’, as well as the British decision to go to war and ‘Western’ military performance in the two Opium Wars. Utilizing concepts from New Qing History, I will further demonstrate that although Britain and other imperialist powers tried to impose their concept of sovereign equality on the Qing Empire by force, the treaty port system that evolved from the Opium Wars also owed a great deal to Qing Imperial policies of border control and legal arrangements. Instead of Chinese passivity, I emphasize Qing agency in the establishment of ‘Western’ transnational imperialism in China.
‘Leach would be first rate – if you could get him’1: Edmund Leach and the Australian National University, 1956
Authors: Gray Geoffrey , Munro Doug
Published: November 2012

In June 1956, after an extensive search, Edmund Leach was offered the Chair of Anthropology at the Australian National University. Leach was brought to Canberra and wooed but he declined to accept the appointment. Contemporaries were never quite sure why Leach turned down his first offer of a chair. Recourse to institutional and personal papers reveals that family impediments rather than professional misgivings ensured that Leach would not take up the offer.
“What it Means to Be a Man”: Contested Masculinity in the Early Republic and Antebellum America”
Authors: Rindfleisch Bryan C.
Published: November 2012

An essay interweaving the existing historical literature pertaining to American masculinity in the aftermath of the American Revolution up until the Civil War. Addresses not only issues of Masculinity, but also Race, Gender, Class, and Empire in addition to the general American historical narrative.
rfishbase: exploring, manipulating and visualizing FishBase data from R
Authors: Boettiger C. , Lang D. T. , Wainwright P. C.
Published: November 2012

This article introduces a package that provides interactive and programmatic access to the FishBase repository. This package allows interaction with data on over 30 000 fish species in the rich statistical computing environment, R. This direct, scriptable interface to FishBase data enables better discovery and integration essential for large‐scale comparative analyses. This article provides several examples to illustrate how the package works, and how it can be integrated into phylogenetics packages such as ape and geiger.
Expression ofOrseolia oryzae nucleoside diphosphate kinase(OoNDPK) is enhanced in rice gall midge feeding on susceptible rice hosts and its over‐expression leads to salt tolerance inEscherichia coli
Authors: Sinha D. K. , Atray I. , Bentur J. S. , Nair S.
Published: November 2012

The Asian rice gall midge,Orseolia oryzae, is a major dipteran pest of rice, with many known biotypes. The present investigation was initiated to understand the molecular mechanisms of infestation for developing novel integrated pest management strategies. We isolated and characterized a gene, nucleoside diphosphate kinase (OoNDPK), from the rice gall midge, encoding a protein with 169 amino acid residues and with a secretory signal sequence – an observation that assumes significance as salivary gland secretions have been implicated to play a major role in insect−plant interactions. Furthermore, up‐regulation (> 18 folds) ofOoNDPKwas observed in the salivary glands of maggots feeding on susceptible host in contrast to those feeding on resistant host. Phylogenetic analysis revealed similarity ofOoNDPKwith its dipteran orthologues. 3DLigandSiteanalysis, of the predictedOoNDPKand its orthologues, revealed phenylalanine and tyrosine residues to be specifically present inNDPKproteins from the plant feeders. Results suggest secretion ofOoNDPKinto the host plant and its probable involvement in gall midge−rice interaction. Using the coleoptile cell elongation assay, we demonstrated that the recombinantOoNDPKis capable of causing elongation of rice coleoptile cells. Additionally, heterologous expression ofOoNDPKinEscherichia coliincreased the tolerance of these cells to salt (NaCl; up to 1 mM), hinting at the involvement of this gene in abiotic stress response as well.
Associations between aberrant DNA methylation and transcript levels of DNMT1 and MBD2 in CD4+T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Qin Hai‐Hong , Zhu Xiao‐Hua , Liang Jun , Yang Yong‐Sheng , Wang Shang‐Shang , Shi Wei‐Min , Xu Jin‐Hua
Published: November 2012

Background/Objectives

It seems that global DNA hypomethylation in CD4+T cells is linked to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the underlying mechanism by which SLE patients show hypomethylated DNA remains unclear. This study explored the relationship between DNA methylation patterns and expression levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1) and MBD2 in CD4+T cells of SLE patients.

Methods

CD4+T cells were obtained from 30 patients with SLE and 18 normal controls. The global DNA methylation levels in CD4+T cells were evaluated by the Methyflash DNA methylation quantification kit. The mRNA levels of DNMT1 and MBD2 were quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

SLE patients had significantly lower global DNA methylation levels than controls, and the global DNA methylation was inversely correlated with the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). The mRNA levels of DNMT1 in SLE patients were significantly lower than that of controls and there was no correlation between DNMT1 mRNA levels and SLEDAI but there was a positive correlation between DNMT1 mRNA levels and global DNA methylation. The mRNA levels of MBD2 in SLE patients were significantly higher than in controls, and there was positive correlation between MBD2 mRNA levels and SLEDAI and an inverse correlation between MBD2 mRNA levels and global DNA methylation.

Conclusions

Global DNA hypomethylation may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of SLE. Abnormal expression levels of DNMT1 and MBD2 mRNA may be important causes of the global hypomethylation observed in CD4+T cells in SLE.
Advances in maternal fetal medicine practice
Authors: Tan Woo Syong , Guaran Robert , Challis Daniel
Published: November 2012

Maternal fetal medicine (MFM) is a subspecialty of obstetrics that focuses on identified risk pregnancies. The role includes obstetric ultrasound for fetal assessment and diagnosis of anomalies, invasive prenatal diagnosis and management of pregnancies complicated by maternal medical disorders, multiple fetuses and the antenatal management of extreme prematurity.

Skill specialisation within MFM includes fetal interventions such as fetal shunting procedures, intrauterine transfusion, fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of anastomotic vessels for twin to twin transfusion syndrome and ex utero intrapartum treatment. MFM specialists are actively involved in clinical and basic science research to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Most Australian MFM specialists are associated with metropolitan teaching hospitals. MFM sub‐specialisation has reduced the impact of disability associated with aneuploidy, structural anomalies, multiple pregnancy and extreme prematurity. Management aims are to give families timely counselling, appropriate intervention, and optimisation of the time and location of delivery. The aim of this paper is to update the reader regarding current advances in MFM practices.
Botulinum toxin type A injection for neurogenic detrusor overactivity: Clinical outcome in Japanese patients
Authors: Hikita Katsuya , Honda Masashi , Kawamoto Bunya , Panagiota Tsounapi , Inoue Seiya , Hinata Nobuyuki , Muraoka Kuniyasu , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To report our experience with intravesical injection of botulinum toxin type A into the detrusor muscle of patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity secondary to suprasacral spinal cord lesions or multiple sclerosis.

Methods

Between January 2003 and March 2011, 11 patients (aged 23–75 years) were treated with 40 injections of botulinum toxin type A 300 U. The patients were followed up for 4, 8 and 12 weeks after treatment. The King's Health Questionnaire was administered and cystometric studies were carried out at baseline and 8 weeks after treatment.

Results

A total of six women and five men were treated. Analysis of the King's Health Questionnaire showed a significant improvement in eight of the nine domain scores at 8 weeks from baseline. On cystometric studies, the mean maximum cystometric capacity increased significantly in all patients at 8 weeks from baseline (P < 0.001). Bladder compliance also increased significantly (P < 0.001). The number of urinary incontinence episodes per day improved significantly from baseline after injection (4 weeks, P < 0.001; 8 weeks, P < 0.001; 12 weeks, P < 0.001). Lack of efficacy appeared 7.15 ± 3.4 months after treatment.

Conclusions

Injection of botulinum toxin type A into the detrusor muscle of patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity secondary to suprasacral spinal cord lesions or multiple sclerosis consistently improves bladder control and quality of life.
Moment of inertia as a means to evaluate the biomechanical impact of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Brandão Sofia , Da Roza Thuane , Mascarenhas Teresa , Duarte Sonia , Ramos Isabel , Parente Marco , Jorge Renato Natal
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To present an alternative measure (moment of inertia) to describe the anatomical features of the pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

A total of 30 women (21 diagnosed as having pelvic organ prolapse and 9 as controls) were evaluated by clinical scales and magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging biometric measures were carried out. Moment of inertia, pubovisceral muscle thickness and area, and levator hiatus anterior‐to‐posterior and lateral measures were compared by means of non‐parametric tests, as well as their correlation with demographic features of the two sample groups.

Results

Moment of inertia, muscle area and levator hiatus diameters were statistically different between patients and controls. Furthermore, they were also well correlated with prolapse‐associated factors, such as the number of vaginal deliveries and age, as well as Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system and imaging staging of levator ani defects.

Conclusions

Moment of inertia can be used as a new parameter to evaluate pelvic floor damage resulting from prolapse.
Active surveillance for small renal tumors: Have clinical concerns been addressed so far?
Authors: Gontero Paolo , Joniau Steven , Oderda Marco , Ruutu Mirja , Van Poppel Hein , Laguna M Pilar , de la Rosette Jean , Kirkali Ziya
Published: November 2012

The incidence of small renal masses is increasing, as a result of the wide adoption of imaging exams. Their management, however, is complicated, especially in patients with decreased life expectancy or comorbidities. Approximately 20% of small renal masses are benign and, even if malignant, just 10% show aggressive pathological features. Furthermore, competing cause mortality seems to exceed the cancer‐specific mortality in patients aged over 70 years. The role of percutaneous tumor biopsy is still not well defined. All these observations raise the concern as to whether surgery might represent an overtreatment for some cases of small renal masses, calling into question the role of active surveillance. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current evidence pertaining to several hot questions that need to be addressed when contemplating active surveillance for small renal masses. The most relevant publications on this subject available in the literature were selected. Five representative series of active surveillance along with the main related variables were identified. Some relevant items surrounding the field of active surveillance were identified and submitted to an evidence‐based discussion. According to the recent evidence, small renal masses under active surveillance tend to show an indolent course with a low probability of disease progression, the latter being triggered most of the time by a tendency to grow faster. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to predict those few cases with aggressive behavior. According to the current evidence, active surveillance is feasible and safe in elderly and comorbid patients.
Analysis of urological procedures in men who died from prostate cancer using a population‐based approach
Authors: Babaian Kara , Truong Matthew , Cetnar Jeremy , Cross Deanna S. , Shi Fangfang , Ritter Mark A. , Jarrard David F.
Published: November 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Very few studies have examined end‐of‐life urological studies in men with prostate cancer. These studies reported fewer procedures in men who received primary therapy for prostate cancer. However, these studies were typically single institution or had a short follow‐up period.

The present study is the first population‐based study examining end‐of‐life urological procedures and uses a geographic region encompassing 385 000 patients. Furthermore, this study incorporates both hospital‐ and office‐based procedures. This approach has not been previously undertaken.

OBJECTIVE

To determine using a population‐based approach whether men with end‐stage prostate cancer who had definitive primary therapy might require fewer urological interventions. Repeated urological procedures can impact health‐related quality of life in patients dying from prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the Marshfield Epidemiological Study Area (MESA) database and tumour registry, we compared end‐of‐life interventions in men who died from prostate cancer between 1991 and 2009.

Patient charts were queried for urological procedures using International Classification of Disease Modification, 9th edition (ICD9) codes for 3 years before death.

Clinicopathological information was examined including whether the patient had a history of primary therapy (radiation or radical prostatectomy).

RESULTS

Among 280 patients dying from prostate cancer, 52 (19%) required 153 urological procedures during the last 3 years of life. The frequency of procedures increased closer to death. The most common procedures involved nephrostomy tube (56%), Foley catheter (24%) and transurethral resection of the prostate (10%).

Clinicopathological features did not predict the need for an end‐of‐life urological procedure.

There was no difference in the frequency of upper or lower tract procedures in surgery or radiation patients compared with patients without primary therapy (P= 0.556 and P= 0.508).

Using a Kaplan–Meier analysis, there were no differences between groups in the proportion of patients not requiring a procedure (n= 280; P= 0.179).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first population‐based study to examine the frequency of urological procedures in patients with end‐stage prostate cancer.

A minority of patients (19%) required urological procedures during the final 3 years of life.

A history of surgery or radiation did not influence the overall risk for urological intervention.
Low suspicion lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging predict for the absence of high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Yerram Nitin K. , Volkin Dmitry , Turkbey Baris , Nix Jeffrey , Hoang Anthony N. , Vourganti Srinivas , Gupta Gopal N. , Linehan W. Marston , Choyke Peter L. , Wood Bradford J. , Pinto Peter A.
Published: November 2012

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Over‐treatment of indolent prostate cancer lesions is a problem which can result in increased human and medical costs.

Lesions with a low suspician level at mpMRI of the prostate have low risk of including high risk prostate cancer.

Objective

To determine whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has the potential to identify patients at low risk for cancer, thus obviating the need for biopsy. Prostate cancer is currently diagnosed by random biopsies, resulting in the discovery of multiple low‐risk cancers that often lead to overtreatment.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 800 consecutive patients who underwent a 3 Tesla mpMRI of the prostate with an endorectal coil from March 2007 to November 2011.

All suspicious lesions were independently reviewed by two radiologists using T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted, spectroscopic and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI sequences.

Patients with only low suspicion lesions (maximum of two positive parameters on mpMRI) who subsequently underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)/MRI fusion targeted biopsy were selected for analysis.

Results

In total, 125 patients with only low suspicion prostatic lesions on mpMRI were identified.

On TRUS/MRI fusion biopsy, 77 (62%) of these patients had no cancer detected, 38 patients had Gleason 6 disease and 10 patients had Gleason 7 (3+4) disease.

There were 30 patients with cancer detected on biopsy who qualified for active surveillance using 2011 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.

No cases of high‐risk (≥ Gleason 4+3) cancer were identified on biopsy and, of the fifteen patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution, none were pathologically upgraded to high‐risk cancer.

Thus, for patients with only low suspicion lesions, 107 (88%) patients either had no cancer or clinically insignificant disease.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study show that low suspicion lesions on mpMRI are associated with either negative biopsies or low‐grade tumours suitable for active surveillance.

Such patients have a low risk of harbouring high‐risk prostate cancers.
NATURE'S JOINTS: A REALISTIC DEFENCE OF NATURAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Mellor D. H.
Published: November 2012

This paper attacks two contrary views. One denies that nature has joints, taking the properties we call natural to be merely artefacts of our theories. The other accepts real natural properties but takes their naturalness to come by degrees. I argue that both are wrong: natural properties are real, and their naturalness no more comes by degrees than does the naturalness of the things that have them.1
BOUNDARIES IN REALITY
Authors: Tahko Tuomas E.
Published: November 2012

This paper defends the idea that there must be some joints in reality, some correct way to classify or categorize it. This may seem obvious, but we will see that there are at least three conventionalist arguments against this idea, as well as philosophers who have found them convincing. The thrust of these arguments is that the manner in which we structure, divide or carve up the world is not grounded in any natural, genuine boundaries in the world. Ultimately they are supposed to pose a serious threat to realism. The first argument that will be examined concerns the claim that there are no natural boundaries in reality, the second one focuses on the basis of our classificatory schemes, which the conventionalist claims to be merely psychological, and the third considers the significance of our particular features in carving up the world, such as physical size and perceptual capabilities. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that none of these objections succeed in undermining the existence of genuine joints in reality.
CONTRASTIVE EXPLANATIONS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Authors: Boulter Stephen
Published: November 2012

Taxonomists in biology have traditionally been concerned to delimit and classify actual (or previously actual) biological forms or kinds. But not all useful classification schemes are of actualised forms. This paper focuses on the need to delimit and classify non‐actual forms when offering contrastive explanations in evolutionary biology. Such a classification scheme sorts actual and non‐actual forms according to their modal status. Such a sorting has been offered by theoretical morphologists, but these efforts have paid insufficient attention to the metaphysics of modality. Contemporary approaches to the metaphysics and epistemology of modality are also found wanting. The paper ends by arguing that the needed intellectual resources are to be found in the imaginative use of Aristotle.
Assessing the genetic impact of massive restocking on wild mallard
Authors: Champagnon J. , Crochet P‐A. , Kreisinger J. , Čížková D. , Gauthier‐Clerc M. , Massez G. , Söderquist P. , Albrecht T. , Guillemain M.
Published: November 2012

Captive‐bred mallards Anas platyrhynchos have been released for hunting purposes at a very large scale in Europe since the mid‐1970s. In spite of a potential genetic impact, the actual contribution of restocked mallards to the genome of the target population has received little attention. The genetic structure of modern wild mallards in the Camargue, Southern France, was assessed from two samples: one originating from shot birds in hunting bags and one from presumed wild ducks captured alive in a hunting‐free reserve. Reference samples originated from five mallard farms, as well as from museum samples collected before the mid‐1970s (i.e. before massive mallard releases started). Our results revealed that the genetic signature of wild wintering mallards has not changed significantly because museum and presumed wild samples from the Camargue hunting‐free nature reserve were genetically similar, and clearly differentiated from the farm mallards. This suggests that mallard releases in the Camargue or elsewhere in France, although massive, have not actually translated into complete admixture of wild and captive genomes, most likely due to low survival of released birds once in the wild. Nevertheless, although genetic introgression of the wild population by captive‐bred was contained, we found significant rates of hybridization between wild and captive‐bred mallards in modern samples. This result suggests that long‐term releases of captive‐bred mallards, if carried on at such large scale, could compromise irreversibly the genetic structure and composition of European mallards. This work contributes to fill in the gap on the monitoring of the genetic consequences of large‐scale game releases for exploitation.
Aspirin in the prevention of pre‐eclampsia in high‐risk women: a randomised placebo‐controlled PREDO Trial and a meta‐analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Villa PM , Kajantie E , Räikkönen K , Pesonen A‐K , Hämäläinen E , Vainio M , Taipale P , Laivuori H ,   on behalf of the PREDO Study group
Published: November 2012

Objective  To study the effect of aspirin in the prevention of pre‐eclampsia in high‐risk women.

Design  Randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting  Maternity clinics in ten Finnish hospitals participating in the PREDO Project.

Sample  A total of 152 women with risk factors for pre‐eclampsia and abnormal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry.

Methods  Participants were randomised to start either aspirin 100 mg/day or placebo at 12 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks + days of gestation. Because of the limited power of this trial, we also conducted a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials that included data on 346 women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry, and aspirin 50–150 mg/day started at or before 16 weeks of gestation.

Main outcome measure  Pre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension and birthweight standard deviation (SD) score. Outcome measures for the meta‐analysis were pre‐eclampsia, severe pre‐eclampsia, preterm (diagnosed <37 + 0 weeks of gestation) and term pre‐eclampsia.

Results  From the 152 randomised women, 121 were included in the final analysis. Low‐dose aspirin did not reduce the rate of pre‐eclampsia (relative risk [RR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.3–1.7); gestational hypertension (RR 1.6, 95% CI 0.6–4.2); early‐onset pre‐eclampsia (diagnosed <34 + 0 weeks of gestation) (RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.03–2.1); or severe pre‐eclampsia (RR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1–1.3); and the results were not statistically significant in an intention‐to‐treat analysis. However, our meta‐analysis, including the current data, suggested that low‐dose aspirin initiated before 16 weeks of gestation reduces the risk of pre‐eclampsia (RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.8) and severe pre‐eclampsia (RR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.7).

Conclusions  Our trial showed no statistically significant effect of aspirin in preventing pre‐eclampsia in high‐risk women. However, our meta‐analysis suggested that aspirin may reduce the incidence of pre‐eclampsia.
Optimum Hurricane Futures Hedge in a Warming Environment: A Risk–Return Jump‐Diffusion Approach
Authors: Chang Carolyn W. , Chang Jack S. K. , Wen Min‐Ming
Published: November 2012

We develop an optimum risk–return hurricane hedge model in a doubly stochastic jump‐diffusion economy. The model's concave risk–return trade‐off dictates that a higher correlation between hurricane power and insurer's loss, a smaller variable hedging cost, and a larger market risk premium result in a less costly but more effective hedge. The resulting hedge ratio comprises of a positive diffusion, a positive jump, and a negative hedging cost component. Numerical results show that hedging hurricane jump risks is most crucial with jump volatility being the dominant factor, and the faster the warming the more pronounced the jump effects.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Patients with Valvular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: VALLES ALFRED G. , KHAWAJA FARHAN J. , GERSH BERNARD J. , ENRIQUEZ‐SARANO MAURICE , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , PARK SOON J. , HODGE DAVID O. , CHA YONG‐MEI
Published: November 2012

Sudden Death Prevention in Valvular Cardiomyopathy. Background: Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) are beneficial for preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with previous SCD or left ventricular dysfunction.

Objective:
The objective was to investigate the outcomes of ICD implantation in patients who have surgery for valvular cardiomyopathy (VCM).

Methods:
We identified patients with VCM who had ICD implantation after valve surgery. Age‐ and sex‐matched patients who received an ICD for ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) served as controls. Patients with VCM who had valve surgery but did not receive an ICD served as an additional control group. We compared mortality and appropriate ICD discharges between the study group and control groups.

Results:
Mean (SD) age (31 patients with VCM with ICD, 30 with ICM, 26 with DCM, and 62 patients with VCM without ICD) was 60 (15) years, 73% were men. Ejection fraction at ICD implantation was 34%, 26%, and 23% for the VCM with ICD, ICM, and DCM groups, respectively (P = 0.03). After a median follow‐up of 4.1 years, survival was not significantly different among ICD groups (P = 0.06). The annual appropriate shock rate was 5%, 10%, and 4% for the VCM with ICD, ICM, and DCM groups, respectively (P = 0.71). Compared to VCM without ICD, patients with VCM and ICD had comparable survival (P = 0.82) despite a reduced LVEF following valve surgery.

Conclusion:
Patients with VCM who undergo ICD implantation for SCD prevention have similar appropriate ICD discharge rates and mortality as do those with ICM and DCM. These data are hypothesis generating and deserve confirmation with large‐scale prospective studies. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1326‐1332, December 2012)
Fatty acid retention under temporally heterogeneous dietary intake in a cladoceran
Authors: Koussoroplis Apostolos‐Manuel , Kainz Martin J. , Striebel Maren
Published: November 2012

Omega‐3 (ω3) and ‐6 (ω6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential for all aquatic animals, but their dietary availability can be highly heterogeneous in space and time. The way consumers retain PUFA across such heterogeneous feeding conditions remains poorly understood. In a series of feeding experiments, we investigated how retention efficiencies (i.e. amount in consumer biomass/amount ingested) of PUFA and bulk carbon responded to heterogeneous PUFA intake in Daphnia magna. Heterogeneous PUFA intake was achieved by exposing D. magna to algal diets of different PUFA content and composition for specific time periods. The retention efficiency of carbon did not change among dietary treatments. At shorter exposure to PUFA‐rich diet, retention efficiencies of most PUFA were 2–3 times higher than that of bulk carbon, clearly indicating PUFA bioaccumulation in D. magna. Increasing exposure to PUFA‐rich diet caused exponential decrease of retention efficiencies for most PUFA. However, D. magna receiving more PUFA were richer in these compounds despite lower retention efficiency. Eicosapentaenoic (20:5ω3) and arachidonic acid (20:4ω6) and their precursors were always supplied in the same proportions (3.6:1), but the 20:5ω3/20:4ω6 ratio in D. magna (an important measure of nutritional quality for consumers) increased with exposure time to these PUFA from 2.2:1 to 3.8:1, thus eventually matching the diet. Our results suggest that D. magna is an efficient gatherer, accumulator, and repository of PUFA under low/fragmented dietary availability. However, at higher availabilities, PUFA are not always bioaccumulated in D. magna. Hence, the efficiency of PUFA transfer by daphnids in food webs may depend on temporal PUFA availability and its range of variation. Finally, we show that heterogeneity in PUFA intake may also affect higher trophic levels by influencing nutritionally critical PUFA ratios of zooplankton.
Red young leaves have less mechanical defence than green young leaves
Authors: Chen Ying‐Zhuo , Huang Shuang‐Quan
Published: November 2012

In many plants, leaves that are young and/or old (senescent) are not green. One adaptive hypothesis proposed that leaf color change could be a warning signal reducing insect attack. If leaf coloration involves less herbivory, it remains unclear why leaves in many species are constantly green. To examine whether green leaves reduce herbivory by physical defense as an alternative to the supposed warning signal of red leaves, we conducted comparative analyses of leaf color and protective tissues of 76 woody species in spring. The protective features (trichomes, enhanced cuticle and multiple epidermis) and the distribution of red pigments within leaves were examined in both young and mature leaves. We observed that redness was more frequent in young leaves than in senescent leaves. Compared to 36 species with red young leaves, 40 species with green young leaves showed a significantly higher incidence of enhanced cuticle and trichomes in both phylogenetic and non‐phylogenetic analyses. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the multiple origins of mechanical protection were generally associated with loss of red coloration. Our finding of relatively poor mechanical protection in red young leaves provides additional evidence for the adaptive explanation of leaf color change.
Hugo von Hofmannsthal'sDas Märchen der 672. Nachtand the Trials of Oscar Wilde
Authors: Hammond Charles H.
Published: November 2012

In this article, the author argues for a reading of Hofmannsthal'sMärchen der 672. Nacht(1895) as a work that was profoundly influenced by the three trials and ultimate criminal conviction of Oscar Wilde. In addition, he asserts that the Wilde trials led Hofmannsthal to reassess the shortcomings inherent in aestheticism and, as a consequence, to reaffirm the critical importance of social engagement for the artist.
Impact of photosensitivity disorders on the life quality of children
Authors: Rizwan Muneeza , Haylett Ann K. , Richards Helen L. , Ling Tsui C. , Rhodes Lesley E.
Published: November 2012

Background/Purpose

Abnormal cutaneous sensitivity to the ultraviolet and/or visible radiation in sunlight characterizes photosensitivity disorders. Little is known regarding their impact in childhood. Our objective was to characterize childhood photosensitivity disorders presenting to a photoinvestigation unit, evaluating their impact on quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Photoinvestigation records of children attending from 2000 to 2007 were evaluated for diagnosis, clinical, demographic and phototest parameters. These children were subsequently contacted during summertime to evaluate the impact of photosensitivity on QoL, utilizing the children's dermatology life quality index (CDLQI).

Results

83 children underwent photoinvestigation; 62 (74.7%) were diagnosed photosensitive (mean age 8.6 years, range 2–16; 33 female), with abnormal phototest findings in 35 children. 38/55 questionnaires (69.1%) were returned. Mean (± standard deviation) CDLQI score (all diagnoses) was 10.2 ± 7.3 with very high scores in xeroderma pigmentosum (20.7 ± 5.7; n = 3) and actinic prurigo (18.2 ± 7.1; n = 6) and moderate scores in photoaggravated eczema (7.9 ± 4.2; n = 8) and polymorphic light eruption (6.2 ± 4.4 n = 18). CDLQI correlated with number of months affected per year (r = 0.595, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Photosensitivity disorders have a substantial impact, ranging from moderate to extremely large, on QoL in childhood, and the psychological consequences should be considered in their management.
Low‐irradiance red LED traffic lamps as light source in PDT for actinic keratoses
Authors: Enk Claes D. , Levi Assi
Published: November 2012

LED light sources for photodynamic therapy have become increasingly popular due to their narrow emission spectra that accurately match the absorption spectrum of porphyrins. Photodynamic therapy at low fluence rates has been shown to be as effective as high output irradiation for treatment of non‐melanoma skin cancers. Fifteen patients with multiple non‐hypertrophic actinic keratoses covering the scalp and the face were treated with aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy using ordinary red LED traffic lamps as light source. All 15 patients improved clinically after one photodynamic therapy session. Only two patients required a second session to obtain satisfactory remission. Pain was minimal during these sessions. Red LED traffic lights constitute a simple alternative to far more complicated and expensive PDT light sources.
General practitioner service provision in residential aged care facilities: 1998–2011
Authors: Taylor Michael J , Edvardsson David , Horey Dell , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre , Nay Rhonda , Swerissen Hal
Published: November 2012

Aim

To examine the general practitioner (GP) consultation patterns for primary health‐care services provided in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) by consultation type.

Method

Analyses of service provision and RACF population data for the period 1998–2011. All Medicare‐subsidised services provided by GPs across Australia in RACFs were included and categorised by consultation type and by time of service delivery (business or after‐hours).

Results

Overall service delivery increased from 12 118 per 1000 residents in financial year (FY) 1998–99 to 17 079 per 1000 residents in FY2010–11, a 41% increase. Since FY2007–08, the rate of brief consultations has grown by an average of 20% each year. Delivery of after‐hours consultations also increased.

Conclusions

The pattern of GP services provided in RACFs has changed substantially over time. To some extent these changes reflect regulatory adjustments; however, the pattern is at odds with the ever‐increasing dependence levels of residents.
Toward Personalized Sexual Medicine (Part 3): Testosterone Combined with a Serotonin1A Receptor Agonist Increases Sexual Satisfaction in Women with HSDD and FSAD, and Dysfunctional Activation of Sexual Inhibitory Mechanisms
Authors: van Rooij Kim , Poels Saskia , Bloemers Jos , Goldstein Irwin , Gerritsen Jeroen , van Ham Diana , van Mameren Frederiek , Chivers Meredith , Everaerd Walter , Koppeschaar Hans , Olivier Berend , Tuiten Adriaan
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Among other causes, low sexual desire in women may result from dysfunctional activation of sexual inhibition mechanisms during exposure to sex. Administration of sublingual 0.5 mg testosterone (T) increases the sensitivity of the brain to sexual cues, which might amplify sexual inhibitory mechanisms further in women already prone to sexual inhibition. Sexual stimulation might elicit a prefrontal cortex (PFC)-mediated phasic increase in sexual inhibition, in which activity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) is involved. A single dose of 5-HT1A receptor agonist (5-HT1Ara) might reduce the sexual stimulation induced PFC-mediated sexual inhibition during a short period after administration. Consequently, treatment with a single dose of T+5-HT1Ara might enhance sexual responsiveness, particularly in women exhibiting sexual inhibition.

Aim

To investigate if treatment with a single dosage of T+5-HT1Ara will produce improvement in sexual functioning in women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) as the result of dysfunctional high sexual inhibition.

Methods

Fifty-four women were divided on the basis of their excitatory or inhibitory responses during T+phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) in low (N = 26) and high inhibitors (N = 28). Physiological and subjective indices of sexual functioning were measured in a participant-controlled ambulatory psychophysiological experiment at home (the first week of each drug treatment). In a bedroom experiment (the subsequent 3 weeks), sexual functioning was evaluated by event, week, and monthly diaries.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjective: sexual satisfaction, experienced genital arousal, sexual desire. Physiological: vaginal pulse amplitude.

Results

Women with high inhibition show a marked improvement in sexual function in response to treatment with T+5-HT1Ara relative to placebo and relative to T+PDE5i.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that on-demand T+5-HT1Ara is a potentially promising treatment for women with HSDD, particularly for those women who are prone to sexual inhibition.
Toward Personalized Sexual Medicine (Part 2): Testosterone Combined with a PDE5 Inhibitor Increases Sexual Satisfaction in Women with HSDD and FSAD, and a Low Sensitive System for Sexual Cues
Authors: Poels Saskia , Bloemers Jos , van Rooij Kim , Goldstein Irwin , Gerritsen Jeroen , van Ham Diana , van Mameren Frederiek , Chivers Meredith , Everaerd Walter , Koppeschaar Hans , Olivier Berend , Tuiten Adriaan
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Low sexual desire in women may result from a relative insensitivity of the brain for sexual cues. Administration of sublingual 0.5 mg testosterone (T) increases the sensitivity of the brain to sexual cues. Sexual stimulation in the brain is necessary for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i)-mediated increase in genital sexual response. Accordingly, a single dose of T+PDE5i might enhance sexual responsiveness, especially in women with low sensitivity for sexual cues.

Aim

To assess the hypothesis that treatment with on-demand use of T+PDE5i improves sexual functioning, particularly in women who suffer from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) as the result of a relative insensitivity for sexual cues.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 56 women with HSDD underwent three medication treatment regimes (placebo, T+PDE5i, and T with a serotonin 1A receptor agonist; see also parts 1 and 3), which lasted 4 weeks each. In a participant-controlled ambulatory psychophysiological experiment at home (the first week of each drug treatment), physiological and subjective indices of sexual functioning were measured. In a bedroom experiment (the subsequent 3 weeks), sexual functioning was evaluated following each sexual event after the self-administration of study medication. Subjective evaluation of sexual functioning was also measured by weekly and monthly reports.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjective: sexual satisfaction, experienced genital arousal, sexual desire. Physiological: vaginal pulse amplitude. Cognitive: preconscious attentional bias.

Results

T+PDE5i, as compared with placebo, significantly improved physiological and subjective measures of sexual functioning during ambulatory psychophysiological lab conditions at home and during the sexual events, in women with low sensitivity for sexual cues.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that on-demand T+PDE5i is a potentially promising treatment for women with HSDD, particularly in women with low sensitivity for sexual cues.