bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in life‐history traits of the water strider Aquarius paludum in accordance with global warming
Authors: HARADA TETSUO , TAKENAKA SHIHO , MAIHARA SHINYA , ITO KEN , TAMURA TOSHIKI
Published: September 2011

Seasonal records of nymphs of the water strider Aquarius paludum Fabricius (Heteroptera: Gerridae) at a waterway in Kochi prefecture, Japan (33°00′N to 33°30′N), in 2007, show that populations of new generation adults occur four or more times during the year, in mid and late May; late July to early August; September; and October to November. In laboratory experiments, more than 50% of adults are reproductive, irrespective of photoperiod, and this ratio increases to 80% even under a short‐day LD 11.5 : 13.5 h photocycle, which corresponds to the winter season at Kochi (33°N). There is a diminishing photoperiodic response in relation to the induction of diapause compared with measurements made in previous years (1995–1997), suggesting that reproduction may be possible over a much longer period in the near future (and even in winter) if local climate warming is sustained. A high proportion of males sampled in 2008 have small testes and a high proportion of females do not have mature oöcytes even in summer. This contrasts with earlier data showing that the testis volume index for the same period is greater in 1995–1997, and that 75% of females have mature oöcytes. These changes suggest that the Kochi‐Nankoku population of A. paludum is beginning to show partial aestivation. Overwintering adults of both sexes are found to have no mature flight muscles in October/November 2008. This is in marked contrast with earlier data from 1995 and 2004. Adults that are reared in the laboratory also show a lower flight propensity in response to shorter day lengths. The absence of mature flight muscles in the autumn and lower flight propensity under shorter days may indicate a cessation of dispersal between the summer habitats and overwintering sites on land far from the waterways. Taken together, these data suggest that populations of A. paludum in the Kochi‐Nankoku region are continuing to show adaptive changes, apparently in relation to global warming.
Dimethyl fumarate contact dermatitis of the foot: an increasingly widespread disease
Authors: D’Erme Angelo Massimiliano , Bassi Andrea , Lotti Torello , Gola Massimo
Published: September 2011

Background  Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been recognized as an extremely potent irritant and sensitizer found in sachets inside furniture. The first skin manifestations were correlated to contact with sofas, chairs, and other furniture. In these last years, some papers have reported a development of allergic contact dermatitis on the foot caused by DMF present in high concentration in shoes made in China.

Methods  We report the case of a 37‐year‐old woman who presented with severe eczema on the foot shortly after having bought a new pair of shoes. The diagnosis was performed by patch tests with DMF in several dilutions, with pieces of internal and external parts of the shoes, and by chemical analysis of the shoes.

Results  In the last three years, goods containing DMF increased diffusely despite the augmentation on global preventive measures by Europe.

Conclusions  Therefore, new cases of contact dermatitis could be dependent on DMF, and it is of note that this allergen is not included in most series for patch testing.
Summer Dormancy in Phalaris aquatica L., the Influence of Season of Sowing and Summer Moisture Regime on Two Contrasting Cultivars
Authors: Norton M. R. , Lelièvre F. , Volaire F.
Published: September 2011

A series of trials to increase understanding of the summer dormancy trait in Phalaris aquatica was conducted. Autumn‐sown and younger, spring‐sown plants of two cultivars (cvv), known to contrast in expression of summer dormancy, were established and then tested over the following summer under three moisture regimes: long drought; drought + mid‐summer storm; or full irrigation. The autumn‐sown plants of cv. Atlas PG expressed substantial but incomplete summer dormancy under all moisture regimes and exhibited the characteristic responses including significant growth reduction and herbage senescence. The summer‐dormant cv. Atlas PG used 31 mm less soil water over the summer and also began to rehydrate its leaf bases from conserved soil water before the drought broke. The non‐dormant cv. Australian grew whenever moisture was applied and also responded to the mid‐summer storm with a decline in dehydrin expression in leaf bases, whereas no decline occurred in Atlas PG, presumably because it remained dormant. The irrigated, younger, spring‐sown swards of cv. Atlas PG had restrained growth and produced only about 37 % of the herbage of cv. Australian. Drought reduced activity and growth of young plants of both cultivars but while Australian regrew in response to the storm, cv. Atlas PG, grew much less (59 % of Australian) indicating that dormancy, although only partially expressed after spring sowing, was reinforced by summer drought. Australian used more soil water over summer than Atlas PG, and it is suggested that this is why cv Australian is limited to the higher rainfall zones of south‐eastern Australia, particularly where soil water holding capacity is limited.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on recurrence and progression in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hwang Eu Chang , Kim Young Jung , Hwang In Sang , Hwang Jun Eul , Jung Seung Il , Kwon Dong Deuk , Park Kwangsung , Ryu Soo Bang
Published: September 2011

Objective:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tumor features in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Methods:  Data from 251 patients who underwent transurethral resection (TUR) for NMIBC from January 2000 to June 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I, 159 patients (63%) who did not have DM at the time of surgery; and (ii) Group II, 92 patients (37%) who had DM at the time of surgery. Recurrence‐ and progression‐free survival was assessed in both groups. Preoperative HbA1c levels, as parameter of glycemic control, were determined in Group II patients, with patients divided into two subgroups: (i) HbA1c ≥7.0%; and (ii) HbA1c <7.0%. The clinical features of the bladder tumor were compared in these two subgroups.

Results:  Compared with Group I, Group II patients were older and had a higher rate of hypertension, recurrence, and progression (P < 0.05). Univariate survival analysis showed that gender, DM, smoking, and serum creatinine were associated with recurrence‐free survival (P < 0.05), whereas DM, stage, grade, intravesical instillation, and serum creatinine were associated with progression‐free survival. In multivariate survival analysis, DM was found to be an independent factor for recurrence‐ (hazard ratio [HR] 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–3.2; P = 0.001) and progression‐free survival (HR 9.35; 95% CI 3.1–28.6; P = 0.001). Furthermore, patients with HbA1c ≥7.0% exhibited a significantly higher rate of multiplicity (P = 0.001), tumor grade (P = 0.03), and intravesical treatment (P = 0.04).

Conclusions:  In conclusion, DM seems to be an independent predictor of recurrence‐ and progression‐free survival in NMIBC patients. Further prospective studies are needed to establish the prognostic significance of postoperative glycemic control in this patient population.
Laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy: Assessment of feasibility and potential indications
Authors: Kawasaki Yoshihide , Ishidoya Shigeto , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Ito Akihiro , Satoh Fumitoshi , Morimoto Ryo , Nakagawa Haruo , Arai Yoichi
Published: September 2011

Objective:  To report a single‐center experience with laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy (LSBA) and to evaluate its safety, surgical outcomes, and potential indications of the procedure.

Methods:  A total of 21 patients underwent LSBA between 2000 and 2010 at our institution. Four patients had bilateral Cushing's syndrome (CS), two had bilateral pheochromocytoma, and one had a bilateral metastatic tumor. Eleven patients had unilateral or bilateral aldosterone‐producing adenoma (APA), associated with CS or subclinical CS. Three patients had unilateral APA with contralateral non‐functioning adenoma. Partial adrenalectomy was performed first by using with four ports. After the excision of one gland, the contralateral gland was removed after repositioning of the patient.

Results:  LSBA was completed in all 21 patients without major complications. Mean operative time was 329.7 min and the estimated blood loss was 94.1 mL. Mean tumor size was 21.8 mm. Of the 16 patients receiving an adrenal‐sparing procedure, nine of 11 discontinued glucocorticoid replacement after 2 years. The remaining five patients receiving bilateral total adrenalectomy required 0.5–0.75 mg of dexamethasone permanently. No open conversions, no deaths or no adrenal insufficiencies were encountered.

Conclusions:  LSBA represents a safe and viable treatment option for selected patients with bilateral adrenal disease.
Naftopidil vs silodosin in medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones: A randomized controlled study in Japanese male patients
Authors: Tsuzaka Yasuo , Matsushima Hisashi , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Homma Yukio
Published: September 2011

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of the selective α1D‐adrenoceptor antagonist naftopidil and the selective α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist silodosin (as an example) in the management of ureteral stones in Japanese male patients. A total of 74 patients with symptomatic ≤10 mm ureteral stones were enrolled in a prospective study and randomized into two groups: Group 1 received 50 mg naftopidil daily, whereas Group 2 received 8 mg silodosin daily. Patients were followed‐up for up to 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was stone expulsion rate and secondary endpoints were stone expulsion time, the rate of interventions, such as transurethral ureterolithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or ureteral stenting, and side effects. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to age, stone size, and location. The stone expulsion rate was 61% and 84% in the naftopidil and silodosin groups, respectively (P = 0.038). No significant differences were noted in stone expulsion time or the rate of interventions between the two groups. The findings suggest that α1A‐adrenoceptor blockade was clinically superior for stone expulsion our study population.
Post‐operative risk factor control following internal carotid artery intervention
Authors: Rajeswaran Dylan , Saunder Alan , Raymond Simon
Published: September 2011

Background:  Patients who undergo carotid surgical interventions remain at significant risk of further vascular events post‐operatively. This study evaluates the level of risk factor monitoring and control being achieved post‐operatively for patients who undergo carotid surgical interventions within Southern Health and investigates the significance of patient education and patient insight in this context.

Methods:  The study included all patients who underwent successful carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty within Southern Health during the 5‐year study period. To ascertain the objective risk factor status of participants, the most current reported measurements for the variables of blood pressure, blood lipids and glycosylated hemoglobin were obtained from the participant's usual medical attendants. To ascertain the participant's subjective perceptions of their risk factor status, participants completed a self‐administered mail‐out questionnaire.

Results:  A high level of post‐operative risk factor monitoring was demonstrated. Post‐operative risk factor control was not as commendable. There was a significant discrepancy identified between patient perceptions of current post‐operative risk factor status and the objective reality of current post‐operative risk factor status. There was a moderate positive linear correlation between level of accurate patient insight into their disease (including their post‐operative risk factor control) and the level of post‐operative risk factor control being achieved (r= 0.51, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Future strategy targeted at achieving optimal post‐CEA and carotid angioplasty with adjuvant stenting risk factor control should consider incorporating themes that increase the level of accurate patient insight into their disease (particularly their post‐operative risk factor control), for instance, patient education and effective doctor–patient communication.
The quantitative significance of Syntrophaceae and syntrophic partnerships in methanogenic degradation of crude oil alkanes
Authors: Gray N. D. , Sherry A. , Grant R. J. , Rowan A. K. , Hubert C. R. J. , Callbeck C. M. , Aitken C. M. , Jones D. M. , Adams J. J. , Larter S. R. , Head I. M.
Published: September 2011

Libraries of 16S rRNA genes cloned from methanogenic oil degrading microcosms amended with North Sea crude oil and inoculated with estuarine sediment indicated that bacteria from the genera Smithella (Deltaproteobacteria, Syntrophaceace) and Marinobacter sp. (Gammaproteobacteria) were enriched during degradation. Growth yields and doubling times (36 days for both Smithella and Marinobacter) were determined using qPCR and quantitative data on alkanes, which were the predominant hydrocarbons degraded. The growth yield of the Smithella sp. [0.020 g(cell‐C)/g(alkane‐C)], assuming it utilized all alkanes removed was consistent with yields of bacteria that degrade hydrocarbons and other organic compounds in methanogenic consortia. Over 450 days of incubation predominance and exponential growth of Smithella was coincident with alkane removal and exponential accumulation of methane. This growth is consistent with Smithella's occurrence in near surface anoxic hydrocarbon degrading systems and their complete oxidation of crude oil alkanes to acetate and/or hydrogen in syntrophic partnership with methanogens in such systems. The calculated growth yield of the Marinobacter sp., assuming it grew on alkanes, was [0.0005 g(cell‐C)/g(alkane‐C)] suggesting that it played a minor role in alkane degradation. The dominant methanogens were hydrogenotrophs (Methanocalculus spp. from the Methanomicrobiales). Enrichment of hydrogen‐oxidizing methanogens relative to acetoclastic methanogens was consistent with syntrophic acetate oxidation measured in methanogenic crude oil degrading enrichment cultures. qPCR of the Methanomicrobiales indicated growth characteristics consistent with measured rates of methane production and growth in partnership with Smithella.
Phosphate transporters in marine phytoplankton and their viruses: cross‐domain commonalities in viral‐host gene exchanges
Authors: Monier Adam , Welsh Rory M. , Gentemann Chelle , Weinstock George , Sodergren Erica , Armbrust E. Virginia , Eisen Jonathan A. , Worden Alexandra Z.
Published: September 2011

Phosphate (PO4) is an important limiting nutrient in marine environments. Marine cyanobacteria scavenge PO4 using the high‐affinity periplasmic phosphate binding protein PstS. The pstS gene has recently been identified in genomes of cyanobacterial viruses as well. Here, we analyse genes encoding transporters in genomes from viruses that infect eukaryotic phytoplankton. We identified inorganic PO4 transporter‐encoding genes from the PHO4 superfamily in several virus genomes, along with other transporter‐encoding genes. Homologues of the viral pho4 genes were also identified in genome sequences from the genera that these viruses infect. Genome sequences were available from host genera of all the phytoplankton viruses analysed except the host genus Bathycoccus. Pho4 was recovered from Bathycoccus by sequencing a targeted metagenome from an uncultured Atlantic Ocean population. Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that pho4 genes from pelagophytes, haptophytes and infecting viruses were more closely related to homologues in prasinophytes than to those in what, at the species level, are considered to be closer relatives (e.g. diatoms). We also identified PHO4 superfamily members in ocean metagenomes, including new metagenomes from the Pacific Ocean. The environmental sequences grouped with pelagophytes, haptophytes, prasinophytes and viruses as well as bacteria. The analyses suggest that multiple independent pho4 gene transfer events have occurred between marine viruses and both eukaryotic and bacterial hosts. Additionally, pho4 genes were identified in available genomes from viruses that infect marine eukaryotes but not those that infect terrestrial hosts. Commonalities in marine host‐virus gene exchanges indicate that manipulation of host‐PO4 uptake is an important adaptation for viral proliferation in marine systems. Our findings suggest that PO4‐availability may not serve as a simple bottom‐up control of marine phytoplankton.
Observations on the ultrastructure of equatorial scleral collagen fibrils in sheep eyes
Authors: Doughty Michael J.
Published: September 2011

Objective  To investigate collagen fibrils of the equatorial sclera in relation to the age‐related changes in eye size in sheep.

Animals studied  Lambs and outbred ewes.

Procedures  Sheep eyes (three lamb and three from adult outbred ewes), presumed disease‐free, were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) immediately postmortem. Tissue blocks from the equatorial region were sectioned across fibril bundles orientated along the equator. Micrographs including at least 500 fibrils were projected at 22 000× magnification for measures of fibril diameters (FDs).

Results  Lamb eyes were smaller than those of adult ewes but equatorial scleral thickness was only marginally less at 0.232 ± 0.013 vs. 0.254 ± 0.012 mm (P value not significant). Scleral tissue was composed of compacted bundles of collagen fibers that tended to be rounder in outer compared to being flatter in inner regions. In typical (normal) appearing regions, FDs were distinctly larger (68–410 nm) in outer sclera compared to inner sclera (63–281 nm). Outer sclera FDs were bimodal averaging 192 ± 58 nm, compared to unimodal distributions at inner locations averaging 156 ± 48 nm (P < 0.001). Some atypical regions, especially at outer‐mid sclera locations, were also noted where the FD distribution was bimodal but also included numerous microfibrils (<50 nm diameter), with similar appearances being found for both lamb and adult ewe eyes.

Conclusions  The equatorial sclera is a mixture of rounder versus flatter collagen fiber bundles, the former being more likely to be made up of a mixture of both smaller and larger fibrils, as compared to slightly smaller fibrils.
South Africa: A Legacy of Family Disruption
Authors: Budlender Debbie , Lund Francie
Published: September 2011

This article draws together unusual characteristics of the legacy of apartheid in South Africa: the state‐orchestrated destruction of family life, high rates of unemployment and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The disruption of family life has resulted in a situation in which many women have to fulfil the role of both breadwinner and care giver in a context of high unemployment and very limited economic opportunities. The question that follows is: given this crisis of care, to what extent can or will social protection and employment‐related social policies provide the support women and children need?
Who Cares in Nicaragua? A Care Regime in an Exclusionary Social Policy Context
Authors: Franzoni Juliana Martínez , Voorend Koen
Published: September 2011

In Latin American countries with historically strong social policy regimes (such as those in the Southern Cone), neoliberal policies are usually blamed for the increased burden of female unpaid work. However, studying the Nicaraguan care regime in two clearly defined periods — the Sandinista and the neoliberal eras — suggests that this argument may not hold in the case of countries with highly familialist social policy regimes. Despite major economic, political and policy shifts, the role of female unpaid work, both within the family and in the community, remains persistent and pivotal, and was significant long before the onset of neoliberal policies. Nicaragua's care regime has been highly dependent on the ‘community’ or ‘voluntary’ work of mostly women. This has also been, and continues to be, vital for the viability of many public social programmes.
Rethinking Care in a Development Context: An Introduction
Authors: Razavi Shahra
Published: September 2011

The issue of care has been the subject of extensive scholarly debate with reference to the advanced industrialized countries and their welfare regimes. Economic restructuring in the developing world has raised feminist concerns about social reproduction more broadly, and women's increasing burdens of unpaid care work in particular. While the present moment may not be marked by a generalized care crisis, systems of care provision are under strain in some contexts and for some social groups. Furthermore, care has emerged, or is emerging, as a legitimate subject of public debate and policy on the agendas of some civil society actors, developing country governments and international organizations. An increasing number of governments are experimenting with new ways of responding to care needs in their societies. However, these have been insufficiently recognized and analysed — a lacuna that the present collection of papers seeks to address. In an increasingly unequal world, where gender inequalities intersect with ever‐widening income inequalities, and where the options for securing good care are limited for the socially disadvantaged, the failure to socialize the costs of care will feed into and exacerbate existing inequalities.
Strategic orientations and new product commercialization: mediator, moderator, and interplay
Authors: Mu Jifeng , Di Benedetto C. Anthony
Published: September 2011

Why are some firms more successful at commercializing new products than others in emerging economies? It is possible that the strategic orientations, which firms adopt as a type of business strategy, lead at least partially to the superior performance of the new products they introduce to the market. Strategic orientations facilitate a match between firm strategy and resource endowment, on the one hand, and the adaptation to market conditions, on the other. In this paper, we empirically test whether four major types of strategic orientations (market orientation, technology orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, and networking orientation) are simultaneously related to new product commercialization performance using data collected from China. We find that strategic orientations are positively related to three aspects of new product commercialization, namely new product advantage, new product newness, and number of new products introduced to the market. Interestingly, we find that pairs of strategic orientations support each other in exerting their impacts on new product commercialization performance. In addition, we find that organizational learning mediates the effects of strategic orientations on new product commercialization and that environmental dynamism moderates the effect of strategic orientations on new product commercialization. We obtain the valuable insight that a firm's successful commercialization of new products hinges upon the development of critical yet complementary sets of strategic orientations, especially in a dynamic business environment.
Is there underfunding in brain research? The UK research expenditure
Authors: Winter Yaroslav , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Dodel Richard
Published: September 2011

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EFNS guidelines on the Clinical Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (MALS) – revised report of an EFNS task force
Authors:   The EFNS Task Force on Diagnosis and Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:, Andersen Peter M. , Abrahams Sharon , Borasio Gian D. , de Carvalho Mamede , Chio Adriano , Van Damme Philip , Hardiman Orla , Kollewe Katja , Morrison Karen E. , Petri Susanne , Pradat Pierre‐Francois , Silani Vincenzo , Tomik Barbara , Wasner Maria , Weber Markus
Published: September 2011

Background:  The evidence base for the diagnosis and management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is weak.

Objectives:  To provide evidence‐based or expert recommendations for the diagnosis and management of ALS based on a literature search and the consensus of an expert panel.

Methods:  All available medical reference systems were searched, and original papers, meta‐analyses, review papers, book chapters and guidelines recommendations were reviewed. The final literature search was performed in February 2011. Recommendations were reached by consensus.

Recommendations:  Patients with symptoms suggestive of ALS should be assessed as soon as possible by an experienced neurologist. Early diagnosis should be pursued, and investigations, including neurophysiology, performed with a high priority. The patient should be informed of the diagnosis by a consultant with a good knowledge of the patient and the disease. Following diagnosis, the patient and relatives/carers should receive regular support from a multidisciplinary care team. Medication with riluzole should be initiated as early as possible. Control of symptoms such as sialorrhoea, thick mucus, emotional lability, cramps, spasticity and pain should be attempted. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding improves nutrition and quality of life, and gastrostomy tubes should be placed before respiratory insufficiency develops. Non‐invasive positive‐pressure ventilation also improves survival and quality of life. Maintaining the patient’s ability to communicate is essential. During the entire course of the disease, every effort should be made to maintain patient autonomy. Advance directives for palliative end‐of‐life care should be discussed early with the patient and carers, respecting the patient’s social and cultural background.
Clinical evaluation of photoprotective effect by a topical antioxidants combination (tocopherols and tocotrienols)
Authors: Pedrelli V.F. , Lauriola M.M. , Pigatto P.D.
Published: September 2011

Background  Vitamin E is among the earliest recognized antioxidants. Recent findings suggested that tocotrienols have superior activity than tocopherols. Moreover, vitamin A is well‐known in dermatology for its actions, including the ultraviolet radiation absorbing property.

Objectives  In view of experimental evidence for the photoprotective properties of these antioxidants, we evaluated in 30 patients with photosensitivity, the prophylactic efficacy of a new topical agent, containing tocopherols 10% and tocotrienols 0.3%, compared with retinol, simple vehicle and untreated areas.

Methods  After determination of the minimal UVB erythema dose (MED), two areas of 2 × 2 cm were selected on the buttocks of each subject, one of which was treated with the antioxidant formulation whereas the other field did not undergo any treatment. Therefore, both areas were irradiated with a twofold MED. As further controls, other two similar areas, selected on the forearm of 15 patients, were photo‐irradiated similarly, 30 min after application of the simple vehicle to a field and of vitamin A in the same vehicle to the other. Reactions (erythema/oedema/itch/vesciculation) assessment was carried out assigning scores indicative of their intensity; then, mean values +DS of scores were calculated.

Results  The pre‐treatment with the vitamin E formulation highly protects against photosensitivity, and all reactions to irradiation were significantly lower in the areas treated with the topical vitamin E formulation compared to those treated with the simple vehicle or vitamin A.

Conclusions  The use of a new topical formulation containing significant concentrations of tocotrienols and tocopherols represents a promising strategy to reduce the photo‐induced skin damage.
Landscape genetics of a specialized grasshopper inhabiting highly fragmented habitats: a role for spatial scale
Authors: Ortego Joaquín , Aguirre Maria P. , Cordero Pedro J.
Published: September 2011

Aim  The study of geographical discontinuities in the distribution of genetic variability in natural populations is a central topic in both evolutionary and conservation research. In this study, we aimed to analyse (1) the factors associated with genetic diversity at the landscape spatial scale in the highly specialized grasshopper Mioscirtus wagneri and (2) to identify the relative contribution of alternative factors to the observed patterns of genetic structure in this species.

Location  La Mancha region, Central Spain.

Methods  We sampled 28 populations of the grasshopper M. wagneri and genotyped 648 individuals at seven microsatellite loci. We employed a causal modelling approach to identify the most influential variables associated with genetic differentiation within a multiple hypothesis‐testing framework.

Results  We found that genetic diversity differs among populations located in different river basins and decreases with population isolation. Causal modelling analyses showed variability in the relative influence of the studied landscape features across different spatial scales. When a highly isolated population is considered, the analyses suggested that geographical distance is the only factor explaining the genetic differentiation between populations. When that population is excluded, the causal modelling analysis revealed that elevation and river basins are also relevant factors contributing to explaining genetic differentiation between the studied populations.

Main conclusions  These results indicate that the spatial scale considered and the inclusion of outlier populations may have important consequences on the inferred contribution of alternative landscape factors on the patterns of genetic differentiation even when all populations are expected to similarly respond to landscape structure. Thus, a multiscale perspective should also be incorporated into the landscape genetics framework to avoid biased conclusions derived from the spatial scale analysed and/or the geographical distribution of the studied populations.
Palaeozoological insights into management options for a threatened mammal: southern Africa’s Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra)
Authors: Faith J. Tyler
Published: September 2011

Aim  Promoting population growth of genetically distinct subpopulations of Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) is crucial to the survival of the subspecies. Several important Cape mountain zebra reserves are dominated by fynbos vegetation, and population growth is limited by a lack of grassland habitat. A fossil ungulate sequence spanning the last c. 18,000 years is examined to understand the long‐term history of this conservation challenge.

Location  Boomplaas Cave (BPA), South Africa.

Methods  The fossil sequence from BPA is examined to reconstruct ungulate community dynamics in relation to climate and vegetation change over the last 18,000 years.

Results  Ungulates from 18,000 to 12,000 years ago suggest an expansion of open grasslands that supported a grazing ecosystem dominated by an extinct caprine antelope and equid remains attributed to E. zebra and E. quagga. At the onset of the Holocene, the grazing ungulate community disappears and small browsers and mixed feeders dominate the assemblage, indicating the loss of open grassland vegetation. Several open‐habitat grazers go extinct at this time, and Equus persists at much lower abundances. This shift can be explained by global climate change across the Pleistocene–Holocene transition.

Main conclusions  The fossil sequence supports contemporary observations indicating that access to open grassland is crucial to maintaining large Cape mountain zebra subpopulations. Although fynbos is abundant throughout the historic range of the Cape mountain zebra, fossil evidence suggests that such vegetation is unlikely to support dense populations. It has been suggested that the acquisition of agricultural lands that were historically converted to open grasslands for livestock could promote Cape mountain zebra population growth. Results presented here support this management option, as the open grasslands in these converted landscapes likely approximate the vegetation structure during latest Pleistocene, when grasslands were widespread and grazing ungulates abundant.
Identifying hotspots of endemic woody seed plant diversity in China
Authors: Huang Jihong , Chen Bin , Liu Canran , Lai Jiangshan , Zhang Jinlong , Ma Keping
Published: September 2011

Aim This study aimed to detect distribution patterns and identify diversity hotspots for Chinese endemic woody seed plant species (CEWSPS).

Location China.

Methods Presence of 6885 CEWSPS throughout China was mapped by taking the Chinese administrative county as the basic spatial analysis unit. The diversity was measured with five indices: endemic richness (ER), weighted endemism (WE), phylogenetic diversity (PD), phylogenetic endemism (PE) and biogeographically weighted evolutionary distinctiveness (BED). Three levels of area (i.e. 1, 5 and 10% of China’s total land area) were used to identify hotspots, but the 5% level was preferred when both the total area of the hotspots identified and the diversity of CEWSPS reached by the hotspots were considered.

Results Distribution patterns of CEWSPS calculated with the five indices are consistent with each other over the national extent. However, the hotspots do not show a high degree of consistency among the results derived from the five indices. Those identified with ER and PD are very similar, and so are those with WE and BED. In total, 20 hotspots covering 7.9% of China’s total land area were identified, among which 11 were identified with all the five indices, including the Hengduan Mountains, Xishuangbanna Region, Hainan Island, and eight mountainous areas located in east Chongqing and west Hubei, in east Yunnan and west Guangxi, in north Guangxi, south‐east Guizhou and south‐west Hunan, in north Guangdong and south Hunan, in south‐east Tibet, and in south‐east Hubei and north‐west Jiangxi. Taiwan Island was also identified as a major hotspot with WE, PE and BED.

Main conclusions Hotspots of CEWSPS were identified with five indices considering both distributional and phylogenetic information. They cover most of the key areas of biodiversity defined by previous researchers using other approaches. This further verifies the importance of these areas for China’s biodiversity conservation.
Terrestrial laser scan error in the presence of dense ground vegetation
Authors: Coveney Seamus , Stewart Fotheringham A.
Published: September 2011

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data‐sets are seeing increasing use in geology, geomorphology, forestry and urban mapping. The ease of use, affordability and operational flexibility of TLS suggest that demand for it is likely to increase in large‐scale mapping studies. However, its advantages may remain restricted to specific environments, because of difficulties in defining bare‐ground level in the presence of ground‐level vegetation. This paper seeks to clarify the component contributions to TLS elevation error deriving from vegetation occlusion, scan co‐registration error, point cloud georeferencing error and target position definition in TLS point cloud data. A multi‐scan single‐returns TLS point cloud data‐set of very high resolution (∼250 points/m2) was acquired for an 11 hectare area of open, substantially flat and 100% vegetated coastal saltmarsh, providing data for the empirical quantification of TLS error. Errors deriving from the sources discussed are quantified, clarifying the potential proportional contribution of vegetation to other error sources. Initial data validation is applied to the TLS point cloud data after application of a local‐lowest‐point selection process, and repeat validation tests are applied to the resulting filtered point cloud after application of a kriging‐based error adjustment and data fusion with GPS. The final results highlight the problem of representing bare ground effectively within TLS data captured in the presence of dense ground vegetation and clarify the component contributions of elevation error deriving from surveying and data processing.
MRI features of hepatocellular carcinoma expressing progenitor cell markers
Authors: Jeong Hyeon Tae , Kim Myeong‐Jin , Kim Yeo‐Eun , Park Young Nyun , Choi Gi Hong , Choi Jin Sub
Published: September 2011

Background & Aims

To determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features differ between hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with and without expression of progenitor cell markers, such as cytokeratin (CK) 19 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM).

Methods

Sixty‐three patients with 71 HCCs who underwent surgery after preoperative gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MR imaging were evaluated. HCCs expressing progenitor cell markers were defined as showing CK19 or EpCAM expression. MR imaging features, including the fat component, arterial enhancement (global vs. peripheral), dynamic enhancement (washout vs. progressive or persistent), nodule‐in‐nodule appearance and MR gross morphology (expanding vs. non‐expanding), were compared between HCCs with and without progenitor cell markers expression. Lesion‐to‐liver signal intensity ratio (SIR) and apparent diffusion coefficient values were compared using an independent samples t‐test. Early recurrence rates were also compared.

Results

HCCs expressing progenitor cell markers were more commonly of the non‐expanding type (P = 0.016), more frequently had a progressive or persistent dynamic enhancement pattern (P = 0.008) and less frequently demonstrated a nodule‐in‐nodule appearance (P = 0.009). HCCs expressing progenitor cell markers had significantly higher SIRs on diffusion‐weighted images (DWIs) (b = 50 and 800, P < 0.001; b = 400, P = 0.001) and a significantly lower SIR on hepatobiliary phase images (P = 0.024). The early recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with prior HCCs that expressed progenitor cell markers (P = 0.045).

Conclusions

HCCs expressing progenitor cell markers can be characterized according to their non‐expanding MR gross morphology, persistent or progressive dynamic enhancement patterns, higher SIRs on DWIs, lower SIRs on hepatobiliary phase images and less frequent nodule‐in‐nodule appearance.
Genetic polymorphisms and the risk of progressive renal failure in elderly Hungarian patients
Authors: ZSOM Marianna , FÜLÖP Tibor , ZSOM Lajos , BARÁTH Ákos , MARÓTI Zoltán , ENDREFFY Emőke
Published: September 2011

The relationship between renal disease progression and genetic polymorphism of enzymes influencing endothelial function remains incompletely understood. We genotyped three cohorts of elderly Hungarian patients: 245 patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis (HD), 88 patients with mild chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 200 healthy controls. The underlying diagnoses of renal diseases were primary glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and hereditary diseases. We examined genetic polymorphisms of eight candidate genes associated with endothelial function: endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) T‐786C, endothelin‐1 G5727T, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, paraoxonase‐1 Q192R and M55L, angiotensinogen M235T, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) I/D and angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C gene. Six gene polymorphisms were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction with melting‐point analysis, and two via allele‐specific amplification and gel electrophoresis. Control group patients were in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium for all tested genotypes. In ESRD patients attributed to hypertension, the endothelin gene G5727T GG genotype occurred significantly less but GT genotype more frequently (P < 0.01 for both). In ESRD patients attributed to primary glomerulonephritis, more ACE DD and less ID genotypes were found (P < 0.02 for both) than in the controls. The underlying diagnosis may modify the association of genetic polymorphism and dialysis‐dependent ESRD.
Guarding the gates of St Peter: life, death and law making
Authors: Montgomery Jonathan
Published: September 2011

In 2009 the legislature, judges and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) each turned their attention to issues around assisted suicide. The legislature decided not to change the law. The judges decided the existing law was insufficiently clear and required the Director to clarify it. The Director flirted with reforming the law, but then drew back from such a legislative role. His published prosecution policy has been considered as a contribution to the regulation of death and dying, and as such has been found wanting. However, considered in the context of the proper roles of Parliament, courts and prosecutors, and seen as an exercise in constitutional restraint, the Director's approach should be appraised rather differently. From this perspective, the decision of the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords in R (Purdy) v DPP raises significant concerns for the legitimacy of decision making in the contested moral issues that arise in healthcare ethics. In our democracy, courts should be wary of usurping legislative authority in areas where the Parliamentary position is clear. They should be reluctant to take sides in the protracted war over access to a ‘good death’.
Rehabilitation following Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
Authors: Blacknall James , Neumann Lars
Published: September 2011

Advances in shoulder surgery have seen reverse total shoulder replacement (TSR) become a valuable treatment option for managing the patient with a complex degenerative shoulder. Rehabilitation guidelines for such patients are limited at present. At our institution, the reverse TSR has been used since 2000. In the last few years, the evidence base and understanding of these particular prostheses has grown. This review outlines our rehabilitation guidelines, which have been developed to manage patients who have undergone reverse TSR. It is hoped that the review will stimulate further thought and interest in the area of shoulder rehabilitation following reverse TSR.
Arthroscopic Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Bunker Timothy D , Keenan John , Lee Clive
Published: September 2011

Background

High re-tear rates and the cost of anchor repair have led some arthroscopic surgeons to consider going ‘back to the future’ and using Neer type transosseous sutures arthroscopically.

Methods

We examined the strength of suture repair in the laboratory using a Monsanto tensiometer (Monsanto, Swindon, UK) using a single pull to failure loading programme.

Results

This shows that, in transosseous repair, the bone tunnels can fail at between 16 N and 115 N compared to anchors that fail at 168 N to 712 N.

Discussion

This cautionary tale means that going back to ‘the good old days’ might not be such a good idea.
Early Experience of Managing Proximal Humerus Fractures with the S3 Plate
Authors: Stoddard James E. , Pryce David , Potter David , Ali Amjid A. , Morgan Andrew
Published: September 2011

Background

Fractures of the proximal humerus contribute a large number of admissions to our unit each year both for operative and conservative treatment. They can be a cause of great morbidity in many of these patients. Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures is performed in those patients who have displaced fractures and who are significantly independent to warrant surgical management.

Methods

This is a retrospective study evaluating the early experiences of a new type of plate fixation, the S3 plate (DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA), in patients with displaced three- and four-part fractures. The case notes of those patients with more than 1 year of follow-up following fixation of their humeral fracture with a S3 plate were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient was also sent an Oxford Shoulder Score in the post for completion. Fifty-three patients were identified for inclusion in the study from 2007 onwards. Patients with a two-part fracture ( n = 10) were excluded from the study because it was felt that these patients represented a group in whom conservative management was often the more commonly used treatment modality.

Results

Mean age was 54.1 years (range 21 years to 76 years); the male to female ratio was 1 : 2.4; and there were 25 three-part fractures and 17 four-part fractures. Time to discharge ranged from 4 months to 16 months, with a mean of 6.7 months. There were no intra-operative complications, one superficial wound infection and only one patient required further surgery. At 1 year, we have seen a low complication rate with good return to activity.

Conclusions

The implant has a very low revision rate and union was seen in most fractures by 6 months. The present study was limited by documented union time, numbers and differing discharge protocols. This new plating technique appears to offer a decreased complication rate compared to other plating systems without compromising patient outcomes.
Detection of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Backyard Pigs and Their Owners, Michigan, USA
Authors: Gordoncillo M. J. , Abdujamilova N. , Perri M. , Donabedian S. , Zervos M. , Bartlett P.
Published: September 2011

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been reported in commercially raised pigs and their human handlers, raising concerns of zoonotic transmission. To determine whether MRSA in backyard‐raised pigs is commonly transmitted to their human owners, a matched study of this type of pigs and their owners was conducted in selected counties in Michigan. Nasal swabs from matched owner–pig pairs (n = 50 pairs) with a few unmatched pig (n = 3) and human (n = 4) samples were collected and processed using standard isolation and identification protocols. No matched owner–pig pair was found; however, MRSA was isolated from 1/54 (1.9%) human samples and 2/53(3.8%) of the pigs. The single human isolate was not strain type USA100‐1100 by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), was sequence type (ST) 8 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), possessed SCCmec type IVb and agr I and was negative for the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin gene. The two pig isolates were indistinguishable by PFGE (not USA100‐1100), and both isolates were ST5 by MLST, possessed SCCmec type III and agr II and were negative for the PVL gene. Persons raising backyard swine from the selected Michigan counties had MRSA carriage rates similar to that of the general US population, suggesting that their avocational pig exposure did not increase their risk of MRSA.