bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications and outcomes of salvage robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: a single‐institution experience
Authors: Yuh Bertram , Ruel Nora , Muldrew Shantel , Mejia Rosa , Novara Giacomo , Kawachi Mark , Wilson Timothy
Published: December 2013

Objective

To determine the peri‐operative outcomes of men undergoing salvage robot‐assisted prostatectomy (RARP) and to examine the complications, functional consequences and need for additional treatments after salvage RARP.

Patients and Methods

At total of 51 consecutive patients underwent salvage RARP after previous failed local therapy. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two postoperative PSA measurements ≥0.2 ng/mL. Complications at any time postoperatively were recorded prospectively using a modified Clavien system. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival estimation, and regression models were used to identify the predictors of BCR or progression‐free survival (PFS) and complications.

Results

The median age at salvage RARP was 68 years and a median of 68 months had elapsed from the time of primary treatment. The median follow‐up was 36 months. The median operation duration was 179 min with a median estimated blood loss of 175 mL. In all, 50% of patients had pathological stage 3 disease and positive surgical margins were found in 31% of patients. The estimated 3‐year BCR‐free or PFS was 57%. The overall complication rate was 47%, with a 35% major complication rate (Grade III–V). Potency was maintained in 23% of preoperatively potent patients and 45% of all patients regained urinary control. No clinical variables were predictive of major complications, but all patients with postoperative bladder neck contracture were incontinent. A higher PSA level and extracapsular extension were significantly associated with BCR or progression (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Salvage RARP provides oncological control with potential avoidance of systemic non‐curative therapy. Complication, incontinence and erectile dysfunction rates are significant but frequently correctable. This reinforces the need for proper patient counselling and selection.
Non‐parametric three‐way mixed ANOVA with aligned rank tests
Authors: Oliver‐Rodríguez Juan C. , Wang X. T.
Published: December 2013

Research problems that require a non‐parametric analysis of multifactor designs with repeated measures arise in the behavioural sciences. There is, however, a lack of available procedures in commonly used statistical packages. In the present study, a generalization of the aligned rank test for the two‐way interaction is proposed for the analysis of the typical sources of variation in a three‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. It can be implemented in the usual statistical packages. Its statistical properties are tested by using simulation methods with two sample sizes (n = 30 and n = 10) and three distributions (normal, exponential and double exponential). Results indicate substantial increases in power for non‐normal distributions in comparison with the usual parametric tests. Similar levels of Type I error for both parametric and aligned rank ANOVA were obtained with non‐normal distributions and large sample sizes. Degrees‐of‐freedom adjustments for Type I error control in small samples are proposed. The procedure is applied to a case study with 30 participants per group where it detects gender differences in linguistic abilities in blind children not shown previously by other methods.
IPH‐926 lobular breast cancer cells are triple‐negative but their microarray profile uncovers a luminal subtype
Authors: Christgen Matthias , Geffers Robert , Kreipe Hans , Lehmann Ulrich
Published: December 2013

Human primary breast cancers and breast cancer cell lines are classified by microarray‐defined molecular subtypes, which reflect differentiation characteristics. Estrogen receptor (ER) expression is indicative of the luminal molecular subtype. We have previously established IPH‐926, the first well–characterized cell line from infiltrating lobular breast cancer. IPH‐926 displays an ER/PR/ErbB2 triple‐negative immunophenotype, which is due to a loss of ER expression in its in vivo clonal ancestry. Loss of ER might indicate a fundamental change of cellular differentiation and it is unclear whether a luminal subtype is preserved beyond ER conversion. Using Affymetrix microarray analysis, seven different classifier gene lists (PAM305, DISC256, TN1288, PAM50, UNC1300, LAB704, INT500) and a background population of 50 common mammary carcinoma cell lines, we have now determined the molecular subtype of IPH‐926. Strikingly, the IPH‐926 expression profile is highly consistent with a luminal subtype. It is nearest to luminal/ER‐positive breast cancer cell lines and far apart from basal breast cancer cell lines. Quantitative real–time RT–PCR confirmed enhanced expression of luminal marker genes (AGR2, CLU, CA12, EMP2, CLDN3) and low or absent expression of basal marker genes (KRT5, CD44, CAV1, VIM). Moreover, IPH‐926 lacked androgen receptor (AR) expression, a transcription factor previously associated with luminal‐like gene expression in a subset of triple‐negative or molecular apocrine breast cancers. In conclusion, IPH‐926 is triple‐negative but belongs to the luminal subtype. Luminal differentiation characteristics can be preserved beyond ER conversion and might not require a compensatory expression of AR.
Submaximal exercise testing may be superior to the 6‐min walk test in assessing pulmonary arterial hypertension disease severity
Authors: Neal Jennifer E. , Lee Augustine S. , Burger Charles D.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Submaximal exercise testing (SET) assesses functional exercise capacity in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients and provides additional physiologic information compared with the 6‐min walk test (6MWT). The relative correlations of the 6MWT and SET using SHAPE‐HF™ with other markers of PAH severity, particularly echocardiogram (ECHO)‐derived mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), have not been investigated.

Objectives

(i) Examine the correlation between SHAPE measures with the 6‐min walk distance (6MWD), and (ii) Compare SHAPE parameters and the 6MWD to clinical measures of PAH severity.

Methods

 Fifty‐five consecutive group 1 PAH outpatients were evaluated in a single pulmonary hypertension referral center from March 2011 to June 2012. Data collected: World Health Organization (WHO) functional class (FC), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), ECHO, 6MWD and SHAPE results. Data are reported using mean ± standard deviation and Spearman correlation coefficients (r).

Results

Nine patients were excluded. Of the 46 remaining patients, 78% were women and the average age was 61 ± 13 years. PAH characteristics: WHO FC III–IV 48%; idiopathic PAH 52%; BNP 198 ± 277 pg/mL; 6MWD 399 ± 97 m; ECHO right atrial pressure (RAP) 7 ± 4, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) 63 ± 29 and MPAP 45 ± 17 mmHg. SET with SHAPE results: mean partial pressure of end‐tidal (PET) CO2 31 ± 6 mmHg at end‐exercise; ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2) 43 ± 16. Significant correlations were found between the 6MWD and SHAPE variables: VE/VCO2 (r = –0.57, P < 0.0001) and end‐exercise PETCO2 (r = 0.42, P = 0.004). VE/VCO2 correlated with WHO FC, BNP, RAP, MPAP and PASP and 6MWD only with WHO FC, BNP and PASP.

Conclusion

SHAPE outperformed 6MWD in comparison with other measures of PAH disease severity.
Long‐term clinicopathological impact of calcineurin inhibitor cessation without specific cytoreductive induction in kidney transplantation
Authors: Tanabe Tatsu , Morita Ken , Fujita Hiromi , Hatanaka Kanako , Ogawa Yayoi , Hirose Takayuki , Sasaki Hajime , Iwami Daiki , Hotta Kiyohiko , Nonomura Katsuya
Published: December 2013

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) have considerably improved renal allograft survival. However, their chronic use has various adverse effects, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and nephrotoxicity. We conducted a retrospective study of kidney transplant recipients using a CNI withdrawal protocol. Eleven of 13 patients who had stable graft function on triple‐drug therapy including a cyclosporine (CsA) were enrolled in this study. The dose of CsA was reduced by 20% every two wks until complete withdrawal. The mean period between the baseline and last biopsies was 97 (range: 21–123) months. No patient had an acute rejection episode during follow‐up. Progression of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy was seen in five and six cases, respectively. Arteriolar hyalinosis improved in three cases, but worsened in four. No patient lost his graft during the study. The mean serum creatinine level was 1.30 ± 0.26 mg/dL at baseline and stable for 10 yr after elimination (1.26 ± 0.11 mg/dL). At the end of the study, four of the eleven patients had reduced their antihypertensive drugs, and one patient had stopped hyperlipidemia treatment. CNI withdrawal can be implemented safely in stable renal transplant recipients and might lead to improved patient outcomes. Additional specific evidence of CNI nephrotoxicity should be elucidated.
The use of oral hypoglycaemic agents in pregnancy
Authors: Holt R. I. G. , Lambert K. D.
Published: December 2013

While insulin has been the treatment of choice when lifestyle measures do not maintain glycaemic control during pregnancy, recent studies have suggested that certain oral hypoglycaemic agents may be safe and acceptable alternatives. With the exception of metformin and glibenclamide (glyburide), there are insufficient data to recommend treatment with any other oral hypoglycaemic agent during pregnancy. There are no serious safety concerns with metformin, despite it crossing the placenta. When used in the first trimester, there is no increase in congenital abnormalities and there appears to be a reduction in miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia and subsequent gestational diabetes. Studies of the use of metformin in gestational diabetes show at least equivalent neonatal outcomes, while reporting reductions in neonatal hypoglycaemia, maternal hypoglycaemia and weight gain and improved treatment satisfaction. Glibenclamide effectively lowers blood glucose in women with gestational diabetes, possibly with a lower treatment failure rate than metformin. Although generally well tolerated, some studies have reported higher rates of pre‐eclampsia, neonatal jaundice, longer stay in the neonatal care unit, macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycaemia. There is a paucity of long‐term follow‐up data on children exposed to oral agents in utero. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have recommended that either metformin or glibenclamide can be used to treat gestational diabetes. Metformin is also recommended for use in the pre‐conception period by NICE. By contrast, the American Diabetes Association recommends that both drugs should only be used during pregnancy in the context of clinical trials.
Central correlation of muscle sympathetic nerve activation during baroreflex unloading – a microneurography–positron emission tomography study
Authors: Krämer Heidrun H. , Ament Stephan‐Johann , Breimhorst Markus , Klega Andre , Schmieg Katharina , Endres Corina , Buchholz Hans‐Georg , Elam Mikael , Schreckenberger Mathias , Birklein Frank
Published: December 2013

The baroreceptor reflex controls spontaneous fluctuations in blood pressure. One major control variable of the baroreflex is the sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity to muscles [MSNA; burst frequency (BF) and burst incidence (BI)], which can be quantitatively assessed by microneurography. We aimed to investigate the central regions involved in baroreflex regulation of MSNA. Healthy men (mean age 25 years) participated in three experimental sessions. (i) Microneurography recordings of MSNA from the left peroneal nerve during rest and baroreflex unloading, induced by lower body negative pressure (LBNP; −40 mmHg). If MSNA could be reliably recorded throughout this procedure (n = 15), the subjects entered the positron emission tomography (PET) experiments. The two PET sessions took place in a randomised order. Cerebral glucose metabolism (18‐fluorodeoxyglucose) was analysed after: (ii) baroreflex unloading (LBNP); and (iii) control condition (lying in the LBNP chamber without suction). The PET data were analysed employing SPM8. LBNP elicited a significant increase in MSNA in all successfully recorded subjects (BI: P = 0.001; F = 5.54; BF: P < 0.001; F = 36.59). As compared with the control condition, LBNP was associated with increased PET regional glucose metabolism bilaterally in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; BA 11, 47). Related to the rise of BF, there was increased activation of the left OFC (BA 11); related to the rise of BI there was increased activation of the brainstem corresponding to the rostral ventrolateral medulla. Our data support a role for the ventrolateral medulla and the OFC in baroreflex‐mediated control of MSNA in humans.
Valuation of Innovation and Intellectual Property: The Case of iPhone
Authors: Korkeamäki Timo , Takalo Tuomas
Published: December 2013

We use data on both daily stock returns and internet activity to estimate the value of Apple's iPhone and related intellectual property. We find the private value of iPhone to be 10%–13% of Apple's market cap. Grounded in the resource‐based theory, we argue that much of this value stems from Apple's managerial capabilities to capitalize on the product, as proprietary technology explains about 25% of the private value. This effect arises from patent applications, rather than grants or trademarks. Our analysis of the global supply chain of iPhone suggests that besides Apple, firms in the supply chain are able to capture very limited value from iPhone. These results support the theory of dynamic capabilities, maintaining that a firm's unique dynamic managerial and organizational capabilities are crucial for value creation in globally competitive innovative industries.
In vivo treatment with the casein kinase 2 inhibitor 4,5,6,7‐tetrabromotriazole augments the slow afterhyperpolarizing potential and prevents acute epileptiform activity
Authors: Brehme Hannes , Kirschstein Timo , Schulz Robert , Köhling Rüdiger
Published: December 2013

Objective

The slow afterhyperpolarizing potential (sAHP) following prolonged depolarization is a major intrinsic mechanism of neuronal inhibition, by powerfully dampening excitability for up to 2 s. Therefore, an altered sAHP function might be vulnerable to hyperexcitable states such as epilepsy. Here, we have investigated the role of casein kinase 2 (CK2) on the sAHP in control and chronically epileptic tissue.

Methods

Using the rat pilocarpine model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy, we performed whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of acutely isolated CA1 pyramidal cells and field potential measurements on hippocampal slices.

Results

Chronic oral administration of the CK2 inhibitor 4,5,6,7‐tetrabromotriazole (TBB) for 4 days prior to brain dissection caused a significant increase of the sAHP‐mediating current in both control and epileptic tissues. In contrast, when TBB was acutely applied during the patch‐clamp recording, the sAHP remained unaltered, indicating that chronic CK2 inhibition was required for sAHP augmentation. To test whether CK2 inhibition also has an anticonvulsive effect, we evoked recurrent epileptiform discharges (REDs) in hippocampal slice preparations by Mg2+ removal. It is important to note that chronic oral TBB administration abolished REDs induced by 0‐Mg2+ solution, suggesting that CK2 inhibition indeed has anticonvulsive and perhaps antiepileptogenic properties.

Significance

Our data demonstrated that CK2 inhibition augments the sAHP and might represent a novel mechanism of action of anticonvulsant drugs.
Founding a Business Inspired by Close Entrepreneurial Ties: Does it Matter for Survival?
Authors: de Jong Jeroen P.J. , Marsili Orietta
Published: December 2013

Founding a business may be inspired by close entrepreneurial ties, that is, business–owning relatives or friends. We analyze if and when such inspiration is associated with post–entry survival. Drawing on longitudinal data on 942 founders, we find a positive relationship only if founders start by taking over an existing business, or spend considerable time at start–up. Moreover, the impact of close tie inspiration is negative for founders with prior entrepreneurial experience, revealing a dark side to serial entrepreneurship. Our findings show that new firm survival can be better understood by modeling contingency variables.
Mapping the Conceptual Space of Jealousy
Authors: Sobraske Katherine Hanson , Boster James S. , Gaulin Steven J.
Published: December 2013

Evolutionary approaches to the study of romantic jealousy have principally been guided by the idea that there are two types of threats to romantic relationships—sexual and emotional—and that these two affect men and women's fitness differently. While this approach has garnered considerable empirical support, it has not investigated the full conceptual domain of jealousy. To do so, we employ techniques developed by cognitive anthropologists and psychologists. Correspondence analysis of similarity judgments among jealousy‐inducing exemplars reveals that threats to romantic relationships are spontaneously categorized along three plausibly adaptive dimensions: how severe they are, whether they suggest the presence of a specific rival, and whether they imply deception by the romantic partner. This pattern of results is consistent across men and women, younger and older adults, and those with differing infidelity experience. The full conceptual landscape of jealousy highlights considerations that have been previously overlooked by researchers relying exclusively on sexual selection theory.
Trauma and the Making of Flexible Minds in the Tibetan Exile Community
Authors: Lewis Sara E.
Published: December 2013

Mental health in the Tibetan refugee community has been studied extensively, but like most research on political violence, these studies focus almost exclusively on trauma. Studies suggest this exile community seems to be unusually resilient; but from where does this capacity to thrive stem? On the basis of ethnographic research in Dharamsala, India, conducted over 14 months, this article demonstrates how Tibetans conceive of resilience as a learned and active process of making the mind more “spacious” and “flexible.” Drawing on extended participant observation and in‐depth interviews with 80 Tibetan refugees, this work explores why negative emotions associated with trauma exposure are considered toxic and how many Tibetans exposed to political violence engage in a Buddhist practice known as “mind training” (lojongin Tibetan) to abate its harmful effects. Attending to culturally sanctioned responses to political violence and displacement, this study challenges the notion that trauma is a universal experience.
The phosphate of pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate is an acid/base catalyst in the mechanism of Pseudomonas fluorescens kynureninase
Authors: Phillips Robert S. , Scott Israel , Paulose Riya , Patel Akshay , Barron Taylor Colt
Published: December 2013

Kynureninase (l‐kynurenine hydrolase, EC 3.7.1.3) catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of l‐kynurenine to l‐alanine and anthranilic acid. The proposed mechanism of the retro‐Claisen reaction requires extensive acid/base catalysis. Previous crystal structures showed that Tyr226 in the Pseudomonas fluorescens enzyme (Tyr275 in the human enzyme) hydrogen bonds to the phosphate of the pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate (PLP) cofactor. This Tyr residue is strictly conserved in all sequences of kynureninase. The human enzyme complexed with a competitive inhibitor, 3‐hydroxyhippuric acid, showed that the ligand carbonyl O is located 3.7 Å from the phenol of Tyr275 (Lima, S., Kumar, S., Gawandi, V., Momany, C. & Phillips, R. S. (2009) J. Med. Chem. 52, 389–396). We prepared a Y226F mutant of P. fluorescens kynureninase to probe the role of this residue in catalysis. The Y226F mutant has approximately 3000‐fold lower activity than wild‐type, and does not show the pKa values of 6.8 on kcat and 6.5 and 8.8 on kcat/Km seen for the wild‐type enzyme (Koushik, S. V., Moore, J. A. III, Sundararaju, B. & Phillips, R. S. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 1376–1382). Wild‐type kynureninase shows a resonance at 4.5 ppm in 31P‐NMR, which is shifted to 5.0, 3.3 and 2.0 ppm when the potent inhibitor 5‐bromodihydrokynurenine is added. However, Y226F kynureninase shows resonances at 3.6 and 2.5 ppm, and no change in the peak position is seen when 5‐bromodihydrokynurenine is added. Taken together, these results suggest that Tyr226 mediates proton transfer between the substrate and the phosphate, which accelerates formation of external aldimine and gem‐diol intermediates. Thus, the phosphate of PLP acts as an acid/base catalyst in the mechanism of kynureninase.
Children&s views on microneedle use as an alternative to blood sampling for patient monitoring
Authors: Mooney Karen , McElnay James C , Donnelly Ryan F
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To explore children's views on microneedle use for this population, particularly as an alternative approach to blood sampling, in monitoring applications, and so, examine the acceptability of this approach to children.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted with children (aged 10–14 years) in a range of schools across Northern Ireland. Convenience sampling was employed, i.e. children involved in a university-directed community-outreach project (Pharmacists in Schools) were recruited.

Key findings

A total of 86 children participated in 13 focus groups across seven schools in Northern Ireland. A widespread disapproval for blood sampling was evident, with pain, blood and traditional needle visualisation particularly unpopular aspects. In general, microneedles had greater visual acceptability and caused less fear. A patch-based design enabled minimal patient awareness of the monitoring procedure, with personalised designs, e.g. cartoon themes, favoured. Children's concerns included possible allergy and potential inaccuracies with this novel approach; however, many had confidence in the judgement of healthcare professionals if deeming this technique appropriate. They considered paediatric patient education critical for acceptance of this new approach and called for an alternative name, without any reference to ‘needles’.

Conclusions

The findings presented here support the development of blood-free, minimally invasive techniques and provide an initial indication of microneedle acceptability in children, particularly for monitoring purposes. A proactive response to these unique insights should enable microneedle array design to better meet the needs of this end-user group. Further work in this area is recommended to ascertain the perspectives of a purposive sample of children with chronic conditions who require regular monitoring.
Comparison of 90‐day complications between ileal conduit and neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy: A retrospective multi‐institutional study in Japan
Authors: Abe Takashige , Takada Norikata , Shinohara Nobuo , Matsumoto Ryuji , Murai Sachiyo , Sazawa Ataru , Maruyama Satoru , Tsuchiya Kunihiko , Kanzaki Shino , Nonomura Katsuya
Published: December 2013

Objective

To determine the differences in the type, incidence, and severity of 90‐day morbidity after radical cystectomy between two different methods of urinary diversion, ileal conduit and neobladder.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective multi‐institutional study by reviewing the records of 668 patients treated with open radical cystectomy, and ileal conduit (n = 493) or neobladder substitution (n = 175) between 1997 and 2010. All complications within 90 days after surgery were divided into 11 specific categories as reported by the Memorial‐Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and graded according to the modified Clavien system. Type, incidence and severity of the 90‐day morbidity between the two different types of urinary diversions were compared.

Results

There was no significant difference in the overall complication rates between the two groups (ileal conduit: 72% [353/493], neobladder: 74% [129/175], P = 0.5909), whereas the neobladder group had fewer major (grade 3 or more) complications (13 vs 20%, respectively, P = 0.0271). The neobladder group had more infectious complications (43 vs 31%, respectively, P = 0.0037), mainly as a result of urinary tract infection, whereas the ileal conduit group had more wound‐related complications (24 vs 14%, respectively, P = 0.0068), mainly as a result of surgical site infection. The 90‐day mortality rates were 1.1% (2/175) in the neobladder group and 1.6% (8/493) in the ileal conduit group (P = 0.6441).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in the overall complication rates between the two methods, and patients with neobladder had fewer major complications. The neobladder group had more infectious complications, whereas the ileal conduit group had more wound‐related complications.
dsRNA uptake and persistence account for tissue‐dependent susceptibility to RNA interference in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria
Authors: Ren D. , Cai Z. , Song J. , Wu Z. , Zhou S.
Published: December 2013

RNA interference (RNAi) by introducing double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a powerful approach to the analysis of gene function in insects; however, RNAi responses vary dramatically in different insect species and tissues, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The migratory locust, a destructive insect pest and a hemimetabolic insect with panoistic ovaries, is considered to be a highly susceptible species to RNAi via dsRNA injection, but its ovary appears to be completely insensitive. In the present study, we showed that dsRNA persisted only briefly in locust haemolymph. The ovariole sheath was permeable to dsRNA, but injected dsRNA was not present in the follicle cells and oocytes. The lack of dsRNA uptake into the follicle cells and oocytes is likely to be the primary factor that contributes to the ineffective RNAi response in locust ovaries. These observations provide insights into tissue‐dependent variability of RNAi and help in achieving successful gene silencing in insensitive tissues.
Comparing nursing handover and documentation: forming one set of patient information
Authors: Johnson M. , Sanchez P. , Suominen H. , Basilakis J. , Dawson L. , Kelly B. , Hanlen L.
Published: December 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the potential for one set of patient information for nursing handover and documentation.

Background

Communication of patient information requires two processes in nursing: a verbal summary of the patients' care and another report within the nursing notes, creating duplication.

Introduction

Advances in speech recognition technology have provided an opportunity to consider the practicality of one set of information at the nursing end‐of‐shift.

Methods

We used content analysis to compare transcripts from 162 digitally recorded handovers and written nursing notes for similar patients within general medical‐surgical wards from two metropolitan hospitals in Sydney Australia.

Findings

Using the Nursing Handover Minimum Dataset analysis framework similar content [n = 2109 (handover) n = 1902 (nursing notes)] was found within the handovers and notes at the end‐of‐shift (7:00 am and 2:00 pm). Analysis of the overarching categories demonstrated the emphasis within the differing data sources as: patient identification (31%), care planning or interventions (25%), clinical history (13%), and clinical status (13%) for handover, vs. care planning (47%), clinical status (24%), and outcomes or goals of care (12%) for nursing notes.

Discussion

This study has demonstrated that similar patient information is presented at handover and within documentation. Major categories are consistent with international nursing minimum datasets in use.

Conclusion

We can use one set of patient information (within some limitations) for two purposes with system design, practice change and education. Experiments are currently being conducted trialling speech recognition within laboratory and clinical settings.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

One set of patient information, verbally generated at handover delivering electronic documentation within one process, will transform international nursing policy for nursing handover and documentation.
The reproductive system of Osedax (Annelida, Siboglinidae): ovary structure, sperm ultrastructure, and fertilization mode
Authors: Katz Sigrid , Rouse Greg W.
Published: December 2013

Osedax is a genus of siboglinid annelids in which the females live on dead vertebrate bones on the seafloor. These females have a posterior end that lies within the bone and contains the ovarian tissue, as well as the “roots” involved with bone degradation and nutrition. The males are microscopic and live as “harems” in the lumen of the gelatinous tube that surrounds the female trunk, well away from the ovary. Females are known to spawn fertilized primary oocytes, suggesting internal fertilization. However, little is known about sperm transfer, sperm storage, or the location of fertilization, and the morphology of the female reproductive system has not been described and compared with the reproductive systems of other siboglinids. A 3D‐reconstruction of the ovisac of Osedax showed ovarian tissue with multiple lobes and mature oocytes stored in a “uterus” before being released through the single oviduct. The oviduct emerges as a gonopore on the trunk and travels along the trunk to finally open to the seawater as a thin cylindrical tube among the crown of palps. Light and transmission electron microscopy of mature Osedax sperm revealed elongate heads consisting of a nucleus with helical grooves occupied by mitochondria. In contrast to other Siboglinidae, Osedax sperm are not packaged into spermatophores or spermatozeugmata, and Osedax females lack a discrete region for sperm storage. Transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy allowed detection of sperm associated with ovarian tissue of the female ovisac of four different Osedax species. This provides the first evidence for the site of internal fertilization in Osedax. A heart body was found in the circulatory system, as seen in other siboglinids and some other annelids. The possible presence of nephridia in the anterior ovisac region was also documented. These morphological features provide new insights for comparing the regionalization of Osedax females in relation to other siboglinids.
Insulin‐Like Growth Factor (IGF) System Components in Human Prostatic Cancer Cell‐Lines: LNCaP, DU145, and PC‐3 Cells
Authors: Kimura Go , Kasuya Junko , Giannini Stefano , Honda Yoko , Mohan Subburaman , Kawachi Mark H. , Akimoto Masato , Fujita‐Yamaguchi Yoko
Published: December 2013

Background: Evidence has been accumulating that in many tumors, insulin‐like growth factors (ICFs) promote cancer cell growth in an autocrine/paracrine manner via the IGF‐1 receptor. In an effort to understand the role of ICFs in prostate cancer cell growth, we characterized the IGF system components produced by human prostatic cancer cell‐lines, LNCaP, DU145, and PC‐3, grown in serum‐free medium.

Methods: IGFs, their receptors, and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) produced by the three human prostate cell lines were characterized by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), radioimmunoassay (RIA), Western ligand blot, Western immunoblot, and Northern blot analyses.

Results: mRNA for IGF‐II and receptors for IGF‐I and IGF‐II were detected in all three cell‐lines by RT‐PCR. In contrast to the published study, only LNCaP cells expressed a trace amount of IGF‐I mRNA. RIA on conditioned media collected from these cells revealed that all three cell‐lines produced measurable IGF‐II but not IGF‐I. Western ligand blot, Western immunoblot, and Northern blot analyses revealed that LNCaP, DU145, and PC‐3 cells expressed IGFBP‐2, IGFBP‐2/‐3/‐4/‐6, and IGFBP‐2/‐3/‐4/‐5/‐6, respectively. IGF‐II stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in DU145 and PC‐3 cells significantly although the effect was small. DNA synthesis in PC‐3 cells but not in LNCaP and DU145 cells was significantly inhibited by the IGF‐I receptor‐specific monoclonal antibody.

Conclusion: These results suggest potentially important roles of IGFs and IGFBPs in prostate cancer cell growth, and that in particular, IGF‐II may play a critical role in prostate cancer cell growth.
Testicular Cancer in Father and Son
Authors: Ishikawa Kiyohito , Nakano Hiroyuki , Tsukamoto Takaji , Fujioka Tosio , Nagakubo Ichiro
Published: December 2013

The occurrence of testicular tumors in closely related family members is rare. We report a case of testicular cancers in a father and son. The father had pure seminoma, and his son developed a mixed nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. The peripheral blood lymphocytes in both patients were tested for 52 HLA specificities, and the patients were found to have six in common. The son was homozygous for HLA A24. The association between certain HLA antigens, other genetic factors, and testicular cancer requires further study to improve the care and counseling of patients and their families.
THE MODEL SAVER
Authors: Saunders Daniel
Published: December 2013

Economically and environmentally, energy‐saving projects have huge potential. Decarbon Capital has come up with a business model to help meet the emerging need. Its Managing Director Daniel Saunders explains how it works
WHAT'S IN A JOB TITLE?
Authors: Cable Dan , Grant Adam , Berg Justin
Published: December 2013

Research by London Business School's Dan Cable, and Adam Grant and Justin Berg of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, offers some solace to the work weary
Assessing the implementation of Ontario's Nutrient Management decision support system
Authors: Walters Daniel F. , Shrubsole Dan
Published: December 2013

While land use planners increasingly rely on information technology to assist decision making, there are few empirical studies that assess the actual implementation of decision support systems. This article assesses the implementation of Ontario's Nutrient Management (NMAN) computer program using a case study of the livestock building permitting procedures in East Perth Township. In the 1970s, some townships in Ontario required livestock operators to obtain a Certificate of Compliance prior to receiving a building permit. Applicants were required to satisfy minimum distance separation criteria, ratio of animals to land area, and manure storage requirements. In the 1990s, the process changed when many townships enacted Nutrient Management By‐laws, requiring applicants to prepare a nutrient management plan, in addition to the minimum distance separation criteria and manure storage requirements. The NMAN software fulfills a dual role. Livestock operators use the NMAN to prepare a nutrient management plan, whereas review agency officials use the NMAN software to ensure the nutrient management plans meet provincial requirements. We conduct a review of 122 livestock building permit applications in East Perth Township to compare performance measures pre‐ and post‐use of the NMAN software. We frame the assessment around contextual, process, and outcome criteria from decision support system (DSS) and policy‐oriented implementation studies. The findings indicate that with the NMAN the review agency officials receive more information concerning the physical properties of fields that receive manure, soil nutrient levels, crop rotation patterns, manure application method and timing, among other farming practices. The review agencies have more knowledge about the operators' capacity to safely dispose of manure generated at the proposed and expanding facility. While the process continues to be fair, the overall length of time to process a building permit application was longer. This was often a result of the time needed to gather the information to input into the NMAN software. However, the length of time required by the review agencies was significantly shorter. Opportunities for future research include applying the field‐based nutrient application rates on a watershed scale, and assessing farmers' use and user satisfaction with the NMAN software.
Making better Maxent models of species distributions: complexity, overfitting and evaluation
Authors: Radosavljevic Aleksandar , Anderson Robert P.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Models of species niches and distributions have become invaluable to biogeographers over the past decade, yet several outstanding methodological issues remain. Here we address three critical ones: selecting appropriate evaluation data, detecting overfitting, and tuning program settings to approximate optimal model complexity. We integrate solutions to these issues for Maxent models, using the Caribbean spiny pocket mouse, Heteromys anomalus, as an example.

Location

North‐western South America.

Methods

We partitioned data into calibration and evaluation datasets via three variations of k‐fold cross‐validation: randomly partitioned, geographically structured and masked geographically structured (which restricts background data to regions corresponding to calibration localities). Then, we carried out tuning experiments by varying the level of regularization, which controls model complexity. Finally, we gauged performance by quantifying discriminatory ability and overfitting, as well as via visual inspections of maps of the predictions in geography.

Results

Performance varied among data‐partitioning approaches and among regularization multipliers. The randomly partitioned approach inflated estimates of model performance and the geographically structured approach showed high overfitting. In contrast, the masked geographically structured approach allowed selection of high‐performing models based on all criteria. Discriminatory ability showed a slight peak in performance around the default regularization multiplier. However, regularization levels two to four times higher than the default yielded substantially lower overfitting. Visual inspection of maps of model predictions coincided with the quantitative evaluations.

Main conclusions

Species‐specific tuning of model parameters can improve the performance of Maxent models. Further, accurate estimates of model performance and overfitting depend on using independent evaluation data. These strategies for model evaluation may be useful for other modelling methods as well.
Global and regional nested patterns of non‐native invasive floras on tropical islands
Authors: Traveset Anna , Kueffer Christoph , Daehler Curtis C.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Non‐native species are being distributed globally as a result of human actions, but we still know little about emerging biogeographical patterns. We tested whether the distribution of plant invaders across tropical oceanic islands has a nested structure, and identified mechanisms to explain nestedness among invaders and islands.

Location

Tropical islands world‐wide.

Methods

We analysed two datasets: a global one (350 spermatophyte species invading natural areas within 25 archipelagos) and a regional one (145 species within 12 Pacific archipelagos). We quantified island and species nestedness using the NODF metric and evaluated the contributions of each island and species to nestedness.

Results

Globally, the distribution of invaders across islands showed a nested pattern related to island area, elevation (a proxy of habitat diversity) and invasive species richness; the pattern was weakly associated with human population density and independent of isolation from the nearest continent. Invader prevalence among islands was the best predictor of species nestedness. Nestedness was more pronounced at a regional than a global scale.

Main conclusions

We found novel biogeographical patterns interconnecting non‐native invasive floras at a global scale. Both localized and widespread species are important components of island invasive floras. Invader‐rich islands host many rare invaders, and many species are invaders in only one island group, suggesting that prevention efforts should pay attention to rare invaders. We have developed a conceptual model to facilitate understanding of nestedness in island invasion. Both habitat and dispersal filtering are potential mechanisms underlying nestedness, whereas idiosyncratic factors of particular islands (e.g. habitat diversity and socio‐economic history) or time‐lags may explain ‘invader endemicity'. Nested regional patterns may be explained by ‘hub' islands that serve as early sites of introduction for many invaders, some of which subsequently spread across the region.
Comparative analysis of gingival tissue antigen presentation pathways in ageing and periodontitis
Authors: Gonzalez Octavio A. , Novak Michael J. , Kirakodu Sreenatha , Orraca Luis , Chen Kuey‐Chu , Stromberg Arny , Gonzalez‐Martinez Janis , Ebersole Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Gingival tissues of periodontitis lesions contribute to local elevations in mediators, including both specific T cell and antibody immune responses to oral bacterial antigens. Thus, antigen processing and presentation activities must exist in these tissues to link antigen‐presenting cells with adaptive immunity. We hypothesized that alterations in the transcriptome of antigen processing and presentation genes occur in ageing gingival tissues and that periodontitis enhances these differences reflecting tissues less capable of immune resistance to oral pathogens.

Materials and methods

Rhesus monkeys (n = 34) from 3 to 23 years of age were examined. A buccal gingival sample from healthy or periodontitis sites was obtained, total RNA isolated, and microarray analysis was used to describe the transcriptome.

Results

The results demonstrated increased transcription of genes related to the MHC class II and negative regulation of NK cells with ageing in healthy gingival tissues. In contrast, both adult and ageing periodontitis tissues showed decreased transcription of genes for MHC class II antigens, coincident with up‐regulation of MHC class I‐associated genes.

Conclusion

These transcriptional changes suggest a response of healthy ageing tissues through the class II pathway (i.e. endocytosed antigens) and altered responses in periodontitis that could reflect host‐associated self‐antigens or targeting cytosolic intracellular microbial pathogens.
Essential oils as spatial repellents for the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Zhang Q.‐H. , Schneidmiller R. G. , Hoover D. R. , Zhou G. , Margaryan A. , Bryant P.
Published: December 2013

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål), native to Northeastern Asia, is a serious invasive pest in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Germany and France. Several common essential oils and their compositions were tested against BMSBs as potential repellents. All the tested individual essential oils and a ternary oil blend showed significant repellency to both BMSB nymphs and adults. Clove oil, lemongrass oil, spearmint oil, ylang‐ylang oil, and the ternary oil mixture (clove, lemongrass and spearmint) almost completely blocked attraction of BMSBs to the stink bug attractant‐baited traps; whereas wintergreen oil, geranium oil, pennyroyal oil and rosemary oil resulted in 60–85% trap catch reductions. Over 20 BMSB antennally active compounds were identified from SPME headspace samples of the eight repellent essential oils using GC‐EAD and GC‐MS techniques. Among the synthetic EAD‐active compounds tested in the field, eugenol, l‐carvone, p/l‐menthone, pulegone, methyl salicylate, trans/cis‐citral, methyl benzoate and β‐caryophyllene significantly reduced trap catches of BMSBs by 72–99%; these compounds are likely responsible for the repellency of their corresponding essential oils. Surprisingly, a synthetic mixture of the predacious spined soldier bug (SSB) [Podisus maculiventris (Say)] aggregation pheromone (trans‐2‐hexenal, α‐terpineol and benzyl alcohol) also showed a significant inhibition of BMSB response to its attractants. These repellent essential oils and their active compounds, as well as the synthetic SSB pheromone, are potentially useful as part of an efficient, environmentally sound semiochemical‐based IPM programme to combat this serious invasive stink bug.
Vertical ecology of the pelagic ocean: classical patterns and new perspectives
Authors: Sutton T. T.
Published: December 2013

Applications of acoustic and optical sensing and intensive, discrete‐depth sampling, in concert with collaborative international research programmes, have substantially advanced knowledge of pelagic ecosystems in the 17 years since the 1996 Deepwater Fishes Symposium of the Fisheries Society of the British Isles. Although the epipelagic habitat is the best‐known, and remote sensing and high‐resolution modelling allow near‐synoptic investigation of upper layer biophysical dynamics, ecological studies within the mesopelagic and deep‐demersal habitats have begun to link lower and upper trophic level processes. Bathypelagic taxonomic inventories are far from complete, but recent projects (e.g. MAR‐ECO and CMarZ, supported by the Census of Marine Life programme) have quantitatively strengthened distribution patterns previously described for fishes and have provided new perspectives. Synthesis of net and acoustic studies suggests that the biomass of deep‐pelagic fishes may be two to three orders of magnitude greater than the total global commercial fisheries landings. Discrete‐depth net sampling has revealed relatively high pelagic fish biomass below 1000 m in some regions, and that gelatinous zooplankton may be key energy vectors for deep‐pelagic fish production. Lastly, perhaps, the most substantive paradigm shift is that vertical connectivity among fishes across classical depth zones is prevalent– suggesting that a whole‐water column approach is warranted for deep ocean conservation and management.
Quality of life in postmenopausal women: translation and validation of MSkinQOL questionnaire to measure the effect of a skincare product in USA
Authors: Segot‐Chicq Evelyne , Fanchon Chantal
Published: December 2013

Objectives

The 28‐item Menopausal Skin Quality Of Life (MSkinQOL), a previously validated French questionnaire, developed to assess psychological features of menopausal women and to measure the benefits of using cosmetic skincare products was translated and validated to assess a skincare product in the USA.

Methods

Construct validity, reliability, reproducibility, and responsiveness were assessed with two groups of 100 nonmenopausal (NM) and 100 postmenopausal (PM) women. The group of PM women applied a specially developed skincare product twice daily for 1 month and filled in the same questionnaire after 1 month as well as a general self‐assessment questionnaire about the efficacy and cosmetic properties of the product.

Results

No ceiling or floor effects were identified. Construct and internal validity was assessed using a multitrait analysis: questionnaire items proved closely correlated, and each dimension covers a different aspect of women answers profile. The three dimensions showed good reliability and stability. Baseline values for social effects of skin appearance, health status, and self‐esteem were significantly different between PM and NM volunteers. Values of these three dimensions were significantly improved after 2 weeks of product application, and further improved after 4 weeks.

Conclusion

This study shows that a careful translation and a rigorous process of validation lead to a reliable tool adapted to each country to explore and measure quality of life in healthy PM women.