bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species distribution models as a tool to estimate reproductive parameters: a case study with a passerine bird species
Authors: Brambilla Mattia , Ficetola Gentile F.
Published: February 2012

1. Correlative species distribution models (SDMs) assess relationships between species distribution data and environmental features, to evaluate the environmental suitability (ES) of a given area for a species, by providing a measure of the probability of presence. If the output of SDMs represents the relationships between habitat features and species performance well, SDM results can be related also to other key parameters of populations, including reproductive parameters. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated whether SDM results can be used as a proxy of reproductive parameters (breeding output, territory size) in red‐backed shrikes (Lanius collurio).

2. The distribution of 726 shrike territories in Northern Italy was obtained through multiple focused surveys; for a subset of pairs, we also measured territory area and number of fledged juveniles. We used Maximum Entropy modelling to build a SDM on the basis of territory distribution. We used generalized least squares and spatial generalized mixed models to relate territory size and number of fledged juveniles to SDM suitability, while controlling for spatial autocorrelation.

3. Species distribution models predicted shrike distribution very well. Territory size was negatively related to suitability estimated through SDM, while the number of fledglings significantly increased with the suitability of the territory. This was true also when SDM was built using only spatially and temporally independent data.

4. Results show a clear relationship between ES estimated through presence‐only SDMs and two key parameters related to species’ reproduction, suggesting that suitability estimated by SDM, and habitat quality determining reproduction parameters in our model system, are correlated. Our study shows the potential use of SDMs to infer important fitness parameters; this information can have great importance in management and conservation.
Pharmacokinetics and milk secretion of gabapentin and meloxicam co‐administered orally in Holstein‐Friesian cows
Authors: MALREDDY P. R. , COETZEE J. F. , KuKANICH B. , GEHRING R.
Published: February 2012

Malreddy, P. R., Coetzee, J. F., KuKanich, B., Gehring, R. Pharmacokinetics and milk secretion of gabapentin and meloxicam co‐administered orally in Holstein‐Friesian cows. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 36, 14–20.

Management of neuropathic pain in dairy cattle could be achieved by combination therapy of gabapentin, a GABA analog and meloxicam, an nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. This study was designed to determine specifically the depletion of these drugs into milk. Six animals received meloxicam at 1 mg/kg and gabapentin at 10 mg/kg, while another group (n = 6) received meloxicam at 1 mg/kg and gabapentin at 20 mg/kg. Plasma and milk drug concentrations were determined over 7 days postadministration by HPLC/MS followed by noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analyses. The mean (±SD) plasma Cmax and Tmax for meloxicam (2.89 ± 0.48 μg/mL and 11.33 ± 4.12 h) were not much different from gabapentin at 10 mg/kg (2.87 ± 0.2 μg/mL and 8 ± 0 h). The mean (±SD) milk Cmax for meloxicam (0.41 ± 80.16 μg/mL) was comparable to gabapentin at 10 mg/kg (0.63 ± 0.13 μg/mL and 12 ± 6.69 h). The mean plasma and milk Cmax for gabapentin at 20 mg/kg P.O. were almost double the values at 10 mg/kg. The mean (±SD) milk to plasma ratio for meloxicam (0.14 ± 0.04) was lower than for gabapentin (0.23 ± 0.06). The results of this study suggest that milk from treated cows will have low drug residue concentration soon after plasma drug concentrations have fallen below effective levels.
Genome divergence during evolutionary diversification as revealed in replicate lake–stream stickleback population pairs
Authors: ROESTI MARIUS , HENDRY ANDREW P. , SALZBURGER WALTER , BERNER DANIEL
Published: March 2012

Evolutionary diversification is often initiated by adaptive divergence between populations occupying ecologically distinct environments while still exchanging genes. The genetic foundations of this divergence process are largely unknown and are here explored through genome scans in multiple independent lake–stream population pairs of threespine stickleback. We find that across the pairs, overall genomic divergence is associated with the magnitude of divergence in phenotypes known to be under divergent selection. Along this same axis of increasing diversification, genomic divergence becomes increasingly biased towards the centre of chromosomes as opposed to the peripheries. We explain this pattern by within‐chromosome variation in the physical extent of hitchhiking, as recombination is greatly reduced in chromosome centres. Correcting for this effect suggests that a great number of genes distributed widely across the genome are involved in the divergence into lake vs. stream habitats. Analyzing additional allopatric population pairs, however, reveals that strong divergence in some genomic regions has been driven by selection unrelated to lake–stream ecology. Our study highlights a major contribution of large‐scale variation in recombination rate to generating heterogeneous genomic divergence and indicates that elucidating the genetic basis of adaptive divergence might be more challenging than currently recognized.
TcdB from hypervirulent Clostridium difficile exhibits increased efficiency of autoprocessing
Authors: Lanis Jordi M. , Hightower Logan D. , Shen Aimee , Ballard Jimmy D.
Published: February 2012

TcdB, an intracellular bacterial toxin that inactivates small GTPases, is a major Clostridium difficile virulence factor. Recent studies have found that TcdB produced by emerging/hypervirulent strains of C. difficile is more potent than TcdB from historical strains, and in the current work, studies were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms for this change in TcdB toxicity. Using a series of biochemical analyses we found that TcdB from a hypervirulent strain (TcdBHV) was more efficient at autoprocessing than TcdB from a historical strain (TcdBHIST). TcdBHV and TcdBHIST were activated by similar concentrations of IP6; however, the overall efficiency of processing was 20% higher for TcdBHV. Using an activity‐based fluorescent probe (AWP19) an intermediate, activated but uncleaved, form of TcdBHIST was identified, while only a processed form of TcdBHV could be detected under the same conditions. Using a much higher concentration (200 µM) of the probe revealed an activated uncleaved form of TcdBHV, indicating a preferential and more efficient engagement of intramolecular substrate than TcdBHIST. Furthermore, a peptide‐based inhibitor (Ac‐GSL‐AOMK) was found to block the cytotoxicity of TcdBHIST at a lower concentration than required to inhibit TcdBHV. These findings suggest that TcdBHV may cause increased cytotoxicity due to more efficient autoprocessing.
Phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system regulates detection and processing of the quorum sensing signal autoinducer‐2
Authors: Pereira Catarina S. , Santos António J. M. , Bejerano‐Sagie Michal , Correia Paulo B. , Marques Joao C. , Xavier Karina B.
Published: March 2012

Autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) a signal produced by a range of phylogenetically distant microorganisms, enables inter‐species cell–cell communication and regulates many bacterial phenotypes. Certain bacteria can interfere with AI‐2‐regulated behaviours of neighbouring species by internalizing AI‐2 using the Lsr transport system (encoded by the lsr operon). AI‐2 imported by the Lsr is phosphorylated by the LsrK kinase and AI‐2‐phosphate is the inducer of the lsr operon. Here we show that in Escherichia coli the phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is required for Lsr activation and is essential for AI‐2 internalization. Although the phosphorylation state of Enzyme I of PTS is important for this regulation, LsrK is necessary for the phosphorylation of AI‐2, indicating that AI‐2 is not phosphorylated by PTS. Our results suggest that AI‐2 internalization is initiated by a PTS‐dependent mechanism, which provides sufficient intracellular AI‐2 to relieve repression of the lsr operon and, thus induce depletion of AI‐2 from the extracellular environment. The fact that AI‐2 internalization is not only controlled by the community‐dependent accumulation of AI‐2, but also depends on the phosphorylation state of PTS suggests that E. coli can integrate information on the availability of substrates with external communal information to control quorum sensing and its interference.
Identification and characterization of a GDSL lipase‐like protein that catalyzes the ester‐forming reaction for pyrethrin biosynthesis in Tanacetum cinerariifolium– a new target for plant protection
Authors: Kikuta Yukio , Ueda Hirokazu , Takahashi Masafumi , Mitsumori Tomonori , Yamada Gen , Sakamori Koji , Takeda Kengo , Furutani Shogo , Nakayama Koji , Katsuda Yoshio , Hatanaka Akikazu , Matsuda Kazuhiko
Published: March 2012

Although natural insecticides pyrethrins produced by Tanacetum cinerariifolium are used worldwide to control insect pest species, little information is known of their biosynthesis. From the buds of T. cinerariifolium, we have purified a protein that is able to transfer the chrysanthemoyl group from the coenzyme A (CoA) thioester to pyrethrolone to produce pyrethrin I and have isolated cDNAs that encode the enzyme. To our surprise, the active principle was not a member of a known acyltransferase family but a member of the GDSL lipase family. The recombinant enzyme (TcGLIP) was expressed in Escherichia coli and displayed the acyltransferase reaction with high substrate specificity, recognized the absolute configurations of three asymmetric carbons and also showed esterase activity. A S40A mutation in the Block I domain reduced both acyltransferase and esterase activities, which suggested an important role of this serine residue in these two activities. The signal peptide directed the localization of TcGLIP::enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion, as well as EGFP, to the extracellular space. High TcGLIP gene expression was observed in the leaves of mature plants and seedlings as well as in buds and flowers, a finding that was consistent with the pyrethrin I content in these parts. Expression was enhanced in response to wounding, which suggested that the enzyme plays a key role in the defense mechanism of T. cinerariifolium.
HLA‐DRB1*08:48, a novel allele identified in a Brazilian donor
Authors: Mattar S. B. , Wowk P. F. , da Graça Bicalho M.
Published: March 2012

The new allele presents a point mutation at codon 67.1 (ATC→CTC) resulting in a conservative change from isoleucine to leucine.
Evaluation of overnight storage conditions for autologous peripheral blood stem cell products: comparison of three different conditions
Authors: Seo J. Y. , Huh H.‐J. , Park H.‐K. , Choung H.‐K. , Kim D.‐W. , Koo H. H. , Sung K. W. , Kang E.‐S.
Published: February 2012

Background  Overnight (ON) storage of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) occurs frequently in clinical settings. However, there are no standard guidelines for optimal storage conditions of freshly harvested PBSC. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of storage temperatures on the quality of autologous PBSC and establish optimal storage conditions before cryopreservation.

Methods  A retrospective analysis was performed on 260 PBSC harvests according to pre‐cryopreservation conditions: immediate processing or ON storage at room temperature (RT). For direct comparison, 30 autologous PBSC products were collected prospectively and prepared under three different pre‐cryopreservation conditions: immediate processing, ON storage at 4°C and ON storage at RT. The recovery of CD34+ cells, post‐thaw CFU‐GM count and viability were analysed.

Results  Retrospective analysis revealed that post‐thaw CFU‐GM count was significantly lower when PBSC were stored ON at RT compared to when immediately processed (136·4 vs. 409·6/μl). Prospective analysis showed a mean recovery of CD34+ cells of 65·5 ± 25·1%, 70·5 ± 27·4% and 35·9 ± 25·1% for immediate processing, ON storage at 4°C and ON storage at RT, respectively. Similarly, mean viability and CFU‐GM counts were significantly reduced when stored ON at RT compared to when immediately processed or stored ON at 4°C (60·4 ± 25·6 vs. 84·1 ± 12·9 vs. 82·7 ± 12·6%, 15·7 ± 25·7 vs. 398·5 ± 906·2 vs. 350·0 ± 847·9/μl, respectively).

Conclusions  ON storage of autologous PBSC at RT significantly decreased the quality of HPCs. These data indicate that ON storage of autologous PBSC at 4°C would be the most reasonable approach for maintaining the quality of HPCs when immediate processing is not possible.
Screening of core simple sequence repeat primer pairs and establishment of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction system for Brassica genomes A and C
Authors: Wei Lijuan , Zhao Chaoxian , Li Jiana , Qian Wei , Fu Donghui
Published: March 2012

With 2 figures and 1 table

Brassica species are important industrial materials. Recently, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have become preferred molecular markers because of their simplicity, high levels of polymorphism and codominant nature. Numerous SSR markers have been developed in Brassica crops, but not every SSR marker has an equal value, and they must be tested individually for each application. To develop a set of standardized, highly efficient core SSR primers, we screened 190 primer pairs from among over 2353 SSR primer pairs that have been mapped for Brassica species. Ten different primer pairs were selected for each of the 19 linkage groups that corresponded with the chromosomes of Brassica genomes A and C. We also established 19 multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combinations, one per linkage group. Twenty accessions from six Brassica species were used to test these primer combinations, and an average of 15 clear bands were amplified successfully in each reaction. It is clear that multiplex PCR is a practical method for germplasm identification, genetic diversity analysis and backcross breeding in Brassica crops.
Changes in the Aral Sea ichthyofauna and fishery during the period of ecological crisis
Authors: Ermakhanov Z. K. , Plotnikov I. S. , Aladin N. V. , Micklin P.
Published: February 2012

Aboriginal ichthyofauna of the Aral Sea consisted of 20 generative‐freshwater species from seven families. After acclimatization in 1927–1963, the number of species increased to 34. The regulation of Syr Dar’ya and Amu Dar’ya river water flows, and increasing water withdrawals, primarily for irrigation, resulted in a declining lake water level, increasing salinization and changing habitat conditions, especially for reproduction. As a result, the spawning areas were greatly reduced, and because of worsening conditions for natural reproduction, fish catches in 1961–1976 decreased more than 4‐fold. The first signs of the negative impacts of salinization on fishes appeared in the mid‐1960s. Natural reproduction ceased by the mid‐1970s, and indigenous commercial fish fauna were lost by the end of the 1970s. Flounder‐gloss was introduced from the Black Sea in 1979–1987 to preserve the fishery, and it was the only commercial fish left by 1991–2000. Because of the water level decline, the Aral Sea became divided in 1989 into the Large and Small Seas. By the end of the 1990s, flounder became extinct in the Large Aral because of high salinity, as did other fishes. Decreasing agriculture activity has resulted in stabilized run‐off of the Syr Dar’ya to the Small Aral since 1988, creating a freshened water zone where indigenous ichthyofauna returned from lacustrine systems and the river. The ecological state of the Small Aral is improving, with some aboriginal valuable commercial fishes having reached numbers making their commercial catch possible once again.
Variations, trends and patterns of fish landings in large tropical reservoirs
Authors: Jutagate Tuantong , Srichareondham Boonsong , Lek Sovan , Amarasinghe Upali S. , De Silva Sena S.
Published: February 2012

Temporal variations of fish yields in four major reservoirs in Thailand (Ubolratana; Sirindhorn; Srinakarin; Vajiralongkorn) were investigated with the use of long‐term fish landing data (≥20 years). The long‐term variations in fish yield, measured as the coefficient of variation of yearly yield, ranged mostly between 50% and 100%. For short‐term variations, the means of the relative variation (85%) were larger than the absolute variation (63%). This finding indicates that short‐term variations were inversely related to fish yield and that a higher uncertainty occurs when fish catches are low. The stocked exotic species exhibited higher variations than the indigenous species. The trend analyses indicated some species had sharply declined fish landings, while some species were quite stable (i.e. reservoir‐adapted species). Stocked species tended to increase in relatively shallow reservoirs, compared to the deep reservoir. Fish landing data for each reservoir were patternized, using the self‐organizing map, indicating temporal trends of chronological order. The differences among clusters in each reservoir were with respect to the weight of each species in the fish landings in each year, and temporal changes in species composition in the reservoirs, which would primarily be attributed to the environmental changes followed by anthropogenic pressures. The mean trophic level (τ) fluctuated, resulting from changes in species composition and weight of fish landing, as well as fish stocking programmes.
Bathymetric distribution of chironomid larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) in Lake Saiko, Japan
Authors: Fu Zhenghai , Yoshizawa Kazuya , Yoshida Norihiko , Kazama Futaba , Hirabayashi Kimio
Published: February 2012

The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate on 8 March 2009 was studied in Lake Saiko (73.2 m maximum depth). The average density of the benthic community for the entire lake was 19 583 individuals m−2, being comprised of oligochaetes and chironomid larvae, with densities of 18 163 (92.8%) and 1274 (6.5%), respectively. The average wet weights of oligochaetes and chironomid larvae were 15.96 and 1.67 g m−2, respectively. The oligochaetes inhabited the entire lake bottom, with their densities being higher in the transitional region (20–40 m) and deeper region (>40 m) than in the shallower region. However, the densities of chironomid larvae were low in the deeper region (>40 m), with only a few chironomid larvae being found in the centre of the lake (>60 m). The most abundant species (Micropsectra chuzeprima) exhibited the widest distribution (from 10.1 to 65.5 m depth), followed by Polypedilum nubeculosum. The results of this study also were compared to previous data on oligochaetes and chironomid larvae reported by Kitagawa (1973). The density of these animals increased throughout the whole lake in 2009. However, the chironomid species compositions did not changed. The larval distribution pattern of chironomid changed since Kitagawa’s study, being distributed from 11 to 68 m in 1973. In contrast, almost all chironomid larvae were found in the transitional (e.g. M. chuzeprima) and shallower (e.g. Procladius choreus and P. nubeculosum) regions in 2009, with only a few individuals being observed in the deeper regions (>60 m). In contrast, the oligochaete density increased in the deeper regions. Large environmental changes must have affected the oligochaetes and chironomids densities, especially in the deeper regions with low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Consequently, the distribution pattern of oligochaetes and chironomids in the lake has changed. These study findings suggest the lake is experiencing increasing eutrophication.
Ependymoma with “granular cell” features: Report of two cases
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Yoshida Makiko , Ikarashi Toshihiko , Arakawa Yasuaki , Nagashima Tatsuya
Published: February 2012

We report two cases of ependymoma which showed prominent “granular cell” changes of the cytoplasm. The patients were a 7‐year‐old boy with a tumor in the cerebellum (case 1) and a 70‐year‐old man with a tumor in the frontal lobe (case 2). The tumor of case 1 showed a histopathological appearance of ependymoma containing many focal aggregates of large polygonal cells in which the cytoplasm was stuffed with numerous eosinophilic granules. The tumor of case 2 predominantly showed the features of papillary ependymoma, and some tumor cells were swollen and contained similar eosinophilic granules. Intracytoplasmic granules in both tumors were immunoreactive for GFAP and ubiquitin, but not for epithelial membrane antigen, CD68 or mitochondria. Ultrastructurally, they were found as aggregates of membrane‐bound, electron‐dense, globular structures. Karyotypic analysis of the tumor in case 1 demonstrated 2, 11 and 12 trisomies. Intracytoplasmic eosinophilic granules occasionally occur in astrocytic and oligodendroglial neoplasms, but an appearance of similar granules is very rare in ependymoma. The two cases presented here may represent a new histopathological variant of ependymoma, and the term “granular cell ependymoma” is appropriate for them.
Solving the Light's criteria misclassification rate of cardiac and hepatic transudates
Authors: BIELSA SILVIA , PORCEL JOSÉ M. , CASTELLOTE JOSÉ , MAS ESTELA , ESQUERDA AURELI , LIGHT RICHARD W.
Published: February 2012

Background and objective:  Pleural transudates are most commonly due to heart failure (HF) or hepatic hydrothorax (HH), but a number of these effusions are misclassified as exudates by standard (Light's) criteria. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of mislabelled transudates and to establish simple alternative parameters to correctly identify them.

Methods:  We retrospectively analysed the pleural fluid and serum protein, lactate dehydrogenase and albumin concentrations from 364 cardiac effusions and 102 HH. The serum–to–pleural fluid protein and albumin gradients (serum concentration minus pleural fluid concentration), as well as the pleural fluid–to–serum albumin ratio (pleural fluid concentration divided by the serum concentration) were calculated for the mislabelled transudates.

Results:  Light's criteria had misclassified more HF‐associated effusions than HH (29% vs 18%, P = 0.002). A serum–to–pleural fluid protein gradient >3.1 g/dL correctly identified 55% and 61% of the HF and HH false exudates, respectively. The figures for an albumin gradient >1.2 g/dL were 83% and 62%. Finally, a pleural fluid–to–serum albumin ratio <0.6 had identical accuracy for labelling miscategorized cardiac and liver‐related effusions (78% and 77%, respectively).

Conclusions:  If the clinical picture is consistent with HF but the pleural fluid meets Light's exudative criteria, the measurement of the albumin rather than the protein gradient is recommended. In the context of cirrhosis, a potentially ‘false’ exudate is identified better by the pleural fluid–to–serum albumin ratio.
Reference values for airway resistance in newborns, infants and preschoolers from a Latin American population
Authors: GOCHICOA LAURA G. , THOMÉ‐ORTIZ LAURA P. , FURUYA MARÍA E. Y. , CANTO RAQUEL , RUIZ‐GARCÍA MARTHA E. , ZÚÑIGA‐VÁZQUEZ GUILLERMO , MARTÍNEZ‐RAMÍREZ FILIBERTO , VARGAS MARIO H.
Published: February 2012

Background and objective:  Several studies have determined reference values for airway resistance measured by the interrupter technique (Rint) in paediatric populations, but only one has been done on Latin American children, and no studies have been performed on Mexican children. Moreover, these previous studies mostly included children aged 3 years and older; therefore, information regarding Rint reference values for newborns and infants is scarce.

Methods:  Rint measurements were performed on preschool children attending eight kindergartens (Group 1) and also on sedated newborns, infants and preschool children admitted to a tertiary‐level paediatric hospital due to non‐cardiopulmonary disorders (Group 2).

Results:  In both groups, Rint values were inversely associated with age, weight and height, but the strongest association was with height. The linear regression equation for Group 1 (n = 209, height 86–129 cm) was Rint = 2.153 − 0.012 × height (cm) (standard deviation of residuals 0.181 kPa/L/s). The linear regression equation for Group 2 (n = 55, height 52–113 cm) was Rint = 4.575 − 0.035 × height (cm) (standard deviation of residuals 0.567 kPa/L/s). Girls tended to have slightly higher Rint values than boys, a difference that diminished with increasing height.

Conclusions:  In this study, Rint reference values applicable to Mexican children were determined, and these values are probably also applicable to other paediatric populations with similar Spanish‐Amerindian ancestries. There was an inverse relationship between Rint and height, with relatively large between‐subject variability.
Method for identifying eligible individuals for a prevalence survey in the absence of a disease register or population register
Authors: Richardson A. K. , Clarke G. , Sabel C. E. , Pearson J. F. , Mason D. F. , Taylor B. V.
Published: February 2012

Background

Identifying eligible individuals for a prevalence survey is difficult in the absence of a disease register or a national population register.

Aim

To develop a method to identify and invite eligible individuals to participate in a national prevalence survey while maintaining confidentiality and complying with privacy legislation.

Methods

A unique identifier (based on date of birth, sex and initials) was developed so that database holders could identify eligible individuals, notify us and invite them on our behalf to participate in a national multiple sclerosis prevalence survey while maintaining confidentiality and complying with privacy legislation.

Results

Several organisations (including central government, health and non‐governmental organisations) used the method described to assign unique identifiers to individuals listed on their databases and to forward invitations and consent forms to them. The use of a unique identifier allowed us to recognise and record all the sources of identification for each individual. This prevented double counting or approaching the same individual more than once and facilitated the use of capture–recapture methods to improve the prevalence estimate. Capture–recapture analysis estimated that the method identified over 96% of eligible individuals in this prevalence survey.

Conclusions

This method was developed and used successfully in a national prevalence survey of multiple sclerosis in New Zealand. The method may be useful for prevalence surveys of other diseases in New Zealand and for prevalence surveys in other countries with similar privacy legislation and lack of disease registers and population registers.
Prognostic value of apoptotic markers in squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: Youssef Ramy , Kapur Payal , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Arendt Tyler , Kabbani Wareef , Mosbah Ahmed , Abol‐Enein Hassan , Ghoneim Mohamed , Lotan Yair
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

Apoptotic pathways are important in carcinogenesis. Many studies, involving small numbers of patients, have found an association between one or two apoptotic markers and some of the pathological features of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

This study included a large number of patients who had undergone radical cystectomy (RC) for SCC with long‐term follow‐up, allowing us to study biomarker alterations and their prognostic role. This is the first study on the prognostic role of a panel of apoptotic‐related markers in SCC of the urinary bladder, introducing the novel concept of a prognostic marker score based on the number of altered markers. We found that apoptotic markers can improve prediction of oncological outcomes after RC for SCC and might potentially help in patient selection for adjunct therapies.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of cleaved caspase‐3 (CC‐3), Bax, COX‐2, and p53 expression with pathological features and clinical outcomes in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the urinary bladder.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry for CC‐3, Bax, COX‐2, and p53 was performed on tissue microarray sections of radical cystectomy specimens with pure SCC from 1997 to 2003. The relationship between the expression of these markers and pathological features was assessed.

A prognostic marker score (PS) was defined as favourable if ≤2 biomarkers were altered and unfavourable if >2 biomarkers were altered and the association of the PS with oncological outcomes was examined.

RESULTS

The study included 151 patients, of whom 98 were men and 53 were women, with a mean age of 52 years. SCC was associated with schistosomiasis (bilharziasis) in 122 (81%) patients.

Pathological stage was T2 in 50%, T3 in 38%, T1 in 6% and T4 in 6% of patients. Tumours were low grade in 53%, lymph node metastasis was found in 30.5% and lymphovascular invasion was found in 16% of patients.

Median follow‐up was 63.2 months.

Advanced stage was associated with COX‐2, p53 and CC‐3 alterations and high grade was associated with COX‐2 alterations (P < 0.05). The total number of altered markers and unfavourable PS were associated with both disease recurrence and bladder cancer‐specific mortality in Kaplan–Meier analyses (P < 0.05). Unfavourable PS was an independent predictor of disease recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 2.694, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.386–5.235, P= 0. 003) and bladder cancer‐specific mortality (HR 2.868, 95% CI 1.209–6.802, P= 0. 017) in multivariable Cox regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Markers of apoptosis pathways may play an important role in the prognosis of SCC of the bladder. An increased number of altered markers and an unfavourable PS may identify patients who might benefit from multimodal therapies.
Flexible ureterorenoscopy versus extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for treatment of lower pole stones of 10–20 mm
Authors: El‐Nahas Ahmed R. , Ibrahim Hamdy M. , Youssef Ramy F. , Sheir Khaled Z.
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

Shock wave lithotripsy and flexible ureterorenoscopy are acceptable treatment options for lower pole stones smaller than 10 mm, while percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the favoured treatment for stones larger than 20 mm.

For treatment of lower pole stones of 10–20 mm, flexible ureterorenoscopy has a significantly higher stone‐free rate and lower retreatment rate than shock wave lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F‐URS) and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for treatment of lower pole stones of 10–20 mm.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The database of patients with a single lower pole stone of 10–20 mm was examined to obtain two matched groups who were treated with F‐URS or ESWL. Matching criteria were stone length, side and patient gender.

Stone‐free rates were evaluated 3 months after the last treatment session by non‐contrast computed tomography. Both groups were compared for retreatment rate, complications and stone‐free rate.

RESULTS

The matched groups included 37 patients who underwent F‐URS and 62 patients who underwent ESWL. Retreatment rate was significantly higher for ESWL (60% vs 8%, P < 0.001).

Complications were more after F‐URS (13.5% vs 4.8%), but the difference was not significant (P= 0.146). All complications were grade II or IIIa on modified Clavien classification.

The stone‐free rate was significantly better after F‐URS (86.5% vs 67.7%, P= 0.038). One failure of F‐URS (2.7%) and five failures (8%) of ESWL were treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Significant residual fragments in three patients (8%) after F‐URS were treated with ESWL, while significant residual fragments after ESWL in five patients (8%) were treated with F‐URS. Residual fragments (<4 mm) were followed every 3 months in one patient (2.7%) after F‐URS and in 10 patients (16%) after ESWL.

CONCLUSIONS

For treatment of lower pole stones of 10–20 mm, F‐URS provided significantly higher stone‐free rate and lower retreatment rate compared with ESWL.

The incidence of complications after F‐URS was not significantly more than after ESWL.
The perceived health risks of cannabis use in an Australian household survey
Authors: CALABRIA BIANCA , SWIFT WENDY , SLADE TIM , HALL WAYNE , COPELAND JAN
Published: March 2012

Introduction and Aims. Perceived risks of cannabis use have rarely been researched in Australia. This paper reports on the beliefs about the adverse effects of cannabis use on health, social well‐being, driving, mental health and changes in cannabis over time.

Design and Methods. Survey of 918 Australian adults was conducted as part of a quarterly omnibus self‐report survey of an established panel.

Results. Respondents believed that cannabis use can cause health and social problems, can adversely affect a person's ability to drive a car, can be addictive, and can lead to use of other illicit drugs. They were uncertain as to whether cannabis can cause schizophrenia and depression, and whether cannabis had become more potent over time.

Implications. Prevention efforts should focus on educating the Australian people about the nature of cannabis‐related harms.[Calabria B, Swift W, Slade T, Hall W, Copeland J. The perceived health risks of cannabis use in an Australian household survey. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:809–812]
Leadership in fish shoals
Authors: Krause J , Hoare D , Krause S , Hemelrijk C K , Rubenstein D I
Published: February 2012

Leadership is not an inherent quality of animal groups that show directional locomotion. However, there are other factors that may be responsible for the occurrence of leadership in fish shoals, such as individual differences in nutritional state between group members. It appears that front fish have a strong influence on directional shoal movements and that individuals that occupy such positions are often characterised by larger body lengths and lower nutritional state. Potential interactions between the two factors and their importance for positioning within shoals need further attention. Initiation of directional movement in stationary shoals and position preferences in mobile shoals need to be addressed separately because they are potentially subject to different constraints. Individuals that initiate a swimming direction may not necessarily be capable of the sustained high swimming performance required to keep the front position or have the motivation to do so, for that matter. More empirical and theoretical work is necessary to look at the factors controlling positioning behaviour within shoals, as well as overall shoal shape and structure. Tracking of marked individuals whose positioning behaviour is monitored over extended time periods of hours or days would be useful. There is an indication that shoal positions are rotated by individuals according to their nutritional needs, with hungry fish occupying front positions only for as long as necessary to regain their nutritional balance. This suggests that shoal members effectively take turns at being leaders. There is a need for three‐dimensional recordings of shoaling behaviour using high‐speed video systems that allow a detailed analysis of information transfer in shoals of different size. The relationship between leadership and shoal size might provide an interesting field for future research. Most studies to date have been restricted to shoals of small and medium size and more information on larger shoals would be useful.
A Sequential Point Process Model and Bayesian Inference for Spatial Point Patterns with Linear Structures
Authors: MØLLER JESPER , RASMUSSEN JAKOB GULDDAHL
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  We introduce a flexible spatial point process model for spatial point patterns exhibiting linear structures, without incorporating a latent line process. The model is given by an underlying sequential point process model. Under this model, the points can be of one of three types: a ‘background point’ an ‘independent cluster point’ or a ‘dependent cluster point’. The background and independent cluster points are thought to exhibit ‘complete spatial randomness’, whereas the dependent cluster points are likely to occur close to previous cluster points. We demonstrate the flexibility of the model for producing point patterns with linear structures and propose to use the model as the likelihood in a Bayesian setting when analysing a spatial point pattern exhibiting linear structures. We illustrate this methodology by analysing two spatial point pattern datasets (locations of bronze age graves in Denmark and locations of mountain tops in Spain).
Contingent capital and bank risk‐taking among British banks before the First World War1
Authors: GROSSMAN RICHARD S. , IMAI MASAMI
Published: March 2012

The recent financial turmoil highlights the incentive of highly leveraged financial institutions to take excessive risk, given the protection of limited liability. During the nineteenth and early twentieth century, many banks operated under liability rules which obligated shareholders to bear larger costs of bank insolvency in the form of contingent, or even unlimited, liability. This article examines the empirical relationship between the size of banks' contingent liability and their risk‐taking behaviour using data on British banks from 1878 to 1912. We find that banks with more contingent liability appear to have taken less risk. We also find evidence that the risk‐reducing effects of contingent liability were larger for banks with higher leverage, suggesting that contingent capital mitigated the moral hazard problem at banks.
Processes of conservation and change in Arab society in Israel: Implications for the health and welfare of the Arab population
Authors: Azaiza Faisal
Published: February 2012

Azaiza F. Processes of conservation and change in Arab society in Israel: Implications for the health and welfare of the Arab population

This article reports on a study that examined how modernisation processes affect the Arab citizens of Israel on various levels and how the processes are reconciled with traditional ideals. Modernisation affects formal and informal support systems, affects family lifestyles, has resulted in changes in the treatment of elderly people and has seen modern ideas of health and wellness incorporated with traditional values and ideals. For the Arab citizens of Israel, the conflict of tradition versus modernisation is evident throughout society. Studying the processes of both modernisation and preservation and their implications allows us to better understand and address the needs of the Arab population in Israel. Based on the research presented in this review, processes of modernisation and conservation are conceptualised as a continuum along four dimensions: perceptions of self, sources of social support, health roles and gender roles. The implications of these changes are explored as they relate to various phenomena.
The Triple Helix Model as Inspiration for Local Development Policies: An Experience‐Based Perspective
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos , Melo Ana I.
Published: March 2012

The triple helix model (THM) is being widely used as a source of inspiration for policies and programmes aimed at fostering innovation. This is evolving across the range of policymaking geographical scales, as well as independently of the geographies of context that determine different framework conditions for promoting innovation. This article questions the extent to which the THM provides a solid conceptual basis for development policies, particularly at the local level. It does this by exploring the experience of a Portuguese small municipality, in which the development policy effort is not only guided by the model itself, but is also targeted at the materialization of local ‘triple helices’. The authors take advantage of their direct involvement in the local policymaking exercise and confront their observations of the change dynamics evolving in the municipality with the ‘endless transitions’ that are at the very core of the THM.

Le modèle de la triple hélice sert très souvent de source d'inspiration pour les actions publiques et programmes visant à encourager l'innovation. Ce phénomène se retrouve à tous les échelons territoriaux d'élaboration des politiques, tout en étant indépendant des géographies contextuelles qui déterminent différentes conditions générales à la promotion de l'innovation. On peut se demander dans quelle mesure le modèle de la triple hélice garantit un fondement conceptuel solide pour des politiques de développement, notamment au niveau local. Pour ce faire, l'expérience d'une petite municipalité portugaise est étudiée. Les politiques de développement qui y sont menées ne sont pas seulement orientées par le modèle lui‐même, elles ciblent également la concrétisation de ‘triples hélices’ locales. Forts de leur implication dans les décisions politiques locales, les auteurs confrontent leurs observations relatives à l'évolution des dynamiques de changement dans cette commune, compte tenu ‘passages sans fin’ qui sont au cœur du modèle de la triple hélice.
Complexity and Uncertainty: Problem or Asset in Decision Making of Mega Infrastructure Projects?
Authors: Salet Willem , Bertolini Luca , Giezen Mendel
Published: March 2012

How should one cope with complexity and uncertainty in mega infrastructure projects? While rational theories tend to eliminate or reduce these unruly conditions, the authors of this article are in search of a different approach to deal with the characteristics of complexity and uncertainty proactively. Three theoretical reflections are introduced to explore possible solutions: (1) the change of institutions to address the problem of excessively simple structures for making decisions on complex projects; (2) the shaping of a learning environment in order to deal with uncertainty and emergent properties; and (3) balancing the generation and the reduction of a variety of policy options in order to select a limited number of feasible options and to bridge the strategic exploration and the operational processes of decision making. Informed by this conceptual thought, concrete pathways are developed and discussed by means of a case study of the construction of a high‐speed railway line in the Netherlands.

Comment doit‐on gérer complexité et incertitude dans le cadre de mégaprojets d'infrastructure? Tandis que les théories rationnelles ont tendance àéliminer ou à minorer ces circonstances incontrôlées, cet article recherche une approche différente pour aborder les caractéristiques de la complexité et de l'incertitude de manière proactive. Trois axes de réflexion théorique sont présentés: la transformation des institutions, pour résoudre le problème des structures extrêmement simples confrontées à des décisions sur des projets complexes; la configuration d'un environnement d'apprentissage, pour faire face à l'incertitude et aux nouveaux éléments; l'équilibrage entre génération et réduction des diverses possibilités d'action publique, afin de sélectionner un nombre restreint d'options réalisables et d'harmoniser recherche de stratégies et processus décisionnels opérationnels. À partir de cette réflexion conceptuelle, des voies concrètes sont développées et analysées à travers une étude de cas sur la construction d'une ligne ferroviaire à grande vitesse aux Pays‐Bas.
Natural mixing of species: novel plant–animal communities onCaribbeanIslands
Authors: Lugo A. E. , Carlo T. A. , Wunderle J. M.
Published: March 2012

Global anthropogenic activities are responsible for the modification of landscapes, creation of novel environments and movement of species across biogeographic regions. A consequence of this activity is the mixing of native and introduced species and the formation of novel biotic communities. We review the ecological consequences of the mixing of native and introduced species in theCaribbeanIslands especially inPuertoRico and theUS VirginIslands. Here we found documented examples indicating that novel communities of native and naturalized organisms are ubiquitous. The coexistence of species originating from different biogeographical regions raises research questions that demand attention for their ecological and conservation importance. For example: Is animal abundance in novel communities a measure of habitat quality? To what degree are populations in novel communities self‐sustaining? What are the consequences of species eradication? How does an introduced animal's trophic position affect its effects on novel and native communities? We suggest that novel communities that emerge in theCaribbean after deforestation and land abandonment could be harbingers of how the biota might respond elsewhere to rapidly changing environmental conditions, including global and climate change.
Connectivity of local amphibian populations: modelling the migratory capacity of radio‐tracked natterjack toads
Authors: Sinsch U. , Oromi N. , Miaud C. , Denton J. , Sanuy D.
Published: March 2012

The delimitation of the spatial equivalent of isolated populations or interacting sets of local populations is crucial for conservation management. In Amphibia, spatial organization in metapopulations requires knowledge on the individual variation of annual migratory capacity within local populations to delimit core habitats around the breeding site and to estimate the connectivity among neighbouring populations. The migratory behaviour of 143 adult Bufo calamita was monitored using radio‐telemetry at eight localities covering a latitudinal range from 41° to 54°N. Aims of the study were to assess the geographic variation of migratory distance moved by males and females and to model their capacity for dispersal assuming exclusively unidirectional movements. Migratory range was not sex‐biased, but was three times lower in population inhabiting sandy areas than in those on clay soils, probably because of the scarcity of moist shelters causing more frequent and more distant movements. For conservation management of local natterjack populations, we propose to use the migratory capacity of the 50% most sedentary individuals to delimit the core area around a given breeding site. To estimate the potential genetic connectivity between neighbouring local population, we propose to use the minimum migratory capacity of the 5% of individuals that moved most. Estimates obtained for populations in central Europe and the UK indicate a core area of 600 m around the breeding site and a maximum distance of 2250 m between the breeding ponds to maintain connectivity. Thus, the principal conservation problem in the UK is that most populations are isolated by distance and prone to local extinction. In contrast, core areas of populations in Spain extend to distances of about 5 km and connectivity is maintained up to a distance 12 km between neighbouring breeding ponds.