bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altitudinal variation in body size inAbacarus panticisKeifer (Acari: Eriophyidae)
Authors: Kuo Chi‐Chien , Wang Chin‐Fah , Tsai Jeng‐I , Feng Fong‐Long , Huang Kun‐Wei
Published: October 2013

We found that body length of a minute eriophyoid mite,Abacarus panticisKeifer, increased with elevation and rainfall, decreased with temperature, and exhibited a female‐biased dimorphism. There was a negative temperature–body length relation in the female instead of the male, whose size remained constant along temperature gradients. In addition, scaling of body length between sexes is not significantly different from one. We conclude that within‐species body length ofA. panticisconforms to Bergmann's trend but not Rensch's rule. Further studies could take advantage of the more rigorous and flexible hierarchical model in the revelation of scale‐specific determinants of phenotypic variation.
Auf dem Weg zu einer besseren Flächennutzungsstatistik
Authors: Meinel Gotthard
Published: October 2013

Sustainable land use development requires a reporting system, which compares the actual development with the formulated goals and guiding principles of a sustainable land use policy. The current official land survey in Germany cannot longer meet the growing requirements on land use statistics regarding accuracy, reliability, timeliness, and relevance. Both, the use of cadastral data as primary data source of the statistical land survey, and also the sole computation of total areas of selected types of land use should be reviewed in this context. This paper highlights the problems of the database of current land use statistics, which are increasing significantly by technological changes of the cadastre. The benefits of using topographic geo-based data for the calculation are discussed. The monitor of the settlement and open space development (IÖR-Monitor) analysed this data and provides the indicator-based results in form of interactive maps and tables on the Internet. In addition, analysis of building structure and its change could be made based on real estate cadastre data. So land political sustainability goals as “inside before outside” would be verifiable. The contribution of this paper is to initiate a broad debate in this complex, interdisciplinary field between statistics, surveying, real estate management, geoinformatics and spatial development policy.
Nationwide survey of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: The Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (J‐CARAF) – Report on antiarrhythmic drug therapy
Authors: Murakawa Yuji , Nogami Akihiko , Shoda Morio , Inoue Koichi , Naito Shigeto , Kumagai Koichiro , Miyauchi Yasushi , Yamane Teiichi , Morita Norishige , Mitamura Hideo , Okumura Ken ,   on behalf of the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society Members
Published: October 2013

Background

The Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS) conducted a nationwide survey of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Japan, the Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (J‐CARAF). In this report, to offer a perspective on the current status of hybrid AF therapy, we focus on antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy before and after AF ablation.

Methods

The JHRS requested electrophysiology centers in Japan to retrospectively register the comprehensive data of each AF ablation session performed in September 2011, March 2012, or September 2012.

Results

A total of 179 EP centers submitted data for 3373 sessions. The average patient age was 62.2±10.6 years, and 76.1% (2587) were male. Patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) consisted of 64.4% of total patients. The average number of AADs used before AF ablation was 1.13±0.96. Among 2173 PAF patients, 454 subjects (20.9%) underwent AF ablation without preceding AAD therapy.

At the time of discharge, 40.3% of PAF patients were given one or more AAD, while 63.0% of persistent AF patients and 71.5% of long‐standing‐persistent AF patients left the hospital with an AAD (p<0.0001). Bepridil was most frequently prescribed (17.4%), specifically in non‐PAF patients (PAF 10.5% vs. non‐PAF 30.3%, p<0.0001). Amiodarone was used in 5.8% of the patients. Among 148 subjects (4.5%) treated with multiple AADs, 131 were taking bepridil.

Conclusions

Approximately 20% of PAF ablations were performed without preceding AAD therapy. The post‐procedural AAD regimen was appreciably dependent on the AF type.
Validierung der deutschsprachigen Version der Leadership Scale for Sports
Authors: Linde Katja , Preis Franziska , Pfeffer Ines , Alfermann Dorothee
Published: October 2013

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die deutschsprachige Version der Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS; 21 Items; 4 Faktoren; Würth, Sabarowski & Alfermann, 1999 ) auf ihre Testgüte zu überprüfen. Zur Validierung wurden N = 1523 Sportlerinnen und Sportler (M = 16.65, SD = 4.61) herangezogen. Die interne Konsistenz der Skalen ist zufriedenstellend mit .74 < α < .83. Die konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse ergibt einen akzeptablen Modellfit für das Vier-Faktoren-Modell (CFI = .88, RMSEA = .07, SRMR = .06). Werden zwei Items aufgrund ihrer uneindeutigen Faktorenzugehörigkeit gelöscht, ergibt sich ein besserer Modellfit (CFI = .93, RMSEA = .06, SRMR = .04). Ein positiv wahrgenommenes Trainerverhalten geht mit einer hohen Zufriedenheit der Athleten, einem hohen aufgabenorientierten und geringen wettbewerbsorientierten Trainingsklima einher. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass zwar die Testgüte der 21 Item-Version der deutschsprachigen LSS zufriedenstellend ist, aber die 19-Item Version aufgrund ihrer höheren faktoriellen Validität und Ökonomie empfohlen werden kann.
Sportspielspezifische Wirksamkeitserwartungen im Nachwuchsleistungshandball
Authors: Wilhelm Andreas , Büsch Dirk , Pabst Jan
Published: October 2013

Die Selbstwirksamkeitsüberzeugung fördert die Leistung im Sport ( Feltz, 1988 ). Sie beruht auf der Wahrnehmung eigener Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten, anstehende Aufgaben erfolgreich zu bewältigen ( Bandura, 1977 ). Zur Leistungsprognose und Talentdiagnostik wird eine sportspielspezifische Konzeption dargestellt, die konkret auf das Handballspiel ausgerichtet ist. Der Fragebogen (Handballspezifisches Selbstwirksamkeits-Inventar, HASI) erfasst in der Explorationsversion 17 Items und in der Endversion 12 Items zur Wirksamkeitserwartung individual- und mannschaftstaktischer Leistungen beim Handball. Die Exploration erfolgt an einer Stichprobe von 405 (Untersuchung 1) und die Prüfung an 397 (Untersuchung 2) Spielerinnen und Spielern. Die interne Konsistenz ist jeweils gegeben. Ein exploratorisches Strukturgleichungsmodell (Untersuchung 1) sowie ein konfirmatorisches Strukturgleichungsmodell (Untersuchung 2) trennen individuelle Spielwirksamkeit und kollektive Spielwirksamkeit. Mixed-Rasch-Modelle bestätigen die Eindimensionalität der Skalen. Schließlich zeigt sich bei leistungsstärkeren Spielerinnen und Spielern eine höhere Wirksamkeitserwartung (konkurrente Validität).
Fecundity regulation in horse mackerel
Authors: van Damme Cindy J. G. , Thorsen Anders , Fonn Merete , Alvarez Paula , Garabana Dolores , O'Hea Brendan , Perez José R. , Dickey-Collas Mark
Published: October 2013

Egg production methods have been used successfully in the provision of advice for fisheries management. These methods need accurate and unbiased estimates of fecundity. We explore the reproductive strategy of horse mackerel and estimation of fecundity. Fecundity and fecundity regulation in relation to condition was investigated over a number of years. Fulton's K, lipid content, and hepatosomatic index increased after the start of spawning, though decreased again at the end of spawning. The increase in the gonadosomatic index, fecundity, and body condition after the onset of spawning suggests that horse mackerel utilizes food resources during the spawning season and might be an income breeder. However, the decline in K and lipid before the spawning season suggests that the first batch of oocytes is developed on stored energy. Fecundity varied between years and within a spawning season. Over latitude, variations in fecundity were small. K and lipid content are not reliable indices as proxy for fecundity. Batch fecundity appears to be heterogeneous across the spawning season but homogeneous across latitude. The homogeneity of batch fecundity over latitude could indicate that the daily egg production method is an appropriate approach for estimating the abundance of a wide ranging species, as horse mackerel.
Environmental and parental control of Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) recruitment†
Authors: Zwolinski Juan P. , Demer David A.
Published: October 2013

We confirm that sardine recruitment in the California Current, during the last three decades, mimics aspects of the environment in the North Pacific indicated by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index. The periods of stock increase and decrease followed consecutive years with positive and negative PDO values, respectively. During the “warm” periods, the average number of recruits per biomass was more than threefold higher than that during the “cold” periods. In addition to the environmental conditions experienced by the sardine larvae, we show that the variability in sardine recruitment is partially explained by the environmental conditions many months before the spawning season and the adult condition factor. We hypothesize that sardine have a metabolic deficit during spawning, so prior good feeding opportunities are necessary to increase both total fecundity and offspring robustness, to enhance both reproduction and survival, respectively. Our findings augment a century-old theory that the reproductive success of small pelagic fish is governed by the survival of the early life stages. The condition of each parent also matters. To predict sardine recruitment, we propose a “dual-phase” model based on seasonal PDO-based indices and a condition factor. The model identifies summer feeding seasons conducive to a good adult condition factor followed by spring-spawning seasons supportive of good larval retention and growth.
Supermassive stars as a source of abundance anomalies of proton-capture elements in globular clusters
Authors: Denissenkov P. A. , Hartwick F. D. A.
Published: October 2013

We propose that the abundance anomalies of proton-capture elements in globular clusters, such as the C-N, Na-O, Mg-Al and Na-F anticorrelations, were produced by supermassive stars with M ∼ 104 M⊙. Such stars could form in the runaway collisions of massive stars that sank to the cluster centre as a result of dynamical friction, or via the direct monolithic collapse of the low-metallicity gas cloud from which the cluster formed. To explain the observed abundance anomalies, we assume that the supermassive stars had lost significant parts of their initial masses when only a small mass fraction of hydrogen, ΔX ∼ 0.15, was transformed into helium. We speculate that the required mass-loss might be caused by the super-Eddington radiation continuum-driven stellar wind or by the diffusive mode of the Jeans instability.
Primary cutaneous nocardiosis caused by Nocardia nova in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Kim Young Keun , Oh Jin-Rok , Choi Hee Kyoung , Kim Hyo Youl , Park Soon Deok , Uh Young
Published: October 2013

Nocardia novais a rare aetiological pathogen for cutaneous nocardiosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case ofN. novaprimary cutaneous infection in a kidney transplant recipient. Identification was performed using 16S rRNA andsecA1gene sequence analyses. The patient was not treated successfully by antibiotics alone. Surgical debridement was required for successful treatment.
Alternative mutational pathways, outside the VPg, of rice yellow mottle virus to overcome eIF(iso)4G-mediated rice resistance under strong genetic constraints
Authors: Poulicard Nils , Pinel-Galzi Agnès , Fargette Denis , Hébrard Eugénie
Published: October 2013

The adaptation of rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) to rymv1-mediated resistance has been reported to involve mutations in the viral genome-linked protein (VPg). In this study, we analysed several cases of rymv1-2 resistance breakdown by an isolate with low adaptability. Surprisingly, in these rarely occurring resistance-breaking (RB) genotypes, mutations were detected outside the VPg, in the ORF2a/ORF2b overlapping region. The causal role of three mutations associated with rymv1-2 resistance breakdown was validated via directed mutagenesis of an infectious clone. In resistant plants, these mutations increased viral accumulation as efficiently as suboptimal RB mutations in the VPg. Interestingly, these mutations are located in a highly conserved, but unfolded, domain. Altogether, our results indicate that under strong genetic constraints, a priori unfit genotypes can follow alternative mutational pathways, i.e. outside the VPg, to overcome rymv1-2 resistance.
An S-Domain Receptor-Like Kinase, OsSIK2, Confers Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Delays Dark-Induced Leaf Senescence in Rice
Authors: Chen Li-Juan , Wuriyanghan Hada , Zhang Yu-Qin , Duan Kai-Xuan , Chen Hao-Wei , Li Qing-Tian , Lu Xiang , He Si-Jie , Ma Biao , Zhang Wan-Ke , Lin Qing , Chen Shou-Yi , Zhang Jin-Song
Published: October 2013

Receptor-like kinases play important roles in plant development and defense responses; however, their functions in other processes remain unclear. Here, we report that OsSIK2, an S-domain receptor-like kinase from rice (Oryza sativa), is involved in abiotic stress and the senescence process. OsSIK2 is a plasma membrane-localized protein with kinase activity in the presence of Mn2+. OsSIK2 is expressed mainly in rice leaf and sheath and can be induced by NaCl, drought, cold, dark, and abscisic acid treatment. Transgenic plants overexpressing OsSIK2 and mutant sik2 exhibit enhanced and reduced tolerance to salt and drought stress, respectively, compared with the controls. Interestingly, a truncated version of OsSIK2 without most of the extracellular region confers higher salt tolerance than the full-length OsSIK2, likely through the activation of different sets of downstream genes. Moreover, seedlings of OsSIK2-overexpressing transgenic plants exhibit early leaf development and a delayed dark-induced senescence phenotype, while mutant sik2 shows the opposite phenotype. The downstream PR-related genes specifically up-regulated by full-length OsSIK2 or the DREB-like genes solely enhanced by truncated OsSIK2 are all induced by salt, drought, and dark treatments. These results indicate that OsSIK2 may integrate stress signals into a developmental program for better adaptive growth under unfavorable conditions. Manipulation of OsSIK2 should facilitate the improvement of production in rice and other crops.
Analysis of the structural continuity in twinned crystals in terms of pseudo-eigensymmetry of crystallographic orbits
Authors: Marzouki Mohamed Amine , Souvignier Bernd , Nespolo Massimo
Published: October 2013

The reticular theory of twinning gives the necessary conditions on the lattice level for the formation of twins. The latter are based on the continuation, more or less approximate, of a substructure through the composition surface. The analysis of this structural continuity can be performed in terms of the eigensymmetry of the crystallographic orbits corresponding to occupied Wyckoff positions in the structure. If {\cal G} is the space group of the individual and {\cal H} a space group which fixes the twin lattice obtained as an intersection of the space groups of the individuals in their respective orientations, then a structural continuity is obtained if (1) the eigensymmetry of an orbit under {\cal G} contains the twin operation; (2) the eigensymmetry of a union of orbits under {\cal G} contains the twin operation; (3) the eigensymmetry of a split orbit under {\cal H} contains the twin operation; or (4) the eigensymmetry of a union of split orbits under {\cal H} contains the twin operation. The case of the twins in melilite is analysed: the (approximate) restoration of some of the orbits explains the formation of these twins.
Structural insights into WcbI, a novel polysaccharide-biosynthesis enzyme
Authors: Vivoli Mirella , Ayres Emily , Beaumont Edward , Isupov Michail N. , Harmer Nicholas J.
Published: October 2013

Capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) are protective structures on the surfaces of many Gram-negative bacteria. The principal CPS of the human pathogen and Tier 1 select agentBurkholderia pseudomalleiconsists of a linear repeat of –3)-2-O-acetyl-6-deoxy-β-D-manno-heptopyranose-(1–. This CPS is critical to the virulence of this emerging pathogen and represents a key target for the development of novel therapeutics.wcbIis one of several genes in the CPS biosynthetic cluster whose deletion leads to significant attenuation of the pathogen; unlike most others, it has no homologues of known function and no detectable sequence similarity to any protein with an extant structure. Here, the crystal structure of WcbI bound to its proposed product, coenzyme A, is reported at 1.38 Å resolution, solved using the halide-soak method with multiple anomalous dispersion. This structure reveals that WcbI incorporates a previously described 100-amino-acid subdomain into a novel, principally helical fold (310 amino acids). This fold adopts a cradle-like structure, with a deep binding pocket for CoA in the loop-rich cradle. Structural analysis and biophysical assays suggest that WcbI functions as an acetyltransferase enzyme, whilst biochemical tests suggest that another functional module might be required to assist its activity in forming the matureB. pseudomalleicapsule.
Intraspecific trait variability mediates the response of subalpine grassland communities to extreme drought events
Authors: Jung Vincent , Albert Cécile H. , Violle Cyrille , Kunstler Georges , Loucougaray Grégory , Spiegelberger Thomas
Published: October 2013

Climate change is expected to increase the magnitude and the frequency of extreme climatic events such as droughts. Better understanding how plant communities will respond to these droughts is a major challenge. We expect the response to be a shift in functional trait values resulting from both species turnover and intraspecific trait variability, but little research has addressed the relative contribution of both components.

We analysed the short‐term functional response of subalpine grassland communities to a simulated drought by focusing on four leaf traits (LDMC: leaf dry matter content, SLA: specific leaf area, LNC: leaf nitrogen concentration and LCC: leaf carbon concentration). After evaluating species turnover and intraspecific variability separately, we determined their relative contribution in the community functional response to drought, reflected by changes in community‐weighted mean traits.

We found significant species turnover and intraspecific variability, as well as significant changes in community‐weighted mean for most of the traits. The relative contribution of intraspecific variability to the changes in community mean traits was more important (42–99%) than the relative contribution of species turnover (1–58%). Intraspecific variability either amplified (for LDMC, SLA and LCC) or dampened (for LNC) the community functional response mediated by species turnover. We demonstrated that the small contribution of species turnover to the changes in community mean LDMC and LCC was explained by a lack of covariation between species turnover and interspecific trait differences.

Synthesis. These results highlight the need for a better consideration of intraspecific variability to understand and predict the effect of climate change on plant communities. While both species turnover and intraspecific variability can be expected following an extreme drought, we report new evidence that intraspecific variability can be a more important driver of the short‐term functional response of plant communities.
A model‐based meta‐analysis for estimating species‐specific wood density and identifying potential sources of variation
Authors: Ogle Kiona , Pathikonda Sharmila , Sartor Karla , Lichstein Jeremy W. , Osnas Jeanne L. D. , Pacala Stephen W.
Published: October 2013

Plant functional traits are important determinants of survival and fitness, and wood density (WD) is a key trait linked to mechanical stability, growth rates and drought‐ and shade‐tolerance strategies. Thus, rigorous WD estimates are necessary to identify factors affecting tree performance.

We obtained 1766 records of WD from the literature for 141 tree species in the United States. We implemented a hierarchical Bayesian (HB) meta‐analysis that incorporated sample size, variance, covariate (e.g. moisture content and latewood proportion) and methodological information to obtain standardized estimates of WD for 305 U.S. tree species. The HB framework allowed ‘borrowing of strength’ between species such that WD estimates for data‐poor species were informed by data‐rich species via taxonomic or phylogenetic relationships.

After accounting for important covariates and sampling effects, evaluation of the residual variation revealed the potential importance of environmental factors and evolutionary history. Differential variation in WD between species within genera and between genera within orders suggested that WD is relatively conserved in some genera and orders, but not in others. WD also varied between studies (or sites) indicating the potential influence of edaphic, topographic, or population factors on intraspecific variation in WD.

Synthesis. Our hierarchical Bayesian approach overcomes many of the limitations of traditional meta‐analyses, and the incorporation of phylogenetic or taxonomic information facilitates estimates of trait values for data‐poor species. We provide relatively well‐constrained WD estimates for 305 tree species, which may be useful for tree growth and forest models, and the uncertainties associated with the estimates may inform future sampling campaigns.
Meta‐analysis on the effect of mental imagery on motor recovery of the hemiplegic upper extremity function
Authors: Kho Adeline Y. , Liu Karen P. Y. , Chung Raymond C. K.
Published: October 2013

Background/aim

Studies have shown that mental imagery can enhance relearning and generalisation of function after stroke. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate evidence on the effects of mental imagery on motor recovery of the hemiplegic upper extremities after stroke.

Methods

A comprehensive data base search of the literature up to December 2012 was performed using PubMed, EBSCO host (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL and Educational Resource Information Center), PsycINFO, Medline, and ISI Web of Knowledge (Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index). Randomised clinical trials or controlled clinical trials that included mental imagery for improving upper extremity motor function for stroke patients were located. Relevant articles were critically reviewed and methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro Scale, and study results synthesised.

Results

Five randomised clinical trials and one controlled clinical trial met the inclusion criteria. Five of the six studies yielded positive findings in favour of mental imagery. Quantitative analysis showed a significant difference in the Action Research Arm Test (overall effect: Z = 6.75; P << 0.001).

Conclusion

Review of the literature revealed a trend in support of the use of motor imagery for upper extremity motor rehabilitation after stroke. Mental imagery could be a viable intervention for stroke patients given its benefits of being safe, cost‐effective and rendering multiple and unlimited practice opportunities. It is recommended that researchers incorporate imaging techniques into clinical studies so that the mechanism whereby mental imagery mediates motor recovery or neural adaptation for people with stroke can be better understood.
Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Observational Study of Prasugrel and Clopidogrel
Authors: Koshy Aaron , Balasubramaniam Karthik , Noman Awsan , Zaman Azfar G.
Published: October 2013

Background

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a therapeutic success when supported by dual antiplatelet therapy. Prasugrel has been introduced as a potential alternative to clopidogrel alongside aspirin. We aimed to assess prasugrel versus clopidogrel mortality outcomes in patients admitted with STEMI undergoing PPCI.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 1688 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI at a regional tertiary centre. Patients with age ≥75 years, weight<60 kg or history of cerebrovascular accident or TIA's, active bleeding or known hepatic impairment were excluded. All patients from March 2008 to 16 December 2009 belong to the Clopidogrel group and from 17 December 2009 to June 2011 belong to the Prasugrel group.

Results

A total of 866 patients were in the Clopidogrel group and 822 patients in the prasugrel group. In‐hospital mortality was 1.7% in the Clopidogrel and 1.5% in Prasugrel group (P = 0.40). 30‐day postdischarge mortality was 2.4% and 1.8% (P = 0.25) in the Clopidogrel and Prasugrel group, respectively. One‐year mortality rate was recorded in 62 patients (3.7%): 39 (4.5%) in the Clopidogrel group and 23 (2.8%) in the prasugrel group. In the Cox proportional hazard model, the adjusted hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality for the prasugrel group was 0.47 (95% CI: 0.253–0.881; P = 0.018). Independent predictors of one‐year mortality postdischarge were age, admission creatinine and haemoglobin, admission heart rate, total ischaemic time, the presence of multivessel coronary artery disease, previous MI and post‐PCI TIMI flow.

Conclusion

In PPCI‐treated STEMI patients, prasugrel is associated with a significant reduction in one‐year mortality compared with clopidogrel.
Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Maintaining Sinus Rhythm Early after Pulmonary Vein Ablation in Patients with Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sohns Christian , von Gruben Valerie , Sossalla Samuel , Bergau Leonard , Seegers Joachim , Lüthje Lars , Vollmann Dirk , Zabel Markus
Published: October 2013

Aims

The optimal pharmacological treatment for patients early after ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is still not clear. We analyzed if concomitant antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy significantly alters early recurrence of AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) following pulmonary vein ablation (PVA).

Methods

For the first 2 months after PVA, 274 patients (age 62 ± 10 years; 66% male) were individually scheduled for concomitant treatment with beta‐adrenergic blocking agents (BB) or AAD therapy. Primary endpoint of this study was a composite of (1) AF/AT lasting more than 30 seconds; (2) symptomatic AF/AT recurrence requiring intervention; or (3) intolerance to the antiarrhythmic agent given. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate predictors for successful AAD therapy.

Results

Early after PVA, patients were treated with BB (n = 89), flecainide (n = 99), sotalol (n = 37), dronedarone (n = 29), or amiodarone (n = 115). Ninety‐five patients received a combination of AAD therapy and BB. A total of 369 observation periods were analyzed. Over the first 2 months following PVA, AF/AT recurrences were found in 42% of patients. No significant difference regarding freedom from AF/AT recurrence with regard to different drug therapies was observed (P = 0.769). In multivariate analysis, none of the parameters were significant to predict success of AAD therapy. In nine observations, AAD therapy was terminated due to side effects presumably related to the respective agent.

Conclusions

Following PVA, AAD therapy is not superior to BB treatment for the prevention of early atrial arrhythmias. Furthermore and confirmed by multivariate analysis, no drug was superior to another regarding the maintenance of sinus rhythm.
Effects of Neutral Endopeptidase (Neprilysin) Inhibition on the Response to Other Vasoactive Peptides in Small Human Resistance Arteries: Studies with Thiorphan and Omapatrilat
Authors: Dalzell Jonathan R. , Seed Alison , Berry Colin , Whelan Carol J. , Petrie Mark C. , Padmanabhan Neal , Clarke Amanda , Biggerstaff Fiona , Hillier Christopher , McMurray John J.V.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

New compounds with neprilysin or neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibiting activity are under clinical investigation in heart failure and hypertension. We investigated the effect of NEP inhibition on the functional vasomotor responses to a range of vasoactive peptides in human blood vessels.

Methods

Small human resistance arteries from patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular systolic function were studied. Thiorphan (a NEP inhibitor) was compared with captopril (an ACE inhibitor) and omapatrilat (a dual NEP‐ACE inhibitor) with regard to their effects on the response of human arteries to key vasoactive peptides.

Results

As expected, both captopril and omapatrilat (but not thiorphan) inhibited the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin I (maximal response [SEM]: 27 ± 8% vehicle, 6 ± 2% captopril, 39 ± 10% thiorphan, 8 ± 7% omapatrilat, P < 0.05). Thiorphan, captopril, and omapatrilat all enhanced the vasodilator response to bradykinin (all P < 0.01). Omapatrilat markedly augmented the vasodilator action of adrenomedullin (P < 0.05), whilst thiorphan and captopril did not. None of the three inhibitors studied affected the vasodilator action of c‐type natriuretic peptide, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or substance P.

Conclusions

NEP inhibition with thiorphan modestly augmented the vasodilator action of bradykinin, but did not potentiate the response to adrenomedullin; dual ACE and NEP inhibition with omapatrilat, as expected, markedly augmented the response to bradykinin and also potentiated the effect of adrenomedullin. Thiorphan weakly enhanced the vasoconstrictor response to angiotensin I. Neither omapatrilat nor thiorphan had any effect on the action of a range of other vasoactive peptides including CNP.
Increased parental history of bipolar disorder in the United States: association with early age of onset
Authors: Post R. M. , Leverich G. S. , Kupka R. , Keck P. , McElroy S. , Altshuler L. , Frye M. A. , Luckenbaugh D. A. , Rowe M. , Grunze H. , Suppes T. , Nolen W. A.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Early‐onset bipolar (BP) disorder and other poor prognosis characteristics are more prevalent in patients from the United States than from the Netherlands and Germany (abbreviated as Europe). We explored the impact of parental loading for affective illness on onset and other characteristics of BP disorder.

Method

Parental history for unipolar (UP) and bipolar (BP) depression and course of illness characteristics were obtained from self‐report in adults (average age 42) with BP disorder. Illness characteristics were examined by χ2 and multinomial logistic regression in relationship to the degree of parental loading: i) both parents negative; ii) one UP disorder; iii) one with BP disorder; and iv) both affected.

Results

After controlling for many poor prognosis factors, compared with those from Europe, patients from the United States had more iii) one parent with BP disorder and iv) both parents affected. An early age of onset of BP disorder was independently associated with this increased parental loading for affective disorder.

Conclusion

Parental history of BP disorder and both parents with a mood disorder were more common in the United States than Europe and were associated with an early onset of bipolar disorder and other poor prognosis characteristics. These findings deserve replication and exploration of the potential mechanisms involved and their therapeutic implications.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes following peripartum hysterectomy from a single tertiary centre
Authors: Jones Bryony , Zhang Eko , Alzouebi Aisha , Robbins Tanya , Paterson‐Brown Sara , Prior Tomas , Kumar Sailesh
Published: October 2013

Background

We investigated the indications for and maternal and perinatal outcomes following peripartum hysterectomy in a single large tertiary centre.

Materials and methods

All cases of peripartum hysterectomy between 2000 and 2011 were investigated. Data regarding maternal demographics, previous obstetric and gynaecological history, indications for hysterectomy, and details of haemorrhage, surgical complications and neonatal outcomes were collected.

Results

There were 47 cases of peripartum hysterectomy of 55 262 births giving an incidence of 0.85 per 1000 births. Forty‐one cases were total hysterectomies, while six were subtotal procedures. A total of 70.2% of cases were performed because of a morbidly adherent placenta, 27.7% for uterine atony and 2.1% for uterine rupture. The median estimated blood loss was 7290 mL. The overall surgical complication rate was 44.6% with bladder injury (19.1%) and sepsis (12.8%) commonest. Intensive care admission was required in 57.4% of women.

Conclusions

Peripartum hysterectomy is a major procedure carrying a high morbidity rate. In this series, maternal survival was 100%.
Delayed hysteroscopic resection of retained tissues and uterine conservation after conservative treatment for placenta accreta
Authors: Hequet Delphine , Morel Olivier , Soyer Philippe , Gayat Etienne , Malartic Cécile , Barranger Emmanuel
Published: October 2013

Background

Conservative management of both the uterus and the abnormal placenta, which is left inside the uterus at the time of delivery, is one option of placenta accreta management. Complete elimination of the residual placenta is the main challenge of this procedure.

Aim

To report the role, efficacy and safety of hysteroscopic resection in women presenting with severe pelvic pain and chronic intra‐uterine retention after conservative treatment of placenta accreta.

Material and methods

Four consecutive women who were treated with hysteroscopic resection of retained tissues after conservative treatment of placenta accreta or percreta at the time of delivery. Clinical files and surgical procedures were reviewed. All procedures were performed because of chronic pelvic pain and the absence of a complete spontaneous placental elimination.

Results

All procedures were successful and uneventful. The uterus was conserved with a complete disappearance of the symptoms in the four women, and two of them became pregnant.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopic resection seems effective and safe for shortening the duration of placental elimination after conservative treatment in women with severe pelvic pain due to uterine retention. This approach allows conserving the uterus and future fertility.
Long‐term outcomes after progestogen treatment for early endometrial cancer
Authors: Cade Thomas J. , Quinn Michael A. , Rome Robert M. , Neesham Deborah
Published: October 2013

Background

For select women with early endometrial cancer, particularly nulliparous women, nonsurgical options may be considered. There is increasing experience using progestogens, but little is known about the long‐term outcomes and safety of such treatment.

Aims

To present the cancer and pregnancy outcomes of women with greater than five years follow‐up after progestogen treatment for early endometrial cancer.

Methods

Ten women who underwent greater than six months of continuous progestogen therapy for early endometrial cancer were included in the study. All were managed by a gynaecological oncologist at a major tertiary centre in Melbourne, Australia. The histology of each subsequent curette was recorded, as was the timing and histology of hysterectomy (if relevant), and the results of any subsequent pregnancies.

Results

All ten women showed histological regression of cancer with no cases of recurrence on follow‐up curette. Four of ten women have undergone hysterectomy with one case of occult disease persistence in a woman noncompliant with therapy. The mean follow‐up time was 89 months (range 62–142 months), there were no deaths and no woman was lost to follow‐up. All four women attempting pregnancy were successful. There were eight pregnancies and five live births.

Conclusions

This form of treatment appears to be successful and safe in the long term with good pregnancy outcomes. However, it is not standard and should be supervised in a specialised gynaecological oncology unit.
Safety and efficacy of propofol administered by paediatricians during procedural sedation in children
Authors: Chiaretti Antonio , Benini Franca , Pierri Filomena , Vecchiato Katy , Ronfani Luca , Agosto Caterina , Ventura Alessandro , Genovese Orazio , Barbi Egidio
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the safety and the efficacy of paediatrician‐administered propofol in children undergoing different painful procedures.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study over a 12‐year period in three Italian hospitals. A specific training protocol was developed in each institution to train paediatricians administering propofol for painful procedures.

Results

In this study, 36 516 procedural sedations were performed. Deep sedation was achieved in all patients. None of the children experienced severe side effects or prolonged hospitalisation. There were six calls to the emergency team (0.02%): three for prolonged laryngospasm, one for bleeding, one for intestinal perforation and one during lumbar puncture. Nineteen patients (0.05%) developed hypotension requiring saline solution administration, 128 children (0.4%) needed O2 ventilation by face mask, mainly during upper endoscopy, 78 (0.2%) patients experienced laryngospasm, and 15 (0.04%) had bronchospasm. There were no differences in the incidence of major complications among the three hospitals, while minor complications were higher in children undergoing gastroscopy.

Conclusion

This multicentre study demonstrates the safety and the efficacy of paediatrician‐administered propofol for procedural sedation in children and highlights the importance of appropriate training for paediatricians to increase the safety of this procedure in children.
Eosinophilic colitis is a sporadic self‐limited disease of middle‐aged people: a population‐based study
Authors: Alfadda A. A. , Shaffer E. A. , Urbanski S. J. , Storr M. A.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Eosinophilic colitis (EC) is a rare manifestation of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Due to its rarity, little information is available on its natural history.

Method

From the single population‐based pathology database of the Calgary Health Region (comprising a population of 1.28 million in 2008), cases of EC during the period 1996–2008 were identified. Medical records of all adults diagnosed with EC were identified and the pathology reviewed. The patients were then contacted for follow‐up using a standardized questionnaire.

Results

Seven cases of EC (four in women) were identified, with a median follow‐up of 45 (23–79) months. The median age at diagnosis was 42 (22–70) years. Symptoms at diagnosis were abdominal pain (86%), nonbloody diarrhoea (57%), bloody diarrhoea (29%) and significant (>10%) weight loss (29%). Three patients gave a history of allergic reactions to drugs and four reported allergy to cows' milk. Endoscopic findings were nonspecific, ranging from oedema to small aphthous ulceration. An eosinophilic infiltrate was identified in the lamina propria in the initial colonic biopsy in all patients. Over the longer term, three patients experienced spontaneous resolution without treatment. Two continued to have mild diarrhoea and abdominal cramps but did not require medical therapy. Two patients required medical treatment by 5‐aminosalicylic acid, with one requiring prednisone and azathioprine maintenance therapy.

Conclusion

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare mostly self‐limiting disease affecting middle‐aged adults. It usually has a mild clinical course and drug treatment is not usually necessary. When required, drug treatment follows the standard medication for other inflammatory bowel disease.
The protective role of antiplatelet treatment against ulcer formation due to argon plasma coagulation in patients treated for chronic radiation proctitis
Authors: Chruscielewska‐Kiliszek M. R. , Rupinski M. , Kraszewska E. , Pachlewski J. , Regula J.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Following treatment with argon plasma coagulation (APC), rectal ulceration is seen in approximately 50% of patients with haemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis (CRP).

This study aimed to assess the frequency of rectal ulcers (defined as a mucosal defect of 3 mm or more in diameter) in relation to the use of antiplatelet treatment for concomitant cardiovascular disease.

Method

Sixty‐two patients with CRP were included in this retrospective study. Patients underwent pelvic irradiation due to prostate cancer (n = 28), cervical cancer (n = 16), endometrial cancer (n = 17) or rectal cancer (n = 1). APC was performed in all patients. Control endoscopies were performed at 8 and 16 weeks after enrolment.

Results

Rectal ulcers were observed after APC in 35 (56%) patients. They were symptomatic in 5 and asymptomatic in 30. The 20 (32%) patients who were on antiplatelet therapy had a significantly lower risk of ulceration after APC (OR = 0.21; 95% CI 0.049–0.91; P = 0.019). The number of symptomatic ulcers (5% vs 10%; P = 1.0) and asymptomatic ulcers alone (30% vs 58%; P = 0.06) was also lower in patients respectively taking and not taking antiplatelet therapy, but these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Argon plasma coagulation‐related ulceration in patients treated for CRP is less common when concomitant antiplatelet treatment is administered. This preliminary finding suggests that antiplatelet therapy may benefit patients treated with APC for CRP.
Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder are associated with lower socio‐economic status: findings from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort
Authors: Miller Laura L , Scharf Jeremiah M , Mathews Carol A , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav
Published: October 2013

Aim

Only a few studies have examined the relationship between Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder and socio‐economic status (SES). Existing studies are primarily cross‐sectional, arise from specialty clinics, and use single measures of SES. In this study we examine this relationship in a longitudinal, population‐based sample.

Method

Data are from 7152 children born during 1991 and 1992 in the county of Avon, UK, from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, who were followed up to age 13. After exclusions for intellectual disability* and autism, 6768 participants (3351 males [49.5%]) and 3417 females [50.5%]) remained. Parental SES was assessed using multiple measures during pregnancy and at 33 months of age. Presence of Tourette syndrome or chronic tics was determined from repeated maternal questionnaires up to when the child was 13 years of age.

Results

Multiple SES measures were associated with an approximately twofold increased risk of Tourette syndrome and chronic tics. A postnatal composite factor score (lowest vs highest tertile odds ratio 2.09, 95% confidence interval 1.38–3.47) provided the best fit to the data.

Interpretations

As is seen in several childhood conditions, such as cerebral palsy and autism, lower SES is a risk factor for Tourette syndrome/chronic tics. Potential explanations include differential exposure to environmental risk factors or parental psychopathology as a measure of an increased genetic risk leading to decreased parental SES.
Childhood hepatocellular carcinoma: a clinicopathological study of 12 cases with special reference to EpCAM
Authors: Zen Yoh , Vara Roshni , Portmann Bernard , Hadzic Nedim
Published: October 2013

Aims

To elucidate the characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in children.

Methods and results

A retrospective search of our database identified 12 children with HCC (aged 10 months to 11 years; male/female ratio of 5:7). Their pathological features were compared with those of adult HCCs (n = 20), fibrolamellar HCCs (n = 14), and hepatoblastomas (n = 15). All childhood HCCs developed on a background of cirrhosis resulting from tyrosinaemia type 1 (n = 4), bile salt export transporter deficiency (n = 4), biliary atresia (n = 3), and long‐standing total parenteral nutrition (n = 1). HCCs in cases of tyrosinaemia type 1 always had clear cell changes, solid architecture, and only mild nuclear atypia, whereas the morphological features of HCCs in the other conditions were basically similar to those of adult HCCs. On immunostaining, all cases of childhood HCC were positive for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM); expression was diffuse (>50% of cancer cells) in 11 cases, and particularly strong in six children, all aged <3 years. In contrast, EpCAM was only focally expressed in three cases of adult HCC (15%). EpCAM was also expressed in most fibrolamellar HCCs and hepatoblastomas, but these two neoplasms differed from childhood HCCs in the expression of CK7, β‐catenin, and p53.

Conclusions

The diffuse expression of EpCAM characterizes childhood HCC, and may indicate immaturity of neoplastic cells.
Investigation of molecular alterations of AKT‐3 in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: O'Hurley Gillian , Daly Etáin , O'Grady Anthony , Cummins Robert , Quinn Cecily , Flanagan Louise , Pierce Aisling , Fan Yue , Lynn Miriam A , Rafferty Máirín , Fitzgerald Dara , Pontén Fredrik , Duffy Michael J , Jirström Karin , Kay Elaine W , Gallagher William M
Published: October 2013

Aims

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is responsible for a disproportionate number of breast cancer (BC) deaths, owing to its intrinsic aggressiveness and a lack of treatment options, especially targeted therapies. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of better targeted treatments for TNBC. Molecular alteration of AKT‐3 was previously reported in oestrogen receptor (ER)‐positive BC. AKT‐3 has also been suggested to play a role in hormone‐unresponsive BC. The aim of this study was to investigate molecular alterations of AKT‐3 in TNBC, to perform associated survival analysis, and to compare these findings with the incidence of AKT‐3 molecular alterations in ER‐positive BC.

Results

Our study revealed AKT‐3 amplification and deletions in 11% (9/82) and 13% (11/82) of TNBCs, respectively. In contrast, 1% (2/209) of ER‐positive BCs were found to have AKT‐3 amplifications and deletions. A higher prevalence of AKT‐3 copy number gains was observed in TNBC [26% (21/82)] than in ER‐positive BC [9% (19/209)]. AKT‐3 amplification together with Akt‐3 protein expression was negatively associated with recurrence‐free survival in TNBC. Furthermore, a negative association between high AKT‐3 copy number and recurrence‐free survival was observed.

Conclusion

AKT‐3 amplification could represent a potentially relevant oncogenic event in a subset of TNBCs that may, in turn, select cells sensitive to Akt‐3 inhibitors.