bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for ethnic and environmental contributions to frequency of ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Tay Sun Kuie , Cheong May Anne
Published: February 2014

Background

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is reportedly more common in Asians than Caucasians. We investigated the epidemiology of OCCC in an Asian population.

Materials and Methods

Cases of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) diagnosed between January 2004 and December 2009 in a gynaecologic oncology unit were studied retrospectively. Patient details and tumour characteristics were retrieved from hospital records and tested for their association with OCCC by univariate and binomial logistic regression analysis. A time trend in the proportion of OCCC among EOC was computed with data from the National Cancer Registry of Singapore (1968–2006).

Results

The institutional cohort of 341 cases included 81 OCCC and 260 non‐OCCC EOC. Independent risk factors for OCCC were nulliparity (OR = 1.36) and endometriosis (OR = 4.87). Compared with other EOC, OCCC was significantly larger in tumour size (13.5 vs. 11.3 cm), more frequently located unilaterally (84.3 vs. 65.5%), diagnosed at FIGO stage‐1 (63.0 vs. 33.9%) and negative for serum CA125 (34.2 vs. 8.2%), and less often (53 vs. 85%) associated with a positive Risk of Malignancy Index. Nation‐wide statistics revealed a steady increase in the proportion of OCCC among EOC from 5.2 to 13.4% between 1968 and 2006. The frequency of OCCC in Singapore was higher than American Whites, similar to American Asians but lower than Japanese.

Conclusion

The difference in epidemiologic and tumour characteristics between OCCC and other EOC was nondiscriminatory. Three distinct ethnic‐related clusters of frequency distribution globally and the rising trend in proportion of OCCC in Singapore suggested that ethnic–genetic predisposition and economy‐related environmental factors contributed to development of OCCC.
Professional and Functional Alternative Social Workers: A Case Study of Malaysia
Authors: Hatta Zulkarnain Ahmad , Ali Isahaque , Subramaniam Jeevasuthan , Rauff Salithamby A.
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study was to compare “professional” (PW) and “functional alternative” (FA) social workers. The findings suggested that there were no significant differences between PWs and FAs in intervention, evaluation methods, work ethics, and values. The PWs, in clients' eyes, were better at delivering services, while FAs' services were more satisfactory to the clients. While PWs were supposed to be “professional,” FAs were more “professional” than PWs in their performance despite their lack of recognition as “professional social workers”. These critical findings should encourage academics and practitioners for further discussion on conceptual implications of both practices and expand future research.
Gleason inflation 1998–2011: a registry study of 97 168 men
Authors: Danneman Daniela , Drevin Linda , Robinson David , Stattin Pär , Egevad Lars
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To study long‐term trends in Gleason grading in a nationwide population and to assess the impact of the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) revision in 2005 of the Gleason system on grading practices, as in recent years there has been a shift upwards in Gleason grading of prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

All newly diagnosed prostate cancers in Sweden are reported to the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR). In 97 168 men with a primary diagnosis of prostate cancer on needle biopsy from 1998 to 2011, Gleason score, clinical T stage (cT) and serum levels of prostate‐specific antigen (s‐PSA) at diagnosis were analysed.

Results

Gleason score, cT stage and s‐PSA were reported to the NPCR in 97%, 99% and 99% of cases. Before and after 2005, Gleason score 7–10 was diagnosed in 52% and 57%, respectively (P < 0.001). After standardisation for cT stage and s‐PSA with 1998 as baseline these tumours increased from 59% to 72%. Among low‐risk tumours (stage cT1and s‐PSA 4–10 ng/mL) Gleason score 7–10 increased from 16% in 1998 to 40% in 2011 (P trend < 0.001), mean 19% and 33% before and after 2005 (P < 0.001). Among high‐risk tumours (stage T3 and s‐PSA 20–50 ng/mL) Gleason score 7–10 increased from 65% in 1998 to 94% in 2011 (P trend < 0.001), mean 78% and 90% before and after 2005 (P < 0.001). A Gleason score of 2–5 was reported in 27% in 1998 and 1% in 2011. Gleason score 5 decreased sharply after 2005 and Gleason score 2–4 was almost abandoned.

Conclusions

There has been a gradual shift towards higher Gleason grading, which started before 2005 but became more evident after the ISUP 2005 revision. Among low‐stage tumours reporting of Gleason score 7–10 was more than doubled during the study period. When corrected for stage migration upgrading is considerable over recent decades. This has clinical consequences for therapy decisions such as eligibility for active surveillance. Grading systems need to be as stable as possible to enable comparisons over time and to facilitate the interpretation of the prognostic impact of grade.
One‐stop clinic for ketamine‐associated uropathy: report on service delivery model, patients' characteristics and non‐invasive investigations at baseline by a cross‐sectional study in a prospective cohort of 318 teenagers and young adults
Authors: Tam Yuk‐Him , Ng Chi‐Fai , Pang Kristine Kit‐Yi , Yee Chi‐Hang , Chu Winnie Chiu‐Wing , Leung Vivian Yee‐Fong , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Lai Paul Bo‐San
Published: February 2014

Objective

To describe a service delivery model and report the baseline characteristics of patients investigated by a non‐invasive approach for ketamine‐associated uropathy.

Patients and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study in a prospective cohort of patients who attended their first visit and underwent non‐invasive investigations at a dedicated centre to treat ketamine‐associated uropathy in Hong Kong from December 2011 to July 2013. Data on demographics, illicit ketamine use, symptoms scores and voiding function parameters at baseline were prospectively collected. Differences between active abusers and ex‐abusers, and risk factors for the most symptomatic group were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

In all, 318 patients completed the non‐invasive assessment at their first visit and were eligible for inclusion. In all, 174 were female and the mean (sd) age of the entire cohort was 24.4 (3.1) years. Patients had used ketamine for a mean (sd) period of 81 (36) months. The mean (sd) ketamine use per week was 18.5 (15.8) g. In all, 214 patients were active abusers while 104 were ex‐abusers but had persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. The mean (sd) voided volume, bladder capacity, and bladder emptying efficiency were 111.5 (110) mL, 152.5 (126) mL and 73.3 (26.9)%, respectively. The ex‐abusers had a lower symptom score (19.3 vs 24.1; P < 0.001), a larger voided volume (126 vs 85 mL; P < 0.001), and a larger bladder capacity (204.8 vs 126.7 mL; P < 0.001) compared with active abusers. Multivariate analysis found female gender was associated with a higher symptom score (odds ratio [OR] 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–4.23; P = 0.003) and a smaller voided volume (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.3; P = 0.02). Ketamine taken (g/week) was another risk factor for a higher symptom score (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05; P = 0.002). Status of ex‐abuser was the only protective factor associated with fewer symptoms, larger voided volume and bladder capacity.

Conclusions

An effective service model for recruiting patients with ketamine‐associated uropathy is possible. With such a service model as a platform, further prospective studies are warranted to investigate the appropriate choice of treatment for this new clinical entity.
Long‐term oncological outcomes of a phase II trial of neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy followed by radical prostatectomy for patients with clinically localised, high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Silberstein Jonathan L. , Poon Stephen A. , Sjoberg Daniel D. , Maschino Alexandra C. , Vickers Andrew J. , Bernie Aaron , Konety Badrinath R. , Kevin Kelly W. , Eastham James A.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To determine long‐term oncological outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) after neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy (CHT) for clinically localised, high‐risk prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

In this phase II multicentre trial of patients with high‐risk prostate cancer (PSA level >20 ng/mL, Gleason ≥8, or clinical stage ≥T3), androgen‐deprivation therapy (goserelin acetate depot) and paclitaxel, carboplatin and estramustine were administered before RP. We report the long‐term oncological outcomes of these patients and compared them to a contemporary cohort who met oncological inclusion criteria but received RP only.

Results

In all, 34 patients were enrolled and followed for a median of 13.1 years. Within 10 years most patients had biochemical recurrence (BCR‐free probability 22%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10–37%). However, the probability of disease‐specific survival at 10 years was 84% (95% CI 66–93%) and overall survival was 78% (95% CI 60–89%). The CHT group had higher‐risk features than the comparison group (123 patients), with an almost doubled risk of calculated preoperative 5‐year BCR (69% vs 36%, P < 0.01). After adjusting for these imbalances the CHT group had trends toward improvement in BCR (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% CI 0.43–1.34; P = 0.3) and metastasis‐free survival (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.24–1.29; P = 0.2) although these were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant CHT followed by RP was associated with lower rates of BCR and metastasis compared with the RP‐only group; however, these results were not statistically significant. Because this treatment strategy has known harms and unproven benefit, this strategy should only be instituted in the setting of a clinical trial.
Perineal repair of pelvic fracture urethral injury: in pursuit of a successful outcome
Authors: Koraitim Mamdouh M. , Kamel Mohamed I.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To determine perioperative factors that may optimize the outcome after delayed perineal repair of a pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI).

Patients and Methods

In all, 86 consecutive patients who underwent perineal repair of a PFUI between 2004 and 2011 were prospectively enrolled in this study. The mean (range) patient age was 23 (5–50) years. The mean (range) follow‐up was 5.5 (2–8) years. We examined seven perioperative variables that might influence the outcome including: prior failed treatment, condition of the bulbar urethra, displacement of the prostate, excision of scarred tissues, fixation of the mucosae of the two urethral ends, and the number and size of sutures used for urethral anastomosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors that influence postoperative outcome.

Results

Of the patients, 76 (88%) had successful outcomes and 10 (12%) were considered treatment failures. On univariate analysis, four variables were significant factors influencing the outcome: excision of scarred tissues, prostatic displacement, condition of the bulbar urethra and fixation of the mucosae. On multivariate analysis only two remained strong and independent factors namely complete excision of scarred tissues and prostatic displacement in a lateral direction.

Conclusions

Meticulous and complete excision of scar tissue is critically important to optimise the outcome after perineal urethroplasty. This is particularly emphasised in cases associated with lateral prostatic displacement. Six sutures of 3/0 or 4/0 polyglactin 910 are usually sufficient to create a sound urethral anastomosis. Prior treatment and scarring of the anterior urethra do not affect the outcome.
Effects of larval food shortage on diapause induction and adult traits in Taiwanese Monochamus alternatus alternatus
Authors: Togashi Katsumi
Published: February 2014

To confirm the facultative diapause of Monochamus alternatus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and to determine the relationships between available larval food resources, diapause, and adult traits, newly hatched larvae were inoculated singly on 98 Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zuccarini (Pinaceae) bolts and reared at 25 °C, 100% r.h., and L16:D8. Fifty adults emerged from them, between 70 and 126 days after larval inoculation. The remaining 48 bolts that did not produce adults were divided into two groups. One group was transferred to 10 °C, 100% r.h., and L8:D16, and returned 140–154 days later to the original conditions, resulting in adult emergence. The other group was maintained under the original conditions for a mean of 358 days. These bolts did not produce adults. Dissection revealed that development was arrested at final instar in pine bolts. The larvae developed into adults after being exposed to 10 °C, 100% r.h., and L8:D16 for 146 days. Consequently, this species has facultative diapause. Diapause incidence was estimated to be 0.42. Non‐linear model and one‐way ANOVA showed a positive correlation between adult body size and available food resources under conditions of food shortage, and no effects of diapause or available food resources on the ovariole number, respectively. When larvae were inoculated on 28 pine branch sections, the results were similar to those obtained from pine bolts and led to estimation of a low diapause incidence of 0.045. The combined data showed the inhibitory effect of food shortage on diapause induction. Diapause of M. a. alternatus, especially reduced diapause induction in response to environmental deterioration (food shortage), is discussed in relation to risk‐spreading.
Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of Thuja occidentalis and Tanacetum vulgare essential oils against larvae of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus
Authors: Szołyga Beata , Gniłka Radosław , Szczepanik Maryla , Szumny Antoni
Published: February 2014

The chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) of Thuja occidentalis L. (Cupressaceae) and Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae), obtained by steam distillation, and their insecticidal activity against larvae (10 and 20 days old) of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), were studied. The activity of the oils was compared with the activity of their major components, α‐ and β‐thujone. Isolation, identification, and quantification of the volatile compounds were performed using a gas chromatograph (GC) coupled to a mass spectrometer (MS). The major components of T. occidentalis EO were the monoterpenoid ketones α‐thujone (69.8%), β‐thujone (9.5%), and fenchone (7.8%). The monoterpenoid alcohols terpinene‐4‐ol and p‐cymene‐8‐ol, and the diterpenoid beyerene were only present in low amounts (<3.0%). All other compounds occurred in traces. In contrast to the thuja oil, the main compounds found in the EO of T. vulgare were β‐thujone (61.0%), camphor (13.0%), and trans‐chrysanthenyl acetate (6.5%). The insecticidal activity of both EOs and pure monoterpenes incorporated into a diet as acetone solutions at a concentration of 10 mg ml−1 depended on the age of A. diaperinus larvae. Young larvae displayed a higher sensitivity toward the tested chemicals than older ones. The survival of 10‐day‐old larvae, their body mass gain, and pupation rate were affected. The growth and development of the older larvae were similar to those of the control. In all tests, there were no significant differences between the activities of the EOs and their major components.
The Rise and Fall of Diasporic Bonds in Japanese‐Peruvian “Return” Migration
Authors: Takenaka Ayumi
Published: February 2014

Two decades after Japanese‐Peruvians and other South Americans of Japanese descent began to migrate back to Japan, the return‐migration phenomenon has ended. Induced by the Japanese government in the name of shared ethnicity, Japanese policymakers now largely regard return migration as a failed policy. It failed because return‐migrants did not, in the view of policy‐makers, assimilate, integrate, or “make it” in Japan as expected. Thus, once‐imagined ethnic bonds ceased to exist in Japan. However, ethnic bonds sustained themselves well outside Japan. The Japanese‐Peruvian community in Peru has thrived and maintained continuous ties with Japan. What explains the rise and fall of diasporic ethnic bonds? Drawing on my ethnographic research in Japanese‐Peruvian communities in Peru and Japan, I found that diasporic ethnic bonds are cultivated or weakened depending upon where diasporic populations are located in relation to their ancestral homeland, and how such ties are utilized, for what, and by whom.
Adipose invariant natural killer T cells
Authors: Lynch Lydia
Published: February 2014

Adipose tissue is a dynamic organ that makes up a substantial proportion of the body; in severe obesity it can account for 50% of body mass. Details of the unique immune system resident in human and murine adipose tissue are only recently emerging, and so it has remained a largely unexplored and unappreciated immune site until now. Adipose tissue harbours a unique collection of immune cells, which often display unusual functions compared with their counterparts elsewhere in the body. These resident immune cells are key to maintaining tissue and immune homeostasis, yet in obesity their chronic aberrant stimulation can contribute to the inflammation and pathogenesis associated with obesity. Anti‐inflammatory adipose‐resident lymphocytes are often depleted in obesity, whereas pro‐inflammatory immune cells accumulate, leading to an overall inflammatory state, which is a key step in the development of obesity‐induced metabolic disease. A good example is invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, which make up a large proportion of lymphocytes in human and murine adipose tissue. Here, they are unusually poised to produce anti‐inflammatory or regulatory cytokines, however in obesity, iNKT cells are greatly reduced. As iNKT cells are potent transactivaors of other immune cells, and can act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, their loss in obesity represents the loss of a major regulatory population. Restoring iNKT cells, or activating them in obese mice leads to improved glucose handling, insulin sensitivity, and even weight loss, and hence represents an exciting therapeutic avenue to be explored for restoring homeostasis in obese adipose tissue.
Iranian nurses’ perspectives on factors influencing medication errors
Authors: Pazokian M. , Zagheri Tafreshi M. , Rassouli M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Medical errors are one of the major threats for patient safety in all countries. Medication errors are common medical mistakes that can lead to serious consequences and even death of patients.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ perspectives of factors influencing medication errors.

Methods

This qualitative study based on content analysis included 20 nurses (n = 20) with at least 2 years of clinical experience working in a large teaching hospital. The nurses were selected using purposeful sampling. The data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and analysed using deductive content analysis approach based on Reason's human error model. Rigor of the data was confirmed by external and member check.

Results

Two themes were identified by the participants: (1) the individual approach including personal and psychological characteristics of nurses, patient medical history and physicians’ orders errors; and (2) the cultural and organizational approach including workplace conditions, learning process, risk management strategies, nurses’ pharmacological knowledge, inevitable nursing errors and medication error complications.

Limitations

Concern about the potential consequences related to reporting of the medication errors was the major limitation of this study. Participants’ concerns were handled by keeping their identity confidential and anonymous.

Conclusion

Results show the importance of planning comprehensive educational programmes and providing constructive feedback in a favourable learning climate.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Findings of this study can be beneficial to managers for nurturing a transparent organizational culture, whereby staff members freely discuss their errors in patient care and seek advice for problem solving.
Genome‐wide association study for feedlot average daily gain in Nellore cattle (Bos indicus)
Authors: Santana M.H.A. , Utsunomiya Y.T. , Neves H.H.R. , Gomes R.C. , Garcia J.F. , Fukumasu H. , Silva S.L. , Leme P.R. , Coutinho L.L. , Eler J.P. , Ferraz J.B.S.
Published: February 2014

The genome‐wide association study (GWAS) results are presented for average daily gain (ADG) in Nellore cattle. Phenotype of 720 male Bos indicus animals with information of ADG in feedlots and 354 147 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from a database added by information from Illumina Bovine HD (777 962 SNPs) and Illumina BovineSNP50 (54 609) by imputation were used. After quality control and imputation, 290 620 SNPs remained in the association analysis, using R package Genome‐wide Rapid Association using Mixed Model and Regression method GRAMMAR‐Gamma. A genomic region with six significant SNPs, at Bonferroni‐corrected significance, was found on chromosome 3. The most significant SNP (rs42518459, BTA3: 85849977, p = 9.49 × 10−8) explained 5.62% of the phenotypic variance and had the allele substitution effect of −0.269 kg/day. Important genes such as PDE4B, LEPR, CYP2J2 and FGGY are located near this region, which is overlapped by 12 quantitative trait locus (QTLs) described for several production traits. Other regions with markers with suggestive effects were identified in BTA6 and BTA10. This study showed regions with major effects on ADG in Bos indicus in feedlots. This information may be useful to increase the efficiency of selecting this trait and to understand the physiological processes involved in its regulation.
Classifying Secrets in the EU
Authors: Galloway David
Published: February 2014

Since 2001, the European Union has put in place a comprehensive internal and external framework for protecting classified information. This framework has brought into existence EU classified information and defines accepted common principles and standards across EU institutions, agencies and Member States for protecting it. It has been established to enable the EU to achieve its external and internal policy objectives and further its interests. This article argues that recent criticism of the EU's regulatory approach in the literature and the press is exaggerated. It explains why the EU has avoided a ‘pillar'‐based legislative approach to regulating classified information based on policy domains, and forged a broad degree of convergence across EU institutions and Member States on a pragmatic approach largely based on internal rules. This has allowed the EU to emerge as a credible and capable security actor in the eyes of Member States and international partners.
Research Review: The role of diet in the treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder – an appraisal of the evidence on efficacy and recommendations on the design of future studies
Authors: Stevenson Jim , Buitelaar Jan , Cortese Samuele , Ferrin Maite , Konofal Eric , Lecendreux Michel , Simonoff Emily , Wong Ian C. K. , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund
Published: February 2014

Background

The efficacy of three dietary treatments for ADHD has been repeatedly tested in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These interventions are restricted elimination diets (RED), artificial food colour elimination (AFCE) and supplementation with free fatty acids (SFFA). There have been three systematic reviews and associated meta‐analyses of the RCTs for each of these treatments.

Scope

The aim of this review is to critically appraise the studies on the dietary treatments of ADHD, to compare the various meta‐analyses of their efficacy that have been published and to identify where the design of such RCTs could be improved and where further investigations are needed.

Findings

The meta‐analyses differ in the inclusion and exclusion criteria applied to potentially eligible studies. The range of average effect sizes in standard deviation units is RED (0.29–1.2), AFCE (0.18–0.42) and SFFA (0.17–0.31). The methodology of many of the trials on which the meta‐analyses are based is weak.

Conclusions

Nevertheless, there is evidence from well‐conducted studies for a small effect of SFFA. Restricted elimination diets may be beneficial, but large‐scale studies are needed on unselected children, using blind assessment and including assessment of long‐term outcome. Artificial food colour elimination is a potentially valuable treatment but its effect size remains uncertain, as does the type of child for whom it is likely to be efficacious. There are additional dietary supplements that have been used with children with ADHD. A systematic search identified 11 RCTs that investigated the effects of these food supplements. Despite positive results for some individual trials, more studies are required before conclusions can be reached on the value in reducing ADHD symptoms of any of these additional supplements.
Performance index: An expeditious tool to screen for improved drought resistance in the Lathyrus genus
Authors: Silvestre Susana , de Sousa Araújo Susana , Vaz Patto Maria Carlota , Marques da Silva Jorge
Published: February 2014

Some species of the Lathyrus genus are among the most promising crops for marginal lands, with high resilience to drought, flood, and fungal diseases, combined with high yields and seed nutritional value. However, lack of knowledge on the mechanisms underlying its outstanding performance and methodologies to identify elite genotypes has hampered its proper use in breeding. Chlorophyll a fast fluorescence transient (JIP test), was used to evaluate water deficit (WD) resistance in Lathyrus genus. Our results reveal unaltered photochemical values for all studied genotypes showing resistance to mild WD. Under severe WD, two Lathyrus sativus genotypes showed remarkable resilience maintaining the photochemical efficiency, contrary to other genotypes studied. Performance index (PIABS) is the best parameter to screen genotypes with improved performance and grain production under WD. Moreover, we found that JIP indices are good indicators of genotypic grain production under WD. Quantum yield of electron transport (ϕEo) and efficiency with which trapped excitons can move electrons further than QA (ψ0) revealed as important traits related to improved photosynthetic performance and should be exploited in future Lathyrus germplasm improvements. The JIP test herein described showed to be an expeditious tool to screen and to identify elite genotypes with improved drought resistance.
Deformation‐driven, regional‐scale metasomatism in the Hamersley Basin, Western Australia
Authors: White A. J. R. , Legras M. , Smith R. E. , Nadoll P.
Published: February 2014

Mafic volcanic rocks of the Fortescue Group form the lowermost stratigraphic unit of the 100,000 km2 Hamersley Basin on the southern margin of the Archean Pilbara Craton, Western Australia. A regional burial metamorphic gradient extends across the basin from prehnite–pumpellyite facies in the north to greenschist facies in the south. Phase equilibria modelling of mafic rocks with the computer program thermocalc, in subsets of the system Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–Fe2O3, successfully reproduces observed metamorphic mineral assemblages, giving conditions of ~210 °C, 2 kbar in the north and 335 °C, 3.2 kbar in the south. Superimposed on this metamorphic gradient, regional‐scale metasomatism in the Fortescue Group progressively produces a suite of prehnite‐bearing and pumpellyite–quartz/epidote–quartz‐dominated assemblages. Further modelling of variably metasomatized samples consistently estimates conditions of 260–280 °C, 2.5–3 kbar across the basin. All modelled samples were likely metasomatized at approximately the same structural level, following regional deformation during the Ophthalmian orogeny. Folding during the Ophthalmian orogeny produced topographic and/or tectonic driving forces for regional‐scale fluid flow, pushing metasomatic fluid northwards across the Hamersley Basin. These new phase equilibria calculations support previous interpretations linking the Ophthalmian orogeny, fluid flow and upgrading of Hamersley iron ore deposits. We propose an extension of this fluid flow to the Fortescue Group, the metasomatism of which may have contributed a source of Fe to the Hamersley iron ore deposits.
SOCIAL IDENTITY AND REDISTRIBUTIVE PREFERENCES: A SURVEY
Authors: Costa‐Font Joan , Cowell Frank
Published: February 2014

Social identity has become accepted as a key concept underpinning the endogeneity of economic behaviour and preferences. It is important in explaining attitudes towards redistribution and pro‐social behaviour. We examine how economic theory measures social identity and its effects on preferences towards redistribution, social solidarity and redistributive institutions. Empirical evidence indicates that social identity carries weight in explaining the presence of social preferences and attitudes towards redistributive institutions.
Variants in the Circle of Willis and White Matter Disease in Ecuadorian Mestizos
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Lama Julio
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Studies on Whites and Asians have shown contradictory results on the association between an incomplete circle of Willis (CoW) and white matter disease (WMD). We evaluated such relationship in Ecuadorian Mestizos.

METHODS

Ecuadorian Mestizos aged ≥40 years were evaluated with MRI and MRA. WMD was graded according to the modified Fazekas’ scale, and the CoW was classified as complete or incomplete according to the presence or absence of one A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery or one or both P1 segments of posterior cerebral arteries.

RESULTS

A total of 315 persons (mean age 64.7 ± 13.4 years, 56.5% women) were prospectively enrolled over 6 months. MRAs revealed a complete CoW in 65.1%, and MRIs showed WMD in 62.5% of cases. Irrespective of age and sex, incompleteness of the CoW was not associated with a higher prevalence or severity of WMD. In contrast, age was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of WMD.

CONCLUSIONS

In the Ecuadorian Mestizo population, WMD occurrence and severity do not seem to be related to incompleteness of the CoW.
Floral development of Cardiopteris, with emphasis on gynoecial structure and ovular morphology
Authors: KONG Dong‐Rui , SCHORI Melanie , LU Shu‐Gang , LI Lu , PENG Hua
Published: February 2014

Cardiopteris is unique in the expanded Cardiopteridaceae for several distinctive features, including its gynoecial structure and ovular morphology. We studied the floral development of Cardiopteris to clarify floral morphology and document floral development. Cardiopteris has three carpel primordia, which are separate at their tips but congenitally fused at their bases. The synascidiate zone (the fused proximal part) develops into the unilocular ovary; the three discrete carpel apices diverge in development: the apex of the adaxial carpel differentiates into a style and stigma, while the apices of the two lateral‐abaxial carpels elongate and develop into a fleshy appendage only after fertilization. The ovules are attached to the lateral‐abaxial carpels. At anthesis, the ovules are ategmic and orthotropous without funicles (morphologically undifferentiated). Functional differentiation occurs in the three carpels of Cardiopteris: the adaxial one is the site of pollination, while the lateral‐abaxial two produce ovules. The ategmic orthotropous ovule is unusual in Cardiopteridaceae and is an apomorphy of Cardiopteris.
Prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Urban Chinese Women Based on Cutoff Scores of the Chinese Version of the Female Sexual Function Index: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ma Jiehua , Pan Lianjun , Lei Yu , Zhang Aixia , Kan Yanjing
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) remains the most widely used scale for screening female sexual dysfunction (FSD), and the Chinese Version of the FSFI (CVFSFI) has been validated, but cutoff scores for the CVFSFI to distinguish between cases and noncases have not been developed, so the real prevalence of FSD in China is unknown.

Aim

To establish clinical cutoff scores for the CVFSFI and to evaluate the prevalence of FSD in urban Chinese women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December 2011. A total of 586 (age range of 22–60 years) women participated in the study. Receiving operating characteristic curve and classification and regression trees methodology were combined to establish clinical cutoff scores for the CVFSFI. The cutoff scores we developed were used to determine the prevalence of FSD in urban Chinese women.

Main Outcome Measures

The prevalence of FSD based on cutoff scores developed herein.

Results

The optimal CVFSFI cutoff score for the FSFI total score was 23.45 (sensitivity = 66.9%; specificity = 72.7%; area under curve [AUC] = 0.75). The cutoff score for each domain was also established as follows: ≤2.7 low desire (sensitivity = 55.2%; specificity = 78.3%; AUC = 0.73); ≤3.15 arousal disorder (sensitivity = 62.1%; specificity = 76.9%; AUC = 0.74); ≤4.05 lubrication disorder (sensitivity = 86.4%; specificity = 69.8%; AUC = 0.85); ≤3.8 orgasm disorder (sensitivity = 83.3%; specificity = 74.2%; AUC = 0.85); and ≤3.8 sexual pain (sensitivity = 65.4%; specificity = 80.6%; AUC = 0.79). Using these cutoff scores, we determined the prevalence for FSD, low desire, arousal disorder, lubrication disorder, orgasm disorder, and sexual pain to be 37.6%, 23.6%, 25.4%, 36.8%, 30.6%, and 21.8% in urban Chinese women, respectively.

Conclusions

The present data may suggest that urban Chinese women might have a lower FSD prevalence than women from some other countries; however, further study to achieve a better understanding of its epidemiology in China is a high necessity.
Nebivolol Potentiates the Efficacy of PDE5 Inhibitors to Relax Corpus Cavernosum and Penile Arteries from Diabetic Patients by Enhancing the NO/cGMP Pathway
Authors: Martínez-Salamanca Juan I. , La Fuente José M. , Cardoso José , Fernández Argentina , Cuevas Pedro , Wright Harold M. , Angulo Javier
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The efficacy of oral pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) (i.e., type 5 phosphodiesterase [PDE5] inhibitors) is significantly reduced in diabetic patients. Nebivolol is a selective β1-blocker used for treating hypertension that has been shown to increase the efficacy of sildenafil to reverse ED in diabetic rats.

Aim

To evaluate the effects of nebivolol on the efficacy of the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil to relax human corpus cavernosum (HCC) and vasodilate human penile resistance arteries (HPRA) from diabetic patients with ED (DMED). The influence of nebivolol on the capacity of these three PDE5 inhibitors to stimulate cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production in HCC was also evaluated.

Methods

HCC and HPRA were obtained from organ donors without ED (NEND; n = 18) or patients with diabetes undergoing penile prosthesis implantation (DMED; n = 19). Relaxations of HCC strips and HPRA to sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil were evaluated in organ chambers and wire myographs. cGMP content in HCC was determined by ether extraction and quantification by ELISA.

Main Outcome Measures

Effects of nebivolol on PDE5 inhibitor-induced relaxation of HCC, vasodilation of HPRA and cGMP accumulation in HCC.

Results

Treatment with nebivolol (1 μM) significantly potentiated sildenafil-, tadalafil- and vardenafil-induced relaxations of HCC and vasodilations of HPRA from both NEND and DMED. Enhancement of relaxant capacity by nebivolol resulted in reversion of the impairment of PDE5 inhibition-induced responses in DMED and it was accompanied by enhancing the ability of PDE5 inhibitors to increase cGMP in HCC restoring reduced cGMP levels in HCC from DMED.

Conclusions

Nebivolol potentiated the capacity of PDE5 inhibitors to relax vascular structures of erectile tissue from diabetic patients by enhancing the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway in these tissues. These effects suggest a potential therapeutic utility of nebivolol as an adjunct to PDE5 inhibitors for the treatment of ED associated with diabetes.
CSF beta‐amyloid levels are altered in narcolepsy: a link with the inflammatory hypothesis?
Authors: Liguori Claudio , Placidi Fabio , Albanese Maria , Nuccetelli Marzia , Izzi Francesca , Marciani Maria Grazia , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Bernardini Sergio , Romigi Andrea
Published: February 2014

Narcolepsy is characterized by hypocretin deficiency due to the loss of hypothalamic orexinergic neurons, and is associated with both the human leucocyte antigen DQB1*06:02 and the T cell receptor polymorphism. The above relationship suggests autoimmune/inflammatory processes underlying the loss of orexinergic neurons in narcolepsy. To test the autoimmune/inflammatory hypothesis by means of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of beta‐amyloid1–42 and/or total tau proteins in a sample of narcoleptic patients, we analysed 16 narcoleptic patients and 16 healthy controls. Beta‐amyloid1–42 CSF levels were significantly lower in narcoleptic patients compared with healthy controls. We also documented pathologically low levels of CSF beta‐amyloid1–42 (<500 pg mL−1) in six of 16 narcoleptic patients (37.5%). We hypothesize that the significant decrease of the CSF beta‐amyloid1–42 levels in narcoleptic patients may support both the inflammatory/autoimmune hypothesis as the basis of the pathogenesis of narcolepsy and the prevalence of an ‘amyloidogenic’ pathway caused by the deficiency of the alpha‐secretases enzymes.
Sleep respiratory disturbances and arousals at moderate altitude have overlapping electroencephalogram spectral signatures
Authors: Stadelmann Katrin , Latshang Tsogyal D. , Tarokh Leila , Lo Cascio Christian M. , Tesler Noemi , Stoewhas Anne‐Christin , Kohler Malcolm , Bloch Konrad E. , Huber Reto , Achermann Peter
Published: February 2014

An ascent to altitude has been shown to result in more central apneas and a shift towards lighter sleep in healthy individuals. This study employs spectral analysis to investigate the impact of respiratory disturbances (central/obstructive apnea and hypopnea or periodic breathing) at moderate altitude on the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) and to compare EEG changes resulting from respiratory disturbances and arousals. Data were collected from 51 healthy male subjects who spent 1 night at moderate altitude (2590 m). Power density spectra of Stage 2 sleep were calculated in a subset (20) of these participants with sufficient artefact‐free data for (a) epochs with respiratory events without an accompanying arousal, (b) epochs containing an arousal and (c) epochs of undisturbed Stage 2 sleep containing neither arousal nor respiratory events. Both arousals and respiratory disturbances resulted in reduced power in the delta, theta and spindle frequency range and increased beta power compared to undisturbed sleep. The similarity of the EEG changes resulting from altitude‐induced respiratory disturbances and arousals indicates that central apneas are associated with micro‐arousals, not apparent by visual inspection of the EEG. Our findings may have implications for sleep in patients and mountain tourists with central apneas and suggest that respiratory disturbances not accompanied by an arousal may, none the less, impact sleep quality and impair recuperative processes associated with sleep more than previously believed.
Memory sources of dreams: the incorporation of autobiographical rather than episodic experiences
Authors: Malinowski Josie E. , Horton Caroline L.
Published: February 2014

The present study aimed to explore autobiographical memories (long‐lasting memories about the self) and episodic memories (memories about discrete episodes or events) within dream content. We adapted earlier episodic memory study paradigms and reinvestigated the incorporation of episodic memory sources into dreams, operationalizing episodic memory as featuring autonoetic consciousness, which is the feeling of truly re‐experiencing or reliving a past event. Participants (n = 32) recorded daily diaries and dream diaries, and reported on wake–dream relations for 2 weeks. Using a new scale, dreams were rated for their episodic richness, which categorized memory sources of dreams as being truly episodic (featuring autonoetic consciousness), autobiographical (containing segregated features of experiences that pertained to waking life) or otherwise. Only one dream (0.5%) was found to contain an episodic memory. However, the majority of dreams (>80%) were found to contain low to moderate incorporations of autobiographical memory features. These findings demonstrate the inactivity of intact episodic memories, and emphasize the activity of autobiographical memory and processing within dreams. Taken together, this suggests that memories for personal experiences are experienced fragmentarily and selectively during dreaming, perhaps in order to assimilate these memories into the autobiographical memory schema.
QUANTILE PERIODOGRAM AND TIME‐DEPENDENT VARIANCE
Authors: Li Ta‐Hsin
Published: February 2014

This article investigates the statistical properties of the recently introduced quantile periodogram for time series with time‐dependent variance. The asymptotic distribution of the quantile periodogram is derived in the case where the time series consists of i.i.d. random variables multiplied by a time‐dependent scale parameter. It is shown that the time‐dependent variance is represented approximately additively in the mean of the asymptotic distribution of the quantile periodogram. It is also shown that the strength of the representation is proportional to the squared quantile of the i.i.d. random variables, so that a stronger characterization is expected at upper and lower quantile levels if the time series is centred at zero. These properties are further demonstrated by simulation results. The series of daily returns from the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which is known to exhibit heteroscedastic volatility, serves to motivate the investigation.
What drives plant species diversity? A global distributed test of the unimodal relationship between herbaceous species richness and plant biomass
Authors: Fraser Lauchlan H. , Jentsch Anke , Sternberg Marcelo
Published: February 2014

Question

For over a century, ecologists have grappled with the question “what drives species diversity?” Urgent global issues such as loss of biodiversity and the relative importance of species richness for ecosystem function and services has heightened the relative importance of understanding processes that control species diversity. Here we present the plans for a global coordinated distributed experiment for herbaceous communities, theHerbDivNet, to test the hump‐backed model, a unimodal relationship between species richness and aboveground plant biomass plus dead plant litterHBM, to determine whether scale may influence theHBM, and to explore drivers of plant diversity.

Location

Globally distributed experiment.

Methods

We propose a nested, standardized sampling design 8 × 8 m, with 1 m2plots, taken from multiple site locations along a range of sites varying in primary productivity.

Results and Conclusions

We welcome others with an interest in using global, standardized, coordinated distributed experiments to explore patterns and processes in herbaceous plant communities to joinHerbDivNet in the search of new insights to drivers of plant species diversity.
Community ecology of absent species: hidden and dark diversity
Authors: Pärtel Meelis
Published: February 2014

Community ecologists have so far focused mainly on species identified at a site. I suggest that we can understand better patterns and their underlying processes in ecological communities if we also examine those species absent from the sampled community. However, there are various types of absences, which all harbour different information. Hidden diversity comprises species that are absent from our sight: dormant or locally very rare species overlooked by traditional sampling. Fortunately, modern DNA‐based techniques can help us to find hidden species when analysing environmental samples. Depending on habitat type and sampling scale, a large number of co‐existing species might be hidden. Dark diversity comprises absent species that constitute the habitat‐specific species pool. Dark diversity can be determined based on data on species distribution, dispersal potential and ecological requirements. If we know both observed and dark diversity, we can estimate community completeness and infer those processes that determine which species in the species pool actually co‐exist locally. In addition, most species in the world do not actually belong to the habitat‐specific species pool of the community: their ecological requirements differ or their distribution area is elsewhere. Such other absent species are usually not directly relevant to a particular community. However, knowing ecologically suitable species from other regions can give early warning of possible future invasion of alien species (alien dark diversity). To conclude, species presences have meaning only if there are absences (and vice versa). Methods to detect absent species are rapidly developing and will soon form a standard toolbox for community ecology.
Overexpression of angiopoietin‐2 in rats and patients with liver fibrosis. Therapeutic consequences of its inhibition
Authors: Pauta Montse , Ribera Jordi , Melgar‐Lesmes Pedro , Casals Gregori , Rodríguez‐Vita Juan , Reichenbach Vedrana , Fernandez‐Varo Guillermo , Morales‐Romero Blai , Bataller Ramon , Michelena Javier , Altamirano Jose , Jiménez Wladimiro , Morales‐Ruiz Manuel
Published: February 2014

Background & Aims

Studies in experimental models of cirrhosis showed that anti‐angiogenic treatments may be effective for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this context, angiopoietins are potential therapeutic targets as they are involved in the maintenance and stabilization of newly formed blood vessels. In addition, angiopoietin‐2 is expressed in fibrotic livers and its inhibition in tumours results in vessel stability. Therefore, our study was aimed to assess the therapeutic utility of inhibiting angiopoietin‐2.

Methods

Circulating levels of angiopoietin‐1 and angiopoietin‐2 were quantified by ELISA in CCl4‐treated rats and in patients with cirrhosis. In vivo blockade of angiopoietin‐2 in rats with liver fibrosis was performed with a chemically programmed antibody, CVX‐060.

Results

High levels of angiopoietin‐2 were found in the systemic and suprahepatic circulation of cirrhotic patients and the ratio angiopoietin‐1/angiopoietin‐2 inversely correlated with prognostic models for alcoholic liver disease. Chronic treatment of CCl4‐treated rats with CVX‐060 was associated with a significant decrease in inflammatory infiltrate, normalization of the hepatic microvasculature and reduction in VCAM‐1 vascular expression. The anti‐angiopoietin‐2 treatment was also associated with less liver fibrosis and with lower levels of circulating transaminases. CVX‐060 treatment was not associated with either vascular pruning in healthy tissue or compensatory overexpression of VEGF.

Conclusions

Inhibition of angiopoietin‐2 is an effective and safe treatment for liver fibrosis in CCl4‐treated rats, acting mainly through the induction of vessel normalization and the attenuation of hepatic inflammatory infiltrate. Therefore, inhibition of angiopoietin‐2 offers a therapeutic alternative for liver fibrosis.