bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species adaptation to both fire and climate change in tropical montane heath: Can Melaleuca uxorum (Myrtaceae) survive?
Authors: Ford Andrew J , Hardesty Britta Denise
Published: May 2016

Resprouting following fire is an effective and well utilized strategy for tropical montane heath species which have
had a long evolutionary history of intermittent fire disturbance. Research conducted in both burnt and unburnt heath
suggests that species richness is related to fire, however actual species presence is dependent upon local burning
regimes. Taxa that persist in fire-adapted environments may survive through mechanisms including seed storage in
the soil seed bank, resprouting from basal, axillary or epicormic buds, roots/rhizomes or terminal aerial buds and/or
through migration of seed. We investigated the montane endemic Melaleuca uxorum’s response to fire to understand
local adaptation and persistence to fire in fire prone heath and to understand potential impacts of climate change on
montane heath ecosystems. We found that the species resprouts at the stem base, along stems from epicormic buds
and from axillary buds. The species forms small colonies which appear to be a mixture of sexual and asexual (clonal)
reproduction. We predict that the effects of climate change will conspire against tropical montane heath below 1000
m, and those communities away from maritime influences will be under threat of increasingly reduced population numbers
and extent as the dry season cloud base is expected to rise in elevation with anticipated rising temperatures. Furthermore,
as evaporation rates increase, such communities are anticipated to lose their local specialized flora and to be replaced
by more common unspecialized, widespread species.
Improving reliability of scat counts for abundance and distribution estimations of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in its rainforest habitats.
Authors: Heise-Pavlov Sigrid R , Meade Rhiana D
Published: May 2016

arboreal folivores, such as Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in Far North Queensland, Australia,
scat counts seem to be the most promising ecological technique. However, the occurrence of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos
in seasonal rainforests with dense understory, a high diversity of coprophagous invertebrates and with sympatric folivores
increases the probability of invalidating results based on scat surveys.
This study investigates scat production and scat decomposition patterns to select diagnostic traits of Lumholtz’s
Tree-kangaroo scats that can, under varying environmental conditions, assist in distinguishing between fresh and old
scats to reduce false positive and false negative errors in species presence due to non- or/and misidentification of
scats. Scat production rates of six captive Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos were highly variable resulting in different scat
numbers and masses. Changes in scat size (mass and circumference), pH and the appearance of mould were monitored
under different laboratory conditions and in forest trials. Under wet conditions scats gained mass until they reached an
apparent plateau of 130% of their original mass. Scats under dry conditions lost up to 90% of their original mass.
Changes in mass were accompanied by changes in circumference of scats. By Day 3 scats had developed signs of
mould under laboratory conditions and showed an acidic pH. Field trials revealed a high loss of scats due primarily to
their consumption by dung beetles (Scarabaeoidea).
For studying Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos in their rainforest environment, scat surveys should be confined to dry
periods to reduce the probability of false negative errors due to activity of coprophagous invertebrates. Additionally,
only fresh scats of average size and with an acidic pH should be used to minimize the risk of misidentifying small
sized scats from Red-legged Pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica) as tree-kangaroo scats. More studies on species-specific
diagnostic traits of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo scats are necessary to validate false negative and false positive errors in
scat counts for this species.
Modelling the potential distribution of endangered, endemic Hibiscus brackenridgei on Oahu to assess the impacts of climate change and prioritize conservation efforts.
Authors: Rovzar Corey , Gillespie Thomas W , Kawelo Kapua , McCain Maggie , Riordan Erin C , Pau Stephanie
Published: May 2016

In the Hawaiian dry forest, 45% of all tropical dry forest trees and shrubs are on the federal threatened and
endangered species list. Research is needed to understand the current range of these endangered species, the factors
that affect their current and future distributions, and ultimately, identify areas where the most successful restoration
can be undertaken. This research uses species distribution modelling to predict the potential range of Hibiscus
brackenridgei, the state flower of Hawaii and a federally endangered species found on Oahu. We used presence data
and the modelling algorithm Maxent to model the current potential distribution of H. brackenridgei, identify climate
and environmental variables that influence the species’ distribution, and model the species’ predicted future distribution
based on a range of projected climate change scenarios. Statistical analysis suggests that the Maxent models accurately
predict the species’ distribution, and therefore, may be useful for conservation management. Comparing the current
model with the future models of changes for 2060-2089, changes in the potential niche of H. brackenridgei only range
by -4% to 14%. This suggests that the predicted changes in climate, under both low (B2a) and high (A2a) SRES
(Special Report on Emissions Scenarios) global emissions scenarios, may not significantly impact the future distribution
of H. brackenridgei on Oahu. We identified a total of 115 km2 of very highly (≥ 0.70) and highly (≥ 0.50) suitable habitat
which represents potential areas where restoration projects could be implemented. This research suggests that threats
like habitat loss, fire, invasive species, and grazing may be more important than climate for the future conservation of
Hawaiian dry forest species.
A model for the effects of fire and fragmentation on the population viability of the Splendid Fairy-wren
Authors: C. Brooker L. , G. Brooker M.
Published: May 2016

Computer simulation was used to model the relationships between four environmental factors (nest predation, brood parasitism, fire and rainfall) and the probability of local extinction in hypothetical populations of Splendid Fairy-wrens in differently sized patches of habitat. The parameters of the model are based on the results of a long-term (17 year) study of the species at Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia. Two fire scenarios are modelled ? wildfire and controlled burning. The model predicts that wren populations in small patches (less than about 2 000 ha in area) stand a high risk of local extinction if exposed to environmental conditions similar to those experienced at Gooseberry Hill, in particular the frequency and extent of wildfires (Gooseberry Hill fire probability 20%). It is suggested that: (a) urban reserves aimed at conserving small sedentary species such as the Splendid Fairy-wren should contain at least 2 000 ha of suitable habitat if there is a high risk of wildfire (minimum viable population for wrens under these conditions, 500 breeding females); (b) the integrity of existing reserves and parklands should be protected from further fragmentation since the likelihood of local extinctions will increase as the carrying capacity of the habitat declines; (c) management of existing reserves and parklands should be directed toward limiting the environmental pressures impacting populations of native species, in particular the frequency and extent of fire and the numbers of feral nest predators. If the probability of fire can be limited to five per cent or less, Splendid Fairy-wren populations in patches as small as 400 ha (100 breeding females) may be viable in the long term.
Comparison of a common, rare and declining plant species in the Asteraceae: possible causes of rarity
Authors: McIntyre S.
Published: May 2016

Three forbs of contrasting abundance were compared with the aim of identifying ecological traits that may be associated with differences in abundance in Australia. Hypochoeris radicata (an extremely common, exotic species), Cymbonotus lawsonianus (rare in some regions, moderately common in others) and Microseris lanceolata (once widespread but which has dramatically declined) are all species of grasslands and grassy woodlands. Habitat details and phenological observations are reported from the New England Tablelands, New South Wales where the three species co-occur. This information is synthesized with that available in the literature. Part of the success of H. radicata relates to its broad environmental tolerance. Although C. lawsonianus and M. lanceolata are both widely distributed in Australia, the range of habitats in which they occur is more limited. The depletion of M. lanceolata populations is largely attributed to a vulnerability to domestic grazing animals that may be linked to its palatability and architecture. The more common C. lawsonianus and H. radicata appear more tolerant of grazing and mowing and may be advantaged by their ability to form flat rosettes. Despite its occurrence at sites with soil disturbance, C. lawsonianus is still rare in comparison with H. radicata. It may be restricted by a lack of phenotypic plasticity that prevents plants adopting an erect leaf position under more competitive situations. A number of rare native herbs appear to be disturbance-dependent, and it is suggested that C. lawsonianus may share with them highly specific ecological requirements that make both undisturbed and human-disturbed sites sub-optimal for their persistence.
State of Australia's environment
Authors: F. Recher H.
Published: May 2016

The Australia: State of the Environment 1996 (SOE) report was released late last year. The preparation of the SOE was overdue and expensive in terms of financial and human resources. On these grounds alone, I expected a report that achieved excellence. I also expected excellence because Australia confronts an uncertain environmental future.
Herpetology in Australia: A Diverse Discipline
Authors: Harlen Russell
Published: May 2016

Herpetology in Australia was published as a companion volume to the proceedings of the Second World Congress of Herpetology, held in Adelaide in 1993?94. It does not attempt to pre-empt nor duplicate the information presented at that conference, but to provide an Australian overview of the study and management of Australia's reptiles and amphibians. As such, Herpetology in Australia also complements, rather than competes with, other key works, such as Cogger's Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia; herpetofaunal systematics and biology, including evolution, reproduction and behaviour, under both natural and captive conditions, are but minor elements of this collection.
Conservation Biology and "Rights" to Resources
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

The paper by Nonie Sharp on the "right to fish" generated some interesting comments among the referees. As is now journal policy, the paper was sent to three referees for review. In the case of Nonie's paper, it went to a biologist who has commented on a range of conservation and cultural issues, and to two social anthropologists. All referees endorsed publication, the two anthropologists did so with enthusiasm, while the biologist, whose opinion I greatly respect, thought the paper was inappropriate for the readership of Pacific Conservation Biology. The biologist's opinion was more or less along the lines that biologists were the primary readers of the journal and that they would not be particularly interested in the issues discussed in Nonie's paper. There were also some concerns about a different writing style and the use of jargon that most biologists might not be comfortable with. These were all points that I agreed with, but I did not think they were grounds for not publishing the paper. The problem of style and jargon was largely corrected by the author's revision, but the issue of interest among readers cannot, of course, be dictated or even easily changed.
OBITUARY: James (Jim) F. Lynch 1942-1998
Authors: Saunders Denis
Published: May 2016

Jim Lynch lost his long battle with cancer when he died at home at Shady Side Maryland, USA on 26th March. Despite the difficulties posed by his illness, he was carrying out fieldwork in Texas only three weeks before he died. Over the past year he produced several new papers and manuscripts and sustained an active correspondence with colleagues around the world.
Back from the Brink: Refining the Threatened Species Recovery Process
Authors: Sommer Bea
Published: May 2016

Back from the Brink is based on material presented at a conference held by the Commonwealth Endangered Species Advisory Committee in Sydney in December, 1995. The purpose of the conference was to bring together practitioners with a wide range of "hands-on" recovery planning and implementation experience to review and refine the recovery process for threatened species and ecological communities. A foreword by Dr Andrew Burbidge (Endangered Species Advisory Committee) addresses the need for community involvement and government co-operation, and highlights the importance of the recovery process itself, if conservation of threatened species and ecological communities is to be successful.
Survival of Mount Eden Bush, an urban forest remnant in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: C. Smale M. , O. Gardner R.
Published: May 2016

Mount Eden Bush is the only reserved fragment of primary broadleaved forest on basaltic lava on the Auckland isthmus in northern New Zealand. An edaphic variant of northern coastal short forest, the reserved forest of 0.7 ha is approximately 1-2% of the estimated original <50 ha tract and contains 84% of the vascular species recorded in it. The canopy is dominated by Griselinia lucida, Litsea calicaris, and Pseudopanax lessonii, the subcanopy by Melicytus ramiflorus, and the understorey by Coprosma macrocarpa and Macropiper excelsum. A depauperate vascular flora compared with other basaltic lava forests in the district may result from long isolation of the original tract in a deforested landscape remote from seed sources. Low tree density, low basal area, and a strongly rupestral/xerophytic ground layer reflect the drought-prone lava substrate (mean boulder cover 38%). It has probably been dominated by the adventive trailing herb Tradescantia fluminensis for >60 years (mean cover 38%), which reduces abundance of woody native seedlings and cover of native ground layer herbaceous species. Over two-fifths of the vascular flora is now alien native (all planted) or adventive, the latter almost all garden escapes from the surrounding suburban matrix and including many of the most threatening weeds of urban Auckland. Despite widespread T. fluminensis, currently important canopy/subcanopy and understorey dominants appear to be replacing themselves. In the absence of intervention, however, indigenous species are likely to become less important in the canopy and adventive Ligustrum lucidum and Prunus serrulata more important; the latter two species are respectively the second and third commonest canopyforming species regenerating in gaps. Future extinction of some indigenous species with critically small populations cannot be ruled out.
Notes on breeding and conservation of birds on Niuafo'ou Island, Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Göth Ann , Vogel Uwe
Published: May 2016

Niuafo'ou lies very isolated in the Pacific, is well forested and not densely populated by humans. These facts as well as the lack of larger rat species make it a refuge for birds rare elsewhere in the region. This paper covers all 17 breeding species and gives breeding data for 14 of them, collected from October 1991 to December 1992. Ten species had a well-defined breeding season of 2?7 months somewhere between September and April, which often differed from other adjacent islands: Audubon's Shearwater Puffinus Iherminieri, Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa, Banded Rail Rallus phillippensis, Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis, Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio, Barn Owl Tyto alba, Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer, Polynesian Starling Aplonis tabuensis nesiotes, and Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus. The Blue-crowned Lorikeet Vini australis nested in October, November and July. It did not only breed in tree hollows, but also inside a rotten log on the ground. Other observations suggest that it visits ground holes as well, either for nesting or resting. A breeding colony of Audubon's Shearwater is the first one confirmed for Tonga. Four species nested in the wet and dry season: White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus, Pacific Reef-heron Egretta sacra, Pacific Pigeon Ducula pacifica and Polynesian Megapode Megapodius pritchardii. Since September to March is the main breeding season for birds on Niuafo'ou, it is proposed that hunting and egg collecting, both important parts of the local tradition, are restricted to the other months of the year. In case of the endangered Polynesian Megapode we suggest a restriction of egg collecting and propose a translocation programme to another island. Additionally, we suggest that the islets in the crater lake become protected as they are free of feral cats, and some birds occur in higher densities there. Niuafo'ou also deserves attention as resting place for six vagrant and migrant species; large numbers of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus pacificus are hunted when they visit between October and June.
Conservation status of forests and vertebrate communities in the Vava`u Island Group, Tonga
Authors: W. Steadman David , Franklin Janet , R. Drake Donald , B. Freifeld Holly , A. Bolick Leslie , S. Smith Darren , J. Motley Timothy
Published: May 2016

Based on field work in 1995 and 1996, we assess the distribution, relative abundance, and habitat preferences of forest plants, lizards, birds, and mammals on 17 islands in the Vava'u Group, Kingdom of Tonga. The islands vary in habitat composition, land area (0.02-96 km2), elevation (20-215 m), and distance (0-10.1 km) from the largest island of 'Uta Vava'u. Two major forest types are recognized - coastal and lowland. They are similar in composition to forest communities described for the southern Tongan island group and for lowland Samoa, but with unique patterns of species dominance. The most mature category of lowland forest persists mainly in areas too steep for cultivation and covers about 10% of the land area. The greatest variation in plant species composition appears to be related to the degree of human disturbance. Among lizards, six species are widespread and at least locally common, whereas three others are localized and typically rare. Among landbirds, 11 species are widespread and at least locally common, one (West Polynesian Ground-Dove Gallicolumba stain) is extremely rare, and three others have been extirpated in the past century. The overall species richness and relative abundance of indigenous plants and vertebrates among islands in Vava'u have been affected more by deforestation and other human activities than by the classic physical variables of island biogeography - area, elevation, or isolation. Small islands (<1 km2) may be very important for conservation purposes, especially given the propensity for secondary succession to indigenous forests following agricultural abandonment.
Resilience of European beech forests (Fagus sylvatica L.) after fire in a global change context
Authors: Maringer Janet , Conedera Marco , Ascoli Davide , Schmatz Dirk R. , Wohlgemuth Thomas
Published: May 2016

The European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most ecologically and economically important tree species in Europe. Nonetheless, post-fire ecological processes in beech forests have only been marginally studied although they might become more important for forest management in the light of global climate change drought effects. Focusing on the Southern European Alps, where numerous forest fires have affected beech stands, we assessed temporal trends and detected factors that influence beech regeneration in beech forests burnt between 1970 and 2012. Beech regeneration was found to occur abundantly in fire sites of mixed burn severity, and often co-occurred with light-demanding pioneer trees (mostly Betula pendula Roth). These pioneers declined in abundance from 20 years post-fire onwards, whereas beech dominance increased. Beech regeneration density was best explained in regression models by the canopy of remnant trees and the abundance of competing ground vegetation. As fire-injured beech trees slowly die back, the canopy gradually opens, favouring beech recruitment for as long as decades, depending on the light conditions. In contrast, dense layers of early post-fire colonisers may delay beech regeneration for many years. Generally, single fire events favour beech regeneration except in areas where the burn severity is extraordinarily high.
2D/3D electron temperature fluctuations near explosive MHD instabilities accompanied by minor and major disruptions
Authors: Choi M.J. , Park H.K. , Yun G.S. , Lee W. , Luhmann N.C. , Lee K.D. , Ko W.-H. , Park Y.-S. , Park B.H. , In Y.
Published: May 2016

Minor and major disruptions by explosive MHD instabilities were observed with the novel quasi 3D electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) system in the KSTAR plasma. The fine electron temperature (T
e) fluctuation images revealed two types of minor disruptions: a small minor disruption is a

q
∼
2

localized fast transport event due to a single m/n  =  2/1 magnetic island growth, while a large minor disruption is partial collapse of the

q
⩽
2

region with two successive fast heat transport events by the correlated m/n  =  2/1 and m/n  =  1/1 instabilities. The m/n  =  2/1 magnetic island growth during the minor disruption is normally limited below the saturation width. However, as the additional interchange-like perturbation grows near the inner separatrix of the 2/1 island, the 2/1 island can expand beyond the limit through coupling with the cold bubble formed by the interchange-like perturbation.
Furstenberg entropy values for nonsingular actions of groups without property (T)
Authors: Danilenko Alexandre
Published: May 2016

Let

G
G

be a discrete countable infinite group that does not have Kazhdan’s property  (T) and let

κ
\kappa

be a generating probability measure on

G
G

. Then for each

t
>
0

t>0

, there is a type

I
I

I
1

III_1

ergodic free nonsingular

G
G

-action whose

κ
\kappa

-entropy (or the Furstenberg entropy) is

t
t

.
A combinatorial refinement of the Kronecker-Hurwitz class number relation
Authors: Popa Alexandru , Zagier Don
Published: May 2016

We give a refinement of the Kronecker-Hurwitz class number relation, based on a tesselation of the Euclidean plane into semi-infinite triangles labeled by

P
S
L

2

(

Z

)

\mathrm {PSL}_2(\mathbb {Z})

that may be of independent interest.
Rigidity properties of smooth metric measure spaces via the weighted 𝑝-Laplacian
Authors: Dung Nguyen Thac
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we show sharp estimates for the first eigenvalue

λ

1
,
p

\lambda _{1, p}

of the weighted

p
p

-Laplacian on smooth metric measure spaces

(
M
,
g
,

e

−
f

d
v
)

(M, g, e^{-f}dv)

. When the Bakry-Émery curvature

R
i

c
f

Ric_f

is bounded from below and the weighted function

f
f

is of sublinear growth, we prove some rigidity properties provided that the first eigenvalue

λ

1
,
p

\lambda _{1, p}

obtains its optimal value.
The complexity of the classification problem of continua
Authors: Chang Cheng , Gao Su
Published: May 2016

We prove that the homeomorphism problem for connected compact metric spaces is Borel bireducible with a universal orbit equivalence relation induced by a Borel action of a Polish group.
On non-normal solutions of linear differential equations
Authors: Gröhn Janne
Published: May 2016

Normality arguments are applied to study the oscillation of solutions of

f
+
A
f
=
0

f+Af=0

, where the coefficient

A
A

is analytic in the unit disc

D

\mathbb {D}

and
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="sup Underscript z element-of double-struck upper D Endscripts left-parenthesis 1 minus StartAbsoluteValue z EndAbsoluteValue squared right-parenthesis squared StartAbsoluteValue upper A left-parenthesis z right-parenthesis EndAbsoluteValue greater-than normal infinity">

sup

z
∈

D

(
1
−

|

z

|

2

)
2

|

A
(
z
)

|

>
∞

\sup _{z\in \mathbb {D}} (1-|z|^2)^2|A(z)| > \infty

. It is shown that such a differential equation may admit a non-normal solution having prescribed uniformly separated zeros.
Update on cardiovascular disease in lupus
Authors: Lewandowski Laura B. , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: May 2016

Purpose of review

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease confers significant morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cannot be fully explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Recent immunologic discoveries have outlined putative pathways in SLE that may also accelerate the development of atherosclerosis.

Recent findings

Aberrant innate and adaptive immune responses implicated in lupus pathogenesis may also contribute to the development of accelerated atherosclerosis in these patients. Defective apoptosis, abnormal lipoprotein function, autoantibodies, aberrant neutrophil responses, and a dysregulated type I interferon pathway likely contribute to endothelial dysfunction. SLE macrophages have an inflammatory phenotype that may drive progression of plaque.

Recent discoveries have placed increased emphasis on the immunology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Understanding the factors that drive the increased risk for cardiovascular disease in SLE patients may provide selective therapeutic targets for reducing inflammation and improving outcomes in atherosclerosis.
Determination of amino acids in urine of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostate growth
Authors: Sroka Wiktor D. , Boughton Berin A. , Reddy Priyanka , Roessner Ute , Słupski Piotr , Jarzemski Piotr , Dąbrowska Anita , Markuszewski Michał J. , Marszałł Michał P.
Published: May 2016

Prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer diagnosed in men. Serum prostate-specific antigen levels and digital rectal exam are far from perfect when it comes to differentiation of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. In this study, we attempt to determine whether amino acids can be used as prostate cancer biomarkers. Concentrations of derivatized amino acids and amines were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 100 urine samples from the two groups including samples provided before and after prostate massage were examined quantitatively for amino acid and amine concentrations with 50 urine samples collected from cancer patients and 50 samples from patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Arginine, homoserine, and proline were more abundant in urine samples of cancer patients compared with arginine, homoserine, and proline levels determined in urine collected from patients with benign growth. We also show that sarcosine is not a definitive indicator of prostate cancer when analyzed in urine samples collected either before or after prostate massage.
Acquired Localized (Monodactylous) Longitudinal Pachyonychia and Onychocytic Carcinoma In Situ (2 Cases): Part II
Authors: Perrin Christophe , Cannata Giuseppe Emilio , Ambrosetti Damien , Patouraux Stephanie , Langbein Lutz , Schweizer Jürgen
Published: May 2016

The authors have recently proposed to use the name pachyonychia as an umbrella term that includes 2 distinctly different entities in the form of congenital pachyonychia and acquired longitudinal pachyonychia. Congenital pachyonychia is defined by a diffuse hyperkeratosis of the nail bed. Acquired longitudinal pachyonychia correspond to the true definition of pachyonychia, that is, a thickened nail plate without subungual keratosis. Acquired (monodactylous) pachyonychia can be diffuse typifying onychomatricoma or localized as a longitudinal band with three etiological possibilities: onychomatricoma, onychocytic matricoma, and onychocytic carcinoma. On histopathological examination, onychomatricoma is a fibroepithelial tumor; conversely, onychocytic matricoma and carcinoma are purely epithelial tumors. The purpose of this study was to present the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical profiles of 2 cases of in situ onychocytic carcinoma, to discuss the role of high-risk human papillomavirus in the pathogenesis of this tumor, and to confirm the interest value of nail clipping microscopy in the surgical planning of the acquired (monodactylous) pachyonychia band pattern. Two men were referred for a longitudinal thickening of the lateral part of the nail plate of their fingers. The bands were yellowish with a faint to dominant black coloration. Nail clippings were obtained before excision in one case; the nail plate was thickened with minute holes in a honeycomb pattern. Nail biopsy specimens revealed an onychocytic carcinoma with epithelial projections inducing active production of the nail plate and multiple minute cavitations into the thick nail plate. Hair-related keratins were expressed in all specimens. One tumor expressed p16 in a diffuse pattern, whereas the other showed an unspecific faint patchy staining. p53 was negative. A clinical finding of longitudinal pachyonychia, which by nail clipping microscopy contains small cavities in a honeycomb-like pattern, should be considered an alert to the possibility of a malignant lesions.
Orbitofacial Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma: Report of 10 Cases
Authors: Branson Sara V. , McClintic Elysa , Ozgur Omar , Esmaeli Bita , Yeatts R. Patrick
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

To explore the clinical features, management, and prognosis of metastatic basal cell carcinoma originating in the orbitofacial region.

Methods:

Ten cases of orbitofacial metastatic basal cell carcinoma were identified by searching databases at 2 institutions from 1995 to 2015. A retrospective chart review was performed. Main outcome measures included patient demographics, lesion size, location of metastases, histologic subtype, recurrence rate, time between primary tumor diagnosis and metastasis, perineural invasion, treatment modalities, and survival from time of metastasis.

Results:

The median tumor size at largest dimension was 3.3 cm (range, 1.9–11.5 cm), and 6 of 10 patients had at least 1 local recurrence before metastasis (range, 0–2 recurrences). The most common sites of metastasis included the ipsilateral parotid gland (n = 6) and cervical lymph nodes (n = 5). Histologic subtypes included infiltrative (n = 5), basosquamous (n = 2), nodular (n = 1), and mixed (n = 1). The median time from primary tumor diagnosis to metastasis was 7.5 years (range, 0–13). The median survival time from diagnosis of metastasis to last documented encounter or death was 5.3 years (range, 7 months–22.8 years). Treatment regimens included surgical excision, radiotherapy, and hedgehog inhibitors.

Conclusions:

Based on our findings, the following features may be markers of high risk orbitofacial basal cell carcinoma: 1) increasing tumor size, 2) local recurrence of the primary tumor, 3) aggressive histologic subtype, and 4) perineural invasion. Screening should include close observation of the primary site and tissues in the distribution of regional lymphatics, particularly the parotid gland and cervical lymph nodes.
Autogenous Fascia Lata Graft Fixation to Treat Exotropia Resulting From Iatrogenic Medial Rectus Transection
Authors: Vicinanzo Matthew G. , Allamneni Chaitanya , Deitz Luke W. , Elsas Frederick J.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

To describe autogenous fascia lata graft fixation as a novel method to treat exotropia related to medial rectus (MR) muscle injury following functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods:

Three consecutive patients with MR transection and exotropia after functional endoscopic sinus surgery were selected. Preoperative examination was performed; no MR function was noted for over 3 months after injury. CT and dynamic functional MRI were performed, where MR transection and medial wall breach were noted. An autogenous fascia lata graft was harvested and fixated from the remaining periosteum of the posterior-most extent of the medial orbital wall and attached to the globe at the MR insertion. In addition, an ipsilateral lateral rectus muscle recession was performed.

Results:

Alignment of the eyes in primary gaze and downgaze was achieved and remained so at the 3-month postoperative examinations, with minimal head turn or prism correction (<5 prism diopters) necessary to control diplopia. Two patients required recession of the fascial graft for a minor overcorrection and have remained stable for over 6 months.

Conclusions:

Severe exotropia secondary to MR damage following functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a known complication historically difficult to treat. Traditional surgical methods, including vertical muscle transposition, commonly result in complete recurrence of exotropia and increase risk of anterior ocular ischemia. Unlike simple nonabsorbable suture fixation, fascial grafts are completely biointegratable, do not result in significant inflammation, and are unlikely to rupture. Fascia lata graft fixation of the MR to the posterior orbital medial wall is a new and successful method to eliminate exotropia after MR injury.
Xanthelasma-Like Reaction to Filler Injection
Authors: Or Lior , Eviatar Joseph A. , Massry Guy G. , Bernardini Francesco P. , Hartstein Morris E.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to describe a new complication of a xanthelasma-like reaction which appeared after dermal filler injection in the lower eyelid region.

Methods:

A retrospective case analysis was performed on 7 patients presenting with xanthelasma-like reaction after filler injection to the lower eyelids.

Results:

Seven female subjects with no history of xanthelasma presented with xanthelasma-like reaction in the lower eyelids post filler injection. Fillers included hyaluronic acid (2 patients), synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite (4 patients), and polycaprolactone microspheres (one patient). Average time interval between filler injection and development of xanthelasma-like reaction was 12 months (range: 6–18 months). Treatment included steroid injections, 5FU injections, ablative or fractionated CO2 laser, and direct excision. Pathology confirmed the lesion was a true xanthelasma in one patient. In treated patients, there was subtotal resolution after laser. Xanthelasma-like reaction resolved completely after direct excision. Three patients elected to have no treatment.

Conclusions:

Previously there has been one reported case of xanthelasma after filler injection. This case series is the largest to date. Furthermore, this series is notable because xanthelasma-like reactions appeared after injection with 3 different types of fillers. None of the patients had evidence of xanthelasma prefiller injection. The precise mechanism by which filler injection can lead to the formation of xanthelasma-like reaction is unclear. A possible mechanism may be related to binding of low-density lipoprotein and internalization by macrophages. Further investigation is required. Nevertheless, physicians performing filler injections should be aware of this new complication and treatment options.
Medication Adherence in People With Parkinson Disease
Authors: Shin Ju Young , Habermann Barbara
Published: May 2016

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States. Because there is no cure for PD currently, pharmacological therapy is the mainstay of PD symptom management. Despite the importance of medication adherence in PD, several studies have reported medication nonadherence and/or suboptimal adherence. This literature review provides an overview of medication adherence issues in people with PD. Articles were identified for this study using computerized database searches and journal hand searches. Of the 72 medication adherence articles reviewed, the following articles were eligible for this review: (a) 10 articles measuring medication adherence in people with PD, (b) four medication adherence intervention articles, and (c) six studies of medication adherence in hospitalized settings. The importance of adherence assessment and strategies in improving medication adherence are discussed with the goal of improving symptom management and clinical outcomes in people with PD. Because medication taking is a complex and multifaceted phenomena, patient-centered, theory-driven interventions are needed to improve medication adherence and quality of care and life in people with PD.
Probiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Mogha Kanchan V. , Prajapati Jashbhai B.
Published: May 2016

Bacterial vaginosis is said to be the most common vaginal syndrome affecting fertile, premenopausal, and pregnant women. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with important adverse health conditions and infectious complications. Therapy with oral or local recommended antibiotics is often associated with failure and high rates of recurrences. The dominance of lactobacilli in healthy vaginal microbiota and its depletion in bacterial vaginosis has given rise to the concept of oral or vaginal use of probiotic Lactobacillus strains for the treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis. This review investigated the evidence for the use of a single strain or cocktail of probiotics, administered orally or intravaginally, either alone or in conjunction with antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Early versus Delayed Excision and Grafting of Full-Thickness Burns in a Porcine Model: A Randomized Study
Authors: Singer Adam J. , Toussaint Jimmy , Chung Won Taek , McClain Steve A. , Raut Vivek , Rosenberg Lior
Published: May 2016

Background:

The standard of care for full-thickness burns is tangential excision followed by skin autografting; however, the timing of excision and grafting is subject to debate. The authors compared early (2 days) versus delayed (14 days) excision and grafting in a porcine full-thickness burn model.

Methods:

Full-thickness burns (n = 12) were created on the backs of two anesthetized pigs and assigned randomly to no excision, tangential excision followed by skin autografting 2 days after injury, or tangential excision followed by skin autografting 14 days after injury. Digital images and full-thickness biopsy specimens were taken at 16, 21, 28, and 42 days after injury to determine percentage reepithelialization and scar depth.

Results:

At day 16, all burns that were excised early were completely reepithelialized, whereas only eight of 11 nonexcised burns (72.7 percent) were reepithelialized (p = 0.02). By day 21, all burns were completely reepithelialized. Scar thickness was greatest at 42 days in nonexcised burns (7.5 ± 2.1 mm); scars were thinner after early excision than after late excision (2.2 ± 1.8 mm versus 4.0 ± 1.1 mm; p < 0.001, analysis of variance). Wounds treated with early or late tangential excision followed by skin autografting were flat and minimally contracted, whereas all nonexcised burns were red, contracted, and slightly raised. Scar contraction at 28 and 42 days was greatest in nonexcised control wounds compared with early and late excised wounds.

Conclusions:

Both early and late excision followed by autografting reduce scarring in a full-thickness porcine burn model. However, early excision (2 days after injury) reduces scar thickness to a greater extent than later (after 14 days) excision.
Clinical Significance of Internal Mammary Lymph Node Biopsy during Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Review of 264 Cases
Authors: Wright Eric J. , Momeni Arash , Kraneburg Ursula M. , Otake Leo R. , Echo Anthony , Lee Tim , Buchanan Edward P. , Lee Gordon K.
Published: May 2016

Background:

Despite the knowledge of alternate lymphatic draining patterns of the breast, routine evaluation of the internal mammary lymph node basin is still not considered standard of care. The advent of microsurgical breast reconstruction using the internal mammary vessels as recipients, however, has allowed sampling of internal mammary lymph nodes with technical ease, thus revisiting their role in breast cancer management. In the present study, the authors reviewed their experience with this practice.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent internal mammary lymph node biopsy at the time of autologous breast reconstruction using the internal mammary vessels between 2004 and 2012 was performed. Parameters of interest included patient age, timing of reconstruction (immediate versus delayed), disease stage, and pathologic findings of internal mammary lymph nodes.

Results:

A total of 264 autologous breast reconstructions using the internal mammary vessels were performed in 204 patients with a median age of 44.5 years. The majority of reconstructions were immediate [n = 211 (79.9 percent)]. Seventy-two percent of patients had either stage I [72 patients (35.3 percent)] or stage II disease [75 patients (36.8 percent)]. Six patients were found to have internal mammary lymph node metastasis. Stage migration and alteration in adjuvant therapy occurred in all patients.

Conclusion:

Internal mammary lymph node sampling at the time of autologous breast reconstruction using the internal mammary system should become routine practice, as the morbidity associated with internal mammary lymph node harvest is low and the impact in cases of nodal involvement is quite substantial.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Anatomy of the Vascularized Lateral Femoral Condyle Flap
Authors: Parvizi Daryousch , Vasilyeva Anna , Wurzer Paul , Tuca Alexandru , Lebo Patricia , Winter Raimund , Clayton Robert P. , Rappl Thomas , Schintler Michael V. , Kamolz Lars-P. , Buerger Heinz K.
Published: May 2016

Background:

The perforators of the free lateral femoral condyle flap have yet to be adequately described in humans. Therefore, the authors investigated the perforator vessels of the lateral femoral condyle flap in an anatomical study and discussed potential clinical applications with a particular interest in its indication with vascularized bone and/or iliotibial band for tendon repair surgery.

Methods:

The authors dissected thighs of 28 cadavers to evaluate the anatomical properties of perforator vessels that branch from the superior lateral genicular artery and supply bone, cartilage, subcutaneous tissue, and the iliotibial band of the lateral femoral condyle.

Results:

In each dissected thigh, the superior lateral genicular artery was present and the average pedicle length was 38 ± 10 mm. The average diameter of the superior lateral genicular artery, proximal to its distribution into the deep articular and superficial patellar branches, was 2 ± 0.5 mm. A communication between deep articular and superficial patellar branches was seen in 96 percent of the dissected thighs. In 24 cases (86 percent), the authors were able to show the iliotibial band perforating vessel and harvest a free lateral femoral condyle flap as an osteochondral fasciocutaneous bone flap with vascularized tendon.

Conclusions:

Altogether, the authors’ results indicate that the blood supply of the lateral femoral condyle flap is consistent and the lateral femoral condyle flap could serve as a free composite flap for complex indications in hand or limb reconstructive surgery. Clinical studies to compare the lateral femoral condyle to other well-established microsurgical free flaps are warranted.
Prenatal Features Predictive of Robin Sequence Identified by Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Rogers-Vizena Carolyn R. , Mulliken John B. , Daniels Kimberly M. , Estroff Judy A.
Published: May 2016

Background:

Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used to detect congenital anomalies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prenatal magnetic resonance imaging accurately characterizes features predictive of postnatal Robin sequence so that possible airway compromise and feeding difficulty at birth can be anticipated.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively identified pregnant women who underwent fetal magnetic resonance imaging between 2002 and 2014 and were found to be carrying a fetus with micrognathia. Micrognathia was subjectively categorized as minor, moderate, or severe. Pregnancy outcome was determined as follows: intrauterine fetal demise, elective termination, early neonatal death, or viable infant. Postnatal findings of micrognathia, Robin sequence, and associated anomalies were compared to prenatal findings.

Results:

Micrognathia was identified in 123 fetuses. Fifty-two pregnancies (42.3 percent) produced a viable infant. The remainder resulted in termination in the fetal period or death shortly after birth resulting from unrelated causes. For infants who lived, prenatal micrognathia was categorized as minor (55.1 percent), moderate (30.6 percent), or severe (14.3 percent). Forty-two percent of neonates with minor prenatal micrognathia had postnatal micrognathia; however, only 11.1 percent had Robin sequence. All neonates with moderate fetal micrognathia had postnatal micrognathia, and the majority had Robin sequence (86.7 percent). All newborns with severe micrognathia had Robin sequence and all prenatally diagnosed with glossoptosis had Robin sequence.

Conclusions:

Prenatal findings of moderate or severe micrognathia or glossoptosis are predictive of postnatal Robin sequence, thus expediting appropriate perinatal management of airway and feeding problems.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Diagnostic, IV.
A ciliate memorizes the geometry of a swimming arena
Authors: Kunita Itsuki , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Tero Atsushi , Akiyama Masakazu , Kuroda Shigeru , Nakagaki Toshiyuki
Published: May 2016

Previous studies on adaptive behaviour in single-celled organisms have given hints to the origin of their memorizing capacity. Here we report evidence that a protozoan ciliateTetrahymenahas the capacity to learn the shape and size of its swimming space. Cells confined in a small water droplet for a short period were found to recapitulate circular swimming trajectories upon release. The diameter of the circular trajectories and their duration reflected the size of the droplet and the period of confinement. We suggest a possible mechanism for this adaptive behaviour based on a Ca2+channel. In our model, repeated collisions with the walls of a confining droplet result in a slow rise in intracellular calcium that leads to a long-term increase in the reversal frequency of the ciliary beat.