bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of a 17q12 variant with both fetal and infant smoke exposure in the development of childhood asthma‐like symptoms
Authors: van der Valk R. J. P. , Duijts L. , Kerkhof M. , Willemsen S. P. , Hofman A. , Moll H. A. , Smit H. A. , Brunekreef B. , Postma D. S. , Jaddoe V. W. V. , Koppelman G. H. , de Jongste J. C.
Published: April 2012

Background

Gene variants on chromosome 17q12‐21 are associated with an increased risk of childhood‐onset asthma, a risk known to be modified by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).

Objectives

To assess whether the association of rs2305480 on chromosome 17q12 in the GSDML gene with asthma‐like symptoms in the first 4 years of life is modified by smoke exposure during fetal and early postnatal life.

Methods

We used data from two independent prospective cohort studies from fetal life onwards in the Netherlands. We genotyped rs2305480 and assessed maternal smoking during pregnancy and ETS exposure at the age of 2. Asthma‐like symptoms, defined as any reported wheezing, shortness of breath or dry nocturnal cough, were reported by parents when the children were 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. Analyses were based on a total group of 4461 Caucasian children.

Results

The G risk‐allele of rs2305480 was associated with asthma‐like symptoms [overall odds ratio 1.17 (1.11, 1.24), 2.66E‐9]. The effect of rs2305480 on asthma‐like symptoms was stronger among children who were exposed to smoke during fetal life (P‐interaction = 0.04). Smoke exposure in early postnatal life was also associated with an increased effect of the 17q12 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on asthma‐like symptoms (P‐interaction = 5.06E‐4). These associations were consistent in both cohorts.

Conclusion

A 17q12 variant, rs2305480, was associated with asthma‐like symptoms in preschool children, and this association was modified by smoke exposure already during fetal life, and in infancy. Further investigation regarding SNPs in linkage disequilibrium with rs2305480 in relation to pathophysiological pathways is needed.
Detection of a new HLA‐B*15 allele, HLA‐B*15:238, in a voluntary stem cell donor
Authors: Parkner A. M. , Halm‐Heinrich I. , Hahn J. , Heim M. U.
Published: April 2012

The newly detected HLA‐B*15:238 is distinguished from HLA‐B*15:52 by a single‐nucleotide exchange at position 527 where T is replaced by A.
The impact of hepatic portoenterostomy on liver transplantation for the treatment of biliary atresia: Early failure adversely affects outcome
Authors: Alexopoulos Sophoclis P. , Merrill Melanie , Kin Cindy , Matsuoka Lea , Dorey Fred , Concepcion Waldo , Esquivel Carlos , Bonham Andrew
Published: April 2012

Alexopoulos SP, Merrill M, Kin C, Matsuoka L, Dorey F, Concepcion W, Esquivel C, Bonham A. The impact of hepatic portoenterostomy on liver transplantation for the treatment of biliary atresia: Early failure adversely affects outcome.

Abstract:  The most common indication for pediatric LTx is biliary atresia with failed HPE, yet the effect of previous HPE on the outcome after LTx has not been well characterized. We retrospectively reviewed a single‐center experience with 134 consecutive pediatric liver transplants for the treatment of biliary atresia from 1 May 1995 to 28 April 2008. Of 134 patients, 22 underwent LTx without prior HPE (NPE), while 112 patients underwent HPE first. HPE patients were grouped into EF, defined as need for LTx within the first year of life, and LF, defined as need for LTx beyond the first year of life. NPE and EF groups differed significantly from the LF group in age, weight, PELD, and ICU status (p < 0.05) with NPE having the highest PELD and ICU status. Patients who underwent salvage LTx after EF following HPE had a significantly higher incidence of post‐operative bacteremia and septicemia (p < 0.05), and subsequently lower survival rates. One‐year patient survival and graft survival were as follows: NPE 100%, EF 81%, and LF 96% (p < 0.05); and NPE 96%, EF 79%, and LF 96% (p < 0.05). Further investigation into the optimal treatment of biliary atresia should focus on identifying patients at high risk of EF who may benefit from proceeding directly to LTx given the increased risk of post‐LTx bacteremia, sepsis, and death after failed HPE.
Characterization of glycine‐rich RNA‐binding proteins in Brassica napus under stress conditions
Authors: Kim Min Kyung , Jung Hyun Ju , Kim Dong Hyun , Kang Hunseung
Published: April 2012

Although the functional roles of glycine‐rich RNA‐binding proteins (GRPs) during stress adaptation have been extensively evaluated in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa), the stress‐responsive roles of a majority of GRPs have not been characterized in other plant species including rapeseed (Brassica napus). Here, the characteristic features and stress‐responsive expression patterns of GRPs in B. napus (BnGRPs) were investigated. The genome of B. napus contains seven closely related BnGRPs, where the amino acid sequences of a well‐conserved RNA‐recognition motif at the N‐terminal region are highly similar to each other but the sequences of the C‐terminal glycine‐rich region vary greatly among different BnGRPs. The transcript levels of all BnGRPs were markedly upregulated by cold stress, while their expression was significantly downregulated by dehydration or high salinity stress. Among the seven BnGRPs evaluated, BnGRP1 was characterized in more detail for its cellular localization and functional role as an RNA chaperone under cold stress. Cold‐induced BnGRP1 successfully complemented the cold‐sensitive phenotype of Escherichia coli mutant BX04 cells under cold stress, and harbored DNA‐ and RNA‐melting abilities. Ectopic expression of BnGRP1 in Arabidopsis resulted in accelerated seed germination and enhanced freezing tolerance of the plant under cold or freezing stress. Collectively, the results of this study support the emerging idea that GRPs are functionally conserved RNA chaperones during the cold adaptation process in diverse plant species.
Parallel reduction in expression of the eye development gene hedgehog in separately derived cave populations of the amphipod Gammarus minus
Authors: ASPIRAS A. C. , PRASAD R. , FONG D. W. , CARLINI D. B. , ANGELINI D. R.
Published: April 2012

Caves provide excellent settings to examine evolutionary questions. Subterranean environments are characterized by similar and consistent conditions. Cave‐adapted species often share characteristics such as diminished pigmentation, elongated limbs and reduced or absent eyes. Relatively little is known about the evolution and development of troglomorphic traits in invertebrates. In this study, we compare expression of the eye development genes hedgehog, pax6, sine oculis and dachshund in individuals from multiple independently derived cave populations of the amphipod Gammarus minus. hedgehog expression was significantly reduced in cave populations, compared to genetically related surface populations. Interestingly, no differences were found in pax6, sine oculis or dachshund expression. Because hedgehog‐related genes are also involved in eye reduced in Astyanax mexicanus, these genes may be consistent targets of evolution during cave adaptation. These results provide support for the hypothesis of genomic ‘hotspots’ of evolution and allow comparison of adaptive mechanisms among diverse animals in subterranean environments.
Geographic variation in corticosterone response to chronic predator stress in tadpoles
Authors: DAHL E. , ORIZAOLA G. , WINBERG S. , LAURILA A.
Published: April 2012

Chronic stress often affects growth and development negatively, and these effects are often mediated via glucocorticoid hormones, which elevate during stress. We investigated latitudinal variation in corticosterone (CORT) response to chronic predator stress in Rana temporaria tadpoles along a 1500‐km latitudinal cline in Sweden tadpoles, in a laboratory experiment. We hypothesized that more time‐constrained high‐latitude populations have evolved a lower CORT response to chronic stress to maintain higher growth under stressful conditions. Southern tadpoles had higher CORT content in response to predators after 1 day of exposure, whereas there was no increase in CORT in the northern populations. Two weeks later, there were no predator‐induced CORT elevations. Artificially elevated CORT levels strongly decreased growth, development and survival in both northern and southern tadpoles. We suggest that the lower CORT response in high‐latitude populations can be connected with avoidance of CORT‐mediated reduction in growth and development, but also discuss other possible explanations.
Waterlogging and Hypoxia have Permanent Effects on Wheat Root Growth and Respiration
Authors: Araki H. , Hossain M. A. , Takahashi T.
Published: April 2012

Waterlogging causes long‐lasting damage to wheat (Triticum aestivum). Root growth and respiration were investigated after heading in waterlogged, pot‐grown, wheat plants and also in hydroponically grown, wheat seedlings exposed to a hypoxic treatment. In the pot experiment, plants were subjected to 8 days of waterlogging after heading. This period of waterlogging resulted in reduced shoot and root growth through to maturity. The root CO2 emission rates of previously waterlogged and well‐drained plants were about 220 and 140 nmol g−1 per s, respectively, with the rate differences persisting from 10 days after anthesis through to maturity. In the hydroponic experiments, seedlings (Feekes stage 2.0) were exposed to root‐zone, hypoxic treatment for 10–19 days. The roots showed 27 % higher CO2 emission rates and 37 % higher O2 consumption rates, compared with untreated roots. In whole root systems, the high respiration rates found during hypoxic treatment disappeared during recovery under aerated conditions as a result of the appearance of newly initiated roots. However, measurements of the respiration of the previously hypoxic roots showed abnormally high respiration rates. In roots exposed to hypoxic treatment, total sugar concentrations were 3.6‐times higher than in untreated roots indicating that this elevation of sugar may be responsible for the continued high respiration rate. This study shows that roots exposed to waterlogging or to hypoxic treatments do not increase their weights and thus recover from the metabolic disturbances resulting from these treatments.
Defining Plant Resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi: A Standardized Approach to Assessment
Authors: Allardyce Jane A. , Rookes James E. , Cahill David M.
Published: April 2012

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a soil‐borne plant pathogen that causes devastating disease in agricultural and natural systems worldwide. While a small number of species survive infection by the pathogen without producing disease symptoms, the nature of resistance, especially under controlled conditions, remains poorly understood. At present, there are no standardized criteria by which resistance or susceptibility to P. cinnamomi can be assessed, and we have used five parameters consisting of plant fresh weight, root growth, lesion length, relative chlorophyll content of leaves and pathogen colonization of roots to analyse responses to the pathogen. The parameters were tested using two plant species, Zea mays and Lupinus angustifolius, through a time course study of the interactions and resistance and susceptibility defined 7 days after inoculation. A scoring system was devised to enable differentiation of these responses. In the resistant interaction with Z. mays, there was no significant difference in fresh weight, root length and relative chlorophyll content in inoculated compared with control plants. Both lesion size and pathogen colonization of root tissues were limited to the site of inoculation. Following inoculation L. angustifolius showed a significant reduction in plant fresh weight and relative leaf chlorophyll content, cessation of root growth and increased lesion lengths and pathogen colonization. We propose that this technique provides a standardized method for plant–P. cinnamomi interactions that could be widely used to differentiate resistant from susceptible species.
Treatment cost of invasive fungal disease (Ifd) in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (Aml) or myelodysplastic syndrome (Mds) in German hospitals
Authors: Rieger C. T. , Cornely O. A. , Hoppe‐Tichy T. , Kiehl M. , Knoth H. , Thalheimer M. , Schuler U. , Ullmann A. J. , Ehlken B. , Ostermann H.
Published: April 2012

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) causes increasing morbidity and mortality in haematological cancer patients. Reliable cost data for treating IFD in German hospitals is not available. Objective of the study was to determine the institutional cost of treating the IFD. Data were obtained by retrospective chart review in German hospitals. Patients had either newly diagnosed or relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Direct medical cost was calculated from hospital provider’s perspective. A total of 108 patients were enrolled at 5 tertiary care hospitals, 36 IFD patients and 72 controls. The vast majority of IFD patients (74%) were diagnosed with invasive aspergillosis. On average, the hospital stay for IFD patients was 12 days longer than in control patients. All patients in the IFD group and 89% of patients in the control group received antifungal drugs. Mean direct costs per patient were €51 517 in the IFD group and €30 454 in the control group. Incremental costs of €21 063 were dominated by cost for antifungal drugs (36%), hospital stay (32%) and blood products (23%). From the perspective of hospitals in Germany the economic burden of IFD in patients with AML or MDS is substantial. Therefore, prevention of IFD is necessary with respect to both clinical and economic reasons.
Direct infusion of fenoldopam into the renal arteries to protect against contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients at increased risk
Authors: Talati Sapan , Kirtane Ajay J , Hassanin Ahmed , Mehran Roxana , Leon Martin B , Moses Jeffrey W , Weisz Giora
Published: April 2012

Fenoldopam is a dopamine‐like receptor agonist that selectively increases renal medullary blood flow. Despite promising pathophysiology, randomized controlled trials have failed to show a benefit with intravenous infusion of fenoldopam in preventing contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN).

The aims of the present study were to examine the efficacy of intrarenal (i.r.) fenoldopam in preventing CIN in high‐risk patients undergoing coronary angiograms and percutaneous revascularization.

The present study was a single centre, retrospective observational matched cohort study that included 52 patients at risk of developing CIN to whom i.r. fenoldopam was given during catheter‐based coronary procedures. For each patient treated, a control patient was identified on basis of an identical Mehran score. Observed rates of CIN and in‐hospital dialysis were compared between the i.r. fenoldopam and control groups.

Direct comparison of the 52 patients treated with i.r. fenoldopam and the 52 matched controls revealed that the two groups had similar baseline clinical characteristics and creatinine levels (2.4 ± 0.7 vs. 2.2 ± 0.6 mg/dL; P = 0.12). In the i.r. fenoldopam group, six patients (11.5%) developed CIN, compared with 16 patients in the control group (30.8%; risk ratio 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.88; P = 0.012).

None of the patients in the fenoldopam group needed in‐hospital dialysis, compared with three patients in the control group.

A larger prospective randomized study is needed to prove the effectiveness of this protective approach.
Morphological and anatomical analyses of rheophytic Rhododendron ripense Makino (Ericaceae)
Authors: UEDA RYOSUKE , MINAMIYA YUKIO , HIRATA AYA , HAYAKAWA HIROSHI , MURAMATSU YUKO , SAITO MICHIHIRO , FUKUDA TATSUYA
Published: April 2012

The comparative morphology and anatomy of the leaves of the rheophytic Rhododendron ripense and the closely related inland species Rhododendron macrosepalum were examined. The leaf of R. ripense is thinner than that of R. macrosepalum, with leaf length to width ratios (leaf index) of 2.92 and 1.91, respectively. Moreover, the leaf of R. ripense consists of fewer cells than the leaf of R. macrosepalum, suggesting stenophyllization of R. ripense caused by the decreased number of cells. In addition, leaf thickness and the number of stomata per leaf of R. ripense were significantly greater than those of R. macrosepalum, but the density of the short glandular pilose hairs on the leaf of R. ripense was lower. The observed morphological differences between the two species may be explained by certain aspects of the riparian environment, such as high irradiation and frequent flooding after heavy rainfall, to which R. ripense is exposed.
Floral traits and reproduction of Avicennia schaueriana Moldenke (Acanthaceae): a generalist pollination system in the Lamiales
Authors: NADIA TARCILA DE LIMA , DE MENEZES NANUZA LUIZA , MACHADO ISABEL CRISTINA
Published: April 2012

Pollination systems may vary in their degree of specialization from generalist to specialist and this is associated with the frequency and efficiency of pollinators. Self‐compatibility and a generalist pollination system appear to be adaptations that enhance the ability for colonizing new areas, which is typical of mangrove species. Avicennia schaueriana is a western mangrove species included in Acanthaceae, Lamiales, an order known to have specialized pollination. We aimed to describe the floral morphology and analyze the pollination and reproductive systems of A. schaueriana in a mangrove area on the northern coast of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, to analyze the possible adaptations of this species to the environment. Avicennia schaueriana is self‐compatible; however, pollination activity is essential because there is no spontaneous formation of fruit. Reproductive efficacy was high, indicating pollinator efficiency. Some floral attributes of A. schaueriana suggest specialization; however, the broad spectrum of pollinators observed suggests that it has a generalist pollination system. The way in which pollinators interact with flowers and the environmental conditions may have exerted a selective force on the floral attributes of A. schaueriana, characterizing an adaptive generalized pollination system, which is somewhat specialized.
AutismPro system in supporting treatment of children with autism in Poland
Authors: Waligórska Anna , Pisula Ewa , Waligórski Michał , Letachowicz Maciej
Published: April 2012

Background:  The efficacy of early intervention programs for children with autism has been emphasized in many studies. However, access for people with autism to professional services in Poland is very limited and the burden of supporting a child's development often falls on parents, especially in families with low socioeconomic status and families living far away from big cities. Using Internet resources in planning and delivering individualized intervention may be useful. This study examined the effects of a home program of intervention based on the AutismPro system with elements of consultative therapy.

Methods:  Ten families of children with a diagnosis of autism participated in the project; nine of them completed the 6‐month program of intervention. Parents were taught to use the AutismPro system and implement the intervention techniques in a home setting. Modification of the intervention program to suit individual children's needs and evaluations of children's progress were performed during consultation meetings with therapists. The pre‐ and post‐treatment measurement of child development was performed using the Psychoeducational Profile – Revised (PEP‐R).

Results:  Children involved in the study progressed in total PEP‐R scores and on the PEP‐R subtest of fine motor, gross motor, non‐verbal and verbal cognitive skills and eye–hand integration. Parents expressed positive opinions on the program.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that an intervention which combines the use of the Internet support tool and professional consultations may provide benefits to the children with autism. There are, however, methodological limitations of the study to be taken into account when interpreting the results.
Outcome of fetal echocardiography: A 17 year single‐institution experience in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Ayumi , Aoyagi Yoshimichi , Mitomo Masaki , Endo Kisei , Mochizuki Izumi , Kaneko Mariko , Fukuda Yutaka , Momoi Nobuo , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: April 2012

Background:  The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of prenatal diagnosis on perinatal outcomes of congenital heart disease (CHD) over a 17 year period at a single center.

Methods:  The perinatal outcome of CHD in 146 patients diagnosed on fetal echocardiography between 1994 and 2010 were reviewed. The characteristics of 193 neonatal inpatients with CHD treated at the authors’ department between 2001 and 2010 were also analyzed; among the inpatients, 61 were diagnosed before birth (prenatal group) and 132 were diagnosed after birth (postnatal group).

Results:  Among the 146 patients prenatally diagnosed with CHD, the prenatal mortality, including abortion and stillbirth, decreased from 1994 to 2010. Among the 193 neonatal inpatients, the prenatal group had lower gestational age and bodyweight than the postnatal group. Further, the prenatal group had lower blood pH at admission, but no patient in that group experienced ductal shock, although six patients in the postnatal group did. The average dose of prostaglandin E1 used in duct‐dependent CHD was significantly lower in the prenatal group than in the postnatal group (3.4 vs. 4.6 ng/kg per min; P = 0.015).

Conclusions:  Prenatal diagnosis of CHD enables planned labor, prevents ductal shock, and reduces prostaglandin E1 side‐effects and medical expenditure.
Application of a standardized anatomical classification in a Chinese partial nephrectomy series
Authors: Kong Wen , Zhang Jin , Dong Baijun , Chen Yonghui , Xue Wei , Liu Dongming , Huang Yiran
Published: April 2012

Objective:  Preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification is a standardized system to assess the anatomical complexity of renal tumors and its impact on perioperative outcomes of partial nephrectomy. The objective is to apply the preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification in a series of Chinese patients undergoing open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Methods:  A total of 195 consecutive renal tumors treated with open partial nephrectomy or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between June 2008 and May 2011 were included in this analysis. All the preoperative images and clinical records were retrospectively evaluated. Complication rate, warm ischemia time, operation time and degree of blood loss were compared among different risk groups (low risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score 6–7; intermediate risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score 8–9; high risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score ≥10). The original preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score system was modified by replacing rim location with hilar vasculature involvement and tested for prediction of overall complications.

Results:  The median preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was 8. Overall complication rate was 17.9%. Preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was an independent predictor for perioperative complications. Intermediate and high‐risk patients had a four‐ and 37‐fold higher risk of complications respectively (P = 0.012, P < 0.001). Higher preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score predicted longer operation time (P = 0.007), warm ischemia time (P < 0.001) and higher degree of blood loss (P = 0.003) in open partial nephrectomy patients. In laparoscopic partial nephrectomy patients, preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was also a predictor for warm ischemia time (P = 0.033); however, it was not significant for operation time and degree of blood loss (P = 0.325, P = 0.302). The modified preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was an independent predictor for overall complications (P < 0.001); however, its superiority could not be verified (P = 0.847).

Conclusions:  The preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification predicts the risk of overall complications in Chinese patients undergoing nephron‐sparing surgery. Replacing the rim location with hilar vasculature involvement might be a promising modification of this scoring system.
Clinical and imaging overview of functional adrenal neoplasms
Authors: Low Gavin , Sahi Kamal
Published: April 2012

Adrenal adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma are four discrete adrenal neoplasms that have the potential for functional activity. Functional adrenal neoplasms can secrete cortisol, aldosterone, sex hormones or catecholamines. These heterogeneous groups of tumors show varied biological behavior and clinical outcomes. These neoplasms are encountered with increasing clinical frequency as a result of an expansion in the volume of medical imaging carried out. The clinical presentation, including prognosis and treatment options, and the imaging features of these neoplasms are discussed. The key radiological observations of each of these neoplasms are shown using multimodality images. Familiarity with the clinical and imaging features of these neoplasms improves diagnosis, and facilitates appropriate clinical decision‐making and patient management.
Double‐balloon endoscopy in clinical practice: Where are we now?
Authors: Rondonotti Emanuele , Sunada Keijiro , Yano Tomonori , Paggi Silvia , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: April 2012

Double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) was developed in 2000 for the diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases. Although use rates still differ between Eastern and Western countries, DBE quickly reached a broad global diffusion. Together with capsule endoscopy (CE), DBE represented ‘a revolution’ for the management of small bowel diseases because of its therapeutic capabilities. At present, the main indications for DBE in clinical practice are obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease and familial polyposis. In the setting of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, DBE seems to have similar diagnostic performances as capsule endoscopy, but it allows for a more definitive diagnosis and the treatment of identified lesions. The main contribution of DBE in the management of Crohn's disease patients is its therapeutic capabilities. Indeed, several recently published studies have suggested that endoscopic dilation of small bowel strictures can delay or, in the near future, could even replace surgical interventions. Also, for patients with familial polyposis syndromes, DBE can represent a viable alternative to small bowel surgery. The complication rate of DBE appears to be low; major complications, such as pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation, have been reported in approximately 1% of all diagnostic DBE whereas the complication rate for therapeutic procedures is about 5%.
Prediction of functional disability by depressive state among community‐dwelling elderly in Japan: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yamazaki Sachiko , Nakano Kyoko , Saito Emiko , Yasumura Seiji
Published: April 2012

Aim:  We carried out a prospective cohort study to evaluate the risk factors of functional disability by depressive state.

Methods:  A total of 783 men and women, aged 70 years and over, participated in this study. We followed the participants in terms of the onset of functional disability by using a public long‐term care insurance database. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to measure depressive state. Age, sex, history of chronic disease, living alone, fall experience, cognitive impairment, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), the Motor Fitness Scale (MFS), frequency of going out and social support at baseline were used as the main covariates. The Cox regression analysis was used to examine the difference in functional disability stratified according to depressive state.

Results:  The incidence of functional disability was 38 persons in the non‐depression group and 42 persons in the depression group (RR 2.34; 95% CI 1.46–3.79). The results of the depression group showed a significant difference in cognitive impairment (HR 3.51; 95% CI 1.39–8.85), MFS (HR 5.60; 95% CI 1.32–23.81) and IADL (HR 3.37; 95% CI 1.65–6.85). The results of the non‐depression group showed a significant difference in MFS (HR 2.97; 95% CI 1.47–6.96), and frequency of going out (HR 3.21; 95% CI 1.47–6.96).

Conclusions:  In conclusion, risk factors for functional disability were found to differ on the basis of whether or not community‐dwelling elderly individuals experience depressive state. The type of support offered must be based on whether or not depressive state is present. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Synchronization of PER1 protein in parabrachial nucleus in a natural model of food anticipatory activity
Authors: Juárez Claudia , Morgado Elvira , Waliszewski Stefan M. , Martínez Armando J. , Meza Enrique , Caba Mario
Published: April 2012

Rabbit pups represent a natural model of food anticipatory activity (FAA). FAA is the behavioral output of a putative food entrainable oscillator (FEO). It had been suggested that the FEO is comprised of a distributed system of clocks that work in concert in response to gastrointestinal input by food. Scheduled food intake synchronizes several nuclei in the brain, and the hypothalamus has received particular attention. On the contrary, brainstem nuclei, despite being among the brain structures to first receive food cues, have been scarcely studied. Here we analysed by immunohistochemistry possible oscillation of FOS and PER1 proteins through a complete 24‐h cycle in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) and parabrachial nucleus (PBN) of 7–8‐day‐old rabbit pups scheduled to nurse during the night (02:00 h) or day (10:00 h), and also in fasted subjects to explore the possible persistence of oscillations. We found a clear induction of FOS that peaks 1.5 h after nursing in all nuclei studied. PER1 was only synchronized in the PBN, reaching highest values 12 h after nursing. Only PER1 oscillations persisted, with a shift, in fasted subjects. We conclude that the DVC nuclei are probably more related to the transmission of food cues to other brain regions, but that the PBN participates in the integration of information essential for FAA. Our results support previous findings suggesting that the DVC nuclei, but not PBN, are not essential for FAA. We suggest that PBN is a key component of the proposed distributed system of clocks involved in FAA.
Subtype‐dependent postnatal development of taste receptor cells in mouse fungiform taste buds
Authors: Ohtubo Yoshitaka , Iwamoto Masafumi , Yoshii Kiyonori
Published: April 2012

Taste buds contain two types of taste receptor cells, inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor type 3‐immunoreactive cells (type II cells) and synaptosomal‐associating protein‐25‐immunoreactive cells (type III cells). We investigated their postnatal development in mouse fungiform taste buds immunohistochemically and electrophysiologically. The cell density, i.e. the number of cells per taste bud divided by the maximal area of the horizontal cross‐section of the taste bud, of type II cells increased by postnatal day (PD)49, where as that of type III cells was unchanged throughout the postnatal observation period and was equal to that of the adult cells at PD1. The immunoreactivity of taste bud cell subtypes was the same as that of their respective subtypes in adult mice throughout the postnatal observation period. Almost all type II cells were immunoreactive to gustducin at PD1, and then the ratio of gustducin‐immunoreactive type II cells to all type II cells decreased to a saturation level, ∼60% of all type II cells, by PD15. Type II and III cells generated voltage‐gated currents similar to their respective adult cells even at PD3. These results show that infant taste receptor cells are as excitable as those of adults and propagate in a subtype‐dependent manner. The relationship between the ratio of each taste receptor cell subtype to all cells and taste nerve responses are discussed.
α‐blockers, antibiotics and anti‐inflammatories have a role in the management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Thakkinstian Ammarin , Attia John , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat , Nickel J. Curtis
Published: April 2012

Study Type – Therapy (systematic review)

Level of Evidence 1a

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

Individual clinical trials evaluating antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories and α‐blockers for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome have shown only modest or even no benefits for patients compared with placebo, yet we continue to use these agents in selected patients with some success in clinical practice.

This network meta‐analysis of current evidence from all available randomized placebo‐controlled trials with similar inclusion criteria and outcome measures shows that these ‘3‐As’ of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome treatment (antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories and α‐blockers) do offer benefits to some patients, particularly if we use them strategically in selected individuals.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an updated network meta‐analysis mapping α‐blockers, antibiotics and anti‐inflammatories (the 3‐As) in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

To use the results of this meta‐analysis to comment on the role of the 3‐As in clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We updated a previous review including only randomized controlled studies employing the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI) as one of the outcomes to compare treatment effects in CP/CPPS patients.

A longitudinal mixed regression model (network meta‐analysis) was applied to indirectly assess multiple treatment comparisons (i.e. α‐blockers, antibiotics, anti‐inflammatory/immune modulation therapies, α‐blockers plus antibiotics, and placebo).

RESULTS

Nineteen studies (1669 subjects) were eligible for analysis.

α‐blockers, antibiotics and anti‐inflammatory/immune modulation therapies were associated with significant improvement in symptoms when compared with placebo, with mean differences of total CPSI of −10.8 (95% CI −13.2 to −8.3; P < 0.001), −9.7 (95% CI −14.2 to −5.3; P < 0.001) and −1.7 (95% CI −3.2 to −0.2; P= 0.032) respectively, while α‐blockers plus antibiotics resulted in the greatest CPSI difference (−13.6, 95% CI −16.7 to −10.6; P < 0.001).

With respect to responder analysis compared with placebo, anti‐inflammatories showed the greatest response rates (risk ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–2.1; P < 0.001) followed by α‐blockers (risk ratio 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.8; P= 0.013) and antibiotics (risk ratio 1.2, 95% CI 0.7–1.9; P= 0.527).

CONCLUSIONS

α‐blockers, antibiotics and/or anti‐inflammatory/immune modulation therapy appear to be beneficial for some patients with CP/CPPS.

The magnitude of effect and the disconnect between mean CPSI decrease and response rates compared with placebo suggest that directed multimodal therapy, rather than mono‐therapy, with these agents should be considered for optimal management of CP/CPPS.
Diagnostic accuracy of transrectal elastosonography (TRES) imaging for the diagnosis of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aboumarzouk Omar M. , Ogston Simon , Huang Zhihong , Evans Andrew , Melzer Andreas , Stolzenberg Jen‐Uwe , Nabi Ghulam
Published: April 2012

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

Cancer tissue is stiffer than normal tissue, a fact known for many years. This has been measured using ultrasound (US) technology and is termed as elastosonography (ES). There have been reports of this technique being used in the detection of prostate cancer; however, no definite guidelines for its clinical application exist.

The present review, for the first time synthesises published data of transrectal ES (TRES) using diagnostic review methodology. TRES increases prostate cancer detection as compared with grey‐scale US. Also, the study highlights limitations and strengths of data in this area and includes recommendations for future research.

To assess the diagnostic performance of transrectal elastosonography (TRES) for the detection of prostate cancer. Two reviewers independently extracted the data from each study. Quality was assessed with a validated quality assessment tool for diagnostic accuracy studies. Diagnostic accuracy of TRES in relation to current standard references (transrectal ultrasonography [TRUS] biopsies and histopathology of radical prostatectomy [RP] specimens) was estimated. A bivariate random effects model was used to obtain sensitivity and specificity values. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) were calculated. In all, 16 studies (2278 patients) were included in the review. Using histopathology of the RP specimen as reference standard, the pooled data of four studies showed that the sensitivity of TRES ranged between 0.71 to 0.82 and the specificity ranged between 0.60 to 0.95 (pooled diagnostic odds ratio [DOR] 19.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.7–50.03). The sensitivity varied from 0.26 to 0.87 and specificity varied from 0.17 to 0.76 (pooled DOR 2.141; 95% CI 0.525 to –8.737) using TRUS biopsies (minimum of 10) as a reference standard. The quality of most studies was modest. SROC estimated 0.8653 area under the curve predicting high chances of detecting prostate cancer. There were no health economics or health‐related quality of life of the participants reported in the studies and all the studies used compressional technique with no reported standardisation. The TRES technique appears to improve the detection of prostate cancer compared with systematic biopsy and shows a good accuracy in comparison with histopathology of the RP specimen. However, studies lacked standardisation of the technique, had poor quality of reporting and a large variation in the outcomes based on the reference standards and techniques used.
The ice age ecologist: testing methods for reserve prioritization during the last global warming
Authors: Williams John W. , Kharouba Heather M. , Veloz Sam , Vellend Mark , McLachlan Jason , Liu Zhengyu , Otto‐Bliesner Bette , He Feng
Published: April 2012

Aim  We play the role of an ice age ecologist (IAE) charged with conserving biodiversity during the climate changes accompanying the last deglaciation. We develop reserve‐selection strategies for the IAE and check them against rankings based on modern data.

Location  Northern and eastern North America.

Methods  Three reserve‐selection strategies are developed. (1) Abiotic: the IAE uses no information about species–climate relationships, instead maximizing the climatic and geographic dispersion of reserves. (2) Species distribution models (SDMs): the IAE uses boosted‐regression trees calibrated against pollen data and CCSM3 palaeoclimatic simulations from 21 to 15 ka bp to predict modern taxon distributions, then uses these as input to the Zonation reserve‐ranking program. (3) Rank‐and‐regress: regression models are used to identify climatic predictors of zonation rankings. All strategies are assessed against a Zonation ranking based on modern pollen distributions. Analysis units are ecoregions and grid cells.

Results  The abiotic strategy has a negative or no correlation between predicted and actual rankings. The SDM‐based strategy fares better, with a significantly positive area‐corrected correlation (r= 0.474, P < 0.001) between predicted and actual rankings. Predictive ability drops when grid cells are the analysis unit (r= 0.217, P = 0.058). Predictive ability for the rank‐and‐regress strategy is similar to the SDM results.

Main conclusions  For the IAE, SDMs improve the predictive ability of reserve‐selection strategies. However, predictive ability is limited overall, probably due to shifted realized niches during past no‐analogue climates, new species interactions as species responded individually to climate change, and other environmental changes not included in the model. Twenty‐first‐century conservation planning also faces these challenges, and is further complicated by other anthropogenic impacts. The IAE's limited success does not preclude the use of climate scenarios and niche‐based SDMs when developing adaptation strategies, but suggests that such tools offer at best only a rough guide to identifying possible areas of future conservation value.
The space of reflection: thirdness and triadic relationships in family therapy
Authors: Flaskas Carmel
Published: April 2012

This article explores ideas about threes and the triadic space of reflection. Early family therapy theory offered rich ideas about triadic relationship patterns. Contemporary practice frameworks have generated reflective therapeutic practices and an attention to reflexivity. Meanwhile, a contemporary theory constellation allied with psychoanalysis has studied the capacity for ‘thirdness’ in intersubjective relating, reflective functioning and mentalization, and the triadic space of thinking. The article reviews this psychoanalytic theory, explores symbolic thirdness alongside actual triadic relating, and maps an understanding of the space of reflection as triadic and relational. Thinking about the space of reflection as triadic and relational offers one way of orienting ourselves to reflective processes and an inclusive frame for valuing both the earlier family therapy attention to relationship patterns and the different, current contemporary family therapy practices of reflection.
Intergovernmental Relations and Innovation: From Co-Operative to Competitive Welfare Federalism in the UK
Authors: Keating Michael
Published: April 2012

Intergovernmental relations serve several purposes: to resolve conflicts of competence; to deal with overlaps and externalities; to harmonise policies; and to respond to new policy challenges. The United Kingdom is not a federation but an asymmetrically devolved system where the central government doubles up as the government of the largest part. This makes the application of federal intergovernmental theory problematic. At the same time, federations are tending to move from co-operative to competitive federalism. There is no case for greater policy harmonisation. On the contrary, the increased divergence between the dominant English legislative majority and majorities in the devolved territories points to increased autonomy and less harmonisation. There is scope for policy learning within competitive devolution, particularly on new policy challenges.
729. ERIGERON KARVINSKIANUS
Authors: Hind Nicholas
Published: April 2012

Erigeron karvinskianus DC. (Compositae: Astereae: Conyzinae) is described and illustrated, and its cultivation and propagation discussed. The etymology of the species name is explained with a short biography of Baron Karwinsky von Karwin.
Rule‐of‐Thumb Consumers, Productivity, and Hours*
Authors: Furlanetto Francesco , Seneca Martin
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we study the transmission mechanism of productivity shocks in a model with rule‐of‐thumb consumers. In the literature, this financial friction has been studied only with reference to fiscal shocks. We show that the presence of rule‐of‐thumb consumers is also very helpful when accounting for recent empirical evidence on productivity shocks. Rule‐of‐thumb agents, together with nominal and real rigidities, play an important role in reproducing the negative response of hours and the delayed response of output after a productivity shock.
Habitat fragmentation effects on annual survival of the federally protected eastern indigo snake
Authors: Breininger D. R. , Mazerolle M. J. , Bolt M. R. , Legare M. L. , Drese J. H. , Hines J. E.
Published: April 2012

The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) is a federally listed species, most recently threatened by habitat loss and habitat degradation. In an effort to estimate snake survival, a total of 103 individuals (59 males, 44 females) were followed using radio‐tracking fromJanuary 1998 toMarch 2004 in three landscape types that had increasing levels of habitat fragmentation: (1) conservation cores; (2) conservation areas along highways; (3) suburbs. Because of a large number of radio‐tracking locations underground for which the state of snakes (i.e. alive or dead) could not be assessed, we employed a multistate approach to model snake apparent survival and encounter probability of live and dead snakes. We predicted that male snakes in suburbs would have the lowest annual survival. We found a transmitter implantation effect on snake encounter probability, as snakes implanted on a given occasion had a lower encounter probability on the next visit compared with snakes not implanted on the previous occasion. Our results indicated that adult eastern indigo snakes have relatively high survival in conservation core areas, but greatly reduced survival in conservation areas along highways and in suburbs. These findings indicate that habitat fragmentation is likely to be the critical factor for species’ persistence.
Convenience and choice for consumers: the domestic acceptability of canned food between the 1870s and 1930s
Authors: Lyon Phil , Kinney Dave
Published: April 2012

Canned food once represented an astonishingly innovative technology although it is now largely ignored in food discourse. As with so much in our lives, familiarity renders an object invisible. To explore the changing social significance of canned food, as the format developed from scientific curiosity to domestic ubiquity, this paper examines reports in The Scotsman newspaper from the late 1870s to the 1930s. Although canned foods were slow to break into the mass market they were little short of revolutionary in the way they brought new tastes from across the world to ordinary British households. A few cans in the larder provided simple storage and reassurance that the unexpected visitor could be fed – perhaps with something a little out of the ordinary. Against this background of quiet assimilation into our food culture, canned food has been controversial and provided an unwitting rehearsal for contemporary food narratives. In these old newspapers, it was somewhat surprising to find reports of disquiet that are recognizable in our own times – the convenience of canned food posed a threat to culinary skills; questions were raised about the nutritional value and safety of processed food; we had become excessively reliant on imported food and disregarded our own produce.