bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase II study of dose‐dense and dose‐intense ABVD (ABVDDD‐DI) without consolidation radiotherapy in patients with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Russo Filippo , Corazzelli Gaetano , Frigeri Ferdinando , Capobianco Gaetana , Aloj Luigi , Volzone Francesco , De Chiara Annarosaria , Bonelli Annamaria , Gatani Tindaro , Marcacci Gianpaolo , Donnarumma Daniela , Becchimanzi Cristina , de Lutio Elisabetta , Ionna Franco , De Filippi Rosaria , Lastoria Secondo , Pinto Antonello
Published: March 2014

We explored activity and safety of a dose‐dense/dose‐intense adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine regimen (ABVDDD‐DI) in 82 patients with advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma. Patients entered a two‐stage Bryant‐Day Phase II study to receive six cycles of ABVDDD‐DI without consolidation radiotherapy. Cycles were supported with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor and delivered every 21 d; drugs were administered on days 1 and 11 at the same doses of standard ABVD except for doxorubicin (35 mg/m2; first four cycles only). Co‐primary endpoints were complete response (CR) rate and severe acute cardiopulmonary toxicity; secondary endpoints were event‐free (EFS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). All patients received the four doxorubicin‐intensified courses and 96% concluded all six cycles (82·3% within the intended 18 weeks). This translated into a 66·9% increase of received dose‐intensity for doxorubicin and 31·8% for the other agents over standard ABVD. The CR rate was 95·1% (78/82) and 87·8% (72/82) achieved a metabolic CR after two cycles. Cardiopulmonary toxicity never exceeded grade 2 and affected 14·6% of patients. Most frequent toxicities were grade 4 neutropenia (10%) and anaemia (9%), grade 3 infection (17%) and grade 2 mucocutaneous changes (30%). Five‐year EFS and DFS was 88·3% and 93·7%, respectively. ABVDDD‐DI regimen was well‐tolerated and ensured substantial CR and EFS rates without radiotherapy.
Prostate tumour volumes: evaluation of the agreement between magnetic resonance imaging and histology using novel co‐registration software
Authors: Le Nobin Julien , Orczyk Clément , Deng Fang‐Ming , Melamed Jonathan , Rusinek Henry , Taneja Samir S. , Rosenkrantz Andrew B.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate the agreement between prostate tumour volume determined using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and that determined by histological assessment, using detailed software‐assisted co‐registration.

Materials and Methods

A total of 37 patients who underwent 3T multiparametric MRI (T2‐weighted imaging [T2WI], diffusion‐weighted imaging [DWI]/apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], dynamic contrast‐enhanced [DCE] imaging) were included. A radiologist traced the borders of suspicious lesions on T2WI and ADC and assigned a suspicion score of between 2 and 5, while a uropathologist traced the borders of tumours on histopathological photographs. Software was used to co‐register MRI and three‐dimensional digital reconstructions of radical prostatectomy specimens and to compute imaging and histopathological volumes. Agreement in volumes between MRI and histology was assessed using Bland–Altman plots and stratified by tumour characteristics.

Results

Among 50 tumours, the mean differences (95% limits of agreement) in MRI relative to histology were −32% (−128 to +65%) on T2WI and −47% (−143 to +49%) on ADC. For all tumour subsets, volume underestimation was more marked on ADC maps (mean difference ranging from −57 to −16%) than on T2WI (mean difference ranging from −45 to +2%). The 95% limits of agreement were wide for all comparisons, with the lower 95% limit ranging between −77 and −143% across assessments. Volume underestimation was more marked for tumours with a Gleason score ≥7 or a MRI suspicion score 4 or 5.

Conclusion

Volume estimates of prostate cancer using MRI tended to substantially underestimate histopathological volumes, with a wide variability in extent of underestimation across cases. These findings have implications for efforts to use MRI to guide risk assessment.
Antitumor effect of fibrin glue containing temozolomide against malignant glioma
Authors: Anai Shigeo , Hide Takuichiro , Takezaki Tatsuya , Kuroda Jun‐ichiro , Shinojima Naoki , Makino Keishi , Nakamura Hideo , Yano Shigetoshi , Kuratsu Jun‐ichi
Published: March 2014

Temozolomide (TMZ), used to treat glioblastoma and malignant glioma, induces autophagy, apoptosis and senescence in cancer cells. We investigated fibrin glue (FG) as a drug delivery system for the local administration of high‐concentration TMZ aimed at preventing glioma recurrence. Our high‐power liquid chromatography studies indicated that FG containing TMZ (TMZ‐FG) manifested a sustained drug release potential. We prepared a subcutaneous tumor model by injecting groups of mice with three malignant glioma cell lines and examined the antitumor effect of TMZ‐FG. We estimated the tumor volume and performed immunostaining and immunoblotting using antibodies to Ki‐67, cleaved caspase 3, LC3 and p16. When FG sheets containing TMZ (TMZ‐FGS) were inserted beneath the tumors, their growth was significantly suppressed. In mice treated with peroral TMZ plus TMZ‐FGS the tumors tended to be smaller than in mice whose tumors were treated with TMZ‐FGS or peroral TMZ alone. The TMZ‐FGS induced autophagy, apoptosis and senescence in subcutaneous glioma tumor cells. To assess the safety of TMZ‐FG for normal brain, we placed it directly on the brain of living mice and stained tissue sections obtained in the acute and chronic phase immunohistochemically. In both phases, TMZ‐FG failed to severely damage normal brain tissue. TMZ‐FG may represent a safe new drug delivery system with sustained drug release potential to treat malignant glioma.
Suppressive expression of CD274 increases tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell phenotypes in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Tamai Keiichi , Nakamura Mao , Mizuma Masamichi , Mochizuki Mai , Yokoyama Misa , Endo Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Nakagawa Takayuki , Shiina Masaaki , Unno Michiaki , Muramoto Koji , Sato Ikuro , Satoh Kennichi , Sugamura Kazuo , Tanaka Nobuyuki
Published: March 2014

Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive malignant tumor originating from intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts. Its malignant phenotypes may be assumed by cancer stem cells (CSC). Here, we demonstrate that CD274 (PD‐L1), known as an immunomodulatory ligand, has suppressive effects on CSC‐related phenotypes of cholangiocarcinoma. Using two human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, RBE and HuCCT1, we attempted to isolate the CD274low and CD274high cells from each cell line, and xenografted them into immunodeficient NOD⁄scid⁄γcnull (NOG) mice. We found that the CD274low cells isolated from both RBE and HuCCT1 are highly tumorigenic in NOG mice compared with CD274high cells. Furthermore, the CD274low cells possess several CSC‐related characteristics, such as high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, reduced reactive oxygen species production and a dormant state in the cell cycle. Furthermore, depletion of CD274 expression by shRNA in RBE cells enhances their tumorigenicity and increases ALDH activity. These findings are compatible with our observation that clinical cholangiocarcinoma specimens are classified into low and high groups for CD274 expression, and the CD274 low group shows poorer prognosis when compared with the CD274 high group. These results strongly suggest that CD274 has a novel function in the negative regulation of CSC‐related phenotypes in human cholangiocarcinoma, which is distinct from its immunomodulatory actions.
Mothers' work–family conflict and enrichment: associations with parenting quality and couple relationship
Authors: Cooklin A. R. , Westrupp E. , Strazdins L. , Giallo R. , Martin A. , Nicholson J. M.
Published: March 2014

Background

Employment participation of mothers of young children has steadily increased in developed nations. Combining work and family roles can create conflicts with family life, but can also bring enrichment. Work–family conflict and enrichment experienced by mothers may also impact children's home environments via parenting behaviour and the couple relationship, particularly in the early years of parenting when the care demands for young children is high.

Methods

In order to examine these associations, while adjusting for a wide range of known covariates of parenting and relationship quality, regression models using survey data from 2151 working mothers of 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children are reported.

Results/Conclusion

Results provided partial support for the predicted independent relationships between work–family conflict, enrichment and indicators of the quality of parenting and the couple relationship.
Views of primary care providers regarding the return of genome sequencing incidental findings
Authors: Strong K.A. , Zusevics K.L. , Bick D. , Veith R.
Published: March 2014

Sequencing of the entire exome or genome is increasingly used in clinical practice. Debate continues, however, regarding which incidental findings (IFs) should be returned and who should be involved in those decisions. Previous empirical research regarding stakeholder attitudes to the return of IFs has primarily involved genetics professionals; non‐genetics health professionals have not been widely surveyed. Given this, a survey regarding return of IFs was administered at the Best Practices in Pediatrics Conference following an educational presentation on genetics terminology and genetic condition examples. A total of 258 participants completed the survey. Of particular note, respondents who were positively disposed to sequencing did not always report wanting to learn about IFs, even if actionable. This is noteworthy given recent American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines recommending particular actionable IF be returned ‘without reference to patient preference’. This study's findings are important because they provide insight regarding the attitudes to the return of genome sequencing results for an important professional group, primary care providers. Ultimately, as likely gatekeepers to referrals for this technology, their opinions about the test will be key to its successful deployment.
High Cytochrome c Oxidase Expression Links to Severe Skeletal Energy Failure by 31P‐MRS Spectroscopy in Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke‐Like Episodes
Authors: Liu Ai‐Hua , Niu Feng‐Nan , Chang Lei‐Lei , Zhang Bing , Liu Zhuo , Chen Jie‐Yu , Zhou Qiang , Wu Hong‐Yan , Xu Yun
Published: March 2014

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle from patients with Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS) or chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) using phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS), to determine whether abnormally increasing cytochrome c oxidase (COX), as detected in muscle biopsy, could be a cause for MELAS.

Methods

31P‐MRS was performed on the quadriceps femoris muscle of 12 healthy volunteers and 11 patients diagnosed as MELAS or CPEO by muscle biopsy and genetic analysis. All subjects experienced a state of rest, 5‐min exercise, and 5‐min recovery protocol in a supine position.

Results

Compared to CPEO, MELAS patients typically exhibited COX‐positive ragged‐red fibers (RRFs) as well as strongly SDH‐positive blood vessels (SSVs). However, based on 31P‐MRS results, MELAS showed a higher inorganic phosphate (Pi)/phosphocreatine (PCr) ratio and lower ATP/PCr ratio during exercise and delayed Pi/PCr and ATP/PCr recovery to normal.

Conclusions

This study suggests that high COX expression contributes to severe skeletal energy failure by 31P‐MRS spectroscopy in MELAS.
Estimating Climate Resilience for Conservation across Geophysical Settings
Authors: ANDERSON MARK G. , CLARK MELISSA , SHELDON ARLENE OLIVERO
Published: March 2014

Conservationists need methods to conserve biological diversity while allowing species and communities to rearrange in response to a changing climate. We developed and tested such a method for northeastern North America that we based on physical features associated with ecological diversity and site resilience to climate change. We comprehensively mapped 30 distinct geophysical settings based on geology and elevation. Within each geophysical setting, we identified sites that were both connected by natural cover and that had relatively more microclimates indicated by diverse topography and elevation gradients. We did this by scoring every 405 ha hexagon in the region for these two characteristics and selecting those that scored >SD 0.5 above the mean combined score for each setting. We hypothesized that these high‐scoring sites had the greatest resilience to climate change, and we compared them with sites selected by The Nature Conservancy for their high‐quality rare species populations and natural community occurrences. High‐scoring sites captured significantly more of the biodiversity sites than expected by chance (p < 0.0001): 75% of the 414 target species, 49% of the 4592 target species locations, and 53% of the 2170 target community locations. Calcareous bedrock, coarse sand, and fine silt settings scored markedly lower for estimated resilience and had low levels of permanent land protection (average 7%). Because our method identifies—for every geophysical setting—sites that are the most likely to retain species and functions longer under a changing climate, it reveals natural strongholds for future conservation that would also capture substantial existing biodiversity and correct the bias in current secured lands.
Assessment of resident and fellow knowledge of the organ donor referral process
Authors: Gupta Natasha , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline M. , Passarella Ralph J. , Salter Megan L. , Kucirka Lauren M. , Orandi Babak J. , Law Andrew H. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: March 2014

Maximizing deceased donation rates can decrease the organ shortage. Non‐transplant physicians play a critical role in facilitating conversion of potential deceased donors to actual donors, but studies suggest that physicians lack knowledge about the organ donation process. As residency and fellowship are often the last opportunities for formal medical training, we hypothesized that deficiencies in knowledge might originate in residency and fellowship. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey to assess knowledge about organ donation, experience in donor conversion, and opinions of the process among residents and fellows after their intensive care unit rotations at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Of 40 participants, 50% had previously facilitated donor conversion, 25% were familiar with the guidelines of the organ procurement organization (OPO), and 10% had received formal instruction from the OPO. The median score on the knowledge assessment was five of 10; higher knowledge score was not associated with level of medical training, prior training in or experience with donor conversion, or with favorable opinions about the OPO. We identified a pervasive deficit in knowledge among residents and fellows at an academic medical center with an active transplant program that may help explain attending‐level deficits in knowledge about the organ donation process.
Relation of Myocardial Systolic Mechanics to Serum Ferritin Level as a Prognosticator in Thalassemia Patients Undergoing Repeated Transfusion
Authors: Chen Ming‐Ren , Ko Ho‐Shun , Chao Tze‐Fan , Liu Hsi‐Che , Kuo Jen‐Yuan , Bulwer Bernard E. , Yeh Hung‐I , Hung Chung‐Lieh
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Myocardial iron overload leading to congestive heart failure (HF) or arrhythmias is a recognized complication in thalassemia patients undergoing chronic blood transfusion. The relationship between myocardial iron load, subclinical systolic dysfunction, and clinical events remains less well known.

Materials and Methods

We studied a total of 77 subjects, comprising 37 thalassemia patients (mean age: 24.2 ± 5.5 years) with a history of repeated blood transfusions, in addition to 40 age‐ and gender‐matched controls (mean age: 24 ± 4.5 years). Serum ferritin levels were checked in all subjects, as well as semiautomated quantification of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal, circumferential, and radial deformations assessed by two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking analysis.

Results

Compared with the control group, thalassemia patients showed significantly larger LV mass index and lower myocardial deformations (P < 0.05), but left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) did not differ significantly (P = 0.233). There was a significant linear correlation between serum ferritin level and longitudinal (r = 0.44, P = 0.0078) and radial strain (r = −0.46, P = 0.0051), with optimal cutoff provided to be −15.48%, −21.31%, and 26.67% for longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain in predicting clinical events, respectively. During a median of 802.5 days follow‐up, 11 clinical composites (HF incidence, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, and death) occurred (N = 9 subjects); subjects with composites had significantly reduced longitudinal and radial strain compared to those without (both P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, serum ferritin level, and LV mass index, a worsening of longitudinal strain remained as an independent predictor of clinical events and death (HR: 6.05, P = 0.033).

Conclusion

Subclinical systolic dysfunction appears more likely in thalassemia subjects with a history of repeated blood transfusions, which further correlated with serum ferritin levels. In addition, worsening LV myocardial deformation parameters may play an independent role in predicting clinical outcomes beyond traditional measures in this population.
Abnormalities of quantities and functions of linker for activations of T cells in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Sheng Weiwei , Liu Chunyan , Fu Rong , Wang Huaquan , Qu Wen , Ruan Erbao , Wang Guojin , Liu Hong , Wu Yuhong , Song Jia , Xing Limin , Guan Jing , Li Lijuan , Liu Hui , Shao Zonghong
Published: March 2014

Objective

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a rare immune‐regulated disease characterized by severe pancytopenia and bone marrow failure, caused by destruction of hematopoietic cells by the activated T lymphocytes. Linker for activation of T cells (LAT), a transmembrane adaptor protein, plays a key role in T‐cell and mast cell functions. However, it remains unclear how LAT may change in patients with SAA. This study aims at understanding the role of lymphocyte LAT in SAA.

Methods

The expression of LAT, related signaling molecules, and T‐cell effector molecules was determined by flow cytometry. LAT mRNA was evaluated by quantitative real‐time PCR. Cytokine production by cultured T cells was determined by ELISA.

Results

Patients with SAA had an increased levels of LAT and both total phosphorylated LAT and of the related molecule (ZAP‐70) in circulating T cells compared with normal controls. In patients with SAA, the expression of LAT was positively associated with the expression of perforin and granzyme B in CD8+ T cells. Inhibition of LAT expression in T cells from patients with SAA decreased the activation of the CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets. Overexpression of LAT in T cells from normal controls increased the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets with increased apoptosis of K562 cells in coculture.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that dysregulation of LAT expression and activation may contribute to over‐function of T cells, imbalance of Th1/Th2 subsets and thus lead to hematopoiesis failure in SAA. Immunosuppressive therapy dramatically reduced the expression of LAT making it an attractive therapeutic target in SAA.
Intracellular calcium elevation during plateau potentials mediated by extrasynaptic NMDA receptor activation in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons is primarily due to calcium entry through voltage‐gated calcium channels
Authors: Oda Yoshiaki , Kodama Satoshi , Tsuchiya Sadahiro , Inoue Masashi , Miyakawa Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2014

We reported previously that plateau potentials mediated by extrasynaptic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) can be induced either by synaptic stimulation in the presence of glutamate transporter antagonist or by iontophoresis of NMDA in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. To examine whether the plateau potentials are accompanied by an elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and to determine the source of Ca2+ elevation, we performed Ca2+ imaging during the plateau potential. Neurons were loaded with Ca2+ indicator fluo‐4, and the plateau potentials were generated either synaptically in the presence of glutamate transporter antagonist or by iontophoretically applying NMDA. We have found that a transient elevation in intracellular Ca2+ accompanies the plateau potential. The synaptically induced plateau potential and the Ca2+ elevation were blocked by 5,7‐dichlorokynurenic acid (5,7‐dCK), an antagonist for the glycine‐binding sites of NMDAR. A mixture of Cd2+ and tetrodotoxin did not block NMDA‐induced plateau potentials, but completely abolished the accompanying Ca2+ elevation in both the presence and absence of Mg2+ ions in the bathing solution. The NMDA‐induced plateau potential was blocked by further adding 5,7‐dCK. Our results show that the NMDAR‐mediated plateau potential is accompanied by elevation of intracellular Ca2+ that is primarily caused by the influx of Ca2+ through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels.
Contrast‐dependent OFF‐dominance in cat primary visual cortex facilitates discrimination of stimuli with natural contrast statistics
Authors: Liu Kefei , Yao Haishan
Published: March 2014

Both theoretical and experimental studies suggest that response properties in the visual system are shaped by signals in the natural environment. Recent studies showed that, in the primary visual cortex (V1), neurons preferring light decrements (OFF stimuli) outnumber those preferring light increments (ON stimuli). However, it is not clear whether the OFF‐dominance in V1 neurons is related to the contrast statistics in natural images. By analysing the distribution of negative and positive contrasts in natural images at several spatial scales, we showed that optimal coding of the natural contrast signals would lead to a contrast‐dependent OFF‐dominant response, with a stronger degree of OFF‐dominance at a higher contrast. Using bright and dark stimuli at various contrast levels to measure the receptive fields of neurons in cat V1, we found an increasing degree of OFF‐dominance of the neuronal population as the contrast was increased. By modeling receptive fields exhibiting OFF‐ and ON‐dominance, we found that contrast‐dependent OFF‐dominance facilitated the discrimination of stimuli with natural contrast distribution. Thus, by matching contrast‐dependent OFF‐dominance to the statistics of contrast distribution in natural images, V1 neurons may better discriminate contrast information in natural scenes.
Does recognized genetic management in supportive breeding prevent genetic changes in life‐history traits?
Authors: Chargé Rémi , Sorci Gabriele , Saint Jalme Michel , Lesobre Loïc , Hingrat Yves , Lacroix Frédéric , Teplitsky Céline
Published: March 2014

Supportive breeding is one of the last resort conservation strategies to avoid species extinction. Management of captive populations is challenging because several harmful genetic processes need to be avoided. Several recommendations have been proposed to limit these deleterious effects, but empirical assessments of these strategies remain scarce. We investigated the outcome of a genetic management in a supportive breeding for theHoubara Bustard. At the phenotypic level, we found an increase over generations in the mean values of gamete production, body mass and courtship display rate. Using an animal model, we found that phenotypic changes reflected genetic changes as evidenced by an increase in breeding values for all traits. These changes resulted from selection acting on gamete production and to a lesser extent on courtship display. Selection decreased over years for female gametes, emphasizing the effort of managers to increase the contribution of poor breeders to offspring recruited in the captive breeding. Our results shed light on very fast genetic changes in an exemplary captive programme that follows worldwide used recommendations and emphasizes the need of more empirical evidence of the effects of genetic guidelines on the prevention of genetic changes in supportive breeding.
Differing assemblage composition and dynamics in T4‐like myophages of two neighbouring sub‐alpine lakes
Authors: Zhong Xu , Jacquet Stephan
Published: March 2014

Bacteriophages play an important role in plankton population dynamics and biogeochemical cycling, but their community dynamics and diversity are still poorly known, especially in fresh waters.

We conducted a 1‐year investigation of the T4‐like bacteriophages in the surface waters of two Western European peri‐alpine lakes (lakes Annecy and Bourget), using fingerprinting and cloning‐sequencing approaches targeting the major capsid protein g23 gene.

Our results suggest that T4‐like bacteriophages are diverse (we found several new sequences) and differed substantially between the two lakes. Further, these phages displayed seasonal patterns with marked shifts in community composition.

Examining the dynamics of some individual constituents (e.g. DGGE bands), we found that (i) the majority of these myoviruses were rare (mean relative abundance <1%) and only a few were abundant (mean relative abundance >5%); (ii) the dominance of the most abundant DGGE bands changed throughout the year and their dynamics were very different between the two lakes; (iii) only a few bands (e.g. <20%) were detectable throughout the year and their proportion was higher in the oligomesotrophic Lake Bourget.

Our results suggest a highly dynamic T4‐like myoviral assemblage. T4‐like‐viruses seem to conform to a standard model of community organisation and a common type of species abundance curve, with mainly rare organisms that occasionally may become abundant (termed a ‘seed bank’ for virus assemblages).
Missing effects of anthropogenic nutrient deposition on sentinel alpine ecosystems
Authors: Vinebrooke Rolf D. , Maclennan Megan M. , Bartrons Mireia , Zettel James P.
Published: March 2014

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition affects unproductive remote alpine and circumpolar ecosystems, which are often considered sentinels of global change. Human activities and forest fires can also elevate phosphorus (P) deposition, possibly compounding the ecological effects of increased N deposition given the ubiquity of nutrient co‐limitation of primary producers. Low N : P ratios coupled with evidence of NP‐limitation from bioassays led us to hypothesize that P indirectly stimulates phytoplankton by amplifying the direct positive effect of N (i.e. serial N‐limitation) in alpine ponds. We tested the hypothesis using the first replicated N × P enrichment experiment conducted at the whole‐ecosystem level, which involved 12 alpine ponds located in the low N deposition backcountry of the eastern Front Range of the Canadian Rockies. Although applications of N and P elevated ambient N and P concentrations by 2–5×, seston and plankton remained relatively unaffected in the amended ponds. However, additions of ammonium nitrate elevated the δ15N signals of both primary producers and herbivores (fairy shrimp; Anostraca), attesting to trophic transfer of N deposition to consumers. Further, in situ bioassays revealed that grazing by high ambient densities of fairy shrimp together with potential competition from algae lining the pond bottoms suppressed the otherwise serially N‐limited response by phytoplankton. Our findings highlight how indirect effects of biotic interactions rather the often implicit direct effects of chemical changes can regulate the sensitivities of extreme ecosystems to nutrient deposition.
Contrasting long‐term records of biomass burning in wet and dry savannas of equatorial East Africa
Authors: Colombaroli Daniele , Ssemmanda Immaculate , Gelorini Vanessa , Verschuren Dirk
Published: March 2014

Rainfall controls fire in tropical savanna ecosystems through impacting both the amount and flammability of plant biomass, and consequently, predicted changes in tropical precipitation over the next century are likely to have contrasting effects on the fire regimes of wet and dry savannas. We reconstructed the long‐term dynamics of biomass burning in equatorial East Africa, using fossil charcoal particles from two well‐dated lake‐sediment records in western Uganda and central Kenya. We compared these high‐resolution (5 years/sample) time series of biomass burning, spanning the last 3800 and 1200 years, with independent data on past hydroclimatic variability and vegetation dynamics. In western Uganda, a rapid (<100 years) and permanent increase in burning occurred around 2170 years ago, when climatic drying replaced semideciduous forest by wooded grassland. At the century time scale, biomass burning was inversely related to moisture balance for much of the next two millennia until ca. 1750 ad, when burning increased strongly despite regional climate becoming wetter. A sustained decrease in burning since the mid20th century reflects the intensified modern‐day landscape conversion into cropland and plantations. In contrast, in semiarid central Kenya, biomass burning peaked at intermediate moisture‐balance levels, whereas it was lower both during the wettest and driest multidecadal periods of the last 1200 years. Here, burning steadily increased since the mid20th century, presumably due to more frequent deliberate ignitions for bush clearing and cattle ranching. Both the observed historical trends and regional contrasts in biomass burning are consistent with spatial variability in fire regimes across the African savanna biome today. They demonstrate the strong dependence of East African fire regimes on both climatic moisture balance and vegetation, and the extent to which this dependence is now being overridden by anthropogenic activity.
Influence of health locus of control on recovery of function in recently hospitalized frail older adults
Authors: Milte Catherine M , Luszcz Mary A , Ratcliffe Julie , Masters Stacey , Crotty Maria
Published: March 2014

Aim

To investigate the influence of health locus of control on physical function, quality of life, depression and satisfaction with care transition in a sample of older adults after a hospital admission.

Methods

A total of 230 older adults referred for transition care after a hospital admission (mean length of stay 25.7 days, SD 17.2) were recruited into a randomized controlled intervention trial investigating the effect of specialized coaching compared with usual care. Older adults completed the multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) survey at baseline. Self‐rated quality of life, depression and physical function were assessed at baseline and 12 months using the EuroQol five‐dimension, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI), respectively.

Results

Results from hierarchical multiple regression analysis in 136 participants (70 usual care and 66 specialized care) with complete data showed that higher scores on the MHLC internal subscale were related to better quality of life, and better physical function in the usual care group at 12 months, but not depression or transition process satisfaction at 3 months. No relationships between MHLC subscales and outcome measures were observed in the specialized care group, where the coaching intervention might have precluded any relationship observed.

Conclusions

A stronger sense of personal control over health was associated with better maintenance of quality of life and physical function at 12 months in older adults undergoing usual care transition after acute hospitalization. Modification of control beliefs has the potential to promote resilience and impact on health outcomes in older adults during care transitions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 341–349.
Retrospective chart review of obesity and episodic and chronic illness among rural Mexican‐American adolescents accessing rural health clinic services
Authors: Champion Jane Dimmitt , Pierce Sherrie , Collins Jennifer L
Published: March 2014

Obesity impacts the physical and psychological health of children and adolescents, and is a risk factor for development of episodic and chronic illness. Rural Mexican‐American adolescents are at risk for obesity and associated chronic illnesses.The study used a retrospective chart review of data collected routinely in a rural health clinic setting from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010 to assess incidence of overweight/obesity status and episodic or chronic illness among Mexican‐American adolescents aged 12–18 years. Analyses included body mass index, age, gender, and episodic or chronic illness diagnoses. Two hundred twelve charts were audited; women (n = 114, 53.8%), men (n = 98 46.2%); normal (n = 105, 49.5%), overweight/obese (n = 107, 50.5%). There were more female normal (n = 61, 53.5%) vs. overweight/obese (n = 53, 46.5%). More male overweight/obese (n = 54, 55.1%) than normal weight (n = 44, 44.9%). Age at first documented overweight/obesity status occurred in early adolescence (median = 13 years, mode = 12 years). Chronic illness incidence was higher among men than women, and overweight/obese vs. normal weight adolescents and in sub‐categorizations by weight and specific illness. Incidence of episodic illness was higher among women than men, with variation by weight and specific illness. Disproportionately high incidence of episodic or chronic illness and overweight/obesity identified among rural Mexican‐American adolescents compels intervention modification to improve effectiveness.
Intravesical prostatic protrusion as a predictor of early urinary continence recovery after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Lee Chan Ho , Ha Hong Koo
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the significance of intravesical prostatic protrusion as a predictor of early urinary continence recovery after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Methods

A total of 242 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were included in the study. Data on incontinence status and the number of pads required per day for urinary incontinence were collected. Urinary continence was defined as no pad use or occasional security pad use. Intravesical prostatic protrusion was measured by the vertical distance from the tip of the protruding prostate to the base of the urinary bladder in the sagittal plane of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Continence at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively was assessed by dividing the patients into two groups based on the degree of intravesical prostatic protrusion. The correlation between preoperative factors and urinary continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was examined.

Results

The urinary continence rates at postoperative month 1, 3, 6 and 12 were 19%, 50%, 79.8% and 92.1%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic analysis, intravesical prostatic protrusion was a significant independent predictive factor of early urinary continence at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Markedly improved urinary continence was observed in the non‐significant intravesical prostatic protrusion group (intravesical prostatic protrusion <5 mm) at all periods compared with the significant intravesical prostatic protrusion group (intravesical prostatic protrusion ≥5 mm; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the likelihood of postoperative urinary incontinence in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is markedly higher in those with larger intravesical prostatic protrusion, and that intravesical prostatic protrusion is correlated with the duration of postoperative urinary incontinence.
Growth, Photosynthetic Characteristics, Antioxidant Capacity and Biomass Yield and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Exposed to LED Light Sources with Different Spectra Combinations
Authors: Dong C. , Fu Y. , Liu G. , Liu H.
Published: March 2014

As a consequence of the increasing importance of crop in Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS), there is an interest in enhancing both the productivity and quality of wheat. Lighting systems for growing wheat need to be lightweight, reliable and durable. Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) have these characteristics. Previous studies demonstrated that the combination of red and blue lights was an effective light source for several crops. Yet the appearance of plant in this kind of lighting was purplish grey, and other problems were also accompanied. The addition of other spectra LEDs made better growth and also offer a better visual experience to bring psychological benefit to the crews. The objective of this study was to investigate the influences of different spectra combinations on the wheat growth, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant capacity and biomass yield and quality during their life cycle. Four types of different spectra combinations with the same intensity were employed: a single red light (R), a red–blue light (R + B, R : B = 4 : 1), a red–white light (R + W, R : W = 4 : 1) and a white light (W). The results showed that the wheat cultivated in the R + W light was characterized by highest harvest index and lowest lignin in inedible biomass, which was more beneficial to recycle substances in the processes of the environment regeneration. The data were comparable to those under W condition in terms of straw height, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll concentration, antioxidant capacity, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and soluble sugar concentration. Wheat was sensitive to light quality which significantly affected those indices of growth and physiology, especially at earing and flowering stages.
Scale‐dependent species–area and species–isolation relationships: a review and a test study from a fragmented semi‐arid agro‐ecosystem
Authors: Giladi Itamar , May Felix , Ristow Michael , Jeltsch Florian , Ziv Yaron
Published: March 2014

Aim

Patterns that relate species richness with fragment area (the species–area relationship, SAR) and with isolation (the species–isolation relationship, SIR) are well documented. However, those that relate species density – the number of species within a standardized area – with fragment area (D‐SAR) or isolation (D‐SIR) have not been sufficiently explored, despite the potential for such an analysis to disentangle the underlying mechanisms of SARs and SIRs. Previous spatial theory predicts that a significant D‐SAR or D‐SIR is unlikely to emerge in taxa with high dispersal limitation, such as plants. Furthermore, a recent model predicts that the detection and the significance of D‐SARs or D‐SIRs may decrease with grain size. We combined a literature review with grain size‐dependent sampling in a fragmented landscape to evaluate the prevalence and grain size‐dependent nature of D‐SARs and D‐SIRs in plants.

Location

Worldwide (review) and a semi‐arid agro‐ecosystem in Israel (case study).

Methods

We combined an extensive literature review of 31 D‐SAR studies of plants in fragmented landscapes with an empirical study in which we analysed grain size‐dependent D‐SARs and D‐SIRs using a grain size‐dependent hierarchical sampling of species density and species richness in a fragmented, semi‐arid agro‐ecosystem.

Results

We found that significantly increasing D‐SARs are rare in plant studies. Furthermore, we found that the detection of a significant D‐SAR is often possible only after the data have been stratified by species, habitat or landscape characteristics. The results from our case study indicated that the significance and the slopes of both D‐SARs and D‐SIRs increase as grain size decreases.

Main conclusions

These results call for a careful consideration of scale while analysing and interpreting the responses of species richness and species density to fragmentation. Our results suggest that grain size‐dependent analyses of D‐SARs and D‐SIRs may help to disentangle the mechanisms that generate SARs and SIRs and may enable early detection of the effects of fragmentation on plant biodiversity.
Development of a Model to Estimate 24‐Hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion
Authors: Gerber Linda M. , Mann Samuel J.
Published: March 2014

The accuracy of the spot urine analyte/creatinine ratio in estimating 24‐hour excretion of the analyte is compromised because it is not adjusted for 24‐hour creatinine excretion. The authors developed a model for conveniently estimating 24‐hour creatinine excretion. The model was derived from 24‐hour urine collections using multiple linear regression, including sex, weight, race, and age. The model was then evaluated in a validation cohort, assessing the correlation between estimated and measured 24‐hour creatinine excretion and by comparing their correlation with muscle mass. Estimated creatinine excretion correlated strongly with measured creatinine excretion (r=0.80 in the entire cohort and 0.93 after eliminating patients with incomplete collections), and correlated at least as strongly as measured creatinine excretion with lean muscle mass (r=0.94 vs r=0.82, respectively). Adjusting spot urine analyte/creatinine ratios using the estimated 24‐hour creatinine excretion by this convenient method can improve the accuracy of estimating 24‐hour excretion of albumin, sodium, and other analytes.
Returns to Scale, Market Power, and the Nature of Price Rigidity in New Keynesian Models with Self‐Fulfilling Expectations
Authors: HUANG KEVIN X.D. , MENG QINGLAI
Published: March 2014

Increasing returns to scale and firms' market power are two potential sources of sunspot expectations in neoclassical models. We show that in New Keynesian models, returns to scale and market power can have fundamentally different implications for broad macroeconomic issues, including self‐fulfilling expectations, depending on the nature of price rigidity. Our findings suggest that the design of stabilization monetary policy can depend on precise knowledge about the economy's real and nominal features. Therefore, a clear understanding of the specific economic environment and its relevance to monetary policymaking for ensuring macroeconomic stability can be an integrated part of monetary policy practice.
Credit Indicators as Predictors of Economic Activity: A Real‐Time VAR Analysis
Authors: KISHOR N. KUNDAN , KOENIG EVAN F.
Published: March 2014

Using readily available indicators of the profitability, price, and availability of credit—the term spread, junk‐bond spread, and banks’ “willingness to lend” as reported by the Federal Reserve—we show that it is possible to significantly improve on the real‐time output and employment predictions of forecasting professionals at the medium‐run horizons that are most relevant to policymakers and private decision makers. Key to this improvement is a flexible state–space model of data revisions. The willingness‐to‐lend variable is the best real‐time predictor of GDP growth. For forecasting job growth, all three credit indicators prove helpful.
Physicians' Discourse for Establishing Authoritative Knowledge in Birthing Work and Reducing the Presence of the Granny Midwife
Authors: D. Bonaparte Alicia
Published: March 2014

This study examines regulatory efforts directed toward southern Black granny midwives in the early 20th century. Using Black feminist theory, I analyze physicians' written anti‐midwifery advocacy in The Journal of the American Medical Association and The Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association as evidence of the presence of inter‐occupational conflict between physicians and Black grannies. I argue that doctors advocated for enhanced midwifery education and midwifery supervision to eliminate midwives while defining physicians as heroes in birthing rooms. This study illustrates how physicians' professional writings substantiated doctors as veritable experts in birthing work rather than strategically targeting Black midwives.
Does Institutional Theory Need Redirecting?
Authors: Meyer Renate E. , Höllerer Markus A.
Published: March 2014

Greenwood, Hinings and Whetten (2014) present two major criticisms of current institutional scholarship, and see need for a broad redirection: institutional organization theory, they argue, has lost sight of the claim to study organizations and, with its overwhelming focus on isomorphism and similarity, has fallen short on adequately theorizing differences across organizations. In our article, we offer support as well as a riposte. First, while we agree that the organizing of collective efforts needs to be at the core of organization research, we warn that focusing on formal organization – a rationalized cultural product itself – may direct attention away from studying alternative modes of organizing, and underestimates the dynamic developments that have transformed contemporary organizations into increasingly complex objects of inquiry. Second, we are concerned that, by abandoning the analysis of similarities in favour of differences, institutional theory may eventually lose sight of its pivotal quest: to study institutions.
The impact of an educational mental health intervention on adolescents' perceptions of mental illness
Authors: Sakellari E. , Sourander A. , Kalokerinou‐Anagnostopoulou A. , Leino‐Kilpi H.
Published: March 2014

Accessible summary

Positive perceptions towards mental illness are essential for a mentally healthy society.

This study explores adolescents' perceptions of mental illness and examines the extent to which these perceptions changed after a mental health educational intervention.

The results of this study demonstrate that there is a positive effect on adolescents' perceptions towards mental illness.

Nowadays, in many countries, mental health care is primarily community based. Community perceptions of mental illness are an essential issue for the quality of life of people with mental health problems and the promotion of mental health in general. The aim of this study was to explore adolescents' perceptions of mental illness and to examine the extent to which those perceptions changed after an educational mental health intervention. The data were collected twice, before and after the educational mental health intervention. Fifty‐nine pupils from two Greek secondary schools were individually interviewed, and data were analyzed by inductive content analysis. The findings show that adolescents can provide a rich description of mental illness in a multidimensional way. After the intervention, they provide different descriptions, identify various forms of mental illness and express opinions on what mentally ill people need and how they should be treated. It is concluded that mental health educational interventions in schools can be effective in changing adolescents' perceptions towards mental illness.