bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density‐dependence vs. density‐independence – linking reproductive allocation to population abundance and vegetation greenness
Authors: Bårdsen Bård‐Jørgen , Tveraa Torkild
Published: October 2011

1. Recent studies have shown that optimal reproductive allocation depends on both climatic conditions and population density. We tested this hypothesis using six years of demographic data from eight reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) populations coupled with data on population abundance and vegetation greenness [measured using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)].

2. Female spring body mass positively affected summer body mass gain, and lactating females were unable to compensate for harsh winters as efficiently as barren ones. Female spring body mass was highly sensitive to changes in population abundance and vegetation greenness and less dependent on previous autumn body mass and reproductive status. Lactating females were larger than barren females in the spring. Moreover, female autumn body mass was positively related to female autumn body mass and reproductive success and was not very sensitive to changes in vegetation greenness and population abundance.

3. Offspring autumn body mass was positively related to both maternal spring and autumn body mass, and as predicted from theory, offspring were more sensitive to changes in vegetation greenness and population abundance than adult females. A lagged cost of reproduction was present as larger females who were barren, the previous year produced larger offspring than equally sized females that successfully reproduced the previous year.

4. Reproductive success was negatively related to female autumn body mass and positively related to female spring body mass. Moreover, females who successfully reproduced the previous year experienced the highest reproductive success. The fact that negative density‐dependence was only present for females that had successfully reproduced the previous year further support the hypothesis that reproduction is costly.

5. This study shows that female reindeer buffer their reproductive allocation according to expected winter conditions and that their buffering abilities were limited by population abundance and a lagged cost of reproduction and enhanced by vegetation greenness.
Psychometric comparisons of three measures for assessing motor functions in preschoolers with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wuang Y‐P. , Su C‐Y. , Huang M‐H.
Published: October 2011

Background  Deficit in motor performance is common in children with intellectual disabilities (ID). A motor function measure with sound psychometric properties is indispensable for clinical and research use. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of three commonly used clinical measures for assessing motor function in preschoolers with ID: the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency‐Second Edition, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children‐Second Edition and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale‐Second Edition (PDMS‐2).

Method  One hundred and ninety‐one children aged 3–6 years with ID were evaluated with the three measures at three time points: two baseline measurements with a 1‐week interval before the intervention, and a follow‐up measurement after 6 months of paediatric rehabilitation programme. One hundred and forty‐one participants completed all of the assessments. The distribution (ceiling and floor effects) and reliability (internal consistency and test–retest reliability) of each measure were examined. Concurrent validity, predictive validity, and responsiveness were examined as well.

Results  All measures, except for the PDMS‐2, had significant floor effects or ceiling effects at one or more time points. The three measures had good internal consistency (Cronbach α ≥ 0.86) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.96). The Spearman ρ correlation coefficient for each pair of the three measures was ≥0.80, indicating high concurrent validity. The predictive validity of the three measures was satisfactory (Spearman ρ ≥ 0.52). The responsiveness of the three measures was moderate (0.47 ≤ effect size ≤ 0.74). The minimal detectable changes of the three measures were satisfactory.

Conclusions  All three measures showed sufficient reliability, validity and responsiveness in preschoolers with ID, but the PDMS‐2 is recommended for its superior psychometric properties.
Adaptive evolution of a key gene affecting queen and worker traits in the honey bee, Apis mellifera
Authors: KENT CLEMENT F. , ISSA AMER , BUNTING ALEXANDRA C. , ZAYED AMRO
Published: October 2011

The vitellogenin egg yolk precursor protein represents a well‐studied case of social pleiotropy in the model organism Apis mellifera. Vitellogenin is associated with fecundity in queens and plays a major role in controlling division of labour in workers, thereby affecting both individual and colony‐level fitness. We studied the molecular evolution of vitellogenin and seven other genes sequenced in a large population panel of Apis mellifera and several closely related species to investigate the role of social pleiotropy on adaptive protein evolution. We found a significant excess of nonsynonymous fixed differences between A. mellifera, A. cerana and A. florea relative to synonymous sites indicating high rates of adaptive evolution at vitellogenin. Indeed, 88% of amino acid changes were fixed by selection in some portions of the gene. Further, vitellogenin exhibited hallmark signatures of selective sweeps in A. mellifera, including a significant skew in the allele frequency spectrum, extreme levels of genetic differentiation and linkage disequilibrium. Finally, replacement polymorphisms in vitellogenin were significantly enriched in parts of the protein involved in binding lipid, establishing a link between the gene’s structure, function and effects on fitness. Our case study provides unequivocal evidence of historical and ongoing bouts of adaptive evolution acting on a key socially pleiotropic gene in the honey bee.
Morphological characterisation of Italian weedy rice (Oryza sativa) populations
Authors: FOGLIATTO S , VIDOTTO F , FERRERO A
Published: October 2011

Fogliatto S, Vidotto F & Ferrero A (2011). Morphological characterisation of Italian weedy rice (Oryza sativa) populations. Weed Research 52, 60–69.

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most widespread and problematic weeds in rice cultivation; it spans the globe and can cause high yield losses. In 2008, seeds of 149 weedy rice populations were collected from the major Italian rice cultivation area. In 2009, these populations were sown in a single field to determine their morphological characteristics, including plant height, flag leaf attitude and length, panicle attitude and length, auricle and node colour, seed weight and size, awn length and germination rates at 0, 10 and 30 days of after‐ripening (DAR). Of the collected populations, c. 56% were awned, 17% mucronate and 27% awnless. The morphological characteristics among the awned populations varied widely and displayed the highest average lengths of flag leaf (27.6 cm) and seed (8 mm). Mucronate populations were mainly characterised by small seeds and low germination rates. Awnless populations showed higher germination rates at 30 DAR (20%) and wider seeds (3.7 mm). Awn length and distribution, seed length, 1000 seed weight and germination rates were the most important traits influencing the variability among populations. Awned populations are expected to adapt better to differing environmental and cropping conditions, because of their larger variability.
Development of a high‐throughput real‐time quantitative PCR method to detect and quantify contaminating seeds of Phelipanche ramosa and Orobanche cumana in crop seed lots
Authors: DONGO A , LEFLON M , SIMIER P , DELAVAULT P
Published: October 2011

Dongo A, Leflon M, Simier P & Delavault P (2011) Development of a high‐throughput real‐time quantitative PCR method to detect and quantify contaminating seeds of Phelipanche ramosa and Orobanche cumana in crop seed lots. Weed Research 52, 34–41.

The objective of this study was to develop a simple and robust quantitative PCR method for the detection of seeds from two parasitic plants, Phelipanche ramosa and Orobanche cumana, as well as their closely related species, in seed harvests of oilseed rape and sunflower. The method was based on the design of primers/probe sets specific to both parasitic plants and targeting internal transcribed spacer sequences for quantitative real‐time PCR (TaqMan). Together with the proposed DNA extraction protocol, this diagnostic method allows rapid, high‐throughput and accurate assessment of contamination with broomrape seeds, without the requirement of tedious purification steps and identification under a binocular microscope. The TaqMan assay is highly specific, because it did not detect any possible plant contaminants that are likely to be present in harvested crop seeds. The results of this assay can be expressed in terms of the number of parasite seeds per kilogram of crop seeds, a metric that could be utilised to help decisions regarding crop seed lot utilisation and commercialisation.
Risk analysis for deterioration of renal function after pancreas alone transplant
Authors: Chatzizacharias Nikolaos A. , Vaidya Anil , Sinha Sanjay , Sharples Edward , Smith Richard , Jones Gareth , Brockmann Jens , Friend Peter J.
Published: October 2011

Chatzizacharias NA, Vaidya A, Sinha S, Sharples E, Smith R, Jones G, Brockmann J, Friend PJ. Risk analysis for deterioration of renal function after pancreas alone transplant.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01534.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The risk of progression to renal replacement after pancreas transplant alone (PTA) is a concern in patients with pre‐transplant estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <70 mL/min/1.73 m2. This is a retrospective, single‐center risk analysis of potential factors affecting renal function after PTA. Twenty‐four patients, transplanted over a three‐yr period, with functioning pancreatic grafts at the study’s end point were included. High tacrolimus levels (>12 mg/dL) at six months post‐transplant was the only independent risk factor identifying a substantial decline in native renal function by Cox regression analysis (HR = 14.300, CI = 1.271–160.907, p = 0.031). The presence of severe pre‐transplant proteinuria (urine Pr/Cr ≥100 mg/mmol) marginally failed to reach significance (p = 0.056). Low eGFR levels alone (≤45 and ≤40 mL/min/1.73 m2) at the time of transplant did not correlate with substantial decline in renal function. Our data suggest that PTA is a justifiable therapy for patients with hypoglycemia unawareness or other life‐threatening diabetic complications, even in those with borderline renal function, provided that they do not suffer from severe proteinuria and appropriate monitoring and tailoring of immunosuppression is ensured.
Six‐month incidence of bloodstream infections in intestinal transplant patients
Authors: Akhter K. , Timpone J. , Matsumoto C. , Fishbein T. , Kaufman S. , Kumar P.
Published: October 2011

Background

Intestinal transplantation has emerged as an established treatment for life‐threatening intestinal failure. The most common complication and cause of death is infection. Risk of infection is highest during the first 6 months, as a consequence of maximal immunosuppression, greater than that required for any other organ allograft.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all (56) adult and pediatric (<18 years) small bowel transplant patients at our institution between November 2003 and July 2007, and analyzed the 6‐month post‐transplant incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs). We evaluated multiple risk factors, including inclusion of a colon or liver, total bilirubin >5, surgical complications, and acute rejection.

Results

A BSI developed in 34 of the 56 patients, with a total of 85 BSI episodes. Of these BSI episodes, 65.9% were due to gram‐positive organisms, 34.1% gram‐negative organisms, and 2.4% due to fungi. The most common isolates were Enterococcus species, Enterobacter species, Klebsiella species, and coagulase‐negative staphylococci. Inclusion of the liver and/or a preoperative bilirubin >5 mg/dL appeared to increase the incidence of BSI (P = 0.0483 and 0.0005, respectively). Acute rejection and colonic inclusion did not appear to affect the incidence of BSI (P = 0.9419 and 0.8248, respectively). The BSI incidence was higher in children (P = 0.0058).

Conclusions

BSIs are a common complication of intestinal transplantation. Risk factors include age <18, inclusion of the liver, and pre‐transplant bilirubin >5. Acute rejection and colon inclusion do not appear to be associated with increased BSI risk.
Gender Differences in Morphometric Properties of Muscle Fibres Measured on Cross‐Sections of rat Hindlimb Muscles
Authors: Mierzejewska‐Krzyżowska B. , Drzymała‐Celichowska H. , Bukowska D. , Celichowski J.
Published: October 2011

With 2 figures and 2 tables

The study was aimed at demonstrating gender differences in the numbers, diameters and cross‐section areas of muscle fibres for three hindlimb skeletal muscles responsible for locomotion and maintenance of body posture: soleus, tibialis anterior and flexor digitorum brevis in rats. The experiments were performed on five 6‐month‐old male and female Wistar rats. In both genders, all studied muscles of the right and left hindlimbs were isolated from surrounding tissues and excised for further procedures. The muscle transverse cross‐sections taken from the muscle mid‐belly were analysed. Following staining of reticular fibres by silver impregnation, the numbers, diameters and cross‐section areas of muscle fibres were determined from microscopic images of muscle sections. The body mass of male rats was 80% higher than that of females. In addition, the muscle mass and the cross‐section area were 53–82 and 26–45% higher in males, respectively. The number of muscle fibres was 11–42% higher in males than in females whereas the fibre diameters were 7–29% higher in males. The most conspicuous differences between males and females were found with respect to tibialis anterior, whereas the smallest differences were evident in soleus. The present study revealed that the gender morphometric differences in the studied rat hindlimb muscles were mainly owing to differences in number and size of muscle fibres and that the difference in muscle mass could be explained mainly from higher number of muscle fibres in males and to smaller degree from their larger diameters.
Using genome‐wide information to minimize the loss of diversity in conservation programmes
Authors: de Cara M.A.R. , Fernández J. , Toro M.A. , Villanueva B.
Published: October 2011

We study here the effect of using genome‐wide marker data versus genealogical data in population management for the maintenance of diversity in conservation schemes using optimal contributions. We re‐examine the benefits of using molecular data for different population and genome sizes and compare different management strategies according to the group of individuals where we take decisions (parents or offspring). We also study the consequences of using estimated genealogical coancestries calculated from molecular information. Using genome‐wide marker data performed usually better than using genealogical data or estimated genealogical coancestry to maintain expected and observed heterozygosity. Furthermore, when we could take decisions acting on the offspring, a larger heterozygosity was maintained than when we based our decisions on the potential parents.
Paediatric growth charts: How do we use them and can we use them better?
Authors: Ramsden Louise , Day Andrew S
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Measurement of growth parameters is a key aspect of paediatric care. The aim of this retrospective study was to ascertain rates of growth assessment in children in an acute paediatric setting and to define the frequency of placement of growth data on appropriate growth charts. The accuracy of plotting of growth data and role of potential factors were also examined.

Methods:  The charts of children attending the Children's Acute Assessment (CAA) unit at Christchurch Public Hospital, New Zealand, were reviewed. The frequency of documentation of height, weight and head circumference in the notes and on the appropriate growth chart was ascertained, along with review of the accuracy of the plotted data.

Results:  Weight was documented in the charts of 95% and height in 5% of 103 children. None of the children had measurement of their head circumference. A growth chart was present in the notes of 27% of children, but just 7% of the group had a growth chart with the current measurements plotted.

Conclusions:  This study identifies a missed opportunity for assessment of the nutritional status of children in the hospital setting in New Zealand. The results highlight a need for optimising child growth assessment, particularly at a time of growing awareness of health inequalities and childhood obesity.
Missed immunisation opportunities in emergency departments in northern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Way Andrew SC , Durrheim David N , Vally Hassan , Massey Peter D
Published: October 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of children less than 12 months of age presenting to Hunter New England (HNE) emergency departments (EDs) during 2009 who were overdue for immunisations and identify factors associated with overdue status.

Methods:  The immunisation status of all children aged between 3 months and 1 year (120–365 days) who presented at an HNE ED between 1 January and 31 December 2009 was determined using Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) 30‐day overdue reports. The ED dataset and ACIR reports were linked using a deterministic method.

Results:  Six per cent (253/4218) of children who attended an HNE ED in 2009 were overdue for immunisation and 28.1% (71/253) presented multiple times while overdue. There was a median delay of 77 days from their first presentation while overdue until they no longer appeared on the ACIR 30‐day overdue report. Children who presented while overdue were more likely to present multiple times to EDs (RR = 1.45; P = 0.0025), be in a life‐threatening triage category (P = 0.012) and present at tertiary referral hospitals (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Important missed immunisation opportunities occurred in HNE EDs and may occur in other EDs in Australia. Half of the children who presented to Hunter New England emergency departments while overdue for immunisation remained overdue for greater than 77 days following their presentation. Opportunities exist in EDs and paediatric inpatient wards for ensuring that all children are protected against vaccine‐preventable diseases.
Impact of ageing on biological features of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) in cell transplantation therapy for CNS disorders: Functional enhancement by granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF)
Authors: Chiba Yasuhiro , Kuroda Satoshi , Osanai Toshiya , Shichinohe Hideo , Houkin Kiyohiro , Iwasaki Yoshinobu
Published: October 2011

This study was designed to clarify the effects of donor age on biological features of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), one of the candidates for cell transplantation therapy for CNS disorders, because many aged patients might require such therapy. This study was also aimed to test whether ex vivo treatments with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) could modify biological properties of BMSC from aged donors and enhance its therapeutic effects in an animal model of traumatic brain injury. The BMSC were harvested from young (6‐week‐old) and aged (100‐week‐old) rats. The ageing significantly increased the senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) activity of the cultured BMSC, and decreased their proliferative capacity and production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). As the next step, the rats were subjected to brain freezing injury by applying liquid nitrogen onto the neocortex through the thinned skull. The 6‐week BMSC, 100‐week BMSC, G‐CSF‐treated 100‐week BMSC or vehicle were stereotactically injected into the ipsilateral striatum at 7 days post‐injury. Transplantation of the 6‐week BMSC, but not 100‐week BMSC, significantly improved locomotor function. However, treatment of the 100‐week BMSC with 0.1 µmol of G‐CSF significantly improved their proliferation activity and growth factor production, and recovered therapeutic effects in the injured brain. In conclusion, donor age may largely determine biological aspects of BMSC. G‐CSF may contribute to improve the outcome of BMSC transplantation therapy for CNS disorders in aged patients.
Diluted seawater promoted the green tide of Ulva prolifera (Chlorophyta, Ulvales)
Authors: Lin A.‐Peng , Wang Chao , Pan Guang‐Hua , Song Li‐Yun , Gao Shan , Xie Xiu‐Jun , Wang Zhi‐Yuan , Niu Jian‐Feng , Wang Guang‐Ce
Published: October 2011

Ulva prolifera (Müller) J. Agardh is the main causative species of the 2008 Yellow Sea green tide incident. We investigated the influences of diluted seawater on the vegetative growth and reproductive cell formation of the alga. The thalli that were cultivated under low salinities (10‰ and 20‰) and low pH values (pH around 7.0) showed obvious and steady biomass gain, while those cultivated under high salinities (40‰) and relatively higher pH conditions (pH around 8.0) manifested significant biomass loss. The trend was, however, completely the opposite for reproductive cell formation and there were indications that enrichment, over very wide concentration ranges of both nitrogen and phosphate, could significantly promote vegetative growth. Results also indicated that relatively low salinity and low pH regimes boosted vegetative growth but were unfavorable for reproductive cell formation and vice versa. Based on these results, the possible origin and development mechanisms of the green tide event are discussed. Eutrophication in the Changjiang River estuary and adjacent sea areas, as well as extremely high freshwater inflows before, and during, the flood of 2007 – due to the full operation of large‐scale water facilities in the area – may have both played an important role in the formation and development of the green tide event.
Seed germination temperatures of eight Mexican Agave species with economic importance
Authors: RAMÍREZ‐TOBÍAS HUGO M. , PEÑA‐VALDIVIA CECILIA B. , AGUIRRE R. J. ROGELIO , REYES‐AGÜERO J. ANTONIO , SÁNCHEZ‐URDANETA ADRIANA B. , VALLE G. SALVADOR
Published: October 2011

The genetic diversity of Agave plants is threatened by clonal commercial reproduction and climatic change. Sexual reproduction is uncommon and research on seed germination is scarce. The present study evaluated the seed germination of Agave lechuguilla, Agave striata, Agave americana var. marginata, Agave asperrima, Agave cupreata, Agave duranguesis, Agave angustifolia ssp. tequilana and Agave salmiana at constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C). Initial imbibition (after the first 12 h) was significantly variable among species, positively correlated with seed weight (r = 0.6560, P < 0.001) and increased with temperature (from 35% at 10°C to 66% at 40°C). Temperature affected maximum imbibition (83–150%) for A. asperrima, A. lechuguilla, A. salmiana and A. striata; other species averaged 110%. Most germination kinetics best fitted a logistic model, whereas only a few treatments fit a Weibull model. The time to germination onset diminished (P < 0.05) from 125–173 h at 15°C to 68–84 h at 25°C, and then ascended to 84–196 h at 35°C. The mean germination rate and seed germination percentage after 312 h peaked at 25°C (0.50–0.95% seeds/h and 85–99%, respectively) and fell (P < 0.05) to near zero at 10 and 40°C. Temperatures of 10, 35 and 40°C were partially lethal to A. asperrima, A. duranguensis and A. salmiana seeds. The time to germination onset, seed germination percentage after 312 h and mean germination rate are best described by a Gaussian distribution, with its optimum at approximately 25°C. Thus, optimum temperatures are related to the ecological characteristics of each species area.
Influence of loading path on fatigue crack growth under multiaxial loading condition
Authors: YANG F.P. , YUAN X.G. , KUANG Z.B.
Published: October 2011

In this study, the specimens made of carbon steel S45 with an initial surface straight edge notch were subjected to combined cyclic axial‐torsion loading at room temperature. The fatigue life, surface crack extension direction and crack length were experimentally investigated. The effects of loading path, stress amplitude ratio and phase angle on the crack growth behaviour were also discussed. The results showed that, under the combination of cyclic axial and torsion loading, the tension stress amplitude had more effect on the initial crack growth path than the latter. The shear stress amplitude contributed mainly to the latter crack extension. The crack extension path was mainly determined by the stress amplitudes and the ratio of the normal stress to the shear stress, and almost independent of the mean stresses. The increase of the tension stress amplitude and shear stress amplitude would both accelerate the crack growth rate.
Long‐term treatment with empagliflozin, a novel, potent and selective SGLT‐2 inhibitor, improves glycaemic control and features of metabolic syndrome in diabetic rats
Authors: Thomas L. , Grempler R. , Eckhardt M. , Himmelsbach F. , Sauer A. , Klein T. , Eickelmann P. , Mark M.
Published: October 2011

Empagliflozin is a potent, selective sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor that is in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This series of studies was conducted to assess the in vivo pharmacological effects of single or multiple doses of empagliflozin in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Single doses of empagliflozin resulted in dose‐dependent increases in urinary glucose excretion and reductions in blood glucose levels. After multiple doses (5 weeks), fasting blood glucose levels were reduced by 26 and 39% with 1 and 3 mg/kg empagliflozin, respectively, relative to vehicle. After 5 weeks, HbA1c levels were reduced (from a baseline of 7.9%) by 0.3 and 1.1% with 1 and 3 mg/kg empagliflozin, respectively, versus an increase of 1.1% with vehicle. Hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp indicated improved insulin sensitivity with empagliflozin after multiple doses versus vehicle. These findings support the development of empagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Potential role of photodynamic techniques combined with new generation flexible ureterorenoscopes and molecular markers for the management of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract
Authors: Audenet François , Traxer Olivier , Yates David R. , Cussenot Olivier , Rouprêt Morgan
Published: October 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

Sporadic clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is dominated by mutations of the VHL gene located on chromosome 3p in up to 90% of cases. This gene plays a critical role in hypoxia response, including stimulation of neoangiogenesis. Since 2006, anti‐angiogenic therapies targeting this pathway are used in metastatic patients with objective response rate as high as 45%. However, these treatments don't target directly the tumour cell, allowing the potential for disease progression despite treatment.

Large scale analysis recently showed that substantial genetic heterogeneity exists in ccRCC. Associated alterations include genes implicated in methylation regulation in 15% of cases, underlying the importance of epigenetic modifications, and truncating mutations in chromatin remodeling complex PRMB1 in 41% of cases. Systematic screening of these tumours is a way to fully determine the somatic genetic architecture of RCC in order to improve tumour classification, to develop prognostic and predictive markers and to target new molecular pathways involved in carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVES

To discuss how the development of new generation flexible ureterorenoscopes in combination with photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) improves the assessment of urothelial cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UUT‐UCC).

Ultimately, this may allow accurate tumour classification and the ability to select which patients would benefit from conservative treatment as opposed to radical surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an exhaustive Pubmed literature search using a combination of keywords including: ureterorenoscopy, UUT‐UCC diagnosis, PDD, narrow band imaging, conservative treatment UUT‐UCC and molecular urinalysis.

We then selected salient high calibre articles relevant to our objective.

RESULTS

We give specific consideration to anatomical aspects of UUT‐UCC investigation, PDD in UCC, aminolevulinic acid and its derivatives, autofluorescence, narrow band imaging, molecular marker analysis and the recent advances in ureterorenoscopic technology.

The traditional pitfalls of UUT‐UCC diagnosis, namely poor visualisation and difficulty in obtaining representative histological samples, are being circumvented by the introduction of modern digital flexible ureteroscopes that can be combined with PDD and molecular analysis to improve tumour classification, deferring to conservative treatment accordingly.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of the diagnostic work‐up of UUT‐UCC is improving due to advances in technology, pharmaceutical agents and incorporation of molecular markers, all factors allowing us to characterise tumours of the UUT more definitively.
Intraprostatic testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Part I: concentrations and methods of determination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
Authors: van der Sluis Tim M. , Vis André N. , van Moorselaar R. Jeroen A. , Bui Hong N. , Blankenstein Marinus A. , Meuleman Eric J.H. , Heijboer Annemieke C.
Published: October 2011

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

The male steroid hormone metabolism is an important target in the treatment of prostatic diseases. However, present literature is inconsistent about intraprostatic concentrations of steroid hormones and the role of intraprostatic steroid hormones in the arise and the course of prostatic disease is yet to be determined.

Part I of this two‐piece reviews the different methods of steroid hormone measurement and gives an overview of steroid hormone concentrations in normal and diseased prostatic tissue. More accurate methods of measurement and increased knowledge of androgenic steroid hormonal pathways of the prostate could lead to better treatment of prostatic diseases.

Owing to inconsistencies and methodological differences, the present peer‐reviewed literature lacks conclusive data on the intraprostatic levels of androgens, in particular dihydrotestosterone (DHT), in untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. To date, no difference has been shown between DHT concentrations in normal prostatic tissue and BPH, and nor has a difference been shown in DHT concentrations between the histologically distinct regions of the prostate. Recent literature has also failed to show a consistent difference in androgen level between BPH and prostate cancer. The role of intraprostatic DHT in the pathogenesis of BPH and in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer thus remains to be established. Increased knowledge of the mechanisms of the androgenic steroid pathways in prostatic diseases, with a special focus on intraprostatic androgen levels may lead to more optimized and more personalized forms of treatment, and probably new therapeutic targets as well.
Mechanistic insights into insulin resistance in the genetic era
Authors: Parker V. E. R. , Savage D. B. , O’Rahilly S. , Semple R. K.
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1476–1486 (2011)

Sir Harold Himsworth first observed and articulated the phenomenon of insulin resistance in the late 1930s. Although a long delay followed before his observations were acknowledged and enshrined in formal diagnostic classifications of diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance‐related pathology in the early 21st century poses one of the major global healthcare challenges for contemporary physicians. Whilst insulin resistance is closely related to obesity and decreased physical fitness, despite intensive investigation it has proved extremely challenging to discriminate key events in its causation from epiphenomena, many related to compensation for the primary defect. Thus, a complete account of the molecular pathogenesis of insulin resistance‐related diseases remains elusive. One approach circumventing such problems is the study of patients with single gene defects causing severe insulin resistance. In such patients the primary defect is known, and thus lessons may be learned about human physiology from detailed physiological study allied to knowledge of the function of the mutated protein. This review discusses developments in understanding of monogenic severe insulin resistance since discovery of the first insulin receptor mutations in 1988 and reviews the physiological lessons learnt, including the critical role of adipose tissue in human metabolic health and the meaning and importance of ‘partial’ insulin resistance for major human disease.
Variance Estimation Using Refitted Cross-Validation in Ultrahigh Dimensional Regression
Authors: Fan Jianqing , Guo Shaojun , Hao Ning
Published: October 2011

Variance estimation is a fundamental problem in statistical modelling. In ultrahigh dimensional linear regression where the dimensionality is much larger than the sample size, traditional variance estimation techniques are not applicable. Recent advances in variable selection in ultrahigh dimensional linear regression make this problem accessible. One of the major problems in ultrahigh dimensional regression is the high spurious correlation between the unobserved realized noise and some of the predictors. As a result, the realized noises are actually predicted when extra irrelevant variables are selected, leading to a serious underestimate of the level of noise. We propose a two-stage refitted procedure via a data splitting technique, called refitted cross-validation, to attenuate the influence of irrelevant variables with high spurious correlations. Our asymptotic results show that the resulting procedure performs as well as the oracle estimator, which knows in advance the mean regression function. The simulation studies lend further support to our theoretical claims. The naive two-stage estimator and the plug-in one-stage estimators using the lasso and smoothly clipped absolute deviation are also studied and compared. Their performances can be improved by the refitted cross-validation method proposed.
Hybrid Confidence Regions Based on Data Depth
Authors: Lee Stephen M. S.
Published: October 2011

We consider the general problem of constructing confidence regions for, possibly multi-dimensional, parameters when we have available more than one approach for the construction. These approaches may be motivated by different model assumptions, different levels of approximation, different settings of tuning parameters or different Monte Carlo algorithms. Their effectiveness is often governed by different sets of conditions which are difficult to vindicate in practice. We propose two procedures for constructing hybrid confidence regions which endeavour to integrate all such individual approaches. The procedures employ the concept of data depth to calibrate the confidence region in two different ways, the first rendering its coverage error minimax and the second rendering its coverage error conservative. The resulting region reconciles in many important aspects the discrepancies between the various approaches, and is robust against misspecification of their governing conditions. Theoretical and empirical properties of our procedures are investigated in comparison with those of the constituent individual approaches.
Conditional Quantile Analysis When Covariates are Functions, with Application to Growth Data
Authors: Chen Kehui , Müller Hans-Georg
Published: October 2011

Motivated by the conditional growth charts problem, we develop a method for conditional quantile analysis when predictors take values in a functional space. The method proposed aims at estimating conditional distribution functions under a generalized functional regression framework. This approach facilitates balancing of model flexibility and the curse of dimensionality for the infinite dimensional functional predictors. Its good performance in comparison with other methods, both for sparsely and for densely observed functional covariates, is demonstrated through theory as well as in simulations and an application to growth curves, where the method proposed can, for example, be used to assess the entire growth pattern of a child by relating it to the predicted quantiles of adult height.
Managing Structural Uncertainty in Health Economic Decision Models: A Discrepancy Approach
Authors: Strong Mark , Oakley Jeremy E. , Chilcott Jim
Published: October 2011

Healthcare resource allocation decisions are commonly informed by computer model predictions of population mean costs and health effects. It is common to quantify the uncertainty in the prediction due to uncertain model inputs, but methods for quantifying uncertainty due to inadequacies in model structure are less well developed. We introduce an example of a model that aims to predict the costs and health effects of a physical activity promoting intervention. Our goal is to develop a framework in which we can manage our uncertainty about the costs and health effects due to deficiencies in the model structure. We describe the concept of ‘model discrepancy’: the difference between the model evaluated at its true inputs, and the true costs and health effects. We then propose a method for quantifying discrepancy based on decomposing the cost-effectiveness model into a series of subfunctions, and considering potential error at each subfunction. We use a variance-based sensitivity analysis to locate important sources of discrepancy within the model to guide model refinement. The resulting improved model is judged to contain less structural error, and the distribution on the model output better reflects our true uncertainty about the costs and effects of the intervention.
Governing Migrant Workers at a Distance: Managing the Temporary Status of Guestworkers in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Yen‐fen , Wang Hong‐zen
Published: October 2011

This paper explores how a liberal democratic state keeps migrant workers in temporary status by preventing their permanent settlement. Using Taiwan’s guestworker policy as an example, we argue that through expertise discourses and strategies of “governance at a distance” involving private sector, the Taiwan government has formulated policies and implemented measures that effectively kept guestworkers in temporary status. Analyzing Taiwan’s guestworker policy helps us to understand how the state and its collaborators work together to enhance the control capacity over migrants, while at the same time, enabling the state to keep its liberal pretense.
Executive Pay and Performance: Did Bankers’ Bonuses Cause the Crisis?
Authors: Gregg Paul , Jewell Sarah , Tonks Ian
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the pay‐performance relationship between executive cash compensation (including bonuses) and company performance for a sample of large UK companies, focusing particularly on the financial services industry, since incentive misalignment has been blamed as one of the factors causing the global financial crisis of 2007–2008. Although we find that pay in the financial services sector is high, the cash‐plus‐bonus pay‐performance sensitivity of financial firms is not significantly higher than in other sectors. Consequently, we conclude that it unlikely that incentive structures could be held responsible for inducing bank executives to focus on short‐term results.
Does the EU Need a Navel? Implicit and Explicit Identification with the European Union*
Authors: CRAM LAURA
Published: October 2011

Analysts should expect neither too much from European Union identity and its causal role in driving the integration process, nor too little, by underestimating the stabilizing force of implicit identification with the EU. Daily transactions in an EU institutional context embed an acceptance of the EU as a legitimate political authority and underpin passive consent to the continued functioning of the EU. The emergence of explicit EU identification is contingent upon the value (real and symbolic) attached to transactions, the extent to which valued goods are perceived to be under threat and whether competing political authorities are viewed as legitimate.
Mediation of vertebrate life historiesviainsulin‐like growth factor‐1
Authors: Dantzer Ben , Swanson Eli M.
Published: October 2011

Life‐history traits describe parameters associated with growth, size, survival, and reproduction. Life‐history variation is a hallmark of biological diversity, yet researchers commonly observe that one of the major axes of life‐history variation after controlling for body size involves trade‐offs among growth, reproduction, and longevity. This persistent pattern of covariation among these specific traits has engendered a search for shared mechanisms that could constrain or facilitate production of variation in life‐history strategies. Endocrine traits are one candidate mechanism that may underlie the integration of life history and other phenotypic traits. However, the vast majority of this research has been on the effects of steroid hormones such as glucocorticoids and androgens on life‐history trade‐offs. Here we propose an expansion of the focus on glucocorticoids and gonadal hormones and review the potential role of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in shaping the adaptive integration of multiple life‐history traits. IGF‐1 is a polypeptide metabolic hormone largely produced by the liver. We summarize a vast array of research demonstrating that IGF‐1 levels are susceptible to environmental variation and that IGF‐1 can have potent stimulatory effects on somatic growth and reproduction but decrease lifespan. We review the few studies in natural populations that have measured plasma IGF‐1 concentrations and its associations with life‐history traits or other characteristics of the organism or its environment. We focus on two case studies that found support for the hypothesis that IGF‐1 mediates adaptive divergence in suites of life‐history traits in response to varying ecological conditions or artificial selection. We also examine what we view as potentially fruitful avenues of research on this topic, which until now has been rarely investigated by evolutionary ecologists. We discuss how IGF‐1 may facilitate adaptive plasticity in life‐history strategies in response to early environmental conditions and also how selection on loci controlling IGF‐1 signaling may mediate population divergence and eventual speciation. After consideration of the interactions among androgens, glucocorticoids, and IGF‐1 we suggest that IGF‐1 be considered a suitable candidate mechanism for mediating life‐history traits. Finally, we discuss what we can learn about IGF‐1 from studies in free‐ranging animals. The voluminous literature in laboratory and domesticated animals documenting relationships among IGF‐1, growth, reproduction, and lifespan demonstrates the potential for a number of new research questions to be asked in free‐ranging animals. Examining how IGF‐1 mediates life‐history traits in free‐ranging animals could lead to great insight into the mechanisms that influence life‐history variation.
Rainfall is not a genus‐wide predictor of mean body mass in baboon populations
Authors: Jolly C. J.
Published: October 2011

A body mass/rainfall relationship in baboons,Papio, is often treated as a well‐established socioecological principle. This paper tests its reality in 29 populations representing five of six recognized phylogenetic baboon species. Contrary to previous findings from fewer cases, mean adult body mass was not significantly related to mean annual rainfall (MAR) across the whole genus in either gender. A positive mass/rainfall relationship is seen in chacma baboons,Papio ursinus, and anubis or olive baboons,Papio anubis, but only if the two species are considered separately. An explanatory hypothesis in terms of year‐to‐year predictability of food resources (rather than absolute productivity and its surrogate,MAR) is advanced for further testing. Unlike variables such as group size and time budgets, interpopulational body mass differences are likely to be largely ‘evolutionary’ rather than ‘phenotypic’. As such, they may reflect population history and adaptation to ancient ecosystems as much as to extant environments. This being so, plausible explanations of the interpopulational distribution of mean body mass and other similar variables are more likely to be found if analysis incorporates biogeographic and phylogenetic histories, and taxonomic subdivisions.
Oral nifedipine versus intravenous labetalol for acute blood pressure control in hypertensive emergencies of pregnancy: a randomised trial
Authors: Raheem IA , Saaid R , Omar SZ , Tan PC
Published: October 2011

Please cite this paper as: Raheem I, Saaid R, Omar S, Tan P. Oral nifedipine versus intravenous labetalol for acute blood pressure control in hypertensive emergencies of pregnancy: a randomised trial. BJOG 2012;119:78–85.

Objective  To compare oral nifedipine with intravenous labetalol in their rapidity to control hypertensive emergencies of pregnancy.

Design  A double‐blind randomised trial.

Setting  A university hospital in Malaysia.

Population  Pregnant women with severe gestational hypertension ≥160/110 mmHg who required immediate treatment.

Methods  Patients were randomised to receive nifedipine (10 mg tablet, orally, up to five doses) and intravenous placebo saline injection or intravenous labetalol injection (in an escalating dose regimen of 20, 40, 80, 80 and 80 mg) and a placebo tablet every 15 minutes until the target blood pressure of ≤150/100 mmHg was achieved. Crossover treatment was effected if the initial treatment regimen was unsuccessful.

Main outcome measure  The time taken to achieve a blood pressure of ≤150/100 mmHg.

Results  The median time taken to achieve target blood pressure was 30 minutes (interquartile range, IQR 22.5–67.5 minutes) versus 45 minutes (IQR 30–60 minutes) for nifedipine and labetalol, respectively (P = 0.59). Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that in the first hour both systolic (F = 87.6, P < 0.001) and diastolic (F = 55.8, P < 0.001) blood pressure significantly decreased, but there was no difference between the nifedipine and labetalol groups for both systolic (F = 0.12, P = 0.74) and diastolic (F = 0.92, P = 0.34) blood pressure trends over time. Crossover treatment was required in 20% of women from each group.

Conclusions  Oral nifedipine and intravenous labetalol regimens are similarly effective in the acute control of severe hypertension in pregnancy.