bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate renal transplantation after radical prostatectomy for low‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Kreydin Evgeniy I. , Ko Dicken S. C.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

For most cancers, a two‐ to five‐yr period with no evidence of disease must be demonstrated before organ transplantation. The natural history of prostate cancer is unique both because of extensive pre‐treatment screening and the ease of post‐treatment monitoring for recurrence. Using available predictive models for prostate cancer recurrence, we examine whether current evidence supports a prolonged waiting period after radical prostatectomy and before renal transplantation.

Materials and Methods

A MedLine search was conducted to identify five series (published between 2000 and 2011), which examined biochemical recurrence (BCR) after prostatectomy for low‐risk prostate cancer. The likelihood of BCR at one, two, and five yr after radical prostatectomy was identified for each series.

Results

Each of the analyzed series demonstrated that the likelihood of BCR after radical prostatectomy for low‐risk prostate cancer was identical at one, two, and five yr and did not exceed 5%.

Conclusions

The likelihood of BCR does not increase during the first five yr after radical prostatectomy for low‐risk prostate cancer. Additionally, the risk of recurrence approaches zero during this period. Therefore, current evidence does not support the mandated waiting period of five yr before organ transplantation.
Myoepithelial carcinoma of the retromolar area with extensive mandibular involvement
Authors: Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo , Pontes Flávia Sirotheau Corrêa , Toral‐Rizo Victor , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , de Almeida Oslei Paes
Published: September 2012

Myoepithelial tumors were first described in 1943, and account for less than 1% of all salivary gland neoplasms. Their malignant variant, myoepithelial carcinoma, was first reported by Stromeyer et al. in 1975 and represents a very rare entity, characterized by distinct morphologic heterogeneity and an infiltrative growth pattern into adjacent tissues. However, there have been few reports on myoepithelial carcinoma affecting intra‐oral minor salivary glands, and its immunohistochemical features have been poorly illustrated. We herein describe a rare case of myoepithelial carcinoma affecting the retromolar region of a 52‐year‐old woman that caused extensive mandibular bone destruction. We also reviewed the English literature concerning the involvement of intra‐oral minor salivary glands by myoepithelial carcinoma.
Whole genome duplication in a threatened grassland plant and the efficacy of seed transfer zones
Authors: Severns Paul M. , Bradford Emma , Liston Aaron
Published: September 2012

Aim

Seed transfer zones are geographically defined areas in which the interpopulation mixing of plant propagules is presumed to be genetically beneficial and unlikely to result in outbreeding depression. Crossing between individuals that differ in ploidy (the number of whole genome duplications) commonly produces sterile or mostly sterile progeny, but the landscape distribution and occurrence of polyploids is poorly known for rare plants. Seed transfer zones could provide adequate protection for rare plants with unrecognized ploidy variation provided that the distribution of ploidal variants coincides with seed zone delineations. We studied the range‐wide distribution of polyploids in a threatened legume to determine whetherU.S. Fish andWildlifeService endorsed seed transfer zones have adequate protection from inadvertent mixing of individuals with non‐matching ploidy.

Location

PacificNorthwest,USA.

Methods

We used genotyping with nuclearDNAsimple sequence repeats and flow cytometry to screen for the presence of polyploids over the known range ofLupinus oreganus(Fabaceae).

Results

Genotyping (895 plants) and flow cytometry (198 plants) from 34 populations revealed that mixed‐ploidy and polyploid populations were not limited to the margins of the species range. Both mixed‐ploidy and polyploid populations occurred within every seed transfer zone and the nearest population (within each zone) appeared to be composed entirely of diploid individuals.

Main conclusions

Lupinus oreganusseed recovery zones, assumed to be ‘genetically safe’ areas to transfer seed among populations, would not prevent the mixing of incompatible ploidal lineages. ForL. oreganus, and other rare plant species with undocumented differences in whole genome duplication, interpopulation mixing without precautionary genetic screening could compromise the success of conservation projects involving interpopulation seed transfer. We recommend screening rare plant populations for variation in whole genome duplication prior to the implementation of interpopulation seed mixing projects.
Dragonflies: climate canaries for river management
Authors: Bush A. , Theischinger G. , Nipperess D. , Turak E. , Hughes L.
Published: September 2012

Aim

Freshwater ecosystems are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Where long‐term datasets are available, shifts in species phenology, species distributions and community structure consistent with a climate change signal have already been observed. Identifying trends across the wider landscape, to guide management in response to this threat, is limited by the resolution of sampling. Standard biomonitoring of macroinvertebrates for water‐quality purposes is currently not well suited to the detection of climate change effects, and there are risks that substantial changes will occur before a management response can be made. This study investigated whether dragonflies, frequently recommended as general indicators of ecological health, are also suitable as indicators of climate change.

Location

Data were analysed from standard bio‐assessment monitoring at over 850 sites spanning a 9° latitudinal gradient in eastern Australia.

Methods

Using variation partitioning, we analysed the proportion of assemblage turnover in dragonflies and other macroinvertebrate assemblages that can be explained by climate and other environmental drivers. We also tested whether the utility of dragonflies as indicators improved at higher taxonomic resolution and whether the turnover of dragonfly assemblages was congruent with that of other groups.

Results

Climate explained three times as much variation in turnover of dragonfly species than dragonfly and other macroinvertebrate assemblages at family level. The dissimilarity of dragonflies and varying turnover in each macroinvertebrate assemblage meant surrogacy amongst groups were low.

Main conclusions

On the basis of the influence of climate on turnover of macroinvertebrate assemblages, dragonfly species distribution appears highly sensitive to climatic factors, making this taxon a potential useful indicator of climate change responses. However, the low surrogacy amongst assemblages also suggests that a shift in the focus of conservation management from specific taxa to the functional composition of assemblages across a diverse range of habitats is needed.
Elevated 1‐h plasma glucose following 75‐g oral glucose load is a predictor of arterial stiffness in subjects with normal glucose tolerance
Authors: Niijima K. , Muranaka Y. , Ando T. , Okada S. , Niijima Y. , Hashimoto K. , Yamada M. , Ohshima K. , Mori M. , Ono K.
Published: September 2012

Aims

The study aimed to investigate arterial stiffness in subjects with normal glucose tolerance.

Methods

BMI, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, lipid variables, ankle–brachial pressure index and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity were measured in 2059 subjects from Takasaki city, located approximately 100 km north of Tokyo in Japan. Following a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, only subjects with normal glucose tolerance were selected.

Results

One‐hour post‐challenge plasma glucose levels were correlated with brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity values (r = 0.340, P < 0.0001). When subjects with normal glucose tolerance were divided into three groups—group 1 (1‐h plasma glucose < 8.56 mmol/l, n = 1595), group 2 (1‐h plasma glucose ≥ 8.56 and < 10.17 mmol/l, n = 334) and group 3 (1‐h plasma glucose ≥ 10.17 mmol/l, n = 130)—the brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity of group 3 (1473 ± 322 cm/s) was significantly higher than that of group 2 (1355 ± 252 cm/s) and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity of group 2 was also significantly higher than that of group 1 (1275 ± 212 cm/s).

Conclusions

We have identified that, in normal glucose tolerance, arterial stiffness is advanced in subjects with higher 1‐h post‐challenge plasma glucose in spite of the normal range for BMI, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and lipid variables. Higher 1‐h plasma glucose level is a risk factor for arterial stiffness in normal glucose tolerance.
Patients’ intentions to inform relatives about Type 2 diabetes risk: the role of worry in the process of family risk disclosure
Authors: van Esch S. C. M. , Nijkamp M. D. , Cornel M. C. , Snoek F. J.
Published: September 2012

Aims

Patients with Type 2 diabetes may play a role as intermediary between medical professionals and at‐risk relatives to promote diabetes prevention in their family. This study aimed to further our understanding of factors that influence the decisional process of familial risk disclosure in patients with diabetes.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, patients with Type 2 diabetes (n = 546) filled in a questionnaire assessing family risk perception, worry, personal beliefs regarding diabetes prevention, diabetes‐related family communication, intention and perceived ability to inform relatives about familial risk of diabetes. Data were analysed using hierarchical logistic regression and multiple mediation analyses.

Results

Sixty per cent of the patients were willing to inform their relatives about familial diabetes risk; 61% reported high family risk perception and 41% had positive control beliefs with regard to preventive options in relatives. A majority (69%) did not express serious concern about relatives developing diabetes. Worry about relatives, knowing what to tell, whom to notify, and communication about diabetes in general appeared to facilitate family risk disclosure. Unexpectedly, high family risk perception in itself did not significantly increase patients’ intentions to inform relatives; rather, risk perception appeared to exert an indirect effect through worry and beliefs about diabetes prevention.

Conclusions

Worry in patients with diabetes appears to be a key factor in the process of family risk disclosure. When professionals guide their patients in this process, they should not only provide risk information, but also address worries and emphasize opportunities for diabetes prevention.
μ‐Opioid receptor desensitization: homologous or heterologous?
Authors: Llorente Javier , Lowe Janet D. , Sanderson Helen S. , Tsisanova Elena , Kelly Eamonn , Henderson Graeme , Bailey Chris P.
Published: September 2012

There is considerable controversy over whether μ‐opioid receptor (MOPr) desensitization is homologous or heterologous and over the mechanisms underlying such desensitization. In different cell types MOPr desensitization has been reported to involve receptor phosphorylation by various kinases, including G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinases (GRKs), second messenger and other kinases as well as perturbation of the MOPr effector pathway by GRK sequestration of G protein βγ subunits or ion channel modulation. Here we report that in brainstem locus coeruleus (LC) neurons prepared from relatively mature rats (5–8 weeks old) rapid MOPr desensitization induced by the high‐efficacy opioid peptides methionine enkephalin and DAMGO was homologous and not heterologous to α2‐adrenoceptors and somatostatin SST2 receptors. Given that these receptors all couple through G proteins to the same set of G‐protein inwardly rectifying (GIRK) channels it is unlikely therefore that in mature neurons MOPr desensitization involves G protein βγ subunit sequestration or ion channel modulation. In contrast, in slices from immature animals (less than postnatal day 20), MOPr desensitization was observed to be heterologous and could be downstream of the receptor. Heterologous MOPr desensitization was not dependent on protein kinase C or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activity, but the change from heterologous to homologous desensitization with age was correlated with a decrease in the expression levels of GRK2 in the LC and other brain regions. The observation that the mechanisms underlying MOPr desensitization change with neuronal development is important when extrapolating to the mature brain results obtained from experiments on expression systems, cell lines and immature neuronal preparations.
Functionally Referential Communication in Mammals: The Past, Present and the Future
Authors: Townsend Simon W. , Manser Marta B.
Published: September 2012

Whether animal vocalizations have the potential to communicate information regarding ongoing external events or objects has received considerable attention over the last four decades. Such ‘functionally referential signals’ (Macedonia & Evans 1993) have been shown to occur in a range of mammals and bird species and as a consequence have helped us understand the complexities that underlie animal communication, particularly how animals process and perceive their socio‐ecological worlds. Here, we review the existing evidence for functionally referential signals in mammals according to the framework put forward in the seminal Macedonia and Evans review paper. Furthermore, we elucidate the ambiguities regarding the functionally referential framework that have become obvious over the last years. Finally, we highlight new potential areas for investigation within referential signalling. We conclude the functionally referential framework is still informative when interpreting the meaning of animal vocalizations but, based on emerging research, requires further integration with other approaches investigating animal vocal complexity to broaden its applicability.
More rapid climate change promotes evolutionary rescue through selection for increased dispersal distance
Authors: Boeye Jeroen , Travis Justin M. J. , Stoks Robby , Bonte Dries
Published: September 2012

Species can either adapt to new conditions induced by climate change or shift their range in an attempt to track optimal environmental conditions. During current range shifts, species are simultaneously confronted with a second major anthropogenic disturbance, landscape fragmentation. Using individual‐based models with a shifting climate window, we examine the effect of different rates of climate change on the evolution of dispersal distances through changes in the genetically determined dispersal kernel. Our results demonstrate that the rate of climate change is positively correlated to the evolved dispersal distances although too fast climate change causes the population to crash. When faced with realistic rates of climate change, greater dispersal distances evolve than those required for the population to keep track of the climate, thereby maximizing population size. Importantly, the greater dispersal distances that evolve when climate change is more rapid, induce evolutionary rescue by facilitating the population in crossing large gaps in the landscape. This could ensure population persistence in case of range shifting in fragmented landscapes. Furthermore, we highlight problems in using invasion speed as a proxy for potential range shifting abilities under climate change.
Strong correspondence between gillnet catch per unit effort and hydroacoustically derived fish biomass in stratified lakes
Authors: EMMRICH MATTHIAS , WINFIELD IAN J. , GUILLARD JEAN , RUSTADBAKKEN ATLE , VERGÈS CHARLOTTE , VOLTA PIETRO , JEPPESEN ERIK , LAURIDSEN TORBEN L. , BRUCET SANDRA , HOLMGREN KERSTIN , ARGILLIER CHRISTINE , MEHNER THOMAS
Published: September 2012

1. Sampling of lake fish assemblages is a challenging task in fish science, and the information obtained strongly depends on the choice of sampling gear. The use of more than one sampling technique is generally preferred in order to achieve a comprehensive view on fish assemblage structure. Therefore, the knowledge of whether catches between fishing gears are comparable is crucial.

2. We compared catches in benthic multi‐mesh gillnets with fish biomass estimates obtained by vertical hydroacoustics in 18 European lakes strongly varying in morphometry and trophic status. Separate analyses were conducted for different depth strata and for several fish length thresholds to account for depth‐ and size‐selective gillnet catches.

3. Gillnet catches and hydroacoustically obtained fish biomass estimates were significantly correlated. The strength of correlations was independent of the fish length thresholds applied, but varied across different depth strata of the lakes, with the strongest correlations occurring in the shallow strata.

4. The results support the applicability of vertical hydroacoustics for the quantification of fish biomass in stratified lakes. Survey designs combining hydroacoustics with limited gillnetting at sampling dates shortly one after the other, the latter for the purpose of inventory sampling only, are a cost‐effective strategy for sampling fish assemblages in lakes. However, gillnet sampling does not provide reliable fish density estimates in very deep lakes with separate, pelagic‐dwelling fish assemblages.
Microbial diversity of Loki's Castle black smokers at the Arctic Mid‐Ocean Ridge
Authors: Jaeschke A. , Jørgensen S. L. , Bernasconi S. M. , Pedersen R. B. , Thorseth I. H. , Früh‐Green G. L.
Published: September 2012

Hydrothermal vent systems harbor rich microbial communities ranging from aerobic mesophiles to anaerobic hyperthermophiles. Among these, members of the archaeal domain are prevalent in microbial communities in the most extreme environments, partly because of their temperature‐resistant and robust membrane lipids. In this study, we use geochemical and molecular microbiological methods to investigate the microbial diversity in black smoker chimneys from the newly discovered Loki's Castle hydrothermal vent field on the Arctic Mid‐Ocean Ridge (AMOR) with vent fluid temperatures of 310–320 °C and pH of 5.5. Archaeal glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether lipids (GDGTs) and H‐shaped GDGTs with 0–4 cyclopentane moieties were dominant in all sulfide samples and are most likely derived from both (hyper)thermophilic Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. Crenarchaeol has been detected in low abundances in samples derived from the chimney exterior indicating the presence of Thaumarchaeota at lower ambient temperatures. Aquificales and members of the Epsilonproteobacteria were the dominant bacterial groups detected. Our observations based on the analysis of 16S rRNA genes and biomarker lipid analysis provide insight into microbial communities thriving within the porous sulfide structures of active and inactive deep‐sea hydrothermal vents. Microbial cycling of sulfur, hydrogen, and methane by archaea in the chimney interior and bacteria in the chimney exterior may be the prevailing biogeochemical processes in this system.
Decline in growth of foraminifer Marginopora rossi under eutrophication and ocean acidification scenarios
Authors: Reymond Claire E. , Lloyd Alicia , Kline David I. , Dove Sophie G. , Pandolfi John M.
Published: September 2012

The combination of global and local stressors is leading to a decline in coral reef health globally. In the case of eutrophication, increased concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) are largely attributed to local land use changes. From the global perspective, increased atmospheric CO2 levels are not only contributing to global warming but also ocean acidification (OA). Both eutrophication and OA have serious implications for calcium carbonate production and dissolution among calcifying organisms. In particular, benthic foraminifera precipitate the most soluble form of mineral calcium carbonate (high‐Mg calcite), potentially making them more sensitive to dissolution. In this study, a manipulative orthogonal two‐factor experiment was conducted to test the effects of dissolved inorganic nutrients and OA on the growth, respiration and photophysiology of the large photosymbiont‐bearing benthic foraminifer, Marginopora rossi. This study found the growth rate of M. rossi was inhibited by the interaction of eutrophication and acidification. The relationship between M. rossi and its photosymbionts became destabilized due to the photosymbiont's release from nutrient limitation in the nitrate‐enriched treatment, as shown by an increase in zooxanthellae cells per host surface area. Foraminifers from the OA treatments had an increased amount of Chl a per cell, suggesting a greater potential to harvest light energy, however, there was no net benefit to the foraminifer growth. Overall, this study demonstrates that the impacts of OA and eutrophication are dose dependent and interactive. This research indicates an OA threshold at pH 7.6, alone or in combination with eutrophication, will lead to a decline in M. rossi calcification. The decline in foraminifera calcification associated with pollution and OA will have broad ecological implications across their ubiquitous range and suggests that without mitigation it could have serious implications for the future of coral reefs.
Does declining carbon‐use efficiency explain thermal acclimation of soil respiration with warming?
Authors: Tucker Colin L. , Bell Jennifer , Pendall Elise , Ogle Kiona
Published: September 2012

Enhanced soil respiration in response to global warming may substantially increase atmospheric CO2 concentrations above the anthropogenic contribution, depending on the mechanisms underlying the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration. Here, we compared short‐term and seasonal responses of soil respiration to a shifting thermal environment and variable substrate availability via laboratory incubations. To analyze the data from incubations, we implemented a novel process‐based model of soil respiration in a hierarchical Bayesian framework. Our process model combined a Michaelis–Menten‐type equation of substrate availability and microbial biomass with an Arrhenius‐type nonlinear temperature response function. We tested the competing hypotheses that apparent thermal acclimation of soil respiration can be explained by depletion of labile substrates in warmed soils, or that physiological acclimation reduces respiration rates. We demonstrated that short‐term apparent acclimation can be induced by substrate depletion, but that decreasing microbial biomass carbon (MBC) is also important, and lower MBC at warmer temperatures is likely due to decreased carbon‐use efficiency (CUE). Observed seasonal acclimation of soil respiration was associated with higher CUE and lower basal respiration for summer‐ vs. winter‐collected soils. Whether the observed short‐term decrease in CUE or the seasonal acclimation of CUE with increased temperatures dominates the response to long‐term warming will have important consequences for soil organic carbon storage.
Improving our understanding of environmental controls on the distribution of C3 and C4 grasses
Authors: Pau Stephanie , Edwards Erika J. , Still Christopher J.
Published: September 2012

A number of studies have demonstrated the ecological sorting of C3 and C4 grasses along temperature and moisture gradients. However, previous studies of C3 and C4 grass biogeography have often inadvertently compared species in different and relatively unrelated lineages, which are associated with different environmental settings and distinct adaptive traits. Such confounded comparisons of C3 and C4 grasses may bias our understanding of ecological sorting imposed strictly by photosynthetic pathway. Here, we used MaxEnt species distribution modeling in combination with satellite data to understand the functional diversity of C3 and C4 grasses by comparing both large clades and closely related sister taxa. Similar to previous work, we found that C4 grasses showed a preference for regions with higher temperatures and lower precipitation compared with grasses using the C3 pathway. However, air temperature differences were smaller (2 °C vs. 4 °C) and precipitation and % tree cover differences were larger (1783 mm vs. 755 mm, 21.3% vs. 7.7%, respectively) when comparing C3 and C4 grasses within the same clade vs. comparing all C4 and all C3 grasses (i.e., ignoring phylogenetic structure). These results were due to important differences in the environmental preferences of C3 BEP and PACMAD clades (the two main grass clades). Winter precipitation was found to be more important for understanding the distribution and environmental niche of C3 PACMADs in comparison with both C3 BEPs and C4 taxa, for which temperature was much more important. Results comparing closely related C3–C4 sister taxa supported the patterns derived from our modeling of the larger clade groupings. Our findings, which are novel in comparing the distribution and niches of clades, demonstrate that the evolutionary history of taxa is important for understanding the functional diversity of C3 and C4 grasses, and should have implications for how grasslands will respond to global change.
The impact of the economic downturn and health care reform on treatment decisions for haemophilia A: patient, caregiver and health care provider perspectives
Authors: Tarantino M. D. , Ye X. , Bergstrom F. , Skorija K. , Luo M. P.
Published: September 2012

Little is known about the impact of the recent US economic downturn and health care reform on patient, caregiver and health care provider (HCP) decision‐making for haemophilia A. To explore the impact of the recent economic downturn and perceived impact of health care reform on haemophilia A treatment decisions from patient, caregiver and HCP perspectives. Patients/caregivers and HCPs completed a self‐administered survey in 2011. Survey participants were asked about demographics, the impact of the recent economic downturn and health care reform provisions on their treatment decisions. Seventy three of the 134 (54%) patients/caregivers and 39 of 48 (81%) HCPs indicated that the economic downturn negatively impacted haemophilia care. Seventy of the 73 negatively impacted patients made financially related treatment modifications, including delaying/cancelling routine health care visit, skipping doses and/or skipping filling prescription. Treatment modifications made by HCPs included delaying elective surgery, switching from higher to lower priced product, switching from recombinant to plasma‐derived products and delaying prophylaxis. Health care reform was generally perceived as positive. Due to the elimination of lifetime caps, 30 of 134 patients (22%) and 28 of 48 HCPs (58%) indicated that they will make treatment modifications by initiating prophylaxis or scheduling routine appointment/surgery sooner. Both patients/caregivers and HCPs reported that the economic downturn had a negative impact on haemophilia A treatment. Suboptimal treatment modifications were made due to the economic downturn. Health care reform, especially the elimination of lifetime caps, was perceived as positive for haemophilia A treatment and as a potential avenue for contributing to more optimal treatment behaviours.
Physician preferences for medication attributes for the prophylactic treatment of patients with severe haemophilia A with inhibitors to factor VIII
Authors: Gelhorn H. , Merikle E. , Krishnan S. , Nemes L. , Leissinger C. , Valentino L.
Published: September 2012

Prophylaxis may be beneficial for patients with severe haemophilia A who have developed inhibitors to factor VIII. The aim of this study was to determine physicians' preferences for medication attributes in the prophylactic treatment of this patient population. Haematologists from Europe (EU) and the United States (US) participated in a discrete choice exercise to explore their preferences for medication attributes (efficacy, cost, scientific evidence, dosing frequency and administration time) associated with prophylaxis for severe haemophilia A in patients with inhibitors to factor VIII. Physicians' preferences for medication attributes were assessed through completion of 25 trade‐off tasks that included a choice between two hypothetical medications each comprised of one randomized level of each medication attribute. Participants also completed a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data were analysed using a random effects logit model. Participants (N = 36: US = 19; EU = 17) were 80.6% men, had a mean of 19.8 years (SD ± 8.1) [range 6–35] of practice experience. The physicians treated an average of 5.7 (±5.5) patients with severe haemophilia A and inhibitors per month and reported treating 36.2% of these patients prophylactically. The most important medication attributes for prophylactic treatment were efficacy [Relative Importance (RI) = 35.0%] and scientific evidence (RI = 34.1%), whereas treatment cost (12.0%), dosing frequency (10.8%) and administration time (8.2%) were less important. Results were similar across the EU and US. Efficacy and scientific evidence are the primary considerations for physicians' choice of prophylactic medications for use in this patient population.
Health‐related quality of life in haemophilia patients with inhibitors and their caregivers
Authors: DeKoven M. , Wisniewski T. , Petrilla A. , Holot N. , Lee W. C. , Cooper D. L. , von Mackensen S.
Published: September 2012

Data on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of congenital haemophilia patients with inhibitors (CHwI) and their caregivers are limited. To understand the association between patient demo‐graphics/clinical characteristics with HRQoL among CHwI patients and caregivers, a survey was developed to assess HRQoL with haemophilia‐specific QoL questionnaires (HAEMO‐QoL/HAEM‐A‐QoL). In the cross‐sectional study, paper‐pencil questionnaires were mailed to 261 US CHwI patients/caregivers in July 2010. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize HRQoL by age and to identify drivers of impairment, from both patient/caregiver perspectives. HRQoL scores were transformed on a scale of 0–100, with higher scores indicating higher impairment in HRQoL. Ninety‐seven respondents completed the HRQoL assessment. HRQoL impairment was higher in adult patients. In children ages 8–16 years, mean HAEMO‐QoL total score was 33.8 (SD = 15.5), and 35.0 (SD = 16.1) in children ages 4–7 years; for adult patients the mean HAEM‐A‐QoL total score was 42.2 (SD = 14.8). Adults reported highest impairment in the ‘sports/leisure’ subscale (Mean = 62.5, SD = 18.7), whereas patients 8–16 years reported highest impairment in the ‘physical health’ subscale (Mean = 50.8, SD = 30.5).Caregivers of patients ages 4–7 years reported greatest impairment within the ‘family’ subscale (Mean = 55.6, SD = 19.4). Caregivers were ‘‘considerably/very much’’ bothered by their child's inhibitors and reported higher QoL impairment for their child than parents who were not bothered. Within ChwI patients, HRQoL impairments increased with age and existed across a range of physical/psychosocial domains. In addition, caregiver burden also affected the perceived HRQoL of paediatric CHwI patients. Additional research is considered necessary to further understand the support caregivers need while caring for children with CHwI.
The experience of being a female carrier of haemophilia and the mother of a haemophilic child
Authors: Myrin‐Westesson L. , Baghaei F. , Friberg F.
Published: September 2012

Limited research has been conducted on how the female carrier experiences her life with a haemophilic child, and earlier studies are mostly questionnaire‐based. No previous qualitative study on the female carrier's situation has been conducted in Sweden. The aim of the study was to describe the lived experience of being a carrier of severe or moderate haemophilia and of being the mother of a haemophilic child. The study was conducted via qualitative interviews and analysed by means of a phenomenological hermeneutic method; a total of 13 haemophilia carriers were interviewed in 2010. Being a carrier of haemophilia and having a haemophilic child was life changing. The women moved from a state of sad, guilty chaos to reconciling themselves with the new situation. Our analysis revealed three acts in which phenomena appeared: the time after diagnosis, the turning point and reconciliation with a changing life. Emerging as crucial to the process of reconciliation with a changing life was a sense of being fully informed and supported. The Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) should create an environment that encourages learning, and the team should invite and encourage the woman's partner to be actively involved in the child's care. Moreover, the results indicate that it would be beneficial to invite female carriers to receive patient education at the HTC before they plan to start a family. During this visit, the woman may gain a greater understanding of her carriership to prepare her for future decisions concerning prenatal diagnosis, for example.
Ranking of dental and somatic pain sensations among paediatric dental patients
Authors: Ratson Tal , Peretz Benjamin
Published: September 2012

Background

Children suffer from somatic and dental pain, which may interfere with their everyday life. Pain self‐report tools are available for children. Research is needed to better understand the perception of dental pain in comparison with pain in other organs.

Aim

To investigate relations between the perceptions of dental and somatic pain complaints among school‐age children.

Design

One hundred and two children, aged 7–17 years (mean age, 11.5 ± 2.65 years), completed questioners regarding their somatic and dental: 1. Memory pain rank (MPR) and 2. Wong‐Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (FRS).

Results

Children reported increased dental pain after school in both scales (P = 0.015 in MPR). In both MPR and FRS, the pattern of pain ranking was similar: Abdominal pain was scored highest (2.75 ± 1.4 and 1.56 ± 1.63, respectively), followed by headache, ear, dental and TMJ (Temporomandibular joint).

Conclusion

There was a strong correlation between pain perception and current pain scores in every organ. Somatic pain, namely head, abdomen and ears, was ranked significantly higher than dental and TMJ pain. School‐aged children rank current pain and pain experience significantly lower while they are pre‐occupied (school time) in comparison with times when they are less busy (after school time).
Examining interpersonal trust as a facilitator and uncertainty as an inhibitor of intra‐organisational knowledge sharing
Authors: Hsu Meng‐Hsiang , Chang Chun‐Ming
Published: September 2012

This study developed a theoretical model to explore the antecedents of interpersonal trust and the impact of interpersonal trust and uncertainty on intra‐organisational knowledge sharing in highly information‐technology‐mediated work environments. The proposed model was tested empirically using survey data collected from five telecommunication companies. The findings reveal that interpersonal trust has a positive effect on knowledge sharing, while uncertainty has a negative effect upon knowledge sharing. The results also show that social interaction ties and shared knowledge‐sharing vision are the antecedent factors of interpersonal trust, and that uncertainty regarding knowledge sharing is increased by seeker absorptive capability concerns, reciprocity concerns and fear of losing knowledge power. Some important implications for theory and practice as well as directions for future study are discussed.
NXCL-4950, a novel composite applicable to peripheral skin, is capable of increasing skin temperature by enhancing capillary circulation
Authors: Kim D.-C. , Lee C.-E.
Published: September 2012

Background. Rapid skin warming and prompt correct medical treatment lead to dramatic improvement in patients with peripheral capillary-related damage, such as injuries, Raynaud disease and frostbite.

Aim. To characterize a novel composite, NXCL-4950, for use in a cosmetic lotion.

Methods. The effects of NXCL-4950 on enhancing skin blood flow, skin temperature warming, and expansion of peripheral blood vessels and scalp microvessels were investigated.

Results. Monitoring by laser Doppler perfusion imaging and thermal imaging showed that application of NXCL-4950 to the hands increased skin blood flow and temperature relative to the control (or placebo) group. For the 20 participants with a high Raynaud Condition Score, application of NXCL-4950 to the skin resulted in a mean increase of 215.53% in microvessel diameter and mean increase of 164.96% in the speed of blood flow. When NXCL-4950 was applied to the scalp, the microvessels around the hair roots were clearly visible after 20 min.

Conclusion. NXCL-4950 is a potential candidate for enhancing peripheral skin temperature, and might be useful in the treatment of capillary-related disorders.
p16INK4a/Ki‐67 dual labelling as a marker for the presence of high‐grade cancer cells or disease progression in urinary cytopathology
Authors: Piaton E. , Advenier A. S. , Carré C. , Decaussin‐Petrucci M. , Mege‐Lechevallier F. , Ruffion A.
Published: September 2012

E. Piaton, A. S. Advenier, C. Carré, M. Decaussin‐Petrucci, F. Mege‐Lechevallier and A. Ruffion  p16INK4a/Ki‐67 dual labelling as a marker for the presence of high‐grade cancer cells or disease progression in urinary cytopathology

Objective:  Overexpression of p16INK4a independent of the presence of E6–E7 oncoproteins of high‐risk papillomaviruses has been identified in bladder carcinoma in situ lesions with or without concurrent papillary or invasive high‐grade (HG) urothelial carcinoma. As p16INK4a and Ki‐67 co‐expression clearly indicates deregulation of the cell cycle, the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of p16INK4a/Ki‐67 dual labelling in urinary cytology samples.

Methods:  Immunolabelling was performed in demounted, destained Papanicolaou slides after ThinPrep® processing. A total of 84 urinary cytology samples (18 negative, 10 low grade, 19 atypical urothelial cells and 37 high grade) were analysed for p16INK4a/Ki‐67 co‐expression. We assessed underlying urothelial malignancy with cystoscopy, histopathology and follow‐up data in every case.

Results:  Compared with raw histopathological results, p16 INK4a/Ki‐67 dual labelling was observed in 48 out of 55 (87.3%) HG lesions and in 11 out of 29 (37.9%) negative, papillary urothelial neoplasia of low malignant potential or low‐grade carcinomas (P = 0.05). All cases with high‐grade/malignant cytology were dual labelled. Sixteen out of 17 (94.1%) carcinoma in situ cases and eight out of 14 (57.1%) cases with atypical urothelial cells matching with HG lesions were dual labelled. Extended follow‐up allowed three cases of progression to be diagnosed in dual‐labelled cases with negative/low‐grade cytology results after a 9‐ to 11‐months delay.

Conclusions:  The data show that p16INK4a/Ki‐67 co‐expression allows most HG cancer cells to be detected initially and in the follow‐up period. Additional studies are needed in order to determine whether dual labelling can be used as a triage tool for atypical urothelial cells in the urine.
Fitness consequences of nest infiltration by the mutualist‐exploiter Megalomyrmex adamsae
Authors: ADAMS RACHELLE M. M. , SHAH KOMAL , ANTONOV LUBOMIR D. , MUELLER ULRICH G.
Published: September 2012

1. Fungus‐growing ants are obligate mutualists. Their nutrient‐rich fungus garden provides a valuable food store that sustains the ant hosts, but can also attract social parasites.

2. The ‘guest ant' Megalomyrmex adamsae Longino parasitises the fungus‐growing Trachymyrmex zeteki Weber queen just after nest founding. The parasitic queen infiltrates the incipient nest, builds a cavity in the fungal garden, and lays eggs that develop into workers and reproductive males and females.

3. This study compared young parasitised and non‐parasitised laboratory colonies by measuring garden growth and biomass, and the number of host workers and reproductives. Host queen survival and parasite colony growth were also monitored.

4. Parasitised Trachymyrmex colonies had reduced host worker and alate numbers, as well as lower garden biomass, compared with non‐parasitised control colonies, confirming that M. adamsae is a xenobiotic social parasite. Host queen survival was not significantly different between parasitised and control colonies.

5. This is the first study that experimentally infects host colonies with a xenobiotic social parasite to measure fitness cost to the host. The natural history of M. adamsae and the fungus‐growing ant mutualism are evaluated in the context of three general predictions of (Bronstein, Ecology Letters, 4, 277–287, 2001a) regarding the cost of mutualism exploiters.
Geographic comparison of seasonal migration events of the large white butterfly, Pieris brassicae
Authors: SPIETH HUBERT R. , CORDES RALF
Published: September 2012

1. The multivoltine butterfly Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus) inhabits most climatic zones in Europe and Asia. Its regional populations are adapted to the respective climatic conditions and hibernate in those regions. Yet how these adaptations are stabilised in spite of the species' regular migration events is unclear.

2. In this study, significant differences were found in the preferred flight direction of P. brassicae depending on the season and the butterfly's geographic origin. The individual flight behaviours indicated that flight direction is a heritable character.

3. The bivoltine population from northern Germany undertook a typical return flight in the second generation of the year. This reverse flight was induced by the developmental mode of the caterpillars. A diapause in the pupal stage triggered a northward migration, and a non‐diapause a southward migration.

4. In contrast to bivoltine populations, the second generation of multivoltine populations maintained the direction of the hibernating generation.

5. A unique situation was determined for the population from the northern coast of Spain. The North Sea seemed to be a migration barrier that forced an adaptation, with the first generation flying southeastward, and the second generation northeastward.

6. The flight pattern of at least some of the investigated populations suggests that, after their yearly migration, the descendants of a local population are able to reach the home range of their ancestors again.
Evidence‐based control of canine rabies: a critical review of population density reduction
Authors: Morters Michelle K. , Restif Olivier , Hampson Katie , Cleaveland Sarah , Wood James L. N. , Conlan Andrew J. K.
Published: September 2012

Control measures for canine rabies include vaccination and reducing population density through culling or sterilization.

Despite the evidence that culling fails to control canine rabies, efforts to reduce canine population density continue in many parts of the world.

The rationale for reducing population density is that rabies transmission is density‐dependent, with disease incidence increasing directly with host density. This may be based, in part, on an incomplete interpretation of historical field data for wildlife, with important implications for disease control in dog populations. Here, we examine historical and more recent field data, in the context of host ecology and epidemic theory, to understand better the role of density in rabies transmission and the reasons why culling fails to control rabies.

We conclude that the relationship between host density, disease incidence and other factors is complex and may differ between species. This highlights the difficulties of interpreting field data and the constraints of extrapolations between species, particularly in terms of control policies.

We also propose that the complex interactions between dogs and people may render culling of free‐roaming dogs ineffective irrespective of the relationship between host density and disease incidence.

We conclude that vaccination is the most effective means to control rabies in all species.
Long sleep duration and cause‐specific mortality according to physical function and self‐rated health: the Ohsaki Cohort Study
Authors: Kakizaki Masako , Kuriyama Shinichi , Nakaya Naoki , Sone Toshimasa , Nagai Masato , Sugawara Yumi , Hozawa Atsushi , Fukudo Shin , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: September 2012

Although several studies have examined the association between sleep duration and all‐cause or cause‐specific mortality, it is unclear whether long sleep duration might merely reflect decreased physical strength and poorer health status. We therefore examined the association between sleep duration and all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality, and conducted stratified analysis based on physical function and self‐rated health. This study used prospective data from the Ohsaki Cohort Study, conducted in Miyagi Prefecture, in northern Japan. This study population comprised 49 256 subjects aged 40–79 years at the baseline survey. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality according to the five categories of sleep duration (≤6, 7, 8, 9, ≥10 h day−1), treating 7 h as the reference group, employing Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis. We found that long sleep duration was associated with mortality. The HRs (95% CIs) of subjects who slept more than 10 h were 1.37 (1.27–1.47), 1.49 (1.30–1.71) and 1.53 (1.36–1.73) for mortality due to all causes, total cardiovascular disease and other causes of death mortality, respectively. The association between long sleep duration and stroke mortality was especially marked among subjects with limited physical function and poorer health status. However, we did not observe such a trend for mortality due to all causes, total cardiovascular disease, ischaemic heart disease, cancer or other causes of death. We conclude that, with the exception of stroke mortality, the association between long sleep duration and mortality is not modified by physical function or health status.
Multiple host feeding in Glossina palpalis gambiensis and Glossina tachinoides in southeast Mali
Authors: HOPPENHEIT A. , BAUER B. , STEUBER S. , TERHALLE W. , DIALL O. , ZESSIN K.‐H. , CLAUSEN P.‐H.
Published: September 2012

Changes in agricultural practices and the resulting extinction of wildlife have led to the reduction or disappearance of savannah tsetse species. Riparian tsetse such as Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank 1949 and Glossina tachinoides Westwood 1850 (Diptera: Glossinidae) continue to persist in peridomestic sites, transmitting trypanosomiasis. At present, little is known about interspecies differences in feeding behaviour in these two species in southeast Mali, or of the phenomenon of multiple bloodmeals. To study these topics, 279 samples of G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides containing host DNA, caught in the Sikasso region between November 2008 and April 2009, were analysed by applying host species‐specific primers and sequencing. Human accounted for > 66% of G. p. gambiensis bloodmeals, whereas G. tachinoides contained in equal parts DNA of human, cattle or both, showing a significantly higher proportion of multiple host use. Further, the trypanosome infection rate was found to be three‐fold higher in G. tachinoides. Logistic regression analysis revealed double‐feeding and infection to be independent of one another, but showed infection to be correlated with engorgement in G. p. gambiensis and female sex in G. tachinoides. Enhanced host‐seeking activities paired with the high trypanosome infection rate found in G. tachinoides would indicate that this species has a higher vectorial capacity than G. p. gambiensis.