bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low anti‐RhD IgG‐Fc‐fucosylation in pregnancy: a new variable predicting severity in haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn
Authors: Kapur Rick , Della Valle Luciana , Sonneveld Myrthe , Hipgrave Ederveen Agnes , Visser Remco , Ligthart Peter , de Haas Masja , Wuhrer Manfred , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Vidarsson Gestur
Published: June 2014

Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) may occur when maternal IgG antibodies against red blood cells (RBCs), often anti‐RhD (anti‐D) antibodies, cross the placenta and mediate the destruction of RBCs via phagocytic IgG‐Fc‐receptors (FcγR). Clinical severity is not strictly related to titre and is more accurately predicted by the diagnostically‐applied monocyte‐based antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), a sensitive test with relatively low specificity. This suggests that other factors are involved in the pathogenesis of HDFN. Binding of IgG to FcγR requires the N‐linked glycan at position 297 in the IgG‐Fc‐region, consisting of several different glycoforms. We therefore systematically analysed IgG‐derived glycopeptides by mass spectrometry from 70 anti‐D IgG1 antibodies purified from the plasma of alloimmunized pregnant women. This revealed a variable decrease in Fc‐fucosylation in the majority of anti‐D IgG1 (even down to 12%), whereas the total IgG of these patients remained highly fucosylated, like in healthy individuals (>90%). The degree of anti‐D fucosylation correlated significantly with CD16 (FcγRIIIa)‐mediated ADCC, in agreement with increased affinity of defucosylated IgG to human FcγRIIIa. Additionally, low anti‐D fucosylation correlated significantly with low fetal‐neonatal haemoglobin levels, thus with increased haemolysis, suggesting IgG‐fucosylation to be an important pathological feature in HDFN with diagnostic potential.
Understanding the impact of special health care needs on early school functioning: a conceptual model
Authors: O'Connor M. , Howell‐Meurs S. , Kvalsvig A. , Goldfeld S.
Published: June 2014

Children with special health care needs (SHCN) have or are at increased risk for a chronic condition that necessitates more health and related supports than their peers. While it is generally accepted that these children are at risk for school failure, the mechanisms through which SHCN impact on children's experiences (and therefore opportunities to intervene) at school are still relatively poorly understood. Based on the current literature, this paper provides a conceptual framework to guide further discussion of this issue in research, policy and practice. Evidence from the literature was reviewed and existing frameworks examined. We propose that SHCN impact on four interrelated domains of children's functioning: (1) body functions and structures; (2) activities of daily living; (3) social participation; and (4) educational participation. Children's functioning is further influenced by risk and protective factors that can be identified at the level of the child, family and service systems. Together, these processes contribute to shaping either positive or negative trajectories of school functioning. The mechanisms influencing school experiences for children with special health care needs are complex, with opportunities for positive interventions at a range of levels. The proposed conceptual model provides an accessible tool for guiding discussion of the support needs of this vulnerable population.
Awareness of body weight by mothers and their children: repeated measures in a single cohort (EarlyBird 64)
Authors: Jeffery A. N. , Metcalf B. S. , Hosking J. , Mostazir M. B. A. , Voss L. D. , Wilkin T. J.
Published: June 2014

Background

Mothers often do not realize when their child is overweight. We aimed to compare mothers' perceptions of children's weight before and during puberty, and to explore factors at 7 years predicting recognition of overweight at 16 years.

Methods

Mothers of 237 children (136 boys) from the EarlyBird study estimated their own weight category and that of their child aged 7 years and 16 years. The children estimated their own weight category at 16 years. Annual measures: body mass index standard deviation score (BMIsds), per cent fat, physical activity. Pubertal development assessed by age at peak height velocity (APHV). Maternal measures: BMI, education, socio‐economic status.

Results

At 7 years 21% of girls and 16% of boys were overweight or obese, rising to 27% and 22% respectively at 16 years. The accuracy of the mother's perception of her child's weight category improved from 44% at 7 years to 74% at 16 years, but they were less able to judge overweight in sons than daughters. The mothers' level of concern about overweight was greater for girls than boys, and increased for girls (52% mothers of overweight/obese girls were worried at 7 years, 62% at 16 years), but remained static in the boys (42% vs. 39%). Over 80% of the youngsters realized when they were overweight, but 25% normal‐weight girls also classed themselves as overweight. Only BMI predicted a mother's ability to correctly perceive her child's weight. Neither her awareness, nor concern, about the child's weight at 7 years had any impact on the trajectory of the child's BMI from 7 years to 16 years.

Conclusions

Parents are central to any successful weight reduction programme in their children, but will not engage while they remain ignorant of the problem. Crucially, any concern mothers may have about their child's excess weight at 7 years appears to have no impact on subsequent weight change.
Siblings, asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema: a worldwide perspective from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood
Authors: Strachan D. P. , Aït‐Khaled N. , Foliaki S. , Mallol J. , Odhiambo J. , Pearce N. , Williams H. C. ,   the ISAAC Phase Three Study Group
Published: June 2014

Background

Associations of larger families with lower prevalences of hay fever, eczema and objective markers of allergic sensitization have been found fairly consistently in affluent countries, but little is known about these relationships in less affluent countries.

Methods

Questionnaire data for 210 200 children aged 6–7 years from 31 countries, and 337 226 children aged 13–14 years from 52 countries, were collected by Phase Three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Associations of disease symptoms and labels of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema were analysed by numbers of total, older and younger siblings, using mixed (multi‐level) logistic regression models to adjust for individual covariates and at the centre level for region, language and national affluence.

Results

In both age groups, inverse trends (P < 0.0001) were observed for reported ‘hay fever ever’ and ‘eczema ever’ with increasing numbers of total siblings, and more specifically older siblings. These inverse associations were significantly (P < 0.005) stronger in more affluent countries. In contrast, symptoms of severe asthma and severe eczema were positively associated (P < 0.0001) with total sibship size in both age groups. These associations with disease severity were largely independent of position within the sibship and national GNI per capita.

Conclusions

These global findings on sibship size and childhood asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema suggest at least two distinct trends. Inverse associations with older siblings (observations which prompted the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ for allergic disease) are mainly a phenomenon of more affluent countries, whereas greater severity of symptoms in larger families is globally more widespread.
The potential role of direct and indirect bronchial challenge testing to identify overtreatment of community managed asthma
Authors: Manoharan A. , Lipworth B. J. , Craig E. , Jackson C.
Published: June 2014

Background

Although airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a defining feature of asthma pathophysiology, bronchial challenge testing is not routinely used in primary care asthma management.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of direct (methacholine) and indirect (mannitol) challenge testing in community managed asthma.

Methods

Patients currently treated for asthma from Tayside and Fife were identified by the Health Informatics Centre (HIC) and invited to take part in the study. At screening, the following tests were carried out: spirometry, methacholine and mannitol challenge, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO); Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ).

Results

A total of 3388 asthmatics were initially identified by HIC with 423 positive responses and 123 completing the study. Seventy percent had either a positive methacholine (PC20 < 8 mg/mL) or mannitol challenge (PD15 < 635 mg), and 30% were non‐responsive to both challenges. Fourteen percent of methacholine responders (n = 74) were negative to mannitol, and 16% of mannitol responders (n = 76) were negative to methacholine. Spirometry, FeNO, ACQ and AQLQ were significantly better in the non‐responder group who were exposed to high‐dose inhaled corticosteroids and frequent long‐acting beta‐agonists.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

We found that 30% of unselected patients with community managed asthma were challenge negative and could be potentially misdiagnosed or overtreated, in turn suggesting the need for supervised step‐down.
Transanal ileoproctostomy is feasible in human cadavers
Authors: Polese L. , Lezoche E. , Porzionato A. , Lezoche G. , Da Dalt G. , Macchi V. , Stecco C. , De Caro R. , Norberto L. , Merigliano S.
Published: June 2014

Aim

An ileorectal bypass performed entirely through a transanal route has recently been described in an animal model. The present study aimed to demonstrate its technical feasibility in four human cadavers.

Method

A transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) device and endoscopic instruments were used. The principal steps of the procedure included insertion of the TEM device, rectostomy above the peritoneal reflection, peritoneoscopy using a standard gastroscope and delivery of the small bowel through the proctostomy to perform an anastomosis.

Results

The procedure was successfully completed using transanal access in all cases. The mean procedure time was 90 min. The bypass was patent, and the anastomosis between the intraperitoneal rectum and the terminal ileum was leakproof.

Conclusion

Transanal ileoproctostomy is technically feasible in human cadavers. The procedure may become an alternative to stoma formation in selected patients with colonic obstruction.
Validation of the VE1 immunostain for the BRAFV600E mutation in melanoma
Authors: Pearlstein Michelle V. , Zedek Daniel C. , Ollila David W. , Treece Amanda , Gulley Margaret L. , Groben Pamela A. , Thomas Nancy E.
Published: June 2014

Background

BRAF mutation status, and therefore eligibility for BRAF inhibitors, is currently determined by sequencing methods. We assessed the validity of VE1, a monoclonal antibody against the BRAF V600E mutant protein, in the detection of mutant BRAF V600E melanomas as classified by DNA pyrosequencing.

Methods

The cases were 76 metastatic melanoma patients with only one known primary melanoma who had had BRAF codon 600 pyrosequencing of either their primary (n = 19), metastatic (n = 57) melanoma, or both (n = 17). All melanomas (n = 93) were immunostained with the BRAF VE1 antibody using a red detection system. The staining intensity of these specimens was scored from 0 to 3+ by a dermatopathologist. Scores of 0 and 1+ were considered as negative staining while scores of 2+ and 3+ were considered positive.

Results

The VE1 antibody showed a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 100% as compared to DNA pyrosequencing results. There was 100% concordance between VE1 immunostaining of primary and metastatic melanomas from the same patient. V600K, V600Q, and V600R BRAF melanomas did not positively stain with VE1.

Conclusions

This hospital‐based study finds high sensitivity and specificity for the BRAF VE1 immunostain in comparison to pyrosequencing in detection of BRAF V600E in melanomas.
Dermatologic therapy in geriatric patients
Authors: Kratzsch Dorothea , Treudler Regina
Published: June 2014

Demographic changes in our society will lead to an increasing proportion of elderly people. Age‐associated multimorbidity often results in polypharmacy and elevates the risk of adverse drug reactions. Decisive alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are detectable in old age, primarily a decrease in total body water, an altered ratio of muscle mass to fatty tissue, and decreased renal function. Changes in gastrointestinal transit, plasma protein binding, hepatic drug metabolism, and an increased susceptibility to drug‐induced cognitive decompensation have also been reported. All these alterations should be considered in geriatric dermatotherapy to minimize drug‐related complications caused by over‐ or underdosage and drug interactions.
Immune thrombocytopenia in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Hadjadj Jérôme , Michel Marc , Chauveheid Marie‐Paule , Godeau Bertrand , Papo Thomas , Sacre Karim
Published: June 2014

Objective

Autoimmune disorders, including immune cytopenia, are encountered in the setting of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). The aim of our study was to analyze the association of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study on 565 patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) followed in the French referral center for adult's immune cytopenia. A literature review using MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD) was also performed.

Results

Eight patients (5 male, 76.3 + 9.8 yr old) with ITP‐associated CMML were identified in our national cohort. Thirteen cases were reported in literature from 1984 to 2013. Mean age was 65.3 ± 18.5 yr. Sex ratio (M/F) was 1/0.6. ITP unveiled CMML in all but four cases (17/21; 80.9%). ITP occurred in the setting of low‐grade CMML in all cases, with neither reported progression nor acute myeloid leukemia transformation during follow‐up. Overall, karyotype analysis revealed cytogenetic abnormalities in six cases (6/16; 37.5%). ITP had a chronic course in most cases and shares, according to the low level of bleeding complications and the high response rate to treatment such as corticosteroids and splenectomy, the usual characteristics of primary ITP.

Conclusion

Although the association of a well‐defined ITP and CMML is rare, our study suggests that CMML‐associated ITP should be treated according to current guidelines for primary ITP.
Ecology and conservation of Pseudolestes mirabilis (Odonata: Zygoptera), a damselfly endemic to Hainan Island of China
Authors: Zhu Gengping , Yu Xin , Bu Wenjun
Published: June 2014

Although some efforts have addressed oriental dragonfly conservation, knowledge on the ecology and geographic distribution of such dragonflies remains scant. The phoenix damselfly Pseudolestes mirabilis Kirby, 1900 is the single species in the family Pseudolestidae that is endemic to Hainan Island of China. This damselfly was recommended by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to be of priority for further study and conservation. In this work, we use ecological niche modeling techniques to estimate the dimensions of the realized niches of this damselfly and to predict its potential distribution. Our findings suggest that the phoenix damselfly possessed a small climate space characterized by low temperature and high precipitation. Highly suitable areas are mainly distributed in the low‐altitude regions of southern central tree‐covered mountains in Hainan. Caution is warranted when considering the potential habitat loss attributed to human activity and climate change.
Intraguild predation by Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on native insects in Europe: molecular detection from field samples
Authors: Brown Peter Michael James , Ingels Brecht , Wheatley Angela , Rhule Emma L. , de Clercq Patrick , van Leeuwen Thomas , Thomas Alison
Published: June 2014

Intraguild predation (IGP) is a potential mechanism of negative effects on native species populations by invasive non‐native species such as Harmonia axyridis. Molecular techniques (polymerase chain reaction) were used to probe for the presence of various insect (coccinellid, syrphid and chrysopid) prey DNA in the guts of 177 H. axyridis larvae field‐collected in England, France, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in 2010. Three of the four target prey species were detected in the guts of H. axyridis at the following rates: Adalia decempunctata 9.6%, Adalia bipunctata 2.8% and Episyrphus balteatus 2.8%. IGP on Chrysoperla carnea was not detected. IGP detection of at least one target species was made in England, France, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, but not in Germany. These results strengthen the evidence that H. axyridis is a very generalist predator. Results are discussed in the context of their ecological significance.
Risk of epilepsy among patients with atopic dermatitis: A nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Mu‐Hong , Wu Yi‐Hui , Su Tung‐Ping , Chen Ying‐Sheue , Hsu Ju‐Wei , Huang Kai‐Lin , Li Cheng‐Ta , Lin Wei‐Chen , Chang Wen‐Han , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Bai Ya‐Mei
Published: June 2014

Objective

Both atopic dermatitis and epilepsy have been regarded as chronic inflammatory diseases. However, their association has yet to be investigated.

Methods

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 35,312 patients with atopic dermatitis but without a history of epilepsy, and 35,312 age‐/gender‐matched controls were enrolled between 1998 and 2008, and followed to the end of 2011 to identify the development of epilepsy.

Results

Subjects with atopic dermatitis had a higher incidence of developing epilepsy (0.94 vs. 0.27/1,000 person‐years, p < 0.001) than the control group. The Cox regression model showed that atopic dermatitis increased the risk of developing epilepsy (hazard ratio [HR] 2.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.23–3.82) after adjusting for demographic data and medical comorbidities. Sensitivity tests showed consistent findings (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.68–2.96) after excluding the first year of observation. In addition, asthma (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04–1.72) and allergic rhinitis (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04–1.73) were related to the risk of epilepsy.

Significance

Subjects with atopic dermatitis were associated with an increased risk of developing epilepsy in later life. Further studies would be needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
The Effect of Communication Change on Long‐term Reductions in Child Exposure to Conflict: Impact of the Promoting Strong African American Families (ProSAAF) Program
Authors: Beach Steven R. H. , Barton Allen W. , Lei Man Kit , Brody Gene H. , Kogan Steven M. , Hurt Tera R. , Fincham Frank D. , Stanley Scott M.
Published: June 2014

African American couples (n = 331) with children, 89% of whom were married, were assigned to either (a) a culturally sensitive couple‐ and parenting‐enhancement program (ProSAAF) or (b) an information‐only control condition in which couples received self‐help materials. Husbands averaged 41 years of age and wives averaged 39 years. We found significant effects of program participation in the short term on couple communication, which was targeted by the intervention, as well as over the long term, on self‐reported arguing in front of children. Long‐term parenting outcomes were fully mediated by changes in communication for wives, but not for husbands. For husbands, positive change depended on amount of wife reported change. We conclude that wives' changes in communication from baseline to posttest may be more pivotal for the couples' long‐term experience of decreased arguing in front of children than are husbands' changes, with wives' changes leading to changes in both partners' reports of arguments in front of children.
Structural basis of DDB1‐and‐Cullin 4‐associated Factor 1 (DCAF1) recognition by merlin/NF2 and its implication in tumorigenesis by CD44‐mediated inhibition of merlin suppression of DCAF1 function
Authors: Mori Tomoyuki , Gotoh Shuhei , Shirakawa Maya , Hakoshima Toshio
Published: June 2014

Merlin, a tumor suppressor encoded by the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene, has been shown to suppress tumorigenesis by inhibiting the Cullin 4‐RING E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4DCAF1 in the nucleus. This inhibition is mediated by direct binding of merlin to DDB1‐and‐Cullin 4‐associated Factor 1 (DCAF1), yet the binding mode of merlin to DCAF1 is not well defined. Here, we report structural and biophysical studies of the merlin binding to DCAF1 and its interference with CD44 binding. The crystal structure of the merlin FERM domain bound to the DCAF1 C‐terminal acidic tail reveals that the hydrophobic IILXLN motif located at the C‐terminal end of DCAF1 binds subdomain C of the FERM domain by forming a β‐strand. The binding site and mode resemble that of merlin binding to the CD44 cytoplasmic tail. Competition binding assay showed that CD44 and DCAF1 compete for binding to the merlin FERM domain in solution. The CD44 cytoplasmic tail is known to be cleaved for nuclear translocation by regulated intra‐membrane proteolysis (RIP). Our structure implies that, in the nucleus, the CD44 cytoplasmic tail cleaved by RIP could release DCAF1 from merlin by competing for binding to the merlin FERM domain, which results in the inhibition of merlin‐mediated suppression of tumorigenesis.
Spreading Depolarization May Link Migraine and Stroke
Authors: Eikermann‐Haerter Katharina
Published: June 2014

Migraine increases the risk of stroke, particularly in young and otherwise healthy adults. Being the most frequent neurological condition, migraine prevalence is on a par with that of other common stroke risk factors, such as diabetes or hypertension. Several patterns of association have emerged: (1) migraine and stroke share a common association (eg, vasculopathies, patent foramen ovale, or pulmonary A‐V malformations); (2) injury to the arterial wall such as acute arterial dissections can present as migraine aura attacks or stroke; (3) strokes rarely develop during a migraine attack, as described for “migrainous stroke.” Increasing experimental evidence suggests that cerebral hyperexcitability and enhanced susceptibility to spreading depolarization, the electrophysiologic event underlying migraine, may serve as a mechanism underlying the migraine‐stroke association. Mice carrying human vascular or neuronal migraine mutations exhibit an enhanced susceptibility to spreading depolarization while being particularly vulnerable to cerebral ischemia. The severe stroke phenotype in migraine mutant mice can be prevented by suppressing spreading depolarization. If confirmed in the clinical setting, inhibiting spreading depolarization might protect migraineurs at stroke risk as well as decrease attacks of migraine.
Treatment Persistence and Switching in Triptan Users: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Messali Andrew J. , Yang Mo , Gillard Patrick , Tsai Kimberly , Tepper Stewart J. , Bloudek Lisa M. , Kori Shashidhar H.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To conduct a systematic review to evaluate persistence to and switching of triptan therapy for the acute treatment of migraine.

Background

Migraine affects over 12% of adults in Western countries and an estimated 36 million people in the United States. Triptans are an abortive treatment option in patients with moderate to severe migraine. Despite the safety and efficacy of triptans reported in clinical trials, observational studies have consistently demonstrated low persistence to therapy and frequent switching among products over time.

Methods

The following databases were researched: Medline, CENTRAL, and EMBASE. Detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria were specified a priori before conducting abstract and full‐text screening. Included studies were required to: (1) report triptan use for migraine treatment; (2) report measures of persistence and/or switching patterns; (3) study migraineurs aged 18 years or older; and (4) conduct an observational study. Studies were excluded if they (1) incorporated interventional study design; (2) lack information or relevance to outcome of interest; (3) were not original research; (4) did not clearly state the results; and (5) were not written in English. Abstracts and full‐text articles were reviewed independently by two investigators.

Results

Out of 595 studies identified, 380 studies were included for abstract screening. A total of 12 articles met the eligibility criteria after full‐text screening of 44 studies, including four studies from reference search. The proportion of patients that remained persistent up to six refills of an index triptan ranged from 3.2% to 12.6% and the proportion of patients that never refilled their index triptan ranged from 38% to 65.8%. In addition to those patients who discontinued, several studies reported that 5‐9% of newly initiating triptan users switch to a different triptan before refilling their original medication. Finally, several studies reported the 1‐year probability of discontinuation among a general group of triptan users (not limited to treatment naïve patients) to be between 30% and 60%.

Conclusions

Triptans can be a valuable option for acute treatment of migraine. However, studies have shown that treatment persistence is low. This, along with frequent switching behaviors, suggests that a significant unmet clinical need remains despite the wide availability of triptans.
A simple algorithm for the problem of suffix stripping
Authors: Pande B. P. , Tamta Pawan , Dhami H. S.
Published: June 2014

Suffix stripping is a problem of removing morphological suffixes from a word to get the stem. We present suffix stripping as an unconstrained optimization problem. Free from linguistic or morphological knowledge, a simple algorithm is being developed. Superiority of the algorithm over an established technique for English language is being demonstrated.
Pitfalls of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A comparison of positive surgical margins between robotic and laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Tozawa Keiichi , Yasui Takahiro , Umemoto Yukihiro , Mizuno Kentaro , Okada Atsushi , Kawai Noriyasu , Takahashi Satoru , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, including the frequency and location of positive surgical margins.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 708 consecutive male patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (n = 551) or robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (n = 157) between January 1999 and September 2012. Operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, and positive surgical margins frequency were compared between laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Results

There were no significant differences in age or body mass index between the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy patients. Prostate‐specific antigen levels, Gleason sum and clinical stage of the robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy patients were significantly higher than those of the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy patients. Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy patients suffered significantly less bleeding (P < 0.05). The overall frequency of positive surgical margins was 30.6% (n = 167; 225 sites) in the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group and 27.5% (n = 42; 58 sites) in the robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy group. In the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group, positive surgical margins were detected in the apex (52.0%), anterior (5.3%), posterior (5.3%) and lateral regions (22.7%) of the prostate, as well as in the bladder neck (14.7%). In the robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy patients, they were observed in the apex, anterior, posterior, and lateral regions of the prostate in 43.0%, 6.9%, 25.9% and 15.5% of patients, respectively, as well as in the bladder neck in 8.6% of patients.

Conclusions

Positive surgical margin distributions after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy are significantly different. The only disadvantage of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy is the lack of tactile feedback. Thus, the robotic surgeon needs to take this into account to minimize the risk of positive surgical margins.
Incidence and Type of Meniscal Injury and Associated Long‐Term Clinical Outcomes in Dogs Treated Surgically for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
Authors: Ritzo Meghan E. , Ritzo Brandon A. , Siddens Adrienne D. , Summerlott Stephanie , Cook James L.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To evaluate factors related to meniscal pathology and their effect on clinical outcome in dogs treated for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.

Study Design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 163) with CCL disease (n = 223 stifles).

Methods

CCL disease was treated by (1) arthroscopy and TightRope (TR) stabilization; (2) arthroscopy and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO); or (3) open arthrotomy and TPLO. Incidences of concurrent and subsequent meniscal tears, meniscal treatments, mid‐(6 months) and long‐(>1 year) term outcomes by owner assessment were compared among surgical treatment groups.

Results

Concurrent meniscal tears were diagnosed in 83% of stifles assessed by arthroscopy and 44% of stifles assessed by arthrotomy, with concurrent tear diagnosis being 1.9 times more likely by arthroscopy than arthrotomy (P < .001). Incidence of diagnosis of subsequent meniscal tears was 6.7% with median time to diagnosis of 5.8 months. Differences in proportion of subsequent meniscal tears among treatment groups were not significant (P = .69). Subsequent meniscal tears were diagnosed in 21% of cases without concurrent meniscal tears, but only 1.3% of cases with concurrent meniscal tears (P < .001). Cases treated with meniscal release did not have subsequent meniscal tears, whereas dogs not treated with meniscal release had a subsequent meniscal tear rate of 11% (P = .0013). Cases diagnosed and treated for concurrent meniscal tears were 1.3 times more likely to have a successful long‐term outcome (P = .007).

Conclusions

CCL surgical technique did not affect subsequent meniscal tear rate or mid‐term or long‐term functional outcomes, whereas diagnosis and treatment of concurrent meniscal tears did significantly affect both.
Surgical Repair of a Congenital Sternal Cleft in a Cat
Authors: Schwarzkopf Ilona , Bavegems Valerie C. A. , Vandekerckhove Peter M. F. P. , Melis Sanne M. , Cornillie Pieter , de Rooster Hilde
Published: June 2014

Objective

To describe the clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment of an incomplete cleft of the 5th–8th sternebra and a cranioventral abdominal wall hernia in a 2 month old Ragdoll kitten and to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term outcome.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animals

Ragdoll cat (n = 1), 2 months old.

Methods

Sternal cleft was confirmed by thoracic radiographs. Computed tomography (CT) was used to plan an optimal surgical approach. A ventral median incision was made, starting at the 3rd sternebra and extended into the abdomen. Ostectomy of the proximal part of the 5th left sternebra was performed. Lateral periosteal flaps were created, unfolded, and absorbable monofilament sutures preplaced to facilitate closure and the repair was reinforced by 2 peristernal sutures. A bone graft was applied, and the free margin of the omentum was sutured to the cranial aspect of the wound.

Results

No major complications occurred. At 3 weeks, CT scan confirmed approximation of the hemisternebrae and at 10 months, complete fusion of the hemisternebrae had not occurred, but a strong connection of the sternal bars was present.

Conclusion

Sternal cleft is a rare congenital abnormality that can be corrected surgically with favorable outcome.
Motivational Interviewing Intervention on Health‐Seeking Behaviors of Pregnant Women in Western Kenya
Authors: Gisore Peter , Kaseje Dan , Were Fred , Ayuku David
Published: June 2014

We studied the effect of using Motivational Interviewing Intervention (MII) on health facility delivery and newborn care practices among pregnant women receiving Care of the Mother and Newborn at Home (CNH) visits by Community Health Workers (CHWs). Near‐Term women who had received at least one CHW home visit, were randomly assigned to one session of MII (intervention) or no MII (Control). Fifty five (55%) of intervention women, compared to 35% of control women delivered in health facilities. Intervention women also understood the need to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months better than controls (P = 0.000), and had a p‐value of 0.07 for breastfeeding within one hour after birth. We concluded in the context of CHW Home visit program, adding may improve perinatal care.
Thermal Properties of Transparent Yb‐Doped YAG Ceramics at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Hostaša Jan , Matějíček Jiří , Nait‐Ali Benoît , Smith David S. , Pabst Willi , Esposito Laura
Published: June 2014

This work presents the thermal properties of ytterbium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Yb:YAG) transparent ceramics at elevated temperatures in dependence on the dopant concentration and on temperature. Transparent polycrystalline Yb:YAG ceramics were prepared by solid‐state reaction of oxide powders sintered under high vacuum. The dopant amount varied from 0 to 20 at.% of Yb. Thermal diffusivity of the sintered samples was measured by the laser and xenon flash methods at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 900°C. Both the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity values decreased with increasing dopant content, and until 500°C a decrease was observed also with increasing temperature. When available, the measured values were compared to data published in literature, and were found to be in good agreement. Based on the measured values, empirical relations in the form of shifted power laws are proposed for the temperature dependence of thermal diffusivity.
Determination of the True Operational Range of a Piezoelectric Actuator
Authors: Webber Kyle G. , Franzbach Daniel J. , Koruza Jurij
Published: June 2014

Piezoelectric multilayer actuators are technologically important devices used in numerous positioning and force generation applications. During operation, the actuator displacement and force are nonlinearly coupled to the applied electric field, which is often ignored during material characterization. In this study, a novel experimental arrangement is presented that acts like a virtual linear spring, allowing for characterization of the full operational range as a function of applied electric field as well as the true blocking force and impedance matching system stiffness. The macroscopic measurements are contrasted to previous experimental techniques, providing insight into the effect of path dependence on the blocking force.
Evidence against a Pleistocene desert refugium in the Lower Colorado River Basin
Authors: Holmgren Camille A. , Betancourt Julio L. , Peñalba M. Cristina , Delgadillo José , Zuravnsky Kristin , Hunter Kimberly L. , Rylander Kate A. , Weiss Jeremy L.
Published: June 2014

Aim

The absence of Sonoran Desert plants in late Pleistocene‐aged packrat middens has led to speculation that they survived glacial episodes either in refugia as intact associations (Clementsian community concept) or in dry microsites within chaparral or woodland according to individualistic species responses (Gleasonian community concept). To test these hypotheses, we developed a midden record from one likely refugium in north‐eastern Baja California, Mexico. We also measured stomatal guard cell size in fossil leaves to further evaluate site‐level individualistic responses of Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) ploidy races to climatic changes, including monsoonal history, over the late Quaternary.

Location

Sierra Juárez, Lower Colorado River Basin, north‐eastern Baja California, Mexico.

Methods

Packrat (Neotoma) middens were collected from ˂ 300 m elevation on the eastern piedmont of the Sierra Juárez. Plant macrofossils and pollen were analysed from 50 dated middens, including determination of Larrea tridentata ploidy races.

Results

Pleistocene middens dating back to > 55,000 cal. yr bp contained a mix of extralocal species characteristic of chaparral and pinyon–juniper–oak woodland, along with some modern desert elements. Many other desert taxa were absent during the Pleistocene, although most had arrived by the beginning of the Holocene 11,700 years ago.

Main conclusions

The assemblage of chaparral, woodland and select desert elements refutes the hypothesis that the Lower Colorado River Basin served as a late Pleistocene refugium for Sonoran Desert flora. The rapid arrival of most missing desert species by the early Holocene suggests they did not have far to migrate. They probably survived the last glacial period as smaller, disparate populations in dry microsites within chaparral and pinyon–juniper–oak woodlands. Diploid and tetraploid races of Larrea tridentata were present during the Pleistocene, but hexaploids did not appear until the mid‐Holocene. This demonstrates that individualistic responses to climate involved genetic variants, in this case cytotypes, and not just species.
Pleistocene climate fluctuations influence phylogeographical patterns in Melomys cervinipes across the mesic forests of eastern Australia
Authors: Bryant Litticia M. , Fuller Susan J.
Published: June 2014

Aim

Our aim was to clarify the lineage‐level relationships for Melomys cervinipes and its close relatives and investigate whether the patterns of divergence observed for these wet‐forest‐restricted mammals may be associated with recognized biogeographical barriers.

Location

Mesic closed forest along the east coast of Australia, from north Queensland to mid‐eastern New South Wales.

Methods

To enable rigorous phylogenetic reconstruction, divergence‐date estimation and phylogeographical inference, we analysed DNA sequence and microsatellite data from 307 specimens across the complete distribution of M. cervinipes (45 localities).

Results

Three divergent genetic lineages were found within M. cervinipes, corresponding to geographically delineated northern, central and southern clades. Additionally, a fourth lineage, comprising M. rubicola and M. capensis, was identified and was most closely related to the northern M. cervinipes lineage. Secondary contact of the northern and central lineages was identified at one locality to the north of the Burdekin Gap.

Main conclusions

Contemporary processes of repeated habitat fragmentation and contraction, local extinction events and subsequent re‐expansion across both small and large areas, coupled with the historical influence of the Brisbane Valley Barrier, the St Lawrence Gap and the Burdekin Gap, have contributed to the present phylogeographical structure within M. cervinipes. Our study highlights the need to sample close to the periphery of putative biogeographical barriers or risk missing vital phylogeographical information that may significantly alter the interpretation of biogeographical hypotheses.
Population structure and dynamics of Arctic willow (Salix arctica) in the High Arctic
Authors: Boulanger‐Lapointe Noémie , Lévesque Esther , Boudreau Stéphane , Henry Gregory H. R. , Schmidt Niels Martin
Published: June 2014

Aim

Alterations to the abundance and distribution of plants, especially shrubs, have been predicted by warming experiments and confirmed by remote‐sensing analyses and land‐based observations in the Low Arctic. In the High Arctic, analyses of satellite images suggest a recent increase in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and warming experiments have shown a positive correlation between temperature and shrub cover, but little is known about the responses of natural systems. In this context, we investigated populations of Arctic willow (Salix arcticaPall.) to assess the potential contribution of this structuring species to High Arctic shrubification.

Location

Seven polar semidesert sites, including two glacier forelands, in High Arctic Canada and Greenland.

Methods

We evaluated the size distribution and establishment age of Arctic willow populations through field measurements and dendrochronological analysis. We also assessed the cover of Arctic willow at each site and compared current data with historical records.

Results

Age determination of over 200 large individuals established by seed suggests that colonization events were associated with the melting of permanent snow and glacial ice. Size distributions showed that recent recruitment was more frequent on glacier forelands, even though seedling establishment was common in other sites. Comparing our measurements with previous studies at the same sites revealed that significant increases in cover over the past few decades occurred only on glacier forelands.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that the population structure and dynamics of Arctic willow in the High Arctic are influenced by site‐specific factors. Rapid glacier retreat is increasing the extent of the glacier forelands, which are currently experiencing relatively rapid plant colonization. Some sheltered sites with greater snow accumulation will probably experience increased shrub colonization under current and predicted climate change. It appears, however, that shrub recruitment and growth are still strongly limited by water availability, and the reduction in permanent snow cover may exacerbate this stress.
Longitudinal variation and effects of habitat on biodiversity of Australasian temperate reef fishes
Authors: Smith Helen L. , Anderson Marti J. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. , Connell Sean D.
Published: June 2014

Aim

Latitudinal gradients in marine biodiversity of fishes are well documented but comparatively little is known about longitudinal patterns. The objective of this study was to describe the distributional patterns in biodiversity and assemblage structure of temperate reef‐associated fishes in two habitats (kelp forests and open reefs) in each of four regions at comparable latitudes spanning a large longitudinal range (> 5000 km; 117.91° E–174.81° E).

Location

New Zealand, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.

Methods

Total abundance, species richness, evenness, average taxonomic distinctness and variation in taxonomic distinctness were calculated from underwater visual counts of individual fish species and were analysed using ANOVA. Compositional change in fish communities was analysed using PERMANOVA and non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling at the species level and at the family level.

Results

Patterns in univariate diversity measures did not show a clear longitudinal gradient and depended on the particular variable being considered. There was, however, a clear longitudinal gradient of turnover in species composition but this disappeared in family‐level analyses. The effects of habitat were also relatively stronger in family‐level analyses.

Main conclusions

We propose that ecological communities in similar habitats may be assembled according to a general ‘village hypothesis’, whereby an assemblage contains certain essential functional components. Regions having similar environmental characteristics are expected to have a full suite of these functional components. Thus, provided families reflect functional forms, this may explain the similarity among communities from vastly different regions when analysed at the family level. In contrast, the radiation of species within families may be regionally specific, depending on the history of oceanographic connectivity, microclimate and finer niche specialization, thus yielding strong regional differences in composition at this finer taxonomic level.
A conceptualization of intended learning outcomes supporting self‐regulated learners in indicating learning paths
Authors: Tangworakitthaworn P. , Gilbert L. , Wills G.B.
Published: June 2014

Intended learning outcomes (ILOs) indicate what learners will be able to achieve after they are taught. Traditionally, ILOs are expressed as plain text or unstructured documents. What if all ILOs of a specific course of study can be conceptualized through a structured diagrammatic technique? It was hypothesized that learners can benefit from this conceptualization in learning, especially in self‐regulated learning. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ILOs represented in unstructured or structured formats can facilitate learners to identify learning paths. The results revealed that the mean ratings of all learning paths were statistically significantly higher with structured ILOs.
Expression of dual Nucleotides/Cysteinyl‐Leukotrienes Receptor GPR17 in early trafficking of cardiac stromal cells after myocardial infarction
Authors: Cosentino Simona , Castiglioni Laura , Colazzo Francesca , Nobili Elena , Tremoli Elena , Rosa Patrizia , Abbracchio Maria P. , Sironi Luigi , Pesce Maurizio
Published: June 2014

GPR17 is a Gi‐coupled dual receptor activated by uracil‐nucleotides and cysteinyl‐leukotrienes. These mediators are massively released into hypoxic tissues. In the normal heart, GPR17 expression has been reported. By contrast, its role in myocardial ischaemia has not yet been assessed. In the present report, the expression of GPR17 was investigated in mice before and at early stages after myocardial infarction by using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and RT‐PCR. Before induction of ischaemia, results indicated the presence of the receptor in a population of stromal cells expressing the stem‐cell antigen‐1 (Sca‐1). At early stages after ligation of the coronary artery, the receptor was expressed in Sca‐1+ cells, and cells stained with Isolectin‐B4 and anti‐CD45 antibody. GPR17+ cells also expressed mesenchymal marker CD44. GPR17 function was investigated in vitro in a Sca‐1+/CD31− cell line derived from normal hearts. These experiments showed a migratory function of the receptor by treatment with UDP‐glucose and leukotriene LTD4, two GPR17 pharmacological agonists. The GPR17 function was finally assessed in vivo by treating infarcted mice with Cangrelor, a pharmacological receptor antagonist, which, at least in part, inhibited early recruitment of GPR17+ and CD45+ cells. These findings suggest a regulation of heart‐resident mesenchymal cells and blood‐borne cellular species recruitment following myocardial infarction, orchestrated by GPR17.