bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observing micro-evolutionary processes of viral populations at multiple scales
Authors: Orton Richard J. , Wright Caroline F. , Morelli Marco J. , Juleff Nicholas , Thébaud Gaël , Knowles Nick J. , Valdazo-González Begoña , Paton David J. , King Donald P. , Haydon Daniel T.
Published: February 2013

Advances in sequencing technology coupled with new integrative approaches to data analysis provide a potentially transformative opportunity to use pathogen genome data to advance our understanding of transmission. However, to maximize the insights such genetic data can provide, we need to understand more about how the microevolution of pathogens is observed at different scales of biological organization. Here, we examine the evolutionary processes in foot-and-mouth disease virus observed at different scales, ranging from the tissue, animal, herd and region. At each scale, we observe analogous processes of population expansion, mutation and selection resulting in the accumulation of mutations over increasing time scales. While the current data are limited, rates of nucleotide substitution appear to be faster over individual-to-individual transmission events compared with those observed at a within-individual scale suggesting that viral population bottlenecks between individuals facilitate the fixation of polymorphisms. Longer-term rates of nucleotide substitution were found to be equivalent in individual-to-individual transmission compared with herd-to-herd transmission indicating that viral diversification at the herd level is not retained at a regional scale.
Modelling tree shape and structure in viral phylodynamics
Authors: Frost Simon D. W. , Volz Erik M.
Published: February 2013

Epidemiological models have highlighted the importance of population structure in the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. Using HIV-1 as an example of a model evolutionary system, we consider how population structure affects the shape and the structure of a viral phylogeny in the absence of strong selection at the population level. For structured populations, the number of lineages as a function of time is insufficient to describe the shape of the phylogeny. We develop deterministic approximations for the dynamics of tips of the phylogeny over evolutionary time, the number of ‘cherries’, tips that share a direct common ancestor, and Sackin's index, a commonly used measure of phylogenetic imbalance or asymmetry. We employ cherries both as a measure of asymmetry of the tree as well as a measure of the association between sequences from different groups. We consider heterogeneity in infectiousness associated with different stages of HIV infection, and in contact rates between groups of individuals. In the absence of selection, we find that population structure may have relatively little impact on the overall asymmetry of a tree, especially when only a small fraction of infected individuals is sampled, but may have marked effects on how sequences from different subpopulations cluster and co-cluster.
The evolutionary dynamics of influenza A virus adaptation to mammalian hosts
Authors: Bhatt S. , Lam T. T. , Lycett S. J. , Leigh Brown A. J. , Bowden T. A. , Holmes E. C. , Guan Y. , Wood J. L. N. , Brown I. H. , Kellam P. ,   Combating Swine Influenza Consortium, Pybus O. G. , Brown Ian , Brookes Sharon , Germundsson Anna , Cook Alex , Williamson Susanna , Essen Stephen , Garcon Fanny , Gunn George , Sanchez Manuel , Marques Diogo , Wood James , Tucker Dan , McCrone Ian , Gog Julia , Saenz Roberto , Staff Meg , Murcia Pablo , Barclay Wendy , Donnelly Christl , Elderfield Ruth A. , Kellam Paul , Baillie Greg , Coulter Eve , Wieland Barbara , Mastin Alex , McCauley John , Brown Andy Leigh , Lycett Sam , Woolhouse Mark , Pybus Oliver , Bhatt Samir , Hayward Andrew , Ishola David , Archibald Alan , Freeman Tom , Charleston Bryan , LeFevre Eric , Bailey Mick , Inman Charlotte , Stokes Chris , Chang Kin Chow , Dunham Stephen , White Gavin , Nguyen-Van-Tam Jonathan , Enstone Joanne
Published: February 2013

Few questions on infectious disease are more important than understanding how and why avian influenza A viruses successfully emerge in mammalian populations, yet little is known about the rate and nature of the virus’ genetic adaptation in new hosts. Here, we measure, for the first time, the genomic rate of adaptive evolution of swine influenza viruses (SwIV) that originated in birds. By using a curated dataset of more than 24 000 human and swine influenza gene sequences, including 41 newly characterized genomes, we reconstructed the adaptive dynamics of three major SwIV lineages (Eurasian, EA; classical swine, CS; triple reassortant, TR). We found that, following the transfer of the EA lineage from birds to swine in the late 1970s, EA virus genes have undergone substantially faster adaptive evolution than those of the CS lineage, which had circulated among swine for decades. Further, the adaptation rates of the EA lineage antigenic haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes were unexpectedly high and similar to those observed in human influenza A. We show that the successful establishment of avian influenza viruses in swine is associated with raised adaptive evolution across the entire genome for many years after zoonosis, reflecting the contribution of multiple mutations to the coordinated optimization of viral fitness in a new environment. This dynamics is replicated independently in the polymerase genes of the TR lineage, which established in swine following separate transmission from non-swine hosts.
A large-scale zebrafish gene knockout resource for the genome-wide study of gene function
Authors: Varshney Gaurav K. , Lu Jing , Gildea Derek E. , Huang Haigen , Pei Wuhong , Yang Zhongan , Huang Sunny C. , Schoenfeld David , Pho Nam H. , Casero David , Hirase Takashi , Mosbrook-Davis Deborah , Zhang Suiyuan , Jao Li-En , Zhang Bo , Woods Ian G. , Zimmerman Steven , Schier Alexander F. , Wolfsberg Tyra G. , Pellegrini Matteo , Burgess Shawn M. , Lin Shuo
Published: February 2013

With the completion of the zebrafish genome sequencing project, it becomes possible to analyze the function of zebrafish genes in a systematic way. The first step in such an analysis is to inactivate each protein-coding gene by targeted or random mutation. Here we describe a streamlined pipeline using proviral insertions coupled with high-throughput sequencing and mapping technologies to widely mutagenize genes in the zebrafish genome. We also report the first 6144 mutagenized and archived F1's predicted to carry up to 3776 mutations in annotated genes. Using in vitro fertilization, we have rescued and characterized ∼0.5% of the predicted mutations, showing mutation efficacy and a variety of phenotypes relevant to both developmental processes and human genetic diseases. Mutagenized fish lines are being made freely available to the public through the Zebrafish International Resource Center. These fish lines establish an important milestone for zebrafish genetics research and should greatly facilitate systematic functional studies of the vertebrate genome.
A novel amido–pyrophosphate MnIIchelate complex with the synthetic ligand O{P(O)[NHC(CH3)3]2}2(L): [Mn(L)2{OC(H)N(CH3)2}2]Cl2·2H2O
Authors: Tarahhomi Atekeh , Pourayoubi Mehrdad , Fejfarová Karla , Dušek Michal
Published: February 2013

The title complex,trans-bis(dimethylformamide-κO)bis{N,N′-N′′,N′′′-tetra-tert-butyl[oxybis(phosphonic diamide-κO)]}manganese(II) dichloride dihydrate, [Mn(C16H40N4O3P2)2(C3H7NO)2]Cl2·2H2O, is the first example of a bis-chelate amido–pyrophosphate (pyrophosphoramide) complex containing an O[P(O)(NH)2]2fragment. Its asymmetric unit contains half of the complex dication, one chloride anion and one water molecule. The MnIIatom, located on an inversion centre, is octahedrally coordinated, with a slight elongation towards the monodentate dimethylformamide ligand. Structural features of the title complex, such as the P=O bond lengths and the planarity of the chelate ring, are compared with those of previously reported complexes with six-membered chelates involving the fragments C(O)NHP(O), (X)NP(O) [X = C(O), C(S), S(O)2and P(O)] and O[P(O)(N)2]2. This analysis shows that the six-membered chelate rings are less puckered in pyrophosphoramide complexes containing a P(O)OP(O) skeleton, such as the title compound. The extended structure of the title complex involves a linear aggregate mediated by N—H...O and N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, in which the chloride anion is an acceptor in two additional O—H...Cl hydrogen bonds.
The perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radical
Authors: Guasch Judith , Fontrodona Xavier , Ratera Imma , Rovira Concepció , Veciana Jaume
Published: February 2013

In spite of the considerable understanding and development of perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radical derivatives, the preparation of crystals of the pure unsubstituted PTM radical, C19Cl15, suitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction has remained a challenge since its discovery, and only two studies dealing with the crystal structure of the unsubstituted PTM radical have been published. In one study, the radical forms clathrates with aromatic solvents [Veciana, Carilla, Miravitlles & Molins (1987).J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun.pp. 812–814], and in the other the structure was determinedab initiofrom powder X-ray diffraction data [Rius, Miravitlles, Molins, Crespo & Veciana (1990).Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst.187, 155–163]. We report here the preparation of PTM crystals for single-crystal X-ray diffraction and their resolution. The structure, which shows monoclinic symmetry (C2/c), revealed a nonsymmetric molecular propeller conformation (D3symmetry) caused by the steric strain between theortho-Cl atoms, which protect the central C atom (sp2-hybridization and major spin density) and give high chemical and thermal persistence to the PTM. The supramolecular structure of PTM shows short Cl...Cl intermolecular interactions and can be described in terms of layers formed by rows of molecules positioned in a head-to-tail manner along thecaxis.
A tetrabromo-1,4-ethanonaphthalene and related dibromo-1,4-ethenonaphthalene
Authors: Boeré René T. , Bender Christopher O.
Published: February 2013

(1RS,3RS,4RS,10SR)-2,2,3,10-Tetrabromo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4-ethanonaphthalene, C12H10Br4, (I), is the first structure to be reported with four Br atoms bound to a 1,4-ethanonaphthalene framework and also the first which possesses three Br atoms inexopositions. Interactions between the Br atoms [three short intramolecular Br...Br distances of 3.1094 (4), 3.2669 (4) and 3.4415 (5) Å] have little effect on the C—C bond lengths but lead to significant twisting of the cage structure compared with the parent hydrocarbon, which is expected to be fully eclipsed at the two saturated C2H4bridge positions. Chemically related (1SR,4RS)-2,3-dibromo-1,4-ethenonaphthalene, C12H8Br2, (II), obtained by double dehydrobromination of (I), represents the first structure of any halogen-substituted benzobarrelene. Thiscis-dibromide shows little evidence of steric congestion at the double bond [Br...Br = 3.5276 (8) Å] as a consequence of the large C—C—Br angles [average C=C—Br angle = 126.15 (10)°].
Dichlorido{N-[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)benzylidene]-2-methylaniline}palladium(II) acetonitrile monosolvate
Authors: Motswainyana William M. , Onani Martin O. , Jacobs Jeroen , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: February 2013

The title imino–phosphine compound, [PdCl2(C26H22NP)]·CH3CN, was prepared by reaction ofN-[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)benzylidene]-2-methylaniline with dichlorido(cycloocta-1,5-diene)palladium(II) in dry CH2Cl2. The PdIIcation is coordinated by the P and N atoms of the bidentate chelating ligand and by two chloride anions, generating a distorted square-planar coordination geometry. There is a detectabletransinfluence for the chloride ligands. The methyl group present in this structure has an influence on the crystal packing.
The low-melting compounds 1,4-diethyl-, 1,2-diethyl- and ethylbenzene
Authors: Yufit Dmitry S.
Published: February 2013

Crystals of 1,4-diethyl- and 1,2-diethylbenzene, both C10H14, and ethylbenzene, C8H9, have been grownin situ.The molecules of 1,4-diethyl- and 1,2-diethylbenzene are located about a centre of inversion and across a twofold axis, respectively. In both molecules, the terminal methyl groups are located on opposite sides of the plane of the aromatic ring. In the crystal structures of all three compounds, molecules are linked together by (Ar)C—H...π and CH2...π contacts. The methyl H atoms do not form close contacts with any of the aromatic π systems.
Zoledronic acid: monoclinic and triclinic polymorphs from powder diffraction data
Authors: Chernyshev Vladimir V. , Shkavrov Sergey V. , Paseshnichenko Ksenia A. , Puryaeva Tamara P. , Velikodny Yurii A.
Published: February 2013

The crystal structures of the monoclinic and triclinic polymorphs of zoledronic acid, C5H10N2O7P2, have been established from laboratory powder X-ray diffraction data. The molecules in both polymorphs are described as zwitterions, namely 1-(2-hydroxy-2-phosphonato-2-phosphonoethyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium. Strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds (with donor–acceptor distances of 2.60 Å or less) link the molecules into layers, parallel to the (100) plane in the monoclinic polymorph and to the (1\overline{1}0) plane in the triclinic polymorph. The phosphonic acid groups form the inner side of each layer, while the imidazolium groups lie to the outside of the layer, protruding in opposite directions. In both polymorphs, layers related by translation along [100] interact through weak hydrogen bonds (with donor–acceptor distances greater than 2.70 Å), forming three-dimensional layered structures. In the monoclinic polymorph, there are hydrogen-bonded centrosymmetric dimers linked by four strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds, which are not present in the triclinic polymorph.
The magnitude of oral health inequalities in Canada: findings of the Canadian health measures survey
Authors: Ravaghi Vahid , Quiñonez Carlos , Allison Paul J.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

This study aimed to measure the magnitude of income‐related inequality for four oral health outcomes in Canada. The degree of oral health inequality according to sex was also compared.

Methods

Data for this study are from the year 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS). The sample size consisted of 4951 Canadians aged 6–79 (2409 men and 2542 women). The oral health indicators used were the number of decayed teeth, number of missing teeth, number of filled teeth, and oral pain in the past year. Socioeconomic status was measured as equivalized household income. We used the relative concentration index to quantify health inequalities. Data analyses were performed using STATA 11.1 and ADePT (4.0).

Results

The number of decayed teeth, the number of missing teeth and the prevalence of oral pain decreased with increasing income, while the number of filled teeth increased with increasing income. The relative concentration indices for decayed teeth, missing teeth, filled teeth and for oral pain were −0.264, −0.157, 0.085, and −0.120, respectively. There was a statistically significant deviation from equality for the four oral health outcomes and this was generally present for both sexes. The relative concentration indices for decayed teeth were statistically significantly larger than other oral health outcomes. The relative concentration indices for women were greater than those of males indicating a greater magnitude of inequality among women.

Conclusions

There was a higher concentration of decayed teeth, missing teeth and oral pain in the worse off, while the more affluent had a greater concentration of filled teeth. The numbers of decayed teeth was the most unequal aspect of oral health comparatively. There was a sex difference in the pattern of oral health inequalities with greater magnitude of inequality present among women in terms of the number of decayed and missing teeth. Health policymakers should consider the magnitude of health inequalities according to outcome and between sexes in their decision to tackle oral health inequalities.
Dietary plant phenolic improves survival of bacterial infection in Manduca sexta caterpillars
Authors: del Campo Marta L. , Halitschke Rayko , Short Sarah M. , Lazzaro Brian P. , Kessler André
Published: February 2013

Plant phenolics are generally thought to play significant roles in plant defense against herbivores and pathogens. Many plant taxa, including Solanaceae, are rich in phenolic compounds and some insect herbivores have been shown to acquire phenolics from their hosts to use them as protection against their natural enemies. Here, we demonstrate that larvae of an insect specialist on Solanaceae, the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta L. (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), acquire the plant phenolic chlorogenic acid (CA), and other caffeic acid derivatives as they feed on one of their hosts, Nicotiana attenuata L. (Solanaceae), and on artificial diet supplemented with CA. We test the hypothesis that larvae fed on CA‐supplemented diet would have better resistance against bacterial infection than larvae fed on a standard CA‐free diet by injecting bacteria into the hemocoel of fourth instars. Larvae fed CA‐supplemented diet show significantly higher survival of infection with Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes & Horder) Schleifer & Kilpper‐Bälz, but not of infection with the more virulent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Schroeter) Migula. Larvae fed on CA‐supplemented diet possess a constitutively higher number of circulating hemocytes than larvae fed on the standard diet, but we found no other evidence of increased immune system activity, nor were larvae fed on CA‐supplemented diet better able to suppress bacterial proliferation early in the infection. Thus, our data suggest an additional defensive function of CA to the direct toxic inhibition of pathogen proliferation in the gut.
Pyrosequencing of the adult tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, and characterization of messages important in metabolism and development
Authors: Magalhaes Leonardo C. , van Kretschmar Jaap B. , Donohue Kevin V. , Roe R. Michael
Published: February 2013

The adoption of Bt transgenic cotton has practically eliminated lepidopteran pests from this crop and has produced a secondary pest problem, with pierce‐sucking insects such as the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae). The future of cotton genetic pest management is threatened by these insects and their development of resistance to chemical insecticides. Lygus lineolaris is also a pest of more than 100 other crops. The development of transcriptome data for this insect should be transformative in essentially all aspects of research on plant bug biology and the development of control strategies. The first 454 tarnished plant bug whole body (WB) and gut (G) transcriptomes were constructed (half plate for each). A total of 116 163 527 bases were obtained, representing 262 555 WB and 229 919 G reads (SRA048217) of which 232 058 (SRS280903) and 168 069 (SRS280894) reads, respectively, were available for assembly. The average read length was 233.1 and 208.5 bp for WB and G, respectively. The whole body and gut reads were assembled together (WB‐G) to produce the most complete transcriptome possible from our sequencing effort and resulted in 6 970 contigs with an average length of 393 bp. The gut transcriptome alone was assembled into 3 549 contigs with an average length of 349 bp. The smallest contig was 55 bp and the largest was 3 466 bp, and there were 62 484 sequences that could not be assembled (singletons) among both transcriptomes. Overall transcriptome analysis was organized according to the Gene Ontology consortium, enzyme commission, and InerPro using the Blast2GO® program. We further characterized metabolic systems and messages associated with development.
Enzogenol for cognitive functioning in traumatic brain injury: a pilot placebo‐controlled RCT
Authors: Theadom A. , Mahon S. , Barker‐Collo S. , McPherson K. , Rush E. , Vandal A. C. , Feigin V. L.
Published: February 2013

Background and purpose

Enzogenol, a flavonoid‐rich extract from Pinus radiata bark with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties has been shown to improve working memory in healthy adults. In traumatic brain injury (TBI), oxidation and inflammation have been linked to poorer cognitive outcomes. Hence, this phase II, randomized controlled trial investigated safety, compliance and efficacy of Enzogenol for improving cognitive functioning in people following mild TBI.

Methods

Sixty adults, who sustained a mild TBI, 3–12 months prior to recruitment, and who were experiencing persistent cognitive difficulties [Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) score > 38], were randomized to receive Enzogenol (1000 mg/day) or matching placebo for 6 weeks. Subsequently, all participants received Enzogenol for a further 6 weeks, followed by placebo for 4 weeks. Compliance, side‐effects, cognitive failures, working and episodic memory, post‐concussive symptoms and mood were assessed at baseline, 6, 12 and 16 weeks. Simultaneous estimation of treatment effect and breakpoint was effected, with confidence intervals (CIs) obtained through a treatment–placebo balance‐preserving bootstrap procedure.

Results

Enzogenol was found to be safe and well tolerated. Trend and breakpoint analyses showed a significant reduction in cognitive failures after 6 weeks [mean CFQ score, 95% CI, Enzogenol versus placebo −6.9 (−10.8 to −4.1)]. Improvements in the frequency of self‐reported cognitive failures were estimated to continue until week 11 before stabilizing. Other outcome measures showed some positive trends but no significant treatment effects.

Conclusions

Enzogenol supplementation is safe and well tolerated in people after mild TBI, and may improve cognitive functioning in this patient population. This study provides Class IIB evidence that Enzogenol is well tolerated and may reduce self‐perceived cognitive failures in patients 3–12 months post‐mild TBI.
Arteriovenous fistula for the 80 years and older patients on hemodialysis: Is it worth it?
Authors: Nadeau‐Fredette Annie‐Claire , Goupil Rémi , Montreuil Bernard , Carignan Annie , Leblanc Martine
Published: February 2013

Over the last years, the proportion of patients older than 80 years with end‐stage renal disease has been constantly growing. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is known as the best vascular access for hemodialysis, but evidence for its added value is lacking for elderly. We retrospectively identified new vascular access (AVF and central venous catheter) created or installed between June 2005 and June 2008 in patients 80 years and older and in patients between 50 and 60 years. For every new AVF, we calculated primary failure, primary and secondary patency durations. Fifty‐five and 57 patients had a new vascular access in the >80 years old and 50 to 60 years old groups. Among these, 25 and 41 were new AVF in the older and younger groups. Primary failure was more frequent in elderly than in the younger (40% vs. 17%, P = 0.04). Primary patency was not significantly different in both groups (P = 0.06). Secondary patency was shorter in elderly (P = 0.005). Among the older group, the presence of an AVF was not associated with a difference in mortality (46% vs. 60%, P = 0.28), whereas there was a lower mortality in the younger group with AVF (12% vs. 43% P = 0.008). These results indicate lower patency duration in very elderly patients compared to middle‐aged patients. Without leading to the exclusion of patients over 80 years old for AVF creation, it might reinforce the need of a careful selection and evaluation in this population prior to referral.
Histomorphological factors in the risk prediction of lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Chung Yun J , Lee Jae S , Park So Y , Park Hyo J , Cho Bo Y , Park Sung J , Lee Sei Y , Kang Kyung‐Ho , Ryu Han S
Published: February 2013

Aims

Few clinicopathological parameters have been identified as independent predictive factors for lymph node metastasis. This study evaluated the predictive ability of three histological characteristics of PTC in lymph node metastases: hobnail features, loss of cohesiveness/polarity (LOCP) and micropapillary structures.

Methods and results

Tissue specimens from 153 patients with histologically confirmed PTC including 112 cases of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) were enrolled in this study. Three histological characteristics (hobnail features, LOCP and micropapillary structures) and several clinicopathological parameters were evaluated for their value in predicting lymph node metastasis. Hobnail features, LOCP and micropapillary structures were each significantly associated with and found to be independent predictive factors for lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). These three histological characteristics were closely correlated with one another (P < 0.001). Six of the seven possible combinations of these three histological characteristics were independently correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). Among these combinations, the coincidence of all three histological parameters represented the strongest independent predictive factor for lymph node metastasis (OR: 3.270, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that hobnail features, LOCP and micropapillary structures, either alone or in combinations, represent strong independent predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in PTC.
Butterflies in semi‐natural pastures and power‐line corridors – effects of flower richness, management, and structural vegetation characteristics
Authors: Berg Åke , Ahrné Karin , Öckinger Erik , Svensson Roger , Wissman Jörgen
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the butterfly assemblages in semi‐natural pastures and power‐line corridors and to analyse the effects of vegetation height, occurrence of trees and shrubs and different flowering vascular plant groups on butterfly diversity and abundance.

Twelve of 26 analysed butterfly species were more abundant in power‐line corridors than in semi‐natural pastures. Only one species preferred semi‐natural pastures.

In semi‐natural pastures butterflies were most common in segments with tall vegetation, whereas butterflies in power‐line corridors were most common in segments with vegetation of short or intermediate height. Short vegetation was sparser in power‐line corridors (mean cover 4%) than in semi‐natural pastures (33%), whereas tall vegetation was more common in power‐line corridors (59%) than in semi‐natural pastures (35%).

The amount of flowers was the factor that affected the abundance of most species. Twenty‐one of the 26 species showed positive associations with numbers of flowers of different families.

Flowers of the plant families Apiaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Primulaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, and Violaceae showed positive associations with the abundance of several butterfly species.

Vegetation height seems to be a limiting factor in semi‐natural pastures, and less intensive management (division of pastures into grazing pens, late season grazing, grazing every second year, or reduced grazing pressure) would benefit butterflies. In power‐line corridors (dominated by tall vegetation) the opposite would be beneficial for butterflies, for example more frequent clearing of vegetation along the power‐line trails combined with mowing of selected areas.
Iatrogenic splenectomy during nephrectomy for renal tumors
Authors: Wang Jeffrey K , Tollefson Matthew K , Kim Simon P , Boorjian Stephen A , Leibovich Bradley C , Lohse Christine M , Cheville John C , Thompson R Houston
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To evaluate risk factors associated with iatrogenic splenectomy during nephrectomy and to assess outcomes among patients undergoing nephrectomy for renal tumors.

Methods

Of 4323 patients who underwent nephrectomy at Mayo Clinic between 1992 and 2008, 33 (0.8%) had an iatrogenic/unplanned splenectomy. In a case–control study design, controls without splenectomy were matched 1:3 based on age, sex, surgical date, side of the renal tumor, surgical approach and surgeon. Perioperative features and survival were evaluated using conditional logistic and Cox regression.

Results

Among the 33 iatrogenic splenectomy patients, the majority (94%) underwent radical, open and left‐sided nephrectomy. Primary tumor classification ≥T3 was the only clinicopathological risk factor significantly associated with splenectomy (odds ratio 3.4; P = 0.02). Compared with controls, patients with an iatrogenic splenectomy were more likely to have longer operative time (205 vs 171 min; P = 0.02), higher estimated blood loss (1.3 vs 0.3 L; P = 0.001), longer length of stay (median 7 vs 5 days; P = 0.03) and a higher likelihood for postoperative complications (odds ratio 5.3; P = 0.002). With a median of 9.8 years of follow up, splenectomy patients tended to have greater all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.6; P = 0.07), although this difference approached statistical significance.

Conclusions

Iatrogenic splenectomy is a rare complication during nephrectomy and is associated with locally advanced tumors (≥pT3). It also carries prognostic significance for adverse perioperative outcomes and possibly diminished survival, although this warrants further study.
Effects of long‐term ketamine administration on rat bladder protein levels: A proteomic investigation using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis system
Authors: Gu Di , Huang Jun , Shan Zhengfei , Yin Youle , Zheng Shaobin , Wu Peng
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Long‐term ketamine abuse can affect the urinary system, resulting in interstitial cystitis‐like syndrome. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, a proteomic approach of two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis followed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐light mass spectrometry was carried out to investigate the potential disease‐associated proteins in a rat model of ketamine‐associated cystitis.

Methods

Rats were randomly assigned to control, normal saline, low dose of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and high‐dose of ketamine (50 mg/kg) groups with six rats in each group. The two experimental groups were given ketamine hydrochloride i.p. daily, whereas the normal saline group rats were treated with saline. After 16 weeks of treatment, all bladders were excised, and samples from normal saline and high dose of ketamine groups were resolved in two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Differentially expressed spots were excised and identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐light mass spectrometry. Phosphoprotein and non‐phosphoprotein purification, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and western blot were carried out in all groups.

Results

Histological study showed hyperplastic epithelium and inflammatory cells infiltration in the high dose of ketamine‐treated rat bladders. Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis revealed 30 altered expressions between the normal saline and high dose of ketamine‐treated group. Among these proteins, two upregulated and two downregulated protein spots were all identified as smooth muscle protein‐22/transgelin. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis showed that the expression of total transgelin had no significant difference between groups. However, the expression of phosphorylated transgelin in the low‐dose and high dose of ketamine groups was increased, whereas the non‐phosphorylated transgelin was decreased when compared with the normal saline group.

Conclusions

Long‐term ketamine abuse induces phosphorylation of transgelin in the bladder wall, and this might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ketamine‐associated cystitis.
Signet‐ring cell change in adenoid cystic carcinoma: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of four cases
Authors: Altemani Albina , Costa Ana Flávia , Montalli Victor Angelo M , Mosqueda‐Taylor Adalberto , Paes de Almeida Oslei , León Jorge E , Hermsen Mario
Published: February 2013

Aims

Signet‐ring cell (SRC) change has not been reported in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings in four cases of ACC with SRCs (ACC‐SRC), in which the relative proportion of the SRC component ranged from 25% to 50%.

Methods and results

The median age was 58 years (range: 48–81 years), and all patients were women. The involved sites were sinonasal, lip, and submandibular. Two patients developed lung metastasis, and one died of disease 63 months after tumour resection. Neither mucinous nor lipid substances were detected in the SRCs. These showed positive staining for AE1/AE3, cytokeratin 14, and epithelial membrane antigen, which highlighted the intracytoplasmic vacuole borders. The SRC nests were surrounded by myoepithelial cells positive for α‐smooth muscle actin and p63. The SRCs showed similar p53 positivity but lower Ki67 and mitotic indices than the conventional component. SRCs were c‐Myb‐negative. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the intracytoplasmic vacuoles were lumina lined by microvilli.

Conclusions

ACC‐SRC is a non‐mucin‐producing and non‐lipid‐producing phenomenon, possibly related to disturbed differentiation of ductal/luminal cells. This cellular modification in ACC apparently does not change the biological behaviour of the tumour, but it may cause significant diagnostic problems, particularly in incisional biopsies.
Associations among depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms in peri‐ and postmenopausal women
Authors: Terauchi Masakazu , Hiramitsu Shiro , Akiyoshi Mihoko , Owa Yoko , Kato Kiyoko , Obayashi Satoshi , Matsushima Eisuke , Kubota Toshiro
Published: February 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations among depression, anxiety and physical symptoms in peri‐ and postmenopausal women in a clinical setting.

Material and Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐seven peri‐ and postmenopausal women enrolled in the Systematic Health and Nutrition Education Program at the Menopause Clinic of the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. Their responses to the Menopausal Health‐Related Quality of Life (MHR‐QOL) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires were subjected to a cross‐sectional analysis. The study focused on the relationship between the scores for HADS depression (HADS‐D) and anxiety (HADS‐A) subscales and those for somatic (nausea, dizziness, numbness, muscle and joint pains, tiredness, headaches), urinary (frequent urination), and vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) in the MHR‐QOL questionnaire.

Results

The correlations among the scores for the six somatic symptoms and HADS‐D and HADS‐A were stronger than those for urinary or vasomotor symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the score for headaches and that for HADS‐A were significantly associated with severe depression after adjustment (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.49 [1.06–2.10] and 1.58 [1.37–1.83], respectively), whereas the scores for nausea and numbness, as well as HADS‐D, were significantly associated with severe anxiety (OR [95% CI]: 1.65 [1.15–2.39], 1.39 [1.05–1.84], and 1.36 [1.23–1.50], respectively).

Conclusion

Headaches were associated with depression, whereas nausea and numbness were associated with anxiety in peri‐ and postmenopausal women. The assessment of underlying mood disorders is required for the management of middle‐aged women presenting with these somatic symptoms.
Pregnancy following ovarian induction in a patient with premature ovarian failure and undetectable serum anti‐Müllerian hormone
Authors: Tsuji Isao , Ami Kazumi , Fujinami Nahoko
Published: February 2013

We report the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of successful conception following ovarian induction in a patient with premature ovarian failure and undetectable serum anti‐Müllerian hormone. A 34‐year‐old woman was referred because of ovarian amenorrhea. After endogenous gonadotrophins were normalized by hormone‐replacement therapy and gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist, ovarian induction was performed using exogenous gonadotrophins. On ovarian induction day 8, one follicle had reached a mean diameter of 19.6 mm, the serum estradiol level had increased to 516 pg/mL, and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was injected. On HCG injection day 7, ultrasonography was unable to detect the follicle, and serum progesterone levels had increased to 6.1 ng/mL. One month after HCG injection, ultrasonography detected an intrauterine fetus with beating heart. Even with serum anti‐Müllerian hormone levels below the threshold of detection, there is a chance for patients with premature ovarian failure.
Comparison of robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy and traditional laparoscopic myomectomy
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Mou , Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Peng Fu‐Shaing , Jen Pei‐Jung , Hsiao Chin‐Fen , Tu Fung‐Chao
Published: February 2013

Aim

The benefit of robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) over traditional laparoscopic myomectomy (TLM) remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to reveal any potential advantage of RALM over TLM.

Material and Methods

Between June 2010 and October 2011, all women presenting with symptomatic uterine myomas were enrolled in this study. Perioperative variables were compared between these two groups. The patients recruited in this study were allocated into the two groups based on their financial considerations.

Results

A total of 42 patients received RALM (n = 20) or TLM (n = 22) for symptomatic uterine myomas. The operation time was longer in the RALM group; but the total abdominal drainage amount on postoperative day 1 was significantly less in the RALM group than the TLM group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the RALM procedure (coefficient = 79.1, P < 0.001), number of myomas (coefficient = 15.4, P = 0.002), and the presence of a cervical myoma (coefficient = 54.9, P = 0.01) were independent factors affecting operation time; the maximum myoma diameter was the only factor affecting blood loss (coefficient = 113.4, P = 0.003). However, the RALM procedure was the only factor affecting the amount of abdominal drainage on postoperative day 1 (coefficient = −86.3, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Although RALM is a longer operation than TLM, it might result in less postoperative abdominal drainage than TLM and help alleviate short‐term morbidity.
Single‐Center Experience With Extracorporeal Life Support in 103 Nonpostcardiotomy Patients
Authors: Schopka Simon , Philipp Alois , Lunz Dirk , Camboni Daniele , Zacher Raffaela , Rupprecht Leopold , Zimmermann Markus , Lubnow Matthias , Keyser Andreas , Arlt Matthias , Schmid Christof , Hilker Michael
Published: February 2013

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been successfully used to support patients with cardiac arrest failing to respond to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Preimplant factors being indicative for success are unknown up to now. The study describes single center experience with special focus on differences between survivors and nonsurvivors. Between 2002 and 2009, 103 patients were supported within the scope of CPR by means of ECMO. Besides primary diagnosis, duration, and outcome, pH, lactate, mean arterial pressure, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, catecholamine dosage, and oxygenation ratio before ECMO, after 2 h, 1 day, and at explantation were analyzed. One hundred three patients (51.2 ± 16 years, 35 women, 68 men) were analyzed. Primary cardiac failure led to CPR in 54%. Duration of support was 4.8 ± 0.6 days. Twenty‐nine (28.1%) patients survived to hospital discharge. On ECMO support, pH, lactate, and mean arterial pressure improved significantly. Catecholamine dosage was significantly reduced after ECMO implantation. Demographic data and primary diagnosis revealed no significant influence on outcome. pH, lactate, creatinine, and bilirubin differed significantly between survivors and nonsurvivors in the course of ECMO support. ECMO support during CPR reliably improves the circulatory and respiratory situation. Considering observed survival critical patient selection is mandatory. Although there are several significant differences between surviving patients and patients with fatal outcome, patient selection turns out to be difficult as clinically relevant factors show only limited predictive value. Future research should focus on better defining a population that may be best of all suited for the use of ECMO support in CPR.
The Hemodynamic Effect of the Support Mode for the Intra‐Aorta Pump on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Gao Bin , Chang Yu , Xuan Yanjiao , Zeng Yi , Liu Youjun
Published: February 2013

Intra‐aorta pump is a novel rotary ventricular assist device. Because of the special structure and connection with the native heart, the hemodynamic effect of support mode of this pump on the cardiovascular system is not clear. In this work, three support modes, including “constant speed” mode, “co‐pulse” mode, and “counter‐pulse” mode, have been designed for the intra‐aorta pump to evaluate the hemodynamic effect of different support modes on the cardiovascular system. Simulation results demonstrate that that both “co‐pulse” mode and “counter‐pulse” mode can achieve better unloading performance than “constant speed” mode. The intra‐aorta pump controlled by “co‐pulse” mode is beneficial for improving coronary flow. Moreover, the external work, which is defined as the product of left ventricular pressure and cardiac output, under “co‐pulse” mode is the minimum of the three support modes (0.783 w vs. 0.615 w vs. 0.702 w). The pulsatility ratio, defined as the ratio of the peak‐to‐peak value of arterial pressure (AP) to the mean arterial pressure value, under “co‐pulse” mode is the maximum of the three modes (24% vs. 32.8% vs. 23.7%). The equivalent afterload value, which is the ratio of pulsatile pressure at the pump inflow and pulsatile pump flow, is larger than other support modes (0.596 mm Hg.s/mL vs. 0.9704 mm Hg.s/mL vs. 0.55 mm Hg.s/mL). In brief, the intra‐aorta pump under “co‐pulse” mode support is beneficial for improving myocardial perfusion and restoring pulsatility of AP, while “counter‐pulse” mode is beneficial to the perfusion of vital organs.
A Risk‐Adjusted O–E CUSUM with Monitoring Bands for Monitoring Medical Outcomes
Authors: Sun Rena Jie , Kalbfleisch John D.
Published: February 2013

In order to monitor a medical center's survival outcomes using simple plots, we introduce a risk‐adjusted Observed–Expected (O–E) Cumulative SUM (CUSUM) along with monitoring bands as decision criterion.The proposed monitoring bands can be used in place of a more traditional but complicated V‐shaped mask or the simultaneous use of two one‐sided CUSUMs. The resulting plot is designed to simultaneously monitor for failure time outcomes that are “worse than expected” or “better than expected.” The slopes of the O–E CUSUM provide direct estimates of the relative risk (as compared to a standard or expected failure rate) for the data being monitored. Appropriate rejection regions are obtained by controlling the false alarm rate (type I error) over a period of given length. Simulation studies are conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed method. A case study is carried out for 58 liver transplant centers. The use of CUSUM methods for quality improvement is stressed.
Non‐trophic effects of litter reduce ant predation and determine caterpillar survival and distribution
Authors: Karban Richard , Mata Tawny M. , Grof‐Tisza Patrick , Crutsinger Gregory , Holyoak Marcel A.
Published: February 2013

The tritrophic model featuring plants consumed by herbivores consumed by parasitoids or predators has become the primary paradigm used to describe herbivore dynamics. However, interactions involving herbivores can be habitat‐ specific and plants often provide habitat, as well as food. Structural complexity of the habitat may favor predators or may allow herbivore prey to escape detection and capture. This study considered the spatial and temporal dynamics of an arctiid caterpillar, Platyprepia virginalis. The tritrophic model that includes only a tachinid parasitoid that attacks P. virginalis and the caterpillars’ primary host‐plant, Lupinus arboreus, has failed to provide much insight into this system. Instead, we found that ants killed and removed many small caterpillars. Protecting caterpillars from ants increased their survival three‐fold and five‐fold in assays conducted during two years. Caterpillars were more likely to survive in short‐term assays at sites that naturally had a deeper cover of dead and living plant material. Experiments with baits showed that ant recruitment declined as litter depth increased on average. These survey results indicated that ant predation was an important source of mortality for young caterpillars and that the presence of thick litter reduced this mortality. These results were corroborated in an experiment that manipulated litter depth and ant access to caterpillars. Previous findings that other defoliating caterpillars increased litter depth and benefitted P. virginalis are also consistent with this hypothesis. Litter acts as an important non‐trophic resource, allowing caterpillars to avoid predation by ants such that wet sites with deep litter act as source populations for caterpillars. Our results show strong effects of both trophic and non‐trophic interactions since plants indirectly provided limiting habitat and this heterogeneous habitat strongly affected risk of predation and ultimately caterpillar abundance and distribution.
Salivary tests associated with elderly people’s oral health
Authors: de Lima Saintrain Maria V. , Gonçalves Renata D.
Published: February 2013

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00627.x

Salivary tests associated with elderly people’s oral health

Introduction:   The saliva constitutes essential condition for the individual’s health.

Aim:  Identify the relation of the salivary flow and saliva pH with medicine use and oral discomfort in elderly.

Methods and materials:  Cross‐sectional study with 68 elderly living in a long staying institution. Salivary tests were performed based on Bo Krasse’s methodology. For pH, the Universalindikator – Merck tape was used. A questionnaire was applied, organising data through Software SPSS version 17. Pearson’s qui‐square distribution, Fisher’s exact test and t‐test for paired data were used, with significance level of 5% and confidence interval of 95%.

Results:  Among the 68 elderly (average of 70.4 years, SD ± 7.27), 80% showed normal pH. The rate of salivary flow was as follows: very low, 32.3%; lowered, 41.2%; and normal, 25.5%; 30.9% reported dry mouth; 22.1% problems with taste; 17.6%, dysphagia; and 14.7%, burning mouth. 76.5% used medicines. There was statistical significance between medicine use and dry mouth (p = 0.015). They showed an association between salivary flow and medicine use (p = 0.048), feels dry mouth (0.018) and difficulty to swallow (p = 0.046), and saliva pH without stimulation and feels dry mouth (p = 0.003), difficulty to swallow (p = 0.006) and burning mouth sensation (p = 0.014).

Conclusion:  Low salivary flow and saliva pH interfere on elderly people’s health and medicine use influences on results.
TheAustralianMen'sSheds movement: human resource management in a voluntary organisation
Authors: Cavanagh Jillian , McNeil Nicola , Bartram Timothy
Published: February 2013

This paper examines theMen'sSheds movement – anAustralian innovation that is now spreading internationally. This movement has significance for human resource management, both in providing a useful alternative to paid employment for older workers, and as a research site where the human resources challenges peculiar to voluntary organisations can be observed. The paper is underpinned by social exchange theory. The paper's empirical focus is on the factors that govern the level of participation of members in theMen'sSheds movement. The research employs a case study methodology, with focus groups of 34 members in twoAustralian men's sheds. Predictably, we found that the decision to participate is driven primarily by altruistic motives and reciprocal relationships. However, professionalHRMpractices remain important. Our findings lend support for the importance of leadership and human resource practices, such as training and development, occupational health and safety, and human resource planning that are used to facilitate effective participation in the sheds.