bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect modification by parental education on the associations of birth order and gender with learning achievement in adolescents
Authors: Cheng C‐C. J. , Wang W‐L. , Sung Y‐T. , Wang Y‐C. , Su S‐Y. , Li C‐Y.
Published: October 2012

Background

A child's gender and ordinal position within a family have varied implications on his or her personality and cognitive development. However, little is known about whether or not parental educational level may moderate the effects of birth order and gender.

Methods

Basic Competence Test (BCT) scores of 290 588 young adolescents aged 15–16 years in Taiwan were analysed. Parental educational level was calculated as the highest educational attainment of the subjects’ parents. The multiple linear regression model was used to assess the modification effects of parental educational levels on the associations of interest.

Results

After controlling for covariates, we noted a clear inverse relationship between birth order and BCT scores in Mandarin, Mathematics and Science. Additionally, boys had significantly lower mean scores in Mandarin, but had significantly higher mean scores in both Mathematics and Science. We also found the significant interactive effects of birth order, gender and parental educational attainment on BCT scores, in which the birth order and gender effects were more evident in higher‐educated families than in lower‐educated ones.

Conclusions

This large cohort study confirmed that both birth order and gender may pose independent influences on BCT scores; moreover, such influences are significantly modified by parental educational attainment.
Temperature and water controls on vegetation emergence, microbial dynamics, and soil carbon and nitrogen fluxes in a high Arctic tundra ecosystem
Authors: Glanville Helen C. , Hill Paul W. , Maccarone Linda D. , N. Golyshin Peter , Murphy Daniel V. , Jones Davey L.
Published: October 2012

Arctic tundra ecosystems contain 14% of the global soil carbon (C) store which is becoming vulnerable to decomposition. Arctic soil organic matter (SOM) contains large amounts of old, recalcitrant, high molecular weight (MW) C compounds which are protected from decomposition whilst soils remain frozen. Climatic change alters soil temperature and water regimes in the Arctic, however, the impact of these changes on C decomposition and storage is poorly understood.

We investigated vegetation emergence, microbial dynamics and nutrient fluxes in response to snow melt on the high Arctic Svalbard archipelago using field and laboratory studies. Using bacterial and archaeal genetic material (16S rRNA) and ammonia‐oxidising genes, microbial communities were quantified in transects across the active snow melt front. The effects of soil temperature and water content on SOM decomposition rates were measured using 14C‐labelled low and high MW compounds.

Vegetation and below‐ground microbial communities, in the field, responded rapidly with peaks in nutrient availability and soil respiration observed within 72 h of snowmelt. Temperature strongly drives early growing season C dynamics in the Arctic. We suggest the nutrient peaks following snowmelt, coupled with higher levels of DNA in the subniveal zone are due to the decomposition of bacteria and archaea from previous years.

We show, in the laboratory, when soils thaw, mineralisation of recalcitrant C (high MW) compounds was sensitive to soil water but not to increasing temperatures. In contrast, low MW compounds exhibited sensitivity to both temperature and soil water. We suggest that if future soil water content increases under climate change, high MW compounds could become more susceptible to decomposition, releasing more C to the atmosphere.
The adaptive value of morphological, behavioural and life‐history traits in reproductive female wolves
Authors: Stahler Daniel R. , MacNulty Daniel R. , Wayne Robert K. , vonHoldt Bridgett , Smith Douglas W.
Published: October 2012

Reproduction in social organisms is shaped by numerous morphological, behavioural and life‐history traits such as body size, cooperative breeding and age of reproduction, respectively. Little is known, however, about the relative influence of these different types of traits on reproduction, particularly in the context of environmental conditions that determine their adaptive value.

Here, we use 14 years of data from a long‐term study of wolves (Canis lupus) in Yellowstone National Park, USA, to evaluate the relative effects of different traits and ecological factors on the reproductive performance (litter size and survival) of breeding females.

At the individual level, litter size and survival improved with body mass and declined with age (c. 4–5 years). Grey‐coloured females had more surviving pups than black females, which likely contributed to the maintenance of coat colour polymorphism in this system.

The effect of pack size on reproductive performance was nonlinear as litter size peaked at eight wolves and then declined, and litter survival increased rapidly up to three wolves, beyond which it increased more gradually.

At the population level, litter size and survival decreased with increasing wolf population size and canine distemper outbreaks.

The relative influence of these different‐level factors on wolf reproductive success followed individual > group > population. Body mass was the primary determinant of litter size, followed by pack size and population size. Body mass was also the main driver of litter survival, followed by pack size and disease. Reproductive gains because of larger body size and cooperative breeding may mitigate reproductive losses because of negative density dependence and disease.

These findings highlight the adaptive value of large body size and sociality in promoting individual fitness in stochastic and competitive environments.
Relative effects of vehicle pollution, moisture and colonization sources on urban lichens
Authors: Coffey Heather M. P. , Fahrig Lenore
Published: October 2012

Lichens are sensitive to pollution and have therefore been used as air quality indicators. While the distribution of lichens within cities may reflect the distribution of traffic pollution, other factors affecting urban lichens are correlated with this pollution – particularly moisture and the presence of lichen colonization sources.

Our objective was to determine the relative importance of these three factors – vehicle pollution, moisture and colonization sources – in determining lichen distribution within a city. We surveyed macrolichen richness and cover on 420 trees within 84 sites across urban Ottawa, Canada. The sites were selected to minimize correlations among vehicle pollution, moisture and colonization sources. Model‐averaged standardized regression coefficients were used to compare the relative effects of these three variables on macrolichen richness and cover.

We found that macrolichen cover was most strongly related to vehicle pollution and that this effect occurred within 300 m of a site.

However, macrolichen species richness responded more strongly to both moisture (at the site centre) and colonization sources (within 1000 m of the site) than to vehicle pollution.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that macrolichen cover, but not macrolichen species richness, can be used as an indicator of urban traffic pollution. Our results also suggest that, to promote urban macrolichen diversity, it would be more effective to increase the availability of lichen colonization sources (nearby trees) than to control traffic pollution.
A worldwide investigation of critical care research coordinators’ self‐reported role and professional development priorities: the winner survey
Authors: Eastwood Glenn M , Roberts Brigit , Williams Ged , Rickard Claire M
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe the self‐reported role and professional development priorities of research coordinators in different regions of the world.

Background.  Research coordinators employed in critical care settings provide clinical and technical expertise in the development, conduct and completion of clinical research studies. Knowledge of this specialised role is well established in some parts of the world, yet emerging in others.

Design.  Descriptive exploratory study involving research coordinators outside of Australia and New Zealand.

Method.  An anonymous, structured, multiple‐choice, web‐based questionnaire conducted between April–May 2011.

Results.  There were 80 respondents from North America (61%), Europe (29%) and Latin America (10%). The majority of respondents performed data collection and obtained informed consent, and half had presented study findings at conferences or wrote scholarly articles, despite a greater willingness to do so. Requisite skills for the research coordinator role included clinical research knowledge, creative problem solving and the ability to identify/resolve ethical questions. ‘Best’ reported aspects of the role were promotion of evidence‐based clinical practice, intellectual stimulation and autonomy. ‘Worst’ aspects included heavy workload, lack of funding and recognition.

Conclusion.  Research coordinators working in critical care settings collect data, require clinical research knowledge and problem‐solving skills and are interested in, but have less confidence in, dissemination of research findings. They feel isolated with a lack of support and inadequate remuneration for the effort and time required to maintain the high standards of their role. This is outweighed by the satisfaction derived from promoting the research process and autonomy. Further observational studies aimed at clarifying and advancing the role of the research coordinator is warranted.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study offers insight into the global roles and responsibilities as reported by research coordinators employed in critical care settings.
Nurses’ experiences providing bereavement follow‐up: an exploratory study using feminist poststructuralism
Authors: MacConnell Grace , Aston Megan , Randel Pat , Zwaagstra Nick
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe the experiences of nurses who provided bereavement follow‐up with families after the death of a child or a pregnancy loss and explore facilitators, barriers and challenges.

Background.  Bereavement follow‐up after the death of a child has been identified as an indicator of quality end of life care by families and health care professionals. Research suggests communication with bereaved families can be challenging and intimidating for nurses, particularly those who have had limited experience. In‐depth information about the personal, professional and institutional experiences of nurses providing this care is lacking.

Design.  Eight registered nurses with experience in providing bereavement follow‐up to families were interviewed. Purposive sampling provided information rich cases.

Methods.  Feminist poststructuralism was the guiding theory and methodology used to uncover underlying discourses. This methodology uses the concepts of discourse analysis, subjectivity and agency to enable a critical understanding of the relationships.

Results.  The nurses described complex interactions between themselves, the families, hospital practices and policy, and social norms around the discourses of death and professionalism. The importance of relationship, self‐care and closure, professional boundaries, invisible nature of the practice and institutional support were prominent themes. Insights into the challenges and rewards of providing bereavement follow‐up are discussed in the context of power relations, and recommendations for change are offered.

Conclusions.  Nurses in the study were strongly committed to providing ongoing care to families who had experienced the death of a child or a pregnancy loss. Relationships were important to bereavement follow‐up care, and the connections with families were often emotional for the nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses and other health professionals would benefit from increased support and education related to bereavement and communication with grieving families. Clarity related to institutional policies to support bereavement care is paramount in helping nurses and others in this work.
Assessment of fluid status in CAPD patients using the body composition monitor
Authors: Cader Rizna A , Gafor Halim A , Mohd Rozita , Kong Norella CT , Ibrahim Suriani , Wan Hassan Wan Haslina , Abdul Rahman Wan Khadijah
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives

To assess the degree of overhydration in our peritoneal dialysis patients and to examine the factors contributing to overhydration.

Background

Volume control is critical for the success of peritoneal dialysis, but dry weight has been difficult to ascertain accurately. Chronic fluid overload and hypertension are among the leading causes of mortality in dialysis patients.

Design

A cross‐sectional observational study.

Methods

The body composition monitor (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) is a bioimpedance spectroscopy device that has been validated for the assessment of overhydration. We used this body composition monitor device on all patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis at our institution who met the inclusion criteria to assess their degree of overhydration.

Results

Thirty four (17 men, 17 women; mean age 44·5 ± 14·2 years) of a 45 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients were enrolled. The mean overhydration was 2·4 ± 2·4 l. Fifty per cent of the patients were ≥2 l overhydrated. Overhydration correlated with male gender, low serum albumin, increasing number of antihypertensive agents and duration of dialysis. There was no difference in overhydration between diabetic and non‐diabetic patients. Men were more overhydrated than women, had lower Kt/V and were older. Although, there was no difference in blood pressure between the genders, men had a trend towards a higher usage of antihypertensive agents.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that overhydration is common in peritoneal dialysis patients. Blood pressure should ideally be controlled with adherence to dry weight and low salt intake rather than adding antihypertensive agents even in the absence of clinical oedema.

Relevance to clinical practice

Body composition monitor is a simple, reliable and inexpensive tool that can be routinely used in the outpatient clinic setting or home visit to adjust the dry weight and avoid chronic fluid overload in between nephrologists review.
Intensification of nickel‐ and cobalt‐filled neurone profiles following differential staining by rubeanic acid
Authors: Quicke D. L. J. , Brace R. C. , Kirby P.
Published: October 2012

It is demonstrated that a double colour labelling technique which uses rubeanic acid to precipitate nickel and cobalt ions within neurones (Quicke & Brace, 1979), yields complexes which may be intensified using Timm's silver method, thus allowing the subsequent appreciation of fine dendritic and axonal morphology. The resolution of neural architecture appears comparable to that revealed by the intensification of ammonium sulphide treated preparations.
Photomicrographic attachments: capabilities and limits
Authors: Simonsen Reimer
Published: October 2012

High magnification micrographs of high film contrast taken with a camera of short focal length revealed peculiar patterns which are attributed to minute unevennesses in ocular lens surfaces. These patterns can be avoided only by increasing the diameter of the microscope exit pupil, viz by the employment of low‐power oculars. In consequence it is recommended that cameras intended for universal use should have focal lengths of not shorter than 125 mm. Proposals for a test standard of microcameras are made.
Direct evaluation of fluorescence in single renal epithelial cells using a mitochondrial probe (DASPMI)
Authors: Horster Michael F. , Wilson Patricia D. , Gundlach Heinz
Published: October 2012

The study of distribution and quantitation of a fluorescent probe in living epithelia with the aid of an inverted microscope requires that individual cells can be analysed without optical interference from adjacent cells. This report describes the application of fluorescence microscopy and fluorometry to a recently developed in vitro culture system of renal epithelial cells.

Epithelial cells derived from the mammalian renal cortical collecting tubule (CT) and the thick ascending loop of Henle (TAL) are cultivated as continuous monolayers in serum‐free, hormone‐supplemented media. A specific mitochondrial marker (DASPMI) is added to the medium and incorporated into the cytoplasm. The microscopic image reveals that the mitochondrial fluorescence distribution differs between CT and TAL cultures. The fluorometric quantitation shows a normally distributed histogram of medium‐range intensity in TAL cell cultures while CT cultures exhibit a two‐peak pattern of mitochondrial fluorescence distribution among epithelial cells.
Reinforcement and protection with polystyrene of freeze‐fracture replicas during thawing and digestion of tissue
Authors: Stolinski C. , Gabriel G. , Martin B.
Published: October 2012

An improved method for reinforcing freeze‐fracture replicas, which is especially suitable for tough tissues, is described. For this purpose, polystyrene dissolved in chloroform is used to produce a solid protecting layer of plastic on top of the replica, enabling it to withstand the stresses associated with the thawing and digestion of the tissue with strong acids. The method results in production of large clean replicas from tissues such as skin or peripheral nerve which are difficult to process. The method can also be used profitably for reinforcing other softer and more homogeneous tissues.
Freeze fracture through the cytoskeleton, nucleus and nuclear matrix of lymphocytes studied by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Haggis G. H. , Schweitzer I. , Hall R. , Bladon T.
Published: October 2012

The technique of delaying fixation until after freeze‐fracture and thawing, described in an earlier paper (Haggis & Bond, 1979), has been developed further for study of cells in culture, principally mouse lymphocytes stimulated by concanavalin A. Using a thin layer of cells, a cryoprotectant concentration of either 10% glycerol or dimethylsulphoxide, is sufficient to give good structural preservation after rapid freezing and thawing. Nuclear matrices and Triton‐permeabilized cells have been prepared from stimulated lymphocytes for comparative study. Polylysine‐coated fibrin support films have been found to provide a convenient means of handling cells and subcellular preparations during freeze fracture, critical point drying and mounting for high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy.
Uranium alloys: sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Romig A. D. , Sorenson W. R.
Published: October 2012

A new procedure has been developed to produce thin foils of uranium and its alloys for transmission electron microscopy. The procedure is a two‐step electrochemical cleaning‐thinning process which produces self‐supporting discs. This procedure was used to produce thin foils of the most important alloys of uranium.
Thickness variations within individual paraffin and glycol methacrylate sections
Authors: Helander K. G.
Published: October 2012

The object of this study was to investigate whether there are intra‐section thickness variations in individual paraffin and glycol methacrylate (GMA) sections. Using steel or glass knives sections were cut from liver and urinary bladder. Section thickness variations were measured with an interference microscope and amounted to 1–3 μm within individual paraffin sections and 0.3 μm within GMA sections. The results were confirmed by observations on sections which had been re‐embedded and re‐sectioned. Some of the variations within the paraffin sections were associated with the cell nuclei. It is concluded that GMA sections are much smoother than paraffin sections and thus more suitable for quantitative histological studies.
Image spread in dry‐mounted tritium autoradiographs
Authors: Kent C. , Parker T. L.
Published: October 2012

A comparison has been made of autoradiographs prepared by conventional dipping methods and those prepared from the same material using a dry‐mounting method developed for the study of receptor labelling. Resolution was found to be inferior, and image spread greater, in the dry‐mounted preparations. The extent to which resolution and image spread were affected depended upon the distance between specimen and emulsion.
Simple collectors for cathodoluminescence in the SEM made from aluminium foil
Authors: Boyde A. , Reid S. A.
Published: October 2012

Inexpensive cathodoluminescence collectors for scanning electron microscopes can easily be made from aluminium foil fashioned as tubes which abut against the window of the photo‐multiplier at one end and shroud the specimen at the other. Their use in the study of fluorescent labelled mineralized tissues is illustrated.
A new technique for visualization of internal structure by SEM
Authors: Shennawy I. E. El , Gee D. J. , Aparicio S. R.
Published: October 2012

A simple, rapid, economic and reliable method was used for visualization of internal structure of soft tissues by fracturing paraffin embedded samples at room temperature. The same sample which was used for light microscopy was then fractured for SEM. Most of the cellular and extracellular details are exposed without any need of special equipment. The technique preserves the architecture of tissues and can be used in routine diagnostic pathology.
Topiramate's effects on cocaine‐induced subjective mood, craving and preference for money over drug taking
Authors: Johnson Bankole A. , Roache John D. , Ait‐Daoud Nassima , Gunderson Erik W. , Haughey Heather M. , Wang Xin‐Qun , Liu Lei
Published: October 2012

Topiramate, presumably through antagonism of excitatory glutaminergic pathways and facilitation of inhibitory gamma‐aminobutyric acid neurons in the cortico‐mesolimbic system, might reduce cocaine's abuse liability. We tested whether topiramate (100 mg twice daily) would reduce the euphoria, subjective mood, craving and preference for cocaine over money induced by low and high doses (0.325 and 0.65 mg/kg i.v., respectively) of experimentally administered cocaine in 24 male and female, cocaine‐dependent, non‐treatment‐seeking research volunteers in a university in‐patient laboratory. We utilized a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, within‐subject, Latin‐square cross‐over design in which three experimental challenge doses of low‐dose cocaine, high‐dose cocaine and placebo were administered in counterbalanced order after 5 days of topiramate or matching placebo pre‐treatments separated by a 1‐week washout period (2006–2009). After placebo pre‐treatments, cocaine produced dose‐related increases in euphoria, stimulant effects, craving for more cocaine and monetary value of cocaine in a behavioral preference test of cocaine versus money choice. Topiramate pre‐treatment reduced the cocaine‐related craving and monetary value of high‐dose cocaine while increasing the monetary value, euphoria and stimulant effects of low‐dose cocaine. Validated and standardized human experimental methods evaluating the potential for topiramate to alter cocaine's abuse liability suggest that topiramate may reduce the reinforcing effects and craving induced by higher cocaine doses. Low‐dose cocaine might appear to have some enhancement of its stimulant properties in the presence of topiramate's prominent sedative effects.
Endogenous cytokinin and auxin profiles during in vitro organogenesis from vegetative buds of Pinus radiata adult trees
Authors: Montalbán Itziar Aurora , Novák Ondrej , Rolčik Jakub , Strnad Miroslav , Moncaleán Paloma
Published: October 2012

In Pinus radiata D. Don, the transition from the juvenile to the mature phase is characterized by a reduction in the tree's organogenic potential, which is usually reverted in breeding programs by reinvigoration procedures to enable vegetative propagation. In this work, we have determined the best culture conditions for in vitro reinvigoration of radiata pine buds, tested different cytokinin (CK) types [N6‐benzyladenine (BA), meta‐topolin (mT) and trans‐zeatin] and concentrations (25 and 50 µM), and studied the effect of culture conditions on endogenous CK and indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) levels at different stages of the organogenic process. To this end, the levels of 43 CKs and IAA were determined in P. radiata buds before and during the reinvigoration process. When BA or mT was applied to the induction medium, we did not observe any significant increase or decrease in endogenous isoprenoid CK content. We also report for the first time the presence of O‐glucosides in non‐treated P. radiata explants from the field and remark the importance of O‐glucosides as storage forms.
Endogenous ascorbate restrains apoplastic peroxidase activity during sunflower leaf development
Authors: Pinedo M. , Lechner L. , Creus C. , Simontacchi M. , Aguirrezabal L.
Published: October 2012

Several apoplastic enzymes have been implicated in the control of elongation growth of plant cells. Among them, peroxidases contribute to both loosening and stiffening of the cell wall. They appear to be regulated by various mechanisms, including the action of extracellular inhibitors. To obtain evidence of the role of the enzyme–inhibitor interaction during leaf development, the intercellular washing fluids from Helianthus annuus leaves of different ages were isolated using standard methods of vacuum infiltration and centrifugation. Peroxidase activities, assessed using tetramethylbenzidine as substrate, increased during leaf development, reaching a maximum value after the leaves were fully expanded. An inhibitor, chemically characterised as ascorbate, co‐localised with the enzyme in the apoplast. Moreover, there was a strong negative correlation between the action of peroxidase and the micromolar concentration of ascorbate in the apoplastic fluid. The results show that in growing leaves, the in planta ascorbate concentration is able to restrain peroxidase enzyme activity. Then, at the time of growth cessation, the loss of extracellular ascorbate relieves the inhibition on this enzyme that contributes to wall fixation.
Loss of nuclear flavanols during drought periods in Taxus baccata
Authors: Feucht W. , Treutter D. , Dithmar H. , Polster J.
Published: October 2012

Normally, needles of Taxus baccata during the growth period prominently stain blue for nuclear flavanols with the histochemical DMACA procedure. However, under excess heat and drought conditions, nuclear flavanols of current‐year needles decline to zero. Nevertheless, greenish‐yellow‐coloured flavonols (quercetin derivatives) were still observed in nuclei. All of these yellow nuclei were in a silenced state and without mitosis. This link between drought and loss of nuclear flavanols was found in 3 years, 2003, 2007 and 2010. In 2007, exceptional drought occurred in early spring, interrupted by short rains. This, in turn, led to flushing of new sprouts, a characteristic feature in which nuclei were overloaded with flavanols. By the end of three drought periods, all nuclei developed blue‐coloured nuclear flavanols. The flavanols seem to be associated with the histone proteins of chromatin. The oxidative degradation of catechin in Tris buffer (pH 8.0) containing MgCl2 was studied in the presence of the H4‐core fragment TYTEHAKRKTVTAMD, modified according to the epigenetic histone code. The results show that catechin degradation can be significantly inhibited by the non‐modified peptides and the methylated peptides (methylation at both lysine residues). The acetylated and formylated peptides do not show this behaviour. These observations indicate that flavanol association at chromosomes appears to be regulated by the epigenetic histone code.
Comparative germination ecology of two altitudinal vicariant Saxifraga species endemic to the north of Spain
Authors: Giménez‐Benavides L. , Milla R.
Published: October 2012

Seeds of high‐mountain species are thought to germinate rapidly, synchronously and at high percentages after a cold period, with limited dependence on the external environment; yet, empirical evidence only partially supports this behaviour. We performed a comparative study of the germination response of two closely related taxa along an altitude gradient in northern Spain. Seeds from several maternal families of six populations of Saxifraga trifurcata (lowland species) and S. canaliculata (highland species) were subjected to temperature and stratification treatments. Germination percentages and germination rates were analysed using generalised linear mixed modelling and accelerated failure‐time modelling. We found that germination percentages and germination rates were high and dependent on incubation temperature in both species. Within species, seeds from higher altitudes had higher germination percentages under all conditions. Cold–wet stratification negatively affected germination success, particularly in the lowland species. Overall, the highland species was less responsive to the experimental treatments and showed more synchronous germination patterns. We conclude that seeds from these two Saxifraga species germinate as efficiently as species from other habitats, but have a narrower germination response, probably due to the stronger selective pressures in their harsh environments. Finally, a cold, wet stratification period is not a prerequisite for the germination of high‐mountain S. canaliculata, and its strong negative effect on the germination of its lowland relative S. trifurcata may contribute to the altitudinal segregation of these two species.
Expression profiling of genes involved in the formation of aroma in two peach genotypes
Authors: Pirona R. , Vecchietti A. , Lazzari B. , Caprera A. , Malinverni R. , Consolandi C. , Severgnini M. , De Bellis G. , Chietera G. , Rossini L. , Pozzi C.
Published: October 2012

The expression profile of flavour‐related genes during ripening was investigated in two peach genotypes, Bolero and OroA, which have been selected for their contrasting aroma/ripening behaviour. A new peach microarray containing 4776 oligonucleotide probes corresponding to a set of ESTs specifically enriched in secondary metabolism (μPEACH2.0) was designed to investigate transcriptome changes during three fruit ripening stages, revealing 1807 transcripts differentially expressed within and between the two genotypes. Differences in the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of aroma compounds were detected during the ripening process within and between the two genotypes. In particular, a subset of 12 transcripts involved in metabolism of esters, norisoprenoids, phenylpropanoids and lactones, varied in expression during ripening and between Bolero and OroA.
Ecophysiological function of leaf ‘windows’ in Lithops species – ‘Living Stones’ that grow underground
Authors: Martin C. E. , Brandmeyer E. A. , Ross R. D.
Published: October 2012

Leaf temperatures were lower when light entry at the leaf tip window was prevented through covering the window with reflective tape, relative to leaf temperatures of plants with leaf tip windows covered with transparent tape. This was true when leaf temperatures were measured with an infrared thermometer, but not with a fine‐wire thermocouple. Leaf tip windows of Lithops growing in high‐rainfall regions of southern Africa were larger than the windows of plants (numerous individuals of 17 species) growing in areas with less rainfall and, thus, more annual insolation. The results of this study indicate that leaf tip windows of desert plants with an underground growth habit can allow entry of supra‐optimal levels of radiant energy, thus most likely inhibiting photosynthetic activity. Consequently, the size of the leaf tip windows correlates inversely with habitat solar irradiance, minimising the probability of photoinhibition, while maximising the absorption of irradiance in cloudy, high‐rainfall regions.
Yellow is pale: The complications and challenges of late diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary atresia
Authors: Ho Shaun SC , Haller Wolfram , Catto‐Smith Anthony G
Published: October 2012

Extrahepatic biliary atresia classically presents in the neonatal period with jaundice and pale stools. The lack of bile pigment in stool can be unrecognised, delaying diagnosis and surgical treatment. Vitamin K is given at birth to reduce the risk of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn, but this may be inadequate to prevent the development of coagulopathy secondary to fat soluble vitamin malabsorption. We present the case of a 3 month old infant who presented with an intracerebral haemorrhage and coagulopathy thought to be secondary to fat malabsorption resulting from delayed diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary atresia. This was despite the perinatal administration of intramuscular vitamin K. His parents did not recognise the stool pallor as being abnormal. This case illustrates the importance of educating parents on the significance of pale stools, and also the risk of coagulopathy in extrahepatic biliary atresia despite perinatal intramuscular vitamin K.
Epileptic spasms: Experience with a high‐dose oral corticosteroid protocol
Authors: Ware Tyson L , Mackay Mark T , Harvey A Simon , Freeman Jeremy L
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To audit clinical practice and assess early outcomes for infants with epileptic spasms after an agreed initial treatment protocol was adopted.

Methods:  We reviewed all cases of epileptic spasms diagnosed between July 2007 and June 2009 and assessed adherence to protocol, remission by day 14, spasm recurrence and side effects. The protocol required that infants be treated with high‐dose oral prednisolone except those with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) who were treated with vigabatrin.

Results:  Twenty‐eight infants (age 3–14 months, 17 male) were newly diagnosed. Six (21%) had no cause identified (cryptogenic), six (21%) had TSC and 16 (57%) had other non‐TSC symptomatic aetiologies. Twenty‐three were treated per protocol and five were not. The proportion with remission by day 14 of treatment was 100% in the cryptogenic group (all treated per protocol), 64% in those with non‐TSC symptomatic aetiologies treated per protocol, 20% in those with non‐TSC symptomatic aetiologies treated not per protocol and 17% in infants with TSC (all treated per protocol). Of 17 infants who received prednisolone, two were admitted for management of febrile illness.

Conclusion:  Our experience with high‐dose oral prednisolone for treatment of epileptic spasms suggests that it is effective and tolerable. The greater proportion of non‐TSC symptomatic patients with timely cessation of spasms when treated by this protocol supports the use of high‐dose oral prednisolone as the treatment of choice. Given the poor response of children with TSC to treatment with vigabatrin, early use of steroid therapy deserves consideration.
Prevalence of weight‐related concerns and behaviours among New Zealand young people
Authors: Utter Jennifer , Denny Simon , Percival Teuila , Crengle Sue , Ameratunga Shanthi , Dixon Robyn , Teevale Tasileta , Hall Anganette
Published: October 2012

Aim:  The study aims to describe the prevalence of weight loss behaviours and weight‐related concerns among a nationally representative sample of adolescents in New Zealand.

Methods:  Data for this study were collected as part of Youth'07, a nationally representative survey of the health and well‐being of 9107 secondary school students in New Zealand.

Results:  More than one third of males and 65% of females tried to lose weight in the past year. Approximately 10% of males and 29% of females reported using at least one of the unhealthy weight control behaviours in the past year (fasted, skipped meals, smoked, vomited, diet pills). Among females and males, using unhealthy weight control behaviours was most prevalent among those who were older, overweight and lived in high‐deprivation areas.

Conclusion:  Unhealthy weight control behaviours among New Zealand adolescents are common and warrant future research and discussion to understand why so many young people use unhealthy weight loss strategies.
Mizoribine requires individual dosing due to variation of bioavailability
Authors: Fuke Toshiya , Abe Yoshifusa , Hibino Satoshi , Takeshi Mikawa , Saito Takako , Sakurai Shunsuke , Watanabe Shuichiro , Murayama Jun‐Ichiro , Itabashi Kazuo , Nakano Yasuko
Published: October 2012

Background

Mizoribine (MZR) is an immunosuppressant used for the treatment of glomerular diseases, but there are few reports on the pharmacokinetics of MZR in children.

Methods

First, we performed a pharmacokinetic study on nine childhood‐onset glomerular disease patients. The MZR dosages ranged from 1.8 to 14.5 mg/kg/dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using 38 MZR concentration‐time curves. Second, nine patients who were newly treated with MZR were enrolled to validate the findings obtained from prior investigation.

Results

In the prior study, peak serum MZR concentration (Cmax) was dose‐dependent in each patient. Although proportionality between dosage and Cmax was observed in each patient, the regression coefficient was in a wide range from 0.075 to 1.04 and was specific to each patient. This variability was likely caused by individual variation of bioavailability. When the optimal time‐point to monitor Cmax was investigated, the time‐to‐reach peak serum MZR concentration (Tmax) was similar among all the patients, which was from 2.5 to 3.5 h after administration of MZR. Tmax was most frequently observed at 3 h and the serum MZR concentration ratio relative to Cmax at 3 h was also highest (0.93 ± 0.07). In the following study, it was validated that monitoring C3 is reproducible and reliable after adjusting the dosage of MZR to obtain target serum concentration.

Conclusion

Individual dosing is required to optimize Cmax in childhood‐onset glomerular disease patients. The safe dosage of MZR for each patient could be predicted by evaluating the serum MZR concentration 3 h after administration.
Impact of obstetrical brachial plexus injury on parents
Authors: Fırat Tüzün , Oskay Deran , Akel Burcu Semin , Öksüz Çiğdem
Published: October 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the impact of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) on parents and to investigate the effect of the severity of OBPP and the age of the children on parents.

Methods

A total of 106 parents (with a mean age of 30.14 ± 5.01 years) of children with OBPP were included in the study. The functional level of the children was assessed by the Active Movement Scale, whereas the impact of OBPP on the parents was assessed by the Turkish version of the Impact on Family Scale.

Results

The parents appeared to be moderately affected by their child's disorder. Financial, social, personal, mastery parameters and total impact values were 52% (27–77%), 65% (46–114%), 49% (31–67%), 51% (28–74%) and 56% (40–72%), respectively. Root involvement and the age of the children did not make a statistically significant difference in the level of impact.

Conclusions

Detailed knowledge of the impact of OBPP on families might provide a chance to support affected families in coping with the situation and decrease their burden in providing care for the children. It is crucial to evaluate and provide social support to parents of children with OBPP.
Prevalence of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in childhood malnutrition and malignancy
Authors: Kaya Sadik , Selimoglu Mukadder Ayse , Kaya Ozlem Aycan , Ozgen Unsal
Published: October 2012

Background

Hair follicle mites, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, are known to accompany immune‐deficiency states, however no study so far has investigated their presence in malnutrition. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of those mites in childhood malnutrition, malignancy and risk factors.

Methods

One hundred children with malnutrition, 31 children with malignancy and 63 children without any chronic disease and infection were included in this study. History, physical examination, anthropometric measurements and routine laboratory findings were recorded. Demodex spp. were investigated by standard superficial skin biopsies.

Results

Demodex was found in 25 patients (25%), 10 patients (32.3%), and one patient (1.6%) among malnutrition, malignancy, and control groups, respectively (P = 0.001). By using multilogistic regression binary method, it was found that malnutrition, malignancy and low socioeconomic level increased the risk 17.37 times (P = 0.006), 27.29 times (P = 0.002), and 2.3 times (P = 0.037), respectively. Of 22 children who were evaluated after 6 months, 13 (59.1%) were negative for Demodex. In 11 (84.6%) of those 13, nutritional status was improved.

Conclusion

Demodex was detected in approximately in one‐quarter and one‐third of children with malnutrition and malignancy, respectively. Eliminating the cause of immunosuppression, such as poor nutritional status, seems also to be an effective method for eliminating Demodex.
Nodal involvement at nephrectomy is associated with worse survival: A stage‐for‐stage and grade‐for‐grade analysis
Authors: Sun Maxine , Bianchi Marco , Hansen Jens , Abdollah Firas , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Lughezzani Giovanni , Shariat Shahrokh F , Montorsi Francesco , Perrotte Paul , Karakiewicz Pierre I
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To examine cancer‐specific mortality in patients with nodal metastases relative to patients without nodal involvement at nephrectomy for non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma in a population‐based cohort.

Methods

A total of 11 374 non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients who underwent a lymph node dissection at nephrectomy were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (1988–2008). The 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival rates were examined according to the presence or absence of nodal involvement within the entire cohort, and stratified according to pathological tumor stage (pT1 vs pT2 vs pT3 vs pT4) and Fuhrman grade (I vs II vs III vs IV). Cox regression analyses for prediction of cancer‐specific mortality were modeled to assess the effect of nodal metastases versus no nodal involvement in the entire population. Finally, separate Cox regression models were fitted within each pathological stage and grade.

Results

Overall, 1260 (11%) patients had nodal metastases at nephrectomy. The overall 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival rates were 38.4 versus 83.8% in patients with nodal metastases and without nodal metastases, respectively. In multivariable analyses, amongst pT1, pT2, pT3 and pT4, patients with nodal metastases were 6.0‐, 3.6‐, 3.2‐ and 2.0‐fold, respectively, more likely to die after nephrectomy (all P < 0.001). Similarly, amongst Fuhrman grade I, Fuhrman grade II, Fuhrman grade III and Fuhrman grade IV, patients with nodal metastases were 3.9‐, 3.5‐, 3.1‐ and 2.7‐fold, respectively, more likely to die of cancer‐specific mortality (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Nodal involvement is an important determinant of higher cancer‐specific mortality after nephrectomy. The detrimental effect of nodal metastases is particularly strong amongst patients with low‐stage or low‐grade non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate cancer: Adherence and accuracy of the recent guidelines
Authors: Abdollah Firas , Abdo Al'a , Sun Maxine , Schmitges Jan , Tian Zhe , Briganti Alberto , Shariat Shahrokh F , Perrotte Paul , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I
Published: October 2012

Objectives

The 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines recommend pelvic lymph node dissection at radical prostatectomy. We sought to examine the adherence to the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and to test the their accuracy, as well as the accuracy of the most contemporary National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Urological Association, and European Association of Urology guidelines to predict lymph node metastases.

Methods

A total of 33 037 radical prostatectomy patients were identified, between 2004 and 2006. Adherence to the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines was calculated using three clinically plausible cut‐offs: 2, 5 and 10%. The accuracy was tested using the area under the curve.

Results

Overall, 63% of patients underwent pelvic lymph node dissection. Of those, 61, 49 and 45% were managed according to the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline cut‐off of 2, 5 and 10%, respectively. The accuracy of all the examined guidelines ranged from 61% to 71%. The highest accuracy was recorded for the European Association of Urology and the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network cut‐off 5% guidelines. The lowest accuracy was recorded for the most contemporary National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline.

Conclusions

Adherence to the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines was suboptimal. The accuracy of all the examined guidelines ranged from 61% to 71%. None of the examined guidelines can be regarded as an ideal indication for pelvic lymph node dissection.
Positive predictive value of prostate biopsy indicated by prostate‐specific‐antigen‐based prostate cancer screening: trends over time in a European randomized trial*
Authors: Bokhorst Leonard P. , Zhu Xiaoye , Bul Meelan , Bangma Chris H. , Schröder Fritz H. , Roobol Monique J.
Published: October 2012

Study Type – Diagnosis (validating cohort)

Level of Evidence 1b

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

The European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) showed a reduction in prostate cancer mortality of 21% for PSA‐based screening at a median follow‐up of 11 years. In the ERSPC, men are screened at 4‐year intervals. A prostate biopsy is recommended for men with a PSA level ≥3.0 ng/mL.

The study shows that the positive predictive value (PPV) of a prostate biopsy indicated by PSA‐based screening remains equal throughout consecutive screening rounds in men without a previous biopsy. In men who have previously had a benign biopsy, the PPV drops considerably, but 20% of the cancers detected still show aggressive characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of prostate biopsy, indicated by a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) threshold of ≥3.0 ng/mL, over time, in the Rotterdam section of the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the Rotterdam section of the ERSPC, a total of 42 376 participants, aged 55–74 years, identified from population registries were randomly assigned to a screening or control arm.

For the ERSPC men undergo PSA screening at 4‐year intervals. A total of three screening rounds were evaluated; therefore, only men aged 55–69 years at the first screening were eligible for the present study.

RESULTS

PPVs for men without previous biopsy remained equal throughout the three subsequent screenings (25.5, 22.3 and 24.8% respectively).

Conversely, PPVs for men with a previous negative biopsy dropped significantly (12.0 and 15.2% at the second and third screening, respectively).

Additionally, in men with and without previous biopsy, the percentage of aggressive prostate cancers (clinical stage >T2b, Gleason score ≥7) decreased after the first round of screening from 44.4 to 23.8% in the second (P < 0.001) and 18.6% in the third round (P < 0.001).

Repeat biopsies accounted for 24.6% of all biopsies, but yielded only 8.6% of all aggressive cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

In consecutive screening rounds the PPV of PSA‐based screening remains equal in previously unbiopsied men.

In men with a previous negative biopsy the PPV drops considerably, but 20% of cancers detected still show aggressive characteristics.

Individualized screening algorithms should incorporate previous biopsy status in the decision to perform a repeat biopsy with the aim of further reducing unnecessary biopsies.