bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsurgical denervation of rat spermatic cord: safety and efficacy data
Authors: Laudano Melissa A. , Osterberg E. Charles , Sheth Seema , Ramasamy Ranjith , Sterling Joshua , Mukherjee Sushmita , Robinson Brian D. , Parekattil Sijo , Goldstein Marc , Schlegel Peter N. , Li Philip S.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To describe a microsurgical technique for denervation of the spermatic cord and use of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) laser to identify and ablate residual nerves after microsurgical denervation.

To evaluate structural and functional changes in the rat testis and vas deferens after denervation.

Materials and Methods

Nine Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: sham, microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC), and MDSC immediately followed by laser ablation with MPM.

At 2 months after surgery, we assessed testicular volume, functional circulation of the testicular artery with Doppler, patency of the vas deferens, and histology of the testis and vas deferens.

Results

There was a significant decrease in the median number of nerves remaining around the vas deferens with MDSC alone (3.5 nerves) or MDSC with MPM (1.5 nerves) compared with sham rats (15.5 nerves) (P = 0.003).

Although, MDSC with MPM resulted in the fewest remaining nerves, this result was similar to MDSC alone (P = 0.29).

No deleterious effects on spermatogenesis or vas patency were seen in the experimental groups when compared with the sham rats.

Conclusion

A microsurgical approach can be used to effectively and safely denervate the rat spermatic cord with minimal changes to structure and function of the testis and vas deferens.

MPM can be used as an adjunct to identify and ablate residual nerves after MDSC.
A national survey of radiation oncologists and urologists on recommendations of prostate‐specific antigen screening for prostate cancer
Authors: Kim Simon P. , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Nguyen Paul L. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Thompson R. Houston , Han Leona C. , Shah Nilay D. , Smaldone Marc C. , Gross Cary P. , Frank Igor , Weight Christopher J. , Beebe Timothy J. , Tilburt Jon C.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To assess recommendations for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening in a national survey of radiation oncologists and urologists following the recent USA Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) grade D recommendation.

Methods

A random sample of 1366 radiation oncologists and urologists were identified from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile.

From November 2011 to April 2012, a mail survey was sent to query PSA screening recommendations for men at average risk of prostate cancer for the following age groups: 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–74, 75–79 and ≥80 years.

Multivariable logistic regression was used to test for differences in PSA‐based screening recommendations by physician characteristics.

Results

Response rates were similar at 52% for radiation oncologists and urologists (P = 0.92).

Overall, 51.5% of respondents recommended PSA‐based screening for men aged 40–49 years, while nearly all endorsed it for those aged 50–74 years (96.1% for 50–59, 97.3% for 60–69, and 87.7% for 70–74 years).

However, screening recommendations decreased to 43.9% and 12.8% for men aged 75–79 and ≥80 years, respectively.

On multivariable analysis, urologists were more likely to recommend screening for men aged 40–49 (odds ratio [OR] 3.09; P < 0.001) and 50–59 years (OR 3.81; P = 0.01), but less likely for men aged 75–79 (OR 0.66; P = 0.01) and ≥80 years (OR 0.45; P = 0.002) compared with radiation oncologists.

Conclusion

While radiation oncologists and urologists recommended PSA screening for men aged 50–69 years, there was less agreement about screening for younger (40–49 years old) and older (≥70 years) men at average risk for prostate cancer.
Role of multiparametric 3.0‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in patients with prostate cancer eligible for active surveillance
Authors: Park Bong H. , Jeon Hwang G. , Choo Seol H. , Jeong Byong C. , Seo Seong I. , Jeon Seong S. , Choi Han Y. , Lee Hyun M.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To evaluate predictors of more aggressive disease and the role of multiparametric 3.0‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in selecting patients with prostate cancer for active surveillance (AS).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively assessed 298 patients with prostate cancer who met the Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS) criteria, defined as T1c/T2, PSA level of ≤10 ng/mL, PSA density (PSAD) of <0.2 ng/mL2, Gleason score <7, and one or two positive biopsy cores.

All patients underwent preoperative MRI, including T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging, as well as radical prostatectomy (RP) between June 2005 and December 2011.

Imaging results were correlated with pathological findings to evaluate the ability of MRI to select patients for AS.

Results

In 35 (11.7%) patients, no discrete cancer was visible on MRI, while in the remaining 263 (88.3%) patients, a discrete cancer was visible.

Pathological examination of RP specimens resulted in upstaging (>T2) in 21 (7%) patients, upgrading (Gleason score >6) in 136 (45.6%), and a diagnosis of unfavourable disease in 142 (47.7%) patients.

The 263 patients (88.3%) with visible cancer on imaging were more likely to have their cancer status upgraded (49.8% vs 14.3%) and be diagnosed with unfavourable disease (52.1% vs 14.3%) than the 35 patients (11.7%) with no cancer visible upon imaging, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001 for all).

A visible cancer lesion on MRI, PSAD, and patient age were found to be predictors of unfavourable disease in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

MRI can predict adverse pathological features and be used to assess the eligibility of patients with prostate cancer for AS.
Percentage of high‐grade tumour volume does not meaningfully improve prediction of early biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy compared with Gleason score
Authors: Hansen Jens , Bianchi Marco , Sun Maxine , Rink Michael , Castiglione Fabio , Abdollah Firas , Steuber Thomas , Ahyai Sascha A. , Steurer Stefan , Göbel Cosima , Freschi Massimo , Montorsi Francesco , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Fisch Margit , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Briganti Alberto , Chun Felix K.‐H.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To examine whether percentage of tumour volume (%TV) and percentage of high‐grade tumour volume (%HGTV) help to better identify men at higher risk of early biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for non‐metastatic high‐risk prostate cancer, as early BCR after RP might be associated with higher risk of metastases and cancer‐specific mortality.

Patients and Methods

We examined the data of 595 men treated with RP for non‐metastatic high‐risk prostate cancer between 1992 and 2011 at two European tertiary care centres.

Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to graphically depict 2‐year BCR‐free survival. Multivariable Cox regression models addressed early BCR.

We tested whether addition of %TV and %HGTV to a multivariable Cox regression model helps to increase a model's predictive accuracy (PA) for prediction of early BCR.

Results

In all, 32 men (10%) with specimen‐confined prostate cancer (pT2–pT3a, negative surgical margin, pN0) and 67 men (24%) with non‐specimen‐confined prostate cancer had early BCR.

After stratification according to %HGTV (%HGTV threshold: ≤33.33 vs >33.33%), the 2‐year BCR‐free survival rates were respectively 93 vs 60% (log‐rank P < 0.001).

In multivariable Cox regression models %HGTV emerged as an independent predictor of early BCR (P < 0.001), whereas %TV did not (P > 0.05).

However, adding %HGTV (regardless of its coding) to other covariates in multivariable Cox regression analysis did not increase the model's PA in a meaningful fashion compared with the use of the detailed Gleason grading system (6 vs 7a vs 7b vs 8 vs 9–10).

Conclusions

In a large cohort of patients with high‐risk prostate cancer, %HGTV and %TV did not improve prediction of early BCR after RP substantially, although %HGTV was an independent predictor of early BCR.

Therefore, sophisticated TV/HGTV measurements do not seem to have additional benefit for early BCR prediction relative to the use of Gleason grading. However, these results need to be confirmed in larger, prospective studies.
The Zyxin‐related protein thyroid receptor interacting protein 6 (TRIP6) is overexpressed in Ewing's sarcoma and promotes migration, invasion and cell growth
Authors: Grunewald Thomas G. P. , Willier Semjon , Janik Dirk , Unland Rebekka , Reiss Cora , da Costa Olivia Prazeres , Buch Thorsten , Dirksen Uta , Richter Günther H.S. , Neff Frauke , Burdach Stefan , Butt Elke
Published: August 2013

Background information

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is the second most common bone‐associated malignancy in children and is driven by the fusion oncogene EWS/FLI1 and characterised by rapid growth and early metastasis. Here, we explored the role of the Zyxin‐related protein thyroid receptor interacting protein 6 (TRIP6) in ES. The Zyxin family comprises seven homologous proteins involved in migration and proliferation of many cell types of which Zyxin has been described as a tumour suppressor in ES.

Results

By interrogation of published microarray data (n = 1254), we observed that of all Zyxin proteins, only TRIP6 is highly overexpressed in primary ES compared with normal tissues. Re‐analysis of published EWS/FLI1 gain‐ and loss‐of‐function microarray experiments as well as chromatin‐immunoprecipitation assays revealed that TRIP6 overexpression is not mediated by EWS/FLI1. Microarray and subsequent gene‐set enrichment analyses of ES cells with and without RNA interference‐mediated TRIP6 knockdown demonstrated that TRIP6 expression confers a pro‐proliferative and pro‐invasive transcriptional signature to ES cells. While short‐term proliferation was not considerably affected by TRIP6 knockdown, silencing of the protein significantly reduced migration, invasion, long‐term proliferation and clonogenicity of ES cells in vitro as well as tumourigenicity in vivo.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data indicate that TRIP6 acts, in contrast to Zyxin, as an oncogene that partially accounts for the autonomous migratory, invasive and proliferative properties of ES cells independent of EWS/FLI1.
Comparison of weight‐ vs body surface area‐based growth hormone dosing for children: implications for response
Authors: Hughes Ian P. , Harris Mark , Cotterill Andrew , Ambler Geoffrey , Cowell Christopher T. , Cutfield Wayne S. , Werther George , Choong Catherine S.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To compare weight (per kg)‐ vs body surface area (BSA, per m2)‐based growth hormone (GH) dosing formats in children and to derive a useful conversion formula between the two formats.

Patients and Design

Growth hormone doses (>33 000) from 1874 children were obtained from the national Australian database (OZGROW) and used to derive conversion formulae and to confirm the accuracy of a conversion formula based on a weight‐only BSA estimate. A further 27 000 doses were used to test the accuracy of all formulae. The best conversion formula was used to compare weight‐ and surface area‐based GH dosing, which included an analysis of first year response (∆SDS height or growth velocity, GV).

Measurements

Growth hormone doses in mg/m2/wk and mg/kg/wk, dose estimates, residuals, first year ∆SDS, first year GV.

Results

The formula, urn:x-wiley:03000664:media:cen12315:cen12315-math-0001based on a weight‐only BSA estimate, provides accurate dose conversion (mean residual, 0·005 mg/kg/week). A constant mg/m2/week dose expressed in terms of mg/kg/week declines quickly with increasing body weight to approximately 15 kg after which the decline continues although less dramatically. For Australian patients, despite an increase in mean per m2 dose with increased starting weight/age, the per kg dose decreased. This was associated with a greater decline in first year GV than estimated if a per kg dose had been maintained.

Conclusions

Growth hormone doses can be accurately converted between formats. Surface area‐based GH dosing is likely to result in a reduced height response as children become heavier when compared with weight‐based GH dosing.
‘I may not know who I am, but I know where I am from’: the meaning of place in social work with children and families
Authors: Jack Gordon
Published: August 2013

Although social work around the world is understood to be a ‘person‐in‐environment’ activity, policy in UK places more emphasis on individual characteristics than on environmental influences on development and behaviour. This results in social work practice which rightly places a strong emphasis on children's attachments to their parents and other significant people, but which largely fails to recognize their attachments to important places in their lives. Evidence from a range of disciplines is used to demonstrate the fundamental links that exist between place, identity and well‐being. The implications of this evidence for social work with children and families are explored, using practice examples to highlight some of the consequences of a lack of ‘place awareness’, as well as ways in which greater place awareness can be used to promote the well‐being of children and families.
Intrafamilial phenotypic variability in four families with Anderson‐Fabry disease
Authors: Rigoldi M. , Concolino D. , Morrone A. , Pieruzzi F. , Ravaglia R. , Furlan F. , Santus F. , Strisciuglio P. , Torti G. , Parini R.
Published: August 2013

We analysed the clinical history of 16 hemizygous males affected by Anderson‐Fabry Disease, from four families, to verify their intrafamilial phenotypic variability. Seven male patients, ranging from 26 to 61 years of age, died, whereas nine (age range 23–55) are alive. Eleven patients have undergone enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for a period of 5–10 years. We have found a wide range of intrafamilial phenotypic variability in these families, both in terms of target‐organs and severity of the disease. Overall, our findings confirm previous data from the literature showing a high degree of intrafamilial phenotypic variability in patients carrying the same mutation. Furthermore, our results underscore the difficulty in giving accurate prognostic information to patients during genetic counselling, both in terms of rate of disease progression and involvement of different organs, when such prognosis is solely based on the patient's family history.
Microstructure of Titanium‐Cement‐Lithium Disilicate Interface in CAD‐CAM Dental Implant Crowns: A Three‐Dimensional Profilometric Analysis
Authors: Cresti Stefano , Itri Angelo , Rebaudi Alberto , Diaspro Alberto , Salerno Marco
Published: August 2013

Background

Peri‐implantitis is an infection of the implant surface caused by adhesion of bacteria that generate bone resorption and sometimes even consequent implant loss. Both screw‐retained and cemented fixed implants are affected.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the morphological defects at the cemented interface between titanium abutment and ceramic crown, comparing different adhesive cements used to fill the marginal gap.

Materials and Methods

Twelve computer‐aided design–computer‐aided manufacturing dental crowns were cemented to titanium abutments using three different resin composite cements. Sealed margins were polished using grommets with descending diamond particle size. Three groups of four crowns each were made according to the cement used, namely RelyX Unicem (3 M ESPE), Panavia F 2.0 (Kuraray), and NX3 (Nexus Kerr). Samples were analyzed using optical inspection, three‐dimensional profilometry, and image analysis, including analysis of variance.

Results

Although RelyX showed significantly lower root mean square surface roughness (4.4 ± 1.5 μm) than that of NX3 (7.0 ± 2.9 μm), it showed no significant difference with Panavia (3.7 ± 1.5 μm). The marginal gap was significantly wider in Panavia (149 ± 108 μm) as compared with NX3 (71 ± 45 μm) and Relyx (64 ± 34 μm). For all groups, homogeneous heights of both metal‐cement and ceramic‐cement gaps were observed. Moreover, all samples showed homogeneity of the margins and absence of instrumental bias, thus validating both procedure and materials.

Conclusions

When using the chosen polishing method, RelyX Unicem showed both low roughness and marginal width, and thus the smoothest and more continuous abutment‐crown interlayer, promising a low probability of occurrence of peri‐implantitis.
Biodiversity Offsets and the Challenge of Achieving No Net Loss
Authors: GARDNER TOBY A. , VON HASE AMREI , BROWNLIE SUSIE , EKSTROM JONATHAN M. M. , PILGRIM JOHN D. , SAVY CONRAD E. , STEPHENS R. T. THEO , TREWEEK JO , USSHER GRAHAM T. , WARD GERRI , TEN KATE KERRY
Published: August 2013

Businesses, governments, and financial institutions are increasingly adopting a policy of no net loss of biodiversity for development activities. The goal of no net loss is intended to help relieve tension between conservation and development by enabling economic gains to be achieved without concomitant biodiversity losses. biodiversity offsets represent a necessary component of a much broader mitigation strategy for achieving no net loss following prior application of avoidance, minimization, and remediation measures. However, doubts have been raised about the appropriate use of biodiversity offsets. We examined what no net loss means as a desirable conservation outcome and reviewed the conditions that determine whether, and under what circumstances, biodiversity offsets can help achieve such a goal. We propose a conceptual framework to substitute the often ad hoc approaches evident in many biodiversity offset initiatives. The relevance of biodiversity offsets to no net loss rests on 2 fundamental premises. First, offsets are rarely adequate for achieving no net loss of biodiversity alone. Second, some development effects may be too difficult or risky, or even impossible, to offset. To help to deliver no net loss through biodiversity offsets, biodiversity gains must be comparable to losses, be in addition to conservation gains that may have occurred in absence of the offset, and be lasting and protected from risk of failure. Adherence to these conditions requires consideration of the wider landscape context of development and offset activities, timing of offset delivery, measurement of biodiversity, accounting procedures and rule sets used to calculate biodiversity losses and gains and guide offset design, and approaches to managing risk. Adoption of this framework will strengthen the potential for offsets to provide an ecologically defensible mechanism that can help reconcile conservation and development.

Balances de Biodiversidad y el Reto de No Obtener Pérdida Neta
Roles of Patch Characteristics, Drought Frequency, and Restoration in Long‐Term Trends of a Widespread Amphibian
Authors: HOSSACK BLAKE R. , ADAMS MICHAEL J. , PEARL CHRISTOPHER A. , WILSON KRISTINE W. , BULL EVELYN L. , LOHR KRISTIN , PATLA DEBRA , PILLIOD DAVID S. , JONES JASON M. , WHEELER KEVIN K. , MCKAY SAMUEL P. , CORN PAUL STEPHEN
Published: August 2013

Despite the high profile of amphibian declines and the increasing threat of drought and fragmentation to aquatic ecosystems, few studies have examined long‐term rates of change for a single species across a large geographic area. We analyzed growth in annual egg‐mass counts of the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris) across the northwestern United States, an area encompassing 3 genetic clades. On the basis of data collected by multiple partners from 98 water bodies between 1991 and 2011, we used state‐space and linear‐regression models to measure effects of patch characteristics, frequency of summer drought, and wetland restoration on population growth. Abundance increased in the 2 clades with greatest decline history, but declined where populations are considered most secure. Population growth was negatively associated with temporary hydroperiods and landscape modification (measured by the human footprint index), but was similar in modified and natural water bodies. The effect of drought was mediated by the size of the water body: populations in large water bodies maintained positive growth despite drought, whereas drought magnified declines in small water bodies. Rapid growth in restored wetlands in areas of historical population declines provided strong evidence of successful management. Our results highlight the importance of maintaining large areas of habitat and underscore the greater vulnerability of small areas of habitat to environmental stochasticity. Similar long‐term growth rates in modified and natural water bodies and rapid, positive responses to restoration suggest pond construction and other forms of management can effectively increase population growth. These tools are likely to become increasingly important to mitigate effects of increased drought expected from global climate change.

Papeles de las Características del Fragmento, Frecuencia de Sequía y Restauración en las Tendencias a Largo Plazo de un Anfibio Ampliamente Distribuido
Offsets and Conservation of the Species of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives
Authors: REGNERY BAPTISTE , COUVET DENIS , KERBIRIOU CHRISTIAN
Published: August 2013

Biodiversity offsets are intended to achieve no net loss of biodiversity due to economic and human development. A variety of biodiversity components are addressed by offset policies. It is required that loss of protected species due to development be offset under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives in Europe. We call this type of offset a species‐equality offset because the offset pertains to the same species affected by the development project. Whether species equality can be achieved by offset design is unknown. We addressed this gap by reviewing derogation files (i.e., specific files that describe mitigation measures to ensure no net loss under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives) from 85 development projects in France (2009–2010). We collected information on type of effect (reversible vs. irreversible) and characteristics of affected and offset sites (i.e., types of species, total area). We analyzed how the type of effect and the affected‐site characteristics influenced the occurrence of offset measures. The proportion of species targeted by offset measures (i.e., offset species) increased with the irreversibility of the effect of development and the conservation status of the species affected by development (i.e., affected species). Not all effects on endangered species (International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List) were offset; on average, 82% of affected species would be offset. Twenty‐six percent of species of least concern were offset species. Thirty‐five percent of development projects considered all affected species in their offset measures. Species richness was much lower in offset sites than in developed sites even after offset proposals. For developed areas where species richness was relatively high before development, species richness at offset sites was 5–10 times lower. The species‐equality principle appears to have been applied only partially in offset policies, as in the EU directives. We suggest the application of this principle through offsets is highly important for the long‐term conservation of biodiversity in Europe.

Compensaciones y Conservación de las Especies de las Directivas de Hábitats y Aves de la UE
A Novel Approach to Assessing the Prevalence and Drivers of Illegal Bushmeat Hunting in the Serengeti
Authors: NUNO ANA , BUNNEFELD NILS , NAIMAN LOIRUCK C. , MILNER‐GULLAND E. J.
Published: August 2013

Assessing anthropogenic effects on biological diversity, identifying drivers of human behavior, and motivating behavioral change are at the core of effective conservation. Yet knowledge of people's behaviors is often limited because the true extent of natural resource exploitation is difficult to ascertain, particularly if it is illegal. To obtain estimates of rule‐breaking behavior, a technique has been developed with which to ask sensitive questions. We used this technique, unmatched‐count technique (UCT), to provide estimates of bushmeat poaching, to determine motivation and seasonal and spatial distribution of poaching, and to characterize poaching households in the Serengeti. We also assessed the potential for survey biases on the basis of respondent perceptions of understanding, anonymity, and discomfort. Eighteen percent of households admitted to being involved in hunting. Illegal bushmeat hunting was more likely in households with seasonal or full‐time employment, lower household size, and longer household residence in the village. The majority of respondents found the UCT questions easy to understand and were comfortable answering them. Our results suggest poaching remains widespread in the Serengeti and current alternative sources of income may not be sufficiently attractive to compete with the opportunities provided by hunting. We demonstrate that the UCT is well suited to investigating noncompliance in conservation because it reduces evasive responses, resulting in more accurate estimates, and is technically simple to apply. We suggest that the UCT could be more widely used, with the trade‐off being the increased complexity of data analyses and requirement for large sample sizes.

Una Aproximación Novedosa para Evaluar la Prevalencia y Factores de la Cacería Ilegal en el Serengueti
Derivation of the Extrinsic Values of Biological Diversity from Its Intrinsic Value and of Both from the First Principles of Evolution
Authors: WHITE PETER S.
Published: August 2013

Conservation ethics have been based on 2 philosophical value systems: extrinsic value (defined broadly to include all values that derive from something external to the thing valued) and intrinsic value. Valuing biological diversity on the basis of an extrinsic value system is problematic because measurement is often difficult; extrinsic value changes as spatial or temporal scales change; extrinsic value differs on the basis of external factors; some species have trivial or negative extrinsic values; and extrinsic value varies across human cultures and societies and with such factors as socioeconomic conditions, individual experiences, and educational backgrounds. Valuing biological diversity on the basis of an intrinsic value system also poses challenges because intrinsic value can be seen as a disguised form of human extrinsic value; intrinsic value is initially ambiguous as to which objects or characteristics of biological diversity are to being valued; all aspects of biological diversity (e.g., species and ecosystems) are transitory; species and ecosystems are not static concrete entities; and intrinsic value of one species is often in conflict with the intrinsic value of other species. Extrinsic and intrinsic value systems share a common origin, such that extrinsic values are always derived from intrinsic value and life mutely expresses both intrinsic and extrinsic values—these are derived from and are products of biological evolution. Probing the values that underlie conservation helps the community clearly articulate its aims.

Derivación de los Valores Extrínsecos de la Biodiversidad a Partir de sus Valores Intrínsecos y de Ambos a Partir de los Primeros Principios de la Evolución
Assessing Risk and Guidance on Monitoring of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Europe through Identification of Taxonomic Selectivity of Infection
Authors: BALÁŽ VOJTECH , VÖRÖS JUDIT , CIVIŠ PETR , VOJAR JIRI , HETTYEY ATTILA , SÓS ENDRE , DANKOVICS RÓBERT , JEHLE ROBERT , CHRISTIANSEN DITTE G. , CLARE FRANCES , FISHER MATTHEW C. , GARNER TRENTON W. J. , BIELBY JON
Published: August 2013

Amphibians are globally threatened, but not all species are affected equally by different threatening processes. This is true for the threat posed by the chytridiomycete fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). We compiled a European data set for B. dendrobatidis to analyze the trends of infection in European amphibians. The risk of infection was not randomly distributed geographically or taxonomically across Europe. Within countries with different prevalence, infection was nonrandom in certain amphibian taxa. Brown frogs of the genus Rana were unlikely to be infected, whereas frogs in the families Alytidae and Bombinatoridae were significantly more likely to be infected than predicted by chance. Frogs in the 2 families susceptible to B. dendrobatidis should form the core of attempts to develop spatial surveillance studies of chytridiomycosis in Europe. Ideally, surveys for B. dendrobatidis should be augmented by sampling the widespread genus Pelophylax because this taxon exhibits geographically inconsistent overinfection with B. dendrobatidis and surveillance of it may facilitate recognition of factors causing spatial variability of infection intensity. Several European amphibian taxa were not represented in our data set; however, surveillance of unsampled species should also occur when warranted.

Evaluación de Riesgo y Orientación para el Monitoreo de Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis en Europa Mediante la Identificación de la Selectividad Taxonómica de la Infección
Actual and Potential Use of Population Viability Analyses in Recovery of Plant Species Listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act
Authors: ZEIGLER SARA L. , CHE‐CASTALDO JUDY P. , NEEL MAILE C.
Published: August 2013

Use of population viability analyses (PVAs) in endangered species recovery planning has been met with both support and criticism. Previous reviews promote use of PVA for setting scientifically based, measurable, and objective recovery criteria and recommend improvements to increase the framework's utility. However, others have questioned the value of PVA models for setting recovery criteria and assert that PVAs are more appropriate for understanding relative trade‐offs between alternative management actions. We reviewed 258 final recovery plans for 642 plants listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act to determine the number of plans that used or recommended PVA in recovery planning. We also reviewed 223 publications that describe plant PVAs to assess how these models were designed and whether those designs reflected previous recommendations for improvement of PVAs. Twenty‐four percent of listed species had recovery plans that used or recommended PVA. In publications, the typical model was a matrix population model parameterized with ≤5 years of demographic data that did not consider stochasticity, genetics, density dependence, seed banks, vegetative reproduction, dormancy, threats, or management strategies. Population growth rates for different populations of the same species or for the same population at different points in time were often statistically different or varied by >10%. Therefore, PVAs parameterized with underlying vital rates that vary to this degree may not accurately predict recovery objectives across a species’ entire distribution or over longer time scales. We assert that PVA, although an important tool as part of an adaptive‐management program, can help to determine quantitative recovery criteria only if more long‐term data sets that capture spatiotemporal variability in vital rates become available. Lacking this, there is a strong need for viable and comprehensive methods for determining quantitative, science‐based recovery criteria for endangered species with minimal data availability.

Uso Actual y Potencial del Análisis de Viabilidad Poblacional para la Recuperación de Especies de Plantas Enlistadas en el Acta de Especies En Peligro de E.U.A
Ecological Sustainability as the Fourth Landmark in the Development of Conservation Ethics
Authors: WHITE PETER S. , TUTTLE JULIE P.
Published: August 2013

Aldo Leopold, in “The Land Ethic,” made 2 important contributions to conservation ethics: he emphasized the community and ecosystem levels of organization and he explicitly included people as members of the biotic community. Leopold's writings remain eloquent, inspirational, and influential, but the ideas he describes are inherently complex, and ecological science has continued to evolve since “The Land Ethic” was published in 1949. We used 4 sets of quotations from Leopold's essays to develop our commentary on the meaning of and challenges in interpreting his work and to explore the ongoing development of conservation ethics: the “A‐B cleavage” (Leopold's description of the contrast between utilitarian value versus a broader definition of value in nature), “land health” and the rightness of human action, the right of all species to continued existence in natural populations “at least in spots,” and humans as “plain member[s] and citizen[s]” of the “land‐community.” We define the broader function of land and land health in “The Land Ethic” as including completeness, dynamic stability, and self‐renewal in a way that incorporates the needs of humans and all other species. We argue that the consequences of implementing Leopold's land ethic include multiple conservation goals nested within an overall systems approach and that conservation science must clarify the implications of Leopold's ethic by quantitatively investigating and defining large‐scale, system‐level ecological sustainability. At this scale, land use will encompass areas ranging from large expanses of wilderness to areas dominated by humans.

La Sustentabilidad Ecológica como el Cuarto Hito en el Desarrollo de la Ética de la Conservación
Combined γ‐tocotrienol and Met inhibitor treatment suppresses mammary cancer cell proliferation, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and migration
Authors: Ayoub N. M. , Akl M. R. , Sylvester P. W.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Dysregulation of Met signalling is associated with malignant transformation. Combined treatment has been shown to reduce Met activation and mammary tumour cell proliferation. Experiments here, were conducted to determine mechanisms involved in mediating anti‐cancer effects of combined γ‐tocotrienol and SU11274 (Met inhibitor) treatment in various mammary cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods

Treatment effects on mouse (+SA) and human (MCF‐7, and MDA‐MB‐231) mammary cancer cell lines, and normal mouse (CL‐S1) and human (MCF10A) mammary epithelial cell lines were compared. Cell proliferation and survival were determined by MTT assay and Ki‐67 staining; protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was also used to characterize expression and localization of multiple epithelial and mesenchymal markers. Cell migration was determined using a wound‐healing assay.

Results

Combined treatment with γ‐tocotrienol and SU11274 resulted in synergistic inhibition of +SA, MCF‐7, and MDA‐MB‐231, but not CL‐S1 or MCF10A cell growth that was associated with reduction in Akt STAT1/5 and NFκB activation and corresponding blockade in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, as indicated by increased expression of E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, and cytokeratins 8/18 (epithelial markers) and corresponding reduction in vimentin (mesenchymal marker) and reduction in cancer cell motility.

Conclusions

Suggest that combined γ‐tocotrienol and Met inhibitor treatment may provide benefit in treatment of breast cancers characterized by aberrant Met activity.
Prevalence of synchronous colorectal neoplasms in surgically treated gastric cancer patients and significance of screening colonoscopy
Authors: Suzuki Akira , Koide Naohiko , Takeuchi Daisuke , Okumura Motohiro , Ishizone Satoshi , Suga Tomoaki , Miyagawa Shinichi
Published: August 2013

Background and Aim

The existence of other primary tumors during the treatment and management of gastric cancer (GC) is an important issue. The present study investigated the prevalence and management of synchronous colorectal neoplasms (CRN) in surgically treated GC patients.

Methods

Of 381 surgically treated GC patients, 332 (87.1%) underwent colonoscopy to detect CRN before surgery or within a year after surgery.

Results

CRN were synchronously observed in 140 patients (42.2%). Adenoma was observed in 131 patients (39.4%). Endoscopic resection was done in 18 patients with adenoma. Colorectal cancer (CRC) was observed in 16 patients (4.8%), superficial CRC in 13 and advanced CRC in three patients. Endoscopicresection of superficial CRC was carried out in seven patients, whereas simultaneous surgical resection of CRC was done in nine patients. CRN were more frequently observed in men. CRC was more frequently observed in GC patients with distant metastasis, albeit without significance. The overall survival of GC patients with CRN or CRC was poorer than that of patients without CRN or CRC.

Conclusion

Synchronous CRN were commonly associated with GC and screening colonoscopy should be offered to patients with GC.
B‐type natriuretic peptide and severity of cognitive disorder
Authors: Hiltunen Matti , Nieminen Tuomo , Kettunen Raimo , Hartikainen Sirpa , Sulkava Raimo , Vuolteenaho Olli , Kerola Tuomas
Published: August 2013

Background

Natriuretic peptides have been linked to cognitive disorder in previous studies. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the severity of cognitive disorder and the levels of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in an older general population.

Material and methods

This study is a part of the larger population‐based, multidisciplinary Kuopio 75+ health study. A total of 601 subjects aged 75 or older participated in the study. A subgroup of 126 individuals was diagnosed with cognitive disorder, and the severity of the disease was assessed. The participants were tested for BNP. Analysis of covariance was carried out to study the relationship between BNP and the stage of cognitive disorder.

Results

The association between the level of cognitive disorder and BNP resembled an inverse U‐shaped curve, with higher levels of BNP observed among participants with mild cognitive disorder when compared to cognitively intact participants or counterparts with more severe cognitive disorder. This effect remained after adjustment for age (P = 0·02). However, association between BNP and level of cognitive disorder was lost in further adjustment with covariates connected to the levels of BNP.

Conclusion

The previously reported elevation of natriuretic peptides among individuals with diagnosed cognitive disorder was found only in people with milder stages of the disorder.
Distinct genetic aberrations in oesophageal adeno and squamous carcinoma
Authors: Pandilla Ramaswamy , Kotapalli Viswakalyan , Gowrishankar Swarnalata , Chigurupati MohanaVamsy , Patnaik Sujith , Uppin Shantveer , Rao Subramanyeshwar , Kalidindi NarasimhaRaju , Regulagadda Sastry , Sundaram Challa , Srinivasulu Mukta , Vasala Anjayneyulu , Bashyam Murali Dharan
Published: August 2013

Background

The two main oesophageal cancer subtypes namely adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma exhibit interesting clinical, pathological and geographical variations with the former being more common in the West and the latter in Asia.

Materials and methods

We evaluated status of p53, EGFR, Wnt and HPV in addition to microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity of several chromosomal loci in the two oesophageal cancer subtypes from India. The comparative analysis was extended to two oesophageal adenosquamous mixed cancer samples.

Results

Our results reveal a high frequency of EGFR overexpression in ESCC as against EAC, while Wnt activation was a significantly more common event in EAC as against ESCC. Frequencies of p53 perturbations were not significantly different in the two subtypes. Interestingly, the EGFR and Wnt status in adenocarcinoma and squamous components of the two oesophageal adenosquamous cancer samples were identical to primary tumours. In addition, no common molecular aberration (including instability and loss of heterozygosity) in several microsatellites was detected in DNA isolated from the two components in both adenosquamous cancer samples.

Conclusions

Our results reveal the presence of distinct aberrations in oesophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma which are replicated in the respective components of adenosquamous cancers. The study therefore suggests perhaps an independent origin of the two components of oesophageal adenosquamous mixed cancer.
Psychotherapeutic interventions in individuals at risk of developing bipolar disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Pfennig Andrea , Correll Christoph U. , Marx Carolin , Rottmann‐Wolf Maren , Meyer Thomas D. , Bauer Michael , Leopold Karolina
Published: August 2013

Aim

Accumulating data show that patients with bipolar disorder (BD) experience substantial symptomatology months or years before full manifestation. Based on the need for early preventive interventions in BD as well as data suggesting effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for BD, we aimed to review the evidence for psychotherapeutic treatments in help‐seeking individuals considered at risk for BD (At‐Risk‐BD).

Methods

Searching PubMed and PsycINFO, clinical trial registries and recently published systematic reviews, a systematic review was performed of psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic intervention studies in At‐Risk‐BD individuals.

Results

Only three completed studies were identified, two of which were randomized trials (n = 77) and one was an open pilot study (n = 13). Two ongoing studies (projected n = 150 and n = 100, respectively) were found in trial registries. The available evidence suggests potential effectiveness of multi‐family psychoeducational psychotherapy and family‐focussed therapy for symptom reduction and prevention of BD conversion.

Conclusions

Psychotherapeutic treatments are a reasonable starting point for At‐Risk‐BD subjects when symptom severity, distress and impairment are sufficiently significant to initiate treatment. Ongoing studies will further clarify the effectiveness and timing of psychotherapeutic interventions for At‐Risk‐BD individuals and whether or not they should be given alone or in conjunction with other treatments. Large multi‐site studies with standardized procedures/manuals are needed to advance the field.
What is the current status of training and practice of early intervention in psychiatry? Results from a survey in 35 countries
Authors: Fiorillo Andrea , Sampogna Gaia , Del Vecchio Valeria , Luciano Mario , Del Gaudio Lucia , De Rosa Corrado , Catapano Francesco , Maj Mario
Published: August 2013

Aim

To assess: (i) trainees' educational needs on early intervention in psychiatry; (ii) their satisfaction and competence in early detection and management of patients with severe mental disorders; (iii) characteristics of training on prevention and on early intervention in psychiatry; and (iv) organizational and clinical differences of early intervention programmes and services in different countries.

Methods

Sixty early career psychiatrists, recruited from the early career psychiatrists' network of the World Psychiatric Association, were invited to participate in the survey. Respondents were asked to provide the collective input of their trainees' association rather than that of any individual officer or member. An online survey was conducted using an ad hoc questionnaire consisting of 18 items.

Results

Thirty‐five countries sent back the questionnaire (58.3%). University training in early intervention for mental disorders was provided in 13 countries (38%); 54% of respondents were not satisfied with received training and about half of them did not feel enough confident to provide specialistic interventions to patients at the onset of the disorder. Services for early intervention existed in 22 countries (63%). The most frequently available were those for schizophrenia (75%). Informative campaigns on mental disorders were usually carried out in almost all surveyed countries (85%).

Conclusions

Although prevention and early intervention represent one of the current paradigms of psychiatric practice and research, efforts are still needed in order to improve training programmes at university sites.
Self‐awareness of functional impairment in individuals at clinical high‐risk for psychosis
Authors: Olvet Doreen M. , Carrión Ricardo E. , Auther Andrea M. , Cornblatt Barbara A.
Published: August 2013

Aims

A major public health concern associated with schizophrenia is the long‐term disability that involves an inability to function independently in the community. An individual's self‐awareness of functional impairment may be a significant factor contributing to long‐term disability. In fact, subjective interpretation of one's illness impacts treatment participation and adherence, and is linked to poor outcomes. However, it remains unclear how illness‐related functional impairment is perceived by individuals prior to the onset of psychosis. This study aims to examine the relationship between clinician‐based and self‐report assessments of functioning, as well as the contribution of clinical symptoms to this relationship in individuals at clinical high‐risk for psychosis.

Methods

The Sheehan Disability Scale, a self‐rated instrument, was used to measure disruption in daily functioning in social and role functioning due to symptoms in a sample of 73 treatment‐seeking patients at clinical high‐risk for psychosis and 50 healthy controls.

Results

Relative to healthy controls, clinical high‐risk patients self‐reported significant disruptions in social and role functioning. In addition, a specific relationship emerged in that clinician‐rated measures of functioning and depression were related to subjective functioning.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that clinical high‐risk patients are significantly disturbed by their illness. Self‐reported disruption of daily functioning was associated with clinician‐rated functioning and depressive symptoms, further highlighting the impact of functional impairments on the level of distress experienced by patients in the early phases of the illness. Intervention strategies that repair functional impairment before the onset of psychosis may prevent long‐term disability.