bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The obesity‐related FTO gene variant associates with the risk of recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Andraweera Prabha H. , Dekker Gustaaf A. , Jayasekara Rohan W. , Dissanayake Vajira H.W. , Roberts Claire T.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To investigate the association of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism with recurrent miscarriage.

Design

Candidate gene association study.

Setting

Human Genetics Unit, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Population

A total of 202 Sinhalese women with two or more first‐trimester miscarriages and no living children (cases) and 202 age‐ and ethnicity‐matched women with no history of miscarriage and having two or more living children (controls).

Methods

Peripheral blood was collected from the participants and DNA was extracted. Genotyping was performed at the Australian genome Research Facility using the Sequenom MassARRAY system. Genotype and allele frequencies of cases were compared with controls using chi‐squared testing.

Main outcome measures

The prevalence of the single nucleotide polymorphism in cases and controls.

Results

The mean age of the women in the recurrent miscarriage group was 31.9 ± 0.4 years and that of the control group was 32.3 ± 0.3 years. Of the women in the recurrent miscarriage group, 140 (69.3%) had experienced three or more first‐trimester miscarriages. The prevalence of the AA genotype [p = 0.0002, odds ratio (95% CI) = 3.8 (1.8–8.0)] and A allele [p = 0.002, odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.6 (1.2–2.2)] of the FTO rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism were increased in women in the recurrent miscarriage group compared with the control group.

Conclusion

The obesity‐related FTO rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism associates with recurrent miscarriage. This finding warrants further investigation with controlling for important factors such as body mass index, diabetes and cardiovascular disease status. The single nucleotide polymorphism may be useful in predicting the risk of recurrent miscarriage.
Big bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: the collagen layer in the wall of the big bubble is unique
Authors: Dua Harminder S. , Mastropasqua Leonardo , Faraj Lana , Nubile Mario , Elalfy Mohamed S. , Lanzini Manuela , Calienno Roberta , Said Dalia G.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

In big bubble (BB), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty intracorneal injection of air separates Descemet's membrane (DM) and the pre‐Descemet's layer (Dua's layer [DL]) to create a type 1 BB. We tested the hypothesis that air injection after excision or ablation of DL will fail to produce a BB.

Methods

Nine human sclero‐corneal discs were used. Three served as controls. In three, a type 1 BB was created, the bubble wall was excised and more air injected in an attempt to create another BB. In three samples, the DM was removed and 22μ of posterior cornea were ablated by phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Air was injected to induce formation of a BB. Tissue from these experiments was subjected to light and electron microscopy.

Results

In all three control eyes, a type 1 BB (DL + DM) was obtained. Air injection after excision of the type 1 BB wall in three samples failed to produce another BB. Following PTK of DL, injection of air failed to create a BB in all three samples. Multiple points of air leak from the deep stroma were observed in all six samples. Light and electron microscopy showed a clear distinction between the ablated and non‐ablated areas of cornea.

Conclusions

This study supports the hypothesis that a BB cannot be created once the DL is excised or ablated. This adds to evidence that DL is unique. It also demonstrates that DL is not a random separation of deep stroma of the cornea.
Randomized Response-Adaptive Designs in Clinical Trials
Authors: Kang Seung-Ho
Published: April 2015

EDITOR: TAESUNG PARK

Randomized Response-Adaptive Designs in Clinical Trials(A. C. Atkinson and A. Biswas)Seung-Ho Kang

Applied Missing Data Analysis in the Health Sciences

(X.-H. Zhou, C. Zhou, D. Lui, and X. Ding)

Jinheum Kim

Bayesian Phylogenetics: Methods, Algorithms, and Applications(M.-H. Chen, L. Kuo, and P. O. Lewis)Joungyoun Kim

Hierarchical Modeling and Analysis for Spatial Data. Second Edition(S. Banerjee, B. P. Carlin, and A. E. Gelfand)Maria Dolores Ugarte
A phase 2 study of bortezomib in combination with ifosfamide/vinorelbine in paediatric patients and young adults with refractory/recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma: a Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Horton Terzah M. , Drachtman Richard A. , Chen Lu , Cole Peter D. , McCarten Kathleen , Voss Stephan , Guillerman Robert P. , Buxton Allen , Howard Scott C. , Hogan Shirley M. , Sheehan Andrea M. , López‐Terrada Dolores , Mrazek Matthew D. , Agrawal Neeraj , Wu Meng‐Fen , Liu Hao , De Alarcon Pedro A. , Trippet Tanya M. , Schwartz Cindy L.
Published: April 2015

A Children's Oncology Group clinical trial aimed to determine if bortezomib (B) increased the efficacy of ifosfamide and vinorelbine (IV) in paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This study enrolled 26 relapsed HL patients (<30 years) treated with two to four cycles of IVB. The primary endpoint was anatomic complete response (CR) after two cycles. Secondary endpoints included overall response (OR: CR + partial response) at study completion compared to historical controls [72%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 59–83%]. Although few patients achieved the primary objective, OR with IVB improved to 83% (95% CI: 61–95%; p = 0·32). Although not statistically different, results suggest IVB may be a promising combination.
Prognostic value of complete remission status at end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET in R‐CHOP‐treated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Adams Hugo J. A. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. , Kwee Thomas C.
Published: April 2015

This study systematically reviewed and meta‐analysed the prognostic value of complete remission status at end‐of‐treatment 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R‐CHOP). The systematic PubMed/MEDLINE search yielded seven suitable studies comprising a total of 737 R‐CHOP‐treated DLBCL patients who were in complete remission at end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET. Overall, the methodological quality of included studies was reasonable. The disease relapse rate among all patients with complete remission status according to end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET ranged from 7·0% to 20·0%, with a weighted summary proportion of 13·7%. Five of seven studies reported progression‐free survival (PFS) of these patients at various specific time points, i.e., 2‐year PFS (n = 1), estimated 3‐year PFS (n = 3) and 5‐year PFS (n = 1), which was 83%, 85–86·4% and 75%, respectively. Three of seven studies reported overall survival (OS) of these patients at various specific time points, i.e., estimated 3‐year OS (n = 2) and estimated 5‐year OS (n = 1), which were 90%, 93·6% and 83%, respectively. In conclusion, a non‐negligible proportion of R‐CHOP‐treated DLBCL patients who achieve complete remission according to end‐of‐treatment FDG‐PET experiences disease relapse during follow‐up.
Large variations of δ13C values in stalagmites from southeastern China during historical times: implications for anthropogenic deforestation
Authors: Zhang Haiwei , Cai Yanjun , Tan Liangcheng , Cheng Hai , Qin Shijiang , An Zhisheng , Edwards R. Lawrence , Ma Le
Published: April 2015

Variations in speleothem δ13C values can reflect changes in overlying surface vegetation, which, over historical time scales, may represent the influence of human activities. Here, we examined δ13C variations in two stalagmites growing for the last 2200 years in Shennong Cave, Jiangxi Province, SE China. The two δ13C records corroborate well one another and show a prominent 6‰ enrichment of the δ13C values from AD 700 to 1100. The isotopic equilibrium for modern calcite and negative correlation between δ18O and δ13C values along the growth axis suggest that the influences of kinetic fractionation are negligible. Varied correlations between Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios and divergent changes between δ13C values and Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios from AD 700 to 1100 reveal that the prior calcite precipitation (PCP) and water–rock interaction did not dominate the increase of δ13C values. It is plausible that the obvious δ13C variation was largely influenced by the changes in vegetation cover overlying the cave. Our δ13C results, together with the records of climate and human activity from historical documentary records, suggest that: (i) prior to AD 700, small fluctuations in relatively light δ13C values reflect the presence of lush forest coverage above the cave, which was minimally disturbed by human activities; (ii) during AD 700–1100, the drastic increase in δ13C values indicates persistent and massive deforestation associated with large‐scale immigration into northern Jiangxi after the Rebellion of An & Shi (AD 755–763) in the Tang Dynasty and the subsequent development of agriculture and economic activity; and (iii) since AD 1100, fluctuations in relatively high δ13C values suggest that local vegetation during the last millennium has been sparse. Since the Rebellion of An & Shi, southeastern China was progressively developed, coincident with deforestation and vegetation deterioration caused by human disturbance in the form of deforestation and cultivation.
Eugenol dilates mesenteric arteries and reduces systemic BP by activating endothelial cell TRPV4 channels
Authors: Peixoto‐Neves Dieniffer , Wang Qian , Leal‐Cardoso Jose H , Rossoni Luciana V , Jaggar Jonathan H
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

Eugenol, a vanilloid molecule found in some dietary plants, relaxes vasculature in part via an endothelium‐dependent process; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we investigated the endothelial cell‐mediated mechanism by which eugenol modulates rat mesenteric artery contractility and systemic BP.

Experimental Approach

The isometric tension of rat mesenteric arteries (size 200–300 μm) was measured using wire myography; non‐selective cation currents (ICat) were recorded in endothelial cells using patch clamp electrophysiology. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were determined in anaesthetized rats.

Key Results

Eugenol relaxed endothelium‐intact arteries in a concentration‐dependent manner and this effect was attenuated by endothelium denudation. L‐NAME, a NOS inhibitor, a combination of TRAM‐34 and apamin, selective blockers of intermediate and small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels, respectively, and HC‐067047, a TRPV4 channel inhibitor, but not indomethacin, a COX inhibitor, reduced eugenol‐induced relaxation in endothelium‐intact arteries. Eugenol activated HC‐067047‐sensitive ICat in mesenteric artery endothelial cells. Short interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated TRPV4 knockdown abolished eugenol‐induced ICat activation. An i.v. injection of eugenol caused an immediate, transient reduction in both MAP and HR, which was followed by prolonged, sustained hypotension in anaesthetized rats. This sustained hypotension was blocked by HC‐067047.

Conclusions and Implications

Eugenol activates TRPV4 channels in mesenteric artery endothelial cells, leading to vasorelaxation, and reduces systemic BP in vivo. Eugenol may be therapeutically useful as an antihypertensive agent and is a viable molecular candidate from which to develop second‐generation TRPV4 channel activators that reduce BP.
Accuracy of thyroid nodule sonography for the detection of thyroid cancer in children: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al Nofal Alaa , Gionfriddo Michael R. , Javed Asma , Haydour Qusay , Brito Juan P. , Prokop Larry J. , Pittock Siobhan T. , Murad Mohammad Hassan
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Thyroid ultrasound (US) is a widely used tool for evaluating thyroid nodules. Various US features have been suggested as predictors of thyroid cancer in children.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of different thyroid US features in detecting thyroid cancer in children.

Methods

We searched multiple online databases for cohort studies that enrolled paediatric patients with thyroid nodules (age <21 years) and evaluated the accuracy of 12 relevant ultrasound features. Diagnostic measures were pooled across studies using a random effects model.

Results

The search strategy yielded 1199 citations, of which 12 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria (750 nodules). The prevalence of thyroid cancer was 27·2% (40·8% in patients with a history of radiation exposure and 23·2% in patients without a history of exposure to radiation). The most common cancer was papillary thyroid cancer (86·7%). The presence of internal calcifications and enlarged cervical lymph nodes were the US features with the highest likelihood ratio [4·46 (95% CI: 1·87–10·64) and 4·96 (95% CI: 2·01–12·24), respectively] for thyroid cancer. A cystic nodule was the feature with highest likelihood ratio for benign nodules [1·96 (95% CI: 0·87–4·43)].

Conclusion

Thyroid US features are not highly accurate predictors of benign or malignant aetiology of thyroid nodules in children. Internal calcification may predict malignancy, and cystic appearance may suggest benign aetiology.
Providing Context for the Land‐Sharing and Land‐Sparing Debate
Authors: Law Elizabeth A. , Wilson Kerrie A.
Published: April 2015

Agricultural and environmental policies that encourage multifunctional landscapes are referred to as land sharing or land sparing. Numerous assessments of the preferences for either policy exist, but a systematic evaluation of the impact of landscape or decision contexts has not been performed. We assess the impact of multiple contextual parameters using a simple model of landscape change. Past emphasis on different types of species appears warranted, but also important in determining preferences are the proportion of the landscape initially allocated to agriculture, the management intentions for spared land, crop types, and level of policy effectiveness. Variations in objective and decision criteria were less important but still altered the policy preferences under some circumstances. We provide foundational evidence that context warrants explicit inclusion in assessments of agricultural and environmental policy. Our methodological approach is broadly applicable, but generalizations from this case to others should still be made with caution.
Physical capacity in performing daily activities is reduced in scleroderma patients with early lung involvement
Authors: Battaglia Salvatore , Bellia Maria , Serafino‐Agrusa Laura , Giardina Annarita , Messina Maria , Cannizzaro Fabio , Midiri Massimo , Triolo Giovanni , Scichilone Nicola
Published: April 2015

Background and Aims

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often complain reduced capacity at submaximal exercise; conversely, physical capacity in performing daily duties has never been measured in SSc. The aim of this study is to evaluate this performance and its correlates, in patients with SSc compared with healthy controls, in a free‐living setting.

Methods

Twenty‐seven outpatients with stable SSc and 11 controls were recruited. Physical activity was assessed by portable multiple sensor device (SenseWear Armband) worn for at least 6 days. Physical activity duration (PAD; in minutes) for non‐sedentary activities and physical activity level (PAL = total daily energy/resting energy expenditure) per day were calculated. Nutritional status was estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and pulmonary arterial hypertension excluded by echocardiography.

Results

Daily physical activities (243 ± 145 min per day vs 397 ± 142 min, respectively; P = 0.005) and PAL were significantly reduced in SSc compared with controls (1.5 ± 0.4 vs 2 ± 0.7, respectively; P = 0.019). Seventy‐four per cent of SSc patients showed PAL < 1.70, whereas only 27% of controls were below this threshold for sedentary life style. Both PAD and PAL positively correlated with DLco. Patients and controls did not differ for spirometric parameters, body mass index, phase angle at bioelectrical impedance analysis, fat mass or fat‐free mass indexes. In SSc, exercise capacity during daily activity was reduced compared with controls, and was associated with early evidence of functional decay (decreasing DLco) but not with malnutrition (undernutrition).

Conclusions

A reduction of daily physical activity is already present even in early stages of lung involvement in SSc, characterized by unaltered spirometry and well‐preserved nutritional status.
Prognostic value of pro‐inflammatory cytokine and pro‐angiogenesis factor in differentiating malignant from benign exudative effusion
Authors: Elhefny Radwa Ahmed , Shaban Marwa Moawad , Shaker Olfat Gamil
Published: April 2015

Background and Aims

The precise mechanism of pathogenesis in exudation of effusions is uncertain. Released factors in inflammation and malignancy of pleura are related to incremented permeability of the micro‐pleural vessels. Angiopoietins (Ang) take part in development of angiogenesis and pleural inflammation. Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) influences proliferation and tumor angiogenesis and it is expressed in cancer. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between inflammation, angiogenesis and etiologies of exudative effusions, and to evaluate the diagnostic value in differentiating malignant from benign.

Methods

The study includes 49 pleural fluid (PF) samples. Ang‐2 and IL‐8 in PF and serum were estimated.

Results

Ten patients were transudative and 39 patients were exudative fluid, subdivided into 16 benign and 23 malignant effusion. Ang‐2 and IL‐8 either fluid level or ratio were in significantly high in exudative more than in transudative fluid (P = 0.002). Ang‐2 and IL‐8 in PF were in high level than in serum of exudative and transudative. Ang‐2 fluid level and ratio were significantly high in benign exudative effusion (P = 0.01, P = 0.05, respectively), while IL‐8 level was significantly high in malignant exudative effusion (P = 0.04). Cut‐off points for PF Ang‐2 and IL‐8 in differentiating malignant from benign exudative were 15.67 ng/mL, 325.54 pg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results support the evidence that angiogenesis and inflammatory pathways are linked, and that inflammation and vascular permeability of pleura constitutes the pathogenic basis of the majority of exudative effusion.
A practical approach to acute hemiparesis in children
Authors: Bhate Sanjay , Ganesan Vijeya
Published: April 2015

Acute hemiparesis in children is a common clinical syndrome presenting to a variety of care settings. The recognition and the differential diagnosis is challenging, particularly in young children. Arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) is the primary diagnosis to be considered as this requires emergency investigations and management; however, there are several conditions collectively described as ‘stroke mimics’ that need consideration. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management. Clinical data combined with neuroimaging are important for accurate diagnosis and management. This review and the accompanying illustrative case vignettes suggest a practical approach to differential diagnosis and management of children presenting with acute hemiparesis.
The Quest for Aid Complementarity: Reforming Co‐operation between Nordic+ Donors and NGOs
Authors: Molenaers Nadia , Gagiano Anna , Renard Robrecht
Published: April 2015

Aid fragmentation is a maddening problem in the aid business. NGOs are part and parcel of this fragmentation problem; hence calls for more complementarity between Northern NGOs and (their) governments have led to a series of co‐funding reforms. This article analyses the co‐funding reforms of the Nordic+ donors and situates them within the broader evolutions that have taken place in donor‐NGO relations in these countries. It finds that these donors have interpreted complementarity in very different and even contradictory ways. Where some require NGOs to develop activities within the confines of the official bilateral strategy (intensive complementarity), others allow NGOs to do very different things (extensive complementarity).
Incremental Value of Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography over the Two‐Dimensional Technique in the Assessment of a Thrombus in Transit through a Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Thind Munveer , Ahmed Mustafa I. , Gok Gulay , Joson Marisa , Elsayed Mahmoud , Tuck Benjamin C. , Townsley Matthew M. , Klas Berthold , McGiffin David C. , Nanda Navin C.
Published: April 2015

We report a case of a right atrial thrombus traversing a patent foramen ovale into the left atrium, where three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provided considerable incremental value over two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in its assessment. As well as allowing us to better spatially characterize the thrombus, three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provided a more quantitative assessment through estimation of total thrombus burden.
Temporal variation in body size and weapon allometry in the New Zealand giraffe weevil
Authors: PAINTING CHRISTINA J. , HOLWELL GREGORY I.
Published: April 2015

1. Body size and exaggerated traits can show high phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental variation. Trait size can vary among generations but also fluctuate within a breeding season in response to resource availability.

2. This study documents patterns of temporal variation in body and weapon size, and in weapon allometry over 3 years for a wild population of New Zealand giraffe weevils [Lasiorhynchus barbicornis (Fabricius)], the males of which display an extremely elongated rostrum used as a weapon during contests for females.

3. It was predicted that body size and rostrum allometry would decrease during a breeding season, but in spite of significant annual and seasonal variation there was little evidence to support these predictions. Weapon allometry in males was more variable between years and over the breeding season than females, suggesting that male rostrum size may be more susceptible to environmental change than female rostrum size.
Establishment and dissemination of hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica in Greece
Authors: Diamandis S. , Perlerou C. , Tziros G.T. , Christopoulos V. , Topalidou E.
Published: April 2015

Chestnut blight caused by Cryphonectria parasitica has been one of the major reasons for the decline of chestnut cultivation in Greece over the last 50 years. A previous detailed study of the vc types of the fungus has revealed only four vc types in the entire country, those of EU‐1, EU‐2 and EU‐10 with the dominant being EU‐12 counting for 88% of the isolates. As the loss in orchard trees reached in some chestnut producing prefectures over 35% of the trees, the decision was taken to apply biological control on a nationwide scale. The project was implemented in 17 prefectures during the period 2007–2009. Hypovirulent (hv) strains of C. parasitica which were infected by the CHV‐1 subtype I (Italian subtype) viruses which occur naturally in Greece were used. The necessary hypovirulent inoculum was prepared at the Forest Research Institute during the period 2007–2009 on a large scale, however, with laboratory care. Three million inoculations were made around accessible developing cankers over three consecutive years by trained personnel. An extensive evaluation conducted in 2011 in the 12 of the 17 treated prefectures, where no natural hypovirulence had been found before, demonstrated not only the successful establishment of hypovirulence but also profound dissemination and healing of non‐inoculated cankers. The extent of dissemination varied significantly among sampling plots and among prefectures. The conclusion is drawn that CHV‐1 subtype I has successfully established and spread into chestnut orchards and coppice forests resulting in a gradual decline of chestnut blight.
The role of stop‐signal probability and expectation in proactive inhibition
Authors: Vink Matthijs , Kaldewaij Reinoud , Zandbelt Bram B. , Pas Pascal , du Plessis Stefan
Published: April 2015

The subjective belief of what will happen plays an important role across many cognitive domains, including response inhibition. However, tasks that study inhibition do not distinguish between the processing of objective contextual cues indicating stop‐signal probability and the subjective expectation that a stop‐signal will or will not occur. Here we investigated the effects of stop‐signal probability and the expectation of a stop‐signal on proactive inhibition. Twenty participants performed a modified stop‐signal anticipation task while being scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging. At the beginning of each trial, the stop‐signal probability was indicated by a cue (0% or > 0%), and participants had to indicate whether they expected a stop‐signal to occur (yes/no/don't know). Participants slowed down responding on trials with a > 0% stop‐signal probability, but this proactive response slowing was even greater when they expected a stop‐signal to occur. Analyses were performed in brain regions previously associated with proactive inhibition. Activation in the striatum, supplementary motor area and left dorsal premotor cortex during the cue period was increased when participants expected a stop‐signal to occur. In contrast, activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus and right inferior parietal cortex activity during the stimulus‐response period was related to the processing of contextual cues signalling objective stop‐signal probability, regardless of expectation. These data show that proactive inhibition depends on both the processing of objective contextual task information and the subjective expectation of stop‐signals.
Different cortical projections from three subdivisions of the rat lateral posterior thalamic nucleus: a single‐neuron tracing study with viral vectors
Authors: Nakamura Hisashi , Hioki Hiroyuki , Furuta Takahiro , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: April 2015

The lateral posterior thalamic nucleus (LP) is one of the components of the extrageniculate pathway in the rat visual system, and is cytoarchitecturally divided into three subdivisions – lateral (LPl), rostromedial (LPrm), and caudomedial (LPcm) portions. To clarify the differences in the dendritic fields and axonal arborisations among the three subdivisions, we applied a single‐neuron labeling technique with viral vectors toLPneurons. The proximal dendrites ofLPl neurons were more numerous than those ofLPrm andLPcm neurons, andLPrm neurons tended to have wider dendritic fields thanLPl neurons. We then analysed the axonal arborisations ofLPneurons by reconstructing the axon fibers in the cortex. TheLPl,LPrm andLPcm were different from one another in terms of the projection targets – the main target cortical regions ofLPl andLPrm neurons were the secondary and primary visual areas, whereas those ofLPcm neurons were the postrhinal and temporal association areas. Furthermore, the principal target cortical layers ofLPl neurons in the visual areas were middle layers, but that ofLPrm neurons was layer 1. This indicates thatLPl andLPrm neurons can be categorised into the core and matrix types of thalamic neurons, respectively, in the visual areas. In addition,LPl neurons formed multiple axonal clusters within the visual areas, whereas the fibers ofLPrm neurons were widely and diffusely distributed. It is therefore presumed that these two types of neurons play different roles in visual information processing by dual thalamocortical innervation of the visual areas.
High variability in tegminal venation of primitive cercopoids (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha), as implied by the new discovery of fossils from the Middle Jurassic of China
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhang Haichun , Wang Bo , Zheng Xiaoting , Wang Xiaoli
Published: April 2015

The Procercopidae is the most ancient family of the Cercopoidea and is known to be low in diversity. Herein, a new genus and species of Procercopidae, Titanocercopis borealis Chen, Zhang & Wang, is erected from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou of Inner Mongolia, China. The venation patterns show considerable intra‐specific or even intra‐individual variation in specimens involved in this study, suggesting that the flight ability of these primitive cercopoids might be not very strong. The new genus differs from other known genera by the following combination of morphological characters: body and tegmen large; tegmen with clavus long and narrow; apical margin rounded; vein M bifurcating basal of or almost at the same level of vein CuA bifurcation; stem ScP+R short, nearly straight, and branching into veins ScP+RA and RP near basal 1/3 wing length.
Antlered richardiid flies: new species of Richardia (Tephritoidea: Richardiidae) with antler‐like genal processes
Authors: Wendt Lisiane D. , Ale‐Rocha Rosaly
Published: April 2015

Within Richardiidae, Richardia infestans, from Colombia, is the only known species to have genal processes, which are structures formed by the extension of the cuticle on the lateral margin of the gena. In the present work, six new species, with different patterns of antler‐like genal processes, are described. An identification key and illustrations are provided. Richardia bella sp. nov., R. modesta sp. nov. and R. vitta sp. nov. are recorded from Costa Rica; R. advena sp. nov. is recorded from Costa Rica and Panama; R. simplex sp. nov. is recorded from Panama; and R. ornatella sp. nov. is recorded from Ecuador.
Predicting Predatory Outcomes in the Context of Carryover Effects: Interactions between Juvenile Frogs and Spider Predators
Authors: Youngquist Melissa B. , Sitvarin Michael I.
Published: April 2015

As representatives of organisms with complex life histories, frogs provide an ideal system to study predator‐induced carryover effects: how the risk of predation in one life stage can impact predator–prey interactions in a later stage. Invertebrate predation on frogs has been widely reported, although studies of the behavioral mechanisms underlying their interactions in the terrestrial stage have been lacking. We made detailed observations of interactions between a wolf spider (Tigrosa helluo) and Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris blanchardi) to determine factors that predict capture success and to evaluate potential carryover effects from aquatic predation risk. Juvenile frogs, reared with or without dragonfly predator cues, were placed in an arena with or without spider cues and allowed to interact with a spider. Spiders captured frogs, and an interaction between frog size and activity predicted frog survival. We found no evidence that either aquatic or terrestrial cues altered frog behavior or survival. By preying upon a demographically important life stage, spiders may contribute to population dynamics in frogs.
The Role of Wing Coloration in Sex Recognition and Competitor Recognition in Rubyspot Damselflies (Hetaerina spp.)
Authors: Grether Gregory F. , Drury Jonathan P. , Berlin Erin , Anderson Christopher N.
Published: April 2015

The decision rules that animals use for distinguishing between conspecifics of different age and sex classes are relevant for understanding how closely related species interact in sympatry. In rubyspot damselflies (Hetaerina spp.), the red wing coloration of mature males is hypothesized to be a key trait for sex recognition and competitor recognition within species and the proximate trigger for interspecific male–male aggression. We tested this hypothesis by manipulating the wing coloration of tethered conspecific intruders and measuring the responses of territory holders of three species in the field. As predicted, covering the red spots of mature males with black ink nearly eliminated territorial responses, and in some cases, territorial holders clasped the blackened males as if they were females. Adding red spots to female wings triggered territorial responses and nearly eliminated sexual responses. Immature males with artificial red spots were attacked at the same rate as mature male intruders, and much more frequently than were immature male controls. The results varied somewhat by species. In H. titia, the only species of Hetaerina with substantial black wing pigmentation, the effects of blackening the red spots of intruders varied both geographically and seasonally. But even when blackening the red spots of male intruders did not reduce the aggressive response of H. titia territory holders, adding artificial red spots to female wings elicited aggressive responses and nearly eliminated sexual responses. The results of this study further strengthen the evidence that interspecific aggression in Hetaerina results from overlap in territorial signals and that the derived black wing pigmentation of H. titia reduces interspecific aggression.
Injuries and outcome of three horses hospitalised in the aftermath ofHurricaneIsaac
Authors: Freeman C. E. , Mirza M. H. , Pescosolido K. C. , McConnico R. S.
Published: April 2015

This case series describes 3 horses rescued from flooded areas, hospitalised and treated at theLouisianaStateUniversityVeterinaryTeachingHospital in the wake ofHurricaneIsaac. The purpose of the paper is to familiarise practitioners with the injuries that may be found in flood‐afflicted horses and livestock.Case 1presented with a degloving injury of the right hindlimb. The gelding developed neurological signs and was subjected to euthanasia; necropsy was consistent withSalmonellasepsis and disseminated mycosis due toCandida krusei, the first case reported in a horse.Case 2presented with dermatitis attributable to chemical exposure and pneumonia and was subjected to euthanasia due to severe bilateral laminitis.Case 3sustained a degloving injury of the left hindlimb and was subjected to euthanasia due to intractable pain. This case series illustrates the need for preparation and evacuation to avoid life‐threatening injuries in equids and livestock caused by hurricanes and their aftermath.
Diagnosing disorders of the equine oesophagus
Authors: Sutton D. G. M.
Published: April 2015

Most disorders of the equine cervical oesophagus present with a similar range of clinical signs, resulting from acute, chronic or recurrent impediment to the transit of ingesta and saliva. These include profuse frothy nasal discharge and dysphagia with gagging and coughing. Rupture of the cervical oesophagus is characterised by a painful ventral swelling at the affected site with crepitus, cellulitis and potential drainage of necrotic material. Disorders of the thoracic and abdominal segments of the oesophagus are less well recognised and clinical signs are more insidious in onset. Catastrophic damage to the thoracic oesophagus may occur without previous signs of obstruction. Pyrexia, tachycardia, tachypnoea and vague colic signs may be the first manifestations of perforation of the thoracic oesophagus, resulting from a progressive septic pleural effusion. Rupture of the thoracic oesophagus should be a differential in any horse presenting with an unexplained pleural effusion and ruled out by careful endoscopic examination.
Nitrogen limitation of heterotrophic biofilms in boreal streams
Authors: Burrows Ryan M. , Hotchkiss Erin R. , Jonsson Micael , Laudon Hjalmar , McKie Brendan G. , Sponseller Ryan A.
Published: April 2015

Nutrient limitation of the biofilm is fundamental to stream ecosystem processes, as microbial activity shapes the biological availability and biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nutrients.

We used nutrient‐diffusing substrata (NDS) to investigate heterotrophic nutrient limitation of microbial respiration (MR) across 20 streams draining boreal landscapes in northern Sweden. We also explored variation in microbial biomass and community structure of biofilms that developed on NDS using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers. Limitation was determined as a significant response of MR and biomass production on cellulose surfaces to enrichment with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or N + P, relative to controls.

Microbial respiration was N‐limited, with an average 3.3‐fold increase on N‐amended NDS. Nitrogen limitation decreased, and control rates of MR increased, with greater background concentrations of inorganic N across the sites.

In contrast to MR, microbial biomass was primarily N‐limited but was greatest for the N + P NDS. Accordingly, differences in respiratory versus biomass responses to nutrient addition resulted in significantly greater biomass‐specific MR on N‐amended NDS compared to all other treatments. In addition, PLFA biomarkers indicated distinct microbial communities on N and N + P NDS compared to controls and/or P NDS.

Greater MR and biomass, and the development of distinct microbial communities, when supplied with inorganic N suggest that factors which alter aquatic N loading during autumn may have important implications for ecosystem processes and the biogeochemistry of boreal streams and rivers. Our findings add to a growing body of evidence that the productivity of Fennoscandian boreal landscapes is constrained by N availability.
Exploring the spatially explicit predictions of the Maximum Entropy Theory of Ecology
Authors: McGlinn D. J. , Xiao X. , Kitzes J. , White E. P.
Published: April 2015

Aim

The maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE) is a unified theory of biodiversity that attempts to simultaneously predict patterns of species abundance, size and spatial structure. The spatial predictions of this theory have repeatedly performed well at predicting diversity patterns across scales. However, the theoretical development and evaluation of METE has focused on predicting patterns that ignore intersite spatial correlations. As a result the theory has not been evaluated using one of the core components of spatial structure. We develop and test a semi‐recursive version of the spatially explicit predictions of METE for the distance–decay relationship of community similarity and compare its performance with the classic random placement model of completely random species distributions. This provides a better understanding and stronger test of the spatial community predictions of METE.

Location

New World tropical and temperate plant communities.

Methods

We analytically derived and simulated the spatially explicit expectations of METE for the Sørensen index of community similarity. We then compared the distance–decay of community similarity of 16 mapped plant communities with METE and the random placement model.

Results

The version of METE we examined was successful at capturing the general functional form of the observed distance–decay relationships, a negative power function relationship between community similarity and distance. However, the semi‐recursive approach consistently predicted lower intercepts and higher slopes than observed in the empirical distance–decay relationships and yielded worse predictions than the random placement model.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that while the current spatial models of METE accurately predict the spatial scaling of species occupancy, and therefore core ecological patterns like the species–area relationship, its semi‐recursive form does not accurately characterize spatially explicit patterns of correlation. More generally, this suggests that tests of spatial theories based only on the species–area relationship may appear to support the underlying theory despite significant deviations in important aspects of spatial structure.
Close agreement between pollen‐based and forest inventory‐based models of vegetation turnover
Authors: Nieto‐Lugilde Diego , Maguire Kaitlin C. , Blois Jessica L. , Williams John W. , Fitzpatrick Matthew C.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Fossil records are being increasingly used to help understand the consequences of climate change for biodiversity. Pollen records from the late Quaternary are among the most commonly used fossil data, but pollen‐based inferences of biodiversity can potentially be confounded by spatial and taxonomic uncertainties and the influence of non‐climatic abiotic factors such as soils on vegetation–climate relationships. Using paired pollen and vegetation inventories, we assess the fidelity of pollen‐based estimates of compositional turnover of vegetation along environmental gradients given various sources of uncertainty.

Location

Eastern United States.

Methods

We used modern pollen records and forest composition data from Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots to fit generalized dissimilarity models. To address how uncertainties in pollen records affect estimates of turnover, we coarsened the vegetation data spatially from individual plots to 10‐ and 30‐arcmin resolution and taxonomically from species to genus. To determine whether soil properties influenced turnover, we used deviance partitioning between models including climate or soil variables versus models with a combination of both.

Results

Pollen‐based estimates of turnover were highly correlated with those based on FIA data, but tended to be lower, mainly due to differences in taxonomic resolution and secondarily to differences in spatial resolution. Neither spatial nor taxonomic uncertainty substantially reduced the correlation between pollen‐ and FIA‐based estimates of turnover. FIA data best matched pollen records when they were aggregated to genus and 30‐arcmin resolution. Vegetation–climate relationships were similar across datasets, although models sometimes differed. The influence of soil variables was negligible compared with climate variables and did not improve model fit. Pollen thresholds did not greatly affect the form and strength of pollen–vegetation relationships.

Main conclusions

Pollen can act as a robust proxy for vegetation turnover, thereby supporting the use of pollen‐based estimates of turnover to predict temporal changes in vegetation.
Magnitude of the termite problem and its potential anthropogenic causes in Nakasongola district of Uganda
Authors: Mugerwa Swidiq
Published: April 2015

Located in central Uganda, the grasslands of Nakasongola face devastation of herbaceous vegetation by subterranean termites. Reduction in the preferred food of termites (plant litter), and loss of their natural predators and parasites are known to be major factors contributing to the damage imposed by termites on grassland vegetation. This review analyzes the situation with respect to termites in the area to draw the attention of ecologists, conservationists, policy makers and farmers, to the current and future threats of subterranean termites to the functioning and sustainability of this ecosystem. The suppressive effect of anthropogenic activities on termites' food resources, populations of natural enemies and the resultant escalation in termite populations is discussed. I hypothesize that tree cutting, overgrazing and overhunting are reducing the food resources and predator populations and, consequently, are enhancing the current destructive behavior of termites in the rangelands of Uganda. It is suggested that intervention for sustainable management of termites in the area should consider restoring their natural food sources and predators to reestablish the ecological equilibrium between termites and other components of the ecosystem.
Work, Age and Other Drugs: Exploring the Intersection of Age and Masculinity in a Pharmaceutical Organization
Authors: Foweraker Barbara , Cutcher Leanne
Published: April 2015

This paper explores the work experiences of older male pharmaceutical sales representatives, many of whom are working well past traditional retirement age. In many respects these older sales people are the material signifiers of the company's products because they embody the firm's strategy of selling ‘older’, tried‐and‐tested drugs. Extending their careers well beyond the traditional age at which most Australian men retire enables these sales representatives to continue to construct masculine identities strongly related to work and career as they negotiate their ageing identities. We found that they drew on comparisons with their younger selves, older non‐working men and their future selves to counter ways in which ageing threatened their masculinity. While work remained the main site for the construction of their masculinity, we found that they drew on ageing norms and successful ageing discourses rather than earlier held hegemonic masculinity ideals to construct what it meant for them to be an older man.
Primary and Secondary Stabbing Headache
Authors: Robbins Matthew S. , Evans Randolph W.
Published: April 2015

Eight out of the 33 cases of primary stabbing headache seen in a general neurology clinic (40% have headache as their chief complaint) in the last 3.5 years are presented. The epidemiology, association with other primary headache disorders, secondary associations, testing, and treatment of primary stabbing headache are reviewed.
Ductal metaplasia in oesophageal submucosal glands is associated with inflammation and oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Garman Katherine S , Kruger Leandi , Thomas Samantha , Swiderska‐Syn Marzena , Moser Barry K , Diehl Anna Mae , McCall Shannon J
Published: April 2015

Aims

Recent studies have suggested that oesophageal submucosal gland (ESMG) ducts harbour progenitor cells that may contribute to oesophageal metaplasia. Our objective was to determine whether histological differences exist between the ESMGs of individuals with and without oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

Methods and results

We performed histological assessment of 343 unique ESMGs from 30 control patients, 24 patients with treatment‐naïve high‐grade columnar dysplasia (HGD) or EAC, and 23 non‐EAC oesophagectomy cases. A gastrointestinal pathologist assessed haematoxylin and eosin‐stained ESMG images by using a scoring system that assigns individual ESMG acini to five histological types (mucous, serous, oncocytic, dilated, or ductal metaplastic). In our model, ductal metaplastic acini were more common in patients with HGD/EAC (12.7%) than in controls (3.5%) (P = 0.006). We also identified greater proportions of acini with dilation (21.9%, P < 0.001) and, to a lesser extent, ductal metaplasia (4.3%, P = 0.001) in non‐EAC oesophagectomy cases than in controls. Ductal metaplasia tended to occur in areas of mucosal ulceration or tumour.

Conclusions

We found a clear association between ductal metaplastic ESMG acini and HGD/EAC. Non‐EAC cases had dilated acini and some ductal dilation. Because ESMGs and ducts harbour putative progenitor cells, these associations could have significance for understanding the pathogenesis of EAC.
Expression pattern of key microRNAs in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase
Authors: Fallah P. , Amirizadeh N. , Poopak B. , Toogeh G. , Arefian E. , Kohram F. , Hosseini Rad S. M. A. , Kohram M. , Teimori Naghadeh H. , Soleimani M.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is caused by reciprocal translocation in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This translocation forms the BCR‐ABL1 oncogene, which alters several signaling pathways that control malignancy. CML has three phases: chronic, accelerated, and blast crisis. The microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are noncoding RNAs that downregulate their target gene by targeting 3′ UTR of mRNA or through translational inhibition. It has been shown that miRNAs regulate many biological processes, and dysregulation of these regulatory RNAs is involved in disease development, particularly in cancer. The important role of miRNAs as therapeutic agents and biomarkers has been demonstrated in CML patients at different phases of the disease.

Methods

Stem‐loop reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to characterize differentially expressed miRNAs of leukocytes in the peripheral blood of 50 newly diagnosed CML patients in chronic phase.

Results

Some onco‐miRNAs were found to be downregulated (miR‐155 and miR‐106), and some tumor suppressor miRs (miR‐16‐1, miR‐15a, miR‐101, miR‐568) were upregulated.

Conclusion

These results show that very few miRNAs alone would be good candidates for CML diagnosis independently of conflicting results, but together could be an additional tool for CML diagnosis. Moreover, miRNAs might be good candidates for prognosis prediction and CML therapy.