bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity of Lidocaine to Human Corneal Endothelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Yu Hao‐Ze , Li Yi‐Han , Wang Rui‐Xin , Zhou Xin , Yu Miao‐Miao , Ge Yuan , Zhao Jun , Fan Ting‐Jun
Published: December 2013

Lidocaine has been reported to induce apoptosis on rabbit corneal endothelial cells. However, the apoptotic effect and exact mechanism involved in cytotoxicity of lidocaine are not well‐established in human corneal endothelial (HCE) cells. In this study, we investigated the apoptosis‐inducing effect of lidocaine on HCE cells in vitro. After HCE cells were treated with lidocaine at concentrations of 0.15625–10.0 g/l, the morphology and ultrastructure of the cells were observed by inverted light microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and the apoptotic ratio was evaluated with flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopic counting after FITC–Annexin V/PI and AO/EB staining. DNA fragmentation was detected by electrophoresis, and the activation of caspases was evaluated by ELISA. In addition, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were determined by JC‐1 staining. Results suggest that lidocaine above 1.25 g/l reduced cellular viability and triggered apoptosis in HCE cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Diminishment of ΔΨm and the activation of caspases indicate that lidocaine‐induced apoptosis was caspase dependent and may be related to mitochondrial pathway.
Cost of illness for bipolar disorder: a systematic review of the economic burden
Authors: Kleine‐Budde Katja , Touil Elina , Moock Jörn , Bramesfeld Anke , Kawohl Wolfram , Rössler Wulf
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Recent reviews lack important information on the high cost‐of‐illness worldwide for bipolar disorder (BD). Therefore, the present study systematically analyzed those costs, their driving components, and the methodological quality with which the few existing cost‐of‐illness investigations have been performed.

Methods

In June 2012, we conducted a systematic literature review of electronic databases to identify relevant cost‐of‐illness studies published since 2000. Their methodological quality was assessed. Costs were standardized by first extrapolating them to 2009 using country‐specific gross domestic product inflators and then converting them into US dollars via purchasing power parities (PPP).

Results

The main characteristics of 22 studies were evaluated. Ignoring outliers, costs per capita ranged from 8,000 to 14,000 US$‐PPP for overall direct healthcare, from 4,000 to 5,000 US$‐PPP for direct mental healthcare, and from 2,500 to 5,000 US$‐PPP for direct BD‐related care. Indirect costs ranged from 2,000 to 11,000 US$‐PPP. Inpatient care was the main cost driver in three studies; drug costs, in two studies. Methodological quality was deemed satisfactory.

Conclusions

The cost variance was great between studies. This was likely due to differences in methodology rather than healthcare systems, thereby making such comparisons difficult. The results showed that BD has a substantial economic burden on society. To gain more evidence, international standardized checklists are needed when undertaking cost‐of‐illness studies.
Control of voice gender in pre‐pubertal children
Authors: Cartei Valentina , Cowles Wind , Banerjee Robin , Reby David
Published: December 2013

Adult listeners are capable of identifying the gender of speakers as young as 4 years old from their voice. In the absence of a clear anatomical dimorphism in the dimensions of pre‐pubertal boys' and girls' vocal apparatus, the observed gender differences may reflect children's regulation of their vocal behaviour. A detailed acoustic analysis was conducted of the utterances of 34 6‐ to 9‐year‐old children, in their normal voices and also when asked explicitly to speak like a boy or a girl. Results showed statistically significant shifts in fundamental and formant frequency values towards those expected from the sex dimorphism in adult voices. Directions for future research on the role of vocal behaviours in pre‐pubertal children's expression of gender are considered.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Certain RGD‐Based Peptides from Kistrin Provide Insight into the Higher Activity of REI‐RGD34 Protein at Higher Temperature
Authors: Upadhyay Sanjay K.
Published: December 2013

To determine the bioactive conformation required to bind with receptor αIIbβ3, the peptide sequence RIPRGDMP from Kistrin was inserted into CDR 1 loop region of REI protein, resulting in REI‐RGD34. The activity of REI‐RGD34 was observed to increase at higher temperature towards the receptor αIIbβ3. It could be justified in either way: the modified complex forces the restricted peptide to adapt bioactive conformation or it unfolds the peptide in a way that opens its binding surface with high affinity for receptor. Here, we model the conformational preference of RGD sequence in RIPRGDMP at 25 and 42 °C using multiple MD simulations. Further, we model the peptide sequence RGD, PRGD and PRGDMP from kistrin to observe the effect of flanking residues on conformational sampling of RGD. The presence of flanking residues around RGD peptide greatly influenced the conformational sampling. A transition from bend to turn conformation was observed for RGD sequence at 42 °C. The turn conformation shows pharmacophoric parameters required to recognize the receptor αIIbβ3. Thus, the temperature‐dependent activity of RIPRGDMP when inserted into the loop region of REI can be explained by the presence of the turn conformation. This study will help in designing potential antagonist for the receptor αIIbβ3.
Development of Rapid Temporal Processing and Its Impact on Literacy Skills in Primary School Children
Authors: Steinbrink Claudia , Zimmer Karin , Lachmann Thomas , Dirichs Martin , Kammer Thomas
Published: December 2013

In a longitudinal study, auditory and visual temporal order thresholds (TOTs) were investigated in primary school children (N = 236; mean age at first data point = 6;7) at the beginning of Grade 1 and the end of Grade 2 to test whether rapid temporal processing abilities predict reading and spelling at the end of Grades 1 and 2. Auditory and visualTOTs differed but showed comparable developmental trajectories over 20 months. VisualTOTs were not predictive of literacy measures; auditoryTOTs in Grade 1 were the best predictor. Interestingly, they were related to spelling in Grade 2 while auditoryTOTs in Grade 2 were not, suggesting that rapid auditory processing abilities have a causal influence on literacy development.
Gender‐Based Relationship Efficacy: Children's Self‐Perceptions in Intergroup Contexts
Authors: Zosuls Kristina M. , Field Ryan D. , Martin Carol Lynn , Andrews Naomi C. Z. , England Dawn E.
Published: December 2013

This research introduces a new construct, gender‐based relationship efficacy, which refers to beliefs about one's ability to relate to own‐ and other‐gender peers. Study 1 investigated 204 fourth graders (Mage = 9.56) and confirmed that own‐gender and other‐gender relationship efficacy represent distinguishable aspects of preadolescents' social competency beliefs that are differentially related to outcomes with own‐ and other‐gender peers, including outcome expectancies and friendships with own‐ and other‐gender peers. Study 2 provided further evidence of the distinctiveness of relationship efficacy for own‐ and other‐gender peers among 403 seventh (Mage = 12.48) and 453 eighth (Mage = 13.50) graders and found gender and age differences. Developmental changes and implications for research on intergroup relationships are discussed.
White blood cell subtypes, insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction in high‐risk individuals – the PROMISE cohort
Authors: Lee Chee‐Tin Christine , Harris Stewart B. , Retnakaran Ravi , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Perkins Bruce A. , Zinman Bernard , Hanley Anthony J.
Published: December 2013

Background

Higher white blood cell count (WBC) is associated with incident type 2 diabetes; however, little is known about the potential relationship of WBC subtypes with metabolic abnormalities underlying diabetes.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Participants

Six hundred and fifty‐six nondiabetic participants in the Prospective Metabolism and Islet Cell Evaluation cohort.

Measurements

Granulocytes (basophils, neutrophils and eosinophils), lymphocytes and monocytes were measured in fasting blood samples. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte. Insulin resistance was measured by insulin sensitivity index (ISOGTT) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Beta‐cell dysfunction was measured by insulinogenic index (IGI) divided by HOMA‐IR (IGI/IR) and Insulin Secretion Sensitivity Index‐2 (ISSI‐2).

Results

All WBC subtypes were inversely associated with ISOGTT [β = −0·12 (−0·15, −0·083) for granulocytes, β = −0·23 (−0·31, −0·15) for lymphocytes, β = −0·67 (−1·00, −0·34) for monocytes] and positively associated with HOMA‐IR [β = 0·11 (0·074, 0·15) for granulocytes, β = 0·22 (0·14, 0·30) for lymphocytes, β = 0·64 (0·33, 0·97) for monocytes]. Granulocytes and lymphocytes were inversely associated with IGI/IR [β = −0·10 (−0·15, −0·047), β = −0·23 (−0·35, −0·11), respectively] and ISSI‐2 [β = −0·048 (−0·074, −0·022), β = −0·14 (−0·19, −0·089), respectively]. BMI attenuated the associations of monocytes with IGI/IR and ISSI‐2, and those of NLR with ISOGTT and HOMA‐IR. NLR was not associated with IGI/IR and ISSI‐2.

Conclusions

All WBC subtypes were independently associated with insulin resistance, whereas granulocytes and lymphocytes, but not monocytes, were associated with β‐cell dysfunction. NLR was not associated with β‐cell dysfunction, and its association with insulin resistance was confounded by obesity.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor is expressed in rat and human placenta and its serum levels are similarly regulated throughout pregnancy in both species
Authors: Garcés María F. , Sanchez Elizabeth , Torres‐Sierra Alejandra L. , Ruíz‐Parra Ariel I. , Angel‐Müller Edith , Alzate Juan P. , Sánchez Ángel Y. , Gomez Martín A. , Romero Ximena C. , Castañeda Zoila E. , Sanchez‐Rebordelo Estrella , Diéguez Carlos , Nogueiras Rubén , Caminos Jorge E.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Pregnancy is characterized by several metabolic changes that promote fat gain and later onset of insulin resistance. As Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) decreases hyperglycaemia and hyperphagia, we aimed to investigate the potential role of placental and circulating BDNF levels in these pregnancy‐related metabolic changes in rats and humans.

Design and methods

We identified the mRNA and protein expression of placental BDNF and its receptor TrkB using real‐time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical approaches in both rat and humans. Serum BDNF was measured by ELISA. We also did a longitudinal prospective cohort study in 42 pregnant women to assess BDNF levels and correlations with other metabolic parameters.

Results

We found that BDNF and TrkB are expressed in both rat and human placenta. In rat, both placental mRNA and serum levels are increased throughout pregnancy, whereas their protein levels are significantly decreased at the end of gestation. Serum BDNF levels in pregnant women are significantly lower in the first trimester when compared to the second and third trimester (P < 0·0148, P < 0·0012, respectively). Serum BDNF levels were negatively correlated with gestational age at birth and fasting glucose levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that both BDNF and its receptor TrkB are expressed in rodent and human placenta being regulated during pregnancy. Taken together, these findings support a role of BDNF in the regulation of several metabolic functions during pregnancy.
Serum selenium status in Graves’ disease with and without orbitopathy: a case–control study
Authors: Khong Jwu Jin , Goldstein Rebecca F. , Sanders Kerrie M. , Schneider Hans , Pope Jeffrey , Burdon Kathryn P. , Craig Jamie E. , Ebeling Peter R.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Selenium is effective in improving quality of life and reducing the progression of active Graves’ orbitopathy. The effect of correcting relative selenium deficiency on improving Graves’ orbitopathy is unknown, as baseline selenium levels have not previously been measured. The study aims to determine whether serum selenium levels are reduced in patients with Graves’ disease with orbitopathy (GO) compared with without orbitopathy (GD).

Design

A prospective, case–control study performed between 2009 and 2012 at endocrine and ophthalmology clinics in Australia.

Patients

A total of 198 patients with Graves’ disease participated in the study: 101 with Graves’ orbitopathy and 97 without Graves’ orbitopathy.

Measurements

Serum selenium levels in both groups.

Results

Mean serum selenium levels were significantly lower in GO (1·10 ± 0·18 μm) than in GD (1·19 ± 0·20 μm) (P = 0·001). Mean selenium levels appeared to decrease in parallel with increasing severity of GO; selenium level was 1·19 ± 0·20 μm in GD, 1·10 ± 0·19 μm in moderate‐to‐severe GO and 1·09 ± 0·17 μm in sight‐threatening GO (P = 0·003). Serum selenium levels remained significantly lower in GO after adjusting for age, smoking status, thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine treatment and residential location.

Conclusion

Serum selenium levels are lower in patients with GO compared with GD in an Australian study population with marginal selenium status. Relative selenium deficiency may be an independent risk factor for orbitopathy in patients with Graves’ disease.
Cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors in children with GH deficiency: a prospective, case–control study
Authors: Capalbo Donatella , Mattace Raso Giuseppina , Esposito Andrea , Di Mase Raffaella , Barbieri Flavia , Meli Rosaria , Bruzzese Dario , Salerno Mariacarolina
Published: December 2013

Objective

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Although some authors have documented the presence of early CV risk factors in untreated GHD children, results are still inconsistent. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GHD and GH therapy on early cardiometabolic risk factors in a large cohort of children.

Subjects and Methods

Waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR), triglycerides, total‐, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, atherogenic index (AI = total /HDL cholesterol), homocysteine, leptin, adiponectin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen were evaluated in seventy‐one GHD children (9·8 ± 3·6 years) before and after 2 years of GH therapy. Seventy‐one healthy controls comparable with patients for age, sex and body mass index (BMI) were enrolled.

Results

Compared with controls, GHD children at study entry had higher WHtR (0·52 ± 0·05 vs 0·45 ± 0·19, P = 0·004), triglycerides (0·44 ± 0·98 vs −0·03 ± 0·73 SDS, P = 0·012), total cholesterol (0·28 ± 1·08 vs −0·46 ± 0·98 SDS, P < 0·001), LDL cholesterol (0·20 ± 0·90 vs −0·39 ± 1·06 SDS, P = 0·007), AI (3·19 ± 0·73 vs 2·77 ± 0·53, P = 0·001), homocysteine (8·45 ± 1·8 vs 7·72 ± 1·6 μm, P = 0·003), leptin (8·03 ± 4·2 vs 5·09 ± 1·9 ng/ml, P = 0·001) and fibrinogen (292·6 ± 33 vs 268 ± 31·4 mg/dl, P = 0·011). No differences were found in adiponectin or hsCRP. GH therapy was associated with a significant reduction in WHtR (P < 0·001), total cholesterol (P < 0·001), LDL cholesterol (P = 0·002), homocysteine (P = 0·044) leptin (P = 0·022) and fibrinogen (P = 0·001). Moreover, GH therapy was associated with a significant increase in adiponectin levels (P = 0·001).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that children with untreated GHD exhibit a cluster of early cardiovascular risk factors and that GH treatment exerts beneficial effects on these abnormalities.
SPG35 contributes to the second common subtype of AR‐HSP in China: frequency analysis and functional characterization of FA2H gene mutations
Authors: Liao X. , Luo Y. , Zhan Z. , Du J. , Hu Z. , Wang J. , Guo J. , Hu Z. , Yan X. , Pan Q. , Xia K. , Tang B. , Shen L.
Published: December 2013

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) encompass a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, mutations in fatty acid 2‐hydroxylase gene (FA2H) have been identified responsible for HSPs type 35 (SPG35). This study aims to define the contribution of FA2H to Chinese autosomal recessive HSP (AR‐HSP) patients and provide insights into the enzymatic functions of the novel mutations. Direct sequencing of FA2H was conducted in 31 AR‐HSP families and 55 sporadic cases without SPG11, SPG15, SPG5 and SPG7 gene mutations. Enzymatic activity of the mutated proteins was further examined. Three novel mutations were found in two Chinese families, including two compound heterozygous mutations (c.388C>T/p.L130F and c.506+6C>G) and one homozygous mutation (c.230T>G/p.L77R). The c.506+6C>G splice‐site mutation led to the deletion of exon 3. Measurement of enzymatic functions revealed a significant reduction in the enzymatic activity of FA2H associated with p.L130F and p.L77R. Overall, our data widens the spectrum of the mutations on FA2H, and functional analyses indicate that these mutations severely impair the enzymatic activity of FA2H. Furthermore, frequency analysis shows that SPG35 is the second most common subtype of AR‐HSP in China.
Osteotome sinus floor elevation with and without grafting: an animal study in Labrador dogs
Authors: Si Mi‐Si , Mo Jia‐Ji , Zhuang Long‐Fei , Gu Ying‐Xin , Qiao Shi‐Chong , Lai Hong‐Chang
Published: December 2013

Aim

To evaluate implant stability and histological outcomes after osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) procedure, and to compare new bone formation and implant osseointegration with and without grafting.

Material and methods

OSFE with simultaneous implant placement was conducted bilaterally on 6 Labrador dogs. Twenty‐four implants were placed. The right side sinus (Group 1) was grafted with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), whereas the left side (Group 2) was left without any grafting materials. The animals were euthanized 8 and 24 weeks after surgery for histological and histomorphometric assessment. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%), alveolar bone height (ABH), bone density (BD) and grafting material density (GMD) were measured. The implant stability (ISQ) was assessed using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at implant placement and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 weeks after surgery.

Results

Endo‐sinus new bone with direct contact to implant surface were observed in two groups at both time points. ABH showed no difference between groups at both time points. BIC% and BD in Group 2 (40.05%, 35.90%) was higher than those in Group 1 (23.30%,25.59%) at 24 weeks. Significant shrinkage of grafting material was seen in Group 1. The GMD in Group 1 at 8 weeks was 24.35%, while it dropped to 19.90% at 24 weeks. The changing pattern of ISQ for both groups were similar.

Conclusions

Spontaneous new bone formation and better bone‐to‐implant contact were found for OSFE without grafting. The grafting material application during OSFE procedure showed no advantages in histological results.
The Ethics of Reviving Long Extinct Species
Authors: SANDLER RONALD
Published: December 2013

There now appears to be a plausible pathway for reviving species that have been extinct for several decades, centuries, or even millennia. I conducted an ethical analysis of de‐extinction of long extinct species. I assessed several possible ethical considerations in favor of pursuing de‐extinction: that it is a matter of justice; that it would reestablish lost value; that it would create new value; and that society needs it as a conservation last resort. I also assessed several possible ethical arguments against pursuing de‐extinction: that it is unnatural; that it could cause animal suffering; that it could be ecologically problematic or detrimental to human health; and that it is hubristic. There are reasons in favor of reviving long extinct species, and it can be ethically acceptable to do so. However, the reasons in favor of pursuing de‐extinction do not have to do with its usefulness in species conservation; rather, they concern the status of revived species as scientific and technological achievements, and it would be ethically problematic to promote de‐extinction as a significant conservation strategy, because it does not prevent species extinctions, does not address the causes of extinction, and could be detrimental to some species conservation efforts. Moreover, humanity does not have a responsibility or obligation to pursue de‐extinction of long extinct species, and reviving them does not address any urgent problem. Therefore, legitimate ecological, political, animal welfare, legal, or human health concerns associated with a de‐extinction (and reintroduction) must be thoroughly addressed for it to be ethically acceptable.

La Ética de Revivir Especies Extintas Hace Mucho Tiempo Sandler
Predicting and Mapping Potential Whooping Crane Stopover Habitat to Guide Site Selection for Wind Energy Projects
Authors: BELAIRE J. AMY , KREAKIE BETTY J. , KEITT TIMOTHY , MINOR EMILY
Published: December 2013

Migratory stopover habitats are often not part of planning for conservation or new development projects. We identified potential stopover habitats within an avian migratory flyway and demonstrated how this information can guide the site‐selection process for new development. We used the random forests modeling approach to map the distribution of predicted stopover habitat for the Whooping Crane (Grus americana), an endangered species whose migratory flyway overlaps with an area where wind energy development is expected to become increasingly important. We then used this information to identify areas for potential wind power development in a U.S. state within the flyway (Nebraska) that minimize conflicts between Whooping Crane stopover habitat and the development of clean, renewable energy sources. Up to 54% of our study area was predicted to be unsuitable as Whooping Crane stopover habitat and could be considered relatively low risk for conflicts between Whooping Cranes and wind energy development. We suggest that this type of analysis be incorporated into the habitat conservation planning process in areas where incidental take permits are being considered for Whooping Cranes or other species of concern. Field surveys should always be conducted prior to construction to verify model predictions and understand baseline conditions.

Predicción y Mapeo del Hábitat Potencial de Descanso de la Grulla Americana para Guiar la Selección de Sitios para Proyectos de Energía Eólica.
Potential for Electropositive Metal to Reduce the Interactions of Atlantic Sturgeon with Fishing Gear
Authors: BOUYOUCOS IAN , BUSHNELL PETER , BRILL RICHARD
Published: December 2013

Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus) populations have been declared either endangered or threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Effective measures to repel sturgeon from fishing gear would be beneficial to both fish and fishers because they could reduce both fishery‐associated mortality and the need for seasonal and area closures of specific fisheries. Some chondrostean fishes (e.g., sturgeons and paddlefishes) can detect weak electric field gradients (possibly as low as 5 Μv/cm) due to arrays of electroreceptors (ampullae of Lorenzini) on their snout and gill covers. Weak electric fields, such as those produced by electropositive metals (typically mixtures of the lanthanide elements), could therefore potentially be used as a deterrent. To test this idea, we recorded the behavioral responses of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon (31–43 cm fork length) to electropositive metal (primarily a mixture of the lanthanide elements neodymium and praseodymium) both in the presence and absence of food stimuli. Trials were conducted in an approximately 2.5 m diameter × 0.3 m deep tank, and fish behaviors were recorded with an overhead digital video camera. Video records were subsequently digitized (x, y coordinate system), the distance between the fish and the electropositive metal calculated, and data summarized by compiling frequency distributions with 5‐cm bins. Juvenile sturgeon showed clear avoidance of electropositive metal but only when food was present. On the basis of our results, we conclude that the electropositive metals, or other sources of weak electric fields, may eventually be used to reduce the interactions of Atlantic sturgeon with fishing gear, but further investigation is needed.

El Potencial del Metal Electropositivo para Reducir las Interacciones del Esturión Atlántico con Instrumentos de Pesca Bouyoucos, Bushnell & Brill 13–003
Desires and Management Preferences of Stakeholders Regarding Feral Cats in the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: LOHR CHERYL A. , LEPCZYK CHRISTOPHER A.
Published: December 2013

Feral cats are abundant in many parts of the world and a source of conservation conflict. Our goal was to clarify the beliefs and desires held by stakeholders regarding feral cat abundance and management. We measured people's desired abundance of feral cats in the Hawaiian Islands and identified an order of preference for 7 feral cat management techniques. In 2011 we disseminated a survey to 5407 Hawaii residents. Approximately 46% of preidentified stakeholders and 20% of random residents responded to the survey (1510 surveys returned). Results from the potential for conflict index revealed a high level of consensus (86.9% of respondents) that feral cat abundance should be decreased. The 3 most common explanatory variables for respondents’ stated desires were enjoyment from seeing feral cats (84%), intrinsic value of feral cats (12%), and threat to native fauna (73%). The frequency with which respondents saw cats and change in the perceived abundance of cats also affected respondent's desired abundance of cats; 41.3% of respondents stated that they saw feral cats daily and 44.7% stated that the cat population had increased in recent years. Other potential environmental impacts of feral cats had little affect on desired abundance. The majority of respondents (78%) supported removing feral cats from the natural environment permanently. Consensus convergence models with data from 1388 respondents who completed the relevant questions showed live capture and lethal injection was the most preferred technique and trap‐neuter‐release was the least preferred technique for managing feral cats. However, the acceptability of each technique varied among stakeholders. Our results suggest that the majority of Hawaii's residents would like to see effective management that reduces the abundance of feral or free‐roaming cats.

Deseos y Preferencias de Manejo de las Partes Interesadas con Respecto a los Gatos Ferales en las Islas Hawaianas.
Laparoscopic colectomy is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications than open colectomy: a propensity score‐matched cohort analysis
Authors: Wilson M. Z. , Hollenbeak C. S. , Stewart D. B.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Elective laparoscopic colectomy (LC) has been shown to provide short‐term results comparable with open colectomy (OC), but there is potential selection bias whereby LC patients may be healthier and therefore more likely to have a superior outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of postoperative complications between matched laparoscopic and open colectomy cohorts, while controlling for differences in comorbidity.

Method

A retrospective cohort study (2005–2010) using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data was performed, identifying laparoscopic and open partial colectomy patients through common procedural terminology codes. Patient having rectal resection were excluded. The cohorts were matched 1:1 on a propensity score to control for observable selection bias due to patient characteristics, comparing overall complication rates, length of hospital stay (LOS), the incidence of superficial (S‐SSI) surgical site infection, urinary tract infection (UTI) and deep‐venous thrombosis (DVT).

Results

We analysed 37 249 patients. After propensity score matching the LC group had a significantly lower overall incidence of postoperative complications (29.1 vs 21.2%; P < 0.0001), S‐SSI (9.0 vs 5.9%; P = 0.003) and DVT (1.2 vs 0.3%; P = 0.001). The LC group had a shorter LOS (8.7 vs 6.4 days; P < 0.0001), while mortality was comparable between the two groups (4.0 vs 4.1%; P = 0.578).

Conclusion

LC is associated with a lower incidence of S‐SSI and DVT than OC. Previously suggested advantages for laparoscopy, such as shorter length of stay and overall rate of complications, were observed even after controlling for differences in comorbidity.
Patient and clinician preferences for surgical and medical treatment options in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Byrne C. M. , Tan K.‐K. , Young J. M. , Selby W. , Solomon M. J.
Published: December 2013

Aim

When treating patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), the choice between escalating medical management or surgery can be difficult. The aim of this study was to quantify the preferences of patients and clinicians for the treatment options in UC.

Method

Ulcerative colitis outpatients were interviewed to measure their preferences for five scenarios examining the management of acute and chronic UC, using a prospective measure of preference method that generates two utility scores: willingness and amount of expected life to trade or gamble. A self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to Australian and New Zealand colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists.

Results

Fifty‐five patients (26 medical and 29 surgical), 91 surgeons and 78 gastroenterologists were surveyed. In the acute setting, 89% of patients, 69% of gastroenterologists and 55% of surgeons were willing to trade part of their life expectancy to avoid a permanent stoma, while for chronic disease 71% of patients were prepared to trade to avoid an operation with a permanent stoma compared with 55% for an operation with a pouch (P = 0.01). Both patients and gastroenterologists were more prepared to gamble or trade to avoid any surgery than were colorectal surgeons. All groups were aligned in their decision to undergo yearly colonoscopy surveillance rather than to undergo definitive surgery that would result in a stoma.

Conclusion

Patient preferences for the treatment of UC were more aligned to those of gastroenterologists than those of colorectal surgeons. Despite postoperative studies revealing an equal quality of life for pouch and stoma patients, this study confirmed that a pouch is the preferred surgical option.
Developmental trajectories of social participation in individuals with cerebral palsy: a multicentre longitudinal study
Authors: Tan Siok Swan , Wiegerink Diana J H G , Vos Rimke C , Smits Dirk Wouter , Voorman Jeanine M , Twisk Jos W R , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Roebroeck Marij E ,   the PERRIN+ study group
Published: December 2013

Aim

This study aimed to determine the developmental trajectories of social participation, by level of gross motor function and intellectual disability, in a Dutch population of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 1 to 24 years.

Method

As part of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Research in the Netherlands (PERRIN+), 424 individuals with CP (261 males, 163 females; mean age [SD] 9y 6mo [6y 2mo]; Gross Motor Function Classification [GMFCS] levels I–V [50% level I]; 87% with spastic CP; 26% with intellectual disability) were longitudinally followed for up to 4 years between 2002 and 2007. Social participation was assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales survey. Effects of age, GMFCS level and intellectual disability were analysed using multilevel modelling.

Results

The developmental trajectories for individuals in GMFCS levels I to IV did not significantly differ from each other. For individuals without intellectual disability, the degree of social participation increased with age and stabilized at about 18 years. These individuals reached social participation levels similar to typically developing individuals. The trajectories were significantly less favourable for individuals in GMFCS level V and individuals with intellectual disability.

Interpretation

Intellectual disability is more distinctive for the development of social participation than GMFCS level. The developmental trajectories will support individuals with CP and their families in setting realistic goals and professionals in optimizing the choice of interventions at an early age.
Brief group psychoeducation for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A neurologist‐initiated program in an epilepsy center
Authors: Chen David K. , Maheshwari Atul , Franks Romay , Trolley Gregory C. , Robinson Jordan S. , Hrachovy Richard A.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate therapeutic efficacy upon augmenting the initial communication to patients regarding the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with a novel, brief group psychoeducation administered by the same team that provided the video–electroencephalography (VEEG) confirmed diagnosis and within 4 weeks of the diagnosis.

Methods

Prior to discharge from the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU), a standardized communication strategy was utilized to explain the diagnosis ofPNESto all patients prior to enrollment. Enrolled patients were then randomized to either participation in three successive and monthly group psychoeducational sessions (intervention group), or routine seizure clinic follow‐up visits (control group). Both groups completed questionnaires at time of enrollment, and then at approximately 3 months (follow‐up 1) and 6 months (follow‐up 2) after discharge, assessing for: (1) primary outcomes that include a measure of psychosocial functioning, as well as interval difference in seizure frequency/intensity; and (2) secondary outcomes that include interval seizure‐related emergency room visits or hospitalizations, development of new and medically unexplained symptoms, and results of an internal measure of knowledge and perception outcomes.

Results

The majority (73%) of patients from the intervention group commenced on therapy sessions within 4 weeks after learning of the diagnosis. Although we did not observe significant group difference in seizure frequency/intensity, patients from the intervention group showed significant improvement on theWork andSocialAdjustmentScale (WSAS) scores at both follow‐up 1 (p = 0.013) and follow‐up 2 (p = 0.038) after discharge from theEMU. In addition, we observed a trend toward lesser likelihood for seizure‐related emergency room visits or hospitalizations for the intervention group (p = 0.184), as well as meaningful insights from an internal measure of intervention outcomes.

Significance

These findings suggest that our cost/resource effective, brief group psychoeducational program, when administered early and by the same team who confirmed and communicated the diagnosis ofPNES, may contribute to significant functional improvement among participating patients.
Characterization of seizure‐induced syncopes:EEG,ECG, and clinical features
Authors: Nguyen‐Michel Vi‐Huong , Adam Claude , Dinkelacker Vera , Pichit Phintip , Boudali Yasmina , Dupont Sophie , Baulac Michel , Navarro Vincent
Published: December 2013

Objective

Ictal bradycardia and ictal asystole (IA) are rare but severe complications of epileptic seizures. They are difficult to recognize within a seizure and their consequences remain unclear. Herein we aimed to extend the description of electrical and clinical features of seizures withIAand/or syncope.

Methods

Among 828 patients with epilepsy who were admitted for presurgical video–electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring evaluation between 2003 and 2012, we selected those presentingIAand/or syncope. We studied the electroclinical sequence of these manifestations and their correlation with electrocardiogram (ECG), and we compared seizures with or withoutIAamong the same patients.

Results

Nine (1.08%) of 828 patients (four men, mean age 43 ± 6 years) showedIA. Six patients had temporal lobe epilepsy and the others had frontal, temporooccipital, or occipital epilepsy, demonstrated by intracranialEEGin two. In these patients, 59 of 103 recorded seizures induced a reduction of heart rate (HR), leading toIAin 26.IAs were mostly (80%) symptomatic, whereas ictalHRdecreases alone were not. In seizures withIA, we identified usual ictal symptoms, and then symptoms related primarily to cerebral hypoperfusion (pallor, atonia, early myoclonic jerks, loss of consciousness, hypertonia, and fall) and secondarily to cerebral reperfusion (skin flushing, late myoclonic jerks). At 32 ± 18 s after the onset of the seizure, theHRdecreased progressively during 11 ± 6 s, reaching a sinusal pause for 13 ± 7 s. The duration of theIAwas strongly correlated with electroclinical consequences.IAwas longer in patients with atonia (14.8 ± 7 vs. 5.7 ± 3 s), late myoclonic jerks (15.8 ± 7 vs. 8 ± 6 s), hypertonia (19 ± 4.5 vs. 8.3 ± 5 s), andEEGhypoperfusion changes (16 ± 5.6 vs. 6.9 ± 5.5 s).IAmay induce a fall during atonia or hypertonia. Surface and intracerebralEEGrecordings showed that ictalHRdecrease andIAoften occurred when seizure activity became bilateral. Finally, we identified one patient with ictal syncopes but withoutIA, presumably related to vasoplegia.

Significance

We provide a more complete description of the electroclinical features of seizures withIA, of the mechanism of falls, and distinguish between hypoperfusion and reperfusion symptoms of syncope. Identification of the mechanisms of syncope may improve management of patients with epilepsy. A pacemaker can be proposed, when parasympathetic activation provokes a negative chronotropic effect that leads to asystole. It is less likely to be useful when vasoplegic effects predominate.
A longitudinal study on nodding syndrome—a new African epilepsy disorder
Authors: Winkler Andrea S. , Wallner Bernd , Friedrich Katrin , Pfausler Bettina , Unterberger Iris , Matuja William , Jilek‐Aall Luise , Schmutzhard Erich
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Nodding syndrome (NS), a new epilepsy disorder of sub‐Saharan Africa, has only recently been classified. In a study conducted in southern Tanzania in 2005, 62 patients with NS were analyzed in great detail. The present study, a follow‐up investigation, was conducted to evaluate the progression of NS over time and to obtain serial electroencephalography (EEG) data.

Methods

Of the 62 NS patients, 53 (85.5%), the majority of whom were currently on some form of antiepileptic treatment, could be reevaluated in 2009 with a standardized questionnaire. A subset of these patients (25/53) underwent EEG investigation.

Results

In patients with “head nodding (HN) only” in 2005, 10 (43.5%) of 23 remained with the same diagnosis, whereas 5 (21.7%) of 23 had developed “HN plus” (i.e., HN and generalized tonic–clonic seizures). Six patients (26.1%) had seizures other than HN only, and two patients (8.7%) had fully recovered. In the “HN plus” group of 2005, 9 (30.0%) of 30 patients remained “HN plus,” and 15 patients (50.0%) had seizures other than HN only. Four patients (13.3%) reverted to “HN only,” and two patients (6.7%) stopped all seizures. In 11 (44.0%) of 25 patients, electroencephalography (EEG) showed generalized slowing. Six (54.6%) of these 11 abnormal EEG studies further showed generalized epileptiform discharges: (1) ictal electroencephalographic pattern with generalized 2.5 Hz spike and waves in two patients and (2) interictal bursts of 1.5–2 Hz spike and waves in four patients.

Significance

This follow‐up study confirms that HN represents an epilepsy disorder, possibly of the atypical absence type with dynamic development over time.
Allergic contact dermatitis beyond IL‐1β role of additional family members
Authors: Worm Margitta
Published: December 2013

Contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent pathological manifestations of the skin and plays a central role in clinical dermatology. The IL‐1 family consists a large group of cytokines, which currently contains 11 members with different pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory properties. Among the more pro‐inflammatory‐acting cytokines from the IL‐1 family, IL‐1β, IL‐18, IL‐33 and IL‐36 have been shown to be upregulated in different inflammatory mouse experimental models or skin diseases. The article by Mattii et al. represents a thorough analysis of the expression of IL‐1 family members including IL‐33 in skin samples from patients with allergic contact dermatitis. Although a lot of research is performed in this area, data from human samples are rather scarce. Therefore, Mattii et al. support the development of novel therapeutic concepts, which might include the use of antagonistic molecules targeting the IL‐1 family network.
Is Mcl‐1L the new anti‐apoptotic effector of B‐RAFV600E in melanoma?
Authors: Bergamaschi Daniele
Published: December 2013

A recent report has unveiled a novel mechanism by which oncogenic BRAF signalling might trigger apoptotic resistance in melanoma by selectively affecting the expression of Bcl‐2 family member Mcl‐1L (Exp Dermatol 2013: 22: 767). Correlation of Mcl‐1 splice variants and B‐RAF mutational status was determined in a panel of melanoma cell lines. In vivo validation of this mechanism, which is supported by recent literature, might provide novel therapeutic approaches such as the use of targeted Mcl‐1 inhibitors to improve outcome in melanoma.
Experimental evaluation of crack shielding during fatigue crack growth using digital image correlation
Authors: Vasco‐Olmo J. M. , Díaz F. A. , García‐Collado A. , Dorado‐Vicente R.
Published: December 2013

In the current paper, a methodology for the evaluation of fatigue crack shielding using 2D digital image correlation (DIC) is proposed. The crack tip shielding has been evaluated from the analysis of the displacements field observed at the vicinity of a growing fatigue crack. The proposed methodology is based on the evaluation of the stress intensity factors calculated from displacement fields measured around the crack tip using DIC. A comparative study employing four different mathematical models describing the crack tip displacements field (namely Westergaard, Williams and Muskhelishvili equations and Christopher, James and Patterson model) has been performed. For this purpose, a set of fatigue tests on aluminium 2024‐T3 compact tension specimens have been conducted at different R‐ratios. Results obtained from DIC technique have been compared with those obtained using compliance‐based methods. Results show a very good level of agreement illustrating the potential of the DIC technique for the analysis of crack shielding during fatigue crack growth.
Short and long crack data for fatigue of 2024‐T3 Al sheets: binariness of scale segmentation in space and time
Authors: Sih G. C.
Published: December 2013

Pedagogically speaking, crack initiation–growth–termination (IGT) belongs to the process of fracture, the modelling of which entails multiscaling in space and time. This applies to loadings that are increased monotonically or repeated cyclically. Short and long crack data are required to describe IGT for scale ranges from nano to macro, segmented by the SI system of measurement. Unless the data at the nano scale can be connected with the macro, IGT remains disintegrated. The diversity of non‐homogeneity of the physical properties at the different scale ranges results in non‐equilibrium. These effects dubbed as non‐equilibrium and non‐homogeneous are hidden in the test specimens and must be realized. They can be locked into the reference state of measurement at the mi‐ma scale range by application of the transitional functions and transferred to the nano‐micro and macro‐large scale ranges.

The aim of this work is to convert the ordinary crack length data to those referred to as short cracks that are not directly measurable. All test data are material, loading and geometry (MLG) specific. The results obtained for the 2024‐T3 aluminium sheets hold only for the MLG tested. The differences are more pronounced for the short cracks. These effects can be revealed by comparing the incremental crack driving force (CDF) for the ma‐mi range the ma‐large range and the na‐mi range The CDF is equivalent to the incremental volume energy density factor (VEDF). The incremental mi‐ma CDF is found to be 10–105 kg mm−1 for cracks 3–55 mm long travelling at an average velocity of 10−5 mm s−1. The crack velocity rises to 10−3 mm s−1 when the incremental CDF is increased to 105–106 kg mm−1, while the crack lengths are 49–260 mm. The crack velocity for the na‐mi range of 0.040–0.043 mm slowed down to 10−8 mm s−1, and the incremental CDF reduces further to 10−8–10−2 kg mm−1. Note that changed several orders of magnitude while the crack advanced from 0.040 to 0.044 mm. Such behaviour is indicative of the highly unstable nature of nanocracks.

All results are based on using the transitionalized crack length (TCL). The TCL fatigue crack growth increment Δa is postulated to depend on the incremental CDF ΔS or ΔVEDF. The form invariance of , and is invoked by scale segmentation to reveal the multiscale nature of IGT that is inherent to fatigue crack growth. While the choice of directionality from micro to macro is not the same as that from macro to micro, this difference will not be addressed in this work.
Climate change and fishing: a century of shifting distribution in North Sea cod
Authors: Engelhard Georg H. , Righton David A. , Pinnegar John K.
Published: December 2013

Globally, spatial distributions of fish stocks are shifting but although the role of climate change in range shifts is increasingly appreciated, little remains known of the likely additional impact that high levels of fishing pressure might have on distribution. For North Sea cod, we show for the first time and in great spatial detail how the stock has shifted its distribution over the past 100 years. We digitized extensive historical fisheries data from paper charts in UK government archives and combined these with contemporary data to a time‐series spanning 1913–2012 (excluding both World Wars). New analysis of old data revealed that the current distribution pattern of cod – mostly in the deeper, northern‐ and north‐easternmost parts of the North Sea – is almost opposite to that during most of the Twentieth Century – mainly concentrated in the west, off England and Scotland. Statistical analysis revealed that the deepening, northward shift is likely attributable to warming; however, the eastward shift is best explained by fishing pressure, suggestive of significant depletion of the stock from its previous stronghold, off the coasts of England and Scotland. These spatial patterns were confirmed for the most recent 3½ decades by data from fisheries‐independent surveys, which go back to the 1970s. Our results demonstrate the fundamental importance of both climate change and fishing pressure for our understanding of changing distributions of commercially exploited fish.