bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term survival after surgical resection for huge hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison with transarterial chemoembolization after propensity score matching
Authors: Min Yang Won , Lee Jun Hee , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Paik Yong Han , Lee Joon Hyoek , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Koh Kwang Cheol , Paik Seung Woon , Yoo Byung Chul , Choi Moon Seok
Published: December 2013

Background and Aims

Surgical resection (SR) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have been commonly applied for patients with huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, optimal treatment has not been established.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2009, 267 patients with huge HCC (≥ 10 cm) underwent TACE and 84 underwent SR as the first treatment. Propensity score matching generated a matched cohort composed of 152 patients. We investigated overall survival and possible prognostic factors.

Results

At baseline, the surgery group showed a tendency to have solitary tumor (72.6% vs 39.3%, P < 0.001), less vessel invasion (29.8% vs 51.3%, P < 0.001), and unilobar tumor extent (77.4% vs 50.9%, P < 0.001) than TACE group. During median follow up of 10 months (range: 0–103), the surgery group showed higher 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates than TACE group (73.8%, 54.8%, and 39.8% vs 37.8%, 16.3%, and 9.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). In the propensity score‐matched cohort, baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Surgery group showed higher 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year overall survival rates than TACE group (69.7%, 58.6%, and 51.7% vs 40.2%, 33.9%, and 18.5%, respectively, P < 0.001) during median follow up of 14.5 months (range: 0–103). Multivariate analysis revealed that male (HR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.01–3.58; P = 0.048), albumin (HR 0.54; 95% CI, 0.34–0.85; P = 0.008), ascites (HR 1.77; 95% CI, 1.02–3.08; P = 0.044), and SR (HR 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28–0.70; P = 0.001) were the independent prognostic factors associated with survival.

Conclusion

Comparing survival after SR and TACE, we showed that SR would be associated with better outcomes than TACE as the first treatment of huge HCC.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significances of EGFR, KRAS and BRAF mutations in biliary tract carcinomas in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yu‐Ting , Chang Ming‐Chu , Huang Kai‐Wen , Tung Chien‐Chih , Hsu Chiun , Wong Jau‐Min
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

Biliary tract carcinomas (BTCs) are difficult to diagnose and treat. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) represents a therapeutic target for the BTCs. Mutations of the EGFR gene and the activation of its downstream pathways, including KRAS and BRAF, predict the sensitivity to anti‐EGFR treatment. The aims of this study were to analyze the EGFR, KRAS and BRAF mutations in BTCs and their association with clinical outcomes.

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded specimens containing 137 BTCs resected at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 1995 and 2004 were analyzed. The exons 18–21 of EGFR gene, the codon 12, 13 and 61 of KRAS gene, and BRAF V600E mutation were analyzed. We examined the correlation between these mutations and the overall survival, tumor location, stage, and differentiation in BTCs.

Results

Thirteen (9.5%) BTC patients had EGFR mutations while 23 (16.8%) patients had KRAS mutations. Only one patient had BRAF mutation. Factors influencing survival on univariate analysis were tumor stage, tumor differentiation, and EGFR mutation. On multivariate analysis, EGFR mutation and tumor stage were independent prognostic factors. A correlation between KRAS or BRAF mutations and prognosis was not observed.

Conclusions

EGFR and KRAS mutations are not uncommon in BTCs. BRAF mutation is rare in BTCs. EGFR mutation was an independent prognostic marker in BTCs in addition to tumor stage and differentiation. No simultaneous EGFR and KRAS mutations in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma were found. EGFR and KRAS mutations should be evaluated when tailoring molecular‐targeted therapy to patients with BTCs.
Transarterial chemoembolization versus surgery/radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with or without microvascular invasion
Authors: Jin Young‐Joo , Lee Jin‐Woo , Lee Oh Hyun , Chung Hyun Jung , Kim Young Soo , Lee Jung Il , Cho Soon Gu , Jeon Yong Sun , Lee Kun Young , Ahn Seung‐Ik , Shin Woo Young
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a well‐known prognostic factor of postoperative recurrence and of overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We compared the treatment outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and surgery/radiofrequency ablation (RFA) according to the presence of MVI in patients with early or late recurrent HCC that presented as Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 or A after curative resection for HCC.

Methods

A consecutive 68 patients with recurrent HCC of BCLC stage 0 or A at our institution between 1998 and 2012 were retrospectively enrolled. We compared the outcomes of patients treated by TACE or surgery/RFA. Tumor recurrence after curative resection was classified as early (≤ 12 months) or late (> 12 months) recurrence.

Results

Median tumor size was 1.5 cm (range, 1–10 cm), and 67 (98.5%) had HCCs within the Milan criteria. Median post‐retreatment follow‐up duration was 27 months (range, 1–109 months). Of the 68 patients, 19 (27.9%) underwent surgery/RFA, 47 (69.1%) TACE, and 2 (2.9%) were lost to follow‐up. After retreatment, TACE showed significantly higher OS and recurrence‐free survival rates than surgery/RFA in MVI‐positive patients (P = 0.03 and P = 0.05, respectively), but not in MVI‐negative patients (P = 0.95 and P = 0.98, respectively). In particular, in early recurred MVI‐positive patients, TACE had a significantly higher OS rate than surgery/RFA (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

TACE may be the more effective treatment option for recurrent HCC of BCLC stage 0 or A than surgery/RFA in MVI‐positive patients, especially in those that recur early after curative resection.
Gastric xanthelasma may be a warning sign for the presence of early gastric cancer
Authors: Sekikawa Akira , Fukui Hirokazu , Maruo Takanori , Tsumura Takehiko , Kanesaka Takashi , Okabe Yoshihiro , Osaki Yukio
Published: December 2013

Background and Aim

The significance of gastric xanthelasma in relation to gastric disease still remains unclear. We investigated the prevalence and significance of gastric xanthelasma in patients with atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 3238 patients who underwent endoscopic examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract were enrolled. We retrospectively investigated the presence of gastric xanthelasma, the severity of gastric atrophy, and the presence of gastric cancer, and examined the relationship between gastric xanthelasma and various clinicopathological features.

Results

Gastric xanthelasma was detected in 249 (7.7%) of the 3238 patients and was significantly associated with age ≥ 65 years, male gender, open‐type atrophy, and the presence of gastric cancer (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of gastric cancer was independently related to the presence of gastric xanthelasma (odds ratio 6.19 [3.95–9.70], P < 0.0001). Age/sex/atrophy‐matched control analysis demonstrated that the presence of gastric xanthelasma was significantly associated with the presence of gastric cancer (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the presence of xanthelasma in the upper region of the stomach was significantly associated with gastric cancer (P = 0.002). Gastric xanthelasma was observed in 50 (47.6%) of 105 patients with gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Gastric xanthelasma may serve as a warning sign for the presence of gastric cancer.
Information and communication technology for home care in the future
Authors: Kamei Tomoko
Published: December 2013

Aim

This paper discusses how nurses can utilize information and communication technology (ICT) to provide care to patients with chronic diseases who are receiving home care, with particular focus on the development, basic principles, research trends, recent evidence, and future direction of telenursing and telehealth in Japan and overseas.

Methods

This review was based on a published work database search.

Results

Telenursing and telehealth use telecommunications technology to provide nursing care to patients living at a distance from healthcare facilities. This system is based on patient–nurse interaction and can provide timely health guidance to patients in any area of residence. Because of the increase in the rate of non‐communicable diseases, the World Health Organization established and adopted a resolution (WHA58.28) to promote the e‐health program, which uses ICT. This strategy, which was introduced throughout the world from the 1990s up to 2000, was used for the healthcare of patients with chronic diseases and pregnant women and was implemented through cooperation with various professionals. A telenursing practice model has been reported along with the principles involved in its implementation.

Conclusion

Telenursing and telehealth are effective in decreasing the costs borne by patients, decreasing the number of outpatient and emergency room visits, shortening hospital stays, improving health‐related quality of life, and decreasing the cost of health care.
Development of disaster nursing in Japan, and trends of disaster nursing in the world
Authors: Yamamoto Aiko
Published: December 2013

Aim

The aims of this paper are to describe what Japanese nurses have learned and contributed to disaster nursing development, and to review trends of disaster nursing in the world.

Methods

The content of the paper is based on literature reviews. The description of the paper is also based on experiences by author.

Results

Through experiences among Japanese nurses related to Hanshin‐Awaji Earthquake in Japan, development of nursing support network, academic societies of disaster nursing, nursing care provision system were accomplished. Disaster nursing education at undergraduate and graduate programs and continuing training have been started. Descriptive research and evaluation research have been conducted in the world.

Conclusion

Disaster nursing is one domain of nursing discipline generated from demands in reality and society. More research and capacity building related to disaster nursing are needed while facilitating development of networking and collaboration among relevant organizations.
Urethral obstruction with a copulatory plug following natural breeding in a ruffed lemur, Varecia rubra
Authors: Chatfield Jenifer A , Chatfield Jerilyn J. , Chatfield John A.
Published: December 2013

Background

An 18‐year old captive male lemur (Varecia rubra) housed in a breeding situation presented for lethargy and anorexia.

Methods and Results

Physical exam revealed urethral obstruction.

Conclusions

Urethral plugs secondary to semen collection are common in lemurs. Here, we report the first case of naturally occurring urethral copulatory plug in a ruffed lemur.
Interplay between postcranial morphology and locomotor types in Neotropical sigmodontine rodents
Authors: Carrizo Luz V. , Tulli María J. , Dos Santos Daniel A. , Abdala Virginia
Published: December 2013

Sigmodontine rats are one of the most diverse components of the Neotropical mammal fauna. They exhibit a wide ecological diversity and a variety of locomotor types that allow them to occupy different environments. To explore the relationship between morphology and locomotor types, we analyzed traits of the postcranial osteology (axial and appendicular skeletons) of 329 specimens belonging to 51 species and 29 genera of sigmodontines exhibiting different locomotor types. In this work, postcranial skeletal characters of these rats are considered in an ecomorphological study for the first time. Statistical analyses showed that of the 34 osteological characters considered, 15 were related to the locomotor types studied, except for ambulatory. However, character mapping showed that climbing and jumping sigmodontines are the only taxa exhibiting clear adaptations in their postcranial osteology, which are highly consistent with the tendencies described in many other mammal taxa. Climbing, digging and swimming rats presented statistically differences in traits associated with their vertebral column and limbs, whereas jumping rats showed modifications associated with all the skeletal regions. Our data suggest that sigmodontine rats retain an all‐purpose morphology that allows them to use a variety of habitats. This versatility is particularly important when considering the lack of specialization of sigmodontines for a specific locomotor mode. Another possible interpretation is that our dataset probably did not consider relevant information about these groups and should be increased with other types of characters (e.g. characters from the external morphology, myology, etc.).
Use of the Palliative Performance Scale version 2 in obtaining palliative care consults
Authors: Fedel Patrice , Joosse Laura L , Jeske Lee
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine whether an educational intervention and implementation of a validated prognostication tool can improve inpatient acute care nurses' knowledge of palliative care and their comfort in determining the need for palliative care and requesting a palliative care consult from the attending physician.

Background

Patients with chronic illness report low levels of quality of life. Relief from suffering may be found in services provided by palliative care; however, their services are often underused, in part, due to difficulties in prognostication. The Palliative Performance Scale version 2 is a prognostication tool that can help overcome this barrier.

Design

A pretest/post‐test design with nursing education intervention was used on an acute care medical unit within a Midwest tertiary hospital.

Method

Survey questions for both pre‐ and postintervention assessed nurses' knowledge related to palliative care and examined nurses' comfort in identifying patients appropriate for palliative care and requesting consults. Following the presurvey, education on palliative care and the use of the Palliative Performance Scale version 2 was provided during a regularly scheduled staff meeting. Posteducation mentoring occurred for one month prior to the postsurvey.

Results

Pre‐ and post‐test comparisons showed an overall increase in both comfort and knowledge related to palliative care. There was also a significant improvement in the nurses' comfort in identifying patients appropriate for palliative care.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that nursing education on palliative care and Palliative Performance Scale version 2 can improve their knowledge level and comfort in requesting palliative care consults.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses are in the best position to advocate for the patient and the management of their chronic illness. Educating nurses on the philosophy of palliative care and improving their comfort level in assessing the need for palliative care will overcome barriers to consultation.
A critical review: a combined conceptual framework of severity of illness and clinical judgement for analysing diagnostic judgements in critical illness
Authors: Coulter Smith Margaret A , Smith Pam , Crow Rosemary
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To analyse theoretical literature on severity of illness and clinical judgement and propose a combined conceptual framework for judgements taken to identify patients' clinical states in critical illness and also to critically review and synthesise general severity of illness prognostic models to identify dimensions and attributes of severity of illness in critical illness.

Background

The effective treatment of the critically ill requires the early identification of severe illness, and in acute wards, this is predominantly addressed by applying early warning scores focusing on indicators of physiological severity. Clinical judgement complements the application of early warning scores, but is generally not the focus of research and so requires further investigation.

Design

A critical review of the literature.

Methods

Severity of illness and clinical judgement literature was reviewed to identify themes for a combined conceptual framework for patient assessment in critical illness.MEDLINEandCINAHL(January 1981–December 2011) were searched for general severity of illness prognostic models in critical illness. Eleven research and five systematic review papers meeting review inclusion criteria were selected.

Results

Severity of illness is found to be a crucial theoretical construct in critical illness. It can enhance descriptive models of clinical judgement (such as social judgment theory and an inference/correspondence model in diagnostic judgment) when used to analyse and reflect on judgements made to diagnose the clinical state of the patient.

Conclusions

A combined conceptual framework of severity of illness and a descriptive clinical judgement model further informs patient assessments about the identification of clinical states in critical illness, alongside early warning scores.

Relevance to clinical practice

This article contributes to an understanding of the complexity of patient assessment and diagnostic judgement in critical illness.
Low risk, but not no risk, of umbilical hernia complications requiring acute surgery in childhood
Authors: Ireland Amanda , Gollow Ian , Gera Parshotam
Published: December 2013

Aims

Umbilical hernias are a common finding in the paediatric community, with a preponderance to affect Afro‐Caribbean and premature children. The rate of incarceration varies greatly between populations. Therefore, it is valuable to obtain some Australian data on this topic.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective study of the records of all patients who underwent umbilical hernia repair over a 12‐year period of between October 1999 and May 2012 at Princess Margaret Hospital. From this group, all patients that had an umbilical hernia repair for reason of acute complication were identified and analysed for age, ethnicity and co‐morbidities.

Results

Between October 1999 and May 2012, 433 umbilical hernias were repaired at Princess Margaret Hospital, five of which were as the direct result of an acutely complicated umbilical hernia. The mean age of hernia repair was 5 years old, and the mean age of acute complication was 5 years old. Out of the patients with acutely complicated umbilical hernia, there were no Afro‐Caribbean patients, and one was premature complicated by hyaline membrane disease and broncho‐pulmonary dysplasia.

Conclusions

Western Australia has an incidence of acutely complicated umbilical hernia requiring operative intervention of 1:3000 to 1:11 000. On an international scale, this is low, and studies with similar incidence do not advocate for immediate repair of all identified umbilical hernias. The authors believe repair should be guided by patient and guardian, but if there is an episode of incarceration, acute repair is advised.
Improving preterm infants' immunisation status: A follow‐up audit
Authors: Crawford Nigel W , Barfield Charles , Hunt Rod W , Pitcher Helen , Buttery Jim P
Published: December 2013

Aim

Preterm infants are at increased risk of vaccine preventable diseases. An audit in 2007 identified suboptimal immunisation status of preterm infants. The aim of this study was to complete the ‘audit loop’, reviewing preterm infants' immunisation status at a single tertiary paediatric hospital.

Methods

A retrospective follow‐up immunisation audit was conducted at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, neonatal unit. The ‘audit loop’ included a preterm infants' reminder sticker and feedback of the original audit findings to Royal Children's Hospital health‐care professionals. Immunisation status was determined using the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register record for all admitted preterm infants born <32 weeks gestation (July 2008–June 2009).

Results

Conducted in March 2011, the median age of participants (n = 57) was 2.5 years (range 1.7–3.1 years). Forty‐four per cent (25/57) had a history of chronic lung disease, 86% (49/57) were <1500 g and 42% (24/57) <28 weeks gestation. The majority (96% (55/57)) were up to date with routine immunisations at 12 months of age. There was a 2.4‐fold increase, compared with the original audit, for receipt of the additional recommended hepatitis B vaccine at 12 months of age, as well as influenza vaccine in infants with chronic lung disease.

Conclusion

This study showed that a simple reminder combined with education strategies can improve vaccine delivery in special risk groups such as preterm infants.
Industry self‐regulation and TV advertising of foods to Australian children
Authors: Smithers Lisa G , Lynch John W , Merlin Tracy
Published: December 2013

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine the amount of non‐core (unhealthy) food advertising currently on Australian television (i) during children's programmes and viewing times; (ii) since the introduction of food industry self‐regulatory initiatives in 2009; and (iii) whether advertising differs according to signatory status to industry initiatives.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase.com and JSTOR (media/marketing) databases; grey literature; and reference lists of relevant articles for studies published since 2009 that reported on food advertising on Australian television.

Results

The title and abstract of 316 articles were screened, yielding 25 articles considered potentially eligible, of which eight met the pre‐defined selection criteria. Meta‐analysis was not possible because of temporal and methodological differences across studies. The advertising of non‐core foods was found to be negligible during programmes with a C‐(children's) classification but ranged from 1.5 to 6.5/h during children's peak viewing times. From 2006 to 2011, non‐core food advertising decreased by 0.18 advertisements per hour every year, whereas fast food advertising increased by 0.09/h; however, these analyses are based on one study with only five time points. During children's viewing times, signatories to industry initiatives advertise non‐core foods at higher rates than non‐signatories.

Conclusions

Although it is not possible to determine whether advertising has changed since the industry initiatives were introduced, signatories to the initiatives continue to advertise non‐core foods at times when many children watch television. Future efforts to reduce children's exposure to food advertising should be focused on advertising during children's peak viewing times rather than by programme classifications.
Physiological performance of intertidal coralline algae during a simulated tidal cycle
Authors: Guenther Rebecca J. , Martone Patrick T.
Published: December 2013

Intertidal macroalgae endure light, desiccation, and temperature variation associated with sub‐merged and emerged conditions on a daily basis. Physiological stresses exist over the course of the entire tidal cycle, and physiological differences in response to these stresses likely contribute to spatial separation of species along the shore. For example, marine species that have a high stress tolerance can live higher on the shore and are able to recover when the tide returns, whereas species with a lower stress tolerance may be relegated to living lower on the shore or in tidepools, where low tide stresses are buffered. In this study, we monitored the physiological responses of the tidepool coralline Calliarthron tuberculosum (Postels and Ruprecht) E.Y. Dawson and the nontidepool coralline Corallina vancouveriensis Yendo during simulated tidal conditions to identify differences in physiology that might underlie differences in habitat. During high tide, Corallina was more photosynthetically active than Calliarthron as light levels increased. During low tide, Corallina continued to out‐perform Calliarthron when submerged in warming tidepools, but photosynthesis abruptly halted for both species when emerged in air. Surprisingly, pigment composition did not differ, suggesting that light harvesting does not account for this difference. Additionally, Corallina was more effective at resisting desiccation by retaining water in its branches. When the tide returned, only Corallina recovered from combined temperature and desiccation stresses associated with emergence. This study broadens our understanding of intertidal algal physiology and provides a new perspective on the physiological and morphological underpinnings of habitat partitioning.
Best practice for the pharmacological management of hyperthyroid cats with antithyroid drugs
Authors: Daminet S. , Kooistra H. S. , Fracassi F. , Graham P. A. , Hibbert A. , Lloret A. , Mooney C. T. , Neiger R. , Rosenberg D. , Syme H. M. , Villard I. , Williams G.
Published: December 2013

Pharmacological management of feline hyperthyroidism offers a practical treatment option for many hyperthyroid cats. Two drugs have been licensed for cats in the last decade: methimazole and its pro‐drug carbimazole. On the basis of current evidence and available tablet sizes, starting doses of 2·5 mg methimazole twice a day and 10 to 15 mg once a day for the sustained release formulation of carbimazole are recommended. These doses should then be titrated to effect in order to obtain circulating total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations in the lower half of the reference interval. Treated cases should be monitored for side‐effects, especially during the first months of treatment. Some side‐effects may require discontinuation of treatment. At each monitoring visit, clinical condition and quality of life should also be evaluated, with special attention to possible development of azotaemia, hypertension and iatrogenic hypothyroidism. When euthyroidism has been achieved, monitoring visits are recommended after 1 month, 3 months and biannually thereafter. Cats with pre‐existing azotaemia have shorter survival times. However, development of mild azotaemia during the initial course of treatment, unless associated with hypothyroidism, does not appear to decrease survival time. The long‐term effects of chronic medical management require further study.
Cervical spinal intradural arachnoid cysts in related, young pugs
Authors: Rohdin C. , Nyman H. T. , Wohlsein P. , Hultin Jäderlund K.
Published: December 2013

Seven related young pugs were diagnosed with cervical spinal intradural arachnoid cysts by magnetic resonance imaging (n = 6) and myelography (n = 1). All dogs were presented with skin abrasions on their thoracic limbs and non‐painful neurological deficits, indicating aC1‐T2myelopathy. In all six dogs examined by magnetic resonance imaging not only the spinal arachnoid cyst but also a concomitant, most likely secondary, syringohydromyelia was confirmed. Pedigree analysis suggested a genetic predisposition for spinal arachnoid cysts in this family of pugs. Generalised proprioceptive deficits more pronounced in the thoracic limbs suggesting a focal cervical spinal cord lesion, with concomitant skin abrasions on the dorsal aspect of the thoracic limbs in a young pug, should alert veterinarians to the possibility of cervical spinal arachnoid cysts.
Morphology and taxonomy of leaf papillae and mammillae in Pottiaceae of China
Authors: KOU Jin , FENG Chao , BAI Xue‐Liang , CHEN Hui
Published: December 2013

Both papillae and mammillae are important structural characteristics for Pottiaceae classification, but these characters are diverse and their nomenclature is confused, hindering the classification of Pottiaceae. So, we selected representative species that cover all types of papillae and mammillae of Chinese Pottiaceae and observed and compared differences between them using light and scanning electronic microscopy. We corrected the chaotic descriptions of papillae of representative species, and have provided a uniform set of terms (“simple”, “forked”, “branched”, and “pedicellate”) to describe the shapes of papillae. In addition, we described how to quickly and accurately use papillae and mammillae to classify representative species in Chinese Pottiaceae.
Local increases in diversity accompany community homogenization in floodplain forest understories
Authors: Johnson Sarah E. , Mudrak Erika L. , Waller Donald M.
Published: December 2013

Questions

Changes in land use, altered flow regimes, invasions by pests and pathogens, and climate change are, separately and together, altering ecological dynamics of floodplain forests. The complex changes these forces impose often go unnoticed due to a lack of reliable baseline data. Using historical data from the 1950s and re‐survey data on floodplain forest understories, we ask: (1) what is the direction, magnitude and nature of changes in local and regional diversity; (2) have these floodplain communities become more homogenous in composition due to losses of native species and increases in non‐natives; (3) has the relationship between the ground layer and overstorey community weakened over time; and (4) are changes in local and regional diversity among these floodplain forests more or less pronounced than in nearby upland forests?

Location

Floodplain forests throughout southern Wisconsin, USA.

Methods

We quantified composition of vegetation in the understorey and overstorey of 40 sites and compared these data with data from the 1950s using a combination of uni‐ and multivariate analyses. We focus on changes in local vs regional diversity.

Results

Although average site‐level diversity has increased by 18.5%, sites are now 30% more similar to each other, reflecting a pronounced decline in among‐site (beta) diversity. Although exotic species have increased in site occupancy and abundance, increases in native woody plants (+30%), graminoids (+24%) and forbs (+16%) drive most of these changes in local and regional diversity. Sites have experienced an average species turnover rate of 39% since the 1950s, and understories are now 39% more correlated with canopy composition than in the 1950s. Biotic homogenization among these floodplain forests since the 1950s is 23.3% higher than the increase in similarity observed in nearby upland forests.

Conclusions

Vegetation changes in floodplain understories differ from changes previously documented in nearby upland forests. Floodplain forests have experienced a faster rate of biotic homogenization. Unlike upland forests the homogenization trend in these floodplain forests is accompanied by increases in site‐level diversity. These may reflect widespread colonization by certain native species. Both trends may also reflect relatively high connectivity among floodplain forests and control of hydrologic fluctuations via dams.
Review: Manipulating the extracellular matrix and its role in brain and spinal cord plasticity and repair
Authors: Burnside E. R. , Bradbury E. J.
Published: December 2013

Brain and spinal cord injury can result in permanent cognitive, motor, sensory and autonomic deficits. The central nervous system (CNS) has a poor intrinsic capacity for regeneration, although some functional recovery does occur. This is mainly in the form of sprouting, dendritic remodelling and changes in neuronal coding, firing and synaptic properties; elements collectively known as plasticity. An important approach to repair the injured CNS is therefore to harness, promote and refine plasticity. In the adult, this is partly limited by the extracellular matrix (ECM). While the ECM typically provides a supportive framework to CNS neurones, its role is not only structural; the ECM is homeostatic, actively regulatory and of great signalling importance, both directly via receptor or coreceptor‐mediated action and via spatially and temporally relevant localization of other signalling molecules. In an injury or disease state, the ECM represents a key environment to support a healing and/or regenerative response. However, there are aspects of its composition which prove suboptimal for recovery: some molecules present in the ECM restrict plasticity and limit repair. An important therapeutic concept is therefore to render the ECM environment more permissive by manipulating key components, such as inhibitory chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans. In this review we discuss the major components of the ECM and the role they play during development and following brain or spinal cord injury and we consider a number of experimental strategies which involve manipulations of the ECM, with the aim of promoting functional recovery to the injured brain and spinal cord.
Compensatory responses to nephron deficiency: Adaptive or maladaptive?
Authors: Fong Debra , Denton Kate M , Moritz Karen M , Evans Roger , Singh Reetu R
Published: December 2013

Compensatory renal growth is a characteristic adaptation to reduced renal mass that appears to recapitulate the normal pattern of maturation of the kidney during the postnatal period. Hypertrophy of tubules (predominantly the proximal tubule) and glomeruli is accompanied by increased single nephron glomerular filtration rate and tubular reabsorption of sodium. We propose that the very factors, which contribute to the increase in growth and function of the renal tubular system, are, in the long term, the precursors to the development of hypertension in those with a nephron deficit. The increase in single nephron glomerular filtration rate is dependent on multiple factors, including reduced renal vascular resistance associated with an increased influence of nitric oxide, and a rightward shift in the tubuloglomerular feedback curve, both of which contribute to the normal maturation of renal function. The increased influence of nitric oxide appears to contribute to the reduction in tubuloglomerular feedback sensitivity and facilitate the initial increase in glomerular filtration rate. The increased single‐nephron filtered load associated with nephron deficiency may promote hypertrophy of the proximal tubule and so increased reabsorption of sodium, and thus a rightward shift in the pressure natriuresis relationship. Normalization of sodium balance can then only occur at the expense of chronically increased arterial pressure. Therefore, alterations/adaptations in tubules and glomeruli in response to nephron deficiency may increase the risk of hypertension and renal disease in the long‐term.
Confirmation of a major QTL on chromosome 10 for maize kernel row number in different environments
Authors: Tian Baohua , Wang Jianhua , Wang Guoying
Published: December 2013

Maize kernel row number (KRN) is an important agronomic trait. In this study, 13 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for maize KRN were identified in different environments using F2:3 and F2:4 populations developed from two inbred lines. These QTL are distributed on chromosomes 2,3,5,8 and 10, and the genic effects are additive or partially dominant. Using the BC3F2:3 populations developed from the same parental lines, QTL of KRN located on chromosomes 5 and 10 were also identified in two environments. Three BC5F2:3 populations were used to confirm the major QTL for KRN between ssr1430 and umc1077 on chromosome 10(qKRN10). This result will facilitate the fine mapping and map‐based cloning of this major QTL in the future.
Why bring post‐genomics into the phosphorus‐impoverished bush?
Authors: GIBON YVES
Published: December 2013

This article comments on: Low levels of ribosomal RNA partly account for the very high photosynthetic phosphorus‐use efficiency of Proteaceae species
Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Jurecka Agnieszka , Zakharova Ekaterina , Cimbalistiene Loreta , Gusina Nina , Malinova Vera , Różdżyńska‐Świątkowska Agnieszka , Golda Adam , Kulpanovich Anna , Kaldenovna Abdilova Gulnara , Voskoboeva Elena , Tylki‐Szymańska Anna
Published: December 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the natural clinical course, incidence and prevalence of mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Central and Eastern Europe.

Methods

Patients (n = 49) were identified by retrieving the data from eight international centers for MPS VI.

Results

A large number of patients presented with an attenuated phenotype (33%). Height and genotype were related to the severity of the disease, while no clear trend was observed between height and urinary glycosaminoglycan level. A high prevalence of the p.R152W mutation was observed both in the whole series (42%) as well as in Russian patients (43%). The incidence rate ranged from 0.0363 to 0.64 per 100 000 live births in Poland and Lithuania, respectively.

Conclusions

The observed high p.R152W carrier frequency in the Lithuanian population may indicate a possible founder effect in this region. The high prevalence of this mutation observed in the whole series, as well as the Slavic origin of the majority of patients homozygous for this mutation, suggest that p.R152W may be of Slavic, not Lithuanian origin. Resettlement of the Polish population after World War II resulted in dilution of the prevalence of carriers in Poland and a very low MPS VI incidence.
Clinical, psychological and maternal characteristics in early functional constipation
Authors: Kilincaslan Huseyin , Abali Osman , Demirkaya Sevcan Karakoc , Bilici Mustafa
Published: December 2013

Background

This cross‐sectional study investigated the clinical features of functional constipation (FC) at preschool age, as well as emotional and behavioral characteristics of the children, psychological symptom level and parental attitudes of the mothers, and compared these with that of non‐referred typically developing controls with normal intestinal habits.

Methods

Participants included 65 children with FC (mean age, 43.6 ± 15.4 months; range, 25–72 months), 59 healthy controls (mean age, 46.9 ± 14.5 months; range, 25–72 months) and the mothers of the children. The Childhood Behavior Checklist, Symptom Checklist 90 and Parental Attitude Research Instrument were filled in by the mothers.

Results

Participants with FC had higher problem scores than the comparison children in a variety of emotional and behavioral parameters. Approximately half exhibited internalizing and one‐third had externalizing problems in the clinical range. The mothers of the patient group had higher levels of psychological distress, overprotective parenting and strict discipline. On multiple logistic regression analysis child psychopathology, maternal education level and maternal distress were independently associated with FC.

Conclusion

Behavior problems are common in children with FC from an early age. Low level of education and high psychological distress of the mothers seem to be important risk factors for constipation and should be assessed carefully in the management of these cases.
Introduction and use of non‐native species for aquaculture in China: status, risks and management solutions
Authors: Lin Yaping , Gao Zexia , Zhan Aibin
Published: December 2013

Aquaculture is one of the fast‐growing industries in the past decades. The fast expansion of aquaculture largely relies on the introduction and use of non‐native species. This forms a paradox: some species significantly contribute to the fast expansion of aquaculture, while negative effects associated with unregulated introduction and irresponsible use of non‐native species are increasing in number and area affected. However, lessons from reported disasters are slowly learned, and risks raised have been highly overlooked. Here, we discuss the known and potential risks derived from the introduction and use of non‐native species in China to urge the necessity of incorporating sound management into sustainable aquaculture. Sound management needs to be performed based on the characteristics of each aquaculture activity or related event. We discuss risks based on aquaculture activities or related events popularly employed in the past decades in China, including (i) transfers of non‐native species; (ii) fellow travellers, accidental introductions; (iii) artificial hybridization; and (iv) mass release of non‐native species for ranching. For each aquaculture activity or related event, we provide general background, status of this activity, risks raised and recommendations for management. Finally, we call for the collaboration of researchers from academia, government and aquaculture industry for proper risk assessment and sound management for sustainable development of aquaculture.
Current knowledge on biotin nutrition in fish and research perspectives
Authors: Yossa Rodrigue , Sarker Pallab K. , Mock Donald M. , Lall Santosh P. , Vandenberg Grant W.
Published: December 2013

Biotin, a water‐soluble vitamin, is essential for normal growth, development and health of all animals. In terrestrial animal nutrition, biotin has recently spurred scientific interest because of the increasing body of knowledge on biotin involvement in gene expression, cell cycle and reproduction in mammals, and recent advances in molecular biology techniques allowing a more effective estimation of biotin effects in metabolism and physiology. In contrast, this information is scarce in aquatic animal nutrition, as studies have essentially focused on the estimation of minimum biotin requirement for maximum growth and tissue storage as well as for the formulation of least‐cost diet. This scarcity of information is also due to the lack of well‐established indicators of biotin status in aquatic organisms. The present review is a comparative analysis of current knowledge on biotin physiology and nutritional biochemistry in terrestrial and aquatic animal nutrition. Also, general information on biotin sources, bioavailability, deficiency and requirement in mammals and fish is provided in order to plan further studies. In the future, biotin nutrition studies in aquaculture should also include haematological parameters, histopathology of the gills, liver and kidney, gonad development, gamete quality and quantity, fecundity, larvae survival and gene expression. Dietary biotin requirement levels should be estimated at every life history stage of farmed fish. The potential contribution of intestinal microflora to biotin supply in different fish species should be investigated. All this information will allow a better understanding of the essentiality of biotin in fish growth, development, reproduction and health.
A critical approach on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dose optimisation and withdrawal times of oxytetracycline in aquaculture
Authors: Rigos George , Smith Peter
Published: December 2013

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is one of the antibacterial agents that is most commonly used to control bacterial infections in the aquaculture industry worldwide. Thorough knowledge and integration of appropriate drug pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) in therapeutic schedules are crucial in terms of treatment efficacy and cost, environmental welfare and potentially to human safety. This review provides a much needed critique of published OTC PK and a discussion on OTC PD, dose optimisation and importance of withdrawal times (WT). Overall, the pertinent literature reveals that most published OTC PK information is specific to farmed fish species. Significant variability in experimental design between PK studies rendered interspecies comparisons an almost impossible task. Published PK parameters exert variable relevance to practical application, and moreover, limited or nonexistent information is available for some relevant PK parameters. It is also demonstrated that there is a serious shortage of data simultaneously relating dose regimen, PK, PD data and clinical outcomes. This results in difficulties in applying available PK data to the improvement in current dose regimen. Efficacy studies and PK/PD data currently available do not allow improvements in the interpretive criteria used by laboratories; thus, for the present, clinical evaluations must rely on wild‐type epidemiological cut‐off values (COWT). Regarding OTC removal, the WT estimates that have been made for farmed crustaceans are much shorter than those for finfish. However, this fact does not necessarily ensure that these products are unlikely to result in contravention of regulatory limits.
Popes, patriarchs, and print: representing Chaldeans in Renaissance Rome
Authors: Baskins Cristelle
Published: December 2013

During the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, representatives of the Chaldean community visited Rome seeking contact with the mother church. Abdisho IV of Gazarta, newly elected Patriarch of Mosul, made the journey in 1562. According to Pietro Strozzi, De dogmatibus chaldaeorum (Roma: Zanetti, 1617), Abdisho's portrait was included in Giuseppe Porta's depiction of the Peace of Venice in 1177 in the Sala Regia of the Vatican Palace, circa 1565. The inclusion of Abdisho's anachronistic portrait in Porta's fresco can be linked to plenitudo potestatis, that is, submission to the authority of the pope. Abdisho's journey to Rome coincided with the Council of Trent, the intensified study of oriental languages, and advances in print technology. This case study reveals the global reach of papal Rome but it also shows how eastern Christians in the grip of religious and political crises engaged in dialogue with Europe.
Proactive Parenting and Children's Effortful Control: Mediating Role of Language and Indirect Intervention Effects
Authors: Chang Hyein , Shaw Daniel S. , Dishion Thomas J. , Gardner Frances , Wilson Melvin N.
Published: December 2013

We examined associations of proactive parenting, child verbal ability, and child effortful control within the context of a randomized prevention trial focused on enhancing parenting practices in low‐income families. Participants (N = 731) were assessed annually from the age of two to five, with half randomly assigned to the Family Check‐Up (FCU). Results indicated that the child's verbal ability at the age of three partially mediated the influence of proactive parenting at the age of two on children's effortful control at the age of five. More importantly, the FCU indirectly facilitated children's effortful control by sequentially improving proactive parenting and children's verbal ability. The findings are discussed with respect to taking a more integrative approach to understanding early predictors and the promotion of self‐regulation in early childhood.
Associations of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems with Facial Expression Recognition in Preschoolers: The Generation R Study
Authors: Székely Eszter , Tiemeier Henning , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hofman Albert , Verhulst Frank C. , Herba Catherine M.
Published: December 2013

Altered patterns of facial expression recognition (FER) have been linked to internalizing and externalizing problems in school children and adolescents. In a large sample of preschoolers (N = 727), we explored concurrent and prospective associations between internalizing/externalizing problems and FER. Internalizing/externalizing problems were rated by parents at 18 and 36 months using the Child Behavior Checklist. FER was assessed at 36 months using age‐appropriate computer tasks of emotion matching and emotion labeling. Internalizing problems were associated with emotion‐specific differences at both ages: at 18 months they predicted more accurate labeling of sadness; at 36 months they were associated with less accurate labeling of happiness and anger. Externalizing problems at both ages were associated with general FER deficits, particularly for matching emotions. Findings suggest that in preschoolers, internalizing problems contribute to emotion‐specific differences in FER, while externalizing problems are associated with more general FER deficits. Knowledge of the specific FER patterns associated with internalizing/externalizing problems can be proven useful in the refinement of emotion‐centered preventive interventions.