bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Backlash and Legitimation: Macro Political Responses to Supreme Court Decisions
Authors: Ura Joseph Daniel
Published: July 2013

This article is a first attempt to develop and assess the competing predictions of the thermostatic model of public opinion and legitimation theory for the responses of public mood to Supreme Court decisions. While the thermostatic model predicts a negative relationship between the ideological direction of Supreme Court decisions and changes in public mood, legitimation theory predicts that changes in mood should be positively associated with the ideological content of the Court's actions. I assess these rival expectations by modeling the dynamic relationship between mood and cumulative judicial liberalism. The model estimates indicate a complex interaction between the Court and the mass public characterized by short‐term backlash against Supreme Court decisions in mood followed by long‐run movement toward the ideological positions taken by the Court. The results emphasize the legitimacy of the Court in American politics and point to a unique role for the Court in shaping public opinion.
Meta‐analysis of intermittent Pringle manoeuvre versus no Pringle manoeuvre in elective liver surgery
Authors: Sanjay Pandanaboyana , Ong Ian , Bartlett Adam , Powell James J. , Wigmore Stephen J.
Published: July 2013

Background and objectives

Intermittent Pringle manoeuvre (IPM) is frequently used during liver surgery. This meta‐analysis aimed to review the impact on blood loss, operating time and morbidity and mortality with and without use of IPM.

Methods

An electronic search was performed of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed databases using both subject headings (MeSH) and truncated word searches to identify all articles published that related to this topic. Pooled risk ratios were calculated for categorical outcomes, and mean differences (MDs) for secondary continuous outcomes, using the fixed‐effects and random‐effects models for meta‐analysis.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials encompassing 392 patients were analysed to achieve a summated outcome. Pooled data analysis showed the use of IPM resulted in reduced transection time/cm2 (MD −0.53 (−0.88, −0.18) min/cm2 (P = 0.003)) but with comparable blood loss (mL/cm2) (MD −1.67 (−4.41, 1.08) mL/cm2, P = 0.23), overall blood loss (MD −20.42 (−89.42, 48.58) mL), blood transfusion requirements (risk ratio 0.78 (0.40, 1.52, P = 0.47)) and morbidity and mortality compared to no Pringle manoeuvre. In addition, there was no significant difference in the post‐operative hospital stay (MD 0.37 (−0.60, 1.34) days).

Conclusions

There is no evidence that the routine use of IPM improves perioperative and post‐operative outcomes compared to no Pringle manoeuvre and its routine may not be recommended.
Venous thromboembolism in pregnancy and the puerperal period: a study of 1210 events
Authors: Virkus Rie Adser , Løkkegaard Ellen C.L. , Lidegaard Øjvind , Langhoff‐Roos Jens , Bjerregaard Lars , Skovlund Charlotte W. , Bergholt Thomas
Published: July 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy and the puerperal period, and to validate diagnoses of VTE.

Design

Historical cohort study.

Population

All pregnancies in Denmark from 1995 to 2009.

Methods

VTE diagnoses were retrieved from national registries.

Main outcome measures

Positive predictive value of a VTE diagnoses diagnosed during pregnancy or the puerperal period. Location of VTE. Incidence rate of confirmed, validated diagnoses of VTE and on all retrieved diagnoses of VTE.

Results

In 1 297 037 pregnancies, 1436 women had a first‐ever VTE diagnosis. Hospital records were retrieved for 1210 women (84.3%). Almost all women had relevant clinical symptoms and in 796 (65.8%), the diagnosis were confirmed by a positive diagnostic test or by instituted anticoagulation treatment. In all, 72.6, 53.7, 58.5 and 79.1% of the diagnoses were confirmed in the first, second, third trimester and the puerperal period, respectively. The 796 cases of VTE included 624 women with deep venous thrombosis only and 133 with pulmonary embolisms. Deep venous thrombosis was located in the left lower limb in 83.8% in pregnancy, compared with 67.9% in the puerperal period.

Conclusions

The vast majority of women with a registered diagnosis of VTE had relevant symptoms. Diagnoses of VTE were confirmed in the medical records in two of three women. VTE diagnoses were most often confirmed when made in the first trimester and in the puerperal period. Left‐sided deep venous thrombosis was the predominant type of VTE in pregnancy and the puerperal period.
Comparison of learning ability and memory retention in altricial (Bengalese finch, Lonchura striata var. domestica) and precocial (blue‐breasted quail, Coturnix chinensis) birds using a color discrimination task
Authors: Ueno Aki , Suzuki Kaoru
Published: July 2013

The present study sought to assess the potential application of avian models with different developmental modes to studies on cognition and neuroscience. Six altricial Bengalese finches (Lonchura striata var. domestica), and eight precocial blue‐breasted quails (Coturnix chinensis) were presented with color discrimination tasks to compare their respective faculties for learning and memory retention within the context of the two developmental modes. Tasks consisted of presenting birds with discriminative cues in the form of colored feeder lids, and birds were considered to have learned a task when 80% of their attempts at selecting the correctly colored lid in two consecutive blocks of 10 trials were successful. All of the finches successfully performed the required experimental tasks, whereas only half of the quails were able to execute the same tasks. In the learning test, finches required significantly fewer trials than quails to learn the task (finches: 13.5 ± 9.14 trials, quails: 45.8 ± 4.35 trials, P < 0.05), with finches scoring significantly more correct responses than quails (finches: 98.3 ± 4.08%, quails: 85.0 ± 5.77% at the peak of the learning curve). In the memory retention tests, which were conducted 45 days after the learning test, finches retained the ability to discriminate between colors correctly (95.0 ± 4.47%), whereas quails did not retain any memory of the experimental procedure and so could not be tested. These results suggested that altricial and precocial birds both possess the faculty for learning and retaining discrimination‐type tasks, but that altricial birds perform better than precocial birds in both faculties. The present findings imply that developmental mode is an important consideration for assessing the suitability of bird species for particular experiments.
Properties of alkaline‐hydrolyzed waterfowl feather keratin
Authors: Tsuda Yuichi , Nomura Yoshihiro
Published: July 2013

The properties of hydrolyzed feather keratin (HFK) were compared to those of hydrolyzed wool keratin (HWK) with the aim of developing better ways to utilize feather keratin waste. Amino acid analysis showed that HFK contained more hydrophobic amino acids did than HWK. Although gel permeation chromatography indicated that HFK and HWK had more low‐molecular weight peptides than their intact sources, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that both hydrolyzed keratins retained their original secondary structure. The physical properties of HFK were evaluated by treating HFK to human hair fibers. HFK treatment enhanced significantly the surface hydrophobicity and strength of fibers, and HFK was more permeable into hair fibers. These results suggest that HFK is suitable for industrial applications to improve fibers. In addition, HFK may be suitable for raw material of products requiring both flexibility and hydrophobicity, such as films and biodegradable plastics.
Compound Eye Miniaturization in Lepidoptera: a comparative morphological analysis
Authors: Fischer Stefan , Meyer‐Rochow Victor Benno , Müller Carsten H. G.
Published: July 2013

Superposition and apposition compound eyes are commonly associated with moths and butterflies, respectively. However, recently intermediate eye designs, combining features of both apposition and superposition eyes were found in tiny insects. Here, we examine the eyes of 12 species of moth, ranging from 1.88 to 6.03 mm body size, by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Correlations between body and eye sizes are discussed with regard to the eyes' functionality. Although all of the species shared an ommatidial organization characteristic of pterygote insects, three optical designs were found: (a) an apposition eye, (b) an eye resembling apposition eyes, but with a unique crystalline cone, and (c) an eye intermediate in structure between apposition and superposition eyes. Our comparisons also revealed a new type of basal matrix for the Lepidoptera. The results show that in most of the examined compound eyes (with the exception of the apposition eye of Micropterix aruncella), a clear distinction between apposition and superposition eyes is not feasible. Due to functional morphological constraints as a consequence of miniaturization, evolutionary transformations from superposition into apposition optics may have occurred several times independently in various ‘microlepidopteran’ taxa. The Phyllonorycter medicaginella eye appears to illustrate this evolutionary scenario best.
A Natural Robustification of the Ordinary Instrumental Variables Estimator
Authors: Freue Gabriela V. Cohen , Ortiz‐Molina Hernan , Zamar Ruben H.
Published: July 2013

Instrumental variables estimators are designed to provide consistent parameter estimates for linear regression models when some covariates are correlated with the error term. We propose a new robust instrumental variables estimator (RIV) which is a natural robustification of the ordinary instrumental variables estimator (OIV). Specifically, we construct RIV using a robust multivariate location and scatter S‐estimator to robustify the solution of the estimating equations that define OIV. RIV is computationally inexpensive and readily available for applications through the R‐library riv. It has attractive robustness and asymptotic properties, including high resilience to outliers, bounded influence function, consistency under weak distributional assumptions, asymptotic normality under mild regularity conditions, and equivariance. We further endow RIV with an iterative algorithm which allows for the estimation of models with endogenous continuous covariates and exogenous dummy covariates. We study the performance of RIV when the data contains outliers using an extensive Monte Carlo simulation study and by applying it to a limited‐access dataset from the Framingham Heart Study‐Cohort to estimate the effect of long‐term systolic blood pressure on left atrial size.
On Population Size Estimators in the Poisson Mixture Model
Authors: Mao Chang Xuan , Yang Nan , Zhong Jinhua
Published: July 2013

Estimating population sizes via capture–recapture experiments has enormous applications. The Poisson mixture model can be adopted for those applications with a single list in which individuals appear one or more times. We compare several nonparametric estimators, including the Chao estimator, the Zelterman estimator, two jackknife estimators and the bootstrap estimator. The target parameter of the Chao estimator is a lower bound of the population size. Those of the other four estimators are not lower bounds, and they may produce lower confidence limits for the population size with poor coverage probabilities. A simulation study is reported and two examples are investigated.
Mortality and complications after prostate biopsy in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening (PLCO) trial
Authors: Pinsky Paul F. , Parnes Howard L. , Andriole Gerald
Published: July 2013

Objective

To examine mortality and morbidity after prostate biopsy in the intervention arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening (PLCO) trial.

Subjects and Methods

Abstractors from the PLCO trial recorded the types and dates of diagnostic follow‐up procedures after positive screens and documented the types and dates of resultant complications. Cancers and deaths among the participants were tracked.

The mortality rate in the 120‐day period after prostate biopsy was compared with a control rate of deaths in the 120‐day period after a negative screen in men without biopsy.

Multivariate analysis was performed to control for potential confounders, including age, comorbidities and smoking.

Rates of any complication, infectious and non‐infectious complications were computed among men with a negative biopsy. Multivariate analysis was used to examine the risk factors for complications.

Results

Of the 37 345 men enrolled in the PLCO trial (intervention arm), 4861 had at least one biopsy after a positive screen and 28 661 had a negative screen and no biopsy.

The 120‐day mortality rate after biopsy was 0.95 (per 1000), compared with the control group rate of 1.8; the multivariate relative risk was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.2–1.1).

Among 3706 negative biopsies, the rates (per 1000) of any complication, infectious and non‐infections complications were 20.2, 7.8 and 13.0, respectively.

A history of prostate enlargement or inflammation was significantly associated with higher rates of both infectious (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7) and non‐infectious (OR = 2.2) complications. Black race was associated with a higher infectious complications rate (OR = 7.1) and repeat biopsy was associated with lower rates of non‐infectious complications (OR = 0.3).

Conclusion

Mortality rates were not found to be higher after prostate biopsy in the PLCO trial and complications were relatively infrequent, with several risk factors identified.
Extended vs non‐extended pelvic lymph node dissection and their influence on recurrence‐free survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Bi Liangkuan , Huang Hai , Fan Xinxiang , Li Kaiwen , Xu Kewei , Jiang Chun , Liu Hao , Dong Wen , Zhang Simin , Yang Xiangyun , Lin Tianxin , Huang Jian
Published: July 2013

Objective

To compare extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) with non‐extended pelvic lymph node dissection (non‐ePLND) and assess their influence on recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Methods

Through a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases in September 2012, we performed a systematic review and cumulative meta‐analysis of all comparative studies assessing the extent of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) and its influence on RFS.

Results

Six studies with a total of 2824 patients were identified.

Overall analysis showed a significantly better RFS rate in patients who had undergone ePLND than in those who had undergone non‐ePLND (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.65; P < 0.001).

A subgroup analysis found that, compared with non‐ePLND, ePLND was associated with a better RFS rate for both patients with negative lymph nodes (HR: 0.68; P = 0.007) and those with positive lymph nodes (HR: 0.58; P < 0.001). When stratified by pathological T stage, ePLND provided additional RFS benefits for patients with pT3–4 disease (HR: 0.61; P < 0.001), but not for patients with ≤pT2 disease (HR: 0.95; P = 0.81).

Conclusions

The results of this meta‐analysis indicate that ePLND provides a RFS benefit compared with non‐ePLND. On subgroup analysis, ePLND provides better RFS not only for patients who had positive lymph nodes and pT3–4 disease, but also for patients with negative lymph nodes.

Two randomized controlled trials on ePLND vs non‐ePLND are awaited which should provide more clinically meaningful results.
Homology Modeling, Docking Studies and Molecular Dynamic Simulations Using Graphical Processing Unit Architecture to Probe the Type‐11 Phosphodiesterase Catalytic Site: A Computational Approach for the Rational Design of Selective Inhibitors
Authors: Cichero Elena , D'Ursi Pasqualina , Moscatelli Marco , Bruno Olga , Orro Alessandro , Rotolo Chiara , Milanesi Luciano , Fossa Paola
Published: July 2013

Phosphodiesterase 11 (PDE11) is the latest isoform of the PDEs family to be identified, acting on both cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate. The initial reports of PDE11 found evidence for PDE11 expression in skeletal muscle, prostate, testis, and salivary glands; however, the tissue distribution of PDE11 still remains a topic of active study and some controversy. Given the sequence similarity between PDE11 and PDE5, several PDE5 inhibitors have been shown to cross‐react with PDE11. Accordingly, many non‐selective inhibitors, such as IBMX, zaprinast, sildenafil, and dipyridamole, have been documented to inhibit PDE11. Only recently, a series of dihydrothieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one derivatives proved to be selective toward the PDE11 isoform. In the absence of experimental data about PDE11 X‐ray structures, we found interesting to gain a better understanding of the enzyme–inhibitor interactions using in silico simulations. In this work, we describe a computational approach based on homology modeling, docking, and molecular dynamics simulation to derive a predictive 3D model of PDE11. Using a Graphical Processing Unit architecture, it is possible to perform long simulations, find stable interactions involved in the complex, and finally to suggest guideline for the identification and synthesis of potent and selective inhibitors.
A Longitudinal Study of Lexical Development in Children Learning Vietnamese and English
Authors: Pham Giang , Kohnert Kathryn
Published: July 2013

This longitudinal study modeled lexical development among children who spoke Vietnamese as a first language (L1) and English as a second language (L2). Participants (n = 33, initial mean age of 7.3 years) completed a total of eight tasks (four in each language) that measured vocabulary knowledge and lexical processing at four yearly time points. Multivariate hierarchical linear modeling was used to calculate L1 and L2 trajectories within the same model for each task. Main findings included (a) positive growth in each language, (b) greater gains in English resulting in shifts toward L2 dominance, and (c) different patterns for receptive and expressive domains. Timing of shifts to L2 dominance underscored L1 skills that are resilient and vulnerable to increases in L2 proficiency.
The use of berberine for women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF treatment
Authors: An Yuan , Sun Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Yajuan , Liu Bin , Guan Yuanyuan , Lu Meisong
Published: July 2013

Objective

Previous studies have indicated that berberine is an effective insulin sensitizer with comparable activity to metformin (Diabetes 2006, 55, 2256). Reduced insulin sensitivity is reportedly a factor adversely affecting the outcome of IVF in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Human Reproduction 2006, 21, 1416). Our objective was to evaluate the clinical, metabolic and endocrine effects of berberine vs metformin in PCOS women scheduled for IVF treatment and to explore the potential benefits to the IVF process.

Design

We performed a prospective study in 150 infertile women with PCOS undergoing IVF treatment. Patients were randomized to receive berberine, metformin or placebo tablets for 3 months before ovarian stimulation.

Measurements

The clinical, endocrine, metabolic parameters and the outcome of IVF.

Results

Compared with placebo, greater reductions in total testosterone, free androgen index, fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR, and increases in SHBG, were observed in the berberine and metformin groups. Three months of treatment with berberine or metformin before the IVF cycle increased the pregnancy rate and reduced the incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Furthermore, treatment with berberine, in comparison with metformin, was associated with decreases in BMI, lipid parameters and total FSH requirement, and an increase in live birth rate with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events.

Conclusions

Berberine and metformin treatments prior to IVF improved the pregnancy outcome by normalizing the clinical, endocrine and metabolic parameters in PCOS women. Berberine has a more pronounced therapeutic effect and achieved more live births with fewer side effects than metformin.
Cortisol secretion from adrenal adenomas discovered as incidentalomas is responsive to ACTH
Authors: Olsen Henrik , Olofsson Li , Mjöman Mattias
Published: July 2013

Objective

Adrenal adenomas discovered as incidentalomas may secrete cortisol and cause subclinical hypercortisolism. This cortisol secretion is considered to be autonomous. The aim was to investigate whether cortisol secretion by adenomas is responsive to ACTH.

Design

Descriptive retrospective study of consecutive patients.

Patients

Eighty patients found to have adrenal incidentalomas during 2008 and 2009 at our hospital were examined, and 50 patients with a unilateral adenoma were included in the study.

Measurements

Cortisol and ACTH were measured at baseline and using 1‐mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST). The cortisol response to ACTH was calculated using the expression: (cortisolbasal‐cortisolDST)/(ACTHbasal‐ACTHDST).

Results

The patients were divided into three groups according to their basal ACTH: ≥3·0 pm (29 patients), 2·0–2·9 pm (9 patients) and <2·0 pm (12 patients). Cortisol at DST was similar in the three groups: 30, 46 and 43 nm (P = 0·10). The cortisol response to ACTH increased stepwise between the groups: 98, 172 and 249 nm/pm (P = 0·000, undetectable ACTH was set to 0 pm). Basal ACTH was negatively correlated with the size of the adenoma and positively correlated with the attenuation of the adenoma at unenhanced CT (P = 0·03 and P = 0·04, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with adrenal adenomas and low basal ACTH show increased cortisol response to ACTH, and the adenomas seem to be the source of the increased cortisol secretion. The increased response to ACTH could be a pathogenic factor in metabolic complications of subclinical hypercortisolism. The cortisol response to ACTH may therefore be a useful measure of subclinical hypercortisolism.
Novel DEPDC5 mutations causing familial focal epilepsy with variable foci identified
Authors: Kaur A
Published: July 2013

Mutations in DEPDC5 cause familial focal epilepsy with variable foci

Dibbens et al. (2013)

Nature Genetics 45: 546–551.

Mutations of DEPDC5 cause autosomal dominant focal epilepsies

Ishida et al. (2013)

Nature Genetics 45: 552–555.
Long‐term results of a three arms prospective cohort study on implants in periodontally compromised patients: 10‐year data around sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) surface
Authors: Roccuzzo Mario , Bonino Luca , Dalmasso Paola , Aglietta Marco
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the long‐term outcomes of sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) implants in patients previously treated for periodontitis and in periodontally healthy patients (PHP).

Material and methods

One hundred and forty‐nine partially edentulous patients were consecutively enrolled in private specialist practice and divided into three groups according to their periodontal condition: PHP, moderately periodontally compromised patients (PCP) and severely PCP. Implants were placed to support fixed prostheses, after successful completion of initial periodontal therapy. At the end of active periodontal treatment (APT), patients were asked to follow an individualized supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) program. Diagnosis and treatment of peri‐implant biological complications were performed according to cumulative interceptive supportive therapy (CIST). At 10 years, clinical and radiographic measures were recorded by two calibrated operators, blind to the initial patient classification, on 123 patients, as 26 were lost to follow up. The number of sites treated according to therapy modalities C and D (antibiotics and/or surgery) during the 10 years was registered.

Results

Six implants were removed for biological complications. The implant survival rate was 100% for PHP, 96.9% for moderate PCP and 97.1% for severe PCP. Antibiotic and/or surgical therapy was performed in 18.8% of cases in PHP, in 52.2% of cases in moderate PCP and in 66.7% cases in severe PCP, with a statistically significant differences between PHP and both PCP groups. At 10 years, the percentage of implants, with at least one site that presented a PD ≥ 6 mm, was, respectively, 0% for PHP, 9.4% for moderate PCP and 10.8% for severe PCP, with a statistically significant difference between PHP and both PCP groups.

Conclusions

This study shows that SLA implants, placed under a strict periodontal control, offer predictable long‐term results. Nevertheless, patients with a history of periodontitis, who did not fully adhere to the SPT, presented a statistically significant higher number of sites that required additional surgical and/or antibiotic treatment. Therefore, patients should be informed, from the beginning, of the value of the SPT in enhancing long‐term outcomes of implant therapy, particularly those affected by periodontitis.
Globalization of the Cashmere Market and the Decline of Large Mammals in Central Asia
Authors: BERGER JOEL , BUUVEIBAATAR BAYARBAATAR , MISHRA CHARUDUTT
Published: July 2013

As drivers of terrestrial ecosystems, humans have replaced large carnivores in most areas, and human influence not only exerts striking ecological pressures on biodiversity at local scales but also has indirect effects in distant corners of the world. We suggest that the multibillion dollar cashmere industry creates economic motivations that link western fashion preferences for cashmere to land use in Central Asia. This penchant for stylish clothing, in turn, encourages herders to increase livestock production which affects persistence of over 6 endangered large mammals in these remote, arid ecosystems. We hypothesized that global trade in cashmere has strong negative effects on native large mammals of deserts and grassland where cashmere‐producing goats are raised. We used time series data, ecological snapshots of the biomass of native and domestic ungulates, and ecologically and behaviorally based fieldwork to test our hypothesis. In Mongolia increases in domestic goat production were associated with a 3‐fold increase in local profits for herders coexisting with endangered saiga (Saiga tatarica).That increasing domestic grazing pressure carries fitness consequences was inferred on the basis of an approximately 4‐fold difference in juvenile recruitment among blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur)in trans‐Himalayan India. Across 7 study areas in Mongolia, India, and China's Tibetan Plateau, native ungulate biomass is now <5% that of domestic species. Such trends suggest ecosystem degradation and decreased capacity for the persistence of native species, including at least 8 Asian endemic species: saiga, chiru (Pantholops hodgsoni), Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), snow leopard(Panthera uncia), khulan(Equus hemionus), kiang (E. kiang), takhi (E. przewalski), and wild yak (Bos mutus). Our results suggest striking yet indirect and unintended actions that link trophic‐level effects to markets induced by the trade for cashmere.

Globalización del Mercado de Cachemira y la Declinación de Mamíferos Mayores en Asia Central
Insights for Integrated Conservation from Attitudes of People toward Protected Areas Near Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: GUERBOIS CHLOE , DUFOUR ANNE‐BEATRICE , MTARE GODFREY , FRITZ HERVE
Published: July 2013

Increase in human settlements at the edge of protected areas (PAs) is perceived as a major threat to conservation of biodiversity. Although it is crucial to integrate the interests of surrounding communities into PA management, key drivers of changes in local populations and the effects of conservation on local livelihoods and perceptions remain poorly understood. We assessed population changes from 1990 to 2010 in 9 villages located between 2 PAs with different management policies (access to natural resources or not). We conducted semi‐directive interviews at the household level (n =217) to document reasons for settlement in the area and villager's attitudes toward the PAs. We examined drivers of these attitudes relative to household typology, feelings about conservation, and concerns for the future with mixed linear models. Population increased by 61% from 2000 to 2010, a period of political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe. Forty‐seven percent of immigrants were attracted by the area; others had been resettled from other villages or were returning to family lands. Attitudes toward PAs were generally positive, but immigrants attracted by the area and who used resources within the PA with fewer restrictions expressed more negative attitudes toward PAs. Household location, losses due to wild animals, and restrictions on access to natural resources were the main drivers of this negative attitude. Profit‐seeking migrants did not expect these constraints and were particularly concerned with local overpopulation and access to natural resources. To avoid socio‐ecological traps near PAs (i.e., unforeseen reduced adaptive capacity) integrated conservation should address mismatches between management policy and local expectations. This requires accounting for endogenous processes, for example, local socio‐ecological dynamics and values that shape the coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Percepciones para Conservación Integrada a Partir de las Actitudes de las Personas hacia Áreas Protegidas cerca del Parque Nacional Hwangem Zimbabwe
A hyperactive postprandial response in the neorectum − the clue to low anterior resection syndrome after total mesorectal excision surgery?
Authors: Emmertsen K. J. , Bregendahl S. , Fassov J. , Krogh K. , Laurberg S.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To investigate neorectal properties regarding biomechanical, sensory and postprandial response in patients after total mesorectal excision without neoadjuvant radiotherapy in groups of no low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) patients and major LARS patients.

Method

Patients without LARS (n = 9) and patients with major LARS (n = 23) were investigated by multimodal rectal stimulation and standard anorectal physiological tests, and results were compared.

Results

Patients with major LARS had an increased postprandial response with a significant increase in pressure in the neorectum after a meal compared with patients without LARS (P = 0.017). No biomechanical differences could be detected.

Conclusion

Low anterior resection syndrome seems to be caused by physiological changes due to neural damage more than structural changes in the ano‐neorectum.
Need for objective and reproducible criteria in histopathological assessment of total mesorectal excision specimens: lessons from a national improvement project
Authors: Demetter P. , Vandendael T. , Sempoux C. , Ectors N. , Cuvelier C. A. , Nagy N. , Hoorens A. , Jouret‐Mourin A. ,   PROCARE
Published: July 2013

Aim

Data on quality control of the pathologic evaluation of total mesorectal excision (TME) specimens are scarce. We aimed to assess differences between evaluation by local pathologists participating in PROject on CAncer of the REctum (PROCARE; a Belgian improvement project on rectal cancer) and by a review panel of experts.

Method

Based on photographic material and histopathology slides, a Review Committee of gastrointestinal expert pathologists re‐evaluated the mesorectal plane, the tumour differentiation grade, the (y)pT stage and the tumour regression grade in 444 patients previously routinely assessed by local pathologists.

Results

The surgical plane was reported in 89% of patients and the circumferential resection margin in 88% of patients by the local pathologist. The median number of lymph nodes harvested in patients undergoing neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy was 11 and 14 in the other patients. The Review Committee downgraded the surgical plane from (intra)mesorectal to intramuscular in 17% of patients, and upgraded it from intramuscular to (intra)mesorectal in 27%. Tumour differentiation grade, T stage and tumour regression grade differed between local pathologists and the Review Committee in 15%, 10% and 38%, respectively, of patients. T stage was upgraded, mainly from T2 to T3, in 8% of patients. Tumour regression was judged by the Review Committee to be less advanced in 15% of patients.

Conclusion

Acknowledging some shortcomings, this study gives a realistic view of clinical practice. There are differences in interpretation with regard to both macroscopic and microscopic analysis of TME specimens. These findings indicate a need for more objective and reproducible criteria in histopathology. Being aware of this is a first step for improvement.
Seven‐year experience of enterocutaneous fistula with univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with healing: development of a validated scoring system
Authors: Rahbour G. , Gabe S. M. , Ullah M. R. , Thomas G. P. , Al‐Hassi H. O. , Yassin N. A. , Tozer P. J. , Warusavitarne J. , Vaizey C. J.
Published: July 2013

Aim

The management of enterocutaneous fistulae (ECF) is complex and challenging. We examined factors associated with fistula healing at a National Intestinal Failure Centre and devised the first scoring system to predict spontaneous fistula healing prior to surgery.

Method

A retrospective audit of 177 patients (mean age 48.7 years) treated over 7 years was undertaken. Results were compared with a previously reported series from this unit. Univariate and multivariate analyses wete performed on variables to assess relationship with ECF healing. A scoring system was devised and validated on a prospective cohort.

Results

One‐hundred and fifty patients underwent surgery between January 2003 and December 2009. The overall healing rate following surgery in the current series was 94.6% (82% in the previous series). Mean delay from previous surgery to the current operation was 1 year (compared with 8 months previously). Thirty‐day postfistula resection mortality was 0% (compared with 3.5% previously). Twenty‐seven patients underwent medical management alone with overall healing rate of 46.4% (vs 19.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed that comorbidity (P = 0.02), source of referral (P = 0.01) and aetiology (P = 0.006) had associations with healing. Almost all patients with scores of 0 and 1 healed, whereas the highest scores healed least frequently.

Conclusion

Surgical management of ECF is safe and improving. Fistula healing is affected by aetiology, comorbidity and source of referral. The scoring system has the potential to predict ECF healing and can be a useful clinical decision‐making tool.
Compact Representations of Extended Causal Models
Authors: Halpern Joseph Y. , Hitchcock Christopher
Published: July 2013

Judea Pearl (2000) was the first to propose a definition of actual causation using causal models. A number of authors have suggested that an adequate account of actual causation must appeal not only to causal structure but also to considerations of normality. In Halpern and Hitchcock (2011), we offer a definition of actual causation using extended causal models, which include information about both causal structure and normality. Extended causal models are potentially very complex. In this study, we show how it is possible to achieve a compact representation of extended causal models.
Flow cytometry significantly improves the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology of lymphoproliferative lesions of salivary glands
Authors: Stacchini A. , Aliberti S. , Pacchioni D. , Demurtas A. , Isolato G. , Gazzera C. , Veltri A. , Maletta F. , Molinaro L. , Novero D.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Lymphoid proliferations of the salivary glands can be either reactive or malignant. Diagnosis based solely on fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology may be troublesome in view of the difficulty in distinguishing low‐grade B‐cell and mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas from reactive lymphoid proliferations. We report our experience with FNA cytology combined with flow cytometry (FC) immunophenotyping for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative processes affecting the salivary glands.

Methods

Sixty‐one FNA specimens, obtained from salivary glands over a 10‐year period, were analysed by cytology and FC. The results were correlated with histological follow‐up if available.

Results

A diagnosis of lymphoma was given in 37 of 61 (61%) specimens; 22 of 61 (36%) specimens were considered as benign/reactive or non‐lymphomatous processes; two of 61 (3%) specimens were considered as suspicious for lymphoma on cytological analysis and negative on FC. Histological control was available in 23 malignant, four non‐lymphomatous and one cytologically suspicious case. Data obtained by the combination of cytology and FC were confirmed in all but one case: the case suspicious on cytology received a histological diagnosis of carcinoma. Four of seven cases with small populations of clonal cells (less than 15%) were histologically confirmed as lymphoma, whereas two remain under surveillance and one was reactive. Correlation with histological data showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 83% for the combination of cytology and FC.

Conclusions

FC is fundamental for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative lesions of the salivary glands. It may solve cytologically suspicious cases and detect the presence of neoplastic B or T cells. This combined approach reduces the time to therapy and may prevent unnecessary surgical biopsies.
Overwintering behavior of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema scarabaei and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and their white grub hosts
Authors: Elmowitz Daniel E. , Ebssa Lemma , Koppenhöfer Albrecht M.
Published: July 2013

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are obligate pathogens known to naturally persist in many habitats. Because survival is a fundamental component of persistence, we investigated whether vertical movement and other avoidance behaviors (i.e., in‐host survival and latent infection), previously speculated as viable survival mechanisms, are exhibited during the cooler months in a temperate turfgrass habitat. The vertical distribution of populations of two EPN species, Steinernema scarabaei Stock & Koppenhöfer (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), and two important hosts of these EPN species, the white grub species Popillia japonica Newman and Anomala orientalis Waterhouse (both Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), were regularly monitored in turf plots from October through April in two consecutive years. Entomopathogenic nematode vertical distribution showed limited changes for H. bacteriophora but none for S. scarabaei. Recovery of H. bacteriophora showed a strong and consistent decline at 0–4 cm depth in the 1st year and a weaker decline at 4–10 cm in the 1st year and at 0–4 cm in the 2nd year. Due to high variability in the data, it was not possible to determine whether the decline in the upper soil layers was due to downward migration or attrition of infective juvenile nematodes. The decline occurred mostly during the first half of the season before the soil froze to any significant extent. The vertical distribution of both white grub species changed with temperature during fall and spring, but not during winter. Overwintering infective juveniles were only recovered in the soil. There was no evidence for successful in‐host survival or latent infection by the nematodes in endemic white grub populations.
‘Pathognomonic’ muscle imaging findings in DNAJB6 mutated LGMD1D
Authors: Sandell S. M. , Mahjneh I. , Palmio J. , Tasca G. , Ricci E. , Udd B. A.
Published: July 2013

Background and purpose

We have previously reported clinical, genetic and molecular pathomechanistic findings in DNAJB6 mutated LGMD1D. After publishing clinical findings of the original Finnish family we identified more Finnish, Italian and US families with the same disease, ultimately confirmed by mutations in the same gene.

Methods

Of the total number of 28 examined Finnish and Italian patients 23 underwent lower limb muscle imaging.

Results

At the early stages of the disease fatty degeneration in T1‐weighed MRI sequences were observed in the soleus, adductor magnus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscles followed by medial gastrocnemius, adductor longus and later by vasti muscles of the quadriceps. Rectus femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, sartorius, gracilis and the anterolateral group of the lower leg muscles were spared until late senecence. The pattern of differential involvement could be identified at different stages of the disease process.

Conclusions

Since the general clinical findings do not provide clues for diagnosis this distinct pattern of muscle involvement and pathognomonic imaging findings are highly relevant in the clinical setting. The pattern of muscle involvement is so typical that it can be used as a differential diagnostic tool for LGMD1D. The final diagnosis however requires molecular genetic confirmation.
Comparison of Saliva‐Check Mutans and Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans with the Cariogram for caries risk assessment
Authors: Wennerholm Kerstin , Emilson Claes‐Göran
Published: July 2013

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the combined use of two rapid, semiquantitative detection kits (Saliva‐Check Mutans and Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans) to assess caries risk using the Cariogram computer‐based program as a reference method. Stimulated saliva samples were collected from 71 subjects, 20–73 yr of age, and the number of Streptococcus mutans per ml of saliva was measured using Saliva‐Check Mutans. After 15 min, a red line in the test detection window indicated >5 × 105 colony‐forming units (CFU) of S. mutans per ml of saliva. The concentration of salivary IgA in relation to the number of mutans streptococci was examined using the Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans test kit. The presence or absence of a red line after 15 min indicated a high or a low concentration of IgA, respectively. By combining the results obtained from these two test systems, each patient was classified into one of four groups of low to high caries risk. Compared with the Cariogram data, the combined results of both detection kits showed that 39 (95%) of 41 subjects had a high chance of avoiding caries and 20 (67%) of 30 subjects had a low chance. The data suggest that the combination of Saliva‐Check Mutans and Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans could be used for caries risk assessment.
Exposure to antiepileptic drugs in utero and child development: A prospective population‐based study
Authors: Veiby Gyri , Daltveit Anne K. , Schjølberg Synnve , Stoltenberg Camilla , Øyen Anne‐Siri , Vollset Stein E. , Engelsen Bernt A. , Gilhus Nils E.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Antiepileptic drugs may cause congenital malformations. Less is known about the effect on development in infancy and childhood. The aim of this study was to examine whether exposure to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy has an effect on early child development.

Methods

From mid‐1999 through December 2008, children of mothers recruited at 13–17 weeks of pregnancy were studied in the ongoing prospective Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Information on birth outcomes were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry (108,264 children), and mothers reported on their child's motor development, language, social skills, and autistic traits using items from standardized screening tools at 18 months (61,351 children) and 36 months (44,147 children) of age. The relative risk of adverse outcomes in children according to maternal or paternal epilepsy with and without prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs was estimated as odds ratios (ORs), using logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age, parity, education, smoking, depression/anxiety, folate supplementation, and child congenital malformation or low birth weight.

Key Findings

A total of 333 children were exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero. At 18 months, the exposed children had increased risk of abnormal scores for gross motor skills (7.1% vs. 2.9%; OR 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–3.7) and autistic traits (3.5% vs. 0.9%; OR 2.7, CI 1.1–6.7) compared to children of parents without epilepsy. At 36 months, the exposed children had increased risk of abnormal score for gross motor skills (7.5% vs. 3.3%; OR 2.2, CI 1.1–4.2), sentence skills (11.2% vs. 4.8%; OR 2.1, CI 1.2–3.6), and autistic traits (6.0% vs. 1.5%; OR 3.4, CI 1.6–7.0). The drug‐exposed children also had increased risk of congenital malformations (6.1% vs. 2.9%; OR 2.1, CI 1.4–3.4), but exclusion of congenital malformations did not affect the risk of adverse development. Children born to women with epilepsy who did not use antiepileptic drugs had no increased risks. Children of fathers with epilepsy generally scored within the normal range.

Significance

Exposure to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy is associated with adverse development at 18 and 36 months of age, measured as low scores within key developmental domains rated by mothers. Exposures to valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, or multiple antiepileptic drugs were associated with adverse outcome within different developmental domains.
Expression and functional relevance of UGT1A4 in a cohort of human drug‐resistant epileptic brains
Authors: Ghosh Chaitali , Hossain Mohammed , Puvenna Vikram , Martinez‐Gonzalez Jorge , Alexopolous Andreas , Janigro Damir , Marchi Nicola
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Brain drug bioavailability is regulated by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). It was recently suggested that cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes could act in concert with multidrug transporter proteins to regulate drug penetration and distribution into the diseased brain. The possibility that phase II metabolic enzymes could be expressed in the epileptic brain has been not evaluated. Phase II enzymes are involved in the metabolism of common antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Methods

Phase II enzyme UGT1A4 brain expression was evaluated in temporal lobe resections from patients with epilepsy. UGT1A4 expression was determined by western blot and immunocytochemistry in primary cultures of human drug‐resistant brain endothelial human brain epileptic endothelial cells (EPI‐EC)s and commercially available control cells human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). Lack of DNA condensation measured by 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) was used as a surrogate marker of cell viability and was correlated to UGT1A4 expression high performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet detection (HPLC‐UV) was used to quantify lamotrigine metabolism by EPI‐EC and HBMEC. The appearance of the specific lamotrigine metabolite, 2‐n glucuronide (MET‐1), was also evaluated. Lamotrigine and MET‐1 levels were measured in selected surgical brain and matched blood samples.

Key Findings

UGT1A4 expression was observed in BBB endothelial cells and neurons. Our quantification study revealed variable levels of UGT1A4 expression across the brain specimens analyzed. Neurons devoid of UGT1A4 expression displayed nuclear DAPI condensation, a sign of cellular distress. UGT1A4 overexpression in EPI‐EC, as compared to HBMEC, was reflected by a proportional increase in lamotrigine metabolism. The lamotrigine metabolite, MET‐1, was formed in vitro by EPI‐EC and, to a lesser extent, by HBMEC. HPLC‐UV measurements of brain and blood samples obtained from patients receiving lamotrigine prior to surgery revealed the presence of lamotrigine and its metabolites in the brain.

Significance

These initial results suggest the presence of a phase II enzyme in the epileptic brain. Further studies are required to fully describe the pattern of brain UGT1A4 expression in relation to clinical variables and drug resistance.