bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression in mycosis fungoides
Authors: Pileri Alessandro , Agostinelli Claudio , Righi Simona , Fuligni Fabio , Bacci Francesco , Sabattini Elena , Patrizi Annalisa , Pileri Stefano A , Piccaluga Pier Paolo
Published: April 2014

Aims

High levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) seem to herald a worse prognosis in mycosis fungoides (MF). In this study, we aimed to characterize more clearly VEGFA gene and protein expression in MF.

Methods and results

First, we compared VEGFA mRNA levels in MF and in normal T lymphocyte samples; significantly higher VEGFA levels were found in MF. We then studied VEGFA expression in different normal T cell subsets, focusing on CD4+, CD8+, resting and activated T lymphocytes. We applied the gene signatures of the normal T cell subsets to MF samples and found that activated T lymphocytes represented the closest normal counterpart of the tumour. However, VEGFA mRNA levels were significantly higher in MF than in activated normal T cells, suggesting that VEGFA overexpression in MF represents an attribute acquired during neoplastic transformation: no significant VEGFA expression differences were recorded between early and advanced stages. Gene expression profile results were supported by immunohistochemistry in routine sections from 27 MF cases.

Conclusions

For the first time, we demonstrate VEGFA expression in MF cells, suggesting that the VEGF pathway may be implicated in MF pathogenesis and can represent a novel therapeutic target.
A potential link among antioxidant enzymes, histopathology and trace elements in canine visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Souza Carolina C. , Barreto Tatiane de O. , da Silva Sydnei M. , Pinto Aldair W. J. , Figueiredo Maria M. , Ferreira Rocha Olguita G. , Cangussú Silvia D. , Tafuri Wagner L.
Published: April 2014

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a severe and fatal systemic chronic inflammatory disease. We investigated the alterations in, and potential associations among, antioxidant enzymes, trace elements and histopathology in CVL. Blood and tissue levels of Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were measured in mixed‐breed dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum chagasi, symptomatic (n = 19) and asymptomatic (n = 11). Serum levels of copper, iron, zinc, selenium and nitric oxide, and plasma lipid peroxidation were measured. Histological and morphometric analyses were conducted of lesions in liver, spleen and lymph nodes. We found lower blood catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity to be correlated with lower iron and selenium respectively. However, higher activity of Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase was not correlated with the increase in copper and decreased in zinc observed in infected animals compared to controls. Organ tissue was characterized by lower enzyme activity in infected dogs than in controls, but this was not correlated with trace elements. Lipid peroxidation was higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic and control dogs and was associated with lesions such as chronic inflammatory reaction, congestion, haemosiderin and fibrosis. Systemic iron deposition was observed primarily in the symptomatic dogs showing a higher tissue parasite load. Dogs with symptomatic CVL displayed enhanced LPO and Fe tissue deposition associated with decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes. These results showed new points in the pathology of CVL and might open new treatment perspectives associated with antioxidants and the role of iron in the pathogenesis of CVL.
Compliance of urinary continence care for Japanese residents on short‐stay respite services
Authors: Takai Yukari , Abe Kogi , Torimoto‐Sasai Yasuko , Okamoto Yuko , Kamiyama Manami , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko
Published: April 2014

A guideline for urinary incontinence care among older adults in Japan has recommended that the care should be based on types and causes of urinary incontinence. This study examined nursing ward managers' perceptions regarding compliance of urinary continence care among nursing staff, for residents on short‐stay respite services (SSRS) at health care facilities in Japan, and to examine the relationship between the compliance and residents' levels of activities of daily living upon discharge. We sent questionnaires to nursing managers at all facilities in the Kanto and Shinetsu regions in Japan (1072 facilities). The questionnaires asked about SSRS, compliance of urinary continence care for residents on the respite services and the residents' levels of activities of daily living upon discharge. A logistic regression analysis was performed with overall improvement of activities of daily living among the residents as a dependent variable and the factors that could be related to the activity levels and compliance of the care as independent variables. The final sample comprised 313 participants (response rate: 29·2%). Among the managers, 64·6% reported urinary incontinence types in the residents identified at their facilities, and 69·4% disagreed in response to a question on whether the activities of daily living levels of the residents had improved upon discharge. Logistic regression analysis showed that identifying urinary incontinence types (odds ratio 3·38, 95% confidence interval 1·71–6·69) was associated with improvement of activity levels for the residents. Identification of residents' urinary incontinence types should be carried out via systematic approaches by nursing staff.
Impact of urinary incontinence on sexual quality of life in Portuguese adults
Authors: Pereira Henrique , Menezes Joana
Published: April 2014

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a symptom of an underlying disorder with a high prevalence, constituting an important public health problem due to its physical, psychological and social consequences. The impact it has on the individuals' quality of life is revealed in their daily activities, self‐perception, socialization, emotional health and in their sexual life. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of incontinence on the sexual quality of life, identifying the role of the variables: gender, duration and severity of incontinence, impact of incontinence on the quality of life and type of incontinence. The sample was composed by 55 patients (54·05% male and 45·5% female) from health facilities, in Lisbon, with a mean age of 55 years, who answered a set of questionnaires, which included: the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7); the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6); the Questionnaire on Sexual Quality of Life, male and female versions (SQoL‐F/SQoL‐M) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The results indicate that UI has a negative impact on the sexual quality of life in general, especially if the incontinence symptoms endure for a long period of time; also the impact of UI on social relationships, and the stress UI has a significant and negative impact on the sexual quality of life. In this study, UI has a negative impact on sexual life compounded by restrictions and other negative consequences of living with urinary leakage. The authors conclude that further research is required to ascertain the full impact of UI on sexual quality of life. Finally, implications for nurses are also discussed: in addressing the sexual health of their patients, nurses have an important contribution in assuring that experiencing UI should not necessarily translate into negative sexual quality of life.
The role of the prostate cancer nurse co‐ordinator: nurses' perspectives of barriers and challenges
Authors: Morgan Margaret , Butow Phyllis , Maddern Robyn , Shaw Joanne
Published: April 2014

The prostate cancer nurse co‐ordinator (PCNC) is a relatively new role in Australia. Although a post graduate prostate cancer nursing specialist training course has been established, within the clinical setting the role is still poorly defined and understood. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and experiences of PCNCs regarding: (i) the challenges of their role, and (ii) the interaction of job demands and job resources in determining the impact of their role on their level of work‐related stress and delivery of care, using the job‐demands and resources (JD‐R) model. Qualitative study was designed involving thematic analysis of telephone interviews with PCNCs. Structured interviews were conducted with 15 PCNCs recruited through the Australian and New Zealand Urological Nurses' Society membership. Interview structure was guided by The JD‐R model. Respondents reported a wide range of role descriptions and activities, reflecting a lack of clarity in role definition. They also reported high demands in an environment of limited resources. However, at least in part, these stressors were mediated by high levels of job satisfaction and reward from high levels of patient care. These findings highlight the need for clear role definition and implementation of guidelines to establish case‐loads. To facilitate role clarity and a sustainable, professionally trained workforce, adequate training and competency are essential. Organizational autonomy through the implementation of nurse‐led clinics might further enhance the role.
Droit du travail, chômage et part salariale: l'expérience de six pays de l'OCDE, 1970–2010
Authors: DEAKIN Simon , MALMBERG Jonas , SARKAR Prabirjit
Published: April 2014

Utilisant des données sur le droit du travail dans six pays (Allemagne, Etats‐Unis, France, Japon, Royaume‐Uni et Suède) entre 1970 et 2010, les auteurs évaluent les effets de la réglementation du travail sur le chômage et la part du travail dans le revenu national. Leur méthode montre la différence entre les effets à court et à long terme des changements de réglementation: la législation protectrice des travailleurs n'est pas associée de façon systématique avec le chômage, mais est corrélée positivement avec la part du travail dans le revenu national. Les dispositions relatives au temps de travail et la représentation des salariés ont des effets bénéfiques tant sur l'efficacité que sur la répartition.
El sindicalismo como vía de ciudadanía laboral. El caso de las cuidadoras y cuidadores migrantes en Israel
Authors: MUNDLAK Guy , SHAMIR Hila
Published: April 2014

El artículo examina la viabilidad del sindicalismo para ciertos trabajadores migrantes del cuidado. Primero revisa las concepciones básicas de la acción sindical y después, apoyándose en un análisis detallado de una campaña reciente de sindicación de cuidadores migrantes en Israel, demuestra la aportación única del enfoque sindical frente al de otras asociaciones cívicas que apoyan a estos trabajadores: a pesar de los muchos problemas que entraña su sindicación, en razón de la naturaleza de su trabajo y de obstáculos jurídicos e institucionales, el sindicalismo es la única vía para dotar a los trabajadores migrantes de ciudadanía laboral y de agencia política.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation: Early Impact on Ambulatory Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Schwerg Marius , Heupel Christian , Strajnic Dino , Baumann Gert , Laule Michael , Stangl Verena , Stangl Karl
Published: April 2014

Although guidelines recommend ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM), few data are available regarding the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on 24‐hour ABPM values. A total of 44 patients with mean systolic BP ≥135 mm Hg on ABPM despite adequate therapy were included. Basal systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were 154±11 mm Hg and 86±12 mm Hg, respectively. At 1 month, SBP and DBP were reduced to 146±18 mm Hg (P=.01) and 82±14 mm Hg and showed no further decrease up to 6 months. Only 55% of the patients responded to RDN (≥−5 mm Hg SBP), with a mean responder rate drop of 21/11 mm Hg. Neither the number of ablation points nor the amount of impedance drop was predictive of response. Only approximately half of patients with resistant hypertension responded to RDN. However, in these responders, a remarkable reduction of 24‐hour BP occurred as early as 1 month after RDN.
Risk factors associated with the longevity of multi‐rooted teeth. Long‐term outcomes after active and supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Salvi Giovanni E. , Mischler Daniel C. , Schmidlin Kurt , Matuliene Giedre , Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Brägger Urs , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate risk factors for the loss of multi‐rooted teeth (MRT) in subjects treated for periodontitis and enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

Material and Methods

A total of 172 subjects were examined before (T0) and after active periodontal therapy (APT)(T1) and following a mean of 11.5 ± 5.2 (SD) years of SPT (T2). The association of risk factors with loss of MRT was analysed with multilevel logistic regression. The tooth was the unit of analysis.

Results

Furcation involvement (FI) = 1 before APT was not a risk factor for tooth loss compared with FI = 0 (p = 0.37). Between T0 and T2, MRT with FI = 2 (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.68, 5.06, p = 0.0001) and FI = 3 (OR: 6.85, 95% CI: 3.40, 13.83, p < 0.0001) were at a significantly higher risk to be lost compared with those with FI = 0. During SPT, smokers lost significantly more MRT compared with non‐smokers (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.05, 5.35, p = 0.04). Non‐smoking and compliant subjects with FI = 0/1 at T1 lost significantly less MRT during SPT compared with non‐compliant smokers with FI = 2 (OR: 10.11, 95% CI: 2.91, 35.11, p < 0.0001) and FI = 3 (OR: 17.18, 95% CI: 4.98, 59.28, p < 0.0001) respectively.

Conclusions

FI = 1 was not a risk factor for tooth loss compared with FI = 0. FI = 2/3, smoking and lack of compliance with regular SPT represented risk factors for the loss of MRT in subjects treated for periodontitis.
Evolved variation in cold tolerance among populations of Eldana saccharina (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in South Africa
Authors: Kleynhans E. , Mitchell K. A. , Conlong D. E. , Terblanche J. S.
Published: April 2014

Among‐population variation in chill‐coma onset temperature (CTmin) is thought to reflect natural selection for local microclimatic conditions. However, few studies have investigated the evolutionary importance of cold tolerance limits in natural populations. Here, using a common‐environment approach, we show pronounced variation in CTmin (± 4 °C) across the geographic range of a nonoverwintering crop pest, Eldana saccharina. The outcomes of this study provide two notable results in the context of evolved chill‐coma variation: (1) CTmin differs significantly between geographic lines and is significantly positively correlated with local climates, and (2) there is a stable genetic architecture underlying CTmin trait variation, likely representing four key genes. Crosses between the most and least cold‐tolerant geographic lines confirmed a genetic component to CTmin trait variation. Slower developmental time in the most cold‐tolerant population suggests that local adaptation involves fitness costs; however, it confers fitness benefits in that environment. A significant reduction in phenotypic plasticity in the laboratory population suggests that plasticity of this trait is costly to maintain but also likely necessary for field survival. These results are significant for understanding field population adaption to novel environments, whereas further work is needed to dissect the underlying mechanism and gene(s) responsible.
Divorce in the barn owl: securing a compatible or better mate entails the cost of re‐pairing with a less ornamented female mate
Authors: Dreiss A. N. , Roulin A.
Published: April 2014

Two nonmutually exclusive hypotheses can explain why divorce is an adaptive strategy to improve reproductive success. Under the ‘better option hypothesis’, only one of the two partners initiates divorce to secure a higher‐quality partner and increases reproductive success after divorce. Under the ‘incompatibility hypothesis’, partners are incompatible and hence they may both increase reproductive success after divorce. In a long‐term study of the barn owl (Tyto alba), we address the question of whether one or the two partners derive fitness benefits by divorcing. Our results support the hypothesis that divorce is adaptive: after a poor reproductive season, at least one of the two divorcees increase breeding success up to the level of faithful pairs. By breeding more often together, faithful pairs improve coordination and thereby gain in their efficiency to produce successful fledglings. Males would divorce to obtain a compatible mate rather than a mate of higher quality: a heritable melanin‐based signal of female quality did not predict divorce (indicating that female absolute quality may not be the cause of divorce), but the new mate of divorced males was less melanic than their previous mate. This suggests that, at least for males, a cost of divorce may be to secure a lower‐quality but compatible mate. The better option hypothesis could not be formally rejected, as only one of the two divorcing partners commonly succeeded in obtaining a higher reproductive success after divorce. In conclusion, incompatible partners divorce to restore reproductive success, and by breeding more often together, faithful partners improve coordination.
Tooth microwear formation rate in Gasterosteus aculeatus
Authors: Baines D. C. , Purnell M. A. , Hart P. J. B.
Published: April 2014

Tooth microwear feature densities were significantly increased in a population of laboratory‐reared three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in four days, after they were transferred from a limnetic feeding regime to a benthic feeding regime. These results show that even in aquatic vertebrates with non‐occluding teeth, changes in feeding can cause changes in tooth microwear in just a few days, as in mammals.
Experimental evidence for parasite‐induced over‐winter mortality in juvenile Rhodeus amarus
Authors: Michálková V. , Ondračková M.
Published: April 2014

In this study, the effects of the eye fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum (Trematoda) infection on over‐winter survival of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) European bitterling Rhodeus amarus (Cyprinidae) were examined between September 2010 and April 2011. The fish were reared in semi‐natural conditions to ensure that results were not confounded by other parasite infections. The cumulative mortality of R. amarus from November until April was significantly higher in D. pseudospathaceum‐infected fish (57·3%) compared to controls (42·1%). Infection of the parental generation did not have any effect on the mortality of juveniles. The results indicate that D. pseudospathaceum infection increases over‐winter mortality of YOY R. amarus. The possible mechanisms causing mortality are discussed.
Time and size at seaward migration influence the sea survival ofSalmo salar
Authors: Jonsson N. , Jonsson B.
Published: April 2014

Whether time of seaward migration of young Atlantic salmonSalmo salarinfluences their subsequent survival and growth was investigated in the River Imsa, south‐western Norway.Salmo salarwere tagged when moving downstream through a trap near the outlet between 1976 and 2010 and recaptured on their adult return. Most descended as smolts in April and May, but some descended during the other months of the year. Annual variation in timing of the smolt migration was significantly correlated with variation in water temperature during spring. Mean total body length of the descendingS. salarvaried with month of seaward migration. The sea survival ofS. salaremigrating from the River Imsa between January and May was 2·8 times higher than for those descending between June and December. The sea survival of the various cohorts decreased with increasing river temperature in April to May, prior to the smolt migration, and decreasing day number when the smolts moved to sea. The size of smolts descending the river between April and May did not affect the survival at sea as much as it affected the survival of migrants descending in any other month of the year. The majority of the downstream migratingS. salarwere 2 years old, but proportionally, more 1 year olds moved downstream in the autumn than in the rest of the year. Mean duration between downstream migration of the young and the return migration of the grilse was shortest (12·7 months) for those descending in July and August and longest for those descending in October (21 months). Mean monthly specific growth rate was highest for those migrating downstream between May and July and lowest for those emigrating in September. Based on the present results, it was hypothesized thatS. salaremigrating between April and August migrated directly out into the ocean, while those that emigrated between October and March stayed in the estuary until the subsequent spring.
Evolutionary hypotheses for a constraint to life‐history resilience in depleted Salmo salar populations
Authors: Fraser D. J.
Published: April 2014

Phenotypic plasticity underlies much of the variation in life‐history expression in fishes. An understanding of potential constraints on life‐history plasticity thus may be critical for assessing the resiliency of populations or species to environmental change. Here, several evolutionary hypotheses are formulated for why a depleted lineage of Canadian Atlantic salmon Salmo salar populations continues to express an apparently maladaptive life history in the face of severe marine mortality. These hypotheses include: (1) reduced genetic variability for expressing plasticity, (2) constraints from genetic architecture, (3) constraints from gene flow, (4) phylogenetic constraints or irreversible evolutionary transitions, (5) environmental constraints to plasticity and (6) a restriction to population rescue from evolutionary‐demographic feedbacks. This S. salar lineage is intriguing to consider for understanding resilience or the lack thereof, because it has life‐history attributes that should favour resilience (e.g. a high degree of iteroparity, variable age at maturity and the presence of both long‐ and short‐distance migration ecotypes). In particular, the discussion centres on the question of why S. salar females, in contrast to males, do not adopt a non‐anadromous life history and mature in fresh water, given extremely high marine mortality among anadromous individuals of both sexes. A salient implication, with possibly significant conservation ramifications, is that fishes may exhibit substantial plasticity and potential for adapting to environmental change, but still be incapable of responding to certain environmental changes due to sex‐specific constraints to life‐history plasticity.
Immunofluorescence localization of the tubulin cytoskeleton during cell division and cell growth in members of theColeochaetales (Streptophyta)
Authors: Doty Karen F. , Betzelberger Amy M. , Kocot Kevin M. , Cook Martha E.
Published: April 2014

Study of charophycean green algae, including theColeochaetales, may shed light on the evolutionary history of characters they share with their land plant relatives. We examined the tubulin cytoskeleton during mitosis, cytokinesis, and growth in members of theColeochaetales with diverse morphologies to determine if phragmoplasts occurred throughout this order and to identify microtubular patterns associated with cell growth. Species representing three subgroups ofColeochaeteand its sister genusChaetosphaeridiumwere studied. Cytokinesis involving a phragmoplast was found in the four taxa examined. Differential interference contrast microscopy of living cells confirmed that polar cytokinesis like that described in the model flowering plantArabidopsisoccurred in all species when the forming cell plate traversed a vacuole. Calcofluor labeling of cell walls demonstrated directed growth from particular cell regions of all taxa. Electron microscopy confirmed directed growth in the unusual growth pattern ofChaetosphaeridium. All four species exhibited unordered microtubule patterns associated with diffuse growth in early cell expansion. In subsequent elongating cells,Coleochaete irregularisPringsheim andChaetosphaeridium globosum(Nordstedt) Klebahn exhibited tubulin cytoskeleton arrays corresponding to growth patterns associated with tip growth in plants, fungi, and other charophycean algae. Hoop‐shaped microtubules frequently associated with diffuse growth of elongating cells in plants were not observed in any of these species. Presence of phragmoplasts in the diverse species studied supports the hypothesis that cytokinesis involving a phragmoplast originated in a common ancestor of theColeochaetales, and possibly in a common ancestor ofCharales,Coleochaetales,Zygnematales, and plants.
Antiviral effect of entecavir in nucleos(t)ide analogue‐naïve and nucleos(t)ide analogue‐experienced chronic hepatitis B patients without virological response at week 24 or 48 of therapy
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Hung Chao‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Lee Chuan‐Mo
Published: April 2014

We investigated the antiviral effect of entecavir in nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)‐naïve and NA‐experienced chronic hepatitis B patients without virological response (VR, HBV DNA < 300 copies/mL) at week 24 or 48. A total of 369 NA‐naïve and 181 NA‐experienced patients treated with entecavir monotherapy were analysed. Of the 369 NA‐naïve patients, 34 did not achieve VR at week 48. Of them, patients with HBV DNA ≤2000 copies/mL at week 48 achieved a higher VR rate than those with HBV DNA >2000 copies/mL (18/23 vs 3/11, P = 0.004). Two naïve patients with HBV DNA >2000 copies/mL developed entecavir‐ or lamivudine‐resistant mutants. In 98 lamivudine‐experienced patients without ever having lamivudine resistance, most patients with VR (72/72) and partial VR (300–104 copies/mL; 20/23) at week 24 or VR at week 48 (89/91) could maintain or achieve VR after prolonged therapy. In 75 patients with prior resistance to lamivudine, prolonged entecavir therapy led to low VR rate in those without VR at week 24 (13/45) or 48 (4/34) and high entecavir‐resistance rate in those with or without VR at week 24 (6/30 with and 23/45 without) and 48 (8/41 with and 21/34 without). VR at week 48 was an independent predictor (HR 0.14, 95% CI 0.06–0.33) for entecavir‐resistant mutant development among the 75 patients with prior lamivudine‐resistant mutants. In conclusion, prolonged entecavir treatment resulted in a poor response in naïve patients with HBV DNA >2000 copies/mL at week 48 and patients with prior lamivudine‐resistant mutants without VR at week 24 or 48.
Spatial patterns with memory: tree regeneration after stand‐replacing disturbance in Picea abies mountain forests
Authors: Wild Jan , Kopecký Martin , Svoboda Miroslav , Zenáhlíková Jitka , Edwards‐Jonášová Magda , Herben Tomáš
Published: April 2014

Questions

What are the spatial patterns of adult trees and recruits in natural Picea abies forests? How are these patterns related to each other? Does the relationship differ before and after stand‐replacing disturbance? What are the ecological processes behind these spatial patterns?

Location

Mountain Picea abies forests in the Šumava Mts. (Bohemian Forest), Czech Republic, affected by a high‐severity outbreak of bark beetle (Ips typographus) that caused large‐scale dieback of the forest canopy.

Methods

We measured the spatial coordinates and heights of all recruits and the coordinates and DBH of all adult trees in nine plots across a wide range of recruit densities. We distinguished pre‐ and post‐disturbance recruits, trees killed by the disturbance and trees already dead before it. To analyse spatial relationship among these groups, we used univariate and bivariate pair‐correlation functions. To provide further insight into the mechanisms behind the observed patterns, we fitted Thomas and Matérn point processes to the observed data.

Results

Recruits formed tight clusters (2–9 m), whereas trees were distributed randomly or weakly clustered at short distances (1–2 m). Both pre‐disturbance and post‐disturbance recruits were highly clustered (cluster radii < 2 m) around trees before and after the stand–replacing disturbance. This fine‐scale pattern was likely driven by a combination of: (1) seed accumulation in tree wells during winter; (2) nurse effects of tree trunks extending the vegetation period, suppressing competitive vegetation and enhancing nutrient supply from decomposed litter; and (3) suitable seedbeds on some decaying wood. The Thomas point process fitted the observed pattern of decreasing recruit density with increasing distance from mature trees better than the Matérn process.

Conclusions

Tree spatial pattern in mountain P. abies forests showed high resilience to stand‐replacing disturbance. After a self‐thinning of recruits tightly clustered around parental trees, their spatial pattern will mirror the pattern of trees that formed the stand before the disturbance. This ‘memory’ of tree spatial patterns is an important biological legacy and should be viewed as a fundamental property of natural P. abies forests.
The Roles of First Language and Proficiency in L2 Processing of Spanish Clitics: Global Effects
Authors: Seibert Hanson Aroline E. , Carlson Matthew T.
Published: April 2014

We assessed the roles of first language (L1) and second language (L2) proficiency in the processing of preverbal clitics in L2 Spanish by considering the predictions of four processing theories—the Input Processing Theory, the Unified Competition Model, the Amalgamation Model, and the Associative‐Cognitive CREED. We compared the performance of L1 English (typologically different from Spanish) to L1 Romanian (typologically similar to Spanish) speakers from various L2 Spanish proficiency levels on an auditory sentence‐processing task. We found main effects of proficiency, condition, and L1 and an interaction between proficiency and condition. Although we did not find an interaction between L1 and condition, the L1 Romanians showed an overall advantage that may be attributable to structure‐specific experience in the L1, raising new questions about how crosslinguistic differences influence the processing strategies learners apply to their L2.
Unearthing the impact of human disturbance on a notorious weed
Authors: Hodgins Kathryn
Published: April 2014

Large‐scale anthropogenic changes in the environment are reshaping global biodiversity and the evolutionary trajectory of many species. Evolutionary mechanisms that allow organisms to thrive in this rapidly changing environment are just beginning to be investigated (Hoffmann & Sgrò ; Colautti & Barrett ). Weedy and invasive species represent ‘success stories’ for how species can cope with human modified environments. As introduced species have spread within recent times, they provide the unique opportunity to track the genetic consequences of rapid range expansion through time and space using historic DNA samples. Using modern collections and herbarium specimens dating back to 1873, Martin et al. () have provided a more complete understanding of the population history of the invasive, agricultural weed, common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia; Fig. ) in its native range with surprising results. They find that the recent population explosion of common ragweed in North America coincided with substantial shifts in population genetic structure with implications for invasion.
Fitness landscape of sympatric pupfishes a useful tool for visualizing speciation
Authors: Keepers Kyle G. , Martin Andrew P.
Published: April 2014

Arguably the most useful model of evolution emerged from the mind of Sewall Wright when he invented the fitness landscape (Wright ). In a recent issue of Molecular Ecology, Martin & Feinstein () investigate the genetics and demographic history of an adaptive radiation of pupfish on San Salvador Island. Since the founder species colonized the island 10 000 years ago, two descendent species have appeared and in several lakes all three species (a durophage, a scale‐eater, and the generalist ancestral form) coexist. The three species are thought to occupy three distinct fitness peaks. The durophage and generalists' peaks are close, whereas the scale‐eater's peak is predicted to be distant and separated from the other two by a deep valley. Consistent with this view, gene flow between the two species on close fitness peaks is greater than the gene flow between these two species and the third species on a more distant peak. Correspondingly, the inferred fitness landscape predicts progress towards speciation, with more limited separation of species on close peaks, and that speciation is more complete for the scale‐eater. The article provides an illustrative example of the power afforded by analysis of large numbers of SNPs for estimating key parameters underlying evolutionary divergence.
A 19‐Year Study on Pacemaker‐Related Infections: A Claim for Using Postoperative Antibiotics
Authors: SENARATNE JANEK M. , JAYASURIYA ANUSHKA , IRWIN MARLEEN , GULAMHUSEIN SAJAD , SENARATNE MANOHARA P.J.
Published: April 2014

Background

Although the incidence of pacemaker‐related infection (PMINF) is low, it necessitates removal of the pacing system. There is currently no consensus on antibiotics during implantation.

Methods

A prospective database on patients undergoing pacemaker surgery from 1991 to 2009 was reviewed to determine factors associated with PMINF. Specifically, three eras of antibiotic use were compared to elucidate the effect of antibiotics on PMINF: no antibiotics, perioperative antibiotics, and peri‐ plus postoperative antibiotics.

Results

There were 3,253 procedures with PMINF identified in 46 (1.4%) patients. Over 19 years, PMINF incidence fell from 3.6% (no antibiotics) to 2.9% (perioperative antibiotics), to 0.4% (peri‐ plus postoperative antibiotics). On univariate analysis, the following were associated with PMINF: nonuse of postoperative antibiotics (3.0% vs 0.4%, P < 0.001), year of implant (P < 0.001), repeat procedures (2.3% vs 1%, P = 0.006), nonuse of perioperative antibiotics (3.6% vs 1.3%, P = 0.027). With postoperative antibiotics, rates were significantly reduced in new implants (1/1,289 = 0.1% vs 22/967 = 2.3%, P < 0.001) and repeat procedures (7/692 = 1.0% vs 16/305 = 5.2%, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the following were significant (standardized coefficients denote relative importance): postoperative antibiotics (0.776), repeat procedures (0.508), year of implant (0.142), perioperative antibiotics (0.088).

Conclusions

The PMINF rate is reduced significantly by perioperative antibiotics with a further significant reduction with postoperative antibiotics. However, the reduction in PMINF rate could be a result of changes in practice in the different time eras. This study suggests consideration of perioperative followed by postoperative antibiotics to minimize pacemaker infections.
Impact of ICD Artifact Burden on Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac MR Imaging in Patients Undergoing Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Authors: MESUBI OLUROTIMI , AHMAD GHADA , JEUDY JEAN , JIMENEZ ALEJANDRO , KUK RICHARD , SALIARIS ANASTASIOS , SEE VINCENT , SHOROFSKY STEPHEN , DICKFELD TIMM
Published: April 2014

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is the gold standard for myocardial scar evaluation. Although ideal for substrate assessment in ventricular tachycardia (VT), most patients have an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) at presentation for ablation. This study evaluates the ICD artifact burden during standard late gadolinium enhancement CMRI (LGE‐CMRI) evaluation of myocardial scar in VT patients with ICDs.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients with ICD and cardiomyopathy underwent LGE‐CMRI using 1.5‐T magnetic resonance scanner before VT ablation. Using the American Heart Association (AHA) 17‐segment model, short‐axis LGE series were analyzed for artifact burden localization and assessment.

Results

Preablation CMRI was performed in 31 patients with single chamber (n = 13), dual chamber (n = 11), and biventricular (n = 7) ICDs. Pre‐ and post‐MRI ICD parameters were unchanged. All patients had susceptibility artifact and 51.6% (256 of 496) of segments were affected by artifact. The artifact area (178 ± 136 cm2) resulted in an artifact burden of 54 ± 21% of the LV myocardial area (327 ± 15 cm2). The anterior wall was most affected by artifact (89%) compared with 52%, 49%, and 23% in the lateral, septal, and inferior walls, respectively (P < 0.0001). The apical segments had more artifact burden (66%) than the mid (49%) and basal (44%) segments (P = 0.0005). Artifact area correlated with ICD‐heart distance on anteroposterior chest radiograph (r = 0.42, P = 0.021) and body mass index (r = –0.48, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Current clinical LGE‐CMRI scar imaging protocols produce ICD artifacts that affect >50% of the LV myocardium and correlate with the ICD‐heart distance. This significantly limits the application of CMRI for image‐guided VT ablation.
Rate of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) Re‐Extraction after Recurrent Infection
Authors: SAEED OMAR , GUPTA ANUPAM , GROSS JAY N. , PALMA EUGEN C.
Published: April 2014

Background

Patients who develop a cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection requiring extraction may have risk factors that make them prone to developing another infection of the reimplanted CIED. However, the rate of a second infection requiring repeat extraction in such patients is unknown and may have important clinical implications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients at our institution from January 2001 to October 2012 who underwent a CIED extraction for an infection and then required reimplantation. We then reviewed the incidence of a repeat extraction due to a second infection. Clinical and device parameters at the time of the second infection were retrieved.

Results

There were 168 patients who underwent a CIED extraction because of infection and were subsequently reimplanted. The median time to reimplantation was 3 [1st quartile: 1, 3rd quartile: 10] days. After a mean follow‐up of 4.4 ± 2.7 years, nine (5.4%) patients underwent a repeat CIED extraction due to a second infection. Six repeat extractions (67%) occurred in the first year, leading to an event rate of 3.9% within 1 year of reimplantation. Patients with a second infection requiring a repeat CIED extraction were younger (57 ± 20 vs 68 ± 16, P = 0.046). Pocket infection was the most common presentation of a second infection, occurring in eight of the nine patients.

Conclusion

The rate of a second infection leading to a CIED repeat extraction is elevated within the first year after reimplantation. To determine predictors of recurring infection, analysis of a larger multicenter series is warranted.
Successful Treatment of Macroreentrant Atrial Tachycardia by Radiofrequency Ablation Targeting Channels with Continuous Activation
Authors: WO HUNG‐TA , WEN MING‐SHIEN , CHANG PO‐CHENG , CHOU CHUNG‐CHUAN , WANG CHUN‐CHIEH , YEH SAN‐JOU , WU DELON
Published: April 2014

Background

Macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (MRAT) is frequently unresponsive to antiarrhythmic drugs. The application of three‐dimensional (3D) mapping and entrainment pacing contributes to a high success rate for radiofrequency ablation, but programmed electrical pacing may either terminate or transform clinical tachyarrhythmias. On the basis of clinical experiences of the use of ventricular tachycardia ablation, channels with continuous activation are suitable for reentrant circuits, and ablation at these channels can lead to noninducibility of ventricular tachycardias. We reviewed patients referred for symptomatic MRAT with identified channels with continuous activation and evaluated the efficacy of MRAT ablation by targeting these channels.

Methods

Fifteen consecutive patients (10 men, 49 ± 14 years) with MRAT illustrated by endocardial activation maps using a 3D electroanatomical mapping system (CARTO™, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) were included in this study. Continuous activation was defined as double or continuous potentials without an isoelectric interval, and sites with continuous activation were tagged for measurements of channel properties. Radiofrequency ablation was performed at those targeted sites located within the reentrant circuit.

Results

Radiofrequency ablation successfully eliminated MRAT in all patients. The mean cycle length was 283 ± 60 ms, and the longest activation duration was 112 ± 38 ms. The minimal and maximal bipolar voltage amplitudes were 0.13 ± 0.1 mV and 0.7 ± 0.6 mV, respectively. The targeted ablation length and width were 28.9 ± 15.3 mm and 9.4 ± 3.3 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency ablation of MRAT targeting channels with continuous activation using a 3D electroanatomical mapping system yields a high success rate.
Volunteers in Palliative Care – A Comparison of Seven European Countries: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Woitha Kathrin , Hasselaar Jeroen , van Beek Karen , Radbruch Lukas , Jaspers Birgit , Engels Yvonne , Vissers Kris
Published: April 2014

Objective

In Europe, volunteers have an important role in the delivery of palliative care. As part of the EU co‐funded Europall project, 4 aspects of volunteering in palliative care were studied for 7 European countries (Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain). These included (1) involvement of volunteers in palliative care, (2) organization of palliative care volunteering, (3) legal regulations concerning volunteering, and (4) education and training of palliative care volunteering.

Design/Setting/Methods

A literature search combined with an interview study. Information from the scientific literature, and country‐specific policy documents were obtained and completed, along with data of consecutive semi‐structured interviews with experts in the field of palliative care in the participating countries.

Results

In all countries, volunteers appeared to be involved in palliative care, yet their involvement across health care settings differed per country. England, for example, has the highest number of volunteers whereas Spain has the lowest number. Volunteering is embedded in law and regulations in all participating countries except for England and the Netherlands. In all participating countries, training programs are available and volunteers are organized, both on a national and a regional level.

Conclusion

This study provides a descriptive overview of volunteer work in palliative care in 7 European countries, with a focus on the organizational aspects. Further research should concentrate on the roles and responsibilities of volunteers in the care for the terminally ill in different European health systems.
Distinct microRNA expression signatures are associated with melanoma subtypes and are regulated by HIF1A
Authors: Hwang Hun‐Way , Baxter Laura L. , Loftus Stacie K. , Cronin Julia C. , Trivedi Niraj S. , Borate Bhavesh , Pavan William J.
Published: April 2014

The complex genetic changes underlying metastatic melanoma need to be deciphered to develop new and effective therapeutics. Previously, genome‐wide microarray analyses of human melanoma identified two reciprocal gene expression programs, including transcripts regulated by either transforming growth factor, beta 1 (TGFβ1) pathways, or microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF)/SRY‐box containing gene 10 (SOX10) pathways. We extended this knowledge by discovering that melanoma cell lines with these two expression programs exhibit distinctive microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns. We also demonstrated that hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) is increased in TGFβ1 pathway‐expressing melanoma cells and that HIF1A upregulates miR‐210, miR‐218, miR‐224, and miR‐452. Reduced expression of these four miRNAs in TGFβ1 pathway‐expressing melanoma cells arrests the cell cycle, while their overexpression in mouse melanoma cells increases the expression of the hypoxic response gene Bnip3. Taken together, these data suggest that HIF1A may regulate some of the gene expression and biological behavior of TGFβ1 pathway‐expressing melanoma cells, in part via alterations in these four miRNAs.
Application of nuclear medicine to achieve less invasive surgery for malignant solid tumors in children
Authors: Hotta Ryo , Fujimura Takumi , Shimojima Naoki , Nakahara Tadaki , Fuchimoto Yasushi , Hoshino Ken , Morikawa Yasuhide , Matsufuji Hiroshi , Kuroda Tatsuo
Published: April 2014

Background

The use of nuclear medicine for the management of malignant tumor, such as radioguided surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), has been widely accepted in the adult practice. However, there are very few studies to apply those techniques for pediatric diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of application of nuclear medicine in surgery for neuroblastoma (NB) or rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in children.

Methods

Radioguided surgery using 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine was performed on six children with NB. SLNB using technetium‐labeled tin or sulfur colloid was performed on two children with perineal RMS. Histological evaluation of resected specimens was performed to determine the accuracy of intraoperative detection and SLNB. All patients were evaluated for overall survival and complications.

Results

Intraoperative tumor localization using hand‐held gamma probe was helpful in 85.7% of NB patients. Sensitivity and specificity of this technique were 81.8% and 93.3%, respectively. There were no postoperative complications, and four out of five patients with high‐risk NB experienced disease‐free survival (median follow up, 57 months). Sentinel lymph nodes were easily detected in patients with perineal RMS, and histological assessment revealed complete consistency with regional lymph node status.

Conclusions

Nuclear medicine may have a potential application in the use of less invasive surgery for advanced NB or perineal RMS, the two most challenging pediatric malignancies.
The Role of Tacit Knowledge in Developing Networks for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Curry Nigel , Kirwan James
Published: April 2014

Whilst objectivist epistemologies have been dominant in productivist agriculture, the local, cultural and environmental contexts of sustainable agriculture are more fully informed by constructivist epistemologies. Within constructivism, tacit knowledge – an intuitive knowledge that cannot be formalised – is explored empirically. Six types of tacit knowledge were identified as a result of working closely with a sustainable food network: the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership. Customs cohere around integrating food with other sustainable activity; developing a complex unregulated organisation requires savoir‐faire. The unique character of Brighton has developed an operational folklore, and network identity is important, particularly in relation to conventional agriculture and to the city as a whole. A confidence in people's roles has helped define network development and using different discourses, communicating the network in diverse contexts, is important for understanding the network. All these tacit knowledge elements have a strong influence over the network but have to be assimilated knowledge rather than learned.