bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Morphological Findings of Human Sperm Removal by Leukocytes in In Vivo and In Vitro Conditions: Preliminary Study
Authors: Piasecka Malgorzata , Fraczek Monika , Gaczarzewicz Dariusz , Gill Kamil , Szumala‐Kakol Anna , Kazienko Anna , Laszczynska Maria , Lenart Stanislaw , Beutin Lothar , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: June 2014

Problem

Biological significance of increased number of leukocytes in ejaculate remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this research was to describe the morphological characteristics of the sperm elimination by leukocytes in in vivo and in vitro conditions using natural stimulator of the immune system—uropathogenic Escherichia coli, O75:HNT, isolated from semen.

Method of study

The study was performed on ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic men with leukocytospermia (n = 10, in vivo experiment) or without leukocytospermia (n = 15, in vitro experiment). Morphological observations were performed using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Sperm removal by active leukocytes mediated by traditional phagocytosis and generation of extracellular traps were observed in in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Conclusion

Our morphological data suggest that human germ cells activate leukocytes triggering both traditional phagocytosis and a novel trapping mechanism, followed by extensive sperm elimination.
Urinary concentration does not exclusively rely on plasma vasopressin. A study between genders Gender and diurnal urine regulation
Authors: Graugaard‐Jensen C. , Hvistendahl G. M. , Frøkiær J. , Bie P. , Djurhuus J. C.
Published: June 2014

Aim

We investigated the influence of gender on the diurnal regulation of urine production with special focus on vasopressin, oxytocin and prostaglandin E2.

Methods

Fifteen young women in mid‐follicular phase and 22 young men (20–33 years) were included. All participants underwent a 24‐h circadian inpatient study under standardized conditions for measurements of plasma vasopressin, oxytocin, sodium and osmolality. Urine was fractionally collected for measurements of electrolytes, aquaporin‐2 and prostaglandin E2.

Results

Plasma vasopressin expressed a diurnal rhythm with a night‐time increase in both genders (P < 0.001). The ratio between mean daytime and mean night‐time was 1.57 [95% CI: 1.33–1.84] P < 0.001 in men and 1.35 [95% CI: 1.11–1.64] P = 0.002 in women. P‐vasopressin was higher in males during the night (P < 0.05). There was no difference in diuresis (P = 0.43), urine osmolality (P = 0.12) or aquaporin‐2 excretion (P = 0.80) between genders. We found a trend towards a higher reabsorption of free water in males (P = 0.07). The excretion of prostaglandin E2 was higher in males (P < 0.001). There was no diurnal rhythm in p‐oxytocin (P = 0.37) and no correlation to diuresis, urine osmolality or aquaporin‐2 excretions.

Conclusion

Similar urinary flows and osmolalities are associated with levels of plasma vasopressin and renal PGE2, which are higher in males than in females. Oxytocin does not seem to play a role in the diurnal urine formation, whereas prostaglandin E2 could represent a mediator of the gender difference, not only as a mediator of the vasopressin response, but also as an independent factor. These findings need further elucidation.
Changes in vitamin A added to a fermented total mixed ration prepared with reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.)
Authors: Tagawa Shin‐ichi , Horiguchi Ken‐ichi , Yoshida Norio , Takahashi Toshiyoshi
Published: June 2014

A fermented total mixed ration (TMR) was prepared by adding a vitamin premix containing vitamin A and enzyme to reed canarygrass roughage. The vitamin A levels were then determined after 30 days of fermentation at 20 or 30°C. The vitamin A contents had decreased in roughage fermented at both storage temperatures, and decreased further when an enzyme supplement was included. Because the majority of the added vitamin A was destroyed during fermentation and storage, the addition of vitamin A at the beginning of preparation of fermented TMR is not recommended.
Ultrasonographic biometry of the normal eye of the Persian cat
Authors: Mirshahi A , Shafigh SH , Azizzadeh M
Published: June 2014

Objective

To describe the normal ultrasonographic biometry of thePersian cat's eyes usingB‐mode ultrasonography.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 20 healthy Persian cats with no history of previous ophthalmic disease were examined. Ocular biometry of the left and right eyes was measured usingB‐mode ultrasonography. Comparison of the average measurements between left and right eyes and between vertical and horizontal planes was performed using paired‐sample t test. Correlation of ocular parameters with sex, age, head circumference and eye colour was evaluated.

Results

Mean ± standard deviation (SD) measurements of the ocular structures of anterior chamber, lens thickness, vitreous chamber and anterior to posterior dimension of the globe in 40 eyes were 4.1 ± 0.7, 7.7 ± 0.5, 8.2 ± 0.4 and 20.7 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. No significant difference was found between the ocular biometry of the left and right eyes or the horizontal and vertical planes. Of the ocular parameters, the following had a significant positive correlation with head circumference: axial globe length, anterior chamber and lens thickness. The vitreous body had a positive correlation with age.

Conclusions

Regarding the breed predisposition ofPersian cats to ocular problems, the present study provides baseline information for further clinical investigations of ocular abnormalities usingB‐mode ultrasonography.
Effectiveness of Gudair™ vaccine for the control of ovine Johne's disease in flocks vaccinating for at least 5 years
Authors: Windsor PA , Eppleston J , Dhand NK , Whittington RJ
Published: June 2014

Objective

Examine the prevalence of shedding of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Mptb) at least 5 years after starting vaccination with Gudair™ in flocks of varying initial prevalence of ovine Johne's disease (OJD) and identify risk factors for variation in vaccine efficacy.

Methods

Pooled faecal culture (PFC) was conducted for 41 flocks from southern NSW and Victoria to determine estimates of current OJD prevalence. The data were compared to estimates of prevalence at or prior to commencement of vaccination at least 5 years earlier, based on available serological or PFC tests when vaccination commenced. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to identify risk factors for differing prevalence levels in 36 of the flocks.

Results

Historical data enabled classification of 37 flocks as high (13; 35.1%), medium (10; 27.0%) or low (14; 37.8%) estimated initial OJD prevalence. Results of PFC in 2008–09 identified that 81.1% (30/37) of flocks had detectable shedders, with 48.6% (18/37) flocks still classified as medium or high OJD prevalence, including 50% (7/14) of flocks initially classified as low prevalence. Shedding was not detected in 18.9% (7/37) flocks. Flocks with OJD prevalence exceeding 1% at 5 years or more following the commencement of vaccination were associated with reports of sheep straying and introduction of new sheep.

Conclusion

Despite significant declines in estimated OJD prevalence following vaccination for ≥5 years, 81.1% of flocks were shedding Mptb and considered at risk of spreading the disease or suffering recrudescence of losses if vaccination were to cease. Flock managers are advised to persist with vaccination.
Handedness of whip use by Australian Jockeys
Authors: Knight PK , Hamilton NA
Published: June 2014

Objective

To compare handedness of whip use by Australian jockeys in Melbourne (where racing is counterclockwise) and Sydney (where racing is clockwise).

Methods

Photographs of finishes of Thoroughbred horse races in Melbourne and Sydney were examined. Where whip use was clearly visible, the venue, the hand in which the whip was held and the names of the jockey and the horse were determined. Comparisons of whip hand use between cities were made using the Chi‐squared test.

Results

A total of 771 identifications were made, 328 from Melbourne and 443 from Sydney, representing 78 jockeys and 506 horses. Right‐handed whip use was identified in 244 (74.39%) photographs of Melbourne races and in 313 (70.65%) photographs of Sydney races. There was no difference between right‐handed whip use in Melbourne and Sydney (P = 0.53), nor in the handedness of whip use by individual jockeys (P = 0.74). Predominantly right‐handed jockeys demonstrated significantly stronger dominance (84.51 ± 14.03%) compared with left‐hand dominant riders (71.07 ± 9.40%; P = 0.01). A total of 84 horses were identified being ridden by the same jockey in different races. In 64 of the 84 cases, the whip was used in the same hand in all photographs. In the remaining instances, the whip was observed to be used in both hands by the one jockey.

Conclusion

The findings support the view the whip can be used as an aid to steering during races.
Spatial analysis of targeted surveillance for screw‐worm fly (Chrysomya bezziana or Cochliomyia hominivorax) in Australia
Authors: Fruean SN , East IJ
Published: June 2014

Objective

To assess Australia's targeted surveillance to detect an incursion of screw‐worm fly (Chrysomya bezziana).

Methods

A multi‐criteria analysis shell was used to combine data on potential pathways of entry, availability of host species and environmental factors affecting survival of screw‐worm fly in order to map spatial variation in the relative likelihood of a screw‐worm fly incursion into Australia. Australia's current screw‐worm fly surveillance activities were reviewed to determine whether they are located in the areas of highest likelihood of an incursion.

Results

Under average environmental conditions, an incursion of screw‐worm fly in Australia is relatively more likely to occur along the north coast, down the eastern seaboard or in the south‐east. Cold winter temperatures would limit the environmental suitability for screw‐worm fly survival to the north and north‐east coast and adjacent inland areas. Australia's current targeted surveillance conducted by the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy program of the Australian Department of Agriculture (adult screw‐worm fly trapping and myiasis sampling) correlated well with areas considered to have a high relative likelihood of an incursion of screw‐worm fly. Adult fly trapping conducted at sea ports was less well correlated.

Discussion

Changes to surveillance at sea ports are proposed to better target areas considered to have a higher relative likelihood of screw‐worm fly incursion. These include increasing the trapping intensity along the north and north‐east coasts and shifting surveillance activity from the west coast to the south‐east.
Exposure−response modelling for empagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Riggs Matthew M. , Seman Leo J. , Staab Alexander , MacGregor Thomas R. , Gillespie William , Gastonguay Marc R. , Woerle Hans J. , Macha Sreeraj
Published: June 2014

Aims

To provide model‐based clinical development decision support including dose selection guidance for empagliflozin, an orally administered sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, through developed exposure−response (E−R) models for efficacy and tolerability in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Five randomized, placebo‐controlled, multiple oral dose studies of empagliflozin in patients with T2DM (n = 974; 1–100 mg once daily, duration ≤12 weeks) were used to develop E−R models for efficacy (glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c], fasting plasma glucose [FPG] and urinary glucose excretion). Two studies (n = 748, 12 weeks) were used to evaluate tolerability E−R.

Results

The efficacy model predicted maximal decreases in FPG and HbA1c of 16% and 0.6%, respectively, assuming a baseline FPG concentration of 8 mm (144 mg dl−1) and 10–25 mg every day empagliflozin targeted 80–90% of these maximums. Increases in exposure had no effect on incidence rates of hypoglycaemia (n = 4), urinary tract infection (n = 17) or genital/vulvovaginal‐related (n = 16) events, although low prevalence rates may have precluded more accurate evaluation.

Conclusions

E−R analyses indicated that 10 and 25 mg once daily empagliflozin doses achieved near maximal glucose lowering efficacy.
Correlates of attitudes towards mood stabilizers in individuals with bipolar disorder
Authors: Chang Ching‐Wen , Sajatovic Martha , Tatsuoka Curtis
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Attitudes towards medication are believed to be important for medication adherence and social factors are believed to have effects on attitudes. Only a limited literature has focused on how attitudes to medication may correlate with social factors relevant to medication adherence among individuals with bipolar disorder (BPD). This secondary analysis of baseline data from a longitudinal study examined the relationships between attitudes towards mood stabilizers and psychosocial variables.

Methods

Community mental health clinic patients (n = 122) were assessed on the outcome variable of medication attitudes as measured by the Attitudes towards Mood Stabilizers Questionnaire (AMSQ). Independent variables included education as well as standardized measures of psychiatric symptom severity, alcohol and drug problem severity, health locus of control (the belief that one's health is self‐determined versus determined by factors outside of one's own control), and psychosocial support. A hierarchical multiple regression model evaluated the relationship betweenAMSQand these variables.

Results

More positive medication attitudes were seen in individuals with higher levels of social support and in those who held a stronger belief that their health outcomes are determined by others, such as family or clinicians. Education, symptom severity, alcohol problem severity and drug problem severity were not significant attitudinal correlates.

Conclusions

Attitudes towards mood stabilizers are correlated with both the support a person receives from others in their social network and how much a person believes others can influence his or her health. Clinicians need to be aware of the importance of the social environment as it relates to medication attitudes and more research is needed on how treatment attitudes may actually translate into medication adherence behavior.
Potential‐based achievement goals
Authors: Elliot Andrew , Murayama Kou , Kobeisy Ahmed , Lichtenfeld Stephanie
Published: June 2014

Background

Self‐based achievement goals use one's own intrapersonal trajectory as a standard of evaluation, and this intrapersonal trajectory may be grounded in one's past (past‐based goals) or one's future potential (potential‐based goals). Potential‐based goals have been overlooked in the literature to date.

Aims

The primary aim of the present research was to address this oversight within the context of the 3 × 2 achievement goal framework.

Samples

The Study 1 sample was 381 US undergraduates; the Study 2 sample was 310 US undergraduates.

Methods

In Study 1, we developed scales to assess potential‐approach and potential‐avoidance goals and tested their factorial validity with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. In Study 2, we used confirmatory factor analysis to test both the separability of past‐based and potential‐based goals and their higher order integration within the self‐based category.

Results

Study 1 supported the factorial validity of the potential‐approach and potential‐avoidance goal scales. Study 2 supported the separability of past‐based and potential‐based goals, as well as their higher order integration within the self‐based category.

Conclusions

This research documents the utility of the proposed distinction and paves the way for subsequent work on antecedent and consequences of potential‐approach and potential‐avoidance goals. It highlights the importance of focusing on distinct types of growth‐based goals in the achievement goal literature.
Serial killers, spiders and cybersex: Social and survival information bias in the transmission of urban legends
Authors: Stubbersfield Joseph M. , Tehrani Jamshid J. , Flynn Emma G.
Published: June 2014

This study uses urban legends to examine the effects of thesocial information biasandsurvival information biason cultural transmission across three phases of transmission: the choose‐to‐receive phase, the encode‐and‐retrieve phase, and the choose‐to‐transmit phase. In line with previous research into content biases, a linear transmission chain design with 60 participants aged 18–52 was used to examine the encode‐and‐retrieve phase, while participants were asked to rank their interest in reading the story behind a headline and passing a story on for the other two phases. Legends which contained social information (Social Type), legends which contained survival information (Survival Type), and legends which contained both forms of information (Combined Type) were all recalled with significantly greater accuracy than control material, while Social and Combined Type legends were recalled with significantly greater accuracy than Survival Type legends. In another study with 30 participants aged 18–22, no significant differences were found between legend types in either the choose‐to‐receive phase or the choose‐to‐transmit phase.
T helper type 2-polarized invariant natural killer T cells reduce disease severity in acute intra-abdominal sepsis
Authors: Anantha R V , Mazzuca D M , Xu S X , Porcelli S A , Fraser D D , Martin C M , Welch I , Mele T , Haeryfar S M M , McCormick J K
Published: June 2014

Sepsis is characterized by a severe systemic inflammatory response to infection that is associated with high morbidity and mortality despite optimal care. Invariant natural killer T (iNK T) cells are potent regulatory lymphocytes that can produce pro- and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus shaping the course and nature of immune responses; however, little is known about their role in sepsis. We demonstrate here that patients with sepsis/severe sepsis have significantly elevated proportions of iNK T cells in their peripheral blood (as a percentage of their circulating T cells) compared to non-septic patients. We therefore investigated the role of iNK T cells in a mouse model of intra-abdominal sepsis (IAS). Our data show that iNK T cells are pathogenic in IAS, and that T helper type 2 (Th2) polarization of iNK T cells using the synthetic glycolipid OCH significantly reduces mortality from IAS. This reduction in mortality is associated with the systemic elevation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-13 and reduction of several proinflammatory cytokines within the spleen, notably interleukin (IL)-17. Finally, we show that treatment of sepsis with OCH in mice is accompanied by significantly reduced apoptosis of splenic T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, but not natural killer cells. We propose that modulation of iNK T cell responses towards a Th2 phenotype may be an effective therapeutic strategy in early sepsis.
Chronic hypopituitarism is uncommon in survivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Hannon M. J. , Behan L. A. , O'Brien M. M. , Tormey W. , Javadpour M. , Sherlock M. , Thompson C. J.
Published: June 2014

Objective

The incidence of hypopituitarism after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is unclear from the conflicting reports in the literature. As routine neuroendocrine screening for hypopituitarism for all patients would be costly and logistically difficult, there is a need for precise data on the frequency of hypopituitarism and on factors which might predict the later development of pituitary dysfunction. We aimed to: (i) Establish the incidence of long‐term hypopituitarism in patients with aneurysmal SAH. (ii) Determine whether data from patients’ acute admission with SAH could predict the occurrence of long‐term hypopituitarism.

Design

One hundred patients were studied prospectively from the time of presentation with acute SAH. Plasma cortisol, plasma sodium and a variety of clinical and haemodynamic parameters were sequentially measured for the first 12 days of their acute admission. Forty‐one patients then underwent dynamic pituitary testing at median 15 months following SAH (range 7–30 months), with insulin tolerance test (ITT) or, if contraindicated, a glucagon stimulation test (GST) plus short synacthen test (SST). If symptoms of cranial diabetes insipidus (CDI) were present, a water deprivation test was also performed.

Results

Forty‐one patients attended for follow‐up dynamic pituitary testing. Although 14 of 100 had acute glucocorticoid deficiency immediately following SAH, only two of 41 had long‐term adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) deficiency and four of 41 had growth hormone (GH) deficiency. None were hypothyroid or gonadotrophin deficient. None had chronic CDI or hyponatraemia. There was no association between acute glucocorticoid deficiency, acute CDI or acute hyponatraemia and long‐term pituitary dysfunction.

Conclusion

Both anterior and posterior hypopituitarism are very uncommon following SAH and are not predicted by acute clinical, haemodynamic or endocrinological parameters. Routine neuroendocrine screening is not justified in SAH patients.
Effects of 60‐day head‐down bed rest on osteocalcin, glycolipid metabolism and their association with or without resistance training
Authors: Yang Chao , Chen Jian , Wu Feng , Li Jinqiao , Liang Peilong , Zhang Hongyu , Wang Honghui , Li Yu , Wan Yumin , Qin Ling , Liang Kwok Sui , Dai Zhongquan , Li Yinghui
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Bone loss and subclinical diabeteslike are developed during long‐term spaceflight. Recently, it was demonstrated that bone was able to regulate energy metabolism and testosterone synthesis via osteocalcin. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum osteocalcin level is associated with glycolipid metabolism or testosterone under the influence of microgravity with or without resistive vibration exercise (RVE).

Methods

A total of 14 healthy adult male volunteers (25–40 years) were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 7 each): control (CON) group and RVE group. Radioimmunoassay kits and ELISA kits were used for measurement of serum indices.

Results

During 60‐day bed rest, serum osteocalcin of both groups increased at day 4 during bed rest. Serum OPG started decreasing and reached its lowest value at day 30 during bed rest. In control group, serum insulin increased at day 4 during bed rest. IGF‐I did not change significantly during the entire period of bed rest. The serum glucose decline 10% and 14% in CON and RVE groups at day 4 during bed rest. Relatively, the same results as glucose were found in serum HDL and LDL for both groups. Leptin rose and became highest at day 60 during bed rest in both groups. The level of serum testosterone was declined in control group at day 4 during bed rest. Cortisol kept stable in both group during bed rest. By spearman correlation analysis, serum osteocalcin was significantly associated with serum insulin (P < 0·05), LDL (P < 0·01) and Leptin (P < 0·01).

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that the mutual regulation may exist between skeletal and energy metabolism under simulated microgravity.
Effects of Emotional Experience for Abstract Words in the Stroop Task
Authors: Siakaluk Paul D. , Knol Nathan , Pexman Penny M.
Published: June 2014

In this study, we examined the effects of emotional experience, a relatively new dimension of emotional knowledge that gauges the ease with which words evoke emotional experience, on abstract word processing in the Stroop task. In order to test the context‐dependency of these effects, we accentuated the saliency of this dimension in Experiment 1A by blocking the stimuli such that one block consisted of the stimuli with the highest emotional experience ratings and the other block consisted of the stimuli with the lowest emotional experience ratings. We attenuated the saliency of this dimension in Experiment 1B by intermixing the stimuli. We observed slower color naming performance for words with higher emotional experience ratings only in Experiment 1A, suggesting that the dimension of emotional experience is an aspect of semantic representation for abstract words but that its influence can be modulated by context. We interpret these results more generally using Vigliocco, Meteyard, Andrews, and Kousta's (2009) framework of semantic representation, and more specifically using Cohen, Dunbar, and McClelland's (1990) model of Stroop task performance.
Entecavir treatment in kidney transplant recipients infected with hepatitis B
Authors: Yap Desmond Y. H. , Yung Susan , Tang Colin S. O. , Seto Wai Kay , Ma Maggie K. M. , Mok Maggie M. Y. , Kwan Lorraine P. Y. , Chan Gary C. W. , Choy Bo Ying , Yuen Man Fung , Chan Tak Mao
Published: June 2014

Although nucleotide/side analogs improve the clinical outcome of hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive (HBsAg+) kidney transplant recipients (KTR), a significant proportion of subjects have developed resistance to lamivudine (LAM). We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and tolerability of entecavir (ETV) in HBsAg+ KTR at Queen Mary Hospital during 2005–2013. Twenty‐one patients (10 treatment‐naïve, 11 with LAM resistance) were included (duration of ETV treatment 34.7 ± 22.9 months, range 6–75 months). ETV treatment led to a decline of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA titer compared to baseline and is more significant in the treatment‐naïve group (treatment‐naïve: p = 0.028, <0.001 and <0.001; LAM‐resistant p = 0.273, 0.180, and 0.109 after 12, 24, and 36 months). The cumulative rate of HBV DNA undetectability at 12, 24, and 36 months was 60%, 100%, and 100% for treatment‐naïve group, and 27%, 45%, and 45% for LAM‐resistant group, respectively. Time‐to‐HBV DNA undetectability and time‐to‐alanine transaminase (ALT) normalization were 15.7 ± 4.6 and 12.6 ± 3.7 months for treatment‐naïve patients, and 24.5 ± 4.2 and 28.2 ± 3.5 months for those with LAM resistance. Genotypic resistance to ETV emerged after 20.0 ± 3.5 months with increase in ALT and HBV DNA in two patients with LAM resistance, but was not observed in the treatment‐naïve group. Allograft dysfunction, de novo cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma did not occur during follow‐up.
Hepatic arterial complications in adult living donor liver transplant recipients: a single‐center experience of 673 cases
Authors: Iida T. , Kaido T. , Yagi S. , Hori T. , Uchida Y. , Jobara K. , Tanaka H. , Sakamoto S. , Kasahara M. , Ogawa K. , Ogura Y. , Mori A. , Uemoto S.
Published: June 2014

Background

Hepatic arterial reconstruction during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a very delicate and technically complicated procedure. Post‐LDLT hepatic arterial complications are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the details of post‐operative hepatic arterial complications in 673 consecutive adult LDLT recipients between January 1996 and September 2009.

Results

Hepatic arterial complications occurred in 43 of 673 adult recipients (6.4%) within a median of 13 post‐transplant days (range, 1–63). These included hepatic artery thrombosis (including anastomotic stenosis) in 33 cases, anastomotic bleeding in seven cases, and rupture of anastomotic aneurysm in three cases. To treat these complications, surgical re‐anastomosis was performed in 26 cases, while the other 17 cases underwent conservative therapies, including four angioplasties by interventional radiology. Biliary complications after hepatic arterial complications occurred in 17 cases. The overall survival rate after LDLT was significantly lower in the hepatic arterial complication group compared with that in the non‐complication group (60.7% vs. 80.1% at one yr, 44.3% vs. 74.2% at five yr, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the extra‐anatomical anastomosis (p = 0.011) was the only independent risk factor for hepatic arterial complications.

Conclusion

Because hepatic arterial complications after LDLT are associated with poor patient survival, early diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial. The anatomical anastomosis may be the first choice for the hepatic arterial reconstruction to the extent possible.
Uncertainty associated with survey design in Species Distribution Models
Authors: Tessarolo Geiziane , Rangel Thiago F. , Araújo Miguel B. , Hortal Joaquín
Published: June 2014

Aim

Species distribution models (SDM) can be used to predict the location of unknown populations from known species occurrences. It follows that how the data used to calibrate the models are collected can have a great impact on prediction success. We evaluated the influence of different survey designs and their interaction with the modelling technique on SDM performance.

Location

Iberian Peninsula.

Methods

We examine how data recorded using seven alternative survey designs (random, systematic, environmentally stratified by class and environmentally stratified using P‐median, biased due to accessibility, biased by human density aggregation and biased towards protected areas) could affect SDM predictions generated with nine modelling techniques (BIOCLIM, Gower distance, Mahalanobis distance, Euclidean distance, GLM, MaxEnt, ENFA and Random Forest). We also study how sample size, species’ characteristics and modelling technique affected SDM predictive ability, using six evaluation metrics.

Results

Survey design has a small effect on prediction success. Characteristics of species’ ranges rank highest among the factors affecting SDM results: the species with lower relative occurrence area (ROA) are predicted better. Model predictions are also improved when sample size is large.

Main conclusions

The species modelled – particularly the extent of its distribution – are the largest source of influence over SDM results. The environmental coverage of the surveys is more important than the spatial structure of the calibration data. Therefore, climatic biases in the data should be identified to avoid erroneous conclusions about the geographic patterns of species distributions.
The diagnostic accuracy of Neuropad® for assessing large and small fibre diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Ponirakis G. , Petropoulos I. N. , Fadavi H. , Alam U. , Asghar O. , Marshall A. , Tavakoli M. , Malik R. A.
Published: June 2014

Aims

Neuropad® is a simple visual indicator test, with moderate diagnostic performance for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. As it assesses sweating, which is a measure of cholinergic small nerve fibre function, we compared its diagnostic performance against established measures of both large and, more specifically, small fibre damage in patients with diabetes.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐seven participants (89 without diabetic peripheral neuropathy and 38 with) aged 57 ± 9.7 years underwent assessment with Neuropad, large nerve fibre assessments: Neuropathy Disability Score, vibration perception threshold, peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity; small nerve fibre assessments: neuropathy symptoms (Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms score) corneal nerve fibre length and warm perception threshold.

Results

Neuropad has a high sensitivity but moderate specificity against large fibre neuropathy assessments: Neuropathy Disability Score (> 2) 70% and 50%, vibration perception threshold (> 14 V) 83% and 53%, and peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (< 42 m/s) 81% and 54%, respectively. However, the diagnostic accuracy of Neuropad was significantly improved against corneal nerve fibre length (< 14 mm/mm2) with a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 80%, respectively. Furthermore, the area under the curve for corneal nerve fibre length (85%) was significantly greater than with the Neuropathy Disability Score (66%, P = 0.01) and peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (70%, P = 0.03). For neuropathic symptoms, sensitivity was 78% and specificity was 60%.

Conclusions

The data show the improved diagnostic performance of Neuropad against corneal nerve fibre length. This study underlines the importance of Neuropad as a practical diagnostic test for small fibre neuropathy in patients with diabetes.
Movement and habitat use of the freshwater catfish (Tandanus tandanus) in a remnant floodplain wetland
Authors: Koster Wayne M. , Dawson David R. , Clunie Pam , Hames Fern , McKenzie John , Moloney Paul D. , Crook David A.
Published: June 2014

Knowledge of the movement and habitat use of fishes is important in identifying and understanding the causes of population declines and predicting how populations are likely to respond to management interventions. In this study, radiotelemetry was used to examine the spring and summer movement and habitat use patterns of the freshwater catfish (Tandanus tandanus) in a remnant wetland to inform the development of recovery actions for this threatened species. Twenty‐one adult fish were tagged and released within Tahbilk Lagoon, Victoria, Australia, in September 2009. Fish were located every 1–2 weeks between September 2009 and February 2010, a period which coincides with the spawning period for the species. Eleven of the fish were also tracked every 2 h for 68 consecutive hours in December 2009 to examine diel movements. The study revealed that freshwater catfish make extensive use of cover (e.g. wood and macrophytes) and typically have limited ranges (median total linear range and 90% linear range 599 and 173 m respectively), although they occasionally moved more extensively (up to 1.5 km) between floodplain and riverine habitats. Fish moved over much greater areas at night compared with during the day. There was also evidence of sex‐specific variation in movement, with a trend for greater movement of female fish at night compared with males. The results of the study suggest that strategies that protect macrophyte and wood habitats and improve connectivity between riverine and floodplain habitats are likely to be important in maintaining and restoring remnant populations of this species.
The voluntary Code of conduct on invasive alien plants in Belgium: results and lessons learned from the AlterIAS LIFE+ project
Authors: Halford M. , Heemers L. , van Wesemael D. , Mathys C. , Wallens S. , Branquart E. , Vanderhoeven S. , Monty A. , Mahy G.
Published: June 2014

Voluntary approaches have been recently used in the horticultural sector to deal with the introduction and spread of invasive alien plants. In Belgium, the first Code of conduct has been developed within the frame of the AlterIAS project, a LIFE+ “Information & Communication” project aiming at raising the awareness of horticulture professionals and gardeners on the invasive plants issue. The Belgian Code was prepared in consultation with representatives from the ornamental sector, public authorities and the scientific community. The Code was promoted throughout the country with a specific communication campaign entitled “Plant different”. Thanks to communication efforts, a positive dynamic of involvement was observed over time. Surveys were performed to assess the changes of attitudes and the perception of the Code by the target audience of the project. Positive results were achieved for horticulture professionals. However, the Code will require more time to be widely adopted by the ornamental sector in Belgium.
Voluntary Codes of conduct for botanic gardens and horticulture and engagement with the public
Authors: Heywood V. H.
Published: June 2014

The use of voluntary Codes of conduct as a useful tool in our armoury for tackling the problems of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is a recent development. Two Council of Europe‐sponsored Codes of conduct address different but overlapping constituencies – the horticultural trade and botanic gardens respectively, both of them important as actual or potential primary invasion pathways for plants and both with a large public involvement. Although aimed primarily at professionals rather than the public, the Codes recognize the need to engage with the public on the issues of IAS. The nature of voluntary Codes of conduct is discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages. They are of little value, however, without an effective ongoing implementation strategy to reduce the likelihood of the introduction of further IAS through these pathways. Botanic gardens across the world receive between them tens of millions of visitors who can potentially be informed about the threats posed by IAS. In the horticultural trade, the relationship with the public is essentially commercial. The plants are on sale in non‐landscaped displays, limiting the possibility of using innovative ways of conveying environmental messages. However, appropriate labelling can allow messages to be transmitted. Little is known of the effectiveness of such approaches and critical assessments are needed.
Working with the horticultural industry to limit invasion risks: the Swiss experience
Authors: Humair F. , Siegrist M. , Kueffer C.
Published: June 2014

Building relationships with stakeholders involved in species introductions is increasingly considered as an effective means to mitigate invasion risks. The horticultural industry is of particular importance to the regulation of alien plants. This paper presents the initial experiences with a recently implemented environmental policy called ‘Duty to Inform’ which aims to limit the risk of plant invasions through alien horticultural plants in Switzerland. The Duty to Inform requires horticulturalists to inform their customers about risks of black‐listed plants and watch list plants. In a joint effort with the Swiss horticultural industry and Swiss authorities, the authors examined customers’ acceptance of plant labels as a means to supply information, and horticulturalists’ attitudes towards the Duty to Inform regulation, and their willingness to act pro‐environmentally. Plant labels were found to be an effective means to inform customers about plant invasion risks and appropriate handling of risk species. The results indicate that among Swiss horticulturalists the awareness of the invasive species problem and the willingness to act is high. Horticulturalists had positive attitudes towards the Duty to Inform regulation and other actions to reduce invasion risks. The authors suggest that these positive attitudes might stem from an active participation of horticulturalists in the development of invasive species regulations in Switzerland.
The MeloTuber Test: a real‐time TaqMan®PCR‐based assay to detect the root‐knot nematodes Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax directly in potato tubers
Authors: de Haan E. G. , Dekker C. C. E. M. , Tameling W. I. L. , den Nijs L. J. M. F. , van den Bovenkamp G. W. , Kooman‐Gersmann M.
Published: June 2014

Potato is one of the many important hosts for the root‐knot nematodes Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax that can infest roots as well as tubers. In the latter they may cause surface galls and necrotic spots below the skin. In the EU these pathogens are categorized as quarantine organisms and are therefore regulated. Phytosanitary measures (PMs) are implemented and one aspect involves diagnostic procedures to detect these pathogens. To date, visual screening of external and internal symptoms is combined with the specific identification of these pests, either through microscopy, biochemical or molecular tests. A disadvantage of all these tests is the requirement of the prior extraction of nematodes from the tubers, which is not suitable for high‐throughput screening. This paper describes the MeloTuber Test developed to simultaneously detect M. chitwoodi and M. fallax by triplex real‐time TaqMan® PCR directly in secondary potato tuber peelings. DNA extraction is carried out in a 96‐well plate of pooled secondary peelings from one hundred tubers. The analytical sensitivity is such that a single female can be readily detected in such a sample size. The validation data, described here, prove the suitability of this molecular test for the detection of M. chitwoodi and M. fallax in large scale screening tests.
Making the Most of Failure Experiences: Exploring the Relationship between Business Failure and the Identification of Business Opportunities
Authors: Mueller Brandon A. , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: June 2014

Although previous research has extolled the importance of business failure as a precursor to transformational learning, few studies have explored the conditions under which such learning occurs or the content of the resulting knowledge. We explore several cognitive moderators of the relationship between failure experiences and a specific type of opportunity identification knowledge—the use of structural alignment processes. Results indicate that learning from failure is facilitated for entrepreneurs who possess a cognitive toolset that consists of opportunity prototypes and an intuitive cognitive style. Moreover, we found that prior professional knowledge negatively moderates this relationship.
The Definition and Measurement of Individual Condition in Evolutionary Studies
Authors: Clancey Erin , Byers John A.
Published: June 2014

Over the past four decades, as the use of the term condition has become more frequent, the meaning of the term has become increasingly vague. This is especially true in evolutionary theory where condition is now equated with reproductive value, genetic quality, or defined as the ‘total pool of resources available for reproduction.’ Condition with the latter meaning is essentially impossible to measure empirically because it is associated with multiple attributes, such as nutritional state, health, experience, foraging success, ability to cope with environmental pressures, and social status, that collectively affect individual fitness. The addition of qualifying terms that often precede condition (e.g., phenotypic, energetic, and nutritional) and the usage of terms that describe an individual's state (e.g., physiological state, energetic state, and nutritional state) add confusion to the issue. It is therefore important to evaluate the meaning of condition, the limits of its usefulness, and how it can be best measured. We suggest using a more narrow definition of condition, amenable to empirical study, would benefit evolutionary and behavioral studies.
New host and lineage diversity of avian haemosporidia in the northern Andes
Authors: Harrigan Ryan J. , Sedano Raul , Chasar Anthony C. , Chaves Jaime A. , Nguyen Jennifer T. , Whitaker Alexis , Smith Thomas B.
Published: June 2014

The northern Andes, with their steep elevational and climate gradients, are home to an exceptional diversity of flora and fauna, particularly rich in avian species that have adapted to divergent ecological conditions. With this diversity comes the opportunity for parasites to exploit a wide breadth of avian hosts. However, little research has focused on examining the patterns of prevalence and lineage diversity of avian parasites in the Andes. Here, we screened a total of 428 birds from 19 species (representing nine families) and identified 133 infections of avian haemosporidia (31%), including lineages of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon. We document a higher prevalence of haemosporidia at higher elevations and lower temperatures, as well as an overall high diversity of lineages in the northern Andes, including the first sequences of haemosporidians reported in hummingbirds (31 sequences found in 11 species within the family Trochilidae). Double infections were distinguished using PHASE, which enables the separation of distinct parasite lineages. Results suggest that the ecological heterogeneity of the northern Andes that has given rise to a rich diversity of avian hosts may also be particularly conducive to parasite diversification and specialization.
International trends in health science librarianship Part 10: The Greater China area
Authors: Xie Zhiyun , Chan Julia L.Y. , Lam Louisa Mei Chun , Chiu Tzu‐Heng
Published: June 2014

This is the 10th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship. This issue describes developments in health science librarianship in the first decade of the 21st century in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The next issue will report on Japan and South Korea.

JM
Retraction: Effects of a transtheoretical model–based exercise stage–matched intervention on exercise behaviour and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Li‐Xia , Ho Shuk‐Ching , Sit Janet Wing Hung , He Hong‐Gu
Published: June 2014

The above article from Journal of Advanced Nursing, published online on 26th June 2014 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor‐in‐Chief and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to considerable overlap with the following papers:

Zhu L.‐X., Ho S.‐C., Sit J.W.H., He H.‐G. (2014) Effect of a transtheoretical model‐based stage‐matched exercise intervention on exercise behavior and angina in patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing DOI: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000162.

Zhu L.‐X., Ho S.‐C., Sit J.W.H., He H.‐G. (2014) The effects of a transtheoretical model‐based exercise stage‐matched intervention on exercise behavior in patients with coronary heart disease: A randomized controlled trial. Patient Education and Counseling 95, 384–392.

Reference

Zhu L‐X., Ho S‐C., Sit J.W.H. & He H‐G. (2014) Effects of a transtheoretical model–based exercise stage–matched intervention on exercise behaviour and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing. doi: 10.1111/jan.12469
Genetic parameters for direct and maternal calving ease in Walloon dairy cattle based on linear and threshold models
Authors: Vanderick S. , Troch T. , Gillon A. , Glorieux G. , Gengler N.
Published: June 2014

Calving ease scores from Holstein dairy cattle in the Walloon Region of Belgium were analysed using univariate linear and threshold animal models. Variance components and derived genetic parameters were estimated from a data set including 33 155 calving records. Included in the models were season, herd and sex of calf × age of dam classes × group of calvings interaction as fixed effects, herd × year of calving, maternal permanent environment and animal direct and maternal additive genetic as random effects. Models were fitted with the genetic correlation between direct and maternal additive genetic effects either estimated or constrained to zero. Direct heritability for calving ease was approximately 8% with linear models and approximately 12% with threshold models. Maternal heritabilities were approximately 2 and 4%, respectively. Genetic correlation between direct and maternal additive effects was found to be not significantly different from zero. Models were compared in terms of goodness of fit and predictive ability. Criteria of comparison such as mean squared error, correlation between observed and predicted calving ease scores as well as between estimated breeding values were estimated from 85 118 calving records. The results provided few differences between linear and threshold models even though correlations between estimated breeding values from subsets of data for sires with progeny from linear model were 17 and 23% greater for direct and maternal genetic effects, respectively, than from threshold model. For the purpose of genetic evaluation for calving ease in Walloon Holstein dairy cattle, the linear animal model without covariance between direct and maternal additive effects was found to be the best choice.