bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The endangered maned sloth Bradypus torquatus of the Brazilian Atlantic forest: a review and update of geographical distribution and habitat preferences
Authors: HIRSCH André , CHIARELLO Adriano Garcia
Published: April 2011

The endemic maned sloth Bradypus torquatus is globally threatened due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation and isolation of populations. Despite increased interest in the species in recent years, information on its geographic distribution is limited and is derived mainly from a few museum species and from a survey based mostly on interviews carried out more than 20 years ago. Information on its habitat and altitudinal preferences is lacking. We therefore compile, update and review all occurrence records of this species using geographical information system (GIS) tools and produce a distribution map for the species.

Our compilation totalled 188 occurrence records, of which 130 (69%) were considered confirmed (museum specimens or individuals captured or seen in the field), most of which (62%) were restricted to the states of Bahia and central‐south Espírito Santo (29%). The species occurs predominantly in ombrophilous forest (80%), from sea level to 1290m, but mainly (79%) below 200m altitude.

We used GIS techniques and the alpha shape algorithm to calculate the extent of occurrence of the species and compared the resulting map with distribution maps available in the literature. We found a great deal of variation in distribution area shape and an almost two‐fold variation in distribution area size among sources.

We confirmed the existence of a main distribution gap between southern Bahia and northern Espírito Santo and discovered a second smaller gap between southern Espírito Santo and northern Rio de Janeiro.

We also confirmed that B. torquatus is sympatric with the common three‐toed sloth Bradypus variegatus in a large part of the Atlantic forest and that the two species are syntopic in at least 11 locations.
Habitat heterogeneity and mammalian predator–prey interactions
Authors: GORINI Lucrezia , LINNELL John D. C. , MAY Roel , PANZACCHI Manuela , BOITANI Luigi , ODDEN Morten , NILSEN Erlend. B.
Published: April 2011

In predator–prey theory, habitat heterogeneity can affect the relationship between kill rates and prey or predator density through its effect on the predator's ability to search for, encounter, kill and consume its prey. Many studies of predator–prey interactions include the effect of spatial heterogeneity, but these are mostly based on species with restricted mobility or conducted in experimental settings.

Here, we aim to identify the patterns through which spatial heterogeneity affects predator–prey dynamics and to review the literature on the effect of spatial heterogeneity on predator–prey interactions in terrestrial mammalian systems, i.e. in freely moving species with high mobility, in non‐experimental settings. We also review current methodologies that allow the study of the predation process within a spatial context.

When the functional response includes the effect of spatial heterogeneity, it usually takes the form of predator‐dependent or ratio‐dependent models and has wide applicability.

The analysis of the predation process through its different stages may further contribute towards identifying the spatial scale of interest and the specific spatial mechanism affecting predator–prey interactions.

Analyzing the predation process based on the functional response theory, but separating the stages of predation and applying a multiscale approach, is likely to increase our insight into how spatial heterogeneity affects predator–prey dynamics. This may increase our ability to forecast the consequences of landscape transformations on predator–prey dynamics.
Social influences on morphine sensitization in adolescent rats
Authors: Hofford Rebecca S. , Schul Destri L. , Wellman Paul J. , Eitan Shoshana
Published: April 2011

Given that social influences are among the strongest predictors of adolescents' drug use, this study examines the effects of social interactions on morphine sensitization in both adolescent and adult rats. Rats treated with morphine (twice daily, 6 days, 2.5–10 mg/kg, subcutaneously, s.c.) or saline were group‐housed in two different conditions. Thus, four experimental groups were examined for each age group: (1) morphine‐treated rats housed physically and visually separate from saline‐injected rats (‘morphine only’); (2) morphine‐treated rats housed together with saline‐injected rats (‘morphine cage‐mates’); (3) saline‐injected rats housed together with morphine‐treated rats (‘saline cage‐mates’); and (4) saline‐injected rats housed physically and visually separate from morphine‐treated rats (‘saline only’). Starting 9 days following the last morphine injection, rats were individually examined once daily for 5 consecutive days for their locomotor response to 2.5 mg/kg of morphine. For both age groups, there were no significant differences in morphine‐induced hyper‐locomotion between saline cage‐mates and saline only rats. Morphine only rats exhibited morphine locomotor sensitization as compared to both the saline only and saline cage‐mates rats. Notably, a significant difference was observed between the adolescent morphine cage‐mates and morphine only rats. The adolescent morphine cage‐mates did not exhibit the enhanced locomotor response as compared to the saline only and saline cage‐mate rats. A trend of reduced morphine locomotor sensitization was observed in the adult morphine cage‐mates as compared to morphine only but it did not reach statistical significance. Thus, this study demonstrates social influences on morphine sensitization which are more prevalent in adolescents as compared to adults.
YQA14: a novel dopamine D3 receptor antagonist that inhibits cocaine self‐administration in rats and mice, but not in D3 receptor‐knockout mice
Authors: Song Rui , Yang Ri‐Fang , Wu Ning , Su Rui‐Bin , Li Jin , Peng Xiao‐Qing , Li Xia , Gaál József , Xi Zheng‐Xiong , Gardner Eliot L.
Published: April 2011

The dopamine (DA) D3 receptor is posited to be importantly involved in drug reward and addiction, and D3 receptor antagonists have shown extraordinary promise as potential anti‐addiction pharmacotherapeutic agents in animal models of drug addiction. SB‐277011A is the best characterized D3 receptor antagonist in such models. However, the potential use of SB‐277011A in humans is precluded by pharmacokinetic and toxicity problems. We here report a novel D3 receptor antagonist YQA14 that shows similar pharmacological properties as SB‐277011A. In vitro receptor binding assays suggest that YQA14 has two binding sites on human cloned D3 receptors with Ki‐High (0.68 × 10−4 nM) and Ki‐Low (2.11 nM), and displays > 150‐fold selectivity for D3 over D2 receptors and > 1000‐fold selectivity for D3 over other DA receptors. Systemic administration of YQA14 (6.25–25 mg/kg) or SB‐277011A (12.5–25 mg/kg) significantly and dose‐dependently reduced intravenous cocaine self‐administration under both low fixed‐ratio and progressive‐ratio reinforcement conditions in rats, while failing to alter oral sucrose self‐administration and locomotor activity, suggesting a selective inhibition of drug reward. However, when the drug dose was increased to 50 mg/kg, YQA14 and SB‐277011A significantly inhibited basal and cocaine‐enhanced locomotion in rats. Finally, both D3 antagonists dose‐dependently inhibited intravenous cocaine self‐administration in wild‐type mice, but not in D3 receptor‐knockout mice, suggesting that their action is mediated by D3 receptor blockade. These findings suggest that YQA14 has a similar anti‐addiction profile as SB‐277011A, and deserves further study and development.
No association of candidate genes with cannabis use in a large sample of Australian twin families
Authors: Verweij Karin J. H. , Zietsch Brendan P. , Liu Jimmy Z. , Medland Sarah E. , Lynskey Michael T. , Madden Pamela A. F. , Agrawal Arpana , Montgomery Grant W. , Heath Andrew C. , Martin Nicholas G.
Published: April 2011

While there is solid evidence that cannabis use is heritable, attempts to identify genetic influences at the molecular level have yielded mixed results. Here, a large twin family sample (n = 7452) was used to test for association between 10 previously reported candidate genes and lifetime frequency of cannabis use using a gene‐based association test. None of the candidate genes reached even nominal significance (P < 0.05). The lack of replication may point to our limited understanding of the neurobiology of cannabis involvement and also to potential publication bias and false‐positive findings in previous studies.
Liver transplantation for hereditary tyrosinemia type I: Analysis of the UNOS database
Authors: Arnon Ronen , Annunziato Rachel , Miloh Tamir , Wasserstein Melissa , Sogawa Hiroshi , Wilson Monique , Suchy Frederick , Kerkar Nanda
Published: April 2011

Arnon R, Annunziato R, Miloh T, Wasserstein M, Sogawa H, Wilson M, Suchy F, Kerkar N. Liver transplantation for hereditary tyrosinemia type I: Analysis of the UNOS database. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 400–405. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Patients with HT‐1 can develop progressive liver disease and have a high incidence of HCC. LT is indicated in patients with fulminant liver failure, HCC or decompensated chronic liver disease refractory to NTBC. To determine the need for LT and outcomes after LT in children with HT‐1. Children with HT‐1 who had LT between 10/1987 and 5/2008 were identified from the UNOS database. Of 11 467 children in the UNOS database, 125 (1.1%) required LT secondary to HT‐1. Mean age at LT was two and half yr (s.d. ± 3.6 yr). Mean age at LT during the first 10 yr of the study (1.82, s.d. ± 2.86 yr) was significantly lower than in the last decade (3.70, s.d. ± 4.42 yr), p = 0.01. Nearly half of the patients (58, 46.4%) were transplanted between 1988 and 1992. Overall, one‐ and five‐yr patient survival was 90.4% and 90.4%, respectively. LT is a valuable option for children with HT‐1 with fulminant liver failure or when medical treatment fails. The rate of LT for children with HT‐1 has decreased and age at transplant increased over the last decade most probably reflecting the effect of early diagnosis and treatment with NTBC.
Management of refractory hemorrhagic cystitis following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Hassan Zuzana
Published: April 2011

Hassan Z. Management of refractory hemorrhagic cystitis following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 348–361. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  HC is a complication associated with HSCT, but occurs rarely in solid organ recipients. The reported incidence varies from <10% to more than 70%. HC is characterized by hemorrhagic inflammation in urinary tract mucosa with symptoms varying from asymptomatic microscopic hematuria to frank hematuria with clot formation and urinary tract obstruction. Early onset HC may be explained by toxicity of chemo‐ and/or radiotherapy, while multiple factors including viral infections and their interplay seem to be involved in late onset HC. So far, only incidence of cyclophosphamide‐associated HC has been reduced with preventive treatment. Likely, once HC is established, the treatment principles are similar regardless of the etiology and depend on the intensity of HC. Prevention of urinary tract obstruction, transfusion support, analgesic, and spasmolytic therapy are generally accepted in HC management. Treatment beyond this conservative approach entails higher risk for side effects, and thus treatment escalation proportional to HC intensity is warranted. No standard and evidence‐based treatment escalation algorithm has been widely adopted yet. As severe HC following HSCT is a potentially life‐threatening complication, a multidisciplinary and individual approach is required in children suffering from this devastating complication.
Weissella confusa bacteremia in a liver transplant patient with hepatic artery thrombosis
Authors: Harlan N.P. , Kempker R.R. , Parekh S.M. , Burd E.M. , Kuhar D.T.
Published: April 2011

N.P. Harlan, R.R. Kempker, S.M. Parekh, E.M. Burd, D.T. Kuhar. Weissella confusa bacteremia in a liver transplant patient with hepatic artery thrombosis Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 290–293. All rights reserved

Abstract: A 54‐year‐old man with a history of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma presented 2 months after an orthotopic liver transplant with fever and abdominal pain. Two weeks earlier, he had an hepatic artery thrombosis and a biliary stricture, for which an hepatic artery stent and a biliary stent were placed. Laboratory workup was significant for leukocyte count of 7800/mcL with 92% segmented neutrophils, hemoglobin 9.4 g/dL, alanine aminotransferase 98 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 72 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 358 U/L, albumin 2.8 mg/dL, and total bilirubin 1.6 mg/dL. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed multiple small fluid collections in the liver consistent with bilomas, and an hepatic angiogram showed complete occlusion of the common hepatic artery. Two sets of blood cultures were positive for an organism initially identified by MicroScan® analysis as an α‐hemolytic Streptococcus species that was resistant to vancomycin. Further testing confirmed the organism as Weissella confusa 2 days later. W. confusa is a gram‐positive coccobacillus that may be misidentified as a Lactobacillus when cultured. It is commonly found in sewage, carrots, sugar cane, fermented foods, and intestinal flora. Although only 4 cases of clinical infection with W. confusa have been described previously, W. confusa has been isolated from the stool of liver transplant patients, and may be an underreported cause of infection owing to improper identification. As it can cause clinical infection in these immunosuppressed hosts, identification of this organism is paramount because it is vancomycin resistant, and incorrect identification could lead to improper antimicrobial selection and ultimately worsened patient morbidity or mortality.
Community‐acquired carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii urinary tract infection just after marriage in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Solak Y. , Atalay H. , Turkmen K. , Biyik Z. , Genc N. , Yeksan M.
Published: April 2011

Y. Solak, H. Atalay, K. Turkmen, Z. Biyik, N. Genc, M. Yeksan. Community‐acquired carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii urinary tract infection just after marriage in a renal transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 638–640. All rights reserved

Abstract: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in renal transplant recipients and may worsen allograft and patient survival. Many risk factors such as age, female gender, immunosuppression, comorbidity, deceased‐donor kidney transplantation, and uretheral catheterization are involved in development of UTI. Acinetobacter baumannii has rarely been reported as a causative agent for development of UTI. Here, we present an unusual case of a renal transplant recipient who developed community‐acquired carbapenem‐resistent A. baumannii UTI.
Disseminated Burkholderia gladioli infection in a lung transplant recipient with underlying hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis
Authors: Thompson G.R. , Wickes B.L. , Herrera M.L. , Haman T.C. , Lewis J.S. , Jorgensen J.H.
Published: April 2011

G.R. Thompson III, B.L. Wickes, M.L. Herrera, T.C. Haman, J.S. Lewis II, J.H. Jorgensen. Disseminated Burkholderia gladioli infection in a lung transplant recipient with underlying hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 641–645. All rights reserved

Abstract:
Burkholderia gladioli is difficult to definitively identify within the laboratory using phenotypic testing alone. We describe a case of recurrent B. gladioli infection in a lung transplant recipient with underlying hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome, discuss the difficulties encountered with laboratory identification, provide a review of the methodology required for definitive identification, and discuss potential pathophysiologic mechanisms in this patient responsible for the difficulty in treatment.
Natural hybridization between extremely divergent chromosomal races of the common shrew (Sorex araneus, Soricidae, Soricomorpha): hybrid zone in Siberia
Authors: POLYAKOV A. V. , WHITE T. A. , JONES R. M. , BORODIN P. M. , SEARLE J. B.
Published: April 2011

Chromosomal races of the common shrew differ in sets of metacentric chromosomes and on contact may produce hybrids with extraordinarily complex configurations at meiosis I that are associated with reduced fertility. There is an expectation that these may be some of the most extreme tension zones available for study and therefore are of interest as potential sites for reproductive isolation. Here, we analyse one of these zones, between the Novosibirsk race (characterized by metacentricsgo,hn,ik,jl,mpandqr) and the Tomsk race (metacentricsgk,hi,jlandmnand acrocentricso,p,qandr), which form hybrids with a chain‐of‐nine (CIX) and a chain‐of‐three (CIII) configuration at meiosis I. At the Novosibirsk–Tomsk hybrid zone, the CIX chromosomes form clines of 8.53 km standardized width on average, whereas the cline for the CIII chromosomes was 52.83 km wide. The difference in these cline widths fits with the difference in meiotic errors expected with the CIX and CIII configuration, and we produce estimates of selection against hybrids with these types of configurations, which we relate to dispersal and age of the hybrid zone. The hybrid zone is located at the isocline at 200 m altitude above sea level; this relationship between the races and altitude is suggested at both coarse and fine scales. This indicates adaptive differences between the races that may in turn have been promoted by the chromosome differences. Thus, the extreme chromosomal divergence between the Novosibirsk and Tomsk may be associated with genic differentiation, but it is still striking that, despite the large chromosomal differences, reproductive isolation between the Novosibirsk and Tomsk races has not occurred.
Test‐day somatic cell score, fat‐to‐protein ratio and milk yield as indicator traits for sub‐clinical mastitis in dairy cattle
Authors: Jamrozik J. , Schaeffer L.R.
Published: April 2011

Test‐day (TD) records of milk, fat‐to‐protein ratio (F:P) and somatic cell score (SCS) of first‐lactation Canadian Holstein cows were analysed by a three‐trait finite mixture random regression model, with the purpose of revealing hidden structures in the data owing to putative, sub‐clinical mastitis. Different distributions of the data were allowed in 30 intervals of days in milk (DIM), covering the lactation from 5 to 305 days. Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling was used for model inferences. Estimated proportion of TD records originated from cows infected with mastitis was 0.66 in DIM from 5 to 15 and averaged 0.2 in the remaining part of lactation. Data from healthy and mastitic cows exhibited markedly different distributions, with respect to both average value and the variance, across all parts of lactation. Heterogeneity of distributions for infected cows was also apparent in different DIM intervals. Cows with mastitis were characterized by smaller milk yield (down to −5 kg) and larger F:P (up to 0.13) and SCS (up to 1.3) compared with healthy contemporaries. Differences in averages between healthy and infected cows for F:P were the most profound at the beginning of lactation, when a dairy cow suffers the strongest energy deficit and is therefore more prone to mammary infection. Residual variances for data from infected cows were substantially larger than for the other mixture components. Fat‐to‐protein ratio had a significant genetic component, with estimates of heritability that were larger or comparable with milk yield, and was not strongly correlated with milk and SCS on both genetic and environmental scales. Daily milk, F:P and SCS are easily available from milk‐recording data for most breeding schemes in dairy cattle. Fat‐to‐protein ratio can potentially be a valuable addition to SCS and milk yield as an indicator trait for selection against mastitis.
Copepod feeding in a coastal area of active tidal mixing: diel and monthly variations of grazing impacts on phytoplankton biomass
Authors: Lee Doo B. , Song Hye Y. , Park Chul , Choi Keun H.
Published: April 2011

This study examined monthly feeding rates and grazing impact on phytoplankton biomass, as well as diel feeding rhythms of four key copepod species in a tidally well mixed estuary (Asan Bay, Korean Peninsula). Monthly ingestion rates estimated based on gut pigment analysis were closely associated with their peak densities, but not with phytoplankton biomass, implying high ingestion may be related to reproductive output for population growth. The three smaller copepods, Acartia hongi, Acartia pacifica and Paracalanus parvus, showed feeding preference for smaller phytoplankton (<20 μm) with higher clearance rates, whereas the larger Calanus sinicus preferred larger phytoplankton. Acartia pacifica and P. parvus showed distinct increased nocturnal feeding rates as measured with gut fluorescence, whereas A. hongi showed no significant day–night differences. Copepod diel feeding patterns were not associated with food quantity, and endogenous physiological rhythm might be hypothesized as responsible for the observed diel feeding patterns. Grazing impact on phytoplankton biomass by the four copepods in the estuary was on average 8% (range 0.2–29.8%) of the phytoplankton standing stock, similar to values reported in other coastal waters. Very high copepod abundances but low daily carbon ration (<20% for all copepods) provided by feeding on phytoplankton indicate that copepods also grazed on other non‐phytoplankton foods in Asan Bay.
The Effect of Systemic Administration of Cloprostenol on Ovulation in Mares Treated with a Prostaglandin Synthetase Inhibitor
Authors: Cuervo‐Arango J
Published: April 2011

Contents

Prostaglandins (PGs) are essential to trigger the cascade of events that degrade the extracellular matrix of follicles leading to follicular rupture and ovulation. In mares, systemic administration of flunixin meglumine (FM), a PG synthetase inhibitor, blocks ovulation by inducing luteinized unruptured follicles (LUF). In the rat, the administration of PGF2α (PGF) and PGE restored ovulation in indomethacin treated animals. The mares were treated with FM 0, 12, 24 and 36 h after human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration to induce experimentally LUF (n = 15) or were left untreated (controls, n = 5). In addition, 250 μg of cloprostenol were administered intravenously to the mares 33, 35 and 36 h (CLO 33, n = 5) or 48, 49 and 50 h (CLO 48, n = 5) after hCG. One group was treated with FM but not with cloprostenol (FM‐control, n = 5). The ovulation rate, follicular diameter and progesterone concentration were compared amongst groups. The ovulation rate at 48 h was higher (p < 0.05) in the controls (100%) than in the FM‐control (0%), CLO 33 (0%) or CLO 48 (20%) mares. All but one FM treated mares developed LUF by 48 h after hCG administration. Two LUF collapsed between 48 and 60 h and 72 and 84 h in one mare from FM‐control and from the CLO 33 group each, respectively. Progesterone concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control mares than in any of the FM treated mares 5, 9 and 13 days after hCG. In conclusion, FM administered during the periovulatory period blocked ovulation in the mares. In contrast, the administration of cloprostenol, a PGF analogue, in the previously FM treated mares failed to restore ovulation.
Nominal association between a polymorphism in DGKH and bipolar disorder detected in a meta‐analysis of East Asian case–control samples
Authors: Takata Atsushi , Kawasaki Hiroaki , Iwayama Yoshimi , Yamada Kazuo , Gotoh Leo , Mitsuyasu Hiroshi , Miura Tomofumi , Kato Tadafumi , Yoshikawa Takeo , Kanba Shigenobu
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of bipolar disorder (BD) have detected new candidate genes, including DGKH, DFNB31 and SORCS2. However, the results of these GWAS were not necessarily consistent, indicating the importance of replication studies. In this study, we tested the genetic association of DGKH, DFNB31 and SORCS2 with BD.

Methods:  We genotyped 18 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in DGKH, DFNB31 and SORCS2 using Japanese samples (366 cases and 370 controls). We also performed a meta‐analysis of four SNP in DGKH, using the previously published allele frequency data of Han‐Chinese case–control samples (1139 cases and 1138 controls).

Results:  In the association analysis using Japanese samples, a SNP in SORCS2 (rs10937823) showed nominal genotypic association. However, we could not find any association in an additional analysis of tag SNP around rs10937823. In the meta‐analysis of SNP in DGKH, rs9315897, which was not significantly associated with BD in the previous Chinese study, showed nominal association.

Conclusion:  Although the association was not strong, the result of this study would support the association between DGKH and BD.
Effectiveness of aripiprazole for medication overuse headache: A case report
Authors: Yamada Kazuo , Makihara Yasuyuki , Imamura Yoshiki
Published: April 2011

Aripiprazole, a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist, has been used to treat schizophrenia and might be effective for alcohol dependence and craving. We treated a 53‐year‐old woman with refractory medication overuse headache, which was successfully treated with aripiprazole. Our experience suggests that aripiprazole may be effective for patients with medication overuse headache.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment
Authors: Ge Cuixia , Yang Xiaoshi , Fu Jialiang , Chang Ying , Wei Jiansi , Zhang Fengjiao , Nutifafa Attah Ellis , Wang Lie
Published: April 2011

Aims:  The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment, as part of a psychosocial study among family caregivers of cancer patients.

Methods:  Participants were derived from the Second Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, China. The research established the internal consistent reliability, test–retest reliability and construct validity.

Results:  The research comprised 400 family caregivers. The Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment showed adequate internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability and appropriate construct validity. After adjusting items 4, 8, 15 and 18, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the five new factors of the Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment had goodness of fit.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that the Chinese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring specific aspects of the caregiving experience in the Chinese population.
Mental health status of Japanese‐Brazilian children in Japan and Brazil
Authors: Kondo Shu , Otsuka Koichiro , Sawaguchi Glaucia Tiyomi , Miyasaka Lincoln Sakiara , Honda Elisa Tatsuko , Nakamura Yosikazu , Kato Satoshi
Published: April 2011

Aims:  This study aimed to make a comparison of the mental health status between Japanese‐Brazilian children in Japan and in Brazil.

Methods:  A total of 331 Japanese‐Brazilian children at five Brazilian schools in Japan (Japanese Group), and 172 Japanese‐Brazilian children at one private school in São Paulo (Brazilian Group) were enrolled in statistical analyses. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was applied for parents, teachers, and students who were aged over 11 years old.

Results:  The total comparison of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire scores between the two groups demonstrated that all the average symptom scores except prosocial behavior were significantly higher in the Japanese Group by parent report. By teacher report, the average symptom scores of conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems and total difficulties were significantly higher in the Japanese Group, while that of the prosocial behavior was significantly higher in the Brazilian Group. Dividing parent and teacher reports into two age ranges, similar results to the total comparison were seen in the parent report in the age range of 4–10‐year‐olds and both parent and teacher reports in that of 11–16‐year‐olds, while in the teacher report for 4–10‐year‐olds, only conduct problems and total difficulties score showed significantly higher average scores in the Japanese Group. By self‐report, the average symptom scores of emotional symptoms, peer problems and total difficulties score were significantly higher in the Japanese Group.

Conclusion:  The results indicate poorer mental health status in the Japanese Group than the Brazilian Group, and suggest the adverse circumstances of the former group both at their homes and schools.
Suicide‐related events among child and adolescent patients during short‐term antidepressant therapy
Authors: Kuba Teizo , Yakushi Takashi , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Nakamoto Yuzuru , Singeo Jr Singeru Travis , Tanaka Osamu , Kondo Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2011

Aims:  Antidepressants have been of limited use for adolescent subjects with depression because of drug‐induced suicide‐related events (SRE). Therefore, we investigated actual suicidality and its risk factors during antidepressant therapy among child and adolescent patients in clinical settings.

Methods:  The risks of SRE, consisting of suicidal ideation, self‐mutilation and suicide attempt, were prospectively monitored among 70 child and adolescent patients (15.4 ± 2.8 years) during the first 3 months of antidepressant therapy.

Results:  The proportion of SRE decreased from 47.1% to 22.9% after the treatment. Subjects with persistent risks of SRE were significantly characterized by female sex (P < 0.05), psychotic features (P < 0.001), borderline personality disorder (P < 0.01), previous SRE (P < 0.001), and such baseline psychopathology as anhedonia (P < 0.005), irritability (P < 0.005) and hopelessness (P < 0.001). Discriminant analysis showed that baseline severity of SRE, borderline personality disorder and psychotic features were closely associated with SRE during antidepressant therapy. Total scoring using those three pretreatment factors predicted risks of SRE with sufficient sensitivity (81%)/specificity (98%) as well as high positive likelihood ratio (43.9).

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that deteriorated risk of SRE in child and adolescent patients receiving antidepressants should not be overestimated while some pretreatment characteristics may be useful to predict the outcome of SRE after antidepressant therapy.
Procalcitonin guidance for reduction of antibiotic use in low‐risk outpatients with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: LONG WEI , DENG XINGQI , ZHANG YU , LU GANG , XIE JUAN , TANG JIANGUO
Published: April 2011

Background and objective:  Use of antibiotics in outpatients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is empirical, which may lead to overuse and selection pressure for resistance. Procalcitonin (PCT) levels may predict the severity of CAP and may be used to guide antibiotic use in hospitalized patients. This study evaluated the value of PCT measurements for guiding antibiotic use in low‐risk outpatients with CAP.

Methods:  This was a randomized intervention trial conducted between February 2005 and December 2008 that included 172 consecutive patients with suspected CAP, of whom 156 completed the study. The control group received antibiotics according to current guidelines. In the PCT group, antibiotic treatment was based on PCT levels as follows: <0.1 µg/L, strongly discouraged; ≤0.25 µg/L, discouraged; >0.25 µg/L, encouraged. The primary end‐points were total antibiotic use and duration of antibiotic treatment; laboratory and clinical outcomes were measured.

Results:  Prescription of antibiotics on admission (84.4% vs 97.5%; P = 0.004), total antibiotic exposure (relative risk 0.55, 95% CI: 0.51–0.60; P = 0.003) and duration of antibiotic treatment (median 5 days vs 7 days; P < 0.001) were reduced in the PCT guidance group, compared with patients treated according to current guidelines. At 4‐week follow up, all patients had survived and laboratory and clinical outcomes were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions:  Under PCT guidance, antibiotic use was reduced and duration of antibiotic treatment was shortened in low‐risk outpatients with CAP, without apparent harm.
Development of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development–Infant Scale
Authors: Caçola Priscila , Gabbard Carl , Santos Denise C.C. , Batistela Ana Carolina T.
Published: April 2011

Background:  The present study reports the development and application of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development–Infant Scale (AHEMD‐IS), a parental self‐report designed to assess the quantity and quality of affordances in the home environment that are conducive to motor development for infants aged 3–18 months.

Methods:  Steps in its development included use of expert feedback, establishment of construct validity, interrater and intrarater reliability, and predictive validity. With all phases of the project, 113 homes were involved.

Results:  Intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater and intrarater reliability for the total score were 1 and 0.94, respectively. In addition, results indicate that the test has the characteristic of differentiating a wide range of scores. Regression analysis for the AHEMD‐IS and motor development using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale supports preliminary evidence for predictive validity.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that the AHEMD‐IS has sufficient reliability and validity as an instrument for assessing affordances in the home environment, with clinical and research applications.
Functional and behavioral outcome of bacterial meningitis in school‐aged survivors
Authors: Vartzelis George , Vasilopoulou Vasiliki , Katsioulis Antonios , Hadjichristodoulou Christos , Theodoridou Maria
Published: April 2011

Background:  Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection with high morbidity and a significant risk for neurological and functional sequelae. The purpose of this study was to assess children and teenagers with a history of bacterial meningitis for functional and behavioral problems.

Methods:  Thirty children and teenagers who suffered bacterial meningitis beyond the age of 6 months were compared against 30 healthy controls for functional and behavioral problems. Both groups were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist by Achenbach for abilities and behavioral problems.

Results:  No significant difference was found between the two groups.

Conclusion:  School‐aged survivors of bacterial meningitis beyond the first 6 months of life have a very good prognosis with regards to competence and behavior.
Multiple myeloma presenting with a fever of unknown origin and development of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura post‐bortezomib
Authors: Moore H. , Romeril K.
Published: April 2011

Multiple myeloma rarely presents with a fever of unknown origin and diagnosis may be delayed. We describe a case of myeloma presenting in this way with raised serum‐free light chains and TP53 deletion on cytogenetics. The patient developed thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) following bortezomib therapy but recovered spontaneously and was successfully re‐challenged. We believe this is only the second case to describe this phenomenon post‐bortezomib and the first to rechallenge the patient successfully without further recurrence of TTP. Possible mechanisms for this successful rechallenge are discussed.
The role of the PCA3 assay in predicting prostate biopsy outcome in a South African setting
Authors: Adam Ahmed , Engelbrecht Matthys J. , Bornman Maria S. , Manda Samuel O. , Moshokoa Evelyn , Feilat Rasmi A.
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The PCA3 assay has shown significant potential amongst the initial studies carried out in Western countries.

This assay performed in line with previous studies. We have shown this marker to perform independent of prostatic volume and have identified potential indications for its use in our setting. However, we have not observed the PCA3 assay to outperform the PSA level across the risk spectrum.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the investigational role, ideal threshold and indications of the Prostate CAncer gene 3 (PCA3) assay in a South African context.

To better define the universality of the above marker since this is the pioneer study on the continent of Africa.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 105 consecutive South African men referred for a prostate biopsy at two tertiary centres in the capital city, Pretoria.

Sequentially, PSA levels and post DRE urine samples were taken within 24 h before prostate biopsy.

The urine specimen was tested using the PROGENSATM PCA3 assay and a score was generated as (PCA3 mRNA/PSA mRNA) × 1000.

The performance of this assay in predicting biopsy outcome was assessed, and compared with that of serum PSA.

RESULTS

Median patient age was 67 years with a positive biopsy incidence of 42.9%.

The higher the PCA3 score the greater the probability of a positive biopsy (P = 0.003).

This score performed independently of prostatic volume (P = 0.3889) or the presence of a concurrent primary malignancy (P = 0.804).

A threshold of 60 revealed a positive predictive value of 60% with an odds ratio of 4, whereas setting a limit of 35 revealed a positive predictive value of 54% and odds ratio of 3.5.

Using receiver operating characteristics for overall performance comparison, the PSA level (area under the curve 0.844) performed better than the PCA3 score (area under the curve 0.705).

CONCLUSION

PCA3 assay has shown consistency and performed in line with previous studies but it did not surpass serum PSA in this population.

A PCA3 assay threshold of 60 performed better than the conventional limit of 35.

This assay may have a potential niche in a certain subset of South African men that includes patients with larger glands, previous negative biopsies and altered baseline PSA levels.
Critical assessment of the European Association of Urology guideline indications for pelvic lymph node dissection at radical prostatectomy
Authors: Abdollah Firas , Sun Maxine , Briganti Alberto , Thuret Rodolphe , Schmitges Jan , Gallina Andrea , Suardi Nazareno , Capitanio Umberto , Salonia Andrea , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Perrotte Paul , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (retrospective cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Lymphadenectomy is the most accurate lymph node staging procedure in patients with prostate cancer. We presented the first formal validation of the 2010 European Association of Urology guidelines for lymphadenectomy in prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

• To assess the 2010 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for prostate cancer, which recommend a pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) at radical prostatectomy in all individuals with a nomogram‐predicted lymph node invasion (LNI) risk of >7%.

PATIENTS and methods

• We focused on 1520 patients treated with radical prostatectomy and PLND, between 2006 and 2010, at a single European institution. We examined the ability of the EAU proposed threshold to correctly predict histologically confirmed LNI. Moreover, we tested the ability of a range of nomogram thresholds between 1 and 14% to correctly predict histologically confirmed LNI. Finally, we externally validated the EAU PLND guideline nomogram.

RESULTS

• Overall, 10.6% of patients had LNI. The use of the 7% limit would have allowed the avoidance of 49% of PLNDs, at the cost of missing 11% of patients with LNI. The use of thresholds of 6% and 8% would have allowed the avoidance of respectively 46% and 52% of PLNDs, at the cost of missing respectively 9% and 11% of patients with LNI. Overall, the accuracy of the EAU guideline nomogram according to the receiver operating characteristics derived area under curve was 81%

CONCLUSION

• Our observations indicate that the EAU guideline nomogram is highly accurate. The recommended threshold of 7%, above which a PLND should be performed, is associated with a favourable compromise between avoidable PLNDs and potentially missed LNI cases.
The illusion of prostate‐specific antigen decline in patients with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance
Authors: Choi Ho‐Chun , Park Jin‐Ho , Cho Be‐Long , Son Ki‐Young , Yoo Youk‐Jin , Kwon Hyuk‐Tae
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort)

Level of Evidence 1b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Studies have shown that PSA is negatively associated with obesity as a result of hemodilution or metabolic effect. Hemodilution could be the main reason for low PSA levels in obese men. However, the intrinsic metabolic effects such as insulin resistance (IR) or metabolic syndrome (MS) on PSA level have not been clearly evaluated although obesity is closely tied to MS and IR.

We regarded MS and IR as the pathophysiological cornerstone of metabolic disorder in obesity and analyzed the relationships among MS, IR, and PSA levels, and plasma volume by using the concept of PSA mass, the total circulating PSA protein. PSA mass did not change depending on the severity of the obesity, MS or IR. Even the group with both MS and IR, which could be the most metabolically disturbed in this study, did not have different PSA mass, comparing with the group without any MS or IR. Thus, the decline in PSA level in men with MS or IR can be also explained by increased plasma volume other than any intrinsic metabolic effects.

OBJECTIVE

• To investigate the detailed mechanism of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) decline in metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR), which lowers the predictive value of the PSA test, we examined the effect of haemodilution and the possibility of an intrinsic metabolic effect.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• We analysed 28 315 men who underwent routine check‐ups. We compared the age‐adjusted mean PSA levels in subjects with and without MS before and after adjusting or stratifying the plasma volume. We analysed changes in PSA level, plasma volume and PSA mass according to obesity grade, number of MS components, IR severity and diagnosis of MS, IR or both using an analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

• The PSA levels were lower in the group with MS than in the group without MS (P= 0.001), but this difference disappeared after adjusting or stratifying the plasma volume (P > 0.05 for all). The PSA levels decreased, plasma volume increased, and PSA mass did not change as the number of MS components increased (P= 0.002, P < 0.001, P= 0.55, respectively) or the IR severity increased (P= 0.001, P < 0.001, P= 0.34, respectively).

• Similarly, PSA levels were lower, plasma volumes were higher and PSA masses were the same in subjects with MS (P= 0.002, P < 0.001, P= 0.10, respectively), IR (P= 0.018, P < 0.001, P= 0.94, respectively), or both (P= 0.003, P < 0.001, P= 0.86, respectively) than in subjects without those conditions.

CONCLUSION

• The PSA decline in MS and IR may result simply from a haemodilution effect and be unrelated to intrinsic metabolic disturbances. For this reason, PSA levels could be underestimated in patients with MS or IR because of haemodilution.
Conservation status of eulachon in the California Current
Authors: Gustafson Richard G , Ford Michael J , Adams Peter B , Drake Jonathan S , Emmett Robert L , Fresh Kurt L , Rowse Mindy , Spangler Elizabeth A K , Spangler Robert E , Teel David J , Wilson Matthew T
Published: April 2011

Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), an anadromous smelt in the Northeast Pacific Ocean was examined for listing under the USA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA). A southern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of eulachon – that occurs in the California Current and is composed of numerous subpopulations that spawn in rivers from northern California to northern British Columbia – was identified on the basis of ecological and environmental characteristics, and to a lesser extent, genetic and life history variation. Although the northern terrestrial boundary of this DPS remains uncertain, our consensus opinion was that this northern boundary occurs south of the Nass River and that the DPS was discrete from more northern eulachon, as well as significant to the biological species as a whole and thus is a ‘species’ under the ESA. Eulachon have been nearly absent in northern California for over two decades, have declined in the Fraser River by over 97% in the past 10 years, and are at historically low levels in other British Columbia rivers in the DPS, and nearly so in the Columbia River. Major threats to southern eulachon include climate change impacts on ocean and freshwater habitat, by‐catch in offshore shrimp trawl fisheries, changes in downstream flow timing and intensity owing to dams and water diversions, and predation. These threats, together with large declines in abundance, indicate that the southern DPS of eulachon is at moderate risk of extinction throughout all of its range. The southern DPS was listed as threatened under the ESA in May 2010 – the first marine forage fish to be afforded these statutory protections, which apply only to waters under U.S. jurisdiction.
Time in the New Economy: The Impact of the Interaction of Individual and Structural Temporalities on Job Satisfaction
Authors: Agypt Brett , Rubin Beth A.
Published: April 2011

abstract

The 24/7 economy creates new organizational temporalities including a temporal structure called layered‐task time (LTT), characterized by greater simultaneity, fragmentation, contamination, and constraint. This paper develops a measure of LTT, and examines the relationship between its components and job satisfaction as moderated by an individual's polychronicity, or propensity for multitasking. A total of 306 employees from various jobs, organizations, and industries were surveyed. The LTT measures provide promising initial evidence of reliability and content validity. We also find that those who are more polychronic are more satisfied in environments characterized by a need for multitasking and using dissimilar skills, as well as organizational temporal constraint and unpredictable shifts in temporal boundaries. Finally, we discuss implications for research on temporal structures in the workplace.
Resisting Memory: The Politics of Memorialisation in Post-Conflict Northern Ireland
Authors: Pinkerton Patrick
Published: April 2011

This article explores practices of memorialisation in post-conflict society, through the case study of the James McCurrie Robert Neill Memorial Garden, located in East Belfast, which has been vandalised on a number of occasions. It notes the similarities between these attacks and Jenny Edkins’ theorisation of resistance at the sites of state memory. In the context of Northern Ireland, however, such resistance serves only to replicate patterns of division, as they seek to re-assert competing historical claims obscured by the memorial. The article therefore turns to the work of Jacques Derrida in order to employ a deconstructive ‘double reading’ of the memorial, which avoids the trap of treating the past as something that can be instrumentally utilised in the present. This deconstructive reading is undertaken in order to suggest a form of resistance to memorialisation which does more than replicate patterns of division through essentialised versions of history.