bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General practice‐recorded depression and antidepressant use in young people with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes: a cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Morgan E. , Patterson C. C. , Cardwell C. R.
Published: October 2013

Aims

To investigate whether young people with Type 1 diabetes have an increased rate of depression and antidepressant use and whether their risk varies by age group, time from diabetes diagnosis, calendar period of diagnosis or complications status.

Methods

A cohort of incident cases of patients with Type 1 diabetes diagnosed before 35 years of age (n = 5548) was identified within the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and individually age and sex matched with up to two control subjects without diabetes (n = 10 657). Patients with depression were identified through general practice‐recorded depression codes and antidepressant prescriptions. Cox regression models gave hazard ratios for depression in people with Type 1 diabetes compared with control subjects.

Results

People with Type 1 diabetes were twice as likely to have a record of antidepressant use and general practice‐diagnosed depression as their matched control subjects (hazard ratio 2.08, 95% CI 1.73–2.50, P < 0.001). These associations varied by time from diagnosis, with marked increases observed within the first 5 years of diagnosis (hazard ratio 2.14, 95% CI 1.51–3.03, P < 0.001), and by age at diabetes diagnosis, with excesses noted even in the 10‐ to 19‐year age group (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% CI 1.06–1.98, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

This population‐based study shows that people with Type 1 diabetes have higher rates of general practice‐recorded depression and antidepressant use. The excess is present within 5 years of diabetes diagnosis, suggesting psychological input for patients is warranted in the early years of their condition.
Diabetes‐Oriented Learning Family Intervention (DOLFIN): a feasibility study evaluating an intervention for carers of young persons with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ridge K. , Thomas S. , Jackson P. , Pender S. , Heller S. , Treasure J. , Ismail K.
Published: October 2013

Aims

To describe the development of an intervention for parents and carers of young people with Type 1 diabetes and assess the feasibility, acceptability and emerging clinical themes.

Methods

Participants were carers of young persons aged 10–18 years with a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes of more than 12 months' duration in two inner‐city South London hospitals. Carers were invited to attend six sessions of a group workshop where they received emotional support, diabetes education and were taught motivational interviewing techniques to support their child.

Results

Out of 106 eligible participants, carers of 31 young people with Type 1 diabetes were recruited, 17 of whom ‘completed’ the intervention (attending four or more sessions). Participants discussed a variety of themes in session, including the increasing difficulty of diabetes management as children grow older, parenting techniques for managing diabetes in the home and the emotional challenges of having a child with a chronic illness.

Conclusions

Engaging parents in a carer intervention for Type 1 diabetes was a challenge, but parents who participated appeared to value the programme. Future interventions for carers need to take account of carers' wishes and expectations in order to maximize user uptake.
Adolescents and young adults with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes demonstrate greater carotid intima‐media thickness than those with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gu W. , Huang Y. , Zhang Y. , Hong J. , Liu Y. , Zhan W. , Ning G. , Wang W.
Published: October 2013

Aim

To compare the carotid intima‐media thickness in patients with newly diagnosed Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes ranging from 14 to 30 years of age.

Methods

Demographic, anthropometric and laboratory data were obtained from 404 adolescents and young adults (103 subjects with Type 1 diabetes, 94 with Type 2 diabetes, 153 obese subjects and 54 normal control subjects). Carotid intima‐media thickness was assessed based on Doppler ultrasound examination and compared among the four groups.

Results

Our data showed significant increases in carotid intima‐media thickness in subjects with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and obese subjects compared with the control subjects, with those in the group with Type 2 diabetes demonstrating the greatest change (P < 0.001). Age, BMI, percentage of fat, waist–hip ratio and total triglycerides were significantly correlated with both common and internal carotid intima‐media thickness segments. From a stepwise multiple linear regression model, the independent determinants of common carotid intima‐media thickness were age, BMI, HbA1c and HDL cholesterol (adjusted R2 = 0.152, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex and HbA1c, the odds ratio for increased carotid intima‐media thickness was 1.67 (95% CI 1.19–2.33, P = 0.003) for obese subjects, 2.38 (95% CI 1.59–9.47, P = 0.001) for subjects with Type 1 diabetes and 3.93 (95% CI 1.90–6.07, P = 0001) for subjects with Type 2 diabetes compared with the control subjects.

Conclusions

Compared with young control subjects, we found significant increases in carotid intima‐media thickness in patients with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, with patients with Type 2 diabetes showing greater carotid intima‐media thickness. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia, could cause vessel changes even in adolescents and young adults.
Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 inhibition with AZD7687 alters lipid handling and hormone secretion in the gut with intolerable side effects: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Denison H. , Nilsson C. , Löfgren L. , Himmelmann A. , Mårtensson G. , Knutsson M. , AL‐Shurbaji A. , Tornqvist H. , Eriksson J. W.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Inhibition of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) is a potential treatment modality for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, based on preclinical data suggesting it is associated with insulin sensitization and weight loss. This randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase 1 study in 62 overweight or obese men explored the effects and tolerability of AZD7687, a reversible and selective DGAT1 inhibitor.

Methods

Multiple doses of AZD7687 (1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/day, n = 6 or n = 12 for each) or placebo (n = 20) were administered for 1 week. Postprandial serum triacylglycerol (TAG) was measured for 8 h after a standardized 45% fat meal. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and peptide YY (PYY) were measured and a paracetamol challenge was performed to assess gastric emptying.

Results

Dose‐dependent reductions in postprandial serum TAG were demonstrated with AZD7687 doses ≥5 mg compared with placebo (p < 0.01). Significant (p < 0.001) increases in plasma GLP‐1 and PYY levels were seen at these doses, but no clear effect on gastric emptying was demonstrated at the end of treatment. With AZD7687 doses >5 mg/day, gastrointestinal (GI) side effects increased; 11/18 of these participants discontinued treatment owing to diarrhoea.

Conclusions

Altered lipid handling and hormone secretion in the gut were demonstrated during 1‐week treatment with the DGAT1 inhibitor AZD7687. However, the apparent lack of therapeutic window owing to GI side effects of AZD7687, particularly diarrhoea, makes the utility of DGAT1 inhibition as a novel treatment for diabetes and obesity questionable.
Steady‐state pharmacokinetics and glucodynamics of the novel, long‐acting basal insulin LY2605541 dosed once‐daily in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sinha V. P. , Howey D. C. , Choi S. L. , Mace K. F. , Heise T.
Published: October 2013

Aims

To assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) and glucodynamics (GD) of LY2605541 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This parallel‐group, open‐label, dose‐escalation study examined the PK and GD of basal insulin LY2605541 after single and multiple‐dose administration. Fixed doses of LY2605541 (0.33–1.00 U/kg) were given once‐daily (QD) for 14 days to insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes. A 24‐h euglycaemic glucose clamp was conducted on days 1 and 14.

Results

PK steady state was achieved within 7–10 days and the peak‐to‐trough fluctuation was <2, translating to a nearly ‘peakless’ glucose infusion rate at steady state and with a duration of action of at least 24 h. Across dose levels t1/2 ranged from 44.7 to 75.5 h (˜2–3 days). As steady state was achieved, there were dose‐dependent reductions in the prandial insulin dose and in fasting blood glucose, which decreased to 60–100 mg/dl across dose levels. Within‐patient variability was <14 and <26% for the area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) of the 8‐point blood glucose profile and fasting blood glucose, respectively. The nocturnal glucose control between 03:00 and 09:00 hours was relatively unchanged. Mild hypoglycaemia was the most common adverse event.

Conclusions

In this Phase I study of fixed LY2605541 doses without titration, LY2605541 was well‐tolerated and demonstrated a flat PK and GD profile accompanied by glucose normalization, prandial insulin dose reduction and no severe hypoglycaemia.
Simplified Single Plane Echocardiography Is Comparable to Conventional Biplane Two‐Dimensional Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Left Atrial Volume: A Study Validated by Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in 143 Individuals
Authors: Vieira‐Filho Normando G. , Mancuso Frederico J. N. , Oliveira Wercules A. A. , Gil Manuel A. , Fischer Cláudio H. , Moises Valdir A. , Campos Orlando
Published: October 2013

The left atrial volume index (LAVI) is a biomarker of diastolic dysfunction and a predictor of cardiovascular events. Three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is highly accurate for LAVI measurements but is not widely available. Furthermore, biplane two‐dimensional echocardiography (B2DE) may occasionally not be feasible due to a suboptimal two‐chamber apical view. Simplified single plane two‐dimensional echocardiography (S2DE) could overcome these limitations. We aimed to compare the reliability of S2DE with other validated echocardiographic methods in the measurement of the LAVI. We examined 143 individuals (54 ± 13 years old; 112 with heart disease and 31 healthy volunteers; all with sinus rhythm, with a wide range of LAVI). The results for all the individuals were compared with B2DE‐derived LAVIs and validated using 3DE. The LAVIs, as determined using S2DE (32.7 ± 13.1 mL/m2), B2DE (31.9 ± 12.7 mL/m2), and 3DE (33.1 ± 13.4 mL/m2), were not significantly different from each other (P = 0.85). The S2DE‐derived LAVIs correlated significantly with those obtained using both B2DE (r = 0.98; P < 0.001) and 3DE (r = 0.93; P < 0.001). The mean difference between the S2DE and B2DE measurements was <1.0 mL/m2. Using the American Society of Echocardiography criteria for grading LAVI enlargement (normal, mild, moderate, severe), we observed an excellent agreement between the S2DE‐ and B2DE‐derived classifications (κ = 0.89; P < 0.001). S2DE is a simple, rapid, and reliable method for LAVI measurement that may expand the use of this important biomarker in routine echocardiographic practice.
Adiponectin and p53 mRNA in epicardial and subcutaneous fat from heart failure patients
Authors: Agra Rosa M. , Teijeira‐Fernández Elvis , Pascual‐Figal Domingo , Sánchez‐Más Jesús , Fernández‐Trasancos Ángel , González‐Juanatey José R. , Eiras Sonia
Published: October 2013

Objective

Heart failure (HF) is associated with a pro‐inflammatory state in epicardial fat, but the involved mechanisms are not entirely clear. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between p53 and adiponectin mRNA in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in patients with heart failure and its sympathetic regulation.

Methods

Epicardial adipose tissue and SAT samples were obtained from 63 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. EAT and SAT explants culture from seven patients were stimulated with isoprenaline 0·1 or 1 uM for 6 h. p53 and adiponectin mRNA expression was measured in frozen biopsies or explants culture from both fat pads by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

We observed that EAT expressed more p53 mRNA than SAT (1·73 ± 0·07 vs. 1·69 ± 0·04, P < 0·001) and its levels were higher in HF patients (1·75 ± 0·07 vs. 1·70 ± 0·04, P < 0·01 in EAT and 1·70 ± 0·04 vs. 1·67 ± 0·04, P < 0·05 in SAT). Moreover, p53 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with adiponectin in EAT. After analysing the p53 mRNA regulation by isoprenaline, we observed that only EAT p53 expression increased after adrenergic stimulation (1·63 ± 0·01 vs. 1·66 ± 0·02; P = 0·024).

Conclusions

p53 mRNA expression levels, inversely correlated with adiponectin, increase in EAT of HF patients and can be regulated by sympathetic activation pathway. Our findings can help to explain the deleterious effect of sympathetic activation in HF.
Sleep apnoea patients have higher mortality when confronting sepsis
Authors: Huang Chien‐Yu , Chen Yung‐Tai , Wu Li‐An , Liu Chia‐Jen , Chang Shi‐Chuan , Perng Diahn‐Warng , Chen Yuh‐Min , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Lee Yu‐Chin , Chou Kun‐Ta
Published: October 2013

Background

Sleep is essential for the maintenance of an intact immune function. Patients with sleep apnoea experience frequent sleep interruption due to apnoea‐related arousals, possibly adversely impacting their immunity and affecting their outcomes when confronting sepsis. This case–control study aimed to compare the outcomes of sepsis patients with and without sleep apnoea.

Methods

From 2000 to 2009, 168 sleep apnoea patients who were first admitted for sepsis were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Also, 672 sepsis patients without sleep apnoea, who were matched by age, gender and Charlson's comorbidity index scores, served as controls. Hospital outcomes of the two groups were compared. Binary logistic regression was employed for multivariate analysis.

Results

The mortality rates of sepsis patients with and without sleep apnoea were 60·1% and 47·9%, respectively (P = 0·005). After multivariate adjustment, sleep apnoea (OR: 1·805, 95% CI: 1·227–2·656, P = 0·003), presence of shock (OR: 3·600, 95% CI: 2·144–6·046, P < 0·001) and number of organs with dysfunction (OR: 1·591, 95% CI: 1·087–2·329, P = 0·017) were found to be independently associated with mortality. Sleep apnoea patients who needed continuous positive airway pressure treatment had an even higher risk of mortality.

Conclusions

Sepsis patients with sleep apnoea may have poorer hospital outcomes than those without sleep apnoea.
Dynamics of serum‐induced endothelial cell apoptosis in patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Forteza Maria J. , Novella Susana , Trapero Isabel , Hermenegildo Carlos , Ruiz‐Sauri Amparo , Chaustre Fabian , Bonanad Clara , Oltra Ricardo , Palacios Lorena , O′Connor J. Enrique , Chorro Francisco J. , Bodi Vicente
Published: October 2013

Background

In patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) reperfused with primary coronary intervention (PCI), the dynamics of endothelial cell (EC) viability, apoptosis and necrosis and its relationship with the structural consequences on the left ventricle have not been addressed so far.

Design

In 20 STEMI patients, we incubated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with serum drawn before reperfusion and subsequently afterwards (24, 96 h, 30 days). Viability, apoptosis and necrosis percentages were evaluated by flow cytometry. Values were compared with 12 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects with normal coronary arteries. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed during the first week after infarction.

Results

Serum from STEMI patients induced a progressive loss of EC viability, with a nadir of 67·7 ± 10·2% at 96 h (baseline: 75 ± 6% and controls: 80·2 ± 3·9%, P < 0·001 in both cases). This is due to an increase in apoptosis that peaked at 96 h after reperfusion (15·2 ± 7·1% vs. 11 ± 6 at baseline and 5·8 ± 1·6% in controls, P < 0·001 in both cases). However, no significant dynamic changes in EC necrosis were detected. Extensive myocardial oedema (> 30%, median of left ventricular mass) was the only CMR variable significantly associated with a higher percentage of EC apoptosis at 96 h (extensive vs. nonextensive oedema: 18·3 ± 6·8% vs. 12·1 ± 6·3%, P < 0·05).

Conclusions

Dynamic changes in EC viability occur in the setting of STEMI patients reperfused with PCI, these changes peak late after reperfusion, they are mainly the result of an increase of apoptosis and are associated with the presence of extensive myocardial oedema.
Applications of basic fibroblastic growth factor (FGF‐2, bFGF) in dentistry
Authors: Sonmez Ayse B. , Castelnuovo Jacopo
Published: October 2013

Recent developments in research have been based on the maintenance and regeneration of natural organs and tissues; among such developments is the use of growth factors (GFs). The use of basic fibroblastic growth factors (bFGF) may be indicated in different disciplines of dentistry such as periodontics and dental traumatology. These cells' ability to induce proliferation and differentiation of cells may make GFs a useful source for the development of natural structures. This mini‐review will discuss how bFGF can be beneficial to dentistry in relation to 1) re‐implantation/autotransplantation of avulsed teeth and 2) periodontal regeneration.
Pulpal response to sensibility tests after traumatic dental injuries in permanent teeth
Authors: Bastos Juliana Vilela , Goulart Eugenio Marcos Andrade , de Souza Côrtes Maria Ilma
Published: October 2013

Background/Aim

The assessment of pulp vitality is one of the major challenges in dental traumatology due to the temporary loss of sensibility after trauma and because of the limitations of conventional pulp tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulpal response to sensibility tests and to determine their accuracy after crown fractures and luxation injuries.

Materials and methods

A total of 121 permanent anterior teeth from 78 patients treated at the Dental Trauma Clinic of the Federal University of Minas Gerais were evaluated. Responses to pulp sensibility tests were monitored for a minimum period of 24 months or until the diagnosis of pulp necrosis.

Results

At the first appointment, 68 teeth responded positively to sensibility tests, one tooth was necrotic and 52 teeth did not respond to sensibility tests but showed no other signs of necrosis. The initial lack of response was not associated with age (P = 0.18), but was related to the presence of luxation (P < 0.001). At the final appointment, 87 teeth were classified as vital and 31 were classified as non‐vital. While a positive response shortly after trauma was a good predictor of vitality, a lack of response was not associated with subsequent necrosis. The final pulpal condition of the teeth that initially did not respond was associated with the type of injury, as displaced teeth tended to develop necrosis (P = 0.008). The accuracy of each sensibility test at the initial and final appointments was, respectively, 55.1% and 67.8% for the heat test, 55.9% and 77.9% for the cold test, and 57.6% and 89% for the electrical test. Conclusions.

A temporary loss of sensibility was a frequent finding during post‐traumatic pulpal healing, especially after luxation injuries. All sensibility tests presented low accuracy shortly after trauma. The electrical test provided the best support for pulpal diagnosis after long‐term follow up. The clinician must be aware of additional signs of crown discoloration and radiographic changes before initiating endodontic treatment.
Invasive plant population and herbivore identity affect latex induction
Authors: GU XUE , SIEMANN EVAN , ZHU LIN , GAO SHAOXIONG , WANG YI , DING JIANQING
Published: October 2013

Latex functions as a physical and chemical defence against herbivores that may vary in their responses to latex quantity and chemical composition. In their introduced ranges, many exotic plants experience reduced herbivore regulation, especially from specialist herbivores, which may lead to differences in defences among native and invasive populations.

Here, we compared latex produced by seedlings from native and invasive populations of tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) when damaged by a native specialist or generalist caterpillar.

We measured the growth of caterpillars fed leaves of plants from native and invasive populations that had latex washed from the leaves or were unwashed controls.

We found that constitutive latex mass, tannins and flavonoids of plants from invasive and native populations were similar. The masses of caterpillars fed leaves from native and invasive populations were comparable regardless of leaf washing.

We also found that the specialist induced more latex production than the generalist did, especially for plants from invasive populations. Tannins increased and flavonoids decreased when plants were damaged by the generalist caterpillar but neither changed when plants were damaged by the specialist caterpillar.

Our results suggest divergent selection on the physical and chemical properties of latex in the introduced range. The quantity of latex produced was more sensitive to herbivore identity in the introduced range but the specificity of the latex chemical response was retained.
Extent of colonization by Raffaelea quercivora of artificially inoculated living and gamma‐ray‐sterilized seedlings of two Japanese and three American oak species
Authors: Torii M. , Matsuda Y. , Ito S.
Published: October 2013

Mass mortality of Fagacean tree species caused by Raffaelea quercivora has occurred widely in Japan. Because conidia or other propagules of the pathogen have not been found in infected trees, pathogen spread is assumed to occur primarily by hyphae. To clarify the relationship between hyphal growth of the pathogen within trees and their vessel arrangements, we examined two native Japanese oaks, Quercus crispula and Quercus glauca, and three exotic American oaks, Quercus coccinea, Quercus palustris and Quercus rubra. Quercus glauca is a radial‐porous species, whereas the other four species have a ring‐porous wood structure. Hyphal growth within inoculated potted living seedlings and in cut, sterilized stem segments of these species was examined microscopically after fungal inoculation. Water conductance in the seedlings was examined using transverse stem sections. The proportion of non‐conductive sapwood in Q. crispula, Q. coccinea and Q. palustris differed between inoculation and control treatment, being much higher in inoculated seedlings. The proportions were positively correlated with the extent of the hyphal growth. In sterilized stem segments, the extent of fungal colonization varied among the foreign ring‐porous species Q. coccinea, Q. palustris and Q. rubra. It is hypothesized that the extent of colonization by R. quercivora reflects the extent of non‐conductive sapwood irrespective of tree species, but is little affected by vessel arrangements.
Sporendocladia bactrospora associated with wounds on native broadleaved trees in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Roux J. , Solheim H. , Kamgan Nkuekam G. , Wingfield M. J.
Published: October 2013

A survey to identify ophiostomatoid fungi that infect wounds on native Norwegian and Swedish broadleaved trees was undertaken during summer 2004. A fungus resembling a species of Sporendocladia was commonly isolated from the exposed cambium and inner bark of wounds. Morphological examination and comparisons of DNA sequence data for the ITS and 5.8S regions of the rRNA gene region led to its identification as Sporendocladia bactrospora. Pathogenicity trials on young Populus tremula and Betula pubescens trees showed that S. bactrospora is capable of causing lesions on these trees. There have been few previous reports of S. bactrospora, and in most cases, these have been as saprophytes on wood. In contrast, results of this study show that it is a common inhabitant of freshly made wounds on native broadleaved trees in Scandinavia, and it appears to contribute to staining of wood.
Clinical and social correlates of duration of untreated psychosis among adult‐onset psychosis in Hong Kong Chinese: the JCEP study
Authors: Hui Christy Lai‐Ming , Lau Winnie Wing‐Yin , Leung Chung‐Ming , Chang Wing‐Chung , Tang Jennifer Yee‐Man , Wong Gloria Hoi‐Yan , Chan Sherry Kit‐Wa , Lee Edwin Ho‐Ming , Chen Eric Yu‐Hai
Published: October 2013

Aim

Understanding factors that contribute to treatment delay would inform early detection and intervention strategies in psychotic disorders. However, existing data were mixed and primarily conducted among early‐onset young patients. We examined duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and its clinical and sociodemographic correlates in a large cohort of adult‐onset patients with psychosis.

Methods

A total of 360 patients with first‐onset psychosis aged 26–55 years were recruited consecutively as part of a controlled study of an early psychosis intervention service in Hong Kong Chinese. Demographic, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics relating to DUP were assessed within 4 months of onset.

Results

The population had a mean onset age of 36.6 years (SD = 8.7). The mean and median DUP were 515 days (SD = 1091) and 93 days (inter‐quartile range from 20 to 382.3), respectively. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that insidious mode of onset, hospitalization, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, poorer insight and younger age at onset significantly prolonged DUP. DUP was not related to premorbid functioning, family involvement during help seeking and living alone.

Conclusions

The initial period of untreated psychosis is determined by multiple factors. Whether family involvement is considered a kind of social support in shortening or prolonging DUP needs further examination. Local early intervention program for psychosis should take reference from these findings when formulating personalized plans to reduce delay.
Evaluating the students' perspectives of a clinic mentoring programme
Authors: Schwartz B. , Saad M. N. , Goldberg D.
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this article is to describe and examine the effectiveness of a mentoring program for third and fourth year clinical dental students. This is an educational intervention for the pre‐doctoral students at the Schulich School of Dentistry. We have recently instituted this program and have developed a questionnaire to assess the student perspectives using a SWOT analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of this intervention by analyzing the quantitative and qualitative responses of the students towards their clinical education and patient management. Our findings, both quantitative and qualitative, indicated that the mentoring program was well received by most students who would like to see the program expanded. The majority of students felt that the mentoring program aligned well with comprehensive care of their patients while enhancing their clinical experience. One of the strongest areas of agreement involved the ability to discuss cases in a non‐threatening environment. The SWOT analysis identified key areas for future improvements. We offer steps to successfully implement a similar program based on our findings. It is our hope that our results might be instrumental for other schools wishing to adopt a similar model which supports patient‐based comprehensive care.
Successful clinical and organisational change in endodontic practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Koch M. , Englander M. , Tegelberg Å. , Wolf E.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to explicate and describe the qualitative meaning of successful clinical and organizational change in endodontic practice, following a comprehensive implementation program, including the integration of the nickel‐titanium‐rotary‐technique. After an educational intervention in the Public Dental Service in a Swedish county, thematic in‐depth interviews were conducted, with special reference to the participants' experience of the successful change. Interviews with four participants, were purposively selected on the basis of occupation (dentist, dental assistant, receptionist, clinical manager), for a phenomenological human scientific analysis. Four constituents were identified as necessary for the invariant, general structure of the phenomenon: 1) disclosed motivation, 2) allowance for individual learning processes, 3) continuous professional collaboration, and 4) a facilitating educator. The perceived requirements for achieving successful clinical and organizational change in endodontic practice were clinical relevance, an atmosphere which facilitated discussion and allowance for individual learning patterns. The qualities required in the educator were acknowledged competence with respect to scientific knowledge and clinical expertise, as well as familiarity with conditions at the dental clinics. The results indicate a complex interelationship among various aspects of the successful change process.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: a rare infectious complication following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT)
Authors: Kaufman Gregory P. , Aksamit Allen J. , Klein Christopher J. , Yi Eunhee S. , DeLone David R. , Litzow Mark R.
Published: October 2013

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating disorder caused by brain infection with JC virus, is a neurological complication of immunocompromised states and immunosuppressive therapies. While most commonly seen in the HIV/AIDS population, patients with hematologic malignancies are also at risk following treatment protocols including monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here, we present the case of PML following allogeneic HCT that highlights potential diagnostic difficulties. We also review the literature regarding PML following HCT and described therapies employed to attempt to treat this disorder.
Extended‐access, but not limited‐access, methamphetamine self‐administration induces behavioral and nucleus accumbens dopamine response changes in rats
Authors: Le Cozannet Romain , Markou Athina , Kuczenski Ronald
Published: October 2013

To better understand the neurobiology of methamphetamine (METH) dependence and the cognitive impairments induced by METH use, we compared the effects of extended (12 h) and limited (1 h) access to METH self‐administration on locomotor activity and object place recognition, and on extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and caudate‐putamen. Rats were trained to self‐administer intravenous METH (0.05 mg/kg). One group had progressively extended access up to 12‐h sessions. The other group had limited‐access 1‐h sessions. Microdialysis experiments were conducted during a 12‐h and 1‐h session, in which the effects of a single METH injection (self‐administered, 0.05 mg/kg, i.v.) on extracellular dopamine levels were assessed in the nucleus accumbens and caudate‐putamen compared with a drug‐naive group. The day after the last 12‐h session and the following day experimental groups were assessed for their locomotor activities and in a place recognition procedure, respectively. The microdialysis results revealed tolerance to the METH‐induced increases in extracellular dopamine only in the nucleus accumbens, but not in the caudate‐putamen in the extended‐access group compared with the control and limited‐access groups. These effects may be associated with the increased lever‐pressing and drug‐seeking observed during the first hour of drug exposure in the extended‐access group. This increase in drug‐seeking leads to higher METH intake and may result in more severe consequences in other structures responsible for the behavioral deficits (memory and locomotor activity) observed in the extended‐access group, but not in the limited‐access group.
Monkey gaze behaviour during action observation and its relationship to mirror neuron activity
Authors: Maranesi Monica , Ugolotti Serventi Francesca , Bruni Stefania , Bimbi Marco , Fogassi Leonardo , Bonini Luca
Published: October 2013

Mirror neurons (MNs) of the monkey ventral premotor cortex (area F5) are a class of cells that match the visual descriptions of others' actions with correspondent motor representations in the observer's brain. Several human studies suggest that one's own motor representations activated during action observation play a role in directing proactive eye movements to the site of the upcoming hand–target interaction. However, there are no data on the possible relationship between gaze behaviour and MN activity. Here we addressed this issue by simultaneously recording eye position and F5 MN activity in two macaques during free observation of a grasping action. More than half of the recorded neurons discharged stronger when the monkey looked at the action than when it did not look at it, but their firing rate was better predicted by ‘when’ rather than by ‘how long’ the monkey gazed at the location of the upcoming hand–target interaction. Interestingly, the onset of MN response was linked to the onset of the experimenter's movement, thus making motor representations potentially exploitable to drive eye movements. Furthermore, MNs discharged stronger and earlier when the gaze was ‘proactive’ compared with ‘reactive’, indicating that gaze behaviour influences MN activity. We propose that feedforward, automatic representations of other's actions could lead eye movements that, in turn, would provide the motor system with feedback information that enhances the neural representations of the ongoing action.
Spatiotopic perceptual learning mediated by retinotopic processing and attentional remapping
Authors: Zhang En , Zhang Gong‐Liang , Li Wu
Published: October 2013

Visual processing takes place in both retinotopic and spatiotopic frames of reference. Whereas visual perceptual learning is usually specific to the trained retinotopic location, our recent study has shown spatiotopic specificity of learning in motion direction discrimination. To explore the mechanisms underlying spatiotopic processing and learning, and to examine whether similar mechanisms also exist in visual form processing, we trained human subjects to discriminate an orientation difference between two successively displayed stimuli, with a gaze shift in between to manipulate their positional relation in the spatiotopic frame of reference without changing their retinal locations. Training resulted in better orientation discriminability for the trained than for the untrained spatial relation of the two stimuli. This learning‐induced spatiotopic preference was seen only at the trained retinal location and orientation, suggesting experience‐dependent spatiotopic form processing directly based on a retinotopic map. Moreover, a similar but weaker learning‐induced spatiotopic preference was still present even if the first stimulus was rendered irrelevant to the orientation discrimination task by having the subjects judge the orientation of the second stimulus relative to its mean orientation in a block of trials. However, if the first stimulus was absent, and thus no attention was captured before the gaze shift, the learning produced no significant spatiotopic preference, suggesting an important role of attentional remapping in spatiotopic processing and learning. Taken together, our results suggest that spatiotopic visual representation can be mediated by interactions between retinotopic processing and attentional remapping, and can be modified by perceptual training.
Phenomenology without Representation
Authors: Raleigh Thomas
Published: October 2013

I criticise a recent variety of argument for the representational theory of experience, which holds that the very idea of perceptual experience entails the representational view. I argue that the representational view is not simply obvious, nor is it contained in the mere idea of the world looking some way. I also clarify and re‐present an argument against the representational view due to Charles Travis.
Nitrous oxide emission reduction with greenwaste biochar: comparison of laboratory and field experiments
Authors: Felber R. , Leifeld J. , Horák J. , Neftel A.
Published: October 2013

We compared (i) nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from a 9‐month field experiment established on a temperate, newly sown, intensively managed meadow using automated chambers with fine time resolution, and (ii) fluxes measured at several occasions throughout the experiment under controlled laboratory conditions. Twenty tonnes dry matter ha−1 greenwaste biochar were added to three plots and compared with three control plots. Cumulated N2O field measurements revealed a reduction of 21.5% in the plots with biochar. The reductions for samples where the biochar was added at the beginning of the experiment in the field and samples which were collected each month and measured in the laboratory were in the same range (11.4–39.2%). Emission reductions from laboratory incubations when biochar was freshly mixed with soil in the laboratory were about twice as large (46.5–58.0%). Our results indicate provisionally that, at our site, biochar controls N2O emission through its capacity for reducing NO3− availability to denitrifiers, with the efficiency being related to the effectiveness of mixing of biochar in soil.
Effect of biochar addition on soil respiration partitioning and root dynamics in an apple orchard
Authors: Ventura M. , Zhang C. , Baldi E. , Fornasier F. , Sorrenti G. , Panzacchi P. , Tonon G.
Published: October 2013

Biochar addition to soil has been suggested as a promising strategy to increase soil carbon storage with important side‐effects on soil fertility and crop productivity. Understanding the effect of biochar on soil respiration partitioning into rhizosphere‐derived (Fr) and soil organic carbon‐derived (Fsoc) components and on plant root dynamics and microbial activity is a crucial issue in the prediction of the impact of biochar on soil organic carbon and nutrient cycles. Within this framework, an experiment was carried out in an apple (Malus domestica Bork) orchard located in the experimental farm of the Bologna University (Italy). In spring 2009, 10 t of biochar per hectare were incorporated into the surface 20‐cm soil layer by soil ploughing. The trenching method was used in order to partition total soil respiration (Fs) into Fr and Fsoc components in both biochar‐treated and control soil. Soil respiration measurements were performed from June 2009 to March 2011. To study root dynamics, polycarbonate boxes were built and buried into the soil. Soil profile pictures were collected fortnightly with a CCD sensor scanner inserted in the boxes and analysed with the WinRHIZO Tron MF software. Biochar addition increased Fsoc and reduced Fr, even if the root length intensity (La) increased in biochar‐treated soils relative to that in the control. A decrease in root metabolic activity was postulated to explain these contrasting results.
Habitat area and climate stability determine geographical variation in plant species range sizes
Authors: Morueta‐Holme Naia , Enquist Brian J. , McGill Brian J. , Boyle Brad , Jørgensen Peter M. , Ott Jeffrey E. , Peet Robert K. , Šímová Irena , Sloat Lindsey L. , Thiers Barbara , Violle Cyrille , Wiser Susan K. , Dolins Steven , Donoghue John C. , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Regetz Jim , Schildhauer Mark , Spencer Nick , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: October 2013

Despite being a fundamental aspect of biodiversity, little is known about what controls species range sizes. This is especially the case for hyperdiverse organisms such as plants. We use the largest botanical data set assembled to date to quantify geographical variation in range size for ~ 85 000 plant species across the New World. We assess prominent hypothesised range‐size controls, finding that plant range sizes are codetermined by habitat area and long‐ and short‐term climate stability. Strong short‐ and long‐term climate instability in large parts of North America, including past glaciations, are associated with broad‐ranged species. In contrast, small habitat areas and a stable climate characterise areas with high concentrations of small‐ranged species in the Andes, Central America and the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest region. The joint roles of area and climate stability strengthen concerns over the potential effects of future climate change and habitat loss on biodiversity.
Damped long‐term host–parasite Red Queen coevolutionary dynamics: a reflection of dilution effects?
Authors: Decaestecker Ellen , De Gersem Herbert , Michalakis Yannis , Raeymaekers Joost A.M.
Published: October 2013

An increase in biological diversity leads to a greater stability of ecosystem properties. For host–parasite interactions, this is illustrated by the ‘dilution effect’: a negative correlation between host biodiversity and disease risk. We show that a similar mechanism might stabilise host–parasite dynamics at a lower level of diversity, i.e. at the level of genetic diversity within host species. A long‐term time shift experiment, based on a historical reconstruction of a Daphnia–parasite coevolution, reveals infectivity cycles with more stable amplitude in experienced than in naive hosts. Coevolutionary models incorporating an increase in host allelic diversity over time explain the detected asymmetry. The accumulation of resistance alleles creates an opportunity for the host to stabilise Red Queen dynamics. It leads to a larger arsenal enhancing the host performance in its coevolution with the parasite in which ‘it takes all the running both antagonists can do to keep in the same place’.
Chronic sublethal stress causes bee colony failure
Authors: Bryden John , Gill Richard J. , Mitton Robert A. A. , Raine Nigel E. , Jansen Vincent A. A.
Published: October 2013

Current bee population declines and colony failures are well documented yet poorly understood and no single factor has been identified as a leading cause. The evidence is equivocal and puzzling: for instance, many pathogens and parasites can be found in both failing and surviving colonies and field pesticide exposure is typically sublethal. Here, we investigate how these results can be due to sublethal stress impairing colony function. We mathematically modelled stress on individual bees which impairs colony function and found how positive density dependence can cause multiple dynamic outcomes: some colonies fail while others thrive. We then exposed bumblebee colonies to sublethal levels of a neonicotinoid pesticide. The dynamics of colony failure, which we observed, were most accurately described by our model. We argue that our model can explain the enigmatic aspects of bee colony failures, highlighting an important role for sublethal stress in colony declines.
Reporting standards in experimental studies
Authors: Hillebrand Helmut , Gurevitch Jessica
Published: October 2013

The checklist for methods reporting is available at: http://www.wiley-docs.com/Checklist_for_reporting_experimental_details.pdf
Activity restriction and the mechanistic basis for extinctions under climate warming
Authors: R. Kearney Michael
Published: October 2013

Correlative analyses predict that anthropogenic climate warming will cause widespread extinction but the nature and generality of the underlying mechanisms is unclear. Warming‐induced activity restriction has been proposed as a general explanatory mechanism for recent population extinctions in lizards, and has been used to forecast future extinction. Here, I test this hypothesis using globally applied biophysical calculations of the effects of warming and shade reduction on potential activity time and whole‐life‐cycle energy budgets. These ‘thermodynamic niche’ analyses show that activity restriction from climate warming is unlikely to provide a general explanation of recent extinctions, and that loss of shade is viable alternative explanation. Climate warming could cause population declines, even under increased activity potential, through joint impacts on fecundity and mortality rates. However, such responses depend strongly on behaviour, habitat (shade, food) and life history, all of which should be explicitly incorporated in mechanistic forecasts of extinction risk under climate change.
How pain arises in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Defazio G. , Tinazzi M. , Berardelli A.
Published: October 2013

In recent years, increasing attention has centred on pain in Parkinson's disease (PD). Pain in PD is heterogeneous in quality and body distribution. To clarify how the various pain types relate to PD and to propose plausible treatment strategies, in this paper we reviewed psychophysical, neurophysiological and imaging data reported in parkinsonian patients with and without pain. Most available evidence supports abnormal central nociceptive input processing that probably reflects an impairment in the lateral and medial pain pathways. Changes in central pain processing probably underlie all the different pain types and also intervene in patients with PD without pain. Thus, altered pain processing might predispose patients with PD to spontaneous pain that is variable in quality. These background pain‐processing abnormalities may interact with additional factors (such as contractures secondary to marked rigidity/bradykinesia, dystonia and medical conditions associated with painful symptoms), thus causing pain to manifest itself clinically in various ways and providing candidate targets for pain treatment in PD.
Impaired sexual activity in young ischaemic stroke patients: an observational study
Authors: Bugnicourt J.‐M. , Hamy O. , Canaple S. , Lamy C. , Legrand C.
Published: October 2013

Background and purpose

The present study sought to determine the impact of stroke on sexual function and well‐being in a cohort of young ischaemic stroke patients and identify factors associated with impairment.

Methods

Over a 2‐year period, all patients aged 60 or under with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (n = 156) were included. Information on sexual function and well‐being was obtained by means of a paper questionnaire mailed to participants 1 year after their stroke. Impaired sexual activity (ISA) was defined as a decline in sexual function and/or satisfaction. Psychological well‐being was evaluated on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

The response rate was 67% (n = 104). Thirty of these responders (29%) reported ISA. Patients with ISA had a higher HADS score (19.7 vs. 11.2 in patients with no impairment; P < 0.001), anxiety score (10.0 vs. 6.3; P < 0.001) and depression score (8.7 vs. 4.8; P < 0.001) and were more likely to have left brain lesions (70% vs. 30%; P < 0.001) and use angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (73% vs. 31%; P < 0.001) and diuretics (50% vs. 19%; P = 0.003). In a stepwise logistic regression, depression (odds ratio 9.1, 95% confidence interval 2.45−33.46; P = 0.001) and ACE inhibitor use (odds ratio 6.0, 95% confidence interval 2.11−17.28; P = 0.001) were associated with ISA.

Conclusions

Impaired sexual activity was reported by almost one‐third of younger patients 1 year after ischaemic stroke. Factors associated with post‐stroke ISA may include specific medications and depression rather than the characteristics of the stroke per se.
Pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual selection and the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits in earwigs (Dermaptera)
Authors: Kamimura Yoshitaka
Published: October 2013

Dermaptera (earwigs) is a relatively small polyneopteran order with approximately 2200 described species. They are characterized by a pair of forceps, which are hardened, unsegmented cerci at the caudal end of the abdomen. In most species, males have more exaggerated forceps than females, indicating an effect of sexual selection on them. Earwigs also exhibit astonishing diversity in the number, laterality and size of both male and female genital components. This characteristic has promoted the study of postcopulatory sexual selection in several representative species. Here, previous studies of earwigs that examined pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual selection are reviewed in detail. Related topics included here are sexually antagonistic coevolution, evolution of laterally asymmetrical morphologies, and developmental aspects of intra‐sexually dimorphic traits. A new terminology system for male genitalia is also proposed.