bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma using plasma‐free normetanephrine, metanephrine and methoxytyramine: importance of supine sampling under fasting conditions
Authors: Därr Roland , Pamporaki Christina , Peitzsch Mirko , Miehle Konstanze , Prejbisz Aleksander , Peczkowska Mariola , Weismann Dirk , Beuschlein Felix , Sinnott Richard , Bornstein Stefan R. , Neumann Hartmut P. , Januszewicz Andrzej , Lenders Jacques , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: October 2013

Objective

To document the influences of blood sampling under supine fasting versus seated nonfasting conditions on diagnosis of phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) using plasma concentrations of normetanephrine, metanephrine and methoxytyramine.

Design and methods

Biochemical testing for PPGL was performed on 762 patients at six centres, two of which complied with requirements for supine sampling after an overnight fast and four of which did not. Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas were found in 129 patients (67 noncompliant, 62 compliant) and not in 633 patients (195 noncompliant, 438 compliant).

Results

Plasma concentrations of normetanephrine and methoxytyramine did not differ between compliant and noncompliant sampling conditions in patients with PPGL but were 49‐51% higher in patients without PPGL sampled under noncompliant compared with compliant conditions. The 97·5 percentiles of distributions were also higher under noncompliant compared with compliant conditions for normetanephrine (1·29 vs 0·79 nmol/l), metanephrine (0·49 vs 0·41 nmol/l) and methoxytyramine (0·42 vs 0·18 nmol/l). Use of upper cut‐offs established from seated nonfasting sampling conditions resulted in substantially decreased diagnostic sensitivity (98% vs 85%). In contrast, use of upper cut‐offs established from supine fasting conditions resulted in decreased diagnostic specificity for testing under noncompliant compared with compliant conditions (71% vs 95%).

Conclusions

High diagnostic sensitivity of plasma normetanephrine, metanephrine and methoxytyramine for the detection of PPGL can only be guaranteed using upper cut‐offs of reference intervals established with blood sampling under supine fasting conditions. With such cut‐offs, sampling under seated nonfasting conditions can lead to a 5·7‐fold increase in false‐positive results necessitating repeat sampling under supine fasting conditions.
School Bullying as a Collective Action: Stigma Processes and Identity Struggling
Authors: Thornberg Robert
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the collective action of bullying and its stigma processes and influences on identities. In accordance with interactionism, identity is a social process, constructed and reconstructed in everyday social interactions. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in four school classes, investigating six bullying cases. Grounded theory methods were used to explore and analyse data. Co‐constructing differentness was found to be a core process in bullying. Bullying often appeared to function like a self‐serving and socially inclusive ritual in which the bullies co‐constructed the ‘normal us’. Loss of belonging, self‐deprecation and identity struggling followed closely upon the sense of becoming socially discredited. Victims were trapped in the collective action. The findings highlight the significance of addressing peer cultures and the social psychology of everyday school life in anti‐bullying policies and practices.
The comparison between implant stability quotient and bone‐implant contact revisited: an experiment in Beagle dog
Authors: Manresa Carolina , Bosch Manel , Echeverría José J.
Published: October 2013

Background

Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is applied clinically for the assessment of implant stability, and the relevance of this application is widely accepted. However, the relationship between resonance frequency (RF) and other parameters of implant stability, such as the histomorphometrical bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) parameter, has become controversial in the last decade.

Objective

To analyse and clarify the controversial relationship between RF and histomorphometrical BIC measurements.

Material and methods

A total of 36 dental implants (9 mm length, Ø 4.0 mm; Biohorizons® Implant Systems Inc., Birmingham, AL, USA) with a soluble blasting media (sandblasting with soluble particles) surface were implanted in six beagle dog mandibles. RFA assessments were performed with a magnetic Osstel Mentor® device at the time of implant installation, and during the monitoring period at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8, before implant retrieval. The dogs were sacrificed and the implants were removed in block after 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 and 0 weeks, respectively. One group was obtained at time 0, immediately after the implantation. The samples were embedded in methyl methacrylate polymers (Technovit®) and cut along their long axis. BIC values were assessed by a non‐subjective and systematic method based on backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BS‐SEM) images. BIC% at the different time points was compared with the corresponding implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of the RFA assessment.

Results

No statistically significant correlation between BIC and ISQ values (Osstell Mentor®) was identified. The absence of a relationship between these two parameters is in agreement with several previous studies in humans and experimental animals.

Conclusions

The lack of correlation between BIC and ISQ values suggests that ISQ as determined by RFA is not able to identify the relationship between RF and histomorphometrical data.
Coupled exposure to ingredients of cosmetic products: I. Fragrances
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Yazar Kerem , Kratz Eva‐Maria , Mildau Gerd , Lidén Carola
Published: October 2013

Background

The use of cosmetics exposes consumers to mixtures of ingredients, many of which are contact allergens. Fragrances in particular are mostly used in combination; combinations of fragrances have been shown to enhance sensitization and elicitation.

Objective

To examine the pattern of co‐exposure to fragrances in different categories of cosmetics, addressing the 26 fragrances that need to be identified on the label according to the Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC amended by 2003/15/EC.

Methods

A survey of products marketed in Germany, conducted in 2006–2009 by the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office in Karlsruhe, identified 4991 products with information on the presence of fragrances. The products were categorized according to Annex I to the Cosmetics Directive. The occurrence and co‐occurrence of fragrances were analysed in tabular form and as social network diagrams.

Results

The median number of fragrances in products varied greatly between categories, ranging up to nine in perfumes. Limonene and linalool were the most commonly identified fragrances, often used together, but also with other fragrances. Thirty per cent of all products were not declared to contain any fragrances.

Conclusions

For the first time, the pattern of co‐exposure to fragrance ingredients in important categories of cosmetic products has been described. The observations illustrate and quantify the ‘cocktail’ of fragrance allergens that may facilitate sensitization.
A survey of exposures related to recognized occupational contact dermatitis in Denmark in 2010
Authors: Carøe Tanja Korfitsen , Ebbehøj Niels , Agner Tove
Published: October 2013

Background

Skin diseases are the most commonly recognized occupational diseases in Denmark, and occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) comprises ∼95% of all cases.

Objectives

To prevent occupational contact dermatitis, it is important to specifically identify exposures and work routines related to outbreak of the disease. The aim of this study was to give an overview of exposures for patients with occupational contact dermatitis in Denmark in 2010, and relate this to line of work and disease severity.

Material and methods

The study was a descriptive, register‐based study including patients with recognized occupational contact dermatitis in Denmark in 2010. Data were obtained from the National Board of Industrial Injuries in Denmark, and comprised information about the skin disease as well as the occupation/industry of employment and exposures.

Results

One thousand five hundred and four patients, 1020 women and 484 men, were included in the study. Irritant contact dermatitis accounted for 70% of all cases; 68% of these were caused by wet work. Forty‐six per cent of all patients were employed either in the healthcare sector, in cleaning, or as kitchen workers. Among contact allergies, the most common were to rubber additives from gloves and epoxy in patients employed in the windmill industry.

Conclusion

The data are important for planning preventive efforts in the future. The workers in the healthcare sector, kitchen workers and cleaners constitute almost half of all cases, and future preventive efforts should be directed at these occupations.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided cholecystogastrostomy in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer using anti‐migratory metal stents: A new approach
Authors: Widmer Jessica , Alvarez Paloma , Gaidhane Monica , Paddu Naveen , Umrania Hiren , Sharaiha Reem , Kahaleh Michel
Published: October 2013

Cholecystectomy is contraindicated in patients with comorbidities or unresectable cancer. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) is typically offered with response rates ranging from 56% to 100%, but has several risks such as bleeding, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, bile leak, and/or catheter migration. Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGD) and endoscopic ultrasound‐guided transmural gallbladder drainage (EUS‐GBD) are alternative endoscopic modalities that have a technical feasibility, efficacy and safety profile comparable with PTGBD. In this report, we present the first case series of transgastric EUS‐GBD with placement of a fully covered self‐expandable metal stent with anti‐migratory fins. In three pancreatic cancercases with acute cholecystitis when ETGD was unsuccessful, there were no bile leaks or procedurally related complications. There were no acute cholecystitis recurrences. In conclusion, EUS‐GBD is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for acute cholecystitis. Additional comparative studies are needed to validate the benefit of this technique.
Retracted: Evolution and development of the homocercal caudal fin in teleosts
Authors: Moriyama Yuuta , Takeda Hiroyuki
Published: October 2013

The vertebrate caudal skeleton is one of the most innovative structures in vertebrate evolution and has been regarded as an excellent model for functional morphology, a discipline that relates a structure to its function. Teleosts have an internally‐asymmetrical caudal fin, called the homocercal caudal fin, formed by the upward bending of the caudal‐most portion of the body axis, the ural region. This homocercal type of the caudal fin ensures powerful and complex locomotion and is thought to be one of the most important evolutionary innovations for teleosts during adaptive radiation in an aquatic environment. In this review, we summarize the past and present research of fish caudal skeletons, especially focusing on the homocercal caudal fin seen in teleosts. A series of studies with a medaka spontaneous mutant have provided important insight into the evolution and development of the homocercal caudal skeleton. By comparing developmental processes in various vertebrates, we propose a scenario for acquisition and morphogenesis of the homocercal caudal skeleton during vertebrate evolution.
Impaired Coronary Flow Reserve in Patients with Indeterminate Form of Chagas’ Disease
Authors: Rabelo Daniel R. , Rocha Manoel Otávio da Costa , de Barros Márcio V. L. , Silva José Luiz Padilha da , Tan Timothy C. , Nunes Maria C. P.
Published: October 2013

Background

Previous studies suggest that microvascular abnormalities may contribute to the pathogenesis of Chagas’ heart disease. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) expressed by the maximum achievable flow relative to baseline flow in the coronary microcirculation, may be useful in identifying patients who may be developing cardiac manifestations of the disease. This study aims to assess the CFR in patients with indeterminate form of Chagas’ disease, and also to identify the determinants of CFR.

Methods

Sixty‐four asymptomatic patients (37% male; age 49.9 ± 11.5 years) with normal cardiovascular exams classified as in indeterminate form of Chagas’ disease underwent transthoracic dipyridamole (0.84 mg/kg in 6 min) stress echocardiography, and were compared with a control group of healthy patients. Coronary flow reserve was assessed on left anterior descending artery using pulsed Doppler as the ratio of maximal peak vasodilation (dipyridamole) to rest diastolic flow velocity. A treadmill exercise test was performed to rule out ischemia.

Results

All patients had good functional capacity assessed by exercise testing with peak oxygen consumption (VO2) of 28 ± 11 mL/kg per minute, similar to the controls. There were no differences in the echocardiographic parameters of diastolic and systolic left ventricular function and right ventricular function between the patients and controls. Coronary flow reserve was significantly lower in Chagas’ disease patients than those in healthy individuals (1.9 ± 0.4 vs. 2.6 ± 0.5; P < 0.001). Several factors were correlated with the CFR, including age, ejection fraction, left ventricular diastolic function, heart rate recovery, and the presence of Chagas’ disease. In a multivariate analysis, age and positive serology for Chagas’ disease were independent factors associated with the CFR.

Conclusions

Coronary flow reserve was impaired in Chagas’ disease patients in the indeterminate form compared with healthy individuals with similar clinical features. Among all variables tested, age and positive serology for Chagas’ disease were independent factors associated with the CFR.
Left Ventricular Rotation and Torsion in Patients with Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Yong Yong‐hong , Yao Jing , Ji Ling , Xu Di
Published: October 2013

Background

Assessment of left ventricular (LV) rotation has become an important approach for quantifying LV function. In this study, we sought to analyze LV rotation and twist using speckle tracking imaging (STI) in adult patients with isolated ventricular septal defects.

Methods

Using STI, the peak rotation and time to peak rotation of 6 segments in basal and apical short‐axis were measured, respectively, in 32 patients with ventricular septal defect and 30 healthy subjects as controls. The global rotation of the 6 segments in basal and apical and LV twist versus time profile were drawn, the peak rotation and twist of LV were calculated. All the time to peak rotation/twist were expressed as a percentage of end‐systole (end‐systole = 100%). Left ventricular ejection fraction was measured by biplane Simpson method.

Results

In patients group, the peak rotation of posterior, inferior, and postsept wall in basal was higher(P ≤ 0.05) and LV twist was also higher (P ≤ 0.05) than healthy controls. There were no significant differences between 2 groups in the peak rotation of the other 9 segments and left ventricular ejection fraction. Different from the control group, the time to peak rotation of the 6 segments in basal were delayed and the global rotation of the base was delayed (P ≤ 0.05) in ventricular septal defect group.

Conclusions

Left ventricular volume overload due to ventricular septal defect has significant effect on LV rotation and twist, and LV rotation and twist may be a new index predicting LV systolic function.
Flow Mapping Inside a Left Ventricular Aneurism: A Potential Tool to Demonstrate Thrombogenicity
Authors: Muñoz Daniel Rodriguez , Mur José L. Moya , Filho Derly C. Becker , Díaz Luis M. Rincon , Gómez Ariana Gonzalez , Fernández‐Golfín Covadonga , Gómez José L. Zamorano
Published: October 2013

We describe the use of vector flow mapping (VFM), a novel echocardiographic technique allowing intracardiac flow visualization, to quantify flow intensity inside a left ventricular aneurysm in a 68‐year‐old man. VFM successfully identified areas of stagnant flow corresponding to the wall region where a thrombus had been formed.
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Evaluation of a Patient with Double‐Orifice Mitral Valve, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, and Coarctation of Aorta
Authors: Kocabaş Abdullah , Ekici Filiz , Çetin İlker , Aktaş Doğukan
Published: October 2013

Mini‐Abstract

A 16‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation of aorta, and had a history of a subclavian patch plasty operation at 1 year of age. In addition, we detected double‐orifice mitral valve (DOMV) at a routine evaluation and demonstrated by both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiographic examinations. DOMV should be kept in mind in cases with left ventricular obstructive lesions and 3D echocardiography may provide a more detailed assessment of mitral valve and subvalvular apparatus.
Effectiveness of public stroke educational interventions: a review
Authors: Rasura M. , Baldereschi M. , Di Carlo A. , Di Lisi F. , Patella R. , Piccardi B. , Polizzi B. , Inzitari D.
Published: October 2013

Background and purpose

Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly can reduce death and disability, but public awareness of stroke risk factors, symptoms and what to do about them is still limited. Stroke educational campaigns are used worldwide but there are few published evaluations of such campaigns.

Methods

The literature from 1999 to 2012 on the effectiveness of stroke educational campaigns was reviewed and summarized with narrative synthesis. Web‐based campaigns were also described. Three databases and one search engine were explored with two keywords (stroke campaign and stroke promotion). The reference lists of all included articles were also examined.

Results

Twenty‐two intervention studies and five web‐based campaigns were included in the review. Most interventions proved partially effective, in terms of gender preference (women) or type of information retained or media preferred. Only one intervention proved ineffective. Mass media campaigns can be effective but require sustained funding, and their ability to target high‐risk subgroups, whether aging, linguistic or socioeconomic, is unclear. Three community‐based participatory stroke promotion interventions proved partially effective, but the small sample sizes might have underpowered the results. Web‐based campaigns are efficient in reaching a large number of people but tend to attract a selected and self‐selected population.

Conclusions

Stroke educational campaigns have the potential to improve knowledge and awareness and change the behavior of a large number of people. Health promoters and investigators must adopt flexibility and participatory mentality to develop cost‐effective interventions. Both community‐based campaigns and E‐tools should be integrated within a comprehensive multifaceted stroke promotion strategy to expand their reach.
Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with chronic and aggressive periodontitis in Jordanian patients
Authors: Karasneh Jumana A. , Ababneh Khansa T. , Taha Anas H. , Al‐Abbadi Muna S. , Marzouka Nour al‐dain S. , Jaradat Sameh M. , Thornhill Martin H.
Published: October 2013

Vitamin D acts through binding with vitamin D receptor (VDR) and is responsible for regulating bone metabolism and mineralization; it also suppresses the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate if VDR gene polymorphisms are associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) in a Jordanian population. A total of 99 patients with CP, 63 patients with AgP, and 126 controls were genotyped using PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The association was determined after correcting for confounding factors using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Estimation of haplotype frequencies was carried out using the EH program, and haplotypes were constructed using the phase 2.1 program. After correcting for confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that inheritance of the BsmI bb genotype or the ApaI aa genotype was associated with increased risk of developing CP (OR = 2.4 and OR = 3.4, respectively) but with reduced risk of developing AgP (OR = 0.4 and OR = 0.3, respectively). This was further supported by association of the ba haplotype with CP but not with AgP. This study supports an association of VDR gene polymorphisms with CP and AgP in a Jordanian population; however, the pattern of association was different between the two diseases.
The nasolacrimal duct of the mule: Anatomy and clinical considerations
Authors: Adams M. F. , Castro J. R. , Morandi F. , Reese R. E. , Reed R. B.
Published: October 2013

This study investigated the location of the nasolacrimal orifice (NLO) and course of the nasolacrimal duct in the mule using visual examination, gross dissection and computed tomography (dacryocystography [CT‐DCG]) and concluded that the location of the NLO is distinct from that described for horses and donkeys and is easily located, by visual examination alone, within the internal cutaneous tissue of the lateral wall of the external nares. The course of the nasolacrimal duct caudal to the nasal vestibule is similar to that of the horse.
Harmful effect of ERβ on BCRP‐mediated drug resistance and cell proliferation in ERα/PR‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Li Weiwei , Jia Ming , Qin Xiaomin , Hu Jing , Zhang Xiaofang , Zhou Gengyin
Published: October 2013

The role of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in breast cancer is still under investigation. Various studies have provided evidence that ERβ behaves as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer, whereas some studies of estrogen receptor α (ERα) negative breast cancer reported a positive correlation between high ERβ expression and poor prognostic phenotypes, such as induced proliferation, invasion and metastasis. In the present immunohistochemistry study of 99 ERα/progesterone receptor (PR)‐negative breast cancer samples, nuclear expression of ERβ was positively associated with membranous expression of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), Ki67 (proliferation marker) and tumor size. Moreover, both endogenous and exogenous ERβ upregulated BCRP expression which induced BCRP‐mediated drug resistance and enhanced proliferation of ERα−/PR− breast cancer cells in the presence of 17β‐estradiol, whereas these effects were reversed by additional use of tamoxifen (TAM). In addition, the regulation of BCRP via specific binding between ERβ and estrogen response element (ERE) was demonstrated in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Overall, our findings manifest that ERβ might act as a tumor promoter of cell proliferation and BCRP‐mediated drug resistance in ERα−/PR− breast cancer. TAM routinely used for patients with ERα+/PR+, ERα+/PR− and ERα−/PR+ breast cancer might also be effective in ERα−/PR− but ERβ+ breast cancer. Therefore, the detection of ERβ in clinic is valuable and should not be neglected in breast cancer, especially for the ERα−/PR− phenotype.
Soil warming alters microbial substrate use in alpine soils
Authors: Streit Kathrin , Hagedorn Frank , Hiltbrunner David , Portmann Magdalena , Saurer Matthias , Buchmann Nina , Wild Birgit , Richter Andreas , Wipf Sonja , Siegwolf Rolf T. W.
Published: October 2013

Will warming lead to an increased use of older soil organic carbon (SOC) by microbial communities, thereby inducing C losses from C‐rich alpine soils? We studied soil microbial community composition, activity, and substrate use after 3 and 4 years of soil warming (+4 °C, 2007–2010) at the alpine treeline in Switzerland. The warming experiment was nested in a free air CO2 enrichment experiment using depleted 13CO2 (δ13C = −30‰, 2001–2009). We traced this depleted 13C label in phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) of the organic layer (0–5 cm soil depth) and in C mineralized from root‐free soils to distinguish substrate ages used by soil microorganisms: fixed before 2001 (‘old’), from 2001 to 2009 (‘new’) or in 2010 (‘recent’). Warming induced a sustained stimulation of soil respiration (+38%) without decline in mineralizable SOC. PLFA concentrations did not reveal changes in microbial community composition due to soil warming, but soil microbial metabolic activity was stimulated (+66%). Warming decreased the amount of new and recent C in the fungal biomarker 18:2ω6,9 and the amount of new C mineralized from root‐free soils, implying a shift in microbial substrate use toward a greater use of old SOC. This shift in substrate use could indicate an imbalance between C inputs and outputs, which could eventually decrease SOC storage in this alpine ecosystem.
Forecasting the viability of sea turtle eggs in a warming world
Authors: Pike David A.
Published: October 2013

Animals living in tropical regions may be at increased risk from climate change because current temperatures at these locations already approach critical physiological thresholds. Relatively small temperature increases could cause animals to exceed these thresholds more often, resulting in substantial fitness costs or even death. Oviparous species could be especially vulnerable because the maximum thermal tolerances of incubating embryos is often lower than adult counterparts, and in many species mothers abandon the eggs after oviposition, rendering them immobile and thus unable to avoid extreme temperatures. As a consequence, the effects of climate change might become evident earlier and be more devastating for hatchling production in the tropics. Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) have the widest nesting range of any living reptile, spanning temperate to tropical latitudes in both hemispheres. Currently, loggerhead sea turtle populations in the tropics produce nearly 30% fewer hatchlings per nest than temperate populations. Strong correlations between empirical hatching success and habitat quality allowed global predictions of the spatiotemporal impacts of climate change on this fitness trait. Under climate change, many sea turtle populations nesting in tropical environments are predicted to experience severe reductions in hatchling production, whereas hatching success in many temperate populations could remain unchanged or even increase with rising temperatures. Some populations could show very complex responses to climate change, with higher relative hatchling production as temperatures begin to increase, followed by declines as critical physiological thresholds are exceeded more frequently. Predicting when, where, and how climate change could impact the reproductive output of local populations is crucial for anticipating how a warming world will influence population size, growth, and stability.
Yields of Miscanthus × giganteus and Panicum virgatum decline with stand age in the Midwestern USA
Authors: Arundale Rebecca A. , Dohleman Frank G. , Heaton Emily A. , Mcgrath Justin M. , Voigt Thomas B. , Long Stephen P.
Published: October 2013

For the C4 perennial grasses, Miscanthus × giganteus and Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) to be successful for bioenergy production they must maintain high yields over the long term. Previous studies under the less conducive climate for productivity in N.W. Europe found little or no yield decline in M. × giganteus in the long term. This study provides the first analysis of whether yield decline occurs in M. × giganteus under United States. Midwest conditions in side‐by‐side trials with P. virgatum over 8–10 years at seven locations across Illinois. The effect of stand age was determined by using a linear regression model that included effects of weather. Miscanthus × giganteus produced yields more than twice that of P. virgatum averaging 23.4 ± 1.2 Mg ha−1 yr−1 and 10.0 ± 0.9 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively, averaged over 8–10 years. Relationships of yield with precipitation and growing degree days were established and used to estimate yields corrected for the stochastic effects of weather. Across all locations and in both species, yield initially increased until it reached a maximum during the fifth growing season and then declined to a stable, but lower level in the eighth. This pattern was more pronounced in M. × giganteus. The mean yields observed over this longer term period of 8–10 years were lower than the yields of the first 5 years. However, this decline was proportionately greater in M. × giganteus than in P. virgatum, suggesting a stronger effect of stand age on M. × giganteus. Based on the average yield over the period of this study, meeting the United States Renewable Fuel Standard mandate of 60 billion liters of cellulosic ethanol by 2022, would require 6.8 Mha of M. × giganteus or 15.8 Mha of P. virgatum. These appear manageable numbers for the United States, given the 16.0 Mha in the farmland Conservation Reserve Program in addition to another 13.0 Mha abandoned from agriculture in the last decade.
Effect of grazing management on herbage protein concentration, milk production and nitrogen excretion of dairy cows in mid‐lactation
Authors: Bryant R. H. , Dalley D. E. , Gibbs J. , Edwards G. R.
Published: October 2013

The objective of this experiment was to use diurnal and temporal changes in herbage composition to create two pasture diets with contrasting ratios of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and crude protein (CP) and compare milk production and nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) of dairy cows. A grazing experiment using thirty‐six mid‐lactation Friesian x Jersey cows was conducted in late spring in Canterbury, New Zealand. Cows were offered mixed perennial ryegrass and white clover pastures either in the morning after a short 19‐day regrowth interval (SR AM) or in the afternoon after a long 35‐day regrowth interval (LR PM). Pasture treatments resulted in lower pasture mass and greater herbage CP concentration (187 vs. 171 g kg−1 DM) in the SR AM compared with the LR PM but did not affect WSC (169 g kg−1 DM) or the ratio of WSC/CP (1·0 g g−1). Cows had similar apparent DM (17·5 kg DM cow−1 d−1) and N (501 g N cow−1 d−1) intake for both treatments. Compared with SR AM cows, LR PM cows had lower milk (18·5 vs. 21·2 kg cow−1 d−1), milk protein (0·69 vs. 0·81 kg cow−1 d−1) and milk solids (1·72 and 1·89 kg cow−1 d−1) yield. Urinary N concentration was increased in SR AM, but estimated N excretion and NUE for milk were similar for both treatments. Further studies are required to determine the effect of feeding times on diurnal variation in urine volume and N concentration under grazing to predict urination events with highest leaching risk.
Relationship Between Daily Mood and Migraine in Children
Authors: Karlson Cynthia W. , Litzenburg Catrina C. , Sampilo Marilyn L. , Rapoff Michael A. , Connelly Mark , Bickel Jennifer L. , Hershey Andrew D. , Powers Scott W.
Published: October 2013

Background

Retrospective and cross‐sectional studies have suggested a bidirectional relationship between migraine and mood disturbance.

Objective

The present prospective daily diary study examined the prevalence and temporal associations between migraine and daily mood, mood and next‐day headache, and headache and next‐day mood.

Methods

Sixty‐nine children (50 females, 19 males) between the ages of 7 and 12 years and their parents attending neurology clinic appointments and having a diagnosis of migraine as defined by International Headache Classification 2nd edition criteria completed measures on the quality of life, headache disability, child emotions, and child behaviors. Children and parents then recorded children's headache occurrence, headache duration, headache severity, mood, daily hassles, and medication use on paper diaries once a day for 2 consecutive weeks. “Mood” was defined using the Facial Affective Scale, which is a visual representation of negative and positive affect. Data were analyzed using multilevel models.

Results

Controlling for age, sex, quality of life, headache disability, and medication use, worse mood was associated with same‐day occurrence, longer duration, and more severe headache in both child and parent report. Today's mood was not consistently associated with next‐day headache, and today's headache was not associated with next‐day mood in either child or parent report.

Conclusions

Results of this study lend support to a complex relationship between mood and headache in children with migraine. More research is needed to further elucidate the temporal nature of this relationship within a given day and over an extended period of time.
Headache Diagnoses Among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans Enrolled in VA: A Gender Comparison
Authors: Carlson Kathleen F. , Taylor Brent C. , Hagel Emily M. , Cutting Andrea , Kerns Robert , Sayer Nina A.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To examine the prevalence and correlates of headache diagnoses, by gender, among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans who use Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.

Background

Understanding the health care needs of recent Veterans, and how these needs differ between women and men, is a priority for the VA. The potential for a large burden of headache disorders among Veterans seeking VA services exists but has not been examined in a representative sample.

Methods

We conducted a historical cohort study using national VA inpatient and outpatient data from fiscal year 2011. Participants were all (n = 470,215) Iraq and Afghanistan War Veteran VA users in 2011; nearly 13% were women. We identified headache diagnoses using International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐9) diagnosis codes assigned during one or more VA inpatient or outpatient encounters. Descriptive analyses included frequencies of patient characteristics, prevalence and types of headache diagnoses, and prevalence of comorbid diagnoses. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate associations between gender and headache diagnoses. Multivariate models adjusted for age and race. Additional models also adjusted for comorbid diagnoses.

Results

In 2011, 56,300 (11.9%) Veterans received a headache‐related diagnosis. While controlling for age and race, headache diagnoses were 1.61 times more prevalent (95% CI = 1.58‐1.64) among women (18%) than men (11%). Most of this difference was associated with migraine diagnoses, which were 2.66 times more prevalent (95% CI = 2.59‐2.73) among women. Cluster and post‐traumatic headache diagnoses were less prevalent in women than in men. These patterns remained the same when also controlling for comorbid diagnoses, which were common among both women and men with headache diagnoses. The most prevalent comorbid diagnoses examined were depression (46% of women with headache diagnoses vs 40% of men), post‐traumatic stress disorder (38% vs 58%), and back pain (38% vs 46%).

Conclusions

Results of this study have implications for the delivery of post‐deployment health services to Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans. Migraine and other headache diagnoses are common among Veterans, particularly women, and tend to occur in combination with other post‐deployment health conditions for which patients are being treated.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori in Bhutan: The Role of Environment and Geographic Location
Authors: Dorji Dorji , Dendup Tashi , Malaty Hoda M. , Wangchuk Kinley , Yangzom Deki , Richter James M.
Published: October 2013

Background

Bhutan is small mountainous country bordering India and China and consists of four geographic regions, west, east, central, and south. The epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection and risk factors associated with in Bhutan are not previously studied. The World Health Organization reported the incidence of stomach cancer to be very high in Bhutan.

Aim

We conducted a cross‐sectional study to determine the seroepidemiologic pattern of H. pylori among Bhutanese from the four regions with emphasis on water source and household sanitation.

Methods

Between June and November 2012, blood samples from patients with complaints of dyspepsia were collected after obtaining an informed consent. Demographic information, occupation, family size living in the same household, consumption of betel nut, and aspects of household environment including type of latrines, source of drinking water were collected. All serum samples were tested for H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using MAGIWELL ELISA kit from United Biotech, USA.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐four patients between 17 and 75 years of age participated in the study, of them, 102 were men, and the mean age was 38 (±14.2) years. The overall prevalence of H. pylori among patients was 86% with no difference between men and women (90 vs 83%, respectively, p = .12). The prevalence was almost identical among all age groups: 81% at 17–20, 84% at 20–29, 93% at 30–39, 82% at 40–49, 87% at 50–59, and 82% at ≥60 years (p = .51). H. pylori prevalence was lower in the southern region of Bhutan (78%) compared with the central region (97%) (OR = 8.6; 95% CI = 1.1–55; p = .02), eastern region (91%) (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.1–7.2, p = .004) or the western region (83%) (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.8–3.1, p = .07). The prevalence of H. pylori was significantly lower among household with less than 4 persons living in the same household. Source of drinking water, type of occupation, type of latrines, or consumption of betel nut showed no association with H. pylori prevalence. Logistic regression analysis revealed that residing region was the only significant variable.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of antibodies to H. pylori among patients and in all groups could contribute to the high incident rate of gastric cancer in Bhutan. Crowded living condition and the residing region contribute to the variation of the prevalence of the infection. The lowest prevalence in southern part of the country could be due to the difference in the ethnicity as most of its population is of Indian and Nepal origin. Further data regarding H. pylori in Bhutan are critical to developing surveillance and prevention strategies for gastric cancer.
Prevalence and risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma in Japanese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Harada Kenichi , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: October 2013

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) tends to affect females more than males. PBC selectively damages intrahepatic small bile ducts, particularly interlobular bile ducts. The clinical presentation of PBC has changed according to recent advances in clinicobiological diagnosis and improvements in therapeutic effects and prognosis. In particular, we encounter PBC patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the number of these patients appears to have increased. The precise reason for the increased number of PBC patients with HCC in recent decades remains unknown, but recognizing the current status of carcinogenesis in PBC patients, identifying the associated clinicopathological risk factors and understanding how the pathogenesis of PBC is directly associated with HCC, is important. In this review, we summarize the data from two nationwide surveys undertaken in Japan as well as recent data from Japanese and international studies.
Immunohistochemical characterization of prototypical endometrial clear cell carcinoma—diagnostic utility of HNF‐1β and oestrogen receptor
Authors: Hoang Lien N , Han Guangming , McConechy Melissa , Lau Sherman , Chow Christine , Gilks C Blake , Huntsman David G , Köbel Martin , Lee Cheng‐Han
Published: October 2013

Aims

The great majority of ovarian clear cell carcinomas have a hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 homeobox B (HNF‐1β)‐positive and oestrogen receptor (ER)‐negative immunoprofile. However, the pattern of HNF‐1β and ER immunostaining in clear cell carcinomas of the endometrium and the usefulness of this panel in distinguishing clear cell carcinoma from other histological types of endometrial carcinoma have yet to be well defined.

Methods and results

We examined the immunostaining patterns of HNF‐1β, ER and p53 in 15 morphologically classic pure endometrial clear cell carcinomas, and compared these patterns with 15 endometrioid and 15 serous carcinomas of the endometrium. We observed the presence of diffuse (>70%) moderate to strong nuclear HNF‐1β staining and negative ER staining in 14 of 15 clear cell carcinomas, with the remaining case showing both diffuse strong nuclear HNF‐1β staining and focal ER staining. In comparison, only one of 15 serous carcinomas and none of 15 endometrioid carcinomas showed a combination of diffuse moderate to strong HNF‐1β nuclear staining and negative ER staining. Aberrant p53 immunostaining was observed in five of 15 (33%) clear cell carcinomas.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings demonstrate that, similarly to the situation for the ovary, a diagnostic panel of HNF‐1β and ER may be considered for separating clear cell carcinoma from endometrioid and serous carcinoma of the endometrium.
Labor force participation among Asian immigrant women: Findings from the 2007 American Community Survey
Authors: Lee Sungkyu , Zhou Huiquan , Kim Youngmi
Published: October 2013

Using a nationally representative sample of Asian immigrant women in the USA (N = 33,032), we examined ethnic variations in labor force participation and different predictors of labor force participation among six Asian ethnic subgroups, including Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese. Our findings indicated that having a higher level of education, fewer children under age 5, US citizenship, a longer length of residence in the USA, and a better English proficiency were significantly related to higher rates of labor force participation among certain ethnic subgroups. The different predictors of labor force participation by ethnic subgroups were further analyzed in cultural contexts.
Recurrent interaction between the Norwegian Channel Ice Stream and terrestrial‐based ice across southwest Norway
Authors: LARSEN EILIV , SEJRUP HANS PETTER , JANOCKO JURAJ , LANDVIK JON Y. , STALSBERG KNUT , STEINSUND PER IVAR
Published: October 2013

The occurrence of till beds alternating with glaciomarine sediment spanning oxygen isotope stages 6 to 2, combined with morphological evidence, shows that the southwestern fringe of Norway was inundated by an ice stream flowing through the Norwegian Channel on at least four occasions, the last time being during the Late Weichselian maximum. All marine units are deglacial successions composed of muds with dropstones and diamictic intrabeds and a foraminiferal fauna characteristic of extreme glaciomarine environments. Land‐based ice, flowing at right angles to the flow direction of the ice stream, fed into the ice stream along an escarpment formed by erosion of the ice stream. Each time the ice stream wasted back, land‐based ice advanced into the area formerly occupied by the ice stream. During the last deglaciation of the ice stream (c. 15 ka BP), the advance of the land‐based ice occurred immediately upon ice stream retreat. As a result, the sea was prevented from inundating the upland areas, allowing most of the glacioisostatic readjustment to occur before the land‐based ice melted back at about 13 ka BP. This explains the low Late Weichselian sea levels in the area (10–20 m) compared with those of the Middle Weichselian and older sea‐level high stands (∼200 m). Regional tectonic movements cannot explain the location of the observed marine successions. The highest sea level recorded (>200 m) is represented by glaciomarine sediments from the Sandnes interstadial (30–34 ka BP). Older interstadial marine sediments are found at somewhat lower levels, possibly as a result of subsequent glacial erosion in these deposits. Ice streams developed in the Norwegian Channel during three Weichselian time intervals. This seems to correspond to glacial episodes both to the south in Denmark and to the north on the coast of Norway, although correlations are somewhat hampered by insufficient dating control.
Dendrocalamus longiligulatus sp. nov. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) from Son La, Dien Bien province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Van Tho , Vu Van Dung , Xia Nian‐He
Published: October 2013

A new species of Dendrocalamus, D. longiligulatus N. H. Xia & V. T. Nguyen, is described and illustrated. This species is distinguished from D. pachystachys Hsueh & D. Z. Li and D. jianshuiensis Hsueh & D. Z. Li by its inconspicuous culm sheath auricles, margins with 8–10 mm long fimbriations, fimbriate ligules of culm sheath 11–14 mm long, palea with 3 veins between and 1 vein on either side of the keels, and blunt paleaceous apex.
Changes in alpine snowbed‐wetland vegetation over three decades in northern Norway
Authors: Sandvik Sylvi Marlen , Odland Arvid
Published: October 2013

We have quantified floristic changes in alpine snowbeds and wetland vegetation during three decades and analyzed to what extent these changes are related to initial variations in snow cover duration and distance to groundwater level. Vascular plant species richness and total plant cover were estimated along three transects in northern Norway. Three different vegetation zones were identified along the original transects: relatively dry snowbeds, wet snowbeds and wetlands. The resampling shows major changes in species richness and plant cover. In general, there was a net immigration of species and 13 new species were found. Five rare species with initial low cover were lost. In the dry and wet snowbeds, species richness and total plant cover increased, mostly because of invasion by shrubs, graminoids and herbs. A general trend was that species indicating high soil moisture were strongly reduced. In the wetland zones there were no significant floristic changes but hygrophilous species had decreased and were replaced by graminoids and shrub species with lower water requirements. These floristic changes were significantly related to snow and soil moisture conditions, important factors for rate and direction of change. Contrasting vegetation responses within very short distances demonstrate the importance of detailed knowledge of the actual microhabitats when effects of climate change in alpine habitats are considered.
Dust seed production and dispersal in Swedish Pyroleae species
Authors: Johansson Veronika A. , Müller Gregor , Eriksson Ove
Published: October 2013

Dust seeds are the smallest seeds in angiosperms weighing just about a few micrograms. These seeds are characteristic of most orchids, and several studies have been performed on seed features, fecundity and dispersal of orchid dust seeds. In this study we examine seed features, seed production and seed dispersal in another plant group with dust seeds, the Pyroleae (Monotropoideae, Ericaceae), focusing on six species: Pyrola chlorantha, P. minor, P. rotundifolia, Chimaphila umbellata, Moneses uniflora and Orthilia secunda. Seed production per capsule among these species was in the range between ca 1000 and 7800, and seed production per capsule bearing shoot was in the range between ca 7000 and 60 000. Combining our results with published information on pollen‐ovule ratios suggests that these Pyroleae species have a generally efficient pollination system. The most fecund species was P. minor, the only species among the investigated that is probably largely self‐pollinating. The investigated Pyroleae species have a seed production comparable to the less fecund orchid species. We studied seed dispersal in the field in one of the species, P. chlorantha. Despite the extremely small and potentially buoyant seeds, the vast majority of seeds are deposited close to the seed source, within a few meters. Further studies on the recruitment ecology of the investigated Pyroleae species are currently under way.
Primulina debaoensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from a limestone cave in Guangxi, China
Authors: Jiang Neng , Li Hong
Published: October 2013

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Primulina debaoensis Neng Jiang & Hong Li, from Guangxi Zhuangzu Autonomous Region, China, is illustrated and described here. It resembles another endemic and stenochoric species in Guangxi, P. pungentisepala (W. T. Wang) Mich. Möller & A. Weber, but differs by having 12–18 or more leaves, leaf blade being broadly linear, oblanceolate‐elliptical or oblanceolate, bracts being ovate or elliptical with silvery or argenteous nerves and by having a yellow ovary that is 4–5 mm long and sparsely white pubescent.