bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excess mortality among opioid‐using patients treated with oral naltrexone in Australia
Authors: Degenhardt Louisa , Larney Sarah , Kimber Jo , Farrell Michael , Hall Wayne
Published: October 2014

Introduction and Aims

To estimate the number of deaths that would have occurred among patients receiving oral naltrexone for opioid use under the Special Access Scheme if these patients had received methadone.

Design and Methods

We analysed mortality in cohorts treated with oral naltrexone and methadone. Data were from 1097 patients of in WA providing oral naltrexone for opioid use under the SAS,1998–2000, and all participants in WA (n = 2520) and New South Wales (NSW) (n = 11,174) methadone programs over the same period. We calculated mortality rates among patients receiving naltrexone and methadone, and excess mortality among patients receiving naltrexone.

Results

Oral naltrexone patients had higher mortality than those treated with methadone, even when favourable assumptions were made about the effects of naltrexone on mortality. Total oral naltrexone mortality was significantly greater than for methadone in WA (rate ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval 2.2–5.8) and NSW (rate ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval 2.4–5.0). Among 1097 oral naltrexone patients we estimate that there were 25–29 deaths over two years that would probably not have occurred if these patients had received methadone. The major reason was higher mortality rate post‐treatment cessation.

Discussion and Conclusions

Large‐scale use of oral naltrexone to treat opioid users may not have, as intended, saved lives. Implant naltrexone continues to be prescribed under the SAS in the absence of reliable efficacy and safety data. There is a need to review widespread use of unregistered medications under the SAS, particularly with vulnerable patient groups. [Degenhardt L, Larney S, Kimber J, Farrell M, Hall W. Excess mortality among opioid‐using patients treated with oral naltrexone in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:90–6]
Taxonomic dissimilarity in patterns of interception and establishment of alien arthropods, nematodes and pathogens affecting woody plants in Europe
Authors: Eschen René , Roques Alain , Santini Alberto
Published: October 2014

Aim

The number and impact of alien tree pests and pathogens increase in many countries as a result of international trade, despite phytosanitary measures aimed at preventing their introduction. We compared patterns in interceptions and establishments of alien arthropod pests and pathogens of woody plants in Europe.

Location

European Union.

Methods

Establishment data were extracted from the DAISIE and FORTHREATS databases and updated. Interception records (1995–2010) were obtained from the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation.

Results

The rate of establishment increased, independently of host plant type, whether the species in the host genus are tropical or temperate, or whether invertebrates or pathogens, but interceptions were made on few host genera. There were large differences in the identities of the intercepted and established pests on species level, but similarities on higher taxonomic levels for arthropods and pathogens.

Main Conclusions

Differences between interceptions and establishments may result from the inspection focus on regulated organisms; while most established species were never regulated and especially pathogens are hard to detect. We suggest using molecular techniques to detect pathogens in asymptomatic plants and that pest risk analysis target potentially harmful organisms at a higher taxonomic level to cover more, potentially unknown pests in groups that have become established.
Usefulness of Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in Retrieval of a Dislodged Vascular Plug Used to Close Paraprosthetic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Ahmed Mustafa I. , Elguindy Mostafa , Bowen Luis , Alli Oluseun O. , Guvenc Tolga , Nanda Navin C.
Published: October 2014

In this report, we describe a case of periprocedural dislodgement of an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II device during percutaneous closure of severe paraprosthetic mitral regurgitation. The free plug in the left atrium was successfully retrieved percutaneously using a snare inserted through a sheath under live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. This proved crucial not only in guiding device deployment but also in detecting and helping management of complications.
Contribution of the motor system to the perception of reachable space: an fMRI study
Authors: Bartolo Angela , Coello Yann , Edwards Martin G. , Delepoulle Samuel , Endo Satoshi , Wing Alan M.
Published: October 2014

The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigates the neural correlates of reachability judgements. In a block design experiment, 14 healthy participants judged whether a visual target presented at different distances in a virtual environment display was reachable or not with the right hand. In two control tasks, they judged the colour or the relative position of the visual target according to flankers. Contrasting the activations registered in the reachability judgement task and in the control tasks, we found activations in the frontal structures, and in the bilateral inferior and superior parietal lobe, including the precuneus, and the bilateral cerebellum. This fronto‐parietal network including the cerebellum overlaps with the brain network usually activated during actual motor production and motor imagery. In a following event‐related design experiment, we contrasted brain activations when targets were rated as ‘reachable’ with those when they were rated as ‘unreachable’. We found activations in the left premotor cortex, the bilateral frontal structures, and the left middle temporal gyrus. At a lower threshold, we also found activations in the left motor cortex, and in the bilateral cerebellum. Given that reaction time increased with target distance in reachable space, we performed a subsequent parametric analysis that revealed a related increase of activity in the fronto‐parietal network including the cerebellum. Unreachable targets did not show similar activation, and particularly in regions associated to motor production and motor imagery. Taken together, these results suggest that dynamical motor representations used to determine what is reachable are also part of the perceptual process leading to the distinct representation of peripersonal and extrapersonal spaces.
Interaural attention modulates outer hair cell function
Authors: Srinivasan Sridhar , Keil Andreas , Stratis Kyle , Osborne Aaron F. , Cerwonka Colin , Wong Jennifer , Rieger Brenda L. , Polcz Valerie , Smith David W.
Published: October 2014

Mounting evidence suggests that auditory attention tasks may modulate the sensitivity of the cochlea by way of the corticofugal and the medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent pathways. Here, we studied the extent to which a separate efferent tract, the ‘uncrossed’ MOC, which functionally connects the two ears, mediates inter‐aural selective attention. We compared distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in one ear with binaurally presented primaries, using an intermodal target detection task in which participants were instructed to report the occurrence of brief target events (visual changes, tones). Three tasks were compared under identical physical stimulation: (i) report brief tones in the ear in which DPOAE responses were recorded; (ii) report brief tones presented to the contralateral, non‐recorded ear; and (iii) report brief phase shifts of a visual grating at fixation. Effects of attention were observed as parallel shifts in overall DPOAE contour level, with DPOAEs relatively higher in overall level when subjects ignored the auditory stimuli and attended to the visual stimulus, compared with both of the auditory‐attending conditions. Importantly, DPOAE levels were statistically lowest when attention was directed to the ipsilateral ear in which the DPOAE recordings were made. These data corroborate notions that top‐down mechanisms, via the corticofugal and medial efferent pathways, mediate cochlear responses during intermodal attention. New findings show attending to one ear can significantly alter the physiological response of the contralateral, unattended ear, probably through the uncrossed‐medial olivocochlear efferent fibers connecting the two ears.
Diving Into The Water: Cues Related to the Decision‐Making by an Egg Parasitoid Attacking Underwater Hosts
Authors: Kohmura Hiroaki , Hirayama Hiroyuki , Ueno Takatoshi
Published: October 2014

Although adult parasitoids spend a majority of their lives above ground, females of several species must search for their host in the water or on the soil. Adult parasitoids above ground can use a variety of sensory cues to detect their hosts from a distance. However, their sensory cues can be impaired from volatile chemicals, and their visual stimuli can be decreased while submerging or burrowing in the water of soil during their search for their hosts. Searching underwater or underground would incur high foraging costs, that is, time and energy consumption and increase risk of drowning. Therefore, to reduce such costs and increase searching efficiency, the decision on where to start submerging or burrowing for attacking hosts is important for parasitoids. Furthermore, there are no studies that have examined the cues of submerging or burrowing parasitoids on their exploit for the decision to attack their hosts. We have examined the cues used by the egg parasitoid Tiphodytes gerriphagus attacking underwater hosts. We compared the searching behaviors of T. gerriphagus among four oviposition site conditions. The four sites investigated were oviposition site with both host adult chemical residues and presence of eggs, with only the presence of eggs, with only the host adult chemical residues, and without any cue. Our results indicated that T. gerriphagus more frequently contacted and submerged at oviposition sites with the adult residues rather than at oviposition sites without them. Nonetheless, the presence of underwater host eggs did not affect the host‐searching behavior. This suggests that T. gerriphagus decided to submerge at the oviposition site in response to the adult residues. Furthermore, our observation also suggested that T. gerriphagus has already detected that the adult residues might be volatile before contacting the oviposition site. Finally, we will discuss the exploitation patterns of host‐searching cue by parasitoids that need to submerge from the context of its reliability and detectability problems.
Acceptance rates for manuscripts submitted to veterinary peer‐reviewed journals in 2012
Authors: Lamb C. R. , Adams C. A.
Published: October 2014

Reasons for performing study

Relatively few journals publish their annual acceptance rate, although this figure is of scientific and academic interest.

Objectives

To determine the acceptance rate for manuscripts submitted to veterinary peer‐reviewed journals during 2012 and to determine the proportions of submitted manuscripts that were accepted without revision, accepted after revision or rejected.

Study design

Self‐reporting email questionnaire

Methods

Editors of 118 peer‐reviewed journals listed in the Web of Science in the subject category veterinary sciences were invited by email to submit data pertinent to manuscripts submitted to their journal in 2012.

Results

Data were received from 30 (26%) journals. Mean ± s.d. acceptance rate was 47 ± 15%. On average 3 ± 5% submitted manuscripts were accepted without revision, 44% ± 15% manuscripts were accepted after revision, 4 ± 4% manuscripts were withdrawn by authors, 46 ± 17% manuscripts were rejected and 3 ± 5% manuscripts were still pending at the end of the study period.

Conclusions

With so few manuscripts accepted without revision, prospective authors must expect to expend time and effort revising and resubmitting their manuscripts for publication. Although authors are frequently able to correct manuscript flaws identified by reviewers, the knowledge that less than half submitted manuscripts are accepted might help stimulate prospective authors to try to submit better quality manuscripts.
Balanced exploitation and coexistence of interacting, size‐structured, fish species
Authors: Law Richard , Plank Michael J. , Kolding Jeppe
Published: October 2014

This paper examines some effects of exploitation on a simple ecosystem containing two interacting fish species, with life histories similar to mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and cod (Gadus morhua), using a dynamic, size‐spectrum model. Such models internalize body growth and mortality from predation, allowing bookkeeping of biomass at a detailed level of individual predation and growth and enabling scaling up to the mass balance of the ecosystem. Exploitation set independently for each species with knife‐edge, size‐at‐entry fishing can lead to collapse of cod. Exploitation to achieve a fixed ratio of yield to productivity across species can also lead to collapse of cod. However, harvesting balanced to the overall productivity of species in the exploited ecosystem exerts a strong force countering such collapse. If balancing across species is applied to a fishery with knife‐edge selection, size distributions are truncated, changing the structure of the system and reducing its resilience to perturbations. If balancing is applied on the basis of productivity at each body size as well as across species, there is less disruption to size‐structure, resilience is increased, and substantially greater biomass yields are possible. We note an identity between the body size at which productivity is maximized and the age at which cohort biomass is maximized. In our numerical results based on detailed bookkeeping of biomass, cohort biomass reaches its maximum at body masses <1 g, unlike standard yield‐per‐recruit models, where body growth and mortality are independent externalities, and cohort biomass is maximized at larger body sizes.
Couple and Family Treatments: Study Quality and Level of Evidence
Authors: Darwiche Joëlle , de Roten Yves
Published: October 2014

This paper examines the application of the guidelines for evidence‐based treatments in family therapy developed by Sexton and collaborators to a set of treatment models. These guidelines classify the models using criteria that take into account the distinctive features of couple and family treatments. A two‐step approach was taken: (1) The quality of each of the studies supporting the treatment models was assessed according to a list of ad hoc core criteria; (2) the level of evidence of each treatment model was determined using the guidelines. To reflect the stages of empirical validation present in the literature, nine models were selected: three models each with high, moderate, and low levels of empirical validation, determined by the number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The quality ratings highlighted the strengths and limitations of each of the studies that provided evidence backing the treatment models. The classification by level of evidence indicated that four of the models were level III, “evidence‐based” treatments; one was a level II, “evidence‐informed treatment with promising preliminary evidence‐based results”; and four were level I, “evidence‐informed” treatments. Using the guidelines helped identify treatments that are solid in terms of not only the number of RCTs but also the quality of the evidence supporting the efficacy of a given treatment. From a research perspective, this analysis highlighted areas to be addressed before some models can move up to a higher level of evidence. From a clinical perspective, the guidelines can help identify the models whose studies have produced clinically relevant results.
The many faces of long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Gardini Alessandro , Shiekhattar Ramin
Published: October 2014

Over the past few years, the field of noncoding RNAs has grown from a niche for geneticists into a prominent domain of mainstream biology. Advances in genomic technologies have provided a more comprehensive view of the mammalian genome, improving our knowledge of regions of the genome devoid of protein‐coding potential. A large body of evidence supports the proposal that noncoding RNAs account for a large proportion of the transcriptional output of any given cell and tissue type. This review will delve into the biogenesis and function of long noncoding RNAs. We will discuss our current understanding of these molecules as major chromatin players, and explore future directions in the field.
The crystal structure of isoniazid‐bound KatG catalase‐peroxidase from Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942
Authors: Kamachi Saori , Hirabayashi Kei , Tamoi Masahiro , Shigeoka Shigeru , Tada Toshiji , Wada Kei
Published: October 2014

Isoniazid (INH) is one of the most effective antibiotics against tuberculosis. INH is a prodrug that is activated by KatG. Although extensive studies have been performed in order to understand the mechanism of KatG, even the binding site of INH in KatG remains controversial. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of KatG from Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 (SeKatG) in a complex with INH at 2.12‐Å resolution. Three INH molecules were bound to the molecular surface. One INH molecule was bound at the entrance to the ε‐edge side of heme (designated site 1), another was bound at the entrance to the γ‐edge side of heme (site 2), and another was bound to the loop structures in front of the heme propionate side chain (site 3). All of the interactions between KatG and the bound INH seemed to be weak, being mediated mainly by van der Waals contacts. Structural comparisons revealed that the identity and configuration of the residues in site 1 were very similar among SeKatG, Burkholderia pseudomallei KatG, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis KatG. In contrast, sites 2 and 3 were structurally diverse among the three proteins. Thus, site 1 is probably the common KatG INH‐binding site. A static enzymatic analysis and thermal shift assay suggested that the INH‐activating reaction does not proceed in site 1, but rather that this site may function as an initial trapping site for the INH molecule.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number 3WXO.
Combining an amyloid‐beta (Aβ) cleaving enzyme inhibitor with a γ‐secretase modulator results in an additive reduction of Aβ production
Authors: Strömberg Kia , Eketjäll Susanna , Georgievska Biljana , Tunblad Karin , Eliason Kristina , Olsson Fredrik , Radesäter Ann‐Cathrin , Klintenberg Rebecka , Arvidsson Per I. , von Berg Stefan , Fälting Johanna , Cowburn Richard F. , Dabrowski Michael
Published: October 2014

A major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the deposition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides in amyloid plaques. Aβ peptides are produced by sequential cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by the β amyloid cleaving enzyme (BACE) and the γ‐secretase (γ‐sec) complex. Pharmacological treatments that decrease brain levels of in particular the toxic Aβ42 peptide are thought to be promising approaches for AD disease modification. Potent and selective BACE1 inhibitors as well as γ‐sec modulators (GSMs) have been designed. Pharmacological intervention of secretase function is not without risks of either on‐ or off‐target adverse effects. One way of improving the therapeutic window could be to combine treatment on multiple targets, using smaller individual doses and thereby minimizing adverse effect liability. We show that combined treatment of primary cortical neurons with a BACE1 inhibitor and a GSM gives an additive effect on Aβ42 level change compared with the individual treatments. We extend this finding to C57BL/6 mice, where the combined treatment results in reduction of brain Aβ42 levels reflecting the sum of the individual treatment efficacies. These results show that pharmacological targeting of two amyloid precursor protein processing steps is feasible without negatively interfering with the mechanism of action on individual targets. We conclude that targeting Aβ production by combining a BACE inhibitor and a GSM could be a viable approach for therapeutic intervention in AD modification.
Novel insights into matrix pathobiology regulatory mechanisms in health and disease
Authors: Karamanos Nikos K. , Passi Alberto
Published: October 2014

Matrix macromolecules exhibit leading roles in tissue properties, physiological processes, as well as the development and progression of several diseases. This thematic series covers emerging areas of research in the matrix macromolecule field and includes epigenetics, stem cells, microRNAs, as well as proteoglycan interactions with proteolytic enzymes. Current knowledge of these aspects will elucidate their regulatory mechanisms in pathophysiology and aid the design of novel pharmacological agents.

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Isotopic discrimination and kinetic parameters of RubisCO from the marine bloom‐forming diatom, Skeletonema costatum
Authors: Boller A. J. , Thomas P. J. , Cavanaugh C. M. , Scott K. M.
Published: October 2014

The cosmopolitan, bloom‐forming diatom, Skeletonema costatum, is a prominent primary producer in coastal oceans, fixing CO2 with ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) that is phylogenetically distinct from terrestrial plant RubisCO. RubisCOs are subdivided into groups based on sequence similarity of their large subunits (IA–ID, II, and III). ID is present in several major oceanic primary producers, including diatoms such as S. costatum, coccolithophores, and some dinoflagellates, and differs substantially in amino acid sequence from the well‐studied IB enzymes present in most cyanobacteria and in green algae and plants. Despite this sequence divergence, and differences in isotopic discrimination apparent in other RubisCO enzymes, stable carbon isotope compositions of diatoms and other marine phytoplankton are generally interpreted assuming enzymatic isotopic discrimination similar to spinach RubisCO (IB). To interpret phytoplankton δ13C values, S. costatum RubisCO was characterized via sequence analysis, and measurement of its KCO2 and Vmax, and degree of isotopic discrimination. The sequence of this enzyme placed it among other diatom ID RubisCOs. Michaelis‐Menten parameters were similar to other ID enzymes (KCO2 = 48.9 ± 2.8 μm; Vmax = 165.1 ± 6.3 nmol min−1 mg−1). However, isotopic discrimination (ε = [12k/13k − 1] × 1000) was low (18.5‰; 17.0–19.9, 95% CI) when compared to IA and IB RubisCOs (22–29‰), though not as low as ID from coccolithophore, Emiliania huxleyi (11.1‰). Variability in ε‐values among RubisCOs from primary producers is likely reflected in δ13C values of oceanic biomass. Currently, δ13C variability is ascribed to physical or chemical factors (e.g. illumination, nutrient availability) and physiological responses to these factors (e.g. carbon‐concentrating mechanisms). Estimating the importance of these factors from δ13C measurements requires an accurate ε‐value, and a mass‐balance model using the ε‐value for S. costatum RubisCO is presented. Clearly, appropriate ε‐values must be included in interpreting δ13C values of environmental samples.
Stoichiometry and temperature sensitivity of methanogenesis and CO2 production from saturated polygonal tundra in Barrow, Alaska
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Taniya , Herndon Elizabeth M. , Phelps Tommy J. , Elias Dwayne A. , Gu Baohua , Liang Liyuan , Wullschleger Stan D. , Graham David E.
Published: October 2014

Arctic permafrost ecosystems store ~50% of global belowground carbon (C) that is vulnerable to increased microbial degradation with warmer active layer temperatures and thawing of the near surface permafrost. We used anoxic laboratory incubations to estimate anaerobic CO2 production and methanogenesis in active layer (organic and mineral soil horizons) and permafrost samples from center, ridge and trough positions of water‐saturated low‐centered polygon in Barrow Environmental Observatory, Barrow AK, USA. Methane (CH4) and CO2 production rates and concentrations were determined at −2, +4, or +8 °C for 60 day incubation period. Temporal dynamics of CO2 production and methanogenesis at −2 °C showed evidence of fundamentally different mechanisms of substrate limitation and inhibited microbial growth at soil water freezing points compared to warmer temperatures. Nonlinear regression better modeled the initial rates and estimates of Q10 values for CO2 that showed higher sensitivity in the organic‐rich soils of polygon center and trough than the relatively drier ridge soils. Methanogenesis generally exhibited a lag phase in the mineral soils that was significantly longer at −2 °C in all horizons. Such discontinuity in CH4 production between −2 °C and the elevated temperatures (+4 and +8 °C) indicated the insufficient representation of methanogenesis on the basis of Q10 values estimated from both linear and nonlinear models. Production rates for both CH4 and CO2 were substantially higher in organic horizons (20% to 40% wt. C) at all temperatures relative to mineral horizons (<20% wt. C). Permafrost horizon (~12% wt. C) produced ~5‐fold less CO2 than the active layer and negligible CH4. High concentrations of initial exchangeable Fe(II) and increasing accumulation rates signified the role of iron as terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic C degradation in the mineral horizons.
Will among‐population variation in seed traits improve the chance of species persistence under climate change?
Authors: Cochrane Anne , Yates Colin J. , Hoyle Gemma L. , Nicotra Adrienne B.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Seed traits related to recruitment have direct relevance for plant fitness and persistence. Trait variation in time and among populations may increase species resilience and ultimately reduce the risk of extinction. However, patterns of among‐population variation in critical recruitment traits remain poorly known and are often disregarded when considering extinction risk under future climates.

Location

Global.

Methods

In this paper we review and synthesize current knowledge about among‐population variation in physiological and morphological traits related to plant recruitment. We outline the consequences of that variation for species persistence under climate change, and discuss the implications for conservation, management and restoration.

Results

The evaluated studies provide compelling evidence that among‐population variation in traits underpinning seedling emergence, growth and establishment is widespread. Contrary to expectations, environmental gradients do not appear to be reliable predictors of variation among populations and responses are often individualistic. Likewise, well‐established cross‐species patterns are not consistently reflected among populations within a species. As the pattern of this variation is unpredictable, we cannot make simple generalizations about how this variation is allocated across geographic ranges or the extent of environmental versus fixed genetic differences. Nor do these patterns clearly elucidate the potential for this variation to mitigate negative effects of climate change.

Main conclusions

If we ignore among‐population variation in seed traits, or assume it will follow simple environmental clines, we do so at our own peril. The consequences of such an approach are likely to include biased forecasts of future range dynamics, hindering identification of the genetic material most appropriate for conservation, restoration and management. Further research that integrates ecology and emerging evolutionary genetic techniques to identify the distribution of seed traits within foundation species and the mechanisms driving them is urgently required to guide the management and maintenance of systems in the face of rapidly changing climates.
An analysis of methodological and spatial differences in global cropping systems models and maps
Authors: Anderson Weston , You Liangzhi , Wood Stanley , Wood‐Sichra Ulrike , Wu Wenbin
Published: October 2014

Aim

Agricultural practices have dramatically altered the land cover of the earth, but the spatial extent and intensity of these practices is often difficult to catalogue. Information on the distribution and performance of specific crops is often only available through national or subnational statistics. Recently, however, there have been multiple independent efforts to incorporate the detailed information available from statistical surveys with supplemental spatial information to produce a spatially explicit global dataset specific to individual crops. While these datasets provide decision makers with improved information on global cropping systems, the final global cropping maps differ substantially from one another. This study aims to explore and quantify systematic similarities and differences between four major global cropping systems products and the subsequent implications for analyses dependent on those models.

Location

This study was conducted at a global scale.

Methods

Each global cropping systems model was assessed by latitude as a measure of biophysical plausibility and each pair of models was compared using a Gaussian filter to remove trivial spatial discrepancies. Model disagreement was explored in relation to the interdependent input data of each model pair with a particular focus on cropland extent. The influence of the observed model differences on subsequent analyses was demonstrated using model‐dependent estimates of the yield gap as an example.

Results

The results of our analysis indicate that the choice of cropping systems model is non‐trivial: considerable differences exist between model‐specific estimates of the yield gap across nearly all climate zones and the average model difference exceeds the average estimated yield gap in certain regions. The differences in crop‐specific harvested area and yield products of each model are significant, and mostly result from differences in the input datasets and downscaling methodologies. In particular, the choice of dataset on cropland extent proved to be influential regardless of the downscaling process employed.

Main conclusions

Discrepancies in the final products of cropping systems models are currently poorly understood, but have implications for basic policy decisions relating to agricultural production and food security. The considerable disagreement between models serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges to the creation of spatially explicit estimates of harvested area and yield based on crop statistics. Our analysis helps shed light on the importance of model choice by demonstrating the implications for further analyses that depend on cropping systems models, and works to overcome these challenges by characterizing model‐dependent differences in harvested area and yield.
Necessity for the conservation of drainage systems as last refugia for threatened damselfly species, Coenagrion ornatum
Authors: Harabiš Filip , Dolný Aleš
Published: October 2014

Small streams and rivulets in agricultural landscapes are among the most threatened habitats throughout Europe. Many species occurring primarily within these habitats are listed in the EC Habitats and Species Directive. One example is the damselfly Coenagrion ornatum, which was rediscovered during the last decade in the Elbe Valley (Czech Republic) after more than 40 years. The occurrence of this species, however, was observed only at highly altered sites. Several management attempts, unfortunately, had led to the local extinction instead of strengthening of existing populations, precisely because they ignored the habitat preferences of the target species.

This study analysed the effects of several physiochemical and environmental characteristics of 30 ditch segments in relation to the presence and abundance of C. ornatum.

The occurrence of C. ornatum was found to be positively correlated with the diversity of macrophyte vegetation and negatively with shading. Populations of C. ornatum occurred mostly in smaller, well‐warmed sections of channel, while the species clearly avoided those sections with gravel or concrete substrates.

The results indicate that under certain circumstances, the ongoing utilisation of channels particularly for drainage accords with the objectives of protecting this species and could substitute for routine conservation management activities. Supplementary effective management should focus on removing overgrowing vegetation, eliminating such negative interventions to the channel as strengthening the stream bed, and encouraging the development of rich vegetation along the watercourses (e.g. by establishing buffers or overflows).
Crack Propagation Through Interfaces in a Borosilicate Glass and a Glass Ceramic
Authors: Parab Niranjan D. , Chen Weinong W.
Published: October 2014

Dynamic crack propagation across an adhesive interface in a borosilicate glass and a glass ceramic was studied to understand the interactions of cracks with the interface. Specimens were manufactured by attaching a notched plate to a rectangular plate using an epoxy adhesive. A plastic projectile was impacted on the notched edge to initiate a single crack at the notch tip in the first plate. The propagation of the crack in the first plate and the crack patterns after the interface in the second plate were recorded using a high‐speed camera. For borosilicate glass, a single crack propagated to the adhesive interface and arrested for a certain time. Cracks re‐initiated in the second plate, and crack patterns were observed to depend on the thickness of the adhesive interface. The crack developed a higher number of branches, and the branching angle increased as the interface thickness was increased. For the glass ceramic, the notch‐initiated crack branched in the first plate and did not penetrate through to the second plate regardless of the various adhesive thicknesses studied.
Profile of atrial fibrillation inpatients: Cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac rehabilitation programme delivery and referral patterns
Authors: Gallagher Robyn , Zhang Ling , Roach Kellie , Sadler Leonie , Belshaw Julie , Kirkness Ann , Proctor Ross , Neubeck Lis
Published: October 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly common; however, the cardiovascular risk factor profile and the patterns of delivery and referral to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in this population are poorly described. We conducted an audit of medical records (n = 145) of patients admitted with AF in one local health district in Sydney, Australia. Patients were aged a mean 72 years, and 51% were male. Lack of risk factor documentation was common. Despite this, 65% had two or more modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension (63%) and hypercholesterolaemia (52%). Referral to Phase II CR occurred for 25% and was decreased with permanent AF diagnosis and increased with more risk factors. AF patients admitted to hospital have multiple cardiovascular risk factors but limited risk factor screening and/or referral to outpatient CR programmes.
Psychosocial adjustments in patients with prostate cancer from pre‐diagnosis to 6 months post‐treatment
Authors: Chien Ching‐Hui , Chuang Cheng‐Keng , Liu Kuan‐Lin , Huang Xuan‐Yi , Liu Hsueh‐Erh
Published: October 2014

We evaluated changes in psychosocial adjustment over time and its associated factors in prostate cancer patients. A total of 69 patients with prostate cancer were surveyed at pre‐diagnosis, 1 month and 6 months post‐treatment. The questionnaires distributed to the patients consisted of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale and the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index. The generalized estimating equations were used to analyse the collected data. The results of adjustments to psychological distress, the domestic environment and the social environment worsened post‐treatment. However, the adjustment to health‐care orientation was worst at the time of pre‐diagnosis and improved during post‐treatment. Patients who perceived an unfavourable health status reported poor adjustment in psychological distress. Patients exhibiting poor urinary function poorly adjusted to the domestic environment. Patients with sexual dysfunction exhibited poor adjustment to the social environment. Patients with low education demonstrated poor adjustment to health‐care orientation. Further studies should assess the psychosocial adjustment among prostate cancer patients and provide interventions following pre‐diagnosis.
Australian consensus guidelines for the safe handling of monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment by healthcare personnel
Authors: Alexander M. , King J. , Bajel A. , Doecke C. , Fox P. , Lingaratnam S. , Mellor J. D. , Nicholson L. , Roos I. , Saunders T. , Wilkes J. , Zielinski R. , Byrne J. , MacMillan K. , Mollo A. , Kirsa S. , Green M.
Published: October 2014

These consensus guidelines provide recommendations for the safe handling of monoclonal antibodies. Definitive recommendations are given for the minimum safe handling requirements to protect healthcare personnel. The seven recommendations cover: (i) appropriate determinants for evaluating occupational exposure risk; (ii) occupational risk level compared with other hazardous and non‐hazardous drugs; (iii) stratification of risk based on healthcare personnel factors; (iv) waste products; (v) interventions and safeguards; (vi) operational and clinical factors and (vii) handling recommendations. The seventh recommendation includes a risk assessment model and flow chart for institutions to consider and evaluate clinical and operational factors unique to individual healthcare services. These guidelines specifically evaluated monoclonal antibodies used in the Australian cancer clinical practice setting; however, the principles may be applicable to monoclonal antibodies used in non‐cancer settings. The guidelines are only applicable to parenterally administered agents.
Outcome of Surgical and Medical Management of Cecal Impaction in 150 Horses (1991–2011)
Authors: Aitken Maia R. , Southwood Louise L. , Ross Beth M. , Ross Michael W.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate short‐ and long‐term outcome after medical and surgical management of horses with cecal impaction and to determine reasons for death or euthanasia.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 150).

Methods

Data collected from medical records (1991–2011) of horses with a diagnosis of cecal impaction, included signalment, history of recent disease/surgical procedure, admission data, management (medical, typhlotomy alone, jejunocolostomy), complications, and outcome. Short‐term outcome (alive or dead at discharge) and long‐term outcome (alive or dead at ≥1 year) were determined by telephone interview. Data were analyzed using a χ2or Fisher's exact test. Level of significance wasP < .05.

Results

Of 150 horses hospitalized with a diagnosis of cecal impaction, 102 (68%) had a history of recent disease or a surgical procedure. Thirty‐eight horses (25%) had cecal perforation at admission and 3 horses (2%) were euthanatized without treatment. Of 109 horses treated, 59 (54%) were managed medically and 50 (46%) surgically (typhlotomy [26]; jejunocolostomy [24]). The proportion of horses alive at hospital discharge was significantly lower for horses managed medically (61%) compared with surgically (82%;P = .02) but there was no difference between horses managed with typhlotomy alone (77%) or with jejunocolostomy (88%;P = .47). There were 57% of horses managed medically alive at 1 year. There was a similar proportion of horses alive at 1 year after typhlotomy alone (73%) and jejunocolostomy (70%;P = .86).

Conclusions

Compared to the recent reports, the proportion of horses alive at hospital discharge was lower for both medically and surgically managed horses with cecal impaction. There was decreased survival for horses treated medically than those treated surgically; however, no significant difference was seen in survival between horses managed with typhlotomy alone versus jejunocolostomy.
Surgical Correction of Nephrosplenic Entrapment of the Large Colon in 3 Horses Via Standing Left Flank Laparotomy
Authors: Krueger Clarisa R. , Klohnen Andreas
Published: October 2014

Objective

To describe a technique for surgical correction of nephrosplenic entrapment via standing left flank laparotomy.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 3).

Methods

Nephrosplenic entrapment was diagnosed by abdominal palpation per rectum in all 3 horses and confirmed by transabdominal ultrasonography in 2 horses. Duration of colic was variable and failed to resolve after medical management, phenylephrine administration, and jogging. With sedation and local analgesia, standing left flank laparotomy using a modified grid approach was performed to correct the entrapment. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone communication with trainers or owners.

Results

Nephrosplenic entrapment was successfully corrected in all horses; postoperative fever occurred in 1 horse. Horses were discharged after 48–72 hours and returned to previous use within 30 days.

Conclusion

Standing flank laparotomy is an alternative for horses with nephrosplenic entrapment unresponsive to medical therapy when general anesthesia and exploratory celiotomy are not an option because of financial constraints or a high anesthetic risk. This approach leads to a favorable outcome, reduces hospital stay and associated costs and leads to a rapid return to function.
Interspecific Differences in Tolerance to Soil Compaction, Drought and Waterlogging Stresses among Maize and Triticale Genotypes
Authors: Grzesiak M. T. , Szczyrek P. , Rut G. , Ostrowska A. , Hura K. , Rzepka A. , Hura T. , Grzesiak S.
Published: October 2014

Stress susceptibility indexes (SSI) of eight maize and eight triticale genotypes for their ability to cope with soil compaction (SC) combined with drought (D) or waterlogging (W) were estimated through the determination of changes in dry matter of the shoot (S), root (R) and whole plant (S+R) grown at three levels of soil compaction (1.1, 1.3 and 1.6 g cm−3) and exposed to D or W stress for 7 or 14 days. The SSI values showed variation between and within maize and triticale genotypes, and it was possible to divide genotypes into groups of sensitive and resistant ones. The correlation coefficients (r) between stress susceptibility indexes of soil compaction (SCSI) and drought (DSI) or waterlogging (WSI) and between DSI and WSI were statistically significant. This indicates that genotypes resistant to soil compaction (SC) were resistant to drought (D) or waterlogging (W) stresses and that genotypes resistant to D were also resistant to W. Seedlings grown under the stresses showed changes in S to R ratio (S/R). Sensitive genotypes had higher S/R ratio than resistant ones. Decrease of S/R ratio depends on the duration of stresses, and it may be considered an adaptation mechanism to stress. After 7 days of recovery for D and W treatments, we observed only a partial return of growth traits to the level of control plants.
Optimal Management of Riata Leads with No Known Electrical Abnormalities or Externalization: A Decision Analysis
Authors: POKORNEY SEAN D. , ZHOU KE , MATCHAR DAVID B. , LOVE SEAN , ZEITLER EMILY P. , LEWIS ROBERT , PICCINI JONATHAN P.
Published: October 2014

Riata Decision Analysis

Introduction

Riata and Riata ST implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) can develop conductor cable externalization and/or electrical failure. Optimal management of these leads remains unknown.

Methods and Results

A Markov model compared 4 lead management strategies: (1) routine device interrogation for electrical failure, (2) systematic yearly fluoroscopic screening and routine device interrogation, (3) implantation of new ICD lead with capping of the in situ lead, and (4) implantation of new ICD lead with extraction of the in situ lead. The base case was a 64‐year‐old primary prevention ICD patient. Modeling demonstrated average life expectancies as follows: capping with new lead implanted at 134.5 months, extraction with new lead implanted at 134.0 months, fluoroscopy with routine interrogation at 133.9 months, and routine interrogation at 133.5 months. One‐way sensitivity analyses identified capping as the preferred strategy with only one parameter having a threshold value: when risk of nonarrhythmic death associated with lead abandonment is greater than 0.05% per year, lead extraction is preferred over capping. A second‐order Monte Carlo simulation (n = 10,000), as a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, found that lead revision was favored with 100% certainty (extraction 76% and capping 24%).

Conclusions

Overall there were minimal differences in survival with monitoring versus active lead management approaches. There is no evidence to support fluoroscopic screening for externalization of Riata or Riata ST leads.
Editorial Perspective: Laying the foundations for next generation models of ADHD neuropsychology
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S. , Coghill David
Published: October 2014

The JCPP has just published a virtual issue focusing specifically on the journal's contribution to progress in the field of ADHD neuropsychology over last 30 years and its role in establishing the foundations of next generation ADHD neuropsychology models. The virtual issue is structured around six themes. Here we provide a précis of the issue summarizing these themes and illustrating each with a reference to an influential paper published over the last 5 years.
Commentary: Something old, something new: reflections on behavioural heterogeneity in conduct disorders and Klahr & Burt (2014)
Authors: Scott Stephen
Published: October 2014

The review by Klahr and Burt (this issue) is very welcome as it covers a condition that is the commonest in child and adolescent mental health, but one that is usually met with woefully inadequate availability of interventions despite an excellent evidence base of effective treatments. Antisocial behaviour in childhood is much researched in terms of cause and course, and the review covers two long‐standing ways of carving it up, and two newer ones. The term antisocial behaviour may be preferable to conduct disorder, as many of the studies described in the review did not use conduct disorder as an inclusion criterion, and whilst in ICD 10 conduct disorder includes oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), thus covering the majority of severely antisocial young children, DSM IV and V explicitly exclude ODD, thus leaving it with restricted usefulness when researching origins in younger children.