bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fat Grafting
Authors: Gir Phanette , Brown Spencer A. , Oni Georgette , Kashefi Nathalie , Mojallal Ali , Rohrich Rod J.
Published: January 2013

Background:

Over the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of autologous fat grafting to treat volume and contour defects in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. It is generally accepted that fat grafting is safe, with good patient satisfaction. However, there are many procedural variations, and in terms of objective clinical effectiveness, the major disadvantage of this technique remains the unpredictable fat resorption rates and subsequent adverse events. Because of the rapidly evolving nature of this procedure, this review article provides an update on previous reviews by looking at the current evidence base regarding fat graft techniques and their effect on clinical outcome.

Methods:

A systematic review of the scientific literature listed on PubMed was performed using 20 search terms focused on harvesting, processing, reinjection, and conservation of fat grafting. An evidence-based system was used to determine eligibility for clinical and preclinical studies.

Results:

Thirty-seven articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria: five articles were clinical trials and 32 were experimental comparative studies examining human fat grafting.

Conclusions:

This systematic review revealed a lack of high-quality data despite the increase in fat grafting over the past 20 years. At present, there is no evidence that supports specific procedural standardization. Evidence-based studies that incorporate randomized controlled, prospective, multicenter trials are required to understand which factors influence positive fat grafting clinical outcomes.
Wrist Surgery
Authors: Sammer Douglas M. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: January 2013

Learning Objectives:

After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Recognize the clinical features of chronic scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligament injuries and their long-term sequelae. 2. Describe the current management and latest techniques for treating chronic scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligament injuries and their long-term sequelae, such as wrist arthritis.

This article provides an update on the diagnosis, current management, and latest techniques for the treatment of chronic scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligament injuries and their long-term sequelae, such as wrist arthritis.
Reepithelialization from Stem Cells of Hair Follicles of Dermal Graft of the Scalp in Acute Treatment of Third-Degree Burns
Authors: Zakine Gilbert , Mimoun Maurice , Pham Julien , Chaouat Marc
Published: January 2013

Background:

The scalp, an excellent donor site for thin skin grafts, presents a limited surface but is rich in keratinocyte stem cells. The purpose of this study was to double scalp harvesting in one procedure and to evaluate the capacity of the dermal layer to spontaneously reepithelialize from hair follicle stem cells.

Methods:

Two layers of 0.2-mm split-thickness skin graft, a dermoepidermal graft and a dermal graft, were harvested from scalp during the same procedure. Fifteen burn patients were included in this study. Healing of the scalp donor site and percentage of graft taken were evaluated. The Vancouver Scar Scale was used at 3 months and 1 year. Histologic studies were performed at day 0 and 3 months on grafts, and on the scalp at day 28.

Results:

Nine patients were treated on the limbs with meshed dermal graft. Six were treated on the hands with unmeshed dermal graft. Graft take was good for both types of grafts. The mean time for scalp healing was 9.3 days. Histologic study confirmed that the second layer was a dermal graft with numerous annexes and that, at 3 months, the dermis had normal thickness but with rarer and smaller epidermal crests than dermal graft. The difference between the mean Vancouver Scar Scale score of dermal graft and dermoepidermal graft was not significant.

Conclusion:

The authors' study shows the efficacy of dermal graft from the scalp and good scalp healing.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Food sharing in vampire bats: reciprocal help predicts donations more than relatedness or harassment
Authors: Carter Gerald G. , Wilkinson Gerald S.
Published: January 2013

Common vampire bats often regurgitate food to roost-mates that fail to feed. The original explanation for this costly helping behaviour invoked both direct and indirect fitness benefits. Several authors have since suggested that food sharing is maintained solely by indirect fitness because non-kin food sharing could have resulted from kin recognition errors, indiscriminate altruism within groups, or harassment. To test these alternatives, we examined predictors of food-sharing decisions under controlled conditions of mixed relatedness and equal familiarity. Over a 2 year period, we individually fasted 20 vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) and induced food sharing on 48 days. Surprisingly, donors initiated food sharing more often than recipients, which is inconsistent with harassment. Food received was the best predictor of food given across dyads, and 8.5 times more important than relatedness. Sixty-four per cent of sharing dyads were unrelated, approaching the 67 per cent expected if nepotism was absent. Consistent with social bonding, the food-sharing network was consistent and correlated with mutual allogrooming. Together with past work, these findings support the hypothesis that food sharing in vampire bats provides mutual direct fitness benefits, and is not explained solely by kin selection or harassment.
Basal metabolic rate is positively correlated with parental investment in laboratory mice
Authors: Sadowska Julita , Gębczyński Andrzej K. , Konarzewski Marek
Published: January 2013

The assimilation capacity (AC) hypothesis for the evolution of endothermy predicts that the maternal basal metabolic rate (BMR) should be positively correlated with the capacity for parental investment. In this study, we provide a unique test of the AC model based on mice from a long-term selection experiment designed to produce divergent levels of BMR. By constructing experimental families with cross-fostered litters, we were able to control for the effect of the mother as well as the type of pup based on the selected lines. We found that mothers with genetically determined high levels of BMR were characterized by higher parental investment capacity, measured as the offspring growth rate. We also found higher food consumption and heavier visceral organs in the females with high BMR. These findings suggested that the high-BMR females have higher energy acquisition abilities. When the effect of the line type of a foster mother was controlled, the pup line type significantly affected the growth rate only in the first week of life, with young from the high-BMR line type growing more rapidly. Our results support the predictions of the AC model.
Evolution of sperm structure and energetics in passerine birds
Authors: Rowe Melissah , Laskemoen Terje , Johnsen Arild , Lifjeld Jan T.
Published: January 2013

Spermatozoa exhibit considerable interspecific variability in size and shape. Our understanding of the adaptive significance of this diversity, however, remains limited. Determining how variation in sperm structure translates into variation in sperm performance will contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary diversification of sperm form. Here, using data from passerine birds, we test the hypothesis that longer sperm swim faster because they have more available energy. We found that sperm with longer midpieces have higher levels of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but that greater energy reserves do not translate into faster-swimming sperm. Additionally, we found that interspecific variation in sperm ATP concentration is not associated with the level of sperm competition faced by males. Finally, using Bayesian methods, we compared the evolutionary trajectories of sperm morphology and ATP content, and show that both traits have undergone directional evolutionary change. However, in contrast to recent suggestions in other taxa, we show that changes in ATP are unlikely to have preceded changes in morphology in passerine sperm. These results suggest that variable selective pressures are likely to have driven the evolution of sperm traits in different taxa, and highlight fundamental biological differences between taxa with internal and external fertilization, as well as those with and without sperm storage.
Genetic Mosaic Screens in Drosophila Mushroom Bodies
Authors: Kao Chih-Fei , Lee Tzumin
Published: January 2013

Genetic mosaics in Drosophila typically involve derivation of homozygous daughter cells from heterozygous precursors through mitotic recombination. MARCM (mosaic analysis with a repressible cell marker) couples loss of heterozygosity with derepression of a marker gene, permitting unique labeling of specific homozygous daughter cells. The generation of GAL80-minus homozygous daughter cells in otherwise heterozygous tissues allows GAL4-dependent activation of upstream activation sequence (UAS)-reporter specifically in the homozygous cells of interest. To make MARCM clones, organisms must carry at least five genetic elements (flippase [FLP], flippase recognition targets [FRTs], tubP-GAL80, GAL4, and UAS-marker) in specific configurations. In neurons whose progenitors can be efficiently targeted for mitotic recombination, genetic mosaic screens can be used to systematically uncover cell-autonomous genes that are required for development or function. This technique involves the generation of numerous FRT lines carrying various independent mutations, followed by derivation and phenotypic analysis of MARCM clones using these mutant FRT lines in combination with an MARCM-enabling stock that carries all the other genetic elements required for MARCM. Mutants of interest are recovered based on the MARCM phenotypes, which are imaged live using diverse fluorescent markers. Mutant genes that underlie the phenotypes of interest can then be identified by conventional genetics including derivation and analysis of series of recombinant chromosomes. Besides chemical mutagenesis, genes on a particular FRT chromosome may be randomly disrupted by P element insertion. This protocol describes procedures specifically used for genetic mosaic screens in the mushroom bodies (MBs).
Imaging Calcium Waves in Cerebellar Bergmann Glia
Authors: Beierlein Michael
Published: January 2013

This protocol describes methods for recording synaptically evoked Ca2+ waves from individual Bergmann glia (BG) in slices of cerebellar cortex. Unlike protoplasmic, star-shaped astrocytes, whose thin processes pose a serious challenge to stable Ca2+ measurements, BG are large radial cells, with several main processes that run over distances of several hundred micrometers toward the pia and ensheathe thousands of parallel fiber (PF) synapses. Stimulation of PF synapses with brief bursts can trigger long-lasting Ca2+ responses in BG processes, which can be reliably recorded using a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. This protocol was developed to enable measurements of Ca2+ waves in individual BG loaded with a high-affinity Ca2+ indicator such as Fura-2 for up to 2 h. Because BG recorded in slices rarely display spontaneous (i.e., tetrodotoxin [TTX]-sensitive) or intrinsic Ca2+ transients, Ca2+ waves can be evoked repeatedly and reliably, which permits quantitative studies using pharmacological tools. Fluorescence measurements obtained using CCD technology offer a straightforward means of characterizing the mechanisms and potential functional consequences of widespread and long-lasting, store-mediated Ca2+ increases in astrocytes.
DNA Delivery into Mammalian Cells Using Bacteriophage λ Displaying the TAT Transduction Domain
Authors: Wadia Jehangir , Eguchi Akiko , Dowdy Steven F.
Published: January 2013

The ability to modulate cellular function by the transfer and expression of novel genes or by affecting the levels of endogenous proteins by genetic means has been of tremendous benefit in studying cellular functions and offers great promise in the treatment of a variety of diseases. Consequently, the development of novel and efficient nonviral DNA delivery systems is an important goal. Small cationic peptides, termed peptide/protein transduction domains (PTDs), effectively deliver a wide variety of cargoes, including DNA, into all cells. Expression of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) TAT PTD on the surface of bacteriophage λ results in the efficient delivery of plasmid DNA into a variety of cells in a concentration-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. This protocol describes the preparation of recombinant λ particles with a TAT peptide transduction domain sequence on their surface and the use of these particles in delivery of plasmid DNA into a variety of cells.
Lung Window Preparation in Mice
Authors: Jain Rakesh K. , Munn Lance L. , Fukumura Dai
Published: January 2013

A thoracic window model has been developed in mice that allows temporal observation of the microcirculation of tumors implanted on the pleural surface without surgical manipulation at the time of observation. Preparation of this lung window model is described here. It allows the study of pleural metastases of various origins as well as primary lung cancer in an orthotopic setting.
Photolysis of Caged Compounds: Studying Ca2+ Signaling and Activation of Ca2+-Dependent Ion Channels
Authors: Almassy Janos , Yule David I.
Published: January 2013

A wide variety of signaling molecules have been chemically modified by conjugation to a photolabile chromophore to render the substance temporarily biologically inert. Subsequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can release the active moiety from the “caged” precursor in an experimentally controlled manner. This allows the concentration of active molecule to be precisely manipulated in both time and space. These techniques are particularly useful in experimental protocols designed to investigate the mechanisms underlying Ca2+ signaling and the activation of Ca2+-dependent effectors.
Intensified agricultural use of grasslands reduces growth and survival of precocial shorebird chicks
Authors: Kentie Rosemarie , Hooijmeijer Jos C. E. W. , Trimbos Krijn B. , Groen Niko M. , Piersma Theunis
Published: January 2013

Intensification of agricultural use of grassland habitats has been linked to the declines of many farmland bird species, several of whom have been in decline for multiple decades despite agri‐environmental schemes. In the Netherlands, where most grasslands have been transformed into well‐drained monocultures managed for maximal dairy production, schemes that aim to protect nests from agricultural activities are the most popular. The cause of the failure of these schemes, however, seems poor recruitment of farmland birds.

Using the black‐tailed godwit Limosa limosa limosa as our model species, we tested the hypothesis underlying the most popular agri‐environmental schemes that there are no differences in condition at hatch, growth, and apparent survival rates between chicks raised on monocultures compared with chicks from herb‐rich meadows with high water tables, often managed, for the sake of grassland birds, in traditional ways. We also compare the growth rates from both habitat types with those of chicks from dairy farmland from 1976 to 1985, a time when population declines of godwits first became visible.

Hatchling mass did not differ between chicks from herb‐rich meadows and grassland monocultures, but chicks hatched on monocultures were on average 14–16% lighter at fledging, and had 4% smaller bills than chicks hatched on herb‐rich meadows. The growth rates of female chicks hatched on herb‐rich meadows were similar to those of chicks measured from 1976 to 1985. Males fledged lighter and smaller than females.

Apparent survival during the first year of life for chicks hatched on herb‐rich meadows was 2·5 times higher than that of chicks hatched on grassland monocultures. The apparent survival on herb‐rich meadows seems sufficient for a stable population.

Synthesis and applications: We found striking differences between chicks hatched on modern grassland monocultures and herb‐rich meadows. That chicks hatched on monocultures had lower growth and survival rates than chicks on meadows indicates that these chicks suffer a higher risk of starvation and/or predation. These findings imply that the most often applied agri‐environmental schemes (i.e. payments per clutch found and postponed mowing), are not effective. Instead, these schemes could even encourage maladaptive habitat choice. Conservation efforts should thus focus on the provision of herb‐rich meadows with high groundwater tables.
Factors affecting the speed of free writing
Authors: Ferrier Jonathan , Horne Joanna , Singleton Chris
Published: January 2013

Factors affecting the free writing speed of 11‐year‐old students were investigated using the Group and Individual Assessment of Handwriting Speed. Intelligence, gender, legibility and whether the student has special educational needs or speaks English as an additional language were all found to impact on writing speed to a significant extent. In one of the two schools studied, the students wrote significantly faster than the students in the other school. This ‘teacher effect’ was found to be independent of the other significant factors examined in the study and was attributed largely to instructional differences between schools and teachers. The average writing speed was 36% lower than published norms for this test, implying that 70.2% of the students would be eligible for extra time in examinations and raising doubts regarding the validity of these norms. It was concluded that vulnerability to teacher effects and other factors makes free writing an unreliable method of measuring writing speed, especially when group administered, and calls into question its use to justify the provision of examination access arrangements or accommodations.
Exploiting pathogens' tricks of the trade for engineering of plant disease resistance: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Grant Murray R. , Kazan Kemal , Manners John M.
Published: January 2013

With expansion of our understanding of pathogen effector strategies and the multiplicity of their host targets, it is becoming evident that novel approaches to engineering broad‐spectrum resistance need to be deployed. The increasing availability of high temporal gene expression data of a range of plant–microbe interactions enables the judicious choices of promoters to fine‐tune timing and magnitude of expression under specified stress conditions. We can therefore contemplate engineering a range of transgenic lines designed to interfere with pathogen virulence strategies that target plant hormone signalling or deploy specific disease resistance genes. An advantage of such an approach is that hormonal signalling is generic so if this strategy is effective, it can be easily implemented in a range of crop species. Additionally, multiple re‐wired lines can be crossed to develop more effective responses to pathogens.
Impact of stepwise hyperventilation on cerebral tissue oxygen saturation in anesthetized patients: a mechanistic study
Authors: ALEXANDER B. S. , GELB A. W. , MANTULIN W. W. , CERUSSI A. E. , TROMBERG B. J. , YU Z. , LEE C. , MENG L.
Published: January 2013

Background

While the decrease in blood carbon dioxide (CO2) secondary to hyperventilation is generally accepted to play a major role in the decrease of cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2), it remains unclear if the associated systemic hemodynamic changes are also accountable.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II) undergoing nonneurosurgical procedures were anesthetized with either propofol‐remifentanil (n = 13) or sevoflurane (n = 13). During a stable intraoperative period, ventilation was adjusted stepwise from hypoventilation to hyperventilation to achieve a progressive change in end‐tidal CO2 (ETCO2) from 55 to 25 mmHg. Minute ventilation, SctO2, ETCO2, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cardiac output (CO) were recorded.

Results

Hyperventilation led to a SctO2 decrease from 78 ± 4% to 69 ± 5% (Δ = −9 ± 4%, P < 0.001) in the propofol‐remifentanil group and from 81 ± 5% to 71 ± 7% (Δ = −10 ± 3%, P < 0.001) in the sevoflurane group. The decreases in SctO2 were not statistically different between these two groups (P = 0.5). SctO2 correlated significantly with ETCO2 in both groups (P < 0.001). SctO2 also correlated significantly with MAP (P < 0.001) and CO (P < 0.001) during propofol‐remifentanil, but not sevoflurane (P = 0.4 and 0.5), anesthesia.

Conclusion

The main mechanism responsible for the hyperventilation‐induced decrease in SctO2 is hypocapnia during both propofol‐remifentanil and sevoflurane anesthesia. Hyperventilation‐associated increase in MAP and decrease in CO during propofol‐remifentanil, but not sevoflurane, anesthesia may also contribute to the decrease in SctO2 but to a much smaller degree.
Defining Concepts and New Directions: A Commentary on “The Fewer the Merrier?: Assessing Stigma Surrounding Nonnormative Romantic Relationships”
Authors: Blaney Abigail D. , Colleen Sinclair H.
Published: January 2013

Conley and colleagues’ recent article identifying consensual nonmonogamous (CNM) relationships as stigmatized in American society made a significant contribution to the domain of relationships research. However, definitions and operationalizations of monogamous and consensual nonmonogamous relationships in their research left us with questions about the generalizability of the conclusions and with ambiguity about the specific policies they view as in need of modification in order to accommodate CNM relationships. While “The Fewer the Merrier” does shed some light on an understudied population, in order for significant advances to be made in understanding the public policy needs of the CNM group it is important to be specific about which groups are being discussed.
Self Directed Support and people with learning disabilities: a review of the published research evidence
Authors: Harkes Mary Anne , Brown Michael , Horsburgh Dorothy
Published: January 2013

Accessible summary

Self Directed Support is the latest system of social care providing vulnerable people in the United Kingdom with a budget instead of direct service provision.

There is a lack of evidence underpinning the strategy of Self Directed Support.

There is a need to learn more about how well the policies are working.

Barriers need to be identified and overcome to ensure that people who are eligible can access Self Directed Support.

A systematic literature review was undertaken to determine the evidence base underpinning the strategy of Self Directed Support and whether evidence demonstrates that this policy is accessible to everyone with a learning disability. It also sought to identify whether there were any barriers to Self Directed Support for people with severe or profound learning disabilities and, if so, how these barriers could be overcome. Four mixed‐method research papers, two quantitative studies, seven qualitative studies and four literature reviews were identified. The findings indicated that very few studies pertain specifically to people with learning disabilities, and little account has been taken of their range of ability or the distinction between adults with legal capacity and those without. It is evident from the literature that Self Directed Support is not, as yet, attainable for everyone with a learning disability but those able to access it have reported an improvement in their quality of life. There is a need for further research to determine the extent of awareness and understanding of the policy of Self Directed Support, and the implications it will have on the future care of people with a wide range of learning disabilities.
Gaining employment: the experience of students at a further education college for individuals with learning disabilities
Authors: Skellern Joanne , Astbury Geoff
Published: January 2013

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities can feel excluded from society; employment can help to improve social inclusion.

Everyone needs to be creative in their approach to facilitate work‐based placements and employment opportunities for students at further education colleges.

Students with learning disabilities, parents, education staff and employers need to work together to make sure everyone has the best work experience possible.

Employment is widely acknowledged as a key factor to social inclusion, but it is estimated that <7% of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment. It was the aim of the research study to critically examine the experience of gaining employment from the perspectives of students with learning disabilities, parents, education staff and employers. All participants were recruited from one collaborating UK organisation, a college offering further education for young people with learning disabilities. Twenty‐three interviews were conducted. Analysis of the data identified three themes surrounding the perceived roles of: Protector, Rescuer and Worker. Recommendations are discussed to improve collaborative working between student, parent, education staff and employer to overcome some of the difficulties influencing employment rates and contribute to the empowerment and inclusion of people with learning disabilities in society.
The Impact of Board Interlocks on Auditor Choice and Audit Fees
Authors: Johansen Thomas Riise , Pettersson Kim
Published: January 2013

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This paper uses uniqueDanish data to examine whether non‐executive directors draw on both direct and indirect ties in the network of interlocking directorates to impact auditor choice, and whether this impact has consequences for audit fees.

Research Findings/Insight

The paper finds clear evidence that non‐executive directors draw on their networks to impact auditor choice, and evidence that clients pay an audit fee premium when non‐executive directors are connected to audit firms outside the focal company. The relationship between non‐executive directors and auditors is well established inDenmark and exhibits features that currently emerge in international debates and regulations. Therefore, the national context offers an interesting setting for empirical evidence of whether international aspirations are likely to be realized.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Audit‐related corporate governance research has predominantly adopted the agency theory paradigm and has only drawn on alternative theoretical perspectives to a limited extent. We draw on the literature about board interlocks and social network theory in order to develop a study that aims to increase our understanding of the non‐executive director–auditor relationship and the role that board networks have in governing auditor choice decisions. The study identifies interlocks as an infrastructure for differentiation in the audit market and determines that such differentiation is associated with an audit fee premium for audit firms. The findings indicate that personal experiences with auditors are shared among non‐executive directors and that audit attributes other than low cost audit, auditor size, and industry specialism, are important in the audit market.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings support continued efforts to strengthen the relationship between non‐executive directors and auditors. Our findings also indicate that board interlocks may constitute a mechanism that mitigates the audit market failure that arises because of a lack of auditor differentiation.
Small animal positron emission tomography imaging and in vivo studies of atherosclerosis
Authors: Hag Anne Mette Fisker , Ripa Rasmus Sejersten , Pedersen Sune Folke , Bodholdt Rasmus Poul , Kjaer Andreas
Published: January 2013

Atherosclerosis is a growing health challenge globally, and despite our knowledge of the disease has increased over the last couple of decades, many unanswered questions remain. As molecular imaging can be used to visualize, characterize and measure biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels in living systems, this technology represents an opportunity to investigate some of these questions in vivo. In addition, molecular imaging may be translated into clinical use and eventually pave the way for more personalized treatment regimes in patients. Here, we review the current knowledge obtained from in vivo positron emission tomography studies of atherosclerosis performed in small animals.
Control of AA amyloidosis complicating Crohn's disease: a clinico‐pathological study
Authors: Denis Marie A. , Cosyns Jean‐Pierre , Persu Alexandre , Dewit Olivier , de Galocsy Chantal , Hoang Pierre , Maldague Philippe , Wallemacq Pierre , Zerbib Frank , Fiasse René
Published: January 2013

Background

Immunosuppressive drugs may prevent or partially reverse progression of renal AA‐amyloidosis, a rare complication of Crohn's disease, often fatal due to renal failure.

Materials and methods

The clinical, biological and pathological data of 16 patients treated since 1976 were reviewed. Serum amyloid A was determined in surviving patients.

Results

The median age of the 16 patients (13 men) was 23·5 years (range 16–69). At Crohn's disease onset, Montreal phenotypes were similar to reported data. Out of 15 patients with renal insufficiency, 8 developed a nephrotic syndrome and 7 a low grade proteinuria. The single patient without renal insufficiency had nephrotic syndrome. A significant correlation (P < 0·05) between the extension of renal amyloid A and sclerosis was found in 12 patients. One patient had a 10 year remission of nephrotic syndrome with immunosuppressive drugs. In 6 patients treated with anti‐TNF‐α (Tumor‐Necrosis‐Factor‐α) agents, anaphylactic reaction (1/6), death from septic shock (1/6), 5‐year remission (1/6) or reduction of nephrotic syndrome (1/6) and stabilization of renal insufficiency (2/6) were observed. Surgery was performed in 10 patients. Kidney transplantation was performed in 5 of the 8 patients dialysed for end‐stage renal failure. Among 6/16 patients (37%) still alive, 3 belong to the 5 transplanted patients (survival: 3–20 years) and 3 to the anti‐TNF‐α drugs treated patients; all but one exhibited a low serum amyloid A level.

Conclusions

Suppression of Crohn's disease inflammation potentially leads to the control of amyloid A production, assessed by a decrease of serum amyloid A. Kidney transplantation provides a long survival.
Occurrence of horse chestnut bleeding canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mertelik J. , Kloudova K. , Pankova I. , Krejzar V. , Kudela V.
Published: January 2013

Between 2008 and 2010, horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) trees growing at 216 locations in the Czech Republic were surveyed for bleeding canker disease. Typical symptoms of bleeding canker were found at 16 locations, and samples were collected from five of these locations. The bacterium Pseudomonas syringae was isolated from five locations, and Pseudomonas syringae pathovar aesculi, which is the causal agent of bleeding canker disease, was isolated at one location. This is the first report of P. syringae pv. aesculi in the Czech Republic.
Identification and molecular characterization of a novel 55‐kb deletion recurrent in southern Italy: the Italian Gγ(Aγδβ)°‐thalassemia
Authors: Lacerra Giuseppina , Prezioso Romeo , Musollino Gennaro , Piluso Giulio , Mastrullo Lucia , De Angioletti Maria
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To characterize the molecular basis of a β‐thalassemia defect in subjects with mild microcytosis associated with normal Hb A2 and increased levels of Hb F.

Methods

Six subjects from three apparently unrelated families from Campania (southern Italy) have been investigated using DNA restriction analysis, inverse PCR, cloning, sequencing, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), quantitative real‐time PCR, and gap‐PCR.

Results

We have identified a novel 55‐kb β‐globin gene cluster deletion in three unrelated families: the Italian Gγ(Aγδβ)°‐thalassemia. This deletion removes most of the β‐globin cluster. The 5′ breakpoint was within the Aγ‐globin exon 2, and the 3′ breakpoint was within a 160‐bp palindrome: the breakpoint‐flanking regions present a microhomology (5′‐TGGG‐3′) that, together with the palindromic structure, may have contributed to the recombination.

Conclusions

Large deletions of β‐globin gene cluster are usually found in single families. Here, we report about the novel Italian Gγ(Aγδβ)°‐thalassemia we have found in three families. Twenty years ago, the characterization of the first family was challenging, whereas that of the other families has taken advantage of nowadays techniques. The relatively high frequency of this novel deletion in southern Italy suggests that it should be tested, together with the Sicilian (δβ)°‐thalassemia, in Italian and Mediterranean families with microcytosis, normal Hb A2, and increased Hb F levels.
Proteoglycans and their roles in brain cancer
Authors: Wade Anna , Robinson Aaron E. , Engler Jane R. , Petritsch Claudia , James C. David , Phillips Joanna J.
Published: January 2013

Glioblastoma, a malignant brain cancer, is characterized by abnormal activation of receptor tyrosine kinase signalling pathways and a poor prognosis. Extracellular proteoglycans, including heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, play critical roles in the regulation of cell signalling and migration via interactions with extracellular ligands, growth factor receptors and extracellular matrix components, as well as intracellular enzymes and structural proteins. In cancer, proteoglycans help drive multiple oncogenic pathways in tumour cells and promote critical tumour–microenvironment interactions. In the present review, we summarize the evidence for proteoglycan function in gliomagenesis and examine the expression of proteoglycans and their modifying enzymes in human glioblastoma using data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (http://cancergenome.nih.gov/). Furthermore, we demonstrate an association between specific proteoglycan alterations and changes in receptor tyrosine kinases. Based on these data, we propose a model in which proteoglycans and their modifying enzymes promote receptor tyrosine kinase signalling and progression in glioblastoma, and we suggest that cancer‐associated proteoglycans are promising biomarkers for disease and therapeutic targets.
Fluctuations in water level and the dynamics of zooplankton: a data‐driven modelling approach
Authors: GAL GIDEON , SKERJANEC MATEJA , ATANASOVA NATASA
Published: January 2013

1. The zooplankton in Lake Kinneret (Israel) have undergone large fluctuations in recent decades, which have been linked to both biotic and abiotic processes.

2. By applying a data‐driven modelling approach to a long‐term database, and focusing on key abiotic (lake‐level change) and biotic (prey abundance) variables, we attempted to identify the possible factors impacting the lake’s zooplankton community.

3. We hypothesised that changes in the predatory zooplankton (adult cyclopoids) assemblage are driven by changes in lake level during years of large changes. We further postulated that lake‐level changes would have a similar impact on the herbivorous zooplankton (cladocerans and cyclopoid copepodites) but an opposite effect on the microzooplankton. In the years of moderate changes to lake level, however, the abundance of predatory zooplankton would determine the size of the herbivore and microzooplankton populations rather than their food sources, that is, top‐down control.

4. The resulting decision trees supported the hypotheses stressing the importance of the annual rate of lake‐level change in shaping the zooplankton community in the lake. In addition, and in contrast to expectations, bottom‐up processes seem to play a role in determining zooplankton abundance.
Barriers and motivators of adherence to prophylactic treatment in haemophilia: a systematic review
Authors: Schrijvers L. H. , Uitslager N. , Schuurmans M. J. , Fischer K.
Published: January 2013

Long‐term adherence to prophylactic therapy is the key to successful prevention of bleeds in severe haemophilia. The present study aims to provide a systematic review of the literature on the determinants of adherence to prophylaxis in haemophilia. A literature search in the largest medical databases in Oct 2011 yielded 880 articles, which were reduced to 72 by further selection on title. Twenty‐eight articles were excluded due to inclusion criteria. Full paper evaluation of 44 articles yielded five relevant articles that were critically appraised using the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and items extracted from the critical appraisal criteria for cohort studies (Dutch Cochrane Centre). After critical appraisal, 2/5 studies were considered as the best evidence available. The results of these two studies were further used in the synthesis for description of the determinants of adherence. This concerned a total of 245 subjects in all age groups. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Motivators for a high adherence were as follows: experience of symptoms, a positive belief of necessity of treatment and a good relationship with the health care provider. Important barriers were defined as: infrequent or absence of symptoms and increasing age. Two high‐quality studies were identified. Reported determinants of adherence to prophylaxis were age, symptoms, beliefs, and the relation with the health care provider. This information may provide a first step towards a strategy to promote adherence in haemophilia, with an important focus on age‐specific interventions and patient education.
Inducibility of Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter Following Pulmonary Vein Ablation
Authors: LEONG‐SIT PETER , ROBINSON MELISSA , ZADO ERICA S. , CALLANS DAVID J. , GARCIA FERMIN , LIN DAVID , DIXIT SANJAY , BALA RUPA , RILEY MICHAEL P. , HUTCHINSON MATHEW D. , COOPER JOSHUA , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E.
Published: January 2013

Arrhythmia Inducibility Post‐AF Ablation

 Introduction

Prior reports demonstrate prognostic value in noninducibility of atrial arrhythmias after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and suggest their utility in guiding additional ablation lesion sets. The type and mechanism of induced atrial arrhythmias, their relationship to the underlying atrial substrate, and prognostic significance of induced organized atrial arrhythmias are unknown.

Methods and Results

One hundred forty‐four patients (30 women; median age 60 years; 54% with paroxysmal AF) undergoing AF ablation (circumferential pulmonary vein isolation and focal ablation of nonvein triggers on isoproterenol) were evaluated prospectively. All underwent a standardized postablation induction protocol from the coronary sinus and right atrium: 15 beat burst pacing at 250 milliseconds and decrementing to 180 milliseconds. Sustained rhythms were defined as greater than 2 minutes Of 144 patients, 55 patients (38.2%) did not have sustained inducible arrhythmias. Fifty‐two (36.1%) had inducible AF and 37 (25.7%) had inducible organized arrhythmias. A logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR 2.10 per decade; P = 0.003) and hypertension (OR 4.15; P = 0.009) were predictive of inducibility. However, inducibility of either AF or organized arrhythmias was not prognostic of clinical recurrence at 1 year postablation (P = 0.65). Furthermore, inducibility of organized arrhythmias did not predict clinical recurrence of an organized arrhythmia. Only LA size (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.02–4.67; P = 0.04) and persistent AF (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.09–5.40; P = 0.03) predicted atrial arrhythmia recurrence.

Conclusions

Multisite atrial burst pacing post‐AF ablation induced organized rhythms in 25.7% and AF in 36.1% of patients after AF ablation. Hypertension and age predict inducibility of arrhythmias, but inducibility did not predict clinical recurrence in follow‐up. Distinguishing organized atrial arrhythmias from AF did not yield any further prognostic information. The utility of aggressive stimulation protocols after AF ablation for prognosis and to guide therapy appears limited.
A novel vibratory stimulation‐based occlusal splint for alleviation of TMD painful symptoms: a pilot study
Authors: Hara E. S. , Witzel A. L. , de Luca C. E. P. , Ballester R. Y. , Kuboki T. , Bolzan M. C.
Published: January 2013

This pilot study introduces a novel vibratory stimulation‐based occlusal splint (VibOS) for management of pain related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study sample consisted of 10 patients (mean age: 40·5 ± 13·7 years, male/female: 3/7) who were using stabilisation splints for more than 2 months prior to the study onset and still complained of pain. Patients utilised the active and inactive VibOS during 15 days in a crossover designed clinical trial. The analysed variables were self‐reported VAS pain levels and number of painful sites to palpation (PSP). Statistical analysis was performed with repeated measures anova. At baseline, mean VAS pain levels for group I and II were 45·6 ± 21·0 mm and 37·4 ± 16·3 mm, respectively. Comparison between these baseline values showed no statistical difference (P > 0·05, unpaired t‐test). In group I, the inactive VibOS caused a slight increase in VAS pain levels, whereas the active VibOS promoted a significant decrease in VAS pain levels and PSP (P < 0·01). In group II, which received the active VibOS first, a significant decrease in VAS levels (P < 0·05) and in PSP (P < 0·01) was observed. No significant decrease in VAS pain levels or PSP (P > 0·05) was observed with the use of the inactive VibOS. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a good tendency of this novel VibOS in the alleviation of painful symptoms related to TMD after a 15‐day management period compared to control VibOS.
Neurotransmitters involved in fast excitatory neurotransmission directly activate enteric glial cells
Authors: Boesmans W. , Cirillo C. , Van den Abbeel V. , Van den Haute C. , Depoortere I. , Tack J. , Vanden Berghe P.
Published: January 2013

Background  The intimate association between glial cells and neurons within the enteric nervous system has confounded careful examination of the direct responsiveness of enteric glia to different neuroligands. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether neurotransmitters known to elicit fast excitatory potentials in enteric nerves also activate enteric glia directly.

Methods  We studied the effect of acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5‐HT), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on intracellular Ca2+ signaling using aequorin‐expressing and Fluo‐4 AM‐loaded CRL‐2690 rat and human enteric glial cell cultures devoid of neurons. The influence of these neurotransmitters on the proliferation of glia was measured and their effect on the expression of c‐Fos as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Sox10, and S100 was examined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT‐PCR.

Key Results  Apart from ATP, also ACh and 5‐HT induced a dose‐dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in CRL‐2690 cells. Similarly, these neurotransmitters also evoked Ca2+ transients in human primary enteric glial cells obtained from mucosal biopsies. In contrast with ATP, stimulation with ACh and 5‐HT induced early gene expression in CRL‐2690 cells. The proliferation of enteric glia and their expression of GFAP, Sox10, and S100 were not affected following stimulation with these neurotransmitters.

Conclusions & Inferences  We provide evidence that enteric glial cells respond to fast excitatory neurotransmitters by changes in intracellular Ca2+. On the basis of our experimental in vitro setting, we show that enteric glia are not only directly responsive to purinergic but also to serotonergic and cholinergic signaling mechanisms.
Do pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgeries require larger‐size cuffed endotracheal tubes? A prospective study
Authors: Azarfarin Rasoul , Seyedhejazi Mahin , Golzari Samad E. J. , Bilehjani Eissa , Ghabili Kamyar , Alizadehasl Azin
Published: January 2013

Background

There is a controversy over using either smaller‐ or larger‐size endotracheal tubes (ETT) in children undergoing cardiac surgery, and some anesthesiologists prefer to use ETT sizes different from the formula‐based sizes. The aim of the present study was to compare proper‐size cuffed ETT in children undergoing cardiac vs noncardiac surgeries.

Methods

In an observational prospective study, 80 children planned to undergo noncardiac elective surgeries (NCS group) and 80 children scheduled for cardiac surgeries (CS group) were recruited. For intubation, initial cuffed ETT size was calculated based on the following formula: Tube size (mm ID) = age (year)/4 + 3.5. The estimated ETT size for each age group and the size of final utilized tubes for each age range were recorded.

Results

Patients of tube sizes 4.5, 5, and 5.5 in the CS group were of lower age, weight, height, and body surface area compared with the patients of the same tube sizes in the NCS group (P < 0.05). The compatibility of the predicted vs actual required tube sizes was more in the NCS group compared to the CS group (72.5% vs 56.2%; P = 0.02). Additionally, the cases with underestimated tube sizes were significantly more in the CS group compared with the NCS group (38.8% vs 18.8%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Children undergoing cardiac surgeries in relation to their age and body size do require larger‐size ETTs compared with the children scheduled for noncardiac surgeries.
Effect of Chilling Duration on Post‐Thaw Characteristics of Sperm from theNorthAmerican bison (Bison bison)
Authors: Krishnakumar S , Whiteside D , Dance A , Elkin B , Thundathil J
Published: January 2013

Contents

The objective of this study was to determine the duration for which sperm from theNorthAmerican bison (Bison bison) could be chilled prior to being cryopreserved, without compromising post‐ thaw sperm quality. This would permit transport of samples collected remotely, to the laboratory (at 4°C) for cryopreservation. Epididymal sperm from plains bison (n = 11) and ejaculated sperm from wood bison (n = 3) were collected, extended and held at 4°Cfor extended periods of time. At intervals, an aliquot was cryopreserved. Post‐thaw sperm motion characteristics were evaluated by computer assisted sperm analysis. Representative plains bison sperm samples (n = 3) were evaluated for theirin vitrofertilizing ability in a heterologous system using bovine oocytes. There was no statistical difference in total and progressive motility of plains bison epididymal sperm when cryopreserved after chilling for 24, 48 or 72 h. For wood bison ejaculated sperm, there was no difference in total and progressive motility for sperm cryopreserved following 24 or 48 h of chilling. However, one of the three bulls showed significantly poorer fertilization (based on cleavage rate) with sperm chilled for 72 compared to 24 and 48 h prior to freezing. In conclusion, plains bison epididymal sperm can be chilled for 72 h and wood bison ejaculated sperm can be chilled for at least 48 h prior to cryopreservation without compromising post‐thaw sperm motility, while heterologousin vitrofertilization (IVF) assay indicated a between‐bull variation in thein vitrofertilizing ability of sperm chilled for an extended duration before cryopreservation.