bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parathyroid Nodular Hyperplasia and Responsiveness to Drug Therapy in Renal Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: An Open Question
Authors: Vulpio Carlo , Bossola Maurizio
Published: October 2017

The goal of the pharmacological therapy in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is to reduce serum levels of parathyroid hormone and phosphorus, to correct those of calcium and vitamin D, to arrest or reverse the parathyroid hyperplasia. However, when nodular hyperplasia or an autonomous adenoma develops, surgery may be indicated. We reviewed the literature with the aim of defining if the echographic criteria predictive of unresponsiveness of SHPT to calcitriol therapy are valid also in the cinacalcet era and if drug therapy may reverse nodular hyperplasia of parathyroid gland (PTG). The responsiveness to therapy and regression of the nodular hyperplasia of PTG remains an open question in the calcimimetic era as well as the cutoff between medical and surgical therapy. Prospective studies are needed in order to clarify if an earlier use of cinacalcet in moderate SHPT might arrest the progression of parathyroid growth and stabilize SHPT.
Effect of maternal oxygen inhalation on foetal free radical activity: a prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Ahuja V. , Gombar S. , Jaswal S. , Kaur J. , Gupta P. , Chawla D. , Huria A. , Singh S.
Published: October 2017

Background

Maternal inhalation of 35–40% oxygen concentration has no significant effect on foetal partial pressure of oxygen, and 60–100% produced maternal and foetal hyperoxia with increased free radical activity. The benefit of 50% maternal oxygen inhalation on foetal oxygenation, oxidant stress and total antioxidant status (TAS) during Caesarean section (CS) has not been simultaneously evaluated.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial 120 ASA physical status I–II, term pregnant women were recruited to elective CS (n = 60) and emergency CS (n = 60) and received either 50% oxygen or air inhalation following subarachnoid block (SAB). Patients and investigators were blinded to the inhaled oxygen concentration. The primary outcome of the study was foetal umbilical artery (UA) malondialdehyde (MDA) at birth.

Results

In both elective and emergency CS, there was no difference in foetal oxidative stress and TAS in spite of increase in maternal PaO2. In elective CS, maternal MDA was higher at delivery in mothers breathing 50% oxygen as compared to their own baseline values (P = 0.04). In emergency CS, maternal TAS at 10 min was lower in mothers inhaling 50% oxygen as compared to air (P = 0.01). The average duration of maternal oxygen supplementation was ~10.3 min in elective and ~7.4 min in emergency CS. Neonatal outcome, episodes of maternal hypotension and oxygen desaturation were similar in both the groups.

Conclusion

Brief duration of 50% oxygen maternal inhalation during elective or emergency CS did not significantly affect foetal MDA and TAS under SAB.
Nonfarm employment, agricultural intensification, and productivity change: empirical findings from Uganda
Authors: Amare Mulubrhan , Shiferaw Bekele
Published: October 2017

This article uses panel data from the Living Standards Measurement Study‐Integrated Surveys on Agriculture for Uganda to assess the farm‐level effects of nonfarm employment on agricultural intensification and productivity change. A sample selection model is used to account for both unobserved heterogeneity and potential simultaneity between agricultural production and nonfarm income. Results show that nonfarm employment can have differential impacts on farm technology intensity and productivity. Nonfarm income is found to have a positive impact on farm hired labor and improved seed intensity; a negative effect on on‐farm family labor use; and no significant impact on fertilizer, soil water management, and joint use of farm technologies. The econometric evidence also indicates that agricultural productivity declines as nonfarm income increases. Taken together, our findings reveal important trade‐offs between nonfarm employment and income and farm productivity growth under smallholder agriculture. The results indicated that targeted policies are required to reduce these potential trade‐offs between nonfarm employment and agricultural intensification and productivity change.
Human sperm motility is downregulated by the AMPK activator A769662
Authors: Calle‐Guisado V. , Hurtado de Llera A. , González‐Fernández L. , Bragado M. J. , Garcia‐Marin L. J.
Published: October 2017

AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) plays a key function in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. We recently identified and localized AMPK protein in human spermatozoa and showed that inhibition of AMPK activity significantly modified human sperm motility. Recently, AMPK has gained great relevance as prime target for pharmacological approaches in several energy‐related pathologies and therefore pharmacological research is aimed to develop direct AMPK‐activating compounds such as A769662. Our aim was to investigate the effect of A769662 in essential functional processes of human spermatozoa. Human spermatozoa were incubated in the presence or absence of the AMPK activator A769662 for different incubation times (0–20 h) and motility was evaluated by CASA system whereas other functional parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry. A769662 treatment significantly reduces the percentages of motile, progressive, and rapid spermatozoa starting at 2 h. Moreover, AMPK activator in human spermatozoa causes a significant reduction in any velocity measured, which is concomitant to a significant decrease in the percentage of rapid spermatozoa, both at short‐ (2–3 h) and long‐time treatment (20 h). Treatment of human spermatozoa with A769662 does not significantly alter any of the following functional parameters: sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine translocation to the outer leaf of plasma membrane, acrosome membrane integrity, or mitochondrial superoxide anion production. In summary, our results suggest that AMPK in human spermatozoa contributes to the regulation of sperm motility, without affecting basic physiological parameters of human spermatozoa (viability, mitochondrial membrane potential or reactive oxygen species production, acrosome membrane integrity, phosphatidylserine exposure at plasma membrane). As sperm motility is required in the female reproductive tract to achieve fertilization, we conclude that AMPK is an essential regulatory kinase of the human spermatozoa function. This conclusion needs to be taken into account when AMPK is elected as prime target in pharmacological approaches for several energy‐related pathologies.
Primary salivary gland malignancies: a review of clinicopathological evolution, molecular mechanisms and management
Authors: Badlani James , Gupta Ruta , Balasubramanian Deepak , Smith Joel , Luk Peter , Clark Jonathan
Published: October 2017

Salivary gland cancers are a complex group of tumours with variations in location, type and grade, all of which influence their biological behaviour. The understanding of salivary gland pathology has evolved at the molecular level in the last decade leading to identification of distinct entities, development of improved methods of diagnosis as well as identifying therapeutic targets for selected high‐grade tumours. This article focuses on these advances and their impact on the management of primary salivary gland cancers.
How growth deceleration in the PRC affects other Asian economies
Authors: Lee Minsoo , Park Donghyun , Ramayandi Arief
Published: October 2017

Developing Asia has benefited greatly from the rise of the People's Republic of China (PRC), primarily through the trade channel. The PRC and its neighbours have collectively formed a regional production network, and the PRC is becoming an increasingly important source of final demand. Two empirical techniques are used to examine the likely economic impact of growth deceleration in the PRC on other Asian economies: (1) a single‐equation approach that captures the trade channel; and (2) a global vector autoregressive model that captures the effects beyond the trade channel. The results of both analyses confirm that deceleration in the PRC will have a non‐negligible negative effect on other economies, especially on East and Southeast Asian economies. An out‐of‐sample analysis to tease out the effects of slower growth in the PRC from the recent growth performance of selected Southeast Asian economies suggests that the PRC effect is contributing to the growth dynamics of this region but is not always dominant.
Longitudinal development of subtraction performance in elementary school
Authors: Artemenko Christina , Pixner Silvia , Moeller Korbinian , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph
Published: October 2017

A major goal of education in elementary mathematics is the mastery of arithmetic operations. However, research on subtraction is rather scarce, probably because subtraction is often implicitly assumed to be cognitively similar to addition, its mathematical inverse. To evaluate this assumption, we examined the relation between the borrow effect in subtraction and the carry effect in addition, and the developmental trajectory of the borrow effect in children using a choice reaction paradigm in a longitudinal study. In contrast to the carry effect in adults, carry and borrow effects in children were found to be categorical rather than continuous. From grades 3 to 4, children became more proficient in two‐digit subtraction in general, but not in performing the borrow operation in particular. Thus, we observed no specific developmental progress in place‐value computation, but a general improvement in subtraction procedures.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The borrow operation increases difficulty in two‐digit subtraction in adults.

The carry effect in addition, as the inverse operation of borrowing, comprises categorical and continuous processing characteristics.

What does this study add?

In contrast to the carry effect in adults, the borrow and carry effects are categorical in elementary school children.

Children generally improve in subtraction performance from grades 3 to 4 but do not progress in place‐value computation in particular.
Haematopoietic cell transplantation for blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: a North American multicentre collaborative study
Authors: Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A. , Al Malki Monzr M. , Deotare Uday , Raj Renju V. , El‐Jurdi Najla , Majhail Navneet , Cherry Mohamad A. , Bashir Qaiser , Darrah Justin , Nishihori Taiga , Sibai Hassan , Hamadani Mehdi , de Lima Marcos , Gerds Aaron T. , Selby George , Qazilbash Muzaffar H. , Forman Stephen J. , Ayala Ernesto ,  Lipton Jeffrey H. , Hari Parameswaran N. , Muzzafar Tariq , Zhang Ling , Olteanu Horatiu , Perkins Janelle , Sokol Lubomir , Kumar Ambuj , Ahmed Sairah
Published: October 2017

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is incurable with conventional therapies. Limited retrospective data have shown durable remissions after haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) [allogeneic (allo) or autologous (auto)]. We conducted a multicentre retrospective study in BPDCN patients treated with allo‐HCT and auto‐HCT at 8 centres in the United States and Canada. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The population consisted of 45 consecutive patients who received an allo‐HCT (n = 37) or an auto‐HCT (n = 8) regardless of age, pre‐transplant therapies, or remission status at transplantation. Allo‐HCT recipients were younger (50 (14–74) vs. 67 (45–72) years, P = 0·01) and had 1‐year and 3‐year OS of 68% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 49–81%] and 58% (95% CI = 38–75%), respectively. Allo‐HCT in first complete remission (CR1) yielded superior 3‐year OS (versus not in CR1) [74% (95% CI = 48–89%) vs. 0, P < 0·0001]. Allo‐HCT outcomes were not impacted by regimen intensity [3‐year OS for myeloablative conditioning = 61% (95% CI = 28–83%) vs. reduced‐intensity conditioning = 55% (95% CI = 28–76%)]. One‐year OS for auto‐HCT recipients was 11% (95% CI = 8–50%). These results demonstrate efficacy of allo‐HCT in BPDCN, especially in patients in CR1. Pertaining to auto‐HCT, our results suggest lack of efficacy against BPDCN, but this observation is limited by the small sample size. Larger prospective studies are needed to better define the role of HCT in BPDCN.
Fathers of adults who have a learning disability: Roles, needs and concerns
Authors: Davys Deborah , Mitchell Duncan , Martin Rachel
Published: October 2017

Accessible summary

This study asked fathers of adults who have a learning disability about their experiences, what helps them and any worries they may have.

Fathers reported different experiences of being a father to an adult with a learning disability and talked about things that were helpful, such as their wives, grandparents, having information and hobbies.

Fathers were worried about the person who has a learning disability in the future.

Fathers can be important in supporting people who have a learning disability throughout their lives.

Background

There is little research that specifically relates to fathers of adults with a learning disability despite the social expectation that fathers will provide a supportive role over the lifespan.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with seven fathers of adults with a learning disability to explore their roles, needs and concerns. Data were analysed using a framework associated with interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Results

Themes arising demonstrate that fathers were shocked at the diagnosis of learning disability but usually reported adaptation over time. The impact of learning disability upon men's lives, their perception of their adult child and the roles they assumed were varied. Fathers valued support from wives and grandparents, having knowledge and interests and work‐type roles. All fathers were concerned about the future yet comprehensive futures planning was lacking. Some fathers reported difficulties in being emotionally open, and referred to societal stereotypes. Fathers valued positive support from service providers; however, this relationship was often in conflict.

Conclusion

Although mothers are often the main carers for adults with a learning disability, fathers can make a significant contribution. The findings presented here support the results of previous studies regarding paternal response to learning disability and varied impact upon men's lives. Identified support strategies include leisure interests, volunteer/work roles, having information and support from wives and grandparents. Ongoing concerns incorporate the future and ambivalent relationships with service providers, which could have a negative impact upon the individual who has a learning disability.
The use of psychotropic medication for people with intellectual disabilities and behaviours that challenge in the context of a community multidisciplinary team approach
Authors: Niven Abigail , Goodey Rebecca , Webb Alison , Shankar Rohit
Published: October 2017

Accessible Summary

Lots of people with intellectual disabilities in the UK are given medication to manage their behaviours and the NHS wants this to stop.

In Cornwall, we wanted to see how often we give medication to people instead of other health care such as communication or occupational assessments etc.

We found that around half the people we work with because of their behaviours get medication to manage their feelings and many do not get other assessments.

We want to change this in Cornwall and stop over medicating people by learning from this study.

Background

The use of psychotropic medication to manage challenging behaviours of people with intellectual disabilities is a contentious issue which NHS England has now focused on. This paper looks to evaluate this within the multidisciplinary context.

Method

Records of clients (n = 106) open to a Community Intellectual Disabilities team for care relating to challenging behaviours were examined. Those recommended psychotropic medications in the absence of a mental health diagnosis were scrutinised for supporting MDT assessments.

Results

Over half the clients with challenging behaviours were being prescribed psychotropic medications and many of those had very few MDT assessments to inform care.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the extent psychotropics are used in the absence of MDT informed support for people with intellectual disabilities and behaviours that challenge. A vision to simply withdraw such medication might be simplistic. Local MDT plans are in development to systematically reduce reliance on this type of restrictive practice.
Do not forget the parents—Parents' concerns during transition to adult care for adolescents with congenital heart disease
Authors: Bratt E. L. , Burström Å. , Hanseus K. , Rydberg A. , Berghammer M. ,   On behalf on the STEPSTONES‐CHD consortium
Published: October 2017

Background

Growing up with congenital heart disease (CHD) often means transfer to adult care and lifelong medical follow‐up. An optimal transition process usually involves a multipart collaboration between the patient, their parents and other family members, and the healthcare providers. Taking an active role while knowing when it is time to step aside can be difficult for all the concerned parties, even the healthcare professionals. The aim of the present study therefore, was to explore parents' expectations and needs during their adolescent's transition to adult care.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 18 parents of 16 adolescents (aged 13–18 years) with CHD in 4 pediatric cardiology settings in Sweden. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

The analysis resulted in 2 main themes: (a) Feeling secure—the importance of being prepared and informed. This theme focused on the need to be prepared and informed about transition and future transfer to adult care. (b) Recognizing when to hand over at the right time. This theme addressed the process of handing over the responsibility from the parent to the adolescents and contained handing over from pediatric care to adult care.

Conclusion

Being prepared and informed about the upcoming transition process was essential. The parents underlined the importance of being involved in the transition planning for gradually handing over responsibility to the adolescent. They also considered establishing contact with the adult healthcare team before transfer as important and needed to be assured that CHD‐related information of importance for the young person's daily life would be given.
Continuous eruption of maxillary teeth and changes in clinical crown length: A 10‐year longitudinal study in adult women
Authors: Huanca Ghislanzoni Luis , Jonasson Grethe , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: October 2017

Background

Continuous physiologic eruption of teeth may become a main aesthetic issue for implants inserted in the maxillary anterior region.

Purpose

To study maxillary tooth vertical changes during a 10 years period by 3‐dimensional superimposition of digital dental casts.

Material and methods

Alginate impressions were taken at both baseline and at the 10‐year follow‐up in a sample of 24 adult Swedish women (average age of 48 years at T0). The upper arch plaster casts were digitized with a 3‐dimensional scanner and then superimposed on the palate and the palatal rugae. Occlusal and gingival anatomic structures were digitized for each upper tooth from first molar to first molar. The vertical changes of these structures gave an indication of tooth extrusion and apical or coronal displacement of the gingival margin.

Results

A trend was found for eruption in the anterior region (+0.3 mm on average) while a slight extrusion if not any was found in the first molars and premolars area. Vertical displacement of the gingival margin showed also a positive trend from first molars to incisors. Negative average values, corresponding clinically to gingival recession, were found on first molars (−0.36 mm) and premolars (−0.15 mm), while no displacement was detected in the anteriors. Clinical crown lengths increased in all teeth and it is mainly due to gingival recession for first molars and premolars, while for the incisors the eruption is coupled to a slight equivalent gingival coronal migration.

Conclusions

During a 10‐year period, continuous eruption takes place in female adult subjects, especially in the upper incisors area while gingival recession occurred in first molars and premolars area leading to crown length elongation. Implant placement in the anterior area of the maxilla may have an aesthetic impact even in mature adults due to the continuous eruption of the adjacent teeth.
Nodal factors predictive of recurrence and survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Son H.‐J. , Roh J.‐L. , Cho K.‐J. , Choi S.‐H. , Nam S.Y. , Kim S.Y.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Lymph node (LN) metastasis of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with survival outcomes. However, the relationship between different metastatic nodal factors and treatment outcomes requires further elucidation. This study examined nodal factors predictive of recurrence and survival in patients with OSCC.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 157 patients with OSCC who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2015. Clinicopathological and follow‐up information were recorded. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were performed to identify factors associated with recurrence‐free survival, disease‐specific survival and overall survival.

Results

Sixty‐five of 157 patients (41.4%) had neck metastasis. During a median follow‐up of 46 months, any recurrences and all deaths occurred in 43 (27.4%) and 43 (27.4%) of cases, respectively. All nodal factors (LN classification, size, number and ratio) and extra‐nodal extension were significantly associated with all survival outcomes (P < .001). Multivariate analyses indicated that a tumour size >2 cm and LN ratio were independently associated with all survival (P < .05). Patients with LN ratio >0.05 had sixfold higher recurrence and mortality rates than other patients (P < .001).

Conclusion

Lymph node ratio is an independent and predictive determinant of post‐treatment recurrence and survival.
Prospective multicentre study on barbed reposition pharyngoplasty standing alone or as a part of multilevel surgery for sleep apnoea
Authors: Montevecchi F. , Meccariello G. , Firinu E. , Rashwan M. S. , Arigliani M. , De Benedetto M. , Palumbo A. , Bahgat Y. , Bahgat A. , Lugo Saldana R. , Marzetti A. , Pignataro L. , Mantovani M. , Rinaldi V. , Carrasco M. , Freire F. , Delgado I. , Salamanca F. , Bianchi A. , Onerci M. , Agostini P. , Romano L. , Benazzo M. , Baptista P. , Salzano F. , Dallan I. , Nuzzo S. , Vicini C.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to demonstrate in a prospective multicentre study that Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty (BRP) procedure is safe and effective in management of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Multicentre study.

Participants

Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea.

Main outcomes measures

Values of postoperative apnoea‐hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), epworth sleepiness scale (ESS).

Results

111 Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty procedures standing alone or as a part of multilevel surgery for OSAHS, performed between January and September 2016, were analysed in 15 different centres. The average hospitalisation period was 2.5 ± 0.5 days. The mean patient age was 46.3 ± 10.5 years. The average body mass index at the time of the procedure was 27.9 ± 3.2, and the majority of the patients were men (83%). The mean preoperative and postoperative apnoea/hypopnea index was 33.4 ± 19.5 and 13.5 ± 10.3, respectively (P < .001). The mean preoperative and postoperative ESS score was 10.2 ± 4.5 and 6.1 ± 3.6, respectively (P < .001). The mean preoperative and postoperative ODI were 29.6 ± 20.7 and 12.7 ± 10.8, respectively (P < .001).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing BRP standing alone or as part of a multilevel approach for the treatment of OSAHS have a reasonable expectation for success with minimal morbidity.
Long‐distance flights and high‐risk breeding by nomadic waterbirds on desert salt lakes
Authors: Pedler Reece D. , Ribot Raoul F.H. , Bennett Andrew T.D.
Published: October 2017

Understanding and conserving mobile species presents complex challenges, especially for animals in stochastic or changing environments. Nomadic waterbirds must locate temporary water in arid biomes where rainfall is highly unpredictable in space and time. To achieve this they need to travel over vast spatial scales and time arrival to exploit pulses in food resources. How they achieve this is an enduring mystery.  We investigated these challenges in the colonial‐nesting Banded Stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus), a nomadic shorebird of conservation concern. Hitherto, Banded Stilts were hypothesized to have only 1–2 chances to breed during their long lifetime, when flooding rain fills desert salt lakes, triggering mass‐hatching of brine shrimp. Over 6 years, we satellite tagged 57 individuals, conducted 21 aerial surveys to detect nesting colonies on 14 Australian desert salt lakes, and analyzed 3 decades of Landsat and MODIS satellite imagery to quantify salt‐lake flood frequency and extent. Within days of distant inland rainfall, Banded Stilts flew 1,000–2,000 km to reach flooded salt lakes. On arrival, females laid over half their body weight in eggs. We detected nesting episodes across the species’ range at 7 times the frequency reported during the previous 80 years. Nesting colonies of thousands formed following minor floods, yet most were subsequently abandoned when the water rapidly evaporated prior to egg hatching. Satellite imagery revealed twice as many flood events sufficient for breeding‐colony initiation as recorded colonies, suggesting that nesting at remote sites has been underdetected. Individuals took risk on uncertain breeding opportunities by responding to frequent minor flood events between infrequent extensive flooding, exemplifying the extreme adaptability and trade‐offs of species exploiting unstable environments. The conservation challenges of nest predation by overabundant native gulls and anthropogenic modifications to salt lakes filling frequencies require investigation, as do the physiological and navigational mechanisms that enable such extreme strategies.
The application of lung ultrasound in acute decompensated heart failure in heart failure with preserved and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Yang Feifei , Wang Qiushuang , Zhi Guang , Zhang Liwei , Huang Dangsheng , Shen Dong , Zhang Meiqing
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Lung ultrasound detection of B‐lines has become a simple, semiquantitative, noninvasive tool for evaluating pulmonary congestion in heart failure (HF) patients. This study compared the correlation of B‐lines with E/eʹ, NT‐proBNP, and ejection fraction (EF) in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods

Eighty‐two consecutive patients who were diagnosed with acute decompensated HF were divided into two groups: preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFpEF, EF≥50%, n=32) and reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF, EF<50%, n=50). Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate associations of B‐lines with E/eʹ, NT‐proBNP, and EF in the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to compare B‐lines with the E/eʹ ratio.

Results

Results revealed no significant differences were observed in the B‐lines between the HFpEF and HFrEF groups. However, compared with the control group, B‐lines were significantly increased in the HFpEF and HFrEF groups (P<.05). The B‐lines were positively correlated with E/eʹ (r=0.742, r=0.52) and NT‐proBNP (r=0.678, r=0.417) but were negatively correlated with EF (r=−0.365, r=−0.337), and the correlation coefficients were higher in the HFpEF group than in the HFrEF group. In ROC analyses, considering E/eʹ ≥14 as a reference, B‐lines yielded a C‐statistic value of 0.94 (sensitivity 92%, specificity 83%) in the HFpEF group and 0.84 (sensitivity 86%, specificity 78%) in the HFrEF group.

Conclusions

B‐lines were significantly correlated with the more established parameters of ADHF. The correlation between B‐lines and E/eʹ was better, especially in the HFpEF group.
Distance‐dependent seedling mortality and long‐term spacing dynamics in a neotropical forest community
Authors: Murphy Stephen J. , Wiegand Thorsten , Comita Liza S.
Published: October 2017

Negative distance dependence (NDisD), or reduced recruitment near adult conspecifics, is thought to explain the astounding diversity of tropical forests. While many studies show greater mortality at near vs. far distances from adults, these studies do not seek to track changes in the peak seedling curve over time, thus limiting our ability to link NDisD to coexistence. Using census data collected over 12 years from central Panama in conjunction with spatial mark‐connection functions, we show evidence for NDisD for many species, and find that the peak seedling curve shifts away from conspecific adults over time. We find wide variation in the strength of NDisD, which was correlated with seed size and canopy position, but other life‐history traits showed no relationship with variation in NDisD mortality. Our results document shifts in peak seedling densities over time, thus providing evidence for the hypothesized spacing mechanism necessary for diversity maintenance in tropical forests.
Detection of generalized tonic–clonic seizures using surface electromyographic monitoring
Authors: Halford Jonathan J. , Sperling Michael R. , Nair Dileep R. , Dlugos Dennis J. , Tatum William O. , Harvey Jay , French Jacqueline A. , Pollard John R. , Faught Edward , Noe Katherine H. , Henry Thomas R. , Jetter Gina M. , Lie Octavian V. , Morgan Lola C. , Girouard Michael R. , Cardenas Damon P. , Whitmire Luke E. , Cavazos Jose E.
Published: October 2017

Objective

A prospective multicenter phase III trial was undertaken to evaluate the performance and tolerability in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) of an investigational wearable surface electromyographic (sEMG) monitoring system for the detection of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCSs).

Methods

One hundred ninety‐nine patients with a history of GTCSs who were admitted to the EMU in 11 level IV epilepsy centers for clinically indicated video‐electroencephalographic monitoring also received sEMG monitoring with a wearable device that was worn on the arm over the biceps muscle. All recorded sEMG data were processed at a central site using a previously developed detection algorithm. Detected GTCSs were compared to events verified by a majority of three expert reviewers.

Results

For all subjects, the detection algorithm detected 35 of 46 (76%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61–0.87) of the GTCSs, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.03 and a mean false alarm rate (FAR) of 2.52 per 24 h. For data recorded while the device was placed over the midline of the biceps muscle, the system detected 29 of 29 GTCSs (100%, 95% CI = 0.88–1.00), with a detection delay averaging 7.70 s, a PPV of 6.2%, and a mean FAR of 1.44 per 24 h. Mild to moderate adverse events were reported in 28% (55 of 199) of subjects and led to study withdrawal in 9% (17 of 199). These adverse events consisted mostly of skin irritation caused by the electrode patch that resolved without treatment. No serious adverse events were reported.

Significance

Detection of GTCSs using an sEMG monitoring device on the biceps is feasible. Proper positioning of this device is important for accuracy, and for some patients, minimizing the number of false positives may be challenging.
Quantifying the influence of urban land use on mangrove biology and ecology: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Branoff Benjamin L.
Published: October 2017

Aim

The aim was to quantify the influence of urban land use and urban populations on mangrove systems around the world over the past four decades.

Location

Global.

Time period

1997–2015.

Major taxa studied

Avicennia, Laguncularia, Rhizophora, Aves, Actinopterygii, Crustacea and Mollusca.

Methods

This review extracts results of mangrove studies on forest cover and structure, nutrient dynamics, sediment contamination and faunal community assemblages conducted around the world between 1997 and 2015. These observations are then correlated with surrounding social–ecological spatial characteristics pertaining to urbanization.

Results

Mangrove coverage in large cities is mostly decreasing, and at a greater rate than means for corresponding countries. Both expanding urbanization and existing agriculture are most strongly correlated with mangrove losses, which are primarily occurring 5–10 km from urban areas. Along a gradient of surrounding urban land use, mangrove leaf δ15N content increases, and leaf carbon to nitrogen ratios decrease. Sediment concentrations of almost all examined heavy metals are strongly and positively correlated with both surrounding urban and mangrove extent. The diversity of subsistence fisheries increases significantly with surrounding mangrove extent. Worm diversity decreases with increasing surrounding urbanness (urban index), and mangrove specialist bird diversity increases with increasing surrounding urban coverage as well as with mangrove coverage.

Main conclusions

Mangroves increasingly coexist within highly anthropogenic landscapes along urbanized coasts. Most ecological reports of these systems, however, lack quantified representations of the urban landscape, such as population density or impervious surface coverage. The results of this analysis suggest that some of the reported patterns of forest coverage, nitrogen dynamics, heavy metal contamination and faunal community assemblages in isolated urban mangroves are systemic across the world. These findings are particularly pertinent to 21st century tropical coastlines, which will see some of the greatest urbanization rates over the next century and will guide urban mangrove ecology towards the development of more synergistic social–ecological systems.
Are optic nerve heads of patients with helicobacter pylori infection more susceptible to glaucomatous damage?
Authors: Atilgan Cemile Ucgul , Kosekahya Pinar , Yozgat Ahmet , Sen Emine , Berker Nilufer , Caglayan Mehtap , Sendul Selam Yekta , Altiparmak Emin , Yilmazbas Pelin
Published: October 2017

Background

To compare retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses (RNFLT) of patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection and to reveal the possible RNFLT changes after H. pylori eradication.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐five eyes of 65 patients that tested positive for H. pylori (Group 1) and 48 eyes of 48 patients that tested negative for H. pylori (Group 2) were included. RNFLT analyses were performed with spectral‐domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a total of five regions: the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants and the average. Then, a comparison was made between groups. After H. pylori eradication in 38 patients, RNFLTs were compared with both pre‐eradication values and Group 2.

Results

The groups were similar in terms of age and gender. Temporal quadrant RNFLT was thinner in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P=.02). After H. pylori eradication, RNFLTs did not differ from pre‐eradication values in Group 1 (P>.05 for all), whereas temporal quadrant RNFLT after H. pylori eradication was thinner compared to Group 2 (P=.03).

Conclusions

H. pylori may cause the localized defects on RNFL that are the early signs of glaucoma.
Life experiences of elderly people with suicide ideation at the long‐term care hospitals in South Korea
Authors: Kim Ok Sun , Sok Sohyune R.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To understand the life experiences of elderly people who are living in long‐term care hospitals and are afflicted with suicide ideation.

Methods

A phenomenological qualitative methodology based on Colaizzi's method was used for the study. Participants included 9 elderly people who are 65 years old or older with suicidal ideas and were admitted in any of the 3 long‐term care hospitals in D City, Gyeonggi‐do, South Korea. Data were collected from July to December 2014.

Results

Seven categories, 15 theme categories, 30 themes, and 88 significant items were identified as parts of their life experiences. The 7 categories were identified as “being a slave to one's disease”, “sadness as a result of being far away from one's family”, “vain care and consolation for me”, “continued life in a hospital, which feels like living abroad”, “plunging life”, “moving toward the end of life”, and “sad relief from death”.

Conclusion

The findings from this study provide a deep understanding of the lives of elderly people who were staying in long‐term care hospitals, and these will help improve their quality of life. Additionally, they can be used as references in implementing high‐quality nursing practices for such elderly people.
Knowledge gaps in prostate cancer treatment between physicians and clinical nurse specialists
Authors: Gledhill Richard , Allchorne Paula , Green James , Cornford Philip
Published: October 2017

Delphi consultations, a method of gaining consensus by gathering expert opinion, were conducted in order to understand the role of degarelix as a treatment option for advanced hormone‐dependent prostate cancer. During the Delphi consultations, differences were identified between physicians and clinical nurse specialists in terms of their knowledge of therapeutic developments. We argue that disparities in knowledge between physicians and nurse specialists could limit the effectiveness of multi‐disciplinary teams in providing optimal patient care. When such situations arise, communication between patients and nurse specialists, often the patient's primary point of contact, may conflict with information they have received from the physician. This could lead to confusion and uncertainty among patients about whether they are receiving the best possible care. Time and resources should be provided to address the continuing educational needs of nurses, which will ultimately result in the improved care and experience of patients.
Do medical oncology patients and their support persons agree about end‐of‐life issues?
Authors: Waller Amy , Hall Alix , Sanson‐Fisher Rob , Zdenkowski Nicholas , Douglas Charles , Walsh Justin
Published: October 2017

Background

The perceptions of those called on to make decisions on behalf of patients who lack capacity at the end of life must accurately reflect patient preferences.

Aims

To establish the extent to which the views of medical oncology outpatients are understood by their support persons, specifically with regards to (i) preferred type and location of end‐of‐life care, (ii) preferred level of involvement in end‐of‐life decision‐making and (iii) whether the patient has completed an advance care plan or appointed an enduring guardian.

Methods

Adults with a confirmed cancer diagnosis and their nominated support persons were approached between September 2015 and January 2016 in the waiting room of an Australian tertiary referral clinic. Consenting participants completed a pen‐and‐paper survey. Nominated support persons answered the same questions from the patient’s perspective.

Results

In total, 208 participants (39% of eligible dyads) participated. Observed agreement across the five outcomes ranged from 54% to 84%. Kappa values for concordance between patient–support person responses were fair to moderate (0.24–0.47) for enduring guardian, decision‐making, advance care plan and care location outcomes. A slight level of concordance (k = 0.15; 95% confidence interval: −0.02, 0.32) was found for the type of care outcome.

Conclusion

Relying on support persons’ views does not guarantee that patients’ actual preferences will be followed. Strategies that make patient preferences known to healthcare providers and support persons while they still have the capacity to do so is a critical next step in improving quality cancer care.
Delayed dispersal and prolonged brood care in a family‐living beetle
Authors: Dillard J. R. , Maigret T. A.
Published: October 2017

Delayed juvenile dispersal is an important prerequisite for the evolution of family‐based social systems, such as cooperative breeding and eusociality. In general, young adults forego dispersal if there are substantial benefits to remaining in the natal nest and/or the likelihood of dispersing and breeding successfully is low. We investigate some general factors thought to drive delayed juvenile dispersal in the horned passalus beetle, a family‐living beetle in which young adults remain with their families in their natal nest for several months before dispersing. Fine‐scale population genetic structure indicated high gene flow between nest sites, suggesting that constraints on mobility are unlikely to explain philopatry. Young adults do not breed in their natal log and likely disperse before reaching breeding age, suggesting that they do not gain direct reproductive benefits from delayed dispersal. We also examined several ways in which parents might incentivize delayed dispersal by providing prolonged care to adult offspring. Although adult beetles inhibit fungal growth in the colony by manipulating both the nest site and deceased conspecifics, this is unlikely to be a major explanation for family living as both parents and adult offspring seem capable of controlling fungal growth. Adult offspring that stayed with their family groups also neither gained more mass nor experienced faster exoskeleton development than those experimentally removed from their families. The results of these experiments suggest that our current understanding of the factors underlying prolonged family living may be insufficient to explain delayed dispersal in at least some taxa, particularly insects.
Population biology of the little gulper shark Centrophorus uyato in Lebanese waters
Authors: Lteif M. , Mouawad R. , Khalaf G. , Lenfant P. , Seret B. , Verdoit‐Jarraya M.
Published: October 2017

A total of 38 individuals of the heavily exploited little gulper shark Centrophorus uyato were collected from Lebanese coastal waters using bottom longlines and trammel nets of different meshes at depths ranging from 115 to 600 m between May 2013 and February 2014. Their total lengths were between 45 and 94 cm and their total mass was from 870 to 6700 g. The sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1, with 20 males and 18 females, but bathymetric sexual segregation occurred. Catch per net setting (CNS) was used as a relative abundance index to detect spatial distribution; trammel nets showed largest CNS ranging from 4·9 to 5·45 kg per unit effort in the north and south, at depths from 120 to 200 m, during spring and summer. The mass–length relationships demonstrated negative allometric growth (b < 3) (males: MT = 0.3585LT2·071, r2 = 0·94; females: MT = 0.0239LT2·735, r2 = 0·64). The condition factor as well as the gonado‐somatic and hepato‐somatic indices of C. uyato in the study area were also calculated. The results are discussed in relation to the distribution, growth and reproduction as well as the management of C. uyato.
Regulation of G1 cyclin‐dependent kinases in liver regeneration
Authors: MENJO MASAFUMI , IKEDA KYOJI , NAKANISHI MAKOTO
Published: October 2017

The liver serves as a suitable model for studying tissue regeneration. Although various growth factors have been implicated in the promotion of this process, their precise role in liver regeneration remains to be elucidated. Whatever the extracellular signals may be, they all converge on cell cycle regulators in the nucleus, where the sequential activation of cyclin‐dependent kinases (Cdk) takes place. The activities of Cdk are regulated positively through their association with cognate cyclins, and negatively via interactions with Cdk inhibitors. In this review article, our recent data as well as results of previous reports on how these cell cycle regulators trigger and/or terminate the process of liver regeneration are summarized. The authors believe that ‘knockout’ mice, in which specific genes are deleted, will be useful for providing further insight into the positive and negative regulation of liver regeneration.
Fas‐mediated apoptosis is involved in the elimination of gene‐transduced hepatocytes with E1/E3‐deleted adenoviral vectors
Authors: OKUYAMA TORAYUKI , LI XIAO-KANG , FUNESHIMA NAOKO , FUJINO MASAYUKI , SASAKI KYOKO , KITA YUSUKE , KOSUGA MOTOMICHI , TAKAHASHI MASAHIKO , SAITO HIDETSUGU , SUZUKI SEIICHI , YAMADA MASAO
Published: October 2017

Gene‐transduced hepatocytes with E1/E3‐deleted adenoviral vectors are eliminated immediately and the expression of transduced genes disappears rapidly following the vector administration. In this report, we analysed the involvement of apoptotic cell death in the elimination of hepatocytes infected with adenoviral vectors. An E1/E3‐deleted adenoviral vector expressing Escherichia coli β‐galactosidase (LacZ) was injected via the portal vein into congenitally Fas‐deficient mice (lpr), Fas ligand‐deficient mice (gld) and their control mice, MRL and C3H. 5‐Bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl‐β‐D‐galactoside (X‐gal) staining of the liver specimens showed that 80–100% of hepatocytes were LacZ positive at 7 days after virus administration, suggesting that most of the hepatocytes received the injected adenoviral vectors. In normal mice, the number of LacZ‐positive cells decreased dramatically at 14 and 21 days after transduction and few positive cells were observed at day 28. β‐Galactosidase activity, quantified by the O‐nitrophenyl‐beta‐D‐galactopyranoside assay, gave comparable results to X‐gal staining. At days 14 or 21, many apoptotic hepatocytes and apoptotic infiltrating cells were detected with the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐digoxigenin nick end‐labelling (TUNEL) in situ apoptosis detection method. This observation suggested that the apoptotic process was associated with the elimination of adenovirus‐infected hepatocytes. To test the involvement of the Fas—Fas ligand interaction in this apoptotic process, the period of transgene expression was measured in 1pr and gld mice, which had received the same amount of AxCALacZ. X‐Gal histochemical analysis detected many LacZ‐positive cells in 1pr or gld mice liver even at 21 or 28 days after AxCALacZ injection. There were significant differences in the reduction rates of β‐galactosidase activity of liver homogenates between lpr and MRL, or gld and C3H mice. Based on these observations, we conclude that the Fas‐mediated apoptotic process is involved in the elimination of hepatocytes infected with E1/E3‐deleted adenoviral vectors.