bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Thomas G. P. , Norton C. , Nicholls R. J. , Vaizey C. J.
Published: August 2013

Aim

Although effective in faecal incontinence (FI), sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is expensive and requires two procedures. It carries a small risk of infection and electrode migration. Transcutaneous SNS is noninvasive and cheap. Two small studies have reported the results when applied to segments S3 but there is no information on its effectiveness when applied to the whole sacral area.

Method

A pilot study was carried out of self‐administered transcutaneous SNS given over a 4‐week period for 12 h a day. A 2‐week bowel diary was kept for the final 2 weeks and compared with baseline. Patients were assessed using the St Mark's Incontinence Score, a visual analogue scale assessing satisfaction with bowel habit, the Rockwood FI Quality of Life (QOL) score and SF‐36 QOL score.

Results

Of the 10 patients recruited, two achieved complete continence. There was a statistically significant reduction in the median (interquartile range) frequency of incontinent episodes per week from 9.5 (7.5) to 3 (7.38) (P = 0.03), and in the median frequency of defaecation per week from 25.5 (19.5) to 14.5 (14.9) (P = 0.007). There was a statistically significant improvement in the median ability to defer defaecation from 1 (1.25) to 4.5 (4.5) min (P = 0.02). There was also a statistically significant improvement in the St Marks Incontinence Score from 20 (5.25) to 14.5 (8.0) (P = 0.01) and in the bowel habit satisfaction visual analogue scale from 8.5 (20) to 45 (33) (P = 0.008). There was no change in the Rockwood FI QOL or SF‐36 QOL scores. No complications were reported.

Conclusion

Transcutaneous SNS appears to be an effective and safe treatment for FI. Larger controlled studies are needed to explore this further.
Is follow‐up CT imaging of the chest and abdomen necessary after preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer patients without evidence of metastatic disease at diagnosis?
Authors: Jaffe T. A. , Neville A. M. , Bashir M. R. , Uronis H. E. , Thacker J. M.
Published: August 2013

Aim

Patients with rectal cancer often undergo multiple CT scans prior to surgical resection. We propose that in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer without evidence of metastatic disease at presentation, CT imaging of the chest and abdomen after preoperative neoadjuvant therapy does not change clinical information or surgical management.

Method

An institutional review board‐approved medical record review identified patients with contrast enhanced CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis alone or in conjunction with 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose/positron emission tomography imaging for staging of rectal cancer prior to and after neoadjuvant therapy. Eighty‐eight patients were included in the study. Scans were reviewed for the presence of metastatic disease on initial and follow‐up imaging prior to surgical resection.

Results

Seventy‐six (86%) of 88 patients had no evidence of metastasis at presentation. None of these patients developed metastatic disease after neoadjuvant therapy. Twelve (14%) had metastases at presentation. No study patient developed metastatic disease in a new organ.

Conclusion

Imaging after preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer does not change the designation of metastatic disease. Patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma without evidence of metastases may not benefit from repeat imaging of the chest and abdomen after neoadjuvant therapy.
Towards a definition of neurodisability: a Delphi survey
Authors: Morris Christopher , Janssens Astrid , Tomlinson Richard , Williams Jane , Logan Stuart
Published: August 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop, systematically, a consensus‐based definition for ‘neurodisability’ that is meaningful to health professionals and parents of children with neurological conditions.

Method

A multidisciplinary group of health professionals was recruited through child development teams and professional societies in the UK; several parents of children with neurological conditions worked with the research team. Professionals participated in three rounds of a Delphi survey. Participants rated their agreement with a proposed definition in each round, and feedback was used to refine the definition. Finally, a perspective was sought from international experts.

Results

Responses to the three rounds were as follows: round 1, 245 out of 290 (84.4%); round 2, 242 out of 300 (80.6%); and round 3, 237 out of 297 (79.7%). Agreement with the proposed definition was extremely high in every round (89.0%, 90.1%, and 93.6% respectively). The final version of the definition was widely endorsed among professionals, parents, and a small number of international colleagues. The final definition is as follows: ‘Neurodisability describes a group of congenital or acquired long‐term conditions that are attributed to impairment of the brain and/or neuromuscular system and create functional limitations. A specific diagnosis may not be identified. Conditions may vary over time, occur alone or in combination, and include a broad range of severity and complexity. The impact may include difficulties with movement, cognition, hearing and vision, communication, emotion, and behaviour'.

Interpretation

An agreed definition of neurodisability will be useful for conducting research or clinical evaluations with people affected by neurological problems.
Detecting meaningful change using the North Star Ambulatory Assessment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mayhew Anna G , Cano Stefan J , Scott Elaine , Eagle Michelle , Bushby Kate , Manzur Adnan , Muntoni Francesco ,   the North Star Clinical Network for Neuromuscular Disease
Published: August 2013

Aim

Clinician‐reported outcome instruments such as the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) need to be able to detect clinically important change to be suitable for clinical trials. However, in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), identifying changes in function is not straightforward. In this study, we use Rasch‐transformed data to examine the responsiveness and minimal important difference (MID) of the NSAA in males with DMD receiving different corticosteroid regimes.

Method

NSAA data were examined from 198 males (mean age at assessment was 8y 6mo [SD 2y 6mo] range 4y–18y; 805 assessments). Responsiveness was assessed using mean score changes (using Rasch‐transformed data) between adjacent pairs of age groups, pairwise squared t‐values from paired samples t‐tests, and an effect size calculation. The MID was assessed using the effect size calculation and 0.5 standard deviation (SD) of mean score differences.

Results

Our findings revealed a difference in change scores over time between the two corticosteroid regimes. Mean NSAA person estimates were higher in the daily prednisolone group. The mean MID (0.5 SD) was 8.8 and 6.9 for the daily group and intermittent group respectively.

Interpretation

This study, based on Rasch‐transformed NSAA data, provides an initial basis for the interpretation of clinical change in DMD over time and between corticosteroid regimes. Our proposed MIDs can be mapped back to differences in specific item content across the range of the NSAA.
Maternal insulin resistance, triglycerides and cord blood insulin in relation to post‐natal weight trajectories and body composition in the offspring up to 2 years
Authors: Brunner S. , Schmid D. , Hüttinger K. , Much D. , Heimberg E. , Sedlmeier E.‐M. , Brüderl M. , Kratzsch J. , Bader B. L. , Amann‐Gassner U. , Hauner H.
Published: August 2013

Aims

The intrauterine metabolic environment might have a programming effect on offspring body composition. We aimed to explore associations of maternal variables of glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy, as well as cord blood insulin, with infant growth and body composition up to 2 years post‐partum.

Methods

Data of pregnant women and their infants came from a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the impact of nutritional fatty acids on adipose tissue development in the offspring. Of the 208 pregnant women enrolled, 118 infants were examined at 2 years. In the present analysis, maternal fasting plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and serum triglycerides measured during pregnancy, as well as insulin in umbilical cord plasma, were related to infant growth and body composition assessed by skinfold thickness measurements and abdominal ultrasonography up to 2 years of age.

Results

Maternal homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance at the 32nd week of gestation was significantly inversely associated with infant lean body mass at birth, whereas the change in serum triglycerides during pregnancy was positively associated with ponderal index at 4 months, but not at later time points. Cord plasma insulin correlated positively with birthweight and neonatal fat mass and was inversely associated with body weight gain up to 2 years after multiple adjustments. Subsequent stratification by gender revealed that this relationship with weight gain was stronger, and significant only in girls.

Conclusions

Cord blood insulin is inversely associated with subsequent infant weight gain up to 2 years and this seems to be more pronounced in girls.
What Did US$18 bn Achieve? The 2005 Debt Relief to Nigeria
Authors: Dijkstra Geske
Published: August 2013

Since 2003 Nigeria's economic growth has been consistently above 6% and has been driven by non‐oil sectors. This article attempts to assess the contribution of the 2005 debt‐relief agreement to this higher growth. The agreement eliminated Nigeria's US$30 billion debt to Paris Club creditors who cancelled US$18 bn, while Nigeria paid back US$12 bn. The article traces the three possible impact channels of debt relief, namely, the flow (reduced debt service), the stock (removal of debt overhang) and the conditionality channel, and comes to the conclusion that the debt‐relief agreement played a key role in the country's improved economic performance, in particular through successful conditionality.
Trait‐based tests of coexistence mechanisms
Authors: Adler Peter B. , Fajardo Alex , Kleinhesselink Andrew R. , Kraft Nathan J. B.
Published: August 2013

Recent functional trait studies have shown that trait differences may favour certain species (environmental filtering) while simultaneously preventing competitive exclusion (niche partitioning). However, phenomenological trait‐dispersion analyses do not identify the mechanisms that generate niche partitioning, preventing trait‐based prediction of future changes in biodiversity. We argue that such predictions require linking functional traits with recognised coexistence mechanisms involving spatial or temporal environmental heterogeneity, resource partitioning and natural enemies. We first demonstrate the limitations of phenomenological approaches using simulations, and then (1) propose trait‐based tests of coexistence, (2) generate hypotheses about which plant functional traits are likely to interact with particular mechanisms and (3) review the literature for evidence for these hypotheses. Theory and data suggest that all four classes of coexistence mechanisms could act on functional trait variation, but some mechanisms will be stronger and more widespread than others. The highest priority for future research is studies of interactions between environmental heterogeneity and trait variation that measure environmental variables at within‐community scales and quantify species' responses to the environment in the absence of competition. Evidence that similar trait‐based coexistence mechanisms operate in many ecosystems would simplify biodiversity forecasting and represent a rare victory for generality over contingency in community ecology.
Growing biodiverse carbon‐rich forests
Authors: Pichancourt Jean‐Baptiste , Firn Jennifer , Chadès Iadine , Martin Tara G.
Published: August 2013

Regrowing forests on cleared land is a key strategy to achieve both biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation globally. Maximizing these co‐benefits, however, remains theoretically and technically challenging because of the complex relationship between carbon sequestration and biodiversity in forests, the strong influence of climate variability and landscape position on forest development, the large number of restoration strategies possible, and long time‐frames needed to declare success. Through the synthesis of three decades of knowledge on forest dynamics and plant functional traits combined with decision science, we demonstrate that we cannot always maximize carbon sequestration by simply increasing the functional trait diversity of trees planted. The relationships between plant functional diversity, carbon sequestration rates above ground and in the soil are dependent on climate and landscape positions. We show how to manage ‘identities’ and ‘complementarities’ between plant functional traits to achieve systematically maximal cobenefits in various climate and landscape contexts. We provide examples of optimal planting and thinning rules that satisfy this ecological strategy and guide the restoration of forests that are rich in both carbon and plant functional diversity. Our framework provides the first mechanistic approach for generating decision‐makingrules that can be used to manage forests for multiple objectives, and supports joined carbon credit and biodiversity conservation initiatives, such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation REDD+. The decision framework can also be linked to species distribution models and socio‐economic models to find restoration solutions that maximize simultaneously biodiversity, carbon stocks, and other ecosystem services across landscapes. Our study provides the foundation for developing and testing cost‐effective and adaptable forest management rules to achieve biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and other socio‐economic co‐benefits under global change.
Increased invasive potential of non‐native Phragmites australis: elevated CO2 and temperature alleviate salinity effects on photosynthesis and growth
Authors: Eller Franziska , Lambertini Carla , Nguyen Loc Xuan , Brix Hans
Published: August 2013

The prospective rise in atmospheric CO2 and temperature may change the distribution and invasive potential of a species; and intraspecific invasive lineages may respond differently to climate change. In this study, we simulated a future climate scenario with simultaneously elevated atmospheric CO2 and temperature, and investigated its interaction with soil salinity, to assess the effects of global change on the ecophysiology of two competing haplotypes of the wetland grass Phragmites australis, that are invasive in the coastal marshes of North America. The two haplotypes with the phenotypes ‘EU‐type’ (Eurasian haplotype) and ‘Delta‐type’ (Mediterranean haplotype), were grown at 0‰ and 20‰ soil salinity, and at ambient or elevated climatic conditions (700 ppm CO2, +5 °C) in a phytotron system. The aboveground growth of both phenotypes was highest at the elevated climatic conditions. Growth at 20‰ salinity resulted in declined aboveground growth, lower transpiration rates (E), stomata conductance (gs), specific leaf area, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and a reduced photosynthetic performance. The negative effects of salinity were, however, significantly less severe at elevated CO2 and temperature than at the ambient climatic conditions. The Delta‐type P. australis had higher shoot elongation rates than the EU‐type P. australis, particularly at high salinity. The Delta‐type also had higher maximum light‐saturated rates of photosynthesis (Asat), maximum carboxylation rates of Rubisco (Vcmax), maximum electron transport rates (Jmax), triose phosphate utilization rates (Tp), stomata conductance (gs), as well as higher Rubisco carboxylation‐limited, RuBP regeneration‐limited and Tp‐regeneration limited CO2 assimilation rates than the EU‐type under all growth conditions. Our results suggest that the EU‐type will not become dominant over the Delta‐type, since the Delta‐type has superior ecophysiological traits. However, the projected rise in atmospheric CO2 and temperature will alleviate the effects of salinity on both phenotypes and facilitate their expansion into more saline areas.
Self‐inflicted injury as a potential trigger for carcinoma of lip – a case report
Authors: Kashyap Roopashri Rajesh , Kashyap Rajesh Shanker
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To report a case of an elderly patient with an unstable mental condition, presenting with the carcinoma of lip due to repeated toothpick injury.

Background

Self‐induced lesions of the face and mouth may be a manifestation of unusual or aggressive oral habits or an emotional disorder. The deliberate creation of orofacial lesions, is an indication of underlying psychiatric disease. Betel quid chewing is the major risk factor for oral cancer. It conditions the oral mucosa towards the development of cancer. Repeated trauma by self mutilation on such a conditioned mucosa can lead to the development of cancer.

Materials and methods

A male patient aged 85 years reported the complaint of a growth on the left side of the lower lip. Trauma followed by self inflicted injury had predisposed to the formation of cancer.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of self inflicted lesions are challenging as the histories of these lesions tend to be vague and misleading. Our knowledge in this particular pathology is limited mainly because of diagnostic difficulties and lack of solid statistical data.
Effect of raw rice bran supplementation on rumen methanogen population density and in vitro rumen fermentation
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Wakabayashi Hiroaki , Fukushima Natsumi , Ito Kenji , Nishikawa Ayaka , Yoshimi Ryota , Ogawa Yuriko , Yoneda Shohei , Ban‐Tokuda Tomomi , Wakita Masaaki
Published: August 2013

The effect of raw rice bran supplementation on in vitro rumen methane production, short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and profile, and the population density of methanogenic archaea was studied using batch cultures of rumen fluid. The experimental batch culture conditions were as follows: a control group containing a substrate without supplements; substrates supplemented with 5, 10 or 15% raw rice bran; and a culture treated with an antimethanogenic agent, bromoethanesulfonate (BES), as a positive control. The methanogen population density in the cultures was determined by methanogen‐specific real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The BES treatment completely inhibited methane production. Supplementation with 10% raw rice bran inhibited methane production by 18% after a 24‐h incubation (P > 0.05). No significant difference in total SCFA levels was observed between all the treatments, although the SCFA profiles were altered. Whereas the proportion of butyrate increased significantly, the proportion of propionate decreased significantly in the 10% rice bran treatment (P < 0.05). Only 10% raw rice bran supplementation significantly reduced the methanogen population density by 25% compared with the control after the 24‐h incubation (P < 0.05). The results showed that supplementing the substrate with 10% raw rice bran affects SCFA profiles and methanogen population density in rumen fermentation in vitro.
Preparation and Xylene‐Sensing Properties of Co3O4 Nanofibers
Authors: Qu Fengdong , Feng Caihui , Li Chao , Li Wei , Wen Shanpeng , Ruan Shengping , Zhang Haifeng
Published: August 2013

Co3O4 nanofibers were prepared by an electrospinning method and characterized by differential thermal and thermal gravimetric analyzer (DTA‐TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT‐IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Xylene‐sensing properties of the as‐prepared nanofibers were also investigated in detail. The results showed that the morphology of the as‐prepared fibers was largely influenced by the calcination temperature. The Co3O4 nanofibers calcined at 500°C exhibited the highest response to xylene in a wide concentration range. Moreover, Co3O4 nanofibers calcined at 500°C also exhibited good selectivity, fast response (15 s) and recovery (22 s) rate at a low operating temperatures of 255°C. These properties make the fabricated nanofibers good candidates for xylene detection.
Antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of Turkish pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) accessions
Authors: Karaaslan Mehmet , Vardin Hasan , Varlıklıöz Suzan , Yılmaz Fatih M.
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to assess antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of four different Turkish pomegranate varieties (Hatay, Hicaz, Adana and Antalya) using an in vitro HepG2 cancer cell model. All the pomegranate extracts employed in this study significantly diminish the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The total phenolic acid, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents for each of the four varieties were determined. The Hatay pomegranate variety had the highest total phenolic acid (337.4 ± 2.34 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (58.42 ± 2.25 mg/100 g) contents of the pomegranates examined. Antioxidant activities of the pomegranates were determined using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The lack of correlation between colour index value and antioxidant–antiproliferative activities suggested that phenolic acids and flavonoids are predominant compounds influencing pomegranate's bioactivity rather than anthocyanins. Individual phenolic acids found in Hatay pomegranates were determined, using an HPLC system, as gallic acid being the most predominant phenolic compound.
Metabolic syndrome correlates with peri‐urethral fibrosis secondary to chronic prostate inflammation: Evidence of a link in a cohort of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Cantiello Francesco , Cicione Antonio , Salonia Andrea , Autorino Riccardo , Ucciero Giuseppe , Tucci Luigi , Briganti Alberto , Damiano Rocco
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To investigate the pathological relationship between metabolic syndrome and peri‐urethral fibrosis status secondary to chronic prostate inflammation.

Methods

Peri‐urethral prostate tissue from 80 consecutive patients who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer was analyzed. Patients were divided in two groups according to whether or not they had a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. A 16‐peri‐urethral core bench biopsy was carried out on each radical prostatectomy specimen to evaluate the extent of peri‐urethral inflammatory infiltrate, and collagen and elastin amount. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to test the association between variables. Furthermore, the data were used to define a bivariate logistic regression model in which the presence (>50% collagen amount for each patients) or absence (≤50% collagen amount) of fibrosis was analyzed after adjusting for clinical and pathological variables.

Results

A significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of International Prostatic Symptoms Score (P < 0.05) and urodynamics findings (all P < 0.05). Patients with metabolic syndrome showed a more extended inflammatory infiltrate and higher peri‐urethral collagen amount, along with a lower peri‐urethral elastin amount (all P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between inflammation, International Prostatic Symptoms Score, Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index and collagen amount, whereas inflammation was inversely correlated with elastin amount. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, prostate inflammation and metabolic syndrome were the only independent predictors of peri‐urethral fibrosis (OR 1.73, 1.52, respectively).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that metabolic syndrome might represent an independent risk factor for prostate inflammation and fibrotic changes secondary to inflammation within the peri‐urethral prostatic tissue.
The effects of smoothies on enamel erosion: an in situ study
Authors: Ali Hanein , Tahmassebi Jinous F.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To measure, in vitro, the pH and titratable acidity (TA) of various soft drinks and to assess the erosive effect of smoothies using an in situ model.

Method

The in vitro phase of this study included measuring the inherent pH of six different commercially available smoothies, diet coke, and citric acid 0.3% (positive control) using a pH meter. The TA was determined by titration with NaOH. In the second part of the study, an in situ model was used. An upper removable appliance capable of retaining two enamel slabs was constructed and worn by 14 volunteers. The drinks under test were Innocent® strawberries and banana smoothie and citric acid. Volunteers were instructed to dip the appliance in the test solutions extra‐orally five times daily for 2 min each time for 21 days. Measurements of enamel loss were made by surface profilometry and microhardness.

Results

Diet Coke was found to be the most acidic drink (pH 2.61), whereas Innocent® mangoes and passion fruit smoothie showed to be the least (pH 3.9). With regard to TA, Innocent® blackberries, strawberries, and blackcurrant smoothie had the highest TA requiring 10.8 mol of NaOH to reach pH 7.0, whereas citric acid required only 3.1 mol of NaOH to reach the same pH value. Surface profilometry and microhardness testing revealed that citric acid caused a statistically significantly greater tooth surface loss compared with smoothie after 21‐day pH cycling protocol.

Conclusion

Smoothies are acidic and have high TA levels. Innocent® strawberries and banana smoothie had an erosive potential to the teeth. However, its erosive effect was significantly less compared with citric acid after 21‐day pH cycling protocol using an in situ model.
Use of an ex vivo canine ventral slot model to test the efficacy of a piezoelectric cutting tool for decompressive spinal surgery
Authors: Farrell Michael , Solano Miguel A. , Fitzpatrick Noel , Jovanovik Jelena
Published: August 2013

Objective

To test the efficacy of a piezoelectric instrument (PI) for bone removal during ventral slot surgery.

Study Design

Ex vivo feasibility study.

Sample Population

Cadaveric canine cervical spinal specimens (n = 3; C1–7; C1–T1; C2–T1).

Methods

The spinal cord of each explanted spinal unit was replaced with a saline‐filled latex condom. In 8 disc spaces, ventral slot surgery was performed using a previously reported technique. Bone removal was achieved using a motorized burr (MB). In 8 disc spaces, bone was removed via en bloc ostectomy with a PI that selectively cuts mineralized tissue. Surgical duration and operating field visibility were recorded. Rupture of the fluid filled condom was used as a measure of iatrogenic collateral trauma. Computed tomography was used to measure ventral slot morphometry.

Results

Mean surgical duration for PI (23.4 minutes) was significantly shorter than for MB (34.1 minutes; P = .049). Using a 4 point Likert scale (4 = excellent, 3 = good, 2 = fair, 1 = poor), median visibility score was significantly higher for PI (2) than for MB (1; P = .03). The condom burst twice (1MB, 1PI) during elevation of the dorsal longitudinal ligament; there was no significant difference between techniques for incidence of collateral trauma (P = .99). Regardless of surgical technique, there was a bias in slot deviation towards the right (i.e., the surgeon's left; P = .021).

Conclusions

The PI allowed completion of ventral slots in a significantly shorter time, without an increased incidence of iatrogenic trauma. The right‐handed surgeon showed a left‐sided aiming bias, regardless of surgical technique.
Low Temperature Sintering and Enhanced Piezoelectricity of Lead‐Free (Na0.52K0.4425Li0.0375)(Nb0.86Ta0.06Sb0.08)O3 Ceramics Prepared from Nano‐Powders
Authors: Huan Yu , Wang Xiaohui , Guo Limin , Li Longtu
Published: August 2013

(Na0.52K0.4425Li0.0375)(Nb0.86Ta0.06Sb0.08)O3 powders were synthesized via sol–gel and solid‐state reaction methods as a raw material for the preparation of the ceramics. Dependence of piezoelectric properties and microstructure on sintering temperatures was investigated in this study. Sol–gel‐derived nano‐powders could be densified at a lower temperature of 940°C and exhibited excellent electrical properties after sintering at 1020°C (d33 = 424 pC/N, d33* = 780 pm/V, kp = 52.1%, and Tc = 265°C). The enhanced electric properties were most likely due to the coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal phase in the samples at room temperature, homogenous microstructure with fine grain and high density.
River network properties shape α‐diversity and community similarity patterns of aquatic insect communities across major drainage basins
Authors: Altermatt Florian , Seymour Mathew , Martinez Nicolas
Published: August 2013

Aim

Spatial dynamics and habitat connectivity affect community composition and diversity in many ecosystems. For many decades, diversity patterns in riverine ecosystems were thought to be related to local environmental conditions. Recent theoretical work, however, suggests that diversity in rivers is strongly affected by dispersal along the dendritic landscape structure and that environmental conditions are intrinsically linked to the network position. In this study we tested hypotheses on network position by relating river network geometry and connectivity to multi‐level biodiversity patterns across large scales.

Location

Three major alpine drainage basins in Switzerland were studied (Rhine, Rhone, Ticino), extending over an elevational gradient of > 2500 m and covering a total area of 41,285 km2.

Methods

We sampled all may‐, stone‐ and caddisfly species at 217 sites which representatively cover the three river networks. Using generalized additive models, we related diversity patterns in aquatic insects to centrality within the network as a direct river network property, and to catchment area and elevation, which are related to network position.

Results

Centrality within the river network, and catchment area and elevation had significant and interacting effects on α‐diversity and community similarity. Alpha diversity was lowest in peripheral headwaters and at high elevations. Species richness generally increased with increasing catchment area. Well‐connected, central communities within the river network had greater α‐diversity than more peripheral communities did. Elevation was a strong predictor of α‐diversity, with the most diverse communities found at mid‐elevation sites. Community similarity decreased with increasing along‐stream distance between sites.

Main conclusions

Our results highlight the fact that diversity patterns of aquatic insects in river systems are related to local factors such as elevation, but interact with network properties and connectivity along waterways, and differ among insect orders. These findings are consistent with dispersal‐limited processes and indicate that riverine diversity should be addressed and protected taking the river network structure into account.
The fundamental hominin niche in late Pleistocene Central Asia: a preliminary refugium model
Authors: Beeton Tyler A. , Glantz Michelle M. , Trainer Anna K. , Temirbekov Sayat S. , Reich Robin M.
Published: August 2013

Aim

We examine hominin presence in Central Asia during the late Pleistocene in order to identify the abiotic characteristics that best predict site distribution during interglacial and glacial periods. Our goal is to build a preliminary framework for climate‐mediated hominin dispersals in this understudied part of the Old World.

Location

Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.

Methods

We developed an ecological niche model using presence‐only data to explain the spatial relationship of abiotic variables and hominin locations (n = 15) during glacial–interglacial transitions. The model was evaluated using the Cramér–von Mises goodness‐of‐fit statistic and empiricalK‐function.

Results

Hominin locations were spatially aggregated during both glacial and interglacial periods. Of the abiotic variables analysed on a small scale (30‐m resolution), only distance to water differed significantly between glacial and interglacial periods, although most locations were within 5 km of water. At a coarse scale (5‐km resolution), hominin locations appear to have been constrained by low temperatures during glacial periods, but not during interglacials.

Main conclusions

Hominin groups did not abandon Central Asia during colder periods. This suggests one of three possibly complementary scenarios: (1) late Pleistocene hominin groups had a more flexible behavioural repertoire than previously anticipated and were able to buffer climatic instability culturally; (2) our study area was not as hostile an environment as traditionally considered; and (3) the area examined here represents a refugium during late Pleistocene glaciations.
Reproductive isolation and patterns of genetic differentiation in a cryptic butterfly species complex
Authors: Dincă V. , Wiklund C. , Lukhtanov V. A. , Kodandaramaiah U. , Norén K. , Dapporto L. , Wahlberg N. , Vila R. , Friberg M.
Published: August 2013

Molecular studies of natural populations are often designed to detect and categorize hidden layers of cryptic diversity, and an emerging pattern suggests that cryptic species are more common and more widely distributed than previously thought. However, these studies are often decoupled from ecological and behavioural studies of species divergence. Thus, the mechanisms by which the cryptic diversity is distributed and maintained across large spatial scales are often unknown. In 1988, it was discovered that the commonEurasian Wood White butterfly consisted of two species (Leptidea sinapisandLeptidea reali), and the pair became an emerging model for the study of speciation and chromosomal evolution. In 2011, the existence of a third cryptic species (Leptidea juvernica) was proposed. This unexpected discovery raises questions about the mechanisms preventing gene flow and about the potential existence of additional species hidden in the complex. Here, we compare patterns of genetic divergence across westernEurasia in an extensive data set of mitochondrial and nuclearDNAsequences with behavioural data on inter‐ and intraspecific reproductive isolation in courtship experiments. We show that three species exist in accordance with both the phylogenetic and biological species concepts and that additional hidden diversity is unlikely to occur inEurope. TheLeptideaspecies are now the best studied cryptic complex of butterflies inEurope and a promising model system for understanding the formation of cryptic species and the roles of local processes, colonization patterns and heterospecific interactions for ecological and evolutionary divergence.
Antibiosis resistance to cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopus (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in Central Asian wheat germplasm
Authors: Kher S. V. , Dosdall L. M. , Cárcamo H. A. , El‐Bouhssini M.
Published: August 2013

The cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a new invasive pest of cereals in western Canada. Host plant resistance is a potential option in the integrated management of this insect. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes are known to possess antixenosis against O. melanopus; however, mechanisms involving antibiosis are relatively less explored. We present results of an investigation exploring antibiotic resistance in wheat germplasm of Central Asian origin with putative resistance to O. melanopus. Our laboratory assessment of development and survivorship of O. melanopus on test genotypes indicated antibiotic properties in four of the six genotypes evaluated. Antibiosis effects were reflected through lower survivorship, extended developmental periods and low adult fitness. However, two genotypes were excellent hosts, and beetles had higher survivorship and fitness on them. The performance of O. melanopus on these two genotypes was comparable to that on the susceptible genotype CDC GO included as a check. The genotypes with antibiotic resistance identified by this research can now serve as sources of genetic resistance for breeding cultivars adapted to western Canadian conditions.
Insecticidal and antifeedant effects of two alkaloids from Cynanchum komarovii against larvae of Plutella xylostella L
Authors: Guo H. , Yang M. , Qi Q.
Published: August 2013

A bioassay‐guided fractionation of Cynanchum komarovii crude alkaloid extract led to the isolation of two alkaloids. The isolated alkaloids were identified as 7‐demethoxytylophorine (1) and 6‐hydroxyl‐2,3‐dimethoxy phenanthroindolizidine (2) based on the comparison of their spectroscopic characteristics with the literature data. Insecticidal, antifeedant and growth inhibitory effects of these two alkaloids against the 3rd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) were examined. The results showed that alkaloid 1 was more toxic than alkaloid 2 against the 3rd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella L., but both alkaloids were less toxic than the total alkaloid fraction. For antifeedant activity, alkaloid 1 showed AFC50 of 1.82 mg/ml at 24 h after treatment, alkaloid 2 showed 3.89 mg/ml, while total alkaloids showed 1.56 mg/ml. In dipping toxicity test, alkaloids 1 and 2 produced 93.3% and 63.3% mortality at 72 h after treatment, respectively, while total alkaloids produced 96.7% mortality. The LC50 values for alkaloids 1, 2 and the total alkaloids were 3.54, 9.21 and 2.63 mg/ml, respectively. The development of larvae was also inhibited, and the growth inhibition rates at the concentration of 15.00 mg/ml were 92.8%, 78.2% and 98.6% for alkaloids 1, 2 and total alkaloids, respectively, at 72 h after treatment. Compared with antifeedant and dipping effect, the alkaloids 1, 2 and total alkaloid fraction revealed weak feeding toxicity, and their corrected mortality rates at the concentration of 15.00 mg/ml were 60.0%, 40.0% and 63.3% at 7 days after treatment. The LC50 values for alkaloids 1, 2 and total alkaloids were 12.58, 32.37 and 8.88 mg/ml, respectively, at 7 days after treatment.
Relationship between admission day and timing of surgery for patients with hip fracture
Authors: Kondo Akiko , Yamaguchi Chikae , Fujimoto Etsuko
Published: August 2013

Aim

This study investigated: (i) the relationship between admission day of the week and the timing of surgery; (ii) whether the admission day of the week predicted length of stay or patients' outcomes; and (iii) the relationship between the timing of surgery and mortality.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study of two community general hospitals in Japan. The inclusion criteria were patients aged 65 years or older who had experienced a hip fracture and undergone surgery during April 2007 to March 2011. Data on demographics, care processes, and health outcomes during hospital stays were collected from hospital records. A questionnaire was sent to patients and/or their family members about the patients' health outcomes after discharge from hospital for hip fracture surgery.

Results

Data were collected from a total of 714 patients. In both hospitals, orthopedic surgery was not scheduled every day, and the admission day was significantly related to the timing of surgery. In hospital 1, the admission day explained 38.1% of the variance in the timing of surgery, and in hospital 2, it explained 8.3%. The admission day with early surgery predicted an early discharge. The admission day with delayed surgery predicted better survival. There was no significant relationship between the timing of surgery and mortality in either hospital.

Conclusion

Earlier surgery, by daily operations, may reduce the length of hospital stays, but its effect on patient outcome remains unclear. It is necessary to carefully determine which patients will benefit from earlier surgery.
Impairment and disability in 20 CIDP patients according to disease activity status
Authors: Panaite Petrica‐Adrian , Renaud Susanne , Kraftsik Rudolf , Steck Andreas J. , Kuntzer Thierry
Published: August 2013

Twenty patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) meeting the EFNS/PNS criteria were examined in order to assess differences/similarities between the various grading systems according to CIDP disease activity status (CDAS). A principal component (PC) analysis and the correlations between the following scores were performed: Neurological Symptom Score; MRC sum score; Neurological Impairment Score; Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale; Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) Sensory Sum Score; Overall Disability Sum Score; INCAT Disability Score; Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale. Our analysis outlined two main sets of scales, with high influence in the top two PCs. The first PC that best explained the variability within the cohort consisted of CDAS, general disability scores and motor scores; these parameters were also strongly correlated amongst each other. The second PC explained less the variability and consisted mainly of sensory scores and disease duration; these parameters did not correlate with the scores of the first PC or with the CDAS. Our findings suggest separating screening for motor and sensory deficits when evaluating CIDP patients, as only the motor scores correlate with CDAS.
Who Owns Guaraná? Legal Strategies, Development Policies and Agricultural Practices in Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Filoche Geoffroy , Pinton Florence
Published: August 2013

This paper offers a historical perspective on the interactions between legal standards and agricultural practices relating to guaraná, an energy‐inducing Amazonian plant that is in increasing demand. Guaraná is managed in a number of socio‐technical contexts, ranging from the fizzy drink industry to alternative agro‐ecological farming systems, and is subject to a great many legal rules that determine the conditions for its use and appropriation. The paper shows how, in guaraná's native region of Maués, Brazilian Amazonia, various stakeholders including the indigenous population, associations of smallholdings and multinationals use legal standards in order to gain prerogatives over the plant and/or win a share of a growing market. In spite of the fact that the plant has been domesticated by the Sateré‐Mawé and that traditional knowledge has been recognized in Brazil, to a certain extent history has dispossessed them of their rights to guaraná. New political and economic circumstances have favoured those actors committed to strategies of agricultural modernization and industrial processing. On the other hand, the ecologization of agriculture and the increasing numbers of instruments for differentiating production (such as fair trade, organic farming and geographical indications) seem to be favouring diversification in the methods of managing guaraná, as well as a certain re‐appropriation of the plant by local communities.
Low protein provision during the first year of life, but not during foetal life, affects metabolic traits, organ mass development and growth in male mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Vesterdorf K. , Blache D. , Harrison A. , Matthiesen C. F. , Tauson A.‐H.
Published: August 2013

Low protein provisionin uteroandpost‐partummay induce metabolic disorders in adulthood. Studies in mink have mainly focused on short‐term consequences of low protein provisionin uterowhereas the long‐term responses to low protein (LP) provision in metabolically programmed mink are unknown. We investigated whether low protein provisionin uteroaffects the long‐term response to adequate (AP) orLPprovision after weaning in male mink. Eighty‐six male mink were exposed to low (19% ofMEfromCP; crude protein) or adequate (31% ofMEfromCP) protein provisionin utero, and toLP(~20% ofMEfromCP) orAP(30–42% ofMEfromCP) provision post‐weaning. Being metabolically programmed by low protein provisionin uterodid not affect the response to post‐weaning diets. Dietary protein content in theLPfeed after weaning was below requirements; evidenced by lower nitrogen retention (p < 0.001) preventingLPmink from attaining their growth potential (p < 0.02).LPmink had a lower liver, pancreas and kidney weight (p < 0.05) as well as lower plasmaIGF‐1 concentrations at 8 and 25 (p < 0.05) weeks, and a higher incidence of hepatic lipidosis at 25 weeks (p < 0.05). Furthermore,LPmink had a higher body fat (p < 0.05) and lower bodyCPcontent (p < 0.05) at 50 weeks of age. It is concluded that some effects of low protein provisionin uterocan be alleviated by an adequate nutrient supplypost‐partum. However, long‐term exposure to low protein provision in mink reduces their growth potential and induces transient hepatic lipidosis and modified body composition.
Activity of glutamate dehydrogenase and protein content in the breast of broilers fed diets containing different sources and levels of glycerine
Authors: Bernardino V. M. P. , Rodrigues P. B. , de Paula Naves L. , Zangeronimo M. G. , Alvarenga R. R. , Rosa P. V. , Santos L. M. , Teixeira L. V.
Published: August 2013

According to scientific literature, glycerol in the diet can spare glucogenic amino acids by inhibiting the activity of enzymes, such as glutamate dehydrogenase, thereby promoting protein deposition in muscle tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three sources of glycerine (crude glycerine from soybean oil – CGSO, mixed crude glycerine from frying oil and lard – MCG and a semipurified glycerine from soybean oil – SPGSO) in four concentrations in the diet (17.5, 35.0, 52.5 and 70.0 g of each type of glycerine/kg of feed) on the activity of hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase, performance and protein content in the breast of broilers, during 22–35 days of age (experiment I) and 33–43 days of age (experiment II). In both experiments, an increase in MCG induced a linear decline in glutamate dehydrogenase activity (p < 0.05). In contrast, increasing the concentration of SPGSO in the diet caused a linear increase in enzyme activity (p < 0.05). There was no (p > 0.05) isolated effect of glycerine on the enzyme activity in either evaluated phase; however, during 33–42 days of age, MCG inhibited (p < 0.05) the glutamate dehydrogenase activity by up to 34.43%. During 22–35 days of age, the diet containing SPGSO induced a higher protein content (p < 0.05) in the breast, and regardless of the source utilized, the maximum protein deposition was estimated (p < 0.05) when broilers were fed with 55.08 g glycerine/kg of diet. There was no (p > 0.05) interaction or isolated effects of the sources and levels of glycerine on the protein content in the breast of broilers at 33–42 days of age, and moreover, all diets containing glycerine promoted a similar protein deposition in the breast compared with birds that received the diet without glycerine. The bird age also showed to influence the feed intake and weight gain of broilers fed diet containing glycerine. It is concluded that for both rearing phases, an increase in glycerine in the diet did not necessarily reduce the glutamate dehydrogenase activity, and the protein deposition in the breast of broilers may not be strictly correlated with the activity of this enzyme.
Ghrelin contributes to protection of hepatocellular injury induced by ischaemia/reperfusion
Authors: Qin Yan , Li Ziru , Wang Zhigang , Li Yin , Zhao Jing , Mulholland Michael , Zhang Weizhen
Published: August 2013

Background & Aims

Ghrelin, a gut hormone with pleiotropic effects, may act as a protective signal in parenchymal cells. We investigated the protective effects of ghrelin on hepatocytes after ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R).

Methods

Hepatic injury was assessed by measurement of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), histological analysis, and TUNEL assay. Effects of exogenous ghrelin and ghrelin receptor gene deletion on I/R induced injury of liver were evaluated.

Results

Ischaemia/reperfusion induced a profound injury to hepatocytes. This was accompanied by elevations in plasma ALT and LDH. Pretreatment with ghrelin significantly reduced elevations in plasma ALT and LDH, and attenuated tissue damage induced by hepatic I/R in mice. Hepatic injury induced by I/R was more pronounced in ghrelin receptor gene null mice. Ghrelin administration blocked the up‐regulation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity induced by hepatic I/R.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that ghrelin contributes to the cytoprotection during hepatic I/R.