bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing of skin testing after a suspected anaphylactic reaction during anaesthesia
Authors: SOETENS F. , ROSE M. , FISHER M.
Published: February 2012

Background

A delay of 4 to 6 weeks after a suspected anaphylactic reaction has commonly been recommended before performing skin testing. However, sometimes surgery cannot be delayed, and investigation must be done earlier. Recent recommendations suggest that skin testing can be performed immediately after a reaction.

Methods

We describe three cases in which skin testing was performed within 3 weeks after the suspected anaphylactic reaction. A literature review was undertaken to evaluate cases where skin testing was performed within 3 weeks of a suspected anaphylactic reaction during anaesthesia.

Results

Review of the literature did not give a definite answer to the optimal timing of skin testing after a suspected anaphylactic reaction during anaesthesia.

Conclusions

Only positive skin tests can be taken into account, and there is little safety data to provide confidence in early skin testing. A protocol of how to act if urgent surgery is necessary is suggested.
Vasopressors for the management of hypotension after spinal anesthesia for elective caesarean section. Systematic review and cumulative meta‐analysis
Authors: VEESER M. , HOFMANN T. , ROTH R. , KLÖHR S. , ROSSAINT R. , HEESEN M.
Published: February 2012

Background

Phenylephrine use has been recommended over ephedrine for the management of hypotension after spinal anesthesia for elective caesarean section. The evidence for this is rather limited because in previous trials, pH was significantly lower after ephedrine, but absolute values were still within normal range. We pooled the available data to define maternal and neonatal effects of the two vasopressors.

Methods

Literature was identified by a systematic search. Hypotension, hypertension, and bradycardia of the mothers, fetal acidosis defined as a pH < 7.20, and the continuous variables base excess (BE) and arterial pCO2 of the neonates were recorded. Meta‐analysis using the random effects model was performed, and the weighted mean difference (WMD) or risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated.

Results

The criteria for eligibility were fulfilled by 20 trials including 1069 patients. The RR of true fetal acidosis was 5.29 (95%CI 1.62–17.25, ) for ephedrine vs. phenylephrine (P = 0.006). BE values after ephedrine use were significantly lower than after phenylephrine (WMD −1.17; 95% CI −2.01 – −0.33). Umbilical artery pCO2 did not differ. Mothers treated with ephedrine had a lower risk for bradycardia (RR 0.17; 95%CI 0.07–0.43; P = 0.004). No differences between vasopressors were observed for hypotension and hypertension.

Conclusions

Our analysis could clearly demonstrate a decreased risk of fetal acidosis associated with phenylephrine use. In addition with our findings for BE, this suggests a favorable effect of phenylephrine on fetal outcome parameters. The mechanism of pH depression is not related to pCO2.
Bayesian enhanced meta‐analysis of post‐operative analgesic efficacy of additives for caudal analgesia in children
Authors: ENGELMAN E. , MARSALA C.
Published: February 2012

Background

The authors calculated the effect size for post‐operative analgesia of three additives, clonidine, neostigmine, and tramadol to bupivacaine, ropivacaine, or levobupivacaine used for single‐dose caudal extradural blockade in children.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was performed for three end points of efficacy: the increase of time until administration of analgesic drugs, the proportion of patients requiring analgesic drugs during the initial 24 post‐operative hours, and the amounts of post‐operative analgesic drugs. A Bayesian inference supporting direct statements about the probability of the magnitude of an effect was used to compare the effects size.

Results

Neostigmine increased the duration of analgesia by 9.96 h (95% confidence interval: 7.75 to 12.16), as compared with 3.68 h (2.65 to 4.7) with clonidine and 4.45 (2.84 to 6.07) with tramadol. There is a 95% probability that neostigmine increases the duration of post‐operative analgesia by more than 8 h, clonidine by more than 2.8 h, and tramadol by more than 3.25 h, as compared with local anesthetics alone. The odds ratios for the proportion of patients requiring analgesic drugs were 0.22 [0.13 to 0.37] for clonidine and 0.28 [0.10 to 0.75] for neostigmine. With tramadol, there was no statistically significant difference. All three additives reduced the amounts of post‐operative analgesic drugs. Neostigmine and tramadol increase the probability for post‐operative nausea or vomiting (PONV).

Conclusions

Neostigmine provides the longest post‐operative analgesia. With clonidine, the duration of analgesia is shorter and sedation is increased, but the probability for PONV could be decreased.
Differentiation between Aphis pomi and Aphis spiraecola using multiplex real‐time PCR based on DNA barcode sequences
Authors: Naaum A. M. , Foottit R. G. , Maw H. E. L. , Hanner R.
Published: February 2012

The green apple aphid (Aphis pomi) and the spirea aphid (Aphis spiraecola) are pests of apples in North America. Although management regimes exist to effectively control these pests, they differ significantly because of varying susceptibility of each species to common pesticides and differences in their life cycles. Therefore, accurate identification of the species present is essential for pest control. However, the identification process is complicated because of the morphological similarity between these two species. As a result, confusion between A. pomi and A. spiraecola often occurs. DNA barcoding has been proven to accurately identify species of Aphididae. A further study demonstrated that DNA barcodes could be used to accurately differentiate A. pomi and A. spiraecola. DNA barcoding represents an important step towards rapid identification of these pests as distinctions can be easily made between morphologically similar species as well as from eggs and immature individuals in addition to adults. However, samples must still be sent to specially equipped facilities for sequence analysis, which can take between several hours and days. Real‐time PCR is emerging as a useful tool for more rapid pest identification. The purpose of this study was to develop a real‐time PCR assay for differentiation of A.pomi from A. spiraecola based on DNA barcode sequences from the Barcode of Life Data System. This assay was designed on the portable SmartCycler II platform and can be used in field settings to differentiate these species quickly and accurately. It has the potential to be a valuable tool to improve pest management of A. pomi and A. spiraecola.
UV‐absorbing films and nets affect the dispersal of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Kigathi R. , Poehling H.‐M.
Published: February 2012

UV‐absorbing films and nets are frequently used as covering materials for netted greenhouses and film tunnels in protected cultivation systems. This study explored the effects of such materials on the dispersal behaviour of western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis, in flight cages under greenhouse conditions with additional artificial UV‐A light sources. The study involved release–recapture experiments in choice and no‐choice layouts. Different trapping methods were compared (blue sticky cards, plants and transparent cards) for recapture of thrips. In choice experiments, insects were released from a black box compartment between two tunnels covered with either UV‐transmitting or UV‐absorbing materials. A significantly higher proportion of (82–98%) WFT was recaptured in UV‐transmitting tunnels compared with UV‐absorbing tunnels. In no‐choice experiments, WFT were found to infiltrate the tunnels at different rates depending on the trap type used and experimental layout. In small‐scale dispersal experiments using blue sticky cards and plants as traps, infiltration was not significantly different between UV‐absorbing and UV‐transmitting tunnels, whereas when using transparent cards, WFT penetrated further into the UV‐transmitting plastic film tunnels. In larger‐scale dispersal experiments, plants or blue sticky cards were arranged in concentric circles around a source plant at the release point. Dispersal was found to differ depending on the method of release, but WFT tended to exhibit reduced dispersal from source plants under UV‐deficient conditions. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that manipulation of spectral light properties using UV‐absorbing cladding materials for protected crop stands interferes with the orientation and host finding of WFT, resulting in reduced dispersal into and within plant stands in UV‐deficient environments.
Effects of Folic Acid on the Development and Oxidative Stress of Mouse Embryos Exposed to Heat Stress
Authors: Koyama H , Ikeda S , Sugimoto M , Kume S
Published: February 2012

Contents

The development of mammalian pre‐implantation embryos is inhibited by heat stress, and the inhibitory effect is associated with excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Folate is a nutrient with various physiological functions including antioxidative effects. We first investigated the transcript expression for 10 enzymes in the cycle of folate metabolism (folate–methionine cycle) in mouse embryos at the 1‐cell, 2‐cell, 4‐ to 8‐cell, morula and blastocyst stages using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. All of the transcripts were consistently expressed, except for Mat1a, which was not detected from the 4‐ to 8‐cell stage onward. Next, the effects of folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) on the development and ROS levels of heat‐stressed embryos were investigated. One‐cell mouse embryos were cultured with or without 1000 ng/ml folic acid basically at 38°C, and in the heat‐stressed groups, embryos were exposed to 39.5°C/10 h/day on the first two days of culture. The heat stress significantly (p < 0.05) decreased blastocyst development and cell number and increased ROS levels compared to those in the group not subjected to heat stress; however, among the heat‐stressed groups, blastocyst development and cell number were increased and the ROS level was decreased by the addition of folic acid. These results indicate that the mRNA of folate–methionine cycle enzymes are expressed in mouse pre‐implantation embryos, suggesting they can independently utilize folate, and the inhibitory effects of heat stress on the development of mouse pre‐implantation embryos are ameliorated by folic acid. The ameliorating effects of folic acid may be partly due to its antioxidative property.
Morphology, phylogeny and taxonomy of South American bothropoid pitvipers (Serpentes, Viperidae)
Authors: Carrasco Paola A. , Mattoni Camilo I. , Leynaud Gerardo C. , Scrocchi Gustavo J.
Published: February 2012

Carrasco, P.A., Mattoni, C.I., Leynaud, G.C. & Scrocchi, G.J. (2012). Morphology, phylogeny and taxonomy of South American bothropoid pitvipers (Serpentes, Viperidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 109–124.

South American bothropoids comprise a monophyletic and greatly diverse group of pitvipers that were initially included in the genus Bothrops and later assigned to five genera. Until recently, most phylogenetic analyses of bothropoids used exclusively mitochondrial DNA sequences, whereas few of them have included morphological traits. Moreover, the systematic affinities of some species remain unclear. In this study, we performed a parsimony analysis of morphological data obtained from the examination of 111 characters related to lepidosis, colour pattern, osteology, and hemipenial morphology of 35 of the 48 species that compose the bothropoid group. The morphological data analysed contain novel information about several species, including the incertae sedis. Morphology was analysed separately and combined with 2393 molecular characters obtained from published sequences of four mitochondrial genes. Five characters of the ecology were also included. A sensitivity analysis was performed using different weighting criteria for the characters. The congruence among different sources of evidence was evaluated through partitioned and total evidence analyses, the analyses of reduced datasets and the use of incongruence length difference test. With few exceptions, results showed groups of species similar to those obtained in previous studies; however, incongruences between morphological and molecular characters, and within the molecular partition, were revealed. This conflict affects the relationship between particular groups of species, leading to alternative phylogenetic hypotheses for bothropoids: hierarchical radiation or two major lineages within the group. The results also showed that Bothrops sensu stricto is paraphyletic. We discuss previous taxonomic approaches and, considering both phylogenetic hypotheses, we propose an arrangement that rectifies the paraphyly of Bothrops: maintaining Bothrocophias, assigning Bothrops andianus to this genus; and recognising the sister clade as Bothrops, synonymising Bothriopsis, Bothropoides and Rhinocerophis.
Towards a revised Amphinomidae (Annelida, Amphinomida): description and affinities of a new genus and species from the Nile Deep‐sea Fan, Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Borda Elizabeth , Kudenov Jerry D. , Bienhold Christina , Rouse Greg W.
Published: February 2012

Borda, E., Kudenov, J.D., Bienhold, C. & Rouse, G.W. (2012). Towards a revised Amphinomidae (Annelida, Amphinomida): description and affinities of a new genus and species from the Nile Deep‐sea Fan, Mediterranean Sea. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 307–325.

The discovery of a new amphinomid species from wood falls deployed near cold seeps (1694 m) at the Nile Deep‐sea Fan (Mediterranean Sea) highlights the need to revise Amphinomidae to better characterize amphinomid diversity. The phylogenetic affinities of the new amphinomid and 12 other species from nine Amphinomida genera were inferred using data from two nuclear (18S rDNA and 28S rDNA) and two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rDNA) genes. The phylogenetic analyses indicated a close relationship of the new species with other amphinomids associated with temporary pelagic substrata, including Amphinome sensu stricto (emended herein) and Hipponoa. The new species belongs to a distinct lineage and we, here, erect a new genus to accommodate it. Cryptonome gen. n. is the second amphinomid genus established for species from chemosynthetic environments. Cryptonome conclava sp. n. is distinguished morphologically from all previously described rectilinear Amphinomidae by lacking notochaetal hooks, having a reduced caruncle, modified neurochaetae and branchiae on nearly all segments. Taxonomic issues regarding amphinomid species presently assigned to Amphinome and the erroneous placement of related xylophylic taxa in Eurythoe are also outlined. We emend and restrict the five known oceanic flotsam species with stalked heart‐shaped caruncles to Amphinome sensu stricto. An additional 15 species previously assigned to Amphinome may belong to other genera (e.g. Linopherus) and are here tentatively considered incertae sedis. Finally, Eurythoe turcica and Eurythoe parvecarunculata are transferred to Cryptonome gen. n. as new combinations. A revised key to a subset of rectilinear amphinomid genera (relevant to this study) is presented.
Predictive capacity of four comorbidity indices estimating perioperative mortality after radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Mayr Roman , May Matthias , Martini Thomas , Lodde Michele , Pycha Armin , Comploj Evi , Wieland Wolf F. , Denzinger Stefan , Otto Wolfgang , Burger Maximilian , Fritsche Hans‐Martin
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The degree of comorbidity significantly affects the course of patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).

To our knowledge this is the first study comparing four different comorbidity indices in patients undergoing RC for urothelial carcinoma to assess the best clinical predictors for 90‐day perioperative mortality. We concluded that the ASA score should be the method of choice, as it showed a predictive ability superior to that of ECOG and CCI, and is much easier to generate than the ACE‐27.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate which of the following among the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation‐27 (ACE‐27), the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) comorbidity scores correlate best with perioperative mortality after radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A study was carried out on 555 unselected consecutive patients without neoadjuvant chemotherapy who underwent RC for UC of the bladder from 2000 to 2010 at one of two institutions.

Patients' medical records were reviewed retrospectively.

We established a defined binary linear progression model based on clinical variables to predict perioperative mortality <90 days after RC (90PM). To this model we added, individually, the comorbidity indices ACE‐27, CCI, ECOG, and ASA to assess their predictive capacity regarding 90PM.

RESULTS

The overall 90PM was 7.9%.

Age (P= 0.01) and clinical distant metastatic tumour stage (P= 0.002) were independent predictors for 90PM in the multivariate analysis.

Each of the four investigated comorbidity indices was able to significantly increase the predictive capacity of the basic model: ECOG +13.5%, (odds ratio [OR]: 1.61, P= 0.036; area under the curve [AUC] 74.7), ASA Score +28.3% (OR: 2.19, P= 0.004; AUC 76.1), Charlson Index +12.3% (OR: 1.31, P= 0.047; AUC 73.8) and ACE‐27 + 29.8% (OR: 1.72, P= 0.004; AUC 76.1).

CONCLUSIONS

ASA and ACE‐27 show a nearly identical clinical predictive value for perioperative mortality. Both scores could be considered for clinical practice.

With regard to ease of generation and availability, the ASA score can be regarded as the best instrument.
Insulin adherence behaviours and barriers in the multinational Global Attitudes of Patients and Physicians in Insulin Therapy study
Authors: Peyrot M. , Barnett A. H. , Meneghini L. F. , Schumm‐Draeger P.‐M.
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 682–689 (2012)

Aims  To examine patient and physician beliefs regarding insulin therapy and the degree to which patients adhere to their insulin regimens.

Methods  Internet survey of 1250 physicians (600 specialists, 650 primary care physicians) who treat patients with diabetes and telephone survey of 1530 insulin‐treated patients (180 with Type 1 diabetes, 1350 with Type 2 diabetes) in China, France, Japan, Germany, Spain, Turkey, the UK or the USA.

Results  One third (33.2%) of patients reported insulin omission/non‐adherence at least 1 day in the last month, with an average of 3.3 days. Three quarters (72.5%) of physicians report that their typical patient does not take their insulin as prescribed, with a mean of 4.3 days per month of basal insulin omission/non‐adherence and 5.7 days per month of prandial insulin omission/non‐adherence. Patients and providers indicated the same five most common reasons for insulin omission/non‐adherence: too busy; travelling; skipped meals; stress/emotional problems; public embarrassment. Physicians reported low patient success at initiating insulin in a timely fashion and adjusting insulin doses. Most physicians report that many insulin‐treated patients do not have adequate glucose control (87.6%) and that they would treat more aggressively if not for concern about hypoglycaemia (75.5%). Although a majority of patients (and physicians) regard insulin treatment as restrictive, more patients see insulin treatment as having positive than negative impacts on their lives.

Conclusions  Glucose control is inadequate among insulin‐treated patients, in part attributable to insulin omission/non‐adherence and lack of dose adjustment. There is a need for insulin regimens that are less restrictive and burdensome with lower risk of hypoglycaemia.
A Network Method of Measuring Affiliation‐Based Peer Influence: Assessing the Influences of Teammates’ Smoking on Adolescent Smoking
Authors: Fujimoto Kayo , Unger Jennifer B. , Valente Thomas W.
Published: February 2012

Using a network analytic framework, this study introduces a new method to measure peer influence based on adolescents’ affiliations or 2‐mode social network data. Exposure based on affiliations is referred to as the “affiliation exposure model.” This study demonstrates the methodology using data on young adolescent smoking being influenced by joint participation in school‐based organized sports activities with smokers. The analytic sample consisted of 1,260 American adolescents from ages 10 to 13 in middle schools, and the results of the longitudinal regression analyses showed that adolescents were more likely to smoke as they were increasingly exposed to teammates who smoke. This study illustrates the importance of peer influence via affiliation through team sports.
Applying Locke's Proviso to Unappropriated Natural Resources
Authors: Roark Eric
Published: February 2012

Many political philosophers who embrace some version of a Lockean-based theory of justice have accepted Locke's Proviso concerning the duty of appropriators of natural resources to leave enough and as good for others. I argue that if the Lockean Proviso should be applied to the appropriation of natural resources, then it should also be applied (extended) to the use of unappropriated natural resources. To demonstrate the plausibility of applying the Lockean Proviso to use of unappropriated natural resources, I consider cases where agents engage in the destructive use, degrading use, overuse and restricting access use of unappropriated natural resources. After considering these cases of morally problematic use, I maintain that the removal of a natural resource (either by means of appropriation or use) is the relevant moral feature that triggers the duty to leave enough and as good for others. While considering the implications of extending the Lockean Proviso to encompass cases of using unappropriated natural resources, the article also explores the impacts of this finding directed toward an understanding of the ‘tragedy of the commons’. The extension of the Lockean Proviso to encompass the use of unappropriated natural resources has widespread general implications for any Lockean-based theory of justice.
Political Feasibility: A Conceptual Exploration
Authors: Gilabert Pablo , Lawford-Smith Holly
Published: February 2012

To date there is no systematic exploration of the concept of ‘political feasibility’. We believe that feasibility is a central issue for political philosophy, conceptually as well as practically, and that it has been given background status for far too long. Roughly, a state of affairs is feasible if it is one we could actually bring about. But there are many questions to ask about the conditions under which we are justified in thinking that we could bring about a political state of affairs. In this article we bring together several aspects of the concept of feasibility defended in the literature thus far, and build upon them to give an analysis of the notion of political feasibility. We suggest that the notion involves a relation between agents and the pursuit of certain actions and outcomes in certain historical contexts, and that there are two important roles for feasibility to play in political theory, corresponding to two feasibility ‘tests’: one categorical, the other comparative. We show how the tests operate in the assessment of three different levels of a normative political theory: core normative principles, their institutional implementation and the political reforms leading to them. Focusing on the third level, which has received the least attention in the literature, we proceed to explain how feasibility considerations interact with desirability and epistemic considerations in the articulation of normative political judgments.
Addressing the ‘Dismal Disconnection’: Normative Theory, Empirical Inquiry and Dialogic Research
Authors: Martineau Wendy , Squires Judith
Published: February 2012

This article engages with recent methodological debates in political theory concerning the role of political theory and in particular the criticism that ideal normative theorising is too abstracted from the real-world circumstances that it hopes to change. These debates raise questions concerning the proper relationship between normative political theory and empirical inquiry. We suggest that feminist research has an important contribution to make to these questions, which has tended to be under-recognised within mainstream debates. Specifically, feminist critical theory points to important limitations within both ideal political theory and orthodox empirical social science. Rather than trying to combine these two approaches, feminist critical theory offers an alternative approach to standard political research methods. The central concerns of critical feminists with the social conditions of inclusion and democratic participation, the forms of power that can invade theory and practice in politics, and the need to create an ‘undistorted space’ in which the voice of those subjected to injustice can be heard, predispose it towards an applied approach to normative theory, while at the same time remaining highly attuned to the possible conservative implications of such a move. This dual focus has led many feminist critical theorists to endorse a dialogical approach. In this article, we detail this approach and recommend it as a resource to mainstream political theorists.
Devolution and Patient Choice: Policy Rhetoric versus Experience in Practice
Authors: Peckham Stephen , Mays Nicholas , Hughes David , Sanderson Marie , Allen Pauline , Prior Lindsay , Entwistle Vikki , Thompson Andrew , Davies Huw
Published: February 2012

Background: market reforms in England have been identified as making a clear distinction between English health policy and health policy in the devolved systems in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Patient choice is a high profile policy in the English National Health Service that constitutes significant changes to the demand side of health care. It is not clear what national differences this has led to regarding implementation of policy. This article presents the findings from a large UK‐wide study on the development and implementation of policies related to patient choice of provider. The findings reported here relate specifically to the policy development and organizational implementation of choice in order to examine the impact of devolution on health care policy.

Aim: this study examines patient choice of provider across all four countries of the UK to understand the effect of differences in national policies on the organization and service how choice of provider presented to patients.

Methods: at the macro‐level, we interviewed policymakers and examined policy and guidance documents to analyze the provenance and determinants of national policy in each UK nation. At the Primary Care Trust or Health Board level, we interviewed a range of public and private health service providers to identify the range of referral pathways and where and when choices might be made. Finally, we interviewed ear, nose and throat, and orthopaedics patients to understand how such choices were experienced.

Findings: while we found that distinct rhetorical differences were identifiable at a national policy level, these were less visible at the level of service organization and the way choices were provided to patients.

Conclusion: historical similarities in both the structure and operation of health care, coupled with common operational objectives around efficient resource use and waiting times, mediate how strategic policy is implemented and experienced in the devolved nations of the UK.
Unique features of PTCH1 mutation spectrum in Chinese sporadic basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Y.S. , Bu D.F. , Li X.Y. , Ma Z.H. , Yang Y. , Lin Z.M. , Lu F.M. , Tu P. , Li H.
Published: February 2012

Background  Alterations of the PTCH1 gene have been found to contribute to both familial and sporadic basal cell carcinoma (BCC), especially in Caucasian patients. Furthermore, the majority of PTCH1 gene mutations in sporadic BCCs in Caucasian patients carry ultraviolet (UV) signatures, suggesting the key role of UV light in BCC development. However, sporadic BCC in non‐Caucasian population has a lower incidence, and the pathogenesis remains largely unknown. To date, there has been no mutation analysis on PTCH1 gene in Chinese patients with sporadic BCCs.

Objective  To investigate genetic alterations of the PTCH1 gene in Chinese sporadic BCCs.

Methods  Direct sequencing was used to screen for mutations in PTCH1 in 31 microdissected samples in Chinese sporadic BCCs. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied for loss of heterozygosity (LOH).

Results  Nineteen PTCH1 mutations in 17 of the 31 BCCs (54.8%) were identified. SNP analysis revealed LOH of PTCH1 in 10 of 23 BCCs (43.5%). Interestingly, the majority of mutations identified (63.2%) were insertion/deletion, which was different from the results in Caucasian cases whose mutations are predominantly point mutations. Only two (10.5%) of the remaining seven mutations were UV‐specific C → T transition or tandem CC → TT transitions. All mutations occurred evenly throughout the entire PTCH1 protein domain without a hot‐spot detected.

Conclusion  Mutations and LOH in PTCH1 were also highly prevalent in Chinese sporadic BCCs. However, UV light plays a less role in causing these mutations, suggesting other potential mechanisms in the development of sporadic BCC in Chinese patients.
The evolution of novel animal signals: silk decorations as a model system
Authors: Walter André , Elgar Mark A.
Published: February 2012

Contemporary animal signals may derive from an elaboration of existing forms or novel non‐signalling traits. Unravelling the evolution of the latter is challenging because experiments investigating the maintenance of the signal may provide little insight into its early evolution. The web decorations, or stabilimenta of some orb web spiders represent an intriguing model system to investigate novel animal signals. For over 100 years, biologists have struggled to explain why spiders decorate their webs with additional threads of silk, producing a conspicuous signal on a construction whose function is to entangle unsuspecting prey. The numerous explanations for the maintenance of this behaviour starkly contrast with the absence of a plausible explanation for its evolutionary origin. Our review highlights the difficulties in resolving both the evolution and maintenance of animal signalling, and inferring the causative arrow—even from experimental studies. Drawing on recent research that focuses on physiological processes, we provide a model of the evolutionary progression of web‐decorating behaviour.
Modulation of recombinant, α2*, α3* or α4*‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) function by nAChR β3 subunits*
Authors: Dash Bhagirathi , Bhakta Minoti , Chang Yongchang , Lukas Ronald J.
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 349–361.

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) β3 subunit is thought to serve an accessory role in nAChR subtypes expressed in dopaminergic regions implicated in drug dependence and reward. When β3 subunits are expressed in excess, they have a dominant‐negative effect on function of selected nAChR subtypes. In this study, we show, in Xenopus oocytes expressing α2, α3 or α4 plus either β2 or β4 subunits, that in the presumed presence of similar amounts of each nAChR subunit, co‐expression with wild‐type β3 subunits generally (except for α3*‐nAChR) lowers amplitudes of agonist‐evoked, inward peak currents by 20–50% without having dramatic effects (≤ 2‐fold) on agonist potencies. By contrast, co‐expression with mutant β3V9’S subunits generally (except for α4β2*‐nAChR) increases agonist potencies, consistent with an expected gain‐of‐function effect. This most dramatically demonstrates formation of complexes containing three kinds of subunit. Moreover, for oocytes expressing nAChR containing any α subunit plus β4 and β3V9’S subunits, there is spontaneous channel opening sensitive to blockade by the open channel blocker, atropine. Collectively, the results indicate that β3 subunits integrate into all of the studied receptor assemblies and suggest that natural co‐expression with β3 subunits can influence levels of expression and agonist sensitivities of several nAChR subtypes.
Recognition of micro‐scale deformation structures in glacial sediments – pattern perception, observer bias and the influence of experience
Authors: Leighton Iain D. , Hiemstra John F. , Weidemann Christoph T.
Published: February 2012

It is a scientist's mission to try to remain unbiased. However, certain factors play a role in scientific analyses that are not controlled by conscious thought. These factors are potentially very important in areas of science where interpretations are based on a scientist's ability to identify patterns or structures. One such area is the micromorphology of glacial sediments. In this paper we investigate the role of an analyst's experience in relation to pattern perception with specific reference to turbate microstructures in glacial diamictons. An experiment was conducted on 52 participants, which demonstrated that, as may be expected, more experienced (glacial) micromorphologists tend to exhibit a higher sensitivity‐to‐signal, but that complete novices, if given clear instructions, can reach levels of sensitivity similar to those of experts. It also showed, perhaps more surprisingly, that response bias does not decrease with experience. We discuss psychological factors, such as the drive for success and consistency, that may have contributed to these results and investigate their possible implications in the micromorphological analysis and interpretation of glacial sediments.
Discrimination's Role in Minority Groups’ Rates of Substance‐Use Disorder
Authors: Lo Celia C. , Cheng Tyrone C.
Published: February 2012

This study asked whether, among the three largest American racial/ethnic minorities, presence/absence of current substance‐use disorder is explained to any degree by social status and discrimination. It examined interaction effects involving discrimination and social status, exploring whether social‐status factors are channeled through discrimination, fostering disorder. Logistic regression techniques were applied to data from the nationally representative dataset 2001–2003 Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys. Findings generally suggest that presence of substance‐use disorder is likely to be associated with perceived discrimination. Significant interaction effects were also found: Discrimination's strongest association with substance‐use disorder was observed for Asian respondents with lower incomes and for Hispanic respondents with little education. This study significantly expands knowledge, since little research preceding it directly addressed relationships among social‐status factors, discrimination, and substance‐use disorder in minority populations. This study's results should encourage future researchers to further explore mechanisms of the mental health effects of discrimination. (Am J Addict 2012;00:1‐7)
Impact of epilepsy surgery on seizure control and quality of life: A 26‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Mohammed Hussan S. , Kaufman Christian B. , Limbrick David D. , Steger‐May Karen , Grubb Robert L. , Rothman Steven M. , Weisenberg Judith L. Z. , Munro Rebecca , Smyth Matthew D.
Published: February 2012

Purpose:  The short‐term efficacy and safety of epilepsy surgery relative to medical therapy has been established, but it remains underutilized. There is a lack of data regarding the long‐term seizure‐control rates and quality of life outcomes after epilepsy surgery. This study represents the longest follow‐up study to date, with a mean follow‐up duration of 26 years.

Methods:  We studied the seizure and health‐related quality of life outcomes of patients who underwent epilepsy surgery by Dr. Sidney Goldring from 1967 to 1990. Retrospective clinical chart reviews gathered perioperative data and surveys obtained follow‐up data. Seizure outcome was evaluated using the Engel classification system.

Key Findings:  Of 361 patients, 117 (32.4%) completed follow‐up interviews. Fifty‐six patients (48%) were Engel class I. Mean overall Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE‐31) questionnaire score for the cohort was 68.2 ± 16. Eighty percent of patients reported their overall quality of life now as being better than before surgery. Seizure freedom was associated with better quality of life. We did not observe a statistically significant association between postoperative complications and long‐term outcome. Patients who underwent temporal lobe resection achieved better seizure outcomes than those who underwent other types of procedures. Astatic seizures and bilateral surgery were associated with a worse Engel class outcome.

Significance:  Our study demonstrates that the beneficial effects of epilepsy surgery are sustained over decades, and that these beneficial effects are correlated with an improved quality of life. The confirmation of its durability makes us optimistic that the outcomes from modern epilepsy surgery will be even better and that our present enthusiasm for this treatment modality is not misplaced.
NONPHOSPHORUS LIPIDS IN PERIPHYTON REFLECT AVAILABLE NUTRIENTS IN THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES, USA1
Authors: Bellinger Brent J. , Van Mooy Benjamin A. S.
Published: February 2012

Algal and plant production of nonphosphorus lipids in place of phospholipids is a physiological response to low phosphorus (P) availability. This response has been shown in culture and in marine plankton studies, but examples from freshwater algae remain minimal. Herein, we analyzed the nutrient contents and lipid composition of periphyton communities across the Florida Everglades ecosystem. We hypothesized that in phosphate‐poor areas, periphyton in high‐ and low‐sulfate waters would vary the proportion of sulfolipids (SLs) and betaine lipids (BLs), respectively. In phosphate‐enriched areas, periphyton would produce more phospholipids (PLs). We observed that at low‐P sites, PLs were a minor lipid component. In cyanobacteria‐dominated periphyton where sulfate was abundant, BLs were only slightly more abundant than SLs. However, in the low‐P, low‐sulfate area, periphyton were comprised to a greater degree green algae and diatoms, and BLs represented the majority of the total lipids. Even in a P‐rich area, PLs were a small component of periphyton lipid profiles. Despite the phosphorus limitations of the Everglades, periphyton can develop tremendous biomass. Our results suggest a physiological response by periphyton to oligotrophic conditions whereby periphyton increase abundances of nonphosphorus lipids and have reduced proportions of PLs.
Repeated Cycles of Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Exposure Leads to the Development of Tolerance to Aversive Effects of Ethanol inC57BL/6JMice
Authors: Lopez Marcelo F. , Griffin William C. , Melendez Roberto I. , Becker Howard C.
Published: February 2012

Background

Repeated cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure lead to increased voluntary ethanol (EtOH) intake inC57BL/6Jmice. This study evaluates the development of tolerance toEtOH's aversive effects inCIEexposure.

Methods

Adult maleC57BL/6Jmice were trained to drink 15%EtOH(vs. water) in a limited access procedure and then exposed toCIE(EtOHmice) or air (control [CTL] mice) for 5 cycles alternating with weekly access toEtOHdrinking. Following the 4thCIEcycle, the aversive effects ofEtOHwere evaluated using a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm with 1% saccharin as the conditioned stimulus. Several doses ofEtOH(0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg) andLiCl(0.4 M, 0.02 ml/g) served as unconditioned stimuli. Finally, mice underwent a 5thCIEcycle to measure blood and brain concentrations following a 2 g/kgEtOHdose.

Results

CIE exposure increasedEtOHdrinking inEtOHmice while drinking inCTLmice remained stable. The lowestEtOHdose (1 g/kg) did not induceCTAin either group, but the highest dose (3 g/kg) producedCTAin both groups (49% reduction forCTLvs. 25% reduction forEtOH) although the group differences were not statistically significant. However, the 2 g/kgEtOHdose induced a significant aversion inCTLmice (27% reduction) but not inEtOHmice (20% increase), indicating tolerance toEtOH's aversive effects.LiClcaused a similar aversion inCTLandEtOHmice (50% reduction). Finally, blood and brain ethanol concentrations were not different betweenCTLandEtOHmice following a 2 g/kgEtOHdose.

Conclusions

The data indicate thatCIEexposure produces tolerance to the aversive effects of 2 g/kgEtOH. This effect does not appear to be related to a learning deficit or alteredEtOHpharmacokinetics. These data support the notion that tolerance toEtOH's aversive effects may contribute to excessiveEtOHdrinking inEtOH‐dependent mice.
Correlates of Recovery from Alcohol Dependence: A Prospective Study Over a 3‐Year Follow‐Up Interval
Authors: Dawson Deborah A. , Goldstein Risë B. , Ruan Wenjun J. , Grant Bridget F.
Published: February 2012

Background

Correlates of recovery from alcohol dependence have been identified through a variety of study designs characterized by different strengths and limitations. The goal of this study was to compare correlates of recovery based on a 3‐year prospective design with those based on cross‐sectional analyses of data from the same source.

Methods

Data from the 2001 to 2002Wave 1 and 2004 to 2005Wave 2NationalEpidemiologicSurvey onAlcohol andRelatedConditions (NESARC) were used to examine baseline characteristics associated withWave 2 recovery from alcohol dependence, among those who classified with past‐yearDSM‐IValcohol dependence atWave 1 (n = 1,172).

Results

Abstinent recovery was significantly associated withBlack/Asian/Hispanic race/ethnicity, children <1 year of age in the household at baseline, attending religious services greater than or equal to weekly at follow‐up, and having initiated help‐seeking that comprised/included 12‐step participation within <3 years prior to baseline. Nonabstinent recovery was positively associated with being never married at baseline, having job problems or being unemployed in the year preceding baseline, attending religious services less than weekly at follow‐up, baseline smoking and volume of ethanol intake, and having terminated a first marriage within <3 years prior to baseline. Findings, including others of marginal significance (0.05 < p < 0.10), generally supported results from prior pseudo‐prospective survival analyses with time‐dependent covariates but differed in many ways from cross‐sectional analyses ofWave 1 NESARC data.

Conclusions

Various aspects of study design must be considered when interpreting correlates of recovery. Cross‐sectional analyses of lifetime correlates of recovery are highly subject to misinterpretation, but pseudo‐prospective survival analyses with time‐dependent covariates may yield results as valid as those from prospective studies.
Near Elimination of Ventricular Pacing in SafeR Mode Compared to DDD Modes: A Randomized Study of 422 Patients
Authors: DAVY JEAN‐MARC , HOFFMANN ELLEN , FREY AXEL , JOCHAM KURT , ROSSI STEFANO , DUPUIS JEAN‐MARC , FRABETTI LORENZO , DUCLOUX PASCALE , PRADES EMMANUEL , JAUVERT GAËL
Published: February 2012

Aims:

SafeR performance versus DDD/automatic mode conversion (DDD/AMC) and DDD with a 250‐ms atrioventricular (AV) delay (DDD/LD) modes was assessed toward ventricular pacing (Vp) reduction.

Methods:
 After a 1‐month run‐in phase, recipients of dual‐chamber pacemakers without persistent AV block and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomly assigned to SafeR, DDD/AMC, or DDD/LD in a 1:1:1 design. The main endpoint was the percentage of Vp (%Vp) at 2 months and 1 year after randomization, ascertained from device memories. Secondary endpoints include %Vp at 1 year according to pacing indication and 1‐year AF incidence based on automatic mode switch device stored episodes.

Results:
 Among 422 randomized patients (73.2 ± 10.6 years, 50% men, sinus node dysfunction 47.4%, paroxysmal AV block 30.3%, bradycardia‐tachycardia syndrome 21.8%), 141 were assigned to SafeR versus 146 to DDD/AMC and 135 to DDD/LD modes. Mean %Vp at 2 months was 3.4 ± 12.6% in SafeR versus 33.6 ± 34.7% and 14.0 ± 26.0% in DDD/AMC and DDD/LD modes, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). At 1 year, mean %Vp in SafeR was 4.5 ± 15.3% versus 37.9 ± 34.4% and 16.7 ± 28.0% in DDD/AMC and DDD/LD modes, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). The proportion of patients in whom Vp was completely eliminated was significantly higher in SafeR (69%) versus DDD/AMC (15%) and DDD/LD (45%) modes (P < 0.0001 for both), regardless of pacing indication. The absolute risk of developing permanent AF or of remaining in AF for >30% of the time was 5.4% lower in SafeR than in the DDD pacing group (ns).

Conclusions:
 In this selected patient population, SafeR markedly suppressed unnecessary Vp compared with DDD modes. PACE 2012; 35:392–402)
Optimizing Pacemaker Longevity with Pacing Mode and Settings Programming: Results from a Pacemaker Multicenter Registry
Authors: BENKEMOUN HENRI , SACREZ JEAN , LAGRANGE PHILIPPE , AMIEL ALAIN , PRAKASH ATUL , HIMMRICH EWALD , AIMÈ EZIO , MAIRESSE GEORGES H. , GUÉNON CHRISTINE , SBRAGIA PASCAL
Published: February 2012

Background: This study aimed to describe the influence on dual‐chamber devices' expected longevity of devices' settings.

Methods: Data from patients implanted with dual chamber devices (Symphony™, SORIN CRM SAS, Clamart, France) from 2003 to 2006 were collected in registries. Programmer files were retrieved: device‐estimated longevity, assessed through algorithm prediction, was analyzed according to device settings.

Results: One thousand sixty‐eight recipients of dual chamber pacemaker in sinus rhythm (75.3 ± 11.1 years, 54.5% male, ventricular block 30%, brady‐tachy syndrome 21%, and sinus node dysfunction 49%) were followed up to 14.2 ± 12.1 months (ranging from first quartile Q1: 2.9 months to fourth quartile Q4: 49.3 months) after implantation. DDD with automatic mode conversion and minimized ventricular pacing (SafeR) modes were programmed in 34.3%, 2.9%, and 62.8% of the patients, respectively.

The mean total longevity estimated by the device was 134.1 ± 31.5 months (11.2 ± 2.6 years). Significant increase in longevity was observed in devices undergoing at least one reprogramming (134.4 ± 31.4 months) versus device presenting no reprogramming (103.4 ± 32.3 months, P = 0.0005). The parameters associated with the major increase in mean longevity were the mode (mean longevity increase of +23.9 months in SafeR as compared to DDD mode, P < 0.0001) and the atrial (A) and ventricular (V) amplitudes (mean longevity increase of +29.6 and +26.9 months for a decrease of less than 1V in A and V outputs respectively, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: This study provides information on dual chamber pacemakers’ longevity and highlights the impact of devices’ reprogramming on expected longevities. PACE 2012; 35:403–408)