bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Great tits provided with ad libitum food lay larger eggs when exposed to colder temperatures
Authors: Schaper Sonja V. , Visser Marcel E.
Published: February 2013

The amount of nutrients deposited into a bird egg varies both between and within clutches of the same female. Larger eggs enhance offspring traits, but as a tradeoff, laying large eggs also infers energetic costs to the female. Income breeders usually lay larger eggs later in the season, when temperatures and food availability are higher. Egg size is thus affected by the daily amount of energy available to produce an egg under cold conditions, but it is less well known in how far temperature exerts direct effects on egg size. We show that great tit females Parus major with access to ad libitum food and breeding in climate‐controlled aviaries varied their egg investments. The size of an individual egg was best predicted by mean temperatures one week pre‐laying, with females laying larger, rather than smaller, eggs under colder conditions. Eggs increased in size over the season, but not significantly over the laying sequence. The degree of daily temperature fluctuation did not influence egg size. In addition to a substantial between‐female variation, sisters were more similar to each other than unrelated females, showing that egg size does also reflect heritable intrinsic female properties. Natural variation in egg size is thus not only determined by energy‐limitation, but also due to females allocating more resources to eggs laid in colder environments, thus increasing early survival of the chicks. That the positive correlation between temperature and egg investments that is found in a natural population is reversed under ad libitum food conditions demonstrates that wild great tits tradeoff own condition with survival prospects of their chicks as a function of available food, not ambient temperature.
Larger body size on islands affects silvereye Zosterops lateralis song and call frequency
Authors: Potvin Dominique A.
Published: February 2013

Differences in song repertoires and characteristics of island and mainland populations of the same avian species are usually explained by dispersal, cultural evolution and/or habitat differences. The influence of morphology is often overlooked, even though island populations are frequently morphologically distinct from mainland populations, and morphology could affect vocalizations. I compared morphological features, songs, contact calls and alarm calls of six isolated island populations of silvereye Zosterops lateralis with those of two mainland populations to examine whether differences between mainland and island vocalizations were consistent across vocalization types, and whether these differences could be linked to morphological differences. Vocalizations were lower in frequency on islands. Island individuals were larger (both in mass and body structure), and body mass was an important predictor of frequency in contact and alarm calls. I argue that this strong association results from the island rule (islands promote larger body sizes) and cascading effects of morphology on vocalization frequency in this species.
Mechanobiology in cardiac physiology and diseases
Authors: Takahashi Ken , Kakimoto Yoshihide , Toda Kensaku , Naruse Keiji
Published: February 2013

Mechanosensitivity is essential for heart function just as for all other cells and organs in the body, and it is involved in both normal physiology and diseases processes of the cardiovascular system. In this review, we have outlined the relationship between mechanosensitivity and heart physiology, including the Frank–Starling law of the heart and mechanoelectric feedback. We then focused on molecules involved in mechanotransduction, particularly mechanosensitive ion channels. We have also discussed the involvement of mechanosensitivity in heart diseases, such as arrhythmias, hypertrophy and ischaemic heart disease. Finally, mechanobiology in cardiogenesis is described with regard to regenerative medicine.
Economic impact of childhood psychiatric disorder on public sector services in Britain: estimates from national survey data
Authors: Snell Tom , Knapp Martin , Healey Andrew , Guglani Sacha , Evans‐Lacko Sara , Fernandez Jose‐Luis , Meltzer Howard , Ford Tamsin
Published: February 2013

Background

Approximately one in ten children aged 5–15 in Britain has a conduct, hyperactivity or emotional disorder.

Methods

The British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Surveys (BCAMHS) identified children aged 5–15 with a psychiatric disorder, and their use of health, education and social care services. Service costs were estimated for each child and weighted to estimate the overall economic impact at national level.

Results

Additional health, social care and education costs associated with child psychiatric disorders totalled £1.47bn in 2008. The lion's share of the costs falls to frontline education and special education services.

Conclusions

There are huge costs to the public sector associated with child psychiatric disorder, particularly the education system. There is a pressing need to explore ways to reduce these costs while improving health and well‐being.
Inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis by zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein treatment in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Zhu Hui‐Juan , Ding Hui‐Hua , Deng Jie‐Ying , Pan Hui , Wang Lin‐Jie , Li Nai‐Shi , Wang Xiang‐Qing , Shi Yi‐Fan , Gong Feng‐Ying
Published: February 2013

Aims/Introduction

Zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG) is associated with the loss of adipose tissue in cancer cachexia, and has recently been proposed to be a candidate factor in the regulation of bodyweight. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ZAG on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes.

Materials and Methods

3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl) 2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) spectrophotometry, Oil Red O staining, intracellular triglyceride assays, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and transient transfection methods were used to explore the action of ZAG.

Results

Ectopic ZAG expression significantly stimulates 3T3‐L1 cells proliferation in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The maximum influence of ZAG on proliferation was 1.43‐fold higher than what was observed in control cells. This effect was observed 144 h after transfection with 0.16 μg of murine ZAG (mZAG) plasmid (P < 0.001). The intracellular lipids content in mZAG over‐expressing cells were decreased as much as 37% when compared with the control cells after differentiation (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The messenger ribonucleic acid levels of peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ), CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein‐α (C/EBPα) and the critical lipogenic gene, fatty acid synthase (FAS), are also downregulated by up to 50% in fully differentiated ZAG‐treated adipocytes. ZAG suppresses FAS messenger ribonucleic acid expression by reducing FAS promoter activity.

Conclusions

Zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein stimulates the proliferation and inhibits the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 murine preadipocytes. The inhibitory action of ZAG on cell differentiation might be a result of the attenuation of the expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα and the lipogenic‐specific enzyme FAS by reducing FAS promoter activity.
Distribution of the Matsuda Index in Japanese healthy subjects
Authors: Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Katakami Naoto , Kaneto Hideaki , Noguchi Midori , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: February 2013

We investigated the cut‐off point of the Matsuda Index in Japanese according to the guideline from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. A total of 1,596 subjects free from medications for diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and/or hypertension, and without cardiovascular diseases or chronic renal failure underwent a health check‐up and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We recruited 204 healthy reference individuals with normal glucose tolerance without obesity, any component of metabolic syndrome or elevated alanine aminotransferase. The Matsuda Index was calculated with 0‐ and 120‐min data during OGTT. As the index was not normally distributed (P < 0.001 by the Shapiro–Wilk test), the log‐transformed value (P = 0.876 by the Shapiro–Wilk test) was used. The mean ± 2 standard deviations were taken as the reference limits. The lower reference limit of the Matsuda Index was then calculated to be 4.3. Our result shows that a Matsuda Index <4.3 indicates the presence of insulin resistance in Japanese.
Genetic changes during laboratory domestication of an olive fly SIT strain
Authors: Zygouridis N. E. , Argov Y. , Nemny‐Lavy E. , Augustinos A. A. , Nestel D. , Mathiopoulos K. D.
Published: February 2013

Early attempts to apply the SIT on the olive fly, Bactrocera oleae, were unsuccessful, mainly due to the low competitiveness of the sterile mass‐reared males compared with the wild ones. Recently, new efforts are underway in Israel to develop a vigorous and efficient mass‐reared olive fly laboratory strain. To understand the genetics of the adaptation process and possibly link the corresponding loss of competitiveness to genetic markers, we followed the fluctuation of genotypic frequencies of ten microsatellite markers during the course of 22 generations of the colonization of a wild Israeli population in laboratory conditions. Effective and observed allele number is halved after 11 generations, so is mean heterozygosity. Practically, there is very little change between F0 and F1, there are substantial changes between F1 and F2–F5, and there is a virtual complete adaptation to the new laboratory environment by F11, because no more changes are observed between F11 and F22. If we assume that the loss of allele number and heterozygosity also reflects the loss of the ‘wild’ character of the colonized strain and, possibly, the loss of a substantial part of its natural vigour, our results indicate that there is an apparent need to refresh a mass‐reared colony with wild material at about every five to eight generations. Furthermore, simulation models indicated that while most of the observed allele frequency fluctuations were due to random drift, some alleles were probably under selection.
Creative Collaboration and the Self‐Concept: A Study of Toy Designers
Authors: Elsbach Kimberly D. , Flynn Francis J.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we explored how collaborative behaviours were related to the self‐concepts of creative workers. Our findings, derived from a qualitative study of corporate toy designers, showed that thepersonal (vs. social) identitiesof toy designers were most strongly related to collaborative behaviours. Further, collaborative behaviours defined asidea givingwere mostcongruentwith all toy designers' personal identities, while collaborative behaviours defined asidea takingwere mostincongruentwith those identities. Finally, specific collaborative behaviours related to specific types of personal identities (e.g. the collaborative behaviour of ‘incorporating the ideas of others’ was especially incongruent with ‘artistic’ personal identities). Together, these results suggest that promoting collaboration among creative workers may require attention to not only idea‐giving behaviours and social identities (as suggested by most extant theories), but also to idea‐taking behaviours and personal identities. We discuss the implications of these findings for theories of creative collaboration and identity in organizations.
Over‐expression and potential role of cyclophilin A in human periodontitis
Authors: Liu L. , Li C. , Xiang J. , Dong W. , Cao Z.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

We previously demostrated that EMMPRIN participates in the periodontitis and its interaction with Cyclophilin A possibly exists in animal periodontitis models. This study is aimed to address the expression and potential role of cyclophilin A (CypA) in human periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Gingival tissues and peripheral blood were collected from patients with moderate to severe periodontitis or from healthy donors. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression and distribution of CypA in the gingival tissues. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and neutrophils were isolated from the peripheral blood by Ficoll–Paque density‐gradient centrifugation. Chemotaxis assays were applied to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of CypA (100, 300 and 500 ng/mL) on the migration of PBMCs and neutrophils. Supernatants of human THP‐1 cells were collected after treatment with 200 ng/mL of CypA for different periods of time (1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h) to detect the levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) by ELISA.

Results

Western blot analyses revealed an increase of CypA expression in inflamed gingival tissues compared with healthy tissues. Immunohistochemistry identified that the over‐expressed CypA was localized in the infiltrating cells and/or in the extracellular matrix in the inflamed gingival connective tissues. The positive infiltrating cells contained mononuclear cells and lobulated‐nuclei neutrophils. Chemotactic assays showed that 300 ng/mL of CypA apparently facilitated the chemotaxis of PBMCs/neutrophils from healthy donors, compared with the no‐treatment control (p < 0.01 for PBMCs, p < 0.05 for neutrophils), whereas 100 and 500 ng/mL of CypA only weakly enhanced the chemotaxis of PBMCs/neutrophils (p > 0.05 for PBMCs/neutrophils, not significant). The PBMCs/neutrophils from patients with periodontitis exhibited a stronger ability to migrate when stimulated with 300 ng/mL of CypA than did PBMCs/neutrophils from healthy donors (p < 0.05 for PBMCs, p < 0.01 for neutrophils). ELISA revealed that the level of TNF‐α secreted by THP‐1 cells was elevated after treatment with 200 ng/mL of CypA for 12 h compared with the no‐treatment 0‐h control (p < 0.05). The IL‐8 level was sharply raised after 3 h of stimulation with 200 ng/mL of CypA (p < 0.01 compared with 0 h), but no significant change was observed at the other time points (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference at any of the treatment time points for the secretion of IL‐1β (p > 0.05 for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h compared with 0 h).

Conclusions

CypA participates in the pathogenesis of human periodontitis. It may be involved in the inflammatory response of periodontal tissues through inducing the chemotaxis of PBMCs/neutrophils and the secretion of TNF‐α/IL‐8.
Assessment of viable periodontal pathogens by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Polonyi M. , Prenninger N. , Arweiler N. B. , Haririan H. , Winklehner P. , Kierstein S.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

Molecular biological methods for the detection of periodontitis‐associated bacteria based on DNA amplification have many advantages over classical culture techniques. However, when it comes to assessing immediate therapeutic success, e.g. reduction of viable bacteria, DNA‐based polymerase chain reaction is unsuitable because it does not distinguish between live and dead bacteria. Our objective was to establish a simple RNA‐based method that is easily set up and allows reliable assessment of the live bacterial load.

Material and Methods

We compared conventional quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR), propidium monoazide‐qPCR and reverse transcription qPCR (RT‐qPCR) for the detection of periodontal pathogens after antibiotic treatment in vitro. Applicability was tested using clinical samples of subgingival plaque obtained from patients at different treatment stages.

Results

The bacterial load was remarkably stable over prolonged periods when assessed by conventional qPCR, while both propidium monoazide intercalation as well as cDNA quantitation showed a decline according to decreasing numbers of viable bacteria after antibiotic treatment. Clinical samples of subgingival plaque were directly subjected to DNase I treatment and RT without previous extraction or purification steps. While the results of the DNA‐ and RNA‐based methods are comparable in untreated patients, the classical qPCR frequently detected substantial bacterial load in treated patients where RT‐qPCR no longer indicates the presence of those pathogens. The disagreement rates ranged between 4 and 20% in first visit patients and 8–50% in the group of currently treated patients.

Conclusion

We propose to use RNA‐based detection methods to verify the successful eradication of periodontal pathogens.
Establishment and characterization of a telomerase immortalized human gingival epithelial cell line
Authors: Moffatt‐Jauregui C. E. , Robinson B. , de Moya A. V. , Brockman R. D. , Roman A. V. , Cash M. N. , Culp D. J. , Lamont R. J.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

Gingival keratinocytes are used in model systems to investigate the interaction between periodontal bacteria and the epithelium in the initial stages of the periodontal disease process. Primary gingival epithelial cells (GECs) have a finite lifespan in culture before they enter senescence and cease to replicate, while epithelial cells immortalized with viral proteins can exhibit chromosomal rearrangements. The aim of this study was to generate a telomerase immortalized human gingival epithelial cell line and compare its in vitro behaviour to that of human GECs.

Material and Methods

Human primary GECs were immortalized with a bmi1/hTERT combination to prevent cell cycle triggers of senescence and telomere shortening. The resultant cell‐line, telomerase immortalized gingival keratinocytes (TIGKs), were compared to GECs for cell morphology, karyotype, growth and cytokeratin expression, and further characterized for replicative lifespan, expression of toll‐like receptors and invasion by P. gingivalis.

Results

TIGKs showed morphologies, karyotype, proliferation rates and expression of characteristic cytokeratin proteins comparable to GECs. TIGKs underwent 36 passages without signs of senescence and expressed transcripts for toll‐like receptors 1–6, 8 and 9. A subpopulation of cells underwent stratification after extended time in culture. The cytokeratin profiles of TIGK monolayers were consistent with basal cells. When allowed to stratify, cytokeratin profiles of TIGKs were consistent with suprabasal cells of the junctional epithelium. Further, TIGKs were comparable to GECs in previously reported levels and kinetics of invasion by wild‐type P. gingivalis and an invasion defective ΔserB mutant.

Conclusion

Results confirm bmi1/hTERT immortalization of primary GECs generated a robust cell line with similar characteristics to the parental cell type. TIGKs represent a valuable model system for the study of oral bacteria interactions with host gingival cells.
Synergistetes cluster A in saliva is associated with periodontitis
Authors: Belibasakis G. N. , Öztürk V.‐Ö. , Emingil G. , Bostanci N.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objectives

Synergistetes is a novel bacterial phylum consisting of gram‐negative anaerobes. Increasing lines of evidence demonstrate that this phylum is associated with periodontal diseases. This study aimed to compare the presence and levels of Synergistetes clusters A and B, in saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), generalized aggressive periodontitis (G‐AgP) and non‐periodontitis subjects, and investigate their correlation with clinical parameters.

Material and Methods

Saliva was collected from patients with CP (n = 20), G‐AgP (n = 21) and non‐periodontitis subjects (n = 18). Full mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. The numbers of Synergistetes cluster A and cluster B or the associated species Jonquetella anthropi were quantified by fluorescent in situ hybridization and microscopy.

Results

Synergistetes cluster A bacteria were detected more frequently, and at higher numbers and proportions in the two periodontitis groups, than the non‐periodontitis control group. The prevalence was 27.7% in the control group, 85% in CP and 86% in G‐AgP. Compared to the control group, the numbers were significantly higher by 12.5‐fold in CP and 26.5‐fold in G‐AgP, whereas the difference between the two forms of periodontitis was not statistically significant. Within the total bacterial population, the proportion of this cluster was increased in CP and G‐AgP compared to the control group, with the difference between the two forms of periodontitis being also significant. There was a positive correlation between the levels of Synergistetes cluster A in saliva and all full mouth clinical periodontal parameters. Nevertheless, Synergistetes cluster B bacteria and J. anthropi species were detected infrequently and at low levels in all the three subject groups.

Conclusion

Synergistetes cluster A, but not cluster B, bacteria are found at higher prevalence, numbers and proportions in saliva from patients with periodontitis, than non‐periodontitis subjects. These findings support the association of this cluster with periodontitis.
Contour analysis of an implant–soft tissue interface
Authors: Chai W. L. , Moharamzadeh K. , van Noort R. , Emanuelsson L. , Palmquist A. , Brook I. M.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

Studies of peri‐implant soft tissue on in vivo models are commonly based on histological sections prepared using undecalcified or ‘fracture’ techniques. These techniques require the cutting or removal of implant during the specimen preparation process. The aim of this study is to explore a new impression technique that does not require any cutting or removal of implant for contour analysis of soft tissue around four types of titanium (Ti) surface roughness using an in vitro three‐dimensional oral mucosal model (3D OMM).

Methods

The 3D OMM was constructed by co‐culturing a keratinocyte cell line TR146 and human oral fibroblasts on to an acellular dermis scaffold. On the fourth day, a Ti disk was placed into the model. Four types of Ti surface topographies, i.e. polished, machined, sandblasted and anodized were tested. After 10 d of culture, the specimens were processed based on undecalcified (ground sectioning), electropolishing and impression techniques for contour analysis of the implant–soft tissue interface.

Results

Under light microscopic examination of the ground and electropolishing sections, it was found that the cell line‐based oral mucosa formed a peri‐implant‐like epithelium attachment on to all four types of Ti surfaces. In contour analysis, the most common contour observed between the cell line‐based oral mucosa and Ti surface was at an angle ranging between 45° and 90°.

Conclusion

The in vitro cell line‐based 3D OMM formed a peri‐implant‐like epithelium at the implant–soft tissue interface. The contour of the implant–soft tissue interface for the four types of Ti surface was not significantly different.
Comparison of Two Different Methods for Urethral Lengthening in Female to Male (Metoidioplasty) Surgery
Authors: Djordjevic Miroslav L. , Bizic Marta R.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Metoidioplasty presents one of the variants of phalloplasty in female transsexuals. Urethral lengthening is the most difficult part in this surgery and poses many challenges.

Aim

We evaluated 207 patients who underwent metoidioplasty, aiming to compare two different surgical techniques of urethral lengthening, postoperative results, and complications.

Methods

The study encompassed a total of 207 patients, aged from 18 to 62 years, who underwent single stage metoidioplasty between September 2002 and July 2011. The procedure included lengthening and straightening of the clitoris, urethral reconstruction, and scrotoplasty with implantation of testicular prostheses. Buccal mucosa graft was used in all cases for dorsal urethral plate formation and joined with one of the two different flaps: I—longitudinal dorsal clitoral skin flap (49 patients) and II—labia minora flap (158 patients).

Main Outcome Measurement

Results were analyzed using Z-test to evaluate the statistical difference between the two approaches. Also, postoperative questionnaire was used, which included questions on functioning and esthetical appearance of participating subjects as well as overall satisfaction.

Results

The median follow-up was 39 months (ranged 12–116 months). The total length of reconstructed urethra was measured during surgery in both groups. It ranged from 9.1 to 12.3 cm (median 9.5) in group I and from 9.4 to 14.2 cm (median 10.8) in group II. Voiding while standing was significantly better in group II (93%) than in group I (87.82%) (P < 0.05). Urethral fistula occurred in 16 patients in both groups (7.72%). There was statistically significant difference between the groups, with lower incidence in group II (5.69%) vs. group I (14.30%) (P < 0.05). Overall satisfaction was noted in 193 patients.

Conclusion

Comparison of the two methods for urethral lengthening confirmed combined buccal mucosa graft and labia minora flap as a method of choice for urethroplasty in metoidioplasty, minimizing postoperative complications.
Erectile Dysfunction, Endothelium Dysfunction, and Microvascular Damage in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Rosato Edoardo , Barbano Biagio , Gigante Antonietta , Aversa Antonio , Cianci Rosario , Molinaro Ilenia , Quarta Silvia , Pisarri Simonetta , Afeltra Antonella , Salsano Felice
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is high and can be considered a manifestation of endothelium damage.

Aim

This study aims to correlate ED with endothelial dysfunction and digital vascular damage in SSc patients.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were erectile function, Doppler indices of cavernous arteries, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), capillaroscopic damage, skin perfusion, and digital pulsatility.

Methods

In 23 SSc patients, erectile function was investigated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Doppler indices of cavernous arteries, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive index (RI) were measured at the penoscrotal junction before and after pharmacostimulation with 20 mg prostaglandin E1. FMD and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) were used to evaluate endothelial dysfunction and capillaroscopic damage. Skin perfusion and digital sphygmic waves were measured by laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) and digital photoplethysmography (PPG), respectively.

Results

IIEF-5 score was reduced in 83% of patients. PSV was reduced in 96%, while EDV was increased in 48% of patients. A positive correlation was observed between IIEF-5 score and FMD (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001) and between the former and PSV (r = 0.76, P < 0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between EDV and FMD (r = −0.509, P < 0.01). FMD and Doppler indices were reduced with capillaroscopic damage progression. A positive correlation exists between LDPI perfusion and IIEF-5 score (r = 0.743, P < 0.0001) and between the former and PSV (r = 0.714, P < 0.0001), while a negative correlation is observed between LDPI perfusion and EDV (r = −0.677, P < 0.0001). A positive correlation exists between PPG pulsatility and IIEF-5 score (r = 0.752, P < 0.0001) and between the former and PSV (r = 0.747, P < 0.0001), while negative correlation is observed between PPG pulsatility and EDV (r = −0.689, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In SSc patients, ED correlates with endothelial dysfunction and digital microvascular damage.
Identifying refugia from climate change using coupled ecological and genetic data in a transitional Mediterranean‐temperate tree species
Authors: Temunović M. , Frascaria‐Lacoste N. , Franjić J. , Satovic Z. , Fernández‐Manjarrés J. F.
Published: February 2013

Populations occurring in areas of overlap between the current and future distribution of a species are particularly important because they can represent “refugia from climate change”. We coupled ecological and range‐wide genetic variation data to detect such areas and to evaluate the impacts of habitat suitability changes on the genetic diversity of the transitional Mediterranean‐temperate tree Fraxinus angustifolia. We sampled and genotyped 38 natural populations comprising 1006 individuals from across Europe. We found the highest genetic diversity in western and northern Mediterranean populations, as well as a significant west to east decline in genetic diversity. Areas of potential refugia that correspond to approximately 70% of the suitable habitat may support the persistence of more than 90% of the total number of alleles in the future. Moreover, based on correlations between Bayesian genetic assignment and climate, climate change may favour the westward spread of the Black Sea gene pool in the long term. Overall, our results suggest that the northerly core areas of the current distribution contain the most important part of the genetic variation for this species and may serve as in situ macrorefugia from ongoing climate change. However, rear‐edge populations of the southern Mediterranean may be exposed to a potential loss of unique genetic diversity owing to habitat suitability changes unless populations can persist in microrefugia that have facilitated such persistence in the past.
Assessment and management of alcohol‐related admissions to UK intensive care units
Authors: McPeake Joanne , Bateson Meghan , O'Neill Anna , Kinsella John
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Background

The critical care environment has felt the overwhelming impact of the growing problem of alcohol abuse. However, there is ambiguity concerning the assessment and management of this patient group.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore current practice in the use of assessment and management tools for alcohol‐related admissions in UK intensive care units (ICU).

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐eight lead consultants across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales were sent an electronic survey using the SurveyMonkey® (
www.surveymonkey.com) website.

Results

A total of 103 (41·05%) lead consultants responded to the survey. Most units (67%) utilized the volume of alcohol consumed per week to assess patient alcohol use. Furthermore, 12 units (11%) used the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment tool, 5 units (5%) used the Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale and 79 units (73%) used no tool for the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Conclusion

There appears to be a diverse approach to the assessment and management of alcohol‐related admissions in UK ICUs. Further research is required in this area to identify the most effective way to assess and manage alcohol‐related admissions within intensive care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Under recognition and poor assessment of alcohol use can have major implications for critically ill patients.
Nurses' perceptions of unpleasant symptoms and signs in ventilated and sedated patients
Authors: Randen Irene , Lerdal Anners , Bjørk Ida T
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe intensive care nurses' perceptions and assessments of unpleasant symptoms and signs in mechanically ventilated and sedated adult intensive care patients.

Background

Mechanically ventilated patients are unable to express themselves verbally and depend upon nurses to control their symptoms by understanding their unpleasant experiences, such as pain, anxiety or delirium and interpret the relevant signs. Nurses must have enough knowledge to adjust their analgesics and sedatives appropriately and to avoid under‐ or oversedation.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

A study with a self‐administrated questionnaire was undertaken in October 2007 to February 2008, with a convenience sample of 183 intensive care nurses in Norway.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 86 (47%) nurses. Most perceived that critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy occurred frequently. Half the nurses underestimated pain, anxiety and delirium. Signs such as a response to contact, cough reflex, wakefulness and muscle tone were considered most important in assessing oversedation. Agitation, facial grimacing, tube intolerance and wakefulness were considered most important in assessing undersedation. The Comfort Scale and Adoption of the Intensive Care Environment corresponded best to the signs identified by the nurses.

Conclusion

The nurses underestimated unpleasant symptoms other than critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy. A further mapping of patients' experiences should be conducted, with an emphasis on the more ‘silent’ distressing symptoms. Further tools to facilitate the communication of consciousness levels and the intolerance of unpleasant symptoms must be developed and implemented.

Relevance to clinical practice

A deeper understanding of unpleasant symptoms and signs focused in learning activities may help nurses to recognize patients' early problems and allow targeted interventions. A more active stimulus‐response assessment of ICU patients is required to detect oversedation, critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy and hypoactive delirium. Assessment tools should reflect both the patient's tolerance of various unpleasant symptoms and the level of consciousness.
Disciplinary processes and the management of poor performance among UK nurses: bad apple or systemic failure? A scoping study
Authors: Traynor Michael , Stone Katie , Cook Hannah , Gould Dinah , Maben Jill
Published: February 2013

The rise of managerialism within healthcare systems has been noted globally. This paper uses the findings of a scoping study to investigate the management of poor performance among nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom within this context. The management of poor performance among clinicians in the NHS has been seen as a significant policy problem. There has been a profound shift in the distribution of power between professional and managerial groups in many health systems globally. We examined literature published between 2000 and 10 to explore aspects of poor performance and its management. We used Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, British Nursing Index, HMIC, Cochrane Library and PubMed. Empirical data are limited but indicate that nurses and midwives are the clinical groups most likely to be suspended and that poor performance is often represented as an individual deficit. A focus on the individual as a source of trouble can serve as a distraction from more complex systematic problems.
The xylan utilization system of the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris controls epiphytic life and reveals common features with oligotrophic bacteria and animal gut symbionts
Authors: Déjean Guillaume , Blanvillain‐Baufumé Servane , Boulanger Alice , Darrasse Armelle , de Bernonville Thomas Dugé , Girard Anne‐Laure , Carrére Sébastien , Jamet Stevie , Zischek Claudine , Lautier Martine , Solé Magali , Büttner Daniela , Jacques Marie‐Agnès , Lauber Emmanuelle , Arlat Matthieu
Published: February 2013

Xylan is a major structural component of plant cell wall and the second most abundant plant polysaccharide in nature.

Here, by combining genomic and functional analyses, we provide a comprehensive picture of xylan utilization by Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris (Xcc) and highlight its role in the adaptation of this epiphytic phytopathogen to the phyllosphere.

The xylanolytic activity of Xcc depends on xylan‐deconstruction enzymes but also on transporters, including two TonB‐dependent outer membrane transporters (TBDTs) which belong to operons necessary for efficient growth in the presence of xylo‐oligosaccharides and for optimal survival on plant leaves. Genes of this xylan utilization system are specifically induced by xylo‐oligosaccharides and repressed by a LacI‐family regulator named XylR.

Part of the xylanolytic machinery of Xcc, including TBDT genes, displays a high degree of conservation with the xylose‐regulon of the oligotrophic aquatic bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Moreover, it shares common features, including the presence of TBDTs, with the xylan utilization systems of Bacteroides ovatus and Prevotella bryantii, two gut symbionts. These similarities and our results support an important role for TBDTs and xylan utilization systems for bacterial adaptation in the phyllosphere, oligotrophic environments and animal guts.
Morphological disparity and developmental patterning: contribution of phacopid trilobites
Authors: Crônier Catherine
Published: February 2013

In trilobites as in many others extinct organisms, our understanding of the mechanisms of evolution is based on morphological and ontogenetic features. Data from ontogenetic development are essential to provide an insight into the origins of evolutionary changes. In phacopid trilobites, detailed studies of ontogenetic series have been achieved using quantitative methods. A comparison of ontogenetic trajectories of closely related species has been conducted to understand how the both morphological disparity and developmental patterning of different ontogenetic stages were structured and to determine how the environmental or developmental constraints influenced morphological changes in trilobites. Study of such morphological disparity in developmental evolution requires knowledge of morphological features and timing and rate of development among closely related species. At a macroevolutionary scale, such quantitative studies should allow us (1) to determine the impact of individual ontogenies on morphological diversification and (2) to identify the evolutionary patterns in Phacopidae during 100 Ma of existence.
A quantitative evaluation of evolutionary patterns in opercle bone shape in Saurichthys (Actinopterygii: Saurichthyidae)
Authors: Wilson Laura A. B. , Furrer Heinz , Stockar Rudolf , Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R.
Published: February 2013

Despite an impressive radiation of more than 30 species in the wake of the end‐Permian mass extinction, the taxonomic study of Saurichthys has suffered from a lack of universally diagnostic features and a lack of tested quantitative schemes that can be applied to analyse interspecific morphological differences. In this study, we provide an initial quantitative framework for morphological evolution in Saurichthys by focusing on a single bone, the opercle and exploring patterns of interspecific variability in shape using outline‐based geometric morphometrics and linear measurements. For the six species examined, comprising 155 specimens and representatives from the Early, Middle and Late Triassic, our results indicate that interspecific shape differences largely reflect an anterior–posterior dimension decrease (= craniocaudal direction) as the dorso‐ventral dimension remains similar. In contrast, intraspecific variability in shape is subtle and spread across the outline of the bone, such that counter‐acting dimension differences (increase/decrease) were found to occur along a single margin at oblique axes in several species. Our quantitative scheme, which is widely applicable to other groups, provides a useful description of the broad modes of opercle shape change that may help as a starting framework from which to develop character states for opercle morphology in future study.
Adolescent classroom education on knowledge and attitudes about deceased organ donation: A systematic review
Authors: Li Alvin Ho‐Ting , Rosenblum Amanda M. , Nevis Immaculate F. , Garg Amit X.
Published: February 2013

In many countries, adolescents can choose to register a deceased organ donation wish when they apply for a driver's license. They often receive education about deceased organ donation in order to make an informed choice. The objective of this review was to describe the effectiveness of school‐based educational programs on deceased organ donation among adolescents. We reviewed any study of adolescent students receiving a school‐based educational program on deceased organ donation. The outcomes were knowledge, attitudes, intent to register a preference toward deceased organ donation, and whether such education fostered family discussions about organ donation. Fifteen studies were summarized from nine countries, of which six were randomized controlled trials. Most educational programs consisted of one or two classroom sessions. The methods employed in five studies received a high‐quality rating. Educational programs increased knowledge in 10 studies, and attitudes in five studies, with variable effects on intent to affirmative registration. Seven studies reported success in promoting family discussions. Adolescent classroom education is a promising strategy to improve knowledge about deceased organ donation and appears to increase public support for donation. Subjecting these programs to additional evaluation will clarify their impact on affirmative donor registration and realized donations.
Outcomes and predictive factors of pediatric kidney transplants: An analysis of the Thai Transplant Registry
Authors: Rianthavorn Pornpimol , Kerr Stephen J. , Lumpaopong Adisorn , Jiravuttipong Apichat , Pattaragarn Anirut , Tangnararatchakit Kanchana , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Thirakupt Prapaipim , Sumethkul Vasant
Published: February 2013

As universal coverage for pediatric kidney transplantation (KT) was introduced in Thailand in 2008, the number of recipients has been increasing. We evaluated predictive factors for graft failure to understand how to improve clinical outcomes in these children. Using data obtained from the National Transplant registry, we assessed the risk of graft failure using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. Altogether, 201 recipients aged <21 yr at the time of KT were studied. Living donors (LD) were significantly older than deceased donor (DD). Mean cold ischemia time of DD was 17 h. The mean donor glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 84.0 mL/min/1.73 m2. Induction immunosuppressive therapy was administered more frequently in DD than in LDKT. Delayed graft function (DGF) occurred in 36 transplants. Over 719 person years of follow‐up, 42 graft failures occurred. Graft survival at one, three, and five yr post‐transplant were 95%, 88% and 76%, respectively. Two factors independently predicted graft failure in multivariate analysis. The hazard ratios for graft failure in patients with DGF and in patients with donor GFR of ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2 were 2.5 and 9.7, respectively. Pediatric recipients should receive the first priority for allografts from young DD with a good GFR, and DGF should be meticulously prevented.
Alemtuzumab induction in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Kaabak Michael M. , Babenko Nadezda N. , Samsonov Dmitry V. , Sandrikov Valery A. , Maschan Alexey A. , Zokoev Alan K.
Published: February 2013

Recipient parenchymal lymphatic cells are crucial for direct and indirect pathways of allorecognition. We proposed that alemtuzumab, being infused several weeks pretransplant could eradicate peripheral lymphatic cells and promote donor‐specific tolerance. We present here a single center, retrospective review of 101 consecutive living‐donor kidney transplantations to pediatric patients aged from seven month to 18 yr, performed between September 2006 and April 2010. Immunosupression protocol included two 30 mg doses of alemtuzumab: first given 12–29 d prior to transplantation and second at the time of transplantation. Maintenance immunosupression was based on combination of low dose and wide range CNI and mycophenolate. Patients were followed for 3.8 ± 1.4 yr and protocol biopsies were taken one month, one, and three yr post transplant. The Kaplan–Meier graft and patient survival was 96% and 97% for one yr, 89% and 93% for three yr. Biopsy proven acute rejection developed in 26% patients at one yr and in 35% at two yr, no rejections occurred beyond two yr. We conclude that alemtuzumab pretreatment prior to living related donor kidney transplantation allows to reach satisfactory middle‐term results in pediatric patients with wide range and low CNI concentrations.
Kidney grafts from donors ≤5 yr of age: Single kidney transplantation for pediatric recipients or en bloc transplantation for adults?
Authors: Gallinat Anja , Sotiropoulos Georgios C. , Witzke Oliver , Treckmann Jürgen W. , Molmenti Ernesto P. , Paul Andreas , Vester Udo
Published: February 2013

Kidneys from donors ≤5 yr of age represent a controversial issue. The purpose of this study was to compare the transplant outcomes as single and single/en bloc grafts into pediatric and adult KT recipients, respectively. All recipients of kidneys from donors ≤5 yr old transplanted at our institution from 3/2003 to 12/2010 were evaluated, and corresponding data were analyzed. There were 11 pediatric and 14 adult recipients. Median donor age and body weight were 38 months and 14 kg, respectively. PNF, n = 2 and DGF, n = 1 were observed only among adult recipients. Five‐yr graft survival was 100% for children and 86% for adults. There were no significant differences in graft and patient survival, PNF, DGF, acute rejection, or postoperative complications among children/single (n = 10), adults/en bloc (n = 10), and adults/single (n = 4) KT. Major complications were documented in six adult recipients and one pediatric recipient after en bloc KT. Pediatric recipients showed significantly higher GFR during the first post‐transplant year. Kidneys from donors ≤5 yr of age have at least as good outcomes as when transplanted as single allografts into children. Although the study‐volume is small, it seems that children benefit from a pediatric‐oriented allocation policy.
Right diaphragmatic hernia after liver transplant in pediatrics: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lam Hwai‐Ding , Mejia Juan , Soltys Kyle A. , Sindhi Rakesh , Mazariegos George , Bond Geoffrey
Published: February 2013

Diaphragmatic hernias (DH) are an unusual complication after pediatric liver transplantation; however, they have been reported with increased frequency in the past few years. DHs are responsible for nearly half of the small bowel obstructions requiring surgical intervention in this patient population. It has been suggested that the use of a left lobe liver graft, surgical trauma, malnourishment, elevated intra‐abdominal pressures, and mTor inhibitors may predispose to development of DH. The use of a segmental graft may increase the recognition of diaphragmatic hernia because the surgically damaged right hemi‐diaphragm often remains exposed to underlying viscera, instead of being covered by the right hepatic lobe. Treatment is surgical reduction, with up to 20% of the patients requiring resection of the herniated intestine. Herein we describe a case of DH after left segmental liver transplant in a two‐ yr‐old boy that presented one month post left lobe split liver transplant with abdominal pain, anorexia, and respiratory distress. Just like in the majority of the reported cases, an urgent laparotomy with primary repair was performed. No resection of the herniated segment of intestine was required. For pediatric patients with otherwise unexplained respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms after a left lateral segment liver transplant, right‐sided diaphragmatic hernias should always be high in the differential diagnosis.