bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normal long‐term health‐related quality of life can be achieved in patients with functional pituitary adenomas having surgery as primary treatment
Authors: Ritvonen Elina , Karppinen Atte , Sintonen Harri , Vehkavaara Satu , Kivipelto Leena , Roine Risto P. , Niemelä Mika , Schalin‐Jäntti Camilla
Published: July 2014

Background

Previous studies report impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with functional pituitary adenomas (FPA). We assessed HRQoL in FPA patients having undergone surgery at our University Central Hospital between 2000 and 2010, with combined adjuvant treatment given to achieve strict hormonal control.

Design

A cross‐sectional study including a large control population.

Patients and methods

HRQoL was assessed by the 15D in 100 FPA patients (acromegaly n = 47, Cushing's disease n = 21, prolactinoma n = 26, TSH‐adenoma n = 2, gonadotropinoma n = 4), operated on a mean 7·4 (range 2·1–13·0) years earlier. An age‐ and gender‐standardized sample of the general population (n = 4924) served as controls. HRQoL determinants were assessed by independent samples t‐test and multiple regression analysis.

Results

Hormonal remission rate was 90·9% and 43·9% of the patients received replacement therapy. The mean 15D scores were similar in patients and controls (0·917 vs 0·922, P = 0·568). On single dimensions, patients were worse off regarding speech and sexual activity (both P < 0·05) and better off regarding discomfort and symptoms (P < 0·05). Age (P = 0·001), co‐morbidities (P = 0·009), Cushing's disease (P = 0·034), and thyroxine dose (P = 0·002) predicted impaired HRQoL, but not hypopituitarism, hydrocortisone replacement, radiotherapy, or time after surgery.

Conclusions

It is possible to achieve near‐normal HRQoL in surgically treated FPA patients given adjuvant treatment to achieve strict hormonal remission. However, in addition to age and co‐morbidities, Cushing's disease and need for thyroxine replacement therapy predict impaired HRQoL.
Elevated hair cortisol concentrations in children with adrenal insufficiency on hydrocortisone replacement therapy
Authors: Noppe G. , van Rossum E.F.C. , Vliegenthart J. , Koper J.W. , van den Akker E.L.T.
Published: July 2014

Background

Glucocorticoid replacement therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency needs to be tailored to the individual patient based on body composition and clinical signs and symptoms as no objective method for assessment of treatment adequacy is available. Current treatment regimens are often not satisfactory, which is shown by the adverse metabolic profile and doubled mortality rates in treated adrenal insufficiency patients. Measurement of cortisol concentrations in hair reflect the long‐term systemic cortisol exposure and may be of use in refinement of hydrocortisone treatment.

Objective

We aimed to study whether long‐term cortisol (hydrocortisone) levels, as measured in scalp hair, are similar in children with adrenal insufficiency and healthy children.

Material and methods

We set up a case control study, measuring anthropometric characteristics and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in 54 hydrocortisone substituted children with adrenal insufficiency (AI patients) in the age of 4–18 years and 54 healthy children matched for gender and age.

Results

Mean HCC were significantly higher in AI patients compared with healthy controls (mean 13·3 vs 8·2 pg/mg, P = 0·02). AI patients also had a higher BMI (P < 0·001) and waist circumference (WC) (P = 0·02). HCC was significantly associated with BMI (P = 0·002) and WC (P = 0·002). HCC explained 13% of the difference in BMI and 29% of the difference in WC between AI patients and controls.

Conclusion

Hydrocortisone‐treated AI patients have increased HCC and adverse anthropometric characteristics compared with healthy controls. HCC measurement may be of value in identifying overtreatment and thereby improve hydrocortisone replacement therapy.
The Ultrastructural Relationship Between Osteocytes and Dental Implants Following Osseointegration
Authors: Du Zhibin , Ivanovski Saso , Hamlet Stephen M. , Feng Jian Q. , Xiao Yin
Published: July 2014

Background

Osteocytes, the most abundant cells in bone, have multiple functions, including acting as mechanosensors and regulating mineralization. It is clear that osteocytes influence bone remodeling by controlling the differentiation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Determining the relationship between titanium implants and osteocytes may therefore benefit our understanding of the process of osseointegration.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to visualize the ultrastructural relationship between osteocytes and the titanium implant surface following osseointegration in vivo.

Materials and Methods

Titanium implants were placed in the maxillary molar regions of eight female Sprague Dawley rats, 3 months old. The animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after implantation, and undecalcified tissue sections were prepared. Resin‐cast samples were subsequently acid‐etched with 37% phosphoric acid prior to examination using scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Compared with mature bone, where the osteocytes were arranged in an ordered fashion, the osteocytes appeared less organized in the newly formed bone around the titanium implant. Further, a layer of mineralization with few organic components was observed on the implant surface. This study shows for the first time that osteocytes and their dendrites are directly connected with the implant surface.

Conclusions

This study shows the direct anchorage of osteocytes via dendritic processes to a titanium implant surface in vivo. This suggests an important regulatory role for osteocytes and their lacunar‐canalicular network in maintaining long‐term osseointegration.
Effectiveness of individual‐focused interventions to prevent chronic disease
Authors: Saeed Sara , Golfam Mohammad , Beall Reed F. , Ashbury Fredrick D. , Palmer Lyle J. , Little Julian
Published: July 2014

Background

The burden of chronic disease is projected to assume crisis proportions in most parts of the world by the middle of the century, focusing attention on the need for preventive interventions. We identify and review published research on primary prevention individual‐level interventions in current practice and describe and discuss the limitations of the current evidence. The report facilitates prioritizing a research agenda for potential interventions that might be investigated within cohort studies.

Materials and methods

This study is a rapid review. Computerized database searches (PubMed and EMBASE) were performed in October 2012 to identify articles on primary prevention interventions that are directed at the individual level. Potentially, relevant International Agency of Research on Cancer handbooks and monographs were also reviewed. The review includes articles reported in English on the efficacy or effectiveness of a preventive intervention in an adult population. It excludes articles on alcohol or tobacco smoking.

Results

Many chronic disease interventions directed at individuals report a protective effect in the short term and some evidence for the efficacy of chemoprevention in chronic disease prevention exists. Evidence these effects persist in the longer term is inconsistent.

Conclusions

There are currently only limited evidence‐based preventions for most chronic diseases, for which a summary is available in Table A1 (see Appendix B). Most individual‐level intervention research studies have been conducted using case–control designs and some small, randomized studies. There are fewer impediments to lifestyle modifications when compared to prevention using chemoprevention and vaccination or other methods of prevention of persistent infection.
The roles of consolidation and maintenance therapy with novel agents after autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Joks Monika , Jurczyszyn Artur , Machaczka Maciej , Skotnicki Aleksander B. , Komarnicki Mieczysław
Published: July 2014

Novel agents including immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors incorporated into induction regimens and subsequently followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in cases of multiple myeloma have resulted in enhancement of response rate and its depth. Maintaining or even improving the response is an important treatment goal. Most clinical trials have revealed increased progression‐free survival after consolidation and maintenance therapy. Some of them have also shown prolongation of overall survival. However, continuous therapy may be associated with significant side effects and costs, and therefore remains controversial. Treatment decisions should be individualized and based upon projected benefits and risks.
Developing bioelectrical impedance analysis methods for age‐0 brook trout
Authors: Hafs A. W. , Hartman K. J.
Published: July 2014

Year class strength of many fishes often is determined by survival through the first winter. Increased fat reserves improve survival and overall cohort success. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) methods are established for estimating proximate composition of adult brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), but none have been developed for early life stages. Small‐fish BIA would provide information about age‐0 percent dry weight, a proxy for fat reserves, allowing for better prediction of cohort success. The objective of this study was to develop BIA methods that provide reliable estimates of percent dry weight for age‐0 brook trout. BIA measurements were taken at seven anatomical locations from 48 to 115 mm fish. A model developed using BIA measures taken by subdermal needle electrodes precisely predicted percent dry weight (best model, RMSE = 1.03, R2 = 0.86). Although lacking support, as determined by information theoretical analysis, BIA measured with non‐invasive external rod electrodes also precisely predicted percent dry weight (RMSE = 1.09, R2 = 0.85). Models developed using two electrode locations performed better than models developed with only one location. For small brook trout, a dorsal to ventral pre‐dorsal fin electrode location should be used in conjunction with a dorsal total length location when measuring BIA to predict percent dry weight.
Environment and biogeography drive aquatic plant and cladoceran species richness across Europe
Authors: Viana Duarte S. , Santamaría L. , Schwenk K. , Manca M. , Hobæk A. , Mjelde M. , Preston C. D. , Gornall R. J. , Croft J. M. , King R. A. , Green A. J. , Figuerola J.
Published: July 2014

The relative role of environmental and regional processes in determining patterns of biodiversity may vary across spatial scales. In inland aquatic communities, macrophytes and zooplankton have the potential to disperse over large spatial scales (hundreds of kilometres), but the role of environmental and regional processes in determining species richness (SR) at different spatial scales is poorly understood.

To assess the relative importance of environmental and regional processes acting on both regional (within‐region) and continental (among‐region) scales, we surveyed 139 waterbodies in five geographic regions (Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland and Norway) and in each region measured environmental variables, descriptors of connectivity and SR of two aquatic taxa, namely aquatic plants and cladocerans.

Analyses using boosted regression trees and generalised linear models, integrated with multiple imputation of missing data, indicated that both environmental and regional processes were related to local SR.

Total phosphorus was the main environmental correlate of SR, showing a unimodal relationship with both taxonomic groups. Conductivity and lake depth were also related to cladoceran SR, and Secchi depth was related to aquatic plant richness.

The SR of aquatic plants and cladocerans were significantly correlated, but this relationship was mainly indirect (i.e. determined by the effect of common environmental variables).

The limited role of connectivity and space (lack of spatial autocorrelation in model residuals) relative to environment suggests that dispersal limitation is not as important as the environment in explaining richness patterns for both groups within regions. However, region identity strongly influenced SR, which suggests an important effect of biogeographic factors (e.g. the level of endemicity; the number of unique species in each region) and/or dispersal limitation at the continental scale.

We conclude that environmental factors and biogeographic processes largely determine the patterns of local and regional SR in aquatic plants and zooplankton.
The influence of environmental factors on abundance and prevalence of a commensal ostracod hosted by an invasive crayfish: are ‘parasite rules’ relevant to non‐parasitic symbionts?
Authors: Mestre Alexandre , Monrós Juan S. , Mesquita‐Joanes Francesc
Published: July 2014

Symbiosis represents a widespread and successful lifestyle, but research on symbiotic associations has been mainly focused on parasites. Three general patterns in parasite ecology have been proposed: (i) aggregation, (ii) positive and tight correlation between mean symbiont abundance and its variance and (iii) positive correlation between abundance and prevalence of symbionts. The factors affecting abundance and prevalence within symbiont species can be grouped into host features and environmental conditions. According to research in parasite ecology, environmental conditions seem to play a minor role.

We investigated whether the three most recognised parasite patterns were also evident in a non‐parasitic freshwater ectosymbiont and analysed the effects of host features (sex, body size, density and ecdysis) and environmental conditions (climate and water chemistry) on abundance and prevalence of the symbiont. Our species model was an exotic ectocommensal ostracod, Ankylocythere sinuosa, inhabiting the invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii in Europe. We sampled 373 crayfish from 26 Spanish localities. We modelled both abundance per occupied host (i.e. intensity) and prevalence using zero‐altered models and a backward model selection of host and environmental variables, and assessed model performance through graphical analyses of Pearson residuals and the relationship between observed and fitted values of the finally selected model.

We observed all three parasite patterns in A. sinuosa. Abundance of A. sinuosa was most strongly related to conductivity (negative effect), followed by host density (positive) and ecdysis (negative), with moderate relationships to variables related to water chemistry ( concentration, alkalinity/(Cl− + ) and Cl−/ ratios). Prevalence was related mainly to crayfish density (positive effect) and also to climatic conditions (maximum temperature of warmest month, annual precipitation and precipitation seasonality).

Our results suggest that some ‘parasite rules’ may actually be general ‘symbiont rules’. Moreover, our symbiont model was markedly affected by climatic conditions at a regional scale acting on prevalence, and water chemistry at a local level acting on symbiont abundance. This supports the hypothesis of a prominent role of environmental conditions influencing population parameters of non‐parasitic freshwater ectosymbionts. Physiological tolerances to highly unstable environmental factors, together with dependence on highly variable external food sources, probably underlie the high sensitivity to environmental conditions of this category of symbiont.
The Anthropocene and Geography III: Future Directions
Authors: Castree Noel
Published: July 2014

This is the last of three papers that explore the relevance of ‘the Anthropocene’ (and the related idea of ‘planetary boundaries’) to present and future research in Geography. The first paper (The Anthropocene and Geography I: The back story) summarised the origins and evolution of the proposition that the Holocene has ended. The second paper (The Anthropocene and Geography II: Current contributions) then mapped‐out the relatively few, but varied, contributions that geographers have so far made to assessing or advancing this proposition. This final instalment looks ahead. It offers readers informed speculation on how future discussions of the Anthropocene might take shape in Geography. These discussions may matter for a great many others besides geographers in the years ahead. Given their epochal meanings and enormous implications for humans, the Anthropocene and planetary boundaries ideas stand to become societal keywords that, along with some other collateral terms, might organise debate and action about one of the greatest human questions, namely: ‘how should we live?’.
When Policies Undo Themselves: Self‐Undermining Feedback as a Source of Policy Change
Authors: Jacobs Alan M. , Weaver R. Kent
Published: July 2014

Most studies of policy feedback have focused on processes of self‐reinforcement through which programs bolster their own bases of political support and endure or expand over time. This article develops a theoretical framework for identifying feedback mechanisms through which policies can becomeself‐underminingover time, increasing the likelihood of a major change in policy orientation. We conceptualize and illustrate three types of self‐undermining feedback mechanisms that we expect to operate in democratic politics: the emergence of unanticipated losses for mobilized social interests, interactions between strategic elites and loss‐averse voters, and expansions of the menu of policy alternatives. We also advance hypotheses about the conditions under which each mechanism is likeliest to unfold. In illuminating endogenous sources of policy change, the analysis builds on efforts by both historically oriented and rationalist scholars to understand how institutions change and seeks to expand political scientists’ theoretical toolkit for explaining policy development over time.
‘Teaching Young Consumers’ – food safety in home and consumer studies from a teacher's perspective
Authors: Lange Marie , Göranzon Helen , Marklinder Ingela
Published: July 2014

In Swedish compulsory school, the subject home and consumer studies (HCS) is an opportunity to create conscious consumers for the future. In Sweden, it has been estimated that half a million cases of foodborne infections occur each year, which has an impact on public health. The numbers of foodborne infections are affected by actions connected to the four Cs in food safety: cooking, cleaning, chilling and cross‐contamination. As foodborne infections in many cases are suspected to occur in private households, it is of research interest to study food safety teaching in HCS. The aim of this study was to investigate food safety as a part of HCS education and to provide insights regarding self‐reported food safety attitude, knowledge and behaviour among HCS teachers in Swedish compulsory schools. A web‐based questionnaire was distributed online in April 2012. A total of 335 teachers across the country participated, representing about one in five HCS teachers in Sweden. A majority of the responding teachers stated food safety as an important part of HCS education. The study indicates that food safety teaching can be done in different ways depending on factors such as working years, formal HCS education and daily routines in the classroom. The food safety routines relevant to a specific learning situation might determine the didactic choices, and thus some other important issues within the framework of the four Cs i.e. cold food storage, heating, storing leftovers, best before date, cooling and cross‐contamination might be neglected. When it comes to teaching food safety, there is no guarantee that the four Cs in food safety will be covered. Issues connected to cleaning seemed to occur more frequently in HCS teaching rather than the broader aspects of food safety.
Flash Spark Plasma Sintering (FSPS) of Pure ZrB2
Authors: Grasso Salvatore , Saunders Theo , Porwal Harshit , Cedillos‐Barraza Omar , Jayaseelan Daniel Doni , Lee William E. , Reece Mike John
Published: July 2014

Pure ZrB2 powder was Flash sintered in an SPS furnace (FSPS). The samples were densified up to 95.0% in 35 s under an applied pressure of 16 MPa. Compared to Conventional SPS (CSPS), the newly developed FSPS technique resulted in an unprecedented energy and time savings of about 95% and 98% respectively. ZrB2 monoliths obtained by CSPS and FSPS were compared with respect to microstructures, densification behavior, and grain growth. The developed methodology might find application to a wide range of highly conductive ceramics as such refractory borides and carbides.
Problems in Launching the Mobile Internet: Evidence From a Pricing Experiment
Authors: Gao Maija , Hyytinen Ari , Toivanen Otto
Published: July 2014

Commercialization of innovations frequently stumbles. A prominent recent example are the early (i.e., pre‐3G) mobile phone‐enabled Internet services, whose European take‐up was slower than expected. To determine why, we build a structural model of demand for such services and estimate it using consumer‐level panel data from a pricing experiment. The experiment allows a decomposition of the number of wireless connections into the number of needs—instances where a consumer would establish a connection if the price were zero—and the conditional probability of establishing a connection. We find that needs were plenty and potential consumer surplus several magnitudes higher than that attained. We find that pricing reduced usage substantially and explore potential reasons for the high prices.
Specialized Careers
Authors: Bar‐Isaac Heski , Hörner Johannes
Published: July 2014

An agent has different abilities in two types of tasks. These tasks are revealed over time through his performance. The agent initially decides whether to engage in only one task (specialize) or to take on any task that arises (be a generalist). This decision trades off the cost of being idle against staying available for relatively lucrative tasks. We compare specializing with acting as a generalist in an infinite‐horizon model and provide complete characterizations of efforts. We show how specializing acts as a means of committing to exert more effort. In a two‐period version of the model, this implies that positive costs for switching strategies, through license fees, for example, may be socially desirable.
Industry Shock Expectations, Interindustry Linkages, and Merger Waves: Evidence from the Hospital Industry
Authors: Park Minjung , Town Robert
Published: July 2014

It is well known that mergers often occur in waves, and this paper develops a new mechanism for merger waves: expectations over industry shocks. We develop a simple test of this explanation and use it to explore the role of expectations in the context of the 1990s hospital merger wave. Managed care such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) started to become popular in the late 1980s and ultimately became an important player in the health insurance market. Our empirical analysis shows that the expected increase in the popularity of HMOs was partly responsible for the hospital merger wave of the 1990s: hospitals feared that the “innovation” of managed care in the downstream insurance market would penetrate the upstream hospital market and responded to this belief by merging. Our results show the importance of incorporating expectations and interindustry linkages into the understanding of merger waves.
Alpha‐7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist treatment reduces neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and brain injury in mice with ischemic stroke and bone fracture
Authors: Han Zhenying , Li Li , Wang Liang , Degos Vincent , Maze Mervyn , Su Hua
Published: July 2014

Bone fracture at the acute stage of stroke exacerbates stroke injury by increasing neuroinflammation. We hypothesize that activation of α‐7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α‐7 nAchR) attenuates neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and reduces brain injury in mice with bone fracture and stroke. Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) was performed in C57BL/6J mice followed by tibia fracture 1 day later. Mice were treated with 0.8 mg/kg PHA 568487 (PHA, α‐7 nAchR‐specific agonist), 6 mg/kg methyllycaconitine (α‐7 nAchR antagonist), or saline 1 and 2 days after pMCAO. Behavior was tested 3 days after pMCAO. Neuronal injury, CD68+, M1 (pro‐inflammatory) and M2 (anti‐inflammatory) microglia/macrophages, phosphorylated p65 component of nuclear factor kappa b in microglia/macrophages, oxidative and anti‐oxidant gene expression were quantified. Compared to saline‐treated mice, PHA‐treated mice performed better in behavioral tests, had fewer apoptotic neurons (NeuN+TUNEL+), fewer CD68+ and M1 macrophages, and more M2 macrophages. PHA increased anti‐oxidant gene expression and decreased oxidative stress and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa b p65. Methyllycaconitine had the opposite effects. Our data indicate that α‐7 nAchR agonist treatment reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are associated with reduced brain injury in mice with ischemic stroke plus tibia fracture.

image

Bone fracture at the acute stage of stroke exacerbates neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and brain injury, and our study has shown that the α‐7 nAchR agonist, PHA (PHA 568487), attenuates neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and brain injury in mice with stroke and bone fracture. Hence, PHA could provide an opportunity to develop a new strategy to reduce brain injury in patients suffering from stroke and bone fracture.
How is paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis diagnosed and managed by paediatricians? An Australian Paediatric Research Network Study
Authors: Knight Sarah , Harvey Adrienne , Towns Susan , Payne Donald , Lubitz Lionel , Rowe Kathy , Reveley Colette , Hennel Sabine , Hiscock Harriet , Scheinberg Adam
Published: July 2014

Aim

The diagnosis and management of paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encepnalomyelitis (CFS/ME) represent ongoing challenges for paediatricians. A better understanding of current approaches at a national level is important in informing where research and education could improve treatment outcomes. We aimed to examine current diagnosis and management practices for CFS/ME by Australian paediatricians.

Method

An online survey was sent to members of the Australian Paediatric Research Network. The primary outcomes of interest included diagnostic criteria used, medical investigations and management practices in paediatric CFS/ME.

Results

One hundred seventy‐eight (41%) of 430 eligible paediatricians responded, with 70 of the 178 (39%) reporting that they diagnose and manage CFS/ME as part of their practice. Medical investigations used for diagnosis were variable. Conditions that more than half of the paediatricians reported as commonly co‐occurring (i.e. present in >50% of cases) included somatisation disorders, anxiety, depression and fibromyalgia. There was wide variation in behavioural and pharmacological management strategies but most paediatricians commonly engaged a school teacher, physiotherapist and/or psychologist as part of their management.

Conclusion

The diagnostic and management practices of paediatricians for CFS/ME within Australia vary widely. This likely reflects a paucity of paediatric‐specific guidelines, together with limited evidence to guide best practice and limited training in this area. There is a need for guidance and education for the diagnosis and management of paediatric CFS/ME in Australia.
The ameliorative effects of exogenous melatonin on grape cuttings under water‐deficient stress: antioxidant metabolites, leaf anatomy, and chloroplast morphology
Authors: Meng Jiang‐Fei , Xu Teng‐Fei , Wang Zhi‐Zhen , Fang Yu‐Lin , Xi Zhu‐Mei , Zhang Zhen‐Wen
Published: July 2014

Grapes are an important economic crop and are widely cultivated around the world. Most grapes are grown in arid or semi‐arid regions, and droughts take a heavy toll in grape and wine production areas. Developing effective drought‐resistant cultivation measures is a priority for viticulture. Melatonin, an indoleamine, mediates many physiological processes in plants. Herein, we examined whether exogenously applied melatonin could improve the resistance of wine grape seedlings grown from cuttings to polyethylene glycol‐induced water‐deficient stress. The application of 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG) markedly inhibited the growth of cuttings, caused oxidative stress and damage from H2O2 and , and reduced the potential efficiency of Photosystem II and the amount of chlorophyll. Application of melatonin partially alleviated the oxidative injury to cuttings, slowed the decline in the potential efficiency of Photosystem II, and limited the effects on leaf thickness, spongy tissue, and stoma size after application of PEG. Melatonin treatment also helped preserve the internal lamellar system of chloroplasts and alleviated the ultrastructural damage induced by drought stress. This ameliorating effect may be ascribed to the enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, increased levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants, and increased amount of osmoprotectants (free proline). We conclude that the application of melatonin to wine grapes is effective in reducing drought stress.
Extended proximal trochleoplasty for the correction of bidirectional patellar luxation in seven Pomeranian dogs
Authors: Wangdee C. , Hazewinkel H. A. W. , Temwichitr J. , Theyse L. F. H.
Published: July 2014

Seven Pomeranians with bidirectional patellar luxation (BPL) were prospectively studied regarding aetiology and results of a new surgical technique. Radiographic evaluation of the ratio between patellar ligament length and patellar bone length revealed no differences between Pomeranians with bidirectional patellar luxation and healthy stifle joints. Functional rather than anatomic patella alta might be associated with bidirectional patellar luxation in Pomeranians. The surgical outcome of extended proximal trochleoplasty was good‐to‐excellent in 87·5% of the stifles and all dogs achieved functional recovery. There was only minimal radiographic progression of osteophyte formation at 48 weeks after surgery. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on bidirectional patellar luxation in small breed dogs and its successful surgical treatment.
Advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical treatment of an odontogenic retromasseteric abscess in a guinea pig
Authors: Capello V. , Lennox A.
Published: July 2014

A two‐year‐old guinea pig presented for difficulty chewing. Examination and diagnostic imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance, revealed an odontogenic retromasseteric abscess associated with a mandibular cheek tooth. Treatment included removal of the abscess and marsupialisation of the surgical site for repeated debridement and healing by second intention. Unique features of this case included the use of advanced diagnostic imaging and utilisation of marsupialisation for surgical correction.
Inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers of disease severity in dogs with parvoviral enteritis
Authors: Kocaturk M. , Tvarijonaviciute A. , Martinez‐Subiela S. , Tecles F. , Eralp O. , Yilmaz Z. , Ceron J. J.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVES

To study changes in serum C‐reactive protein, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and albumin concentration, total anti‐oxidant capacity and paraoxonase‐1 and butyrylcholinesterase activity in dogs with parvoviral enteritis of different degrees of clinical severity.

METHODS

Prospective study of 9 healthy and 43 dogs with parvoviral enteritis that were classified into mildly, moderately and affected groups.

RESULTS

Dogs with parvoviral enteritis had a significant increase in C‐reactive protein compared with healthy dogs, with an increase of higher magnitude in animals with more severe clinical signs. All dogs with parvoviral enteritis had a significant increase in haptoglobin concentration compared with healthy dogs, but with no difference according to disease severity. There was a decrease in paraoxonase‐1 activity in parvoviral enteritis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Major increases of C‐reactive protein concentrations in dogs with parvoviral enteritis are a marker of disease severity. In addition, higher values for anti‐oxidants in severe cases compared with mild and moderate cases suggest a possible compensatory anti‐oxidant mechanism.
The role of lipocalin‐2 in liver regeneration
Authors: Kienzl‐Wagner Katrin , Moschen Alexander R. , Geiger Sabine , Bichler Alexandra , Aigner Felix , Brandacher Gerald , Pratschke Johann , Tilg Herbert
Published: July 2014

Background & Aims

Various immune mediators such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) have been implicated in the process of liver regeneration. Lipocalin‐2 (LCN2) has been recently characterized as a prototypic immune mediator produced by various cell types being involved mainly in host defence. In addition, numerous studies have demonstrated its clinical value as a biomarker. This study aimed at defining the role of LCN2 in liver regeneration.

Methods

We studied LCN2 expression in wild‐type mice in a model of partial hepatectomy (PH). Furthermore, we evaluated liver regeneration after PH in LCN‐deficient mice compared to littermate controls. Serum levels of LCN2 were assessed in a small group of patients undergoing hepatic resection.

Results

LCN2 is dramatically induced in livers and sera of wild‐type mice after PH, whereas liver LCN2‐receptor expression was decreased. Sham operations did not affect hepatic and serum LCN2 expression. Although LCN2‐deficient mice exhibited increased baseline liver expression indices, LCN2‐deficient mice did not differ from wild‐type mice with respect to hepatic proliferation suggesting that this molecule is not involved in hepatic repair. Only serum IL‐1β levels were slightly lower in LCN−/− mice, whereas IL‐6 serum levels did not differ between various tested animal groups. In humans undergoing hepatic resection, LCN2 levels increased significantly within 24 h following surgery.

Conclusions

LCN2, although massively induced in mice after PH, is not relevant in murine hepatic regeneration. Further, human studies have to define whether LCN2 could evolve as biomarker after liver surgery.
Do Multinational Enterprises Push up the Wages of Domestic Firms in the Italian Manufacturing Sector?
Authors: Pittiglio Rosanna , Reganati Filippo , Sica Edgardo
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the impact of incoming foreign direct investment on local wages in the Italian manufacturing sector. We find that wage spillovers take place mainly when the technological gap between domestically owned firms and foreign‐owned firms is large. Specifically, a large technological distance between domestically owned and foreign‐owned firms has positive effects on wages paid by domestically owned firms in the same industry and negative on domestic wages in upstream and/or in downstream industries. Finally, inward investment may indeed improve the domestic sectors, although such linkage depends on different characteristics of domestically owned firms and sectors where firms operate.
Flagellar biosynthesis exerts temporal regulation of secretion of specific Campylobacter jejuni colonization and virulence determinants
Authors: Barrero‐Tobon Angelica M. , Hendrixson David R.
Published: July 2014

The Campylobacter jejuni flagellum exports both proteins that form the flagellar organelle for swimming motility and colonization and virulence factors that promote commensal colonization of the avian intestinal tract or invasion of human intestinal cells respectively. We explored how the C. jejuni flagellum is a versatile secretory organelle by examining molecular determinants that allow colonization and virulence factors to exploit the flagellum for their own secretion. Flagellar biogenesis was observed to exert temporal control of secretion of these proteins, indicating that a bolus of secretion of colonization and virulence factors occurs during hook biogenesis with filament polymerization itself reducing secretion of these factors. Furthermore, we found that intramolecular and intermolecular requirements for flagellar‐dependent secretion of these proteins were most reminiscent to those for flagellin secretion. Importantly, we discovered that secretion of one colonization and virulence factor, CiaI, was not required for invasion of human colonic cells, which counters previous hypotheses for how this protein functions during invasion. Instead, secretion of CiaI was essential for C. jejuni to facilitate commensal colonization of the natural avian host. Our work provides insight into the versatility of the bacterial flagellum as a secretory machine that can export proteins promoting diverse biological processes.
A novel Arabidopsis CHITIN ELICITOR RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (CERK1) mutant with enhanced pathogen‐induced cell death and altered receptor processing
Authors: Petutschnig Elena K. , Stolze Marnie , Lipka Ulrike , Kopischke Michaela , Horlacher Juliane , Valerius Oliver , Rozhon Wilfried , Gust Andrea A. , Kemmerling Birgit , Poppenberger Brigitte , Braus Gerhard H. , Nürnberger Thorsten , Lipka Volker
Published: July 2014

Plants detect pathogens by sensing microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) through pattern recognition receptors. Pattern recognition receptor complexes also have roles in cell death control, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we report isolation of cerk1‐4, a novel mutant allele of the Arabidopsis chitin receptor CERK1 with enhanced defense responses.

We identified cerk1‐4 in a forward genetic screen with barley powdery mildew and consequently characterized it by pathogen assays, mutant crosses and analysis of defense pathways. CERK1 and CERK1‐4 proteins were analyzed biochemically.

The cerk1‐4 mutation causes an amino acid exchange in the CERK1 ectodomain. Mutant plants maintain chitin signaling capacity but exhibit hyper‐inducible salicylic acid concentrations and deregulated cell death upon pathogen challenge. In contrast to chitin signaling, the cerk1‐4 phenotype does not require kinase activity and is conferred by the N‐terminal part of the receptor. CERK1 undergoes ectodomain shedding, a well‐known process in animal cell surface proteins. Wild‐type plants contain the full‐length CERK1 receptor protein as well as a soluble form of the CERK1 ectodomain, whereas cerk1‐4 plants lack the N‐terminal shedding product.

Our work suggests that CERK1 may have a chitin‐independent role in cell death control and is the first report of ectodomain shedding in plants.
The cytidine deaminase signature HxE(x)nCxxC of DYW1 binds zinc and is necessary for RNA editing of ndhD‐1
Authors: Boussardon Clément , Avon Alexandra , Kindgren Peter , Bond Charles S. , Challenor Michael , Lurin Claire , Small Ian
Published: July 2014

In flowering plants, RNA editing involves deamination of specific cytidines to uridines in both mitochondrial and chloroplast transcripts. Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins and multiple organellar RNA editing factor (MORF) proteins have been shown to be involved in RNA editing but none have been shown to possess cytidine deaminase activity.

The DYW domain of some PPR proteins contains a highly conserved signature resembling the zinc‐binding active site motif of known nucleotide deaminases. We modified these highly conserved amino acids in the DYW motif of DYW1, an editing factor required for editing of the ndhD‐1 site in Arabidopsis chloroplasts.

We demonstrate that several amino acids of this signature motif are required for RNA editing in vivo and for zinc binding in vitro.

We conclude that the DYW domain of DYW1 has features in common with cytidine deaminases, reinforcing the hypothesis that this domain forms part of the active enzyme that carries out RNA editing in plants.
Plant root exudates mediate neighbour recognition and trigger complex behavioural changes
Authors: Semchenko Marina , Saar Sirgi , Lepik Anu
Published: July 2014

Some plant species are able to distinguish between neighbours of different genetic identity and attempt to pre‐empt resources through root proliferation in the presence of unrelated competitors, but avoid competition with kin. However, studies on neighbour recognition have met with some scepticism because the mechanisms by which plants identify their neighbours have remained unclear.

In order to test whether root exudates could mediate neighbour recognition in plants, we performed a glasshouse experiment in which plants of Deschampsia caespitosa were subjected to root exudates collected from potential neighbours of different genetic identities, including siblings and individuals belonging to the same or a different population or species.

Our results show that root exudates can carry specific information about the genetic relatedness, population origin and species identity of neighbours, and trigger different responses at the whole root system level and at the level of individual roots in direct contact with locally applied exudates. Increased root density was mainly achieved through changes in morphology rather than biomass allocation, suggesting that plants are able to limit the energetic cost of selfish behaviour.

This study reveals a new level of complexity in the ability of plants to interpret and react to their surroundings.
Non‐native plant species benefit from disturbance: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Jauni Miia , Gripenberg Sofia , Ramula Satu
Published: July 2014

Disturbances, such as fire and grazing, are often claimed to facilitate plant species richness and plant invasions in particular, although empirical evidence is contradictory. We conducted a meta‐analysis to synthesize the literature on how non‐native plant species are affected by disturbances. We explored whether the observed impact of disturbance on non‐native plant communities is related to its type and frequency, to habitat type, study approach (observational or experimental), and to the temporal and spatial scales of the study. To put the results in a broader context, we also conducted a set of parallel analyses on a data set involving native plant species. The diversity and abundance of non‐native plant species were significantly higher at disturbed sites than at undisturbed sites, while the diversity and abundance of native plant species did not differ between the two types of sites. The effect of disturbance on non‐native plant species depended on the measure used to evaluate the impact (species diversity or abundance) and on disturbance type, with grazing and anthropogenic disturbances leading to higher diversity and abundance of non‐native plant species than other disturbance types examined. The impact of disturbance on non‐natives was also associated with study approach, habitat type and temporal scale, but these factors covaried with disturbance type, complicating the interpretation of the results. Overall, our results indicate that disturbance has a positive impact particularly on non‐native plant species (at least when they are already present in the community), and that the strength of this impact depends primarily on the disturbance type.

Synthesis

Empirical evidence of the effect of disturbances on plant species richness is contradictory. Here we use a meta‐analysis to synthesize the published literature on how different types of disturbances influence the diversity and abundance of plant species, focusing in particular on non‐native plants. Our study supports the hypothesis that disturbances generally facilitate the diversity and abundance of non‐native plant species, although the strength of this facilitation depends primarily on the disturbance type.
Effects of the 2004 postgraduate training program on the interprefectural distribution of psychiatrists in Japan
Authors: Sugawara Norio , Tanaka Osamu , Yasui‐Furukori Norio
Published: July 2014

Aims

After a new postgraduate training program was launched by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare in 2004, concern regarding the maldistribution of physicians has increased in Japan. This study aimed to assess the interprefectural distribution of psychiatrists in Japan before and after the start of the new postgraduate training program.

Methods

Our data included nine time points: 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012. The Gini coefficient (GC) was calculated using prefectures as the study unit to assess whether the interprefectural distribution of psychiatrists significantly changed in relation to the population and area of prefectures. The effect of the new postgraduate training program on the GC of psychiatrist distribution was assessed by estimating the interaction between year and period (before or after the postgraduate training program) using a general linear model analysis.

Results

The total number of psychiatrists increased from 10 093 to 14 733 over the observed period. The general linear model showed a significant interaction between the year and the period for the GC based on the number of psychiatrists per 100 km2, whereas no interaction was found for the GC based on the number of psychiatrists per 100 000 population.

Conclusions

The interprefectural distribution of psychiatrists per 100 km2 worsened after the launch of the new training program; this result may reflect the adverse impact of the training program. Further observation is needed to explore how this difference in the interprefectural distribution of psychiatrists affects the mental health status of the population.
National strategy for suicide prevention in Japan: Impact of a national fund on progress of developing systems for suicide prevention and implementing initiatives among local authorities
Authors: Nakanishi Miharu , Yamauchi Takashi , Takeshima Tadashi
Published: July 2014

Aim

In Japan, the Cabinet Office released the ‘General Principles of Suicide Prevention Policy’ in 2007 and suggested nine initiatives. In 2009, a national fund was launched to help prefectures (the administrative divisions of Japan) and local authorities implement five categories of suicide‐prevention programs. This paper examines the impact of the national fund on the establishment of the systems for suicide prevention and the implementation of these initiatives among local authorities.

Methods

The present study included 1385 local authorities (79.5%) from all 47 prefectures that responded to the cross‐sectional questionnaire survey.

Results

Improved suicide‐prevention systems and the implementation of nine initiatives in April 2013 were observed among 265 local authorities (19.1%) that implemented ‘Training of community service providers’ and ‘Public awareness campaigns’; 178 local authorities (12.9%) that implemented ‘Face‐to‐face counseling’, ‘Training of community service providers’ and ‘Public awareness campaigns’; and 324 local authorities (23.4%) that implemented ‘Trauma‐informed policies and practices’. There was no significant difference in suicide‐prevention systems and the implementation of nine initiatives between 203 local authorities (14.7%) that implemented only ‘Public awareness campaigns’ and 231 local authorities (16.7%) that did not implement any suicide‐prevention programs.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that the national fund promoted the establishment of community systems for suicide prevention and helped implement initiatives among local authorities. The national suicide‐prevention strategy in Japan should explore a standard package of programs to guide community suicide‐prevention efforts with a sustained workforce among local authorities.