bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tannic acid‐ and thiocarbohydrazide‐mediated osmium tetroxide binding in the preparation of human leucocytes for SEM observation
Authors: Corvellec M.‐R. , Lalague E. D. , Pelletier L. , Haviernick S. , Derghazarian C. , Cousineau G. H. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYNormal human leucocytes, successively treated with glutaraldehyde‐tannic acid‐osmium tetroxide‐thiocarbohydrazide‐osmium tetroxide‐thiocarbohydrazide‐osmium tetroxide, were prepared for scanning electron microscopy observation. These cells produced well‐contrasted, non‐charging scanning images compatible with metal‐evaporated material. Further, the mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells resisted shrinkage during dehydration and critical point drying, thus allowing much improved images at high magnification than those covered with evaporated metal. In all cases at least a second thiocarbohydrazide‐osmium tetroxide treatment could not be avoided.
Quantitative traits and mode of speciation in Martinique anoles
Authors: Thorpe Roger S. , Surget‐Groba Yann , Johansson Helena 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe investigate extensive quantitative trait variation (dewlap hue, colour pattern, dorsum hue, body proportions and scalation) in the Martinique anole across eight transects representing nascent parapatric ecological speciation, nascent allopatric speciation and allopatric divergence without sufficient genetic structure to suggest speciation. Quantitative trait divergence can be extremely large between adjacent sets of populations, but with one exception that this is associated with difference in habitat rather than past allopatry. Nascent ecological speciation shows the greatest level of quantitative trait divergence across all character sets including those implicated in natural, as well as sexual selection. The sole example of nascent allopatric speciation is associated with fairly strong quantitative trait divergence among most character sets, but not the set most implicated in natural (rather than sexual) selection. The role of sexual selection in ecological speciation is discussed, both in terms of female choice with assortative mating and male–male competition with condition‐dependant sexual signals.
Two guard cell‐preferential MAPKs, MPK9 and MPK12, regulate YEL signalling in Arabidopsis guard cells
Authors: Salam M. A. , Jammes F. , Hossain M. A. , Ye W. , Nakamura Y. , Mori I. C. , Kwak J. M. , Murata Y. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe report that two mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), MPK9 and MPK12, positively regulate abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana. Yeast elicitor (YEL) induced stomatal closure accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) oscillation. In this study, we examined whether these two MAP kinases are involved in YEL‐induced stomatal closure using MAPKK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126, and MAPK mutants, mpk9, mpk12 and mpk9 mpk12. Both PD98059 and U0126 inhibited YEL‐induced stomatal closure. YEL induced stomatal closure in the mpk9 and mpk12 mutants but not in the mpk9 mpk12 mutant, suggesting that a MAPK cascade involving MPK9 and MPK12 functions in guard cell YEL signalling. However, YEL induced extracellular ROS production, intracellular ROS accumulation and cytosolic alkalisation in the mpk9, mpk12 and mpk9 mpk12 mutants. YEL induced [Ca2+]cyt oscillations in both wild type and mpk9 mpk12 mutant. These results suggest that MPK9 and MPK12 function redundantly downstream of extracellular ROS production, intracellular ROS accumulation, cytosolic alkalisation and [Ca2+]cyt oscillation in YEL‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis guard cells and are shared with ABA signalling.
Sex‐specific interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate fungi in the dioecious plant Antennaria dioica (Asteraceae)
Authors: Vega‐Frutis R. , Varga S. , Kytöviita M.‐M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMale and female plants of dioecious species often differ in their resource demands and this has been linked to secondary sexual dimorphism, including sex‐specific interactions with other organisms such as herbivores and pollinators. However, little is known about the interaction between dioecious plants and fungal root endophytes. Plants may be simultaneously colonised by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate (DS) fungi. While it is well established that AM mutualism involves reciprocal transfer of photosynthates and mineral nutrients between roots of host plants and these fungi, the role of DS fungi remains controversial. Here, we report the temporal and spatial variation in AM and DS fungi in female, male and non‐reproductive Antennaria dioica plants in three natural populations in Finland during flowering and after seed production. Females had higher colonisation by AM fungi, but lower colonisation by DS fungi than male and non‐reproductive plants. The higher AM colonisation was observed during flowering, and this difference varied among populations. Our results suggest that females and males of A. dioica interact with AM and DS fungi differently and that this relationship is dependent on soil fertility.
Ethnic and gender differences in rates of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Western Australia over a 21 year period
Authors: Shetty Vinutha B , Bower Carol , Jones Timothy W , Lewis Barry D , Davis Elizabeth A 
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the incidence, sex distribution, ethnicity, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation and morbidity of all childhood‐onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) cases in Western Australia (WA) between 1990 and 2010, a state where newborn screening for CAH is not in place.Methods:  The total number of all known CAH cases was identified. Case files were reviewed retrospectively to determine clinical details. Classical CAH (C‐CAH) was defined as patients presenting before 6 months of age and non‐classical (NC‐CAH) as presenting after 6 months.Results:  Of the 41 CAH cases (26 female) born in WA, 5(12.2%) were of Aboriginal ethnicity. CAH was due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency in 40 cases. Of those with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency, 37 were C‐CAH (25 female) and 3 NC‐CAH (all male). The incidence of C‐CAH in WA was estimated to be 0.67 per 10 000 live births (1:14 869). The incidence rate ratio of Aboriginal compared with non‐Aboriginal C‐CAH was 2.45 (95% confidence interval 0.96–6.29). The mean age of diagnosis of C‐CAH cases was lower in females (8.9 ± 2.5 days) compared to males (23.4 ± 9.8 days). Among these males, 72.7% presented initially with adrenal crisis.Conclusion:  The estimated incidence of classical CAH is similar to composite worldwide data. The increased female‐to‐male ratio is not in keeping with the expected sex distribution seen in a recessively inherited disease. The delayed diagnosis in males, with a significant proportion presenting with adrenal crisis, could be avoided with newborn screening. The higher rate of CAH in patients with Aboriginal ethnicity is a novel observation.
Early cardiac evaluation in children with non‐specific mitochondrial disease with isolated mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I defect
Authors: Baik Ran , Yu Rita , Lee Young Mock , Kang Hoon Chul , Lee Joon Soo , Kim Heung Dong 
Published: October 2012

Aims:  We evaluated echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG) results in children with non‐specific mitochondrial disease (MD) in order to study early cardiac involvement, a well‐known complication of the disease.Methods:  Among non‐specific MD children whose isolated mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I defect was confirmed by muscle biopsy and satisfied the criteria of MD, 27 who had no cardiac symptoms were evaluated by echocardiography and ECG.Results:  Three (11.1%) out of the 27 non‐specific MD patients had left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 55% and two of them (7.4%) had fractional shortening of less than 26%. ECG abnormalities were observed in 16 of the non‐specific MD patients (59.3%). Prolongation of heart rate‐corrected QT interval was seen in 11 (40.7%) and widening of the QRS interval in eight (29.6%). Left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening of the patients were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group while heart rate‐corrected QT interval was prolonged in the former group. QRS interval was more widened in non‐specific MD patients, but without statistical significance.Conclusion:  The potentially severe cardiac involvement observed in our subjects suggests that early cardiac evaluation after confirming the diagnosis of MD and regular follow‐up tests should be strongly recommended in children even in cases without typical cardiac manifestations.
Children's and adolescents' understanding of their small ventricular septal defects
Authors: Lok Sheau Wen , Menahem Samuel 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundCongenital heart disease is common yet poorly understood in childhood. We reviewed the understanding of older children and adolescents with the commonest congenital heart defect, namely, a small ventricular septal defect (VSD), through a questionnaire and/or their drawings of their abnormality.MethodsAs part of a wider study, older children and adolescents with a small VSD were asked to draw a picture of their cardiac defect in addition to completing a questionnaire.ResultsTwelve of an initial cohort of 20 participants, who were between the ages of 8 and 20 years, completed a drawing of their malformation. Further drawings were obtained from five additional participants recruited from a private practice over the next few years. There were almost equal number of male and female participants overall. Nearly all participants had a limited understanding of their cardiac abnormality as reflected by their drawings. Nevertheless none reported restricting their physical activity.ConclusionWhile most older children and adolescents did not seem to have a clear understanding of their small VSD, it did not appear to affect their daily activity. The participants placed a greater reliance on the information provided by their parents rather than their doctor, emphasizing the importance of informing both the parents and the patient.
Plasma citrulline may be a good marker of intestinal functions in intestinal dysfunction
Authors: Suzuki Kan , Kanamori Yutaka , Sugiyama Masahiko , Komura Makoto , Terawaki Kan , Kodaka Tetsuro , Takahashi Masataka , Fukami Eriko , Iwanaka Tadashi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundPlasma citrulline has been reported to be a good indicator of intestinal functional volume in patients with intestinal dysfunction. We reconfirmed the facts and also investigated the dynamic changes of plasma citrulline in acute‐phase patients with intestinal dysfunction.MethodsWe measured plasma citrulline in six patients with intestinal dysfunction who were in the acute and chronic phase for more than 6 months.ResultsFour patients out of six could be withdrawn from total parenteral nutrition, and their plasma citrulline level dynamically changed according to their intestinal states and finally increased up to 15 nmol/mL. Two patients, who could not be withdrawn from parenteral nutrition, showed very low levels of plasma citrulline throughout the treatment course (under 15 nmol/mL).ConclusionThe cut‐off level of plasma citrulline indicating permanent intestinal dysfunction may be 15 nmol/mL in our data. In the acute phase, plasma citrulline changed dynamically according to the intestinal state and may be a good indicator of fluctuating intestinal functions. Thus, although only a few patients were enrolled in this study, plasma citrulline may be a good indicator of stable‐state as well as acute‐unstable‐state intestinal functions.
Dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Hoshi Akio , Usui Yukio , Shimizu Yuuki , Tomonaga Tetsuro , Kawakami Masayoshi , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Hanai Kazuya , Nomoto Takeshi , Terachi Toshiro 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo describe a novel dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and to evaluate its postoperative outcomes.MethodsA total of 109 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon were evaluated, including 44 patients with dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, 20 patients with conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 45 patients with non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Functional outcomes were evaluated using a self‐administered questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite). Continence was defined as zero to one security pad per day. Oncological outcomes were evaluated based on positive surgical margin.ResultsIn the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group, the continence rate was 57%, 77% and 95% at 1, 3 and 12 months, respectively. The continence rate in the conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group was 37%, 63% and 90%, and in the non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group it was 23%, 57% and 82% at 1, 3, and 12 months, respectively. The dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group showed a significantly earlier recovery from incontinence compared with that in the conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups (log–rank test, P = 0.044 and P < 0.001). Similarly, the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group tended to show a more early recovery in relation to urinary function of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite. Regarding sexual function, there were no significant differences between the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups. In pT2 patients, the positive surgical margin rate of the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group (11%) was similar to that of the other two groups (conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy 7%; non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy 11%).ConclusionsThe dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy technique provides early recovery from incontinence without adversely affecting the oncological outcome.
Regulation of the ventral tegmental area by the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is required for expression of cocaine preference
Authors: Sartor Gregory C. , Aston‐Jones Gary 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLateral hypothalamus (LH) orexin neurons are essential for the expression of a cocaine place preference. However, the afferents that regulate the activity of these orexin neurons during reward behaviors are not completely understood. Using tract tracing combined with Fos staining, we examined LH afferents for Fos induction during cocaine preference in rats. We found that the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST) was a major input to the LH orexin cell field that was significantly Fos‐activated during cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). Inactivation of the vBNST with baclofen plus muscimol blocked expression of cocaine CPP. Surprisingly, such inactivation of the vBNST also increased Fos induction in LH orexin neurons; as activity in these cells is normally associated with increased preference, this result indicates that a vBNST–orexin connection is unlikely to be responsible for CPP that is dependent on vBNST activity. Because previous studies have revealed that vBNST regulates dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is known to be involved in CPP and other reward functions, we tested whether vBNST afferents to the VTA are necessary for cocaine CPP. We found that disconnection of the vBNST and VTA (using local microinjections of baclofen plus muscimol unilaterally into the vBNST and contralateral VTA) significantly attenuated expression of cocaine preference. However, blocking ionotropic glutamatergic afferents to the VTA from the vBNST did not significantly reduce cocaine preference. These results indicate that a non‐glutamatergic vBNST–VTA projection is involved in expression of cocaine preference.
Ipsilateral adrenalectomy at the time of radical nephrectomy impacts overall survival
Authors: Yap Stanley A. , Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Abouassaly Robert , Timilshina Narhari , Margel David , Finelli Antonio 
Published: October 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Adrenal‐sparing approaches should be utilized when performing radical nephrectomy unless there are specific concerns for adrenal involvement. Although current literature demonstrates 10‐year cancer control equivalence with adrenal‐sparing approaches, such approaches remain under‐used. Furthermore, we have yet to clearly define the long‐term consequences of an iatrogenic solitary adrenal gland on overall patient health.In our study, we demonstrate worse overall survival in patients undergoing ipsilateral adrenalectomy with radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. We provide some of the only data demonstrating an association between adrenalectomy and long‐term survival, and further emphasize the importance of adrenal‐sparing approaches when performing radical nephrectomy.OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of ipsilateral adrenalectomy on overall survival, we performed a population‐level analysis. Ipsilateral adrenal‐gland‐sparing approaches during radical nephrectomy (RN) remain under‐utilized and the long‐term consequences of an iatrogenic solitary adrenal gland are poorly understood.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Using the Ontario Cancer Registry we identified 1651 patients in the province of Ontario, Canada, with pT1a renal cell carcinoma who underwent RN between 1995 and 2004.
We linked individual patient information with pathological data from abstracted pathology reports and determined whether the ipsilateral adrenal gland was removed at the time of RN.
We utilized univariable and multivariable (adjusting for age, gender, tumour size and tumour grade) Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan–Meier curves to assess predictors of overall and cancer‐specific survival.
RESULTS
The overall rate of ipsilateral adrenalectomy at the time of RN was 30%.
Median follow‐up for the cohort was 109 months.
Adrenal removal was associated with worse overall survival: 10‐year mortality 26% compared with 20% for those in whom the adrenal gland was left in situ.
Factors predictive of worse overall survival on multivariable analysis were increasing age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07 per year, CI 1.06–1.08), high grade tumours (HR 1.38, 1.00–1.90) and having undergone ipsilateral adrenalectomy (HR 1.23, 1.00–1.50).
Ipsilateral adrenalectomy was not predictive of cancer‐specific survival (HR 1.18, 0.78–1.79).
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrated a significant association between ipsilateral adrenalectomy and overall survival.
Our findings further support the importance of adrenal‐sparing approaches at the time of RN.
A systematic review of school‐based alcohol and other drug prevention programs facilitated by computers or the Internet
Authors: Champion Katrina E. , Newton Nicola C. , Barrett Emma L. , Teesson Maree 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIssuesThe use of alcohol and drugs amongst young people is a serious concern and the need for effective prevention is clear. This paper identifies and describes current school‐based alcohol and other drug prevention programs facilitated by computers or the Internet.ApproachThe Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and PubMed databases were searched in March 2012. Additional materials were obtained from reference lists of papers. Studies were included if they described an Internet‐ or computer‐based prevention program for alcohol or other drugs delivered in schools.Key FindingsTwelve trials of 10 programs were identified. Seven trials evaluated Internet‐based programs and five delivered an intervention via CD‐ROM. The interventions targeted alcohol, cannabis and tobacco. Data to calculate effect size and odds ratios were unavailable for three programs. Of the seven programs with available data, six achieved reductions in alcohol, cannabis or tobacco use at post intervention and/or follow up. Two interventions were associated with decreased intentions to use tobacco, and two significantly increased alcohol and drug‐related knowledge.ConclusionThis is the first study to review the efficacy of school‐based drug and alcohol prevention programs delivered online or via computers. Findings indicate that existing computer‐ and Internet‐based prevention programs in schools have the potential to reduce alcohol and other drug use as well as intentions to use substances in the future. These findings, together with the implementation advantages and high fidelity associated with new technology, suggest that programs facilitated by computers and the Internet offer a promising delivery method for school‐based prevention.
The development of creative cognition across adolescence: distinct trajectories for insight and divergent thinking
Authors: Kleibeuker Sietske W. , De Dreu Carsten K.W. , Crone Eveline A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe examined developmental trajectories of creative cognition across adolescence. Participants (N = 98), divided into four age groups (12/13 yrs, 15/16 yrs, 18/19 yrs, and 25–30 yrs), were subjected to a battery of tasks gauging creative insight (visual; verbal) and divergent thinking (verbal; visuo‐spatial). The two older age groups outperformed the two younger age groups on insight tasks. The 25–30‐year‐olds outperformed the two youngest age groups on theoriginalitymeasure of verbal divergent thinking. No age‐group differences were observed for verbal divergent thinkingfluencyandflexibility. On divergent thinking in the visuo‐spatial domain, however, only 15/16‐year‐olds outperformed 12/13‐year‐olds; a model with peak performance for 15/16‐years‐old showed the best fit. The results for the different creativity processes are discussed in relation to cognitive and related neurobiological models. We conclude that mid‐adolescence is a period of not only immaturities but also of creative potentials in the visuo‐spatial domain, possibly related to developing control functions and explorative behavior.
Employment Protection, Threat and Incentive Effects on Worker Absence
Authors: Bradley Steve , Green Colin , Leeves Gareth 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis article provides new evidence on the effect of changes in employment protection on worker absence. We use novel multi‐organization data to examine changes in worker absence as workers move from temporary to permanent employment contracts. We demonstrate a robust positive effect of employment protection on sickness absence. It has also been suggested that the impact of employment protection on absence and effort is due to a fear of dismissal. We also provide evidence that suggests that temporary workers' absence is influenced by incentives to attain jobs with protection that is unrelated to threat of dismissal. This has not been considered in earlier research. This channel of employment protection effects has important policy implications.