bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caregiver Integration During Discharge Planning for Older Adults to Reduce Resource Use: A Metaanalysis
Authors: Rodakowski Juleen , Rocco Philip B. , Ortiz Maqui , Folb Barbara , Schulz Richard , Morton Sally C. , Leathers Sally Caine , Hu Lu , James A. Everette
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To determine the effect of integrating informal caregivers into discharge planning on postdischarge cost and resource use in older adults.

Design

A systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials that examine the effect of discharge planning with caregiver integration begun before discharge on healthcare cost and resource use outcomes. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for all English‐language articles published between 1990 and April 2016.

Setting

Hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Participants

Older adults with informal caregivers discharged to a community setting.

Measurements

Readmission rates, length of and time to post‐discharge rehospitalizations, costs of postdischarge care.

Results

Of 10,715 abstracts identified, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies provided sufficient detail to calculate readmission rates for treatment and control participants. Discharge planning interventions with caregiver integration were associated with a 25% fewer readmissions at 90 days (relative risk (RR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.62–0.91) and 24% fewer readmissions at 180 days (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.64–0.90). The majority of studies reported statistically significant shorter time to readmission, shorter rehospitalization, and lower costs of postdischarge care among discharge planning interventions with caregiver integration.

Conclusion

For older adults discharged to a community setting, the integration of caregivers into the discharge planning process reduces the risk of hospital readmission.
Oral fish oil positively influences nutritional‐inflammatory risk in patients with haematological malignancies during chemotherapy with an impact on long‐term survival: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Chagas T. R. , Borges D. S. , de Oliveira P. F. , Mocellin M. C. , Barbosa A. M. , Camargo C. Q. , Del Moral J. Â. G. , Poli A. , Calder P. C. , Trindade E. B. S. M. , Nunes E. A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Studies suggest that the ingestion of fish oil (FO), a source of the omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can reduce the deleterious side‐effects of chemotherapy. The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with oral FO for 9 weeks on nutritional parameters and inflammatory nutritional risk in patients with haematological malignancies during the beginning of chemotherapy.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with leukaemia or lymphoma were randomised to the unsupplemented group (UG) (n = 13) or supplemented group (SG) (n = 9). SG received 2 g/day of fish oil for 9 weeks. Nutritional status, serum acute‐phase proteins and plasma fatty acids were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention period. Data were analysed using two models; model 1, comprising data from all patients included in the study, and model 2, comprising data from UG patients with no increase in the proportions of EPA and DHA in plasma and data from SG patients showing an at least 100% increase in plasma EPA and DHA.

Results

SG showed an increased plasma proportion of EPA and DHA in both models. In model 2, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and CRP/albumin ratio showed larger reductions in the SG. Overall long‐term survival in both models (465 days after the start of the chemotherapy) was higher in the group ingesting fish oil (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings indicate an improved nutritional‐inflammatory risk and potential effects on long‐term survival in patients with haematological malignancies supplemented with FO during the beginning of chemotherapy.
Implementation of a Hydrotherapy Protocol to Improve Postpartum Pain Management
Authors: Batten Meghann , Stevenson Eleanor , Zimmermann Deb , Isaacs Christine
Published: April 2017

Introduction

A growing number of women are seeking alternatives to traditional pharmacologic pain management during birth. While there has been an extensive array of nonpharmacologic options developed for labor, there are limited offerings in the postpartum period. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a hydrotherapy protocol in the early postpartum period to improve pain management for women choosing a nonmedicated birth.

Process

The postpartum hydrotherapy protocol was initiated in a certified nurse‐midwife (CNM) practice in an urban academic medical center. All women who met criteria were offered a 30‐minute warm water immersion bath at one hour postpartum. Pain scores were assessed prior to the bath, at 15 minutes after onset, and again at the conclusion (30 minutes). Women who completed the bath were also asked to complete a brief survey on their experience with postpartum hydrotherapy.

Outcomes

In women who used the bath (N = 45), there was a significant reduction in pain scores (P < .001) between the onset of the bath and scores at both 15 minutes and 30 minutes. There was no significant difference between pain scores at 15 minutes and 30 minutes (P = .97). Of those women who completed a survey (n = 43), 97.7% reported both that the bath reduced their pain and improved their birth experience. One hundred percent reported they would use it again in another birth.

Discussion

This project demonstrated successful implementation of a hydrotherapy protocol as an alternative or adjunct to medication for early postpartum pain management that significantly reduced pain and improved the birth experience for those who used it. It offers a nonpharmacologic alternative where there have traditionally been limited options.
Prolactin receptors in Rip‐cre cells, but not in AgRP neurones, are involved in energy homeostasis
Authors: Ladyman S. R. , MacLeod M. A. , Khant Aung Z. , Knowles P. , Phillipps H. R. , Brown R. S. E. , Grattan D. R.
Published: April 2017

Among its many functions, prolactin has been implicated in energy homeostasis, particularly during pregnancy and lactation. The arcuate nucleus is a key site in the regulation of energy balance. The present study aimed to examine whether arcuate nucleus neuronal populations involved in energy homeostasis are prolactin responsive and whether they can mediate the effects of prolactin on energy homeostasis. To determine whether Agrp neurones or Rip‐Cre neurones are prolactin responsive, transgenic mice expressing the reporter td‐tomato in Agrp neurones (td‐tomato/Agrp‐Cre) or Rip‐Cre neurones (td‐tomato/Rip‐Cre) were treated with prolactin and perfused 45 minutes later. Brains were processed for double‐labelled immunohistochemistry for pSTAT5, a marker of prolactin‐induced intracellular signalling, and td‐tomato. In addition, Agrp‐Cre mice and Rip‐Cre mice were crossed with mice in which the prolactin receptor gene (Prlr) was flanked with LoxP sites (Prlrlox/lox mice). The Prlrlox/lox construct was designed such that Cre‐mediated recombination resulted in deletion of the Prlr and expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in its place. In td‐tomato/Rip‐Cre mice, prolactin‐induced pSTAT5 was co‐localised with td‐tomato, indicating that there is a subpopulation of Rip‐Cre neurones in the arcuate nucleus that respond to prolactin. Furthermore, mice with a specific deletion of Prlr in Rip‐Cre neurones had lower body weights, increased oxygen consumption, increased running wheel activity and numerous cells in the arcuate nucleus had positive GFP staining indicating deletion of Prlr from Rip‐Cre neurones. By contrast, no co‐localisation of td‐tomato and pSTAT5 was observed in td‐tomato/Agrp‐Cre mice after prolactin treatment. Moreover, Prlrlox/lox/Agrp‐Cre mice had no positive GFP staining in the arcuate nucleus and did not differ in body weight compared to littermate controls. Overall, these results indicate that Rip‐Cre neurones in the arcuate nucleus are responsive to prolactin and may play a role in the orexigenic effects of prolactin, whereas prolactin does not directly affect Agrp neurones.
Dissociation of reward and effort sensitivity in methcathinone‐induced Parkinsonism
Authors: Chong Trevor T.‐J. , Bonnelle Valerie , Veromann Kai‐Riin , Juurmaa Julius , Taba Pille , Plant Olivia , Husain Masud
Published: April 2017

Methcathinone‐induced Parkinsonism is a recently described extrapyramidal syndrome characterized by globus pallidus and substantia nigra lesions, which provides a unique model of basal ganglia dysfunction. We assessed motivated behaviour in this condition using a novel cost‐benefit decision‐making task, in which participants decided whether it was worth investing effort for reward. Patients showed a dissociation between reward and effort sensitivity, such that pallidonigral complex dysfunction caused them to become less sensitive to rewards, while normal sensitivity to effort costs was maintained.
Striae distensae: Immunohistochemical assessment of hormone receptors in multigravida and nulligravida
Authors: Youssef Sahar El Sayed , El‐Khateeb Ekramy Ahmed , Aly Dalia Gamal , Moussa Manal Hassan
Published: April 2017

Background

Striae distensae (SD), a type of dermal scarring, are psychologically disappointing. To date, information and scientific research behind the role of hormonal factors in the development of SD are still unclear. It is vital to understand striae to offer patients the best therapeutic options.

Objectives

To investigate early alterations regarding the expression of estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors (estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in skin samples of multigravida (MG) and nulligravida (NG) cases and to compare them with normal controls.

Methods

This study included 30 subjects (10 MG and 10 NG cases with early SD and 10 healthy controls). Biopsies from SD lesions, perilesional normal skin of cases and normal skin of controls were examined immunohistochemically for ER, AR, and GR expression using immune peroxidase technique.

Results

Comparing MG and NG with controls, ER expression appeared reduced in MG and NG (P‐value<.001), AR was elevated in MG (P‐value<.05) with no considerable difference in NG (P‐value>.05), while GR was elevated in both MG and NG (P‐value<.05). On comparing perilesional skin with SD lesions in each of MG and NG groups, SD lesions revealed reduced ER expression in both groups (P‐value<.05), whereas in MG group: AR expression was elevated with no difference detected regarding GR (P‐value˃.05); meanwhile in NG, elevated expression in both AR and GR expression was noted (P‐Value<.001)

Conclusions

Striae distansae lesions demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of AR and GR and a declined expression of ER indicating their involvement in the development of early SD.
PATTERNS OF HEALTHCARE ENCOUNTERS EXPERIENCED BY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Welch Janet L. , Meek Julie , Bartlett Ellis Rebecca J. , Ambuehl Roberta , Decker Brian S.
Published: April 2017

Background

Patterns of healthcare encounters by patients in each stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been fully described.

Objective

This study describes patterns of healthcare resource use by patients with CKD.

Design

A retrospective descriptive design was used.

Participants

Patients with Stages 1–5 CKD were identified in five existing de‐identified healthcare insurance claims databases in the United States using codes from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐9‐CM).

Measurements

The databases contained more than 23,660,000 claims records from over 11 million subscribers who were continuously enrolled in a single 2014 health plan. All CKD patients’ 2014 claims were extracted, yielding 1,987 unique people with 110,594 healthcare encounters.

Results

Healthcare resources are used to manage the causes of CKD and its multiple effects on health, and thus the number of healthcare encounters among people with more advanced disease was, as expected, relatively higher. There were more hospitalisations, emergency department visits and specialist encounters in this group. Surprisingly, however, even people in earlier stages of kidney disease experienced a median of 14–17 healthcare encounters during a single calendar year.

Conclusions

Understanding patterns of healthcare encounters provides important information about the transition experiences of patients with CKD. Exploring ways to reduce the risks associated with transitions in care may prevent problems with home medication management, frequent emergency department visits and potentially avoidable hospitalisations.
Agglomeration economies and the location of foreign direct investment: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jones Jonathan
Published: April 2017

This paper undertakes a meta‐analysis of the effect of agglomeration economies on foreign direct investment (FDI) location. It finds strong differences in these economies arising from both measurement and study‐specific characteristics. Economies generated from domestic rather than foreign activity have the strongest effects on FDI, with the latter only significant if related to the home country of the investor. Support is also found for studies that identify different sources of agglomeration economies, although this is largely underexplored in the empirical literature. The average agglomeration economies estimate is not influenced by publication bias and indicates genuine effects for agglomeration economies on FDI location choice.
Girl with polydactyly and pigmentary retinopathy
Authors: Tripathy Koushik , Chawla Rohan , Sarkar Subhankar
Published: April 2017

See Answer
Surgical removal of a choroid plexus oncocytoma in an adult cat
Authors: Cossic B. , Silver G. , Kent M. , Glass E. N. , Agnew D. , McDonough S. , Miller A. D.
Published: April 2017

An 11‐year‐old male castrated domestic shorthair cat presented with left central vestibular dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a large, extra‐parenchymal, strongly contrast‐enhancing mass at the level of the left cerebellopontine angle and compressing the cerebellum and brainstem. The mass was surgically excisedvialeft rostral and sub‐tentorial craniectomies and histopathology revealed an epithelial neoplasm composed of anastomosing cords of neoplastic cells that contained large amounts of finely granular hypereosinophilic cytoplasm and round nuclei. The cytoplasmic granules were variably positive with periodic acid‐Schiff and modified Gomori trichrome. Immunohistochemical staining with anti‐cytokeratinAE1/AE3was diffusely positive. Electron microscopy revealed neoplastic cells that were full of electron‐dense organelles consistent with mitochondria. This is the first case of a choroid plexus oncocytoma in the central nervous system of any domestic animal species and highlights the role of successful surgical intervention in extra‐parenchymal neoplasia in the central nervous system.
Sleep quality of German soldiers before, during and after deployment in Afghanistan—a prospective study
Authors: Danker‐Hopfe Heidi , Sauter Cornelia , Kowalski Jens T. , Kropp Stefan , Ströhle Andreas , Wesemann Ulrich , Zimmermann Peter L.
Published: April 2017

In this prospective study, subjective sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness prior to, during and after deployment of German soldiers in Afghanistan were examined. Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI) and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale; ESS) were assessed in 118 soldiers of the German army, who were deployed in Afghanistan for 6 months (deployment group: DG) and in 146 soldiers of a non‐deployed control group (CG) at baseline. Results of the longitudinal analysis are reported, based on assessments conducted prior to, during the deployment and afterwards in the DG, and in the CG in parallel. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in the DG were already impaired during the predeployment training phase and remained at that level during the deployment phase, which clearly indicates the need for more attention on sleep in young soldiers, already at this early stage. The percentage of impaired sleepers decreased significantly after deployment. Programmes to teach techniques to improve sleep and reduce stress should be implemented prior to deployment to reduce sleep difficulties and excessive daytime sleepiness and subsequent psychiatric disorders.
Short‐interval leg movements during sleep entail greater cardiac activation than periodic leg movements during sleep in restless legs syndrome patients
Authors: Ferri Raffaele , Rundo Francesco , Silvani Alessandro , Zucconi Marco , Aricò Debora , Bruni Oliviero , Lanuzza Bartolo , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Manconi Mauro
Published: April 2017

Periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) are sequences of ≥4 motor events with intermovement intervals (IMI) of 10–90 s. PLMS are a supportive diagnostic criterion for restless legs syndrome (RLS) and entail cardiac activation, particularly when associated with arousal. RLS patients also over‐express short‐interval leg movements during sleep (SILMS), which have IMI <10 s and are organized mainly in sequences of two movements (doublets). We tested whether the cardiac activation associated with SILMS doublets differs from that associated with PLMS in a sample of 25 RLS patients. We analysed time–series of R–R intervals synchronized to the onset of SILMS doublets or PLMS that entailed an arousal during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. We assessed cardiac activation based on the R–R interval decrease with respect to baseline during NREM sleep without leg movements. We found that the duration of the R–R interval decrease with SILMS doublets was significantly longer than that with PLMS, whereas the maximal decrease in R–R interval was similar. Scoring SILMS in RLS patients may therefore be relevant from a cardiac autonomic perspective.
The impact of hepatitis B virus infection and vaccination on the development of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Huang C.‐E. , Yang Y.‐H. , Chen Y.‐Y. , Chang J.‐J. , Chen K.‐J. , Lu C.‐H. , Lee K.‐D. , Chen P.‐C. , Chen C.‐C.
Published: April 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been documented as a risk factor for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, there are few large cohort studies, and there is no report about the impact of HBV vaccination. We conducted this study to evaluate these issues. We used the nationwide cohort of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for 1997–2013. We compared the incidence and the risk of developing NHL and CD20+ aggressive lymphoma between HBV and non‐HBV cohorts. The hazard ratios (HRs) were computed using Cox proportional hazards models. We matched these two large cohorts to reconfirm the data. We also compared the incidence of NHL between cohorts born before and after the inception of universal HBV vaccination. We found that HBV infection increased the risk for developing NHL and CD20+ aggressive lymphoma, with HRs of 4.14 and 5.52, with a higher incidence of 17.07 and 13.9 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively, compared to the non‐HBV cohort. The incidence of NHL in the cohort born in the era before universal HBV vaccination was higher with 1.85 per 100 000 person‐years compared to 0.74 in the cohort born later aged younger than 20. Our study confirms that HBV confers a greater risk for developing NHL, especially CD20+ aggressive lymphoma. The impact of HBV vaccination is protective against lymphoma development in the teenagers in an endemic area, but longer follow‐up is needed for older age.
Condition‐dependent reproductive tactics in male smallmouth bass: evidence of an inconsistent birthdate effect on early growth and age at first reproduction
Authors: Welsh D. P. , Wiegmann D. D. , Angeloni L. M. , Newman S. P. , Miner J. G. , Baylis J. R.
Published: April 2017

Many animals exhibit alternative forms of reproductive behavior, the expression of which depends on individual condition or status. For instance, male smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu that are large early in life often build a nest and spawn for the first time at a young age and small body size, while males that are small early in life delay reproduction, invest in growth and spawn when they are older and larger, tactics referred to as α and β, respectively. The observation that larger males also tend to spawn earlier within a season led to a hypothesis that birthdate – more specifically, dispersal date – may control which tactic is adopted. Here, we examined the individual growth and reproductive histories of 184 male M. dolomieu of three cohorts for evidence of a birthdate effect on early life condition and the subsequent expression of tactics, namely whether a long first‐year growth period tends to induce the α tactic and whether variability in the timing of reproduction by parents within a season contributes to body size differences in progeny at the end of their first‐year growth period. The extent to which male condition early in life influences the expression of tactics was also evaluated. Evidence of a birthdate effect on progeny condition and subsequent tactic choice was observed for only one of the three cohorts and, in another cohort, tactic choice and individual condition were largely unrelated. The seasonal variability in birthdates and growth histories suggest that a broad range of swim‐up dates may be necessary to generate differences in condition early in life that are sufficiently large to control future reproductive decisions. Potential impacts of various physical, environmental and biotic factors that may mediate the seasonal timing of reproduction by parents or individual growth early in life are discussed.
Bite force and evolutionary studies in phyllostomid bats: a meta‐analysis and validation
Authors: Manhães I. A. , Nogueira M. R. , Monteiro L. R.
Published: April 2017

Bite force measurements are relevant to the functional performance and provide insights about ecology and evolution of vertebrates. Bats are a good model system for ecomorphological studies of bite force because communities are species rich and the animals are easy to capture and handle. Investigators are careful with standardization within studies to ensure internal validity, but differences in methods for measuring bite forces in live animals could decrease external validity (generalization) of results. We assembled published and new estimates of in vivo bite forces, where the same species were measured by different investigators using different methods in different locations, to perform a meta‐analysis, assess the statistical heterogeneity of results and examine possible causes of among‐study differences. We also compared the combined measurements of in vivo bite force to estimated bite forces from skull pictures of museum specimens (dry skull model) to check for biases and validate the estimates. The results showed that in vivo bite force measurements were statistically heterogeneous, particularly for species with four or more published estimates. Body mass measurements were also heterogeneous but size could not explain the experimental differences in bite force within species. Type of sensor used also did not explain the among‐study variation. The random differences among studies did not, however, compromise external validity, because at an evolutionary scale, variation within species (including that due to heterogeneity) is less than 10% of variation among species. Therefore, the biological interpretation of results is not affected by experimental heterogeneity. Estimates of bite force using museum specimens were validated as unbiased predictors of in vivo bite forces via regression, and the macroevolutionary pattern of variation among dietary specializations was consistent among estimates, suggesting reasonable external validity for both model and in vivo measurements of bite force at an evolutionary scale.
An Investigation of an Intervention to Promote Inference Generation by Adolescent Poor Comprehenders
Authors: Denton Carolyn A. , York Mary J. , Francis David J. , Haring Christa , Ahmed Yusra , Bidulescu Adrian
Published: April 2017

This brief experimental study investigated the initial promise of an intervention designed to promote inference generation in adolescents with reading comprehension difficulties. The intervention, provided for nine sessions, included multisyllable word study, teacher explanation and modeling of inference generation and other comprehension processes, and having students practice by thinking aloud about text. Research questions addressed proximal effects on measures of the intermediate goals of the intervention and effects on reading comprehension. Participants were 48 ninth grade students with reading comprehension difficulties, randomly assigned to experimental or time–on–task control conditions. No significant group differences were detected; however, effect sizes in the moderate range indicated meaningful effects on some proximal measures, suggesting that further study of the approach is warranted.
The impact of carbapenem resistance on clinical deterioration and mortality in patients with liver disease
Authors: Ferstl Philip G. , Filmann Natalie , Brandt Christian , Zeuzem Stefan , Hogardt Michael , Kempf Volkhard A. J. , Müller Mona , Waidmann Oliver , Reinheimer Claudia
Published: April 2017

Background & Aims

Infections with multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria are significantly impairing the prognosis of patients with liver disease. In particular, carbapenem resistance further narrows therapeutic options. This study investigates the impact of carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria on the outcome of patients with liver disease and cirrhosis.

Methods

Between January 2011 and July 2015, 132 patients treated at the tertiary liver transplant centre at University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany, were tested positive for carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria and retrospectively analysed in this study. Risk factors for fatal outcome were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. Competing‐risk analysis was performed on patients tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae or non‐fermenting species, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Subgroup analysis of cirrhotic patients was performed on a matched cohort of cirrhotic patients, comparable model for end‐stage liver disease and tested negative for carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria.

Results

97 (73.5%) and 35 (26.5%) patients were infected or colonised with carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria respectively. Within the observation period, 61/132 (46.2%) patients died, with sepsis being the leading cause (38/61, 62.3%). Decompensated liver disease, sepsis and admission to intensive care unit were independent risk factors for fatal outcome. Lethal sepsis in patients positive for non‐fermenting bacteria was significantly more frequent than in those positive for Enterobacteriaceae, independently from liver function. Subgroup analysis of cirrhotic patients showed that sepsis (54.9% vs 13%) and lethal sepsis were significantly more frequent after detection of carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria, independently from localisation of pathogen detection.

Conclusions

Patients with advanced liver disease are prone to fatal infections caused by carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria.
Testing landslide and atmospheric‐effects models for the formation of double‐layered ejecta craters on Mars
Authors: Weiss David K. , Head James W.
Published: April 2017

Double‐layered ejecta (DLE) craters are distinctive among the variety of crater morphologies observed on Mars, but the mechanism by which they form remains under debate. We assess two ejecta emplacement mechanisms: (1) atmospheric effects from ejecta curtain‐induced vortices or a base surge and (2) ballistic emplacement followed by a landslide of ejecta assisted by either surface‐ or pore‐ice. We conduct a morphological analysis of the ejecta facies for three DLE craters which impacted into irregular pre‐existing topography. We find that the unique topographic environments affected the formation of grooves and the inner facies, and thus appear to be inconsistent with an atmospheric‐effects origin but are supportive of the landslide hypothesis. We distinguish between the two landslide models (lubrication by either surface‐ or pore‐ice) by assessing relationships between DLE crater ejecta and morphologic features indicative of buried ice deposits, including sublimation pits, ring‐mold craters, expanded secondary craters, and excess ejecta craters. The association of DLE craters with these features suggests that surface ice was present at the time of the impacts that formed the DLE craters. We also compare the Froude numbers of DLE crater ejecta to landslides, and find that the ejecta of DLE craters are kinematically and frictionally similar to terrestrial landslides that overran glaciers. This suggests that the grooves on DLE craters may plausibly form through the same shear/splitting mechanism as the landslides. In summary, our analysis supports the hypothesis that DLE craters form through meteoroid impacts into decameters‐thick surface ice deposits (emplaced during periods of higher obliquity) followed by ejecta sliding on the ice.
Genomewide analysis of admixture and adaptation in the Africanized honeybee
Authors: Nelson Ronald M. , Wallberg Andreas , Simões Zilá Luz Paulino , Lawson Daniel J. , Webster Matthew T.
Published: April 2017

Genetic exchange by hybridization or admixture can make an important contribution to evolution, and introgression of favourable alleles can facilitate adaptation to new environments. A small number of honeybees (Apis mellifera) with African ancestry were introduced to Brazil ~60 years ago, which dispersed and hybridized with existing managed populations of European origin, quickly spreading across much of the Americas in an example of a massive biological invasion. Here, we analyse whole‐genome sequences of 32 Africanized honeybees sampled from throughout Brazil to study the effect of this process on genome diversity. By comparison with ancestral populations from Europe and Africa, we infer that these samples have 84% African ancestry, with the remainder from western European populations. However, this proportion varies across the genome and we identify signals of positive selection in regions with high European ancestry proportions. These observations are largely driven by one large gene‐rich 1.4‐Mbp segment on chromosome 11 where European haplotypes are present at a significantly elevated frequency and likely confer an adaptive advantage in the Africanized honeybee population. This region has previously been implicated in reproductive traits and foraging behaviour in worker bees. Finally, by analysing the distribution of ancestry tract lengths in the context of the known time of the admixture event, we are able to infer an average generation time of 2.0 years. Our analysis highlights the processes by which populations of mixed genetic ancestry form and adapt to new environments.
Using relatedness networks to infer contemporary dispersal: Application to the endangered mammal Galemys pyrenaicus
Authors: Escoda Lídia , González‐Esteban Jorge , Gómez Asunción , Castresana Jose
Published: April 2017

Information about the degree of contemporary dispersal is important when trying to understand how populations interchange individuals and identify the specific barriers that prevent these movements. In the case of endangered species, this can represent crucial information when designing appropriate conservation strategies. Here we analyse relatedness between individuals from different localities and use these data to infer whether dispersal occurred in recent generations. We applied this approach to the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), a semiaquatic and endangered species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. We studied this species in four primary rivers in the Iberian Range, where two ancient mitochondrial lineages are separated by a strict contact zone, suggesting the existence of complex dispersal patterns. Using next‐generation sequencing, we obtained 912 SNPs from each specimen and estimated relatedness values between them. While relatedness networks were dense within each river, we found surprisingly few relationships between individuals from different rivers despite their close proximity in some cases, indicating much lower dispersal between rivers compared to dispersal within a single river. In agreement with this result, the degree of inbreeding was exceedingly high in most individuals. These data show that relatedness information can be crucial to understand the contemporary dispersal patterns and conservation status of specific populations of endangered species.
Cdc42 regulates branching in angiogenic sprouting in vitro
Authors: Nguyen Duc‐Huy T. , Gao Lin , Wong Alec , Chen Christopher S.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The morphogenetic events that occur during angiogenic sprouting involve several members of the Rho family of GTPases, including Cdc42. However, the precise roles of Cdc42 in angiogenic sprouting have been difficult to elucidate owing to the lack of models to study these events in vitro. Here, we aim to identify the roles of Cdc42 in branching morphogenesis in angiogenesis.

Methods

Using a 3D biomimetic model of angiogenesis in vitro, where endothelial cells were seeded inside a cylindrical channel within collagen gel and sprouted from the channel in response to a defined biochemical gradient of angiogenic factors, we inhibited Cdc42 activity with a small molecule inhibitor ML141 and examined the effects of Cdc42 on the morphogenetic processes of angiogenic sprouting.

Results

We find that partial inhibition of Cdc42 had minimal effects on directional migration of endothelial cells, but led to fewer branching events without affecting the length of these branches. We also observed that antagonizing Cdc42 reduced collective migration in favor of single cell migration. Additionally, Cdc42 also regulated the initiation of filopodial extensions in endothelial tip cells.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Cdc42 can affect multiple morphogenetic processes during angiogenic sprouting and ultimately impact the architecture of the vasculature.
Intrusive Uncertainty in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Cochrane Tom , Heaton Keeley
Published: April 2017

In this article we examine obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). We examine and reject two existing models of this disorder: the Dysfunctional Belief Model and the Inference‐Based Approach. Instead, we propose that the main distinctive characteristic of OCD is a hyperactive sub‐personal signal of being in error, experienced by the individual as uncertainty about his or her intentional actions (including mental actions). This signalling interacts with the anxiety sensitivities of the individual to trigger conscious checking processes, including speculations about possible harms. We examine the implications of this model for the individual's capacity to control his or her thoughts.
The pathogenic development of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soybean requires specific host NADPH oxidases
Authors: Ranjan Ashish , Jayaraman Dhileepkumar , Grau Craig , Hill John H. , Whitham Steven A. , Ané Jean‐Michel , Smith Damon L. , Kabbage Mehdi
Published: April 2017

The plant membrane‐localized NADPH oxidases, also known as respiratory burst oxidase homologues (RBOHs), play crucial roles in various cellular activities, including plant disease responses, and are a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a cosmopolitan fungal pathogen that causes Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) in soybean. Via a key virulence factor, oxalic acid, it induces programmed cell death (PCD) in the host plant, a process that is reliant on ROS generation. In this study, using protein sequence similarity searches, we identified 17 soybean RBOHs (GmRBOHs) and studied their contribution to SSR disease development, drought tolerance and nodulation. We clustered the soybean RBOH genes into six groups of orthologues based on phylogenetic analysis with their Arabidopsis counterparts. Transcript analysis of all 17 GmRBOHs revealed that, of the six identified groups, group VI (GmRBOH‐VI) was specifically and drastically induced following S. sclerotiorum challenge. Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of GmRBOH‐VI using Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) resulted in enhanced resistance to S. sclerotiorum and markedly reduced ROS levels during disease development. Coincidently, GmRBOH‐VI‐silenced plants were also found to be drought tolerant, but showed a reduced capacity to form nodules. Our results indicate that the pathogenic development of S. sclerotiorum in soybean requires the active participation of specific host RBOHs, to induce ROS and cell death, thus leading to the establishment of disease.
The impact of real life treatment strategies for Candida peritonitis—A retrospective analysis
Authors: Dubler S. , Laun M. , Koch C. , Hecker A. , Weiterer S. , Siegler B. H. , Röhrig R. , Weigand M. A. , Lichtenstern C.
Published: April 2017

Candida species are commonly detected isolates from abdominal foci. The question remains as to who would benefit from early empiric treatment in cases of Candida peritonitis. This study collected real‐life data on critically ill patients with Candida peritonitis to estimate the relevance of the chosen treatment strategy on the outcome of these patients. One hundred and thirty‐seven surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients with intra‐abdominal invasive Candidiasis were included in the study. Fifty‐six patients did not get any antifungal agent. Twenty‐nine patients were empirically treated, and 52 patients were specifically treated. In the group without, with empiric and with specific antifungal treatment, the 30‐day mortality rate was 33.9, 48.3 and 44.2 respectively. Candida albicans was the most frequently found species. Seven patients in the specific treatment group and one patient in the empiric treatment group emerged with candidaemia. Age, leucocyte count, APACHE II Score and acute liver failure were independent predictors of 30‐day mortality in patients with Candida peritonitis. Not all patients with Candida peritonitis received antifungal treatment in real clinical practice. Patients with higher morbidity more often got antifungals. Early empirical therapy has not been associated with a better 30‐day mortality.
Otomastoiditis caused by Candida auris: Case report and literature review
Authors: Choi Hyoung Il , An Jin , Hwang Jae Joon , Moon Soo‐youn , Son Jun Seong
Published: April 2017

Fungal otomastoiditis is a rare disease, but can be fatal for immunocompromised patients. Recently, there have been increasing cases of otologic infection caused by Candida auris. Candida auris can be easily misdiagnosed for other species and treatment is difficult due to multidrug resistance. Clinician should be aware of this rare pathogen, and it should be treated with appropriate antifungal agent with surgical debridement.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza‐specific enzymes FatM and RAM2 fine‐tune lipid biosynthesis to promote development of arbuscular mycorrhiza
Authors: Bravo Armando , Brands Mathias , Wewer Vera , Dörmann Peter , Harrison Maria J.
Published: April 2017

During arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS), considerable amounts of lipids are generated, modified and moved within the cell to accommodate the fungus in the root, and it has also been suggested that lipids are delivered to the fungus. To determine the mechanisms by which root cells redirect lipid biosynthesis during AMS we analyzed the roles of two lipid biosynthetic enzymes (FatM and RAM2) and an ABC transporter (STR) that are required for symbiosis and conserved uniquely in plants that engage in AMS.

Complementation analyses indicated that the biochemical function of FatM overlaps with that of other Fat thioesterases, in particular FatB. The essential role of FatM in AMS was a consequence of timing and magnitude of its expression.

Lipid profiles of fatm and ram2 suggested that FatM increases the outflow of 16:0 fatty acids from the plastid, for subsequent use by RAM2 to produce 16:0 β‐monoacylglycerol.

Thus, during AMS, high‐level, specific expression of key lipid biosynthetic enzymes located in the plastid and the endoplasmic reticulum enables the root cell to fine‐tune lipid biosynthesis to increase the production of β‐monoacylglycerols. We propose a model in which β‐monoacylglycerols, or a derivative thereof, are exported out of the root cell across the periarbuscular membrane for ultimate use by the fungus.
The Christchurch earthquakes 2010, 2011: Geographies of an event
Authors: Cloke Paul , Dickinson Simon , Tupper Sarah
Published: April 2017

This study provides a commentary of the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 as a theoretical (as well as empirical) event. Drawing on the ideas of Alain Badiou, it represents the earthquakes and their aftershocks as a rupturing of the established order of things; a distinctive space in which fidelity to the event has the potential to unleash new beginnings and imaginations. Qualitative research by the authors with older people and third sector organisations in Christchurch provides initial evidence of the mundane encounters with the truth of the event, and of the fostering of alternative subjectivities and creative participatory practices that arise in fidelity to the event.
A Simple Approach for Diagnosing Instabilities in Predictive Regressions
Authors: Pitarakis Jean‐Yves
Published: April 2017

We introduce a method for detecting the presence of structural breaks in the parameters of predictive regressions linking noisy variables such as stock returns to persistent predictors such as valuation ratios. Our approach relies on the least squares‐based squared residuals of the predictive regression and is straightforward to implement. The distributions of the two test statistics we introduce are shown to be free of nuisance parameters, valid under dependent errors, already tabulated in the literature and robust to the degree of persistence of the chosen predictor. Our proposed method is subsequently applied to the predictability of US stock returns.
Do trace metals influence visual signals? Effects of trace metals on iridescent and melanic feather colouration in the feral pigeon
Authors: Chatelain Marion , Pessato Anaϊs , Frantz Adrien , Gasparini Julien , Leclaire Sarah
Published: April 2017

Trace metals are chemical pollutants of prime concern nowadays given their implication in several human diseases and their noxious effects on wildlife. Previous studies demonstrated their negative (e.g. lead, cadmium) or positive (e.g. zinc) effects on body condition, immunity and reproductive success in birds. Because of their effects on bird condition, trace metals are likely to influence the production of condition‐dependent plumage colours, that may be used in mate choice. In the feral pigeon Columba livia, we investigated iridescent colouration in response to lead and zinc experimental (i.e. metal supplementation in standardized conditions) and natural exposure (i.e. metal concentrations in feathers of wild urban pigeons), and melanic feather colouration in response to experimental lead and zinc exposure. Both studies (i.e. experimental and correlative) consistently showed that lead exposure decreased iridescent neck feather brightness independently of colour morph. Moreover, lead, when provided alone, decreased melanic feather reflectance in the middle wavelengths while zinc supplementation increased melanic feather reflectance in the violet‐wavelength. In conclusion, our study suggests that the colouration of iridescent and melanic feathers depends on the exposure to pollutants. Whether trace metal exposure affected the ability of birds to produce melanin pigments, to grow the microstructural feather elements required for maximum colour display, or to cope with bacteria that degrade feather microstuctures remains unclear. Future studies should investigate whether these metal‐induced modifications of plumage colouration affect behaviours involved in sexual selection.
Is biotic resistance enhanced by natural variation in diversity?
Authors: Grace James B. , Harrison Susan , Cornell Howard
Published: April 2017

Theories linking diversity to ecosystem function have been challenged by the widespread observation of more exotic species in more diverse native communities. Few studies have addressed the underlying processes by dissecting how biotic resistance to new invaders may be shaped by the same environmental influences that determine diversity and other community properties.

In grasslands with heterogeneous soils, we added invaders and removed competitors to analyze the causes of invasion resistance. Abiotic resistance was measured using invader success in the absence of the resident community. Biotic resistance was measured as the reduction in invader success in the presence of the resident community.

Invaders were most successful where biotic resistance was lowest and abiotic resistance was highest, confirming the dominant role of biotic resistance. Contrary to theory, though, biotic resistance was highest where both species richness and functional diversity were lowest. In the multivariate framework of a structural equation model, biotic resistance was independent of community diversity, and was highest where fertile soils led to high community biomass.

Seed predation slightly augmented biotic resistance without qualitatively changing the results. Soil‐related genotypic variation in the invader also did not affect the results.

We conclude that in natural systems, diversity may be correlated with invasibility and yet have little effect on biotic resistance to invasion. More generally, the environmental causes of variation in diversity should be considered when examining the potential functional consequences of diversity.
Overexpression of an Arabidopsis thaliana galactinol synthase gene improves drought tolerance in transgenic rice and increased grain yield in the field
Authors: Selvaraj Michael Gomez , Ishizaki Takuma , Valencia Milton , Ogawa Satoshi , Dedicova Beata , Ogata Takuya , Yoshiwara Kyouko , Maruyama Kyonoshin , Kusano Miyako , Saito Kazuki , Takahashi Fuminori , Shinozaki Kazuo , Nakashima Kazuo , Ishitani Manabu
Published: April 2017

Drought stress has often caused significant decreases in crop production which could be associated with global warming. Enhancing drought tolerance without a grain yield penalty has been a great challenge in crop improvement. Here, we report the Arabidopsis thaliana galactinol synthase 2 gene (AtGolS2) was able to confer drought tolerance and increase grain yield in two different rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes under dry field conditions. The developed transgenic lines expressing AtGolS2 under the control of the constitutive maize ubiquitin promoter (Ubi:AtGolS2) also had higher levels of galactinol than the non‐transgenic control. The increased grain yield of the transgenic rice under drought conditions was related to a higher number of panicles, grain fertility and biomass. Extensive confined field trials using Ubi:AtGolS2 transgenic lines in Curinga, tropical japonica and NERICA4, interspecific hybrid across two different seasons and environments revealed the verified lines have the proven field drought tolerance of the Ubi:AtGolS2 transgenic rice. The amended drought tolerance was associated with higher relative water content of leaves, higher photosynthesis activity, lesser reduction in plant growth and faster recovering ability. Collectively, our results provide strong evidence that AtGolS2 is a useful biotechnological tool to reduce grain yield losses in rice beyond genetic differences under field drought stress.