bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental associations between bilingual experience and inhibitory control trajectories in Head Start children
Authors: Santillán Jimena , Khurana Atika
Published: September 2017

Children from lower socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds tend to be at‐risk for executive function (EF) impairments by the time they are in preschool, placing them at an early disadvantage for academic success. The present study examined the potentially protective role of bilingual experience on the development of inhibitory control (IC) in 1146 Head Start preschoolers who were followed for an 18‐month period during the transition to kindergarten as part of the longitudinal Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) 2009 study. Using three waves of data, we predicted individual variation in developmental trajectories of IC for three groups that differed in bilingual experience—English monolinguals, Spanish‐English bilinguals, and a group of children who transitioned from being Spanish monolingual to Spanish‐English bilinguals during the course of the study. Compared to their English monolingual peers, bilingual children from Spanish‐speaking homes showed higher IC performance at Head Start entry, as well as steeper IC growth over time. Children who were Spanish monolingual at the beginning of Head Start showed the lowest IC performance at baseline. However, their rate of IC growth exceeded that of children who remained English monolingual and did not differ from that of their peers who entered Head Start being bilingual. These results suggest that acquiring bilingualism and continued bilingual experience are associated with more rapid IC development during the transition from preschool to kindergarten in children from lower SES backgrounds.
Could FreeStyle Libre™ sensor glucose data support decisions for safe driving?
Authors: Rayman G. , Kröger J. , Bolinder J.
Published: September 2017

Aim

Many countries require individuals with diabetes to adhere to standards regarding blood glucose testing in order to be granted or retain a driving licence. Currently, interstitial glucose results may not be used. The aim of this study was to determine whether interstitial glucose measurements using flash glucose‐sensing technology can provide additional information to augment safe driving.

Methods

Sensor data from two European studies (NCT02232698 and NCT02082184) of the FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System™ in insulin‐treated Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, 241 and 224 participants respectively, were used to determine the frequency of a low interstitial sensor glucose result (< 3.9 mmol/l) up to 4 h subsequent to a daytime (07:00–21:00 h) capillary blood glucose result ≥ 5 mmol/l.

Results

Within 4 h of a capillary blood glucose result ≥ 5 mmol/l a sensor glucose result of < 3.9 mmol/l occurred on 22.0% of occasions (2573 of 11 706 blood glucose readings) for those with Type 1 diabetes, and 8.4% of occasions (699/8352) for those with Type 2 diabetes; 13.8% (1610/11 628) and 4.4% (365/8203) within 2 h, and 10.0% (1160/11 601) and 3.1% (254/8152) within 1.5 h. Analysis of sensor glucose results 5–7 mmol/l demonstrated the glucose trend arrow descending on 14.7% (1163/7894, Type 1 diabetes) and 9.4% (305/3233, Type 2 diabetes) of occasions.

Conclusions

Sensor‐based glucose information with directional arrows has the potential to support assessment of safe glucose levels associated with driving and offers distinct advantages over blood glucose testing for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to concord with driving safety standards.
Inequalities in glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis according to socio‐economic status and area‐level deprivation in Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review
Authors: Lindner L. M. E. , Rathmann W. , Rosenbauer J.
Published: September 2017

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the associations of individual‐level as well as area‐level socio‐economic status and area‐level deprivation with glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE was searched to identify relevant cohort, case‐control or cross‐sectional studies published between January 2000 and June 2015. Search results were screened by title, abstract and keywords to identify eligible publications. Decisions on inclusion or exclusion of full texts were made independently by two reviewers. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to estimate the methodological quality of included studies. Quality assessment and extracted data of included studies were synthesized narratively and reported according to the PRISMA statement.

Results

Literature search in Ovid MEDLINE identified 1345 eligible studies. Twenty studies matched our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two articles were additionally identified through hand search. According to the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale, most of the studies were of average quality. Results on associations of socio‐economic status and area‐level deprivation with glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia were contradictory between studies. By contrast, lower socio‐economic status and higher area‐level deprivation were associated with a higher risk for diabetic ketoacidosis in all except one study.

Conclusions

Lower socio‐economic status and higher area‐level deprivation are associated with a higher risk of experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Access to care for socially deprived people needs to be expanded to overcome impairing effects on the course of the condition and to reduce healthcare disparities.
An asexual strain of Lysiphlebus fabarum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) gains fitness in superparasitised hosts, but a sexual strain pays costs
Authors: RASEKH ARASH , MICHAUD J. P. , MOHSENI LEILA , KOCHEILI FARHAN
Published: September 2017

1. The fitness impacts of two levels of superparasitism were compared in a sexual and an asexual strain of Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) developing in black bean aphids.

2. Asexual females were larger than sexuals, had higher eggs loads, and better adult emergence in two of three treatments, but parasitised fewer available aphids in 24 h (80% fewer when foraging alone).

3. Superparasitism resulted in wasps that were larger than those emerging from singly parasitised aphids, and asexual females had larger ovaries, without delayed development. In contrast, sexual wasps took about 2 days longer to develop in superparasitised hosts, and females had smaller ovaries with lower egg loads.

4. The growth of host aphids bearing asexual larvae was not reduced relative to healthy aphids, except when heavily superparasitised, whereas sexual larvae reduced aphid growth in all treatments.

5. Elimination of supernumerary larvae was virtually complete at 4.5 days after parasitism by sexual females, but no elimination occurred among asexual larvae. The evolution of diminished aggression in asexual larvae may be facilitated by greater genetic similarity, without necessarily leading to gregarious development, assuming the extended life of supernumeraries somehow improves survivor fitness.

6. Sons of virgin sexual females developed faster than sons of mated females, implicating parental effects that slowed development of the latter.

7. It is concluded that asexual females of this strain use superparasitism to improve host quality, and thus the fitness of their daughters, whereas females of the sexual strain prioritise offspring number.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and mortality in epilepsy: A linked primary‐care cohort study
Authors: Josephson Colin B. , Gonzalez‐Izquierdo Arturo , Denaxas Spiros , Fitzpatrick Natalie K. , Sajobi Tolulope T. , Engbers Jordan D.T. , Patten Scott , Jette Nathalie , Wiebe Samuel
Published: September 2017

Objective

Preliminary evidence suggests that serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) use may increase postictal respiratory drive and prevent death. We sought to determine whether SRIs are associated with improved all‐cause and possible seizure‐specific mortality in patients with epilepsy.

Methods

Patients with epilepsy and a random 10:1 sample without epilepsy were extracted from The ClinicAl research using LInked Bespoke studies and Electronic health Records (CALIBER) resource. The hazard ratio (HR) of all‐cause and possible seizure‐specific mortality, treating SRI use as a time‐varying covariate, was determined using the date of a second SRI prescription as exposure and in discrete 6‐month periods over the entire duration of follow‐up. We used Cox regression and competing risk models with Firth correction to calculate the HR. We controlled for age, sex, depression, comorbidity, (Charlson comorbidity index) and socioeconomic status (Index of Multiple Deprivation).

Results

We identified 2,718,952 eligible patients in CALIBER, of whom 16,379 (0.60%) had epilepsy. Median age and follow‐up were 44 (interquartile range [IQR] 29–61]) and 6.4 years (IQR 2.4–10.4 years), respectively, and 53% were female. A total of 2,178 patients (13%) had at least two SRI prescriptions. Hazard of all‐cause mortality was significantly elevated following a second prescription for an SRI (HR 1.64 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.44–1.86; p < 0.001). The HR was similar in 163,778 age, sex, and general practitioner (GP) practice‐matched controls without epilepsy. Exposure to an SRI was not associated with seizure‐related death (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.59–1.97; 0.796).

Significance

There is no evidence in this large population‐based cohort that SRIs protect against all‐cause mortality or seizure‐specific mortality. Rather, SRI use was associated with increased mortality, irrespective of epilepsy, which is probably due to various factors associated with the use of antidepressants. Larger studies with systematically collected clinical data are needed to shed further light on these findings.
A decline in primary production in the North Sea over 25 years, associated with reductions in zooplankton abundance and fish stock recruitment
Authors: Capuzzo Elisa , Lynam Christopher P. , Barry Jon , Stephens David , Forster Rodney M. , Greenwood Naomi , McQuatters‐Gollop Abigail , Silva Tiago , van Leeuwen Sonja M. , Engelhard Georg H.
Published: September 2017

Phytoplankton primary production is at the base of the marine food web; changes in primary production have direct or indirect effects on higher trophic levels, from zooplankton organisms to marine mammals and seabirds. Here, we present a new time‐series on gross primary production in the North Sea, from 1988 to 2013, estimated using in situ measurements of chlorophyll and underwater light. This shows that recent decades have seen a significant decline in primary production in the North Sea. Moreover, primary production differs in magnitude between six hydrodynamic regions within the North Sea. Sea surface warming and reduced riverine nutrient inputs are found to be likely contributors to the declining levels of primary production. In turn, significant correlations are found between observed changes in primary production and the dynamics of higher trophic levels including (small) copepods and a standardized index of fish recruitment, averaged over seven stocks of high commercial significance in the North Sea. Given positive (bottom‐up) associations between primary production, zooplankton abundance and fish stock recruitment, this study provides strong evidence that if the decline in primary production continues, knock‐on effects upon the productivity of fisheries are to be expected unless these fisheries are managed effectively and cautiously.
Interannual variability of ecosystem carbon exchange: From observation to prediction
Authors: Niu Shuli , Fu Zheng , Luo Yiqi , Stoy Paul C. , Keenan Trevor F. , Poulter Benjamin , Zhang Leiming , Piao Shilong , Zhou Xuhui , Zheng Han , Han Jiayin , Wang Qiufeng , Yu Guirui
Published: September 2017

Aim

Terrestrial ecosystems have sequestered, on average, the equivalent of 30% of anthropogenic carbon (C) emissions during the past decades, but annual sequestration varies from year to year. For effective C management, it is imperative to develop a predictive understanding of the interannual variability (IAV) of terrestrial net ecosystem C exchange (NEE).

Location

Global terrestrial ecosystems.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive review to examine the IAV of NEE at global, regional and ecosystem scales. Then we outlined a conceptual framework for understanding how anomalies in climate factors impact ecological processes of C cycling and thus influence the IAV of NEE through biogeochemical regulation.

Results

The phenomenon of IAV in land NEE has been ubiquitously observed at global, regional and ecosystem scales. Global IAV is often attributable to either tropical or semi‐arid regions, or to some combination thereof, which is still under debate. Previous studies focus on identifying climate factors as driving forces of IAV, whereas biological mechanisms underlying the IAV of ecosystem NEE are less clear. We found that climate anomalies affect the IAV of NEE primarily through their differential impacts on ecosystem C uptake and respiration. Moreover, recent studies suggest that the carbon uptake period makes less contribution than the carbon uptake amplitude to IAV in NEE. Although land models incorporate most processes underlying IAV, their efficacy to predict the IAV in NEE remains low.

Main conclusions

To improve our ability to predict future IAV of the terrestrial C cycle, we have to understand biological mechanisms through which anomalies in climate factors cause the IAV of NEE. Future research needs to pay more attention not only to the differential effects of climate anomalies on photosynthesis and respiration but also to the relative importance of the C uptake period and amplitude in causing the IAV of NEE. Ultimately, we need multiple independent approaches, such as benchmark analysis, data assimilation and time‐series statistics, to integrate data, modelling frameworks and theory to improve our ability to predict future IAV in the terrestrial C cycle.
Biome‐specific climatic space defined by temperature and precipitation predictability
Authors: Jiang Mingkai , Felzer Benjamin S. , Nielsen Uffe N. , Medlyn Belinda E.
Published: September 2017

Aim

Global biomes are often classified by mean annual temperature and precipitation, but there is significant overlap between biomes, making it difficult to interpret the role of climate in the distribution of biomes globally. Climate predictability (including long‐term reliability of both seasonality and inter‐annual variability) varies considerably between biomes and regulates biodiversity distribution, adaptation and evolution, but its global pattern has rarely been investigated. The aim of this study was to characterize climatic space quantitatively for major biomes of the world using temperature and precipitation predictability, and to interpret its biological implications under future climate change.

Location

Global.

Time Period

1901–2012.

Methods

We calculated global gridded temperature and precipitation predictability based on an information theory approach, and compared climatic spaces defined by these measures within and across biomes.

Results

We show that temperature predictability has a clear latitudinal gradient, whereas precipitation predictability is geographically variable. We further show that temperature and precipitation predictability form distinct climatic spaces for major biomes across the globe, and importantly, temperature and precipitation predictability can robustly distinguish biomes that are overlapping in mean annual climate statistics.

Main conclusions

Climatic space created by temperature and precipitation predictability supplements the traditional biome‐specific climatic spaces created by annual mean temperature and total precipitation. Quantifying measures of climate predictability helps us to understand adaptation strategies adopted by local organisms within and across biomes. Our results show that quantifying climate predictability is a simple and effective way to delineate more robustly biome climate space and its influences on macroecology and evolutionary biology, which in turn could underpin conservation efforts under future climate change, especially when prevailing climates are comparable in terms of magnitude.
Dentition status and frailty in community‐dwelling older adults: A 5‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Yoshihara Akihiro , Sato Misuzu , Minagawa Kumiko , Shimada Mieko , Nishimuta Mamoru , Ansai Toshihiro , Yoshitake Yutaka , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: September 2017

Aim

To examine the longitudinal association between dentition status and incidence of frailty in older adults.

Methods

The present prospective cohort study included community‐dwelling Japanese adults aged 75 years at baseline (n = 322). Dental examinations, biochemical blood examinations, physical performance and anthropometric measurements, and structured questionnaires were carried out at baseline. The presence of ≥20 teeth with nine or more occluding pairs of teeth was defined as functional dentition. Annual follow‐up examinations, including physical performance, anthropometric measurements and structured questionnaires, were carried out over a 5‐year period to determine the incidence of frailty, defined as three or more of the following five components derived from the Cardiovascular Health Study: weight loss, weakness, slowness, poor energy and low physical activity level. Adjusted hazard ratios of frailty incidence according to dentition status were calculated from Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results

At baseline, 118 participants (36.6%) were defined as having functional dentition. During the follow up, 48 participants (14.9%) developed frailty. The adjusted hazard ratio for frailty in participants with functional dentition was 0.50 (95% confidence interval 0.25–0.98) compared with participants without functional dentition, after adjusting for sex, income, education, smoking status, body mass index, serum biomarkers and comorbidities.

Conclusions

Functional dentition was significantly associated with a lower risk of frailty defined by the Cardiovascular Health Study frailty index in older Japanese adults. These results suggest that maintaining healthy and functional dentition into later life is important for frailty prevention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 256–262.
Leading the debate for the business case for gender equality, perilous for whom?
Authors: Cullen Pauline , Murphy Mary P.
Published: September 2017

This research examines how the framing of the business case for gender equality (BCGE) in the European Union (EU) translates in the Irish national context and how different actors have engaged with this framing exercise. A central concern is how gender knowledge is mobilized by different actors as they compete to shape discourse, policy and practice on gender equality. We draw upon theoretical work that has interrogated the relationship between neoliberalism, gender inequality and feminist mobilization before reviewing critical assessments of the BCGE. The primary focus of this paper, having mapped this theoretical debate, is to analyse the role different Irish actors and organizations play in reproducing key frames and to examine the ambiguous or ambivalent engagement of different interest groups with this agenda. In turn, we assess the degree to which the agenda enables or disables structural change in access to power. We explore three case studies through which the BCGE in the EU was reinforced, adapted, resisted and rejected in our discussions, and draw out the constraints, opportunities and outcomes in each. Our first case study, which sets the national context for the following case studies, reviews how the Irish state interacts with the EU to frame gender equality and how it partners with key actors (state feminism and femocrats, private actors and feminist actors) to advance the BCGE. The second case study examines the role of the leading Irish feminist civil society organization (CSO) in the Women on Boards campaign that reinforces the dominant instrumental discourse associated with EU and national framing of gender parity on boards, and the ambiguity of feminists about this campaign. The third case study examines how Irish financial elites symbolically engage with gender parity on boards while simultaneously seeking to veto the implementation of gender representation targets proposed in the EU Capital Directive. It is clear that a degree of instrumentality informs most actors’ framing of BCGE. We also find evidence of how power actors and financial elites, while rhetorically engaging in BCGE and employing it when relevant to develop reputational capital, will seek ultimately to protect the status quo rejecting the governance benefits implied in BCGE. Ultimately, our cases illustrate the potential of the BCGE to support the inclusion of women in governance structures yet demonstrate that engaging with BCGE is perilous for some.
Ginsenoside Rb1 enhances atherosclerotic plaque stability by skewing macrophages to the M2 phenotype
Authors: Zhang Xue , Liu Ming‐hao , Qiao Lei , Zhang Xin‐yu , Liu Xiao‐ling , Dong Mei , Dai Hong‐yan , Ni Mei , Luan Xiao‐rong , Guan Jun , Lu Hui‐xia
Published: September 2017

Atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized as progressive arterial plaque, which is easy to rupture under low stability. Macrophage polarization and inflammation response plays an important role in regulating plaque stability. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), one of the main active principles of Panax Ginseng, has been found powerful potential in alleviating inflammatory response. However, whether Rb1 could exert protective effects on AS plaque stability remains unclear. This study investigated the role of Rb1 on macrophage polarization and atherosclerotic plaque stability using primary peritoneal macrophages isolated from C57BL/6 mice and AS model in ApoE−/− mice. In vitro, Rb1 treatment promoted the expression of arginase‐I (Arg‐I) and macrophage mannose receptor (CD206), two classic M2 macrophages markers, while the expression of iNOS (M1 macrophages) was decreased. Rb1 increased interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) secretion in supernatant and promoted STAT6 phosphorylation. IL‐4 and/or IL‐13 neutralizing antibodies and leflunomide, a STAT6 inhibitor attenuated the up‐regulation of M2 markers induced by Rb1. In vivo, the administration of Rb1 promoted atherosclerotic lesion stability, accompanied by increased M2 macrophage phenotype and reduced MMP‐9 staining. These data suggested that Rb1 enhanced atherosclerotic plaque stability through promoting anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization, which is achieved partly by increasing the production of IL‐4 and/or IL‐13 and STAT6 phosphorylation. Our study provides new evidence for possibility of Rb1 in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Systemic redistribution of the intramyocardially injected mesenchymal stem cells by repeated remote ischaemic post‐conditioning
Authors: Jiang Qin , Yu Tao , Huang Keli , Zhang Hao , Zheng Zhe , Hu Shengshou
Published: September 2017

We investigated the effect of repeated remote ischaemic post‐conditioning (RIPoC) on the organ distribution of the intramyocardially injected MSCs in rat myocardial ischemia model. Myocardial ischemia of adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats was induced by 30‐min. obstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Repeated RIPoC was induced after ischemia with three cycles of 5‐min. occlusion and reperfusion of the limb with the frequency of half a day, 1 or 2 days, respectively. Compared with that by single RIPoC, repeated RIPoC transiently reduced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and inflammation in ischaemic myocardium; the gene expression of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha (SDF‐1α) was consistently induced by repeated RIPoC procedures. A total of 4 × 106 male bone marrow‐derived MSCs were intramyocardially injected into ischaemic myocardium at 1 week after reperfusion. Three weeks later, immunohistological examination and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that repeated RIPoC significantly increased MSCs retention in myocardium and decreased MSCs distribution over the lungs, spleen and liver; echocardiography assessment revealed that further cardiac function enhancement imposed by repeated RIPoC procedure. Furthermore, blockade with the anti‐CXCR4 antibody before cell transplantation markedly attenuated the benefits of therapeutic efficacy and cardiac function. Repeated RIPoC enhanced MSCs engraftment in ischaemic myocardium and reduced the distribution of MSCs over peripheral organs in a frequency‐effect way, but it reached a ceiling of maximal effect when applied with every 1 day. The SDF1α‐CXCR4 interaction played a major role in MSCs systemic redistribution induced by repeated RIPoC.
Genetic analysis reveals the diversity of larval Gobiidae in a temperate estuary
Authors: Ojaveer H. , Gross R. , Laur K. , Arula T. , Klais R.
Published: September 2017

Using molecular tools to examine Gobiidae, the second most abundant taxon in ichthyoplankton samples in the Gulf of Riga (Baltic Sea), the sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus was the most abundant taxon (82% of all individuals analysed), the common goby Pomatoschistus microps constituted 12% and the black goby Gobius niger 6%. The spatiotemporal distribution of P. microps and G. niger indicated a preference for habitats closer to the river inlet and their abundances increased slightly towards the end of the sampling period in summer. The species composition was interpreted in the context of the prevailing habitat conditions, characterized by extremely low water transparency, low salinity, limited spread of vegetated area and dominance of sandy–muddy substrata.
Effect of repeated exposure to AQUI‐S® on the viability and growth of Neoparamoeba perurans
Authors: Chance R J , Allcock Z , Secombes C J , Collet B , Collins C
Published: September 2017

There have been recent efforts amongst immunologists to develop approaches for following individual fish during challenges with viral and bacterial pathogens. This study contributes to assessing the feasibility of using such approaches to study amoebic gill disease (AGD). Neoparamoeba perurans, agent of AGD, has been responsible for widespread economic and fish loss in salmonid aquaculture. With the emergence of AGD in Europe, research into infection dynamics and host response has increased. This study investigated the effect of repeat exposure to anaesthesia, a necessary requirement when following disease progression in individual fish, on N. perurans. In vitro cultures of N. perurans were exposed every 4 days over a 28‐day period to AQUI‐S® (isoeugenol), a popular anaesthetic choice for AGD challenges, at a concentration and duration required to sedate post‐smolt salmonids. Population growth was measured by sequential counts of amoeba over the period, while viability of non‐attached amoeba in the culture was assessed with a vital stain. AQUI‐S® was found to be a suitable choice for in vivo ectoparasitic challenges with N. perurans during which repetitive anaesthesia is required for analysis of disease progression.
Family and Couple Variables Regarding Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in the Initial Stages of the Disease
Authors: Pereira M. Graça , Pedras Susana , Ferreira Gabriela , Machado José C.
Published: September 2017

This study analyzed which family and couple variables predicted adherence to standard care treatment, in patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The sample comprised 224 dyads assessed during the first year of diagnosis (T1) and 4 months later (T2). The results showed that family stress, dyadic adjustment, family coping, and positive support assessed by patients at T1 predicted medication adherence and glucose monitoring at T2. Positive support and dyadic adjustment, assessed by partners at T1, predicted patients' adherence to glucose monitoring and diet at T2. This study highlights the important role of the partner in patient`s adherence. Therefore, standard care in type 2 diabetes should be offered in the context of the dyad.
Autoantibodies against aldehyde‐modified collagen type IV are associated with risk of development of myocardial infarction
Authors: Vallejo J. , Dunér P. , Fredrikson G. N. , Nilsson J. , Bengtsson E.
Published: September 2017

Background

Oxidation of LDL particles entrapped in the extracellular matrix of the arterial wall is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Lipid oxidation products, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), react with surrounding extracellular matrix proteins and cause modifications that are recognized by the immune system. MDA modification of collagen type IV is increased in carotid lesions from symptomatic patients and correlates with autoantibodies against MDA‐modified collagen type IV in plasma.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether autoantibodies against MDA‐modified collagen type IV predict risk of development of myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Plasma levels of MDA‐modified collagen type IV IgM and IgG antibodies were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 385 subjects with incident MI during 13 years of follow‐up and 410 age‐ and sex‐matched controls in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study.

Results

MDA‐modified collagen type IV IgG levels were higher in cases with incident MI than in controls. Subjects in the highest tertile of MDA‐modified collagen type IV IgG had an increased risk of MI (hazard ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.22–2.00, P for trend 0.0004). This association remained significant after adjusting for factors included in the Framingham risk score and diabetes. High levels of MDA‐collagen type IV IgG were associated with increased carotid intima‐media thickness and elevated plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase 10 and 12.

Conclusions

Immune responses against MDA‐modified collagen type IV are associated with more severe carotid disease and increased risk of MI. These immune responses may reflect LDL oxidation in the artery wall, but could also affect the atherosclerotic disease process.
Changes of vitamin D levels and bone turnover markers after CPAP therapy: a randomized sham‐controlled trial
Authors: Theorell‐Haglöw Jenny , Hoyos Camilla M. , Phillips Craig L. , Yee Brendon J. , Herrmann Markus , Brennan‐Speranza Tara C. , Grunstein Ronald R. , Liu Peter Y.
Published: September 2017

The aim was to investigate whether continuous positive airway pressure treatment could modulate serum vitamin D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D) and bone turnover markers (collagen‐type 1 cross‐linked C‐telopeptide, osteocalcin and N‐terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen) in secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial. Sixty‐five continuous positive airway pressure‐naïve male patients with obstructive sleep apnea (age = 49 ± 12 years, apnea–hypopnea index = 39.9 ± 17.7 events h−1, body mass index = 31.3 ± 5.2 kg m−2) were randomized to receive either real (n = 34) or sham (n = 31) continuous positive airway pressure for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, all participants received real continuous positive airway pressure for an additional 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of continuous positive airway pressure (real versus sham), there were no between‐group differences for any of the main outcomes [Δ25‐hydroxyvitamin D: −0.80 ± 5.28 ng mL−1 (mean ± SE) versus 3.08 ± 3.66 ng mL−1, P = 0.42; Δcollagen‐type 1 cross‐linked C‐telopeptide: 0.011 ± 0.014 ng mL−1 versus −0.004 ± 0.009 ng mL−1, P = 0.48; Δosteocalcin: 1.13 ± 1.12 ng mL−1 versus 0.46 ± 0.75 ng mL−1, P = 0.80; ΔN‐terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen: 2.07 ± 3.05 μg L−1 versus −1.05 ± 2.13 μg L−1, P = 0.48]. There were no further differences in subgroup analyses (continuous positive airway pressure‐compliant patients, patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea or sleepy patients). However, after 24 weeks irrespective of initial randomization, vitamin D increased in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (9.56 ± 5.51 ng mL−1, P = 0.045) and in sleepy patients (14.0 ± 4.69 ng mL−1, P = 0.007). Also, there was a significant increase in osteocalcin at 24 weeks (3.27 ± 1.06 ng mL−1, P = 0.01) in compliant patients. We conclude that 12 weeks of continuous positive airway pressure did not modulate vitamin D or modulate any of the bone turnover markers compared with sham. However, it is plausible that continuous positive airway pressure may have late beneficial effects on vitamin D levels and bone turnover markers in selected groups of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
A comparison of two screening tools for paediatric obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Abumuamar Asmaa M. , Chung Sharon A. , Kadmon Gili , Shapiro Colin M.
Published: September 2017

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea in children is associated with significant medical and psychological morbidities. Polysomnographic testing is the gold‐standard method for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. However, laboratory‐based polysomnography is expensive and associated with a substantial healthcare burden. Thus, a simple valid tool to accurately identify those at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea is essential. We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional study of children referred to the Youthdale Child and Adolescent Sleep Clinic. Data were collected from questionnaires and sleep studies reports of 395 children. A comparison between two screening tools for paediatric obstructive sleep apnea – a six‐item (parent‐response) and an eight‐item IF‐SLEEPY/IM‐SLEEPY scales – was performed. The results showed that 42% of the children (n = 164) were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. The six‐item scale (score ≥3) exhibited a sensitivity of 17% and a specificity of 95% for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. The eight‐item IF‐SLEEPY scale displayed 82% sensitivity and 28% specificity. The IM‐SLEEPY scale exhibited 79% sensitivity and 32% specificity. In children ≥7 years old, the IF‐SLEEPY (parent‐response) had a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 28% compared with the child‐response (66% and 37%, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio = 0.78), IF‐SLEEPY/IM‐SLEEPY score ≥3 (odds ratio = 1.78) and a score ≥2.72 on the six‐item scale (odds ratio = 4.54) were predictors of obstructive sleep apnea. This study suggests that the eight‐item scale is a better screening tool for paediatric obstructive sleep apnea, with a higher sensitivity and simple yes/no responses that are easy to complete and to score.
Child Custody and Family Labour Supply: Evidence from the United States
Authors: Nguyen Dung Kieu , Tran Thi Van Anh , Phan Trang
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates the impact of the joint child custody reforms on family labour supply in the United States between the 1970s and 1990s. Following the work of Chiappori et al. (Journal of Political Economy, 2002, 110 (1): 37–72), we propose a collective labour supply model in which the custody reforms play roles of a distribution factor that influences household bargaining power. In the empirical section, using data from the March Current Population Survey and Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we find a significantly positive influence of the legality on married women's labour supply and a negative influence on their husbands’. Checking robustness with different groups: non‐migrant couples, couples with children under 18, couples with children before the passage of the laws, couples married before the reforms and couples with non‐anti‐divorce religious preference, we find the results are consistent with those of the baseline model.
Effects of habitat complexity on cannibalism rates in European green crabs (Carcinus maenas Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Gehrels Hannah , Tummon Flynn Paula , Cox Ruth , Quijón Pedro A.
Published: September 2017

The habitat in which predator–prey interactions take place may have a profound influence on the outcome of those interactions. Cannibalism is an intriguing form of predation whereby foraging by predators may contribute to the regulation of their own populations.This is particularly interesting in the case of invasive species, like the widely distributed European green crab (Carcinus maenas). This study explores how habitat complexity influences cannibalism rates in green crab populations of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Canada. Both laboratory and field experiments were conducted to measure feeding rates by individual adult green crabs on a standard number of smaller conspecifics. In the laboratory, experimental treatments mimicked unstructured to increasingly structured habitats: water, sandy bottom, oyster shells, mussel shells, oyster shells with sandy bottom and mussel shells with sandy bottom. In those trials, adult green crabs consumed several times more juveniles on unstructured habitats than on the most structured ones, with a gradual decrease in predation rates across increasingly complex habitats. Field inclusion experiments used the same approach and were conducted in sandy bottoms, sandy bottoms with a layer of oyster shells and sandy bottoms with a layer of mussel shells. These trials showed similar patterns of decreasing feeding rates across increasingly complex habitats, but differences among treatments were not significant. These results support the idea that complex habitats have the potential to mediate predator–prey interactions, including adult–juvenile cannibalism in green crabs.
Tonal Problems as Agents of Narrative in Brahms's Unbewegte laue Luft, Op. 57 No. 8
Authors: TERRIGNO LORETTA
Published: September 2017

Scholars have often invoked the progress of chromatic pitches through a piece as a metaphor for dramatic events, defining ‘tonal problems’ and ‘promissory notes’ as chromatic pitches that enter early in a piece, threaten the governing tonality's sovereignty and signify a conflict to be resolved (see Cone (1982), Carpenter (1988) and Schachter (1999).). Edward Cone's well‐known reading of Schubert's Moment musical in A♭ (Op. 94 No. 6) posits the inability of E♮ to be fully assimilated, expressing ‘the occurrence of a disquieting thought to one of a tranquil, easy‐going nature’. This article extends these models, interpreting the tonal problems F♮ and C♮ in Brahms's song Unbewegte laue Luft, Op. 57 No. 8, as realising present and future temporalities that remain latent in Georg Friedrich Daumer's poem.

Brahms's E major song seems to model the poem's temporal progression from present to future, invoking F♮ to signify the protagonist's suppressed desire in the present and later respelling the pitch as E♯ to suggest emergent desire and its imagined future. Whereas Daumer's poem only contrasts the images of nature's external calm with the protagonist's internal passion, the tonal consequences of F and C in Brahms's setting also draw these images together, suggesting that they are intertwined in the protagonist's perceptions. His initially subconscious desires influence his experience of nature.
Invasive alien plants benefit more from clonal integration in heterogeneous environments than natives
Authors: Wang Yong‐Jian , Müller‐Schärer Heinz , van Kleunen Mark , Cai Ai‐Ming , Zhang Ping , Yan Rong , Dong Bi‐Cheng , Yu Fei‐Hai
Published: September 2017

What confers invasive alien plants a competitive advantage over native plants remains open to debate. Many of the world's worst invasive alien plants are clonal and able to share resources within clones (clonal integration), particularly in heterogeneous environments. Here, we tested the hypothesis that clonal integration benefits invasive clonal plants more than natives and thus confers invasives a competitive advantage.

We selected five congeneric and naturally co‐occurring pairs of invasive alien and native clonal plants in China, and grew pairs of connected and disconnected ramets under heterogeneous light, soil nutrient and water conditions that are commonly encountered by alien plants during their invasion into new areas.

Clonal integration increased biomass of all plants in all three heterogeneous resource environments. However, invasive plants benefited more from clonal integration than natives. Consequently, invasive plants produced more biomass than natives.

Our results indicate that clonal integration may confer invasive alien clonal plants a competitive advantage over natives. Therefore, differences in the ability of clonal integration could potentially explain, at least partly, the invasion success of alien clonal plants in areas where resources are heterogeneously distributed.
The impact of MUC5B gene on dental caries
Authors: Cavallari T , Salomão H , Moysés ST , Moysés SJ , Werneck RI
Published: September 2017

Objective

To identify the impact of MUC5B polymorphisms on dental caries.

Methods

A case–control study was performed with patients recruited at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná. These individuals were aged 12 years old or more. Dental caries was diagnosed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System, and the effects of socioeconomic, dietary, and hygiene factors on dental caries were investigated. Furthermore, buccal cells were collected, and their DNA was extracted and amplified using PCR. Uni‐, bi‐, and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Two hundred patients were recruited, 100 were assigned to the case group and 100 to the control group. In the bivariate analysis, the following variables showed significant results: ethnicity (p = .008), biofilm (p < .001), and gingivitis (p < .001). The MUC5B gene affected dental caries with the markers rs2735733 (p < .001), rs2249073 (p < .001), and rs2857476 (p < .001). In the multivariate analysis, the biofilm variable remained significant (p = .026), as did the following markers from the MUC5B gene: rs2735733 (p = .019), rs2249073 (p < .025), and rs2857476 (p < .005).

Conclusion

Genetic variations in the MUC5B gene can influence dental caries.
Resveratrol suppresses the alveolar bone resorption induced by artificial trauma from occlusion in mice
Authors: Matsuda Y , Minagawa T , Okui T , Yamazaki K
Published: September 2017

Objective

Besides inflammatory bone loss, trauma from occlusion (TO)‐induced alveolar bone loss increases the risk of future tooth loss. We have shown that resveratrol, a polyphenol, possesses anti‐inflammatory characteristics and a suppressive effect on osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on TO‐induced bone loss in mice.

Material and Methods

Trauma from occlusion was induced by overlaying composite resin onto the maxillary first molar of C57BL/6 mice. TO‐induced mice were administered either resveratrol or vehicle for 15 days from 5 days before TO induction. The mice administered vehicle only served as controls. The effect of resveratrol on bone resorption was assessed histologically. Gene expression in gingival and periodontal ligament tissues was analyzed. In vitro effect of resveratrol on the differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells and bone marrow‐derived macrophages into osteoclastic cells was analyzed.

Results

Resveratrol administration significantly decreased the bone loss and suppressed the elevated expression of osteoclastogenesis‐related gene in periodontal ligament tissue by TO. Resveratrol treatment also suppressed the differentiation of both RAW 264.7 cells and bone marrow‐derived macrophages into osteoclastic cells.

Conclusion

Resveratrol administration suppressed the TO‐induced alveolar bone loss by suppressing osteoclast differentiation, suggesting that resveratrol is effective in preventing both inflammation and mechanical stress‐induced alveolar bone resorption.
Transcriptomic repertoires depict the initiation of lint and fuzz fibres in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Hu Haiyan , Wang Maojun , Ding Yuanhao , Zhu Sitao , Zhao Guannan , Tu Lili , Zhang Xianlong
Published: September 2017

Cotton fibre is an important natural fibre for the textile industry. The number of fibre initials determines the lint percentage, which is an important factor for cotton fibre yield. Although fibre development has been described by transcriptomic analysis, the mechanism by which the long noncoding RNA manipulates the initiation of lint and fuzz fibres remains unknown. In this study, three lines with different lint percentages were developed by crossing Xu142 with its fibreless mutant Xu142 fl. We collected the epidermal cells from the ovules with attached fibres at 0 and 5 days post anthesis (DPA) from Xu142, the fibreless mutant Xu142 fl and the three lint percent diversified lines for deep transcriptome sequencing. A total of 2641 novel genes, 35 802 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 2262 circular RNAs (circRNAs) were identified, of which 645 lncRNAs were preferentially expressed in the fibreless mutant Xu142 fl and 651 lncRNAs were preferentially expressed in the fibre‐attached lines. We demonstrated the functional roles of the three lncRNAs in fibre development via a virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) system. Our results showed that silencing XLOC_545639 and XLOC_039050 in Xu142 fl increased the number of fibre initials on the ovules, but silencing XLOC_079089 in Xu142 resulted in a short fibre phenotype. This study established the transcriptomic repertoires in cotton fibre initiation and provided evidence for the potential functions of lncRNAs in fibre development.
Comparison of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis guidelines—an argument for aggressive atopic dermatitis management
Authors: Lohman Mary E. , Lio Peter A.
Published: September 2017

The development of effective systemic treatments has revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The availability of safe new treatments and the understanding of psoriasis as a systemic disease with comorbidities and effects on quality of life have driven the current aggressive treatment paradigm of psoriasis. Historically the morbidity of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been dismissed, given the perception of AD as “just” a rash. Differences in the guidelines for psoriasis and AD management may suggest variations in the current conceptualization of disease severity and effects on quality of life. Published guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology for the management of psoriasis and AD were reviewed. We recorded the similarities and differences in disease assessment and therapy. The threshold to use biologic agents for moderate to severe psoriasis highlights the aggressive nature of modern psoriasis treatment. AD guidelines include an assessment of quality of life but do not designate a disease severity threshold for systemic treatment. AD and psoriasis have a tremendous effect on quality of life. The AD guidelines have a less aggressive approach to disease management than the psoriasis guidelines. We should think critically about rapid advancement to systemic agents in AD management, especially now that more and better agents are being developed.
Fluoride mouthrinses for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents
Authors: Bidwell Josie
Published: September 2017

The Mission of the Cochrane Nursing Care Field (CNCF) is to improve health outcomes through increasing the use of the Cochrane Library and supporting Cochrane's role by providing an evidence base for nurses and related health care professionals involved in delivering, leading, or researching nursing care. The CNCF produces “Cochrane Corner” columns (summaries of recent nursing‐care‐relevant Cochrane Reviews) that are regularly published in collaborating nursing‐care‐related journals. Information on the processes this Field has developed can be accessed at: http://cncf.cochrane.org/evidence-transfer-program-review-summaries.