bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal cell YAP and TAZ redundantly promote bone development by regulation of collagen I expression and organization
Authors: Kegelman Christopher D. , Mason Devon E. , Dawahare James H. , Vigil Genevieve D. , Howard Scott S. , Bellido Teresita M. , Robling Alexander G. , Boerckel Joel D.
Published: May 2017

The functions of the transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ in bone are controversial. Each has been observed to either promote or inhibit osteogenesisin vitro, while their roles in bone development are unknown. Here we report that combinatorial YAP/TAZ deletion from skeletal cells in mice caused osteogenesis imperfecta with severity dependent on targeted cell lineage and allele dosage. Osteocyte-conditional deletion impaired bone accrual and matrix collagen, while allele dosage-dependent deletion from all osteogenic lineage cells caused spontaneous fractures, with neonatal lethality only in dual homozygous knockouts. We identified putative target genes whose mutation in humans causes osteogenesis imperfecta and which contain promoter-proximate binding domains for the YAP/TAZ co-effector, TEAD4. Two candidates, Col1a1 and SerpinH1, exhibited reduced expression upon either YAP/TAZ deletion or YAP/TAZ-TEAD inhibition by verteporfin. Together, these data demonstrate that YAP and TAZ redundantly promote bone matrix development and implicate YAP/TAZ-mediated transcriptional regulation of collagen in osteogenesis imperfecta.
Cyclin G and the Polycomb Repressive Complexes PRC1 and PR-DUB cooperate for developmental stability
Authors: Dardalhon-Cuménal Delphine , Deraze Jérôme , Dupont Camille A , Ribeiro Valérie , Coléno-Costes Anne , Pouch Juliette , Le Crom Stéphane , Thomassin Hélène , Debat Vincent , Randsholt Neel B , Peronnet Frédérique
Published: May 2017

InDrosophila, ubiquitous expression of a short Cyclin G isoform generates extreme developmental noise estimated by fluctuating asymmetry (FA), providing a model to tackle developmental stability. This transcriptional cyclin interacts with chromatin regulators of the Enhancer of Trithorax and Polycomb (ETP) and Polycomb families. We investigate here the importance of these interactions in developmental stability. Deregulation of Cyclin G highlights an organ intrinsic control of developmental noise, linked to the ETP-interacting domain, and enhanced by mutations in genes encoding members of the Polycomb Repressive complexes PRC1 and PR-DUB. Deep-sequencing of wing imaginal discs deregulatingCycGreveals that high developmental noise correlates with up-regulation of genes involved in translation and down-regulation of genes involved in energy production. Most Cyclin G direct transcriptional targets are also direct targets of PRC1, ASX and RNAPolII in the developing wing. Altogether, our results suggest that Cyclin G, PRC1 and PR-DUB cooperate for developmental stability.
The influence of study characteristics on coordinate-based fMRI meta-analyses
Authors: Bossier Han , Seurinck Ruth , Kühn Simone , Banaschewski Tobias , Barker Gareth J. , Bokde Arun L.W. , Martinot Jean-Luc , Lemaitre Herve , Paus Tomáš , Millenet Sabina , Moerkerke Beatrijs ,   The IMAGEN Consortium
Published: May 2017

Given the increasing amount of neuroimaging studies, there is a growing need to summarize published results. Coordinate-based meta-analyses use the locations of statistically significant local maxima with possibly the associated effect sizes to aggregate studies. In this paper, we investigate the influence of key characteristics of a coordinate-based meta-analysis on (1) the balance between false and true positives and (2) the reliability of the outcome from a coordinate-based meta-analysis. More particularly, we consider the influence of the chosen group level model at the study level (fixed effects, ordinary least squares or mixed effects models), the type of coordinate-based meta-analysis (Activation Likelihood Estimation, fixed effects and random effects meta-analysis) and the amount of studies included in the analysis (10, 20 or 35). To do this, we apply a resampling scheme on a large dataset (N= 1400) to create a test condition and compare this with an independent evaluation condition. The test condition corresponds to subsampling participants into studies and combine these using meta-analyses. The evaluation condition corresponds to a high-powered group analysis. We observe the best performance when using mixed effects models in individual studies combined with a random effects meta-analysis. This effect increases with the number of studies included in the meta-analysis. We also show that the popular Activation Likelihood Estimation procedure is a valid alternative, though the results depend on the chosen threshold for significance. Furthermore, this method requires at least 20 to 35 studies. Finally, we discuss the differences, interpretations and limitations of our results.
Evaluating strategies for reversing CRISPR-Cas9 gene drives
Authors: Vella Michael R. , Gunning Christian E. , Lloyd Alun L. , Gould Fred
Published: May 2017

A gene drive biases inheritance of a gene so that it increases in frequency within a population even when the gene confers no fitness benefit. There has been renewed interest in environmental releases of engineered gene drives due to recent proof of principle experiments with the CRISPR-Cas9 system as a drive mechanism. Release of modified organisms, however, is controversial, especially when the drive mechanism could theoretically alter all individuals of a species. Thus, it is desirable to have countermeasures to reverse a drive if a problem arises. Several genetic mechanisms for limiting or eliminating gene drives have been proposed and/or developed, including synthetic resistance, reversal drives, and immunizing reversal drives. While predictions about efficacy of these mechanisms have been optimistic, we lack detailed analyses of their expected dynamics. We develop a discrete time model for population genetics of a drive and proposed genetic countermeasures. Efficacy of drive reversal varies between countermeasures. For some parameter values, the model predicts unexpected behavior including polymorphic equilibria and oscillatory dynamics. The timing and number of released individuals containing a genetic countermeasure can substantially impact outcomes. The choice among countermeasures by researchers and regulators will depend on specific goals and population parameters of target populations.
How does Zika virus cause microcephaly?
Authors: Wen Zhexing , Song Hongjun , Ming Guo-li
Published: May 2017

The re-emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne and sexually transmitted flavivirus circulating in >70 countries and territories, poses a significant global threat to public health due to its ability to cause severe developmental defects in the human brain, such as microcephaly. Since the World Health Organization declared the ZIKV outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, remarkable progress has been made to gain insight into cellular targets, pathogenesis, and underlying biological mechanisms of ZIKV infection. Here we review the current knowledge and progress in understanding the impact of ZIKV exposure on the mammalian brain development and discuss potential underlying mechanisms.
Right time, right place: the temporal regulation of developmental gene expression
Authors: Praggastis Sophia A. , Thummel Carl S.
Published: May 2017

Many studies have focused on defining the critical transcription factors that specify tissue morphogenesis and differentiation. Our understanding of how these spatial regulators are deployed in the proper temporal order, however, has remained less clear. In this issue of Genes & Development, Uyehara and colleagues (pp. 862–875) provide new insights into the mechanisms by which temporal and spatial regulators are coordinated to control Drosophila wing development during metamorphosis.
Using refractive optics to broaden the focus of an X-ray mirror
Authors: Laundy David , Sawhney Kawal , Dhamgaye Vishal
Published: May 2017

X-ray mirrors are widely used at synchrotron radiation sources for focusing X-rays into focal spots of size less than 1 µm. The ability of the beamline optics to change the size of this spot over a range up to tens of micrometres can be an advantage for many experiments such as X-ray microprobe and X-ray diffraction from micrometre-scale crystals. It is a requirement that the beam size change should be reproducible and it is often essential that the change should be rapid, for example taking less than 1 s, in order to allow high data collection rates at modern X-ray sources. In order to provide a controlled broadening of the focused spot of an X-ray mirror, a series of refractive optical elements have been fabricated and installed immediately before the mirror. By translation, a new refractive element is moved into the X-ray beam allowing a variation in the size of the focal spot in the focusing direction. Measurements using a set of prefabricated refractive structures with a test mirror showed that the focused beam size could be varied from less than 1 µm to over 10 µm for X-rays in the energy range 10–20 keV. As the optics is in-line with the X-ray beam, there is no effect on the centroid position of the focus. Accurate positioning of the refractive optics ensures reproducibility in the focused beam profile and no additional re-alignment of the optics is required.
A one-dimensional silver(I) coordination polymer based on 5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine and pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylate
Authors: Fu Wei-Wei , Li Juan , Liu Shu-Ting , Zhao Dan , Zhou Xue , Tong Yang
Published: May 2017

The bifunctional pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (H2pdc) ligand has one N atom and four O atoms, which could bind more than one AgI centre with diverse binding modes. A novel infinite one-dimensional AgI coordination polymer, namely catena-poly[[silver(I)-(μ2-pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylato-κ2
N:O
3)-silver(I)-tris(μ2-5-methyl-1,3,4-thiodiazol-2-amine-κ2
N:N′)] monohydrate ethanol monosolvate], {[Ag2(C7H3NO4)(C3H5N3S)3]·H2O·C2H5OH}
n
, has been synthesized using H2pdc and 5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine (tda), and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. One AgI atom is located in a four-coordinated AgN4 tetrahedral geometry and the other AgI atom is in a tetrahedral AgN3O geometry. A dinuclear AgI cluster formed by three tda ligands with a paddelwheel configuration is bridged by the dianionic pdc2− ligand into a one-dimensional coordination polymer. Interchain N—H...O hydrogen bonds extend the one-dimensional chains into an undulating two-dimensional sheet. The sheets are further packed into a three-dimensional supramolecular framework by interchain N—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Sodium perchlorate in the space group Pnma. Corrigendum
Authors: Zhang Gui-Ling , Li Yan-Tuan , Wu Zhi-Yong , Song Yu-Lan
Published: May 2017

In the paper by Zhang et al. [Acta Cryst. (2006), E62, i150–i151], the sodium cation was assigned incorrectly.
2-[(4-Chlorophenyl)selanyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromene-5,6-dione: crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis
Authors: Zukerman-Schpector Julio , Prado Karinne E. , Name Luccas L. , Cella Rodrigo , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: May 2017

The title organoselenium compound, C19H13ClO3Se {systematic name: 2-[(4-chlorophenyl)selanyl]-2H,3H,4H,5H,6H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-5,6-dione}, has the substituted 2-pyranyl ring in a half-chair conformation with the methylene-C atom bound to the methine-C atom being the flap atom. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic regions of the molecule is 9.96 (9)° and indicates a step-like conformation. An intramolecular Se...O interaction of 2.8122 (13) Å is noted. In the crystal, π–π contacts between naphthyl rings [inter-centroid distance = 3.7213 (12) Å] and between naphthyl and chlorobenzene rings [inter-centroid distance = 3.7715 (13) Å], along with C—Cl...π(chlorobenzene) contacts, lead to supramolecular layers parallel to the ab plane, which are connected into a three-dimensional architecture via methylene-C—H...O(carbonyl) interactions. The contributions of these and other weak contacts to the Hirshfeld surface is described.
3-(2-Hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-5-(naphthalen-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide
Authors: Ahn Seunghyun , Lim Yoongho , Sung Jiha , Koh Dongsoo
Published: May 2017

In the title molecule, C28H25N3O3S, the dihedral angles formed by the naphthalene ring system and the benzene rings are 73.03 (13) and 74.04 (11)°. The benzene rings attached to the central pyrazoline ring are almost coplanar, as indicated by the dihedral angle of 2.22 (10)° between them. The C atom of the methoxy group of the phenol ring is essentially coplanar with the ring [C—C—O—C = −0.3 (3)°], whereas the C atom of the methoxy group of the thioamide benzene ring is slightly twisted [C—C—O—C = 5.4 (3)°]. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond generates anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, pairs of very weak C—H...S interactions form inversion dimers with anR22(18) motif.
Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of scabies in Japan (third edition)
Authors:   Executive Committee of Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Scabies
Published: May 2017

In the current work, we present our new guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of scabies which we, the Executive Committee convened by the Japanese Dermatological Association, developed to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of scabies in Japan. Approval of phenothrin topical use under the National Health Insurance in August 2014 led to this action. Permethrin, a topical anti‐scabietic medication belonging to the same pyrethroid group as phenothrin, is already in use worldwide. In this guideline, we introduce criteria for a proper diagnosis of scabies, treatment algorithm for common and crusted (hyperkeratotic) scabies, and prevention. The major change from our second edition is the treatment algorithm. As phenothrin is now available, the first‐line therapy for common scabies is either topical phenothrin lotion or oral ivermectin. The second‐line option for topical treatment is sulfur‐containing ointments, crotamiton cream or benzyl benzoate lotion. γ‐Benzene hexachloride ointment is no longer provided for clinical use. In an immunosuppressed patient, the treatment option is still the same, but with close follow up. If the symptoms persist, diagnosis and treatment must be reassessed. For hyperkeratotic scabies and nail scabies, removal of thick crust, cutting of nails and occlusive dressing are additionally required. The safety and effectiveness of combined treatment with topical and oral medications are not yet confirmed. Further assessment is needed. In addition to appropriate treatment, it is essential to educate patients and health‐care workers and to conduct epidemiological studies to prevent further spread of the disease through effectively utilizing available resources including manpower, finance, logistics and time.
Spontaneous language production of Italian children with cochlear implants and their mothers in two interactive contexts
Authors: Majorano Marinella , Guidotti Laura , Guerzoni Letizia , Murri Alessandra , Morelli Marika , Cuda Domenico , Lavelli Manuela
Published: May 2017

Background

In recent years many studies have shown that the use of cochlear implants (CIs) improves children's skills in processing the auditory signal and, consequently, the development of both language comprehension and production. Nevertheless, many authors have also reported that the development of language skills in children with CIs is variable and influenced by individual factors (e.g., age at CI activation) and contextual aspects (e.g., maternal linguistic input).

Aims

To assess the characteristics of the spontaneous language production of Italian children with CIs, their mothers’ input and the relationship between the two during shared book reading and semi‐structured play.

Methods & Procedures

Twenty preschool children with CIs and 40 typically developing children, 20 matched for chronological age (CATD group) and 20 matched for hearing age (HATD group), were observed during shared book reading and semi‐structured play with their mothers. Samples of spontaneous language were transcribed and analysed for each participant. The numbers of types, tokens, mean length of utterance (MLU) and grammatical categories were considered, and the familiarity of each mother's word was calculated.

Outcomes & Results

The children with CIs produced shorter utterances than the children in the CATD group. Their mothers produced language with lower levels of lexical variability and grammatical complexity, and higher proportions of verbs with higher familiarity than did the mothers in the other groups during shared book reading. The children's language was more strongly related to that of their mothers in the CI group than in the other groups, and it was associated with the age at CI activation.

Conclusions & Implications

The findings suggest that the language of children with CIs is related both to their mothers’ input and to age at CI activation. They might prompt suggestions for intervention programs focused on shared‐book reading.
Prevalence and risk factors for Bacillus cereus in raw milk in Inner Mongolia, Northern China
Authors: Lan Xinyi , Wang Jiaqi , Zheng Nan , Zhao Shengguo , Li Songli , Li Fadi
Published: May 2017

The prevalence of Bacillus cereus in raw milk from dairy herds in Inner Mongolia and associated risk factors were determined. In total, 160 raw milk samples collected from 2014 to 2015 and examined by culture methods to isolate B. cereus. Fifty‐five samples (34.38%) were positive. The prevalence of B. cereus in raw milk was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in winter (15%) than in summer (50%). The highest prevalence of B. cereus in raw milk was seen in samples collected from small‐ to medium‐sized dairy herds in summer. The results of this study indicated that B. cereus could be a common pathogen in Inner Mongolia because of its high prevalence. It is essential for dairy farmers and producers to strengthen hygienic practices in summer to control B. cereus contamination in raw milk. These results will be useful in establishing proper management procedures to reduce the prevalence of B. cereus in raw milk.
Payment Reform and Health Disparities: Changes in Dialysis Modality under the New Medicare Dialysis Payment System
Authors: Turenne Marc , Baker Regina , Pearson Jeffrey , Cogan Chad , Mukhopadhyay Purna , Cope Elizabeth
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the Medicare dialysis payment reform on potential disparities in the selection of peritoneal dialysis (PD) for the treatment of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Data Sources

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ESRD Medical Evidence Form, Medicare claims, and other CMS data for 2008–2013.

Study Design

We examined the association of patient age, race/ethnicity, urban/rural location, pre‐ESRD care, comorbidities, insurance, and other factors with the selection of PD as initial dialysis modality across prereform (2008–2009), interim (2010), and postreform (2011–2013) time periods.

Principal Findings

Selection of PD increased among diverse patient subgroups following the payment reform. However, the lower PD selection observed with older age, black race, Hispanic ethnicity, less pre‐ESRD care, and Medicaid insurance before the reform largely remained in the initial postreform years.

Conclusions

Despite recent growth in PD, there may be ongoing disparities in access to PD that have largely not been mitigated by the payment reform. There is potential for modifying provider financial incentives to achieve policy goals related to cost and quality of care. However, even with a substantial shift in financial incentives, separate initiatives to reduce existing disparities in care may be needed.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Dynamic Treatment Strategies Using Electronic Health Records: An Application of the Parametric g‐Formula to Anemia Management Strategies
Authors: Zhang Yi , Young Jessica G. , Thamer Mae , Hernán Miguel A.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of dynamic anemia management strategies by applying the parametric g‐formula to electronic health records.

Data Source/Study Setting

Patients with end‐stage renal disease from the US Renal Data System who had congestive heart failure or ischemic heart disease and were undergoing hemodialysis in outpatient dialysis facilities between 2006 and 2010.

Study Design

We explicitly emulated a target trial of three ‎erythropoietin dosing strategies (aimed at achieving a low, middle, or high hematocrit) and estimated the observational analog of the per‐protocol effect.

Results

Of 156,945 eligible patients, 41,970 died during the 18‐month follow‐up. Compared to the low‐hematocrit strategy, the estimated risk of death was 4.6 (95% CI 4.4–4.9) percentage points higher under the high‐hematocrit strategy and 1.8 (95% CI 1.7–1.9) percentage points higher under the mid‐hematocrit strategy. The corresponding risk differences for a composite outcome of death and myocardial infarction were similar.

Conclusion

An explicit emulation of a target trial using electronic health records, combined with the parametric g‐formula, allowed comparison of real‐world dynamic strategies that have not been compared in randomized trials.
Incidence of sleep disturbances in patients with familial Mediterranean fever and the relation of sleep quality with disease activity
Authors: Kucuksahin Orhan , Omma Ahmet , Ozdemirel Ali Erhan , Tecer Duygu , Ulutas Sümeyye , Maras Yüksel , Balkarlı Ayşe , Erten Şükran
Published: May 2017

Aim

To evaluate the sleep quality and the relation of sleep quality with depression, anxiety, fatigue and disease activity in adult patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Method

One hundred and seventy‐four FMF patients and 84 age‐sex matched healthy individuals were included in this study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Index (HADS) were used to assess sleep quality, fatigue, depression and anxiety, respectively.

Result

FMF patients had significantly higher depression, anxiety, fatigue and PSQI scores than healthy controls. As the severity of the disease increased, scores of total PSQI and its domains increased. Patients with total PSQI score higher than 5 had statistically significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR), serum C‐reactive protein and serum amyloid levels during attacks, more attack numbers in last 3 months and worse fatigue, depression scores. Total PSQI score was positively correlated with inflammatory markers during attacks, attack numbers in the last 3 months and fatigue score. Logistic regression models identified disease duration, ESR during attacks, fatigue, attack numbers in the last 3 months as predictors of poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality is common in adult FMF patients. Anxiety, depression and fatigue are more frequent in FMF patients than healthy individuals. Poor sleep quality is associated with inflammatory marker levels during attacks, fatigue and attack numbers in the last 3 months.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Nursing Care Plan Applied Using NANDA, NOC, and NIC Linkages to Elderly Women with Incontinence Living in a Nursing Home: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Gencbas Dercan , Bebis Hatice , Cicek Hatice
Published: May 2017

PURPOSE

Evaluate the efficiency of the nursing care plan, applied with the use of NANDA‐I, NOC, and NIC (NNN) linkages, for elderly women with incontinence who live in nursing homes.

METHODS

A randomized controlled experimental design was applied. NNN linkages were prepared and applied for 12 weeks in an experimental group. NOC scales were evaluated again for two groups.

RESULTS

A 0.5 NOC point change targeted in all elderly in the experimental group were provided between pretest–posttest scores. The experimental group had higher life quality and lower incontinence severity/symptoms than the control group.

CONCLUSION

It is important that NNN linkages effective for solving the problems are used in different groups and with larger samples to create further evidence linking NNN.
Adverse events of group psychotherapy in the in‐patient setting – results of a naturalistic trial
Authors: Schneibel R. , Wilbertz G. , Scholz C. , Becker M. , Brakemeier E.‐L. , Bschor T. , Zobel I. , Schmoll D.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Adverse events of psychotherapy have often been neglected in research. In this study, potential adverse events of group psychotherapies in a psychiatric hospital were systematically assessed, explored for predictors and linked to treatment outcome.

Method

A naturalistic trial was conducted in 180 in‐patients attending different group psychotherapies. Adverse events were assessed using three different measures: (i) weekly reporting of unwanted treatment reactions, (ii) mood changes in response to every single group session and (iii) premature group termination.

Results

Different measures of adverse events were weakly associated. Deterioration of mood state and/or unwanted treatment reactions were experienced by 60–65% of all patients. Reports of unwanted treatment reactions decreased over time and were negatively associated with symptom improvement. However, mood state deterioration was constant and unrelated to treatment outcome. The rate of premature group termination was 34%. Significant predictors of adverse events included patient characteristics as well as disadvantageous group conditions.

Conclusions

For the majority of patients, group psychotherapy in the in‐patient setting is associated with adverse events. Changes over time and a strong correlation with general symptom severity must be considered in the assessment and interpretation of adverse events. Predictors should be considered as potential risk factors in future research.
Variable rainfall has a greater effect than fire on the demography of the dominant tree in a semi‐arid Eucalyptus savanna
Authors: Fensham Roderick J. , Freeman Michelle E. , Laffineur Boris , Macdermott Harry , Prior Lynda D. , Werner Patricia A.
Published: May 2017

Rainfall, fire and competition are emphasized as determinants of the density and basal area of woody vegetation in savanna. The semi‐arid savannas of Australia have substantial multi‐year rainfall deficits and insufficient grass fuel to carry annual fire in contrast to the mesic savannas in more northern regions. This study investigates the influence of rainfall deficit and excess, fire and woody competition on the population dynamics of a dominant tree in a semi‐arid savanna. All individuals of Eucalyptus melanophloia were mapped and monitored in three, 1‐ha plots over an 8.5 year period encompassing wet and dry periods. The plots were unburnt, burnt once and burnt twice. A competition index incorporating the size and distance of neighbours to target individuals was determined. Supplementary studies examined seedling recruitment and the transition of juvenile trees into the sapling layer. Mortality of burnt seedlings was related to lignotuber area but the majority of seedlings are fire resistant within 12 months of germination. Most of the juveniles (≤1 cm dbh) of E. melanophloia either died in the dry period or persisted as juveniles throughout 8.5 years of monitoring. Mortality of juveniles was positively related to woody competition and was higher in the dry period than the wet period. The transition of juveniles to a larger size class occurred at extremely low rates, and a subsidiary study along a clearing boundary suggests release from woody competition allows transition into the sapling layer. From three fires the highest proportion of saplings (1–10 cm dbh) reduced to juveniles was only 5.6% suggesting rates of ‘top‐kill’ of E. melanophloia as a result of fire are relatively low. Girth growth was enhanced in wet years, particularly for larger trees (>10 cm dbh), but all trees regardless of size or woody competition levels are vulnerable to drought‐induced mortality. Overall the results suggest that variations in rainfall, especially drought‐induced mortality, have a much stronger influence on the tree demographics of E. melanophloia in a semi‐arid savanna of north‐eastern Australia than fire.
Sublingual immunotherapy provides long‐term relief in allergic rhinitis and reduces the risk of asthma: A retrospective, real‐world database analysis
Authors: Zielen S. , Devillier P. , Heinrich J. , Richter H. , Wahn U.
Published: May 2017

Background

Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or allergic asthma (AA) with long‐term efficacy. However, there are few real‐life data on the progression of AR and/or AA in patients receiving AIT.

Objectives

To assess the real‐world, long‐term efficacy of grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets in AR and their impact on asthma onset and progression.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of a German longitudinal prescription database, AR patients treated with grass pollen SLIT tablets were compared with a control group not having received AIT. Multiple regression analysis was used to compare changes over time in rescue symptomatic AR medication use after treatment cessation, asthma medication use, and the time to asthma onset in the two groups.

Results

After applying all selection criteria, 2851 SLIT and 71 275 control patients were selected for the study. After treatment cessation, AR medication use was 18.8 percentage points lower (after adjustment for covariates, and relative to the pretreatment period) in SLIT tablet group than in the non‐AIT group (P<.001). Asthma onset was less frequent in SLIT tablet group than in non‐AIT group (odds ratio: 0.696, P=.002), and time to asthma was significantly longer (hazard ratio: 0.523; P=.003). After SLIT cessation, asthma medication use fell by an additional 16.7 percentage points (relative to the pretreatment period) in the SLIT tablet group vs the non‐AIT group (P=.004).

Conclusions

Real‐world treatment of AR patients with grass pollen SLIT tablets was associated with slower AR progression, less frequent asthma onset, and slower asthma progression.
Psychosocial factors and traumatic dental injuries among adolescents
Authors: Baxevanos Konstantinos , Topitsoglou Vasiliki , Menexes Georgios , Kalfas Sotirios
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To examine the association of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and psychosocial factors in adolescents and to identify psychological profiles associated with TDI.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 531 students aged 13‐16 years. Data were collected through oral examination and a structured interview with the adolescents, in conjunction with a questionnaire answered by their mothers. Associations between TDI and independent variables were analysed using a model‐based approach, while an exploratory data analysis was applied to identify homogenous clusters of adolescents in relation to their sense of coherence (SoC), perception of parental support and their mothers' SoC. These clusters were examined further for associations with TDI and psychosocial variables.

Results

The prevalence of TDI was 15.8%. Adolescents with high TDI prevalence were males, nonfirstborns, or those frequently engaging in physical activity. In addition, both their own SoC and that of their mother were low and they reported low parental support. They were also prone to complaining about the behaviour of their peer group. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) demonstrated three homogenous clusters. The cluster with the highest scores for all psychological variables included adolescents with low TDI prevalence, low paternal punishment, spacious home environment, high Family Affluence Scale (FAS) score, good school grades, few complaints about schoolmates and higher maternal education.

Conclusions

Psychosocial factors appear to influence an adolescent's risk of TDI. High parental support, high own and maternal SoC and a higher socioeconomic status (SES) are typical of adolescents with low TDI experience.
Prehabilitation for kidney transplant candidates: Is it time?
Authors: Cheng Xingxing S. , Myers Jonathan N. , Chertow Glenn M. , Rabkin Ralph , Chan Khin N. , Chen Yu , Tan Jane C.
Published: May 2017

Many patients become frail with diminished cardiorespiratory fitness while awaiting kidney transplantation. Frailty and poor fitness powerfully predict mortality, transplant graft survival, and healthcare utilization after kidney transplantation. Efforts to intervene with post‐transplant physical therapy have been met with limited success, in large part due to high study dropout. We reviewed the literature on chronic kidney disease and exercise to propose a clinical framework for physical therapy interventions to improve fitness, scheduled for before the transplant. This framework may lead to better patient retention and compliance, and thus demonstrate better efficacy in mitigating the effects of frailty and poor fitness after kidney transplantation.
Extending utility of hierarchical models to multi‐scale habitat selection
Authors: Lipsey Marisa K. , Naugle David E. , Nowak Joshua , Lukacs Paul M.
Published: May 2017

Aim

Characterizing animal habitat selection is central to ecology and conservation, and understanding selection across multiple spatial scales is a particular priority for research. However, the ability of selection models to capture multi‐scale response has been limited by the dual analytical hurdles of cross‐scale collinearity and overlapping landscapes. The aim of this study was to overcome these limitations using a novel, spatially hierarchical approach.

Location

North America's northern Great Plains (U.S.A. and Canada).

Methods

We developed a novel adaptation of the occupancy modelling framework that integrates animal response conditionally across scales. We then compared outcomes to those from a traditional multi‐scale model. We illustrated our approach using the breeding distribution of two North American grassland songbirds of conservation concern, Sprague's Pipit Anthus spragueii and Chestnut‐collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus.

Results

Our model successfully captured bird response to local habitat within a broader landscape context, even when habitat associations occurred in opposite directions across scale. Probabilities of occupancy were more strongly affected by local conditions when landscape context was favourable than when it was unfavourable. The traditional multi‐scale approach extended problems of scale into spatial predictions by over‐estimating occurrence where conditions were locally favourable but regionally unsuitable.

Main conclusions

The spatially hierarchical approach provides an integrated model of habitat selection across scales by allowing broader landscape context to shape local response to conditions. For grassland songbirds, our application enabled targeting that could enhance the expected benefits of conservation when compared to the traditional approach.
It is the time for oceanic seabirds: Tracking year‐round distribution of gadfly petrels across the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ramos Raül , Carlile Nicholas , Madeiros Jeremy , Ramírez Iván , Paiva Vitor H. , Dinis Herculano A. , Zino Francis , Biscoito Manuel , Leal Gustavo R. , Bugoni Leandro , Jodice Patrick G. R. , Ryan Peter G. , González‐Solís Jacob
Published: May 2017

Aim

Anthropogenic activities alter and constrain the structure of marine ecosystems with implications for wide‐ranging marine vertebrates. In spite of the environmental importance of vast oceanic ecosystems, most conservation efforts mainly focus on neritic areas. To identify relevant oceanic areas for conservation, we assessed the year‐round spatial distribution and spatio‐temporal overlap of eight truly oceanic seabird species of gadfly petrels (Pterodroma spp.) inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean.

Location

Atlantic Ocean.

Methods

Using tracking data (mostly from geolocators), we examined year‐round distributions, the timing of life‐cycle events, and marine habitat overlap of eight gadfly petrel species that breed in the Atlantic Ocean.

Results

We compiled 125 year‐round tracks. Movement strategies ranged from non‐migratory to long‐distance migrant species and from species sharing a common non‐breeding area to species dispersing among multiple non‐breeding sites. Gadfly petrels occurred throughout the Atlantic Ocean but tended to concentrate in subtropical regions. During the boreal summer, up to three species overlapped spatio‐temporally over a large area around the Azores archipelago. During the austral summer, up to four species coincided in a core area in subtropical waters around Cape Verde, and three species shared habitat over two distinct areas off Brazil. The petrels used many national Exclusive Economic Zones, although they also exploited offshore international waters.

Main conclusions

Tracking movements of highly mobile vertebrates such as gadfly petrels can provide a powerful tool to evaluate and assess the potential need for and location of protected oceanic areas. As more multispecies, year‐round data sets are collected from wide‐ranging vertebrates, researchers and managers will have greater insight into the location of biodiversity hotspots. These can subsequently inform and guide marine spatial planning efforts that account for both conservation and sustainable use of resources such as commercial fisheries.
Fossil record improves biodiversity risk assessment under future climate change scenarios
Authors: Lima‐Ribeiro Matheus S. , Moreno Ana Karolina M. , Terribile Levi C. , Caten Cléber T. , Loyola Rafael , Rangel Thiago F. , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F.
Published: May 2017

Aim

Conservationists have been using ecological niche modelling (ENM) to understand how climate change impacts species, estimate their extinction risk and assess species conservation status in the future. However, most ENMs are built using just current species occurrences. As short‐term observations are naturally biased and incomplete in both geographical and climate spaces, palaeontologists have recommended the use of fossil data to improve species vulnerability assessments. Here, we used a time structured data set of the jaguar Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758) to test the implications of fossil data on distinct distribution dynamics and conservation status predicted by ENMs under future climate change scenarios.

Location

The New World.

Methods

We built two classes of ENMs, (i) using only current occurrences of P. onca and (ii) combining current and fossil information. Models were then projected onto current and future climates.

Results

Niche models calibrated using fossil data broadly predicted more optimistic conservation statuses, with larger suitable areas for the species in the future, which are geographically nearest to its current distribution and better represented within protected areas (current network of protected areas will hold significant suitable areas).

Main conclusions

Fossils provided complementary information about different climate conditions that species experienced though time and filled empty spaces in currently unoccupied fundamental niche. Our analyses reinforce the idea the fossil record is a valuable source of alternative information to increase the reliability of ENMs when assessing biodiversity risk. Combining ecological and palaeontological data for niche modelling increase our understanding about species responses to changing climates. Consequently, it potentially improves our knowledge on how to manage biodiversity by more reliably anticipating the effects of climate change and proactively—rather than reactively—planning conservation actions over longer periods going forward.
Natural and anthropogenic barriers to climate tracking in river fishes along a mountain–plains transition zone
Authors: Gibson‐Reinemer Daniel K. , Rahel Frank J. , Albeke Shannon E. , Fitzpatrick Ryan M.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To examine how the distributions of fishes in three rivers changed over four decades of rising air temperatures.

Location

Colorado, USA.

Methods

We used fish sampling over more than four decades in three rivers in Colorado, USA, to examine changes in the upper and lower distribution limits of fishes.

Results

There was a divergent pattern of range shifts among species. One coldwater fish species showed the expected pattern of retraction at its lower limit and expansion at its upper limit. However, warmwater fishes, on average, did not shift their upper distribution limit.

Main conclusions

All three rivers displayed a strong habitat transition from upstream, high‐gradient reaches to downstream, low‐gradient reaches, suggesting that habitat conditions associated with high channel slope may limit the ability of some fish species to track warming water temperatures. In addition, potential anthropogenic barriers to fish movement occurred near species distribution limits, and these may prevent or delay range shifts in river fishes. The overall pattern of range shifts was consistent across the three rivers, suggesting a coherent influence of species' traits, physiological tolerances and habitat requirements on fish species distributions.
Waiving the extinction debt: Can shade from coffee prevent extinctions of epiphytic plants from isolated trees?
Authors: Hylander Kristoffer , Nemomissa Sileshi
Published: May 2017

Aim

Local extinction after habitat modifications is often delayed, leading to an extinction debt. Our first aim was to develop a conceptual model for natural and human‐mediated habitat improvements after a disturbance that may waive part of the predicted extinction debt. Second, we wanted to test this model on the distribution of epiphytic plants on trees that had been isolated in the agricultural matrix after forest clearing, around which coffee subsequently had been planted with a possible improvement of the microclimate.

Location

Bonga, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia.

Methods

We studied 50 trees that had been isolated for periods ranging from a few years to half a century after clearing. The trees were now located in the agricultural landscape at different distances from intact Afromontane forests. Fourteen trees in the forests were used as references. Each tree was inventoried for all vascular epiphytic plants, mosses and liverworts.

Results

Time since clearance had a direct negative effect on number of forest specialist species via delayed extinctions and the detected large extinction debt of both bryophytes and vascular plants continued to be paid over several decades. However, time since clearance had an indirect positive effect on number of forest indicator species via the reappearance of shade from coffee planted surrounding the trees, even if the waiving effect on the extinction debt was rather small. Additionally, trees at further distances from the forest edge had fewer forest‐associated species.

Main conclusions

Our results show that the ability of agroecological landscapes to foster forest biodiversity may be overestimated if meta‐community processes over time and space are not taken into account. However, the possibility of initiating counteracting processes that modify the level of expected local extinctions should be evaluated more often to find ways of improving conditions for biodiversity in human‐modified landscapes.
Commonality in traits and hierarchical structure of vertebrate establishment success
Authors: Peoples Brandon K. , Goforth Reuben
Published: May 2017

Aim

We sought to (1) identify commonalities in functional species traits among organisms of multiple vertebrate classes introduced between Europe and North America, and (2) identify causal hierarchical structure (if any) among key mechanisms determining vertebrate establishment success.

Location

Europe and North America.

Methods

We updated a portion of the dataset originally compiled by Jeschke and Strayer (2006,Global Change Biology,12, 1608) to model establishment success of 139 vertebrates (birds, mammals and bony fishes) introduced between Europe and North America. We used conditional inference trees (CITs) to classify introduced species as either failing or succeeding to become established. We then developed a conceptual hypothesis of hierarchical structure among invasion mechanisms in which species traits influence establishment success (1) directly, and (2) indirectly, by affecting propagule pressure (approximated by the number of introductions) and native range size. We evaluated this hypothesis using path analysis.

Results

Conditional inference trees identifiednumber of introductionsas the most important classifier of vertebrate establishment success. Secondarily, several standardized species traits operated across taxa to predict establishment success. Likewise,number of introductionsandnative range sizewere the only direct predictors of vertebrate establishment success in path models. However, these variables were also directly affected by a suite of species traits. Species that were introduced more often had greater reproductive allocation, longer lifespans and broader diets; species with larger native range sizes had greater thermal tolerance. Cumulative indirect effects of most traits were 2–3 times stronger than direct effects of other factors.

Main Conclusions

We show that vertebrates share several traits that contribute to invasiveness across taxa. Using a hierarchical approach to quantify indirect effects of traits on establishment success accounts for existing empirical disparity regarding the relative role of traits versus other factors contributing to establishment success of introduced vertebrates.
Clinical presentation and echocardiographic diagnosis of postinfarction papillary muscle rupture: A review of 22 cases
Authors: Ternus Bradley W. , Mankad Sunil , Edwards William D. , Mankad Rekha
Published: May 2017

Background

Acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) continue to be common in the United States. Mechanical complications of AMI can lead to cardiogenic shock (CS) and death. The aim of this study was to review the cases of papillary muscle ruptures in the setting of myocardial infarctions at a tertiary care center, with a focus on the clinical presentation and echocardiographic diagnosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2014. In all, 22 patients with AMI and papillary muscle rupture (AMI‐PMR) who had surgical intervention were identified.

Results

The average age was 70 (±11) with 16 (73%) males. Six patients presented with ST‐elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) and all underwent emergent revascularization with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prior to the diagnosis of AMI‐PMR. The other 16 patients presented with a non‐STEMI. In total, 17 (77%) of the 22 patients were diagnosed with an AMI‐PMR within 7 days from their onset of symptoms. In all, 12 patients (55%) had anterolateral papillary muscle ruptures (ALPMR), and the other 10 had posteromedial papillary muscle ruptures (PMPMR). Ruptures were complete in 10 patients (45%). Patients presented with pulmonary edema early (<7 days) more commonly than late (>14 days). Transthoracic echocardiography was able to demonstrate severe mitral regurgitation in 86% and a definitive or suggestive diagnosis in 93%. All 22 patients survived to operative management, and the overall in‐hospital mortality rate was 9%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ischemic papillary muscle ruptures continue to occur, but with prompt diagnosis by echocardiography and rapid surgical management, the mortality rate continues to decline.
PERCEIVED GAME UNCERTAINTY, SUSPENSE AND THE DEMAND FOR SPORT
Authors: Pawlowski Tim , Nalbantis Georgios , Coates Dennis
Published: May 2017

This study tries bridging between different behavioral economic explanations for the lack of support of the uncertainty of outcome hypothesis in spectator sports. We test a measure of perceived game uncertainty that is comparable to objective measures frequently tested in the literature. Econometric results suggest that fans do not perceive closeness of a game differently than how economists have tended to measure it. However, fans' perceptions of suspensefulness are distinct from their perceptions of game uncertainty. Moreover, the finding that fans' preferences for game uncertainty are dominated by loss aversion also emerges—independently of fanship status—in our stated‐preference setting. (JEL L83, D12, Z2)