bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicon‐induced root nodulation and synthesis of essential amino acids in a legume is associated with higher herbivore abundance
Authors: Johnson Scott N. , Hartley Susan E. , Ryalls James M. W. , Frew Adam , DeGabriel Jane L. , Duncan Michael , Gherlenda Andrew N.
Published: May 2017

Ecologists have become increasingly aware that silicon uptake by plants, especially the Poaceae, can have beneficial effects on both plant growth and herbivore defence. The effects of silicon on other plant functional groups, such as nitrogen‐fixing legumes, have been less well studied. Silicon could, however, indirectly promote herbivore performance in this group if reported increases in N2 fixation caused improvements in host plant quality for herbivores.

We tested how silicon supplementation in the legume (Medicago sativa) affected plant growth rates, root nodulation and foliage quality (silicon content and amino acid profiles) for an insect herbivore (Acyrthosiphon pisum).

Plants supplemented with silicon (Si+) grew three times as quickly as those without supplementation (Si−), almost entirely in shoot mass. While root growth was unaffected by silicon uptake, root nodules containing nitrogen‐fixing bacteria were 44% more abundant on Si+ plants. Aphid abundance was twice as high on Si+ plants compared to Si− plants and was positively correlated with silicon‐stimulated plant growth.

Si+ plants accumulated more than twice as much silicon as Si− plants, but did not have higher silicon concentrations because of dilution effects linked to the rapid growth of Si+ plants. Si+ plants showed a 65% increase in synthesis of essential foliar amino acids, probably due to increased levels of root nodulation.

These results suggest that increased silicon supply makes M. sativa more susceptible to A. pisum, mainly because of increased plant growth and resource availability (i.e. essential amino acids). While silicon augmentation of the Poaceae frequently improves herbivore defence, the current study illustrates that this cannot be assumed for other plant families where the beneficial effects of silicon on plant growth and nutrition may promote herbivore performance in some instances.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Are food web structures well represented in isotopic spaces?
Authors: Jabot Franck , Giraldo Carolina , Lefebvre Sébastien , Dubois Stanislas
Published: May 2017

Isotopic analyses are increasingly used to assess the structure of food webs and a series of isotopic functional indices have been proposed in the last decade to characterize this structure. These indices are based on the foundational assumption that proximity in the isotopic space informs on trophic similarity between species. While it has been recognized for long that this simplifying assumption should be used with caution, no formal evaluation of its domain of validity has been performed to date.

We here simulate a large number (15 000) of food webs with varying characteristics to assess (i) whether isotopic distance is a good proxy of trophic dissimilarity; (ii) whether isotopic functional indices are good proxies of trophic functional properties; and (iii) how the quality of these two proxies depend on various species and food web properties.

We first demonstrate that isotopic distance is moderately correlated with trophic similarity in simulated food webs. We find, however, that two isotopic community metrics investigated (Rao's index of functional divergence and nearest neighbour distance index of functional originality) are good indicators of community trophic structure, especially in food webs with large connectance, and when predators have low levels of diet specialization.

We also find that isotopic functional indices are decreasingly reliable as they aim at characterizing more subtle functional patterns (such as standard deviation of nearest neighbour distance, an index of between species variation in originality).

Taken together, our results suggest that the reliability of the isotopic mapping of consumers decreases with their number of potential prey species, but increases with their number of realized prey species. Consequently, isotopic reliability decreases in species‐rich food webs with low connectance, large vertical diversity and large incidence of omnivory.

Our study highlights that researchers should not hope to grasp subtle patterns of food web structure based solely on widely used isotopic indices. They should instead envisage mobilizing such isotopic information in combination with complementary data types.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Pathophysiology and therapeutics of premature ageing in chronic kidney disease, with a focus on glycative stress
Authors: Hirakawa Yosuke , Jao Tzu‐Ming , Inagi Reiko
Published: May 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major concern in public health. The pathology of CKD includes premature ageing in the kidney and vessels, which results in a high risk of cardiovascular events and end‐stage renal disease. Many factors are involved in premature ageing in CKD, including hormonal imbalance, glycative stress, nitrogenous metabolites, and oxidative stress. Of these, the most important role in premature ageing in CKD is played by glycative stress, namely a massive and unfavourable glycation state, since the kidney is responsible for the clearance of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). In an animal model, overexpression of glyoxalase I (GLO‐1), a detoxifier of AGEs, has been found to alleviate premature ageing in the kidney and vessels. Both lifestyle changes and drug therapy have shown promise in overcoming premature ageing. Promising drug therapies include a GLO‐1 activator and an absorbent against glycotoxin and nitrogenous metabolites.
Reciprocal relations between intrinsic reading motivation and reading competence: A comparison between native and immigrant students in Germany
Authors: Miyamoto Ai , Pfost Maximilian , Artelt Cordula
Published: May 2017

The present study compares native and immigrant students regarding the direction and the strength of the relation between intrinsic reading motivation and reading competence. Within the framework of the German National Educational Panel Study, 4,619 secondary school students were included in the analyses. The present study confirmed the reciprocal cross‐lagged effects between intrinsic reading motivation and reading competence from grades 5 to 7 for native students. In addition, the effect of grade 5 intrinsic reading motivation on grade 7 reading competence was mediated by grade 6 reading amount. However, for immigrant students, although the cross‐lagged effect of grade 5 reading competence on grade 7 intrinsic reading motivation was significant, the reverse effect was not significant. The present findings suggest that intrinsic reading motivation seems to be essential for the development of reading achievement for native students whereas it seems to be of less importance for immigrant students.

Highlights

What is already known about this topic?

Intrinsic reading motivation and reading competence are significantly and positively correlated with each other.

The relation between intrinsic reading motivation and reading competence is mediated by reading amount.

In comparison to native students, immigrant students show lower reading competence despite comparable or even higher levels of reading motivation.

What this paper adds

Empirical evidence on the reciprocal effects between intrinsic reading motivation and reading competence.

Empirical support for the significant indirect effect of intrinsic reading motivation on reading competence through reading amount using longitudinal data.

Students' immigration status moderates the direction and the strength of the relation between intrinsic reading motivation and reading competence.

Implications for theory, policy, or practice

Increase in reading competence seems to lead to higher levels of intrinsic reading motivation regardless of students' immigration background.

Promoting students' intrinsic reading motivation seems to lead to better reading competence for native students but not for immigrant students.

Especially with regard to immigrant students, educators should take the availability of adequate reading opportunities into account.
Autopsy Fingerprint Technique Using Fingerprint Powder
Authors: Morgan Lee O. , Johnson Marty , Cornelison Jered B. , Isaac Carolyn V. , deJong Joyce L. , Prahlow Joseph A.
Published: May 2017

The collection of high‐quality fingerprints is an important component of routine forensic autopsies and represents one of the several potential methods for identifying a decedent. Fingerprint collection at autopsy frequently employs a manual method using fingerprint ink and cards, although some offices use digital‐scanning equipment. While these methodologies are adequate in most circumstances, this study introduces an alternative method using fingerprint powder and adhesive labels. The method is quick, easy to perform, and cost‐effective and provides the additional advantage of an adhesive label that easily conforms to the finger, palm, or foot which reduces smudging of prints in individuals with rigor mortis, skin slippage, or decomposition compared to more traditional autopsy fingerprint collection techniques. The prints can then be easily stored, either in hard‐copy form or scanned to make a digital record.
Genetic assignment with isotopes and habitat suitability (gaiah), a migratory bird case study
Authors: Ruegg Kristen C. , Anderson Eric C. , Harrigan Ryan J. , Paxton Kristina L. , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Moore Frank , Smith Thomas B.
Published: May 2017

Identifying migratory connections across the annual cycle is important for studies of migrant ecology, evolution and conservation. While recent studies have demonstrated the utility of high‐resolution SNP‐based genetic markers for identifying population‐specific migratory patterns, the accuracy of this approach relative to other intrinsic tagging techniques has not yet been assessed.

Here, using a straightforward application of Bayes’ Rule, we develop a method for combining inferences from high‐resolution genetic markers, stable isotopes and habitat suitability models, to spatially infer the breeding origin of migrants captured anywhere along their migratory pathway. Using leave‐one‐out cross validation, we compare the accuracy of this combined approach with the accuracy attained using each source of data independently.

Our results indicate that when each method is considered in isolation, the accuracy of genetic assignments far exceeded that of assignments based on stable isotopes or habitat suitability models. However, our joint assignment method consistently resulted in small, but informative increases in accuracy and did help to correct misassignments based on genetic data alone. We demonstrate the utility of the combined method by identifying previously undetectable patterns in the timing of migration in a North American migratory songbird, the Wilson's warbler.

Overall, our results support the idea that while genetic data provides the most accurate method for tracking animals using intrinsic markers when each method is considered independently, there is value in combining all three methods. The resulting methods are provided as part of a new computationally efficient R‐package, gaiah, allowing broad application of our statistical framework to other migratory animal systems.
Early experience with totally laparoscopic major hepatectomies: single institution experience with 31 consecutive cases
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Chan Chung Yip , Lee Ser Yee , Chung Alexander Y. F.
Published: May 2017

Background

Totally laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) is a technically challenging procedure with limited studies mainly from high‐volume expert centers reported. In this study, we report our initial experience with totally LMH.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospective database of 340 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection at a single institution was conducted. Thirty‐one consecutive patients who underwent attempted totally LMH between March 2011 to December 2016 were identified. Major hepatectomies were defined as resection of ≥3 contiguous segments which included only right/left hepatectomies, extended hepatectomies or central hepatectomies.

Results

The procedures included 11 right hepatectomies, one extended right hepatectomy, nine left hepatectomies (two including middle hepatic vein), two extended left hepatectomies, two left hepatectomies with caudate lobe and six central hepatectomies. The median tumor size was 40 (range, 12–100) mm and the median operation time was 435 (range, 245–585) min. Median blood loss was 500 (range, 100–1900) mls and 10 (32.3%) patients required blood transfusion. There were three (9.7%) open conversions of which two occurred during the first five cases. There was one (3.2%) major (>grade 2) morbidity and there were no 30‐day/in‐hospital mortalities or reoperations. The median postoperative stay was 5 (range, 3–14) days.

Conclusion

Our initial experience confirms the feasibility and safety of LMH. There was an increase in the number and proportion of LMH performed at our institution over time.
The use of Imatinib resistance mutation analysis to direct therapy in Philadelphia chromosome/BCR‐ABL1 positive chronic myeloid leukaemia patients failing Imatinib treatment, in Patan Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Kayastha Gyan K. , Ranjitkar Nora , Gurung Radha , KC Raj Kumar , Karki Sanjit , Shrestha Roshan , Rajbhandari Piyush , Thapa Raj K. , Poudyal Buddhi , Acharya Paras , Roberts David J. , Hayes Bruce , Zimmerman Mark , Basnyat Buddha
Published: May 2017

Philadelphia chromosome/BCR‐ABL1 positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) can be successfully treated with Glivec (Imatinib), which is available free of cost through the Glivec International Patient Assistance programme (GIPAP) to patients with proven CML without means to pay for the drug. We review the acquired mutations in the tyrosine kinase encoded by the BCR‐ABL1 gene underlying Glivec failure or resistance in a cohort of 388 imatinib‐treated CML patients (149 Female and 239 male) registered between February 2003 and June 2016 in Nepal. Forty‐five patients (11 female 34 male) were studied; 18 different BCR‐ABL1 mutations were seen in 33 patients. P‐loop mutation, Kinase domain and A‐loop mutations were seen in 9, 16 and 4 patients respectively. Other mutations were seen in five patients. A T315I mutation was the most common mutation, followed by F359V and M244V. Sixteen mutations showed intermediate activity to complete resistance to Glivec. Among the 45 patients evaluated for BCR‐ABL1 mutations, 4 were lost to follow‐up, 14 died and 27 are still alive. Among the surviving patients, 16 are receiving Nilotinib, 5 Dasatinib and 3 Ponatinib, while 3 patients were referred to India, one of who received allogenic bone marrow transplantation. Understanding the spectrum of further acquired mutations in BCR‐ABL1 may help to choose more specific targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors that can be provided by GIPAP.
Training future haematologists, a privilege or a burden? “A trainer's view”
Authors: Shlebak Abdul A. , Bain Barbara J.
Published: May 2017

Recent decades have seen the emergence of new problems in haematology training, relating particularly to an expanding curriculum, less time available for training, staff shortages and the increasing separation of clinical haematology from its laboratory base. We have sought to identify the problems and propose possible solutions.
A retrospective analysis of 3954 patients in phase 2/3 trials of bortezomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma: towards providing a benchmark for the cardiac safety profile of proteasome inhibition in multiple myeloma
Authors: Laubach Jacob P. , Moslehi Javid J. , Francis Sanjeev A. , San Miguel Jesús F. , Sonneveld Pieter , Orlowski Robert Z. , Moreau Philippe , Rosiñol Laura , Faber Edward A. , Voorhees Peter , Mateos Maria‐Victoria , Marquez Loreta , Feng Huaibao , Desai Avinash , van de Velde Helgi , Elliott Jennifer , Shi Hongliang , Dow Edward , Jobanputra Nishith , Esseltine Dixie‐Lee , Niculescu Liviu , Anderson Kenneth C. , Lonial Sagar , Richardson Paul G.
Published: May 2017

This retrospective analysis aimed to establish the overall cardiac safety profile of bortezomib using patient‐level data from one phase 2 and seven phase 3 studies in previously untreated and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Seven clinically relevant primary [congestive heart failure (CHF), arrhythmias, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), cardiac death] and secondary (hypertension, dyspnoea, oedema) cardiac endpoints were defined based on MedDRA v16.0 preferred terms. 2509 bortezomib‐treated patients and 1445 patients in non‐bortezomib‐based control arms were included. The incidence of grade ≥3 CHF was 1·3–4·0% in studies in relapsed/refractory MM and 1·2–4·7% in previously untreated MM (2·0–7·6% all grades), with no significant differences between bortezomib‐ and non‐bortezomib‐based arms in comparative studies. Incidences of arrhythmias (1·3–5·9% grade ≥2; 0·6–4·1% grade ≥3), IHD (1·2–2·9% all grades; 0·4–2·7% grade ≥3) and cardiac death (0–1·4%) were low, with no differences between bortezomib‐based and non‐bortezomib‐based arms. Higher rates of oedema (mostly grade 1/2) were seen in bortezomib‐based versus non‐bortezomib‐based arms in one study and a pooled transplant study analysis. Logistic regression analyses of comparative studies showed no impact on cardiac risk with bortezomib‐based versus non‐bortezomib‐based treatment. Bortezomib‐based treatment was associated with low incidences of cardiac events.
Loss of Dynamin 2 GTPase function results in microcytic anaemia
Authors: Brown Fiona C. , Collett Michael , Tremblay Cedric S. , Rank Gerhard , De Camilli Pietro , Booth Carmen J. , Bitoun Marc , Robinson Phillip J. , Kile Benjamin T. , Jane Stephen M. , Curtis David J.
Published: May 2017

In a dominant mouse ethylnitrosurea mutagenesis screen for genes regulating erythropoiesis, we identified a pedigree with a novel microcytic hypochromia caused by a V235G missense mutation in Dynamin 2 (Dnm2). Mutations in Dnm2, a GTPase, are highly disease‐specific and have been implicated in four forms of human diseases: centronuclear myopathy, Charcot‐Marie Tooth neuropathy and, more recently, T‐cell leukaemia and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, but red cell abnormalities have not been reported to date. The V235G mutation lies within a crucial GTP nucleotide‐binding pocket of Dnm2, and resulted in defective GTPase activity and incompatibility with life in the homozygous state. Dnm2 is an essential mediator of clathrin‐mediated endocytosis, which is required for the uptake of transferrin (Tf) into red cells for incorporation of haem. Accordingly, we observed significantly reduced Tf uptake by Dnm2+/V235G cells, which led to impaired endosome formation. Despite these deficiencies, surprisingly all iron studies were unchanged, suggesting an unexplained alternative mechanism underlies microcytic anaemia in Dnm2+/V235G mice. This study provides the first in vivo evidence for the requirements of Dnm2 in normal erythropoiesis.
Judging the gender of the inanimate: Benevolent sexism and gender stereotypes guide impressions of physical objects
Authors: Meagher Benjamin R.
Published: May 2017

Within a given culture, sexist ideologies and stereotypes are largely characterized by their prescriptive expectations for the types of social and behavioural domains men and women occupy. The activities that take place within these respective domains, however, frequently involve designed, physical artefacts. This study reports a pair of studies that test whether sexist schemas are capable of guiding not only impressions of men and women as social groups, but also their impressions of the inanimate objects associated with these groups. In Study 1, benevolent sexism was found to predict a greater willingness to classify physical objects as being either highly feminine or highly masculine, even when these objects had a neutral rating by the sample as a whole. In Study 2, stereotypes consistent with legitimizing ideologies (i.e., competence and warmth) predicted rating associated objects in complementary ways, in terms of greater liking of feminine objects but greater presumed competence needed for using masculine objects. These results demonstrate how sexist beliefs and attitudes are capable of bleeding into people's impressions of the physical world.
A multiproxy macrofossil record of Eemian palaeoenvironments from Klaksvík, the Faroe Islands
Authors: Bennike Ole , Hedenäs Lars , Lemdahl Geoffrey , Wiberg‐Larsen Peter
Published: May 2017

Studies of interglacial successions are critical to our understanding of the environmental history of an area. Analyses of macrofossil remains of plants and invertebrates from Eemian sediments exposed in a coastal cliff section at Borðoyarvík near Klaksvík, Bordoy, northeastern Faroe Islands, indicate that the sediments accumulated in a coastal lagoon. The fossil flora comprises tree birch Betula sect. Albae and we suggest that birch forests were found locally at sheltered sites in the area. Tree birch also occurred on the islands during the mid‐Holocene. The only other woody plant recovered from the Eemian deposit is the dwarf‐shrub Empetrum nigrum, which is common on the islands today. Remains of herbaceous plants are rare but include Viola, Ajuga, Myosotis, Urtica dioica and Ranunculus. The bryophyte flora is species‐rich and most of the fragments belong either to stream species or to species of humid or wet habitats. The fossil flora and fauna also comprise a number of freshwater species that probably lived in an oligotrophic lake and in streams in the catchment of the lagoon. The climate during deposition of the lagoonal sediments was similar to the Holocene oceanic climate of the Faroe Islands. The study adds to our understanding of Eemian environments in the North Atlantic region and helps to fill a knowledge gap about the history of the flora and fauna of the Faroe Islands, which is of biogeographical importance.
Concurrent and Subsequent Associations Between Daily Digital Technology Use and High‐Risk Adolescents’ Mental Health Symptoms
Authors: George Madeleine J. , Russell Michael A. , Piontak Joy R. , Odgers Candice L.
Published: May 2017

Adolescents are spending an unprecedented amount of time using digital technologies (especially mobile technologies), and there are concerns that adolescents’ constant connectivity is associated with poor mental health, particularly among at‐risk adolescents. Participants included 151 adolescents at risk for mental health problems (Mage = 13.1) who completed a baseline assessment, 30‐day ecological momentary assessment, and 18 month follow‐up assessment. Results from multilevel regression models showed that daily reports of both time spent using digital technologies and the number of text messages sent were associated with increased same‐day attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD) symptoms. Adolescents’ reported digital technology usage and text messaging across the ecological momentary assessment (EMA) period was also associated with poorer self‐regulation and increases in conduct problem symptoms between the baseline and follow‐up assessments.
Younger age is a risk factor for regrowth and recurrence of nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas: Results from a single Australian centre
Authors: Watts Anna K. , Easwaran Abhishek , McNeill Peter , Wang Yi Yuen , Inder Warrick J. , Caputo Carmela
Published: May 2017

Objective

The natural history of nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMA) after surgical resection is variable, with guidelines unable to define the duration of radiological follow‐up. In this first Australian series, we identify risk factors for regrowth/recurrence of NFPMA to assist with guiding recommendations for long‐term follow‐up.

Design

Retrospective analysis of all radiotherapy‐naïve cases with NFPMA resected between 1995 and 2013.

Patients

One hundred and twenty‐three cases had both ≥2 postoperative scans and ≥12‐month follow‐up.

Measurements

Regrowth was defined as any sustained increase in diameter of residual adenoma or recurrence as any new adenoma occurring post complete resection on serial pituitary MRI.

Results

Median follow‐up time was 48 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 31‐86). Overall regrowth/recurrence occurred in 29% (36/123). Regrowth occurred in 40% (30/76) at a median time of 44.5 months (IQR 22‐80) compared to recurrence of 12.5% (6/48; P=.003), occurring at a median time of 48 months (IQR 12‐96; P=.7). Further treatment was required in 66.7% and 56.7%, respectively (=1.0). Risk factors for regrowth/recurrence by multivariate analysis were presence of residual disease and younger age at presentation. The longest time for regrowth was 168 months (14 years) and recurrence 156 months (13 years).

Conclusions

Presence of postoperative residual adenoma and younger age at presentation are the main predictors of regrowth/recurrence in NFPMA. Long‐term serial imaging is required to detect regrowth and recurrence in younger patients and those with residual disease. Most regrowth/recurrences will occur within 10 years of follow‐up.
Reference value of induced sputum cell counts and its relationship with age in healthy adults in Guangzhou, Southern China
Authors: Luo Wei , Chen Qiaoli , Chen Ruchong , Xie Yanqing , Wang Hui , Lai Kefang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To establish the reference value of total and differential cell counts in induced sputum in healthy adults in Guangzhou, and to explore the relationship of age and gender with sputum cell counts.

Methods

A total of 185 healthy, nonatopic, never‐smokers between 19 and 74 years old underwent induced sputum test with hypertonic saline (3%) inhalation. Sputum samples were collected for total and differential cell counts.

Results

Qualified sputum samples were obtained from 153 subjects (mean age: 43 ± 17) with a success rate of 82.7% (153/185). The mean Standard Deviation (STDEV) and 2.5% to 97.5% percentile total cell counts were 2.1 × 106/g (1.0), (.7–4.5 × 106/g). The mean STDEV and 2.5% to 97.5% percentile differential cell counts were as follows: neutrophil 38.3% (17.7), (8.9%–72.9%); macrophage 58.9% (17.7), (24.7%–90.0%); eosinophils: median, .3%; interquartile range (IQR), 1.1%; and .0% to 95.0% percentile, .0% to 2.0%; and lymphocytes: median, 1.0%; IQR, 1.8%; and .0% to 95.0% percentile, .0% to 4.5%. There was positive correlation of age with the percentage of neutrophil and eosinophil (r = .659, r = .402; P < .001). The percentage of neutrophil, macrophage and eosinophil were significantly different among different age groups. The total cell counts and sputum cell counts were comparable between males and females.

Conclusions

This study initially establishes reference value of induced sputum cell counts in healthy adults in Guangzhou, Southern China, and it verifies that neutrophilic and eosinophilic counts increase by age.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants Vs. Enoxaparin for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism Following Orthopedic Surgery: A Dose–Response Meta‐analysis
Authors: Boyd RA , DiCarlo L , Mandema JW
Published: May 2017

We carried out a dose–response model‐based meta‐analysis to assess venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding with factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors (apixaban, edoxaban, rivaroxaban) and a thrombin inhibitor (dabigatran) compared with European (EU) (40 mg q.d.) and North American (NA) (30 mg Q12H) dose regimens of a low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) following orthopedic surgery. Statistically significant differences in both VTE and bleeding outcomes were found between the NA and EU doses of enoxaparin, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for the NA vs. EU dose of 0.73 (0.71–0.76) and 1.20 (1.14–1.29) for total VTE and major bleeding, respectively. At approved doses, estimated odds ratios vs. both doses of enoxaparin for the three FXa inhibitors (range: 0.35–0.75 for VTE; 0.76–1.09 for bleeding) compared with those for dabigatran (range: 0.66–1.21 for VTE; 1.10–1.38 for bleeding) suggested generally greater efficacy and less bleeding for the FXa inhibitors.
Local and regional control of calcium dynamics in the pancreatic islet
Authors: Rutter Guy A. , Hodson David J. , Chabosseau Pauline , Haythorne Elizabeth , Pullen Timothy J. , Leclerc Isabelle
Published: May 2017

Ca2+is the key intracellular regulator of insulin secretion, acting in the β‐cell as the ultimate trigger for exocytosis. In response to high glucose, ATP‐sensitive K+channel closure and plasma membrane depolarization engage a sophisticated machinery to drive pulsatile cytosolic Ca2+changes. Voltage‐gated Ca2+channels, Ca2+‐activated K+channels and Na+/Ca2+exchange all play important roles. The use of targeted Ca2+probes has revealed that during each cytosolic Ca2+pulse, uptake of Ca2+by mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), secretory granules and lysosomes fine‐tune cytosolic Ca2+dynamics and control organellar function. For example, changes in the expression of the Ca2+‐binding protein Sorcin appear to provide a link between ER Ca2+levels and ER stress, affecting β‐cell function and survival. Across the islet, intercellular communication between highly interconnected “hubs,” which act as pacemaker β‐cells, and subservient “followers,” ensures efficient insulin secretion. Loss of connectivity is seen after the deletion of genes associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and follows metabolic and inflammatory insults that characterize this disease. Hubs, which typically comprise ~1%‐10% of total β‐cells, are repurposed for their specialized role by expression of high glucokinase (Gck) but lowerPdx1andNkx6.1levels. Single cell‐omics are poised to provide a deeper understanding of the nature of these cells and of the networks through which they communicate. New insights into the control of both the intra‐ and intercellular Ca2+dynamics may thus shed light on T2D pathology and provide novel opportunities for therapy.
Management of patients with malignancies and secondary immunodeficiencies treated with immunoglobulins in clinical practice: Long‐term data of the SIGNS study
Authors: Reiser Marcel , Borte Michael , Huscher Dörte , Baumann Ulrich , Pittrow David , Sommer Claudia , Stangel Martin , Fasshauer Maria , Gold Ralf , Hensel Manfred
Published: May 2017

Objective

We aimed to describe the current management and outcomes of patients with secondary immunodeficiencies (SID) on intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) immunoglobulins (IG) as maintenance therapy to prevent infections.

Methods

Non‐interventional, prospective study (average follow‐up 20.5 months).

Results

Of the 307 SID patients (mean age 63.7±14.4 years, 52% males, in 31% IG newly initiated), 95.4% received IV IG (mean dosing interval 4.6 weeks, average dose 199 mg/kg per 4 weeks) and 4.6% were treated with SC IG (2.6 weeks, 343 mg/kg per 4 weeks). Median IG through level at first documentation was 5.8 g/L and did not differ between IV and SC treatment or between underlying malignancies. In 24.1% of patients, treatment was interrupted temporarily, over a mean of 11.6±6.3 months. In patients with newly initiated IG treatment the 82% overall infection rate prior to treatment dropped to 21% at 1 year.

Conclusions

Under clinical practice conditions, IG replacement therapy in SID patients was feasible, diminished infection rates and improved quality of life. Average IG doses were relatively low. Tolerability of IV IG treatment was excellent.
Ribosome‐bound Pub1 modulates stop codon decoding during translation termination in yeast
Authors: Urakov Valery N. , Mitkevich Olga V. , Safenkova Irina V. , Ter‐Avanesyan Michael D.
Published: May 2017

In eukaryotes, termination of translation is controlled by polypeptide chain release factors eRF1 and eRF3, of which the former recognizes nonsense codons, while the latter interacts with eRF1 and stimulates polypeptide release from the ribosome in a GTP‐ dependent manner, and ABCE1, which facilitates ribosome recycling. In this work, we demonstrate that Pub1, a yeast protein known to be involved in stress granule formation, regulation of gene expression, and organization of the tubulin cytoskeleton, also plays a role in translation termination. Pub1 was shown to bind to ribosomes independent of eRF1 and eRF3 and to interact with the N‐terminal glutamine‐/asparagine‐rich prion domain of eRF3 via its short C‐terminal glutamine‐rich tract. High velocity sedimentation in sucrose gradient demonstrated that Pub1 was preferentially associated with heavy polysomes enriched with terminating ribosomes. Lack of Pub1 decreased efficiency of nonsense readthrough at a majority but not all tetranucleotide stop signals. This distinguishes Pub1 from most other known binding partners of the release factors which were shown to modulate readthrough of all nonsense codons uniformly. The obtained data show that Pub1 can act as an accessory translation factor involved in fine‐tuning of translation termination.
Increased harvest of anadromous hatchery steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), through return timing manipulation
Authors: Clarke L. R. , Flesher M. W. , Knox W. J. , Carmichael R. W.
Published: May 2017

Harvest hatchery programmes serve to augment fisheries but should also minimise impacts to wild populations. In an experiment to increase harvest in an anadromous hatchery steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), terminal river fishery, a new hatchery strain, was created using selective breeding of early arriving adults to the river. First‐generation progeny of the new early arriving strain were reared and released over 4 years concurrent with releases of the standard hatchery strain. This study compares adult return timing, terminal harvest and straying behaviour of progeny of the early arriving and standard hatchery strains. The new strain migrated towards the terminal river fishery earlier, they were harvested earlier in the eight‐month fishing season and their overall harvest was 17% greater, but 7.7% of the new strain strayed to other rivers compared to 5.0% of the standard strain. Selective breeding to match adult return timing with fishing effort may help bolster harvest, but a paired release evaluation, such as was conducted in this study, would be prudent before switching all hatchery production to a selectively bred strain.
Otolith chemistry indicates walleye movement and entrainment in a large serial reservoir system
Authors: Carlson A. K. , Fincel M. J. , Graeb B. D. S.
Published: May 2017

Understanding fish movement in impounded river systems is important for fisheries management. Otolith chemistry was used to examine walleye Sander vitreus (Mitchill) intra‐ and inter‐reservoir movement in four Missouri River impoundments. Age‐0 individuals were reclassified with 75%–93% accuracy to known natal sites, allowing for reliable evaluation of movement patterns of age‐1 and older fish. Nearly half of walleye occupied the same location annually (i.e. site residency) between 2009 and 2010. In 2011, during the largest flood on record since 1898, downstream movement (49% of age‐1 and older fish) exceeded upstream movement (7%) and site residency (33%) across the study area. After the flood, most walleye moved downstream within reservoirs (45%) or were site residents (37%). Entrainment occurred most frequently during the flood year and was proportionally greatest in downstream reservoirs. Otolith chemistry is useful for understanding walleye movement and entrainment and is a tool for fisheries management with applications such as informing reservoir water releases, harvest regulations and habitat protection and rehabilitation within and outside the Missouri River reservoir system.
Social context affects behavior, preoptic area gene expression, and response toD2receptor manipulation during territorial defense in a cichlid fish
Authors: Weitekamp C. A. , Nguyen J. , Hofmann H. A.
Published: May 2017

Social context often has profound effects on behavior, yet the neural and molecular mechanisms which mediate flexible behavioral responses to different social environments are not well understood. We used the African cichlid fish,Astatotilapia burtoni, to examine aggressive defense behavior across three social contexts representing different motivational states: a reproductive opportunity, a familiar male and a neutral context. To elucidate how differences in behavior across contexts may be mediated by neural gene expression, we examined gene expression in the preoptic area, a brain region known to control male aggressive and sexual behavior. We show that social context has broad effects on preoptic gene expression. Specifically, we found that the expression of genes encoding nonapeptides and sex steroid receptors are upregulated in the familiar male context. Furthermore, circulating levels of testosterone and cortisol varied markedly depending on social context. We also manipulated the D2 receptor (D2R) in each social context, given that it has been implicated in mediating context‐dependent behavior. We found that aD2Ragonist reduced intruder‐directed aggression in the reproductive opportunity and familiar male contexts, while aD2Rantagonist inhibited intruder‐directed aggression in the reproductive opportunity context and increased aggression in the neutral context. Our results demonstrate a critical role for preoptic gene expression, as well as circulating steroid hormone levels, in encoding information from the social environment and in shaping adaptive behavior. In addition, they provide further evidence for a role ofD2Rin context‐dependent behavior.
Greater Occipital Nerve Treatment in the Management of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Headache: A Case Report
Authors: Niraj G. , Critchley Peter , Kodivalasa Mahesh , Dorgham Mohammed
Published: May 2017

Background

Clinical presentation of spontaneous intracranial hypotension headache (SIHH) has similarities with postdural puncture headache (PDPH). Recommended treatment for both conditions is an epidural blood patch. Successful outcomes following greater occipital nerve blocks have been reported in the management of PDPH. We present the first report of greater occipital nerve treatment in SIHH.

Methods

A 40‐year‐old male presented with a 2‐year history of daily postural headaches having a significant impact on quality of life. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral convexity subdural collections. Post gadolinium scan revealed pachymeningeal enhancement with reduced pontomesencephalic angle below 50 degrees. The patient was offered an epidural blood patch and greater occipital nerve block with corticosteroids. The patient chose occipital nerve block.

Result

The patient reported significant short‐term benefit lasting 4 months. Thereafter, the patient underwent pulsed radiofrequency treatment to bilateral greater occipital nerves. He reported significant benefit lasting 10 months.

Conclusion

Greater occipital nerve treatment may have a role in management of SIHH.
Shared care involving cancer specialists and primary care providers – What do cancer survivors want?
Authors: Lawn Sharon , Fallon‐Ferguson Julia , Koczwara Bogda
Published: May 2017

Background

Cancer survivors are living longer, prompting greater focus on managing cancer as a chronic condition. Shared care between primary care providers (PCPs) and cancer specialists, involving explicit partnership in how care is communicated, could ensure effective transitions between services. However, little is known about cancer patients' and survivors' preferences regarding shared care.

Objective

To explore Australian cancer survivors' views on shared care: what cancer survivors need from shared care; enablers and barriers to advancing shared care; and what successful shared care looks like.

Setting and Participants

Community forum held in Adelaide, Australia, in 2015 with 21 participants: 11 cancer survivors, 2 family caregivers, and 8 clinicians and researchers (members of PC4‐Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group).

Intervention

Qualitative data from group discussion of the objectives.

Results

Participants stressed that successful shared care required patients being at the centre, ensuring accurate communication, ownership, and access to their medical records. PCPs were perceived to lack skills and confidence to lead complex cancer care. Patients expressed burden in being responsible for navigating information sharing and communication processes between health professionals and services. Effective shared care should include: shared electronic health records, key individuals as care coordinators; case conferences; shared decision making; preparing patients for self‐management; building general practitioners' skills; and measuring outcomes.

Discussion and Conclusions

There was clear support for shared care but a lack of good examples to help guide it for this population. Recognizing cancer as a chronic condition requires a shift in how care is provided to these patients.
Change in oral health status associated with menopause in Japanese dental hygienists
Authors: Yoshida N , Sugimoto K , Suzuki S , Kudo H
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Oral symptoms such as xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome have been recognized to increase associated with menopause. The purpose of this study was to clarify the changes in oral health as well as systemic health due to menopause and their relations with hormonal change and mental status.

Methods

Ninety‐seven female dental hygienists aged 40‐59 years were assigned to premenopausal, menopausal and post‐menopausal groups based on self‐reported menstrual condition. Subjective health statuses were evaluated by questionnaire, and objective holistic and oral statuses were evaluated by measuring serum 17β‐estradiol (E2), salivary flow rate, α‐amylase and secretory IgA (SIgA) and taste sensitivity.

Results

A significant difference among the three groups was observed in the self‐rating questionnaire of depression (SRQ‐D) score and serum E2 level as well as unstimulated salivary flow rate, whereas no significant difference was observed in Simplified menopausal index, Short‐Form 36‐Item Health Survey, General Oral Health Assessment Index, salivary α‐amylase activity, salivary SIgA concentration and taste threshold. Serum E2 levels positively correlated with unstimulated salivary flow rates and negatively correlated with SRQ‐D scores and α‐amylase activities.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated a negative correlation between E2 levels and SRQ‐D scores as well as salivary α‐amylase activities, suggesting an influence of E2 on mental condition. Furthermore, E2 decrease may result in reduction of salivary flow which in turn causes various problems of oral health. Since the participants were graduates from several dental hygienist schools and working at various places, these results can be generalized to Japanese dental hygienists to some extent.
Green apparel buying behaviour: A study on Indian youth
Authors: Khare Arpita , Sadachar Amrut
Published: May 2017

Changes in demographics and availability of global clothing brands have brought several changes in Indian apparel industry. Green or organic clothing brands are becoming popular among Indians and likely to contribute to the revenues of apparel sector. Global and national apparel manufacturers have introduced organic clothing lines to cater to ecological conscious consumers. The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence (CSII), past green behaviour, green peer influence and green apparel knowledge on Indian youth's green apparel buying behaviour. A mix of convenience and random sampling was used for data collection. The sample (n = 981) comprised of youth of age group 18–24 years. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings suggest that past green behaviour influenced green apparel buying behaviour. Green peer influence and green apparel knowledge had no impact on green apparel buying behaviour. Moreover, CSII had no influence on green apparel buying behaviour. The findings differ from earlier studies that suggest influence of social norms and peer group had an effect on green buying behaviour. Practical implications of the present study are discussed.
Virtual trade between separated time zones and growth
Authors: Marjit Sugata , Mandal Biswajit
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model where trade has a direct and positive impact on growth rate of two trading nations beyond the level effect. We use the idea of virtual trade in intermediates induced by non‐overlapping time zones and show how trade can increase the equilibrium optimal rate of growth. In this structure the trade impact goes beyond the level effect and directly causes growth. Typically standard models of trade cannot generate an automatic growth impact. Virtual trade may allow production to continue uninterrupted in separated time zones such as between the USA and India, and that can lead to higher growth for both countries. Later we extend the model to incorporate the accumulation of skills which becomes necessary for sustaining steady state growth.
Student loans: When is risk sharing desirable?
Authors: Eckwert Bernhard , Zilcha Itzhak
Published: May 2017

In higher education, pure credit market funding leads to underinvestment due to insufficient risk pooling, while pure income‐contingent loan funding leads to overinvestment. We analyze whether funding diversity –a market structure in which credit markets coexist alongside income‐contingent loan funding –might restore efficiency of the educational investment process. In the absence of government intervention, we find that funding diversity improves pooling of individual income risks and, under some condition, leads to higher social welfare than pure credit market funding. If combined with a policy that restricts access to higher education, funding diversity even achieves full investment efficiency and strictly dominates credit market funding.
Relaxing quality differentiation through capacity limitation: A note
Authors: Wauthy Xavier Y. , Boccard Nicolas
Published: May 2017

We consider a duopoly stage game where an incumbent sells a high‐quality product while enjoying an ample production capacity. We study the quality–capacity best response of an entrant, before price competition takes place. We partially characterize equilibrium prices and payoffs in the corresponding Bertrand–Edgeworth pricing games and show that the entrant tends to rely exclusively on capacity limitation in a subgame perfect equilibrium, thereby showing that vertical differentiation is not robust to Bertrand–Edgeworth competition.
Knowledge and expectations of direct support professionals towards effects of psychotropic drug use in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: de Kuijper Gerda , van der Putten Annette A. J.
Published: May 2017

Background/Introduction

In this study, we investigated intellectual disability support professionals’ knowledge and expectations towards effects of psychotropic drug use on behaviour and drug use in their clients, because shortcomings may lead to misinterpretations of behavioural symptoms and inappropriate drug use.

Methods

Two self‐designed questionnaires were used to measure the knowledge and expectations of 194 support professionals in 14 residential facilities regarding psychotropic drug use and effects of antipsychotics on behavioural, cognitive and mental functioning of people with intellectual disability. The psychometric properties of both questionnaires were adequate.

Results

A majority of the professionals had unrealistic expectations regarding the positive effects of antipsychotics on cognitive and behavioural functioning, and 94% scored below the cut‐off scores regarding knowledge; 60% indicated they needed education and training.

Conclusions

To achieve sufficient collaboration of intellectual disability support professionals in reducing inappropriate psychotropic drug use of clients, vocational educational training is needed.