bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for sampling patterns reverses the relative importance of trade and climate for the global sharing of exotic plants
Authors: Sofaer Helen R. , Jarnevich Catherine S.
Published: March 2017

Aim

The distributions of exotic species reflect patterns of human‐mediated dispersal, species climatic tolerances and a suite of other biotic and abiotic factors. The relative importance of each of these factors will shape how the spread of exotic species is affected by ongoing economic globalization and climate change. However, patterns of trade may be correlated with variation in scientific sampling effort globally, potentially confounding studies that do not account for sampling patterns.

Location

Global.

Time period

Museum records, generally from the 1800s up to 2015.

Major taxa studied

Plant species exotic to the United States.

Methods

We used data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to summarize the number of plant species with exotic occurrences in the United States that also occur in each other country world‐wide. We assessed the relative importance of trade and climatic similarity for explaining variation in the number of shared species while evaluating several methods to account for variation in sampling effort among countries.

Results

Accounting for variation in sampling effort reversed the relative importance of trade and climate for explaining numbers of shared species. Trade was strongly correlated with numbers of shared U.S. exotic plants between the United States and other countries before, but not after, accounting for sampling variation among countries. Conversely, accounting for sampling effort strengthened the relationship between climatic similarity and species sharing. Using the number of records as a measure of sampling effort provided a straightforward approach for the analysis of occurrence data, whereas species richness estimators and rarefaction were less effective at removing sampling bias.

Main conclusions

Our work provides support for broad‐scale climatic limitation on the distributions of exotic species, illustrates the need to account for variation in sampling effort in large biodiversity databases, and highlights the difficulty in inferring causal links between the economic drivers of invasion and global patterns of exotic species occurrence.
Diversity and suitability of existing methods and metrics for quantifying species range shifts
Authors: Yalcin Semra , Leroux Shawn J.
Published: March 2017

Aim

The quantification of species range shifts is critical for developing effective plans to conserve biodiversity. There are numerous methods and metrics for quantifying species range shifts, but we currently lack a comprehensive review of existing approaches used in species range shift studies.

Location

Global.

Time period

2013 – 2014.

Major taxa studied

All taxa.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative literature review to first identify the methods currently used for defining a species' range over a particular time and then to identify metrics used for measuring changes in species ranges over time. We provide a roadmap for the selection of methods and metrics for measuring species ranges and species range shifts by discussing opportunities, assumptions and constraints of the different approaches.

Results

Our literature review revealed six main methods for defining species ranges: observational studies, grid‐based mapping, convex hull, kriging, species distribution modelling and hybrid methods. These methods are used with three main metric classes to measure species range shifts: changes in range limit, size and the probability of species occurrences or suitability. Most methods for defining species ranges and subsequent range shifts can be applied to different spatial extents and resolutions and taxa. However, only species distribution models (SDMs) and hybrid methods allow for the exploration of the relationship between species occurrence and environmental variables, and only these methods can be used for forecasting species ranges into future environments. Likewise, the inclusion of ecological processes in range shift calculations requires researchers to use hybrid methods or mechanistic models.

Main conclusions

Our review revealed a high diversity of methods and metrics used to quantify species range shifts. As these methods and metrics underlie many of the conservation strategies proposed for climate change mitigation (e.g., protection of refugia), we urge the conservation community to evaluate underlying approaches for defining species ranges and measuring species range shifts with an equal level of scrutiny as the conservation strategies that these methods and metrics enable.
Psychosocial care for children with haemophilia and their parents in the Netherlands
Authors: Limperg P.F. , Haverman L. , Beijlevelt M. , van der Pot M. , Zaal G. , de Boer W.A. , Fijnvandraat K. , Peters M. , Grootenhuis M. A.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Children growing up with haemophilia are at greater risk for psychosocial problems than their healthy peers. Providing psychosocial care to children with haemophilia and their families is indispensable, since psychosocial factors can have a significant impact on health and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).

Aims

Our aim was to give a description of psychosocial care provided by the multidisciplinary team of the Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre (HCCC) at the Emma Children's Hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. With this overview, other caregivers and hospitals can benefit in organizing their psychosocial care for children with haemophilia.

Methods

The focus of the psychosocial care provided by the multidisciplinary team is on preventing psychosocial problems and medical‐related stress, and supporting and equipping the child with haemophilia and its parents with as many skills as possible to lead an independent life with a high HRQOL.

Results

Core elements of the psychosocial care are therefore monitoring and screening of HRQOL (e.g. in daily clinical practice via www.hetklikt.nu), psychoeducation (haemophilia camp, haemophilia school, disease‐specific activities, meetings for girls, parent meetings), practical help (Emma at Work, an employment agency for adolescents and young adults; Educational Facility and school visits), psychosocial interventions (the On Track group intervention and the Haemophilia Coping and Perception Test) and individual care (psychological counselling and referrals).

Conclusion

By providing this overview of psychosocial support offered and by sharing this knowledge, psychosocial care can become more structured and consistent between HCCCs around the world. Potentially, processes and outcomes of care can be improved.
Habitat selection, diet and food availability of European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria chicks in Swedish Lapland
Authors: Machín Paula , Fernández‐Elipe Juan , Flinks Heiner , Laso Maite , Aguirre José I. , Klaassen Raymond H. G.
Published: March 2017

Fennoscandian alpine tundra habitats support large numbers of breeding waders, but relatively little is known about their breeding ecology despite the fact that this habitat is threatened by climate change. We studied habitat selection, diet and prey availability of European (Eurasian) Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria chicks at the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, Ammarnäs, Sweden. Information from 22 chicks tracked using radio‐transmitters was analysed. By analysing 149 faecal samples, four main prey taxa were identified, Coleoptera (40%), Bibionidae (31%), Hymenoptera (13%) and Tipulidae (10%). We found that chicks switched from feeding on Tipulidae to feeding on Bibionidae as they grew, and that this switch coincided with a shift from the use of the habitat where Tipulidae were abundant (alpine meadow/heathland) to the use of the habitat were Bibionidae were abundant (Willow shrub). Although chicks track food availability to some extent, the link between prey availability and habitat use was not perfect, indicating that additional factors other than food abundance, such as shelter from predators, determine habitat selection. Bibionidae are an important prey for Golden Plover chicks as it is the only prey group that has a late summer flush in abundance, in contrast to the general decline of total arthropod biomass during the chick‐rearing period. However, Bibionidae imagoes only occurred in 2011 and were virtually absent in 2013, which relates to the species’ ecology with 2‐ to 5‐year cycles in mass occurrence. Extreme annual variation in an essential food source such as Bibionidae imagoes might have an important effect on the condition and survival of Golden Plover chicks, an important subject for future studies. The foraging conditions for Golden Plover chicks in Fennoscandia appear to be different to those in the UK, where the chicks rely mainly on a Tipulidae flush only.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and vomiting induced by gastrointestinal cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Yao Yiwei , Ji Chushu , He Yifu , Pan Yueyin
Published: March 2017

Background

Nausea and vomiting are the most common adverse reactions to chemotherapy.

Aim

To discuss the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

Methods

A total of 112 patients with malignant tumours of the gastrointestinal tract was selected. Based on the 14C‐urea breath test results, the patients were divided into H. pylori‐positive (n = 59) and H. pylori‐negative (n = 53) groups. Both groups received prophylactic antiemetic treatment during chemotherapy. The incidence of nausea and vomiting and their effects on the patients’ life functions was recorded using the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Antiemetic Tool (MAT) and the Functional Living Index Emesis (FLIE) from 0–120 h after chemotherapy. Records of the H. pylori‐positive and H. pylori‐negative groups were compared.

Results

The rates of nausea and vomiting remission were higher in the
H. pylori
‐negative group than in the
H. pylori
‐positive group. The proportions of no effect in daily life (NIDL) patients in the nausea and vomiting section were 73.4 and 75.5% in the
H. pylori
‐negative group respectively. There was a higher proportion of NIDL patients in the
H. pylori
‐negative group than in the
H. pylori
‐positive group (P < 0.001, P = 0.046). A multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed, and the results showed that
H. pylori
infection was a factor affecting the nausea scores on the FLIE (odds ratio = 0.757, 95% confidence interval 0.597–0.960, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

H. pylori
infection in patients with cancer may be a factor that increases CINV.
Combination therapy of leflunomide and glucocorticoids for the maintenance of remission in patients with IgG4‐related disease: a retrospective study and literature review
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Li Kunpeng , Gao Dai , Luo Gui , Zhao Yurong , Wang Xiuru , Zhang Jie , Jin Jingyu , Zhao Zheng , Yang Chunhua , Zhu Jian , Zhang Jianglin , Huang Feng
Published: March 2017

Background

Although glucocorticoids are effective in IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD), patients may relapse during or after glucocorticoid tapering. Immunosuppressive agents, including leflunomide (LEF), are regarded as steroid‐sparing agents in other autoimmune disorders and need to be discussed in the management of IgG4‐RD.

Aim

To identify the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of LEF and glucocorticoids in IgG4‐RD.

Methods

We retrospectively summarised data of patients diagnosed with IgG4‐RD between November 2012 and November 2015. Only patients treated with LEF plus glucocorticoids and had been followed up for more than three visits and 6 months were analysed with clinical symptoms, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment protocol, LEF‐related adverse events and disease activity reflected by IgG4‐RD Responder Index (IgG4‐RD RI).

Results

A total of 18 patients, including 14 untreated patients and 4 relapsing patients, was included. The mean (SD) onset age was 54.0 (9.6) years. The mean (SD) follow‐up period was 12.1 (7.4) months. All patients had active disease with mean (SD) IgG4‐RD RI of 15.0 (5.6) at baseline and experienced improvements at 1 month. At the last follow up, the mean (SD) IgG4‐RD Responder Index declined to 3.1 (1.7) in all patients and to 2.5 (1.2) in patients without relapse. The mean (SD) dose of GC declined to 6.9 (2.7) mg/day. A total of 12 (66.7%) and 11 (61.1%) patients were in remission at 6 months and the last follow up respectively. Three (16.7%) patients relapsed in clinical course. Two reversible adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

The combination therapy of LEF and glucocoticoids is effective and safe in IgG4‐RD.
Development of 3‐D Intramural and Surface Potentials in the LV: Microstructural Basis of Preferential Transmural Conduction
Authors: CALDWELL BRYAN J. , TREW MARK L. , LEGRICE IAN J. , SMAILL BRUCE H.
Published: March 2017

Orthotropic Intramural Spread of LV Electrical Potentials

Introduction

Extracellular potentials measured on the heart surfaces are used to infer events that originate deep within the heart wall. We have reconstructed intramural potentials in three dimensions for the first time, and compare these with epicardial and endocardial surface potentials and cardiac microstructure.

Methods and Results

Extracellular potentials from intramural point stimulation were measured from a high density 3‐D electrode array in the in vivo pig LV. MR and extended volume imaging were used to register electrode locations and characterize fiber and laminar orientations throughout the recording volume. Measured potentials were compared with predictions of tissue‐specific bidomain computer activation models. Positive potentials recorded in the LV wall preceded the depolarization wavefront as it spread in the fiber direction. Transverse to this, passive and active potentials spread preferentially in the laminar direction (anisotropy ratio ∼1.6:1). Epicardial surface potentials reflect initial intramural propagation at the stimulus location, but endocardial potentials do not, particularly adjacent to papillary muscles. Measured 3‐D potentials were consistently better captured by computer models that incorporate three distinct conductivities aligned with local microstructural axes, but the preferential spread of potentials in the laminar direction was not fully predicted.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for preferential transmural conduction and raises questions about the extent to which intramural electrical events can be inferred from endocardial potentials.
Surgical glue in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: An initial experience and cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Mercier Gregoire , Loureiro Marcelo , Georgescu Vera , Skalli El Mehdi , Nedelcu Marius , Ramadan Mohamed , Fabre Jean Michel , Lefebvre Patrick , Nocca David
Published: March 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most common bariatric procedures. Gastric leaks and bleeding are the most frequent complications, associated with a high clinical and economic burden. The best method of staple line reinforcement in LSG is debated. Surgical glue is one of the options available. The aim of this study was to assess the safety, efficiency, and relative cost‐effectiveness of surgical glue used to perform LSG in morbid obese adults as compared with standard stapling.

Methods

A prospective, observational, and comparative before‐after study was conducted. All consecutive patients undergoing LSG at Montpellier University Hospital in 2011 and 2012 were included and treated according to 2 groups: standard stapling (n = 99, group 1) and surgical glue reinforcement (n = 94, group 2). Clinical and economic outcomes were measured after 6 months.

Results

The duration of intervention was significantly shorter in group 2 (68 vs 82 minutes, P = .001). There was no significant difference regarding complications, but leaks in group 1 were more severe. Group 2 was also associated with a reduced initial length of stay (4.8 vs 5.2 days, P = .01). Six‐month readmissions and total length of stay were also shorter in group 2 (5.5 vs 6.1 days, P = .003). Surgical glue use was associated with a significant reduction in the initial inpatient cost (€5488 vs €6152, P = .005) and in the 6‐month total inpatient cost, including readmissions (€6006 vs €6754, P = .005). The incremental cost of glue to avoid a severe complication was −€5446.33 (95 confidence interval, −8202.01 to −2690.66).

Conclusions

Surgical glue might be a safe and cost‐effective intervention in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Methodology for senior‐proof guidelines: A practice example from the Netherlands
Authors: van Munster Barbara C. , Portielje Johanna E.A. , Maier Andrea B. , Arends Arend J. , de Beer Johannes J.A.
Published: March 2017

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Evidence‐based guidelines constitute a foundation for medical decision making. It is often unclear whether recommendations in general guidelines also apply to older people. This study aimed to develop a methodology to increase the focus on older people in the development of guidelines.

Methods

The methodology distinguishes 4 groups of older people: (1) relatively healthy older people; (2) older people with 1 additional specific (interfering) comorbid condition; (3) older people with multimorbidity; and (4) vulnerable older people.

Results

The level of focus on older people required may be determined by the prevalence of the disease or condition, level of suffering, social relevance, and the expectation that a guideline may improve the quality of care.

A specialist in geriatric medicine may be involved in the guideline process via participation, provision of feedback on drafts, or involvement in the analysis of problem areas. Regarding the patient perspective, it is advised to involve organisations for older people or informal carers in the inventory of problem areas, and additionally to perform literature research of patient values on the subject. If the guideline focuses on older people, then the relative importance of the various outcome measures for this target group needs to be explicitly stated.

Search strategies for all the 4 groups are suggested. For clinical studies that focus on the treatment of diseases that frequently occur in older people, a check should be made regarding whether these studies produce the required evidence. This can be achieved by verifying if there is sufficient representation of older people in the studies and determining if there is a separate reporting of results applying to this age group.
Comparative Analysis of the Proteins with Tandem Repeats from 8 Microsporidia and Characterization of a Novel Endospore Wall Protein Colocalizing with Polar Tube from Nosema bombycis
Authors: Wang Ying , Geng Huixia , Dang Xiaoqun , Xiang Heng , Li Tian , Pan Guoqing , Zhou Zeyang
Published: March 2017

As a common feature of eukaryotic proteins, tandem amino acid repeat has been studied extensively in both animal and plant proteins. Here, a comparative analysis focusing on the proteins having tandem repeats was conducted in eight microsporidia, including four mammal‐infecting microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon bieneusi) and four insect‐infecting microsporidia (Nosema apis, Nosema ceranae, Vavraia culicis and Nosema bombycis). We found that the proteins with tandem repeats were abundant in these species. The quantity of these proteins in insect‐infecting microsporidia was larger than that of mammal‐infecting microsporidia. Additionally, the hydrophilic residues were overrepresented in the tandem repeats of these eight microsporidian proteins and the amino acids residues in these tandem repeat sequences tend to be encoded by GC‐rich codons. The tandem repeat position within proteins of insect‐infecting microsporidia was randomly distributed, whereas the tandem repeats within proteins of mammal‐infecting microsporidia rarely tend to be present in the N terminal regions, when compared with those present in the C terminal and middle regions. Finally, a hypothetical protein EOB14572 possessing four tandem repeats was successfully characterized as a novel endospore wall protein, which colocalized with polar tube of N. bombycis. Our study provided useful insight for the study of the proteins with tandem repeats in N. bombycis, but also further enriched the spore wall components of this obligate unicellular eukaryotic parasite.
Zygoparity and sex steroid hormone profiles in bluemouth Helicolenus dactylopterus
Authors: Sequeira V. , Couto E. , Neves A. , Vieira A. R. , Paiva R. B. , Canario A. V. M. , Gordo L. S.
Published: March 2017

Two hundred and seven individuals (103 females and 104 males) of bluemouth Helicolenus dactylopterus (Scorpaeniformes, Sebastidae), a commercially important deep‐water species with an unusual reproductive strategy, from the eastern Atlantic Ocean ranging from 13·9 to 37·5 cm total length (LT) were analysed from September 2011 to October 2012. The analysis included gonad maturity phases and blood‐plasma levels of oestradiol‐17β (E2), 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐KT) and 17,20β‐dihydroxypregn‐4‐en‐3‐one (17,20β‐P). Results confirmed the existence of an annual reproductive cycle with asynchrony between females and males and a spawning season from January to May. A pronounced peak in 17,20β‐P in October for both sexes was associated with possible mating behaviour and recent copula. Levels of E2 increased preceding the elevation of the gonado‐somatic index during ovarian growth and were lower during regression and regeneration. The frequency distribution of oocyte–embryonic stages and variation of hormone levels suggest the existence of daily rhythms. Fertilization was detected between 2000–0000 and 0800–1200 h and spawning took place throughout the day peaking between 2000 and 0000 h. The cyclic pattern of sex steroids and ovarian recruitment provides a new insight into the reproductive strategy of this species.
Antihyperglycaemic activity of the methanol extract from leaves of Eremophila maculata (Scrophulariaceae) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Youssef Fadia S , Ashour Mohamed L , Ebada Sherif S , Sobeh Mansour , El-Beshbishy Hesham A , Singab Abdel Nasser , Wink Michael
Published: March 2017

Objectives

This study was designed to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Eremophila maculata (EMM) both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The antihyperglycaemic activity was assessed in vitro using differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, whereas in-vivo effect was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Chemical profiling of EMM was done using LC-ESI-MS techniques. Molecular modelling experiments of the identified compounds were performed using C-Docker protocol.

Key findings

Eremophila maculata slightly enhanced cellular glucose uptake and utilization in vitro by 3.92% relative to the untreated control. A stronger in-vivo effect was observed for EMM and its dichloromethane fraction. A pronounced elevation in serum insulin by 88.89 and 66.67%, respectively, accompanied by an apparent decline in fasting blood glucose (FBG) level by 65.60 and 70.37% comparable to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was observed. This effect was stronger than that of the reference drug glibenclamide (GLB). Chemical profiling of EMM revealed that leucoseptoside A, verbascoside, syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and pinoresinol-4-O-[6″-O-(E)-feruloyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside are the major compounds. Molecular modelling showed that martynoside, verbascoside and phillygenin exhibited the highest inhibition to human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA), maltase glucoamylase (MGAM) and aldose reductase (AR), respectively.

Conclusion

Eremophila maculata offers an interesting relatively safer antihyperglycaemic candidate comparable to synthetic analogues.
Light respiration by subtropical seaweeds
Authors: Carvalho Matheus C. , Eyre Bradley D.
Published: March 2017

Here, we report the first‐ever measurements of light CO2 respiration rate (CRR) by seaweeds. We measured the influence of temperature (15–25°C) and light (irradiance from 60 to 670 μmol · m−2 · s−1) on the light CCR of two subtropical seaweed species, and measured the CRR of seven different seaweed species under the same light (150 μmol · m−2 · s−1) and temperature (25°C). There was little effect of irradiance on light CRR, but there was an effect of temperature. Across the seven species light CRR was similar to OCR (oxygen consumption rate in the dark), with the exception of a single species. The outlier species was a coralline alga, and the higher light CRR was probably driven by calcification. CRR could be estimated from OCR, as well as carbon photosynthetic rates from oxygen photosynthetic rates, which suggests that previous studies have probably provided good estimations of gross photosynthesis for seaweeds.
Active matrix metalloproteinase‐8 and periodontal bacteria depending on periodontal status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kirchner A. , Jäger J. , Krohn‐Grimberghe B. , Patschan S. , Kottmann T. , Schmalz G. , Mausberg R. F. , Haak R. , Ziebolz D.
Published: March 2017

Background and Objectives

The aim of this clinical cross‐sectional study was to determine the level of active matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (aMMP‐8) and periodontal pathogenic bacteria in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with varying periodontal conditions.

Material and Methods

In total, 103 patients with RA and 104 healthy controls (HC) were included. The assessment of periodontal status included periodontal probing depth, bleeding on probing and clinical attachment loss. Periodontal disease was classified as healthy/mild, moderate or severe. For the determination of aMMP‐8 levels using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and periodontal pathogenic bacteria using polymerase chain reaction, samples of gingival crevicular fluid were taken from the deepest gingival pockets. The statistical analyses used included a Mann–Whitney U‐test, a chi‐squared test or a Fisher's exact test, and the significance level was set at α = 5%.

Results

We found that 65% of patients with RA and 79% of HC had moderate to severe periodontal disease (p = 0.02). The prevalence of periodontal pathogens was almost equal (p > 0.05). Furthermore, depending on periodontal disease severity only minor differences in bacterial prevalence were detected. With increasing severity of periodontal disease, higher aMMP‐8 levels were observed. Accordingly, a significant difference in patients with moderate periodontal disease (RA: 15.3 ± 13.8; HC: 9.1 ± 9.1; p ≤ 0.01) and severe periodontal disease (RA: 21.7 ± 13.3; HC: 13.1 ± 8.6; p = 0.07) was detected, with a greater tendency in the latter group.

Conclusion

The increased aMMP‐8 levels in the RA group indicate that the presence of RA appears to have an influence on the host response at a comparable level of bacterial load and periodontal disease severity.
Effect of the early social environment on behavioural and genomic responses to a social challenge in a cooperatively breeding vertebrate
Authors: Nyman Cecilia , Fischer Stefan , Aubin‐Horth Nadia , Taborsky Barbara
Published: March 2017

The early social environment can have substantial, lifelong effects on vertebrate social behaviour, which can be mediated by developmental plasticity of brain gene expression. Early‐life effects can influence immediate behavioural responses towards later‐life social challenges and can activate different gene expression responses. However, while genomic responses to social challenges have been reported frequently, how developmental experience influences the shape of these genomic reaction norms remains largely unexplored. We tested how manipulating the early social environment of juvenile cooperatively breeding cichlids, Neolamprologus pulcher, affects their behavioural and brain genomic responses when competing over a resource. Juveniles were reared either with or without a breeder pair and a helper. Fish reared with family members behaved more appropriately in the competition than when reared without. We investigated whether the different social rearing environments also affected the genomic responses to the social challenge. A set of candidate genes, coding for hormones and receptors influencing social behaviour, were measured in the telencephalon and hypothalamus. Social environment and social challenge both influenced gene expression of egr‐1 (early growth response 1) and gr1 (glucocorticoid receptor 1) in the telencephalon and of bdnf (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor) in the hypothalamus. A global analysis of the 11 expression patterns in the two brain areas showed that neurogenomic states diverged more strongly between intruder fish and control fish when they had been reared in a natural social setting. Our results show that same molecular pathways may be used differently in response to a social challenge depending on early‐life experiences.
Xanthothecium peruvianum isolated from human stratum corneum: A case report, characterisation and short review that suggest emendation of Arachnomyces peruvianus
Authors: Brasch Jochen , Beck‐Jendroscheck Vera , Voss Karin , Yurkov Andrey , Stchigel Alberto Miguel , Gräser Yvonne
Published: March 2017

From stratum corneum samples of a palmar eczema, a fungus was isolated that developed white colonies with a yellowish dark reverse, suggestive of dermatophytes. The isolate produced numerous chlamydospores and sparse aleuroconidia, was resistant to cycloheximide, grew well on human stratum corneum samples and was positive in tests for urease production and hair perforation, but no dermatophyte could be identified. After several weeks, cleistothecia with delicate asci and disc‐shaped ascospores were formed, suggesting Arachnomyces spp. The analyses of the ribosomal ITS and LSU (D1/D2 domains) nucleotide sequences proved a good match with the ex‐type strain of Xanthothecium peruvianum (family Onygenaceae, order Onygenales), and LSU sequence showed 99% similarity with Arachnomyces glareosus. This is the first report of X. peruvianum isolated from human skin. The description of our isolate provides new information about this species and proposes its transfer to the genus Arachnomyces with the subsequent emendation of the description of Arachnomyces peruvianus. Morphologically and physiologically it mimics dermatophytes and other species of the genus Arachnomyces. Although the clinical situation did not suggest any relevance for A. peruvianus as a primary pathogen, this fungus may act as a secondary pathogen under suitable conditions due to its keratinolytic capacity.
Evaluation of 30 cases of mucormycosis at a university hospital in Iran
Authors: Samarei Reza , Gharebaghi Naser , Zayer Salar
Published: March 2017

Mucormycosis is a deadly invasive fungal infection and mainly affects immunocompromised patients. To investigate the clinical features of patients who developed mucormycosis and to determine the parameters, which influenced the outcome following mycotic infection. The current investigation retrospectively evaluated the demographic characteristics, clinical features, therapeutic data, as well as the outcomes of treatment in all cases of proven and probable mucormycosis diagnosed from 2002 until 2016 in our hospital. A total of thirty cases were recorded. Rhizopus spp. was the predominant pathogen among the identified Mucorales (26.7%). Diabetes mellitus (46.7%) and haematological malignancy (40%), were the most common underlying diseases. With regard to predisposing factors, neutropenia (43.3%) and chemotherapy (40%) were the leading concomitant parameters. The most frequent sites of infection were lung (30%) and sinus (26.7%), whereas disseminated infection was also found in nine of 30 patients (30%). Neutropenia remained the only independent factor associated with mortality (Relative Risk=3.557, 95% CI=1.365‐9.271, P=.009). Diagnostic delay ‐either due to delayed presentation of patients to our centre or insufficient awareness about invasive fungal infection among our clinicians‐ is a likely explanation for such a high mortality rate in our series.
Anaphylactic reaction to tranexamic acid in an adolescent undergoing posterior spinal fusion
Authors: Chiem Jennifer , Ivanova Iskra , Parker Andrew , Krengel Walter , Jimenez Nathalia
Published: March 2017

Tranexamic acid is an anti‐fibrinolytic agent frequently used in pediatric surgery. Common side effects include nausea, flushing, and headache, but in rare instances, it may produce anaphylaxis; with only one previously reported case in a 72‐year‐old man. We report a case of a delayed anaphylactic reaction in a pediatric patient undergoing posterior spine fusion; and discuss the intraoperative management of the acute event, immunologic confirmation, and subsequent anesthetic approach.
Development and feasibility of a community‐partnered nutrition intervention targeting rural migrant communities in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Maliszewski Genevieve , Enriquez Maithe , Cheng An‐Lin , Logan Pamela , Watts Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Objective

Research on health initiatives for rural batey communities in the Dominican Republic is needed.

Design and Sample

This study utilized a pretest‐posttest design to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a nutritional intervention targeting rural migrant sugarcane families. Participants (N = 310) were primarily female (61%) and ranged in age from 13 to 64 years (M = 25.9; SD = 10.4). A convenience sample was recruited from six rural bateyes in the southern region of the Dominican Republic.

Intervention

The intervention was developed for the target population in partnership with a grass‐roots organization. The intervention consisted of a short video in the participant's preferred language (Spanish or Creole) describing the importance of consuming a diverse diet. Participants then completed an interactive meal‐planning activity to enhance skills learned in the video. The main outcome variable was knowledge and a secondary outcome was participants’ performance on the interactive activity.

Results

Results showed that the intervention was well received by the target population and participants demonstrated a significant increase in nutrition knowledge (p < .001). Higher postintervention knowledge scores were positively correlated with higher activity skills scores.

Conclusion

This novel intervention may have promise as a practical program to enhance the nutritional status of a vulnerable population of migrant sugarcane workers.
Does Exposure to Stereotype‐Disconfirming Politicians Reduce the Effect of Stereotypes on Voting? Evidence From Seven Plagiarism Scandals in Germany
Authors: Herrmann Michael , Tepe Markus
Published: March 2017

We examine whether exposure to several salient counterexamples reduces the effect of stereotypes on voting. By taking advantage of a series of seven plagiarism scandals in Germany—a country with high regard for academic credentials where academic titles (Dr. and Prof.) get printed on ballot papers—we test whether the tendency to vote for candidates with a doctor's title decreased in the wake of the scandals. Using cross‐sectional and longitudinal estimators and controlling for a large range of potential confounders, we find that the electoral advantage of candidates with a doctor's title shrinks from a good half of a percentage point before the scandals down to a third after the scandals. In line with a subtyping hypothesis, the reduction is stronger for candidates from traditional middle‐class parties (i.e., the parties of the politicians who were implicated in the scandals). Neither of these effects turns out to be strong enough to reach statistical significance, however. We conclude that seven negative examples in one legislative term had no noticeable effect on the tendency to select candidates based on academic titles. Our study provides a rare opportunity to test the effect of stereotype‐disconfirming information on electoral behavior. Our results contribute to a literature demonstrating the resilience of stereotypes to disconfirming information. They also suggest that plagiarism affairs are unlikely to reduce electoral incentives for politicians to obtain a fake doctorate.
Higher photosynthesis, nutrient‐ and energy‐use efficiencies contribute to invasiveness of exotic plants in a nutrient poor habitat in northeast China
Authors: Liu Ming‐Chao , Kong De‐Liang , Lu Xiu‐Rong , Huang Kai , Wang Shuo , Wang Wei‐Bin , Qu Bo , Feng Yu‐Long
Published: March 2017

The roles of photosynthesis‐related traits in invasiveness of introduced plant species are still not well elucidated, especially in nutrient‐poor habitats. In addition, little effort has been made to determine the physiological causes and consequences of the difference in these traits between invasive and native plants. To address these problems, we compared the differences in 16 leaf functional traits related to light‐saturated photosynthetic rate (Pmax) between 22 invasive and native plants in a nutrient‐poor habitat in northeast China. The invasive plants had significantly higher Pmax, photosynthetic nitrogen‐ (PNUE), phosphorus‐ (PPUE), potassium‐ (PKUE) and energy‐use efficiencies (PEUE) than the co‐occurring natives, while leaf nutrient concentrations, construction cost (CC) and specific leaf area were not significantly different between the invasive and native plants. The higher PNUE contributed to higher Pmax for the invasive plants, which in turn contributed to higher PPUE, PKUE and PEUE. CC changed independently with other traits such as Pmax, PNUE, PPUE, PKUE and PEUE, showing two trait dimensions, which may facilitate acclimation to multifarious niche dimensions. Our results indicate that the invasive plants have a superior resource‐use strategy, i.e. higher photosynthesis under similar resource investments, contributing to invasion success in the barren habitat.
Potential for mitigating atmospheric ammonia in Canada
Authors: Bittman S. , Sheppard S. C. , Hunt D.
Published: March 2017

Most ammonia (NH3) emissions (85%) in Canada come from agricultural sources (400 kt/yr). There are international conventions that require countries to mitigate NH3 emissions but there are no federal or provincial guidelines in Canada stipulating emission targets or best practices for agriculture. This study examines the potential for mitigating atmospheric NH3 using a range of approaches. Taking current farm practices into account, employing proven low‐cost measures (low‐emission slurry application and slurry storage covers) would reduce annual emissions from livestock operations by 16 kt NH3‐N, while using all available low‐cost measures would reduce emissions by 79 kt NH3‐N or 26% of livestock emissions. Another 36 kt/yr could be avoided by improving fertilizer practices, so that the total potential reduction would be about 29% of all agricultural emissions. Emissions from beef cattle and pig production could be reduced by 18% if consumption was cut by 50%, with greater mitigation if production for export was reduced, although the economic and social consequences need to be considered. Mitigation practices must be viewed in the context of possible pollution swapping especially in surplus nitrogen situations. Emissions must also be considered in terms of atmospheric NH3 transport to and from the USA, therefore bi‐national agreements to jointly reduce emissions might be needed. It may be more cost‐effective in Canada to strategically reduce emissions to minimize risks to health (from particulate matter) and the environment rather than to reduce annual national emission targets.
Introductory statistics in the garden
Authors: Wagaman John C.
Published: March 2017

This article describes four semesters of introductory statistics courses that incorporate service learning and gardening into the curriculum with applications of the binomial distribution, least squares regression and hypothesis testing. The activities span multiple semesters and are iterative in nature.
HIV infection is influenced by dynamin at 3 independent points in the viral life cycle
Authors: Aggarwal Anupriya , Hitchen Tina L. , Ootes Lars , McAllery Samantha , Wong Andrew , Nguyen Khanh , McCluskey Adam , Robinson Phillip J. , Turville Stuart G.
Published: March 2017

CD4 T cells are important cellular targets for HIV‐1, yet the primary site of HIV fusion remains unresolved. Candidate fusion sites are either the plasma membrane or from within endosomes. One area of investigation compounding the controversy of this field, is the role of the protein dynamin in the HIV life cycle. To understand the role of dynamin in primary CD4 T cells we combined dynamin inhibition with a series of complementary assays based on single particle tracking, HIV fusion, detection of HIV DNA products and active viral transcription. We identify 3 levels of dynamin influence on the HIV life cycle. Firstly, dynamin influences productive infection by preventing cell cycle progression. Secondly, dynamin influences endocytosis rates and increases the probability of endosomal fusion. Finally, we provide evidence in resting CD4 T cells that dynamin directly regulates the HIV fusion reaction at the plasma membrane. We confirm this latter observation using 2 divergent dynamin modulating compounds, one that enhances dynamin conformations associated with dynamin ring formation (ryngo‐1‐23) and the other that preferentially targets dynamin conformations that appear in helices (dyngo‐4a). This in‐depth understanding of dynamin's roles in HIV infection clarifies recent controversies and furthermore provides evidence for dynamin regulation specifically in the HIV fusion reaction.
Melatonin and IL‐25 modulate apoptosis and angiogenesis mediators in metastatic (CF‐41) and non‐metastatic (CMT‐U229) canine mammary tumour cells
Authors: Gelaleti G. B. , Borin T. F. , Maschio‐Signorini L. B. , Moschetta M. G. , Hellmén E. , Viloria‐Petit A. M. , Zuccari D. A. P. C.
Published: March 2017

Background

Melatonin has oncostatic actions and IL‐25 is active in inflammatory processes that induce apoptosis in tumor cells

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate melatonin and IL‐25 in metastatic (CF‐41) and non‐metastatic (CMT‐U229) canine mammary tumor cells cultured as monolayers and tridimensional structures.

Materials and Methods

The cells were treated with melatonin, IL‐25 and IL‐17B silencing gene and performed cell viability, gene and protein expression of caspase‐3 and VEGFA (Vascular endothelial growth factor A) and an apoptosis membrane protein array.

Results

Treatment with 1 mM of melatonin reduced cell viability of both tumor cell lines, all treatments alone and combined significantly increased caspase‐3 cleaved and proteins involved in the apoptotic pathway and reduced pro‐angiogenic VEGFA, confirming the effectiveness of these potential promising treatments.

Conclusion

This is the first study evaluating the potential use of these strategies in CF‐41 and CMT‐U229 cell lines and together encourages subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies for further exploration of clinical applications.
Investigating Students’ Perspectives of Foreign Language Distance Education Curriculum According to Some Variables
Authors: Orhan Ali , Ay Şule Çeviker
Published: March 2017

This study was carried out to investigate the students’ satisfaction levels of foreign language distance education curriculum in a state university according to some variables. In the study, it was aimed to answer these questions: “What are the students’ opinions about the distance education curriculum of Foreign Language I course and do their opinions differ according to some variables?” Context, Input, Process and Production (CIPP) evaluation model was used as a curriculum evaluation framework and descriptive survey model, one of the quantitative research models, was used in this study. Sample of the study is composed of 715 freshman students who are enrolled in the faculties and colleges of university and took the Foreign Language I course in 2015-2016 academic year. 5-point likert scale was developed by the researchers to collect data. Independent samples t-test and one-way Anova was used to analyze the collected data with the help of SPSS 20. As a result of the study, it was found out that the students’ responses are gathered around the "I neither agree nor disagree" option. The component which has the highest satisfaction level is process component of curriculum and product component has the least satisfaction level. Opinions of the students about curriculum don’t differ significantly according to their gender and age. However, their opinions differ significantly according to their education type, daily internet connection hours and final grades. Also the students, who have personal computer and have attended another distance education, have more positive opinions than the students who don’t have computer and any distance education experience.
The Impact of Sports on Expressing One’s Feelings
Authors: Söyler Didem Yavuz , Karahüseyinoğlu M. Fatih , Altungül Oğuzhan
Published: March 2017

The benefits of joining sports activities are quite many. Doing sports helps in socializing the individual by increasing the number of friends around the individual, and it also helps establishing an organized and disciplined life. Physical activities may also assist people to overcome aggression easily and express their feelings in a better way. This research aims at examining the impact of sports on expressing Fırat University students’ feelings based on different factors (age, gender, academic program). Screening model was applied to their search sample. Data collected from the students during the Fall Semester, 2015-2016. Their search sample included 175 students studying at Fırat University. The emotion expressing’s callused in this research was developed by Kingand Emmons (1990) as data collection tool to measure individuals’ tendencies in expressing their feelings. Kuzucu (2006) adopted this scale to Turkish society. A 15- item Likert-type questionnaire is designed to measure the tendencies in expressing emotions as positive, negative or warm feelings. Items score between 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 7 (Strongly Agree) where high scores in dictated high tendency in expressing feelings. In the scale, reverse-scoring is applied to item 6 and to item 14.The data obtained is analyzed using SPSS software. The independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance tests are used for data analyses purpose.As result of there search, Sports Sciences Faculty students were ableto Express their feelings in a beter way than other faculties’ students.