bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pleistocene disturbance event describes modern diversity patterns in tidal marsh birds
Authors: Correll Maureen D. , Wiest Whitney A. , Hodgman Thomas P. , Kelley Joseph T. , Mcgill Brian J. , Elphick Chris S. , Shriver W. Gregory , Conway Meaghan , Field Christopher R. , Olsen Brian J.
Published: June 2017

There is growing evidence to support that paleo‐timescale events are important determinants in the present‐day distribution of organisms. We explored the relationship between community composition of tidal marsh birds in the northeastern United States and potential drivers of biodiversity patterns across timescales to explore the relevance of historical contingency in this ecosystem. These potential predictors represent some of the major known influences on biodiversity in tidal marshes, including 1) a recent, intense hurricane event driving a large‐scale perturbation of this ecosystem (4 yr), 2) gradual modification of marshes through installation of human infrastructure (∼ 150 yr), and 3) marsh formation and development after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ∼ 20 000 yr). We surveyed > 1300 locations in tidal marshes from 2011–2014 using passive point count methods to measure bird community composition at these points. We found that rarefied richness, total individuals (N), and total biomass were best explained by a quadratic relationship with marsh age peaking at 40° latitude, the location of the Last Glacial Maximum of the Laurentide ice sheet. We hypothesize that formation of marsh millennia earlier in the southern part of our survey area allowed for earlier evolution of specialization to tidal marsh by bird species than those occupying much younger, northern marshes, which could have then driven differential rates of colonization in the north (by habitat generalists) and competitive exclusion in the south (by habitat specialists). We tested this theory using a novel functional diversity metric (community habitat specialization index, or CHSI) and find that community specialization decreased linearly with marsh age, supporting our hypothesis. Our findings highlight the importance for consideration of historical contingency in biodiversity research and further exploration of mechanisms operating across geological timescales.
Strong population structure deduced from genetics, otolith chemistry and parasite abundances explains vulnerability to localized fishery collapse in a large Sciaenid fish, Protonibea diacanthus
Authors: Taillebois Laura , Barton Diane P. , Crook David A. , Saunders Thor , Taylor Jonathan , Hearnden Mark , Saunders Richard J. , Newman Stephen J. , Travers Michael J. , Welch David J. , Greig Alan , Dudgeon Christine , Maher Safia , Ovenden Jennifer R.
Published: June 2017

As pressure on coastal marine resources is increasing globally, the need to quantitatively assess vulnerable fish stocks is crucial in order to avoid the ecological consequences of stock depletions. Species of Sciaenidae (croakers, drums) are important components of tropical and temperate fisheries and are especially vulnerable to exploitation. The black‐spotted croaker, Protonibea diacanthus, is the only large sciaenid in coastal waters of northern Australia where it is targeted by commercial, recreational and indigenous fishers due to its food value and predictable aggregating behaviour. Localized declines in the abundance of this species have been observed, highlighting the urgent requirement by managers for information on fine‐ and broad‐scale population connectivity. This study examined the population structure of P. diacanthus across north‐western Australia using three complementary methods: genetic variation in microsatellite markers, otolith elemental composition and parasite assemblage composition. The genetic analyses demonstrated that there were at least five genetically distinct populations across the study region, with gene flow most likely restricted by inshore biogeographic barriers such as the Dampier Peninsula. The otolith chemistry and parasite analyses also revealed strong spatial variation among locations within broad‐scale regions, suggesting fine‐scale location fidelity within the lifetimes of individual fish. The complementarity of the three techniques elucidated patterns of connectivity over a range of spatial and temporal scales. We conclude that fisheries stock assessments and management are required at fine scales (100 s of km) to account for the restricted exchange among populations (stocks) and to prevent localized extirpations of this species. Realistic management arrangements may involve the successive closure and opening of fishing areas to reduce fishing pressure.
Possible mechanism underlying the association between higher hemoglobin level and hypertension in older Japanese men
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Sato Shimpei , Koyamatsu Jun , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Nagayoshi Mako , Kadota Koichiro , Kawashiri Shin‐Ya , Maeda Takahiro
Published: June 2017

Aim

Hemoglobin is reported to be positively associated with hypertension. However, the underlying mechanism of this association is unknown. Recently, bone marrow‐derived CD34‐positive cells have been reported to play an important role in endothelial repair in conjunction with platelets. As the association between hypertension and endothelial dysfunction is bidirectional, the influence of endothelial repair also might strongly influence the association between hemoglobin and hypertension.

Methods

To clarify the clinical importance of the hematological parameter on endothelial maintenance in older men, we carried out a cross‐sectional study of 222 Japanese men aged 60–69 years undergoing a general health checkup.

Results

For participants with a lower platelet count (≤21.0/μL), hemoglobin was significantly positively associated with hypertension, but not for participants with a higher platelet count (>21.0/μL). The classical cardiovascular risk factor adjusted odds ratio of hypertension for 1‐standard deviation increment of hemoglobin (1.0 g/dL) was 2.09 (95% CI: 1.26, 3.48) for participants with a lower platelet count, and 1.07 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.67) for participants with a higher platelet count. We also found that although there was no significant correlation between hemoglobin and circulating CD34‐positive cells for participants with a lower platelet count (β = −0.06, P = 0.603), a significant positive correlation was seen for participants with a higher platelet count (β = 0.29, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The positive association between hemoglobin and hypertension was limited to participants with a lower platelet count as a result of insufficient endothelial repair. These results represent an efficient tool for clarifying the mechanism of endothelial maintenance that correlates with hypertension. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2586–2592.
Carbon information on vegetables: How does it affect the buying process?
Authors: Lampert Paul , Menrad Klaus , Emberger‐Klein Agnes
Published: June 2017

Information on the climate impact of a food product has practically not been communicated in Germany, even though it could provide important acknowledgement of producers’ actions in low‐carbon production. So far, carbon labelling has predominantly been discussed without taking into account German consumers’ opinions (proven by empirical data) on this issue, even though involving the consumer in the considerations of a Carbon Label is essential for its success. Especially the question, if information on the product carbon footprint is a considerable factor within the search process of a purchase decision, was of special interest in this work. To answer these questions, we analysed consumers’ information‐seeking behaviour using an information display matrix (IDM) experiment with 232 participants. The IDM is a process tracing technique which allows to track the information search in a buying process. Our results show that basically the place of origin is the most important criterion for the purchase decision, followed by price and production method (conventional/organic). In contrast, the sustainability information (i.e., carbon footprint and water consumption) are at a low level of importance. Comparing two locally produced products with the help of a multinominal logistic regression‐model, it seems that the group of consumers preferring organic products is influenced in the purchase decision by the carbon footprint information. In summary it can be stated that although some people may be basically interested in carbon labelling of fresh food, the purchase decision would probably be hardly influenced by a carbon label on vegetables at present. The majority of people are more concerned about factors like origin and price so that Carbon Labelling would only be a viable option for a small group of consumers.
Consumer vulnerability and complaint handling: Challenges, opportunities and dispute system design
Authors: Brennan Carol , Sourdin Tania , Williams Jane , Burstyner Naomi , Gill Chris
Published: June 2017

Effectively designed complaint handling systems play a key role in enabling vulnerable consumers to complain and obtain redress. This article examines current research into consumer vulnerability, highlighting its multidimensional and expansive nature. Contemporary understandings of consumer vulnerability recognize that the interaction between a wide range of market and consumer characteristics can combine to place any individual at risk of vulnerability. While this broad definition of consumer vulnerability reflects the complex reality of consumers’ experiences, it poses a key challenge for designers of complaint handling systems: how can they identify and respond to an issue which can potentially affect everyone? Drawing on current research and practice in the United Kingdom and Australia, the article analyses the impact of consumer vulnerability on third party dispute resolution schemes and considers the role these complaint handling organizations can play in supporting their complainants. Third party complaint handling organizations, including a range of Alternative Dispute Resolution services such as ombudsman organizations, can play a key role in increasing access to justice for vulnerable consumer groups and provide specific assistance for individual complainants during the process. It is an opportune time to review whether the needs of consumers at risk of vulnerability are being met within complaint processes and the extent to which third party complaint handlers support those who are most vulnerable to seek redress. Empowering vulnerable consumers to complain presents specific challenges. The article discusses the application of a new model of consumer dispute system design to show how complaint handling organizations can meet the needs of the most vulnerable consumers throughout the process.
Red cell transfusion thresholds in myelodysplastic syndromes: a clinician survey to inform future clinical trials
Authors: Mo Allison , McQuilten Zoe K. , Wood Erica M. , Weinkove Robert
Published: June 2017

Optimal red cell transfusion thresholds in myelodysplastic syndrome are not established. In this survey of 110 Australasian haematologists’ practice in myelodysplastic syndrome‐related anaemia, 92% of respondents set transfusion thresholds, and would typically transfuse at a haemoglobin <80 g/L aiming for a post‐transfusion haemoglobin 90–100 g/L, reflecting a restrictive transfusion strategy. Higher thresholds were typically used for patients with cardiovascular disease or anaemia symptoms. These results will inform the design of clinical trials comparing transfusion thresholds.
Blomia tropicalis allergen 5 (Blo t 5) T‐cell epitopes and their ability to suppress the allergic immune response
Authors: Wong Kenneth H. , Zhou Qian , Prabhu Nayana , Furuhashi Kazuki , Chua Yen Leong , Grotenbreg Gijsbert M. , Kemeny David M.
Published: June 2017

Blomia tropicalis is the major asthma allergen in the tropics comparable to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. However, little is known about the B. tropicalis epitopes recognized by T cells. Our aim was to identify the T‐cell epitopes in the major B. tropicalis allergen, Blo t 5, and investigate the potential of the corresponding peptides to inhibit the allergic inflammatory lung response. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with plasmid DNA encoding Blo t 5 and T‐cell epitopes identified using the interferon‐γ ELISPOT assay with 15‐mer overlapping peptides. C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with bone‐marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) pulsed with Blo t 5 allergen followed by intranasal Blo t 5 challenge. Two H‐2b restricted epitopes (Bt576–90 and Bt5106–115) were recognized by CD4 T cells specific for Blo t 5, but no CD8 epitopes were identified. In mice sensitized with Blo t 5‐pulsed BMDC and challenged with intranasal Blo t 5 Bt576–90 and Bt5106–115, peptide‐specific CD4 T cells were found to secrete the T helper type 2 cytokines interleukin‐5 and interleukin‐13. Intradermal administration of synthetic peptides encoding the identified T‐cell epitopes suppressed allergic airway inflammation to further allergen challenges. Hence, we have identified novel CD4 T‐cell epitopes specific for Blo t 5 and demonstrated that these peptides could be employed therapeutically to suppress the T‐cell response in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation.
Effective size of density‐dependent two‐sex populations: the effect of mating systems
Authors: Myhre A. M. , Engen S. , SÆther B.‐E.
Published: June 2017

Density dependence in vital rates is a key feature affecting temporal fluctuations of natural populations. This has important implications for the rate of random genetic drift. Mating systems also greatly affect effective population sizes, but knowledge of how mating system and density regulation interact to affect random genetic drift is poor. Using theoretical models and simulations, we compare Ne in short‐lived, density‐dependent animal populations with different mating systems. We study the impact of a fluctuating, density‐dependent sex ratio and consider both a stable and a fluctuating environment. We find a negative relationship between annual Ne/N and adult population size N due to density dependence, suggesting that loss of genetic variation is reduced at small densities. The magnitude of this decrease was affected by mating system and life history. A male‐biased, density‐dependent sex ratio reduces the rate of genetic drift compared to an equal, density‐independent sex ratio, but a stochastic change towards male bias reduces the Ne/N ratio. Environmental stochasticity amplifies temporal fluctuations in population size and is thus vital to consider in estimation of effective population sizes over longer time periods. Our results on the reduced loss of genetic variation at small densities, particularly in polygamous populations, indicate that density regulation may facilitate adaptive evolution at small population sizes.
Age and P–T conditions of the Gridino‐type eclogite in the Belomorian Province, Russia
Authors: Yu H. L. , Zhang L. F. , Wei C. J. , Li X. L. , Guo J. H.
Published: June 2017

Although eclogites in the Belomorian Province have been regarded as Archean in age and among the oldest in the world, there are also multiple studies that have proposed a Paleoproterozoic age. Here, we present new data for the Gridino‐type eclogites, which occur as boudins and metamorphosed dykes within tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite gneisses. Zircon from these eclogites has core and rim structures. The cores display high Th/U ratios (0.18–0.45), negative Eu anomalies and strong enrichment in HREE, and have Neoarchean U–Pb ages of c. 2.70 Ga; they are interpreted to be magmatic in origin. Zircon cores have δ18O of 5.64–6.07‰ suggesting the possibility of crystallization from evolved mantle‐derived magmas. In contrast, the rims, which include the eclogite facies minerals omphacite and garnet, are characterized by low Th/U ratios (<0.035) and flat HREE patterns, and yield U–Pb ages of c. 1.90 Ga; they are interpreted to be metamorphic in origin. Zircon rims have elevated δ18O of 6.23–6.80‰, which was acquired during eclogite facies metamorphism. Based on petrography and phase equilibria modelling, we recognize a prograde epidote amphibolite facies mineral assemblage, the peak eclogite facies mineral assemblage and a retrograde high‐P amphibolite facies mineral assemblage. The peak metamorphic conditions of 695–755°C at >18 kbar for the Gridino‐type eclogites suggest an apparent thermal gradient of <39–42°C/kbar for the Lapland–Kola collisional orogeny.
Knowledge acquisition and effective socialization: The role of the psychological contract
Authors: Woodrow Chris , Guest David E.
Published: June 2017

Although studies reveal that acquiring knowledge about a new workplace during organizational socialization leads to better integration, the pathway through which this occurs is not well understood. Previous research has explored the psychological contract as an outcome of socialization. This study explores its role within the socialization process. A total of 161 organizational newcomers undertook surveys at months one and three of tenure, with data used to test a model within which four psychological contract dimensions mediate the relationship between knowledge acquisition and employee outcomes. At month one, organizational and employee promise strength mediated the relationship between knowledge and outcomes. At month three, organizational and employee promise fulfilment mediated this relationship. Findings confirm the role of the psychological contract in the socialization process and suggest that effective integration requires extensive knowledge provision and active employee knowledge acquisition.

Practitioner points

Acquisition of knowledge about a new work environment during the very early stages of tenure can positively affect newcomers’ attitudes and perceived employment relationships.

Learning leads to mutual promises that are perceived to be stronger and more likely to be fulfilled, as well as reduced stress, greater commitment, and greater service quality behaviour.

Employers should provide newcomers with information about their role, team, and organization, whilst newcomers should be encouraged to ask questions.
Parent‐Implemented Language Interventions for Children with a Developmental Delay: A Systematic Review
Authors: Te Kaat‐van den Os Danielle J. A. , Jongmans Marian J. , Volman M(Chiel). J. M. , Lauteslager Peter E. M.
Published: June 2017

Background: Young children with a developmental delay (DD) show significant delays in communication and language development. Although several parent‐implemented language intervention programs have been developed to facilitate the communication and language abilities of children with a DD, no systematic review has examined the effects of these programs. Method: The literature search for this systematic review focused on parent‐implemented early language interventions for children with a DD age 1–5 years. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (search period 1974–2015). Level of evidence (levels I and II) as developed by the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) and study effectiveness were evaluated. Seven intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions comprised the Hanen Parent Program, Responsive Education/Prelinguistic Milieu Teaching, and Enhanced Milieu Teaching. A substantial proportion of children with a DD also had a diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS). Results: Five of the seven studies reported a significant effect of intervention on parent responsiveness, child communication, and aspects of language interactions (favoring intervention groups over control groups), but no studies reported significant effects of intervention on expressive language vocabulary. Conclusions: Intervention programs aimed at facilitating the communication and language development of children with a DD appear to improve a child's general communication abilities but have limited impact on expressive language development.
Inflorescence morphology and development in the basal rosid lineage Vitales
Authors: Gerrath Jean M. , Posluszny Usher , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M. , Wen Jun
Published: June 2017

This review summarizes inflorescence developmental morphology in the grape order Vitales within a phylogenetic context. Inflorescences in the shrubby Leeaceae are terminal thyrses that appear leaf‐opposed once renewal growth begins. Plants of the Vitaceae are mainly tendrilled lianas and form five well‐defined clades. Inflorescences develop from the unique, non‐leafy, uncommitted primordium which arises opposite a leaf on the flank of the shoot apical meristem, and may mature into an inflorescence, tendril, or a combination of the two. The Ampelopsis‐Rhoicissus clade, Cissus antarctica group and Yua have a tendril/inflorescence, with cymose branching on the inflorescence axis. Inflorescences in the core Cissus clade and Cyphostemma‐Tetrastigma clade arise on a compressed axillary shoot, and leaf‐opposed tendrils arise on the main shoot, resulting in different branch orders. In Parthenocissus, tendrils are leaf‐opposed on long shoots, and inflorescences are leaf‐opposed on axillary branches on short shoots. In the Ampelocissus‐Vitis clade, the leaf‐opposed tendrils and thyrse inflorescences are of the same branching order, and are often combined. Terminal inflorescences such as in Leeaceae are common in angiosperms, in contrast to the unique leaf‐opposed tendril/inflorescence of Vitaceae. The further separation of the tendrils and inflorescences onto different orders of branching (core Cissus, Cyphostemma‐Tetrastigma), or separate short and long shoots (Parthenocissus), have allowed each component to optimize its own function. The Ampelocissus‐Vitis clade, however, has returned to a thyrse inflorescence, which may allow for larger or unusual lamellate inflorescences (Pterisanthes), and has reunited tendrils and inflorescences. Thus, each clade has developed its own set of inflorescence morphology.
Exercising moral agency in the contexts of objective reality: toward an integrated account of ethical consumption
Authors: Manyukhina Yana , Emmel Nick , Middlemiss Lucie
Published: June 2017

This paper engages with two contrasting approaches to conceptualising and studying consumer behaviour that appear to dominate existing research on consumption. On one hand, agency‐focused perspectives take an individual consumer to be the primary author of practice and a basic unit of analysis. On the other hand, socio‐centric paradigms focus on the social roots of consumption activities and the wider societal contexts in which they take place. The need to provide a more balanced view of consumption phenomena has been acknowledged, yet not adequately acted upon. This paper begins to fill this gap through relevant theoretical and empirical contributions. First, we provide a critical review of the dominant theoretical perspectives on consumption in general and ethical consumption in particular, highlight their key ontological assumptions and explain how they preclude a fuller understanding of the ways in which consumer practices are moulded and shaped. Taking a critical realist approach, we then present the findings from qualitative analysis of consumers' ethical food practices to empirically demonstrate the role of human agency and social structure in creating and shaping ethical consumption. Thus, by means of theoretical analysis and empirical research this paper responds to the call for a more comprehensive understanding of consumption and provides a consolidated account of consumer behaviour which acknowledges and explains the complex ensemble of individual and systemic powers in which consumer practices are contained.
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Ning L. , Lin W. , Hu X. , Fan R. , Liang X. , Wu Y. , Shen S. , Yu R. , Sun J. , Hou J.
Published: June 2017

Renal safety is a major concern during long‐term antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with CHB that had been treated with antiviral therapy. This was a single‐centre, cross‐sectional study in a real‐life cohort in which all patients received antiviral treatment. Serum creatinine‐based equations from the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) were used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² or a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio ≥ 3 mg/mmol (defined as albuminuria). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors of CKD. A total of 1985 patients were included in the analysis from February 2015 to December 2015. The mean age and median duration of antiviral treatment was 42.20 years and 17.05 months, respectively. The overall prevalence of CKD was 7.9% (157/1985), with 44 patients experiencing decreased renal function (eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and 129 patients with albuminuria. Patients with cirrhosis had a higher prevalence of a decreased GFR (4.3% vs 1.6%, P<.001) and albuminuria (11.1% vs 5.2%, P<.001) than those without cirrhosis. In the multivariate analysis, hypertension (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.564, P<.001), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.688, P<.001) and cirrhosis (OR 1.918, P<.001) were independent factors associated with the presence of CKD. CKD was a clinically significant comorbidity in patients with CHB. Special attention should be paid to cirrhotic patients and patients with the metabolic syndrome.
No one size fits all—Shortening duration of therapy with direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C genotype 1 infection
Authors: El Sherif O. , Afhdal N. , Curry M.
Published: June 2017

The advent of shorter duration, highly effective and well‐tolerated interferon‐free therapy now provides an opportunity for virtually all HCV‐infected individuals to be cured. However, there continues to be a need to simplify and shorten treatment duration. Shortening therapy to 8 weeks with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir can be considered in treatment patients with HCV genotype 1 infection and low baseline viral load. A number of other 8‐week dual and triple therapy direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are in advanced clinical development. Several small studies have further demonstrated the feasibility of 6 weeks of sofosbuvir therapy in combination with an NS5A inhibitor and a protease inhibitor for HCV genotype 1. Four weeks of therapy with various combinations of the currently available DAAs appears to be suboptimal with poor response rates observed in phase 2 trials. Response‐guided therapy is another promising tool that may allow for shorter therapy but require further research. Shortening therapy and retreating relapsers may be a viable cost‐saving measure, but requires further cost‐benefit analysis and more data on the impact of resistance on retreatment options.
Racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence and awareness of Hepatitis B virus infection and immunity in the United States
Authors: Kim H. S. , Rotundo L. , Yang J. D. , Kim D. , Kothari N. , Feurdean M. , Ruhl C. , Unalp‐arida A.
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the United States is the most common among Asians followed by non‐Hispanic blacks. However, there have been few studies that describe HBV infection and immunity by racial group. Our study aimed to assess racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence and awareness of HBV infection and immunity using nationally representative data. In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011‐2014, 14 722 persons had HBV serology testing. We estimated the prevalence of HBV infection, past exposure, and immunity by selected characteristics and calculated adjusted odds ratios using survey‐weighted generalized logistic regression. Awareness of infection and vaccination history was also investigated. The overall prevalence of chronic HBV infection, past exposure and vaccine‐induced immunity was 0.34% [95%CI 0.24‐0.43], 4.30% [95%CI 3.80‐4.81], and 24.4% [95%CI 23.4‐25.4], respectively. The prevalence of chronic infection was 2.74% [95% CI 1.72‐3.76] in Asians, 0.64% [95% CI 0.35‐0.92] in non‐Hispanic blacks, and 0.15% [95% CI 0.06‐0.24] in non‐Asian, non‐blacks. Only 26.2% of those with chronic infection were aware of their infection. The prevalence of the past exposure was 21.5% [95%CI 19.3‐23.7] in Asians, 8.92% [95%CI 7.84‐9.99] in non‐Hispanic blacks, 2.05% [95%CI 1.49‐2.63] in non‐Hispanic whites and 4.47% [95%CI 3.25‐5.70] in Hispanics. Prevalence of vaccine‐induced immunity by each race was 34.1% [95%CI: 32.0‐36.2] in Asians, 25.5% [95%CI: 24.0‐27.0] in non‐Hispanic blacks, 24.0% [95%CI: 22.6‐25.4] in non‐Hispanic whites and 22.2% [95%CI: 21.3‐23.3] in Hispanics. There are considerable racial/ethnic disparities in HBV infection, exposure and immunity. More active and sophisticated healthcare policies on HBV management may be warranted.
Hepatitis B surface antigen loss and sustained viral suppression in Asian chronic hepatitis B patients: A community‐based real‐world study
Authors: Wong R. J. , Nguyen M. T. , Trinh H. N. , Chan C. , Huynh A. , Ly M. T. , Nguyen H. A. , Nguyen K. K. , Torres S. , Yang J. , Liu B. , Garcia R. T. , Bhuket T. , Baden R. , Levitt B. , da Silveira E. , Gish R. G.
Published: June 2017

Community‐based real‐world outcomes on effectiveness of antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) in Asians are limited. Whether hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss correlates with undetectable virus and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization on treatment or what predicts risk of seroreversion or detectable virus after stopping therapy is unclear. We aim to evaluate rates and predictors of HBsAg loss, seroconversion, ALT normalization and undetectable HBV DNA, including HBsAg seroreversion or re‐emergence of HBV DNA among Asian CHB patients. We retrospectively evaluated 1072 CHB adults on antiviral therapy at two community gastroenterology clinics from 1997 to 2015. Rates of HBsAg loss, ALT normalization, achieving undetectable HBV DNA and developing surface antibody (anti‐HBs) were stratified by HBeAg status. Following HBsAg loss, HBsAg seroreversion or re‐emergence of detectable HBV DNA was analysed. With median treatment of 76.7 months, the overall rate of HBsAg loss was 4.58%, with similar HBsAg loss rates between HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients (4.44% vs 4.71%, P=.85) in a predominantly Asian population (98.1%). Among HBsAg loss patients, 33.3% developed anti‐HBs, 95.8% achieved undetectable virus and 66.0% normalized ALT. No significant baseline or on‐treatment predictors of HBsAg loss were observed. While six patients who achieved HBsAg loss had seroreversion with re‐emergence of HBsAg positivity, viral load remained undetectable, demonstrating the sustainability of viral suppression. Among a large community‐based real‐world cohort of Asian CHB patients treated with antiviral therapy, rate of HBsAg loss was 4.58%. Despite only 33.3% of HBsAg loss patients achieving anti‐HBs, nearly all patients achieved sustained undetectable virus.
The activity patterns of two sympatric shrew species from the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Hoole C. , McKechnie A. E. , Parker D. M. , Bennett N. C.
Published: June 2017

The locomotor activity patterns of two species of shrew were investigated under both standard laboratory conditions and in their natural environment. Trapping, using live traps, was undertaken on a seasonal basis to determine the predominant periods of activity for each species in their natural habitat. We assessed if there was a seasonal variation to the locomotor activity in the shrews. In the laboratory, locomotor activity patterns were investigated under the following lighting conditions, in sequence; 12L:12D (2 weeks), constant darkness (3 weeks), 12L:12D (2 weeks), 12D:12L an inverted light cycle (2 weeks) followed by 6 weeks at 16L:8D and 8L:16D for each species. Temperature was maintained at a constant temperature of 25 ± 1°C. Foraging behaviour and body mass changes were recorded throughout the study. Both species exhibited predominantly nocturnal locomotory activity patterns under laboratory conditions. In the field the forest shrew, Myosorex varius, altered its predominant activity period depending on the season, displayed polyphasic activity patterns and was caught throughout the year; it neither gained nor lost body mass. The greater red musk shrew, Crocidura flavescens, was strictly nocturnal in the field, more so than under laboratory conditions, gained body mass readily in the laboratory and was very rarely captured during winter. Therefore, each species displayed slightly different behavioural adaptations when exposed to the same conditions. These findings emphasize the similarities and differences in activity amongst co‐occurring small mammal species in light of possible competition avoidance mechanisms.
Porokeratosis ptychotropica responding to photodynamic therapy: An alternative treatment for a refractory disease
Authors: Fustà‐Novell Xavier , Podlipnik Sebastian , Combalia Andrea , Morgado‐Carrasco Daniel , Ferrando Juan , Mascaró Jose Manuel , Aguilera Paula
Published: June 2017

Background

Porokeratosis ptychotropica (PP) is a rare variant of porokeratosis with a special predisposition to affect body folds, particularly the intergluteal cleft. This disease is resistant to most topical and systemic treatments, as shown in the review of the literature we provide here. Itching and discomfort are often a difficult problem to solve.

Patients and Methods

Two patients with PP that had not responded to multiple topical treatments were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Changes in plaque size, thickness and symptoms were assessed after treatment.

Results

Pruritus disappearance was observed in both patients after treatment with PDT. Partial clearance of the plaques was observed in one case. In the other case, a moderate clearance of hyperkeratosis was observed, although the size of the lesions persisted unchanged.

Conclusions

PDT seems to be a good therapeutic alternative in the treatment of PP, as it can provide symptomatic relief and clinical improvement of the lesions. However, it does not appear to be a curative treatment. Moreover, long‐term response is still unknown.
The relationship among unawareness of memory impairment, depression, and dementia in older adults with memory impairment inSingapore
Authors: Liu Jianlin , Abdin Edimansyah , Vaingankar Janhavi A. , Shafie Saleha B. , Jeyagurunathan Anitha , Shahwan Shazana , Magadi Harish , Ng Li Ling , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: June 2017

Background

Previous research has studied the relationships among unawareness of memory impairment, depression, and dementia in older adults with severe dementia, but it has not considered the associations and clinical implications at earlier stages of memory impairment. This study therefore sought to examine the relationship among unawareness of memory impairment, depression, and dementia in older adults with memory impairment inSingapore.

Methods

The participants were 751 older adults with memory impairment inSingapore. They were assessed for objective and subjective memory loss, depression, and dementia severity. Participants’ subjective memory loss was determined based on a self‐appraisal question on memory, and their objective memory loss was calculated based on their performance on three cognitive tasks. Unawareness was assessed based on the contrast between subjective and objective memory loss.

Results

Descriptive statistics revealed a high prevalence of unawareness (80.4%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that gender and marital status were significantly associated with unawareness.Men (odds ratio (OR) = 2.5) and those who were divorced or separated (OR = 23.0) were more likely to be unaware than women and those who were married, respectively. After chronic conditions and demographic characteristics were controlled for, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that older adults with depression were less likely (OR = 0.2) to be unaware than those without depression. Unawareness was also related with dementia severity; older adults with questionable (OR = 0.3) and mild dementia (OR = 0.4) were less likely to be unaware than someone without dementia.

Conclusion

Unawareness of memory impairment was common among older adults with memory impairment. However, unawareness may be the result of denial as a strategy for coping with memory loss of which the older adult is aware. Psychological care should be integrated into the overall treatment management of dementia to mitigate the possible risk of depression while increasing individual awareness of memory loss.
Emotional reactivity and regulation in individuals with psychopathic traits: Evidence for a disconnect between neurophysiology and self‐report
Authors: Ellis Jennifer D. , Schroder Hans S. , Patrick Christopher J. , Moser Jason S.
Published: June 2017

Individuals with psychopathic traits often demonstrate blunted reactivity to negative emotional stimuli. However, it is not yet clear whether these individuals also have difficulty regulating their emotional responses to negative stimuli. To address this question, participants with varying levels of psychopathic traits (indexed by the Triarchic Measure of Psychopathy; Patrick, 2010) completed a task in which they passively viewed, increased, or decreased their emotions to negative picture stimuli while electrocortical activity was recorded. During passive viewing of negative images, higher boldness, but not higher disinhibition or meanness, was associated with reduced amplitude of the late positive potential (LPP), an ERP that indexes reactivity to emotionally relevant stimuli. However, all participants demonstrated expected enhancement of the LPP when asked to increase their emotional response. Participants did not show expected suppression of the LPP when asked to decrease their emotional response. Contrary to the electrophysiological data, individuals with higher boldness did not self‐report experiencing blunted emotional response during passive viewing trials, and they reported experiencing greater emotional reactivity relative to other participants when regulating (e.g., both increasing and decreasing) their emotions. Results suggest inconsistency between physiological and self‐report indices of emotion among high‐bold individuals during both affective processing and regulation.
Risk Perception and Risk Talk: The Case of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Radiation Risk
Authors: Kusumi Takashi , Hirayama Rumi , Kashima Yoshihisa
Published: June 2017

Individuals’ perceptions and their interpersonal communication about a risk event, or risk talk, can play a significant role in the formation of societal responses to the risk event. As they formulate their risk opinions and speak to others, risk information can circulate through their social networks and contribute to the construction of their risk information environment. In the present study, Japanese citizens’ risk perception and risk talk were examined in the context of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear radiation risk. We hypothesized and found that the risk information environment and risk literacy (i.e., competencies to understand and use risk information) interact to influence their risk perception and risk talk. In particular, risk literacy tends to stabilize people's risk perceptions and their risk communications. Nevertheless, there were some subtle differences between risk perception and communication, suggesting the importance of further examination of interpersonal risk communication and its role in the societal responses to risk events.
Rent‐Imputation for Welfare Measurement: A Review of Methodologies and Empirical Findings
Authors: Balcázar Carlos Felipe , Ceriani Lidia , Olivieri Sergio , Ranzani Marco
Published: June 2017

Housing should always be included in the construction of the welfare aggregate for welfare analysis. However, assigning a value to the flow of services from dwellings is problematic. Many households own the dwelling in which they live, making this value unobserved; others receive free housing or face prices lower than those at the market. Over the last decades, several estimation techniques have been proposed and implemented by practitioners to overcome this issue. This paper provides a review of methods commonly used to impute rent and discusses the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. We find no consensus on which imputation method is the most appropriate for welfare analysis, as well as a lack of evidence regarding the distributional impact of including rents in the welfare aggregate, particularly in developing countries. Moreover, practices for imputing rents vary across countries, calling for the future development of a unified framework.
TTN genotype is associated with fascicle length and marathon running performance
Authors: Stebbings G. K. , Williams A. G. , Herbert A. J. , Lockey S. J. , Heffernan S. M. , Erskine R. M. , Morse C. I. , Day S. H.
Published: June 2017

Titin provides a molecular blueprint for muscle sarcomere assembly, and sarcomere length can vary according to titin isoform expression. If variations in sarcomere length influence muscle fascicle length, this may provide an advantage for running performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the titin (TTN) rs10497520 polymorphism was associated with muscle fascicle length in recreationally active men (RA; n=137) and marathon personal best time in male marathon runners (MR; n=141). Fascicle length of the vastus lateralis was assessed in vivo using B‐mode ultrasonography at 50% of muscle length in RA. All participants provided either a whole blood, saliva or buccal cell sample, from which DNA was isolated and genotyped using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Vastus lateralis fascicle length was 10.4% longer in CC homozygotes, those carrying two copies of the C‐allele, than CT heterozygotes (P=.003) in RA. In the absence of any TT homozygotes, reflective of the low T‐allele frequency within Caucasian populations, it is unclear whether fascicle length for this group would have been smaller still. No differences in genotype frequency between the RA and MR groups were observed (P=.500), although within the MR group, the T‐allele carriers demonstrated marathon personal best times 2 minutes 25 seconds faster than CC homozygotes (P=.020). These results suggest that the T‐allele at rs10497520 in the TTN gene is associated with shorter skeletal muscle fascicle length and conveys an advantage for marathon running performance in habitually trained men.
Adverse life events, cardiovascular responses, and sports performance under pressure
Authors: Moore Lee J. , Young Tom , Freeman Paul , Sarkar Mustafa
Published: June 2017

Research suggests that experiencing a moderate number of adverse life events can benefit future stress responses. This study explored the relationship between adverse life (ie, non‐sport) events and cardiovascular responses to, and performance during, a pressurized sporting task. One hundred participants (64 men, 36 women; Mage=21.94 years, SDage=4.98) reported the number of adverse life events (eg, serious accident or injury) they had encountered before completing a pressurized dart‐throwing task during which performance was recorded. Before the task, participants' demand and resource evaluations and cardiovascular reactivity were assessed. Adverse life events did not impact demand and resource evaluations. However, participants who reported 4‐7 adverse life events displayed cardiovascular responses more reflective of a challenge state (relatively lower total peripheral resistance and/or higher cardiac output) compared to those who reported a lower (<4) or higher (>7) number of events. Furthermore, participants who reported 3‐13 adverse life events outperformed those who reported a lower (<3) or higher (>13) number of events. Supplementary analyses suggested that this relationship might be due to a small number of extreme values. However, after outlier analyses, a significant linear relationship remained suggesting that a higher number of adverse life events facilitated performance. The results suggest that experiencing a moderate to high number of adverse life events might have beneficial effects on subsequent cardiovascular responses and performance under pressure. Practitioners should therefore consider prior brushes with adversity when identifying athletes who are likely to excel during stressful competition.
Is there a link between globalisation and civil conflict?
Authors: Ezcurra Roberto , Manotas Beatriz
Published: June 2017

This paper investigates the empirical relationship between globalisation and civil conflict in a sample of 159 countries over the period 1972–2009. To that end, we use a measure of globalisation that distinguishes the social and political dimensions of integration from the economic dimension, thus allowing us to adopt a broader perspective than in most of existing studies. The results show that the inclusion of country fixed effects removes the statistical association between the degree of integration with the rest of the world and the incidence of internal conflict. We present instrumental variables estimates that also show no causal effect of globalisation on civil conflict. These findings do not depend either on the specific dimension of globalisation considered or the measure of conflict used in the analysis. Likewise, the absence of a relationship between globalisation and civil conflict is not driven by countries located in the most conflictive regions in the world.
Macrocytosis secondary to hydroxyurea therapy
Authors: Conrado Francisco O. , Weeden Amy L. , Speas Abbie L. , Leissinger Mary K.
Published: June 2017

A 10‐year‐old, male neutered Shetland Sheepdog was presented to the University of Florida for evaluation of a well‐granulated mast cell tumor. Hydroxyurea therapy was instituted and serial CBCs showed persistent mild anemia and macrocytosis without a corresponding increase in polychromasia. The dog's MCV increased progressively, reaching its highest value of 100.0 fL after 6 months of treatment, and a diagnosis of macrocytosis associated with hydroxyurea therapy was made. The dog's increase in MCV was prominent, and rapidly decreased after the drug was discontinued, consistent with previous observations in human and canine subjects treated with hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent used in a variety of conditions in human and veterinary medicine, and megaloblastic changes associated with its use have been described in multiple species. This report shows that hydroxyurea treatment is a differential diagnosis for prominent macrocytosis in dogs in the absence of other signs of erythrocyte regeneration.
Autologous blood salvage in the era of patient blood management
Authors: Sikorski R. A. , Rizkalla N. A. , Yang W. W. , Frank S. M.
Published: June 2017

Almost 150 years after the first autologous blood transfusion was reported, intraoperative blood salvage has become an important method of blood conservation. The primary goal of autologous transfusion is to reduce or avoid allogeneic red blood cell transfusion and the associated risks and costs. Autologous salvaged blood does not result in immunological challenge and its consequences, provides a higher quality red blood cell that has not been subjected to the adverse effects of blood storage, and can be more cost‐effective than allogeneic blood when used for carefully selected surgical patients. Cardiac, orthopaedic and vascular surgery procedures with large anticipated blood loss can clearly benefit from the use of cell salvage. There are safety concerns in cases with gross bacterial contamination. There are theoretical safety concerns in obstetrical and cancer surgery; however, careful cell washing as well as leucoreduction filters makes for a safer autologous transfusion in these circumstances. Further studies are needed to determine whether oncologic outcomes are impacted by transfusing salvaged blood during cancer surgery. In this new era of patient blood management, where multimodal methods of reducing dependence on allogeneic blood are becoming commonplace, autologous blood salvage remains a valuable tool for perioperative blood conservation. Future studies will be needed to best determine how and when cell salvage should be utilized along with newer blood conservation measures.