bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Women During Pregnancy and Childbearing Years
Authors: Holden Selma C. , Gardiner Paula , Birdee Gurjeet , Davis Roger B. , Yeh Gloria Y.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Little is known regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use during pregnancy and the preconception period. Since half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended, understanding the patterns of CAM use among women of childbearing age has implications for fetal and maternal health.

Methods

Descriptive statistics were generated from the 2012 National Health Interview Study (NHIS) to estimate weighted prevalence and patterns of CAM use by women of childbearing age. Comparisons were made between pregnant and nonpregnant respondents.

Results

In this sample of 10,002 women, 7 percent (n = 727) were recently pregnant. Over one‐third of all the women used CAM during the previous year (34/38%, pregnant/nonpregnant, respectively) and only half disclosed CAM use to conventional providers (50/49%). In the adjusted model, taking multivitamins (OR 2.52 [CI 2.22–2.86]) and moderate to heavy alcohol use (OR 1.92 [CI 1.53–2.41]) were more likely associated with CAM use. The two most commonly used modalities were herbs (14/17%) and yoga (13/16%). The top reasons for CAM use were to improve general wellness or to prevent disease (33/35%) and to treat back pain (16/18%). When examining all pregnancy‐related symptoms treated with CAM, no difference was found in the rates of CAM use between pregnant and nonpregnant users.

Conclusions

CAM use by women of childbearing age in the United States is common, with over a third of the population using one or more therapies. However, only half disclosed their use to conventional providers despite limited evidence on safety and effectiveness. This study highlights the important need for further research in this area.
Opening the cuebox: The information children and young adults generate and rely on when making inferences from memory
Authors: Ruggeri Azzurra , Olsson Henrik , Katsikopoulos Konstantinos V.
Published: June 2015

We used a cue‐generation and a cue‐selection paradigm to investigate the cues children (9‐ to 12‐year‐olds) and young adults (17‐year‐olds) generate and select for a range of inferences from memory. We found that children generated more cues than young adults, who, when asked why they did not generate some particular cues, responded that they did not consider them relevant for the task at hand. On average, the cues generated by children were more perceptual but as informative as the cues generated by young adults. When asked to select the most informative of two cues, both children and young adults tended to choose a hidden (i.e., not perceptual) cue. Our results suggest a developmental change in the cuebox (i.e., the set of cues used to make inferences from memory): New cues are added to the cuebox as more cues are learned, and some old, perceptual cues, although informative, are replaced with hidden cues, which, by both children and young adults, are generally assumed to be more informative than perceptual cues.
Best friends and better coping: Facilitating psychological resilience through boys’ and girls’ closest friendships
Authors: Graber Rebecca , Turner Rhiannon , Madill Anna
Published: June 2015

This is a novel investigation of whether, and how, a single close supportive friendship may facilitate psychological resilience in socio‐economically vulnerable British adolescents. A total of 409 adolescents (160 boys, 245 girls, four unknown), aged between 11 and 19 years, completed self‐report measures of close friendship quality, psychological resilience, social support, and other resources. Findings revealed a significant positive association between perceived friendship quality and resilience. This relationship was facilitated through inter‐related mechanisms of developing a constructive coping style (comprised of support‐seeking and active coping), effort, a supportive friendship network, and reduced disengaged and externalising coping. While protective processes were encouragingly significantly present across genders, boys were more vulnerable to the deleterious effects of disengaged and externalizing coping than girls. We suggest that individual close friendships are an important potential protective mechanism accessible to most adolescents. We discuss implications of the resulting Adolescent Friendship and Resilience Model for resilience theories and integration into practice.
Temperament and Interparental Conflict: The Role of Negative Emotionality in Predicting Child Behavioral Problems
Authors: Hentges Rochelle F. , Davies Patrick T. , Cicchetti Dante
Published: June 2015

This study examined temperamental irritability and fearful distress as moderators of the association between interparental conflict and child behavior problems in a disadvantaged sample of two hundred and one 2‐year‐old children and their mothers. Using a multimethod, prospective design, findings revealed that the relation between interparental conflict and changes in child behavior problems over a 1‐year period were moderated by temperamental irritability. Consistent with differential susceptibility theory, children high in irritable temperament not only exhibited poorer outcomes in contexts of high interparental conflict but also better adjustment in contexts of low levels of interparental conflict. Mediated moderation analyses revealed that fearful reactivity partly accounted for the greater susceptibility of irritable children, particularly in explaining why they fared better when interparental conflict was low.
Autophagy mechanisms in sputum and peripheral blood cells of patients with severe asthma: a new therapeutic target
Authors: Ban G.‐Y. , Pham D. L. , Trinh T. H. K. , Lee S.‐I. , Suh D.‐H. , Yang E.‐M. , Ye Y.‐M. , Shin Y. S. , Chwae Y.‐J. , Park H.‐S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Autophagy and genetic predisposition have been suggested to potentially play roles in the development of asthma. However, little is known about the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of severe asthma.

Objective

We compared autophagy in the sputum granulocytes, peripheral blood cells (PBCs) and peripheral blood eosinophils (PBEs) between patients with severe asthma and those with non‐severe asthma and investigated the functional effects of autophagy.

Methods

We enrolled 36 patients with severe asthma, 14 with non‐severe asthma and 23 normal healthy controls in this study. Sputum granulocytes, PBCs and PBEs were isolated from each subject. Autophagy was evaluated based on the expression of microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) by Western blot, confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. IL‐8 levels were measured by ELISA. To induce autophagy, HL‐60 cells, human primary small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) and A549 cells were treated with IL‐5, IL‐1β and TNF‐α. To inhibit autophagy, PI3K inhibitors (LY29400 and 3‐methyladenine [3‐MA]) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were used. Knockdown of ATG5 and Beclin‐1 was performed in A549 cells, and the therapeutic effects of dexamethasone were evaluated.

Results

Higher autophagy levels were noted in sputum granulocytes, PBCs and PBEs from patients with severe asthma than from patients with non‐severe asthma and healthy controls (P < 0.05 for all). IL‐5 increased autophagy levels in both PBCs and PBEs (P < 0.05). 3‐MA attenuated the increased expression of LC3‐II and eosinophil cationic protein in HL‐60 cells induced by IL‐5 (P = 0.034 for both). Dexamethasone did not affect autophagy levels in PBEs. IL‐1β increased LC3‐II expression and IL‐8 production (P < 0.01) in SAECs, and this was attenuated by LY294002, 3‐MA, HCQ and knockdown of ATG5 and Beclin‐1 (in A549 cells) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Autophagy could play a role in the pathogenesis of severe asthma. Autophagy modulation may be a novel therapeutic target for conventional therapy‐resistant severe asthma.
Parallels Between Action‐Object Mapping and Word‐Object Mapping in Young Children
Authors: Riggs Kevin J. , Mather Emily , Hyde Grace , Simpson Andrew
Published: June 2015

Across a series of four experiments with 3‐ to 4‐year‐olds we demonstrate how cognitive mechanisms supporting noun learning extend to the mapping of actions to objects. In Experiment 1 (n = 61) the demonstration of a novel action led children to select a novel, rather than a familiar object. In Experiment 2 (n = 78) children exhibited long‐term retention of novel action‐object mappings and extended these actions to other category members. In Experiment 3 (n = 60) we showed that children formed an accurate sensorimotor record of the novel action. In Experiment 4 (n = 54) we demonstrate limits on the types of actions mapped to novel objects. Overall these data suggest that certain aspects of noun mapping share common processing with action mapping and support a domain‐general account of word learning.
Schwere arzneimittelinduzierte Hautreaktionen: Klinik, Diagnostik, Ätiologie und Therapie
Authors: Paulmann Maren , Mockenhaupt Maja
Published: June 2015

Arzneimittel können schwere Hautreaktionen auslösen, deren Reaktionsformen sich im klinischen Bild, in der Prognose und der Therapie unterscheiden. Neben Stevens‐Johnson‐Syndrom (SJS), toxisch epidermaler Nekrolyse (TEN) und generalisiertem bullösen fixen Arzneiexanthem (GBFDE) zählen auch die beiden nicht primär bullösen Reaktionen akute generalisierte exanthematische Pustulose (AGEP) und „drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms“ (DRESS) zu den schweren arzneimittelinduzierten Hautreaktionen. Im ersten Schritt sollte mittels exakter klinischer Untersuchung, der Entnahme einer Probebiopsie sowie durch spezielle Laboruntersuchungen bei Verdacht auf AGEP oder DRESS eine Sicherung der Diagnose erfolgen. Des Weiteren sind die schnelle Identifizierung sowie das Absetzen des auslösenden Agens entscheidend für die Prognose des Patienten. Hierfür sollte man die häufigsten Auslöser der jeweiligen Reaktionsform kennen, wobei einige Medikamente unterschiedliche Reaktionsformen auslösen können. Je nach Diagnosefindung wird neben der symptomatischen und supportiven Wundversorgung, eine systemisch immunmodulierende Therapie angewendet. In Abhängigkeit von Alter und Grunderkrankungen sowie dem Ausmaß der Hautablösung ist die Prognose bei SJS/TEN oftmals ungünstig. Die Prognose bei GBFDE ist etwas besser, aber schwerer verlaufende Rezidive sind beschrieben. Bei DRESS können langwierige und rezidivierende Verläufe auftreten, während bei der AGEP eine meist problemlose Abheilung vorliegt.
Remote transmission of live endoscopy over the Internet: Report from the 87th Congress of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society
Authors: Shimizu Shuji , Ohtsuka Takao , Takahata Shunichi , Nagai Eishi , Nakashima Naoki , Tanaka Masao
Published: June 2015

Live demonstration of endoscopy is one of the most attractive and useful methods for education and is often organized locally in hospitals. However, problems have been apparent in terms of cost, preparation, and potential risks to patients. Our aim was to evaluate a new approach to live endoscopy whereby remote hospitals are connected by the Internet for live endoscopic demonstrations. Live endoscopy was transmitted to the Congress of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopic Society by 13 domestic and international hospitals. Patients with upper and lower gastrointestinal diseases and with pancreatobiliary disorders were the subjects of a live demonstration. Questionnaires were distributed to the audience and were sent to the demonstrators. Questions concerned the quality of transmitted images and sound, cost, preparations, programs, preference of style, and adverse events. Of the audience, 91.2% (249/273) answered favorably regarding the transmitted image quality and 93.8% (259/276) regarding the sound quality. All demonstrators answered favorably regarding image quality and 93% (13/14) regarding sound quality. Preparations were completed without any outsourcing at 11 sites (79%) and were evaluated as ‘very easy’ or ‘easy’ at all but one site (92.3%). Preparation cost was judged as ‘very cheap’ or ‘cheap’ at 12 sites (86%). Live endoscopy connecting multiple international centers was satisfactory in image and sound quality for both audience and demonstrators, with easy and inexpensive preparation. The remote transmission of live endoscopy from demonstrators’ own hospitals was preferred to the conventional style of locally organized live endoscopy.
Variation in Alnus glutinosa susceptibility to Phytophthora ×alni infection and its geographic pattern in the Czech Republic
Authors: Štochlová P. , Novotná K. , Černý K.
Published: June 2015

Variation in natural susceptibility of the black alder population to Phytophthora ×alni (PA), the oomycete pathogen causing a devastating disease of alder, and its possible relationship to geographic origin, was studied in vitro using branch inoculation tests. Ninety black alder genotypes from different regions of the Czech Republic and two isolates of PA were employed. Host susceptibility varied significantly. After 1 week of infection, the lesion surface areas ranged from 254 to 2051 mm2 and from 19 to 970 mm2 for the two isolates, respectively. The differences were also dependent on the geographical origin and altitude of the sites from which particular host genotypes were taken. These findings have important implications for restoration plantings and for PA resistance breeding programmes, as there is potential to make selections from natural populations.
Flow cytometric measurement of platelet‐associated immunoglobulin in children with newly diagnosed Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Nielsen Ole Haubjerg , Tuckuviene Ruta , Nielsen Kaspar René , Rosthøj Steen
Published: June 2015

Objective

To explore the clinical utility of measuring platelet‐associated immunoglobulin (PAIG) at the time of diagnosis in children with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Methods

PAIG was measured by flow cytometry using fluorescent murine anti‐IgG and anti‐IgM. In a cohort of 88 children with ITP, the assay was performed within 15 days of diagnosis and before any treatment in 68 cases. We reviewed the results and examined the relation of isotype profile and degree of elevation to clinical manifestations and course of disease.

Results

PAIG was elevated in 74%, with raised IgM being more frequent than IgG (63% vs. 44%, P = 0.04) and with isotype profile depending on symptom onset. Platelet counts at presentation were similar in all subgroups, but mucosal bleeding was less frequent in PAIG‐negative patients compared to the positive groups (5.5% vs. 34%, P = 0.03). Duration of thrombocytopenia was similar in negative and positive cases, but during follow‐up, significant bleeding events occurred less frequently in PAIG‐negative patients (0% vs. 14%, P = 0.18).

Conclusion

Approximately one‐quarter of children are PAIG‐negative, and these children have milder bleeding tendency at diagnosis and lower morbidity during follow‐up. Raised PAIG possibly may cause some degree of platelet dysfunction.
Short‐term effect of electrical nerve stimulation on spinal reciprocal inhibition during robot‐assisted passive stepping in humans
Authors: Obata Hiroki , Ogawa Tetsuya , Kitamura Taku , Masugi Yohei , Takahashi Miho , Kawashima Noritaka , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation to the common peroneal nerve (CPN) on the spinal reflex and reciprocal inhibition (RI) during robot‐assisted passive ground stepping (PGS) in healthy subjects. Five interventions were applied for 30 min in healthy subjects: PGS alone; strong CPN stimulation [50% of the maximal tibialis anterior (TA) M‐wave, functional electrical stimulation (FES)] alone; weak CPN stimulation [just above the MT for the TA muscle, therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES)] alone; PGS with FES; and PGS with TES. FES and TES were applied intermittently to the CPN at 25 Hz. The soleus (Sol) H‐reflex and RI, which was assessed by conditioning the Sol H‐reflex with CPN stimulation, were investigated before (baseline), and 5, 15 and 30 min after each intervention. The amplitudes of the Sol H‐reflex were not significantly different after each intervention as compared with the baseline values. The amounts of RI were significantly decreased 5 min after PGS with FES as compared with the baseline values, whereas they were significantly increased 5 and 15 min after PGS with TES. The other interventions did not affect the amount of RI. These results suggest that interventions that combined PGS with CPN stimulation changed the spinal RI in an intensity‐dependent manner.
Local field potentials are local events in the mouse auditory cortex
Authors: Liu Xiuping , Zhou Linran , Ding Fangchao , Wang Yehan , Yan Jun
Published: June 2015

Local field potentials (LFPs) and spikes (SPKs) sampled at the thalamocortical recipient layers represent the inputs from the thalamus and outputs to other layers. Previous studies have shown that SPK‐constructed receptive fields (RFSPK) of cortical neurons are much smaller than LFP‐constructed RFs (RFLFP). The difference in cortical RFLFP and RFSPK is therefore a plausible indication of local networking. The presence of a boarder RFLFP appears due to contamination, to some degree, from remote sites. Our studies of the mouse primary auditory cortex show that the best frequencies and minimum thresholds of RFSPK and RFLFP were similar. We also observed that the RFLFP area was only slightly larger than the RFSPK area, a very different finding from previous reports. The bandwidth of RFLFP was slightly broader than that of RFSPK at all levels. These data do not support the explanation that bioelectrical signals from distant sites impact on cortical LFP through volume conduction. That the cortical LFP represents a local event is further supported by comparisons of RFSPK and RFLFP after cortical inhibition by muscimol and cortical disinhibition by bicuculine. We conclude that the difference between RFSPK (output of cortical neurons) and RFLFP (input of cortical neurons) results from intracortical processing, including cortical lateral inhibition and excitation.
The effect of dexmedetomidine on the firing properties of STN neurons in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Krishna Vibhor , Elias Gavin , Sammartino Francesco , Basha Diellor , King Nicolas K. K. , Fasano Alfonso , Munhoz Renato , Kalia Suneil K. , Hodaie Mojgan , Venkatraghavan Lashmi , Lozano Andres M. , Hutchison William D.
Published: June 2015

Dexmedetomidine (an alpha‐2 adrenergic agonist) sedation is commonly used during subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep‐brain stimulation (DBS). Its effects on the electrophysiological characteristics of human STN neurons are largely unknown. We hypothesised that dexmedetomidine modulates the firing rates and bursting of human STN neurons. We analysed microelectrode recording (MER) data from patients with Parkinson's disease who underwent STN DBS. A ‘Dex bolus’ group (dexmedetomidine bolus prior to MER; 27 cells from seven patients) was compared with a ‘no sedation’ group (29 cells from 11 patients). We also performed within‐patient comparisons with varying dexmedetomidine states. Cells were classified as dorsal half or ventral half based on their relative location in the STN. Neuronal burst and oscillation characteristics were analysed using the Kaneoke–Vitek methodology and local field potential (LFP) oscillatory activity was also investigated. Dexmedetomidine was associated with a slight increase in firing rate (41.1 ± 9.9 vs. 34.5 ± 10.6 Hz, P = 0.02) but a significant decrease in burstiness (number of bursts, P = 0.02; burst index, P < 0.001; percentage of spikes in burst, P = 0.002) of dorsal but not ventral STN neurons. This was not associated with modulation of beta oscillations in the spike‐oscillations analysis(beta peak, P = 0.4; signal‐to‐noise ratio in the beta range for spikes and bursts, P = 0.3 and P = 0.5, respectively) and LFP analysis (Beta power, P = 0.17). As bursting pattern is often used to identify STN and guide electrode placement, we recommend that high‐dose dexmedetomidine should be avoided during DBS surgery.
Refugia and connectivity sustain amphibian metapopulations afflicted by disease
Authors: Heard Geoffrey W. , Thomas Chris D. , Hodgson Jenny A. , Scroggie Michael P. , Ramsey David S. L. , Clemann Nick
Published: June 2015

Metapopulation persistence in fragmented landscapes depends on habitat patches that can support resilient local populations and sufficient connectivity between patches. Yet epidemiological theory for metapopulations has largely overlooked the capacity of particular patches to act as refuges from disease, and has suggested that connectivity can undermine persistence. Here, we show that relatively warm and saline wetlands are environmental refuges from chytridiomycosis for an endangered Australian frog, and act jointly with connectivity to sustain frog metapopulations. We coupled models of microclimate and infection probability to map chytrid prevalence, and demonstrate a strong negative relationship between chytrid prevalence and the persistence of frog populations. Simulations confirm that frog metapopulations are likely to go extinct when they lack environmental refuges from disease and lose connectivity between patches. This study demonstrates that environmental heterogeneity can mediate host–pathogen interactions in fragmented landscapes, and provides evidence that connectivity principally supports host metapopulations afflicted by facultative pathogens.
The Relational Organization of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Authors: Spigel Ben
Published: June 2015

Entrepreneurial ecosystems have emerged as a popular concept to explain the persistence of high–growth entrepreneurship within regions. However, as a theoretical concept ecosystems remain underdeveloped, making it difficult to understand their structure and influence on the entrepreneurship process. The article argues that ecosystems are composed of 10 cultural, social, and material attributes that provide benefits and resources to entrepreneurs and that the relationships between these attributes reproduce the ecosystem. This model is illustrated with case studies of Waterloo, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The cases demonstrate the variety of different configurations that ecosystems can take.
Soft tissue sarcomas in the pharyngeal region of a 5‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare
Authors: Pezzanite L. M. , Devine D. V. , Toll L.
Published: June 2015

This case report describes the identification of multiple soft tissue sarcomas in the pharyngeal region of a 5‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare. Diagnostic work‐up included physical examination, radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopic examination of upper airways and guttural pouch, and post mortem examination with histopathology. Humane euthanasia was indicated due to the chronicity of the condition, prognosis and financial constraints.
The sequenced rat brain transcriptome – its use in identifying networks predisposing alcohol consumption
Authors: Saba Laura M. , Flink Stephen C. , Vanderlinden Lauren A. , Israel Yedy , Tampier Lutske , Colombo Giancarlo , Kiianmaa Kalervo , Bell Richard L. , Printz Morton P. , Flodman Pamela , Koob George , Richardson Heather N. , Lombardo Joseph , Hoffman Paula L. , Tabakoff Boris
Published: June 2015

A quantitative genetic approach, which involves correlation of transcriptional networks with the phenotype in a recombinant inbred (RI) population and in selectively bred lines of rats, and determination of coinciding quantitative trait loci for gene expression and the trait of interest, has been applied in the present study. In this analysis, a novel approach was used that combined DNA‐Seq data, data from brain exon array analysis of HXB/BXH RI rat strains and six pairs of rat lines selectively bred for high and low alcohol preference, and RNA‐Seq data (including rat brain transcriptome reconstruction) to quantify transcript expression levels, generate co‐expression modules and identify biological functions that contribute to the predisposition of consuming varying amounts of alcohol. A gene co‐expression module was identified in the RI rat strains that contained both annotated and unannotated transcripts expressed in the brain, and was associated with alcohol consumption in the RI panel. This module was found to be enriched with differentially expressed genes from the selected lines of rats. The candidate genes within the module and differentially expressed genes between high and low drinking selected lines were associated with glia (microglia and astrocytes) and could be categorized as being related to immune function, energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis, as well as glial–neuronal communication. The results of the present study show that there are multiple combinations of genetic factors that can produce the same phenotypic outcome. Although no single gene accounts for predisposition to a particular level of alcohol consumption in every animal model, coordinated differential expression of subsets of genes in the identified pathways produce similar phenotypic outcomes.

Database

The datasets supporting the results of the present study are available at http://phenogen.ucdenver.edu
Photosynthesis and isoprene emission from trees along an urban–rural gradient in Texas
Authors: Lahr Eleanor C. , Schade Gunnar W. , Crossett Caitlin C. , Watson Matthew R.
Published: June 2015

Isoprene emission is an important mechanism for improving the thermotolerance of plant photosystems as temperatures increase. In this study, we measured photosynthesis and isoprene emission in trees along an urban–rural gradient that serves as a proxy for climate change, to understand daily and seasonal responses to changes in temperature and other environmental variables. Leaf‐level gas exchange and basal isoprene emission of post oak (Quercus stellata) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) were recorded at regular intervals over an entire growing season at urban, suburban, and rural sites in eastern Texas. In addition, the temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration experienced by leaves were experimentally manipulated in spring, early summer, and late summer. We found that trees experienced lower stomatal conductance and photosynthesis and higher isoprene emission, at the urban and suburban sites compared to the rural site. Path analysis indicated a daily positive effect of isoprene emission on photosynthesis, but unexpectedly, higher isoprene emission from urban trees was not associated with improved photosynthesis as temperatures increased during the growing season. Furthermore, urban trees experienced relatively higher isoprene emission at high CO2 concentrations, while isoprene emission was suppressed at the other sites. These results suggest that isoprene emission may be less beneficial in urban, and potentially future, environmental conditions, particularly if higher temperatures override the suppressive effects of high CO2 on isoprene emission. These are important considerations for modeling future biosphere–atmosphere interactions and for understanding tree physiological responses to climate change.
Assessing the latitudinal gradient in herbivory
Authors: Lim Jun Ying , Fine Paul V. A. , Mittelbach Gary G.
Published: June 2015

Plant–herbivore interactions occur in all ecosystems and provide a major avenue for energy flow to higher trophic levels. A long‐standing hypothesis to explain the latitudinal gradient in species diversity proposes that the relatively stable and frost‐free climate of the tropics should lead to more intense biotic interactions in tropical compared with temperate environments, giving rise to a greater diversity of plants and herbivores. Herbivory rates have been compared across latitudes to test this biotic interactions hypothesis, with herbivory typically being measured from observable leaf damage. However, we argue that a measure of percentage leaf damage alone does not straightforwardly reflect the cost of herbivory to the plant, and on its own does not constitute an appropriate test of the biotic interactions hypothesis. For a given amount of herbivory, the impact of herbivory is dependent upon many factors, such as the construction cost of the leaf, the growth and replacement rates and leaf life span. We investigate the latitudinal gradient in herbivory by analysing a large dataset of herbivory rates for 452 tree species and separating the species into those with short and long leaf life spans. We show that annual herbivory rates tend to be greater at lower latitudes for evergreen species (which have long‐lived leaves), but no trend in herbivory rate with latitude was found for species with short leaf life spans. Phylogenetic least squares regression assuming Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck processes also showed a negative effect of latitude on herbivory rate for evergreen trees, but we caution that viewing herbivory as a species trait is problematic. An integrative approach that incorporates leaf life span, as well as the costs of investment in growth and potential costs of losing leaf tissue, is needed to further our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of herbivory.
Experience with central venous access devices (CVADs) in the Canadian hemophilia primary prophylaxis study (CHPS)
Authors: Langley A. R. , Stain A. M. , Chan A. , McLimont M. , Chait S. , Wu J. , Poon M.‐C. , Card R. , Israels S. J. , Laferriere N. , Klaassen R. J. , Rivard G. E. , Cloutier S. , Hawes S. , Feldman B. , Blanchette V.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Haemophilia A treatment with factor VIII concentrates requires frequent venipunctures; a central venous access device (CVAD) may be required to facilitate reliable venous access, especially in young children. While CVADs provide reliable venous access, complications such as infection and thrombosis may occur.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess CVAD use in the Canadian Hemophilia Primary Prophylaxis Study (CHPS), a single‐arm, multi‐centre prospective study whereby factor use is tailored to individual prophylactic need.

Methods

Participants received a tailored, escalating dose, prophylaxis regimen of increasing frequency of FVIII infusions: step‐1: 50 IU kg−1 once weekly; step‐2: 30 IU kg−1 twice weekly; and step‐3: 25 IU kg−1 on alternate days, according to their level of bleeding. CVAD insertion was at the discretion of the local health care team. Details regarding CVAD use during this protocol were analysed.

Results

Fifty six boys were enrolled, 21 required 25 CVADs due to difficult venous access. CVADs were inserted at a median age of 1.3 years (range: 0.6–2.1) and were removed at a median age of 8.7 years (range 6.3–11.8). Six participants experienced non‐life threatening CVAD‐complications, the most frequent being device malfunction requiring CVAD replacement (n = 4). Two boys were shown to have CVAD‐associated thrombosis detected on routine imaging; one required removal due to infusion difficulties and the other was asymptomatic and did not require device removal. No CVAD‐related infections were documented.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the CHPS tailored prophylaxis regimen is associated with a decreased requirement for CVADs and with few device‐related complications.
Could we do better? Behavioural tracking on recommended consumer health websites
Authors: Burkell Jacquelyn , Fortier Alexandre
Published: June 2015

Objective

This study examines behavioural tracking practices on consumer health websites, contrasting tracking on sites recommended by information professionals with tracking on sites returned by Google.

Methods

Two lists of consumer health websites were constructed: sites recommended by information professionals and sites returned by Google searches. Sites were divided into three groups according to source (Recommended‐Only, Google‐Only or both) and type (Government, Not‐for‐Profit or Commercial). Behavioural tracking practices on each website were documented using a protocol that detected cookies, Web beacons and Flash cookies. The presence and the number of trackers that collect personal information were contrasted across source and type of site; a second set of analyses specifically examined Advertising trackers.

Results

Recommended‐Only sites show lower levels of tracking – especially tracking by advertisers – than do Google‐Only sites or sites found through both sources. Government and Not‐for‐Profit sites have fewer trackers, particularly from advertisers, than do Commercial sites.

Conclusions

Recommended sites, especially those from Government or Not‐for‐Profit organisations, present a lower privacy threat than sites returned by Google searches. Nonetheless, most recommended websites include some trackers, and half include at least one Advertising tracker.

Implications

To protect patron privacy, information professionals should examine the tracking practices of the websites they recommend.
Mucinous micropapillary pattern in lung adenocarcinomas: a unique histology with genetic correlates
Authors: Kamata Tsugumasa , Yoshida Akihiko , Shiraishi Kouya , Furuta Koh , Kosuge Tomoo , Watanabe Shun‐ichi , Asamura Hisao , Tsuta Koji
Published: June 2015

Aims

In lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), micropapillary carcinomas (MPCs) are associated with poor prognosis because these tumours exhibit higher metastatic potential. Despite this, there are no studies investigating the differences between mucinous and non‐mucinous MPC.

Methods and results

We evaluated the proportion of micropapillary components in lung ADCs, and compared the differences with respect to the presence or absence of associated mucin. Tumour specimens from 694 patients with consecutively resected primary lung ADC were reviewed, and 37 cases of invasive mucinous ADCs were excluded. A significant (≥5%) micropapillary component was noted in 320 (48.7%) of 657 evaluable cases. When the cases with micropapillary component were divided into 67 (20.9%) mucinous and 253 (79.1%) non‐mucinous subtypes, tumours with mucinous micropapillary component exhibited significantly more aggressive pathological features, a higher proportion of HER2 mutations (P = 0.002) and ALK rearrangements (P < 0.001), and a lower proportion of EGFR mutations (P = 0.038) compared to those with a non‐mucinous micropapillary component. In survival analyses, mucinous MPC tended to be more aggressive compared with non‐mucinous MPC, but its prognostic value was not statistically significant (P = 0.076).

Conclusions

Mucinous micropapillary pattern is an under‐recognized unique growth associated significantly with HER2 mutation and ALK rearrangement.
Mutational analysis of MED12 exon 2 in a spectrum of fibroepithelial tumours of the breast: implications for pathogenesis and histogenesis
Authors: Lien Huang‐Chun , Huang Chiun‐Sheng , Yang Ya‐Wen , Jeng Yung‐Ming
Published: June 2015

Aims

Fibroadenomas (FAs) and phyllodes tumours (PTs) are fibroepithelial tumours. Mutations in MED12 exon 2 have been reported in FAs. This study investigated the MED12 mutations in a spectrum of fibroepithelial tumours.

Methods and results

Using direct sequencing, we analysed MED12 exon 2 mutations on 121 samples, including PTs and FAs and variants. We found MED12 mutations in 71.4% of PTs. No significant difference in the mutation frequency was observed between benign, borderline and malignant PTs, and a general lack of correlation existed between mutations and pathological factors associated with PT grading. The mutation patterns were similar between PTs and FAs, with codon 44 being involved most frequently. MED12 mutations were identified in 47.1, 52.6 and 50.0% of complex FAs, juvenile FAs and tubular adenomas (TAs), respectively, and the frequency and mutation patterns were similar between these FA variants and usual FAs.

Conclusions

The high frequency and similar patterns of MED12 mutations in FAs and various grades of PTs implies that the MED12 mutation is a common and early pathological event in these fibroepithelial tumours. The similar frequency and patterns of the MED12 mutation between FAs and variants suggests that FA variants are bona fide FAs, with identical pathogenesis involving MED12 mutations.
Polymorphisms in adiponectin receptor genes are associated with lipodystrophy‐related phenotypes in HIV‐infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Castilhos JK , Sprinz E , Lazzaretti RK , Kuhmmer R , Mattevi VS
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Adiponectin is a circulating peptide secreted by mature adipocytes that may act as a regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic variability in the adiponectin receptor genes ADIPOR1 (adiponectin receptor 1) and ADIPOR2 and lipodystrophy and its related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes in HIV‐infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods

We studied six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin receptor genes ADIPOR1 (rs1342387 and rs10920533) and ADIPOR2 (rs11061925, rs10773983, rs929434 and rs767870) and their association with adiponectin plasma levels, lipodystrophy subtypes and other parameters linked to glucose and lipid metabolism involved in the lipodystrophic syndrome. The genotypes of 407 HIV‐infected patients receiving HAART were investigated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Mean biochemical and anthropometrical parameters were compared between the different genotypes using analysis of variance.

Results

Two ADIPOR2 SNPs (rs11061925 and rs929434) were associated with fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations in the entire sample. Stronger significant associations were found between these SNPs and biochemical parameters (levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, adiponectin and glucose) in men. We did not find any significant associations with ADIPOR1 gene variants.

Conclusions

SNPs in the ADIPOR2 gene appear to be involved in the metabolic alterations in HIV‐infected men receiving HAART.
The clinical application of plasma Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus viral load as a tumour biomarker: results from 704 patients
Authors: Haq I‐U , Dalla Pria A , Papanastasopoulos P , Stegmann K , Bradshaw D , Nelson M , Bower M
Published: June 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of plasma Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in people living with HIV (PLWH) and diagnosed with KSHV‐associated diseases.

Methods

Using quantitative nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the open reading frame‐26 gene of KSHV, plasma levels of KSHV were measured in consecutive PLWH with KSHV‐associated diseases or as part of the investigation of lymphadenopathy.

Results

Plasma KSHV assays were performed on samples from 684 PLWH and 20 HIV‐seronegative people with KSHV‐associated malignancies. In PLWH, plasma KSHV was detected in 39% of those with KS, 99% of those with multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), 9% of those with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 2% of those with non‐AIDS‐defining malignancies and 0% of those with nonmalignant lymphadenopathy. There was no significant difference in plasma KSHV viral load among those with KS, MCD and KSHV‐associated NHL. The 5‐year overall survival rate from KS diagnosis of 335 PLWH was 95.2% (95% confidence interval 92.6–97.8%). Plasma KSHV viraemia did not predict overall survival in those with KS (P = 0.73), nor when those with T0 stage KS (P = 0.52) or T1 stage KS (P = 0.62) were analysed separately.

Conclusions

Measuring the plasma levels of KSHV as a biomarker in KSHV‐associated disease has a very limited value in either diagnosis or prognostication. The only potential role of clinical value is the suggestion that an undetectable plasma KSHV excludes a diagnosis of MCD in PLWH.
EDTA conditioning of dentine promotes adhesion, migration and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Galler K. M. , Widbiller M. , Buchalla W. , Eidt A. , Hiller K. ‐A. , Hoffer P. C. , Schmalz G.
Published: June 2015

Aim

To evaluate the effect of dentine conditioning on migration, adhesion and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.

Methodology

Dentine discs prepared from extracted human molars were pre‐treated with EDTA (10%), NaOCl (5.25%) or H2O. Migration of dental pulp stem cells towards pre‐treated dentine after 24 and 48 h was assessed in a modified Boyden chamber assay. Cell adhesion was evaluated indirectly by measuring cell viability. Expression of mineralization‐associated genes (COL1A1, ALP, BSP, DSPP, RUNX2) in cells cultured on pre‐treated dentine for 7 days was determined by RT‐qPCR. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed for cell migration and cell viability data to compare different groups and time‐points (Mann–Whitney U‐test, α = 0.05).

Results

Treatment of dentine with H2O or EDTA allowed for cell attachment, which was prohibited by NaOCl with statistical significance (P = 0.000). Furthermore, EDTA conditioning induced cell migration towards dentine. The expression of mineralization‐associated genes was increased in dental pulp cells cultured on dentine after EDTA conditioning compared to H2O‐pre‐treated dentine discs.

Conclusions

EDTA conditioning of dentine promoted the adhesion, migration and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells towards or onto dentine. A pre‐treatment with EDTA as the final step of an irrigation protocol for regenerative endodontic procedures has the potential to act favourably on new tissue formation within the root canal.
miR‐7 modulates chemoresistance of small cell lung cancer by repressing MRP1/ABCC1
Authors: Liu Huanxin , Wu Xiaoxia , Huang Jie , Peng Juan , Guo Linlang
Published: June 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non‐coding RNAs and have been shown to play important roles in various biological processes including cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis by regulating the target genes. miR‐7 has been described not only as a tumour suppressor gene but also as an oncogene in human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional roles of miR‐7 in chemoresistance of SCLC and its underlying mechanism. By using a bioinformatic assay, we found that MRP1/ABCC1 was a potential target gene of miR‐7. Expression of miR‐7 and MRP1/ABCC1 was examined in 44 SCLC samples by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry methods. Low‐level expression of miR‐7 was associated significantly with drug responsiveness and overall survival rate of patients with SCLC, but not with gender, age and stage. There was an inverse relationship between miR‐7 and MRP1/ABCC1 expression. Downregulation of MRP1/ABCC1 level was revealed after transfection with a miR‐7 mimic in H69 AR cells. Transfection of a miR‐7 inhibitor into H69 cells restored MRP1/ABCC1 expression. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‐7 targeted predicted sites in the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the MRP1/ABCC1 gene. Our data suggested that miR‐7 mediated SCLC chemoresistance by repressing MRP1/ABCC1 and may be a prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target in human SCLC.
Beta‐blocker, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, nitrate‐hydralazine, diuretics, aldosterone antagonist, ivabradine, devices and digoxin (BANDAID2): an evidence‐based mnemonic for the treatment of systolic heart failure
Authors: Chia N. , Fulcher J. , Keech A.
Published: June 2015

Heart failure causes significant morbidity and mortality, with recognised underutilisation rates of guideline‐based therapies. Our aim was to review current evidence for heart failure treatments and derive a mnemonic summarising best practice, which might assist physicians in patient care. Treatments were identified for review from multinational society guidelines and recent randomised trials, with a primary aim of examining their effects in systolic heart failure patients on mortality, hospitalisation rates and symptoms. Secondary aims were to consider other clinical benefits. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched using a structured keyword strategy and the retrieved articles were evaluated methodically to produce an optimised reference list for each treatment. We devised the mnemonic BANDAID
2, standing for beta‐blocker, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, nitrate‐hydralazine (or potentially neprilysin inhibitor), diuretics, aldosterone antagonist, ivabradine, devices (automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cardiac resynchronisation therapy or both) and digoxin as a representation of treatments with strong evidence for their use in systolic heart failure. Treatment with omega‐3 fatty acids, statins or anti‐thrombotic therapies has limited benefits in a general heart failure population. Adoption of this mnemonic for current evidence‐based treatments for heart failure may help improve prescribing rates and patient outcomes in this debilitating, high mortality condition.
The Origins of the Common Market: Political Economy vs. Hagiography
Authors: Karagiannis Yannis
Published: June 2015

Following a historiographical tradition which emphasizes the individual agency of specific individuals, a recent article claims that Jean Monnet's ‘path‐breaking’ ideas and actions were a necessary condition for the Schuman declaration of 1950. I show that, like other deterministic claims about necessary conditions, this is at odds with current political science theory, and is also based on methodologically dubious inferences. Using less biased sources I develop an alternative explanation for the Schuman declaration, which emphasizes broad societal preferences, institutional constraints and international interactions. I find that Monnet did play his cards well, but also that there is no reason to believe that his ideas were original, or that any other competent French planning commissioner would not have acted similarly. I discuss the implications for academic debates between historians and political scientists, for policy‐makers who seek to learn from the European experience and for the construction of a new euro‐mythology.
The combined effect of soil‐applied azadirachtin with entomopathogens for integrated management of western flower thrips
Authors: Otieno J. A. , Pallmann P. , Poehling H.‐M.
Published: June 2015

Performance of soil application of azadirachtin products with entomopathogens was evaluated as single treatments, in multiple combinations and in different concentrations against the soil stages of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), in French beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. Treatments consisted of NeemAzal‐T solution, neem pellets, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) Nemastar®, isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (IPP 2539 and ICIPE‐69) and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) – Naturalis®. All treatments were analysed for the number of emerging adults, while emerged adults in fungi‐based treatments were analysed additionally for the retarded development of mycosis as a possible cause of secondary mortality. Possible interactive effects in combined treatments were analysed using a generalized linear model (GLM) approach, and three levels of dose–response combinations of the selected treatments were further tested. Bioassay results of the single treatments indicated between 43% and 60% reduction in adult emergence with NeemAzal‐T solution thus proving to be the most efficient. However, most cadavers with entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) treatments showed the development of mycosis. Therefore, the reduction in adult emergence attributed to the EPF was altogether >87%. Combined treatments with Steinernema, Metarhizium (ICIPE‐69), NeemAzal‐T and neem pellets resulted in total reduction in adult emergence of 95–97% when late mortality by mycosis was considered. Of the treatment combinations, two showed synergistic, four additive and one an antagonistic response. Combining low concentration of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) (100 IJ/cm2) with NeemAzal‐T resulted in satisfactory control compared to the operational dose of EPN, while the highest concentration of M. anisopliae (108 conidia) combined with Steinernema showed the best performance with 74% reduction in adult emergence.