bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To brand or not to brand a product placement? Evidence from a field study of two influence mechanisms of positive portrayals of alcohol in film
Authors: Redondo Ignacio , Russell Cristel A. , Bernal Jorge
Published: February 2018

Introduction and Aims

We propose that branded and non‐branded product placements in movies are interpreted differently and that a movie with unbranded alcohol portrayals influences audiences’ alcohol‐related beliefs and choices indirectly, through the process of narrative transportation, whereas a movie with branded alcohol placements impacts audiences’ alcohol beliefs and choices via a more basic social‐cognitive process of influence.

Design and Methods

Ordinary moviegoers (N = 758) attended a showing of The Snows of Kilimanjaro (2011) in a popular theatre in Tacna, Peru. Subjects were randomly assigned to watch the original movie, with branded alcohol portrayals, or a brand‐free, control version. Reactions to the movie and alcohol‐related beliefs were collected in a survey immediately after the film exposure and real beverage choices were measured.

Results

The findings reveal that exposure to unbranded positive portrayals of alcohol produces story‐consistent beliefs and alcohol choices through the process of narrative transportation and that exposure to branded positive alcohol portrayals produces direct effects in terms of alcohol expectancies and brand choice, despite lowering narrative transportation. Although viewers disengage more from the characters, and experience lesser enjoyment and perceived realism when exposed to actual brands in a movie, they still hold positive alcohol expectancies and are more likely to select the placed brand, a process consistent with social cognitive theory.

Discussion and Conclusions

The findings suggest caution about the recommended policy of removing branding from alcohol placements, such as in the case with plain packaging in tobacco, and instead call for effective policies to constrain alcohol product placement, as was done with tobacco placements.
Muscle tone assessments for children aged 0 to 12 years: a systematic review
Authors: Goo Miran , Tucker Kylie , Johnston Leanne M
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify and examine the psychometric properties of muscle tone assessments for children aged 0 to 12 years.

Method

Four electronic databases were searched to identify studies that included assessments of resting and/or active muscle tone. Methodological quality and overall psychometric evidence of studies were rated using the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist.

Results

Twenty‐one assessments were identified from 97 included studies. All assessments were broad developmental assessments that included muscle tone items or subscales. Most assessments (16/21) were designed for young children (<2y). Four assessments measured resting and active tone and demonstrated at least moderate validity or reliability: the Amiel‐Tison Neurological Assessment (ATNA) at term, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), Premie‐Neuro for newborn infants, and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) for infants aged 2 months to 2 years. For children over 2 years, the Neurological Sensory Motor Developmental Assessment (NSMDA) assesses resting and active tone but has limited validity.

Interpretation

The ATNA at term, NNNS, Premie‐Neuro, HINE, and NSMDA can assess resting and active tone in infants and/or children. Further psychometric research is required to extend reliability, validity, and responsiveness data, particularly for older children.

What this paper adds

This is the first review of muscle tone assessments for children aged 0 to 12 years.

Twenty‐one assessments contain muscle tone items and 16 are for children under 2 years.

Four assessments are reliable or valid to measure both resting and active tone.
Intermittent fasting in Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the risk of hypoglycaemia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Corley B. T. , Carroll R. W. , Hall R. M. , Weatherall M. , Parry‐Strong A. , Krebs J. D.
Published: February 2018

Aims

To establish whether the risk of hypoglycaemia is greater with 2 consecutive days of very‐low‐calorie diet compared with 2 non‐consecutive days of very‐low‐calorie diet in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This was a non‐blinded randomized parallel group interventional trial of intermittent fasting in adults. The participants had a BMI of 30–45 kg/m2, Type 2 diabetes treated with metformin and/or hypoglycaemic medications and an HbA1c concentration of 50–86 mmol/mol (6.7–10%). The participants followed a 2092–2510‐kJ diet on 2 days per week for 12 weeks. A total of 41 participants were randomized 1:1 to consecutive (n=19) or non‐consecutive (n=22) day fasts, of whom 37 (n=18 and n=19, respectively) were included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was difference in the rate of hypoglycaemia between the two study arms. Secondary outcomes included change in diet, quality of life, weight, lipid, glucose and HbA1c levels, and liver function.

Results

The mean hypoglycaemia rate was 1.4 events over 12 weeks. Fasting increased the rate of hypoglycaemia despite medication reduction (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.52). There was no difference between fasting on consecutive days and fasting on non‐consecutive days (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.35 to 6.11). Improvements in weight, HbA1c, fasting glucose and quality of life were experienced by participants in both arms.

Conclusions

In individuals with Type 2 diabetes on hypoglycaemic medications, fasting of any type increased the rate of hypoglycaemia. With education and medication reduction, fewer than expected hypoglycaemic events occurred. Although it was not possible to determine whether fasting on consecutive days increased the risk of hypoglycaemia, an acceptable rate was observed in both arms.
Diabetic retinopathy in a remote Indigenous primary healthcare population: a Central Australian diabetic retinopathy screening study in the Telehealth Eye and Associated Medical Services Network project
Authors: Brazionis L. , Jenkins A. , Keech A. , Ryan C. , Brown A. , Boffa J. , Bursell S. ,   the CRE in Diabetic Retinopathy and the TEAMSnet Study Group
Published: February 2018

Aim

To determine diabetic retinopathy prevalence and severity among remote Indigenous Australians.

Methods

A cross‐sectional diabetic retinopathy screening study of Indigenous adults with Type 2 diabetes was conducted by locally trained non‐ophthalmic retinal imagers in a remote Aboriginal community‐controlled primary healthcare clinic in Central Australia and certified non‐ophthalmic graders in a retinal grading centre in Melbourne, Australia. The main outcome measure was prevalence of any diabetic retinopathy and sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy.

Results

Among 301 participants (33% male), gradable image rates were 78.7% (n = 237) for diabetic retinopathy and 83.1% (n = 250) for diabetic macular oedema, and 77.7% (n = 234) were gradable for both diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. For the gradable subset, the median (range) age was 48 (19–86) years and known diabetes duration 9.0 (0–24) years. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 47% (n = 110) and for diabetic macular oedema it was 14.4% (n = 36). In the fully gradable imaging studies, sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy prevalence was 16.2% (n = 38): 14.1% (n = 33) for clinically significant macular oedema, 1.3% (n = 3) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 0.9% (n = 2) for both. Sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy had been treated in 78% of detected cases.

Conclusions

A novel telemedicine diabetic retinopathy screening service detected a higher prevalence of ‘any’ diabetic retinopathy and sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy in a remote primary care setting than reported in earlier surveys among Indigenous and non‐Indigenous populations. Whether the observed high prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was attributable to greater detection, increasing diabetic retinopathy prevalence, local factors, or a combination of these requires further investigation and, potentially, specific primary care guidelines for diabetic retinopathy management in remote Australia.

Clinical Trials registration number: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN 12616000370404.
Effect of race on the glycaemic response to sitagliptin: Insights from the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS)
Authors: Davis Timothy M. E. , Mulder Hillary , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Aschner Pablo , Chuang Lee‐Ming , Raffo Grado Carlos A. , Standl Eberhard , Peterson Eric D. , Holman Rury R. ,   for the TECOS Study Group
Published: February 2018

Aim

Pooled efficacy studies suggest that glycaemic responses to dipeptidyl‐peptidase 4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes are greatest in Asians, who may also respond better to alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors. We assessed the glycaemic impact of sitagliptin by race in the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS), and whether this was enhanced in Asians with concomitant acarbose therapy.

Materials and methods

TECOS enrolled 14 671 patients with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and HbA1c of 48–64 mmol/mol (6.5%‐8.0%), and randomized them, double‐blind, to sitagliptin or placebo. There were 3265 patients (22.3%) from Asian countries. Background glucose‐lowering therapies were unaltered for the first 4 months post randomization unless clinically essential, facilitating comparison of sitagliptin‐associated effects in self‐identified East Asian, Other (South) Asian, White Caucasian, Hispanic, Black and Indigenous groups.

Results

Median baseline HbA1c by race was 54 to 57 mmol/mol (7.1%‐7.4%). Mean 4‐month reduction in placebo‐adjusted HbA1c was greatest in East Asians (−6.6 mmol/mol [−0.60%] vs ≤6.0 mmol/mol [≤0.55%] in other groups), with significantly greater reduction vs the 2 largest groups (White Caucasians, Other Asians; P < .0001) after adjustment for covariates. After the first 4 months, East and Other Asians were more likely to initiate additional oral therapy (metformin and/or sulfonylureas) than insulin vs White Caucasians (P < .0001). Acarbose use increased in the Asian patients, but no glycaemic interaction with allocated study medication was observed (adjusted P = .12).

Conclusions

The greatest initial reduction in HbA1c with sitagliptin in the TECOS population was in East Asians. No enhanced glycaemic effect was seen when sitagliptin was given with acarbose.
Influence of mouthguards and their palatal design on the stress‐state of tooth‐periodontal ligament‐bone complex under static loading
Authors: Otani Tomohiro , Kobayashi Masakazu , Nozaki Kazunori , Gonda Tomoya , Maeda Yoshinobu , Tanaka Masao
Published: February 2018

Background/Aim

The mouthguard (MG) is an effective device to reduce the risk of dental traumatic injuries, but the mechanical effects of wearing a MG and its design are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical influence of wearing a MG and its palatal design on the tooth‐periodontal ligament‐bone complex (TPBC) by computational analysis using the finite element method.

Material and Methods

Three‐dimensional subject‐specific geometry of the TPBC was reconstructed from medical computed tomography (CT) images. Two patterns of MG geometries were constructed which covered the palatal domain or not (the position of these palatal margins was set at −8 mm (pattern 1) and 4 mm (pattern 2) from the cervical line. Five cases of static mechanical analysis were conducted by changing the location of the loading points from near the cervical line to the tip of the tooth.

Results

Wearing a MG decreased strain concentration around the loading point and cervical domain regardless of the MG palatal design. Elastic energy in the periodontal ligament (PDL) and tooth (including enamel and dentin) decreased when the MG was worn, whereas the MG palatal design slightly affected the degree of reduction in the elastic energies. The location of the loading points remarkably affected the elastic energy in the TPBC components and the extent of its reduction due to the MG.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that the protection ability of the MG exerted in the restricted situations of traumatic events occurs regardless of the MG design.
Philosophy and “the method of fictions”: Maimon's proposal and its critics
Authors: Breazeale Daniel
Published: February 2018

Salomon Maimon argued forcefully for the indispensability of what he called “the method of fictions” in mathematics and physics, but also in philosophy. This last claim provoked critical responses from G. E. Brastberger, G. E. Schultze, and K. L. Reinhold. This paper offers a brief exposition of Maimon's “method of fictions” and an analysis of his response to critics of his claims concerning the employment of this method within philosophy.
UVB‐ andNGF‐induced cutaneous sensitization in humans selectively augments cowhage‐ and histamine‐induced pain and evokes mechanical hyperknesis
Authors: Andersen Hjalte H. , Lo Vecchio Silvia , Elberling Jesper , Yosipovitch Gil , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars
Published: February 2018

Exaggerated itch responses to pruritic chemical provocations and mechanical stimuli are evident in patients with chronic itch, for example, in atopic dermatitis. Currently used human models of itch do not account for such itch sensitization features, and the mechanisms underlying clinical itch sensitization are unknown. This study utilized two established human models of cutaneous nociceptive sensitization to explore how pre‐established inflammatory hyperalgesia (ultraviolet‐B‐irradiation; “UVB”) and non‐inflammatory neurotrophic pain sensitization (nerve growth factor; “NGF”) alter sensitivity to chemical and mechanically evoked itch. Twenty healthy volunteers participated in theUVBexperiment. Six volar forearm areas (2 cm diameter) wereUVBirradiated with ≤2 × minimal erythemal dose, and two non‐irradiated areas were used as controls. Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in theNGFexperiment and had 2 μg intradermally injected (4 × 50 μL in 2 cm diameter areas) into both volar forearms. Isotonic saline was applied as control. Pain sensitivity measurements (mechanical and heat pain thresholds) were conducted to validate the models. Subsequently, itch was evoked using histamine and cowhage spicules in the sensitized skin areas, and itch/pain was rated using visual analogue scales. Mechanical hyperknesis (increased itch to punctuate stimuli) was probed with von Frey filaments before/after each itch provocation. BothUVB‐ andNGFmodels induced robust primary mechanical hyperalgesia (P < .01) and hyperknesis (P < .05). Neither of the models augmented itch in response to chemical itch provocations but significant increases specifically for pain ratings were observed for both histamine and cowhage (P < .05). This suggests that these models are of limited value as proxies for itch sensitization to pruritogens observed, e.g., in inflammatory dermatoses.
The keratin 16 null phenotype is modestly impacted by genetic strain background in mice
Authors: Zieman Abigail , Coulombe Pierre A.
Published: February 2018

The type I intermediate filament keratin 16 (K16) is constitutively expressed in ectoderm‐derived appendages and is inducibly expressed in the epidermis upon barrier‐compromising challenges. Dominantly acting missense alleles in KRT16 are causative for pachyonychia congenita (PC), a genodermatosis involving debilitating palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK), nail dystrophy, oral lesions and, frequently, alterations in glands and hair. C57Bl/6;Krt16‐/‐ mice develop oral lesions early after birth and PC‐like PPK lesions as young adults. These PPK lesions have a marked dysregulation of skin barrier‐related genes and innate immunity effectors (eg danger‐associated molecular patterns) and are preceded by oxidative stress secondary to hypoactive Nrf2 signalling. These molecular features are present in PPK lesions of PC patients. Here, we report that all components of the C57Bl/6;Krt16‐/‐ mouse phenotype occur as well in the FVB strain background, albeit less severely so, a significant observation in the light of variations in the clinical presentation of individuals harbouring disease‐causing mutations in the KRT16 gene.
Nutrient sensing, growth and senescence
Authors: Carroll Bernadette , Korolchuk Viktor I.
Published: February 2018

Cell growth is dictated by a wide range of mitogenic signals, the amplitude and relative contribution of which vary throughout development, differentiation and in a tissue‐specific manner. The ability to sense and appropriately respond to changes in mitogens is fundamental to control cell growth, and reduced responsiveness of nutrient sensing pathways is widely associated with human disease and ageing. Cellular senescence is an important tumour suppressor mechanism that is characterised by an irreversible exit from the cell cycle in response to replicative exhaustion or excessive DNA damage. Despite the fact that senescent cells can no longer divide, they remain metabolically active and display a range of pro‐growth phenotypes that are supported in part by the mTORC1‐autophagy signalling axis. As our understanding of the basic mechanisms of controlling mTORC1‐autophagy activity and cell growth continues to expand, we are able to explore how changes in nutrient sensing contribute to the acquisition and maintenance of cellular senescence. Furthermore, while the protective effect of senescence to limit cellular transformation is clear, more recently, the age‐related accumulation of these pro‐inflammatory senescent cells has been shown to contribute to a decline in organismal fitness. We will further discuss whether dysregulation of nutrient sensing pathways can be targeted to promote senescent cell death which would have important implications for healthy ageing.
Effect of a clockwise‐locked deletion in FliG on the FliG ring structure of the bacterial flagellar motor
Authors: Kinoshita Miki , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru
Published: February 2018

FliG is a rotor protein of the bacterial flagellar motor. FliG consists of FliGN, FliGM and FliGC domains. Intermolecular FliGM–FliGC interactions promote FliG ring formation on the cytoplasmic face of the MS ring. A conformational change in HelixMC connecting FliGM and FliGC is responsible for the switching between the counterclockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) rotational states of the FliG ring. However, it remains unknown how it occurs. Here, we carried out in vivo disulfide cross‐linking experiments to see the effect of a CW‐locked deletion (∆PAA) in FliG on the FliG ring structure in Salmonella enterica. Higher‐order oligomers were observed in the membrane fraction of the fliG(∆PAA + G166C/G194C) strain upon oxidation with iodine in a way similar to FliG(G166C/G194C), indicating that the PAA deletion does not inhibit domain‐swap polymerization of FliG. FliG(∆PAA + E174C) formed a cross‐linked homodimer whereas FliG(E174C) did not, indicating that Glu174 in HelixMC of one FliG protomer is located much closer to that of its neighboring subunit in the CW motor than in the CCW motor. We will discuss possible helical rearrangements of HelixMC that induce a structural remodeling of the FliG ring upon flagellar motor switching.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of genotypic methods for detecting antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Wang You‐hua , Li Zhen , Wang Le , Zhu‐ge Li‐ya , Zhao Ru‐lin , Wu Shuang , Wang Ya , An Ying , Xie Yong
Published: February 2018

Background

Antibiotic susceptibility testing is essential for tailored treatments to cure Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, phenotypic methods have some limitations.

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of genotypic detection methods compared with phenotypic detection methods using samples taken from H. pylori‐infected patients.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in the following databases (from January 2000 to November 2016): PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. A meta‐analysis and systematic review was performed for studies that compared genotypic methods with phenotypic methods for the detection of H. pylori antibiotic susceptibility.

Results

This meta‐analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for the A2142G/C and/or A2143G combination for the detection of clarithromycin resistance in the strain samples were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94‐0.99), 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99‐1.00), and 13 742 (95% CI: 1708‐110 554), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR for the A2142G/C and/or A2143G combination for the detection of clarithromycin resistance in biopsy samples were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.90‐0.99), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91‐0.99), and 722 (95% CI: 117‐4443), respectively. The summarized sensitivity, specificity, and DOR value for the ability of the genotypic methods to detect quinolone resistance in biopsy specimens were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.87‐0.99), 0.99 (95% CI: 0.92‐1.00), and 6042 (95% CI: 486‐75 143), respectively.

Conclusion

The genotypic detection methods were reliable for the diagnosis of clarithromycin and quinolone resistance in the strain and biopsy specimens. The A2142G/C and/or A2143G combination had the best sensitivity and specificity for the detection of clarithromycin resistance.
TESTING THE THEORY OF MULTITASKING: EVIDENCE FROM A NATURAL FIELD EXPERIMENT IN CHINESE FACTORIES
Authors: Hong Fuhai , Hossain Tanjim , List John A. , Tanaka Migiwa
Published: February 2018

Using a natural field experiment, we quantify the impact of one‐dimensional performance‐based incentives on incentivized (quantity) and nonincentivized (quality) dimensions of output for factory workers with a flat‐rate or a piece‐rate base salary. In particular, we observe output quality by hiring quality inspectors unbeknownst to the workers. We find that workers trade off quality for quantity, but the effect is statistically significant only for workers under a flat‐rate base salary. This variation in treatment effects is consistent with a simple theoretical model that predicts that when agents are already incented at the margin, the quantity–quality trade‐off resulting from performance pay is less prominent.
Mind your Language
Authors: Chawla Dalmeet Singh
Published: February 2018

Attempts to explain the findings of observational studies might lead readers to confuse correlation with causation. Dalmeet Singh Chawla reports
Five Ways Data is Transforming Music
Authors: Langkjær-Bain Robert
Published: February 2018

Digital technology turned the music industry on its head. But the revolution is not yet over. Robert Langkjær-Bain explains how data is changing the way music is created, shared, heard and understood
Graphical Interpretations of Data Truth and Persuasion
Authors: Reese R. Allan
Published: February 2018

Charts and graphs should be presented simply and neatly, says R. Allan Reese. But accuracy must not be sacrificed for the sake of design
Comparison of fungal fluorescent staining and ITS rDNA PCR‐based sequencing with conventional methods for the diagnosis of onychomycosis
Authors: Bao F. , Fan Y. , Sun L. , Yu Y. , Wang Z. , Pan Q. , Yu C. , Liu H. , Zhang F.
Published: February 2018

Background

The current gold standard for diagnosing onychomycosis is direct microscopic examination and culturing. Fungal culture is a time‐consuming procedure, while direct microscopy of potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounts suffers from low sensitivity. More rapid and sensitive methods for the diagnosis of onychomycosis are in high demand.

Objective

To establish an effective method for the diagnosis of onychomycosis by assessing the efficacies of fungal fluorescent staining and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based sequencing.

Methods

A total of 204 clinical specimens from patients with suspected onychomycosis were analysed. The gold standard for a true positive sample was positive by KOH, culturing or both methods. All specimens were also tested by fungal fluorescent staining and ITS rDNA PCR‐based sequencing. We compared the detection, sensitivity and specificity for these two methods with conventional methods.

Results

In total, 126 (62%) and 102 (50%) were detected by fluorescent staining and PCR‐based sequencing, respectively. According to the conventional diagnostic standard, the sensitivity of fluorescent staining and PCR‐based sequencing was 97% and 78%, respectively, and specificities of 89% and 90%, respectively. Use of fluorescence enhanced the sensitivity of direct examination by 12% compared with KOH. PCR‐based sequencing increased the sensitivity by 6% compared with culturing.

Conclusions

Fluorescence microscopy has a higher sensitivity for the detection of fungi in nail specimens compared with KOH and can be used as a rapid screening tool. PCR‐based sequencing was faster and more sensitive compared with culture and when used in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy resulted in higher efficiency.
Role of hemostatic powders in the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding: A review
Authors: Mourad Fadi H , Leong Rupert W
Published: February 2018

Despite the recent advances in endoscopic hemostatic techniques, the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding could be sometimes challenging. Hemostatic powders such as Hemospray, EndoClot, and Ankaferd Blood Stopper have found their way into digestive endoscopy and are licenced in many countries especially for use in upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We reviewed the literature on the use of these hemostatic powders in different situations in lower gastrointestinal bleeding and looked at the success rate and rebleeding rate. Most of the data are derived from case reports, retrospective and prospective case series with absence of any randomized controlled trials. Hemostatic powders were used as primary or salvage therapy to control bleeding from polypectomy site, colonic tumors, diverticula, arteriovenous malformations, radiation proctitis, ischemic colitis, and surgical intestinal anastomosis. The rate of immediate control of bleeding is in the range of 88–100% with a recurrence rate of 3–13% except for radiation proctitis bleeding where rebleeding rate can be as high as 77%. Although there are many advantages for the use of local hemostatic agents in lower gastrointestinal bleeding, future randomized controlled trials comparing them with conventional methods are needed.
Women and kidney disease: Reflections on world kidney day 2018
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina B. , Alrukhaimi Mona , Liu Zhi‐Hong , Zakharova Elena , Levin Adeera ,   On behalf of the World Kidney Day Steering Committee
Published: February 2018

Background

Chronic Kidney Disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care and participation in clinical studies.

The issues

Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to impact women with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the foetus. Low birth weight children have increased risk of metabolic diseases, CVD and CKD. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. There is little data to guide best practice and limited research in the area.

Conclusions

In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.
Hypothesizing the origin, migration routes, and distribution patterns of Ophiopogon (Asparagaceae) in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Wang Guang‐Yan , Yang Yong‐Ping
Published: February 2018

Ophiopogon Ker‐Gawl. (Ophiopogoneae, Asparagaceae) is a genus containing approximately 65 species distributed in East and Southeast Asia. The biogeographical history within the area is still poorly known. Divergence time estimation was used to infer the biogeographic history of Ophiopogon based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer data from 33 Ophiopogon species, three Liriope Lour. species, and six Peliosanthes Andrews species. The ancestral area and dispersal routes of Ophiopogon were inferred using the Bayesian binary method. Ophiopogon motouensis S. C. Chen was a transitional taxon. Ophiopogon was estimated to have originated in Southwest China during the middle Miocene (11.74 Ma). Five migrations were hypothesized to explain the expansion of Ophiopogon from Southwest China to East China, South Central China, South China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. The separation of Ophiopogon into East China and South Central China may be consistent with a broad east–west arid zone in continental Asia during the Paleogene. A migration from Southwest China to Taiwan was inferred in the Pliocene, when the ancestor of O. intermedius D. Don may have moved from Southwest China through the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau by the Nanling Corridor and Fujian–Taiwan Bridge into Taiwan. There was a dispersal route in the Pliocene (at 3.79 Ma) from Southwest China to South China, either along the Taiwan route (from Southwest China through the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau along the Nanling Corridor to Guangxi), or related to the E'mei Mountain orogeny. There was another dispersal event in the early Pleistocene at 2.00 Ma from Southwest China to Southeast Asia, possibly associated with the last uplift of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.
Principal Components Analysis of Periodically Correlated Functional Time Series
Authors: Kidziński Łukasz , Kokoszka Piotr , Jouzdani Neda Mohammadi
Published: February 2018

Within the framework of functional data analysis, we develop principal component analysis for periodically correlated time series of functions. We define the components of the above analysis including periodic operator‐valued filters, score processes, and the inversion formulas. We show that these objects are defined via a convergent series under a simple condition requiring summability of the Hilbert–Schmidt norms of the filter coefficients and that they possess optimality properties. We explain how the Hilbert space theory reduces to an approximate finite‐dimensional setting which is implemented in a custom‐build |R| package. A data example and a simulation study show that the new methodology is superior to existing tools if the functional time series exhibits periodic characteristics.
Severe prostate enlargement with severe lower urinary tract symptoms in poorly controlled acromegaly successfully treated with 5α‐reductase inhibitors: A 15‐year longitudinal case report
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chen , Chen Hao‐Wei , Chen Ming‐Tan , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Li Ching‐Chia , Juan Yung‐Shun , Ke Hung‐Lung
Published: February 2018

Acromegaly is a rare disease associated with an increased risk of prostate enlargement. Severe prostate enlargement with severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in an acromegalic patient is even more uncommon. Herein we report on a 55‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with acromegaly and prostate enlargement at 40 years of age. Transsphenoidal surgery, postoperative radiotherapy, and octreotide medical therapy failed to control the acromegaly, and growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) levels remained elevated. When the patient was 53 years of age, severe LUTS and prostate enlargement (prostate volume = 128 mL) were noted. However, LUTS improved and prostate volume decreased markedly after 5α‐reductase inhibitors were used, despite the poorly controlled acromegaly (elevated GH and IGF‐1 levels). This is the first long‐term observation of LUTS and prostate enlargement in a poorly controlled acromegalic patient. Although the GH–IGF‐1 axis was a factor contributing to prostate enlargement, the present case suggests that androgens may still play an essential role in prostate enlargement and symptoms in active acromegalic patients >50 years of age. Indeed, we should be aware that suppressing the GH–IGF‐1 axis is not the only treatment choice for prostate enlargement in acromegalic patients, and even in poorly controlled acromegalic patients in whom suppression of the GH–IGF‐1 axis is difficult. Symptomatic prostate enlargement in cases of active acromegaly can be treated with 5α‐reductase inhibitors, as in general benign prostate hyperplasia populations.
Altered expression of glutamate transporter‐1 and water channel protein aquaporin‐4 in human temporal cortex with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hoshi A. , Tsunoda A. , Yamamoto T. , Tada M. , Kakita A. , Ugawa Y.
Published: February 2018

Aims

Glutamate neurotoxicity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. Many studies have demonstrated that glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1), the dominant astrocytic glutamate transporter, is significantly reduced in the cerebral cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that glutamate‐mediated excitotoxicity might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. In a previous study, we have demonstrated marked alterations in the expression of the astrocytic water channel protein aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) in relation to amyloid β deposition in human AD brains. As a functional complex, GLT‐1 and AQP4 in astrocytes may play a neuroprotective role in the progression of AD pathology. However, few studies have examined the correlation between the expression of GLT‐1 and that of AQP4 in human AD brain.

Methods

Here, using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against GLT‐1 and AQP4, we studied the expression levels and distribution patterns of GLT‐1 in areas showing various patterns of AQP4 expression in autopsied temporal lobes from eight patients with AD and five controls without neurological disorders.

Results

GLT‐1 staining in the control group was present throughout the neocortex as uniform neuropil staining with co‐localized AQP4. The AD group showed a significant reduction in GLT‐1 expression, whereas cortical AQP4 immunoreactivity was more intense in the AD group than in the control group. There were two different patterns of GLT‐1 and AQP4 expression in the AD group: (i) uneven GLT‐1 expression in the neuropil where diffuse but intense AQP4 expression was evident, and (ii) senile plaque‐like co‐expression of GLT‐1 and AQP4.

Conclusions

These findings suggest disruption of glutamate/water homoeostasis in the AD brain.
Xylem dysfunction in fires: towards a hydraulic theory of plant responses to multiple disturbance stressors
Authors: Michaletz Sean T.
Published: February 2018

This article is a Commentary on Bär et al., 217: 1484–1493.
Climate change and temporal trends in body size: the case of rodents
Authors: Villar Carlos H. , Naya Daniel E.
Published: February 2018

A reduction in body size has been proposed as the third universal ecological response to global warming, after species distributional shifts and phenological changes. However, some recent studies raise doubts about the validity of this pattern, in particular for endotherms. Within this context, here we analyzed data on body mass (mb) for 17 rodent species, covering (at least) the last six decades, together with data on temperature change and basal metabolic rate (BMR) for each species. We found that: 1) ten species (58.8%) showed no significant changes in mb, while the remaining seven species (41.2%) decreased their size during the 20th century; 2) phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models indicate that there is a significant and negative effect of the year of collection on mb; 3) the correlation coefficient between mb and the year of collection (ryear) was not correlated with species mean mb, species distributional range, the length of the time series, or the change in ambient temperature; and 4) the correlation between ryear and (residual) BMR was significant (and negative) only for species that do not use torpor. In summary, our results suggest that reductions in mb are common among rodents, but we were unable to identify a clear cause behind these changes (e.g. some results support the energetic argument behind the Bergmann's rule but other do not). We concluded that with less than 0.5% of the extant (known) rodent species analyzed to date, we still are far from reaching a clear understanding of current patterns of variation in body size that are associated with global environmental change for this group.
Use of Special Assessments by Municipal Governments in the Chicago Metropolitan Area: Is Leviathan Tamed?
Authors: Hendrick Rebecca , Wang Shu
Published: February 2018

This study investigates whether the use of special assessments (SAs) by municipalities in the Chicago metropolitan area demonstrates Leviathan behavior. The first part of the study estimates a model of the effect of SA use on capital and operational spending in these governments from 1998 to 2012. The results show that governments do not use SAs to increase spending beyond what taxpayers desire as represented by the median voter hypothesis. The second part of the analysis conducts interviews and collects other qualitative data to inform the model and help explain the low use of SAs in the region. This investigation finds that governments are risk averse in using SAs, and many are strongly guided by precedent and the public's perception of SAs, which are not consistent with Leviathan behavior. Also, contrary to Leviathan assumptions, the data indicate that government officials often do not have enough knowledge of these tools or experience with them to use them in a Leviathan manner.
Thermal generalist behaviour of invasive Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici strains under current and future climate conditions
Authors: de Vallavieille‐Pope C. , Bahri B. , Leconte M. , Zurfluh O. , Belaid Y. , Maghrebi E. , Huard F. , Huber L. , Launay M. , Bancal M. O.
Published: February 2018

Yellow rust is a devastating wheat disease. Since 2000, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici strains PstS1 and PstS2 have become adapted to high temperatures and have spread worldwide. By 2011, Warrior strains had invaded both warm and cold areas of Europe. This study questioned whether thermal aptitude promoted the spread of Warrior strains, similar to PstS1/PstS2, by comparing infection efficiency (IE) at five temperatures and latent period (LP) under warm and cold regimes for Warrior isolates and pre‐2011 reference strains on two susceptible wheat varieties. The Warrior isolates showed a range of IE and LP responses to temperature that was intermediate between the northern reference isolates adapted to cold conditions and both the southern and invasive PstS2 isolates adapted to warm conditions. Warrior isolates had the highest IE under optimal temperatures of 10 and 15 °C, and displayed reduced infectivity under the warmest (20 °C) and coldest (5 °C) temperatures. Warrior strains acted as thermal generalists and the reference isolates acted as specialists. An IE thermal response was used to simulate the development of each isolate under future climate scenarios in a temperate and Mediterranean region. Isolates had the same ranking for yearly IE over the three 30‐year periods (1971–2000, 2021–2050, 2071–2100) and both locations, with a slight infection increase in the future. However, in the future IEs increased in earlier months. The thermal generalist profile of Warrior isolates for IE was confirmed, with an intermediate capacity to tolerate warming climate, whereas the southern isolates are better adapted to warm conditions, but do not have the virulences necessary to develop on current varieties.
Supplemented stallion seminal plasma can improve impaired motility due to the dilution effect in chilled Asian elephant sperm
Authors: Pinyopummin A , Mahasawangkul S , Nunklang G , Kornkaewrat K , Laopiem S , Koonjaenak S , Wattananit P
Published: February 2018

Contents

The dilution effect and effect of restoring seminal plasma (SP) proportion in diluted semen were determined in chilled Asian elephant sperm. Semen was collected from eight males, and samples with ≥30% motile sperm were used in the study. Tris‐glucose‐egg yolk extender (TE) was used for cooled storage at 4°C for 48 hr. In experiment 1 (n = 18), semen was diluted to 1:1, 1:3, 1:7 and 1:15 with TE (volume per volume). There were no significant changes in sperm viability and sperm with normal acrosome integrity among dilutions, but sperm motility and motility velocities were greater (p < .05) in the 1:1 dilution than those of the 1:7 and 1:15 dilutions at 48 hr of storage. In experiment 2, supplemented SP was derived from elephants and stallions. In experiment 2.1, diluted semen (1:7 dilution) was restored with SP to obtain a 1:2 proportion (n = 8). Sperm motility, viability and sperm with normal acrosome integrity were similar among treatments, but motility velocities were greater (p < .05) with stallion SP at 48 hr of storage. In experiment 2.2, diluted semen (1:15 dilution) was restored with SP to obtain a 1:3 proportion (n = 10). Sperm viability and sperm with normal acrosome integrity were similar among treatments at 48 hr of storage. However, sperm motility and motility velocities were greater (p < .05) with stallion SP than those of others. In conclusion, elephant sperm motility was affected by a dilution effect and restoration of SP proportion with stallion SP, but not with elephant SP, could improve motility in chilled highly diluted sperm.
GLMM BACI environmental impact analysis shows coastal dune restoration reduces seed predation on an endangered plant
Authors: Pardini Eleanor A. , Parsons Lorraine S. , Ştefan Valentin , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: February 2018

Invasive plants create refuge habitat for predators that results in increased levels of seed predation on native plants. We test the effects of a large‐scale removal of the invasive plant Ammophila arenaria on the predispersal seed predation rate experienced by an endangered plant in a coastal dune ecosystem. Restoration resulted in a large and lasting reduction in seed predation in this system, and reducing predation could be an explicit goal in future restoration projects. The generalized linear mixed statistical model with a BACI (before‐after‐control‐impact) design used here is a useful, flexible model that can be applied to analyze other large‐scale restoration activities.
Comparing occupational welfare in Europe: The case of occupational pensions
Authors: Pavolini Emmanuele , Seeleib‐Kaiser Martin
Published: February 2018

The article provides an assessment to what extent reforms of occupational pensions (OP) have fostered a “risk shift” or increased social protection dualism across countries. The essay focuses on workers, whilst previous research primarily analyzed provision for current pensioners. The empirical analysis confirms that in countries such as the Netherlands and Sweden, increased private pension or (OP) provision does not necessarily lead towards social protection dualism and comprehensive risk shifts. Britain continues to be characterized by strong social protection dualism and entrenched social divides, creating “social policy enclaves”. Divisions of welfare are also very likely to be a feature of the German pension system in the future. The latter two countries have witnessed clear risk shifts and processes of dualization. The pension systems in Austria, Italy, and Spain have not witnessed paradigmatic changes, and continue to be primarily based on public/statutory pension schemes. The idea that multi‐pillarization in itself fosters major risk shifts and dualization has to be reconsidered. Under specific conditions, encompassing OPs can be functionally equivalent to public pension schemes. However, countries relying on voluntarism with regard to OPs coverage tend to witness processes of dualization.
Age‐related differences in the functional properties of lips compared with skin
Authors: Tamura E. , Ishikawa J. , Sugata K. , Tsukahara K. , Yasumori H. , Yamamoto T.
Published: February 2018

Background/aims

Lips can easily become dry and rough and their biggest problems are drying and chapping. The cause of those problems is considered to be that the stratum corneum (SC) moisture is small and its barrier function is low. However, those problems decrease in subjects as they approach 40 years of age, after which problems due to their shape and color increase. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between SC properties of the lips during aging and to clarify the cause(s) of lip problems.

Methods

One hundred and 38 Japanese female subjects with normal skin ranging in age from 16 to 78 years were enrolled in the study. The capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values, viscoelasticity, and color of their lips were measured and compared with their cheeks.

Results

The capacitance values for the lip and the cheek increased and TEWL values for both areas decreased with age. TEWL values for the lip decreased until ~30 years of age and this is considered to be related to the problem of drying. Although the maximum amplitude Uf of the lip increased with age, the Ur/Uf had no correlation with age. As for color, the L* and a* values decreased with age.

Conclusion

Age‐related changes with regard to SC functions, viscoelasticity and color of the lips have been clarified for the first time, and it is clear that these changes are related to problems of the lips. Compared with the cheeks, differences with the lips are more apparent.
The Moral Gradation of Media of Deception
Authors: Cohen Shlomo
Published: February 2018

A central debate in the ethics of deception concerns the moral comparison among the three media through which deception is executed: lying, falsely implicating, or nonlinguistic deception. The two prominent views are that lying is morally worse or that the choice of medium is morally insignificant. This article refutes both and argues for a new position. The article first presents a theory on the moral significance of the medium of deception as such: it argues that the medium of communication affects the reliability of beliefs formed through it, which amounts to gradations in the warrant of truth of different media. Breach of lower warrant of truth is a lesser breach of trust; it therefore deserves lighter condemnation. Consequently, the article shows that, morally speaking, lying is either worse than or equal to falsely implicating and that there is no a priori gradation between nonlinguistic deception and the two linguistic media.