bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attachment styles and clinical correlates in people at ultra high risk for psychosis
Authors: Russo Debra A. , Stochl Jan , Hodgekins Joanne , Iglesias‐González Maria , Chipps Penelope , Painter Michelle , Jones Peter B. , Perez Jesus
Published: April 2017

Evidence suggests that attachment styles may influence subclinical psychosis phenotypes (schizotypy) and affective disorders and may play a part in the association between psychosis and childhood adversity. However, the role of attachment in the initial stages of psychosis remains poorly understood. Our main aim was to describe and compare attachment styles in 60 individuals at ultra high risk for psychosis (UHR) and a matched sample of 60 healthy volunteers (HV). The HV had lower anxious and avoidant attachment scores than the UHR individuals (p < .001). Sixty‐nine percentage of the UHR group had more than one DSM‐IV diagnosis, mainly affective and anxiety disorders. The UHR group experienced more trauma (p < .001) and more mood and anxiety symptoms (p < .001). Interestingly, in our UHR group, only schizotypy paranoia was correlated with insecure attachment. In the HV group, depression, anxiety, schizotypy paranoia, and social anxiety were correlated with insecure attachment. This difference and some discrepancies with previous studies involving UHR suggest that individuals at UHR may compose a heterogeneous group; some experience significant mood and/or anxiety symptoms that may not be explained by specific attachment styles. Nonetheless, measuring attachment in UHR individuals could help maximize therapeutic relationships to enhance recovery.
The added value of world views over self‐views: Predicting modest behaviour in Eastern and Western cultures
Authors: Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Ng Jacky C. K. , Buchtel Emma E. , Guan Yanjun , Deng Hong , Bond Michael Harris
Published: April 2017

Personality research has been focused on different aspects of the self, including traits, attitudes, beliefs, goals, and motivation. These aspects of the self are used to explain and predict social behaviour. The present research assessed generalized beliefs about the world, termed ‘social axioms’ (Leung et al., ), and examined their additive power over beliefs about the self in explaining a communal behaviour, that is, modesty. Three studies predicted reported modest behaviour among Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong Chinese, East Asian Canadians, and European Canadians. In addition to self‐reports in Studies 1 and 2, informant reports from participants’ parents and close friends were collected in Study 3 to construct a behavioural composite after examining the resulting multitrait–multimethod matrix and intraclass correlations. World views (operationalized as social axioms) explained additional variance in modest behaviour over and above self‐views (operationalized as self‐efficacy, self‐construals, and trait modesty) in both Eastern and Western cultures. Variation in reports on three factors of modest behaviour was found across self‐, parent, and friend perspectives, with significant differences across perspectives in self‐effacement and other‐enhancement, but not in avoidance of attention‐seeking.
Optimum outcome achievement in partial nephrectomy for T1 renal masses: a contemporary analysis of open and robot‐assisted cases
Authors: Maurice Matthew J. , Ramirez Daniel , Kara Önder , Malkoç Ercan , Nelson Ryan J. , Fareed Khaled , Stein Robert J. , Fergany Amr F. , Kaouk Jihad H.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To compare optimum outcome achievement in open partial nephrectomy (OPN) with that in robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

Patients and methods

Using our institutional partial nephrectomy (PN) database, we reviewed 605 cases performed for unifocal clinical T1 renal masses in non‐solitary kidneys between 2011 and 2015. Tetrafecta, which was defined as negative surgical margins, freedom from peri‐operative complications, ≥80% renal function preservation, and no chronic kidney disease upstaging, was chosen as the composite optimum outcome. Factors associated with tetrafecta achievement were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, with adjustment for age, gender, race, Charlson comorbidity score, body mass index, chronic kidney disease, tumour size, tumour complexity and approach.

Results

The overall tetrafecta achievement rate was 38%. Negative margins, freedom from complications, and optimum functional preservation were achieved in 97.1%, 73.6% and 54.2% of cases, respectively. For T1a masses, the tetrafecta achievement rate was similar between approaches (P = 0.97), but for T1b masses, the robot‐assisted approach achieved significantly higher tetrafecta rates (43.0% vs 21.3%; P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, the robot‐assisted approach had 2.6‐fold higher odds of tetrafecta achievement than the open approach, primarily because of lower peri‐operative morbidity, specifically related to wound complications. Positive surgical margin rates and renal function preservation were similar in the two approaches.

Conclusions

Optimum outcomes are readily achieved regardless of PN approach. The robot‐assisted approach may facilitate optimum outcome achievement for 4–7‐cm masses by minimizing wound complications.
Patient‐reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires for men who have radical surgery for prostate cancer: a conceptual review of existing instruments
Authors: Protopapa Evangelia , van der Meulen Jan , Moore Caroline M. , Smith Sarah C.
Published: April 2017

To critically review conceptual frameworks for available patient‐reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires in men having radical prostatectomy (RP), psychometrically evaluate each questionnaire, and identify whether each is appropriate for use at the level of the individual patient. We searched PubMed, the Reports and Publications database of the University of Oxford Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Group and the website of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) for psychometric reviews of prostate cancer‐specific PRO questionnaires. From these we identified relevant questionnaires and critically appraised the conceptual content, guided by the Wilson and Cleary framework and psychometric properties, using well established criteria. The searches found four reviews and one recommendation paper. We identified seven prostate cancer‐specific PROs: the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite‐26 (EPIC‐26), Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite‐50 (EPIC‐50), University of California‐Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA‐PCI), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy ‐ Prostate Cancer Subscale (FACT‐P PCS), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire – prostate specific 25‐item (EORTC QLQ‐PR25), Prostate Cancer – Quality of Life (PC‐QoL), and Symptom Tracking and Reporting (STAR). Six out of seven measures purported to measure health‐related quality of life (HRQL), but items focused strongly on urinary and sexual symptoms/functioning. The remaining questionnaire (STAR) claimed to assess functional recovery after RP. The psychometric evidence for these questionnaires was incomplete and variable in quality; none had evidence that they were appropriate for use with individual patients. Several questionnaires provide the basis of measures of urinary and/or sexual symptoms/functioning. Further work should explore other aspects of HRQL that are important for men having RP. Further psychometric work is also needed to determine whether they can be used at the individual level.
Chronic inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase by URB597 produces differential effects on cardiac performance in normotensive and hypertensive rats
Authors: Pędzińska‐Betiuk Anna , Weresa Jolanta , Toczek Marek , Baranowska‐Kuczko Marta , Kasacka Irena , Harasim‐Symbor Ewa , Malinowska Barbara
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors are postulated to possess anti‐hypertensive potential, because their acute injection decreases BP in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), partly through normalization of cardiac contractile function. Here, we examined whether the potential hypotensive effect of chronic FAAH inhibition by URB597 in hypertensive rats correlated with changes in cardiac performance.

Experimental Approach

Experiments were performed using perfused hearts and left atria isolated from 8‐ to 10–week‐old SHR, age‐matched deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt rats and normotensive controls chronically treated with URB597 (1 mg·kg−1) or vehicle.

Key Results

URB597 decreased BP only in the DOCA‐salt rats, along with a reduction of ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic stiffness, determined in hypertension. We also observed normalization of the negative inotropic atrial response to the cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55940. In the SHR model, URB597 normalized (atria) and enhanced (hearts) the positive ino‐ and chronotropic effects of the β‐adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline respectively. Ventricular CB1 and CB2 receptor expression was decreased only in the DOCA‐salt model, whereas FAAH expression was reduced in both models. URB597 caused translocation of CB1 receptor immunoreactivity to the intercalated discs in the hearts of SHR. URB597 increased cardiac diastolic stiffness and modified the ino‐ and lusitropic effects of isoprenaline in normotensive rats.

Conclusion and Implications

Hypotensive effect of chronic FAAH inhibition depend on the model of hypertension and partly correlate with improved cardiac performance. In normotensive rats, chronic FAAH inhibition produced several side‐effects. Thus, the therapeutic potential of these agents should be interpreted cautiously.
Inhibition of semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase/vascular adhesion protein‐1 reduces lipopolysaccharide‐induced neuroinflammation
Authors: Becchi Serena , Buson Alberto , Foot Jonathan , Jarolimek Wolfgang , Balleine Bernard W
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose

Neuroinflammation is initiated by a variety of stimuli including infections, sepsis, neurodegenerative diseases or traumatic brain injury and, if not adequately controlled, can lead to various degrees of neuronal damage and behavioural impairment. A critical event in the initial steps of inflammation is neutrophil extravasation. Semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO, also known as vascular adhesion protein 1 or VAP‐1) regulates neutrophil adhesion and extravasation. Here, we elucidate the role of SSAO/VAP‐1 in the early stage inflammatory response after LPS insult in the brain.

Experimental Approach

PXS‐4681A, a selective and irreversible SSAO/VAP‐1 inhibitor, was tested in two rat models of neuroinflammation, following systemic or i.c.v. LPS. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques were used to measure neutrophils and microglia. VAP‐1 was quantitated by Western blotting.

Key Results

Both systemic and i.c.v. administration of LPS induced an increase in neutrophil recruitment and microglial response in various brain areas including the substantia nigra and striatum. PXS‐4681A produced a significant inhibition of neutrophil recruitment and extravasation after i.c.v. LPS injection and also reversed microglial cell recruitment and morphological changes to the level of the sham controls in both LPS models.

Conclusions and Implications

PXS‐4681A acted as an effective anti‐inflammatory agent after both systemic and i.c.v. LPS injections suggesting that SSAO/VAP‐1 inhibition could be beneficial in the treatment of brain inflammation.
Activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase by metformin ablates angiotensin II‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and hypertension in mice in vivo
Authors: Duan Quanlu , Song Ping , Ding Ye , Zou Ming‐Hui
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose

Metformin, one of the most frequently prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes, reportedly exerts BP‐lowering effects in patients with diabetes. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of metformin on BP in non‐diabetic conditions remain to be determined. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of metformin on angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion‐induced hypertension in vivo.

Experimental Approach

The effects of metformin on BP were investigated in wild‐type (WT) C57BL/6J mice and in mice lacking AMP‐activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2) mice with or without Ang II infusion. Also, the effect of metformin on Ang II‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was explored in cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs).

Key Results

Metformin markedly reduced BP in Ang II‐infused WT mice but not in AMPKα2‐deficient mice. In cultured hVSMCs, Ang II treatment resulted in inactivation of AMPK, as well as the subsequent induction of spliced X‐box binding protein‐1, phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α and expression of glucose‐regulated protein 78 kDa, representing three well‐characterized ER stress biomarkers. Moreover, AMPK activation by metformin ablated Ang II‐induced ER stress in hVSMCs. Mechanistically, metformin‐activated AMPKα2 suppressed ER stress by increasing phospholamban phosphorylation.

Conclusion and Implications

Metformin alleviates Ang II‐triggered hypertension in mice by activating AMPKα2, which mediates phospholamban phosphorylation and inhibits Ang II‐induced ER stress in vascular smooth muscle cells.
A critical assessment of the synthesis and biological activity of p53/human double minute 2‐stapled peptide inhibitors
Authors: Wallbrecher Rike , Chène Patrick , Ruetz Stephan , Stachyra Therese , Vorherr Thomas , Brock Roland
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose

Helix stapling enhances the activity of peptides that interact with a target protein in a helical conformation. These staples are also supposed to change the pharmacokinetics of the molecules and promote cytoplasmic targeting. We assessed the extent to which the pharmacokinetic characteristics are a function of the staple for a peptide inhibiting the interaction of p53 with the human double minute 2 (Hdm2) protein and differ from those of the standard cationic cell‐penetrating peptide nona‐arginine.

Experimental Approach

Stapled peptides and linear counterparts were synthesized in free and fluorescently labelled forms. Activity was determined in biochemical time‐resolved Förster resonance energy transfer experiments and cellular high‐content assays. Cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking were visualized by confocal microscopy.

Key Results

Peptides showed sub‐nanomolar potency. For short‐time incubation, uptake efficiencies for the stapled and linear peptides were similar and both were taken up less efficiently than nona‐arginine. Only for SJSA‐1 cells expressing the Hdm2 target protein, the stapled peptides showed an enhanced cytoplasmic and nuclear accumulation after long‐term incubation. This was also observed for the linear counterparts, albeit to a lesser degree. For HeLa cells, which lack target expression, no such accumulation was observed.

Conclusion and Implications

Cytosolic and nuclear accumulation was not an intrinsic property of the stapled peptide, but resulted from capture by the target Hdm2 after endo‐lysosomal release. Considering the rather poor uptake of stapled peptides, further development should focus on increasing the efficiency of uptake of these peptides.
Modelling mangrove propagule dispersal trajectories using high‐resolution estimates of ocean surface winds and currents
Authors: Van der Stocken Tom , Menemenlis Dimitris
Published: April 2017

Mangrove forests are systems that provide ecosystem services and rely on floating propagules of which the dispersal trajectories are determined by ocean currents and winds. Quantitating connectivity of mangrove patches is an important conservation concern. Current estimates of connectivity, however, fail to integrate the link between ocean currents at different spatial scales and dispersal trajectories. Here, we use high‐resolution estimates of ocean currents and surface winds from meteorological and oceanographic analyses, in conjunction with experimental data on propagule traits (e.g., density, size, and shape) and dispersal vector properties (e.g., strength and direction of water and wind currents). We incorporate these data in a dispersal model to illustrate the potential effect of wind on dispersal trajectories of hydrochorous propagules from different mangrove species. We focus on the Western Indian Ocean, including the Mozambique Channel, which has received much attention because of its reported oceanic complexity, to illustrate the effect of oceanic features such as eddy currents and tides. In spite of the complex pattern of ocean surface currents and winds, some propagules are able to cross the Mozambique Channel. Eddy currents and tides may delay arrival at a suitable site. Experimentally demonstrated differences in wind sensitivity among propagule types were shown to affect the probability of departure and the shape of dispersal trajectories. The model could be used to reconstruct current fluxes of mangrove propagules that may help explain past and current distributions of mangrove forests and assess the potential for natural expansion of these forests.
Blurred lines between competition and parasitism
Authors: Stewart Tara E. , Schnitzer Stefan A.
Published: April 2017

Accurately describing the ecological relationships between species is more than mere semantics–doing so has profound practical and applied implications, not the least of which is that inaccurate descriptions can lead to fundamentally incorrect predicted outcomes of community composition and functioning. Accurate ecological classifications are particularly important in the context of global change, where species interactions can change rapidly following shifts in species composition. Here, we argue that many common ecological interactions–particularly competition and parasitism–can be easily confused and that we often lack empirical evidence for the full reciprocal interaction among species. To make our case and to propose a theoretical framework for addressing this problem, we use the interactions between lianas and trees, whose outcomes have myriad implications for the ecology and conservation of tropical forests (e.g., Schnitzer et al. 2015).
Measuring family‐centred practices of professionals in early intervention services in Taiwan
Authors: Kang L.‐J. , Palisano R. J. , Simeonsson R. J. , Hwang A.‐W.
Published: April 2017

Background

Family‐centred practices emphasize professional supports for forming partnerships with families in early intervention. The Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers (MPOC‐SP) measures the perceptions of paediatric service providers in supporting children and families. This study aimed to establish reliability of the Chinese version of the MPOC‐SP (C‐MPOC‐SP) and to examine professional perceptions of family‐centred practices in relation to professional discipline and years of experience.

Methods

A convenience sample of 94 physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech‐language pathologists, social workers and early childhood educators completed the C‐MPOC‐SP. Thirty‐seven professionals completed the measure a second time within 2–4 weeks for test–retest reliability. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were examined by Cronbach's α and intra‐class correlation coefficient. Comparisons were made across professional disciplines by multivariate analyses of variance followed by analyses of variance. Relationships between years of experience and ratings of family‐centred practices were examined by Pearson's correlation coefficients (r).

Results

Cronbach's α for items on each of the four scales of the C‐MPOC‐SP ranged from 0.80 to 0.92, indicating adequate internal consistency. Intra‐class correlation coefficient between the initial and repeat completion of the C‐MPOC‐SP for each scale ranged from 0.56 to 0.77, indicating adequate to excellent test–retest reliability. Mean ratings for the Communicating Specific Information were significantly higher for physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech‐language pathologists than for social workers (P = 0.001). The C‐MPOC‐SP scores were positively correlated with years of experience for all four scales (r = 0.23–0.38; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study established adequate internal consistency and adequate to excellent test–retest reliability of the C‐MPOC‐SP in measuring perceptions of family centeredness of early intervention service providers. Cross‐discipline differences were found in communicating specific information about the child. Higher perceptions of family centeredness were associated with more years of experience. The results support the utility of the C‐MPOC‐SP in professional education and programme evaluation of early intervention services in Taiwan.
Human β‐defensin‐3 induces IL‐8 release and apoptosis in airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Wang W. , Qu X. , Dang X. , Shang D. , Yang L. , Li Y. , Xu D. , Martin J. G. , Hamid Q. , Liu J. , Chang Y.
Published: April 2017

Background

Human airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) may have a pro‐inflammatory role through the release of inflammatory mediators. Increasing evidence indicates that human β‐defensins (HBDs) are related to pathogenesis of asthma.

Objectives

To examine the plasma level of HBD‐1, HBD‐2 and HBD‐3 in asthmatic patients and the expression of their mouse orthologues in the lung tissue of a mouse model of chronic severe asthma. Further to investigate the effect of HBD‐3 on the release of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐8 and to explore the mechanisms.

Methods

The plasma levels of HBD‐1, HBD‐2 and HBD‐3 from 34 healthy controls and 25 asthmatic patients were determined by ELISA. The expression of mouse β‐defensins MBD‐1, MBD‐3 and MBD‐14 in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice was detected by Western blot. The ASMCs were cultured with HBD‐3 for 24 hour, and then the supernatant level of IL‐8 was evaluated by ELISA and the cell viability was examined by WST‐1 assay. The signalling pathway was investigated with blocking antibodies or pharmacological inhibitors.

Results

The plasma levels of HBD‐1 and HBD‐3 were elevated in asthmatic patients, and the expression of MBD‐14, the mouse orthologue for HBD‐3, was increased in asthmatic mice. HBD‐3‐induced IL‐8 production in a CCR6 receptor‐specific manner and was dependent on multiple signalling pathways. Moreover, HBD‐3‐induced cell apoptosis concurrently, which was dependent on the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway. Mitochondrial ROS regulated both HBD‐3‐induced IL‐8 production and cell apoptosis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These observations provide clear evidence of an important new mechanism for the promotion of airway inflammation and tissue remodelling with potential relevance for the treatment of asthma.
“It's better than it used to be”: Perspectives of adolescent siblings of children with an autism spectrum condition
Authors: Gorjy Rebecca Soraya , Fielding Angela , Falkmer Marita
Published: April 2017

This article reports on the lived experiences of 11 adolescents who have a brother or a sister with a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition. Through semistructured, in‐depth, in‐person interviews, these adolescents shared their experiences and perceptions. These exploratory findings can be used to inform the practice of social workers and other health professionals, and future research. Implications for practice focus on the importance of exploring experiences and perceptions of siblings of children diagnosed with autism spectrum condition to enhance support services for these siblings.
Phylogeny of Riama (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae), impact of phenotypic evidence on molecular datasets, and the origin of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta endemic fauna
Authors: Sánchez‐Pacheco Santiago J. , Torres‐Carvajal Omar , Aguirre‐Peñafiel Vanessa , Nunes Pedro M. Sales , Verrastro Laura , Rivas Gilson A. , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Grant Taran , Murphy Robert W.
Published: April 2017

Riama is the most speciose genus of the Neotropical lizard family Gymnophthalmidae. Its more than 30 montane species occur throughout the northern Andes, the Cordillera de la Costa (CC) in Venezuela, and Trinidad. We present the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Riama to date based on a total evidence (TE) approach and direct optimization of molecular and morphological evidence. Analyses use DNA sequences from four loci and 35 phenotypic characters. The dataset consists of 55 ingroup terminals representing 25 of the 30 currently recognized species of Riama plus five undescribed taxa, including an endemic species from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) in Colombia, and 66 outgroup terminals of 47 species. Analysis results in a well‐supported hypothesis in which Riama is polyphyletic, with its species falling into three clades. The Tepuian Anadia mcdiarmidi nests within one clade of Riama, and the recently resurrected Pantodactylus nests within Cercosaura. Accordingly, we propose a monophyletic taxonomy that reflects historical relationships. Analysis of character evolution indicates that the presence/absence of prefrontals—a cornerstone of the early genus‐level taxonomy of cercosaurines—is optimally explained as having been plesiomorphically present in the most recent common ancestor of Cercosaurinae and lost in that of the immediately less inclusive clade. Multiple independent reversals to present and subsequent returns to absent occur within this clade. To evaluate the impact of phenotypic evidence on our results, we compare our TE results with results obtained from analyses using only molecular data. Although phenotypic evidence comprises only 1.2% of the TE matrix, its inclusion alters both the topology and support values of the clades that do not differ. Finally, current phylogenetic evidence reveals a SNSM–CC–Trinidad–tepuis biogeographical link. We hypothesize that an ancient connection facilitated the exchange of species between the SNSM and the CC.
A comparison of the cost of primary closure or rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap closure of the perineum after abdominoperineal excision
Authors: Woodfield J. , Hulme‐Moir M. , Ly J.
Published: April 2017

Aim

Perineal wound complications following abdominoperineal resection continue to be a major challenge. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and cost of primary closure (PC) and rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap reconstruction.

Method

This was a retrospective case review of consecutive patients by one surgeon over 11 years. Patient demographics, risk factors, operative details and complications were identified. Inpatient and outpatient costs were calculated.

Results

A total of 31 patients underwent a RAM reconstruction and 37 a PC. There were no significant differences in the incidence of wound complications or in the overall costs for either method of perineal closure. When there were no complications the mean costs were significantly higher in the RAM group ($20 948 vs $17 189, P = 0.005), mainly because of the longer operating time. However, the costs of perineal wound complications were greater in the PC group (8394 vs 25 911, P = 0.012). These wounds took longer to heal (median 2 months vs 5.5 months, P = 0.005) and more often required a further reconstructive surgical procedure (RAM 0 vs PC 8, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

This is the first study reporting on the cost implications of PC and RAM flap reconstruction. The overall costs were similar. This implies appropriate clinical selection when choosing between procedures. While the RAM flap is more expensive to perform, the finding that it decreases the clinical severity and cost of perineal wound complications supports its use when there is a high risk of perineal wound complications.
Reflections on the Green Growth Index for developing countries: A focus of selected African countries
Authors: Kararach George , Nhamo Godwell , Mubila Maurice , Nhamo Senia , Nhemachena Charles , Babu Suresh
Published: April 2017

This article presents a pilot and baseline African Green Growth Index (AGGI). The work is premised on the importance of Africa implementing green growth strategies. Baseline indicators allow countries to monitor progress towards green growth transition. The AGGI incorporates 48 indicators applied to 22 countries that had the requisite data. What emerges is that 18 out of the 22 African countries sampled scored 50 percentage points and above. The countries scoring below this threshold were: Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and South Africa. The top five countries on the AGGI (as ranked from 1−5) were: Namibia, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania and Togo. The authors recommend that for wider acceptance across the continent, the AGGI should work towards incorporating all 54 nations.
Multicontinental community phylogenetics of avian mixed‐species flocks reveal the role of the stability of associations and of kleptoparasitism
Authors: Péron Guillaume
Published: April 2017

If understood as a way to forage socially without incurring intra‐specific competition for mates or other resources, mixed‐species foraging flocks are predicted to be composed of functionally similar species. In the most intensively studied mixed‐species foraging system, understory forest birds, relevant functional traits are however extremely difficult to measure and best replaced by phylogenetic relatedness. A multicontinental analysis of flock phylogenetic structure revealed departures from the expected phylogenetic clustering. Long‐lasting associations (> one day) were phylogenetically overdispersed, indicating that these associations are affected by competitive exclusion or by mutualistic interactions. However, where kleptoparasites occurred, this effect disappeared completely, as expected if the dilution of kleptoparasitism risk compensated competition between related species. Mixed‐species flocks should not be analyzed as a homogeneous phenomenon.
Effects of carotenoid sequestration on a caterpillar's cryptic coloration and susceptibility to predation
Authors: Welch Bonnie J. , Obadi Obadi M. , Lampert Evan C.
Published: April 2017

Carotenoids are used for many functions by animals, including combining with other pigments to produce aposematic and cryptic coloration. Carotenoids in combination with blue pigments are responsible for green coloration in many caterpillars, and thus carotenoid sequestration may reduce their contrast against a green foliage background. We tested the hypothesis that carotenoid sequestration reduces contrast and enhances survival by rearing Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Brassica oleracea L. var. Acephala (Brassicaceae) leaves and exposing them to predators. We found that carotenoids derived from the host plant are partially excreted, along with chlorophyll, but also sequestered in hemolymph. Larvae that were given plants that provided carotenoids showed less contrast against their host plants within 1 day compared to larvae that were not provided with carotenoids. Last, both short‐term field observations and laboratory trials of larvae caged with predatory Podisus maculiventris Say (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs showed that survival of carotenoid‐sequestering larvae was higher compared to larvae that did not sequester. These results suggest that carotenoid sequestration may be an important adaptive strategy that reduces susceptibility to natural enemies that hunt by sight. Further research that examines the mechanisms by which carotenoids are absorbed and modified will lend insights into the evolution of carotenoids functioning as passive defensive compounds.
Progeny of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, is affected by parental exposure to clove and cinnamon essential oils
Authors: Silva S.M. , Haddi K. , Viteri Jumbo L.O. , Oliveira E.E.
Published: April 2017

The interest in and utilization of botanical insecticides, particularly essential oils, has become increasingly relevant to the control of insect pests. However, the potential ecotoxicological risks or flaws (including sublethal effects on the targeted pest generation and its subsequent progeny) of this pest control tool have been neglected frequently. Here, we evaluated the effects of sublethal exposure to clove, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merrill & Perry (Myrtaceae), and cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (Lauraceae), essential oils on adult (F0) maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and the physiology (e.g., body mass, respirometry, and grain consumption) and population dynamics (e.g., daily emergence and sex ratio) of their progeny. Longevities of the parents were negatively affected by the essential oils in a concentration‐dependent manner. Parental sublethal exposure to clove oil (0.17 μl cm−2) accelerated offspring emergence but delayed the emergence of females compared to males. Parents that were sublethally exposed to clove (0.17 μl cm−2) or cinnamon (0.35 μl cm−2) essential oils produced heavier offspring. Parental sublethal exposure to cinnamon essential oil accelerated offspring emergence (at 0.70 μl cm−2), delayed female emergence (at 0.17 μl cm−2), and enhanced grain consumption (at 0.35 and 0.70 μl cm−2) of the progeny. Thus, our findings indicate that sublethal exposure to clove and cinnamon essential oils is capable of promoting transgenerational effects in S. zeamais that can negatively impact the control efficacy of such products.
High floral resource density leads to neural constraint in the generalist, floriphilic katydid, Phaneroptera brevis (Orthoptera: Phaneropterinae)
Authors: TAN MING KAI , LEEM CHERYL J. M. , TAN HUGH T. W.
Published: April 2017

1. The neural constraint hypothesis has been investigated in the field of insect–plant interactions. It predicts that the consumer's detection ability, time spent on resources, and efficiency in resource use are affected by different aspects of resource availability.

2. The applicability of this hypothesis in florivory, however, generally lacks a mechanistic understanding of the effect of resource density on neural constraint, so using caged experiments, the (i) ability of a generalist, floriphilic katydid [(Phaneroptera brevis (Serville)] to find a floral resource (inflorescences of Bidens pilosa L.), (ii) attentiveness of the katydid on this resource after successfully detecting the floral resource, and (iii) efficiency of resource use under varying densities of the floral resource were studied.

3. The present results indicated no evidence of an obvious effect of floral resource density on the detection of resources by the florivore but an increase in floral‐resource density generally led to lower efficiency and attentiveness in the foraging katydids.

4. These findings provide the first evidence of the neural constraint hypothesis in the context of resource density and corroborate the applicability of the neural constraint hypothesis in florivory.
The economic geography of race in the New World: Brazil, 1500–2000†
Authors: Bucciferro Justin R.
Published: April 2017

Race is a fundamental aspect of historical inequality and institutions, yet it is at times overlooked within the literature on comparative development in the Americas. This article investigates the nature of staple production in Brazil and attendant changes in the racial composition of 20 modern states from its discovery by the Portuguese to the present. The Indigenous population was surpassed by that of African descent in the north‐east, south‐east, and north, respectively, during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; not until decades after the abolition of slavery did people of European heritage come to constitute a majority. These transitions were guided by the relative productivity, natural increase, and price of Native and African slaves, contingent on the extent of natural resource wealth (mineral deposits or land suitable for growing cash crops) and supply of free labour. In those areas where slavery was most profitable, a 1 per cent increase in the relative cost of Native labour raised the proportion of people of African ancestry by up to 2 per cent, depending on the measures of slave prices and racial classifications considered. This relationship is robust to changes in output prices or the populace of European descent, and alternative scenarios of aboriginal population decline.
Cortical hyperexcitability and disease spread in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Menon P. , Geevasinga N. , van den Bos M. , Yiannikas C. , Kiernan M. C. , Vucic S.
Published: April 2017

Background and purpose

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by focal disease onset with a predominantly contiguous pattern of disease spread. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying disease progression in ALS have not been elucidated. Given that cortical hyperexcitability has been identified as an important pathogenic mechanism in ALS, the aim of the present study was to determine whether changes in cortical function could mediate disease spread in ALS.

Methods

Threshold‐tracking transcranial magnetic stimulation was undertaken in 50 patients with sporadic ALS with recording of responses over both abductor pollicis brevis muscles, with results matched to clinical assessments and concurrent neurophysiological investigation of lower motor neuron function. Subsequently, patients were followed longitudinally to map patterns of clinical disease progression.

Results

Cortical dysfunction was evident over both motor cortices, with hyperexcitability more prominent over the dominant motor cortex, contralateral to the site of disease onset, with reduction of resting motor threshold (F = 3.83, P < 0.05), short‐interval intracortical inhibition (F = 15.0, P < 0.0001) and cortical silent‐period duration (F = 8.01, P < 0.01), along with an increase in motor evoked potential amplitude (F = 5.66, P < 0.01). In addition, patterns of cortical change were consistent with a contiguous pattern of disease progression.

Conclusions

Cortical hyperexcitability appears to be more prominent over the dominant motor cortex, contralateral to the side of symptom onset, and contributes to a contiguous pattern of spread in sporadic ALS.
School Holidays and Stock Market Seasonality
Authors: Fang Lily , Lin Chunmei , Shao Yuping
Published: April 2017

Using school holiday data from 47 countries, we find a strong link between school holidays and market returns. Stock market returns in the month after major school holidays are 0.6% to 1% lower than in other months. This explains, but is not limited to, the “September effect.” In the United States, September is the only month that exhibits a negative average return over the past century. The postschool holiday effect remains even with monthly fixed effects. We explore the explanation that the effect is due to investor inattention during school holidays, which slows the incorporation of (negative) information in security prices.
Elemental ion release and cytotoxicity of antimicrobial acrylic resins incorporated with nanomaterial
Authors: de Castro Denise Tornavoi , Valente Mariana Lima da Costa , Aires Carolina Patricia , Alves Oswaldo Luiz , dos Reis Andréa Cândido
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study evaluated the release of ions and the cytotoxicity of acrylic resins incorporated with silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgVO3).

Background

The inhibition of the accumulation of microorganisms on the resins is critical in preventing diseases. However, the hypothesis is that the release of ions from the incorporation of AgVO3 may be important in biocompatibility.

Materials and methods

Specimens of autopolymerising (AP) and heat‐polymerising resin (HP) with AgVO3 were prepared and immersed in culture medium. The release of silver ions (Ag) and vanadium (V) was evaluated by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP‐MS) (n=9) and the cell viability of fibroblasts L929 by MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐ 2yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (n=12). The results were evaluated with analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey and Pearson correlation test (α=.05).

Results

The groups containing AgVO3 presented a difference in relation to the control (0%) regarding the release of Ag and V (P<.0001). All groups showed a reduction in L929 viability when compared with the cellular control (100%) (P<.0001). In comparison with the control resins for HP, a reduction in the metabolism of cells occurred starting at 2.5% and for AP at 5% (P<.0001). A positive correlation was found between the concentration of AgVO3 and the ion release, and a negative between the ion release and the cell viability.

Conclusions

Significant numbers of Ag and V ions were released from resins with higher concentrations of AgVO3, presenting cytotoxicity for cells, suggesting that the use of low concentrations is indicated to avoid risks to patients.
Association between using medications with anticholinergic properties and short‐term cognitive decline among older men: A retrospective cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Yi‐Hui , Wang Chih‐Jen , Hung Cheng‐Hao , Chen Liang‐Yu , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Wang Pei‐Ning , Chen Liang‐Kung
Published: April 2017

Aim

The use of anticholinergic drugs had been strongly linked to adverse health outcomes among older adults, especially in cognitive impairment or dementia. The present study aimed to evaluate the cognitive decline related to the use of anticholinergic drugs among older men living in the veterans’ homes in Taiwan.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was a substudy of The Longitudinal Older Veterans study. A total of 274 residents living in four Taiwan veterans’ homes and receiving two consecutive Mini‐Mental State Examinations within the interval of 6 months from January 2012 to December 2014 were enrolled in the present study. The medication lists for all participants were reviewed by the same physician, and the anticholinergic properties of the individual medications were evaluated by using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale. Cognitive decline was defined as the decrease of Mini‐Mental State Examinations scores during the study period.

Results

Overall, 139 persons (50.7%) had exposure to anticholinergic drugs at baseline (designated as AC[+]), and the most frequently used anticholinergic drugs were cardiovascular drugs (48.2%), antipsychotics (21.6%), theophylline (20.1%), antidepressants (12.2%), gastrointestinal drugs (11.5%) and antihistamines (8.6%). After adjusting for covariates, AC(+) participants had a significantly higher risk for short‐term cognitive decline (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.36–5.31). After excluding 30 participants using antipsychotics, non‐antipsychotics AC(+)participants still had a significantly higher risk for short‐term cognitive decline (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.26–3.99).

Conclusions

Exposure to anticholinergic drugs significantly increased the risk for short‐term cognitive decline among older men, and the adverse effects remained similar when antipsychotics were excluded for analysis. A further intervention study is required to evaluate whether reducing anticholinergic burden might improve cognitive function among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017: 17 (Suppl. 1): 57–64.
Hospitalization and associated factors in people with Alzheimer's disease residing in a long‐term care facility in southern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chu‐Sheng , Lin Shih‐Yi , Chou Ming‐Yueh , Chen Liang‐Yu , Wang Kuei‐Yu , Chen Liang‐Kung , Lin Yu‐Te , Loh Ching‐Hui
Published: April 2017

Aim

It has been reported that many people with dementia require hospitalizations. The objective of the present study was to determine predictive factors for hospitalizations in people with dementia.

Methods

A total of 70 individuals with dementia living in a veterans’ home in southern Taiwan were consecutively enrolled. During prospective follow up, all hospitalization events were recorded.

Results

The mean age of residents with dementia was 86.1 ± 4.0 years, and the mean follow‐up time for this population was 2.2 ± 1.1 years. Among individuals, 62.9% suffered from malnutrition or were at risk of malnutrition (minimal nutritional assessment‐short form score ≤11), and 8.6% of individuals had a body mass index of <18.5 Kg/m2. There were 52 (74.3%) individuals who had previously fallen. Overall, 51 of 70 residents were hospitalized during the follow‐up period. In those individuals with previous falls, there was a significantly increased risk of hospitalization (odds ratio 5.61, 95% CI 1.18–26.7). Furthermore, three factors were significantly associated with the risk of fall, including handgrip strength, malnutrition and Mini‐Mental State Examination score.

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that hospitalization was a frequent event in residents with dementia living in a long‐term care facility. The major predictor for hospital admission was history of a previous fall. Screening those with dementia for history of injurious falls and associated risk factors for falling could help identify those at risk of hospitalization, thus necessitating a comprehensive intervention to reduce hospitalization. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17 (Suppl. 1): 50–56.
Of time, leadership, and governance: Elite incentives and stability maintenance in China
Authors: Hou Linke , Liu Mingxing , Yang Dali L. , Xue Ji
Published: April 2017

China's party‐controlled elite appointment system has been praised for contributing to growth and order in recent decades. Inspired by Mancur Olson's insight into elite incentives and governance, we examine how the Chinese practices of elite management affect the character of governance using unique survey and interview data on township leaders and social contention. We find that, first, externally appointed party secretaries experience more petitions and mass incidents during their tenure and are more likely to use coercion to deal with petitions than internally appointed secretaries. Second, these tendencies are moderated when externally appointed party secretaries are paired with internally appointed township heads We explore the implications of such behavioral differences and suggest our findings are of broad significance for understanding governance in China.
The expression of Helicobacter pylori tfs plasticity zone cluster is regulated by pH and adherence, and its composition is associated with differential gastric IL‐8 secretion
Authors: Silva Bruno , Nunes Alexandra , Vale Filipa F. , Rocha Raquel , Gomes João Paulo , Dias Ricardo , Oleastro Mónica
Published: April 2017

Background

Helicobacter pylori virulence is associated with different clinical outcomes. The existence of an intact dupA gene from tfs4b cluster has been suggested as a predictor for duodenal ulcer development. However, the role of tfs plasticity zone clusters in the development of ulcers remains unclear. We studied several H. pylori strains to characterize the gene arrangement of tfs3 and tfs4 clusters and their impact in the inflammatory response by infected gastric cells.

Methods

The genome of 14 H. pylori strains isolated from Western patients, pediatric (n=10) and adult (n=4), was fully sequenced using the Illumina platform MiSeq, in addition to eight pediatric strains previously sequenced. These strains were used to infect human gastric cells, and the secreted interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) was quantified by ELISA. The expression of virB2, dupA, virB8, virB10, and virB6 was assessed by quantitative PCR in adherent and nonadherent fractions of H. pylori during in vitro co‐infection, at different pH values.

Results

We have found that cagA‐positive H. pylori strains harboring a complete tfs plasticity zone cluster significantly induce increased production of IL‐8 from gastric cells. We have also found that the region spanning from virB2 to virB10 genes constitutes an operon, whose expression is increased in the adherent fraction of bacteria during infection, as well as in both adherent and nonadherent fractions at acidic conditions.

Conclusions

A complete tfs plasticity zone cluster is a virulence factor that may be important for the colonization of H. pylori and to the development of severe outcomes of the infection with cagA‐positive strains.