bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes, secondary malignancies and stem cell collection following bendamustine in patients with previously treated non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Martin Peter , Chen Zhengming , Cheson Bruce D. , Robinson Katherine S. , Williams Michael , Rajguru Saurabh A. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , van der Jagt Richard H. , LaCasce Ann S. , Joyce Robin , Ganjoo Kristen N. , Bartlett Nancy L. , Lemieux Bernard , VanderWalde Ari , Herst Jordan , Szer Jeffrey , Bar Michael H. , Cabanillas Fernando , Dodds Anthony J. , Montgomery Paul G. , Pressnail Bryn , Ellis Tricia , Smith Mitchell R. , Leonard John P.
Published: April 2017

Despite the long history of bendamustine as treatment for indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, long‐term efficacy and toxicity data are minimal. We reviewed long‐term data from three clinical trials to characterize the toxicity and efficacy of patients receiving bendamustine. Data were available for 149 subjects at 21 sites. The median age was 60 years at the start of bendamustine (range 39–84), and patients had received a median of 3 prior therapies. The histologies included grades 1–2 follicular lymphoma (FL; n = 73), grade 3 FL (n = 23), small lymphocytic lymphoma (n = 20), marginal zone lymphoma (n = 15), mantle cell lymphoma (n = 9), transformed lymphomas (n = 5), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (n = 2) and not reported (n = 2). The median event‐free survival was 14·1 months. Nine of 12 attempted stem cell collections were successful. With a median follow‐up of 8·9 years, 23 patients developed 25 cancers, including 8 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia. These data provide important information regarding the long‐term toxicity of bendamustine in previously treated patients. A small but meaningful number of patients achieved durable remissions following bendamustine. These rigorously collected, patient‐level, long‐term follow‐up data provide reassurance that bendamustine or bendamustine plus rituximab is associated with efficacy and safety for patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.
Psychopathology and social functioning of 42 subjects from a Danish ultra high‐risk cohort
Authors: Madsen Helle Karkov , Nordholm Dorte , Krakauer Kristine , Randers Lasse , Nordentoft Merete
Published: April 2017

Aim

To make a thorough characterization of the co‐morbidity, psychopathology and demographics in the first Danish ultra high‐risk (UHR) sample.

Method

Forty‐two UHR subjects went through comprehensive interviews assessing their psychopathology, psychiatric disorders, substance use and family history of psychiatric disorders.

Results

All UHR subjects met the criteria of at least 1 axis I diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) and met on average four diagnoses (both axis I and II), mostly within the areas of depression, anxiety and substance abuse. A total of 48% had schizotypal personality disorder and 19% had borderline personality disorder. Level of functioning was low with a mean score on the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale corresponding to “major impairment in several areas,” and mean scores in the Global Functioning: Social and Role scales between “moderate impairment in social functioning” and “very serious impairment independently.” Forty‐seven percent were unemployed and 29% on sick leave. Fifty‐five percent relied financially on public support.

Conclusion

As seen in previous UHR populations, Danish UHR subjects had low function socio‐economically and met criteria of several psychiatric diagnoses, suggesting that they require pharmacological and non‐pharmacological psychiatric treatment as well as vocational and educational guidance and support.
Effect of hepatitis B virus subgenotype on antiviral response in nucleoside‐treated hepatitis B envelope antigen‐positive patients
Authors: Shen Sheng , Liang Xieer , Hamed Kamal , Tanaka Yasuhito , Omagari Katsumi , Fan Rong , Xie Qing , Tan Deming , Zhou Bin , Jia Ji‐Dong , Hou Jinlin , Sun Jian
Published: April 2017

Aim

Previous studies have reported that hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype is not a predictor of treatment response with nucleos(t)ide analog therapy. However, the impact of subgenotype on treatment response is unknown. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of HBV subgenotype on treatment response.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the derivation dataset comprised patients from the EFFORT study (NCT00962533) telbivudine monotherapy group; patients infected with genotypes B or C from the GLOBE (NCT00057265) and 015 (NCT00131742) studies formed the validation dataset. The HBV subgenotypes were determined using phylogenetic analysis based on the surface or overlapping polymerase gene. Molecular modeling was used to investigate relationships between positions of the substitutions within reverse transcriptase and genotypic resistance.

Results

Of the patients in the derivation dataset, 110, 24, 162, and 1 patients were classified as having HBV subgenotypes B2, C1, C2, or other, respectively, compared to 222, 146, 282, and 51 in the validation dataset, respectively. Patients infected with subgenotype C1 showed a higher virologic response rate and hepatitis B envelope antigen seroconversion rate, and lower genotypic resistance rate than those infected with subgenotypes B2 and C2. Patients with genotypic resistance to telbivudine with subgenotype C1 showed fewer secondary mutations. The crystal structure model of reverse transcriptase showed that these secondary mutations were located around the YMDD motif, which possibly influenced the chance of mutations at rtM204.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B virus subgenotype C1 is associated with better antiviral response to nucleoside analogs in hepatitis B envelope antigen‐positive patients than B2 and C2 subgenotypes. The exact mechanism needs to be explored further.
The Managerial Turn: The Transformation of Spanish Migration Control Policies since the Onset of the Economic Crisis
Authors: BRANDARIZ‐GARCÍA JOSÉ A. , FERNÁNDEZ‐BESSA CRISTINA
Published: April 2017

Over the first decade of this century, Spain was a primary destination of international migrants. Successive Spanish governments have addressed this phenomenon by implementing a number of control measures, largely aimed at securing external and internal borders. However, the persistence of the economic crisis has led to the readjustment of the whole system of migration control. This article intends to shed light on the underlying rationales of the current transformation of Spanish policies within this field. It will scrutinise the implications of the managerial turn in the Spanish apparatus of deportation and conclude by outlining a range of legal reforms grounded in a human rights perspective.
Insights into the ecology, genetics and distribution of Lucanus elaphus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), North America's giant stag beetle
Authors: Ulyshen Michael D. , Zachos Louis G. , Stireman John O. , Sheehan Thomas N. , Garrick Ryan C.
Published: April 2017

Little is known about the biology or conservation status of Lucanus elaphus Fabricius in North America despite well‐documented declines of a related species, Lucanus cervus (L.), in Europe. This study provides information critical to developing conservation plans for L. elaphus including the species’ larval substrate requirements, genetic data and range‐wide estimates of habitat suitability.

In Mississippi floodplain forests, larval L. elaphus were recovered from a wide range of log sizes and rot types and were either found tunnelling within the wood or feeding beneath logs at the soil–wood interface. The species appears to require 1–2 years to complete development, exhibits a 1:1 sex ratio and is parasitised by Zelia vertebrata (Say) (Diptera: Tachinidae).

Flight intercept traps placed at three heights at both the edge and interior of hardwood‐dominated forests in Georgia yielded six adult male L. elaphus, all of which were captured in traps placed at 15 m on the forest edge.

Because L. elaphus larvae are morphologically indistinguishable from related species, DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene were generated to facilitate molecular identification. Genetic data revealed modest intra‐specific variation, with up to 1.3% sequence divergence among haplotypes sampled from the same forest.

Based on assembled occurrence records, ecological niche models suggest that environmental conditions are suitable for L. elaphus across much of the southeastern United States, provided that adequate lowland forest cover and dead wood substrates are available.
Blood parameters of preterm neonates: postnatal evolution according to gestational age
Authors: Roudil P. , Vasselon C. , Trombert‐Paviot B. , Berger C. , Patural H.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

The blood count provides qualitative and quantitative essential information on bloodlines. Reference hematologic parameters have been established in children and neonates, but few data are available regarding the premature population during the first month of life. The main objective of this study was to establish normative values for blood parameters for premature infants born between 26 and <37 weeks of gestation, during the first month of life, taking into account gestational and postnatal age and treatments that can impact the threshold values.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was conducted based on the clinical and laboratory data of preterm infants born between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013 and hospitalized in the intensive care, neonatal, and maternity units of University Hospital of Saint Etienne (France). Data were collected by crossing the PMSI database (date of birth and gestational age), the administrative patient database (IPP), and the pre‐analytical laboratory database. Anthropometric and clinical data were extracted for both mother and child. The samples were all made from central or peripheral venous blood. All blood parameters were taken into account.

Results

The degree of prematurity is a factor greatly influencing the values of the blood parameters at birth. All three blood lines increase in proportion to gestational age. We were able to highlight for some blood parameters specific kinetic profiles according to gestational age.

Conclusion

Blood parameters of preterm neonates depend on both the degree of prematurity, postnatal age, and perinatal treatments. A good knowledge of these physiological variations may help target transfusion or therapeutic indications in everyday practice.
Clot wave analysis and thromboembolic score in liver cirrhosis: two opposing phenomena
Authors: Ruberto M. F. , Sorbello O. , Civolani A. , Barcellona D. , Demelia L. , Marongiu F.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are abnormal but unreliable in cirrhotic patients to express their risk of bleeding. However, these patients may also suffer from thrombotic episodes. In order to investigate the dynamics of the formation of fibrin, the clot waveform analysis (CWA) of aPTT was studied together with a score for the evaluation of the thromboembolic risk.

Methods

CWA in terms of velocity (1st derivative), acceleration (2nd derivatives) and density (Delta) of aPTT and the Padua Prediction Score (PPS) for venous thromboembolism were studied in 191 cirrhotic patients.

Results

CWA values were lower in the cirrhotic patients when compared to the control groups. However, Delta, 1st and 2nd derivatives were higher in cirrhotic patients with elevated PPS in comparison to those with a low PPS. The 1st derivative was significantly associated with a high PPS score (>4): OR: 2.66, CI: 95% 1.23–5.78.

Conclusions

Two opposing tendencies seem to be present in cirrhotic disease: the first shows a weakness of clot formation while the second a predisposition towards thrombosis, identified by the PPS.
A study of disseminated intravascular coagulation in acute leukemia reveals markedly elevated D‐dimer levels are a sensitive indicator of acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Shahmarvand N. , Oak J. S. , Cascio M. J. , Alcasid M. , Goodman E. , Medeiros B. C. , Arber D. A. , Zehnder J. L. , Ohgami R. S.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

While the presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has been implicated in worse clinical outcome in acute leukemia, the relationship between different subtypes of acute leukemia and the clinicopathologic features of DIC has not been systematically well studied.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 149 cases of newly diagnosed acute leukemia and assessed the utility of evaluating red blood cell morphologic features, and coagulation parameters in determining the presence of DIC as well as differentiating subtypes of acute leukemia.

Results

Review of our cohort demonstrates a novel finding, that elevated D‐dimer concentrations ≥19 000 ng/mL fibrinogen equivalent units (FEU) are a sensitive diagnostic indicator of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with moderate specificity, sensitivity 96%, specificity 92% in acute leukemia subtyping. Similar to other studies, APL showed an increased incidence of DIC (P < 0.01) compared to other subtypes of acute leukemia. Surprisingly, the presence of schistocytes on the peripheral blood smear was not a statistically significant indicator of DIC, sensitivity of 36% and specificity of 89%. Finally, the presence of DIC was not a significant indicator of poorer prognosis amongst all patients with AML.

Conclusion

Overall we identify elevated D‐dimer concentrations ≥19 000 ng/mL FEU are a sensitive indicator of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 92% in the subtyping of acute leukemias, and that the presence of schistocytes in peripheral blood smears is not a diagnostically sensitive screening test for DIC with a sensitivity of 36%.
The eurozone crisis, German hegemony and labour market reform in the GIPS countries
Authors: Currie Denise , Teague Paul
Published: April 2017

This article argues that the eurozone crisis has led to Germany hegemony, a feature of which has been complete resistance to a genuinely European solution to the crisis. German political leaders have sought to make the eurozone a more stable currency area by demanding far reaching labour market adjustment in the debtor countries of Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, GIPS countries. This article assesses why Germany's leaders elected to act as a coercive hegemon and examines the labour market reform pathways being travelled by GIPS countries. It argues that the austerity regime enacted under German hegemony has obliged the GIPS countries to introduce important labour market reforms. However, these reforms have not threatened the integrity of established national systems of industrial relations. As a result a Euro war of attrition has opened up between the European core and periphery.
Management of necrotising fasciitis secondary to abdominal liposuction using a combination of surgery, hyperbaric oxygen and negative pressure wound therapy in a patient with burn scars
Authors: Chiang I‐Han , Chang Shun‐Cheng , Wang Chih‐Hsin
Published: April 2017

Liposuction is the one of the most frequently performed cosmetic operations and usually has an easy recovery, with a reportedly low overall complication rate. Here, we report the case of a 60‐year‐old woman with type II diabetes mellitus and a previous burn injury of the abdomen who underwent abdominal liposuction and subsequently developed necrotising fasciitis. Following radical debridement, systemic antibiotic administration, negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the wound healed completely. This case demonstrates the success of the combination treatment and highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of the risk of serious complications in selected patients.
The field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology: An early example of translational research
Authors: Provenzano‐Hass Nicolette
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this article was to introduce the discipline of Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology and discuss its connection with translational research. I/O Psychology is dedicated to improving the lives of people at work, and maintaining the communication between science and practice has been key to the success of that endeavor. A discussion on some of the more heavily researched I/O topics is presented, along with a discussion on the application of I/O in the form of organizational interventions. It is hoped that this article will contribute to the current discussion on translational research among the biomedical and biobehavioral fields and also be used as a resource for those seeking to improve the functioning of their organizations.
Effect of international working experience of individual auditors on audit quality: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Dai Yunhao , Kong Dongmin , Tan Weiqiang
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the effects of auditors with international working experience on audit quality in emerging markets. Such auditors are associated with better audit quality, a pattern that is further supported by an examination based on a propensity score matching sample that controls for endogeneity. Chief financial officers with international experience are more conservative in the client company of their auditors who have international working experience. Further, reviewer partners with international working experience provide better audit quality in terms of low accruals, less below‐the‐line items, and less audit reporting aggressiveness, while engagement partners with international working experience require high audit fees. Moreover, financial reports signed by auditors with international working experience significantly increase analyst forecast accuracy and decrease analyst forecast dispersion. Our results are robust to different specifications and alternative measures. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of human capital and provides direct evidence on how auditors with international working experience use their knowledge and audit skills in emerging markets.
North‐west Africa as a source and refuge area of plant biodiversity: a case study on Campanula kremeri and Campanula occidentalis
Authors: García‐Aloy Sara , Vitales Daniel , Roquet Cristina , Sanmartín Isabel , Vargas Pablo , Molero Julián , Kamau Peris , Aldasoro Juan José , Alarcón Marisa
Published: April 2017

Aim

North‐west Africa, because of its position at the crossroads between Macaronesia and the Iberian Peninsula, has played an important role on the emergence and maintenance of Mediterranean plant diversity. In this study, we reconstruct the phylogeographical history of a lineage of bellflowers comprising the north African‐south Iberian species Campanula kremeri and the Canarian Campanula occidentalis (Azorina‐group), to investigate the genetic imprints left by past climatic and palaeogeographical events on the northern African flora.

Location

North‐west Africa, Iberian Peninsula, and the Canary Islands.

Methods

We reconstructed the biogeographical history of the Azorina‐group to provide a phylogenetic background. We then investigated the phylogeographical patterns within C. kremeri and C. occidentalis using the AFLP and sequence data. We integrated these results with the past species‐distribution modelling to understand the current biodiversity patterns within this lineage.

Results

The ancestor of C. kremeri‐C. occidentalis diverged in the Late Miocene/Early Pliocene. Nuclear data supported species monophyly, whereas plastid data suggested that C. kremeri is paraphyletic. Maghrebian populations of C. kremeri showed high genetic diversity, whilst Iberian ones and those of C. occidentalis exhibited lower values.

Main conclusions

Repeated expansion‐retraction events associated with Pleistocene climatic changes in North Africa facilitated gene flow across Maghrebian ranges in C. kremeri. Mountain massifs in north‐west Africa likely acted as refugia for Mediterranean plants during interglacial periods, whereas range expansion in cooler periods triggered dispersal to neighbouring regions. The range of C. kremeri expanded to the Iberian Peninsula by long‐distance dispersal across the Strait of Gibraltar during the Pleistocene. The relatively old age inferred for C. occidentalis together with its low genetic diversity point to a recent colonization of the Canary Islands from north‐west Africa followed by extinction in the mainland or an old lineage that underwent a recent genetic bottleneck.
Niche asymmetry of vascular plants increases with elevation
Authors: Dvorský Miroslav , Macek Martin , Kopecký Martin , Wild Jan , Doležal Jiří
Published: April 2017

Aim

Species distributions along an environmental gradient are often not symmetric but skewed towards one end of the gradient. Various explanations for this skewness have been proposed but the patterns of niche asymmetry along extensive environmental gradients have been rarely explored. In this study, we tested three predictions of asymmetric abiotic stress limitation (AASL) hypothesis that predicts a steeper decrease in the probability of occurrence towards the more stressful end of a plant distributional range.

Location

Ladakh, arid Himalayas, where drought stress dominates in the lower elevation, whilst the cold stress dominates in the upper elevations.

Methods

Using data from 4062 plots (2640–6150 m a.s.l.), we explored the shapes of response curves of 395 vascular plant species through Huisman‐Olff‐Fresco models. We compared the observed patterns of niche asymmetry along the elevational gradient with null models.

Results

Species with symmetric response curves (61.5%) prevailed at lower elevations, whilst species with left‐skewed responses (36.2%) were significantly underrepresented up to 3750 m a.s.l. and occurred significantly more frequently at 5150–5450 m a.s.l. Right‐skewed responses were rare (2.3%) along the whole gradient. The steepness of the response increased with elevation. Response types were found in similar proportions across different habitats and functional groups.

Main conclusions

Our results support the predictions of AASL hypothesis for cold limits, but not for dry limits. The low proportion of right‐skewed responses over the entire gradient suggests an effective adaptation of the local flora to arid conditions, or sufficient opportunity to avoid drought stress through the presence of favourable habitat patches. The accumulation of skewed responses at high elevations likely reflects shared physiological limits of many steppe species, whose distribution abruptly ends at the transition between steppe and alpine zones. Cold, therefore, represents a stronger barrier to species distribution than drought.
Increased levels of soluble CD163 in periodontitis patients
Authors: Detzen Laurent , Chen Steven C. Y. , Cheng Bin , Papapanou Panos N. , Lalla Evanthia
Published: April 2017

Aim

Soluble CD163 (sCD163) has been implicated as a new biomarker in inflammatory conditions. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to assess CD163 levels systemically and locally in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods

sCD163 levels were measured by ELISA in serum samples from 70 periodontitis and 70 periodontally healthy subjects, and in saliva samples in a subset of the population. Two gingival biopsies were harvested per subject from 20 periodontitis patients: one from a periodontally affected site, the other from a healthy site, and the relative expression of CD163 mRNA was assessed by real‐time PCR.

Results

Serum sCD163 was significantly higher in periodontitis patients compared to periodontally healthy subjects (720.0 ± 330.6 ng/ml versus 510.7 ± 219.6 ng/ml, respectively; p < .001). Similarly, sCD163 levels in saliva were significantly increased in periodontitis compared to healthy subjects (3.01 ± 5.07 ng/ml versus 1.98 ± 4.95 ng/ml, respectively; p = .009). Serum and saliva sCD163 levels showed a positive correlation (Kendall's tau .27, p = .018). Importantly, CD163 gene expression was significantly higher in affected sites compared to unaffected sites in periodontitis patients, with a mean fold upregulation of 9.9 (STD: 15.3, p = .010).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that CD163 may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and its link with systemic conditions.
Antibiotic treatment of zebrafish mycobacteriosis: tolerance and efficacy of treatments with tigecycline and clarithromycin
Authors: Chang C T , Doerr K M , Whipps C M
Published: April 2017

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a popular model organism used in a growing number of research fields. Maintaining healthy, disease‐free laboratory fish is important for the integrity of many of these studies. Mycobacteriosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by severalMycobacteriumspp. and is the second most common disease found in laboratory zebrafish. Current mycobacteriosis control measures recommend the removal of infected fish and in severe outbreaks, depopulation. These measures can be effective, but less disruptive measures should be assessed for controlling mycobacteriosis, particularly when valuable and rare lines of fish are affected. Here, thein vivoefficacy of two drug candidates, tigecycline (1 μg g−1) and clarithromycin (4 μg g−1), was tested in adult zebrafish experimentally infected withMycobacterium chelonae. We assessed both short (14 day)‐ and long‐term (30 day) treatments and evaluated fecundity and pathological endpoints. Fecundity and histology results show that zebrafish tolerated antibiotics. Antibiotic treatments did not significantly impact the prevalence of acid‐fast granulomas; however, the severity of infections (acid‐fast granuloma intensity) was significantly decreased following treatments.
In vivo and in vitro studies using larval and adult antigens from Neobenedenia melleni on immune response in yellowtail (Seriola lalandi)
Authors: Reyes‐Becerril M , Alamillo E , Trasviña A , Hirono I , Kondo H , Jirapongpairoj W , Ascencio‐Valle F , Angulo C
Published: April 2017

Neobenedenia melleni is a monogenean parasite that causes significant mortality and economic losses in fish aquaculture. Changes in the antigenic composition of this parasite occur during its developmental stages. In this study, we evaluated humoral parameters in serum and transcriptional immune responses of yellowtail naturally infected with N. melleni. In addition, in vitro assays were performed to study the stimulatory effects of antigens from larvae and adults on spleen leucocytes from non‐infected fish at 6 and 24 h post‐stimulation. The results showed enhanced total protein, myeloperoxidase and antiprotease activities in N. melleni‐infected fish compared with non‐infected ones. The induction of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in spleen leucocytes during natural infection with N. melleni suggests that these immune‐related genes play an important role in the initiation of the immune defence mechanism for controlling parasite infection. Interestingly, the magnitude of in vitro responses of spleen leucocytes was dependent on the parasitic stage. An important stimulation of gene expression by adult antigens on spleen leucocytes was observed. Differential expression patterns of TLRs and target cytokines in yellowtail leucocytes in both in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that the quality of yellowtail immune response is conditioned by N. melleni development.
The effects of enteral feeding improvement massage on premature infants: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kim Hee‐young , Bang Kyung‐Sook
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectives

To prove the effects of an enteral feeding improvement massage for premature infants with regard to their feeding, growing and superior mesentery artery blood flow aspect by a randomised controlled trial.

Background

Premature infants have feeding‐related problems related to eating and absorbing nutrition due to their immature gastrointestinal function. Studies regarding the effectiveness of premature infants’ enteral feeding improvement by tactile stimulation massage are rare.

Design

The study group was composed of 55 patients. Of the 55 patients, 26 were randomised into an experimental group and 29 were randomised into a control group.

Methods

They were all born <34 weeks of gestational age between 1 July 2011 and 30 March 2012. Premature infants in the experimental group received enteral feeding improvement massage twice a day for 14 days, and infants in the control group received a sham exercise. The collected data were analysed by spss 19.0, through t test, chi‐square test (Fisher's exact) and ANCOVA.

Results

(i) The experimental group had reached the day of full enteral feeding significantly faster. (ii) The experimental group had a higher superior mesentery artery peak velocity (Vmax) and lower RI (resistant index). (iii) The experimental group of the feeding‐intolerant subgroup had a higher superior mesentery artery Vmax and Vmin. (iv) The experimental group had a heavier weight and larger head circumference after 14 days.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that enteral feeding improvement massage can be helpful for achieving earlier full enteral feeding, more increased superior mesentery artery, and faster growing. In particular, it can be a therapeutic, independent and evidence‐based nursing intervention for feeding‐intolerant premature infants.

Relevance to clinical practice

Neonatal nurses in neonatal intensive care unit can apply enteral feeding improvement massage massage for feeding‐intolerant infants.
Vagus nerve stimulation: a new promising therapeutic tool in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bonaz B. , Sinniger V. , Pellissier S.
Published: April 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that is Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, affects about 1.5 million persons in the USA and 2.2 million in Europe. The pathophysiology of IBD involves immunological, genetic and environmental factors. The treatment is medico‐surgical but suspensive. Anti‐TNFα agents have revolutionized the treatment of IBD but have side effects. In addition, a non‐negligible percentage of patients with IBD stop or take episodically their treatment. Consequently, a nondrug therapy targeting TNFα through a physiological pathway, devoid of major side effects and with a good cost‐effectiveness ratio, would be of interest. The vagus nerve has dual anti‐inflammatory properties through its afferent (i.e. hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis) and efferent (i.e. the anti‐TNFα effect of the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway) fibres. We have shown that there is an inverse relationship between vagal tone and plasma TNFα level in patients with CD, and have reported, for the first time, that chronic vagus nerve stimulation has anti‐inflammatory properties in a rat model of colitis and in a pilot study performed in seven patients with moderate CD. Two of these patients failed to improve after 3 months of vagus nerve stimulation but five were in deep remission (clinical, biological and endoscopic) at 6 months of follow‐up and vagal tone was restored. No major side effects were observed. Thus, vagus nerve stimulation provides a new therapeutic option in the treatment of CD.
Desire for and to Avoid Pregnancy During the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Weitzman Abigail , Barber Jennifer S. , Kusunoki Yasamin , England Paula
Published: April 2017

Unintended pregnancies disproportionately occur among teenage women, yet little is known about the determinants of pregnancy desire among this group. The authors use a comprehensive baseline survey and data on pregnancy desires to investigate which unmarried 18‐ to 20‐year‐old women want a pregnancy, want to avoid pregnancy, and report consistent pregnancy desire and disinclination. Variables that positively predict pregnancy desire generally negatively predict desire to avoid pregnancy. Although most young women have no desire and strong disinclination in most weeks, childhood public assistance is a strong predictor of wanting pregnancy and not wanting to avoid it. Comparing nested models suggests that the effects of childhood disadvantage operate through social environments where early pregnancy is less stigmatized. Young women in serious relationships, who are depressed, and who are not pursuing postsecondary education have more desire for pregnancy and less disinclination, but little of childhood disadvantage is mediated by these factors.
The Development of Lingualized Occlusion
Authors: Engelmeier Robert L. , Phoenix Rodney D.
Published: April 2017

This article is a historical review of the development of the lingualized occlusion concept over the past century. It focuses on the pioneers of lingualized occlusion and their designs rather than on techniques for achieving a lingualized complete denture occlusion.
The dynamics of searching for meaning and presence of meaning in daily life
Authors: Newman David B. , Nezlek John B. , Thrash Todd M.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Research on searching for meaning in life has focused on trait‐level relationships rather than within‐person relationships. Our goal was to examine within‐person relationships between daily states of searching for meaning in life, daily states of presence of meaning in life, and daily states of well‐being.

Method

To advance our understanding of searching for meaning in life, we conducted a daily diary study with two samples in which 254 undergraduate students (Mage = 18.54, SD = 1.55; 66.9% female) completed daily reports of presence and search for meaning in life and well‐being for 2 weeks (n = 3,288).

Results

Between persons, search was negatively related to presence and well‐being. In contrast, within persons, daily search was positively related to presence and well‐being. Relationships between daily search and daily well‐being were mediated by daily presence of meaning in life. Lagged analyses indicated that greater search on one day led to greater presence the next day.

Conclusions

The implications of these within‐person findings suggest that researchers should reconsider the potential consequences that occur from searching for meaning in life, including the possibility that greater searching is associated with increased well‐being.
A diagnostic algorithm for assessment of liver fibrosis by liver stiffness measurement in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Cai Y.‐J. , Dong J.‐J. , Wang X.‐D. , Huang S.‐S. , Chen R.‐C. , Chen Y. , Wang Y.‐Q. , Song M. , Chen Y.‐P. , Li Z. , Zhou M.‐T. , Shi K.‐Q.
Published: April 2017

Steatosis could affect liver stiffness measurement in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic hepatitis C. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of steatosis on liver stiffness in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients and develop a diagnostic algorithm for prediction of liver fibrosis by liver stiffness based on the controlled attenuation parameter. A total of 488 HBV‐infected patients who underwent clinical examination, Fibroscan and liver biopsy were prospectively enrolled. The best liver stiffness measurement (kPa) cut‐offs for significant fibrosis (S≥3) and advanced fibrosis (S≥4) were 8.1 and 10.9, respectively. The best controlled attenuation parameter cut‐off for severe steatosis (≥30%) was 287 dB/m. Among patients with low‐grade fibrosis (S0‐S2/S0‐S3), mean liver stiffness values were significantly higher in subjects with severe steatosis or controlled attenuation parameter ≥287 dB/m compared with those without. Moreover, in subjects with low‐grade fibrosis, a higher rate of false‐positive rate was observed in patients with severe steatosis than those in patients without (F0‐F2: 28.2% vs 9.7%; F0‐F3: 17.0% vs 5.3%), and in patients with CAP≥287 dB/m compared with their counterpart (F0‐F2: 23.7% vs 9.2%; F0‐F3: 14.1% vs 4.8%). Low‐grade fibrosis was accurately identified by γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐to‐platelet ratio (GPR) with a cut‐off value of 0.17. In patients with GPR<0.17, similar results were observed. The presence of steatosis may lead to overestimation of fibrosis assessed by liver stiffness measurement in patient with chronic hepatitis B. A diagnostic algorithm for assessing fibrosis using liver stiffness was developed by combining both controlled attenuation parameter and GPR values.
Temporospatial dynamics and public health significance of bacterial flora identified on a major leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting beach in the Southern Caribbean
Authors: Phillips Ayanna Carla N. , Coutou Johanna , Rajh Stacy , Stewart Neville , Watson Antonio , Jehu Adam , Asmath Hamish , Dziva Francis , Unakal Chandrashekhar , Holder Ridley , Carthy Raymond Raoul
Published: April 2017

Grande Riviere beach, on the island of Trinidad, supports the largest nesting population of leatherback turtles in the Caribbean region. Throughout the nesting season, nests are naturally disturbed by newly nesting females, resulting in egg breakage and loss of some nest viability. This environment is ideal for the growth and proliferation of microorganisms. The range of bacterial flora present in beach sand and egg shells was examined, with emphasis on bacteria that may pose a threat to public and animal health. The extent to which the bacterial load and genera on the beach changed throughout the season was also assessed. Twenty‐five genera were identified, with Pseudomonas spp. found to be the most predominant environmental bacteria. Four genera identified possess zoonotic potential, while five additional genera are known to be of public and animal health significance. Distinct shifts in the density and distribution of bacteria were observed along the beach from early to peak nesting season. Shifts were seen across heavily traversed zones, thus highlighting the potential exposure threats posed to beach visitors and animals alike. Further studies aimed at speciating this population of bacteria, as well as isolating potential fungal pathogens may mitigate this threat. Identification of bacterial agents that are specifically pathogenic to leatherback turtles, turtle eggs, hatchlings and those who may interact with these animals will serve to enhance and guide efforts to better conserve this species and protect the health of all who visit this ecologically significant site.
Culture, demography and biogeography of sponge science: From past conferences to strategic research?
Authors: Schönberg Christine Hanna Lydia
Published: April 2017

Perceived changes in the culture of sponge science and sponge conferences served as motivation for an evaluation of the sponge science community and research, over time and at present. Observed changes included a decrease in proceedings publications on sponge fossils and freshwater sponges, sponges from temperate environments, review papers and data syntheses, frequency of aquarium studies, and number of species investigated per publication. Publications on recent sponges, hexactinellids, calcareans, marine, Indo‐Pacific and warm‐water sponges increased, as well as the number of authors per publication and the proportion of field studies. Studies at the level of specimens and ultrastructure were gradually replaced by molecular approaches, but studies at the community level remained stable. The five sub‐disciplines morphology/taxonomy, phylogeny/evolution, physiology, ecology and faunistics also retained about equal proportions over time. Conference publications related to taxonomy, phylogeny and biodiversity prevailed, whereas those on management and conservation were rare, possibly because studies on sponge recovery, survival and mortality were also scarce. The community of sponge scientists has grown and become more diverse over time, presently representing 72 nations. The gender distribution evened out since the first sponge conference and presently favours women at early and men at late career stages. Although stated research interests are generally dominated by physiology and ecology, taxonomy and evolution are favoured after retirement. Sponge science has become more dynamic, but maybe also more competitive and less inclusive. We now face the dual challenge of safeguarding against the loss of some sub‐disciplines, and fostering the collaborative, helpful culture characteristic of sponge science.
Population ecology of the snail Melampus bidentatus in changing salt marsh landscapes
Authors: Zajac Roman , Kelly Erin , Perry Danielle , Espinosa Ivana
Published: April 2017

We studied the population ecology of the snail Melampus bidentatus in relation to patch composition and landscape structure across several salt marsh systems in Connecticut, USA. These marshes have changed significantly over the past 40–50 years including loss of total area, increased areas of short Spartina alterniflora, and decreased areas and fragmentation of Spartina patens. These changes are consistent with tidal inundation patterns that indicate frequent flooding of high marsh areas. Melampus bidentatus densities were highly variable, both among different salt marsh systems and locations within specific marshes, but were generally similar among short Sp. alterniflora and Sp. patens patches within locations. Densities were lowest where the marsh was regularly inundated at high tide and only remnant Sp. patens patches remained. Almost no snails were found in bare patches. Areas that had large Sp. patens patches adjacent to short Sp. alterniflora supported the highest M. bidentatus densities. Population size‐structure varied significantly among patch types, with higher proportions of large individuals in short Sp. alterniflora and hummocked Sp. patens patches than in large and remnant Sp. patens patches. This was likely due to size‐selective predation and/or higher snail growth rates due to better food resource conditions in short Sp. alterniflora patches. Egg mass densities and the number of eggs per egg mass were highest in short Sp. alterniflora. Our results indicate that M. bidentatus is resilient to the level and patterns of salt marsh change evident at our study sites. Indeed, snail densities were significantly higher than reported in other field studies, suggesting that increased patch areas of short Sp. alterniflora and associated environmental conditions at our study sites may provide more favorable habitats than previously when marshes were dominated by extensive Sp. patens meadows. However, there may be threshold conditions that could overwhelm the ability of M. bidentatus to maintain itself within salt marsh systems where changes in hydrology, sedimentation and other factors lead to increased numbers of bare patches and ponds and loss of short Sp. alterniflora and Sp. patens. Studies of the responses of resident and transient fauna to salt marsh change are critically needed in order to better understand the implications for salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and services.
A note on the long rate in factor models of the term structure
Authors: de Kort Jan
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we consider factor models of the term structure based on a Brownian filtration. We show that the existence of a nondeterministic long rate in a factor model of the term structure implies, as a consequence of the Dybvig–Ingersoll–Ross theorem, that the model has an equivalent representation in which one of the state variables is nondecreasing. For two‐dimensional factor models, we prove moreover that if the long rate is nondeterministic, the yield curve flattens out, and the factor process is asymptotically nondeterministic, then the term structure is unbounded. Finally, we provide an explicit example of a three‐dimensional affine factor model with a nondeterministic yet finite long rate in which the volatility of the factor process does not vanish over time.
Insular bats and research effort: a review of global patterns and priorities
Authors: Conenna Irene , Rocha Ricardo , Russo Danilo , Cabeza Mar
Published: April 2017

Evidence‐based knowledge is critical for the delineation and success of conservation interventions. However, despite limited research resources, research efforts frequently fail to target conservation priorities. Island endemic bats (IEBs) are a poorly studied group inhabiting some of the world's most vulnerable habitats, and for which no review of research allocation has ever been conducted.

We conducted a bibliometric review to evaluate the global research patterns for IEBs with respect to individual species, geographical distribution and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categories. Additionally, we studied the relationship between the number of publications and changes in Red List category, and identified species‐based and area‐based priorities for future research.

IEBs are significantly more threatened than bat species that are not island endemics. However, research focusing on IEBs is scarce, centred on species of lesser conservation concern, and spatially asymmetric, overlooking areas of high IEB biodiversity. Conservation‐oriented research seems to target species facing high extinction risk, but is extremely thinly and unevenly distributed. Although we found a positive association between research effort and improvement in Red List category, an increase in extinction risk did not trigger more scientific attention. A prioritisation analysis highlighted, as the top five islands for species richness in the least‐studied and highest conservation concern IEBs: Sulawesi, Timor, New Guinea, Java, and Borneo. The ten species of highest research priority include threatened and Data Deficient species from Southeast Asian and Pacific islands.

Conservation‐oriented research seems to be too scarce to satisfy conservation needs. The observed mismatch between research allocation and conservation priorities may reflect the fact that highly endangered species are unattractive targets for fund‐raising, due to species crypticity, high research budget requirements, and high risk of project failure. However, our findings support the importance of research for the conservation of IEBs, and we therefore advocate that more attention is directed towards the least‐known species.
Quantitative depth‐resolved microcirculation imaging with optical coherence tomography angiography (Part ΙΙ): Microvascular network imaging
Authors: Gao Wanrong
Published: April 2017

In this work, we review the main phenomena that have been explored inOCTangiography to image the vessels of the microcirculation within living tissues with the emphasis on how the different processing algorithms were derived to circumvent specific limitations. Parameters are then discussed that can quantitatively describe the depth‐resolved microvascular network for possible clinical diagnosis applications. Finally, future directions in continuingOCTdevelopment are discussed.
A Mixed User‐Equilibrium and System‐Optimal Traffic Flow for Connected Vehicles Stated as a Complementarity Problem
Authors: Bagloee Saeed Asadi , Sarvi Majid , Patriksson Michael , Rajabifard Abbas
Published: April 2017

Connected vehicles (CVs), be they autonomous vehicles or a fleet of cargo carriers or Uber, are a matter of when they become a reality and not if. It is not unreasonable to think that CV technology may have a far‐reaching impact, even to the genesis of a completely new traffic pattern. To this end, the literature has yet to address the routing behavior of the CVs, namely traffic assignment problem (TAP) (perhaps it is assumed, they ought to follow the traditional shortest possible paths, known as user equilibrium [UE]). It is possible that real‐time data could be derived from the vehicles’ communications that in turn could be used to achieve a better traffic circulation. In this article, we propose a mathematical formulation to ensure the CVs are seeking the system optimal (SO) principles, while the remainder continue to pursue the old‐fashioned UE pattern. The model is formulated as a nonlinear complementarity problem (NCP). This article contributes to the literature in three distinct ways: (i) mathematical formulation for the CVs’ routing, stated as a mixed UE‐SO traffic pattern, is proposed; (ii) a variety of realistic features are explicitly considered in the solution to the TAP including road capacity, elastic demand, multiclass and asymmetric travel time; and (iii) formal proof of the existence and uniqueness of the solutions are also presented. The proposed methodology is applied to the networks of Sioux‐Falls and Melbourne.