bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1: A Urinary Biomarker of Kidney Disease
Authors: Movafagh S , Raj D , Sanaei‐Ardekani M , Bhatia D , Vo K , Mahmoudieh M , Rahman R , Kim EH , Harralson AF
Published: February 2017

Identifying noninvasive biomarkers of kidney disease is valuable for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) expression is known to be elevated in the kidneys in several renal disease pathologies. We hypothesized that the urinary HIF‐1a mRNA level may be a suitable biomarker for expression of this protein in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We compared HIF‐1a mRNA levels from urine pellets of CKD and healthy subjects. To ensure that urinary HIF‐1a mRNA is of kidney origin, we examined colocalization of HIF‐1a mRNA with two kidney specific markers in urine cells. We found that HIF‐1a mRNA is readily quantifiable in urine pellets and its expression was significantly higher in CKD patients compared with healthy adults. We also showed that the urinary HIF‐1a mRNA comes primarily from cells of renal origin. Our data suggest that urinary HIF‐1a mRNA is a potential biomarker in CKD and can be noninvasively assessed in patients.
Comparison of the effects of diets high in animal or plant protein on metabolic and cardiovascular markers in type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sucher Stephanie , Markova Mariya , Hornemann Silke , Pivovarova Olga , Rudovich Natalia , Thomann Ralph , Schneeweiss Rosemarie , Rohn Sascha , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To compare high animal protein (AP) with high plant protein (PP) diets, differing in amino acid composition, in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Materials and methods

We compared isocaloric diets containing 30% of energy either as AP or PP, using newly developed PP‐enriched foods, both combined with 30% energy as fat and 40% as carbohydrates in 44 patients with T2DM over 6 weeks in a randomized parallel‐group study. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamps and cardiovascular variables were measured.

Results

Uric acid decreased in both groups, but significantly more in the AP than the PP group. There were no significant differences in other variables, although glycated haemoglobin levels, diastolic blood pressure and fasting non‐esterified fatty acid levels improved significantly in the PP but not in the AP group. Insulin sensitivity (M‐value), C‐reactive protein and fasting glucose improved significantly in the AP but not in the PP group. Total and LDL cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups, and the urinary albumin excretion rate decreased from baseline in participants with microalbuminuria.

Conclusions

Isocaloric diets high in AP or PP allow similar improvements in metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors in people with T2DM, indicating that the differences in amino acid composition do not affect the metabolic responses to the interventions.
Treatment patterns in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: Higher adherence and persistence with dulaglutide compared with once‐weekly exenatide and liraglutide
Authors: Alatorre Carlos , Fernández Landó Laura , Yu Maria , Brown Katelyn , Montejano Leslie , Juneau Paul , Mody Reema , Swindle Ralph
Published: February 2017

Aims

To compare adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC]), persistence, and treatment patterns among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) newly initiating glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs). More specifically, the main objectives were to compare dulaglutide vs exenatide once weekly and dulaglutide vs liraglutide.

Methods

Patients with T2DM newly initiating dulaglutide, albiglutide, exenatide once weekly, exenatide twice daily and liraglutide between November 2014 and April 2015 were hierarchically selected from Truven Health's MarketScan Research Databases. Propensity score matching was used to account for selection bias. Adherence to and persistence with the index GLP‐1RA, and switching and augmentation patterns were assessed during the 6‐month post‐index period.

Results

Mean adherence for the matched cohorts was significantly higher for dulaglutide than for exenatide once weekly (0.72 vs 0.61;
P
 < .0001) and liraglutide (0.71 vs 0.67;
P
 < .0001). The percentage of patients achieving PDC ≥ 0.80 was significantly higher for dulaglutide compared with exenatide once weekly (54.2% vs 37.9%;
P
 < .0001) and liraglutide (53.5% vs 44.3%;
P
 < .0001). The mean (standard deviation) days on treatment for all matched patients was significantly higher for patients in the dulaglutide cohort compared with those in the exenatide once‐weekly (148.4 [55.4] vs 123.6 [61.6];
P
 < .0001) and liraglutide cohorts (146.0 [56.9] vs 137.4 [60.1];
P
 < .0001). A significantly lower proportion of patients on dulaglutide discontinued treatment compared with those on exenatide once weekly (26.2% vs 48.4%;
P
 < .0001) and those on liraglutide (28.0% vs 35.6%;
P
 < .0001).

Conclusions

Dulaglutide initiators had significantly higher adherence, were more persistent, and had lower discontinuation rates compared with initiators of exenatide once weekly or liraglutide during the 6‐month follow‐up period.
Evolution of the hypercarnivorous dentition in mammals (Metatheria, Eutheria) and its bearing on the development of tribosphenic molars
Authors: Solé Floréal , Ladevèze Sandrine
Published: February 2017

One major innovation of mammals is the tribosphenic molar, characterized by the evolution of a neomorphic upper cusp (=protocone) and a lower basin (=talonid) that occlude and provide shearing and crushing functions. This type of molar is an evolutionarily flexible structure that enabled mammals to achieve complex dental adaptations. Among carnivorous mammals, hypercarnivory is a common trend that evolved several times among therians (marsupials, placentals, and stem relatives). Hypercarnivory involves an important simplification of the carnassial molar pattern from the ancestral tribosphenic molar pattern, with the modification of the triangular tooth crown, and the loss of several cusps and cuspids typical of the tribosphenic molar. These losses confer to the molars of the hypercarnivorous mammals a plesiomorphic/paedomorphic morphology that resembles more the earliest mammaliaforms than the earliest therians. Here, we demonstrate that the modification of the molar morphology is fully explained by a patterning cascade mode of cusp development. Contrary to what was previously proposed, our study concludes that the metaconid (mesiolingual cusp of lower molars, associated with a puncturing function) does not influence cusp development of the talonid (distal crushing heel of lower molars). Moreover, it provides a new example of how heterochronic changes were crucial to the evolution of mammal dentition. To overcome the difficulty of applying behavioral or ecological definitions of diets to fossil animals, we characterize hypercarnivorous dentitions on the basis of the molar morphology and more particularly on the loss or retention of crushing structures, each dentition resulting from adaptations to a distinct ecomorphotype. Despite repeated and convergent evolution of hypercarnivorous forms, hypercarnivory appears as a highly constrained specialization (i.e., “dead end”) that is unlikely to evolve back to omnivorous dentition, especially when the crushing structures are lost.
Legacy effects and memory loss: how contingencies moderate the response of rocky intertidal biofilms to present and past extreme events
Authors: Dal Bello Martina , Rindi Luca , Benedetti‐Cecchi Lisandro
Published: February 2017

Understanding how historical processes modulate the response of ecosystems to perturbations is becoming increasingly important. In contrast to the growing interest in projecting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning under future climate scenarios, how legacy effects originating from historical conditions drive change in ecosystems remains largely unexplored. Using experiments in combination with stochastic antecedent modelling, we evaluated how extreme warming, sediment deposition and grazing events modulated the ecological memory of rocky intertidal epilithic microphytobenthos (EMPB). We found memory effects in the non‐clustered scenario of disturbance (60 days apart), where EMPB biomass fluctuated in time, but not under clustered disturbances (15 days apart), where EMPB biomass was consistently low. A massive grazing event impacted on EMPB biomass in a second run of the experiment, also muting ecological memory. Our results provide empirical support to the theoretical expectation that stochastic fluctuations promote ecological memory, but also show that contingencies may lead to memory loss.
Impact of continuous in‐home rehabilitation on quality of life and activities of daily living in elderly clients over 1 year
Authors: Imanishi Miyuki , Tomohisa Hisao , Higaki Kazuo
Published: February 2017

Aim

To verify the effect of in‐home rehabilitation on quality of life and activities of daily living in elderly clients.

Methods

In this non‐randomized controlled intervention trial, elderly participants were separated into a rehabilitation or a non‐rehabilitation group (n = 100 each). The non‐rehabilitation group received basic in‐home nursing care, including assistance with cooking, cleaning, toileting, meals and medication. The rehabilitation group received a physical treatment program provided by a licensed professional once a week and basic nursing care in the home. For each group, quality of life and activities of daily living were assessed approximately every 3 months over a 1‐year period. Quality of life was evaluated using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, and activities of daily living were evaluated based on the Functional Independence Measure.

Results

The rehabilitation group showed statistically significant improvements in both quality of life and activities of daily living. In contrast, the non‐rehabilitation group, although showing slight improvement in quality of life at 9 months, showed almost no effects at the other time‐points and no significant changes in activities of daily living over the course of the study.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that long‐term continuous in‐home rehabilitation might improve quality of life and activities of daily living in elderly clients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1866–1872.
Molecular phenotype and bleeding risks of an inherited platelet disorder in a family with a RUNX1 frameshift mutation
Authors: Badin M. S. , Iyer J. K. , Chong M. , Graf L. , Rivard G. E. , Waye J. S. , Paterson A. D. , Pare G. , Hayward C. P. M.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Inherited defects in RUNX1 are important causes of platelet function disorders.

Aim

Our goals were to evaluate RUNX1‐related platelet disorders among individuals evaluated for uncharacterized, inherited platelet function disorders and test a proof of concept that bleeding risks could be quantitatively estimated for typical families with an inherited platelet function disorder.

Methods

Index cases with an uncharacterized inherited platelet function disorder were subjected to exome sequencing with confirmation of RUNX1 mutations by Sanger sequencing. Laboratory findings were obtained from medical records and persistence of platelet non‐muscle myosin heavy chain IIB (MYH10), a biomarker of RUNX1 defects, was assessed by Western blotting. Bleeding histories were assessed using standardized assessment tools. Bleeding risks were estimated as odds ratios (OR) using questionnaire data for affected individuals compared to controls.

Results

Among 12 index cases who had their exomes sequenced, one individual from a family with eight study participants had a c.583dup in RUNX1 that segregated with the disease and was predicted to cause a frameshift and RUNX1 haploinsufficiency. Unlike unaffected family members (n = 2), affected family members (n = 6) had increased bleeding scores and abnormal platelet aggregation and dense granule release responses to agonists but only some had thrombocytopenia and/or dense granule deficiency. This family's mutation was associated with persistence of MYH10 in platelets and increased risks (OR 11–440) for wound healing problems and mild bleeding symptoms, including bleeding interfering with lifestyle in women.

Conclusion

Inherited platelet dysfunction due to a RUNX1 haploinsufficiency mutation significantly increases bleeding risks.
Does IIH Alter Brain Microstructures? – A DTI‐Based Approach
Authors: Schmidt Christoph , Wiener Edzard , Lüdemann Lutz , Kunte Hagen , Kreutz Katharina Maria , Becker Nils , Harms Lutz , Klingebiel Randolf , Hoffmann Jan
Published: February 2017

Introduction

To investigate the correlation of microstructural parameters with CSF pressure and macroscopic changes assessed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with IIH as well as age‐, sex‐, and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls underwent high resolution MR imaging of the optic nerve sheaths (ONS), pituitary gland, and ventricles. For DTI data a voxelwise permutation analysis was performed for the whole brain and ROI analysis was performed for the optic nerve and optic radiation. DTI measurements were correlated to morphometric measurements, CSF opening pressure, and headache intensity. The reliability of diagnostic performance of DTI parameters was assessed using ROC analysis.

Results

Analysis of DTI metrics revealed a significant reduction in the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the optic nerve in patients with IIH. In contrast, systematic regional variations between IIH patients and controls were neither observed in the whole brain analysis nor in the optic radiation.

FA values of the optic nerve show significant correlations with the optic nerve sheath diameter (P = .003, r = −.589). The correlation of the alterations of the FA values of the optic radiation and the whole brain do not show a significant association to morphometric alterations in the ONS diameter and hypophysis height as well as to CSF opening pressure and headache intensity.

Conclusions

The results indicate that IIH is associated with microstructural changes in the optic nerve. These alterations may be the direct consequence of chronically elevated intracranial pressure.
Hypercoagulability and Migraine
Authors: Tietjen Gretchen E. , Collins Stuart A.
Published: February 2017

Background

A growing body of literature suggests that migraineurs, particularly those with aura, have an increased risk for ischemic stroke, but not via enhanced atherosclerosis. The theory that micro‐emboli induced ischemia provokes cortical spreading depression (ie, symptomatic aura) in migraineurs but transient ischemic attacks in others highlights a potential role for hypercoagulability as a link between migraine (with aura) and stroke.

Aim

Our objective is to summarize the literature evaluating the association of migraine with various acquired or inheritable thrombophilic states, including those related to elevated estrogen levels, endothelial activation and dysfunction, antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), deficiency of coagulation inhibitors, and presence of certain genetic polymorphisms.

Findings

Although definitive studies are lacking, a preponderance of available evidence links migraine, and especially aura, to increased levels of estradiol (eg, oral contraceptive pill [OCP] use, pregnancy), thrombo‐ and erythrocytosis, von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen, fibrinogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen, and endothelial microparticles. Studies of a link to migraine are conflicting for aPL, homocysteine, Protein S, and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism. No association with migraine was found in meta‐analyses of Factor V Leiden, and of prothrombin gene mutation. Within a large, young ischemic stroke sample, migraine with aura was associated with a thrombophilic state and with patent foramen ovale (PFO). In the non‐stroke population, meta‐analyses show an association of PFO and migraine with aura (MA), but two population‐based studies do not support the link.

Recommendations

For persons with MA and (1) a personal history or family history of thrombosis, or (2) MRI evidence of micro‐vascular ischemia or of stroke, an evaluation for hypercoagulability is warranted. In cases of MA alone, consider screening for markers of endothelial activation (eg, vWF, high sensitivity c‐reactive protein [hs CRP], and fibrinogen). Rigorous management of other stroke risk factors is paramount, but efficacy of anti‐thrombotic agents in the treatment of migraine is unproven. Closure of PFO is not routinely recommended based on negative randomized trials.
Grasshopper diversity of urban wastelands is primarily boosted by habitat factors
Authors: Eckert Svea , Möller Maria , Buchholz Sascha
Published: February 2017

Urban wastelands are considered to be valuable habitats for biodiversity conservation, but empirical evidence for several poorly investigated taxa such as grasshoppers is still pending – although urgently required for reasonable habitat management and urban planning.

For the first time, we analysed grasshopper diversity of urban wastelands at different diversity levels, namely, alpha and functional diversity. In 2014, we selected 24 urban wastelands in the city of Berlin (Germany). We analysed the relationships between local and landscape factors and different measurements of diversity (species richness, Simpson diversity, functional dispersion, functional evenness and functional divergence).

We sampled 21 species, which represented about 45% of the entire grasshopper fauna of Berlin and numerous species of conservation interest were present at the investigated sites. Grasshopper diversity was best explained by local factors, with herb cover having a positive effect on alpha and functional diversity. Human impact and accessibility increased the conservation value of urban wasteland sites.

Late successional stages are very important for a high grasshopper diversity in general but early stages are mandatory to promote species of conservation concern. Urban wastelands can be turned into most promising transition zones for city‐dwellers that fulfil the needs of conservationists and specialised species at the same time. To achieve this goal we recommend minimum requirements for successful habitat management.
Systematic review of laser therapy in xanthelasma palpebrarum
Authors: Nguyen Austin H. , Vaudreuil Adam M. , Huerter Christopher J.
Published: February 2017

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is a benign periorbital xanthoma with substantial cosmetic and psychosocial burden for patients. Treatment modalities should be considered based on efficacy as well as cosmetic outcome. Laser modalities in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum have not been comprehensively reviewed and discussed. Accordingly, this study seeks to systematically and critically review the available literature discussing laser treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. PubMed was systematically reviewed for reports on laser therapy in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. A total of 21 studies were included in this review discussing laser treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. Laser types included carbon dioxide, yttrium aluminum garnet, pulsed dye, argon, and a 1450 nm diode laser. The carbon dioxide laser was the most commonly reported modality followed by yttrium aluminum garnet laser. All of the laser modalities offered moderate to excellent clearance rates with minimal side effect profiles. Further large scale studies comparing different laser modalities are required to determine the best laser modality. However, laser modalities as a whole offer a treatment option for xanthelasma palpebrarum, that is, cosmetically excellent with a reasonable side‐effect profile.
Characteristics and risk profile of psoriasis patients included in the Czech national registry BIOREP and a comparison with other registries
Authors: Kojanova Martina , Fialova Jorga , Cetkovska Petra , Gkalpakiotis Spyridon , Jircikova Jitka , Dolezal Tomas , Arenberger Petr ,   the BIOREP study group
Published: February 2017

Background

BIOREP is a Czech registry of psoriatic patients on biological treatment in a clinical setting. We describe the characteristics of patients with psoriasis at the time of enrollment and present comparisons with published data from other national registries.

Methods

We analyzed the cohort of patients treated with biologics between May 2005 and May 2015. Demographic data, previous therapies, comorbidities, and severity of psoriasis were compared with data from other registries – DERMBIO, BIOBADADERM, BADBIR, and PSOBEST.

Results

A total of 1412 psoriatic patients initiating biological treatment were included with a predominance of males (63.4%). The mean patient age was 50.2 years, and approximately 70.5% of patients were either overweight or obese. The mean baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was 19.8, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index was 16.6. More than one‐third of patients (41.0%) reported a history of psoriatic arthritis, and a high proportion of patients (49.5%) with cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension [35.2%], hyperlipidemia [27.7%], diabetes mellitus [11.4%], coronary heart disease [4.9%], and obesity [15.2%]) were observed. Most of the patients had been previously treated with phototherapy (85.4%), acitretin (74.0%), methotrexate (65.7%), or cyclosporine (53.1%).

Conclusion

BIOREP is one of the first registries of patients with psoriasis treated with biologics in Central and Eastern Europe. Our results found a similar or higher prevalence of comorbidities, long disease duration, and high impact on the quality of life among patients included in Western European registries.
Pluralism in Organizations: Learning from Unconventional Forms of Organizations
Authors: Brès Luc , Raufflet Emmanuel , Boghossian Johnny
Published: February 2017

The bureaucratic organization is still regarded as the conventional organizational form, but is ill‐suited to an increasingly pluralistic world. Research on the variety of organizational forms has increased dramatically over the past three decades and offers the potential to understand better how pluralism is manifested and managed within organizations. However, this research remains fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize research on unconventional organizations to explore how organizations resolve or attenuate the tensions related to pluralism. Drawing from research in leading management journals, it covers seven distinct literatures: ‘referent organization’, ‘temporary organization’, ‘pluralistic organization’, ‘meta‐organization’, ‘bridging organization’, ‘hybrid organization’ and ‘field‐configuring event’. For each literature, the authors trace the genealogy of the key concepts and review their distinct insights regarding organizational pluralism. They then synthesize and discuss their collective contributions and conclude with avenues of research for pluralism in organizations.
Factors influencing the degree of physician–pharmacist collaboration within Iraqi public healthcare settings†
Authors: Al-Jumaili Ali Azeez , Al-Rekabi Mohammed D , Doucette William , Hussein Ahmed H , Abbas Hayder K , Hussein Furqan H
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Medication safety and effectiveness can be improved through interprofessional collaboration. The goals of this study were to measure the degree of physician–pharmacist collaboration within Iraqi governmental healthcare settings and to investigate factors influencing this collaboration.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Najaf Province using the Collaborative Working Relationship Model and Physician–Pharmacist Collaborative Instrument (PPCI). Four pharmacists distributed paper surveys with a 7-point Likert scale to a convenience sample of physicians and pharmacists working in seven public hospitals and two outpatient clinics. The questionnaire (in English) covered individual (demographics, practising years and academic affiliation), context (practice setting) and PPCI characteristics (trustworthiness, role specification and relationship initiation) in addition to collaborative care items: one for pharmacists and one for physicians. Separate multiple regressions were used to assess the association of the factors with collaborative care for physicians and for pharmacists.

Key findings

Seventy-seven physicians and 86 pharmacists returned usable surveys (81.5% response rate). The majority of physicians were male (84%), while the majority of pharmacists were female (58%). The mean age of the physicians was (37.99 years) older than that of the pharmacists (30.35 years). The physicians had a longer period of practice (11.32 years) than pharmacists (5.45 years). Most (90%) of the providers were practising in hospitals. Pharmacist academic affiliation was significantly associated with collaborative care. The pharmacist and physician regressions indicated significant (P < 0.05) associations between collaborative care and two PPCI domains (role specification and relationship initiation for physicians; role specification and trustworthiness for pharmacists).

Conclusions

This study focused on physician–pharmacist collaboration within hospitals, and it was the first study measuring interprofessional collaboration in Iraq. The results showed there is physician–pharmacist collaboration within Iraqi hospitals and exchange characteristics had significant influence on this collaboration.
A heuristic for the skiving and cutting stock problem in paper and plastic film industries
Authors: Chen Yan , Song Xiang , Ouelhadj Djamila , Cui Yaodong
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the skiving and cutting stock problem (SCSP) encountered in the paper and plastic film industries, in which a set of nonstandard reels generated from previous cutting processes are used to produce finished rolls through the skiving and cutting process. First, reels are skived together lengthwise to form a reel‐pyramid (a polygon), and then the reel‐pyramid is cut into finished rolls of small widths. Depending on if a reel can be divided lengthwise into subreels to form the reel‐pyramid, the problem can be classified into divisible SCSP (DSCSP) and indivisible SCSP (ISCSP). In this paper, two integer programming (IP) models are proposed for DSCSP and ISCSP, respectively. A sequential value correction procedure combined with the two IP models (SVCTIP) is developed to solve the two SCSPs. The effectiveness of the SVCTIP is demonstrated through extensive computational tests.
Influence of the root endophyte Piriformospora indica on the plant water relations, gas exchange and growth of Chenopodium quinoa at limited water availability
Authors: Hussin S. , Khalifa W. , Geissler N. , Koyro H.‐W.
Published: February 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of Piriformospora indica to colonize the root of Chenopodium quinoa and to verify whether this endosymbiont can improve the growth, performance and drought resistance of this species. The study delivered, for the first time, evidence for successful colonization of P. indica in quinoa. Hence, pot experiment was conducted in the greenhouse, where inoculated and non‐inoculated plants were subjected to ample (40%–50% WHC) and deficit (15%–20%WHC) irrigation treatments. Drought adversely influenced the plant growth, leading to decline the total plant biomass by 74%. This was linked to an impaired photosynthetic activity (caused by lower gs and Ci/Ca ratio; stomatal limitation of photosynthesis) and a higher risk of ROS production (enhanced ETR/Agross ratio). P. indica colonization improved quinoa plant growth, with total biomass increased by 8% (controls) and 76% (drought‐stressed plants), confirming the growth‐promoting activity of P. indica. Fungal colonization seems to diminish drought‐induced growth hindrance, likely, through an improved water balance, reflected by the higher leaf ψw and gs. Additionally, stomatal limitation of photosynthesis was alleviated (indicated by enhanced Ci/Ca ratio and Anet), so that the threat of oxidative stress was minimized (decreased ETR/Agross). These results infer that symbiosis with P. indica could negate some of the detrimental effects of drought on quinoa growth, a highly desired feature, in particular at low water availability.
First‐time mothers’ choice of birthplace: influencing factors, expectations of the midwife's role and perceived safety
Authors: Borrelli Sara E. , Walsh Denis , Spiby Helen
Published: February 2017

Aim

To explore first‐time pregnant women's expectations and factors influencing their choice of birthplace.

Background

Although outcomes and advantages for low‐risk childbearing women giving birth in midwifery‐led units and home compared with obstetric units have been investigated previously, there is little information on the factors that influence women's choice of place of birth.

Design

A qualitative Straussian grounded theory methodology was adopted. Fourteen women expecting their first baby were recruited from three large National Health Service organizations that provided maternity services free at the point of care. The three organizations offered the following birthplace options: home, freestanding midwifery unit and obstetric unit. Ethical approvals were obtained and informed consent was gained from each participant.

Methods

Data collection was undertaken in 2013–2014. One tape‐recorded face‐to‐face semistructured interview was conducted with each woman in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Findings

Findings are presented as three main themes: (i) influencing factors on the choice of birthplace; (ii) expectations on the midwife's ‘being’ and ‘doing’ roles; (iii) perceptions of safety.

Conclusion

Midwives should consider each woman's expectations and approach to birth beyond the planned birthplace, as these are often influenced by the intersection of various influencing factors. Several birthplace options should be made available to women in each maternity service and the alternatives should be shared with women by healthcare professionals during pregnancy to allow an informed choice. Virtual tours or visits to the birth units could also be offered to women to help them familiarize with the chosen setting.
Signalling of information that is neither cryptic nor private
Authors: Wild G. , Caro S. M. , West S. A.
Published: February 2017

It is commonly assumed that in order for animal signals to be advantageous, the information being signalled could not have been obtained otherwise, and is therefore ‘cryptic’ or ‘private’. Here, we suggest a scenario in which individuals can gain an advantage by signalling ‘public’ information that is neither cryptic nor private. In that scenario, signalling increases the efficiency with which that ‘public’ information is transmitted. We formalize our idea with a game in which offspring can signal their condition to their parents. Specifically, we consider a resource‐strapped parent who can only invest in one of its two offspring, and we allow offspring the chance to influence parental investment through a signal. A parent in the game seeks to invest in the higher‐quality offspring, which it could identify either through a publicly available cue, such as body size, or by relying on a signal provided by the offspring. We find that if the signal can convey information about offspring quality more efficiently than cues, then signalling of condition between offspring and parents can be favoured by selection, even though parents could potentially have acquired the same information from the cue. Our results suggest that the biological function of signals may be broader than currently considered, and provide a scenario where low cost signalling can be favoured. More generally, efficiency benefits could explain signalling across a range of biological and economic scenarios.
Remapping the Vertical Archipelago: Mobility, Migration, and the Everyday Labor of Andean Development
Authors: Hirsch Eric
Published: February 2017

Este artículo examina los vínculos contemporáneos entre la movilidad y la inmovilidad en la region de Arequipa, en los Andes del sur del Peru. Basado en observación participante y una recopilación etnográfica de “cuentos de movilidad,” un género narrativo en el que se relatan los momentos clave en la vida de las personas con atención a cómo y dónde se mueven, yo conecto los estudios Andinos sobre el “archipiélago vertical”—la idea de que se puede explotar las tierras próximas cuyas alturas varían para lograr la diversificación de recursos—con estudios actuales sobre movilidad, migración, y desarrollo. El artículo analiza los elementos andinos de la movilidad, las personas y las cosas que lo unen, y las vidas que lo configuran. Yo sostengo que la movilidad es una forma de labor que utiliza valores regionales del desarrollo simultáneamente económico y personal, en un espacio que requiere la circulación entre niveles de alturas para generar valor.
Application of sensitive, high‐resolution imaging at a commercial lab‐based X‐ray micro‐CT system using propagation‐based phase retrieval
Authors: BIDOLA P. , MORGAN K. , WILLNER M. , FEHRINGER A. , ALLNER S. , PRADE F. , PFEIFFER F. , ACHTERHOLD K.
Published: February 2017

Several dedicated commercial lab‐based micro‐computed tomography (μCT) systems exist, which provide high‐resolution images of samples, with the capability to also deliver in‐line phase contrast. X‐ray phase contrast is particularly beneficial when visualizing very small features and weakly absorbing samples. The raw measured projections will include both phase and absorption effects. Extending our previous work that addressed the optimization of experimental conditions at the commercial ZEISS Xradia 500 Versa system, single‐distance phase‐contrast imaging is demonstrated on complex biological and material samples. From data captured at this system, we demonstrate extraction of the phase signal or the correction of the mixed image for the phase shift, and show how this procedure increases the contrast and removes artefacts. These high‐quality images, measured without the use of a synchrotron X‐ray source, demonstrate that highly sensitive, micrometre‐resolution imaging of 3D volumes is widely accessible using commercially advanced laboratory devices.
Organic bioelectronics in medicine
Authors: Löffler S. , Melican K. , Nilsson K. P. R. , Richter‐Dahlfors A.
Published: February 2017

A major challenge in the growing field of bioelectronic medicine is the development of tissue interface technologies promoting device integration with biological tissues. Materials based on organic bioelectronics show great promise due to a unique combination of electronic and ionic conductivity properties. In this review, we outline exciting developments in the field of organic bioelectronics and demonstrate the medical importance of these active, electronically controllable materials. Importantly, organic bioelectronics offer a means to control cell–surface attachment as required for many device–tissue applications. Experiments have shown that cells readily attach and proliferate on reduced but not oxidized organic bioelectronic materials. In another application, the active properties of organic bioelectronics were used to develop electronically triggered systems for drug release. After incorporating drugs by advanced loading strategies, small compound drugs were released upon electrochemical trigger, independent of charge. Another type of delivery device was used to achieve well‐controlled, spatiotemporal delivery of cationic drugs. Via electrophoretic transport within a polymer, cations were delivered with single‐cell precision. Finally, organic bioelectronic materials are commonly used as electrode coatings improving the electrical properties of recording and stimulation electrodes. Because such coatings drastically reduce the electrode impedance, smaller electrodes with improved signal‐to‐noise ratio can be fabricated. Thus, rapid technological advancement combined with the creation of tiny electronic devices reacting to changes in the tissue environment helps to promote the transition from standard pharmaceutical therapy to treatment based on ‘electroceuticals’. Moreover, the widening repertoire of organic bioelectronics will expand the options for true biological interfaces, providing the basis for personalized bioelectronic medicine.
Modeling Multicountry Longevity Risk With Mortality Dependence: A Lévy Subordinated Hierarchical Archimedean Copulas Approach
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Tan Ken Seng , Wang Chou‐Wen
Published: February 2017

This article proposes a new copula model known as the Lévy subordinated hierarchical Archimedean copulas (LSHAC) for multicountry mortality dependence modeling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article to apply the LSHAC model to mortality studies. Through an extensive empirical analysis on modeling mortality experiences of 13 countries, we demonstrate that the LSHAC model, which has the advantage of capturing the geographical structure of mortality data, yields better fit, compared to the elliptical copulas. In addition, the proposed LSHAC model generates out‐of‐sample forecasts with smaller standard deviations, when compared to other benchmark copula models. The LSHAC model also confirms that there is an association between geographical locations and dependence of the overall mortality improvement. These results yield new insights into future longevity risk management. Finally, the model is used to price a hypothetical survival index swap written on a weighted mortality index. The results highlight the importance of dependence modeling in managing longevity risk and reducing population basis risk.
Refined single‐interval adjustment matrix yes‐no task for estimating the absolute thresholds of sweet‐tasting molecules
Authors: Kim Myung‐Chul , Kim Da‐Hye , Yun Cho‐Rong , Chung Ju‐Hee , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Choi Hyo‐Eun , Kong Kwang‐Hoon
Published: February 2017

Determining the in vivo gustatory thresholds of sweet‐tasting molecules is more difficult and laborious than other sensory analyses. In this study, we refined the single‐interval adjustment matrix (SIAM) yes‐no task to produce threshold estimates accurately and efficiently. Experimental procedures were optimized such that tasters provided bias‐free results and achieved maximum performance. We found that the refined SIAM yes‐no task accurately estimated the threshold values of the sweet‐tasting protein brazzein within the sensitive threshold range, which was confirmed using the two‐alternative forced‐choice task. Threshold values of various artificial sweeteners were also investigated using the SIAM yes‐no task. Our results suggest that the refined SIAM yes‐no task is advantageous for obtaining thresholds and comparing the biological activity of various sweet‐tasting molecules.

Practical applications

The refined SIAM yes‐no task suggested in this study would enable researchers to accurately obtain thresholds of various sweet‐tasting molecules, in order to develop potential sugar substitutes and elucidate interactions with their corresponding sweet‐taste receptors T1R2‐T1R3 for sweet‐taste mechanism studies.
Secularization and the Wider Gap in Values and Personal Religiosity Between the Religious and Nonreligious
Authors: Wilkins‐Laflamme Sarah
Published: February 2017

Increasing proportions of religious nonaffiliation characterize most Western societies, although the periods over which these increases have occurred and the speed in which they happen do vary. Consequently, some nations now have larger unaffiliated groups and others much smaller ones. What is less well known is if, in areas where unaffiliated groups are larger, the religious “nones” have become more distinct from the actively religious in their attitudes and behavior. In contexts of advanced secularization, to what extent is the gap greater between the actively religious and the nonreligious when it comes to their views on family life and reproduction, for example? In regards to their levels of religiosity and spirituality in their private lives? Are the unaffiliated more liberal in their attitudes and less religious in their private life? This article sheds light on these questions by analyzing data from over 200 North American, European, and Oceanic country subregions included in the 2008 International Social Survey Programme. With hierarchical linear models, I find that, in areas where the unaffiliated form a larger proportion of the population, the differences between the actively religious and the unaffiliated in family values and personal religiosity tend to be greater.
The Evolutionary Game-Theoretic Foundations of Law
Authors: Kar Robin Bradley
Published: February 2017

Interdisciplinary work in the law often starts and stops with the social sciences. To produce a complete understanding of how law, evolutionary game-theoretic insights must, however, supplement these more standard social scientific methods. To illustrate, this article critically examines The Force of Law by Frederick Schauer and The Expressive Powers of Law by Richard McAdams. Combining the methods of analytic jurisprudence and social psychology, Schauer clarifies the need for a philosophically respectable and empirically well-grounded account of the ubiquity of legal sanctions. Drawing primarily on economic and social psychological paradigms, McAdams highlights law's potential to alter human behavior through expressions that coordinate. Still, these contributions generate further puzzles about how law works, which can be addressed using evolutionary game-theoretic resources. Drawing on these resources, this article argues that legal sanctions are ubiquitous to law not only because they can motivate legal compliance, as Schauer suggests, but also because they provide the general evolutionary stability conditions for intrinsic legal motivation. In reaction to McAdams, this article argues that law's expressive powers can function to coordinate human behavior only because humans are naturally and culturally evolved to share a prior background agreement in forms of life. Evolutionary game-theoretic resources can thus be used to develop a unified framework from within which to understand some of the complex interrelationships between legal sanctions, intrinsic legal motivation, and law's coordinating power. Going forward, interdisciplinary studies of how law works should include greater syntheses of contemporary insights from evolutionary game theory.
Microfluidic approaches to the study of angiogenesis and the microcirculation
Authors: Akbari Ehsan , Spychalski Griffin B. , Song Jonathan W.
Published: February 2017

Microfluidic systems have emerged as a new class of perfusable in vitro culture models that have helped advance and refine our understanding of microvascular function. Cutting‐edge microfluidic models have successfully integrated principles from quantitative analysis of vascular function, in vitro flow chambers, microfabrication techniques, and 3D tissue scaffolds. Here, we review the evolution of microfluidic systems, namely their progression from 2D planar microchannel arrays to 3D microtissue analogs, and highlight their recent contributions in elucidating the role of biomolecular transport and fluid mechanical stimuli in controlling angiogenesis. Further advancement of microfluidic systems in recapitulating tissue‐level phenomena in vitro, controlling important physiochemical and biological parameters, and integrating cellular and molecular analysis will help further enhance their application within the microcirculation research community.
Vitamin D during childhood and adolescence: Evidence‐based dietary requirements for adequacy and implications for bone health
Authors: Smith T. J. , Hart K. H.
Published: February 2017

Vitamin D is a unique nutrient that has captured the attention of scientific and medical communities, regulatory authorities and the general public over recent years. Low vitamin D status is a worldwide public health concern and occurs across all age, sex and ethnic groups. Dietary requirements for vitamin D have been re‐evaluated and revised over recent years by several authoritative bodies, including the Institute of Medicine, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the European Food Safety Authority and, of course, the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. However, a lack of vitamin D dose–response trials in children and adolescents prior to these reports has hindered the development of evidence‐based dietary requirements for vitamin D in these population sub‐groups. Two recent randomised controlled trials have addressed this significant knowledge gap and estimated that intakes of between 6 and ~30 μg/day are needed during the winter time to avoid vitamin D deficiency and ensure adequacy in healthy White 4–8 year‐old children residing in Denmark (55°N) and 14–18 year‐old adolescents residing in the UK (51°N). These new data suggest that, while the current vitamin D recommendations of 10–15 μg/day for children and adolescents will help avoid winter‐time vitamin D deficiency (25–hydroxyvitamin D concentrations <25–30 nmol/l), they remain inadequate for ensuring vitamin D concentrations are maintained above 40–50 nmol/l, which may be necessary for optimal bone accretion during these rapid growth phases. Such data will allow for the ongoing refinement of evidence‐based dietary requirements for children and adolescents.
Subclinical atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome relapse following discontinuation of eculizumab
Authors: Choo Shi Zhou , Brown Fiona
Published: February 2017

A 25‐year‐old man presented with microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and acute kidney injury. With a normal ADAMTS‐13 level, negative faecal shiga‐toxin test and strong family history of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome, he was commenced on eculizumab to good clinical response. Subsequent genetic testing revealed a heterozygous complement factor H mutation. Eculizumab was discontinued after 44 months of treatment, and he relapsed within 6 months, with the first sign being downtrending haptoglobin levels, with no other markers of haemolysis or thrombocytopaenia, 5 weeks prior to development of acute kidney injury. He was recommenced on eculizumab and to date still remains on it. This case highlights the unusual pattern of relapse and discusses the considerations for eculizumab discontinuation in patients with stable atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome receiving maintenance therapy.
Long‐term remission with eculizumab in atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Carter Simon , Hewitt Ian , Kausman Joshua
Published: February 2017

The understanding of the role of complement dysregulation in atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) has led to major changes in therapeutic approaches and outcomes. Eculizumab is a humanized anti‐C5 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the terminal complement pathway and has revolutionized the treatment and prognosis of aHUS. However, published reports to date have had relatively short‐term follow‐up. We report two paediatric cases of aHUS successfully treated with eculizumab longer than 6 years with no serious adverse events and preservation of renal function.