bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing the results agenda in Swedish development co‐operation
Authors: Brolin Therese
Published: June 2017

The demand for results within international development co‐operation has increased over recent decades. Although many development actors agree on the necessity of improving their reporting on results, there is no general definition of what a result is or what the so‐called results agenda entails. With examples from Swedish development co‐operation and Swedish development relations with Uganda, this article explores how development actors are framing the results agenda. The findings, drawn from document analysis and interviews with stakeholders in Sweden and Uganda, reveal that Swedish development actors have different ways of describing the problem they intend to address with the results agenda, leading to misunderstandings over the implementation of the agenda and the effectiveness of the development co‐operation.
Unusual interatrial membrane in the left atrium: A newer obstacle for transseptal‐based percutaneous mitral valve repair techniques?
Authors: Popolo Rubbio Antonio , Mangiafico Sarah , Scandura Salvatore , Buccheri Sergio , Barbanti Marco , Ronsivalle Giuseppe , Di Salvo Maria Elena , Chiarandà Marta , Salerno Tatiana , Caggegi Anna , Giaquinta Sandra , Capodanno Davide , Grasso Carmelo , Tamburino Corrado
Published: June 2017

We present a case of a patient with severe mitral regurgitation referred to our Institution for an echocardiographic examination as part of the routine workup to assess the eligibility for mitral valve percutaneous repair with either the MitraClip or Cardioband systems. Echocardiography showed the presence of an unusual interatrial membrane in the left atrium that represented a contraindication for the puncture of the interatrial septum. The patient was finally deferred to percutaneous mitral valve replacement using transapical access.
Outcomes and prognostic factors that influence the success of tooth autotransplantation in children and adolescents
Authors: Kafourou Vasiliki , Tong Huei Jinn , Day Peter , Houghton Nadine , Spencer R. James , Duggal Monty
Published: June 2017

Background/Aim

Tooth autotransplantation has been advocated for replacement of missing teeth or teeth that are unsuitable for restoration. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes and prognostic factors that influenced the success of tooth transplantation in a paediatric population.

Materials and Methods

Data were extracted from the records of 75 patients (89 teeth). Demographic and prognostic factors were recorded and analysed for the clinical and radiographic outcomes for periodontal ligament (PDL) and pulp healing of transplanted teeth.

Results

The mean age at transplant was 13.2 years, and the mean follow‐up observation period was 2.6±1.8 years with a range of 12.0 months to 9.9 years. The main reason for transplantation was to replace upper central incisors lost or missing due to dental trauma, hypodontia and dilaceration. Of the 45 teeth that were monitored for pulp revascularization, 75.6% showed clinical and radiographic signs of pulp healing and 24.4% showed signs of pulp necrosis and infection. Pulp healing was significantly related to the stage of root development of the transplant. Favourable PDL healing was observed in 87.6% of the transplants, while 13.5% showed signs of replacement resorption. PDL healing was significantly related to the stage of root formation of the transplanted tooth at the time of the surgery, the ease of handling and placement of the tooth, and the status of the alveolar bone at the recipient site at the time of the surgery. Overall success of tooth transplantation was 87.6%, and the survival rate was 94.4%.

Conclusions

Tooth transplantation carried out in children and adolescents demonstrated high success and survival, with the stage of root development influencing both the pulp and PDL healing of the transplanted teeth.
Phosphorus‐rich grasshoppers consume plants high in nitrogen and phosphorus
Authors: IBANEZ SÉBASTIEN , MILLERY ANNIE , D'OTTAVIO MARIE , GUILHOT ROBIN , VESIN EDOUARD
Published: June 2017

1. Insect herbivores choose their food according to its protein to carbohydrate ratio, but the reasons why different species have contrasting intake targets remain unclear. According to the growth rate hypothesis, P‐rich insects have higher growth rates. It is therefore expected that P‐rich insects will prefer plants that are high in protein (hence in nitrogen, N) and phosphorus (P).

2. To test this hypothesis, the ecological stoichiometry and the interaction network frameworks were combined. The food preferences of 24 plant species by 23 grasshopper species were determined, and the N and P contents of both trophic levels were measured. The weighted mean P and N contents of the consumed plants, which represent the grasshoppers' feeding niche, were highly correlated, indicating that the grasshoppers' diets are spread along a single functional niche axis. The links between the stoichiometry of the plants and their consumers were then tested with the fourth corner analysis, a multivariate technique combining the plant traits, the insect traits and the interaction network.

3. In line with the earlier hypothesis, P‐rich grasshoppers consumed plants high in N and P, probably because their growth rate is higher. These findings therefore introduce a mechanism that accounts for interspecific differences in diet preference. They also contribute to an understanding of how herbivore communities might respond to P and N limitation in ecosystems, and how complex interaction networks can influence biogeochemical cycles of N and P.
Outcome in patients converting to psychosis following a treated clinical high risk state
Authors: Malla Ashok , de Bonneville Marianne , Shah Jai , Jordan Gerald , Pruessner Marita , Faridi Kia , Rabinovitch Mark , Iyer Srividya N , Joober Ridha
Published: June 2017

Aim

We explored 2‐year outcomes in a sample of clinical high risk (CHR) patients who converted to psychosis despite receiving interventions.

Methods

Of 167 CHR patients, 18 had converted to psychosis and received treatment for their first episode of psychosis in an early intervention service over 2 years.

Results

Compared to patients admitted directly to the same early intervention service without having been identified as CHR prior to onset of psychosis, CHR converters were in remission for fewer months (M = 5 vs M = 10); were more likely to be prescribed more than 1 antipsychotic medication (90% vs 68%) and to receive clozapine treatment (38% vs 2%) over 2 years.

Conclusions

CHR patients who convert to psychosis may be inherently more resistant to comprehensive treatment and may have poorer outcomes. Conversion to psychosis from a state of CHR can be reduced to a rate of 10%–12% following interventions, yet outcomes for patients who convert despite such interventions remain unexplored.
School mental healthcare services using internet‐based cognitive behaviour therapy for young male athletes in Japan
Authors: Sekizaki Ryo , Nemoto Takahiro , Tsujino Naohisa , Takano Chieko , Yoshida Chie , Yamaguchi Taiju , Katagiri Naoyuki , Ono Yutaka , Mizuno Masafumi
Published: June 2017

Aim

Preventive intervention and treatment using internet‐based cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) can be easily administered to school students, as they are quite familiar with internet tools. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and contribution ofiCBTto mental healthcare in a school setting.

Methods

Eighty Japanese high school boys who were participating in a sports specialist course were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either theiCBTintervention group or the control group. Both programmes were administered for 4 weeks. To evaluate the effects, physical and mental health problems and self‐efficacy were assessed.

Results

The mean number of times that theiCBTwebsite was accessed during the intervention period was 16.9, and the mean access frequency (percentage of the number of times the website was accessed during the intervention period) was 40.1% in theiCBTgroup. A statistically significant interaction between group and time in favour of theiCBTgroup was observed based on the Kessler‐6 (K6) scale for depression and anxiety.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a school mental healthcare programme usingiCBTis suitable for students and useful for coping with stress and reducing depressed mood and anxiety in young people, especially athletes, who are regarded as needing special mental health support.
Measuring mimicry: general corticospinal facilitation during observation of naturalistic behaviour
Authors: van Schaik J. E. , Sacheli L. M. , Bekkering H. , Toni I. , Aglioti S. M.
Published: June 2017

Mimicry of others' postures and behaviours forms an implicit yet indispensable component of social interactions. However, whereas numerous behavioural studies have investigated the occurrence of mimicry and its social sensitivity, the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure corticospinal facilitation during a naturalistic behaviour observation task adapted from the behavioural mimicry literature. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in participants' right hands were measured as they observed stimulus videos of a confederate describing photographs. MEPs were recorded while confederates were and were not carrying out hand and leg behaviours that also differed in spatial extent (i.e. large behaviours: face rubbing and leg crossing; small behaviours: finger tapping and foot bouncing). Importantly, the cover task instructions did not refer to the behaviours but instead required participants to focus on the confederates' photograph descriptions in order to later perform a recognition test. A general arousal effect was found, with higher MEPs during stimulus video observation than during a fixation‐cross baseline, regardless of whether or not the confederate was carrying out a behaviour at the time of the pulse. When controlling for this general arousal effect, results showed that MEPs during observation of the larger two behaviours were significantly higher than the smaller two behaviours, irrespective of effector. Thus, using a controlled yet naturalistic paradigm, this study suggests that general sensorimotor arousal during social interactions could play a role in implicit behavioural mimicry.
Amygdalar expression of the microRNA miR‐101a and its target Ezh2 contribute to rodent anxiety‐like behaviour
Authors: Cohen Joshua L. , Jackson Nateka L. , Ballestas Mary E. , Webb William M. , Lubin Farah D. , Clinton Sarah M.
Published: June 2017

A greater understanding of neural mechanisms contributing to anxiety is needed in order to develop better therapeutic interventions. This study interrogates a novel molecular mechanism that shapes anxiety‐like behaviour, demonstrating that the microRNA miR‐101a‐3p and its target, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2) in the amygdala, contribute to rodent anxiety‐like behaviour. We utilized rats that were selectively bred for differences in emotionality and stress reactivity, showing that high‐novelty‐responding (HR) rats, which display low trait anxiety, have lower miR‐101a‐3p levels in the amygdala compared to low‐novelty‐responding (LR) rats that characteristically display high trait anxiety. To determine whether there is a causal relationship between amygdalar miR‐101a‐3p and anxiety behaviour, we used a viral approach to overexpress miR‐101a‐3p in the amygdala of HR rats and test whether it would increase their typically low levels of anxiety‐like behaviour. We found that increasing miR‐101a‐3p in the amygdala increased HRs' anxiety‐like behaviour in the open‐field test and elevated plus maze. Viral‐mediated miR‐101a‐3p overexpression also reduced expression of the histone methyltransferase Ezh2, which mediates gene silencing via trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Knockdown of Ezh2 with short‐interfering RNA (siRNA) also increased HRs' anxiety‐like behaviour, but to a lesser degree than miR‐101a‐3p overexpression. Overall, our data demonstrate that increasing miR‐101a‐3p expression in the amygdala increases anxiety‐like behaviour and that this effect is at least partially mediated via repression of Ezh2. This work adds to the growing body of evidence implicating miRNAs and epigenetic regulation as molecular mediators of anxiety behaviour.
No need to shout: Effect of signal loudness on sibling communication in barn owls Tyto alba
Authors: Dreiss Amélie N. , Ducouret Pauline , Ruppli Charlène A. , Rossier Virginie , Hernandez Lucile , Falourd Xavier , Marmaroli Patrick , Cazau Dorian , Lissek Hervé , Roulin Alexandre
Published: June 2017

In animal communication, signal loudness is often ignored and seldom measured. We used a playback experiment to examine the role of vocal loudness (i.e., sound pressure level) in sibling to sibling communication of nestling barn owls Tyto alba. In this species, siblings vocally negotiate among each other for priority access to parental food resources. Call rate and call duration play key roles in this vocal communication system, with the most vocal nestlings deterring their siblings from competing for access to the food item next delivered by parents. Here, we broadcast calls at different loudness levels and call rate to live nestlings. The loudness of playback calls did not affect owlets' investment in call rate, call duration or call loudness. The rate at which playback calls were broadcast affected owlets' call rate but did not influence their response in terms of loudness. This suggests that selection for producing loud signals may be weak in this species, as loud calls may attract predators. Moreover, given that owlets do not overlap their calls and that they communicate to nearby siblings in the silence of the night, loud signals may not be necessary to convey reliable information about food need.
Personality and fitness consequences of flight initiation distance and mating behavior in subdominant male reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Authors: Strong Justin S. , Weladji Robert B. , Holand Øystein , Røed Knut H. , Nieminen Mauri
Published: June 2017

Animal personality has been studied extensively in recent years, yet multidimensionality in tendencies of risk‐related behavior, and the role of such consistency from a mating tactics perspective, is yet to be investigated. We used a semi‐domesticated herd of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) to examine individual subdominant male propensity to risk mating attempts on guarded females, as well as flight initiation distance (FID), within the personality paradigm to elucidate potential fitness consequences of consistency from an adaptive perspective. Data were collected at the Kutuharju Reindeer Research Station in Kaamanen, Finland, where measures of personality were generated using field observation data based on the relative frequency of dominant male–subdominant male agonistic interactions over 4 years and subdominant males' FID measured over 1 year. Individual propensity for transient mating attempts was not significantly repeatable and did not significantly predict reproductive success or somatic cost during the mating season. Individuals varied consistently in FID, and although repeatable, FID was not related to reproductive success or somatic cost. Proximate state‐dependent or social mechanisms may be driving decision‐making with respect to mating effort, whereas consistent between‐individual differences in FID may be maintained by mechanisms unrelated to life‐history trade‐offs involving productivity.
Toward a mechanistic understanding of vulnerability to hook‐and‐line fishing: Boldness as the basic target of angling‐induced selection
Authors: Klefoth Thomas , Skov Christian , Kuparinen Anna , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: June 2017

In passively operated fishing gear, boldness‐related behaviors should fundamentally affect the vulnerability of individual fish and thus be under fisheries selection. To test this hypothesis, we used juvenile common‐garden reared carp (Cyprinus carpio) within a narrow size range to investigate the mechanistic basis of behavioral selection caused by angling. We focused on one key personality trait (i.e., boldness), measured in groups within ponds, two morphological traits (body shape and head shape), and one life‐history trait (juvenile growth capacity) and studied mean standardized selection gradients caused by angling. Carp behavior was highly repeatable within ponds. In the short term, over seven days of fishing, total length, not boldness, was the main predictor of angling vulnerability. However, after 20 days of fishing, boldness turned out to be the main trait under selection, followed by juvenile growth rate, while morphological traits were only weakly related to angling vulnerability. In addition, we found juvenile growth rate to be moderately correlated with boldness. Hence, direct selection on boldness will also induce indirect selection on juvenile growth and vice versa, but given that the two traits are not perfectly correlated, independent evolution of both traits is also possible. Our study is among the first to mechanistically reveal that energy‐acquisition‐related behaviors, and not growth rate per se, are key factors determining the probability of capture, and hence, behavioral traits appear to be the prime targets of angling selection. We predict an evolutionary response toward increased shyness in intensively angling‐exploited fish stocks, possibly causing the emergence of a timidity syndrome.
Ecoviability for ecosystem‐based fisheries management
Authors: Doyen Luc , Béné Christophe , Bertignac Michel , Blanchard Fabian , Cissé Abdoul Ahad , Dichmont Catherine , Gourguet Sophie , Guyader Olivier , Hardy Pierre‐Yves , Jennings Sarah , Little Lorne Richard , Macher Claire , Mills David Jonathan , Noussair Ahmed , Pascoe Sean , Pereau Jean‐Christophe , Sanz Nicolas , Schwarz Anne‐Maree , Smith Tony , Thébaud Olivier
Published: June 2017

Reconciling food security, economic development and biodiversity conservation is a key challenge, especially in the face of the demographic transition characterizing many countries in the world. Fisheries and marine ecosystems constitute a difficult application of this bio‐economic challenge. Many experts and scientists advocate an ecosystem approach to manage marine socio‐ecosystems for their sustainability and resilience. However, the ways by which to operationalize ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) remain poorly specified. We propose a specific methodological framework—viability modelling—to do so. We show how viability modelling can be applied using four contrasted case‐studies: two small‐scale fisheries in South America and Pacific and two larger‐scale fisheries in Europe and Australia. The four fisheries are analysed using the same modelling framework, structured around a set of common methods, indicators and scenarios. The calibrated models are dynamic, multispecies and multifleet and account for various sources of uncertainty. A multicriteria evaluation is used to assess the scenarios’ outcomes over a long time horizon with different constraints based on ecological, social and economic reference points. Results show to what extent the bio‐economic and ecosystem risks associated with the adoption of status quo strategies are relatively high and challenge the implementation ofEBFM. In contrast, strategies called ecoviability or co‐viability strategies, that aim at satisfying the viability constraints, reduce significantly these ecological and economic risks and promoteEBFM. The gains associated with those ecoviability strategies, however, decrease with the intensity of regulations imposed on these fisheries.
Symbiotic soil fungi enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change
Authors: Martínez‐García Laura B. , De Deyn Gerlinde B. , Pugnaire Francisco I. , Kothamasi David , van der Heijden Marcel G. A.
Published: June 2017

Substantial amounts of nutrients are lost from soils through leaching. These losses can be environmentally damaging, causing groundwater eutrophication and also comprise an economic burden in terms of lost agricultural production. More intense precipitation events caused by climate change will likely aggravate this problem. So far it is unresolved to which extent soil biota can make ecosystems more resilient to climate change and reduce nutrient leaching losses when rainfall intensity increases. In this study, we focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, common soil fungi that form symbiotic associations with most land plants and which increase plant nutrient uptake. We hypothesized that AM fungi mitigate nutrient losses following intensive precipitation events (higher amount of precipitation and rain events frequency). To test this, we manipulated the presence of AM fungi in model grassland communities subjected to two rainfall scenarios: moderate and high rainfall intensity. The total amount of nutrients lost through leaching increased substantially with higher rainfall intensity. The presence of AM fungi reduced phosphorus losses by 50% under both rainfall scenarios and nitrogen losses by 40% under high rainfall intensity. Thus, the presence of AM fungi enhanced the nutrient interception ability of soils, and AM fungi reduced the nutrient leaching risk when rainfall intensity increases. These findings are especially relevant in areas with high rainfall intensity (e.g., such as the tropics) and for ecosystems that will experience increased rainfall due to climate change. Overall, this work demonstrates that soil biota such as AM fungi can enhance ecosystem resilience and reduce the negative impact of increased precipitation on nutrient losses.
Linkages of plant stoichiometry to ecosystem production and carbon fluxes with increasing nitrogen inputs in an alpine steppe
Authors: Peng Yunfeng , Li Fei , Zhou Guoying , Fang Kai , Zhang Dianye , Li Changbin , Yang Guibiao , Wang Guanqin , Wang Jun , Yang Yuanhe
Published: June 2017

Unprecedented levels of nitrogen (N) have entered terrestrial ecosystems over the past century, which substantially influences the carbon (C) exchange between the atmosphere and biosphere. Temperature and moisture are generally regarded as the major controllers over the N effects on ecosystem C uptake and release. N‐phosphorous (P) stoichiometry regulates the growth and metabolisms of plants and soil organisms, thereby affecting many ecosystem C processes. However, it remains unclear how the N‐induced shift in the plant N:P ratio affects ecosystem production and C fluxes and its relative importance. We conducted a field manipulative experiment with eight N addition levels in a Tibetan alpine steppe and assessed the influences of N on aboveground net primary production (ANPP), gross ecosystem productivity (GEP), ecosystem respiration (ER), and net ecosystem exchange (NEE); we used linear mixed‐effects models to further determine the relative contributions of various factors to the N‐induced changes in these parameters. Our results showed that the ANPP, GEP, ER, and NEE all exhibited nonlinear responses to increasing N additions. Further analysis demonstrated that the plant N:P ratio played a dominate role in shaping these C exchange processes. There was a positive relationship between the N‐induced changes in ANPP (ΔANPP) and the plant N:P ratio (ΔN:P), whereas the ΔGEP, ΔER, and ΔNEE exhibited quadratic correlations with the ΔN:P. In contrast, soil temperature and moisture were only secondary predictors for the changes in ecosystem production and C fluxes along the N addition gradient. These findings highlight the importance of plant N:P ratio in regulating ecosystem C exchange, which is crucial for improving our understanding of C cycles under the scenarios of global N enrichment.
Land‐use strategies to balance livestock production, biodiversity conservation and carbon storage in Yucatán, Mexico
Authors: Williams David R , Alvarado Fredy , Green Rhys E , Manica Andrea , Phalan Ben , Balmford Andrew
Published: June 2017

Balancing the production of food, particularly meat, with preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services is a major societal challenge. Research into the contrasting strategies of land sparing and land sharing has suggested that land sparing—combining high‐yield agriculture with the protection or restoration of natural habitats on nonfarmed land—will have lower environmental impacts than other strategies. Ecosystems with long histories of habitat disturbance, however, could be resilient to low‐yield agriculture and thus fare better under land sharing. Using a wider suite of species (birds, dung beetles and trees) and a wider range of livestock‐production systems than previous studies, we investigated the probable impacts of different land‐use strategies on biodiversity and aboveground carbon stocks in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico—a region with a long history of habitat disturbance. By modelling the production of multiple products from interdependent land uses, we found that land sparing would allow larger estimated populations of most species and larger carbon stocks to persist than would land sharing or any intermediate strategy. This result held across all agricultural production targets despite the history of disturbance and despite species richness in low‐ and medium‐yielding agriculture being not much lower than that in natural habitats. This highlights the importance, in evaluating the biodiversity impacts of land use, of measuring population densities of individual species, rather than simple species richness. The benefits of land sparing for both biodiversity and carbon storage suggest that safeguarding natural habitats for biodiversity protection and carbon storage alongside promoting areas of high‐yield cattle production would be desirable. However, delivering such landscapes will probably require the explicit linkage of livestock yield increases with habitat protection or restoration, as well as a deeper understanding of the long‐term sustainability of yields, and research into how other societal outcomes vary across land‐use strategies.
Dielectric and AC conductivity studies of novel porous armalcolite nanocomposite‐based humidity sensor
Authors: Tripathy Ashis , Pramanik Sumit , Manna Ayan , Radzi Zamri , Abu Osman Noor Azuan
Published: June 2017

Armalcolite, a current motivated rare earth ceramic usually available in the moon, had been used for the first time, as dielectric‐type humidity sensors. The armalcolite nanocomposite was prepared using multistep solid‐state sintering under high pressure and a high‐sensitive dielectric sensor was developed for humidity controlling applications. Different concerning phases developed by the proper sintering were analyzed precisely by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At 100 Hz frequency, the obtained dielectric constant was 24 times greater at 95% relative humidity (RH) as compared to 33% RH. The armalcolite‐based sensor showed lower hysteresis (<3.5%), good stability, and faster response (~18 seconds) and recovery (~35 seconds) times compared to conventional humidity sensors. The sensing mechanism of the nanocomposite was categorically determined by the analyzed characteristics parameters such as dielectric constants, normalized loss tangent, and alternating current conductivity properties. This study also confirmed that the whole conduction mechanism was accomplished by electrons or ions and dipoles in the entire RH range. Therefore, the present armalcolite‐based porous nanocomposite would be a potential sensing material for novel humidity sensors.
Using multimedia for e‐learning
Authors: Mayer R.E.
Published: June 2017

This paper reviews 12 research‐based principles for how to design computer‐based multimedia instructional materials to promote academic learning, starting with the multimedia principle (yielding a median effect size of d = 1.67 based on five experimental comparisons), which holds that people learn better from computer‐based instruction containing words and graphics rather than words alone. Principles aimed at reducing extraneous processing (i.e., cognitive processing that is unrelated to the instructional objective) include coherence (d = 0.70), signalling (d = 0.46), redundancy (d = 0.87), spatial contiguity (d = 0.79) and temporal contiguity (d = 1.30). Principles for managing essential processing (i.e., mentally representing the essential material) include segmenting (d = 0.70), pre‐training (d = 0.46) and modality (d = 0.72). Principles for fostering generative processing (i.e., cognitive processing aimed at making sense of the material) include personalization (d = 0.79), voice (d = 0.74) and embodiment (d = 0.36). Some principles have boundary conditions, such as being stronger for low‐ rather than high‐knowledge learners.
Obesity and the diagnostic accuracy for primary aldosteronism
Authors: Tirosh Amit , Hannah‐Shmouni Fady , Lyssikatos Charalampos , Belyavskaya Elena , Zilbermint Mihail , Abraham Smita B. , Lodish Maya B. , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: June 2017

The effects of body mass index on the diagnostic accuracy of primary aldosteronism (PA) are inconsistent and yet important considering the high prevalence and frequent co‐occurrence of obesity and hypertension. The current study included 59 adult patients who underwent a stepwise evaluation for PA, using aldosterone to renin ratio for case detection and plasma aldosterone concentration after saline suppression test and/or 24‐hour urinary aldosterone after oral sodium loading for case confirmation. Body mass index had a quadratic (U‐shaped) correlation with plasma aldosterone concentration, plasma renin activity, aldosterone to renin ratio, and plasma aldosterone concentration after saline suppression test. Among patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, the aldosterone to renin ratio yielded lower case detection accuracy of PA. We conclude that obesity results in a nonlinear correlation with plasma aldosterone concentration, plasma renin activity, and aldosterone to renin ratio, which affects the accuracy of case detection for PA. Patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 are less accurately identified as having PA when saline suppression and/or oral salt loading tests are used for case confirmation.
The role of recombination in evolutionary adaptation of Escherichia coli to a novel nutrient
Authors: Chu H.‐Y. , Sprouffske K. , Wagner A.
Published: June 2017

The benefits and detriments of recombination for adaptive evolution have been studied both theoretically and experimentally, with conflicting predictions and observations. Most pertinent experiments examine recombination's effects in an unchanging environment and do not study its genomewide effects. Here, we evolved six replicate populations of either highly recombining R+ or lowly recombining R− E. coli strains in a changing environment, by introducing the novel nutrients L‐arabinose or indole into the environment. The experiment's ancestral strains are not viable on these nutrients, but 130 generations of adaptive evolution were sufficient to render them viable. Recombination conferred a more pronounced advantage to populations adapting to indole. To study the genomic changes associated with this advantage, we sequenced the genomes of 384 clones isolated from selected replicates at the end of the experiment. These genomes harbour complex changes that range from point mutations to large‐scale DNA amplifications. Among several candidate adaptive mutations, those in the tryptophanase regulator tnaC stand out, because the tna operon in which it resides has a known role in indole metabolism. One of the highly recombining populations also shows a significant excess of large‐scale segmental DNA amplifications that include the tna operon. This lineage also shows a unique and potentially adaptive combination of point mutations and DNA amplifications that may have originated independently from one another, to be joined later by recombination. Our data illustrate that the advantages of recombination for adaptive evolution strongly depend on the environment and that they can be associated with complex genomic changes.
Temporal improvement in survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in a hepatitis B virus‐endemic population
Authors: Kim Bo Hyun , Lim Young‐Suk , Kim Eun‐Yang , Kong Hyun‐Joo , Won Young‐Joo , Han Seungbong , Park Sohee , Hwang Jae Seok
Published: June 2017

Background and Aim

Over the past decade, the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and viral hepatitis has been improved. We explored survival trends and factors affecting survival of HCC in a hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐endemic population.

Methods

From 31 521 and 38 167 HCC registrants to the population‐based national cancer registry in Korea, an HBV‐endemic country, in the period of 2003–2005 and 2008–2010, we randomly sampled cohorts of 4515 and 4582 patients, respectively, for the investigation of clinical characteristics and survival.

Results

Compared with Cohort 2003–2005, Cohort 2008–2010 had significantly better liver function (Child–Turcotte–Pugh class A, 64.2% vs 71.6%; P < 0.001) and had more advanced tumor stages (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B–D, 45.8% vs 50.4%; P < 0.001). HBV was the predominant cause of HCC in both cohorts (62.5% vs 62.2%; P = 0.70). Cohort 2008–2010 had significantly better overall survival than Cohort 2003–2005 by age‐adjusted univariate, multivariable, and propensity score‐matched analyses (median survival time, 17.2 vs 28.4 months; P < 0.001). In a subcohort analysis, a consistently significant inter‐cohort improvement in survival was observed only in patients with HBV‐related HCC (median survival, 16.1 vs 30.4 months; P < 0.001). The annual number of patients with HCC receiving oral antiviral agents for HBV precipitously increased from 93 in 2005 to 28 520 in 2010 in the country.

Conclusions

The consistent improvement in survival of patients with HCC was confined to HBV‐related HCC subcohort over the last decade in an HBV‐endemic population. The survival improvement coincided with the exponential use of oral antiviral agents for HBV in the patients.
Sleep‐disordered breathing and cognitive functioning in preschool children with and without Down syndrome
Authors: Joyce A. , Dimitriou D.
Published: June 2017

Background

Sleep affects children's cognitive development, preparedness for school and future academic outcomes. People with Down syndrome (DS) are particularly at risk for sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). To our knowledge, the association between SDB and cognition in preschoolers with DS is unknown.

Methods

We assessed sleep by using cardiorespiratory polygraphy in 22 typically developing (TD) preschoolers and 22 with DS. Cognition was assessed by using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and behaviour by using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (MCDI) measured language level. We predicted that sleep problems would be associated with lower cognitive and behavioural functioning.

Results

In TD children, longer sleep duration was associated with higher scores on MCDI expressive language and fewer emotional symptoms such as fear and unhappiness on the SDQ, whilst SDB was associated with increased conduct problems and less prosocial behaviour on the SDQ. Conversely, for children with DS, SDB was associated with increased language understanding and use of actions and gestures on the MCDI.

Conclusions

The findings in the TD group support our hypotheses. We recommend that sleep problems are screened for and treated as even mild SDB may prompt poorer cognition and behaviour. For children with DS, we expect that multiple factors in this complex syndrome mask or mediate the association between sleep and cognitive development and tighter controls are necessary to uncover effects of sleep. We propose longitudinal studies as a necessary tool to assess the precise impact of sleep on cognitive development in accounting for individual differences in DS.
“We are all Garimpeiros:” Settlement and Movement in Communities of the Tapajós Small‐Scale Gold Mining Reserve
Authors: Kolen Judith , de Smet Eline , de Theije Marjo
Published: June 2017

Este artigo aborda o papel da mineração de ouro em pequena escala na urbanização da Amazônia brasileira, enfocando os processos locais em dois assentamentos de mineração na Província Aurífera Tapajós. Nossa análise revela três tendências na mudança de mobilidade para permanência. Em primeiro lugar, evidencia‐se que, ao longo dos anos, os assentamentos de mineração irregulares cresceram em aldeias formalizadas. Mobilidade e permanências temporais, características tradicionais de mineração de ouro em pequena escala, gradualmente, dá lugar a estadias mais longas em assentamentos de mineração. Fatores cruciais, identidificados nesse processo, são a presença de representação do governo e de infra‐estrutura material. Em segundo lugar, essa transição de assentamentos de forma irregular e provisória para uma condição mais estável e formalizado não é um processo unilateral. Este processo está tomando forma através da sinergia das iniciativas locais e informais e um governo local e federal, entendido nesta pesquisa no sentido passivo‐ reativo. Em terceiro lugar, a permanência é em grande medida construída com a manutenção de uma “comunidade garimpeira” através de ligações com centros urbanos regionais.
Exploring Partner Intimacy Among Couples Raising Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Grounded Theory Investigation
Authors: Johnson Jake , Piercy Fred P.
Published: June 2017

In this study, we explored how couples raising children with autism spectrum disorder negotiate intimacy, including what contextual and temporal factors influence these processes. We conducted conjoint interviews with 12 couples, employing grounded theory methodology to collect and analyze the data. Our results indicated that fostering intimacy in these couples' relationships involves partners working together to make key cognitive and relational shifts. Couples are aided or hindered in making these shifts by the degree to which they experience various contextual and environmental factors as resources or roadblocks. We also found that intimacy is not a fixed point at which couples one day arrive, but is an iterative process taking place over time and requiring work to develop and maintain.
Anatomical and functional implications of corticotrophin‐releasing hormone neurones in a septal nucleus of the avian brain: an emphasis on glial‐neuronal interaction via V1a receptors in vitro
Authors: Nagarajan G. , Jurkevich A. , Kang S. W. , Kuenzel W. J.
Published: June 2017

Previously, we showed that corticotrophin‐releasing hormone immunoreactive (CRH‐IR) neurones in a septal structure are associated with stress and the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in birds. In the present study, we focused upon CRH‐IR neurones located within the septal structure called the nucleus of the hippocampal commissure (NHpC). Immunocytochemical and gene expression analyses were used to identify the anatomical and functional characteristics of cells within the NHpC. A comparative morphometry analysis showed that CRH‐IR neurones in the NHpC were significantly larger than CRH‐IR parvocellular neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Furthermore, these large neurones in the NHpC usually have more than two processes, showing characteristics of multipolar neurones. Utilisation of an organotypic slice culture method enabled testing of how CRH‐IR neurones could be regulated within the NHpC. Similar to the PVN, CRH mRNA levels in the NHpC were increased following forskolin treatment. However, dexamethasone decreased forskolin‐induced CRH gene expression only in the PVN and not in the NHpC, indicating differential inhibitory mechanisms in the PVN and the NHpC of the avian brain. Moreover, immunocytochemical evidence also showed that CRH‐IR neurones reside in the NHpC along with the vasotocinergic system, comprising arginine vasotocin (AVT) nerve terminals and immunoreactive vasotocin V1a receptors (V1aR) in glia. Hence, we hypothesised that AVT acts as a neuromodulator within the NHpC to modulate activity of CRH neurones via glial V1aR. Gene expression analysis of cultured slices revealed that AVT treatment increased CRH mRNA levels, whereas a combination of AVT and a V1aR antagonist treatment decreased CRH mRNA expression. Furthermore, an attempt to identify an intercellular mechanism in glial‐neuronal communication in the NHpC revealed that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor (TrkB) could be involved in the signalling mechanism. Immunocytochemical results further showed that both BDNF and TrkB receptors were found in glia of the NHpC. Interestingly, in cultured brain slices containing the NHpC, the use of a selective TrkB antagonist decreased the AVT‐induced increase in CRH gene expression levels. The results from the present study collectively suggest that CRH neuronal activity is modulated by AVT via V1aR involving BDNF and TrkB glia in the NHpC.
Silent uterine rupture occluded by intestinal adhesions following laparoscopic myomectomy: A case report
Authors: Fukutani Riho , Hasegawa Junichi , Arakaki Tatsuya , Oba Tomohiro , Nakamura Masamitsu , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: June 2017

We present a rare asymptomatic case in which intestinal adhesions covered and occluded a site of uterine rupture, which was found during cesarean section. The patient had undergone laparoscopic myomectomy 5 years previously. However, detailed antenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging examinations revealed no uterine or placental abnormalities. It is thought that uterine rupture was not detected due to intestinal adhesions, which had occurred following the previous surgery. The present case suggests that women who conceive after laparoscopic myomectomy may be at risk of silent uterine rupture. However, detection of the silent uterine rupture during pregnancy may be limited, even with detailed imaging.
Clinical characteristics and salvage management of persistent cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Ying Xue , Zheng Wei , Zhao Li , Zhou Mi , Chen Zhengyun
Published: June 2017

Aim

The study was conducted to illustrate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with persistent cesarean scar pregnancy (PCSP).

Methods

During a six‐year period, 38 cases of PCSP were diagnosed and treated conservatively to preserve fertility. The clinical presentations, imaging findings and treatment outcomes of these patients were reviewed.

Results

Fourteen out of 38 women (37%) presenting with PCSP suffered heavy vaginal bleeding. Gestational age at diagnosis was 73.1 ± 21.7 days. The maximum diameter of the PCSP mass was 3.6 ± 1.6 cm. The presence of a rich vascular pattern in the area of the PCSP mass was detected by ultrasound in 33/38 (87%) patients. Six patients with a PCSP gestational age of 64.2 ± 6.2 days and a mass diameter of 2.5 ± 0.6 cm were successfully treated with medical treatment alone and 32 patients with a gestational age of 74.8 ± 23.1 days and a mass diameter of 3.8 ± 1.6 cm were successfully treated with surgical or combined treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with PCSP are diagnosed at advanced gestational age and are more prone to heavy bleeding. Surgery is the main treatment for PCSP. Medical treatment of PCSP has become an attractive alternative, especially for hemodynamically stable patients with a PCSP mass with a maximum diameter of < 3.5 cm.
Meta‐analysis of the predictive value of DNA aneuploidy in malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders
Authors: Alaizari Nader A. , Sperandio Marcelo , Odell Edward W. , Peruzzo Daiane , Al‐Maweri Sadeq A.
Published: June 2017

DNA aneuploidy is an imbalance of chromosomal DNA content that has been highlighted as a predictor of biological behavior and risk of malignant transformation. To date, DNA aneuploidy in oral potentially malignant diseases (OPMD) has been shown to correlate strongly with severe dysplasia and high‐risk lesions that appeared non‐dysplastic can be identified by ploidy analysis. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of DNA aneuploidy in predicting malignant transformation of OPMD remains to be validated. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the role of DNA aneuploidy in predicting malignant transformation in OPMD. The questions addressed were (i) Is DNA aneuploidy a useful marker to predict malignant transformation in OPMD? (ii) Is DNA diploidy a useful negative marker of malignant transformation in OPMD? These questions were addressed using the PECO method. Five studies assessing aneuploidy as a risk marker of malignant change were pooled into the meta‐analysis. Aneuploidy was found to be associated with a 3.12‐fold increased risk to progress into cancer (RR=3.12, 95% CI 1.86‐5.24). Based on the five studies meta‐analyzed, “no malignant progression” was more likely to occur in DNA diploid OPMD by 82% when compared to aneuploidy (RR=0.18, 95% CI 0.08‐0.41). In conclusion, aneuploidy is a useful marker of malignant transformation in OPMD, although a diploid result should be interpreted with caution.
Symptom experience in non‐dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Pugh‐Clarke Karen , Read Sue Cheryl , Sim Julius
Published: June 2017

Background

Studies indicate that symptoms attributable to impaired kidney function are important determinants of quality of life and functional status in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Accordingly, symptom assessment and subsequent control are prerequisites of high‐quality care in this patient population. Whilst symptom burden in patients with advanced CKD managed without dialysis has been likened to that of palliative care cancer populations, there is little information about the nature and range of symptoms in earlier stages of the CKD trajectory. This paper reports the findings of the preliminary phase of a study aimed at exploring the symptom experience in patients with CKD stages 4 and 5.

Methods

Eighteen semi‐structured patient interviews were conducted, using an interview schedule developed specifically to guide discussion. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify symptom categories and thematic patterns across the patient experiences.

Results

Patients reported a wide range of symptoms, with over 50 different categories and sub‐categories emerging from the interview data. Symptom categories could be broadly classified into physical symptoms, such as ‘Altered taste perception’, ‘Sleep disturbance’ and ‘Fatigue’, and psychological symptoms, such as ‘Forgetfulness’, ‘Poor concentration’ and ‘A sensation of gradually slowing down’. Of note, when questioned further, patients indicated that they would not usually report their symptoms to clinicians.

Conclusions

This study suggests that patients with CKD stages 4 and 5 may have a high symptom burden. The finding that patients did not routinely report their symptoms emphasises a need for clinicians to incorporate symptom assessment into routine clinical consultations.