bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domperidone for increasing breast milk volume in mothers expressing breast milk for their preterm infants: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Grzeskowiak LE , Smithers LG , Amir LH , Grivell RM
Published: February 2018

Background

Mothers of preterm infants often struggle to produce enough breast milk to meet the nutritional needs of their infant. Galactagogues such as domperidone are often prescribed to increase breast milk supply but evidence supporting their role in clinical practice is uncertain.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of domperidone for increasing breast milk volume in mothers expressing breast milk for their preterm infants.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched without language restrictions from first publication until January 2017. Bibliographies of articles and reviews were hand‐searched for additional reports.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials that compared domperidone with placebo in mothers of preterm infants (<37 weeks’ gestation) experiencing insufficient milk supply.

Data collection and analysis

Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data and evaluated study quality. Differences in breast milk volume and adverse events were combined using fixed effects meta‐analysis.

Main results

The pooled analysis of five trials consisting of 194 women demonstrated a moderate increase in daily breast milk volume of 88.3 ml/day (95% CI 56.8–119.8) with the use of domperidone compared with placebo. No difference was evident with respect to maternal adverse events (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.65–1.71), with no reported cases of prolonged QTc syndrome or sudden cardiac death. Sensitivity analyses showed no important differences in the estimates of effects.

Conclusions

Domperidone is well tolerated and results in a moderate short‐term increase in expressed breast milk volume among mothers of preterm infants previously identified as having insufficient breast milk supply.

Tweetable abstract

Domperidone leads to short‐term improvements in breast milk volume in mothers of preterm infants.
Racial/Ethnic Differential Effects of Medicaid Expansion on Health Care Access
Authors: Yue Dahai , Rasmussen Petra W. , Ponce Ninez A.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To assess racial/ethnic differential impacts of the ACA's Medicaid expansion on low‐income, nonelderly adults’ access to primary care.

Data Sources

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, State Physicians Workforce Data Book, and Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013 and 2015.

Study Design

Quasi‐experimental design with difference‐in‐differences analyses. Outcomes included health insurance coverage, having personal doctor(s), being unable to see doctors because of cost, and receiving a flu shot. We tested racial/ethnic differential impacts using the “Seemingly unrelated estimation” method. Multiple imputations and survey weights were used.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Low‐income, nonelderly adults were identified based on age, household income, and family size.

Principal Findings

Among the low‐income, nonelderly adults, Medicaid expansion was associated with statistically significant gains in health insurance coverage, having personal doctors, and affordability. Hispanics got the fewest benefits, which significantly widened racial/ethnic disparities for the Hispanic group. Racial/ethnic disparity in having personal doctors narrowed for non‐Hispanic black and non‐Hispanic others, although not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Medicaid expansion improved access to primary care, but it had differential effects among racial/ethnic groups resulting in mixed effects on disparities. Further research is necessary to develop tailored policy tools for racial/ethnic groups.
Growth Capacity of a Novel Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei K5 Strain Incorporated in Industrial White Brined Cheese as an Adjunct Culture
Authors: Terpou Antonia , Bosnea Loulouda , Kanellaki Maria , Plessas Stavros , Bekatorou Argyro , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia , Koutinas Athanasios A.
Published: February 2018

In this study, a novel potential probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei K5, previously isolated from traditional Greek Feta cheese and kefir grains, was evaluated as an adjunct culture for industrial white brined cheese production. Targeting industrial applications, apart from free cell cultures, a novel ready‐to‐use freeze‐dried immobilized biocatalyst was prepared. The biocatalyst composed of L. paracasei K5 cells immobilized on delignified wheat bran prebiotic carrier and was freeze‐dried without cryoprotectants. The adjunct free or immobilized culture was added separately without prior adaptation during white brined cheese manufacture and the produced cheeses were compared with commercial white brined cheeses. Several parameters that affect the acceptability and quality of the cheeses, including microbial populations, physicochemical parameters, volatile by‐products and organoleptic characteristics, were analyzed through 70 days of storage. Results showed that the viability of the adjunct culture added either free or immobilized remained in high levels (7 to 8 log cfu/g) during maturation and storage. In addition, all white brined cheeses with the adjunct probiotic culture showed a sharp decrease in spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms such as enterobacteria, salmonella, staphylococci and coliforms during cheese maturation, especially when compared with the commercial white brined cheeses. Finally, after maturation time exceeded, all cheeses were characterized as safe for human consumption. Cheeses volatile compounds were significantly enhanced by the incorporated immobilized biocatalysts. These findings indicate the potential industrial use of freeze‐dried ready‐to‐use immobilized lactobacilli as reinforcement adjunct cultures for the production of good‐quality functional cheese products.

Practical Application

The launch on market of novel foods developed by the incorporation of functional ingredients provides potential benefits to consumers’ diet and new business opportunities for producers. Probiotic food products are one significant category of functional foods. Thus, this study focused on the development of a novel ready‐to‐use freeze‐dried potential probiotic biocatalyst for functional white brined cheese production. The potential industrial application of such biocatalysts is highlighted by their incorporation as adjunct cultures that resulted in good‐quality functional cheeses.
The effect of protracted X‐ray exposure on cell survival and metabolic activity of fast and slow growing fungi capable of melanogenesis
Authors: Pacelli Claudia , Bryan Ruth A. , Onofri Silvano , Selbmann Laura , Zucconi Laura , Shuryak Igor , Dadachova Ekaterina
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to analyse how protracted exposure to X‐rays delivered at low dose rates of 0.0032–0.052 kGy h−1 affects the survival and metabolic activity of two microfungi capable of melanogenesis: fast‐growing Cryptococcus neoformans (CN) and slow‐growing Cryomyces antarcticus (CA). Melanized CN and CA cells survived the protracted exposure better than non‐melanized ones, which was consistent with previous reports on the radioprotective role of melanin in these fungi after high dose rate exposures. The survival data were described by the linear quadratic dose response model. The XTT metabolic profiles were practically identical for melanized CN and CA with activity dose‐dependent increasing: no changes in the activity of the non‐melanized CN and CA were recorded by this assay. In contrast, the MTT assay, which measures the intracellular energy‐related processes, recorded an increase in activity of non‐melanized CN and CA cells, but not in their melanized counterparts. This could reflect intensive repair processes initiated by the non‐melanized cells post exposure. This study suggests that differences in radiation responses between melanized and non‐melanized fungal cells occur over a wide range of radiation dose rates.
The companion dog as a model for human aging and mortality
Authors: Hoffman Jessica M. , Creevy Kate E. , Franks Alexander , O'Neill Dan G. , Promislow Daniel E. L.
Published: February 2018

Around the world, human populations have experienced large increases in average lifespan over the last 150 years, and while individuals are living longer, they are spending more years of life with multiple chronic morbidities. Researchers have used numerous laboratory animal models to understand the biological and environmental factors that influence aging, morbidity, and longevity. However, the most commonly studied animal species, laboratory mice and rats, do not experience environmental conditions similar to those to which humans are exposed, nor do we often diagnose them with many of the naturally occurring pathologies seen in humans. Recently, the companion dog has been proposed as a powerful model to better understand the genetic and environmental determinants of morbidity and mortality in humans. However, it is not known to what extent the age‐related dynamics of morbidity, comorbidity, and mortality are shared between humans and dogs. Here, we present the first large‐scale comparison of human and canine patterns of age‐specific morbidity and mortality. We find that many chronic conditions that commonly occur in human populations (obesity, arthritis, hypothyroidism, and diabetes), and which are associated with comorbidities, are also associated with similarly high levels of comorbidity in companion dogs. We also find significant similarities in the effect of age on disease risk in humans and dogs, with neoplastic, congenital, and metabolic causes of death showing similar age trajectories between the two species. Overall, our study suggests that the companion dog may be an ideal translational model to study the many complex facets of human morbidity and mortality.
Treating women with opioid use disorder during pregnancy in Appalachia: Initial neonatal outcomes following buprenorphine + naloxone exposure
Authors: Nguyen Linda , Lander Laura R. , O'Grady Kevin E. , Marshalek Patrick J. , Schmidt Adrienne , Kelly Audra K. , Jones Hendrée E.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Rising concerns regarding diversion and misuse of mono‐buprenorphine for treatment of pregnant women with opioid use disorders have sparked interest in the use of buprenorphine + naloxone to reduce misuse and diversion rates. Examined the relationship of prenatal buprenorphine + naloxone exposure to neonatal outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of 26 mother infant dyads in comprehensive medication‐assisted treatment with buprenorphine + naloxone during pregnancy.

Results

All neonatal birth outcome parameters were within normal ranges, albeit on the lower side of normal for gestational age and birth weight. Only 19% of neonates required morphine pharmacology for NAS.

Conclusions

Use of buprenorphine + naloxone shows relative safety in pregnancy.

Scientific Significance

These findings can help better guide prescribing practices for pregnant patients at risk for misuse or diversion of buprenorphine. (Am J Addict 2018;27:92–96)
Perceiving high social mindfulness during interpersonal interaction promotes cooperative behaviours
Authors: Dou Kai , Wang Yu‐Jie , Li Jian‐Bin , Li Jing‐Jing , Nie Yan‐Gang
Published: February 2018

Social mindfulness refers to individual's respect and protection of others’ options in interpersonal interaction. The object‐choosing task is a traditional paradigm to assess social mindfulness. Individuals with high social mindfulness would choose the nonunique object so that others would have more options; on the contrary, individuals with low social mindfulness would choose the unique object, which limits others’ choices. No prior study has examined whether perceiving people with different levels of social mindfulness affects one's cooperation. Based on this background, two experiments were conducted to address this question. In both experiments, a confederate participant's (Player A's) social mindfulness was manipulated by setting the frequency that Player A chose the unique and the nonunique objects. Then, participants were asked to interact with Player A in the public goods game (Experiment 1) or in the centipede game (Experiment 2). Convergent results showed that compared to those interacting with a socially unmindful person, participants interacting with a person perceived as socially mindful contributed more resources in the public goods game and chose to pass on more rounds in the centipede game. These findings suggest that perception of others’ high social mindfulness enhances one's own cooperative behaviour.
Improving eye care services with a lean approach
Authors: Lindholm Juha‐Matti , Laine Ilkka , Hippala Heli , Ylinen Petteri , Tuuminen Raimo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Effective provision of eye care services in government‐financed hospitals is essential to balance the discrepancy between growing demand and limited resources. We aimed to improve efficiency of the treatment protocol for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Predetermined quality targets were a patient‐oriented and patient‐safe approach and the development of a clinical care process with purposeful use of competences.

Methods

We utilized a lean process improvement methodology to develop a streamlined Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy treatment protocol. A total of 206 patient visits were evaluated, where the lean‐oriented treatment protocol was utilized in 158 of the visits and the conventional (CONV) protocol was followed in 48 of the visits.

Results

All baseline variables were comparable between the study groups. Compared to the CONV protocol, implementation of new operational principles shortened the total reception time per patient from 55:36 ± 30:23; 12–136 min to 44:40 ± 4:49; 37–54 min (mean ± SD; range, p = 0.040). The per hour number of patients and eyes treated in the operation room improved from 4.7 ± 1.6; 2.6–8.4 patients and 5.5 ± 2.0; 3.5–11.3 eyes to 16.3 ± 2.3; 14.3–19.4 patients (p < 0.001) and 18.0 ± 1.6; 16.8–20.4 eyes (p < 0.001). The time spent by the operating physician reduced from 8:19 ± 3:06; 3:57–14:30 min to 3:01 ± 1:00; 1:34–6:38 min in unilateral procedure (p < 0.001) and from 8:45 ± 3:55; 5:52–14:10 min to 4:40 ± 2:03; 2:38–10:14 min in bilateral procedure (p < 0.006). Furthermore, the overall patient satisfaction grade improved from 17.3 ± 1.04; 15–18 points to 17.8 ± 0.61; 15–18 points (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The lean approach improved the treatment protocol for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy with substantial reductions in lead times without compromising patient satisfaction.
Ovarian morphology and folliculogenesis and ovulation process in the flat‐faced fruit‐eating bat Artibeus planirostris and the Argentine brown bat Eptesicus furinalis: A comparative analysis
Authors: Bueno Larissa Mayumi , Caun Dianelli Lisboa , Comelis Manuela Tosi , Beguelini Mateus Rodrigues , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Morielle‐Versute Eliana
Published: February 2018

Abstract

The Neotropical bat species Artibeus planirostris and Eptesicus furinalis present a different morphology of the female reproductive organs: the first presents a simplex uterus, while the second presents a bicornuate uterus, but there is no information about their ovaries. Our aim was to compare the general ovary morphology and the folliculogenesis process in these species to increase the knowledge about the reproductive diversity of tropical bats. We observed a morphological distinction between the ovaries of both species: A. planirostris presents the primordial follicles located in a cranial portion of the ovary and the interstitial gland cells are not distinctive, while in E. furinalis, the primordial follicles are located throughout the cortex, and there is an abundance of interstitial gland cells. Both species present binovular or triovular follicles. Artibeus planirostris is a monovular species, with a preferential ovulation in the left side. Some females of E. furinalis exhibited two corpora lutea in the same ovary, and others presented a corpus luteum in both right and left ovaries at the same time; thus, E. furinalis is a polyovular species. Our results express the variation between two Neotropical species, reflecting the great variation in the reproductive aspects in Chiroptera.
Radical prostatectomy and the effect of close surgical margins: results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database
Authors: Herforth Christine , Stroup Sean P. , Chen Zinan , Howard Lauren E. , Freedland Stephen J. , Moreira Daniel M. , Terris Martha K. , Aronson William J. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Amling Christopher L. , Kane Christopher J.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To evaluate biochemical recurrence (BCR) patterns amongst men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) with specimens having negative (NSM), positive (PSM), and close surgical margins (CSM) from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) cohort, as PSM after RP are a significant predictor of biochemical failure and possible disease progression, with CSM representing a diagnostic challenge for surgeons.

Patients and Methods

Men undergoing RP between 1988 and 2015 with known final pathological margin status were evaluated. The cohort was divided into three groups based on margin status; NSM, PSM, and CSM. CSM were defined by distance of tumour ≤1 mm from the surgical margin. BCR was defined as a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of >0.2 ng/mL, two values at 0.2 ng/mL, or secondary treatment for an elevated PSA level. Predictors of BCR, metastases, and mortality were analysed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Of 5515 men in the SEARCH database, 4337 (79%) men met criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Of these, 2063 (48%) had NSM, 1902 (44%) had PSM, and 372 (8%) had CSM. On multivariable analysis, relative to NSM, men with CSM had a higher risk of BCR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–1.82; P < 0.001) but a decreased risk of BCR when compared to those men with PSM (HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.86–2.36; P < 0.001). Metastases, prostate cancer‐specific mortality and all‐cause mortality did not differ based on margin status alone.

Conclusions

Management of men with CSM is a diagnostic challenge, with a disease course that is not entirely benign. The evaluation of other known risk factors probably provides greater prognostic value for these men and may ultimately better select those who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Serine proteinases in the turnover of the cartilage extracellular matrix in the joint: implications for therapeutics
Authors: Wilkinson David J , Arques Maria del Carmen , Huesa Carmen , Rowan Andrew D
Published: February 2018

Cartilage destruction is a key characteristic of arthritic disease, a process now widely established to be mediated by metzincins such as MMPs. Despite showing promise in preclinical trials during the 1990s, MMP inhibitors for the blockade of extracellular matrix turnover in the treatment of cancer and arthritis failed clinically, primarily due to poor selectivity for target MMPs. In recent years, roles for serine proteinases in the proteolytic cascades leading to cartilage destruction have become increasingly apparent, renewing interest in the potential for new therapeutic strategies that utilize pharmacological inhibitors against this class of proteinases. Herein, we describe key serine proteinases with likely importance in arthritic disease and highlight recent advances in this field.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Translating the Matrix. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.1/issuetoc
Facilitation of ischaemia‐induced ventricular fibrillation by catecholamines is mediated by β1 and β2 agonism in the rat heart in vitro
Authors: Wilder Catherine D E , Pavlaki Nikoleta , Dursun Tutku , Gyimah Paul , Caldwell‐Dunn Ellice , Ranieri Antonella , Lewis Hannah R , Curtis Michael J
Published: February 2018

Background and Purpose

Antiarrhythmic β‐blockers are used in patients at risk of myocardial ischaemia, but the survival benefit and mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that β‐blockers do not prevent ventricular fibrillation (VF) but instead inhibit the ability of catecholamines to facilitate ischaemia‐induced VF, limiting the scope of their usefulness.

Experimental Approach

ECGs were analysed from ischaemic Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts perfused with adrenoceptor antagonists and/or exogenous catecholamines (CATs: 313 nM noradrenaline + 75 nM adrenaline) in a blinded and randomized study. Ischaemic zone (IZ) size was deliberately made small or large.

Key Results

In rat hearts with large IZs, ischaemia‐induced VF incidence was high in controls. Atenolol, butoxamine and trimazosin did not affect VF at concentrations with β1‐, β2‐ or α1‐ adrenoceptor specificity and selectivity (confirmed in separate rat aortae myography experiments). In hearts with small IZs and low baseline incidence of ischaemia‐induced VF, CATs, delivered to the uninvolved zone (UZ), increased ischaemia‐induced VF incidence. This effect was not mimicked by atrial pacing, hence, not due to sinus tachycardia. However, the CATs‐facilitated increase in ischaemia‐induced VF was inhibited by atenolol and butoxamine (but not trimazosin), indicative of β1‐ and β2‐ but not α1‐adrenoceptor involvement (confirmed by immunoblot analysis of downstream phosphoproteins). CATs did not facilitate VF in low‐flow globally ischaemic hearts, which have no UZ.

Conclusions and Implications

Catecholamines facilitated ischaemia‐induced VF when risk was low, acting via β1‐ and β2‐ adrenoceptors located in the UZ. There was no scope for facilitation when VF risk was high (large IZ), which may explain why β‐blockers have equivocal effectiveness in humans.
Health spending, savings and fertility in a lifecycle‐dynastic model with longevity externalities
Authors: Yew Siew Ling , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2018

We investigate health spending, savings, fertility and policy implications in a lifecycle‐dynastic model with longevity externalities in annuity returns. We show that such externalities engender not only excessive health spending but also under‐saving and excessive fertility. Social security and health subsidization increase health spending and savings but reduce fertility from laissez‐faire levels. A publicly funded universal health system under labour‐income taxation raises fertility. Taxing health spending or using social security and public health together can obtain socially optimal health spending, savings, longevity and fertility. Numerical results based on US observations suggest substantial variations among these cases, especially in old‐age health spending.
Intra‐household allocation of parental leave
Authors: Gobbi Paula E. , Parys Juliane , Schwerhoff Gregor
Published: February 2018

We introduce childcare sharing in a collective model of household behaviour to investigate which factors make spouses increase or decrease their share of parental leave. The concern about future consumption motivates parents to invest in their human capital and to limit their leave duration. Using relative income and the age difference between spouses as distribution factors, we cannot reject Pareto efficiency in childcare sharing. Higher relative incomes and larger age differences shift the conditional leave allocation towards the relatively poorer and younger partner, respectively. Households with higher total income purchase more professional childcare.
Biological activities of 3,4,5‐trihydroxypiperidines and their N‐ and O‐derivatives
Authors: Prichard Kate , Campkin David , O'Brien Nicholas , Kato Atsushi , Fleet George W. J. , Simone Michela I.
Published: February 2018

3,4,5‐Trihydroxypiperidines belong to the family of 1,5‐dideoxy‐1,5‐iminosugar natural products and are structural analogues of pentose monosaccharides in the pyranose form. The biological activities of these apparently structurally simple molecules and their N‐ and O‐alkylated and ‐arylated derivatives are no less remarkable than their C‐6 hydroxymethyl counterparts of the hexoses (such as 1‐deoxynojirimycin, DNJ). Their biological profiles indicate that the hydroxymethyl branch is crucial to neither potency nor selectivity, with O‐alkylation demonstrated to produce exquisite selectivity extending beyond glycosidase inhibition, to immunosuppressant and antibacterial activities.
Alternaria alternata challenge at the nasal mucosa results in eosinophilic inflammation and increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection
Authors: Ma M. , Redes J. L. , Percopo C. M. , Druey K. M. , Rosenberg H. F.
Published: February 2018

Background

Eosinophils in the nasal mucosa are an elemental feature of allergic rhinitis.

Objective

Our objective was to explore eosinophilic inflammation and its impact on respiratory virus infection at the nasal mucosa.

Methods

Inflammation in the nasal mucosae of mice was evaluated in response to repetitive stimulation with strict intranasal volumes of a filtrate of Alternaria alternata. Mice were then challenged with influenza virus.

Results

Repetitive stimulation with A. alternata resulted in eosinophil recruitment to the nasal passages in association with elevated levels of IL‐5, IL‐13 and eotaxin‐1; eosinophil recruitment was diminished in eotaxin‐1−/− mice, and abolished in Rag1−/− mice. A. alternata also resulted in elevated levels of nasal wash IgA in both wild‐type and eosinophil‐deficient ∆dblGATA mice. Interestingly, A. alternata‐treated mice responded to an influenza virus infection with profound weight loss and mortality compared to mice that received diluent alone (0% vs 100% survival, ***P < .001); the lethal response was blunted when A. alternata was heat‐inactivated. Minimal differences in virus titre were detected, and eosinophils present in the nasal passages at the time of virus inoculation provided no protection against the lethal sequelae. Interestingly, nasal wash fluids from mice treated with A. alternata included more neutrophils and higher levels of pro‐inflammatory mediators in response to virus challenge, among these, IL‐6, a biomarker for disease severity in human influenza.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Repetitive administration of A. alternata resulted in inflammation of the nasal mucosae and unanticipated morbidity and mortality in response to subsequent challenge with influenza virus. Interestingly, and in contrast to findings in the lower airways, eosinophils recruited to the nasal passages provided no protection against lethal infection. As increased susceptibility to influenza virus among individuals with rhinitis has been the subject of several clinical reports, this model may be used for further exploration of these observations.
State of the Art on Stylized Fabrication
Authors: Bickel Bernd , Cignoni Paolo , Malomo Luigi , Pietroni Nico
Published: February 2018

Digital fabrication devices are powerful tools for creating tangible reproductions of 3D digital models. Most available printing technologies aim at producing an accurate copy of a tridimensional shape. However, fabrication technologies can also be used to create a stylistic representation of a digital shape. We refer to this class of methods as ‘stylized fabrication methods’. These methods abstract geometric and physical features of a given shape to create an unconventional representation, to produce an optical illusion or to devise a particular interaction with the fabricated model. In this state‐of‐the‐art report, we classify and overview this broad and emerging class of approaches and also propose possible directions for future research.
Reliability of autonomic and vascular components of baroreflex sensitivity in adolescents
Authors: Oliveira Ricardo S. , Barker Alan R. , Debras Florian , O'Doherty Alexandra , Williams Craig A.
Published: February 2018

Improvements in the autonomic and vascular systems are implicated in cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is composed of vascular and autonomic components. This study aimed to investigate between‐ and within‐day reliability of BRS and its autonomic and vascular determinants in adolescents. Thirteen male adolescents (14·1 ± 0·5 y) participated in this study. For between‐day reliability, participants completed four experimental visits separated by a minimum of 48‐h. For within‐day reliability, participants repeated BRS assessments three times in the morning with one hour between the measures. BRS was evaluated using the cross‐spectral gain (LFgain) between blood pressure and heart rate interval. BRS was further divided into: 1) vascular component using arterial compliance (AC); and 2) autonomic component measured as LFgain divided by AC (LFgain/AC). LFgain, AC and LFgain/AC presented between‐day coefficient of variation (CV) of 20%, 17%, and 20%, respectively. Similarly, variables associated with blood pressure control, such as cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, heart rate and total peripheral resistance, presented CVs ranging from 6% to 15%. Within‐day reliability was poorer compared to between‐day for LFgain (25%), AC (25%), and LFgain/AC (31%), as well as all hemodynamic variables (CVs from 11% to 22%, except heart rate with presented CV of 6%). This study indicates suitable between‐ and within‐reliability of BRS and its autonomic and vascular determinants, as well as hemodynamic variables associated with BRS, in adolescents.
An integrated, spatio‐temporal modelling framework for analysing biological invasions
Authors: Mang Thomas , Essl Franz , Moser Dietmar , Kleinbauer Ingrid , Dullinger Stefan
Published: February 2018

Aim

We develop a novel modelling framework for analysing the spatio‐temporal spread of biological invasions. The framework integrates different invasion drivers and disentangles their roles in determining observed invasion patterns by fitting models to historical distribution data. As a case study application, we analyse the spread of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia).

Location

Central Europe.

Methods

A lattice system represents actual landscapes with environmental heterogeneity. Modelling covers the spatio‐temporal invasion sequence in this grid and integrates the effects of environmental conditions on local invasion suitability, the role of invaded cells and spatially implicit “background” introductions as propagule sources, within‐cell invasion level bulk‐up and multiple dispersal means. A modular framework design facilitates flexible numerical representation of the modelled invasion processes and customization of the model complexity. We used the framework to build and contrast increasingly complex models, and fitted them using a Bayesian inference approach with parameters estimated by Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC).

Results

All modelled invasion drivers codetermined the A. artemisiifolia invasion pattern. Inferences about individual drivers depended on which processes were modelled concurrently, and hence changed both quantitatively and qualitatively between models. Among others, the roles of environmental variables were assessed substantially differently subject to whether models included explicit source‐recipient cell relationships, spatio‐temporal variability in source cell strength and human‐mediated dispersal means. The largest fit improvements were found by integrating filtering effects of the environment and spatio‐temporal availability of propagule sources.

Main conclusions

Our modelling framework provides a straightforward means to build integrated invasion models and address hypotheses about the roles and mutual relationships of different putative invasion drivers. Its statistical nature and generic design make it suitable for studying many observed invasions. For efficient invasion modelling, it is important to represent changes in spatio‐temporal propagule supply by explicitly tracking the species’ colonization sequence and establishment of new populations.
From paediatrics to geriatrics: ageing with a neurodevelopmental disability
Authors: Dan Bernard
Published: February 2018

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuhaAGEGyLk&t=1s
Health‐related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy in low‐ and middle‐income countries: opportunities and next steps
Authors: Kakooza‐Mwesige Angelina
Published: February 2018

This commentary is on the systematic review by Power et al. on pages 469–479 of this issue.
Prediction of memory formation based on absolute electroencephalographic phases in rhinal cortex and hippocampus outperforms prediction based on stimulus‐related phase shifts
Authors: Derner Marlene , Jahanbekam Amirhossein , Bauckhage Christian , Axmacher Nikolai , Fell Juergen
Published: February 2018

Absolute (i.e. measured) rhinal and hippocampal phase values are predictive for memory formation. It has been an open question, whether the capability of mediotemporal structures to react to stimulus presentation with phase shifts may be similarly indicative of successful memory formation. We analysed data from 27 epilepsy patients implanted with depth electrodes in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, who performed a continuous word recognition task. Electroencephalographic phase information related to the first presentation of repeatedly presented words was used for prediction of subsequent remembering vs. forgetting applying a support vector machine. The capability to predict successful memory formation based on stimulus‐related phase shifts was compared to that based on absolute phase values. Average hippocampal phase shifts were larger and rhinal phase shifts were more accumulated for later remembered compared to forgotten trials. Nevertheless, prediction based on absolute phase values clearly outperformed phase shifts and there was no significant increase in prediction accuracies when combining both measures. Our findings indicate that absolute rhinal and hippocampal phases and not stimulus‐related phase shifts are most relevant for successful memory formation. Absolute phases possibly affect memory formation via influencing neural membrane potentials and thereby controlling the timing of neural firing.
National autonomy and democratic standardization: Should popular votes on European integration be regulated by the European Union?
Authors: Lacey Joseph
Published: February 2018

Given the increasing use of direct democratic devices on questions of European integration, this paper explores whether or not Member States may have good reason to agree on common regulations for popular votes of this nature. Conceiving of the European Union as a political system designed to serve the interests of states and citizens, it is argued that where direct votes have the potential to undermine the territorial, functional, normative or existential integrity of the EU, then states may have good reason to sacrifice a degree of national autonomy to adopt common regulations for certain uses of direct democracy. This leads to a case for democratic standardization across Member States when it comes to withdrawal, accession, Treaty ratification and opt‐in decisions.
Glacial loss and its effect on riparian vegetation of alpine streams
Authors: McKernan Cristina , Cooper David J. , Schweiger E. William
Published: February 2018

Rising global temperature is expected to increase alpine glacier mass loss with cascading effects on alpine habitats and biota. Currently, there is limited information on the effects of climate change on alpine riparian vegetation including quantitative assessments of geophysical habitat context.

We measured geomorphic conditions and riparian vegetation composition of alpine streams across a chronosequence of sites supported hydrologically by glaciers, permanent snowfields (PS) and seasonal snowfields (SS) in Glacier National Park (GNP), Montana, USA. Responses in the system to possible climate‐driven shifts in hydrologic regime were identified using multivariate analyses.

Glacier‐fed streams had higher discharge and stream power and lower substrate stability than streams fed by PS and SS. Streams fed by PS supported a higher number of species than other stream types. Glacier‐fed streams were characterised by higher abundance of disturbance‐adapted shrub species than PS and SS.

By applying projections from climate models that forecast total glacial loss in GNP by 2030 to our data, we predict that stream geophysical conditions will shift, resulting in a loss of physical habitat for shrub species, an increase in habitat for herbaceous species, and ultimately a homogenisation of riparian communities in the alpine zone.

Our study identifies glaciers as drivers of alpine riverine ecosystems and highlights the importance of examining geophysical habitat linked to hydrologic regimes and glaciers to better understand the impacts to biota under future climate scenarios. We provide a framework for relating fluvial biological and hydrogeomorphic processes in the context of alpine glacial recession.
Keep your feet warm? A cryptic refugium of trees linked to a geothermal spring in an ocean of glaciers
Authors: Carcaillet Christopher , Latil Jean‐Louis , Abou Sébastien , Ali Adam , Ghaleb Bassam , Magnin Frédéric , Roiron Paul , Aubert Serge
Published: February 2018

Up to now, the most widely accepted idea of the periglacial environment is that of treeless ecosystems such as the arctic or the alpine tundra, also called the tabula rasa paradigm. However, several palaeoecological studies have recently challenged this idea, that is, treeless environments in periglacial areas where all organisms would have been exterminated near the glacier formed during the Last Glacial Maximum, notably in the Scandinavian mountains. In the Alps, the issue of glacial refugia of trees remains unanswered. Advances in glacier reconstructions show that ice domes did not cover all upper massifs, but glaciers filled valleys. Here, we used fossils of plant and malacofauna from a travertine formation located in a high mountain region to demonstrate that trees (Pinus, Betula) grew with grasses during the Lateglacial‐Holocene transition, while the glacier fronts were 200–300 m lower. The geothermal travertine started to accumulate more than 14,500 years ago, but became progressively more meteogene about 11,500 years ago due to a change in groundwater circulation. With trees, land snails (gastropods) associated to woody or open habitats and aquatic mollusc were also present at the onset of the current interglacial, namely the Holocene. The geothermal spring, due to warm water and soil, probably favoured woody glacial ecosystems. This new finding of early tree growth, combined with other scattered proofs of the tree presence before 11,000 years ago in the western Alps, changes our view of the tree distribution in periglacial environments, supporting the notion of tree refugia on nunataks in an ocean of glaciers. Therefore, the tabula rasa paradigm must be revisited because it has important consequences on the global changes, including postglacial plant migrations and biogeochemical cycles.
Maternal viral load and hepatitis B virus mother‐to‐child transmission risk: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Hong‐Lin , Zha Man‐Li , Cai Ji‐Yu , Qin Gang
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between maternal viral load and mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) risk in hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)‐positive mothers.

Methods

PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched. We compared MTCT incidence between maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA‐positive and HBV‐DNA‐negative groups. We also examined the dose–response effect of this relationship.

Results

Twenty‐one studies with 10 142 mother–child pairs were included in the studies. The mean MTCT incidence was 13.1% in the maternal HBV‐DNA‐positive group, compared with 4.2% in the negative group. The summary MTCT odds ratio of maternal HBV‐DNA positive compared with negative was 9.895 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.333 to 18.359; Z = 7.27, P < 0.00001) by random‐effects model. In maternal HBV‐DNA <6 log10 copies/mL, 6–8 log10 copies/mL, and >8 log10 copies/mL level stratifications, the pooled MTCT incidences were 2.754% (95% CI, 1.198–4.310%; Z = 3.47, P = 0.001), 9.932% (95% CI, 6.349–13.516%; Z = 5.43, P < 0.00001), and 14.445% (95% CI, 8.317–20.572%; Z = 4.62, P < 0.00001), respectively. A significant linear dose–response association was found between maternal viral load and MTCT risk, with the points estimate of increased MTCT risk 2.705 (95% CI, 1.808–4.047) at 6 log10 copies/mL compared with reference (3 log10 copies/mL), and 7.316 (95% CI, 3.268–16.378) at 9 log10 copies/mL. A significant non‐linear dose–response association was also found between maternal viral load and HBV MTCT risk (model χ2 = 23.43, P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis indicated that maternal viral load was an important risk factor for MTCT in HBeAg‐positive mothers, and maternal viral load was dose‐dependent with HBV MTCT incidence.
The effect of skin surface topography and skin colouration cues on perception of male facial age, health and attractiveness
Authors: Fink B. , Matts P. J. , Brauckmann C. , Gundlach S.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Previous studies investigating the effects of skin surface topography and colouration cues on the perception of female faces reported a differential weighting for the perception of skin topography and colour evenness, where topography was a stronger visual cue for the perception of age, whereas skin colour evenness was a stronger visual cue for the perception of health. We extend these findings in a study of the effect of skin surface topography and colour evenness cues on the perceptions of facial age, health and attractiveness in males.

Methods

Facial images of six men (aged 40 to 70 years), selected for co‐expression of lines/wrinkles and discolouration, were manipulated digitally to create eight stimuli, namely, separate removal of these two features (a) on the forehead, (b) in the periorbital area, (c) on the cheeks and (d) across the entire face. Omnibus (within‐face) pairwise combinations, including the original (unmodified) face, were presented to a total of 240 male and female judges, who selected the face they considered younger, healthier and more attractive.

Results

Significant effects were detected for facial image choice, in response to skin feature manipulation. The combined removal of skin surface topography resulted in younger age perception compared with that seen with the removal of skin colouration cues, whereas the opposite pattern was found for health preference. No difference was detected for the perception of attractiveness. These perceptual effects were seen particularly on the forehead and cheeks. Removing skin topography cues (but not discolouration) in the periorbital area resulted in higher preferences for all three attributes.

Conclusion

Skin surface topography and colouration cues affect the perception of age, health and attractiveness in men's faces. The combined removal of these features on the forehead, cheeks and in the periorbital area results in the most positive assessments.
Homeostatic control of dendritic cell numbers and differentiation
Authors: Dress Regine J , Wong Alicia YW , Ginhoux Florent
Published: February 2018

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a diverse family of cells that play a crucial role in linking our innate and adaptive immune system to initiate adequate T‐cell responses. They respond to pathogens by triggering the appropriate adaptive immune response that is required to clear invaders while balancing the need to limit tissue damage as a result of inflammation. Perturbation in DC regulation results in abnormal T‐cell homeostasis, leading to development of autoimmune diseases and aberrant responses to pathogens. In recent years, it has become clear that the DC family is more complex than initially thought in terms of their identification, homeostasis and functions. In this review, we discuss recent findings that improve our understanding of development, and functional specializations of conventional and plasmacytoid DCs.
NeoLiberalism and the Challenges of Managing Labour Migration in Urban Malaysia
Authors: Tedong Peter Aning , Kadir Abdul Rahim Abdul , Roslan Kazimah , Lumayag Linda A.
Published: February 2018

Labour migration into Malaysia has increased rapidly in recent decades and this has affected Malaysia's government policy in managing migrants’ movement. Interestingly, Malaysia has attracted a high degree of unskilled labour, accompanied by unabated rise of undocumented migrant workers. Mitigating undocumented migration is the main aim of Malaysia's labour migration policy and therefore the focus of Malaysian government. This has impacted on how enforcement agencies work out strategies. These agencies are the forefront of Malaysia's labour migration policy but they faced a number of challenges, such as documentation, finance and manpower capability, and political intervention, which impede their ability to optimize their capabilities in enforcing the Malaysian government labour migration policy. Resolving these challenges and moving towards a long‐term labour migration policy will benefit the Malaysian state, its citizens and the labour migrants.
The life cycle of the giant water bug of northwestern Patagonian wetlands: the effect of hydroperiod and temperature regime
Authors: Jara Fabián Gastón , Perotti María Gabriela
Published: February 2018

We analyzed the effect of hydroperiod and water temperature on the life cycle of the giant water bug Belostoma bifoveolatum in two wetlands of northwestern Patagonia, Argentina. In each wetland, we estimated adult and nymph abundance and monitored water depth and temperature throughout the study period. We determined the age structure of the giant water bug population in each wetland, and estimated the cumulative degree‐days (DD) needed for eggs to hatch and for nymphs to complete their development. Individuals of B. bifoveolatum colonized temporary wetlands at the beginning of spring when daylight lasts 12 h. The breeding period varied with hydroperiod length and showed both univoltine and bivoltine strategies, with a relatively constant breeding season. Egg‐bearing males appeared in October, carrying between 35 and 144 eggs per individual. Hatching success was high (~80% of eggs) and cumulative temperature for the hatching event was between 250 and 300 DD (which represents 3–4 weeks in nature), while complete development occurred between 800 and 1220 DD (~7–8 weeks). Individuals were more abundant in shallow and sunny patches of the wetlands, where the temperature was comparatively high, than in deeper or shaded sites. These results showed that hydroperiod duration and temperature could be good regulators of voltinism and development in B. bifoveolatum, driving the population structure of this giant water bug at the southern end of its distribution range.