bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetoencephalographic Recordings in Infants Using a Standard-Sized Array: Technical Adequacy and Diagnostic Yield
Authors: Shibata Sumiya , Mosher John C. , Kotagal Prakash , Gupta Ajay , Alexopoulos Andreas V. , Burgess Richard C.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

Although a few magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems have been built specifically for infants (<2 years), most children are routinely examined using MEG systems designed primarily to accommodate adult subjects. The practicality of the adult MEG device has not been systematically reviewed in infants with epilepsy. The aim of this study is to investigate whether infant epilepsy patients, whose heads are small relative to the sensor helmet, can have clinically successful MEG recordings using the conventional adult-size MEG device.

Methods:

We reviewed our database of 964 patients who were referred for routine MEG epilepsy examination between January 2008 and May 2015. We reanalyzed the original data of the infant patients to investigate whether epileptiform discharges of the usual amplitudes could be detected.

Results:

Nine patients (about 1%) were infants. All the infant MEG records were processed with temporally extended signal space separation to remove environmental artifacts. Seven of the nine were processed with movement compensation processing using continuous head position monitoring. Magnetoencephalography captured epileptic abnormalities in all the infants: interictal in nine and ictal in five. The source amplitudes of 10 representative interictal dipoles from each of the infants ranged from 46.0 to 437.2 (mean: 180.1, SD: ±92.5) nA-m.

Conclusions:

Despite increased brain to sensor distance, the conventional MEG device can detect epileptic abnormalities in infants, facilitated by monitoring head position and postprocessing with temporally extended signal space separation, with or without movement compensation. Magnetoencephalography is useful for managing infants with epilepsy using the conventional adult machine, without special adaptations for small heads.
Dynamics of the IFT Machinery at the Ciliary Tip
Authors: Chien Alexander , Shih Sheng Min , Bower Raqual , Tritschler Douglas , Porter Mary E. , Yildiz Ahmet
Published: June 2017

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is essential for the elongation and maintenance of eukaryotic cilia and flagella. Due to the traffic jam of multiple trains at the ciliary tip, how IFT trains are remodeled in these turnaround zones cannot be determined by conventional imaging. Using Photogate, we visualized the full range of movement of single IFT trains and motors inChlamydomonasflagella. Anterograde trains split apart and IFT complexes mix with each other at the tip to assemble retrograde trains. Dynein-1b is carried to the tip by kinesin-II as inactive cargo on anterograde trains. Unlike dynein-1b, kinesin-II detaches from IFT trains at the tip and diffuses in flagella. As the flagellum grows longer, diffusion delays return of kinesin-II to the basal body, depleting kinesin-II available for anterograde transport. Our results suggest that dissociation of kinesin-II from IFT trains serves as a negative feedback mechanism that facilitates flagellar length control inChlamydomonas.
Nanopore-based single molecule sequencing of the D4Z4 array responsible for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mitsuhashi Satomi , Nakagawa So , Ueda Mahoko Takahashi , Imanishi Tadashi , Frith Martin C , Mitsuhashi Hiroaki
Published: June 2017

Subtelomeric macrosatellite repeats are difficult to sequence using conventional sequencing methods owing to the high similarity among repeat units and high GC content. Sequencing these repetitive regions is challenging, even with recent improvements in sequencing technologies. Among these repeats, a haplotype carrying a particular sequence and shortening of the D4Z4 array on human chromosome 4q35 causes one of the most prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy with autosomal-dominant inheritance, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Here, we applied a nanopore-based ultra-long read sequencer to sequence a BAC clone containing 13 D4Z4 repeats and flanking regions. We successfully obtained the whole D4Z4 repeat sequence, including the pathogenic geneDUX4in the last D4Z4 repeat. The estimated sequence accuracy of the total repeat region was 99.8% based on a comparison with the reference sequence. Errors were typically observed between purine or between pyrimidine bases. Further, we analyzed the D4Z4 sequence from publicly available ultra-long whole human genome sequencing data obtained by nanopore sequencing. This technology may be a new tool for studying D4Z4 repeats and pathomechanism of FSHD in the future and has the potential to widen our understanding of subtelomeric regions.
Sign of selection on mutation rate modifiers depends on population size
Authors: Raynes Yevgeniy , Scott Wylie C. , Sniegowski Paul D. , Weinreich Daniel M.
Published: June 2017

The influence of population size(N)on natural selection acting on alleles that affect fitness has been understood for over half a century1. AsNdeclines, genetic drift overwhelms selection and alleles with direct fitness effects are rendered neutral. Often, though, alleles experience so called indirect selection, meaning they affect not the fitness of an individual but the fitness distribution of its offspring. Some of the best studied examples of indirect selection include alleles that modify aspects of the genetic system such as recombination2and mutation3rates. Here we use analytics, simulations and experimental populations ofS. cerevisiaeto show that modifiers that increase the genomic mutation rate (mutators) are favored by indirect selection in large populations but become disfavored asNdeclines. This surprising phenomenon of sign inversion in selective effect demonstrates that indirect selection on a mutator exhibits a qualitatively novel dependence onN. Sign inversion may help understand the relatively sporadic distribution of mutators in nature despite their frequent emergence in laboratory populations. More generally, sign inversion may be broadly applicable to other instances of indirect selection, suggesting a previously unappreciated but critical role of population size in evolution.
Ruxolitinib partially reverses functional NK cell deficiency in patients withSTAT1gain-of-function mutations
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez Alexander , Mace Emily M. , Zimmerman Ofer , Zerbe Christa S. , Freeman Alexandra F. , Rosenzweig Sergio , Leiding Jennifer W. , Torgerson Troy , Altman Matthew C. , Schussler Edith , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte , Chinn Ivan K. , Hanson Imelda C. , Rider Nicholas L. , Holland Steven M. , Orange Jordan S. , Forbes Lisa R.
Published: June 2017

Background

Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical innate effector cells whose development is dependent on the JAK-STAT pathway. NK deficiency can result in severe or refractory viral infections. Patients with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)1 gain of function (GOF) mutations have increased viral susceptibility.

Objective

We sought to investigate NK cell function in STAT1 GOF patients. Methods: NK cell phenotype and function were determined in 16 STAT1 GOF patients.

Methods

NK cell phenotype and function were determined in 16 STAT1 GOF patients.NK cell lines expressing patient mutations were generated with CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing. STAT1 GOF NK cells were treated in vitro with ruxolitinib.

Results

Peripheral blood NK cells from of STAT1 GOF patients had impaired terminal maturation. Specifically, patients withSTAT1 GOFmutations have immature CD56dimNK cells with decreased expression of CD16, perforin, CD57 and impaired cytolytic function. STAT1 phosphorylation was elevated but STAT5 was aberrantly phosphorylated in response to IL-2 stimulation. Upstream inhibition of STAT signaling with the small molecule JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinibin vitroandin vivorestored perforin expression in CD56dimNK cells and partially restored NK cell cytotoxic function.

Conclusions

Properly regulated STAT1 signaling is critical for NK cell maturation and function. Modulation of elevated STAT1 phosphorylation with ruxolitinib is an important option for therapeutic intervention in patients withSTAT1 GOFmutations.
The strength of the board on sustainability assurance decisions
Authors: Martinez-Ferrero Jennifer , Rodríguez-Ariza Lázaro , María García-Sánchez Isabel
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how family ownership influences the strength of the board’s monitoring function in companies’ decisions regarding the assurance of sustainability reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The international sample consists of 536 companies operating in more stakeholder-oriented countries during the period 2007-2014. The paper proposes alternative logit models of analysis using the random-effects estimator.

Findings

The results provide evidence that a firm’s sustainability assurance and its choice of accounting professionals as higher quality assurers are positively associated with board size and independence. The main result is the positive impact of family businesses on these assurance issues. The paper evidences the greater orientation toward sustainability issues of family businesses. Furthermore, it verifies the greater impact of board size on family firms’ assurance demand.

Originality/value

This study sheds some light on the unexplored topic of sustainability assurance in family firms. One of the differentiating aspects with respect to previous studies is the consideration of the moderating factor of family property. This study also contributes to the understanding of family firms’ demand for assurance and its practitioners, and the literature’s focus on its determinants.
Family influence and SME performance under conditions of firm size and age
Authors: Lwango Albert , Coeurderoy Régis , Giménez Roche Gabriel A.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a better assessment of the positive impact of family influence (FI) on the performance of SMEs and investigate a possible shift with firm size (FS) and age.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based upon a large sample of 4,240 firms representative of small businesses operating in the USA. It focuses on active ownership, i.e. direct involvement of owners alongside employees as an important factor of FI and conducts hierarchical regression models with profitability as the dependent variable, FI as the independent variable, and FS/age as moderating variables. It also includes other firm characteristics as control variables.

Findings

The results show that even though active family ownership is positively associated with the profitability of SMEs, the relationship between FI and profitability is negatively moderated by FS and firm age (FA).

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are mainly related to the definition of family SMEs and to the cross-sectional data used to understand the variations in economic performance. However, the results show the great importance of this kind of study; more attention must be paid to heterogeneity due to the size and age of family businesses as well as the level of owners’ involvement alongside employees.

Practical implications

Practitioners are encouraged to maintain a higher degree of family ownership combined with a higher degree of active ownership in the initial stages, when family businesses are young and small. However, the level of active ownership should be reduced when family businesses increase in age and size. According to this study, practitioners should open up businesses to external human resources other than the owners’ family as the firm increases in size/age to avoid the risks associated with family members lacking talent and/or expropriating benefits.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to give evidence on not only a direct (and positive) relationship between FI and economic performance, but also an indirect (and negative) moderating effect of FS and FA on this relationship.
Where and how to restore in a changing world: a demographic‐based assessment of resilience
Authors: Larios Loralee , Hallett Lauren M. , Suding Katharine N.
Published: June 2017

Managers are increasingly looking to apply concepts of resilience to better anticipate and understand conservation and restoration in a changing environment.

In this study, we explore how information on demography (recruitment, growth and survival) and competitive effects in different environments and with different starting species abundances can be used to better understand resilience. We use observational and experimental data to better understand dynamics between native Stipa pulchra and exotic Avena barbata and fatua, grasses characteristic of native and invaded grasslands in California, at three different levels of nitrogen (N) representative of a range of pollution via atmospheric deposition. A modelling framework that incorporates this information on demography and competition allows us to forecast dynamics over time.

Our results showed that resilience of native grasslands depends on N inputs, where natural recovery should be possible at low N levels whereas native persistence would be difficult at high N levels. Hysteresis was evident at moderate N levels, where the starting conditions mattered.

Synthesis and applications. The resilience of both invaded and native grasslands is influenced by nitrogen inputs. Our modelling approach gives direction about how best to allocate limited management resources as baselines shift: where natural recovery is possible, where best to allocate active restoration efforts, and where native remnants may be most vulnerable.
Taking charge and letting go: exploring the ways a Transition to Adulthood project for teenagers with Duchenne muscular dystrophy has supported parents to prepare for the future
Authors: Hoskin Janet
Published: June 2017

The new Special Educational Needs and Disability legislation in the Children and Families Act 2014 intends to raise the aspirations of young people with special educational needs and their families, and improve their life outcomes. But what do raised aspirations and better outcomes look like for young people who have a life‐limiting impairment? This article draws on data from a parent evaluation of a lottery‐funded Transition to Adulthood project for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), called ‘Takin’ Charge’, focusing in particular on whether or not the project helped parents of boys with DMD prepare for the future. Key themes that emerged were the importance and novelty of older role models with DMD in the project who were able to share their journeys into adulthood, the support between families that the project enabled, the meaning of family resilience and aspirations for a normal life. The use of solution‐focused questioning with families affected by a life‐limiting impairment is also explored.
Intra‐Ethnic Coverage Disparities among Latinos and the Effects of Health Reform
Authors: Gonzales Sergio , Sommers Benjamin D.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To examine the patterns of insurance coverage among nine Latino subgroups and assess heterogeneous effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) among these groups.

Data Sources

American Community Survey (2010–2014).

Study Design

We examined pre‐ACA disparities in coverage using linear probability models. Then, we used interrupted time series and triple‐difference models to evaluate coverage changes associated with the ACA and Medicaid expansion, respectively.

Principal Findings

Pre‐ACA coverage disparities between Latino subgroups were nearly 30 percentage points—larger than the gap between whites and Latinos as a whole. Coverage changes associated with the ACA and Medicaid expansion differed significantly between subgroups, with the largest gains among South Americans, Central Americans, and Mexicans.

Conclusions

Latino subgroups show marked heterogeneity in baseline coverage rates and responses to the ACA.
Fibrinogen Reduction During Selective Plasma Exchange due to Membrane Fouling
Authors: Ohkubo Atsushi , Okado Tomokazu , Miyamoto Satoko , Hashimoto Yurie , Komori Shigeto , Yamamoto Motoki , Maeda Takuma , Itagaki Ayako , Yamamoto Hiroko , Seshima Hiroshi , Kurashima Naoki , Iimori Soichiro , Naito Shotaro , Sohara Eisei , Uchida Shinichi , Rai Tatemitsu
Published: June 2017

Fibrinogen is substantially reduced by most plasmapheresis modalities but retained in selective plasma exchange using Evacure EC‐4A10 (EC‐4A). Although EC‐4A's fibrinogen sieving coefficient is 0, a session of selective plasma exchange reduced fibrinogen by approximately 19%. Here, we investigated sieving coefficient in five patients. When the mean processed plasma volume was 1.15 × plasma volume, the mean reduction of fibrinogen during selective plasma exchange was approximately 15%. Fibrinogen sieving coefficient was 0 when the processed plasma volume was 1.0 L, increasing to 0.07 when the processed plasma volume was 3.0 L, with a mean of 0.03 during selective plasma exchange. When fibrinogen sieving coefficient was 0, selective plasma exchange reduced fibrinogen by approximately 10%. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed internal fouling of EC‐4A's hollow fiber membrane by substances such as fibrinogen fibrils. Thus, fibrinogen reduction by selective plasma exchange may be predominantly caused by membrane fouling rather than filtration.
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inactivation confers enhanced sensitivity to nicotine‐induced dopamine release in the mouse nucleus accumbens
Authors: Pavon Francisco J. , Serrano Antonia , Sidhpura Nimish , Polis Ilham , Stouffer David , de Fonseca Fernando Rodriguez , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Martin‐Fardon Rémi , Parsons Loren H.
Published: June 2017

Nicotine exerts its rewarding effects by promoting an increase in dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and this process is influenced by the endocannabinoid system. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is the main enzyme responsible for the degradation of the endocannabinoid anandamide and other non‐cannabinoid N‐acylethanolamines. Previous research has reported that both genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of FAAH enhance nicotine‐induced conditioned place preference at low doses. We conducted a microdialysis study to characterize nicotine‐induced changes in DA and serotonin (5‐HT) levels in the NAc of FAAH knockout (KO) mice using a conditioned place preference‐like paradigm with three nicotine doses (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg, s.c.). Additionally, the effects of the selective FAAH inhibitor PF‐3845 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were also examined. Our data indicated that compared with wild‐type mice, genetic deletion of FAAH selectively enhanced the effect of low‐dose nicotine on DA release (p < 0.001) and resulted in a strong post‐nicotine elevation in DA levels (p < 0.01). However, there were no differences between the genotypes at higher doses. Furthermore, FAAH KO mice displayed a moderate enhancement of the effect of low‐dose nicotine on NAc 5‐HT release (p < 0.05), with no differences between the genotypes at higher doses. Compared with vehicle‐pretreated mice, mice pretreated with PF‐3845 displayed an enhancement of the effect of low‐dose nicotine on NAc DA release (p < 0.001), which resulted in a sustained increase in DA levels (p < 0.05). Similar to FAAH KO mice, PF‐3845‐pretreated mice displayed a moderate enhancement of the effect of low‐dose nicotine on NAc 5‐HT release (p < 0.01). These observations in mice suggest that enhanced nicotine‐induced NAc DA release might contribute to increased sensitivity to the conditioned rewarding effects of low‐dose nicotine following FAAH inhibition, which has been previously reported. Future studies combining behavioral and neurochemical approaches are needed to elucidate the precise mechanism of these effects.
Do Derivative Markets Contain Useful Information for Signaling “Hot Money” Flows?
Authors: Fung Joseph K. W. , Webb Robert I. , Chan Wing H.
Published: June 2017

This study examines whether information from derivative markets is useful for signaling “hot money” and other large capital flows in an economy where the monetary authority pursues a policy of exchange rate stability. It examines the information content of Hong Kong‐traded derivative securities for signaling changes in the aggregate balance of the Hong Kong banking system during a period of intense initial public offering activity and speculation on the revaluation of the renminbi. The impact of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's (HKMA) Convertibility Undertakings on the dynamic relationships among capital flows, stock market volatility, and stock market turnover is examined.
Review article: dyssynergic defaecation and biofeedback therapy in the pathophysiology and management of functional constipation
Authors: Skardoon G. R. , Khera A. J. , Emmanuel A. V. , Burgell R. E.
Published: June 2017

Background

Functional constipation is a common clinical presentation in primary care. Functional defaecation disorders are defined as the paradoxical contraction or inadequate relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles during attempted defaecation (dyssynergic defaecation) and/or inadequate propulsive forces during attempted defaecation. Prompt diagnosis and management of dyssynergic defaecation is hindered by uncertainty regarding nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology and efficacy of management options such as biofeedback therapy.

Aim

To review the evidence pertaining to the pathophysiology of functional defaecation disorders and the efficacy of biofeedback therapy in the management of patients with dyssynergic defaecation and functional constipation.

Methods

Relevant articles addressing functional defaecation disorders and the efficacy of biofeedback therapy in the management of dyssynergic defaecation and functional constipation were identified from a search of Pubmed, MEDLINE Ovid and the Cochrane Library.

Results

The prevalence of dyssynergic defaecation in patients investigated for chronic constipation is as many as 40%. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated major symptom improvement in 70%‐80% of patients undergoing biofeedback therapy for chronic constipation resistant to standard medical therapy and have determined it to be superior to polyethylene glycol laxatives, diazepam or sham therapy. Long‐term studies have shown 55%‐82% of patients maintain symptom improvement.

Conclusions

Dyssynergic defaecation is a common clinical condition in patients with chronic constipation not responding to conservative management. Biofeedback therapy appears to be a safe, successful treatment with sustained results for patients with dyssynergic defaecation. Further studies are required to standardise the diagnosis of dyssynergic defaecation in addition to employing systematic protocols for biofeedback therapy.
How reliable is the Assisting Hand Assessment for adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy?
Authors: Gordon Anne L
Published: June 2017

This commentary in on the original article by Louwers et al. on pages 926–932 of this issue.
Changes in hip abductor moment 3 or more years after femoral derotation osteotomy among individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Boyer Elizabeth R , Novacheck Tom F , Schwartz Michael H
Published: June 2017

Aim

To examine the effect of femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) on dimensionless hip abductor moment during gait in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from independent ambulators within our database. Postoperative visits 1 year (short‐term) and at least 3 years (mid‐term) were analyzed. We estimated the coronal plane hip abductor moment arm based on musculoskeletal modeling that accounted for anteversion and hip rotation.

Results

There were 140 individuals with a short‐term analysis (77 males, 63 females; age at surgery 9y 11mo [range 4y 5mo–17y 5mo]) and 29 with mid‐term analysis (15 males, 14 females; age at surgery 8y 7mo [range 4y 5mo–13y 1mo]). At short‐term, anteversion and internal hip rotation decreased 35° and 13° respectively, which increased median (IQR) moment arms from 20 (23) per cent below normal to 2 (12) per cent above normal. Dimensionless mean hip abductor moment remained unchanged at short‐term. Mid‐term anteversion did not change but hip rotation increased 8° and hip abductor moment increased to 0.040 (0.029). There was no change in pelvic and trunk obliquity, although hip abductor strength increased and walking velocity decreased at mid‐term.

Interpretation

The unexpected lack of improvement in hip abductor moment from pre‐ to short‐term may be caused by gait compensations that unload the hip. The increase in hip abductor moment beyond 3 years postoperatively underscores the benefits of an FDO into adolescence for independent ambulating individuals with cerebral palsy.
Glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia during 12 months of randomized treatment with insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus glargine 100 U/mL in people with type 1 diabetes (EDITION 4)
Authors: Home Philip D. , Bergenstal Richard M. , Bolli Geremia B. , Ziemen Monika , Rojeski Maria , Espinasse Melanie , Riddle Matthew C.
Published: June 2017

Aims

Insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla‐300) offers a flatter pharmacodynamic profile than insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla‐100). We have compared these insulins over 1 year in people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Methods

EDITION 4 was a 6‐month, multicentre, randomized, open‐label phase 3 study. People with T1DM who completed the 6 months continued randomized Gla‐300 or Gla‐100 once daily, morning or evening, for a further 6 months.

Results

Among 549 participants randomized, 444 completed the 12‐month study period (Gla‐300, 80%; Gla‐100, 82%). Mean HbA1c decreased similarly from baseline to month 12 in the 2 treatment groups (difference, 0.02 [95% CI, −0.13 to 0.17]) %‐units [0.2 (−1.5 to 1.9) mmol/mol]), to a mean of 7.86 %‐units (62.4 mmol/mol) in both groups. For morning vs evening injection, there was no difference in HbA1c change over 12 months for Gla‐100, but a significantly larger decrease in HbA1c was observed in the Gla‐300 morning group than in the Gla‐300 evening group (difference, −0.25 [−0.47 to −0.04] %‐units [−2.7 (−5.2 to −0.4) mmol/mol]). Mean glucose from the 8‐point SMPG profiles decreased from baseline, and was similar between the 2 treatment groups. Basal insulin dose was 20% higher with Gla‐300 than with Gla‐100, while hypoglycaemia event rates, analysed at night, over 24 hours, or according to different glycaemic thresholds, did not differ between treatment groups, regardless of injection time. Adverse event profiles did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

In T1DM, Gla‐300 provides glucose control comparable to that of Gla‐100, and can be given at any time of day.
Structure of ground‐dwelling ant communities in burned and unburned areas in Brazilian subtropical grasslands
Authors: Albuquerque Emília Z. , Diehl Elena , Silva Rogério R.
Published: June 2017

Fire is frequently used in the management of pastures in southern Brazil, but its effects on ground‐dwelling ant communities in Brazilian subtropical grasslands is still poorly understood. Here, we compared ant species richness and composition between periodically burned and unburned areas in native grasslands of the Atlantic Forest biome. In total, we found 35 epigeic ant species in burned and unburned areas. There was slightly higher species richness in burned than in unburned areas, independent of the sampling period (season). There was a significant difference in richness over the sampling period (season effect). Species composition varied significantly between the areas, in which nine species (26%) occurred only in burned areas, eight (23%) occurred only in unburned areas, and 18 (51%) occurred in both. Four species showed a significant preference for burned sites (Camponotus crassus,Linepithema humileand two undetermined species ofPheidoleandSolenopsis). Although this study did not separate fire effects on ground‐dwelling ant communities (due to sampling design), it provides new information regarding subtropical native grasslands that can be used as a baseline for future studies.
A quantitative model for trade pathway analysis of plant pest entry and transfer to a host in European Union territory
Authors: Holt J. , Leach A. W. , MacLeod A. , Tomlinson D. , Christodoulou M. , Mumford J. D.
Published: June 2017

A quantitative pathway model, QPAFood, has been designed to support risk assessment for plant pest entry into European Union (EU) territory on a range of edible plant commodities via trade flows. The model calculates the distribution of an imported infested/infected commodity along a pathway into and within the EU from source countries, based on Eurostat data and other data/information. The model determines the implications of global trade pathways for the potential arrival of the infested commodity in the EU28 Member States. Within each Member State, the calculation proceeds by distributing the commodity according to uses, notably retail or processing, to the vulnerable area of commercial host crops determined in each NUTS2 region and then quantifies the consequent potential for pest–host contact which could lead to pest transfer. Annual and monthly estimates of contact risk are tabulated and visualized for Member States and NUTS2 regions. The model was developed originally for the European Food Safety Authority using four case studies of specific pest–commodity combinations. These pests had relatively limited host ranges and the model has now been extended in the context of the EC FP7 DROPSA project for the multiple commodity pathways associated with the highly polyphagous fruit pest Drosophila suzukii.
Defective acid hydrolase secretion in RUNX1 haplodeficiency: Evidence for a global platelet secretory defect
Authors: Rao A. K. , Poncz M.
Published: June 2017

Background

RUNX1 haplodeficiency is associated with thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction and a predisposition to acute leukaemia. Platelets possess three distinct types of granules and secretory processes involving dense granules (DG), α‐granules and vesicles or lysosomes containing acid hydrolases (AH). Dense granules and granule deficiencies have been reported in patients with RUNX1 mutations. Little is known regarding the secretion from AH‐containing vesicles.

Methods and results

We studied two related patients with a RUNX1 mutation, easy bruising, and mild thrombocytopenia. Platelet aggregation and 14C serotonin in platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) were impaired in response to ADP, epinephrine, collagen and arachidonic acid. Contents of DG (ATP, ADP), α‐granules (β‐thromboglobulin) and AH‐containing vesicles (β‐glucuronidase, β‐hexosaminidase, α‐mannosidase) were normal or minimally decreased. Dense granules secretion on stimulation of gel‐filtered platelets with thrombin and divalent ionophore A23187 (4‐12 μmol L−1) were diminished. β‐thromboglobulin and AH secretion was impaired in response to thrombin or A23187. We studied thromboxane‐related pathways. The incorporation of 14C ‐arachidonic acid into phospholipids and subsequent arachidonic acid release on thrombin activation was normal. Platelet thromboxane A2 production in whole blood serum and on thrombin stimulation of PRP was normal, suggesting that the defective secretion was not due to impaired thromboxane production.

Conclusions

These studies provide the first evidence in patients with a RUNX1 mutation for a defect in AH (lysosomal) secretion, and for a global defect in secretion involving all three types of platelet granules that is unrelated to a granule content deficiency. They highlight the pleiotropic effects and multiple platelet defects associated with RUNX1 mutations.
Gender disparity in fistula use at initiation of hemodialysis varies markedly across ESRD networks—Analysis of USRDS data
Authors: Markell Mariana , Brar Amarpali , Stefanov Dimitre G. , Salifu Moro O.
Published: June 2017

Background: Gender disparities had been noted in the care of women with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the early 2000's, including less frequent initiation of hemodialysis utilizing a fistula but more recent data have not been examined and underlying factors have not been extensively studied.

Study design: Data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) were examined, including 202,999 hemodialysis patients. Only those who had received prior nephrology care were included. Multiple logistic regression was used, adjusted for possible confounders, including age, race, cause of ESRD, BMI, height, history of alcohol or drug abuse, medical comorbidities, ability to ambulate, time of nephrology care, type of insurance, and ESRD network.

Results: The odds of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) use at initiation of hemodialysis were significantly lower in women compared to men (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.67‐0.71, P < 0.0001). The gender gap in AVF use at initiation was highest in New York and the upper Midwest (networks 2 and12) and smallest for Southern California and the Pacific Northwest and Alaska (18 and 16). Gender disparity was more pronounced for black women, with odds ratios for AVF use at initiation of dialysis (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.62‐0.69), P < 0.0001 as compared to non‐black (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.68‐0.73), P ≤ 0.0001.

Limitations: Limitations include use of USRDS data. Data misclassification or errors in data reporting may exist and certain comorbid conditions may be underreported. Data regarding rate of primary fistula non‐function are also not available.

Conclusion: Adjusted odds ratio for AVF use was significantly lower in women compared to men, independent of time of nephrology care and other predictors. The gender disparity was most pronounced for black women and also varied from 20% to 46% lower odds for AVF use in women for different ESRD networks, after controlling for possible confounding variables, suggesting that practice based factors may be of importance in explaining this important finding.
Visual methods in health dialogues: A qualitative study of public health nurse practice in schools
Authors: Laholt Hilde , Guillemin Marilys , Mcleod Kim , Olsen Randi Elisabeth , Lorem Geir Fagerjord
Published: June 2017

Aims

We aimed to explore how using visual methods might improve or complicate the dynamics of the health dialogue between public health nurses (PHNs) and school pupils. This was done from the perspective of PHNs, specifically examining how they understood their role and practice as a PHN and the application of visual methods in this practice.

Background

The health dialogue is a method used by PHNs in school nursing in Norway. In this practice, there can be communicative barriers between pupils and PHNs. Investigating how PHNs understand their professional practice can lead to ways of addressing these communicative barriers, which can affect pupil satisfaction and achievement of health‐related behaviours in the school context. Specifically, the use of visual methods by PHNs may address these communicative barriers.

Design

The research design was qualitative, using focus groups combined with visual methods.

Methods

We conducted focus group interviews using a semi‐structured discussion guide and visual methods with five groups of PHNs (n = 31) working in northern Norwegian school health services. The data were collected during January and February 2016. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and coded into themes and sub‐themes using systematic text condensation and drawings were analysed using interpretive engagement, a method of visual analysis.

Findings

Drawings and focus group discussions showed that PHNs perceived their professional practice as primarily a relational praxis. The PHNs used a variety of visual methods as part of the health dialogue with school pupils. This active use of visualization worked to build and strengthen relations when words were inadequate and served to enhance the flexible and relational practice employed by the PHNs.

Conclusions

PHNs used different kinds of visualization methods to establish relations with school pupils, especially when verbalization by the pupils was difficult. PHNs were aware of both the benefits and challenges of using visualization with school pupils in health education. We recommend the use of visual methods in schools because they are useful for PHNs, other health professionals and teachers working with children and young people in developing relations, particularly where verbal communication may be a challenge.
Determining the boundaries of migratory bird flyways: a Bayesian model for Eurasian teal Anas crecca in western Europe
Authors: Guillemain Matthieu , Calenge Clément , Champagnon Jocelyn , Hearn Richard
Published: June 2017

Accurate flyway delineation is a prerequisite for effective conservation and management of migratory bird populations, yet such limits have so far mostly been set subjectively. We present a statistical method to infer population boundaries from the analysis of ring recoveries, using a Bayesian framework. The approach was applied to Eurasian teal Anas crecca ringed in Camargue, southern France, and Abberton Reservoir, Essex, eastern England. The results presented show the boundaries of the two teal flyways in western Europe, with a zone of overlap, broadly matching those previously defined. The percentage of teal switching flyways (abmigration rate) was 2.4–2.6%, greater in birds ringed as juveniles than as adults. Abmigrants ended up at sites within the other flyway where the density of local birds was lower than expected by chance, suggesting abmigration resulted from exploratory or aberrant behaviour. The methodology presented here can be used to infer flyway boundaries of any bird with an adequate ring‐re‐encounter dataset, which has crucial consequences for the evaluation of their trends in abundance and hence conservation status, and the management of sustainable harvests.
A pre‐breeding immune challenge delays reproduction in the female dark‐eyed junco Junco hyemalis
Authors: Needham Katie B. , Cook Natalie J. , Rutherford Alexa R. , Greives Timothy J.
Published: June 2017

Precise timing of life‐history transitions in predictably changing environments is hypothesized to aid in individual survival and reproductive success, by appropriately matching an animal's physiology and behavior with prevailing environmental conditions. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to time energetically costly life‐history stages (i.e. reproduction) so they overlap with seasonal peaks in food abundance and quality. Female lifetime reproductive fitness is affected by several factors that influence energy balance, including arrival date, timing of egg production, and energetic condition. Therefore, any extra energetic costs during reproduction may negatively affect timing of egg production, and ultimately a female's fitness. For example, mounting an immunological response elicits a high energetic cost, and this transfer of resources towards cell and immune system maintenance could have direct negative effects on reproductive timing. In order to determine whether an immune challenge delays onset of breeding (i.e. egg production), we administered either a humoral immune challenge (keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)) (treatment) or physiological saline (control) to free‐living female dark‐eyed juncos Junco hyemalis in the period immediately prior to egg‐laying (∼4 weeks). We found that KLH‐injected females artificially delayed clutch initiation when compared to control females. These data help to refine our understanding of how free‐living birds allocate resources between reproduction and self‐maintenance processes during the critical pre‐laying period of the annual cycle.
Plant speciation across environmental gradients and the occurrence and nature of hybrid zones
Authors: Abbott Richard J.
Published: June 2017

Environmental gradients are very common and many plant species respond to them through adaptive genetic change. This can be a first step along a continuum of change that leads ultimately to the origin of fully reproductively isolated forms, i.e., ‘biological species’. Before complete reproductive isolation is achieved, hybrid zones may form between divergent lineages either through primary intergradation or secondary contact. Here, I review the literature on plant hybrid zones between native species and highlight: mode of origin (primary intergradation versus secondary contact); distribution among plant families, genera and life form; type and genotypic composition related to strength and type of reproductive isolation between parental lineages; nature of prezygotic and postzygotic reproductive barriers; level and direction of gene flow; and the stability of hybrid zones in the face of climate change. The total number of plant hybrid zones detected in a literature search was surprisingly small (137). This was the case even for areas of the world with a long history of research into plant evolution, ecology and systematics. Reasons for this are discussed, including the possibility that plant hybrid zones are naturally rare in the wild. Only for a few hybrid zones have attempts been made to distinguish between formation by primary intergradation or secondary contact, and it is assumed that most hybrid zones originate through secondary contact. From the limited information available, it appears that plant hybrid zones may frequently move in response to climate change, but long‐term studies are required to confirm this.
Increasing phylogenetic support for explosively radiating taxa: The promise of high‐throughput sequencing for Oxytropis (Fabaceae)
Authors: Shahi Shavvon Robabeh , Kazempour Osaloo Shahrokh , Maassoumii Ali Asghar , Moharrek Farideh , Karaman Erkul Seher , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Michalak Ingo , Muellner‐Riehl Alexandra N. , Favre Adrien
Published: June 2017

The origin and evolution of alpine biota are not yet fully understood, particularly in the vast Asian mountain regions. In addition, in these regions, most studies have concentrated on taxa occurring in areas benefitting from relatively generous rainfall from the summer monsoon. In this study, we collected a large number of Oxytropis species throughout their distribution range, and investigated the taxonomy and evolution of this diverse legume genus, which also occurs in mountainous areas prone to drought. Using nuclear (ITS) and plastid (trnL‐F) markers, we reconstructed phylogenetic relationships within Oxytropis, conducting maximum parsimony, fasttree‐like, maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and BEAST analyses. We also used Anchored Hybrid Enrichment (AHE) to test the power of this method to resolve relationships among a small subset of Oxytropis species. For AHE, we sampled eight species and obtained 527 low‐copy and orthologous nuclear loci. We show that the taxonomy of this genus that radiated explosively in Asian mountains will remain recalcitrant based on conventional molecular methods. Because of a severe lack of resolution, none of the available taxonomic treatments for Oxytropis could either be confirmed or refuted based upon ITS and trnL‐F. Nevertheless, we confirm the status of several species, and identify morphological or genetic particularities for some groups of species. The AHE approach yielded a highly supported phylogenetic tree, suggesting that increased taxon sampling coupled with AHE methods promise advances in the study of the taxonomy and evolution of Oxytropis, thus providing further analytical opportunities, such as diversification rate and biogeographical analyses.
Heteroresistance and fungi
Authors: Ferreira Gabriella F. , Santos Daniel A.
Published: June 2017

The concept of heteroresistance refers to the heterogeneous susceptibility to an antimicrobial drug in a microorganism population, meaning that some clones may be resistant and others are susceptible. This phenomenon has been widely studied in bacteria, but little attention has been given to its expression in fungi. We review the available literature on heteroresistance in fungi and invite the reader to recognise this phenomenon as a fungal mechanism to adapt to environmental stress, which may interfere both in resistance and virulence. Finally, heteroresistance may explain the treatment failures to eradicate mycosis in some patients treated with a seemingly appropriate antifungal.
Evaluating wild hog preferences to guide control strategies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: Levy Benjamin , Collins Charles , Lenhart Suzanne , Stiver William
Published: June 2017

Wild hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species that have occupied Great Smoky Mountains National Park since the early 1900s. The population is in direct competition with native species, inflicts unprecedented damage to plant communities, and is a reservoir for disease. The Park implemented a control program in 1959 and has kept detailed geographic records on each removal since 1980, producing over 1500 unique presence locations. To extract the geographic preferences exhibited by the presence locations, we conducted a niche factor analysis by pairing the data with relevant environmental predictors. We then mapped these preferences spatially to create two maps that depict suitable locations to support wild hog presence. Results from this project will inform control efforts and improve our understanding of the population of wild hogs that resides in the Park.
Centre‐level variation of treatment and outcome in 5‐year‐old children with non‐syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: The Cleft Care UK study. Part 1: Methodology and results for dento‐facial outcomes
Authors: Wills A. K. , Mahmoud O. , Hall A. , Sell D. , Smallridge J. , Southby L. , Toms S. , Waylen A. , Wren Y. , Ness A. R. , Sandy J. R.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Outline methods used to describe centre‐level variation in treatment and outcome in children in the Cleft Care UK (CCUK) study. Report centre‐level variation in dento‐facial outcomes.

Setting and Sample Population

Two hundred and sixty‐eight five‐year‐old British children with non‐syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Materials and Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2012, data were collected on a comprehensive range of outcomes. Child facial appearance and symmetry were assessed using photographic pictures. Dental arch relationships were assessed from standardized dental study models. Hierarchical statistical models were used to predict overall means and the variance partition coefficient (VPC)—a measure of amount of variation in treatment or outcome explained by the centre.

Results

Data on dento‐alveolar arch relationships and facial appearance were available on 197 and 252 children, respectively. The median age of the children was 5.5 years, and 68% were boys. Variation was described across 13 centres. There was no evidence of centre‐level variation in good or poor dento‐alveolar arch relationships with a VPC of 4% and 3%, respectively. Similarly, there was no evidence of centre‐level variation in good or poor facial appearance with a VPC of 2% and 5%, respectively.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of centre‐level variation for dento‐facial outcomes although this study only had the power to detect large variation between sites.