bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Money, Lending and Banking Crises
Authors: Peña Guillermo
Published: October 2017

This paper shows that the bank lending channel impacts on lending and on the risk of a banking crisis. The results show that an increase in interest rates will decrease future bank lending and the likelihood of a banking crisis. This effect is dampened during recessionary periods in European countries. Policy implications are also provided. The detrimental effects of a lax monetary policy on a crisis are reduced directly by a highly capitalised financial sector and indirectly in an economy with highly liquid financial entities via lending growth.
Do Analysts Gain an Informational Advantage by Visiting Listed Companies?
Authors: Han Bing , Kong Dongmin , Liu Shasha
Published: October 2017

We examine the improvements in forecast accuracy that result from analysts' visits to listed companies. We find that company visits significantly enhance the accuracy of the analysts' earnings forecasts for those companies. The benefit from company visits is more pronounced for companies that are more neglected or less accessible and for brokerage firms that face less pressure for optimistic forecasts from buy‐side clients. Our results are robust and remain significant after controlling for endogeneity and selection bias. Overall, our findings show that private interactions with company management provide analysts with an informational advantage and suggest that company visits facilitate the mosaic approach to information acquisition.
Edge effects on small mammals: Differences between arboreal and ground‐dwelling species living near roads in Brazilian fragmented landscapes
Authors: da Rosa Clarissa Alves , Secco Helio , Carvalho Nathália , Maia Ana Carolina , Bager Alex
Published: October 2017

Habitat fragmentation often induces edge effects that can increase, decrease or have minimal effect upon the population density of a species, depending upon environmental conditions and the requirements of the species. Using a trapping study and generalized linear mixed models, we evaluated edge effects on small tropical mammals living near roads, including two ground‐dwelling (Akodon sp. and Cerradomys subflavus) and two arboreal (Marmosops incanus and Rhipidomys sp.) species. We examined the relationship of these edge effects to environmental factors at both plot and patch scales. Generalist ground‐dwelling species were attracted to edges, with higher population densities recorded in habitats close to road or matrix edges where vegetation density was lower. In contrast, populations of the generalist arboreal species avoided edge habitats, their populations were found in greater density in habitats far from roads/matrix edges. Thus, our results show that patterns of edge habitat utilization were related to the ecological requirements of each species. These findings are especially important in the tropics, where demand for economic growth in many countries has accelerated the fragmentation process and has recently culminated in increased road construction and expansion. Fragmented habitats promote an increase in edge environments, and consequently will reduce the abundance of arboreal small mammal species, such as those used as models in this study.
The clinical response to omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria patients is linked to and predicted by IgE levels and their change
Authors: Ertas R. , Ozyurt K. , Atasoy M. , Hawro T. , Maurer M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Omalizumab is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Markers and predictors of response are largely unknown, but needed to optimize omalizumab treatment. Omalizumab targets IgE, and IgE levels may be linked to the effects of treatment. We evaluated whether response rates to treatment with omalizumab in patients with CSU are linked to their baseline IgE levels, their IgE levels after omalizumab treatment, and the ratio of on treatment IgE and baseline IgE levels.

Methods

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients (n = 113) were treated with omalizumab 300 mg/4 weeks for 12 weeks, when their treatment responses, that is, no, partial, or complete response, were assessed by use of the urticaria activity score, physician and patient visual analog scale, and treatment effectiveness score. Total IgE levels were measured before treatment (bIgE) with omalizumab and 4 weeks thereafter (w4IgE).

Results

Nonresponders to omalizumab had significantly lower bIgE levels (17.9, 17.0‐55.0 IU/mL) than partial responders (82.0, 46.2‐126.5 IU/mL, P = .008) and complete responders (73.7, 19.45‐153.8 IU/mL, P = .032). Nonresponders also had lower w4IgE levels and lower ratios of w4IgE/bIgE levels than partial and complete responders (P < .001). Nonresponse to omalizumab was best predicted by patients' w4IgE/bIgE ratios, significantly better than by bIgE levels (P = .016).

Conclusions

In CSU, total IgE levels and their change predict the response to treatment with omalizumab. The assessment of pre‐ and post‐treatment IgE levels and their ratio may help to improve the management of CSU in patients who require omalizumab treatment.
Gut microbiome in gestational diabetes: a cross‐sectional study of mothers and offspring 5 years postpartum
Authors: Hasan Sayyid , Aho Velma , Pereira Pedro , Paulin Lars , Koivusalo Saila B. , Auvinen Petri , Eriksson Johan G.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

An altered gut microbiome composition is shown to be associated with various diseases and health outcomes. We compare the gut microbiota of women who developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with that of those who did not, and the gut microbiota of their offspring, to determine any differences in the composition and diversity of their gut microbiota, which may be correlated with their GDM state.

Material and methods

All women were at high risk for GDM and participated in the Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study (RADIEL). Stool samples were obtained, 5 years postpartum, from 60 GDM‐positive women, 68 non‐GDM control women, and their children (n = 109), 237 individuals in total. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was employed to determine the composition of bacterial communities present. Statistical correlations were inferred between clinical variables and microbiota, while taking into account potential confounders.

Results

In mothers, no significant differences were observed in microbiota composition between the two groups. Genus Anaerotruncus was increased in children of women with GDM (p < 0.001). Beta‐diversity measures showed that a mother and her child have a more similar microbiome composition when compared with unrelated children, other mothers, or the children compared with each other (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These results suggest that there may be no discernible microbiome basis to GDM susceptibility in high‐risk women, whereas microbiome differences between the offspring could be of greater biological significance. The heterogeneous nature of the disease could be obscuring potential differences between women. A longer time‐series study, with carefully defined subject subgroups, may be an appropriate course of future investigation into GDM and the microbiome.
Review article: the gut microbiome as a therapeutic target in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic liver disease
Authors: Woodhouse C. A. , Patel V. C. , Singanayagam A. , Shawcross D. L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Mortality from chronic liver disease is rising exponentially. The liver is intimately linked to the gut via the portal vein, and exposure to gut microbiota and their metabolites translocating across the gut lumen may impact upon both the healthy and diseased liver. Modulation of gut microbiota could prove to be a potential therapeutic target.

Aim

To characterise the changes in the gut microbiome that occur in chronic liver disease and to assess the impact of manipulation of the microbiome on the liver.

Methods

We conducted a PubMed search using search terms including ‘microbiome’, ‘liver’ and ‘cirrhosis’ as well as ‘non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease’, ‘steatohepatitis’, ‘alcohol’ and ‘primary sclerosing cholangitis’. Relevant articles were also selected from references of articles and review of the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

Results

Reduced bacterial diversity, alcohol sensitivity and the development of gut dysbiosis are seen in several chronic liver diseases, including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol‐related liver disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Perturbations in gut commensals could lead to deficient priming of the immune system predisposing the development of immune‐mediated diseases. Furthermore, transfer of stool from an animal with the metabolic syndrome may induce steatosis in a healthy counterpart. Patients with cirrhosis develop dysbiosis, small bowel bacterial overgrowth and increased gut wall permeability, allowing bacterial translocation and uptake of endotoxin inducing hepatic and systemic inflammation.

Conclusions

Manipulation of the gut microbiota with diet, probiotics or faecal microbiota transplantation to promote the growth of “healthy” bacteria may ameliorate the dysbiosis and alter prognosis.
Involvement of μ/m‐calpain in the proteolysis and meat quality changes during postmortem storage of chicken breast muscle
Authors: Zhao Liang , Xing Tong , Huang Jichao , Qiao Yan , Chen Yulian , Huang Ming
Published: October 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of calpain isotypes, especially poultry‐specific μ/m‐calpain in the proteolysis and meat quality changes of chicken breast muscle during postmortem storage. Calpain activity was detected by casein zymography, while the degradation of titin, desmin and Troponin‐T was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot. Meat quality indicators such as water holding capacity and tenderness were also studied. The correlation analysis between calpain activity, proteolysis and the changes in meat quality indicators indicated that there were strong correlations for μ‐calpain during the first 12 h of storage, while such strong correlations for μ/m‐calpain were only found in samples stored from 12 h to 7 days. Our study suggested that μ‐calpain played a major role in meat quality changes while μ/m‐calpain could also be involved but played a limited role in the proteolysis and meat quality changes during 12 h to 7 days postmortem storage of chicken breast muscle.
Factors affecting colostrum quality in Australian pasture‐based dairy herds
Authors: Chuck GM , Mansell PD , Stevenson MA , Izzo MM
Published: October 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting colostrum quality in dairy cattle.

Methods

Colostrum samples were collected from lactating dairy cows (n = 990) from nine commercial dairy herds in south‐west Victoria. Colostrum quality was measured using an optical Brix refractometer. Cow‐level factors thought to influence colostrum quality included season of calving, dam breed and age, volume of first‐milking colostrum produced and whether the dam leaked colostrum prior to calving. Multivariable logistic regression was used to quantify the association between each cow‐level factor and whether or not colostrum was assessed to be of poor quality.

Results

Cows older than 5 years of age were less likely to have poor‐quality colostrum compared with primiparous heifers (odds ratio (OR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11–0.89, P = 0.009). The odds of having poor‐quality colostrum was increased in cows and primiparous heifers that leaked colostrum prior to calving (OR 2.06, 95% CI, 1.33–3.17, P = 0.001). Cows and primiparous heifers that produced ≥ 8.5 L of colostrum were 1.76 times as likely to have poor‐quality colostrum as individuals that produced < 8.5 L (95% CI, 1.10–2.82, P = 0.018). Visual assessment of colostrum by the herd manager was moderately correlated with colostrum quality, with 69% of poor‐quality samples being correctly classified.

Conclusion

Although this study identified factors that increase the risk of poor‐quality colostrum, we concluded that objective assessment using a Brix refractometer is a more reliable means of assessing colostrum quality.
Risk factors contributing to a low darunavir plasma concentration
Authors: Daskapan Alper , Stienstra Ymkje , Kosterink Jos G. W. , Bierman Wouter F. W. , van der Werf Tjip S. , Touw Daan J. , Alffenaar Jan‐Willem C.
Published: October 2017

Darunavir is an efficacious drug; however, pharmacokinetic variability has been reported. The objective of this study was to find predisposing factors for low darunavir plasma concentrations in patients starting the once‐ or twice‐daily dosage. Darunavir plasma concentrations from January 2010 till December 2014 of human immunodeficiency virus‐infected individuals treated in the outpatient clinic of the University Medical Center Groningen were retrospectively reviewed. The first darunavir plasma concentration of patients within 8 weeks after initiation of darunavir therapy was selected. A dichotomous logistic regression analysis was conducted to select the set of variables best predicting a darunavir concentration below median population pharmacokinetic curve. In total 113 patients were included. The variables best predicting a darunavir concentration besides food intake included age together with estimated glomerular filtration rate (Hosmer–Lemeshow test P = 0.945, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.284). Systematic evaluation of therapeutic drug monitoring results may help to identify patients at risk for low drug exposure.
Durable graft‐versus‐leukaemia effects without donor lymphocyte infusions – results of a phase II study of sequential T‐replete allogeneic transplantation for high‐risk acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplasia
Authors: Davies Jeff K. , Hassan Sandra , Sarker Shah‐Jalal , Besley Caroline , Oakervee Heather , Smith Matthew , Taussig David , Gribben John G. , Cavenagh Jamie D.
Published: October 2017

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation remains the only curative treatment for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and high‐risk myelodysplasia but has previously been limited to patients who achieve remission before transplant. New sequential approaches employing T‐cell depleted transplantation directly after chemotherapy show promise but are burdened by viral infection and require donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) to augment donor chimerism and graft‐versus‐leukaemia effects. T‐replete transplantation in sequential approaches could reduce both viral infection and DLI usage. We therefore performed a single‐arm prospective Phase II clinical trial of sequential chemotherapy and T‐replete transplantation using reduced‐intensity conditioning without planned DLI. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Forty‐seven patients with relapsed/refractory AML or high‐risk myelodysplasia were enrolled; 43 proceeded to transplantation. High levels of donor chimerism were achieved spontaneously with no DLI. Overall survival of transplanted patients was 45% and 33% at 1 and 3 years. Only one patient developed cytomegalovirus disease. Cumulative incidences of treatment‐related mortality and relapse were 35% and 20% at 1 year. Patients with relapsed AML and myelodysplasia had the most favourable outcomes. Late‐onset graft‐versus‐host disease protected against relapse. In conclusion, a T‐replete sequential transplantation using reduced‐intensity conditioning is feasible for relapsed/refractory AML and myelodysplasia and can deliver graft‐versus‐leukaemia effects without DLI.
Effects of vascular endothelial growth factors and their receptors on megakaryocytes and platelets and related diseases
Authors: Yang Jin‐Gang , Wang Li‐Li , Ma Dong‐Chu
Published: October 2017

It is well known that vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, VEGFRs) are expressed in different tissues, and VEGF‐VEGFR loops regulate a wide range of responses, including metabolic homeostasis, cell proliferation, migration and tubuleogenesis. As ligands, VEGFs act on three structurally related VEGFRs (VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 [also termed FLT1, KDR and FLT4, respectively]) that deliver downstream signals. Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), megakaryocytic cell lines, cultured megakaryocytes (MKs), primary MKs and abnormal MKs express and secrete VEGFs. During the development from HSCs to MKs, VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 are expressed at different developmental stages, respectively, and re‐expressed, e.g., VEGFR2, and play different roles in commitment, differentiation, proliferation, survival and polyplodization of HSCs/MKs via autocrine, paracrine and/or even intracrine loops. Moreover, VEGFs and their receptors are abnormally expressed in MK‐related diseases, including myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndromes and acute megakaryocytic leukaemia (a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia), and they lead to the disordered proliferation/differentiation of bone marrow cells and angiogenesis, indicating that they are closely related to these diseases. Thus, targeting VEGF‐VEGFR loops may be of potential therapeutic value.
Clinical efficacy of a next‐generation sequencing gene panel for primary immunodeficiency diagnostics
Authors: Rae W. , Ward D. , Mattocks C. , Pengelly R.J. , Eren E. , Patel S.V. , Faust S.N. , Hunt D. , Williams A.P.
Published: October 2017

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are rare monogenic inborn errors of immunity that result in impairment of functions of the human immune system. PIDs have a broad phenotype with increased morbidity and mortality, and treatment choices are often complex. With increased accessibility of next‐generation sequencing (NGS), the rate of discovery of genetic causes for PID has increased exponentially. Identification of an underlying monogenic diagnosis provides important clinical benefits for patients with the potential to alter treatments, facilitate genetic counselling, and pre‐implantation diagnostics. We investigated a NGS PID panel of 242 genes within clinical care across a range of PID phenotypes. We also evaluated Phenomizer to predict causal genes from human phenotype ontology (HPO) terms. Twenty‐seven participants were recruited, and a total of 15 reportable variants were identified in 48% (13/27) of the participants. The panel results had implications for treatment in 37% (10/27) of participants. Phenomizer identified the genes harbouring variants from HPO terms in 33% (9/27) of participants. This study shows the clinical efficacy that genetic testing has in the care of PID. However, it also highlights some of the disadvantages of gene panels in the rapidly moving field of PID genomics and current challenges in HPO term assignment for PID.
Ecological consequences of forest elephant declines for Afrotropical forests
Authors: Poulsen John R. , Rosin Cooper , Meier Amelia , Mills Emily , Nuñez Chase L. , Koerner Sally E. , Blanchard Emily , Callejas Jennifer , Moore Sarah , Sowers Mark
Published: October 2017

Poaching is rapidly extirpating African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) from most of their historical range, leaving vast areas of elephant‐free tropical forest. Elephants are ecological engineers that create and maintain forest habitat; thus, their loss will have large consequences for the composition and structure of Afrotropical forests. Through a comprehensive literature review, we evaluated the roles of forest elephants in seed dispersal, nutrient recycling, and herbivory and physical damage to predict the cascading ecological effects of their population declines. Loss of seed dispersal by elephants will favor tree species dispersed abiotically and by smaller dispersal agents, and tree species composition will depend on the downstream effects of changes in elephant nutrient cycling and browsing. Loss of trampling and herbivory of seedlings and saplings will result in high tree density with release from browsing pressures. Diminished seed dispersal by elephants and high stem density are likely to reduce the recruitment of large trees and thus increase homogeneity of forest structure and decrease carbon stocks. The loss of ecological services by forest elephants likely means Central African forests will be more like Neotropical forests, from which megafauna were extirpated thousands of years ago. Without intervention, as much as 96% of Central African forests will have modified species composition and structure as elephants are compressed into remaining protected areas. Stopping elephant poaching is an urgent first step to mitigating these effects, but long‐term conservation will require land‐use planning that incorporates elephant habitat into forested landscapes that are being rapidly transformed by industrial agriculture and logging.
Species composition of the international shark fin trade assessed through a retail‐market survey in Hong Kong
Authors: Fields Andrew T. , Fischer Gunter A. , Shea Stanley K. H. , Zhang Huarong , Abercrombie Debra L. , Feldheim Kevin A. , Babcock Elizabeth A. , Chapman Demian D.
Published: October 2017

The shark fin trade is a major driver of shark exploitation in fisheries all over the world, most of which are not managed on a species‐specific basis. Species‐specific trade information highlights taxa of particular concern and can be used to assess the efficacy of management measures and anticipate emerging threats. The species composition of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, one of the world's largest fin trading hubs, was partially assessed in 1999–2001. We randomly selected and genetically identified fin trimmings (n = 4800), produced during fin processing, from the retail market of Hong Kong in 2014–2015 to assess contemporary species composition of the fin trade. We used nonparametric species estimators to determine that at least 76 species of sharks, batoids, and chimaeras supplied the fin trade and a Bayesian model to determine their relative proportion in the market. The diversity of traded species suggests species substitution could mask depletion of vulnerable species; one‐third of identified species are threatened with extinction. The Bayesian model suggested that 8 species each comprised >1% of the fin trimmings (34.1–64.2% for blue [Prionace glauca], 0.2–1.2% for bull [Carcharhinus leucas] and shortfin mako [Isurus oxyrinchus]); thus, trade was skewed to a few globally distributed species. Several other coastal sharks, batoids, and chimaeras are in the trade but poorly managed. Fewer than 10 of the species we modeled have sustainably managed fisheries anywhere in their range, and the most common species in trade, the blue shark, was not among them. Our study and approach serve as a baseline to track changes in composition of species in the fin trade over time to better understand patterns of exploitation and assess the effects of emerging management actions for these animals.
Spontaneous involution (regression) of a solitary cutaneous myofibroma in an adult patient
Authors: Heath Michael , Hajar Tamar , Korcheva Vessy , Leitenberger Justin
Published: October 2017

Myofibromas are unusual benign tumors most commonly seen in infant children. Clinical involution of the tumor often occurs within the first few years of life. Solitary cutaneous myofibroma is the synonymous adult counterpart of infantile myofibromatosis. Although solitary myofibromas have been reported in patients of all ages, only the infantile variant is believed to regress spontaneously. There are only a few case reports of adolescent and young adult patients with regressing solitary lesions that have been described in the literature to date. We report a 71‐year‐old male with spontaneous regression of solitary cutaneous myofibroma. The residual lesion was excised and to date has not recurred. This report describes the historical, clinical and histopathological features of adult myofibromas and a novel manifestation that may guide future clinical considerations when approaching solitary tumors with regressive features.
Views of dermatopathologists about clonality assays in the diagnosis of cutaneous T‐cell and B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Comfere Nneka , Sundram Uma , Hurley Maria Yadira , Swick Brian
Published: October 2017

Background

Appropriate use criteria have been developed for many tests using expert judgment, evidence‐based practice and clinical experience. In this context, we report the opinions of practitioners about clonality assays in various clinical scenarios where cutaneous lymphoma is suspected.

Methods

An Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force sponsored by the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) synthesized clinical scenarios for cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). We conducted, summarized and presented a relevant literature search to an audience of 144 dermatopathologists with a variety of practice experiences at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the ASDP in Chicago, IL.

Results

Twenty‐seven clinical scenarios for LPDs (13 T‐cell and 14 B‐cell) were defined. Forty relevant studies for T‐cell receptor gene clonality assays and 20 relevant studies for IgH/IgK clonality assays were identified. Audience response data from participating dermatopathologists reflected a wide variety of approaches to the application of clonality assays in the evaluation of LPDs, based on practice setting, personal experience and test availability.

Conclusions

Our clinical scenario analysis and literature review revealed well‐supported clinical scenarios and identified opportunities for additional research to further define the utility of clonality assays in some clinical scenarios.
Stopping khat use: Predictors of success in an unaided quit attempt
Authors: Duresso Samson W. , Bruno Raimondo , Matthews Allison J. , Ferguson Stuart G.
Published: October 2017

Introduction and Aims

Despite the adverse effects of khat use and chewers interest in cessation, there are few studies that have reported on the outcome of khat cessation attempts, and limited resources available for potential quitters. We used electronic diaries to monitor the outcomes of an unassisted quit attempt among daily and near daily khat consumers, and examine predictors of success.

Design and Methods

Sixty participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years who regularly chewed khat and who were attempting to quit were purposively recruited from an Ethiopian University campus. Real‐time prospective daily recording of khat use was obtained for an average of 10 days prior to quit day (range 6–13) and 28 post‐quit days (range 9–31), using an electronic diary.

Results

Almost all (95%) achieved initial abstinence. Of these, 80% reached at least seven continuous days of abstinence; 7% maintained continuous abstinence for 28 days post‐quit. While 93% lapsed (average 11 days post‐quit, SD = 7), only a smaller proportion relapsed (41%: chewed for at least three consecutive days after at least 5 days of abstinence). No demographic factors were predictive of successful abstinence.

Discussion and Conclusions

Regular khat chewers have difficulties in maintaining abstinence despite having motivation and desire to quit. This implies that treatment aids may be needed to assist chewers’ in their quit attempts. Controlled experimental trial through the use of available low cost quit aids and behavioural resources is crucial in order to increase success rates for those seeking to desist from khat use.
Past levels of canopy closure affect the occurrence of veteran trees and flagship saproxylic beetles
Authors: Miklín Jan , Sebek Pavel , Hauck David , Konvicka Ondrej , Cizek Lukas
Published: October 2017

Aim

Open woodlands are biologically highly diverse habitats, and veteran (i.e., old, senescent) trees are key structures supporting their biodiversity. Open canopy structure had been maintained by both natural‐ and human‐induced disturbances. In the past two centuries, suppression of such disturbances, together with forestry intensification, has turned most lowland woodlands into closed‐canopy forests. We investigated the effect of increased canopy closure on veteran trees and several threatened beetles associated with them.

Location

Floodplain woodlands along the lower Dyje and Morava rivers, Czech Republic.

Methods

We used an approach combining the study of aerial photographs with on‐ground survey of veteran trees and associated endangered beetles. The aerial images were used to obtain the information on historical (1938) and recent (2009) canopy closure in the area of 146 km2, where we mapped large oaks (d.b.h. >70 cm), hollow trees and three associated beetles including the hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita), the great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) and the jewel beetle Eurythyrea quercus.

Results

The presence of large oaks, hollow trees and their associated beetle species are negatively related to recent high canopy closure, and the historical level of canopy closure matters, as in nowadays closed‐canopy stands, the beetles and veteran trees are more common in places that were rather open in 1938 than in the places with closed canopy already in 1938. Moreover, the health state of veteran trees highly depends on the canopy closure.

Main conclusion

The negative effect of canopy closure on veteran trees and their endangered inhabitants is several decades delayed and may thus often go undetected. In the forests, however, large and hollow trees and their associated biodiversity are relics of the past, more open conditions. The restoration of open woodlands is therefore vital for preventing their further decline. Conservation management planning needs to take this into account wherever, veteran trees and associated biota are concerned.
Risk of prostate cancer across different racial/ethnic groups in men with diabetes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen C. B. , Eurich D. T. , Majumdar S. R. , Johnson J. A.
Published: October 2017

Aim

To examine the associations between prostate cancer, diabetes and race/ethnicity.

Methods

Using administrative data from British Columbia, Canada for the period 1994 to 2012, we identified men aged ≥50 years with and without diabetes. Validated surname algorithms identified men as Chinese, Indian or of other race/ethnicity. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted risks of prostate cancer according to diabetes status and race/ethnicity.

Results

Our cohort of 160 566 men had a mean (sd) age of 64.7 (9.4) years and a median of 9 years’ follow‐up. The incidence rates of prostate cancer among those with and without diabetes were 177.4 (171.7–183.4) and 216.0 (209.7–222.5) per 1000 person‐years, respectively. The incidence among Chinese men was 120.9 (109.2–133.1), among Indian men it was 144.1 (122.8‐169.0) and in men of other ethnicity it was 204.8 (200.2–209.5). Diabetes was independently associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.78–0.86), as was Chinese (adjusted hazard ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.46,0.63) and Indian (adjusted hazard ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.49,0.89) race/ethnicity; however, there was no statistically significant interaction between diabetes status and race/ethnicity (all P>0.1).

Conclusion

Diabetes and Chinese and Indian race/ethnicity were each independently associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Prognosis of the infected diabetic foot ulcer: a 12‐month prospective observational study
Authors: Ndosi M. , Wright‐Hughes A. , Brown S. , Backhouse M. , Lipsky B. A. , Bhogal M. , Reynolds C. , Vowden P. , Jude E. B. , Nixon J. , Nelson E. A.
Published: October 2017

Aims

To determine clinical outcomes and explore prognostic factors related to ulcer healing in people with a clinically infected diabetic foot ulcer.

Methods

This multicentre, prospective, observational study reviewed participants’ data at 12 months after culture of a diabetic foot ulcer requiring antibiotic therapy. From participants’ notes, we obtained information on the incidence of wound healing, ulcer recurrence, lower extremity amputation, lower extremity revascularization and death. We estimated the cumulative incidence of healing at 6 and 12 months, adjusted for lower extremity amputation and death using a competing risk analysis, and explored the relationship between baseline factors and healing incidence.

Results

In the first year after culture of the index ulcer, 45/299 participants (15.1%) had died. The ulcer had healed in 136 participants (45.5%), but recurred in 13 (9.6%). An ipsilateral lower extremity amputation was recorded in 52 (17.4%) and revascularization surgery in 18 participants (6.0%). Participants with an ulcer present for ~2 months or more had a lower incidence of healing (hazard ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.77), as did those with a PEDIS (perfusion, extent, depth, infection, sensation) perfusion grade of ≥2 (hazard ratio 0.37, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.55). Participants with a single ulcer on their index foot had a higher incidence of healing than those with multiple ulcers (hazard ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.06).

Conclusions

Clinical outcomes at 12 months for people with an infected diabetic foot ulcer are generally poor. Our data confirm the adverse prognostic effect of limb ischaemia, longer ulcer duration and the presence of multiple ulcers.
Pilot feasibility study examining a structured self‐management diabetes education programme, DESMOND‐ID, targeting HbA1c in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Taggart L. , Truesdale M. , Carey M. E. , Martin‐Stacey L. , Scott J. , Bunting B. , Coates V. , Brown M. , Karatzias T. , Northway R. , Clarke J. M.
Published: October 2017

Aim

To report on the outcomes of a pilot feasibility study of a structured self‐management diabetes education programme targeting HbA1c.

Methods

We conducted a two‐arm, individually randomized, pilot superiority trial for adults with intellectual disability and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 66 adults with disabilities across the UK met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 39 agreed to participate and were randomly assigned to either the DESMOND‐ID programme (n = 19) or a control group (n = 20). The programme consisted of seven weekly educational sessions. The primary outcome was HbA1c level, and secondary outcomes included BMI, diabetes illness perceptions, severity of diabetes, quality of life, and attendance rates.

Results

This study found that the DESMOND‐ID programme was feasible to deliver. With reasonable adjustments, the participants could be recruited successfully, and could provide consent, complete the outcome measures, be randomized to the groups and attend most of the sessions, with minimal loss to follow‐up. The fixed‐effects model, the interaction between occasion (time) and condition, showed statistically significant results (0.05 level) for HbA1c; however, the CI was large.

Conclusion

This is the first published study to adapt and pilot a national structured self‐management diabetes education programme for adults with intellectual disability. This study shows it is possible to identify, recruit, consent and randomize adults with intellectual disabilities to an intervention or control group. Internationally, the results of this pilot are promising, demonstrating that a multi‐session education programme is acceptable and feasible to deliver. Its effectiveness should be further tested in an adequately powered trial.
Recent trends in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the association with abdominal obesity lead to growing health disparities in the USA: An analysis of the NHANES surveys from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Caspard Herve , Jabbour Serge , Hammar Niklas , Fenici Peter , Sheehan John J. , Kosiborod Mikhail
Published: October 2017

Aim

To assess whether the secular trends in type 2 diabetes prevalence differ between abdominally obese and non‐obese individuals.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were used to estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and abdominal obesity among individuals aged ≥20 years in the USA from 1999/2000 to 2013/2014, after standardization to the age, sex and ethnicity population distribution estimates on January 1, 2014, as published by the US Census Bureau.

Results

The prevalence of abdominal obesity in the US population increased from 47.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.6‐52.2) in 1999/2000 to 57.2% (95% CI 55.9‐58.5) in 2013/2014. A significant increase was observed in all age groups: 20 to 44, 45 to 64, and ≥65 years. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has also increased from 8.8% (95% CI 7.2‐10.4) in 1999/2000 to 11.7% (95% CI 10.9‐12.6) in 2013/2014, with no substantial change in trend over the recent years. However, the increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was limited to individuals with abdominal obesity, and more specifically to individuals aged ≥45 years with abdominal obesity, with no significant change in prevalence in the non‐obese group and in individuals aged <45 years.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the critical importance of abdominal obesity—both as a likely key contributor to the continuing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the USA and as a priority target for public health interventions.
All‐cause and diabetes‐related healthcare costs among US adults with type 2 diabetes initiating exenatide once weekly or insulin glargine
Authors: Wittbrodt Eric , Kong Amanda M. , Moore‐Schiltz Laura , Juneau Paul
Published: October 2017

Aims

To compare healthcare utilization and costs between patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with exenatide (Bydureon) once weekly (EQW) and patients treated with insulin glargine (IG).

Materials and methods

Using the MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult US patients with claim with a diagnosis of T2D, initiating EQW or IG from February 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014 (first claim = index date). All‐cause and diabetes‐related utilization and costs were measured during the 12 months after the index date. EQW patients were matched 1:1 to IG patients, using propensity scores. Logistic and ordinary least‐squares regression models were fit to model differences between the matched cohorts.

Results

There were 7749 EQW patients matched to 7749 IG patients. EQW patients had significantly (P < .05) lower odds of all‐cause inpatient (IP) admissions (odds ratio = 0.737 [95% confidence interval, 0.661, 0.822]), diabetes‐related IP admissions (0.720 [95% confidence interval, 0.635, 0.815]) and diabetes‐related IP admissions or emergency room visits (0.778 [95% confidence interval, 0.713, 0.847]). EQW patients had significantly (P < .05) lower all‐cause (cost difference = −113 USD [95% confidence interval, −120 USD, −106 USD]) and diabetes‐related (−806 USD [95% confidence interval, −871 USD, −746 USD]) medical costs, and had significantly (P < .05) higher all‐cause total costs (ie, medical plus pharmacy) (3228 USD [95% confidence interval, 3110 USD, 3367 USD]), diabetes‐related total costs (1951 USD [95% confidence interval, 1873 USD, 2036 USD]), all‐cause pharmacy costs (2792 USD [95% confidence interval, 2700 USD, 2928 USD]) and diabetes‐related pharmacy costs (1923 USD [95% confidence interval, 1890 USD, 1957 USD]) than those of IG patients.

Conclusions

Among adults with T2D, EQW initiators had lower odds of IP admission and lower medical costs in the 12 months after initiation than IG initiators. Higher total costs in EQW patients were driven by greater pharmacy costs.
Quantification of the area and shunt volume of multiple, circular, and noncircular ventricular septal defects: A 2D/3D echocardiography comparison and real time 3D color Doppler feasibility determination study
Authors: Tracy Evan , Zhu Meihua , Streiff Cole , Sahn David J. , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: October 2017

Background

Quantification of defect size and shunt flow is an important aspect of ventricular septal defect (VSD) evaluation. This study compared three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) with the current clinical standard two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE) for quantifying defect area and tested the feasibility of real time 3D color Doppler echocardiography (RT3D‐CDE) for quantifying shunt volume of irregular shaped and multiple VSDs.

Methods

Latex balloons were sutured into the ventricles of 32 freshly harvested porcine hearts and were connected with tubing placed in septal perforations. Tubing was varied in area (0.13–5.22 cm²), number (1–3), and shape (circle, oval, crescent, triangle). A pulsatile pump was used to pump “blood” through the VSD (LV to RV) at stroke volumes of 30–70 mL with a stroke rate of 60 bpm. Two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE), 3DE, and RT3D‐CDE images were acquired from the right side of the phantom.

Results

For circular VSDs, both 2DE and 3DE area measurements were consistent with the actual areas (R² = 0.98 vs 0.99). For noncircular/multiple VSDs, 3DE correlated with the actual area more closely than 2DE (R² = 0.99 vs 0.44). Shunt volumes obtained using RT3D‐CDE positively correlated with pumped stroke volumes (R² = 0.96).

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a feasible method for determining VSD area and is more accurate than 2DE for evaluating the area of multiple or noncircular VSDs. Real‐time 3D color Doppler echocardiography (RT3D‐CDE) is a feasible method for quantifying the shunt volume of multiple or noncircular VSDs.
Dynamics of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations in older males
Authors: Naudé Petrus J. W. , Dekens Doortje W. , Eisel Ulrich L. M. , den Daas Izaak , De Deyn Peter P.
Published: October 2017

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an inflammatory protein with gaining increasing interest for its use as marker in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for several chronic diseases. Its biochemical properties make it an attractive marker. However, changes in blood and CSF NGAL concentrations during the diurnal rhythm in the elderly are unknown. This information is important for its optimal use as marker in studies with older people.

Methods

Serial paired plasma and CSF samples were obtained from 8 healthy elderly males over a 30‐hour period. NGAL and cortisol were quantified with ELISA.

Results

No significant changes in plasma and CSF NGAL concentrations over time were found, whereas cortisol (included as internal control) concentrations displayed significant changes over time. Significant circadian patterns were found for plasma NGAL and for cortisol in both plasma and CSF. However, CSF NGAL concentrations did not follow a diurnal pattern in elderly males.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the temporal regulation of NGAL in plasma and CSF, which potentially is a useful reference for studies measuring NGAL as biomarker in older individuals.
Social inclusion and its interrelationships with social cognition and social functioning in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Gardner Andrew , Cotton Sue M. , Allott Kelly , Filia Kate M. , Hester Robert , Killackey Eóin
Published: October 2017

Aim

People with psychosis are at risk of social exclusion. Research is needed in this area due to the lack of direct measurement of social inclusion, which becomes salient in adolescence and is relevant to first‐episode psychosis (FEP; the onset of which typically occurs during or shortly after adolescence). Social inclusion may be impacted by impaired social cognition and social functioning, which are related features observed in psychosis. The aim of this study was to explore interrelationship(s) between social cognition, social functioning and social inclusion in FEP while controlling for symptomatology (positive, negative and depressive symptoms) and demographic characteristics.

Methods

A series of cross‐sectional hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to examine whether: social cognition (theory of mind, emotion recognition) predicted social functioning; social functioning predicted social inclusion, and whether social functioning mediated the relationship between social cognition and social inclusion in people aged 15 to 25 (M = 20.49, SD = 2.41) with FEP (N = 146). Age, sex, premorbid IQ, positive and negative psychotic symptoms and depression were control variables.

Results

Poor facial emotion recognition (β = −.22, P < .05) and negative symptoms (β = −.45, P < .001) predicted lower social functioning. Role‐specific social functioning (ie, current employment) predicted greater social inclusion (β = .17, P < .05). Higher depression symptomatology predicted lower social inclusion (β = −.43, P < .001). Social functioning did not mediate the relationship between social cognition and inclusion. Psychotic symptoms were unrelated to social inclusion.

Conclusions

Employment and depression may influence social inclusion somewhat independently of psychotic symptomatology in FEP. Inferences should be viewed with caution given this study did not involve longitudinal data.
Plant exudates may stabilize or weaken soil depending on species, origin and time
Authors: Naveed M. , Brown L. K. , Raffan A. C. , George T. S. , Bengough A. G. , Roose T. , Sinclair I. , Koebernick N. , Cooper L. , Hackett C. A. , Hallett P. D.
Published: October 2017

We hypothesized that plant exudates could either gel or disperse soil depending on their chemical characteristics. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Optic) and maize (Zea mays L. cv. Freya) root exudates were collected using an aerated hydroponic method and compared with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed exudate, a commonly used root exudate analogue. Sandy loam soil was passed through a 500‐μm mesh and treated with each exudate at a concentration of 4.6 mg exudate g−1 dry soil. Two sets of soil samples were prepared. One set of treated soil samples was maintained at 4°C to suppress microbial processes. To characterize the effect of decomposition, the second set of samples was incubated at 16°C for 2 weeks at −30 kPa matric potential. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the exudates showed that barley had the largest organic acid content and chia the largest content of sugars (polysaccharide‐derived or free), and maize was in between barley and chia. Yield stress of amended soil samples was measured by an oscillatory strain sweep test with a cone plate rheometer. When microbial decomposition was suppressed at 4°C, yield stress increased 20‐fold for chia seed exudate and twofold for maize root exudate compared with the control, whereas for barley root exudate decreased to half. The yield stress after 2 weeks of incubation compared with soil with suppressed microbial decomposition increased by 85% for barley root exudate, but for chia and maize it decreased by 87 and 54%, respectively. Barley root exudation might therefore disperse soil and this could facilitate nutrient release. The maize root and chia seed exudates gelled soil, which could create a more stable soil structure around roots or seeds.

Highlights

Rheological measurements quantified physical behaviour of plant exudates and effect on soil stabilization.

Barley root exudates dispersed soil, which could release nutrients and carbon.

Maize root and chia seed exudates had a stabilizing effect on soil.

Physical engineering of soil in contact with plant roots depends on the nature and origin of exudates.