bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placental Mitochondrial Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in HIV Pregnancies Under Antiretroviral Treatment Containing Zidovudine
Authors: Hernández Sandra , Catalán-García Marc , Morén Constanza , García-Otero Laura , López Marta , Guitart-Mampel Mariona , Milisenda José , Coll Oriol , Cardellach Francesc , Gratacós Eduard , Miró Òscar , Garrabou Glòria
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To determine whether mitochondrial, oxidative, and apoptotic abnormalities in placenta derived from HIV and combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) containing zidovudine (AZT) could be associated with adverse perinatal outcome.

Design:

Cross-sectional, controlled, observational study.

Methods:

We studied obstetric results and mitochondrial, oxidative, and apoptotic state in placenta of 24 treated HIV-infected and 32 -uninfected pregnant women. We measured mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (mtND2/n18SrRNA), oxidative stress by the spectrophotometric quantification of lipid peroxidation and apoptosis by Western blot analysis of active caspase-3 respect to β-actin content and analysis of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling.

Results:

Global adverse perinatal outcome (defined as preterm delivery or/and small newborns for gestational age) was significantly increased in HIV pregnancies [or 6.7 (1.3–33.2); P < 0.05]. mtDNA content in HIV-infected women was significantly depleted (39.20% ± 2.78%) with respect to controls (0.59 ± 0.03 vs. 0.97 ± 0.07; P < 0.001). A significant 29.50% ± 9.14% increase in oxidative stress was found in placentas of HIV-infected women (23.23 ± 1.64 vs. 17.94 ± 1.03; P < 0.01). A trend toward 41.18% ± 29.41% increased apoptosis active caspase-3/β-actin was found in HIV patients (0.48 ± 0.10 vs. 0.34 ± 0.05; P = not significant), confirmed by transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Adverse perinatal outcome did not correlate mitochondrial, oxidative, or apoptotic findings.

Conclusions:

Placentas of HIV-infected pregnant women under AZT cART showed evidence of mtDNA depletion, increased oxidative stress levels, and apoptosis suggestive of secondary mitochondrial failure, potential base of associated adverse perinatal outcome. Despite the fact that further demonstration of causality would need new approaches and bigger sample sizes, AZT-sparing cART should be considered in the context of pregnancy.
Primary Angiosarcoma of the Breast
Authors: Tomich John , Grove Nigro Kelly , Barr Richard G.
Published: February 2017

Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare entity. In this case report, we present a case of primary angiosarcoma of the breast in a young woman who presents with her entire right breast enlarged without skin coloration change or signs of mastitis. She recently stopped breastfeeding. This case report will review the literature and present the mammographic and sonographic findings including elastography.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies for migraine prevention: comparisons across randomized controlled studies
Authors: Mitsikostas Dimos D. , Reuter Uwe
Published: February 2017

Purpose of review

The results of phase 2 randomized controlled trials for the prevention of episodic and chronic migraine demonstrating the efficacy and safety of four mAbs targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway [ALD403 (eptinezumab), AMG334 (erenumab), LY2951742 (galcanezumab) and TEV48125 (fremanezumab)] have been published recently, and phase 3 trials are in process. This development will change headache management fundamentally. We aim to summarize and compare the phase 2 data.

Recent findings

The change from baseline in the number of migraine days at the end of treatment in high-frequency episodic migraine was −1 (at weeks 5–8), −1.1 (at weeks 9–12), −1.2 (at weeks 9–12) and −2.6 (at weeks 9–12) days for ALD403, AMG344, LY2951742 and TEV48125 (225 mg), respectively. Number needed to treats for responders and odds ratio for any adverse event were 4.7, 6.2, 4.0 and 4.0 and 1.09, 0.96, 1.07 and 1.05, respectively.

All four CGRP antibodies display comparable efficacy that does not differ significantly from that of the currently available oral antimigraine drugs. However, their safety and tolerability profiles as well as low frequency of administration looks promising but remains to be verified in long-term and large-scale trials. Considerations related to pregnancy, risk for cardiovascular effects and cost are subject for further evaluation.
TeachEnG: a Teaching Engine for Genomics
Authors: Kim Minji , Kim Yeonsung , Qian Lei , Song Jun S.
Published: February 2017

Motivation

Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field that has emerged from the synergy of computer science, statistics, and biology. Given the interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics, many students from diverse fields struggle with grasping bioinformatic concepts only from classroom lectures. Interactive tools for helping students reinforce their learning would be thus desirable. Here, we present an interactive online educational tool called TeachEnG (acronym forTeachingEngine forGenomics) for reinforcing key concepts in sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction. Our instructional games allow students to align sequences by hand, fill out the dynamic programming matrix in the Needleman-Wunsch global sequence alignment algorithm, and reconstruct phylogenetic trees via the maximum parsimony and Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) algorithms. With an easily accessible interface and instant visual feedback, TeachEnG will help promote active learning in bioinformatics.

Availability and Implementation:TeachEnG is freely available athttp://song.igb.illinois.edu/TeachEnG/. It is written in JavaScript and compatible with Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.

Contact:songi@illinois.edu
The genomic architecture of flowering time varies across space and time inMimulus guttatus
Authors: Monnahan Patrick J. , Kelly John K.
Published: February 2017

The degree to which genomic architecture varies across space and time is central to the evolution of genomes in response to natural selection. Bulked-segregant mapping combined with pooled sequencing provides an efficient method to estimate the effect of genetic variants on quantitative traits. We develop a novel likelihood framework to identify segregating variation within multiple populations and generations while accommodating estimation error on a sample- and SNP-specific basis. We use this method to map loci for flowering time within natural populations ofMimulus guttatus, collecting the early and late flowering plants from each of three neighboring populations and two consecutive generations. We find appreciable variation in genetic effects on flowering time across both time and space; the greatest differences evident between populations. Structural variants, such as inversions, and genes from multiple flowering time pathways exhibit the strongest associations with flowering time. It is also clear that genotype-by-environment interactions are an important influence on flowering time variation.
Crystal structure of β-benzylDL-aspartateN-carboxyanhydride
Authors: Kanazawa Hitoshi , Inada Aya
Published: February 2017

In the title racemic compound, C12H11NO5[systematic name: benzyl 2-(2,5-dioxooxazolidin-4-yl)acetate], the oxazolidine ring is planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.03 Å. The benzyl ring is almost normal to the oxazolidine ring, making a dihedral angle of 80.11 (12)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers are formed between the L- and D-enantiomersviapairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds. This arrangement is favourable for the polymerization of the compound in the solid state. The dimers are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to theabplane.
Adding value to Brazilian companies through corporate social responsibility
Authors: Batista Eduardo Soares , Reis Alexandro , Bortolini Filipe , de Souza Marcelo Alves , Borchardt Miriam , Pereira Giancarlo Medeiros
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives add value to Brazilian companies and how these companies perceive the impact of CSR initiatives on their customers, employees, and society.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study was conducted on 17 Brazilian companies, from diverse industries, that started their CSR initiatives between 1984 and 2011.

Findings

It is possible to identify ten companies with CSR initiatives disconnected from business strategy. In such cases, CSR started as an altruistic contribution to the local community. Actions have been limited to the employees and have demanded resources without perceived value for stakeholders. In seven companies, CSR initiatives are linked to the business strategy. In these cases, CSR initiatives add value to the companies promoting companies’ or brands’ reputation. It is observed to provide better working environment through employees’ motivation and their involvement in CSR initiatives. This value is perceived for the customers, employees, and for the society. However, to reinforce this perception, interested stakeholders should be informed about CSR initiatives and their contribution to the society.

Originality/value

This research attempts to analyze the CSR initiatives of the companies in emerging countries and to understand how CSR could add value to these companies and how this value is perceived. It also aims to understand how these initiatives have been organized and could support the altruistic efforts with effective results to the companies and to the society.
Soil drainage facilitates earthworm invasion and subsequent carbon loss from peatland soil
Authors: Wu Xinwei , Cao Rui , Wei Xue , Xi Xinqiang , Shi Peili , Eisenhauer Nico , Sun Shucun
Published: February 2017

Human activities have been a significant driver of environmental changes with tremendous consequences for carbon (C) dynamics. Peatlands are critical ecosystems because they store ~30% of the global soil organic C pool and are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic changes. The Zoige peatland on the eastern Tibet Plateau, as the largest alpine peatland in the world, accounts for 1‰ of global peat soil organic C storage. However, this peatland has experienced dramatic climate change including increased temperature and reduced precipitation in the past decades, which likely is responsible for a decline of the water‐table and facilitated earthworm invasion, two major factors reducing soil organic carbon (SOC) storage of peatlands.

Because earthworms often are more active in low‐ than in high‐moisture peatlands, we hypothesized that the simultaneous occurrence of water‐table decline and earthworm invasion would synergistically accelerate the release ofSOCfrom peatland soil. We conducted a field experiment with a paired split‐plot design, i.e. presence vs. absence of the invasive earthworms (Pheretima aspergillum) nested in drained vs. undrained plots, respectively, for 3 years within the homogenous Zoige peatland.

Water‐table decline significantly decreased soil water content and bulk density, resulting in a marked reduction ofSOCstorage. Moreover, consistent with our hypothesis, earthworm presence dramatically reducedSOCin the drained but not in the undrained peatland through the formation of deep burrows and decreasing bulk density of the lower soil layer over 3 years. The variation inSOClikely was due to changes in above‐ground plant biomass, root growth and earthworm behaviour induced by the experimental treatments.

Synthesis and applications. We suggest that incentive measures should be taken to prevent further water‐table decline and earthworm invasion for maintaining the soil carbon pool in Zoige peatland. Artificial filling of drainage canals should be implemented to increase the water‐table level, facilitating the recovery of drained peatlands. Moreover, the dispersal of earthworms and their cocoons attached to the roots of crop plants and tree saplings from low‐lying areas to the Zoige region should be prevented.
Greater root phosphatase activity in nitrogen‐fixing rhizobial but not actinorhizal plants with declining phosphorus availability
Authors: Png Guochen K. , Turner Benjamin L. , Albornoz Felipe E. , Hayes Patrick E. , Lambers Hans , Laliberté Etienne
Published: February 2017

The abundance of nitrogen (N)‐fixing plants in ecosystems where phosphorus (P) limits plant productivity poses a paradox because N fixation entails a high P cost. One explanation for this paradox is that the N‐fixing strategy allows greater root phosphatase activity to enhance P acquisition from organic sources, but evidence to support this contention is limited.

We measured root phosphomonoesterase (PME) activity of 10 N‐fixing species, including rhizobial legumes and actinorhizal Allocasuarina species, and eight non‐N‐fixing species across a retrogressive soil chronosequence showing a clear shift from N to P limitation of plant growth and representing a strong natural gradient in P availability.

Legumes showed greater root PME activity than non‐legumes, with the difference between these two groups increasing markedly as soil P availability declined. By contrast, root PME activity of actinorhizal species was always lower than that of co‐occurring legumes and not different from non‐N‐fixing plants.

The difference in root PME activity between legumes and actinorhizal plants was not reflected in a greater or similar reliance on N fixation for N acquisition by actinorhizal species compared to co‐occurring legumes.

Synthesis. Our results support the idea that N‐fixing legumes show high root phosphatase activity, especially at low soil P availability, but suggest that this is a phylogenetically conserved trait rather than one directly linked to their N‐fixation capacity.
Genetic differentiation and plasticity interact along temperature and precipitation gradients to determine plant performance under climate change
Authors: Münzbergová Zuzana , Hadincová Věroslava , Skálová Hana , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: February 2017

Understanding species' abilities to cope with changing climate is a key prerequisite for predicting the future fates of species and ecosystems. Despite considerable research on species responses to changing climate, we still lack understanding of the role of specific climatic factors, and their interactions, for species responses. We also lack understanding of the relative importance of plasticity vs. adaptation in determining the observed responses.

As a model, we use a dominant clonal grass, Festuca rubra, originating from a natural climatic grid of 12 localities in western Norway that allows factorial combinations of temperature (mean growing season temperatures ranging from 6·5 to 10·5 °C) and precipitation (annual precipitation ranging from 600 to 2700 mm). We grew clones from all populations in four growth chambers representing the four climatic extremes in the climate grid (warm/cold × wet/dry).

Genetic differentiation and direction and magnitude of plastic responses vary systematically among populations throughout the climatic grid. Growth‐related plant traits are highly plastic and their degree of plasticity depends on their origin. In contrast, the traits reflecting species' foraging strategy are not plastic but vary with the climate of origin. Levels of plasticity of growth‐related traits and genetically differentiated foraging traits thus might constrain local populations' ability to cope with novel climates.

Synthesis. Shifts in temperature and precipitation, at the scale and direction expected for the region in the next century, are likely to dramatically affect plant performance. This study illustrates how the interplay between genetic differentiation and plasticity in response to both temperature and precipitation will affect the specific responses of species to climate change. Such complex responses will affect how climate‐change impacts scale up to the community and ecosystem levels. Future studies thus need to specifically consider regionally relevant climate‐change projections, and also explore the role of genetic differentiation and plasticity and how this varies within local floras. Our study also demonstrates that even widespread species with seemingly broad climatic niches may strongly differ in their population performance and plasticity. Climate‐change studies should therefore not be limited to rare and restricted species.
The CAPS Study: incidence, management and outcomes of cardiac arrest in pregnancy in the UK: a prospective, descriptive study
Authors: Beckett VA , Knight M , Sharpe P
Published: February 2017

Objective

To describe the incidence, risks, management and outcomes of cardiac arrest in pregnancy in the UK population, with specific focus on the use of perimortem caesarean section (PMCS).

Design

A prospective, descriptive study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS).

Setting

All UK hospitals with maternity units.

Population

All women who received basic life support in pregnancy in the UK between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2014 (n = 66).

Methods

Prospective case identification through UKOSS monthly mailing.

Main outcome measures

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy, PMCS, maternal death.

Results

There were 66 cardiac arrests in pregnancy, resulting in an incidence of 2.78 per 100 000 maternities (1:36 000; 95% CI 2.2–3.6). In all, 28 women died (case fatality rate 42%); 16 women arrested solely as a consequence of obstetric anaesthesia, 12 of whom were obese. Basic and advanced life support were rapidly delivered. Those who died were more likely to have collapsed at home. Perimortem caesarean section was performed in 49 women, 11 in the emergency department. The time from collapse to PMCS was significantly shorter in women who survived (median interval 3 versus 12 minutes, P = 0.001). Forty‐six of 58 babies were born alive; 32 babies to surviving mothers and 14 to women who died.

Conclusion

Cardiac arrest is rare in the pregnant UK population, however, nearly a quarter of cases are precipitated by obstetric anaesthesia, suggesting an opportunity to reduce the incidence further. Maternal survival rates of 58% were achieved with timely resuscitation, including PMCS, delay in which was associated with maternal death. Inpatient arrests were associated with higher survival rates than arrests that occurred outside the hospital setting.

Tweetable abstract

25% of cardiac arrest in pregnancy is caused by anaesthesia. Rapid perimortem section improves survival.
Assessing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia as an indicator disease for HIV in a low endemic setting: a population‐based register study
Authors: Carlander C , Marrone G , Brännström J , Yilmaz A , Elfgren K , Sparén P , Sönnerborg A
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To analyse whether the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV among (1) all women in Sweden and (2) migrant women, diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse CIN2+ reaches the threshold of 0.1%, which has been suggested to be cost‐effective for HIV testing.

Design

Population‐based register study.

Setting

Counties of Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden, 1990–2014.

Population

All women, born between 1940 and 1990, with at least one cervical cytology or histology registered in the Swedish National Cervical Screening Register (NKCx).

Methods

Data were collected from the NKCx and the Swedish National HIV register. The proportion of women with undiagnosed HIV among women with CIN2+ compared with women with a normal/mildly abnormal cytology/histology was assessed.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of women with undiagnosed HIV.

Results

The proportion of undiagnosed HIV was higher among all women with CIN2+ than among those without CIN2+: 0.06% (95% CI 0.04–0.08) versus 0.04% (95% CI 0.04–0.04); P = 0.017). Among migrant women, the proportion of undiagnosed HIV was higher among those with CIN2+ than among those without [0.30% (95% CI 0.20–0.43) versus 0.08% (95% CI 0.07–0.10); P < 0.001] and exceeded 0.1%, suggesting the cost‐effectiveness of HIV testing. Women with undiagnosed HIV at the time of CIN2+ had a significantly lower nadir CD4+ T‐cell count, as a measure of immunosuppression, compared with women without CIN2+ before HIV diagnosis (median nadir CD4, 95 cells/mm3 versus 210 cells/mm3; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

HIV testing should be performed in migrant women with unknown HIV status diagnosed with CIN2+.

Tweetable abstract

HIV testing should be performed in migrant women with unknown HIV status diagnosed with CIN2+.
Factors of primary and secondary sulfonylurea failure in type 2 diabetic subjects
Authors: Wang Huaiqing , Ren Qian , Han Xueyao , Chen Jing , Zhou Lingli , Chen Yingli , Ji Linong
Published: February 2017

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the value of clinical characteristics in predicting sulfonylurea (SU) treatment responses.

Methods

All 747 subjects in the present study were from the Xiaoke Pill Clinical Trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of SU. Subjects had the same initial dose of glibenclamide and drug doses were adjusted every 4 weeks during the 48‐week follow‐up period. Primary SU failure was defined as a <10% reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at the end of Week 4 from randomization, whereas secondary SU failure was defined as a consecutive confirmed level of FPG >7 mmol/L.

Results

Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that lower baseline basal disposition index (DI
b) and higher FPG predict secondary SU failure. Inversely, higher baseline DI
b and lower FPG predict primary SU failure. Primary SU failure can predict secondary SU failure. The combination of lower baseline DI
b with primary SU failure is a better predictor of secondary SU failure than lower baseline DI
b or primary SU failure alone.

Conclusions

Patients with good glycemic control and higher β‐cell reserve at entry are more likely to experience primary SU failure but are less likely to experience secondary SU failure. By combining baseline DI
b with initial response at the first month of treatment, we can get quick information about the long‐term efficacy of SU treatment.
Pain avoidance predicts disability and depressive symptoms three years later in individuals with whiplash complaints
Authors: Zetterqvist V. , Holmström L. , Maathz P. , Wicksell R. K.
Published: February 2017

Background

Longstanding symptoms due to whiplash are commonly associated with decreased levels of emotional and physical functioning. To date, there is strong empirical support for the relationship between psychological in/flexibility and pain‐related functioning, but the predictive role for future health is largely unknown. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate if psychological in/flexibility (i.e. avoidance and cognitive fusion) predicted pain disability and depressive symptoms 3 years later in individuals with whiplash complaints.

Methods

Data were collected at baseline and at a 3 year follow‐up from 368 members of a national patient organization for people with whiplash‐associated disorder. In a series of hierarchical regression analyses, background variables, pain related variables, psychological distress and psychological inflexibility at baseline were evaluated as predictors of levels of pain disability and depressive symptoms at follow‐up.

Results

Results showed that psychological inflexibility, and more specifically avoidance, was a unique predictor of pain disability and depressive symptoms, also when controlling for background variables, pain related variables and psychological distress. Level of education was also found to predict both pain disability and symptoms of depression. Lastly, pain variability predicted pain disability, and anxiety predicted depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Pain avoidance significantly predicted pain disability and depressive symptoms 3 years later. Although tentative, results warrant more studies to further explore the importance of pain avoidance for future health.
In vivo structural imaging in rats reveals neuroanatomical correlates of behavioral sub‐dimensions of cocaine addiction
Authors: Cannella Nazzareno , Cosa‐Linan Alejandro , Büchler Elena , Falfan‐Melgoza Claudia , Weber‐Fahr Wolfgang , Spanagel Rainer
Published: February 2017

Cocaine addiction is a multi‐dimensional behavioral disorder characterized by a loss of control over cocaine taking despite of detrimental consequences. Structural MRI studies have revealed association between cocaine consumption and gray matter volume (GMV) in cocaine‐addicted patients. However, the behavioral correlates of GMV in cocaine addiction are poorly understood. Here, we used a DSM‐IV‐based rat model of cocaine addiction with high face validity for structural imaging. According to three behavioral sub‐dimensions of addiction, rats were separated into two groups showing either addict‐like or non‐addict‐like behavior. These behavioral sub‐dimensions were (1) the inability to refrain from drug‐seeking and taking, (2) high motivation for the drug, and (3) maintained drug use despite negative consequences. In these rats, we performed structural MRI with voxel‐based morphometry and analyzed the interaction of GMV with behavioral sub‐dimensions in cocaine‐addicted rats. Our major findings are that GMV differentially correlate with the inability to refrain from drug‐seeking and taking in addict‐like and non‐addict‐like rats within the somatosensory cortices and the amygdala. High motivation for the drug differentially correlates with GMV in addict‐like and non‐addict‐like rats within the medial prefrontal cortex, and maintained drug use despite negative consequences differentially correlates with GMV in these two groups of rats within the periaqueductal gray. Our results demonstrate that the behavioral differences characterizing addict‐like and non‐addict‐like rats in each behavioral sub‐dimension of addiction are reflected by divergent covariance with GMV. We conclude that structural imaging provides specific neuroanatomical correlates of behavioral sub‐dimensions of addiction.
Birds in the matrix: the role of agriculture in avian conservation in the Taita Hills, Kenya
Authors: Norfolk Olivia , Jung Martin , Platts Philip J. , Malaki Phillista , Odeny Dickens , Marchant Robert
Published: February 2017

Agricultural conversion of tropical forests is a major driver of biodiversity loss. Slowing rates of deforestation is a conservation priority, but it is also useful to consider how species diversity is retained across the agricultural matrix. Here, we assess how bird diversity varies in relation to land use in the Taita Hills, Kenya. We used point counts to survey birds along a land‐use gradient that included primary forest, secondary vegetation, agroforest, timber plantation and cropland. We found that the agricultural matrix supports an abundant and diverse bird community with high levels of species turnover, but that forest specialists are confined predominantly to primary forest, with the matrix dominated by forest visitors. Ordination analyses showed that representation of forest specialists decreases with distance from primary forest. With the exception of forest generalists, bird abundance and diversity are lowest in timber plantations. Contrary to expectation, we found feeding guilds at similar abundances in all land‐use types. We conclude that whilst the agricultural matrix, and agroforest in particular, makes a strong contribution to observed bird diversity at the landscape scale, intact primary forest is essential for maintaining this diversity, especially amongst species of conservation concern.
Parents' presence and parent–infant closeness in 11 neonatal intensive care units in six European countries vary between and within the countries
Authors: Raiskila Simo , Axelin Anna , Toome Liis , Caballero Sylvia , Tandberg Bente Silnes , Montirosso Rosario , Normann Erik , Hallberg Boubou , Westrup Björn , Ewald Uwe , Lehtonen Liisa
Published: February 2017

Aim

Little is known about the amount of physical parent–infant closeness in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and this study explored that issue in six European countries.

Methods

The parents of 328 preterm infants were recruited in 11 NICUs in Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Italy and Spain. They filled in daily diaries about how much time they spent in the NICU, in skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) and holding their babies in the first two weeks of their hospitalisation.

Results

The parents' NICU presence varied from a median of 3.3 (minimum 0.7–maximum 6.7) to 22.3 (18.7–24.0) hours per day (p < 0.001), SSC varied from 0.3 (0–1.4) to 6.6 (2.2–19.5) hours per day (p < 0.001) and holding varied from 0 (0–1.5) to 3.2 (0–7.4) hours per day (p < 0.001). Longer SSC was associated with singleton babies and more highly educated mothers. Holding the baby for longer was associated with gestational age. The most important factor supporting parent–infant closeness was the opportunity to stay overnight in the NICU. Having other children and the distance from home to the hospital had no impact on parent–infant closeness.

Conclusion

Parents spent more time in NICUs if they could stay overnight, underlining the importance that these facilities play in establishing parent–infant closeness.
Sapropterin treatment does not enhance the health‐related quality of life of patients with phenylketonuria and their parents
Authors: Feldmann Reinhold , Wolfgart Eva , Weglage Josef , Rutsch Frank
Published: February 2017

Aim

Sapropterin causes reductions in blood phenylalanine concentrations in sensitive patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). We examined whether the subsequent relaxation of dietary restrictions influenced the quality of life (QoL) of patients and parents.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 112 patients with PKU followed at the metabolic centre at Münster University Children's Hospital, Germany, from 2012 to 2015. A sapropterin response was defined as a ≥30% reduction in blood phenylalanine levels. The QoL of 38 children and adolescents from the study cohort, with a mean age of 12.4 (range 6.6–18.7) years, was assessed in an outpatient setting and 49 parents of children with PKU also commented on their child's QoL and their own. The participants’ QoL was assessed before the start of therapy, and again after six months, using self‐report questionnaires.

Results

After six months of continuous therapy or diet, QoL was largely unchanged in the patients, according to their self‐reports and the parental reports. QoL also remained unchanged in the parents.

Conclusion

Sapropterin did not seem to improve QoL in PKU patients and their parents. Patients with PKU had already reached high levels of QoL following classic diets, and these levels were not easily improved by sapropterin.
Vascular invasion is an adverse prognostic factor in resected non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Ramnefjell Maria , Aamelfot Christina , Helgeland Lars , Akslen Lars A.
Published: February 2017

Lung cancer is a leading cause of death, and there is a need for better prognostic factors in treatment decisions. Vascular invasion is a known negative prognosticator, but it is not clear how to evaluate this feature. Here, we studied the prevalence and prognostic impact of blood and lymphatic vascular invasion (BVI, LVI), tumour grade, necrosis, inflammation and pleural invasion on cancer‐specific survival (LCSS) and time to recurrence (TTR) in non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 438 patients surgically treated for NSCLC (1993–2010) were examined, including 213 adenocarcinomas (AC), 135 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and 90 other NSCLC. BVI and LVI were found in 25% and 21% of the cases, with reduced LCSS and TTR for both markers in AC and SCC (p < 0.005 for all). BVI and LVI remained independent prognostic factors for LCSS and TTR in separate multivariate models for AC and SCC. Combined BVI/LVI (7%) showed significantly reduced LCSS and TTR (p < 0.001), also by multivariate analysis. Our results support that BVI and LVI are valuable for prognostic staging. Vascular invasion identifies a group of patients at higher risk of recurrence and lung cancer–related death, and this could influence stratification of patients for treatment and follow‐up.
Educators' experiences of managing students with ADHD: a qualitative study
Authors: Moore D. A. , Russell A. E. , Arnell S. , Ford T. J.
Published: February 2017

Background

The symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder are associated with difficulty coping with the social, behavioural and academic components of school. Compared with medication and other non‐pharmacological treatment, there is less evidence relating to school‐based interventions to support children with ADHD. There is additionally an absence of any research focused on the experiences and practices of educators in the UK around how they work with children who are inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive.

Methods

Forty‐two educational practitioners from primary, secondary and alternate provision schools in the UK participated in focus groups or individual interviews that explored (1) their experiences of managing students with ADHD in the classroom and (2) factors that helped and hindered them in this endeavour. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Analysis identified six themes: broad strategies, student‐centred, inclusive strategies, labelling, medication and relationships. Participants' experiences of managing students with ADHD drew upon a wide range of strategies that typically involved responding to individual needs in an inclusive manner, so individuals with ADHD could access the classroom with their peers. Participants spoke about three factors that helped and hindered managing students with ADHD. Labelling of students with ADHD was reported, with the negative aspects of labelling, such as stigmatization, affecting the classroom. Educators reported mixed experiences regarding the helpfulness of medication; where helpful, it allowed the use of strategies in the classroom. Although students with ADHD were described as having rollercoaster relationships, positive relationships were considered key to the support of children with these difficulties.

Conclusions

This study suggests that factors such as attitudes towards ADHD, relationships experienced by students with ADHD and other treatments being delivered need to be carefully considered before strategies are put in place in the classroom. This study supports the need for further work on the implementation of evidence‐based school interventions for ADHD.
Contact sensitization in patients with suspected textile allergy. Data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) 2007–2014
Authors: Heratizadeh Annice , Geier Johannes , Molin Sonja , Werfel Thomas
Published: February 2017

Background

Textile dyes, rubber, elements or textile resins carry the risk of inducing allergic contact sensitization.

Objectives

To assess clinical data and patch test results for dermatitis patients with suspected textile allergy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of Information Network of Departments of Dermatology data of the years 2007–2014 of patients patch tested because of suspected textile allergy was performed.

Results

Patients of the study group (n = 3207) suffered more frequently from leg, trunk and generalized dermatitis than patients of the control group (n = 95210). Among the allergens of the textile dye series, the highest frequency of positive reactions was observed for p‐aminoazobenzene (5.1%) and p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) (4.5%), followed by Disperse Orange 3 (3.1%), Disperse Blue 124 (2.3%), Disperse Blue 106 (2.0%), Disperse Red 17 (1.1%), and Disperse Yellow 3 (1.1%), partly with concomitant reactions. Patch testing with the patients' own textiles was performed in 315 patients, with positive reactions in 18 patients. These were mostly elicited by blue or black textiles with tight skin contact. Only 2 of these patients also reacted to textile dyes from the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group series.

Conclusions

For the comprehensive diagnosis of contact sensitization in patients with suspected textile dermatitis, combined patch testing is indicated, with (i) PPD and a textile dye series and (ii) patients' own clothing.
Why institutional environments for agroforestry seed systems matter
Authors: Lillesø J.P.B. , Harwood C. , Derero Abayneh , Graudal L. , Roshetko J. M. , Kindt R. , Moestrup S. , Omondi W. O. , Holtne N. , Mbora A. , van Breugel P. , Dawson I. K. , Jamnadass R. , Egelyng H.
Published: February 2017

Rethinking the logic of institutional environments aiming to facilitate agroforestry smallholders in economic development, this article compares smallholder input supply systems for crop and tree seeds in sub‐Saharan Africa and reflects on two basic challenges: (1) how to develop a large number of relevant tree crops for different agroecologies, (2) how to reach smallholders in rural areas. Policy options for improving agroforestry input supply systems are discussed, whereby our article concludes with suggestions how sectoral approaches for crop seed systems can be modified to agroforestry seed‐seedling systems. Biophysical differences have practical implications for how the logic of the ‘African green revolution’ would be translated into a corresponding revolution for agroforestry.
Pulp prognosis following conservative pulp treatment in teeth with complicated crown fractures—A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Guiyan , Wang Chao , Qin Man
Published: February 2017

Background/Aim

Complicated crown fractures are relatively common in children where the maintenance of the pulp is especially important in young permanent teeth. The aim of this study was to analyze the pulp prognosis of permanent teeth with complicated crown fractures treated with conservative pulp treatment in adolescents.

Material and Methods

Complete dental records of teeth with complicated crown fractures treated with conservative pulp treatment were obtained. The risk of pulp necrosis and infection was evaluated by the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox regression (P<.05). Risk factors included gender, age, time interval between dental injury and treatment, stage of root development, type of pulp treatment, and coronal restoration.

Results

The study involved 375 teeth treated with direct pulp capping, partial or coronal pulpotomy, and direct pulp capping retreated by pulpotomy (partial or coronal). The frequency of pulp necrosis and infection was 10.1% (11/109) for partial pulpotomy and 9.8% (22/205) for coronal pulpotomy. There was no difference between partial and coronal pulpotomy (P=.673). The risk of pulp necrosis and infection was not significantly different between pulpotomy (partial and coronal; 33/314, 10.5%) and retreatment by pulpotomy (partial or coronal) after direct pulp capping (2/33, 6.1%; P=.436). However, the frequency of pulp necrosis and infection after direct pulp capping (16/28, 57.1%) was significantly higher than that with pulpotomy (partial or coronal; odds ratio=8.216, P<.001). The time interval between dental injury and treatment did not significantly influence pulp survival after pulpotomy (partial or coronal; P=.312), but the stage of root development had a significant impact (P<.001).

Conclusions

Partial or coronal pulpotomy, employed either as a primary pulp treatment or secondary to emergency pulp capping, had similarly satisfactory pulp survival rates.
Physiological condition and migratory experience affect fitness‐related outcomes in adult female sockeye salmon
Authors: Minke‐Martin Vanessa , Hinch Scott G. , Braun Douglas C. , Burnett Nicholas J. , Casselman Matthew T. , Eliason Erika J. , Middleton Collin T.
Published: February 2017

Relating fish physiology, behaviour and experience to fitness‐related outcomes at the individual scale is ecologically significant, but presents difficulties for free‐ranging fishes in natural systems. Physiological state (e.g. level of stress or maturity) and experience (e.g. habitat use or exposure to stressors) may alter the probability of survival or reproduction. This study examined the relative influence of physiology and migratory experience on survival, migration duration, reproductive longevity, and egg retention in adult female sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) from a Fraser River population. One hundred and thirty‐five females were plasma sampled and tagged with radio transmitters and archival temperature loggers. Fish were tracked 55 km through two natal lakes to spawning grounds, following passage of a hydroelectric dam. For 39 females, we assessed the proportion of time within an optimal temperature (ToptAS) window (13.4–19.5°C), which provides ≥90% of maximum aerobic scope. Females with lower plasma glucose concentrations were more likely to reach spawning grounds. Early migrants spent longer in natal lakes. More time in the ToptAS window was associated with greater reproductive longevity and lower probability of egg retention. Later arriving females had reduced longevity on spawning grounds, as did females that retained eggs. Exposure to higher dam discharge was associated with reduced reproductive longevity and greater probability of egg retention, but not lower survival, indicating a delayed effect of dam passage. Our results underscore the complexity of factors governing fitness‐related outcomes for salmonids, particularly the importance of female experience in the days and weeks prior to spawning.
Chestnut Red Stain: Identification of the fungi associated with the costly discolouration of Castanea sativa
Authors: Yurkewich J. I. , Castaño C. , Colinas C.
Published: February 2017

In Europe, fungal pathogens have reduced the overall productivity of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) stands and continue to threaten the economic viability of forestry operations. Chestnut Red Stain (CRS) in north‐eastern Spain, locally referred to as Roig, is capable of decreasing the market value of chestnut timber to the point of rendering chestnut coppices uneconomical. Despite its economic importance, the specific cause of this red discolouration is unknown. With the objective of verifying the presence of fungi within the symptomatic wood, and identifying the fungus or suite of fungi associated with the red stain, wood samples were collected and cultured from 37 stumps found in eight recently harvested stands in the Montseny and Montnegre‐Corredor Natural Parks. To separate the fungi associated with CRS from other species inhabiting the chestnut wood, the origin of each fungal culture was mapped in every stump. The fungi were isolated from cultures and identified by sequencing the ITS region. The results provide insight into the fungal community inhabiting chestnut wood and the potential cause of CRS; nine species were identified including two species known to cause decay in chestnut. One of them, Fistulina hepatica, appears to be a likely candidate for the causal agent of CRS. This is the first study reporting the fungi associated with CRS and opens the door to new epidemiological studies focused on F. hepatica.
Shooting fish in a barrel? Assessing fisher‐driven changes in catchability within tropical tuna purse seine fleets
Authors: Tidd Alex , Brouwer Stephen , Pilling Graham
Published: February 2017

With constant innovation to find more efficient ways to find, catch and process fish, catchability in wild fisheries can increase. Catchability is a combination of resource abundance, fishing effort and fishing efficiency: any increase in fleet efficiency can lead to undesirable effects not only on stocks, but also on the ability to assess them. When using effort controls as part of management, it is necessary to adjust for the increase in catchability due to the increases in efficiency over time to avoid stock depletion. Accounting for changes in catchability can be problematic for pelagic stocks, due to the changes in fishing behaviour and the continual change in fishing efficiency. This study investigates the success in finding patches of fish for fleets operating within the western and central Pacific purse seine fishery between 1993 and 2012. Three indices, widely used in ecological research, were used to study how spatial variation in fisher behaviour for sets on fish aggregating devices (FADs) and free‐school sets was related to catchability. For free‐school set types, the diversity index was negatively correlated with Katsuwonus pelamis catchability. When this index was low, catch rates were at their highest and there was a reduction in the area fished. In contrast, for FAD sets, catches increase when the patchiness index was low, implying a degree of random behaviour, potentially due to advances in FAD technology. An improved understanding of the spatial allocation of effort can improve catchability estimates widely used for fisheries stock assessments and in indices of global biodiversity.
Selectivity matters: Rules of thumb for management of plate‐sized, sex‐changing fish in the live reef food fish trade
Authors: Kindsvater Holly K , Reynolds John D , Sadovy de Mitcheson Yvonne , Mangel Marc
Published: February 2017

Effective management of fisheries depends on the selectivity of different fishing methods, control of fishing effort and the life history and mating system of the target species. For sex‐changing species, it is unclear how the truncation of age‐structure or selection of specific size or age classes (by fishing for specific markets) affects population dynamics. We specifically address the consequences of plate‐sized selectivity, whereby submature, “plate‐sized” fish are preferred in the live reef food fish trade. We use an age‐structured model to investigate the decline and recovery of populations fished with three different selectivity scenarios (asymptotic, dome‐shaped and plate‐sized) applied to two sexual systems (female‐first hermaphroditism and gonochorism). We parameterized our model with life‐history data from Brown‐marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) and Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus). “Plate‐sized” selectivity had the greatest negative effect on population trajectories, assuming accumulated fishing effort across ages was equal, while the relative effect of fishing on biomass was greatest with low natural mortality. Fishing such sex‐changing species before maturation decreased egg production (and the spawning potential ratio) in two ways: average individual size decreased and, assuming plasticity, females became males at a smaller size. Somatic growth rate affected biomass if selectivity was based on size at age because in slow growers, a smaller proportion of total biomass was vulnerable to fishing. We recommend fisheries avoid taking individuals near their maturation age, regardless of mating system, unless catch is tightly controlled. We also discuss the implications of fishing post‐settlement individuals on population dynamics and offer practical management recommendations.
Asymmetric Relationship between Investors' Sentiment and Stock Returns: Evidence from a Quantile Non‐causality Test
Authors: Li Haiqi , Guo Yu , Park Sung Y.
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the causal relationship between investor sentiment and stock returns in the USA by conducting a quantile Granger non‐causality test. Employing two proxies for investor sentiment – the sentiment index developed by Baker and Wurgler in 2007 and the University of Michigan Consumer Survey, a consumer confidence index – we find that the causal relationship between investor sentiment and stock returns strengthens when a tail quantile interval is considered. This finding implies that the investor sentiment could provide the incremental predictability for the stock returns under the extreme market situation, which cannot be found using a traditional Granger causality test. Interestingly, the findings can be explained by investors' loss aversion and herding behavior.