bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moving beyond body condition indices as an estimate of fitness in ecological and evolutionary studies
Authors: Wilder Shawn M. , Raubenheimer David , Simpson Stephen J.
Published: April 2015

Body condition indices, measures of body ‘plumpness’ or mass relative to frame size, are often used as a proxy for lipid reserves or fitness‐related traits of animals and assumed to be positively related to fitness.

The quantification and analysis of body condition indices has been the subject of debate for decades. Here, we summarize three additional concerns with the use of body condition indices.

First, body condition index is often poorly correlated with lipid content in animals. Second, even if body condition index and lipid content are correlated, lipid content of an animal may not be the most important aspect of body composition influencing fitness. Finally, neither body condition index nor lipid reserves are likely to be directly positively related to fitness in animals, as many animals homeostatically regulate intermediate levels of condition index or lipid reserves, with both higher and lower values incurring fitness costs.

A wide range of analytical methods, including some relatively inexpensive and simple measures, are available for more detailed measures of animal body composition or fitness‐related traits. Replacing body condition indices with more direct measures of body composition – even relatively simple measures – can inform understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying animal responses in a wide range of behavioural, ecological and evolutionary studies.
Hedonic wine price functions with different prices
Authors: Oczkowski Edward
Published: April 2015

This study examines the impact that recommended retail prices, actual market prices and the release of a prominent wine guide have on Australian wine hedonic price estimates, for attributes such as sensory quality, winery reputation and grape region. In general, hedonic price estimates appear to be independent of prices employed. The main identified differences in estimates relate to the size of the producer and some regional impacts. For market prices only, increases in producer size are estimated to reduce prices. This implies the existence of supply chain quantity discounting price practices. The impact of an authoritative wine guide appears to have a negligible influence on prices in Australia. In the absence of market transaction prices, the common practice of employing recommended prices for hedonic wine price estimation is defendable.
Media, Cultural Consumption and Support for Democracy in Post-Revolutionary Egypt
Authors: Hassan Mazen , Kendall Elisabeth , Whitefield Stephen
Published: April 2015

While much of the commentary about the Arab Spring, and the Egyptian revolution in particular, points to the importance of new social media and engagement with literary genres in generating support for democracy, the comparative literature remains ambivalent on this question. The aim of this article is to put the connection between cultural consumption of various sorts and democratic support to a rigorous test using data from a survey conducted by the authors in 2012 after the first parliamentary elections in Egypt after the revolution. The research design involves a hard test, in which we estimate the significance of cultural consumption after controlling for a broad range of ‘usual suspects’ affecting democratic attitudes. The results show positive effects for new social media on support for democracy, but little or no effect for literary genres.
The Role of Outcome Forecasts in Patients' Treatment Decisions—Evidence from a Survey Experiment on Knee Replacement Surgery
Authors: Kesternich Iris , Caro Francis G. , Gottlieb Alison S. , Hoffmann Susanne , Winter Joachim K.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To analyze the effect of personalized outcome probabilities on treatment decisions.

Data Source

American Life Panel.

Study Design

We designed an experimental survey that respondents answered by recommending replacement surgery for hypothetical patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The primary manipulation was whether respondents were given personalized outcome probabilities for the patients.

Principal Findings

Patient‐specific outcome forecasts significantly influenced decisions, with effect sizes comparable to those of physicians' opinions and patient testimonials. The presentation format also affected the probabilities' influence on choices. We did not find evidence that the educational level of subjects affected the weight that they give to outcome probabilities in making recommendations.

Conclusion

Our study points to a need for more research on the use of patient‐specific outcome forecasts.
Contemporary Sorted Patterned Ground in Low Altitude Areas of Tasmania
Authors: SLEE ADRIAN , KIERNAN KEVIN , SHULMEISTER JAMES
Published: April 2015

This paper summarises the distribution of patterned ground phenomena in Tasmania. It presents observations of low altitude sorted stone circles forming on glacial and alluvial deposits in the vicinity of Queenstown, Western Tasmania. Evidence suggests that freeze‐thaw derived patterned ground could develop in most inland valleys in Tasmania where cold air drainage causes sub‐zero ground temperatures in winter and permits the formation of ground and segregation ice to low elevations. Field observations suggest that patterned ground can only develop where freeze‐thaw processes are not inhibited by vegetation. The occurrence of patterned ground below altitudes of 900 m asl in Tasmania is largely a result of anthropogenic disturbance.
Movement of Garden Plants from Market to Bushland: Gardeners' Plant Procurement and Garden‐Related Behaviour
Authors: HU REN , GILL NICHOLAS
Published: April 2015

In Australia, the largest importer of exotic plant species is the gardening industry, and most major environmental weeds originally derive from domestic gardens or nurseries. To provide strategies for weed management, this study aims to clarify two key points on the pathway along which garden plants flow from the market to the natural environment with the help of human activities. These are local residents' procurement of garden plants, and local residents' garden‐related behaviour (e.g. leaving organic materials in reserves). We draw on a survey (382 respondents) among Wollongong (New South Wales, Australia) residents whose property has at least one boundary adjacent to bushland. Frequency analysis and ordinal regression were used. The results indicated that most respondents obtained garden plants, and relevant information, from nurseries but perceived that there was insufficient plant origin information (that is, whether introduced from abroad, native to Australia or local to the Illawarra) to help them make choices. It also indicated that a minority of respondents frequently left organic materials (such as lawn clippings) in reserves neighbouring their garden, and many of these respondents saw some benefits in doing so. This study confirms the significant role of nurseries in gardeners' plant choice, and raises questions about the significance of dumping garden waste.
Biomarkers in lupus nephritis
Authors: Misra Ramnath , Gupta Ranjan
Published: April 2015

Lupus nephritis (LN) has significant impact on the outcome of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the absence of any new breakthrough for management of LN over the last few years, using existing treatment modalities in a more effective manner is the mainstay of improving outcomes. For effectively using the drugs, disease activity needs to be assessed accurately and more objectively, which is not possible with present clinical assessment tools. Biomarkers help in accurate assessment of disease activity and enable the physician to individualize the therapy. Conventional disease activity markers have limitations which need to be addressed and research in the area of biomarker discovery in LN has immensely expanded over the last two decades as evident by the literature. Moreover, biomarkers for LN should be different from the markers of overall disease activity as LN requires significant immunosuppression, unlike other non‐renal manifestations of SLE. Newly discovered biomarkers exhibit qualities pertaining to different aspects of disease activity and damage. In this review, we discuss the established as well as new biomarkers of SLE in the light of their role in LN diagnosis, follow‐up, prediction of renal flare and correlation with renal histology findings.
Plant genotype and the preference and performance of herbivores: cultivar affects apple resistance to the florivorous weevil Anthonomus pomorum
Authors: Mody Karsten , Collatz Jana , Dorn Silvia
Published: April 2015

Plant resistance strongly depends on plant characteristics that affect herbivore preference or performance. Different plant genotypes may express specific characteristics that lead to differential resistance to herbivores. Few studies have investigated these aspects for weevils, a particularly speciose taxon of insect herbivores, on fruit tree cultivars, which are vegetatively propagated.

We studied the influence of apple cultivar on preference and performance of a fruit tree herbivore, the flower‐feeding apple blossom weevil Anthonomus pomorum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). We quantified field infestation of five different apple genotypes by the weevil at different collection dates as measure of preference, as well as the mass and emergence time of weevils developing on these cultivars as measures of performance.

Infestation of apple flower buds by A. pomorum differed significantly between cultivars. The collection date affected the number of infested flowers in a cultivar‐specific way.

Weevil mass differed significantly between apple cultivars. The average mass of weevils from Ariwa, the cultivar producing the heaviest weevils, was 40% higher than the mass of weevils from Rewena, the cultivar producing the lightest weevils.

Weevil emergence time from infested flowers differed significantly between cultivars. Weevils emerged earliest from cultivars Ariwa and Retina, at an intermediate time from Discovery and Florina, and latest from Rewena.

The present study demonstrates that preference and performance of florivores feeding on fruit trees can strongly differ between apple cultivars representing specific tree genotypes. These differences may directly and indirectly affect herbivore and antagonist populations and can be considered for pest management.
Short‐term influence of partial cutting on hemlock looper (Lepidoptera:Geometridae) parasitism
Authors: Seehausen Martin Lukas , Bauce Éric , Régnière Jacques , Berthiaume Richard
Published: April 2015

Silvicultural treatments are suggested as an option for controlling insect defoliators, although the effects of treatment on parasitism remain widely unknown. Therefore, in the present study, the influence of partial cutting on hemlock looperLambdina fiscellaria (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)parasitism is studied by comparing two cutting intensities (25% and 40% reduction of stand basal area) against controls.

Laboratory reared hemlock looper pupae are periodically exposed in each plot to determine parasitism rates for a period of 3 years after partial cutting treatments. Two and three years after partial cutting, wild hemlock looper larvae are also collected in the same plots. Malaise traps and meteorological data loggers are installed to measure the influence of partial cutting on parasitoid abundance and microclimate.

Parasitism of hemlock looper pupae is significantly lower in plots with the higher partial cutting intensity compared with control plots. Also temperature and humidity, as well as the number ofApechthis ontario (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)females in plots, are significantly influenced by partial cutting. However, only mean and minimum temperature can significantly explain parasitism of hemlock looper pupae.

To sustain parasitism rates in forest stands vulnerable to hemlock looper defoliation at naturally high levels, it is recommended to refrain from partial cutting or to conduct this treatment at intensities lower than 40%.
Estimation of covariate‐specific time‐dependent ROC curves in the presence of missing biomarkers
Authors: Li Shanshan , Ning Yang
Published: April 2015

Covariate‐specific time‐dependent ROC curves are often used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a biomarker with time‐to‐event outcomes, when certain covariates have an impact on the test accuracy. In many medical studies, measurements of biomarkers are subject to missingness due to high cost or limitation of technology. This article considers estimation of covariate‐specific time‐dependent ROC curves in the presence of missing biomarkers. To incorporate the covariate effect, we assume a proportional hazards model for the failure time given the biomarker and the covariates, and a semiparametric location model for the biomarker given the covariates. In the presence of missing biomarkers, we propose a simple weighted estimator for the ROC curves where the weights are inversely proportional to the selection probability. We also propose an augmented weighted estimator which utilizes information from the subjects with missing biomarkers. The augmented weighted estimator enjoys the double‐robustness property in the sense that the estimator remains consistent if either the missing data process or the conditional distribution of the missing data given the observed data is correctly specified. We derive the large sample properties of the proposed estimators and evaluate their finite sample performance using numerical studies. The proposed approaches are illustrated using the US Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset.
Scheduling the Stork: Media Portrayals of Women's and Physicians’ Reasons for Elective Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Campo‐Engelstein Lisa , Howland Lauren E. , Parker Wendy M. , Burcher Paul
Published: April 2015

Background

Media interest in cesarean delivery has grown in recent years driven both by rising cesarean delivery rates and the decision by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) to permit elective cesarean (EC) delivery.

Methods

A content analysis of United States newspaper and magazine articles from 2000 to 2013 (n = 131 articles) was completed to understand how the news media portrays ECs.

Results

The majority of articles (71.8%) emphasized reasons to support women having an EC, while 38.2 percent of the articles exhibited themes of physician support for ECs. Relatively few articles mentioned reasons against ECs either from the women's perspective (11.5%) or the practitioners’ (3.8%). The most common themes given for women choosing ECs were convenience/scheduling (48.9%), avoidance of pain or fear of labor (29.8%), and physical harm to women from vaginal birth (17.6%). Doctors’ perspectives were less prevalent in the media than women's perspectives, but when mentioned they were almost exclusively in support of ECs for reasons including avoiding malpractice (28.2%), avoiding physical harm to the woman or baby (16.8%), and timing/scheduling (14.5%).

Discussion

Media coverage suggests ECs are widely accepted by both women and doctors, with women choosing an EC mainly for convenience/scheduling and fear. However, 43 percent of doctors surveyed by ACOG said they were not willing to perform the procedure, and surveys report that mothers rarely request an EC.
Feasibility of a ward‐based psychological intervention to improve staff and patient relationships in psychiatric rehabilitation settings
Authors: Berry Katherine , Haddock Gillian , Kellett Stephen , Roberts Chris , Drake Richard , Barrowclough Christine
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Recent inquiries highlight the anti‐therapeutic nature of inpatient psychiatric care. We aim to assess the feasibility and potential efficacy of a ward‐based psychological intervention to improve staff–patient relationships in psychiatric rehabilitation settings.

Methods

A single‐blind cluster randomized design compared the intervention with treatment as usual (TAU) on measures of relationships, staff well‐being, and patient functioning. Assessments were carried out at baseline and at 6 months.

Results

Fifty‐one patients and 85 staff were recruited across 10 wards. Fifteen patients and 11 staff were lost to follow‐up, with primary reason being ward discharge. Uptake to the intervention was variable but on average lower than anticipated (mean number of sessions 3.5, range 0–11). Despite this lower than anticipated uptake, compared with TAU, patients in the intervention arm felt significantly less criticized by their key workers and reported improvements in ward atmosphere. Staff in the intervention arm also reported significantly lower levels of depersonalization post‐intervention. Although trend level data favoured the intervention group, in this relatively small feasibility study, we were not able to demonstrate statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of staff perceptions of relationships, staff stress, and longer‐term patient outcomes.

Conclusions

This psychologically informed ward‐based intervention shows potential in improving relationships, although findings and feasibility may be enhanced if further measures are put into place to ensure that all members of the team attend intervention sessions on a more frequent basis. Loss at follow‐up due to discharge also needs to be factored into future power calculations.

Practitioner points

It is feasible to implement and trial a ward‐based psychological intervention (team‐based formulation) in long‐stay psychiatric settings using a cluster randomized design.

Developing psychological formulations with frontline ward staff around patients’ needs has the potential to improve staff‐patient relationships.

The small sample size and loss of data at follow‐up may have limited the power of the study to detect the full range of treatment effects.

Larger trials are needed to assess the reliability and generalizability of our findings across different wards.
Potent anti‐inflammatory effects of the narrow spectrum kinase inhibitor RV1088 on rheumatoid arthritis synovial membrane cells
Authors: To Wing S , Aungier Susan R , Cartwright Alison J , Ito Kazuhiro , Midwood Kim S
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

To investigate whether a narrow spectrum kinase inhibitor RV1088, which simultaneously targets specific MAPKs, Src and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), is more effective at inhibiting inflammatory signalling in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than single kinase inhibitors (SKIs).

Experimental Approach

elisas were used to determine the efficacy of RV1088, clinically relevant SKIs and the pharmaceutical Humira on pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by activated RA synovial fibroblasts, primary human monocytes and macrophages, as well as spontaneous cytokine synthesis by synovial membrane cells from RA patients. In human macrophages, RNAi knockdown of individual kinases was used to reveal the effect of inhibition of kinase expression on cytokine synthesis.

Key Results

RV1088 reduced TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 production in all individual activated cell types with low, nM, IC50s. SKIs, and combinations of SKIs, were significantly less effective than RV1088. RNAi of specific kinases in macrophages also caused only modest inhibition of pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. RV1088 was also significantly more effective at inhibiting IL‐6 and IL‐8 production by monocytes and RA synovial fibroblasts compared with Humira. Finally, RV1088 was the only inhibitor that was effective in reducing TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 synthesis in RA synovial membrane cells with low nM IC50s.

Conclusions and Implications

This study demonstrates potent anti‐inflammatory effect of RV1088, highlighting that distinct signalling pathways drive TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 production in the different cell types found in RA joints. As such, targeting numerous signalling pathways simultaneously using RV1088 could offer a more powerful method of reducing inflammation in RA than targeting individual kinases.
A Peptide Inhibitor Derived from the Conserved Ectodomain Region of DENV Membrane (M) Protein with Activity Against Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Panya Aussara , Sawasdee Nunghathai , Junking Mutita , Srisawat Chatchawan , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Yenchitsomanus Pa‐thai
Published: April 2015

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a public health problem worldwide; thus, the development of a vaccine and anti‐DENV drugs is urgently needed. It has been observed that low levels of viremia in DENV‐infected individuals are associated with mild disease outcomes; therefore, reduction of DENV load should offer therapeutic benefits. Disruption of protein–protein interactions on the surface of DENV by a peptide that mimics part of its structural protein may affect stability of the virion structure and inhibit viral entry into host cells. To test this hypothesis, we generated a novel peptide inhibitor that mimics the conserved ectodomain region of DENV membrane (M) protein, MLH40 peptide, for DENV inhibition assays. MLH40 inhibited all four serotypes of the virus (DENV1–4) at half maximal inhibition concentration of 24–31 μm. MLH40 at 100 μm blocked DENV2 attachment to cells by 80%. The inhibitory activity of MLH40 against DENV was consistently observed with different cell types, including Vero, A549, and Huh7 cells. Prediction of MLH40 binding by a molecular docking program indicated that its N‐terminal loop may interact with DENV envelope (E) proteins and alter their dimer conformation. Thus, MLH40 may serve as a lead‐peptide inhibitor for the development of an anti‐DENV drug.
Public Perceptions, Beliefs and Experiences of Fostering and Adoption: A National Qualitative Study in South Africa
Authors: Rochat Tamsen J , Mokomane Zitha , Mitchell Joanie ,   The Directorate
Published: April 2015

In South Africa, rates of adoption remain low while the number of fostered children continually rises. Little is known about the public perceptions, beliefs and experiences that inform decisions to either foster or adopt in South Africa. This qualitative research explored these issues among a national sample of childless adults, biological parents, kin and non‐kin fostering parents and prospective and successful adopters. Fostering is driven predominantly by access to subsidies but is also informed by socio‐cultural beliefs. Low adoption rates are influenced by an absence of subsidies, poor access to quality adoptive services and a lack of information about adoption.
Phylogeny of the Alismatales (Monocotyledons) and the relationship of Acorus (Acorales?)
Authors: Petersen Gitte , Seberg Ole , Cuenca Argelia , Stevenson Dennis W. , Thadeo Marcela , Davis Jerrold I. , Graham Sean , Ross T. Gregory
Published: April 2015

A phylogenetic analysis of the early branching lineages of the monocotyledons is performed using data from two plastid genes (rbcL and matK), five mitochondrial genes (atp1, ccmB, cob, mttB and nad5) and morphology. The complete matrix includes 93 terminals representing Acorus, the 14 families currently recognized within Alismatales, and numerous lineages of monocotyledons and other angiosperms. Total evidence analysis results in an almost completely resolved strict consensus tree, but all data partitions, genomic as well as morphological, are incongruent. The effects of RNA editing and potentially processed paralogous sequences are explored and discussed. Despite a decrease in incongruence length differences after exclusion of edited sites, the major data partitions remain significantly incongruent. The 14 families of Alismatales are all found to be monophyletic, but Acorus is found to be included in Alismatales rather than being the sister group to all other monocotyledons. The placement is strongly supported by the mitochondrial data, atp1 in particular, but it cannot be explained as an artifact caused by patterns of editing or by sampling of processed paralogues.
The long‐term outcome of transvaginal anterior levatorplasty for intractable rectovaginal fistula
Authors: Maeda K. , Koide Y. , Hanai T. , Sato H. , Masumori K. , Matsuoka H. , Katsuno H.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Several procedures have been described for rectovaginal fistula with a wide range of success, but there is little information on the long‐term outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long‐term outcome after transvaginal anterior levatorplasty (ALP) for intractable rectovaginal fistula.

Method

Data of 16 consecutive patients undergoing transvaginal ALP with fistulectomy and closure of the rectum and vagina between 1998 and 2011 were prospectively recorded and retrospectively investigated to study the long‐term outcome.

Results

Birth injury (n = 7), low anterior resection for rectal cancer (n = 3), pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis (n = 2) and a procedure for prolapse and haemorrhoids (n = 2) were the main causes of the fistula. Nine patients had a covering stoma before surgery. All patients underwent ALP, with a covering stoma in two patients. Infection occurred in one patient and wound rupture after surgery in another patient. These patients underwent reoperation by ALP. All fistulae had healed at a median follow‐up of 84 (8–193) months after initial surgery or stoma closure.

Conclusion

Transvaginal ALP is effective for the treatment of mid or low rectovaginal fistula. The results show that a graft is not necessary regardless of whether or not previous surgery has been performed.
Features of developmental coordination disorder in active childhood epilepsy: a population‐based study
Authors: Reilly Colin , Atkinson Patricia , Das Krishna B , Chin Richard F , Aylett Sarah E , Burch Victoria , Gillberg Christopher , Scott Rod C , Neville Brian G R
Published: April 2015

Aims

To provide data on parent‐reported features of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and describe neurobehavioural comorbidity in children with epilepsy and DCD.

Method

Eighty‐five (74% of those eligible) children (44 males, 41 females; age range 5–15y) with active childhood epilepsy (an epileptic seizure in the last year and/or currently taking antiepileptic drugs) in a population‐based cohort underwent comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment. The DCD Questionnaire (DCD‐Q) was completed by parents (n=69) of children with an IQ>34, of whom 56 did not have cerebral palsy (CP), and were considered for a diagnosis of DCD.

Results

Of those considered for a DCD diagnosis, 16 (29%) met DSM‐IV‐TR criteria whereas 34 (61%) scored in the at‐risk range on the DCD‐Q. The sensitivity of the DCD‐Q was 100% (95% CI 76–100) and specificity was 55% (95% CI 39–70). Significant predictors of higher scores on the DCD‐Q included the presence of autism spectrum disorder, CP, and early seizure onset. Increasing age and IQ were independently associated with higher DCD‐Q scores. Intellectual disability, attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder, academic underachievement, and specific memory problems were the most common neurobehavioural difficulties in those with both DCD and epilepsy.

Interpretation

Parent‐reported symptoms of DCD are very common in childhood epilepsy. The DCD‐Q has good sensitivity but lower specificity in this population.
Rare Mycotic Aneurysm of the Mitral Valve without Aortic Valve Involvement
Authors: Zarrini Parham , Elboudwarej Omeed , Luthringer Daniel , Siegel Robert
Published: April 2015

Mycotic aneurysms can be a rare, but serious complication of infectious endocarditis. We report the case of a 20‐year‐old woman who presented with fever and malaise from streptococcal bacteremia and found to have vegetation on the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. On follow‐up visit, the patient was noted to have a mycotic aneurysm of the anterior mitral valve without aortic involvement. Her clinical course was complicated by mitral valve chordal rupture, severe mitral regurgitation, and dyspnea from severe mitral regurgitation for which she underwent successful surgical repair of the mitral valve.
Determinants of Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Izumo Masaki , Shiota Maiko , Nalawadi Smruti , Das Jayanta , Dohad Sohail , Kuwahara Eiji , Fukuoka Yoko , Siegel Robert J , Shiota Takahiro
Published: April 2015

Background

Although takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) has been reported to have a favorable outcome, many complications may occur in the acute phase. Heart failure is the most common clinical complication in patients with TTC. We aimed to investigate determinants of secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with TTC.

Methods

This study consisted of 55 patients with TTC. Detailed echocardiographic measurements were taken, including pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). PH was identified PASP >35 mmHg. The severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) was evaluated by measuring effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA). Follow‐up echocardiography was performed in 45 patients (81.8%) within 4 weeks after initial presentation.

Results

All patients were stratified into PH or no PH (NPH) group (average PASP: 46.2 ± 6.7 vs. 29.8 ± 3.3 mmHg, P < 0.001); 25 patients (45.5%) were categorized into the PH group. Left ventricular (LV) volume, LV ejection fraction, and troponin I levels did not significantly differ between the two groups. Age and EROA were significantly greater in PH group than NPH group (age; 74.6 ± 9.1 vs. 63.5 ± 17.7, EROA; 0.22 ± 0.17 vs. 0.03 ± 0.05 cm2, all P < 0.01). The multivariate analysis revealed that age and EROA were independent predictors for PH in patients with TTC (all P < 0.001). PASP was significantly improved at follow‐up compared to those at initial presentation (35.8 ± 8.4 vs. 30.3 ± 7.9 mmHg, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Age and the severity of MR were independent predictors for secondary PH in patients with TTC.
Influence of native and alien Prunus species and light conditions on performance of the leaf beetle Gonioctena quinquepunctata
Authors: Mąderek Ewa , Łukowski Adrian , Giertych Marian J. , Karolewski Piotr
Published: April 2015

The polyphagous beetle Gonioctena quinquepunctata Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious leaf pest of the native European bird cherry, Prunus padus L., and the invasive alien black cherry, Prunus serotina Ehrh. (Rosaceae). In the shade, leaf damage is extensive in both species, whereas in full light, it is extensive in P. padus, but very low in P. serotina. We determined the influence of Prunus species and light conditions on differences in performance of both sexes of this folivore. In a laboratory experiment in which larvae were fed with leaves of a single species grown under particular light conditions, we measured larval, pupal, and adult mass, efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), duration of development, total food eaten, and relative growth rate. In the field, we observed differences in beetle mass on shrubs of the two species growing under various light conditions. From the field observations, we hypothesised that leaves of the invasive P. serotina are not an equally good food source as leaves of P. padus for G. quinquepunctata, and the preference of these beetles for shaded shrubs is most favourable for their growth and development. Under laboratory conditions, we found that the beetle growth rate was not affected significantly by Prunus species or light conditions, despite the significant effect of light condition on the structure and chemical composition of Prunus seedlings. The lower ECI value for larvae feeding on sunlit leaves was compensated for by their higher level of consumption. In the field, adult insect mass was higher on P. padus than on P. serotina, and higher on sunlit shrubs of both species than on shaded ones. Under natural conditions, the mass of adult insects is probably also affected by other factors, such as predators and competition among folivores.
Clear advantages for fall armyworm larvae from feeding on maize relative to its ancestor Balsas teosinte may not be reflected in their mother's host choice
Authors: Bernal Julio S. , Melancon Joseph E. , Zhu‐Salzman Keyan
Published: April 2015

Consistent with an increasing number of comparisons between crop plants and their wild ancestors, a previous study showed that in the field, maize [Zea mays ssp. mays L. (Poaceae)] suffers more herbi‐vory by larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) than its ancestor Balsas teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Iltis & Doebley). This study addressed plausible causes of the differing herbivory levels between maize and Balsas teosinte, specifically whether host plant selection by adult females is biased for either host plant depending on larval performance—i.e., the preference‐performance hypothesis—or risk of mortality by parasitoids and predators—i.e., the natural enemy‐free space hypothesis. Field observations showed that performance of S. frugiperda larvae was superior on maize compared with Balsas teosinte, a result partially explainable by the greater toughness of teosinte compared with maize tissue, but not by a difference in inhibition of protein digestion by larvae. Additional field observations showed that the mortality risk of S. frugiperda larvae is higher on Balsas teosinte, as indicated by higher parasitism (ca. four‐fold) and predation (ca. three‐fold) rates on the teosinte compared with maize. However, laboratory observations showed that S. frugiperda females did not discriminate between maize and Balsas teosinte for oviposition. Overall, the study's results were consistent with prior observations that direct and indirect defenses of maize against S. frugiperda larvae were weakened with domestication. In contrast, the results were inconsistent with predictions of the preference‐performance and natural enemy‐free space hypotheses, because selection of maize or Balsas teosinte plants by S. frugiperda females was independent of their offspring's performance and risk of mortality by natural enemies. On the one hand, this study's results partially explained differing herbivory levels between a crop and its wild ancestor, and on the other hand they suggested that host selection by S. frugiperda may be mediated by larval dispersal behavior and host choices.
Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the light input to the circadian system
Authors: Vosko Andrew , van Diepen Hester C. , Kuljis Dika , Chiu Andrew M. , Heyer Djai , Terra Huub , Carpenter Ellen , Michel Stephan , Meijer Johanna H. , Colwell Christopher S.
Published: April 2015

The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is expressed at high levels in a subset of neurons in the ventral region of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). While VIP is known to be important for the synchronization of the SCN network, the role of VIP in photic regulation of the circadian system has received less attention. In the present study, we found that the light‐evoked increase in electrical activity in vivo was unaltered by the loss of VIP. In the absence of VIP, the ventral SCN still exhibited N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐evoked responses in a brain slice preparation, although the absolute levels of neural activity before and after treatment were significantly reduced. Next, we used calcium imaging techniques to determine if the loss of VIP altered the calcium influx due to retinohypothalamic tract stimulation. The magnitude of the evoked calcium influx was not reduced in the ventral SCN, but did decline in the dorsal SCN regions. We examined the time course of the photic induction of Period1 in the SCN using in situ hybridization in VIP‐mutant mice. We found that the initial induction of Period1 was not reduced by the loss of this signaling peptide. However, the sustained increase in Period1 expression (after 30 min) was significantly reduced. Similar results were found by measuring the light induction of cFOS in the SCN. These findings suggest that VIP is critical for longer‐term changes within the SCN circuit, but does not play a role in the acute light response.
Action observation with kinesthetic illusion can produce human motor plasticity
Authors: Nojima Ippei , Koganemaru Satoko , Kawamata Toshio , Fukuyama Hidenao , Mima Tatsuya
Published: April 2015

After watching sports, people often feel as if their sports skills might have been improved, even without any actual training. On some occasions, this motor skill learning through observation actually occurs. This phenomenon may be due to the fact that both action and action observation (AO) can activate shared cortical areas. However, the neural basis of performance gain through AO has not yet been fully clarified. In the present study, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate whether primary motor cortex (M1) plasticity is a physiological substrate of AO‐induced performance gain and whether AO itself is sufficient to change motor performance. The excitability of M1, especially that of its intracortical excitatory circuit, was enhanced after and during AO with kinesthetic illusion but not in interventions without this illusion. Moreover, behavioral improvement occurred only after AO with kinesthetic illusion, and a significant correlation existed between the performance gain and the degree of illusion. Our findings indicated that kinesthetic illusion is an essential component of the motor learning and M1 plasticity induced by AO, and this insight may be useful for the strategic rehabilitation of stroke patients.
Adenosine receptors and muscarinic receptors cooperate in acetylcholine release modulation in the neuromuscular synapse
Authors: Santafe M. M. , Priego M. , Obis T. , Garcia N. , Tomàs M. , Lanuza M. A. , Tomàs J.
Published: April 2015

Adenosine receptors (ARs) are present in the motor terminals at the mouse neuromuscular junction. ARs and the presynaptic muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) share the functional control of the neuromuscular junction. We analysed their mutual interaction in transmitter release modulation. In electrophysiological experiments with unaltered synaptic transmission (muscles paralysed by blocking the voltage‐dependent sodium channel of the muscle cells with μ‐conotoxin GIIIB), we found that: (i) a collaborative action between different AR subtypes reduced synaptic depression at a moderate activity level (40 Hz); (ii) at high activity levels (100 Hz), endogenous adenosine production in the synaptic cleft was sufficient to reduce depression through A1‐type receptors (A1Rs) and A2A‐type receptors (A2ARs); (iii) when the non‐metabolizable 2‐chloroadenosine (CADO) agonist was used, both the quantal content and depression were reduced; (iv) the protective effect of CADO on depression was mediated by A1Rs, whereas A2ARs seemed to modulate A1Rs; (v) ARs and mAChRs absolutely depended upon each other for the modulation of evoked and spontaneous acetylcholine release in basal conditions and in experimental conditions with CADO stimulation; (vi) the purinergic and muscarinic mechanisms cooperated in the control of depression by sharing a common pathway although the purinergic control was more powerful than the muscarinic control; and (vii) the imbalance of the ARs created by using subtype‐selective and non‐selective inhibitory and stimulatory agents uncoupled protein kinase C from evoked transmitter release. In summary, ARs (A1Rs, A2ARs) and mAChRs (M1, M2) cooperated in the control of activity‐dependent synaptic depression and may share a common protein kinase C pathway.
Co‐Parent Court: A Problem‐Solving Court Model for Supporting Unmarried Parents
Authors: Marczak Mary S. , Galos Dylan L. , Hardman Alisha M. , Becher Emily H. , Ruhland Ebony , Olson Kjersti A.
Published: April 2015

Co‐Parent Court is an innovative problem solving court in Hennepin County, Minnesota, which seeks to better meet the needs of unmarried co‐parents who are establishing paternity. A 3 year, mixed method quasi‐experimental design evaluation study was conducted on the outcomes of participation in Co‐Parent Court with data collected at pre, post and follow‐up. Outcomes examined for this article included child support payments and measures assessing attitudes about the importance of the role of fathers in a child's life. Findings included that child‐support payments across groups was connected to a father's ability to pay at pre‐survey and that a majority of both fathers and mothers reported that a father's involvement in the lives of his children went beyond an ability to pay child support.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Courts‐Community agencies partnering to build a quality program for unmarried parents and their children.

What types of community agencies are critical to provide a network of support for young, under‐resourced, unmarried parents?

What does it take to get unmarried parents to complete a multi‐component intervention (education, case management and agreed upon parenting plan)?
Regulation of NGF‐driven neurite outgrowth by Ins(1,4,5)P3 kinase is specifically associated with the two isoenzymes Itpka and Itpkb in a model of PC12 cells
Authors: Koenig Sandra , Moreau Colette , Dupont Geneviève , Scoumanne Ariane , Erneux Christophe
Published: April 2015

Four inositol phosphate kinases catalyze phosphorylation of the second messenger inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] to inositol 1,3,4,5‐tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,5)P4]: these enzymes comprise three isoenzymes of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate 3‐kinase (Itpk), referred to as Itpka, Itpkb and Itpkc, and the inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK). The four enzymes that act on Ins(1,4,5)P3 are all expressed in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, a model that is used to study neurite outgrowth induced by nerve growth factor (NGF). We compared the effect of over‐expression of the four GFP‐tagged kinases on NGF‐induced neurite outgrowth. Our data show that over‐expression of the Itpka and Itpkb isoforms inhibits NGF‐induced neurite outgrowth, but over‐expression of Itpkc and IPMK does not. Surprisingly, over‐expression of the N‐terminal F‐actin binding domain of Itpka, which lacks catalytic activity, was as effective at inhibiting neurite outgrowth as the full‐length enzyme. Neurite length was also significantly decreased in cells over‐expressing Itpka and Itpkb but not Itpkc or IPMK. This result did not depend on the over‐expression level of any of the kinases. PC12 cells over‐expressing GFP‐tagged kinase‐dead mutants Itpka/b have shorter neurites than GFP control cells. The decrease in neurite length was never as pronounced as observed with wild‐type GFP‐tagged Itpka/b. Finally, the percentage of neurite‐bearing cells was increased in cells over‐expressing the membranous type I Ins(1,4,5)P3 5‐phosphatase. We conclude that Itpka and Itpkb inhibit neurite outgrowth through both F‐actin binding and localized Ins(1,4,5)P3 3‐kinase activity. Itpkc and IPMK do not influence neurite outgrowth or neurite length in this model.
Association of RAMP1 rs7590387 With the Risk of Migraine Transformation Into Medication Overuse Headache
Authors: Cargnin Sarah , Pautasso Chiara , Viana Michele , Sances Grazia , Mittino Daniela , Cantello Roberto , Tassorelli Cristina , Nappi Giuseppe , Terrazzino Salvatore
Published: April 2015

Objectives/Background

We herein investigated the role of polymorphisms in calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP)‐related genes looking at the association of rs3781719 (T > C) in the calcitonin gene‐related polypeptide‐alpha (CALCA) gene and of rs3754701 (T > A) and rs7590387 (C > G) at the receptor activity modifying 1 (RAMP1) locus with triptan response in patients with migraine without aura (MwoA). In addition, their role was evaluated as risk factors for transformation of episodic migraine into medication overuse headache (MOH). The CGRP has a central role in the pathogenesis of migraine; however, little information is currently available concerning the role of polymorphisms in CGRP‐related genes as determinants of clinical response to anti‐migraine drugs or as risk factors for migraine chronification.

Methods

Genotyping was conducted retrospectively by real‐time polymerase chain reaction allelic discrimination assay in 219 patients with MwoA and 130 with MOH in whom migraine was the primary headache type. Gene variants association was evaluated by logistic regression analysis adjusted by confounding factors. The threshold of statistical significance was set according to the total number of polymorphisms analyzed in the current study and in previous publications arising from overlapping datasets.

Results

No evidence of association was found between the three polymorphisms tested and triptan response in MwoA patients. Conversely, carriers of RAMP1 rs7590387GG displayed a lower risk of episodic migraine transformation into MOH (vs C allele carriers, odds ratio [OR]: 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13‐0.57, P = 0.0002; threshold of significance set at P < 0.0029). When genotype distribution for RAMP1 rs7590387 was compared between healthy controls (n = 209) and MOH patients, carriers of rs7590387GG were found at lower risk of developing MOH (OR: 0.43, 95%CI: 0.22‐0.85, P = 0.011).

Conclusion

These results suggest that RAMP1 rs7590387 may have a role in the transformation of episodic migraine into MOH.
Application of talcum powder, trichloroacetic acid and silver nitrate in female rats for non‐surgical sterilization: evaluation of the apoptotic pathway mRNA and miRNA genes
Authors: Yumrutas Onder , Kara Murat , Atilgan Remzi , Kavak Salih Burcin , Bozgeyik Ibrahim , Sapmaz Ekrem
Published: April 2015

There are several methods used for non‐surgical sterilization in birth control including quinacrine, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), erythromycin, tetracycline, silver nitrate and talcum powder. Among these, talcum powder, TCA and silver nitrate are the most commonly used. However, the toxic and carcinogenic activities of these chemicals in ovarian tissue have been poorly elucidated. This study demonstrates the expression levels of antioxidant, apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic genes after administration of talc powder, TCA and silver nitrate for non‐surgical sterilization in female rat models. The expression changes of some microRNAs (miR‐15b, miR‐21, miR‐34a and miR‐98) that play key roles in the apoptosis pathway were also included. All expression analyses were evaluated with real‐time PCR. The expression levels of all genes appeared to be upregulated in the talcum powder group, but the results were not statistically significant. Increased expression of Gsr and Sod1 genes was statistically significant in the talcum powder group. In TCA and silver nitrate group, expression of all genes was appeared to be elevated but only the Gsr expression was statistically significant in the TCA‐administrated group; there were no statistically significant changes in the silver nitrate group. miRNA expression levels were increased in talcum powder and TCA‐administrated groups, but these results were not significant. Expression levels of miR‐15b, miR‐21 and miR‐98 in the silver nitrate group were significantly increased. Consequently, these chemicals appear to be non‐carcinogenic agents for rat ovarian tissue which do not induce apoptosis. However, talcum powder and TCA can be considered as agents that are toxic to ovarian tissue.