bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema, or eczema? A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and recommendation for uniform use of ‘atopic dermatitis’
Authors: Kantor R. , Thyssen J. P. , Paller A. S. , Silverberg J. I.
Published: July 2016

Background

The lack of standardized nomenclature for atopic dermatitis (AD) creates unnecessary confusion for patients, healthcare providers, and researchers. It also negatively impacts accurate communication of research in the scientific literature. We sought to determine the most commonly used terms for AD.

Methods

A systematic review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS (1945–2016) for the terms AD, atopic eczema (AE), and multiple other eczematous disorders.

Results

In MEDLINE, 33 060 were identified, of which 21 299 (64.4%) publications used the term ‘AD’, 15 510 (46.9%) ‘eczema’, and only 2471 (7.5%) AE. Most of these publications used the term AD (82.0%) or eczema (70.8%) without additional nomenclature; only 1.2% used AE alone. Few publications used the terminology ‘childhood eczema’, ‘flexural eczema’, ‘infantile eczema’, ‘atopic neurodermatitis’, or ‘Besnier's prurigo’. AD was rarely used until the late 1970s, after which it became the most commonly used of the three terms and continuously increased until 2015. Atopic eczema decreased between 2008 and 2015. Atopic dermatitis was the most commonly used term in studies across almost all publication types, languages, and journals.

Conclusion

Atopic dermatitis is the most commonly used term and appears to be increasing in popularity. Given that eczema is a nonspecific term that describes the morphological appearance of several forms of dermatitis, we strongly suggest the use of a more specific term, AD, in publications, healthcare clinician training, and patient education. Support from researchers, reviewers, and editors is key to success.
Antinociceptive and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Ketamine and the Relationship to Its Antidepressant Action and GSK3 Inhibition
Authors: do Vale Eduardo Mulato , Xavier Cecília Coelho , Nogueira Brenda Gomes , Campos Bruna Caldas , de Aquino Pedro Everson Alexandre , da Costa Roberta Oliveira , Leal Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira , de Vasconcelos Silvânia Maria Mendes , Neves Kelly Rose Tavares , de Barros Viana Glauce Socorro
Published: July 2016

Ketamine (KET), a NMDA antagonist, exerts an antidepressant effect at subanaesthetic doses and possesses analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities. We evaluated the involvement of KET antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory effects with its antidepressant action. Male Swiss mice were subjected to formalin, carrageenan‐induced paw oedema and forced swimming tests, for assessing antinociceptive, anti‐inflammatory and antidepressant effects. The treatment groups were as follows: control, KET (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg), lithium (LI: 5 mg/kg) and KET2 + LI5 combination. Immunohistochemistry analyses (TNF‐α, iNOS, COX‐2 and GSK3) in oedematous paws were performed. KET5 and KET10 reduced licking times in neurogenic (22 and 38%) and inflammatory (67 and 78%) phases of the formalin test, respectively, as related to controls. While LI5 inhibited the second phase by 24%, the licking time was inhibited by 26 and 59% in the KET2 + LI5 group (first and second phases). Furthermore, oedema volumes were reduced by 37 and 45% in the KET5 and KET10 groups, respectively. Oedema reductions were 29% in the LI5 group and 48% in the KET2 + LI5 group. In the forced swimming test, there were 23, 38 and 53% decreases in the immobility time in KET2, KET5 and KET10 groups, respectively. While LI5 caused no significant effect, decreases of 52% were observed with KET2 + LI5. KET also decreased TNF‐α, iNOS, COX‐2 and GSK3 immunostainings in oedematous paws, effects intensified with KET2 + LI5. We showed that KET presents antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory effects associated with its antidepressant response. Furthermore, our results indicate the close involvement of GSK3 inhibition and blockade of inflammatory responses, in the antidepressant drug effect.
An Effective Machine Learning Approach for Prognosis of Paraquat Poisoning Patients Using Blood Routine Indexes
Authors: Chen Huiling , Hu Lufeng , Li Huaizhong , Hong Guangliang , Zhang Tao , Ma Jianshe , Lu Zhongqiu
Published: July 2016

The early identification of toxic paraquat (PQ) poisoning in patients is critical to ensure timely and accurate prognosis. Although plasma PQ concentration has been reported as a clinical indicator of PQ poisoning, it is not commonly applied in practice due to the inconvenient necessary instruments and operation. In this study, we explored the use of blood routine indexes to identify the degree of PQ toxicity and/or diagnose PQ poisoning in patients via machine learning approach. Specifically, we developed a method based on support vector machine combined with the feature selection technique to accurately predict PQ poisoning risk status, then tested the method on 79 (42 male and 37 female; 41 living and 38 deceased) patients. The detection method was rigorously evaluated against a real‐world data set to determine its accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Feature selection was also applied to identify the factors correlated with risk status, and the results showed that there are significant differences in blood routine indexes between dead and living PQ‐poisoned individuals (p‐value < 0.01). Feature selection also showed that the most important correlated indexes are white blood cell and neutrophils. In conclusion, the toxicity or prognosis of PQ poisoning can be preliminarily ascertained by blood routine testing without PQ concentration data, representing an additional tool and innovative approach to assess the prognosis of PQ poisoning.
Podcasts: A technology for all?
Authors: Gachago Daniela , Livingston Candice , Ivala Eunice
Published: July 2016

While the pedagogical benefits and challenges of podcasting as a teaching and learning practice are well researched, sometimes with contradictory results, literature on the potential of podcasting as a socially inclusive technology is scanty. Using a quantitative survey design, framed by concepts such as emerging technologies, low‐threshold applications and nontraditional students, this study investigated students perceptions at a large institution in South Africa on the access and use of podcasts. Findings indicate that podcasting was well received by all students. Particularly nontraditional students, with specific reference to gender, age and home language, were the ones who engaged most extensively with podcasts. Regular recordings of difficult, content‐heavy lectures were perceived as the most effective use of podcasting, showing that course design matters in terms of podcasting usage. Findings also challenged the view of podcasting as facilitating passive learning. In our context, which is defined by severe resource constraints and fear of technology among both lecturers and students, the simplicity and accessibility of podcasts promises a successful mainstream adoption of a low‐threshold technology for African higher education.
Using online discussion forums to support learning of paraphrasing
Authors: Tan Kok‐Eng
Published: July 2016

The online discussion forum (ODF) is one of the many online interactive tools used for educational purposes. This paper discusses a study in a Malaysian university that examined the ODF interactions of students completing an assignment on paraphrasing. A class of 43 English as a Second Language (ESL) students enrolled in a writing course were divided into four forums. Their interactions consisting of 161 posts were collected in the 20‐day period of the assignment. Content analysis found the online interactions have all four elements of the analysis framework, namely, cognitive skills, evaluation, social cues and invitational form. Students were found to do their assignment in a self‐directed and self‐regulated manner within cultural and institutional constraints. The findings have implications for teaching ESL in a university context to tap into the contemporary online literacy practices of the students.
Relation between Alice software and programming learning: A systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis
Authors: Costa Joana M. , Miranda Guilhermina L.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the results of a systematic review of the literature, including a meta‐analysis, about the effectiveness of the use of Alice software in programming learning when compared to the use of a conventional programming language. Our research included studies published between the years 2000 and 2014 in the main databases. We gathered 232 papers. Taking into account the selection criteria to make the meta‐analysis, we retained six papers with a quasi‐experimental design, with 464 participants in total. To combine the results we used the random effect model. It resulted in an effect size of 0.54 (Cohen's d) with a confidence interval between 0.34 and 0.74.

We concluded that until now there have been few experimental results on the effectiveness of Alice programming language to introduce students in learning how to program. The results we found were the expression of different experimental treatments and distinguished teaching methods which made the comparison of the results obtained more subtle. However, the existing experimental results that were submitted to the meta‐analysis allowed us to assume with a certain margin of safety that a teaching strategy that uses Alice should obtain more effective results than the use of a conventional programming language.
Recent advances in the understanding of myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts
Authors: Malcovati Luca , Cazzola Mario
Published: July 2016

Myeloid neoplasms with ring sideroblasts are currently categorized within the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) in the World Health Organization classification. Recent findings have identified that the presence of ring sideroblasts in these disorders has a unique molecular basis, i.e., the somatic mutation of SF3B1, a gene encoding a splicing factor. Mutations of SF3B1 occur in up to 90% of patients with refractory anaemia with unilineage dysplasia (RARS) and 70% of those with refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ring sideroblasts or RARS associated with marked thrombocytosis. Experimental evidence has shown that mutant SF3B1 results in the abnormal splicing of several genes, primarily due to misrecognition of 3′ splice sites. The resulting aberrant mRNAs undergo nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD), resulting in haploinsufficiency of canonical transcripts and protein expression. In addition, it is also possible that NMD‐insensitive aberrant transcripts are translated into proteins with altered function. Patients with MDS carrying the SF3B1 mutation show a homogeneous disease phenotype characterized by isolated erythroid dysplasia and mild dysplasia in granulocytic or megakaryocytic lineages, supporting the notion that the SF3B1 mutation identifies a distinct entity within MDS. The available evidence suggests that these findings may have relevant impact on the diagnosis, classification and management of patients with these neoplasms.
Decreased function of Fas and variations of the perforin gene in adult patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Boggio Elena , Gigliotti Casimiro L. , Rossi Davide , Toffoletti Eleonora , Cappellano Giuseppe , Clemente Nausicaa , Puglisi Simona , Lunghi Monia , Cerri Michaela , Vianelli Nicola , Cantoni Silvia , Tieghi Alessia , Beggiato Eloise , Gaidano Gianluca , Comi Cristoforo , Chiocchetti Annalisa , Fanin Renato , Dianzani Umberto , Zaja Francesco
Published: July 2016

A defective switching off of the immune response is involved in several autoimmune diseases. This switching off involves Fas‐mediated apoptosis, perforin‐mediated fratricide of activated lymphocytes, and the suppressive activity of regulatory T (Treg) cells. These mechanisms are altered in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome that often displays autoimmune thrombocytopenia. The aim of this research was to evaluate these mechanisms in adult patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), compared with healthy controls. The results show that a substantial subgroup of the ITP patients displayed a defective Fas function; most of them displayed decreased Fas expression in T cells activated in vitro. Moreover, ITP patients displayed an increased frequency of rare missense variations of the PRF1 gene and decreased levels of Treg. Immunological analysis showed that levels of Interleukin (IL)10 and IL17 were decreased and marginal zone B cells were increased. Moreover, myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were decreased in ITP patients. In conclusion, in adult ITP patients, several mechanisms involved in shutting off the immune response are defective and several immunological parameters are dysregulated; these alterations may play a role in the clinical heterogeneity of the disease.
Anti‐angiogenic effects of novel cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors with a pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidine scaffold
Authors: Zhang S , Ulrich M , Gromnicka A , Havlíček L , Kryštof V , Jorda R , Strnad M , Vollmar A M , Zahler S
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) has recently emerged as an attractive target in several tumour entities. Inhibition of CDK5 has been shown to have anti‐angiogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. However, potent inhibitors of CDK5, which can be applied in vivo, are still scarce. We have recently developed a new series of 5‐substituted 3‐isopropyl‐7‐[4‐(2‐pyridyl)benzyl]amino‐1(2)H‐pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidines that show a preference for inhibiting CDK5 and tested them in vitro and in vivo in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Experimental Approach

All compounds were initially examined for effects on proliferation of HUVECs. The most potent compounds were then tested on migration, and one of them, LGR2674, was selected for assessing effects on nuclear fragmentation, cell cycle, cell viability and metabolic activity. Furthermore, LGR2674 was tested in a tube formation assay and in vivo in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma, induced by s.c. injection of HUH7 cells (measurement of in vivo toxicity, tumour vascularization, tumour cell proliferation and tumour size).

Key Results

LGR2674 showed an EC50 in the low nanomolar range in the proliferation and migration assays. Cytotoxic effects started at 50 nM, a concentration that did not influence the cell cycle. In vivo, LGR2674 was well tolerated and caused a clear reduction in vessel density in the tumours; also tumour cell proliferation was inhibited and tumour growth retarded.

Conclusions and Implications

Pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidine is a novel scaffold for the development of potent CDK inhibitors with in vivo potential. Such structures are good candidates for broadening our pharmacological arsenal against various tumours.
Displays of parent suitability in adoption assessment reports
Authors: Lind Judith , Lindgren Cecilia
Published: July 2016

Through adoption, the state actively contributes to creating families. It therefore also assumes the role of guarantor of the child's best interests in the adoption process, which entails assessing the suitability of presumptive adoptive parents. In the present paper, we use the concluding sections of assessment reports on applicants for intercountry adoption in Sweden to answer the following question: what must be said about an individual or a couple in order for her/them to be seen as a suitable adoptive parent? We thus assume that report conclusions serve to display parent suitability to their audiences. The assessment aligns with Swedish national adoption guidelines, and the study shows how the assessment handbook comes to serve as a catalogue of arguments that not only define good parenthood but also outline a way of life that is suitable for parenthood. The analysis illustrates how valid arguments for granting consent to adopt refer to three layers of suitability. They include not only the applicants' insights into and knowledge about adoption in particular and children in general but also their conventional and orderly life, i.e. a life free from distractions that could hinder a wholehearted focus on children and family life.
Lentivirus‐Mediated Overexpression of MicroRNA‐210 Improves Long‐Term Outcomes after Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Zeng Li‐Li , He Xiao‐Song , Liu Jian‐Rong , Zheng Chao‐Bo , Wang Yong‐Ting , Yang Guo‐Yuan
Published: July 2016

Aims

MicroRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury and in the repair process during postischemic condition. However, the key miRNAs and their function in these processes remain unclear.

Methods

Circulating blood MicroRNAs profiles were examined in the ischemic stroke patients. The predicted network of difference was analyzed by ingenuity pathway analysis. The key MicroRNAs were selected, and the function was further studied in a mouse ischemia model. The predicted downstream target was confirmed.

Results

We found that 24 MicroRNAs were differently expressed in stroke patients compared to the control (P < 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis showed a MicroRNAs regulated network with the highest score in the stroke cascade, which was consisted of 10 MicroRNAs including key hypoxia‐related miR‐210 and its predicted downstream target brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Lentivirus‐mediated miR‐210 overexpression enhanced the microvessel density and the number of neural progenitor cells in the ischemic mouse brain (P < 0.05) and improved neurobehavioral outcomes in the ischemic mouse (P < 0.05). MiR‐210 upregulation increased mBDNF/proBDNF protein expression in the normal and ischemic mouse brain. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay identified that BDNF was the direct target of miR‐210.

Conclusion

MiR‐210 is a crucial ischemic stroke‐associated MicroRNAs and a potential target for the stroke therapy.
Solvatochromism, halochromism, and azo–hydrazone tautomerism in novel V‐shaped azo‐azine colorants – consolidated experimental and computational approach
Authors: Choudhari Amol S. , Patil Sharad R. , Sekar Nagaiyan
Published: July 2016

The azo–hydrazone tautomerism, solvatochromism, and halochromism in four novel V‐shaped asymmetrical acceptor‐π‐donor‐π‐acceptor (A‐π‐D‐π‐A) compounds were examined. They contain 2,7,15,16‐functionalised benzophenazine cores connected to the anchoring electron‐deficient phenyl core via azo linkers and 2,7‐position fused with anthraquinone. These compounds derived from 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐napthaquinone (lawsone) have been prepared in moderate to good yields. The synthesis involved the diazotisation of substituted aromatic amines, coupling onto 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐napthaquinone, and further condensing the resulting azo compounds with 1,2‐diaminoanthraquinone in acetic acid. The absorption wavelengths of the dyes in different solvents were in the range 500–720 nm. The spectral changes of the synthesised azo‐azine compounds in different pH indicated the formation of hydrazone tautomer in acidic pH and of azo tautomer in alkaline pH. Density functional theory was used to assess the tautomers in terms of geometry and position of the tautomeric equilibrium. Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations allowed us to assign the electronic transitions (>90%) of the low‐energy bands.
Glucocorticoid‐induced hyperglycaemia in respiratory disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Breakey S. , Sharp S. J. , Adler A. I. , Challis B. G.
Published: July 2016

The relative risk of glucocorticoid‐induced hyperglycaemia is poorly quantified. We undertook a meta‐analysis to estimate the association between glucocorticoid treatment and hyperglycaemia, overall and separately in individuals with and without diabetes and underlying respiratory disease. We searched electronic databases for clinical trials of adults randomized to either glucocorticoid treatment or placebo. Eight articles comprising 2121 participants were identified. We performed a random effects meta‐analysis to determine relative risks for the associations between glucocorticoid use and both hyperglycaemia and starting hypoglycaemic therapy. In all individuals, the relative risk of hyperglycaemia comparing glucocorticoid treatment with placebo was 1.72 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50‐2.04; p < .001]. The relative risks in individuals with and those without diabetes were 2.10 (95% CI 0.92‐5.02; p = .079) and 1.50 (95% CI 0.79‐2.86; p = .22), respectively. In all individuals, the relative risk of hyperglycaemia requiring initiation of hypoglycaemic therapy, comparing glucocorticoid treatment with placebo, was 1.73 (95% CI 1.40‐2.14; p < .001). In conclusion, glucocorticoid therapy increases the risk of hyperglycaemia in all individuals with underlying respiratory disease but not when diabetic status is analysed separately.
A query language for multi‐version data web archives
Authors: Meimaris Marios , Papastefanatos George , Viglas Stratis , Stavrakas Yannis , Pateritsas Christos , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis
Published: July 2016

The Data Web refers to the vast and rapidly increasing quantity of scientific, corporate, government and crowd‐sourced data published in the form of Linked Open Data, which encourages the uniform representation of heterogeneous data items on the web and the creation of links between them. The growing availability of open linked datasets has brought forth significant new challenges regarding their proper preservation and the management of evolving information within them. In this paper, we focus on the evolution and preservation challenges related to publishing and preserving evolving linked data across time. We discuss the main problems regarding their proper modelling and querying and provide a conceptual model and a query language for modelling and retrieving evolving data along with changes affecting them. We present in details the syntax of the query language and demonstrate its functionality over a real‐world use case of evolving linked dataset from the biological domain.
Interplay between stress response genes associated with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder and brain volume
Authors: van der Meer D. , Hoekstra P. J. , Bralten J. , van Donkelaar M. , Heslenfeld D. J. , Oosterlaan J. , Faraone S. V. , Franke B. , Buitelaar J. K. , Hartman C. A.
Published: July 2016

The glucocorticoid receptor plays a pivotal role in the brain's response to stress; a haplotype of functional polymorphisms in the NR3C1 gene encoding this receptor has been associated with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) gene polymorphism 5‐HTTLPR is known to influence the relation between stress exposure and ADHD severity, which may be partly because of its reported effects on glucocorticoid levels. We therefore investigated if NR3C1 moderates the relation of stress exposure with ADHD severity and brain structure, and the potential role of 5‐HTTLPR. Neuroimaging, genetic and stress exposure questionnaire data were available for 539 adolescents and young adults participating in the multicenter ADHD cohort study NeuroIMAGE (average age: 17.2 years). We estimated the effects of genetic variation in NR3C1 and 5‐HTT, stress exposure and their interactions on ADHD symptom count and gray matter volume. We found that individuals carrying the ADHD risk haplotype of NR3C1 showed significantly more positive relation between stress exposure and ADHD severity than non‐carriers. This gene–environment interaction was significantly stronger for 5‐HTTLPR L‐allele homozygotes than for S‐allele carriers. These two‐ and three‐way interactions were reflected in the gray matter volume of the cerebellum, parahippocampal gyrus, intracalcarine cortex and angular gyrus. Our findings illustrate how genetic variation in the stress response pathway may influence the effects of stress exposure on ADHD severity and brain structure. The reported interplay between NR3C1 and 5‐HTT may further explain some of the heterogeneity between studies regarding the role of these genes and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in ADHD.
The role of microaerophilic Fe‐oxidizing micro‐organisms in producing banded iron formations
Authors: Chan C. S. , Emerson D. , Luther G. W.
Published: July 2016

Despite the historical and economic significance of banded iron formations (BIFs), we have yet to resolve the formation mechanisms. On modern Earth, neutrophilic microaerophilic Fe‐oxidizing micro‐organisms (FeOM) produce copious amounts of Fe oxyhydroxides, leading us to wonder whether similar organisms played a role in producing BIFs. To evaluate this, we review the current knowledge of modern microaerophilic FeOM in the context of BIF paleoenvironmental studies. In modern environments wherever Fe(II) and O2 co‐exist, microaerophilic FeOM proliferate. These organisms grow in a variety of environments, including the marine water column redoxcline, which is where BIF precursor minerals likely formed. FeOM can grow across a range of O2 concentrations, measured as low as 2 μm to date, although lower concentrations have not been tested. While some extant FeOM can tolerate high O2 concentrations, many FeOM appear to prefer and thrive at low O2 concentrations (~3–25 μm). These are similar to the estimated dissolved O2 concentrations in the few hundred million years prior to the ‘Great Oxidation Event’ (GOE). We compare biotic and abiotic Fe oxidation kinetics in the presence of varying levels of O2 and show that microaerophilic FeOM contribute substantially to Fe oxidation, at rates fast enough to account for BIF deposition. Based on this synthesis, we propose that microaerophilic FeOM were capable of playing a significant role in depositing the largest, most well‐known BIFs associated with the GOE, as well as afterward when global O2 levels increased.
Carbon cycle responses of semi‐arid ecosystems to positive asymmetry in rainfall
Authors: Haverd Vanessa , Ahlström Anders , Smith Benjamin , Canadell Josep G.
Published: July 2016

Recent evidence shows that warm semi‐arid ecosystems are playing a disproportionate role in the interannual variability and greening trend of the global carbon cycle given their mean lower productivity when compared with other biomes (Ahlström et al. 2015 Science, 348, 895). Using multiple observations (land‐atmosphere fluxes, biomass, streamflow and remotely sensed vegetation cover) and two state‐of‐the‐art biospheric models, we show that climate variability and extremes lead to positive or negative responses in the biosphere, depending on vegetation type. We find Australia to be a global hot spot for variability, with semi‐arid ecosystems in that country exhibiting increased carbon uptake due to both asymmetry in the interannual distribution of rainfall (extrinsic forcing), and asymmetry in the response of gross primary production (GPP) to rainfall change (intrinsic response). The latter is attributable to the pulse‐response behaviour of the drought‐adapted biota of these systems, a response that is estimated to be as much as half of that from the CO2 fertilization effect during 1990–2013. Mesic ecosystems, lacking drought‐adapted species, did not show an intrinsic asymmetric response. Our findings suggest that a future more variable climate will induce large but contrasting ecosystem responses, differing among biomes globally, independent of changes in mean precipitation alone. The most significant changes are occurring in the extensive arid and semi‐arid regions, and we suggest that the reported increased carbon uptake in response to asymmetric responses might be contributing to the observed greening trends there.
Climate‐driven disparities among ecological interactions threaten kelp forest persistence
Authors: Provost Euan J. , Kelaher Brendan P. , Dworjanyn Symon A. , Russell Bayden D. , Connell Sean D. , Ghedini Giulia , Gillanders Bronwyn M. , Figueira WillIAM , Coleman Melinda A.
Published: July 2016

The combination of ocean warming and acidification brings an uncertain future to kelp forests that occupy the warmest parts of their range. These forests are not only subject to the direct negative effects of ocean climate change, but also to a combination of unknown indirect effects associated with changing ecological landscapes. Here, we used mesocosm experiments to test the direct effects of ocean warming and acidification on kelp biomass and photosynthetic health, as well as climate‐driven disparities in indirect effects involving key consumers (urchins and rock lobsters) and competitors (algal turf). Elevated water temperature directly reduced kelp biomass, while their turf‐forming competitors expanded in response to ocean acidification and declining kelp canopy. Elevated temperatures also increased growth of urchins and, concurrently, the rate at which they thinned kelp canopy. Rock lobsters, which are renowned for keeping urchin populations in check, indirectly intensified negative pressures on kelp by reducing their consumption of urchins in response to elevated temperature. Overall, these results suggest that kelp forests situated towards the low‐latitude margins of their distribution will need to adapt to ocean warming in order to persist in the future. What is less certain is how such adaptation in kelps can occur in the face of intensifying consumptive (via ocean warming) and competitive (via ocean acidification) pressures that affect key ecological interactions associated with their persistence. If such indirect effects counter adaptation to changing climate, they may erode the stability of kelp forests and increase the probability of regime shifts from complex habitat‐forming species to more simple habitats dominated by algal turfs.
Climate adaptation is not enough: warming does not facilitate success of southern tundra plant populations in the high Arctic
Authors: Bjorkman Anne D. , Vellend Mark , Frei Esther R. , Henry Gregory H. R.
Published: July 2016

Rapidly rising temperatures are expected to cause latitudinal and elevational range shifts as species track their optimal climate north and upward. However, a lack of adaptation to environmental conditions other than climate – for example photoperiod, biotic interactions, or edaphic conditions – might limit the success of immigrants in a new location despite hospitable climatic conditions. Here, we present one of the first direct experimental tests of the hypothesis that warmer temperatures at northern latitudes will confer a fitness advantage to southern immigrants relative to native populations. As rates of warming in the Arctic are more than double the global average, understanding the impacts of warming in Arctic ecosystems is especially urgent. We established experimentally warmed and nonwarmed common garden plots at Alexandra Fiord, Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic with seeds of two forb species (Oxyria digyna and Papaver radicatum) originating from three to five populations at different latitudes across the Arctic. We found that plants from the local populations generally had higher survival and obtained a greater maximum size than foreign individuals, regardless of warming treatment. Phenological traits varied with latitude of the source population, such that southern populations demonstrated substantially delayed leaf‐out and senescence relative to northern populations. Our results suggest that environmental conditions other than temperature may influence the ability of foreign populations and species to establish at more northerly latitudes as the climate warms, potentially leading to lags in northward range shifts for some species.
Ecosystem nitrogen fixation throughout the snow‐free period in subarctic tundra: effects of willow and birch litter addition and warming
Authors: Rousk Kathrin , Michelsen Anders
Published: July 2016

Nitrogen (N) fixation in moss‐associated cyanobacteria is one of the main sources of available N for N‐limited ecosystems such as subarctic tundra. Yet, N2 fixation in mosses is strongly influenced by soil moisture and temperature. Thus, temporal scaling up of low‐frequency in situ measurements to several weeks, months or even the entire growing season without taking into account changes in abiotic conditions cannot capture the variation in moss‐associated N2 fixation. We therefore aimed to estimate moss‐associated N2 fixation throughout the snow‐free period in subarctic tundra in field experiments simulating climate change: willow (Salix myrsinifolia) and birch (Betula pubescens spp. tortuosa) litter addition, and warming. To achieve this, we established relationships between measured in situ N2 fixation rates and soil moisture and soil temperature and used high‐resolution measurements of soil moisture and soil temperature (hourly from May to October) to model N2 fixation. The modelled N2 fixation rates were highest in the warmed (2.8 ± 0.3 kg N ha−1) and birch litter addition plots (2.8 ± 0.2 kg N ha−1), and lowest in the plots receiving willow litter (1.6 ± 0.2 kg N ha−1). The control plots had intermediate rates (2.2 ± 0.2 kg N ha−1). Further, N2 fixation was highest during the summer in the warmed plots, but was lowest in the litter addition plots during the same period. The temperature and moisture dependence of N2 fixation was different between the climate change treatments, indicating a shift in the N2 fixer community. Our findings, using a combined empirical and modelling approach, suggest that a longer snow‐free period and increased temperatures in a future climate will likely lead to higher N2 fixation rates in mosses. Yet, the consequences of increased litter fall on moss‐associated N2 fixation due to shrub expansion in the Arctic will depend on the shrub species’ litter traits.
On the Value of Transparency and Information Acquisition in Bargaining*
Authors: Gehrig Thomas , Levínský René , Güth Werner
Published: July 2016

We analyze how transparency affects information acquisition in a bargaining context where proposers may choose to purchase information about the unknown outside options of their bargaining partners. Although information acquisition is excessive in all scenarios, we find that bargaining outcomes depend crucially on the transparency of the bargaining environment. In transparent games, when responders can observe whether proposers have acquired information, acceptance rates are higher. Accordingly, in transparent bargaining environments, information is more valuable, both individually and socially.
Insomnia and depression impair oral health‐related quality of life in the old‐old
Authors: Noguchi Satoshi , Makino Michiko , Haresaku Satoru , Shimada Kaoru , Naito Toru
Published: July 2016

Aim

A previous study reported that the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Japanese individuals dropped sharply as they reached old‐old age. The aim of present study was to explore the risk factors of OHRQoL by investigating the association of OHRQoL with oral indices, lifestyle and psychological distress.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was carried out to assess the OHRQoL, oral indices, lifestyle, and psychological distress of patients who were of ≥75 years of age and who regularly visited a dental clinic for maintenance. OHRQoL and psychological distress were assessed using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and the General Health Questionnaire, respectively. The relationships between the GOHAI score and related factors were examined by non‐parametric bivariate and logistic regression analyses using a GOHAI cut‐off score of 45.0.

Results

A total of 187 old‐old patients with a mean age of 77.9 ± 3.0 years participated in the present study. The average GOHAI score was 50.8 ± 8.0. In the bivariate analyses, the average sleeping hours, use of sleep medication, Short Form 8‐Item Health Survey (SF‐8), General Health Questionnaire score, and the number of teeth present were significantly correlated with the GOHAI score. A logistic regression analysis showed that the number of teeth present, General Health Questionnaire and the use of sleep medication were associated with the GOHAI score.

Conclusions

The present study found that the OHRQoL was strongly associated with insomnia and depression. It is therefore suggested that oral healthcare professionals take general background information, such as the presence of insomnia and depression, into consideration to improve OHRQoL when they treat old‐old patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 893–897.
Residual effects of stylo on the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of palisadegrass pasture
Authors: Alves Eveline B. , Menezes Rodrigo C. , Lara Márcio A. S. , Casagrande Daniel R. , Bernardes Thiago F.
Published: July 2016

Response pattern of grasses as influenced by legume residues after its disappearance in mixed pasture is very limited in the literature. The objective of this study was to evaluate the historical effect of different proportions of Mineirão stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.) Sw. cv. Mineirão) on morphogenetic characteristics and structure of the Xaraés palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Stapf cv. Xaraés) under two canopy heights over 2 years. This study used a completely randomized design with a split‐plot arrangement. The historical botanical composition (HBC24, HBC34, HBC45 and HBC52) was allocated in the plots that corresponded to the percentages of legume (24, 34, 45 and 52%) before the experimental period and pre‐grazing heights (30 and 45 cm; CH30 and CH45) in the subplots. The canopies with HBC52 showed greater leaf elongation rate (P = 0.036) and leaf appearance rate (P = 0.0041), 1.6 cm tiller−1 day−1 and 0.053 leaves tiller−1 day−1, respectively, during the growing season. There was an increase in the herbage accumulation rate with the increase of HBC (P = 0.0128). The leaf mass was higher (P = 0.0016) for the CH45 compared with the CH30 (3294 and 2450 kg dry matter [DM] ha−1, respectively). The stem mass was higher (P < 0.0001) for the CH45 compared with the CH30 (2339 and 1146 kg DM ha−1, respectively). Overall, a HBC greater than 50% stylo in the pastures allows the postponement of legume oversowing for up to 2 years. Xaraés palisadegrass should be managed at 30 cm of pre‐grazing height on intermittent stocking rate due to greater proportion of leaves.
Physicochemical composition and ruminal degradability of leucaena ensiled with different levels of buriti fruit peel
Authors: Ferreira Raimundo , Bezerra Leilson , Edvan Ricardo , Araújo Marcos , Marques Carlo , Torreão Jacira , Oliveira Ronaldo , Parente Henrique
Published: July 2016

The objective of this research was to evaluate in situ degradability and physicochemical composition of leucaena silage mixed with different levels of buriti fruit peel. We used a completely randomized design with five levels of buriti fruit peel (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 g kg−1). The silos were opened after 28 days of storage. In situ degradability monitoring was conducted using a split‐plot design in which four animals represented the blocks and silage supplemented with five levels of buriti fruit peel represented the treatments. The use of the additive in leucaena silage increased dry matter (DM) (P < 0.0001), ether extract (P = 0.0068), acid detergent fiber and decreased crude protein (P < 0.0001). The pH (P = 0.0335), ammoniac nitrogen (P < 0.0001) and DM recovery (P = 0.0983) increased with level of buriti fruit peel added in the silage. Gas losses (P < 0.0001) decreased with the addition of buriti fruit peel in the ensilage. Effluent losses (P < 0.1093) were not influenced by buriti fruit peel addition. The inclusion of buriti fruit peel linearly reduced the ruminal degradability DM of soluble fraction (a) (P < 0.0001) and potentially degradable insoluble fraction (b) (P < 0.0001). Inclusion of buriti fruit peel up to 50 g kg−1 of leucaena forage provides favorable conditions for silage and contributes to pH reduction, despite reducing ruminal degradability. The degradability can be increased with the mixture of silage to a non‐protein nitrogen supplement and thus overcome this problem.
The development of service user‐led recommendations for health and social care services on leaving hospital with memory loss or dementia – the SHARED study
Authors: Mockford Carole , Seers Kate , Murray Matt , Oyebode Jan , Clarke Rosemary , Staniszewska Sophie , Suleman Rashida , Boex Sue , Diment Yvonne , Grant Richard , Leach Jim , Sharma Uma
Published: July 2016

Background

Health and social care services are under strain providing care in the community particularly at hospital discharge. Patient and carer experiences can inform and shape services.

Objective

To develop service user‐led recommendations enabling smooth transition for people living with memory loss from acute hospital to community.

Design

Lead and co‐researchers conducted semi‐structured interviews with 15 pairs of carers and patients with memory loss at discharge, 6 and 12 weeks post‐discharge and one semi‐structured interview with health and social care professionals and Admiral Nurses. Framework analysis was guided by co‐researchers. Two focus groups of study participants, facilitated by co‐researchers, met to shape and finalize recommendations.

Setting and participants

Recruitment took place in acute hospitals in two National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in England. Patients were aged 65 and over, with memory loss, an in‐patient for at least 1 week returning to the community, who had a carer consenting to be in the study.

Results

Poor delivery of services caused considerable stress to some study families living with memory loss. Three key recommendations included a need for a written, mutually agreed discharge plan, a named coordinator of services, and improved domiciliary care services.

Discussion and conclusions

Vulnerable patients with memory loss find coming out of hospital after an extended period a stressful experience. The SHARED study contributes to understanding the hospital discharge process through the eyes of the patient and carer living with memory loss and has the potential to contribute to more efficient use of resources and to improving health outcomes in communities.
Clinicopathological characteristics of systemic mastocytosis in the intestine
Authors: Shih Angela R , Deshpande Vikram , Ferry Judith A , Zukerberg Lawrence
Published: July 2016

Aims

Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement by systemic mastocytosis (SM) presents with non‐specific symptoms, and pathological diagnosis can be difficult when a subtle mast cell infiltrate is present. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinicopathological features in diagnostically challenging cases.

Methods and results

Seven patients with GI biopsies showing an atypical mast cell infiltrate were identified, including three consultation cases in which mast cells were initially overlooked. Clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. Biopsies showed involvement of the large bowel (n = 5), small bowel (n = 1) or both (n = 1) by a wide morphological spectrum of mast cells, including: bland spindle cells; small cells with irregular nuclei; and medium‐sized monotonous cells with abundant pale cytoplasm. The patterns of mucosal involvement included: a polypoid mast cell aggregate (n = 1); a confluent subepithelial band of mast cells (n = 3); and multifocal aggregates of mast cells (n = 3). There were admixed eosinophils with a noticeable lack of plasma cells. Mast cells in all cases showed strong positive staining for CD117 and CD25. All patients fulfilled the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for SM. On follow‐up in four cases, none had progression of disease.

Conclusions

Atypical mast cell infiltrates in the intestine are often subtle and can easily be overlooked. Clues to diagnosis include lamina propria expansion by monotonous cells with pale cytoplasm, admixed eosinophils, and the absence of crypt distortion or significant plasmacytic infiltrate. Although most patients with GI involvement by SM are symptomatic, a subset remain asymptomatic, and the absence of clinical suspicion of mast cell disease adds to the difficulty in making a diagnosis of SM.
Spatial size dimorphism in New Zealand's last endemic raptor, the Kārearea Falco novaeseelandiae, coincides with a narrow sea strait
Authors: Trewick Steven A. , Olley Lena
Published: July 2016

Although New Zealand's avifauna includes many unusual birds, species‐level diversity within lineages is typically low. There are, however, several instances where different allied forms are recognized in each of the two main islands. Among them is the Kārearea Falco novaeseelandiae, which is the only surviving endemic raptor species in New Zealand. Recent analysis confirms it to be a distinct lineage in the global radiation of this genus and most closely related to the Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis of South America. We examined body size metrics and neutral genetic markers in Kārearea sampled across New Zealand to assess subspecific variation within the species. We found strong evidence using linear modelling and Bayesian clustering for two distinct sizes within Kārearea, in addition to the recognized sexual dimorphism. The boundary between the size clusters coincides closely with the Cook Strait, a narrow seaway between the two largest islands. However, analysis of mitochondrial sequence data and nuclear microsatellites showed no compelling partitioning at neutral loci. These data suggest adaptive change along a stepped environmental cline. Lineage splitting in Kārearea has either yet to become apparent in the distribution of neutral genetic variation and/or regional adaptation is proceeding despite gene flow.
Optimizing the spectral absorption profile of sunscreens
Authors: Diffey B. L.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To investigate whether sunscreens provide optimal protection by exhibiting a uniform spectral absorption profile throughout the ultraviolet spectrum or by having a spectral profile in which absorption in the UVB waveband is greater than in the UVA region.

Methods

A sunscreen with a flat spectral absorption profile was compared with one of the same SPF in which the SPF to UVA protection was in the ratio of 3 : 1 in terms of protecting against erythema and chronic effects with different action spectra, as well as the total UV burden to the skin.

Results

A sunscreen with spectral profile in which absorption in the UVB waveband is greater than in the UVA region confers no benefit in terms of erythema (and endpoints with similar action spectra) than a sunscreen with the same SPF that exhibits uniform absorption at all wavelengths throughout the UV spectrum. More importantly, the ‘3 : 1 profile’ offers inferior protection when endpoints with other action spectra are considered, as well as resulting in a total UV burden to the skin that is about 5 times higher than sunscreen products showing a flat spectral absorption profile.

Conclusion

It may be tempting to believe that it is beneficial to increase the absorption of sunscreens in the UVB region relative to the UVA to reflect the fact that skin damage is associated more with UVB than UVA exposure. However, this belief is a fallacy and consumers are best served with sunscreens in which the spectral protection profile is uniform at all wavelengths throughout the UV spectrum.