bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical thinking, curiosity and parsimony in (emergency) medicine: ‘Doing nothing’ as a quality measure?
Authors: Keijzers Gerben
Published: April 2017

Current medical decision‐making is influenced by many factors, such as competing interests, distractions, as well as fear of missing an important diagnosis. This can result in ordering tests or providing treatments that can be harmful. Unnecessary tests are more likely to lead to false positive diagnosis or incidental findings that are of uncertain clinical relevance. Estimates indicate that almost one‐third of all health spending is wasteful. The ‘Choosing Wisely’ campaign has identified many of these wasteful tests and treatments. This perspective proposes some suggestions to focus on our critical thinking, embrace shared decision‐making and stay curious about the patient we are treating. Most importantly, ‘doing nothing’ could be a quality indicator for EDs, and ACEM supported audits and research to develop benchmarks for certain tests and procedures in the ED are important to achieve a cultural change.
Synergetic Use of Principal Component Analysis Applied to Normed Physicochemical Measurements and GC × GC‐MS to Reveal the Stabilization Effect of Selected Essential Oils on Heated Rapeseed Oil
Authors: Sghaier Lilia , Cordella Christophe B. Y. , Rutledge Douglas N. , Lefèvre Fanny , Watiez Mickaël , Breton Sylvie , Sassiat Patrick , Thiebaut Didier , Vial Jérôme
Published: April 2017

Lipid oxidation leads to the formation of volatile compounds and very often to off‐flavors. In the case of the heating of rapeseed oil, unpleasant odors, characterized as a fishy odor, are emitted. In this study, 2 different essential oils (coriander and nutmeg essential oils) were added to refined rapeseed oil as odor masking agents. The aim of this work was to determine a potential antioxidant effect of these essential oils on the thermal stability of rapeseed oil subject to heating cycles between room temperature and 180 °C. For this purpose, normed determinations of different parameters (peroxide value, anisidine value, and the content of total polar compounds, free fatty acids and tocopherols) were carried out to examine the differences between pure and degraded oil. No significant difference was observed between pure rapeseed oil and rapeseed oil with essential oils for each parameter separately. However, a stabilizing effect of the essential oils, with a higher effect for the nutmeg essential oil was highlighted by principal component analysis applied on physicochemical dataset. Moreover, the analysis of the volatile compounds performed by GC × GC showed a substantial loss of the volatile compounds of the essential oils from the first heating cycle.
Emergency Physicians Are Able to Detect Right Ventricular Dilation With Good Agreement Compared to Cardiology
Authors: Rutz Matt A. , Clary Julie M. , Kline Jeffrey A. , Russell Frances M.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) is a useful tool in evaluating patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute dyspnea. Prior work has shown that right ventricular (RV) dilation is associated with repeat hospitalizations and shorter life expectancy. Traditionally, RV assessment has been evaluated by cardiologist‐interpreted comprehensive echocardiography. The primary goal of this study was to determine the inter‐rater reliability between emergency physicians (EPs) and a cardiologist for determining RV dilation on FOCUS performed on ED patients with acute dyspnea.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study at two urban academic EDs; patients were enrolled if they had acute dyspnea and a computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram without acute disease. All patients had an EP‐performed FOCUS to assess for RV dilation. RV dilation was defined as an RV to left ventricular ratio greater than 1. FOCUS interpretations were compared to a blinded cardiologist FOCUS interpretation using agreement and kappa statistics.

Results

Of 84 FOCUS examinations performed on 83 patients, 17% had RV dilation. Agreement and kappa, for EP‐performed FOCUS for RV dilation were 89% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80–95%) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.48–0.88), respectively.

Conclusions

Emergency physician sonographers are able to detect RV dilation with good agreement when compared to cardiology. These results support the wider use of EP‐performed FOCUS to evaluate for RV dilation in ED patients with dyspnea.
Predicting which tropical tree species are vulnerable to forest disturbances
Authors: Babweteera Fred , Ssekuubwa Enock
Published: April 2017

Tropical forest management often focuses on a few high‐value timber species because they are thought to be the most vulnerable in logged forests. However, other tree species may be vulnerable to secondary effects of logging, like loss of vertebrate dispersers. We examined vulnerability of tree species to loss of vertebrate dispersers in Mabira, a heavily disturbed tropical rainforest in Uganda. Fruit characteristics and shade tolerance regimes of 269 tree species were compiled. Stem densities of tree species producing fruits of various sizes and having different shade tolerance regimes were computed for Mabira and compared with densities of conspecifics in Budongo, a less disturbed forest with similar floral composition. Seventy per cent of tree species in Mabira are animal‐dispersed, of which 10% are large‐fruited light demanders. These species are the most vulnerable because they rarely recruit beneath adult conspecifics and are exclusively dispersed by large vertebrates, also vulnerable in heavily disturbed forests. Comparison of densities between Mabira and Budongo showed that large‐fruited light demanders had a lower density in Mabira. Other categories of tree species had similar densities in both forests. It is plausible that the low density of large‐fruited light demanders is due to limited recruitment caused by dispersal limitations.
Effects of pruning on the concentration of trace elements in Colophospermum mopane leaves
Authors: Makhado Rudzani A. , Potgieter Martin J. , Luus‐Powell Wilmien J. , Mapaure Isaac
Published: April 2017

Despite the nutritional value of Colophospermum mopane to browser's diets, there is still insufficient knowledge on the effect of browsers on concentrations of these trace elements. A field experiment was conducted in Musina Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa, to determine the effect of pruning on the concentration of trace elements in mopane leaves. Samples were analysed for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), fluoride (F) and selenium (Se) using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry technique. The effect of pruning was tested using the two‐tailed t‐test: two‐sample assuming equal variance and two‐tailed Mann–Whitney U‐test. Results showed that the concentration of trace elements in the control and pruned trees varies slightly through the year. Fe, Mn, Mo, Cu, Zn and Se are higher during leaf flush, but declined as the leaves matured and aged. This study concluded that simulated browsing had no significant effect on the concentration of trace elements in the mopane leaves. Seasonal variation in the amount of trace elements has implications on the distribution of browsers in the mopane woodland.
Current population estimate and distribution of the African buffalo in Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Megaze Aberham , Balakrishnan Mundanthra , Belay Gurja
Published: April 2017

An investigation into the population status and distribution of the African buffalo (Syncerus cafferSparrman, 1779) in Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia, was carried out during the wet and dry seasons of 2012–2015. This study tested the hypothesis that buffalo would demonstrate seasonal habitat preferences and changes in population density. Sample counts were carried out in an area of 1215 km2. The estimated buffalo population was 5193 individuals, with the population density of 4.3/km2. The population showed an increase from 2617 to 5194 individuals during 2006–2015. Males comprised 42.6%, while females 46.7% of the population. Age structure was dominated by adults, which constituted 52.5% of the total population. Subadults comprised 24.3% and young 12.4% of the population. Larger herds of up to 30 individuals were observed during the wet season, and smaller herds of a minimum of four individuals were seen during the dry season. The mean herd sizes during the wet and dry seasons were 29.59 and 16.95, respectively. They were observed more in the riverine vegetation types during the dry season. Of the total, 57.6% utilized riverine habitat during the dry season, whereas 39.8% used this habitat during the wet season. Relative abundance of food sources, green vegetation cover and availability of water were the major factors governing their distribution in the present study area.
Risk factors of adverse health outcomes after hospital discharge modifiable by clinical pharmacist interventions: a review with a systematic approach
Authors: Morath Benedict , Mayer Tanja , Send Alexander Francesco Josef , Hoppe‐Tichy Torsten , Haefeli Walter Emil , Seidling Hanna Marita
Published: April 2017

The present review assessed the evidence on risk factors for the occurrence of adverse health outcomes after discharge (i.e. unplanned readmission or adverse drug event after discharge) that are potentially modifiable by clinical pharmacist interventions. The findings were compared with patient characteristics reported in guidelines that supposedly indicate a high risk of drug‐related problems. First, guidelines and risk assessment tools were searched for patient characteristics indicating a high risk of drug‐related problems. Second, a systematic PubMed search was conducted to identify risk factors significantly associated with adverse health outcomes after discharge that are potentially modifiable by a clinical pharmacist intervention. After the PubMed search, 37 studies were included, reporting 16 risk factors. Only seven of 34 patient characteristics mentioned in pertinent guidelines corresponded to one of these risk factors. Diabetes mellitus (n = 11), chronic obstructive lung disease (n = 9), obesity (n = 7), smoking (n = 5) and polypharmacy (n = 5) were the risk factors reported most frequently in the studies. Additionally, single studies also found associations of adverse health outcomes with different drug classes {e.g. warfarin [hazard ratio 1.50; odds ratio (OR) 3.52], furosemide [OR 2.25] or high beta‐blocker starting doses [OR 3.10]}. Although several modifiable risk factors were found, many patient characteristics supposedly indicating a high risk of drug‐related problems were not part of the assessed risk factors in the context of an increased risk of adverse health outcomes after discharge. Therefore, an obligatory set of modifiable patient characteristics should be created and implemented in future studies investigating the risk for adverse health outcomes after discharge.
Clinical and patient‐reported outcomes of SPARE – a randomised feasibility study of selective bladder preservation versus radical cystectomy
Authors: Huddart Robert A. , Birtle Alison , Maynard Lauren , Beresford Mark , Blazeby Jane , Donovan Jenny , Kelly John D. , Kirkbank Tony , McLaren Duncan B. , Mead Graham , Moynihan Clare , Persad Raj , Scrase Christopher , Lewis Rebecca , Hall Emma
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To test the feasibility of a randomised trial in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and compare outcomes in patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) or selective bladder preservation (SBP), where definitive treatment [RC or radiotherapy (RT)] is determined by response to chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

SPARE is a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing RC and SBP in patients with MIBC staged T2–3 N0 M0, fit for both treatment strategies and receiving three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were randomised between RC and SBP before a cystoscopy after cycle three of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with ≤T1 residual tumour received a fourth cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in both groups, followed by radical RT in the SBP group and RC in in the RC group; non‐responders in both groups proceeded immediately to RC following cycle three. Feasibility study primary endpoints were accrual rate and compliance with assigned treatment strategy. The phase III trial was designed to demonstrate non‐inferiority of SBP in terms of overall survival (OS) in patients whose tumours responded to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints included patient‐reported quality of life, clinician assessed toxicity, loco‐regional recurrence‐free survival, and rate of salvage RC after SBP.

Results

Trial recruitment was challenging and below the predefined target with 45 patients recruited in 30 months (25 RC; 20 SBP). Non‐compliance with assigned treatment strategy was frequent, six of the 25 patients (24%) randomised to RC received RT. Long‐term bladder preservation rate was 11/15 (73%) in those who received RT per protocol. OS survival was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Randomising patients with MIBC between RC and SBP based on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not feasible in the UK health system. Strong clinician and patient preferences for treatments impacted willingness to undergo randomisation and acceptance of treatment allocation. Due to the few participants, firm conclusions about disease and toxicity outcomes cannot be drawn.
Family engagement within the context of assessment in child protection practice: The case of Estonia
Authors: Välba Egle , Toros Karmen , Tiko Anne
Published: April 2017

Engagement in the context of child protection is of significant international interest, as the participation of family is a central notion in child and family social work. Drawing on in‐depth, semistructured interviews with a sample of 26 child protection workers in 1 region in Estonia, this article reports the findings of the participants' perspectives on family engagement in the context of child protection assessment. Child protection workers perceive the engagement related to 3 aspects: first, it is associated to the acts of the worker; second, it is associated to parental part of actions—depending on parents themselves; and third, engagement was seen as “doing together” with the family, referring to partnership. The aim of the engagement was mainly considered in the terms of empowerment—empowering family to cope on their own and to take charge of their lives. The negative image of child protection was recognised as one of the main barriers to the family engagement. Understanding the family and their situation was seen as the basis for a trusting relationship, being the most crucial factor to promoting family engagement.
Cost‐effectiveness of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine as add‐on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes in China
Authors: Gu Shuyan , Wang Xiaoyong , Qiao Qing , Gao Weiguo , Wang Jian , Dong Hengjin
Published: April 2017

Aims

To estimate the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily as add‐on therapy to oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

The Cardiff Diabetes Model was used to simulate disease progression and estimate the long‐term effects of exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily. Patient profiles and treatment effects required for the model were obtained from literature reviews (English and Chinese databases) and from a meta‐analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials comparing exenatide twice daily with insulin glargine once daily add‐on to OADs for T2DM in China. Medical expenditure data were collected from 639 patients with T2DM (aged ≥18 years) with and without complications incurred between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 from claims databases in Shandong, China. Costs (2014 Chinese Yuan [¥]) and benefits were estimated, from the payers’ perspective, over 40 years at a discount rate of 3%. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

Patients on exenatide twice daily + OAD had a lower predicted incidence of most cardiovascular and hypoglycaemic events and lower total costs compared with those on insulin glargine once daily + OAD. A greater number of quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs; 1.94) at a cost saving of ¥117 706 gained was associated with exenatide twice daily vs insulin glargine once daily. (i.e. cost saving of ¥60 764/QALY) per patient.

Conclusions

In Chinese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled by OADs, exenatide twice daily is a cost‐effective add‐on therapy alternative to insulin glargine once daily, and may address the problem of an excess of medical needs resulting from weight gain and hypoglycaemia in T2DM treatment.
Low CREBBP expression is associated with adverse long‐term outcomes in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Gao Chao , Zhang Rui‐Dong , Liu Shu‐Guang , Zhao Xiao‐Xi , Cui Lei , Yue Zhi‐Xia , Li Wei‐Jing , Chen Zhen‐Ping , Li Zhi‐Gang , Rao Qing , Wang Min , Zheng Hu‐Yong , Wang Jian‐Xiang
Published: April 2017

Objectives

CREBBP alterations are associated with many diseases including leukaemia. However, CREBBP expression and its clinical relevance in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have not been elucidated.

Methods

We studied CREBBP mRNA expression in 349 patients treated with either the BCH‐2003 or CCLG‐2008 protocol. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, patients were divided into low‐ or high‐CREBBP. The association among clinicobiological characteristics, outcomes and CREBBP level was analysed.

Results

Low expression of CREBBP (<1.0) at diagnosis was found in 97.7% of patients and increased significantly after complete remission. Low‐CREBBP patients were associated with unfavourable clinical presentations, poor prednisone response and high minimal residual disease (>10−2) after induction. We found significantly poorer event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in low‐CREBBP group whether administered BCH‐2003 or CCLG‐2008. Low‐CREBBP was an inferior independent prognostic factor in BCH‐2003; patients with low‐CREBBP had better outcomes on an intermediate‐risk regimen than a standard‐risk regimen involving the CCLG‐2008 protocol. Patients stratified to high‐risk with low‐CREBBP had the worst EFS and OS.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that low‐CREBBP is predictive of unfavourable outcomes; thus, a more intensive treatment protocol is necessitated for standard‐risk patients with insufficient CREBBP and that a specific target therapy is necessitated for high‐risk patients.
Neurobiological bases of autism–epilepsy comorbidity: a focus on excitation/inhibition imbalance
Authors: Bozzi Yuri , Provenzano Giovanni , Casarosa Simona
Published: April 2017

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy are common neurological diseases of childhood, with an estimated incidence of approximately 0.5–1% of the worldwide population. Several genetic, neuroimaging and neuropathological studies clearly showed that both ASD and epilepsy have developmental origins and a substantial degree of heritability. Most importantly, ASD and epilepsy frequently coexist in the same individual, suggesting a common neurodevelopmental basis for these disorders. Genome‐wide association studies recently allowed for the identification of a substantial number of genes involved in ASD and epilepsy, some of which are mutated in syndromes presenting both ASD and epilepsy clinical features. At the cellular level, both preclinical and clinical studies indicate that the different genetic causes of ASD and epilepsy may converge to perturb the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance, due to the dysfunction of excitatory and inhibitory circuits in various brain regions. Metabolic and immune dysfunctions, as well as environmental causes also contribute to ASD pathogenesis. Thus, an E/I imbalance resulting from neurodevelopmental deficits of multiple origins might represent a common pathogenic mechanism for both diseases. Here, we will review the most significant studies supporting these hypotheses. A deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular determinants of autism–epilepsy comorbidity will pave the way to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Myosin II activity is required for structural plasticity at the axon initial segment
Authors: Evans Mark D. , Tufo Candida , Dumitrescu Adna S. , Grubb Matthew S.
Published: April 2017

In neurons, axons possess a molecularly defined and highly organised proximal region – the axon initial segment (AIS) – that is a key regulator of both electrical excitability and cellular polarity. Despite existing as a large, dense structure with specialised cytoskeletal architecture, the AIS is surprisingly plastic, with sustained alterations in neuronal activity bringing about significant alterations to its position, length or molecular composition. However, although the upstream activity‐dependent signalling pathways that lead to such plasticity have begun to be elucidated, the downstream mechanisms that produce structural changes at the AIS are completely unknown. Here, we use dissociated cultures of rat hippocampus to show that two forms of AIS plasticity in dentate granule cells – long‐term relocation, and more rapid shortening – are completely blocked by treatment with blebbistatin, a potent and selective myosin II ATPase inhibitor. These data establish a link between myosin II and AIS function, and suggest that myosin II's primary role at the structure may be to effect activity‐dependent morphological alterations.
Colour polymorphism is associated with lower extinction risk in birds
Authors: Ducatez Simon , Giraudeau Mathieu , Thébaud Christophe , Jacquin Lisa
Published: April 2017

Colour polymorphisms have played a major role in enhancing current understanding of how selection and demography can impact phenotypes. Because different morphs often display alternative strategies and exploit alternative ecological niches, colour polymorphism can be expected to promote adaptability to environmental changes. However, whether and how it could influence populations' and species' response to global changes remains debated. To address this question, we built an up‐to‐date and complete database on avian colour polymorphism based on the examination of available data from all 10,394 extant bird species. We distinguished between true polymorphism (where different genetically determined morphs co‐occur in sympatry within the same population) and geographic variation (parapatric or allopatric colour variation), because these two patterns of variation are expected to have different consequences on populations' persistence. Using the IUCN red list, we then showed that polymorphic bird species are at lesser risk of extinction than nonpolymorphic ones, after controlling for a range of factors such as geographic range size, habitat breadth, life history, and phylogeny. This appears consistent with the idea that high genetic diversity and/or the existence of alternative strategies in polymorphic species promotes the ability to adaptively respond to changing environmental conditions. In contrast, polymorphic species were not less vulnerable than nonpolymorphic ones to specific drivers of extinction such as habitat alteration, direct exploitation, climate change, and invasive species. Thus, our results suggest that colour polymorphism acts as a buffer against environmental changes, although further studies are now needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Developing accurate quantitative indices of sensitivity to specific threats is likely a key step towards a better understanding of species response to environmental changes.
Regional and temporal variation in diet and provisioning rates suggest weather limits prey availability for an endangered raptor
Authors: Garcia‐Heras Marie‐Sophie , Mougeot François , Simmons Robert E. , Arroyo Beatriz
Published: April 2017

Understanding variation in food requirements of wild animals is of central importance in population ecology and conservation, as it helps to identify where and when food may be limiting. Studies on diet variation or prey provisioning rates may give useful insights when direct information on prey availability is lacking. We assess spatial and temporal variation in the diet of an endangered predator, the Black HarrierCircus maurus. This raptor is endemic to southern Africa and specializes on small mammals but also feeds on birds and reptiles as alternative prey. Using data on 1679 prey identified in 953 pellets collected in inland and coastal regions from 2006 to 2015, we show that diet composition changed little throughout the breeding season in the coastal region, whereas there was a marked seasonal decline in the occurrence of small mammal prey in the inland region, with a concomitant increase in alternative prey. The proportion of small mammals in the diet declined with increasing maximum temperature, the latter being highest at the inland region late in the breeding season. Using camera recordings at nests in 2014, we further analysed daily patterns of prey provisioning to nestlings. A marked reduction in small mammal provisioning rates occurred during the middle of the day in the hotter inland region but not in the cooler coastal region. Reduced availability of the primary prey, small mammals, in hotter conditions, through a reduction in activity or overall abundance, could explain these patterns. Finally, we show a positive relationship between winter rainfall and interannual differences in the proportion of small mammals in the diet of Black Harriers breeding in the coastal region, suggesting relationships between diet and prey abundance that are mediated through rainfall. We discuss the need to consider spatial variation in food availability in conservation strategies.
Cultural orientations and environmental sustainability in households: A comparative analysis of Hispanics and non‐Hispanic Whites in the United States
Authors: Liu Yu , Segev Sigal
Published: April 2017

This article explores the effect of cultural orientations on the sustainable household behaviours of Hispanic immigrants and non‐Hispanic Whites in the United States. A model is tested in which the personal‐level cultural orientations of interdependence‐independence determine consumers' environmental value and concern, which in turn, affect sustainable behaviours (recycling, water, electricity and energy conservation). Results from a sample of 338 Hispanic immigrants and 249 non‐Hispanic Whites indicate that interdependence predicts environmental values among non‐Hispanic Whites. For the Hispanic sample, neither interdependence nor independence predict environmental value. In both samples, environmental value is positively associated with environmental concern, which is positively related to sustainable behaviours. The relationships between environmental concern and all four behaviours are relatively weaker among Hispanics compared to non‐Hispanic Whites, suggesting that immigrants have not yet fully embraced mainstream American pro‐environmental ideals and practices. Our study sheds light on cultural differences regarding environmental values and concerns, and implies theoretical and practical recommendations for marketers in the United States.
Aerobic respiration by haemocyanin in the embryo of the migratory locust
Authors: Chen B. , Ma R. , Ding D. , Wei L. , Kang L.
Published: April 2017

It remains unresolved how insect embryos acquire sufficient oxygen to sustain high rates of respiratory metabolism during embryogenesis in the absence of a fully developed tracheal system. Our previous work showed that the two distinct subunits (Hc1 and Hc2) of haemocyanin (Hc), a copper‐containing protein, display embryo‐specific high expression that is essential for embryonic development and survival in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria. Here we investigated the role of haemocyanins in oxygen sensing and supply in the embryo of this locust. Putative binding sites for hypoxia‐regulated transcription factors were identified in the promoter region of all of the Hc1 and Hc2 genes. Embryonic expression of haemocyanins was highly upregulated by ambient O2 deprivation, up to 10‐fold at 13% O2 content. The degree of upregulation of haemocyanins increased with increasing levels of hypoxia. Compared with low‐altitude locusts, embryonic expression of haemocyanins in high‐altitude locusts from Tibetan plateau was constitutively higher and more robust to oxygen deprivation. These findings strongly suggest an active involvement of haemocyanins in oxygen exchange in embryos. We thus propose a mechanistic model for embryo respiration in which haemocyanin plays a key role by complementing the tracheal system for oxygen transport during embryogenesis.
Diversification of deermice (Rodentia: genus Peromyscus) at their north‐western range limit: genetic consequences of refugial and island isolation
Authors: Sawyer Yadéeh E. , Flamme Melanie J. , Jung Thomas S. , MacDonald Stephen O. , Cook Joseph A.
Published: April 2017

Aim

We surveyed the genetic variability of deermice (genus Peromyscus) at the north‐western edge of their range to test for occupancy in multiple, hypothesized ice‐free regions during the late Pleistocene and explore post‐glacial dynamics.

Location

North‐western North America.

Methods

We used sequences from four independent nuclear and mitochondrial loci from 341 specimens of Peromyscus maniculatus, Peromyscus keeni and Peromyscus sp. (Yukon) to assess species limits, population structure, and demographical change as a result of historical climate change, using a Bayesian approach. Species distribution models were built in MaxEnt to explore the niche overlap amongst genetically distinct species.

Results

Divergence amongst three lineages began before the last interglacial, and each shows signs of post‐glacial expansion. Multilocus species trees strongly support P. keeni and Peromyscus sp. (Yukon) as independent from P. maniculatus. Substantial substructure was observed for P. keeni across the fragmented Alexander Archipelago. Northern lineages or clades (Peromyscus sp. and P. keeni) differed in potential ecological distributions.

Main conclusions

At the extreme north‐western range of deermice in North America, three distinct lineages persist reflecting divergence in at least three ice‐free regions [Beringia, Coastal (near Southeast Alaska) and Southern Continental] throughout the latest Pleistocene glacial cycles. Although spatially proximate in Yukon, no locations were identified where these lineages are in contact. Further, west along the Pacific Coast, P. keeni is widespread across the complex landscape of Southeast Alaska, yet there is limited contemporary gene flow amongst island populations, a finding consistent with the barriers produced by rising sea levels at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum.
Neurobehavioural and cognitive development in infants born to mothers with eating disorders
Authors: Barona Manuela , Taborelli Emma , Corfield Freya , Pawlby Susan , Easter Abigail , Schmidt Ulrike , Treasure Janet , Micali Nadia
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Although recent research has focused on the effects of maternal eating disorders (EDs) on children, little is known about the effect of maternal EDs on neurobiological outcomes in newborns and infants. This study is the first to investigate neurobehavioural regulation and cognitive development in newborns and infants of mothers with EDs.

Methods

Women with an active and past ED and healthy controls were recruited to a prospective longitudinal study during their first trimester or second trimester of pregnancy. Newborns and infants of mothers with ED were compared with newborns and infants of healthy controls on (a) neurobehavioural dysregulation using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale at 8 days postpartum (active ED, n = 15; past ED, n = 20; healthy controls, n = 28); and (b) cognitive development using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development at 1‐year postpartum (active ED, n = 18; past ED, n = 19; healthy controls, n = 28). In order to maintain the largest possible sample at each time point, sample size varied across time points.

Results

Newborns of mothers with an active ED had worse autonomic stability when compared with newborns of healthy controls [B = −0.34 (−1.81, −0.26)]. Infants of mothers with a past ED had poorer language [B = −0.33 (−13.6, −1.9)] and motor development [B = −0.32 (−18.4, −1.3)] compared with healthy controls.

Conclusions

Children of mothers with ED display neurobehavioural dysregulation early after birth and poorer language and motor development at 1 year. These characteristics suggest evidence of early neurobiological markers in children at risk. Differential outcomes in children of women with active versus past ED suggest that active symptomatology during pregnancy might have an effect on physiological reactivity while cognitive characteristics might be more stable markers of risk for ED.
Meteorite transport—Revisited
Authors: Wisdom Jack
Published: April 2017

Meteorites are delivered from the asteroid belt by way of chaotic zones (Wisdom 1985a). The dominant sources are believed to be the chaotic zones associated with the ν6 secular resonance, the 3:1 mean motion resonance, and the 5:2 mean motion resonance. Though the meteorite transport process has been previously studied, those studies have limitations. Here I reassess the meteorite transport process with fewer limitations. Prior studies have not been able to reproduce the afternoon excess (the fact that approximately twice as many meteorites fall in the afternoon as in the morning) and suggested that the afternoon excess is an observational artifact; here it is shown that the afternoon excess is in fact consistent with the transport of meteorites by way of chaotic zones in the asteroid belt. By studying models with and without the inner planets it is found that the inner planets significantly speed up the transport of meteorites.
Barley transcriptome analyses upon interaction with different aphid species identify thionins contributing to resistance
Authors: Escudero‐Martinez C.M. , Morris J.A. , Hedley P.E. , Bos J.I.B.
Published: April 2017

Aphids are phloem‐feeding insects that cause yield loss on a wide range of crops, including cereals such as barley. Whilst most aphid species are limited to one or few host species, some are able to reproduce on many plants belonging to different families. Interestingly, aphid probing behaviour can be observed on both host and non‐host species, indicating that interactions take place at the molecular level that may impact host range. Here, we aimed to gain insight into the interaction of barley with aphid species differing in their ability to infest this crop by analysing transcriptional responses. Firstly, we determined colonization efficiency, settlement and probing behaviour for the aphid species Rhopalosiphum padi, Myzus persicae and Myzus cerasi, which defined host, poor‐host and non‐host interactions, respectively. Analyses of barley transcriptional responses revealed gene sets differentially regulated upon the different barley–aphid interactions and showed that the poor‐host interaction with M. persicae resulted in the strongest regulation of genes. Interestingly, we identified several thionin genes strongly up‐regulated upon interaction with M. persicae, and to a lesser extent upon R. padi interaction. Ectopic expression of two of these genes in Nicotiana benthamiana reduced host susceptibility to M. persicae, indicating that thionins contribute to defences against aphids.
Poor sleep quality has an adverse effect on childhood asthma control and lung function measures
Authors: Sheen Youn Ho , Choi Sun Hee , Jang Sun Jung , Baek Ji Hyeon , Jee Hye Mi , Kim Mi Ae , Chae Kyu Young , Han Man Yong
Published: April 2017

Background

It is unclear as to whether sleep respiratory breathing disorder (SRBD) is a risk factor for uncontrolled asthma in children. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate whether SRBD may have an adverse effect on childhood asthma control and lung function measures.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 220 children with well‐controlled (n = 108), partly controlled (n = 92), and uncontrolled asthma (n = 20) according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guideline. SRBD was assessed using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). The association of SRBD with partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma was investigated on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 220 children with asthma, 43 (19.6%) had SRBD: well‐controlled, 16.7% (18/108); partly controlled, 21.7% (20/92); and uncontrolled, 25.0% (5/20; P = 0.54). There was a significant difference in forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC; P = 0.007) and childhood asthma control test (C‐ACT) score (P < 0.001) according to asthma control status, but not in PSQ score (P = 0.18). Children with obstructive sleep apnea (PSQ >0.33) had a lower C‐ACT score compared with controls (PSQ ≤0.33; 19.6 ± 5.1 vs 22.0 ± 4.2, P = 0.002). PSQ score was negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC (r = −0.16, P = 0.02). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, high PSQ score increased the odds of having partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma by 9.12 (95% CI: 1.04–79.72, P = 0.046) after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusion

SRBD is an independent risk factor for partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma and has an adverse effect on lung function measures in children. Further research is warranted to determine whether the improvement of sleep quality may also enhance level of asthma control and lung function in children.
Mating alters the link between movement activity and pattern in the red flour beetle
Authors: Wexler Yonatan , Wertheimer Keren‐Or , Subach Aziz , Pruitt Jonathan N. , Scharf Inon
Published: April 2017

Mating in arthropods is costly and has negative effects on survival. Such effects are often more strongly expressed when individuals are simultaneously exposed to other stress sources. Consequently, the behaviour of virgin and mated individuals often differs. Mated females, for example, search for suitable oviposition sites, whereas virgin females search more for mates. In the present study, we examine the effect of mating separately for females and males on four key behaviours of the red flour beetles: movement activity, movement along the edges of an arena, latency to emerge from shelter and preference for dark microhabitat. After mating, both sexes increase their activity at the same time as moving less along the arena edge, leading to a change in movement pattern. Females possibly change their movement pattern to locate suitable oviposition sites, whereas males perhaps do so to detect additional females with which to mate. Latency to emerge from shelter and dark preference are not influenced by mating, although they increase when measured again after 1 week. Of these behaviours, only movement activity is consistent at the individual level. We also examine whether mating incurs a cost as expressed in the time required to recover from a chill‐coma. The latter is a common proxy of cold tolerance in ectotherms. By contrast to our prediction, mating has no effect on chill‐coma recovery time, suggesting that either a single mating event does not incur sufficient stress or that there is possibly no trade‐off between the energetic cost of mating and of cold tolerance.
Clinical methods of cryopreservation for donor lymphocyte infusions vary in their ability to preserve functional T‐cell subpopulations
Authors: Worsham D. Nicole , Reems Jo‐Anna , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , McKenna David H. , Leemhuis Thomas , Mathew Aby J. , Cancelas Jose A. ,   Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative Group
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Cryopreserved donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) products are manufactured and administered to treat relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Reported clinical responses to DLIs vary broadly, even within the same group of patients. While there is an implicit recognition of the fact that different manufacturing protocols may have specific effects on different cell types, cryopreservation protocols are frequently derived from our experience in the cryopreservation of stem cell products and do not account for the heterogeneous functional nature of DLI T‐cell populations. Here, we report the results of a prospective, multicenter trial on the effect of four different cryopreservation solutions that were used to freeze DLIs compared to control DLIs that were refrigerated overnight.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Cryopreserved postthawed and refrigerated specimens were analyzed side by side for their T‐cell subpopulation content and viability, as well as T‐cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and cytotoxic activities.

RESULTS

This study indicates that “homemade” 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) results in reduced viability of different CD4+ T‐cell populations, including T‐helper, T‐cytotoxic, and T‐regulatory populations, and a decrease in their proliferative and cytotoxic response to immunologically relevant stimuli, while the use of solutions containing 5% DMSO with intracellular‐like cryoprotectant stabilizers maintains T‐cell function at levels similar to refrigerated control samples.

CONCLUSION

This study has important implications in determining the best cryoprotectant solution for specific clinical applications in allogeneic immunotherapy.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: April 2017

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 3Abbas Khandan, Hafez boulevard, IranAli Massoud, Sohag University, EgyptAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelAnna Jedrzychowska, Wroclaw University, PolandArash Riasi, University of Delaware, USAAsad K. Ghalib, Liverpool Hope University, UKAyoub Taha Sidahmed, SIU, SudanDilshodjon Rakhmonov, Tashkent State University of Economics, UzbekistanHe Nie, Jinan University, ChinaIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineJose Solana Ibañez, Centro Universitario de la Defensa, SpainKembo Bwana, College of Business Education, TanzaniaLuca Giordano, IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions), ItalyMagdalena Radulescu, University of Pitesti, RomaniaMagdalena Zioło, University of Szczecin, PolandMohammed Alkali Yusuf, Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, NigeriaPatrycja Kowalczyk-Rolczynska, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitSherry Jensen, Florida Institute of Technology, USASorin Gabriel Anton, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, RomaniaSzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaTaro Abe, Nagoya Gakuin University, Department of Economics, JapanY. Saidi, M’sila University, Algeria      Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Materials Failure Theory and Applications, Change Is Coming
Authors: Christensen Richard M.
Published: April 2017

This overview/survey assesses the state of the discipline for the failure of homogeneous and isotropic materials. It starts with a quick review of the many historical but unsuccessful failure investigations. Then, it outlines the dysfunctional current state of the field for failure criteria. Finally, it converges toward the technical prospects that can and very likely will bring much needed change and progress in the future.
Numerical Investigations of Unsteady Flows and Particle Behavior in a Cyclone Separator
Authors: Akiyama Osamu , Kato Chisachi
Published: April 2017

Mechanism of particle separation in a cyclone separator is fully clarified by one-way coupled numerical simulations of large eddy simulation and particle tracking. The former resolves all the important vortical structures, while the latter inputs the computed flow fields and tracks trajectories of particles by considering Stokes drag as well as gravity. The computed axial and tangential velocities of the swirl flow in a cyclone compare well with the ones measured by particle image velocimetry (PIV). The precession frequency of the vortex rope computed for Stairmand cyclone also matches with the one measured by Darksen et al. The predicted collection efficiencies reasonably agree well with the measured equivalents for two cylindrical cyclones with different diameters and inflow conditions. Detailed investigations on the simulated vortical structures in the test cyclones and predicted trajectories of the particles have revealed that there are three major paths of trajectories for those particles that are not collected and exhausted from the cyclone. More than half of the exhausted particles are trapped by longitudinal vortices formed in the periphery of the vortex rope. Namely, the precession motion of the vortex rope generates a number of longitudinal vortices at its periphery, which trap particles and move them into the region of the upward swirl.
Feature Correlation Velocimetry for Measuring Instantaneous Liquid Sheet Velocity
Authors: Siddharth K. S. , Panchagnula Mahesh V. , John Tharakan T.
Published: April 2017

We describe a novel nonintrusive velocimetry technique for measuring the instantaneous velocity field on a liquid sheet. Short wavelength corrugations are naturally formed on the surface of a liquid sheet when the sheet interacts with ambient air. This method, called feature correlation velocimetry (FCV), relies on cross-correlation of such short wavelength corrugations visualized on the liquid sheet surface when captured using a high-speed camera. An experimental setup was created for producing a liquid sheet of known thickness and velocity. After imaging the liquid sheet with a high-speed camera, cross-correlation was employed at various spatial locations on the liquid sheet. To examine the fidelity of the method, laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements were obtained for a range of flow rates at the same spatial locations and were compared with the FCV values. The FCV values were found to be consistently within 7% of the LDV readings with the FCV measurements being consistently less than those from the LDV. In order to examine the cause of the bias error, a theoretical model of the liquid sheet has been developed. Based on the model predictions, the bias error was observed to scale as U3/2, where U is the local instantaneous liquid sheet velocity. After correcting for this bias error, a good match was observed between the FCV and the LDV readings. As an application of the FCV method, the near-nozzle region of an annular sheet exiting a spray injector has been characterized.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Tessaracoccus
sp. Strain T2.5-30 Isolated from 139.5 Meters Deep on the Subsurface of the Iberian Pyritic Belt
Authors: Leandro Tânia , da Costa Milton S. , Sanz Jose L. , Amils Ricardo
Published: April 2017

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Tessaracoccus
sp. strain T2.5-30, which consists of a chromosome with 3.2 Mbp, 70.4% G+C content, and 3,005 coding DNA sequences. The strain was isolated from a rock core retrieved at a depth of 139.5 m in the subsurface of the Iberian Pyritic Belt (Spain).
Draft Genome Sequence of
Exiguobacterium
sp. HVEsp1, a Thermophilic Bacterium Isolated from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent in the Okinawa Trough
Authors: Chen Chen , Sun Li
Published: April 2017

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Exiguobacterium
sp. HVEsp1, a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent. The estimated genome size of this strain is 2,838,499 bp with a G+C content of 48.2%. The genome sequence data provide valuable information that will facilitate studies on the adaptation mechanisms of bacteria living in deep-sea hydrothermal vents.