bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme climatic events constrain space use and survival of a ground‐nesting bird
Authors: Tanner Evan P. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Davis Craig. A. , Dahlgren David K. , Orange Jeremy P.
Published: September 2016

Two fundamental issues in ecology are understanding what influences the distribution and abundance of organisms through space and time. While it is well established that broad‐scale patterns of abiotic and biotic conditions affect organisms’ distributions and population fluctuations, discrete events may be important drivers of space use, survival, and persistence. These discrete extreme climatic events can constrain populations and space use at fine scales beyond that which is typically measured in ecological studies. Recently, a growing body of literature has identified thermal stress as a potential mechanism in determining space use and survival. We sought to determine how ambient temperature at fine temporal scales affected survival and space use for a ground‐nesting quail species (Colinus virginianus; northern bobwhite). We modeled space use across an ambient temperature gradient (ranging from −20 to 38 °C) through a maxent algorithm. We also used Andersen–Gill proportional hazard models to assess the influence of ambient temperature‐related variables on survival through time. Estimated available useable space ranged from 18.6% to 57.1% of the landscape depending on ambient temperature. The lowest and highest ambient temperature categories (<−15 °C and >35 °C, respectively) were associated with the least amount of estimated useable space (18.6% and 24.6%, respectively). Range overlap analysis indicated dissimilarity in areas where Colinus virginianus were restricted during times of thermal extremes (range overlap = 0.38). This suggests that habitat under a given condition is not necessarily a habitat under alternative conditions. Further, we found survival was most influenced by weekly minimum ambient temperatures. Our results demonstrate that ecological constraints can occur along a thermal gradient and that understanding the effects of these discrete events and how they change over time may be more important to conservation of organisms than are average and broad‐scale conditions as typically measured in ecological studies.
Association of cognition with functional trajectories in patients admitted to geriatric wards: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Hartley Peter , Alexander Kerry , Adamson Jennifer , Cunningham Carol , Embleton Georgina , Romero‐Ortuno Roman
Published: September 2016

Aim

Impaired cognition is common among older patients admitted to acute hospitals, but its association with functional trajectories has not been well studied.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was carried out in an English tertiary university hospital. We analyzed all first episodes of county residents aged ≥75 years admitted to the Department of Medicine for the Elderly wards between December 2014 and May 2015. A history of dementia or a cognitive concern in the absence of a known diagnosis of dementia were recorded on admission. A cognitive concern included possible undiagnosed dementia or delirium. Function was retrospectively measured with the modified Rankin Scale at preadmission baseline, admission and discharge.

Results

There were 663 first hospital episodes over the period, of which 590 patients survived. Among the latter, 244 had no cognitive impairment, 134 a diagnosis of dementia, 66 a cognitive concern in the absence of a known dementia and 146 had missing cognitive data. When frailty, acuity, age and comorbidity were controlled for, people with known dementia had a similar functional recovery compared with those with no cognitive impairment. People with a cognitive concern, but no known dementia, had lesser functional recovery and greater disability at discharge than those with no cognitive impairment (mean discharge modified Rankin Scale 3.4 compared with 3.1, P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Dementia per se might not be a marker of poor rehabilitation potential. Older people with acute cognitive concerns might be more vulnerable to poor functional recovery. Our cognitive variables are not gold standard, and further research is required to clarify this relationship. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1438–1443.
Objectively‐measured outdoor time and physical and psychological function among older adults
Authors: Harada Kazuhiro , Lee Sangyoon , Lee Sungchul , Bae Seongryu , Harada Kenji , Suzuki Takao , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2016

Aim

Objective measurements of outdoor time are essential to establishing evidence about the health benefits of going outdoors among older adults. To better understanding the health benefits of going outdoors, clarification of potential mediators to connect going outdoors with health benefits is necessary. The present study aimed to investigate associations of objectively‐measured outdoor time with older adults’ physical and psychological function, and examine the mediating role of physical activity on these associations.

Methods

Baseline data from a randomized control trial of physical activity among older adults with global cognitive impairment was used. Data from 192 participants were analyzed. Measures included steps‐per‐day, objectively‐measured outdoor time per day using global positioning systems, physical function (cardiorespiratory fitness, lower‐extremity strength), psychological function (depression, well‐being) and basic factors.

Results

Path analysis showed that outdoor time was significantly associated with steps‐per‐day (path coefficient = 0.23) and depression (path coefficient = –0.16). Outdoor time was not directly associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, lower‐extremity strength and well‐being. However, steps‐per‐day was associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (path coefficient = 0.18), lower‐extremity strength (path coefficient = –0.22) and well‐being (path coefficient = 0.14).

Conclusions

We found that objectively‐measured outdoor time was indirectly associated with physical function, and both directly and indirectly with psychological function through physical activity among older adults. This finding indicates that going outdoors influences older adults’ health outcomes, and is mainly mediated by physical activity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1455–1462.
The gut‐kidney axis in chronic renal failure: A new potential target for therapy
Authors: Khoury Tawfik , Tzukert Keren , Abel Roy , Abu Rmeileh Ayman , Levi Ronen , Ilan Yaron
Published: September 2016

Evidence is accumulating to consider the gut microbiome as a central player in the gut‐kidney axis. Microbiome products, such as advanced glycation end products, phenols, and indoles, are absorbed into the circulation but are cleared by normal‐functioning kidneys. These products then become toxic and contribute to the uremic load and to the progression of chronic kidney failure. In this review, we discuss the gut‐kidney interaction under the state of chronic kidney failure as well as the potential mechanisms by which a change in the gut flora (termed gut dysbiosis) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) exacerbates uremia and leads to further progression of CKD and inflammation. Finally, the potential therapeutic interventions to target the gut microbiome in CKD are discussed.
No Relationship Between Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine Frequency
Authors: Larrosa Davinia , Ramón César , Alvarez Rocío , Martínez‐Camblor Pablo , Cernuda Eva , Pascual Julio
Published: September 2016

Background

Pathophysiology of migraine is not fully known. A link has been proposed between migraine and patent foramen ovale (PFO). However, there are conflicting data regarding the causal relationship between PFO and migraine.

Objective

To test a potential association between migraine frequency and PFO by way of an observational, single‐center, case‐controlled study.

Methods

We studied a total of 130 chronic migraine (CM) and 53 episodic migraine (EM) patients. Transcranial Doppler with agitated saline injection was used to evaluate the presence and degree of PFO. PFO was judged to be present if any signal was detected. The degree of PFO during rest and Valsalva was quantified as follows: small (1–10 microbubbles [MB]), medium (10–25 MB), or large (>25 MB with shower or curtain pattern). PFO detected at rest were considered permanent, while those detected during Valsalva maneuver were classified as latent.

Results

The prevalence of PFO was similar in CM and EM patients (53.1% [44.1–62.2] vs 54.7% [40.3–69.1], P = .871). PFO size was significantly larger in the EM group compared to the CM group (35.8% vs 20.3%, P = .037). The presence of permanent PFO was also significantly higher in EM compared to CM (37.7% vs 22.7%, P = .044). No differences were found according to the presence of aura.

Conclusion

This study indicates that PFO is not more common or larger in CM than in EM patients. These findings do not support a relationship between PFO and migraine frequency.
Chronic Migraine Is Associated With Sustained Elevation of Somatosensory Temporal Discrimination Thresholds
Authors: Vuralli Doga , Evren Boran H. , Cengiz Bulent , Coskun Ozlem , Bolay Hayrunnisa
Published: September 2016

Background and Objective

Migraine headache attacks have been shown to be accompanied by significant prolongation of somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values, supporting signs of disrupted sensorial processing in migraine. Chronic migraine is one of the most debilitating and challenging headache disorders with no available biomarker. We aimed to test the diagnostic value of somatosensory temporal discrimination for chronic migraine in this prospective, controlled study.

Methods

Fifteen chronic migraine patients and 15 healthy controls completed the study. Chronic migraine patients were evaluated twice, during a headache and headache‐free period. Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values were evaluated in both hands. Duration of migraine and chronic migraine, headache intensity, clinical features accompanying headache such as nausea, photophobia, phonophobia and osmophobia, and pressure pain thresholds were also recorded.

Results

In the chronic migraine group, somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values on the headache day (138.8 ± 21.8 ms for the right hand and 141.2 ± 17.4 ms for the left hand) were significantly higher than somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values on the headache free day (121.5 ± 13.8 ms for the right hand and 122.8 ± 12.6 ms for the left hand, P = .003 and P < .0001, respectively) and somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds of healthy volunteers (35.4 ± 5.5 ms for the right hand and 36.4 ± 5.4 ms for the left hand, P < .0001 and P < .0001, respectively). Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values of chronic migraine patients on the headache free day were significantly prolonged compared to somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values of the control group (121.5 ± 13.8 ms vs 35.4 ± 5.5 ms for the right hand, P < .0001 and 122.8 ± 12.6 ms vs 36.4 ± 5.4 ms for the left hand, P < .0001). Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values of the hand contralateral to the headache lateralization (153.3 ± 13.7 ms) were significantly higher (P < .0001) than the ipsilateral hand (118.2 ± 11.9 ms) in chronic migraine patients when headache was lateralized. The headache intensity of chronic migraine patients rated with visual analog score was positively correlated with the contralateral somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values.

Conclusion

Somatosensory temporal discrimination thresholds persist elevated during the headache‐free intervals in patients with chronic migraine. By providing evidence for the first time for unremitting disruption of central sensory processing, somatosensory temporal discrimination test stands out as a promising neurophysiological biomarker for chronic migraine.
Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein‐1 up‐regulates cytokines and correlates with older age and poorer prognosis in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Chang Kung‐Chao , Chen Paul C‐H , Chang Yao , Wu Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Ya‐Ping , Lai Chien‐Hsien , Jeffrey Medeiros L , Su Ih‐Jen , Wang Hsei‐Wei
Published: September 2016

Aims

Previously, we reported an association between Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), older age, and poorer prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying this association.

Methods and results

Transfection of HL cell lines with EBV latent membrane protein‐1 (LMP1) resulted in up‐regulation of many cytokine genes as assessed by the use of oligonucleotide microarrays. The up‐regulation of cytokines was validated by using an inflammatory cytokine protein array: macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, MIP‐1β, and interleukin (IL)‐13. Immunostaining of HL samples (n = 104) showed that expression of MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and IL‐13 correlated with EBV infection and LMP1 expression. Combined expression of these cytokines was more common in patients aged >60 years (P < 0.001), and was associated with a poorer prognosis (P = 0.042). In another cohort, serum levels of MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and IL‐13 were increased in HL patients (n = 53) and highest in EBV‐positive HL patients as compared with healthy controls (n = 40). Xenograft mice injected with EBV‐positive HL cells had higher serum levels of MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and IL‐13 than mice injected with EBV‐negative HL cells, although there was no difference in growth.

Conclusions

EBV infection appears to promote the release of cytokines in HL patients, and negatively impacts on patient survival. Physiological immunosenescence probably explains the association between EBV infection and older age. Cytokine modulation is a potential therapeutic target for EBV‐positive HL patients.
Do anthropometric measures accurately reflect body composition in preterm infants?
Authors: Ramel S. E. , Zhang L. , Misra S. , Anderson C. G. , Demerath E. W.
Published: September 2016

Background

Recent literature suggests that neonatal adiposity is predictive of later metabolic health, while neonatal lean mass is predictive of later cognitive function amongst preterm infants. Anthropometric indices that accurately reflect neonatal body composition could improve clinical care and aid future research, but their validity has not been systematically tested in preterm infants.

Objective

To determine the weight/length indices that best reflect neonatal body composition in preterm infants.

Methods

Weight and length were measured, and body composition (fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and percent body fat (%BF)) was assessed using air‐displacement plethysmography within 72 h of birth in 218 preterm infants. The best weight/length proxy for FFM, FM and %BF were those with the highest proportion variance explained (R2) and lowest root mean square error (RMSE) in linear regression models.

Results

Among all of the weight/length indices tested, weight/length2 was the best proxy for %BF, but nonetheless exhibited very low variance explained (R2 = 0.27) and high prediction error (RMSE = 3.5% fat). Body weight unadjusted for length was strongly associated with FFM (R2 = 0.97).

Conclusions

No weight/length index accurately reflected %BF. Weight/length indices are not appropriate for assessment of relative adiposity in preterm infants near birth.

What's known on this subject:

Compared with term infants, preterm infants have increased fat mass and diminished fat‐free mass upon hospital discharge.

Early adiposity predicts later metabolic health, while early lean mass is predictive of later neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Optimal anthropometric proxies for preterm body composition at birth are not established.

What this study adds:

Weight is an adequate surrogate for lean mass at birth in preterm infants.

There are no weight/length indices that accurately reflect neonatal adiposity at birth.
Community pharmacists as educators in Danish residential facilities: a qualitative study
Authors: Mygind Anna , El-Souri Mira , Pultz Kirsten , Rossing Charlotte , Thomsen Linda A
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To explore experiences with engaging community pharmacists in educational programmes on quality and safety in medication handling in residential facilities for the disabled.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data from two Danish intervention studies where community pharmacists were engaged in educational programmes. Data included 10 semi-structured interviews with staff, five semi-structured interviews and three open-ended questionnaires with residential facility managers, and five open-ended questionnaires to community pharmacists. Data were thematically coded to identify key points pertaining to the themes ‘pharmacists as educators' and ‘perceived effects of engaging pharmacists in competence development'.

Key findings

As educators, pharmacists were successful as medicines experts. Some pharmacists experienced pedagogical challenges. Previous teaching experience and obtained knowledge of the local residential facility before teaching often provided sufficient pedagogical skills and tailored teaching to local needs. Effects of engaging community pharmacists included in most instances improved cooperation between residential facilities and community pharmacies through a trustful relationship and improved dialogue about the residents' medication. Other effects included a perception of improved patient safety, teaching skills and branding of the pharmacy.

Conclusions

Community pharmacists provide a resource to engage in educational programmes on medication handling in residential facilities, which may facilitate improved cooperation between community pharmacies and residential facilities. However, development of pedagogical competences and understandings of local settings are prerequisites for facilities and pharmacists to experience the programmes as successful.
Management of hypertension in an Australian community pharmacy setting – patients’ beliefs and perspectives
Authors: Bajorek Beata V , LeMay Kate S , Magin Parker J , Roberts Christopher , Krass Ines , Armour Carol L
Published: September 2016

Objective

To explore patients' perspectives and experiences following a trial of a pharmacist-led service in hypertension management.

Methods

A qualitative study comprising individual interviews was conducted. Patients of a community pharmacy, where a pharmacist-led hypertension management service had been trialled in selected metropolitan regions in Sydney (Australia), were recruited to the study. Emergent themes describing patients' experiences and perspectives on the service were elicited via thematic analysis (using manual inductive coding).

Key findings

Patients' (N = 18) experiences of the service were extremely positive, especially around pharmacists' monitoring of blood pressure and provision of advice about medication adherence. Patients' participation in the service was based on their trust in, and relationship with, their pharmacist. The perception of working in a ‘team' was conveyed through the pharmacist's caring style of communication and the relaxed atmosphere of the community pharmacy. Patients felt that the community pharmacy was an obvious place for such a service because of their regular contact with the pharmacist, but was limited because the pharmacists were not able to prescribe medication.

Conclusion

Patients were extremely positive about the role of, and their experience of, the pharmacy-based hypertension management service. Factors contributing to the patients' positive experiences provide important insights for community pharmacy practice. Good rapport with the pharmacist and a long-term relationship underpin patient engagement in such services. Restrictions on the pharmacists' scope of practice prevent their expertise, and the benefits of their accessibility as a primary point of contact, from being fully realised.
‘Island Life’ before man: biogeography of palaeo‐insular mammals
Authors: van der Geer Alexandra A. E. , Lomolino Mark V. , Lyras George A.
Published: September 2016

Aim

To assess the relative contributions of colonization, speciation and human activities on species richness (S) of mammalian communities among oceanic islands.

Location

Palaeo‐islands world‐wide.

Methods

We compiled species lists from published works and compared species–area and species–isolation relationships for mammalian taxa of 36 islands over three stages of community development during the late Pleistocene and Holocene: at colonization, or founding (Sf); after in situ speciation, but before colonization by humans (Ss); and during the Anthropocene (SA), that is, following human colonization and subsequent extinctions and species introductions. We used regression and correlation analyses to compare Sf and Ss patterns to assess the impact of speciation on the native assemblages, and compared these patterns to those expected by island biogeography theory (largely based on patterns for extant insular faunas). We then compared patterns for Ss and SA to assess impacts of human activities on insular community structure.

Results

Although patterns for Sf were consistent with those expected based on island biogeography theory (Sf increasing with area and decreasing with isolation), patterns for Ss were quite anomalous, with uncharacteristically steep log‐log slopes (high z‐values) of the species–area relationship, and no significant influence of isolation on Ss. Analyses based on contemporary assemblages (SA) indicated that human activities have rendered native assemblages highly depauperate, while anthropogenic introductions have inflated richness far above Ss on all but the largest islands.

Main conclusions

Long‐standing models of island biogeography may prove inadequate unless their conceptual domains are expanded to include the effects of all three fundamental, biogeographical processes (immigration, extinction and speciation), the impact of human activities on each of these processes, and the likelihood that, at least for very large and isolated islands, a long‐term equilibrium among these processes is seldom achieved.
Identifying Genetic Variants in Adolescents With Oppositional Defiant Disorders and/or Conduct Disorders: A Brief Report
Authors: Oruche Ukamaka Marian , Ross Sydney E. , Carpenter Janet S. , Renbarger Jamie
Published: September 2016

PROBLEM

To add to diversity in our state biobank, we explored the feasibility of collecting genetic material from adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and/or conduct disorder (CD) and their family members. We also preliminarily explored genetic factors associated with ODD and/or CD by comparing participant data to 1000 Genome Project data on minor allele frequencies.

METHODS

Adolescents with ODD and/or CD and family members provided saliva samples for genetic testing. We evaluated five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), respectively, in the dopamine receptor subtype D2, dopamine receptor subtype D3, dopamine beta‐hydroxylase, dopamine transporter gene SLC6A3, and alpha‐2‐adrenergic receptor genes. Fisher's exact tests were used to examine differences in minor allele frequencies for each SNP.

FINDINGS

Thirty‐one viable samples were genotyped from 15 affected adolescents and 16 unaffected family members; the 60% consent rate reflected high feasibility. Compared with the 1000 Genome Project frequencies, affected adolescents had higher frequencies of the genetic variant in the dopamine receptor subtype D2 (p = .05) and dopamine beta‐hydroxylase (p = 0.03), but not of the other three SNPs examined.

CONCLUSIONS

Collecting genetic materials from an ethnically diverse sample of affected adolescents and their families is feasible. We offer practical suggestions to strengthen the integrity of future research studies.
Cold‐associated perniosis of the thighs histopathologically mimicking lupus. Six observations
Authors: Karkouche R. , Bernigaud C. , Fontugne J. , Zehou O. , Bellaud G. , N'Diaye M. , Cherif K. , Wolkenstein P. , Chosidow O. , Ortonne N. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S.
Published: September 2016

Background

Equestrian cold panniculitis has been described since 1980 in horse riders or in stable employees. Histological aspect is underdescribed.

Patients and methods

We describe clinical and histological features of six horse riding or stable employees patients presenting with upper lateral thigh lesions during the winter months between 2014 and 2016 in our dermatological department.

Results

Six horse riding or stable employees ladies without any known disease presented with similar symptoms. They had urticarial or violaceous, slightly pruritic, sometimes necrotic lesions of the upper lateral thighs. Clinically, equestrian cold panniculitis, insect bite or a caustic dermatitis was suspected. Four of these patients had a cutaneous biopsy. They all showed a similar histological appearance resembling lupus erythematosus, combining dermo‐epidermal lesions, with foci of interface dermatitis, an abundant dermal lymphocytic infiltrate and a dermal mucinosis. Hypodermal infiltration was present on samples including subcutis. Laboratory workup for systemic disease was unremarkable for two patients and not performed for the four others, having no other clinical sign of lupus. All patients improved rapidly with very high potent topical steroids.

Conclusion

Cold‐associated perniosis of the thighs should be considered whenever a histopathological appearance of lupus is associated with lesions of the upper lateral thighs in patients practicing horse riding. This disease belongs to the spectrum of miscellaneous cold‐induced dermatoses in which histopathological lesions identical to lupus can be encountered.
Evaluation of tricin, a stylet probing stimulant of brown planthopper, in infested and non‐infested rice plants
Authors: Zhang Z. , Cui B. , Yan S. , Li Y. , Xiao H. , Li Y. , Zhang Y.
Published: September 2016

The flavone, tricin (5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐3′,5′‐dimethoxyflavone), is a valuable secondary metabolite that is common in gramineous plants, including cultivated rice (Oryza sativa). It can defend the rice plant against infestation by the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål, one of the most important pests of rice. This study evaluated the tricin concentration in infested and non‐infested rice plants. The results of the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) quantitative analysis showed that the tricin concentration in rice leaves was significantly higher than in the stems and roots. The mass concentration of tricin in the leaves at the leaf stage was significantly higher than at the tiller and booting stages. The relationship between rice variety, BPH resistance and tricin concentration was investigated. There was a significant negative correlation between tricin concentration and the injury severity scores for rice varieties. Moreover, BPH infestation caused variations in tricin concentration among rice plants. High BPH infestation levels can significantly reduce the tricin concentration in rice plants. However, there is no significant effect of the length of infestation times on tricin concentrations in rice leaves. These results suggest that there may be an elicitor in BPH saliva, which is injected into rice plants during BPH infestation and triggers the tricin metabolic system. Future studies need to identify the elicitor and clarify the mechanism underlying tricin reduction in infested rice plants.
In Search of Modifiable Risk and Protective Factors for Teen Dating Violence
Authors: Smith‐Darden Joanne P. , Kernsmith Poco D. , Reidy Dennis E. , Cortina Kai S.
Published: September 2016

The present research explores the additive and interactive effects of anger or hostility (A/H), acceptance of violence (AoV), and constructive conflict resolution strategies (CRS) on the perpetration of physical and sexual teen dating violence (TDV). Adolescents completed surveys assessing physical and sexual TDV perpetration, A/H, AoV, and positive CRS. While the findings require replication with longitudinal data, the results suggest that developing interventions to modify AoV and A/H may have the potential to prevent instances of TDV perpetration among both boys and girls. The results for CRS were mixed and necessitate further exploration. These cross‐sectional data provide insight into potentially fruitful areas of exploration for the development and tailoring of prevention strategies for teens at risk for physical and sexual TDV perpetration.
EEG spectral analysis of NREM sleep in a large sample of patients with insomnia and good sleepers: effects of age, sex and part of the night
Authors: Svetnik Vladimir , Snyder Ellen S. , Ma Junshui , Tao Peining , Lines Christopher , Herring William Joseph
Published: September 2016

Previous studies of the differences between patients with insomnia and good sleepers with regard to quantitative electroencephalographic measures have mostly utilized small samples and consequently had limited ability to account for potentially important confounding factors of age, sex and part of the night. We conducted a power spectral analysis using a large database of sleep electroencephalographic recordings to evaluate differences between patients with insomnia (N = 803) and good sleepers (N = 811), while simultaneously accounting for these factors and their interaction. Comparisons of power as a function of age and part of the night were made between cohorts (patients with insomnia versus good sleepers) by sex. Absolute power in the delta, theta and sigma bands declined with age for both females and males. Females had significantly greater power than males at all ages, and for each band, cohort and part of the night. These sex differences were much greater than differences between patients with insomnia and good sleepers. Compared with good sleepers, patients with insomnia under age 40–45 years had reduced delta band power during Part 1 of the night. Females with insomnia over age 45 years had increased delta and theta band power in Parts 2 and 3 of the night, and males with insomnia under age 40 years had reduced theta power in Part 1. Females with insomnia had increased beta2 power in all parts of the night, and males with insomnia had reduced alpha power during all parts of the night. Relative power (the proportion that an individual frequency band contributes to the total power) decreased in the delta band and increased in all other bands with age for both cohorts, sexes and all parts of the night. This analysis provides a unique resource for quantitative information on the differences in power spectra between patients with insomnia and good sleepers accounting for age, sex and part of the night.
Environmental gradients structure tropical tree assemblages at the regional scale
Authors: Krishnadas Meghna , Kumar Ajith , Comita Liza S.
Published: September 2016

Questions

Environmental filtering and niche differences influence assembly of tree communities at multiple spatial scales. At regional scales, determining the environmental variables that primarily influence compositional variation in species assemblages reveals ecologically relevant habitat types for conservation. Strength of species’ association with these habitats and differences in species occurrence along environmental gradients lend credence to niche‐based assembly and help estimate responses of tree communities to natural or human‐mediated environmental change.

Location

Western Ghats, India.

Methods

We analysed an openly available data set of ca. 62 000 trees (>10 cm DBH) in 96 1‐ha plots across a 22 000 km2 landscape, using multivariate regression trees (MRT) to identify compositional groups related to combinations of temperature, rainfall and soil type. Next, we conducted indicator species analysis to assess species associations with habitats. We then compared species richness and diversity among habitats. Finally, to discern niche overlap we assessed pair‐wise differences between species in their abundance distributions along environmental gradients.

Results

Environmental gradients clearly influenced landscape‐scale tree assemblages in this region. Nine ecological habitat types were identified: annual rainfall was the most important variable driving compositional differences, followed by temperature, seasonality and soils. Approximately 17% of 398 species tested were associated with single habitats. Number of species associations and local diversity varied significantly among habitats. Between 29 and 50% of species pairs showed significant differences in their distributions along environmental gradients considered.

Conclusions

Relating compositionally defined tree assemblages to combinations of abiotic variables allows ecologically robust recognition of habitat types for conservation planning. Compositional differences structured by annual rainfall and temperature suggests that climate change can impact species persistence and tree community composition in the Western Ghats. Specifically, future research should assess drought response of forests by examining recruitment and survival of species in different combinations of rainfall, temperature and human disturbances.
A randomized trial comparing terlipressin and noradrenaline in patients with cirrhosis and septic shock
Authors: Choudhury Ashok , Kedarisetty Chandan K. , Vashishtha Chitranshu , Saini Deepak , Kumar Sachin , Maiwall Rakhi , Sharma Manoj K. , Bhadoria Ajeet S. , Kumar Guresh , Joshi Yogendra K. , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: September 2016

Background & Aims

The choice of vasopressor for treating cirrhosis with septic shock is unclear. While noradrenaline in general is the preferred vasopressor, terlipressin improves microcirculation in addition to vasopressor action in non‐cirrhotics. We compared the efficacy and safety of noradrenaline and terlipressin in cirrhotics with septic shock.

Patients and Methods

Cirrhotics with septic shock underwent open label randomization to receive either terlipressin (n=42) or noradrenaline (n=42) infusion at a titrated dose. The primary outcome was mean arterial pressure (MAP) >65 mm Hg at 48 h.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the terlipressin and noradrenaline groups.SBP and pneumonia were major sources of sepsis. A higher proportion of patients on terlipressin were able to achieve MAP >65 mm of Hg (92.9% vs 69.1% P=.005) at 48 h. Subsequent discontinuation of vasopressor after hemodynamic stability was better with terlipressin (33.3% vs 11.9%, P<.05). Terlipressin compared to noradrenaline prevented variceal bleed (0% vs 9.5%, P=.01) and improved survival at 48 h (95.2% vs 71.4%, P=.003). Percentage lactate clearance (LC) is an independent predictor of survival [P=.0001, HR=3.9 (95% CI: 1.85‐8.22)] after achieving the target MAP.Therapy related adverse effect were comparable in both the arms (40.5% vs 21.4%, P=.06), mostly minor (GradeII‐88%) and reversible.

Conclusions

Terlipressin is as effective as noradrenaline as a vasopressor in cirrhotics with septic shock and can serve as a useful drug. Terlipressin additionally provides early survival benefit and reduces the risk of variceal bleed. Lactate clearance is a better predictor of outcome even after achieving target MAP, suggesting the role of microcirculation in septic shock.
Rotational thromboelastometry can detect factor XIII deficiency and bleeding diathesis in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Bedreli Sotiria , Sowa Jan‐Peter , Malek Saraa , Blomeyer Sandra , Katsounas Antonios , Gerken Guido , Saner Fuat H. , Canbay Ali
Published: September 2016

Background & Aims

Patients with progressive liver disease exhibit complex coagulation disorders. Factor XIII plays a crucial role in the last steps of haemostasis, and its deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of bleeding diathesis. However, current conventional coagulation tests cannot detect factor XIII deficiency. In this study, we examined factor XIII activity and the ability of rotational thromboelastometry to detect factor XIII deficiency and bleeding diathesis in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 74 patients with cirrhosis, comparing the results of conventional coagulation tests (international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, fibrinogen level), rotational thromboelastometry, factor XIII activity and clinical scores.

Results

Patients with cirrhosis exhibited reduced factor XIII activity. Factor XIII activity was positively correlated with conventional coagulation parameters and rotational thromboelastometry values, such as maximum clot formation (MCF)extem (r=.48, P<.0001) and MCFfibtem (r=.60, P<.0001). However, maximum lysis (ML)extem and MLaptem were not correlated with factor XIII activity. Three‐month mortality rates (P=.0469) and bleeding complications (P<.0001) were significantly associated with lower factor XIII activity. Patients with haemorrhage exhibited significantly altered rotational thromboelastometry values.

Conclusions

Reduced levels of MCFextem and MCFfibtem but not high levels of MLextem and MLaptem are associated with factor XIII deficiency in patients with liver disease. Therefore, substituting factor XIII should be considered for such patients to strengthen clot formation in patients experiencing haemorrhage or those who have undergone interventions.
Current challenges and future directions for liver transplantation
Authors: Toniutto Pierluigi , Zanetto Alberto , Ferrarese Alberto , Burra Patrizia
Published: September 2016

Liver transplantation is an effective and widely used therapy for several patients with acute and chronic liver diseases. The discrepancy between the number of patients on the waiting list and available donors remains the key issue and is responsible for the high rate of waiting list mortality. The recent news is that the majority of patients with hepatitis C virus related liver disease will be cured by new antivirals therefore we should expect soon a reduction in the need of liver transplantation for these recipients. This review aims to highlight, in two different sections, the main open issues of liver transplantation concerning the current and future strategies to the best use of limited number of organs. The first section cover the strategies to increase the donor pool, discussing the use of older donors, split grafts, living donation and donation after cardiac death and mechanical perfusion systems to improve the preservation of organs before liver transplantation. Challenges in immunosuppressive therapy and operational tolerance induction will be evaluated as potential tools to increase the survival in liver transplant recipients and to reducing the need of re‐transplantation. The second section is devoted to the evaluation of possible new indications to liver transplantation, where the availability of organs by implementing the strategies mentioned in the first section and the reduction in the number of waiting transplants for HCV disease is realized. Among these new potential indications for transplantation, the expansion of the Milan criteria for hepatocellular cancer is certainly the most open to question.
Tilted: The familiar axes of politics are changing, with momentous consequences
Authors: Crouch Colin
Published: September 2016

Economic globalisation and its diverse effects are producing new social and political identities that depart sharply from those forged in the struggles of the past. Colin Crouch presents a guide to the shifting conflict axes within western societies, and their likely consequences.
Our new voters: Brexit, political mobilisation and the emerging electoral cleavage
Authors: Birch Sarah
Published: September 2016

Since the EU referendum we've been obsessed with the ‘new fault lines’ in British politics – at the expense, Sarah Birch suggests, of the mobilisational aspect of the vote. Turnout was high, young people were engaged and energised – and if these new voters return to the ballot box, they may change the complexion of UK politics for a generation.
Between Scylla and Charybdis: Brexit as fate and trap
Authors: Thompson Helen
Published: September 2016

From the Wilson and Heath governments' early, uneasy embrace of Brussels onwards, the contradictions in the UK's insistence on monetary sovereignty within the single market put it on an outward trajectory from Europe, argues Helen Thompson. However, Brexit may intensify more conflicts of interest than it resolves.
The post‐capitalist interregnum: The old system is dying, but a new social order cannot yet be born
Authors: Streeck Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

A ‘post‐capitalist interregnum’ is dawning, argues Wolfgang Streeck – a prolonged period of social entropy, radical uncertainty and indeterminacy, in which society is essentially ungovernable and no new world order waits in the wings. Tracing the four‐stage crisis sequence of neoliberal capitalism up to today's disintegrating state system, he finds it exemplified in borderless Europe – and specifically in Britain's fateful referenda.
Gα and regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) protein pairs maintain functional compatibility and conserved interaction interfaces throughout evolution despite frequent loss of RGS proteins in plants
Authors: Hackenberg Dieter , McKain Michael R. , Lee Soon Goo , Roy Choudhury Swarup , McCann Tyler , Schreier Spencer , Harkess Alex , Pires J. Chris , Wong Gane Ka‐Shu , Jez Joseph M. , Kellogg Elizabeth A. , Pandey Sona
Published: September 2016

Signaling pathways regulated by heterotrimeric G‐proteins exist in all eukaryotes. The regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) proteins are key interactors and critical modulators of the Gα protein of the heterotrimer. However, while G‐proteins are widespread in plants, RGS proteins have been reported to be missing from the entire monocot lineage, with two exceptions. A single amino acid substitution‐based adaptive coevolution of the Gα:RGS proteins was proposed to enable the loss of RGS in monocots.

We used a combination of evolutionary and biochemical analyses and homology modeling of the Gα and RGS proteins to address their expansion and its potential effects on the G‐protein cycle in plants.

Our results show that RGS proteins are widely distributed in the monocot lineage, despite their frequent loss. There is no support for the adaptive coevolution of the Gα:RGS protein pair based on single amino acid substitutions. RGS proteins interact with, and affect the activity of, Gα proteins from species with or without endogenous RGS. This cross‐functional compatibility expands between the metazoan and plant kingdoms, illustrating striking conservation of their interaction interface.

We propose that additional proteins or alternative mechanisms may exist which compensate for the loss of RGS in certain plant species.
Biological and environmental hazards associated with exposure to chemical warfare agents: arsenicals
Authors: Li Changzhao , Srivastava Ritesh K. , Athar Mohammad
Published: September 2016

Arsenicals are highly reactive inorganic and organic derivatives of arsenic. These chemicals are very toxic and produce both acute and chronic tissue damage. On the basis of these observations, and considering the low cost and simple methods of their bulk syntheses, these agents were thought to be appropriate for chemical warfare. Among these, the best‐known agent that was synthesized and weaponized during World War I (WWI) is Lewisite. Exposure to Lewisite causes painful inflammatory and blistering responses in the skin, lung, and eye. These chemicals also manifest systemic tissue injury following their cutaneous exposure. Although largely discontinued after WWI, stockpiles are still known to exist in the former Soviet Union, Germany, Italy, the United States, and Asia. Thus, access by terrorists or accidental exposure could be highly dangerous for humans and the environment. This review summarizes studies that describe the biological, pathophysiological, toxicological, and environmental effects of exposure to arsenicals, with a major focus on cutaneous injury. Studies related to the development of novel molecular pathobiology–based antidotes against these agents are also described.
Harnessing glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists for the pharmacological treatment of overweight and obesity
Authors: Burcelin R. , Gourdy P.
Published: September 2016

Over the past 30 years, there has been a dramatic rise in global obesity prevalence, resulting in significant economic and social consequences. Attempts to develop pharmacological agents to treat obesity have met with many obstacles including the lack of long‐term effectiveness and the potential for adverse effects. Historically, there have been limited treatment options for overweight and obesity; however, since 2012, a number of new drugs have become available. A number of peptides produced in the gut act as key mediators of the gut–brain axis, which is involved in appetite regulation. This review discusses the role of the gut–brain axis in appetite regulation with special focus on glucagon‐like peptide‐1. Liraglutide 3.0 mg, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist that targets this pathway, is now approved for the treatment of obesity and overweight (body mass index ≥27 kg/m2) with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnoea. In addition, other glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists offer promise for obesity management in the future. This review examines how glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists promote weight loss and summarizes the clinical data on weight loss with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists.
The expression of heterologous Fe (III) phytosiderophore transporter HvYS1 in rice increases Fe uptake, translocation and seed loading and excludes heavy metals by selective Fe transport
Authors: Banakar Raviraj , Alvarez Fernández Ána , Abadía Javier , Capell Teresa , Christou Paul
Published: September 2016

Many metal transporters in plants are promiscuous, accommodating multiple divalent cations including some which are toxic to humans. Previous attempts to increase the iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content of rice endosperm by overexpressing different metal transporters have therefore led unintentionally to the accumulation of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and cadmium (Cd). Unlike other metal transporters, barley Yellow Stripe 1 (HvYS1) is specific for Fe. We investigated the mechanistic basis of this preference by constitutively expressing HvYS1 in rice under the control of the maize ubiquitin1 promoter and comparing the mobilization and loading of different metals. Plants expressing HvYS1 showed modest increases in Fe uptake, root‐to‐shoot translocation, seed accumulation and endosperm loading, but without any change in the uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation of Zn, Mn or Cu, confirming the selective transport of Fe. The concentrations of Zn and Mn in the endosperm did not differ significantly between the wild‐type and HvYS1 lines, but the transgenic endosperm contained significantly lower concentrations of Cu. Furthermore, the transgenic lines showed a significantly reduced Cd uptake, root‐to‐shoot translocation and accumulation in the seeds. The underlying mechanism of metal uptake and translocation reflects the down‐regulation of promiscuous endogenous metal transporters revealing an internal feedback mechanism that limits seed loading with Fe. This promotes the preferential mobilization and loading of Fe, therefore displacing Cu and Cd in the seed.