bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas chromatography column as an ambient‐temperature volatile trap
Authors: Kuenen L.P.S. , Hicks Matt N.
Published: December 2014

Open‐tube volatile traps have largely been shunned in favor of solid adsorbent containing traps for the collection of volatile pheromones and attractants. Solid adsorbents require large solvent rinses and glass capillaries can be difficult to maneuver for the collection of volatiles from small or hard‐to‐reach odor sources. A gas chromatograph (GC) column (DB‐1), an open‐tube glass capillary, and a SuperQ®‐containing capillary were compared for their collection efficiencies from rubber septa and live calling insects. All three traps captured similar ratios of test compounds from septa at airflows >10 ml per min. Eluting analytes from a packed adsorbent, SuperQ, required at least 30× more solvent than was required to collect all the pheromone from the open‐tube glass capillaries, and the GC column enjoyed an additional three‐fold reduced solvent volume compared to the glass capillary. Thus, analytes could be eluted from the GC‐column trap and directly analyzed on GC without solvent evaporation. We placed glass wool ‘plugs’ in both GC columns and glass capillaries and found no volatiles in these plugs, indicating that breakthrough did not occur during 1‐h collections at 25 ml per min. We demonstrate here that at ambient laboratory temperatures, a DB‐1 GC column effectively collects Oriental fruit moth sex pheromone volatiles from a rubber septum and live pheromone‐releasing moths. Release ratios of pheromone from rubber septa are consistent with earlier reports from static air systems, whereas the release ratio of the (Z)‐8‐dodecenyl alcohol (Z8‐12:OH) from female Grapholita molesta Busck (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) differed from published results and is likely due to different collection methods or moth‐strain origin.
Colour change ability and its effect on prey capture success in female Misumenoides formosipes crab spiders
Authors: ANDERSON ALISSA G. , DODSON GARY N.
Published: December 2014

1. Changing between white and yellow body colour in certain crab spider species has been interpreted as an adaptation for matching the background colour where they hunt and thereby remaining cryptic to prey and/or their own predators. The potential costs and benefits of colour change in female Misumenoides formosipes Walckenaer were investigated via assessment of prey opportunities and capture success, in conjunction with the tendency for and rate of colour change on different backgrounds.

2. It was tested whether being matched or mismatched to their background affected foraging by moving females between white and yellow inflorescences. Female colour was quantified in digital photos using the Lab colour space component of Adobe photoshop, providing the first empirical assessment of the rate of colour change for a crab spider species.

3. Insect visits (potential prey) on inflorescences with and without spiders and prey capture success with females matched and mismatched to their background were quantified.

4. Yellow females abandoned white inflorescences, whereas white females remained on and underwent colour change on yellow inflorescences. This difference supported the notion that the costs of colour change differ depending on the starting colour. Female departures from white flowers were apparently not due to a lack of insect visitation, as white inflorescences had higher visitation rates than did yellow inflorescences, even in the presence of spiders.

5. An increase in the prey capture success of females who transitioned from white to yellow body colour on a yellow background supported the hypothesis that colour matching functions to deceive prey.
Natalizumab improves ambulation in relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis: results from the prospective TIMER study and a retrospective analysis of AFFIRM
Authors: Voloshyna N. , Havrdová E. , Hutchinson M. , Nehrych T. , You X. , Belachew S. , Hotermans C. , Paes D.
Published: December 2014

Background and purpose

Impaired ambulation is a prominent disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis and can lead to reduced quality of life. Whether natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody shown to reduce disease activity in relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis, could impact ambulation performance was examined.

Methods

A prospective open‐label study, TIMER, was conducted in natalizumab‐naive patients (n = 215). The timed 25‐foot walk (T25FW) and timed 100‐m walk (T100MW) were assessed at baseline and at weeks 24 and 48 of natalizumab therapy, together with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. The effects of natalizumab on T25FW performance were also examined in a retrospective analysis of natalizumab‐treated patients (n = 627) and placebo control patients (n = 315) from the AFFIRM study.

Results

In TIMER, a significant increase from baseline in T25FW speed was seen at week 24 (P = 0.0074) and in T100MW speed at weeks 24 and 48 (both P < 0.001). A greater proportion of patients showed clinically meaningful increases (≥20%) in walking speed on the T100MW (25%) than on the T25FW (13%) at week 48 (P = 0.032). In AFFIRM, natalizumab increased the proportion of patients with ≥20% confirmed improvement in T25FW speed at year 2 by 78% versus placebo (P = 0.0133).

Conclusions

Natalizumab increased walking speed in patients with relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis. The T100MW may be more sensitive to changes in ambulation capacity than the T25FW, and both tests appear to detect clinically meaningful improvements in ambulatory function.
Intercontinental genetic structure and gene flow inDunlin (Calidris alpina), a potential vector of avian influenza
Authors: Miller Mark P. , Haig Susan M. , Mullins Thomas D. , Ruan Luzhang , Casler Bruce , Dondua Alexei , Gates H. River , Johnson J. Matthew , Kendall Steve , Tomkovich Pavel S. , Tracy Diane , Valchuk Olga P. , Lanctot Richard B.
Published: December 2014

Waterfowl (Anseriformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are the most common wild vectors of influenza A viruses. Due to their migratory behavior, some may transmit disease over long distances. Migratory connectivity studies can link breeding and nonbreeding grounds while illustrating potential interactions among populations that may spread diseases. We investigated Dunlin (Calidris alpina), a shorebird with a subspecies (C. a. arcticola) that migrates from nonbreeding areas endemic to avian influenza in eastern Asia to breeding grounds in northern Alaska. Using microsatellites and mitochondrialDNA, we illustrate genetic structure among six subspecies:C. a. arcticola,C. a. pacifica,C. a. hudsonia,C. a. sakhalina,C. a. kistchinski, andC. a. actites. We demonstrate that mitochondrialDNAcan help distinguishC. a. arcticolaon the Asian nonbreeding grounds with >70% accuracy depending on their relative abundance, indicating that genetics can help determine whetherC. a. arcticolaoccurs where they may be exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) during outbreaks. Our data reveal asymmetric intercontinental gene flow, with someC. a. arcticolashort‐stopping migration to breed withC. a. pacificain western Alaska. BecauseC. a. pacificamigrates along the Pacific Coast of North America, interactions between these subspecies and other taxa provide route for transmission ofHPAIinto other parts of North America.
5‐hydroxymethylfurfural conversion by fungal aryl‐alcohol oxidase and unspecific peroxygenase
Authors: Carro Juan , Ferreira Patricia , Rodríguez Leonor , Prieto Alicia , Serrano Ana , Balcells Beatriz , Ardá Ana , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Gutiérrez Ana , Ullrich René , Hofrichter Martin , Martínez Angel T.
Published: December 2014

Oxidative conversion of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is of biotechnological interest for the production of renewable (lignocellulose‐based) platform chemicals, such as 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). To the best of our knowledge, the ability of fungal aryl‐alcohol oxidase (AAO) to oxidize HMF is reported here for the first time, resulting in almost complete conversion into 2,5‐formylfurancarboxylic acid (FFCA) in a few hours. The reaction starts with alcohol oxidation, yielding 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF), which is rapidly converted into FFCA by carbonyl oxidation, most probably without leaving the enzyme active site. This agrees with the similar catalytic efficiencies of the enzyme with respect to oxidization of HMF and DFF, and its very low activity on 2,5‐hydroxymethylfurancarboxylic acid (which was not detected by GC‐MS). However, AAO was found to be unable to directly oxidize the carbonyl group in FFCA, and only modest amounts of FDCA are formed from HMF (most probably by chemical oxidation of FFCA by the H2O2 previously generated by AAO). As aldehyde oxidation by AAO proceeds via the corresponding geminal diols (aldehyde hydrates), the various carbonyl oxidation rates may be related to the low degree of hydration of FFCA compared with DFF. The conversion of HMF was completed by introducing a fungal unspecific heme peroxygenase that uses the H2O2 generated by AAO to transform FFCA into FDCA, albeit more slowly than the previous AAO reactions. By adding this peroxygenase when FFCA production by AAO has been completed, transformation of HMF into FDCA may be achieved in a reaction cascade in which O2 is the only co‐substrate required, and water is the only by‐product formed.
A Crook is a Crook . . . But is He Still a Crook Abroad? On the Effect of Immigration on Destination-Country Corruption
Authors: Dimant Eugen , Redlin Margarete , Krieger Tim
Published: December 2014

This paper analyzes the impact of migration on destination-country corruption levels. Capitalizing on a comprehensive dataset consisting of annual immigration stocks of OECD countries from 207 countries of origin for the period 1984-2008, we explore different channels through which corruption might migrate. We employ different estimation methods using fixed effects and Tobit regressions in order to validate our findings. Moreover, we also address the issue of endogeneity by using the Difference- Generalized Method of Moments estimator. Independent of the econometric methodology, we consistently find that while general migration has an insignificant effect on the destination country’s corruption level, immigration from corruption-ridden origin countries boosts corruption in the destination country. Our findings provide a more profound understanding of the socioeconomic implications associated with migration flows.
Long‐Term Groundwater Depletion in the United States
Authors: Konikow Leonard F.
Published: December 2014

The volume of groundwater stored in the subsurface in the United States decreased by almost 1000 km3 during 1900–2008. The aquifer systems with the three largest volumes of storage depletion include the High Plains aquifer, the Mississippi Embayment section of the Gulf Coastal Plain aquifer system, and the Central Valley of California. Depletion rates accelerated during 1945–1960, averaging 13.6 km3/year during the last half of the century, and after 2000 increased again to about 24 km3/year. Depletion intensity is a new parameter, introduced here, to provide a more consistent basis for comparing storage depletion problems among various aquifers by factoring in time and areal extent of the aquifer. During 2001–2008, the Central Valley of California had the largest depletion intensity. Groundwater depletion in the United States can explain 1.4% of observed sea‐level rise during the 108‐year study period and 2.1% during 2001–2008. Groundwater depletion must be confronted on local and regional scales to help reduce demand (primarily in irrigated agriculture) and/or increase supply.
A review of the impacts of corvids on bird productivity and abundance
Authors: Madden Christine F. , Arroyo Beatriz , Amar Arjun
Published: December 2014

Corvids are often viewed as efficient predators capable of limiting prey species populations. Despite this widely held belief, a comprehensive review quantifying the effect of corvids on the demography of prey species is lacking. We examine the impacts of crows, ravens Corvus spp. and Eurasian Magpies Pica pica on the population parameters of other bird species. We summarize results from 42 studies, which included 326 explicit evaluations of relationships between a corvid and a potential prey species. Population parameters of studied prey species were categorized as abundance‐related (numbers, nest density) or productivity‐related (nest success, brood size). Information from both experimental removal studies and correlative studies was examined. Combining all studies, no negative influence of corvids on either abundance or productivity of prey species was found in 81% of cases. Negative impacts were significantly more likely in cases examining productivity rather than abundance (46 vs. 10%). Experimental studies that removed only corvid species were significantly less likely to show a positive impact on productivity than those removing corvids alongside other predators (16 vs. 60%). This suggests that the impact of corvids is smaller than that of other predators, or that compensatory predation occurs. The impact of corvids was similar between diverse avian groups (such as gamebirds, passerines and waders; or ground‐nesting and other species). Crows were found to be significantly more likely to have a negative impact on prey species productivity than were Magpies (62 vs. 12%), but no differences were found in relation to prey abundance. We conclude that while corvids can have a negative impact on bird species, their impact is small overall, and nearly five times more frequent for productivity than for abundance. These results suggest that in most cases bird populations are unlikely to be limited by corvid predation and that conservation measures may generally be better targeted at other limiting factors. However, negative impacts were found in a minority of cases, and those may require further investigation to develop management tools to mitigate such impacts where they are of economic or conservation concern.
Key residues at the membrane‐distal surface of KACL, but not glycosylation, determine the functional interaction of the keratinocyte‐specific C‐type lectin‐like receptor KACL with its high‐affinity receptor NKp65
Authors: Bauer Björn , Spreu Jessica , Rohe Christina , Vogler Isabel , Steinle Alexander
Published: December 2014

Keratinocyte‐associated C‐type lectin (KACL) is a peculiar C‐type lectin‐like receptor (CTLR) due to its selective expression by human keratinocytes and cognate interaction with the genetically coupled CTLR NKp65. KACL and NKp65 are members of the CLEC2 and NKRP1 subfamilies of natural killer gene complex (NKC)‐encoded CTLR, respectively. Most NKRP1 molecules are expressed on NK cells and T cells and act as receptors of CLEC2 glycoproteins with their genes being intermingled in a certain sub‐region of the mammalian NKC. The reasons for the tight genetic linkage of these dedicated receptor/ligand pairs are unknown, as is the physiological expression of NKp65. Recently, we reported that the CTLR NKp65 and KACL interact with high affinity, resulting in activation of NKp65‐expressing NK‐92MI cells. Here, we address the molecular basis of this high‐affinity interaction by analysing KACL mutants with KACL‐specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb), soluble NKp65 (sNKp65) and NK‐92MI‐NKp65 cells. We find that none of the three N‐linked carbohydrates of KACL glycoproteins significantly contributes to KACL surface expression and NKp65 interaction. However, KACL mutants with non‐conservative amino acid substitutions of arginine 158 or isoleucine 161 abrogated binding of both KACL‐specific mAb OMA1 and sNKp65, well in line with the blockade of NKp65–KACL interaction by OMA1. Accordingly, functional recognition of these KACL mutants by NK‐92M‐NKp65 cells was completely abolished. Arginine 158 and isoleucine 161 located at the membrane‐distal surface of KACL were defined as residues, decisively determining functional KACL–NKp65 interaction that is independent of KACL glycosylation.
Man's best friend: what can pet dogs teach us about non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Authors: Richards Kristy L. , Suter Steven E.
Published: December 2014

Animal models are essential for understanding lymphoma biology and testing new treatments prior to human studies. Spontaneously arising lymphomas in pet dogs represent an underutilized resource that could be used to complement current mouse lymphoma models, which do not adequately represent all aspects of the human disease. Canine lymphoma resembles human lymphoma in many important ways, including characteristic translocations and molecular abnormalities and similar therapeutic responses to chemotherapy, radiation, and newer targeted therapies (e.g. ibrutinib). Given the large number of pet dogs and high incidence of lymphoma, particularly in susceptible breeds, dogs represent a largely untapped resource for advancing the understanding and treatment of human lymphoma. This review highlights similarities in molecular biology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes between human and canine lymphoma. It also describes resources that are currently available to study canine lymphoma, advantages to be gained by exploiting the genetic breed structure in dogs, and current and future challenges and opportunities to take full advantage of this resource for lymphoma studies.
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E in the nucleus: taking the road less traveled
Authors: Osborne Michael J. , Borden Katherine L. B.
Published: December 2014

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E is a potent oncogene. Although eIF4E has traditional roles in translation initiation in the cytoplasm, it is also found in the nucleus, suggesting that it has activities beyond its role in protein synthesis. The road less traveled has been taken to study these nuclear activities and to understand their contribution to the oncogenic potential of eIF4E. The molecular features and biological pathways underpinning eIF4E's nuclear mRNA export are described. New classes of eIF4E regulators have been identified and their relevance to cancer shown. The studies presented here reveal the molecular, biophysical, and structural bases for eIF4E regulation. Finally, recent clinical work targeting eIF4E in acute myeloid leukemia patients with ribavirin is discussed. In summary, these findings provide a novel paradigm for eIF4E function and the molecular basis for targeting it in leukemia patients.
Novel immunotherapies for hematologic malignancies
Authors: Nelson Michelle H. , Paulos Chrystal M.
Published: December 2014

The immune system is designed to discriminate between self and tumor tissue. Through genetic recombination, there is fundamentally no limit to the number of tumor antigens that immune cells can recognize. Yet, tumors use a variety of immunosuppressive mechanisms to evade immunity. Insight into how the immune system interacts with tumors is expanding rapidly and has accelerated the translation of immunotherapies into medical breakthroughs. Herein, we appraise novel strategies that exploit the patient's immune system to kill cancer. We review various forms of immune‐based therapies, which have shown significant promise in patients with hematologic malignancies, including (i) conventional monoclonal therapies like rituximab; (ii) engineered monoclonal antibodies called bispecific T‐cell engagers; (iii) monoclonal antibodies and pharmaceutical drugs that block inhibitory T‐cell pathways (i.e. PD‐1, CTLA‐4, and IDO); and (iv) adoptive cell transfer therapy with T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors or T‐cell receptors. We also assess the idea of using these therapies in combination and conclude by suggesting multi‐prong approaches to improve treatment outcomes and curative responses in patients.
Protein ubiquitination in lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Yang Yibin , Staudt Louis M.
Published: December 2014

Human lymphoid malignancies inherit gene expression networks from their normal B‐cell counterpart and co‐opt them for their own oncogenic purpose, which is usually governed by transcription factors and signaling pathways. These transcription factors and signaling pathways are precisely regulated at multiple steps, including ubiquitin modification. Protein ubiqutination plays a role in almost all cellular events and in many human diseases. In the past few years, multiple studies have expanded the role of ubiquitination in the genesis of diverse lymphoid malignancies. Here, we discuss our current understanding of both proteolytic and non‐proteolytic functions of the protein ubiquitination system and describe how it is involved in the pathogenesis of human lymphoid cancers. Lymphoid‐restricted ubiquitination mechanisms, including ubiquitin E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes, provide great opportunities for the development of targeted therapies for lymphoid cancers.
Peripheral T‐cell and NK cell lymphoproliferative disorders: cell of origin, clinical and pathological implications
Authors: Inghirami Giorgio , Chan Wing C. , Pileri Stefano ,   the AIRC 5xMille consortium ‘Genetics‐driven targeted management of lymphoid malignancies’
Published: December 2014

T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with distinct clinical‐biological properties. The normal cellular counterpart of these processes has been postulated based on functional and immunophenotypic analyses. However, T lymphocytes have been proven to be remarkably capable of modulating their properties, adapting their function in relationship with multiple stimuli and to the microenvironment. This impressive plasticity is determined by the equilibrium among a pool of transcription factors and by DNA chromatin regulators. It is now proven that the acquisition of specific genomic defects leads to the enforcement/activation of distinct pathways, which ultimately alter the preferential activation of defined regulators, forcing the neoplastic cells to acquire features and phenotypes distant from their original fate. Thus, dissecting the landscape of the genetic defects and their functional consequences in T‐cell neoplasms is critical not only to pinpoint the origin of these tumors but also to define innovative mechanisms to re‐adjust an unbalanced state to which the tumor cells have become addicted and make them vulnerable to therapies and targetable by the immune system. In our review, we briefly describe the pathological and clinical aspects of the T‐cell lymphoma subtypes as well as NK‐cell lymphomas and then focus on the current understanding of their pathogenesis and the implications on diagnosis and treatment.
Japanese nurse practitioner practice and outcomes in a nursing home
Authors: Ono M. , Miyauchi S. , Edzuki Y. , Saiki K. , Fukuda H. , Tonai M. , Magilvy J.K. , Murashima S.
Published: December 2014

Aim

By describing the practice of a Japanese nurse practitioner, this descriptive case study discusses role development and outcomes before and after the intervention.

Background

One of the first Japanese nurse practitioners intervened at a nursing home during the government‐designated trial period for nurse practitioner practice.

Conclusion

Because of the nurse practitioner's meticulous observation and timely care provision to the residents in collaboration with the physician and the other staff in the facility, comparative data showed improvement in daily health status management of every resident and decreased deterioration of residents' health conditions requiring ambulance transfer and hospitalization.
Germany's cool power
Authors: Kluth Andreas
Published: December 2014

As German national identity at last becomes more ‘normal’, Andreas Kluth ponders what that means for the country's view of its role in Europe and the world.
Engaging enemies: Exploring the left's fascination with Friedrich Hayek
Authors: Griffiths Simon
Published: December 2014

Calling on a range of left‐wing and social democratic thinkers and commentators, Simon Griffiths highlights the potential for arch‐marketeer Friedrich Hayek's philosophy to inform a modern progressive political programme.
Spring Freeze Effect on Wheat Yield is Modulated by Winter Temperature Fluctuations: Evidence from Meta‐Analysis and Simulating Experiment
Authors: Li X. , Cai J. , Liu F. , Dai T. , Cao W. , Jiang D.
Published: December 2014

Increasing climatic variability is projected to affect large‐scale atmospheric circulation, triggers and exacerbates more extreme weather events, including winter warming and more frequent extreme low temperatures in spring. Historical data from 1961–2000 indicate these temperature fluctuations may seriously affect grain yield of winter wheat crops. In this study, a field air temperature control system (FATC) was used to simulate the winter warming, spring cold and freezing events in the field experiment in 2010–2011 to explore their impacts on growth and yield of winter wheat. Eight elite wheat varieties released during 1961–2000 were included and four temperature scenarios were applied, including late spring freeze alone, winter warming + late spring freeze, early spring cold + late spring freeze and the normal temperature condition as control. Winter warming combined with late spring freeze significantly decreased tiller survival rate, leaf photosynthetic rate and leaf growth in wheat plants, and reduced the spike number and kernel number per spike, and the final grain yield. In contrast, the wheat plants experienced early spring cold had higher tiller survival rate, leaf photosynthetic capacity and sugar accumulation and improved tolerance to the late spring freeze, resulting in less yield loss, as compared with those without experiencing early spring cold. Both the meta‐analyses and the field experimental data demonstrated that the effects of later spring freeze stress on wheat yield were exacerbated by winter warming but were extenuated by early spring cold events. Therefore, it is important to consider the characteristics of temperature fluctuations during winter to spring for precise evaluation of climate change effects on wheat production.
Discharged Energy Properties of SrO–PbO–Na2O–Nb2O5–SiO2 Glass‐Ceramics with Different Crystallization Time
Authors: Zhang Qingmeng , Li Chang , Liu Hongwei , Tang Qun , Liu Jinfeng , Li Hongtao , Wang Meng , Xie Weiping , Du Jun
Published: December 2014

Discharged energy properties of PbO–SrO–Na2O–Nb2O5–SiO2 glass‐ceramics with crystallization time from 1 to 1000 min were investigated by measuring their hysteresis loops (described as quasi‐static measuring method) and pulse‐discharge current‐time curves (described as dynamic measuring method). The results show the same trend for both measuring methods: With the increment of crystallization time, the discharged energy density increases gradually, while the energy efficiency decreases. The highest energy efficiencies were obtained in the sample with crystallization time of 1 min, which are 96.3% and 82.4%, corresponding quasi‐static and dynamic measurement, respectively. The reduction of energy efficiency with crystallization time is attributed to combined effect of ferroelectric polarization and interfacial polarization, and part of the corresponding energy could not release in the pulse‐discharge process.
A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of a postnatal psychoeducation programme on self‐efficacy, social support and postnatal depression among primiparas
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Chan Sally Wai Chi , Chong Yap Seng , He Hong‐Gu
Published: December 2014

Aim

To examine the effectiveness of a postnatal psychoeducation programme in enhancing maternal self‐efficacy and social support and reducing postnatal depression among primiparas.

Background

Primiparas experience various challenges during the early postnatal period with low self‐efficacy, depression and lack of social support. Support in the form of postnatal educational programmes is needed to improve these outcomes of primiparas.

Design

A randomized controlled two‐group pre‐test–post‐test design was adopted.

Methods

Data were collected from June–December 2012 in a public hospital in Singapore from 122 primiparas, who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 61) or control group (n = 61). The intervention group received postnatal psychoeducation programme and routine care while the control group received routine care only. The Maternal Parental Self‐Efficacy scale, Perinatal Infant Care Social Support scale and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used to measure outcomes of maternal parental self‐efficacy, social support and postnatal depression. The mean percentage changes of all three outcome variables from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks postpartum between groups were used when performing repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results

The intervention group had significantly higher scores of maternal parental self‐efficacy and social support and lower scores of postnatal depression at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum when compared with the control group.

Conclusion

The postnatal psychoeducation programme was effective in improving maternal outcomes and hence could be introduced as routine care with ongoing evaluation in the postnatal period. Future studies could focus on the effects of this programme on other populations.

Trial registration no: ISRCTN15886353.
The Thriving of Older People Assessment Scale: validity and reliability assessments
Authors: Bergland Ådel , Kirkevold Marit , Sandman Per‐Olof , Hofoss Dag , Edvardsson David
Published: December 2014

Aim

To explore construct validity and reliability of the Thriving of Older People Assessment Scale.

Background

The concept of thriving emphasizes person–environment interaction in relation to well‐being. The Thriving of Older People Assessment Scale has been developed and evaluated as a self‐report and proxy scale based on the theory of thriving.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey design.

Method

The Thriving of Older People Assessment Scale was completed by a sample of 259 residents, 146 family members and 52 staff from 13 long‐term care facilities in Norway and Sweden. Data were collected between April 2010–December 2011. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to explore construct validity in terms of factor structure and dimensionality of the 32‐item scale in relation to the thriving theory. Reliability was explored through internal consistency estimation using Cronbach's alpha and through homogeneity evaluation using corrected item‐total correlations.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis resulted in five factors (subscales) that corresponded meaningfully with the thriving theory and were labelled 1: Resident' attitudes towards being in long‐term care; 2: Quality of care and caregivers; 3: Resident engagement and peer relationships; 4: Keeping in touch with people and places; and 5: Quality of the physical environment. The scale had satisfactory internal consistency and homogeneity estimates.

Conclusion

The 32‐item Thriving of Older People Assessment Scale can be regarded as construct valid and reliable. Its factor structure corresponded logically to the thriving theory and its factors showed satisfactory internal consistency and homogeneity. Nevertheless, the TOPAS would benefit from further testing in other populations and contexts.
A randomized controlled trial examining the effectiveness of a STOMA psychosocial intervention programme on the outcomes of colorectal patients with a stoma: study protocol
Authors: Lim Siew Hoon , Chan Sally Wai‐Chi , Lai Jiunn Herng , He Hong‐Gu
Published: December 2014

Aims

To report a study protocol that evaluates the effects of a psychosocial intervention on patients with a newly formed stoma.

Background

With the loss of a significant body function and distorted body image, stoma patients experience physical, psychological and social challenges. Nurses have an important role in helping patients’ make a smooth transition to living with their stoma. Limited studies have examined the effects of psychosocial interventions on improving stoma‐related health outcomes.

Design

A randomized controlled trial is planned.

Methods

Eighty‐four patients with newly formed stoma in a tertiary hospital in Singapore (Research Ethics Committee approval obtained in January 2013) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group who receive routine care or an intervention group who receive STOMA psychosocial intervention besides routine care. Outcome variables include stoma care self‐efficacy, days to stoma proficiency, length of hospital stay, acceptance of stoma, anxiety and depression and quality of life. Data will be collected at four time points: before randomization and intervention (baseline), on the day of discharge (mid‐intervention), at 4 weeks after discharge (postintervention 1) and at 4 months after discharge (postintervention 2).

Discussion

This study will develop a psychosocial intervention programme, which may improve patients’ stoma‐related outcomes. The findings will provide direction to health professionals about education and the type of support that could be offered to patients concerning stoma care in the hospital setting, which will eventually improve their quality of life.
Unrivalled specialization in a pollination network from South Africa reveals that specialization increases with latitude only in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Pauw Anton , Stanway Rosanne
Published: December 2014

Aim

We aimed to produce the first complete pollination network for Africa to test (1) whether South African plants are unusually specialized in their interactions with pollinators, and (2) whether the South African data conform with global patterns of specialization.

Location

Cederberg, Cape Floristic Region, South Africa (32°04′31.52″ S, 19°04′ 48.42″ E; elevation 320 m).

Methods

We sampled all plant–pollinator interactions within a 1‐ha plot to assemble a network of 62 plant species linked to 217 pollinators species by 10,314 visits. We calculated the standardized Kullback–Leibler distance (d′) as an estimate of plant and animal specialization, and standardized two‐dimensional Shannon entropy (ΔH2′) as an estimate of network‐wide specialization. We compared these metrics with those calculated for 58 other networks from across the world.

Results

In a global context, the South African plant species had an unusually high number of interaction partners (mean = 6.32) while the animal species had unusually few (mean = 1.81). Animal diversity was high relative to plant diversity (network asymmetry = 0.56). Nevertheless, the South African plants, pollinators and network overall were more specialized than any previously studied community (weighted mean d′ plants = 0.824 and animals = 0.807, community ΔH2′ = 0.834), suggesting functional specialization. Overall, specialization was found to increase sharply with latitude in the Southern Hemisphere, whereas no relationship was found in the Northern Hemisphere.

Main conclusions

The findings that South African plants have a high diversity of pollinators and that specialization of pollination networks increases with latitude in the Southern Hemisphere only are in contradiction to expectations derived from earlier literature. Long‐term climatic stability in the Southern Hemisphere might have allowed phenotypic and functional specialization to manifest and persist.
Digital Plethysmography and Arginine Metabolism in Prehypertension—Effect of Nebivolol Therapy
Authors: Kandavar Ramprasad , Fernandez Camilo , Sander Gary E. , Kim Catherine , Velaga Santhosh , Sukhanov Sergiy , Delafontaine Patrice , Egan Peter , Roffidal Louise E. , Giles Thomas D.
Published: December 2014

Prehypertension is an important phenotype for cardiovascular risk and development of established hypertension. To better understand the early circulatory changes in this group, the authors studied 34 patients with prehypertension (blood pressure 120–139/80–89 mm Hg) using digital plethysmography for measurement of blood flow and reactive hyperemic index (RHI). Arterial augmentation index (AI) was also measured. Because prehypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction and decreased availability of nitric oxide (NO), indices of arginine metabolism (l‐arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine, and l‐citrulline) were measured. Nebivolol (5 mg/d), a vasodilating β1‐antagonist with β3‐agonist activity, was studied in a double‐blind fashion for 8 weeks. Nebivolol increases the bioavailability of NO. Prehypertension was associated with normal RHI and baseline digital blood flow. AI was abnormal and associated with diastolic blood pressure. ADMA concentration was increased at baseline. After 8 weeks of nebivolol therapy, RHI, ADMA, symmetric dimethylarginine, and AI showed no significant change, but digital blood flow and l‐citrulline levels were significantly increased. Prehypertension is associated with increased ADMA and evidence of increased arterial stiffness and preserved RHI. Nebivolol therapy is associated with digital vasodilation and increased NO production, as depicted by increased levels of l‐citruline and mean digital blood flow.
Comparing Clinical Effectiveness and Drug Toxicity With Hydrochlorothiazide and Chlorthalidone Using Two Potency Ratios in a Managed Care Population
Authors: Saseen Joseph J. , Ghushchyan Vahram , Nair Kavita V.
Published: December 2014

This study compared the clinical effectiveness and drug toxicity of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. Electronic health records and claims data were used to identify patients initially prescribed chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide. A total of 214 patients prescribed chlorthalidone 25 mg were matched with 428 patients prescribed hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (1:1 potency ratio) and 214 patients prescribed hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg (1:2 potency ratio). Mean systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure values at least 30 days after initial prescription were lower with chlorthalidone (132.2/74 mm Hg) compared with hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (137.0/77.5 mm Hg) and hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg (138.6/78.5 mm Hg) (P<.05 for all comparisons). Goal systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure values were achieved in a higher percentage of patients prescribed chlorthalidone (45.0%/78.3%) than with either hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (32.1%/63.9%) or hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg (32.8%/68.9%) (P<.05 for all comparisons). Mean serum potassium was 3.94 mEq/L with chlorthalidone 25 mg, 4.13 mEq/L with hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (P<.01 vs chlorthalidone), and 3.96 mEq/L with hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg. These findings indicate that chlorthalidone 25 mg is associated with a better antihypertensive response than hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg or 50 mg, without clinically significant differences in serum potassium.
Fructose Containing Sugars Do Not Raise Blood Pressure or Uric Acid at Normal Levels of Human Consumption
Authors: Angelopoulos Theodore J. , Lowndes Joshua , Sinnett Stephanie , Rippe James M.
Published: December 2014

The impact of fructose, commonly consumed with sugars by humans, on blood pressure and uric acid has yet to be defined. A total of 267 weight‐stable participants drank sugar‐sweetened milk every day for 10 weeks as part of their usual, mixed‐nutrient diet. Groups 1 and 2 had 9% estimated caloric intake from fructose or glucose, respectively, added to milk. Groups 3 and 4 had 18% of estimated caloric intake from high fructose corn syrup or sucrose, respectively, added to the milk. Blood pressure and uric acid were determined prior to and after the 10‐week intervention. There was no effect of sugar type on either blood pressure or uric acid (interaction P>.05), and a significant time effect for blood pressure was noted (P<.05). The authors conclude that 10 weeks of consumption of fructose at the 50th percentile level, whether consumed as pure fructose or with fructose‐glucose–containing sugars, does not promote hyperuricemia or increase blood pressure.
Effects of sulfonylurea as initial treatment on testosterone of middle‐aged men with type 2 diabetes: A 16‐week, pilot study
Authors: Wong Long , Chen Hong‐Mei , Lai Shui‐Qing , Yang Hua‐Zhang , Kuang Jian , Pei Jian‐Hao
Published: December 2014

Aims/Introduction

To evaluate the effect of sulfonylurea (glimepiride)‐based oral antidiabetic agents on testosterone levels in middle‐aged men with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

As a substudy, 15 participants from the phase IV clinical trial of glimepiride (GREAT study) of middle‐aged men with type 2 diabetes were included in the current study. After enrolment, the initial dose of oral glimepiride was 1 mg/day. The dose was titrated according to blood glucose levels and the participants were treated for 16 weeks. Meanwhile, another 15 healthy age‐ and body mass index‐matched male subjects were randomly selected as the healthy control group.

Results

Compared with the healthy control group, the middle‐aged men with type 2 diabetes had significantly decreased total testosterone levels and a lower testosterone secretion index. Blood glucose and lipid profile levels were significantly improved after 16 weeks of treatment with no significant differences in bodyweight and waist circumference compared with baseline values. Recorded changes in luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and sex hormone‐binding globulin levels were not statistically significant. However, total testosterone levels were significantly increased and testosterone secretion index values were significant higher than those of the baseline.

Conclusions

It is highly possible that sulfonylurea as an initial treatment can recover the decreased total serum testosterone levels and testosterone secretion index values in middle‐aged men with type 2 diabetes.
Female house mice avoid fertilization by t haplotype incompatible males in a mate choice experiment
Authors: Manser A. , König B. , Lindholm A. K.
Published: December 2014

The t haplotype in house mice is a well‐known selfish genetic element with detrimental, nonadditive fitness consequences to its carriers: recessive lethal mutations cause t/t homozygotes to perish in utero. Given the severe genetic incompatibility imposed by the t haplotype, we predict females to avoid fertilization by t haplotype incompatible males. Indeed, some of the strongest evidence for compatibility mate choice is related to the t haplotype in house mice. However, all previous evidence for compatibility mate choice in this system is based on olfactory preference. It is so far unknown how general these preferences are and whether they are relevant in an actual mating context. Here, we assess female compatibility mate choice related to t haplotypes in a setting that – for the first time – allowed females to directly interact and mate with males. This approach enabled us to analyse female behaviour during the testing period, and the resulting paternity success and fitness consequences of a given choice. We show that genetic incompatibilities arising from the t haplotype had severe indirect fitness consequences and t females avoided fertilization by t incompatible males. The results are inconclusive whether this avoidance of t fertilization by t females was caused by pre‐ or post‐copulatory processes.
Background matching ability and the maintenance of a colour polymorphism in the red devil cichlid
Authors: Sowersby W. , Lehtonen T. K. , Wong B. B. M.
Published: December 2014

The evolution and maintenance of colour polymorphisms remains a topic of considerable research interest. One key mechanism thought to contribute to the coexistence of different colour morphs is a bias in how conspicuous they are to visual predators. Although individuals of many species camouflage themselves against their background to avoid predation, differently coloured individuals within a species may vary in their capacity to do so. However, to date, very few studies have explicitly investigated the ability of different colour morphs to plastically adjust their colouration to match their background. The red devil (Amphilophus labiatus) is a Neotropical cichlid fish with a stable colour polymorphism, with the gold morph being genetically dominant and having a myriad of documented advantages over the dark morph. However, gold individuals are much rarer, which may be related to their heightened conspicuousness to would‐be predators. Here, we tested the ability of differently coloured individuals to phenotypically adjust the shade of their body colour and patterns to match their background. In particular, we filmed dark, gold and mottled (a transitioning phase from dark to gold) individuals under an identical set‐up on light vs. dark‐coloured substrates. We found that, in contrast to individuals of the dark morph, gold and mottled individuals were less capable of matching their body colouration to their background. As a result, gold individuals appeared to be more conspicuous. These results suggest that a difference in background matching ability could play an important role in the maintenance of colour polymorphisms.
Multiple tooth loss is associated with vascular cognitive impairment in subjects with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhu J. , Li X. , Zhu F. , Chen L. , Zhang C. , McGrath C. , He F. , Xiao Y. , Jin L.
Published: December 2014

Background and Objective

Emerging evidence shows that tooth loss is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a common consequence of ischemic stroke. This study investigated the association of tooth loss with VCI in patients with acute stroke.

Material and Methods

A total of 161 subjects with acute ischemic stroke were recruited. Within 1 wk after admission, fasting blood tests were undertaken and the number of teeth present was recorded. VCI was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Results

The patients with loss of ≥ 8 teeth exhibited significantly lower MoCA values as compared to those with loss of ≤ 7 teeth (13.2 ± 6.6 vs. 17.3 ± 6.0, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that loss of ≥ 8 teeth (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2–7.9, p = 0.02) and stroke history (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.1–14.1, p = 0.04) were significantly associated with VCI (MoCA score ≤ 20.0).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, the current findings provide the first evidence that multiple tooth loss is independently associated with VCI in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled study of the NS5B inhibitor beclabuvir with peginterferon/ribavirin for HCV genotype 1
Authors: Tatum H. , Thuluvath P. J. , Lawitz E. , Martorell C. , DeMicco M. , Cohen S. , Rustgi V. , Ravendhran N. , Ghalib R. , Hanson J. , Zamparo J. , Zhao J. , Cooney E. , Treitel M. , Hughes E.
Published: December 2014

Beclabuvir is a potent, non‐nucleoside inhibitor of the HCV NS5B RNA polymerase, with nanomolar activity against HCV genotypes 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in vitro. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of beclabuvir, in combination with peginterferon alfa‐2a (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV), in HCV genotype 1. In this randomized (1:1:1), double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, dose‐ranging phase 2a study, 39 treatment‐naive patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1 were treated for 48 weeks with beclabuvir (75 mg or 150 mg) plus pegIFN (180 μg) and RBV (1000 mg/day [<75 kg] or 1200 mg/day [≥75 kg]) vs pegIFN/RBV alone. The primary efficacy endpoint of extended rapid virologic response (undetectable HCV RNA at treatment weeks 4 and 12) was achieved by 76.9% (10/13) of patients receiving beclabuvir 75 mg and 38.5% (5/13) receiving beclabuvir 150 mg vs 0% receiving pegIFN/RBV alone. Higher response rates were observed among patients receiving beclabuvir 75 mg for all secondary efficacy endpoints, including sustained virologic response at follow‐up weeks 12 or 24. Three patients experienced virologic breakthrough on treatment, all in the beclabuvir 150‐mg treatment group. Beclabuvir was well tolerated at both doses, with the most commonly observed adverse events (headache, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, irritability, depression and insomnia) consistent with those observed with pegIFN/RBV. In conclusion, beclabuvir was both effective and well tolerated when administered in combination with pegIFN/RBV for the treatment of chronic HCV GT 1, supporting the study of beclabuvir as part of an all‐oral regimen for HCV GT1.