bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the sensitivity of biodiversity indices used to inform fire management
Authors: Giljohann Katherine M. , Kelly Luke T. , Connell Jemima , Clarke Michael F. , Clarke Rohan H. , Regan Tracey J. , McCarthy Michael A.
Published: September 2017

Biodiversity indices are widely used to summarize changes in the distribution and abundance of multiple species and measure progress towards management targets. However, the sensitivity of biodiversity indices to the data, landscape classification and conservation values underpinning them are rarely interrogated. There are limited studies to help scientists and land managers use biodiversity indices in the presence of fire and vegetation succession.

The geometric mean of species' relative abundance or occurrence (G) is a biodiversity index that can be used to determine the mix of post‐fire vegetation that maximizes biodiversity. We explored the sensitivity of G to (1) type of biodiversity data, (2) representation of ecosystem states, (3) expression of conservation values, and (4) uncertainty in species' response to landscape structure. Our case study is an area of fire‐prone woodland in southern Australia where G is used in fire management planning. We analysed three datasets to determine the fire responses of 170 bird, mammal and reptile species.

G and fire management targets were sensitive to the species included in the analysis. The optimal mix of vegetation successional states for threatened birds was more narrowly defined than the optimal mix for all species combined. G was less sensitive to successional classification (i.e. number of states); although classifications of increasing complexity provided additional insights into desirable levels of heterogeneity.

Weighting species by conservation status or endemism influenced the mix of vegetation states that maximized biodiversity. When a higher value was placed on threatened species the importance of late successional vegetation was emphasized.

Representing variation in individual species' response to vegetation structure made it clearer when a decrease in G was likely to reflect a significant reduction in species occurrences.

Synthesis and applications. Data, models and conservation values can be combined using biodiversity indices to make robust environmental decisions. Combining different types of biodiversity data using composite indices, such as the geometric mean, can improve the coverage and relevance of biodiversity indices. We recommend that evaluation of biodiversity indices for fire management verify how index assumptions align with management objectives, consider the relative merits of different types of biodiversity data, test sensitivity of ecosystem state definitions and incorporate conservation values through species weightings.
Herbivore community determines the magnitude and mechanism of nutrient effects on subtropical and tropical seagrasses
Authors: Campbell Justin E. , Altieri Andrew H. , Johnston Lane N. , Kuempel Caitlin D. , Paperno Richard , Paul Valerie J. , Duffy J. Emmett
Published: September 2017

Numerous studies have examined the combined effects of nutrients (bottom‐up control) and consumers (top‐down control) on ecosystem structure and functioning. While it is recognized that both can have important effects, there remains a limited understanding of how their relative importance shifts across large spatial scales where consumer functional types can vary.

Using seagrasses as a model ecosystem, we explore the effects of ambient variation in herbivore functional composition on the relative importance of bottom‐up and top‐down forcings. Distributed experiments were conducted across four Western Atlantic sites that encompassed a gradient in consumer composition. Herbivores at two subtropical sites were predominantly comprised of small crustacean invertebrates (mesograzers that consume epiphytic algae), while herbivores at two tropical sites were dominated by large macrograzers (sea urchins and herbivorous fishes that directly consume seagrass biomass).

To test the relative importance of bottom‐up and top‐down factors at each site, we manipulated nutrient supply, mesograzer abundance, and the presence of macrograzers (mainly herbivorous fishes) in a fully factorial design over a 14‐week growing season. Seagrass above‐ground biomass, shoot density, canopy cover, leaf productivity and epiphyte mass were measured as indicators of habitat structure and productivity.

Overall, nutrient addition elicited a strong response across sites, causing widespread loss of seagrass biomass and shoot density. However, the mechanisms driving these declines strongly varied as a function of resident herbivore identity. Seagrass loss at tropical sites was attributable to macrograzers, which increased their direct consumption of fertilized, nutrient‐rich seagrass. Conversely, at the subtropical sites, nutrient loading caused seagrass declines associated with the proliferation of epiphytic algae, but only in locations where mesograzer abundance was low.

Synthesis. Our results confirm that nutrient enrichment generally has negative effects on seagrasses, but that the underlying mechanisms vary and may depend upon herbivore presence and functional identity. Along a subtropical to tropical gradient, the adverse effects of nutrient loading may switch from competitive algal overgrowth to a stimulation of seagrass consumption. Thus, in the tropics, top‐down and bottom‐up factors can act in combination, and in the same direction, to contribute to habitat loss.
Corporate Loan Securitization and the Standardization of Financial Covenants
Authors: BOZANIC ZAHN , LOUMIOTI MARIA , VASVARI FLORIN P.
Published: September 2017

We examine whether syndicated loans securitized through collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) have more standardized financial covenants. We proxy for the standardization of covenants using the textual similarity of their contractual definitions. We find that securitized loans are associated with higher covenant standardization than nonsecuritized institutional loans. In addition, we show that CLOs with more diverse or frequently rebalanced portfolios are more likely to purchase loans with standardized covenants, potentially because standardization alleviates information processing costs related to loan monitoring and screening. We also document that covenant standardization is associated with greater loan and CLO note rating agreement between credit rating agencies, further supporting the relation between lower information costs and covenant standardization. Overall, our study provides evidence that loan securitization is related to the design of standardized financial covenants.
Productivity effects and natural resource management: econometric evidence from POSAF‐II in Nicaragua
Authors: De los Santos‐Montero Luis A. , Bravo‐Ureta Boris E.
Published: September 2017

Understanding how natural resource management (NRM) technologies impact agricultural productivity is essential in order to ensure that policies designed to reduce environmental degradation and alleviate poverty are successful. In this paper, we analyze the impact of natural resource technologies delivered by the Socio‐environmental and Forestry Development Programme‐II (POSAF‐II) in Nicaragua. Using cross‐sectional data for 1,201 farmers (475 beneficiaries, 726 control farmers), we provide empirical evidence concerning the effects of a NRM programme on two critical components of productivity: technological change (TC) and technical efficiency (TE). We use propensity score matching (PSM) to mitigate potential biases from observable variables and a recent stochastic production frontier (SPF) model that addresses sample selection bias arising from unobservable variables. Our results show that POSAF‐II has had a positive impact on the two dimensions of productivity analyzed, i.e., TC and TE. This study contributes to the literature on impact evaluation by showing how an intervention designed to improve NRM can also enhance the income of poor farm households through increases in productivity.
Participation in risky asset markets and propensity for financial planning: a missing link?
Authors: Eugster Marco
Published: September 2017

This study examines whether the association between financial literacy and participation in risky asset markets is robust to variation on a more innate level: the propensity for financial planning. I find that individuals’ propensity for financial planning is strongly positively related to stock market participation as well as membership in a voluntary workplace retirement savings scheme. This result holds when controlling for financial literacy and a range of demographic and control variables in a multivariate regression setting. Importantly, the positive association between financial literacy and risky asset market participation also persists, suggesting that these two variables operate through separate channels.
Targeting histone‐acetyltransferase Tat‐interactive protein 60 inhibits intestinal allergy
Authors: Yang G. , Cheng B.‐H. , Yang S.‐B. , Liu Z.‐Q. , Qiu S.‐Q. , Yang L.‐T. , Xie R.‐D. , Geng X.‐R. , Li M.‐G. , Gao L. , Liu Z.‐G. , Yang P.‐C.
Published: September 2017

Background

The overproduction of IgE plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergy; the mechanism is unclear. Histone‐acetyltransferase (HAT) activities are required in gene transcription of a large number of molecules in the immune system of the body.

Objectives

This study tests a hypothesis that HAT Tat‐interactive protein 60 (Tip60) plays an important role in the initiation of IgE‐mediated allergy.

Methods

The effects of Tip60 on regulating IgE expression were assessed with B cells. An intestinal allergy mouse model was developed to assess the role of Tip60 in the induction of IgE‐mediated allergic inflammation.

Results

High levels of Tip60 were observed in the peripheral B cells of patients with FA. Tat‐interactive protein 60 (Tip60) was required in the expression of IgE and IgG1 in B cells by inducing the chromatin remolding at the gene locus, in which histone acetylation, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), and nuclear factor‐κB at the locus of Iε promoter were markedly increased. Blocking Tip60 significantly attenuated the allergic inflammation in the mouse intestinal mucosa.

Conclusions

Tat‐interactive protein 60 (Tip60) plays an important role in the induction of IgE in B cells. Blocking Tip60 inhibits the allergic inflammation in the intestine, suggesting Tip60 inhibitor may be a potential anti‐allergy drug.
Oropharyngeal surfactant can improve initial stabilisation and reduce rescue intubation in infants born below 25 weeks of gestation
Authors: Lamberska Tereza , Settelmayerova Eva , Smisek Jan , Luksova Marketa , Maloskova Gabriela , Plavka Richard
Published: September 2017

Aim

Minimally aggressive and easily performed techniques that facilitate spontaneous respiratory stabilisation are required to reduce rescue intubation in extremely premature infants. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of administering surfactant into the pharynx of infants born at <25 weeks immediately after birth.

Methods

This study of 19 infants was conducted from January 2013 to June 2014 in a tertiary perinatal centre in Prague. We administered 1.5 mL of Curosurf as a bolus into the pharynx and simultaneously performed a sustained inflation manoeuvre (SIM). The extent of the interventions, death and severe neonatal morbidity in the study group were compared with 20 controls born before the study period and 20 born after it.

Results

All infants received oropharyngeal surfactant within the median (interquartile range) time of 40 seconds (25–75) after cord camping. The surfactant had to be suctioned in one infant because of upper airway obstruction. Although more subsequent surfactant was administered in the study group, significantly fewer study period infants required intubation than the before and after controls (16% versus 75% and 58%, respectively, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Oropharyngeal surfactant with simultaneous SIM was feasible and safe and reduced the need for delivery room intubation in these fragile infants.
Preventing School Bullying: Investigation of the Link between Anti‐Bullying Strategies, Prevention Ownership, Prevention Climate, and Prevention Leadership
Authors: Li Yiqiong , Chen Peter Y. , Chen Fu‐Li , Chen Ying‐Lin
Published: September 2017

School bullying has been a major health and safety concern for teachers and students, which calls for effective strategies to address the issue. In this study, we explored individual and organisational factors that improve the effects of teachers’ use of anti‐bullying strategies in reducing or preventing student bullying. Specifically, we examined the moderating role of teachers’ psychological ownership of their school's anti‐bullying system in the relationship between teacher‐reported use of anti‐bullying strategies and student‐reported bullying incidents. We also investigated how principals’ bullying prevention leadership, rated by a group of directors who are the immediate subordinates of these principals, inspires teachers’ psychological ownership of their school's anti‐bullying system through building teachers’ shared perceptions of a bullying prevention climate. Results of multilevel analyses of multisource data from 2,123 teachers, 407 directors, and 15,967 students in 110 junior and senior high schools indicated that the impact of teacher‐reported use of anti‐bullying strategies on student‐reported bullying incidents was strengthened when teachers have a high level of psychological ownership of their school's anti‐bullying system. Further, principals’ bullying prevention leadership was significantly positively related to teachers’ psychological ownership of their school's anti‐bullying system through teachers’ shared perceptions of a bullying prevention climate.
Combatting Identity Theft: A Proposed Ethical Policy Statement and Best Practices
Authors: Payne Dinah , Kennett‐Hensel Pamela A.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this article is to explore the law related to identity theft, to review corresponding rights, and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in identity theft and to formulate a system of best practices businesses could engage in to prevent or reduce identity theft threats. Utilizing two ethical frameworks based on deontological approaches, the authors conclude that there should be a well‐defined management scheme to prevent identity theft, which is easy to comprehend and comply with for all stakeholders. Our proposed management scheme incorporates both legal and ethical elements such that identity theft will be more difficult. Further, our proposal would also address business entities’ practices that are so careless that identity theft is made possible at all or made easier: ethical business practice can do much to reduce or eliminate identity theft.
Bioethics, children, and the environment
Authors: Murphy Timothy F.
Published: September 2017

Queer perspectives have typically emerged from sexual minorities as a way of repudiating flawed views of sexuality, mischaracterized relationships, and objectionable social treatment of people with atypical sexuality or gender expression. In this vein, one commentator offers a queer critique of the conceptualization of children in regard to their value for people's identities and relationships. According to this account, children are morally problematic given the values that make them desirable, their displacement of other beings and things entitled to moral protection, not to mention the damaging environmental effects that follow in the wake of population growth. Objectionable views of children are said even to have colonized the view of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) people who – with the enthusiastic endorsement of bioethics – increasingly turn to assisted reproductive treatments to have children. In the face of these outcomes, it is better – according to this account – that people reconsider their interest in children. This account is not, however, ultimately strong enough to override people's interest in having children, relative to the benefits they confer and relative to the benefits conferred on children themselves. It is certainly not strong enough to justify differential treatment of LGBT people in matters of assisted reproductive treatments. Environmental threats in the wake of population growth might be managed in ways other than devaluing children as such. Moreover, this account ultimately damages the interests of LGBT people in matters of access, equity, and children, which outcome is paradoxical, given the origins of queer perspectives as efforts to assert and defend the social interests of sexual and gender minorities.
Association between metabolic syndrome and intravesical prostatic protrusion in patients with benign prostatic enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms (MIPS Study)
Authors: Russo Giorgio I. , Regis Federica , Spatafora Pietro , Frizzi Jacopo , Urzì Daniele , Cimino Sebastiano , Serni Sergio , Carini Marco , Gacci Mauro , Morgia Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

Objective

To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and morphological features of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), including total prostate volume (TPV), transitional zone volume (TZV) and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP).

Patients and Methods

Between January 2015 and January 2017, 224 consecutive men aged >50 years presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of BPE were recruited to this multicentre cross‐sectional study. MetS was defined according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were performed to verify factors associated with IPP, TZV and TPV.

Results

Patients with MetS were observed to have a significant increase in IPP (P < 0.01), TPV (P < 0.01) and TZV (P = 0.02). On linear regression analysis, adjusted for age and metabolic factors of MetS, we found that high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was negatively associated with IPP (r = −0.17), TPV (r = −0.19) and TZV (r = −0.17), while hypertension was positively associated with IPP (r = 0.16), TPV (r = 0.19) and TZV (r = 0.16). On multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and factors of MetS, hypertension (categorical; odds ratio [OR] 2.95), HDL cholesterol (OR 0.94) and triglycerides (OR 1.01) were independent predictors of TPV ≥ 40 mL. We also found that HDL cholesterol (OR 0.86), hypertension (OR 2.0) and waist circumference (OR 1.09) were significantly associated with TZV ≥ 20 mL. On age‐adjusted logistic regression analysis, MetS was significantly associated with IPP ≥ 10 mm (OR 34.0; P < 0.01), TZV ≥ 20 mL (OR 4.40; P < 0.01) and TPV ≥ 40 mL (OR 5.89; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

We found an association between MetS and BPE, demonstrating a relationship with IPP.
Adolescents' self‐perceived and actual weight: Which plays a dominant role in weight loss behaviour in Lebanon?
Authors: Assaad S. , Anouti S. , Naja F. , Nasreddine L. , Hwalla N. , Sibai A. M.
Published: September 2017

Background

The decision to lose weight among adolescents is complex and is guided by a number of body‐related factors. This study examined the extent of agreement between actual weight, measured as body mass index, and self‐perceived weight and assessed their relative importance in weight loss behaviour among Lebanese adolescents.

Methods

Data on 278 adolescents aged 13–17 years were drawn from the nationwide Nutrition and Non‐Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey (Lebanon, 2009). Binary multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to test associations with “effort to lose weight” as the outcome variable, controlling for a number of potential confounders.

Results

Close to 36% reported trying to lose weight. Around 21% and 13% were overweight and obese, respectively, and 40% and 10% perceived their weight as slightly high and very high, respectively. Inaccurate perceivers, those underestimating or overestimating their weight, constituted 39%, with overall percent agreement between actual and self‐perceived weight being 60.8% (kappa statistic = 0.319, 95% CI [0.242, 0.396]). About a third of the overweight adolescents (30.5%) and more than half of the obese (56.8%) underestimated their weight. In the multivariable analysis, self‐perceived weight was statistically significant and a stronger predictor of weight loss effort than body mass index (adjusted odds ratios = 14.42 and 6.42 for slightly high and very high perceived weight, respectively, compared to odds ratios = 1.47 and 2.31 for overweight and obese adolescents, respectively).

Conclusion

Health professionals need to consider self‐perceived weight in conjunction with actual weight in their pursuit of weight management goals and in planning prevention programmes that guide weight loss behaviours for adolescents.
Expression of human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kusaka S , Nishida A , Takahashi K , Bamba S , Yasui H , Kawahara M , Inatomi O , Sugimoto M , Andoh A
Published: September 2017

Cathelicidin peptide LL-37 plays an important role in the early host response against invading pathogens via its broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity. In this study, we investigated LL-37 expression in the inflamed mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of LL-37 induction was investigated in human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs). LL-37 mRNA expression and protein secretion were analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Intracellular signalling pathways were analysed using immunoblotting and specific small interference RNA (siRNA). The expression of LL-37 mRNA was increased significantly in the inflamed mucosa of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 ligand, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C), induced LL-37 mRNA expression and stimulated LL-37 secretion in colonic SEMFs. The transfection of siRNAs specific for intracellular signalling proteins [Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon (IFN) (TRIF), tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)6, transforming growth factor β-activated kinase (TAK)1] suppressed the poly(I:C)-induced LL-37 mRNA expression significantly. Poly(I:C)-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activating factor protein (AP)-1. siRNAs specific for NF-κB and c-Jun inhibited poly(I:C)-induced LL-37 mRNA expression. LL-37 suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 expression significantly in colonic SEMFs. The expression of LL-37 was up-regulated in the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. LL-37 was induced by TLR-3 stimulation and exhibited an anti-microbial effect via interaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Risk and outcomes of pulmonary fungal infection after pediatric lung transplantation
Authors: Ammerman Evan , Sweet Stuart C. , Fenchel Matthew , Storch Gregory A. , Conrad Carol , Hayes Don , Faro Albert , Goldfarb Samuel , Melicoff Ernestina , Schecter Marc , Visner Gary , Williams Nikki M. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara
Published: September 2017

Background

Prospective studies to determine associated risk factors and related outcomes for pulmonary fungal infection (PFI) after pediatric lung transplant (PLT) are lacking.

Methods

NIH‐sponsored Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children enrolled PLT candidates, collecting data prospectively for 2 years post‐transplant. Demographics, signs/symptoms, radiology, pathology and microbiology were collected. Analyses evaluated for PFI‐related risks and outcomes.

Results

In 59 PLT, pre‐transplant fungal colonization occurred in 6 donors and 15 recipients. Cystic fibrosis (CF) was associated with pre‐transplant colonization (P < .01). Twenty‐five (42%) PLT had 26 post‐transplant colonizations (median = 67 days, range = 0‐750 days) with Candida (13), Aspergillus (4), mold (6) or yeast (3). Post‐PLT colonization was not associated with CF, age, or pre‐PLT colonization. Thirteen PFIs occurred in 10 (17%) patients, 3 proven (Candida species) and 10 probable (Candida [3], Aspergillus [3], Penicillium [3], and mold [1]). Pulmonary fungal infection was preceded by post‐PLT colonization with the same organism in 4 of 13 PFI, but post‐PLT colonization did not predict subsequent PFI (P = .87). Older age at transplant was a risk for PFI (P < .01). No mortality was attributed to PFI. Prophylaxis use was not associated with decreased post‐PLT colonization (P = .60) or PFI (P = .48).

Conclusion

In PLT, PFI and fungal colonization are common but without associated mortality. Post‐PLT colonization did not predict PFI. Optimal prevention strategies require additional study.
The Glasgow Prognostic Score as a pre‐transplant risk assessment for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Shibasaki Yasuhiko , Suwabe Tatsuya , Katagiri Takayuki , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Hironori , Fuse Kyoko , Ushiki Takashi , Sato Naoko , Yano Toshio , Kuroha Takashi , Hashimoto Shigeo , Narita Miwako , Furukawa Tatsuo , Sone Hirohito , Masuko Masayoshi
Published: September 2017

Evaluation methods, such as scoring systems for predicting complications in advance, are necessary for determining the adaptation of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and selecting appropriate conditioning regimens. The Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation‐specific Comorbidity Index (HCT‐CI), which is based on functions of main organs, is a useful tool for pre‐transplant risk assessments and has been widely applied in determining treatment strategies for patients with hematological diseases. However, as allogeneic HCT is performed on patients with diverse backgrounds, another factor, which reinforces the HCT‐CI, is required to evaluate pre‐transplant risk assessments. The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which assesses the combined C‐reactive protein and albumin, was reported to predict survival of patients with solid‐organ malignancies independently of receiving chemo/radiotherapy and stages of cancer. In this study, we applied the GPS for pre‐transplant risk assessments for allogeneic HCT. The GPS successfully stratified the patients into three risk groups of overall survival (OS) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM). Moreover, the GPS could predict outcomes independently of the HCT‐CI for OS and NRM in multivariate analysis. The GPS is considered to be a useful tool and reinforces the HCT‐CI for determining adaptation of allogeneic HCT for patients with hematopoietic neoplasms.
Kidney retransplantation from HLA‐incompatible living donors: A single‐center study of 3rd/4th transplants
Authors: Barnes James C.H. , Goodyear Stephen J. , Imray Caitlin E.A. , Lam For Tai , Kashi Habib S. , Tan Lam Chin , Higgins Robert , Imray Christopher H.E.
Published: September 2017

Background

The demand for kidney retransplantation following graft failure is rising. Repeat transplantation is often associated with poorer outcomes due to both immunological and surgical challenges. The aim of this study was to compare surgical and functional outcomes of kidney retransplantation in recipients that had previously had at least two kidney transplants with a focus on those with antibody incompatibility.

Methods

We analyzed 66 patients who underwent renal transplantation at a single center between 2003 and 2011. Consecutive patients receiving their 3rd or 4th kidney were case‐matched with an equal number of 1st and 2nd transplants.

Results

Twenty‐two 3rd and 4th kidney transplants were matched with 22 first and 22 seconds transplants. Operative times and length of stay were equivalent between the subgroups. Surgical complication rates were similar in all groups (22.7% in 1st and 2nd transplants, and 27.2% in 3rd/4th transplants). There was no significant difference in patient or graft survival over 5 years. Graft function was similar between transplant groups at 1, 3, and 5 years.

Conclusions

Third and fourth kidney transplants can be performed safely with similar outcomes to 1st and 2nd transplants. Kidney retransplantation from antibody‐incompatible donors may be appropriate for highly sensitized patients.
Pseudomembranous changes in the dermis: A novel observation and potential clue for evolving lipodermatosclerosis?
Authors: Ayele Adane , Tidman Michael J. , Biswas Asok
Published: September 2017

Lipodermatosclerosis (LDS) is a well‐recognized form of fibrosing panniculitis. Although chronic cases are readily diagnosed, early and evolving lesions may be clinically mistaken for cellulitis and other forms of panniculitis. Most pathologists are familiar with a pseudomembranous type of fat necrosis as a useful feature of chronic LDS. Although nonspecific, this distinctive pattern of fat necrosis helps in supporting a diagnosis of LDS in the appropriate clinical context. The histopathologic features of early and evolving LDS and those involving the dermis are less well documented. We report a case of early LDS showing extensive pseudomembranous changes in the dermis on a superficial skin biopsy where progression to a classic established lesion was documented clinically. We suspect that this previously unreported and unusual finding may be a histopathologic clue for evolving lesions of LDS.
Socializing Labour Protest: New Forms of Coalition Building in South China
Authors: Xu Hui , Schmalz Stefan
Published: September 2017

Over the course of the last decade, China has experienced growing labour unrest in many economic sectors including electronics, textiles and services. One reason for this is that the All‐China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) is not engaged at the shop floor level; it does not represent workers and has failed to organize strikes. Instead, labour non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) have stepped in to fill the representation gap and to support striking workers. This article analyses the networks between labour NGOs, other civil society actors such as student activists, and protesting workers in China's Pearl River Delta. The authors show that a new informal network of activists and transnational linkages has emerged in Guangdong Province. They argue that civil society organizations can play a crucial role in supporting workers’ demands in strike actions, presenting a case of successful coalition building in the service sector during a strike by sanitation workers in the University Town Campus of Sun Yat‐sen University in Guangzhou. Drawing on a power resource approach and in‐depth field research, the authors conclude that the engagement of labour NGOs and other civil society actors in strike actions has the potential to shape labour relations at the level of the firm. However, due to growing state repression, there are limits for emerging civil society actions.
Networks of Labour Activism: Collective Action across Asia and Beyond. An Introduction to the Debate
Authors: Zajak Sabrina , Egels‐Zandén Niklas , Piper Nicola
Published: September 2017

As an Introduction to the Debate section that follows, this article develops the concept of ‘Networks of Labour Activism’ (NOLA) as a distinct, and important, aspect of cross‐border, cross‐organizational mobilization of workers, trade unions and other organizations and groups. NOLAs are seen as different from traditional labour activist networks in that they are neither solely connected to the position of labour in production processes, nor wholly reliant on the soft and discursive power of advocacy coalitions. The authors understand NOLAs to be characterized by the interaction of different types of labour rights, social movement and community organizations, joining forces in complex forms of strategizing vis‐à‐vis multiple targets. Thus, cross‐boundary strategizing (across organizational and geographical divides) is seen as a basic characteristic of NOLAs. The authors argue that NOLAs continue to be deeply embedded in political‐economic contexts of the state and global value chains, and alliance formation reflects the peculiar vulnerabilities and constraints resulting from this embeddedness. This Introduction draws on multiple studies of NOLAs from around the world, but its main focus is on some of those Asian countries which are at the centre of global supply chain capitalism and labour exploitation, and which have become the laboratory for new forms of networked worker agency and activism.
Cognitive and neuroimaging findings in developmental coordination disorder: new insights from a systematic review of recent research
Authors: Wilson Peter H , Smits‐Engelsman Bouwien , Caeyenberghs Karen , Steenbergen Bert , Sugden David , Clark Jane , Mumford Nick , Blank Rainer
Published: September 2017

Aim

To better understand the neural and performance factors that may underlie developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and implications for a multi‐component account.

Method

A systematic review of the experimental literature published between June 2011 and September 2016 was conducted using a modified PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study type) framework. A total of 106 studies were included.

Results

Behavioural data from 91 studies showed a broad cluster of deficits in the anticipatory control of movement, basic processes of motor learning, and cognitive control. Importantly, however, performance issues in DCD were often shown to be moderated by task type and difficulty. As well, we saw new evidence of compensatory processes and strategies in several studies. Neuroimaging data (15 studies, including electroencephalography) showed reduced cortical thickness in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex and altered brain activation patterns across functional networks involving prefrontal, parietal, and cerebellar regions in children with DCD than those in comparison groups. Data from diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging suggested reduced white matter organization involving sensorimotor structures and altered structural connectivity across the whole brain network.

Interpretation

Taken together, results support the hypothesis that children with DCD show differences in brain structure and function compared with typically developing children. Behaviourally, these differences may affect anticipatory planning and reduce automatization of movement skill, prompting greater reliance on slower feedback‐based control and compensatory strategies. Implications for future research, theory development, and clinical practice are discussed.
What are the important outcomes in traumatic dental injuries? An international approach to the development of a core outcome set
Authors: Kenny Kate P. , Day Peter F. , Sharif Mohammad O. , Parashos Peter , Lauridsen Eva , Feldens Carlos Alberto , Cohenca Nestor , Skapetis Tony , Levin Liran , Kenny David J. , Djemal Serpil , Malmgren Olle , Chen Yong‐Jin , Tsukisboshi Misuhiro , Andersson Lars
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims

There are numerous treatment options following traumatic dental injury (TDI). Systematic reviews of different treatments are challenging owing to the diversity of outcomes reported between clinical studies. This issue could be addressed through the development and implementation of a agreed and standardized collection of outcomes known as a core outcome set (COS). The aim of this study was to develop a COS for TDI in children and adults. The secondary aim was to establish what, how, when and by whom these outcomes should be measured.

Materials and Method

The project was registered with Core Outcomes Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET). A web‐based survey was developed to capture the opinions of dentists globally as to which outcomes should be recorded. A list of outcomes was entered into a Delphi Survey and scored by an Expert Working Group (EWG). The scoring was repeated, followed by conference calls to discuss, refine and finalize the COS. The EWG split into small groups of subject‐specific experts to determine how, when and by whom each outcome would be measured.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 1476 dentists. The EWG identified 13 core outcomes to be recorded for all TDI's. An additional 10 injury‐specific outcomes were identified. A table has been produced for each outcome detailing what, when, and how each outcome should be recorded.

Conclusions

A robust consensus process was used to develop an international COS for TDI in children and adults. This includes both generic and injury‐specific outcomes across all identified domains.
Pressure‐forming method using a single‐mouthguard sheet
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru
Published: September 2017

Background/Aim

Mouthguard thickness is important for the prevention of orofacial trauma during sports. However, it is difficult to maintain the necessary thickness after forming the mouthguard. The aim of this study was to evaluate a pressure‐forming method using a single‐mouthguard sheet.

Materials and Methods

A mouthguard sheet of 3.8 mm ethylene vinyl acetate was prepared by cutting 3 mm from the anterior margin of the sheet holder with a length of 7 mm and with the width being from the buccal cusp of the upper right first premolar to the buccal cusp of the upper left first premolar and compared with the original sheet. The sheets were pressure‐formed when the sheet was heated until the centre was displaced by 15 mm from baseline. The thickness of the mouthguard was measured at the labial surface of the central incisor, and the buccal and occlusal surfaces of the first molar. The fit of the mouthguard was examined at the right central incisor and right first molar by measuring the distance between the mouthguard and the cervical margin of the working model. Differences in the thickness and the fit of the mouthguards between the sheet conditions and the measured regions were analysed by two‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Mouthguard thickness varied among the measured regions of the central incisors and first molars (P < .01). The greatest thickness was found at the labial surface of the central incisor in mouthguards fabricated using the cut sheet (P < .01). Mouthguard fit did not differ between the two sheets.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a useful mouthguard with proper thickness and fit can be produced with the pressure‐forming method using a single‐mouthguard sheet by cutting the anterior part of the sheet.
Estimating consumable biomass from body length and order in insects and spiders
Authors: STRAUS SAMANTHA , AVILÉS LETICIA
Published: September 2017

1. Current models used to estimate insect prey biomass for diet studies use whole weight. However, a large proportion of an arthropod's body is taken up by an indigestible exoskeleton, leading to erroneous estimation of the food intake of insectivorous animals.

2. Linear mixed effect models were used to obtain equations to predict consumable biomass from body length for a variety of Neotropical insects and spiders. These data were obtained by feeding taxa of various orders to groups of 100 social spiders and comparing pre‐ and post‐consumption weights using size‐matched controls.

3. Significant linear relationships were found relating body size to consumed biomass for all orders, with slopes ranging from 1.276 to 4.011 and R2 values from 0.476 to 0.929. For orders other than spiders and Orthoptera, the increase in weight with size exhibited negative allometric scaling, suggesting a decrease in tissue density, or an increase in internal air space, with size.

4. Although there were significant differences across taxonomic orders in the proportion of biomass consumed, within most orders the proportion consumed did not differ significantly with body size. The estimated regression coefficients may be used by other workers to estimate consumable biomass of arthropod prey for studies requiring large sample sizes or non‐lethal sampling of rare or endangered species.
Erysiphe alphitoides causes powdery mildew on Eucalyptus gunnii
Authors: Cho S. E. , Lee S. H. , Lee S. K. , Seo S. T. , Shin H. D.
Published: September 2017

In June 2016, pot‐grown Eucalyptus gunnii plants showing typical symptoms of powdery mildew disease were found in a greenhouse in Korea. Morphological characteristics of the anamorph and molecular sequence analyses of the ITS regions and 28S rDNA verified the fungus as Erysiphe alphitoides, which is known as common and widespread powdery mildew on Quercus spp. Although E. alphitoides has been reportedly associated with powdery mildew diseases of tropical trees and shrubs other than Quercus spp., this is the first finding of E. alphitoides on a Eucalyptus tree worldwide.
Age‐specific infectious period shapes dynamics of pneumonia in bighorn sheep
Authors: Plowright Raina K. , Manlove Kezia R. , Besser Thomas E. , Páez David J. , Andrews Kimberly R. , Matthews Patrick E. , Waits Lisette P. , Hudson Peter J. , Cassirer E. Frances
Published: September 2017

Superspreading, the phenomenon where a small proportion of individuals contribute disproportionately to new infections, has profound effects on disease dynamics. Superspreading can arise through variation in contacts, infectiousness or infectious periods. The latter has received little attention, yet it drives the dynamics of many diseases of critical public health, livestock health and conservation concern. Here, we present rare evidence of variation in infectious periods underlying a superspreading phenomenon in a free‐ranging wildlife system. We detected persistent infections of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, the primary causative agent of pneumonia in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), in a small number of older individuals that were homozygous at an immunologically relevant genetic locus. Interactions among age‐structure, genetic composition and infectious periods may drive feedbacks in disease dynamics that determine the magnitude of population response to infection. Accordingly, variation in initial conditions may explain divergent population responses to infection that range from recovery to catastrophic decline and extirpation.
Chronic post‐stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia is associated with impaired cortical activation to pharyngeal sensory inputs
Authors: Cabib C. , Ortega O. , Vilardell N. , Mundet L. , Clavé P. , Rofes L.
Published: September 2017

Background and purpose

The role of afferent sensory pathways in the pathophysiology of post‐stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia is not known. We hypothesized that patients with chronic post‐stroke dysphagia (PSD) would show impaired sensory cortical activation in the ipsilesional hemisphere.

Methods

We studied 28 chronic unilateral post‐stroke patients [17 PSD and 11 post‐stroke non‐dysphagic patients (PSnD)] and 11 age‐matched healthy volunteers. Event‐related sensory‐evoked potentials to pharyngeal stimulation (pSEP) and sensory thresholds were assessed. We analyzed pSEP peak latency and amplitude (N1, P1, N2 and P2), and neurotopographic stroke characteristics from brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Healthy volunteers presented a highly symmetric bihemispheric cortical pattern of brain activation at centroparietal areas (N1–P1 and N2–P2) to pharyngeal stimuli. In contrast, an asymmetric pattern of reduced ipsilesional activation was found in PSD (N2–P2; P = 0.026) but not in PSnD. PSD presented impaired safety of swallow (penetration–aspiration score: 4.3 ± 1.6), delayed laryngeal vestibule closure (360.0 ± 70.0 ms) and higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (7.0 ± 6.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.4, P = 0.001) and Fazekas scores (3.0 ± 1.4 vs. 2.0 ± 1.1; P < 0.05) than PSnD. pSEP showed a unilateral delay at stroke site exclusively for PSD (peak‐latency interhemispheric difference vs. PSnD: N1, 6.5 ± 6.7 vs. 1.1 ± 1.0 ms; N2, 32.0 ± 15.8 vs. 4.5 ± 4.9 ms; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Chronic post‐stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia is associated with stroke severity and degree of leukoaraoisis. Impaired conduction and cortical integration of pharyngeal sensory inputs at stroke site are key features of chronic PSD. These findings highlight the role of sensory pathways in the pathophysiology of post‐stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia and offer a potential target for future treatments.
Progression of prodromal motor and non‐motor symptoms in the premotor phase study – 2‐year follow‐up data
Authors: Liepelt‐Scarfone I. , Brändle B. , Yilmaz R. , Gauss K. , Schaeffer E. , Timmers M. , Wurster I. , Brockmann K. , Maetzler W. , Van Nueten L. , Streffer J. R. , Berg D.
Published: September 2017

Background and purpose

The neuropathological process starts years before the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Assessment of prodromal features in healthy individuals may help to define those with high risk for future PD. Our aim was to evaluate the presence and progression of prodromal markers in individuals with low risk [healthy controls (HC), n = 14] and high risk for PD (HR‐PD, n = 34) and early PD (n = 14) patients.

Methods

Several risk or prodromal markers were combined to define HR‐PD. Other prodromal markers were followed in 6‐month intervals for 2 years. As recommended by the Movement Disorder Society Task Force, likelihood ratios (LRs) of markers, motor scores and PD probability scores were calculated and compared.

Results

The baseline LR for non‐motor prodromal markers was significantly higher in PD and HR‐PD compared to HC. Within 2 years, changes in these LRs did not significantly differ between the groups. Motor worsening was significant only in the PD group (50% of the patients) against HR‐PD (15%) and HC (7%). Change in the non‐motor prodromal LR did not significantly correlate with motor worsening, but higher baseline non‐motor LRs were associated with Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III values at 2 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the frequency of non‐motor prodromal markers is higher in the HR‐PD group but does not increase within 2 years. The progression of motor and non‐motor markers seems to be independent, but higher baseline non‐motor burden is associated with the motor status after 2 years. Moreover, our data argue for a high impact of motor markers in the risk estimation for future PD.
Galectin‐3 and risk of ischaemic stroke: Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke cohort
Authors: Arora P. , Agarwal Z. , Venkatraman A. , Callas P. , Kissela B. M. , Jenny N. S. , Judd S. E. , Zakai N. A. , Cushman M.
Published: September 2017

Background and purpose

Galectin‐3 is a biomarker of atherosclerotic and cardiovascular disease, and may be a useful marker for ischaemic stroke risk.

Methods

The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort enrolled and examined 30 239 US participants between 2003 and 2007 (41% black, 59% white and 55% in the southeastern stroke belt). Baseline galectin‐3 was measured in 526 subjects with incident ischaemic stroke over 5.4 years and in a cohort random sample (CRS) of 947 participants. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of ischaemic stroke by quartiles of galectin‐3.

Results

In the CRS, galectin‐3 was significantly higher with older age, black race, female sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, and also in those who developed incident stroke. Participants with galectin‐3 levels in the fourth versus first quartile had a 2.3‐fold increased stroke risk [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6, 3.4] in an unadjusted model. An interaction with age was found (P = 0.06), and therefore age‐stratified analyses were performed. Amongst those younger than age 64, baseline galectin‐3 in the second–fourth quartiles was associated with increased stroke risk (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.6, 5.5) compared to the first quartile in an age‐, race‐ and sex‐adjusted model. The HR was 2.0 (95% CI 1.0, 4.0) with multivariable adjustment. There was no association amongst older participants.

Conclusions

Galectin‐3 was associated with incident ischaemic stroke in younger but not older individuals. Confirmation of this finding, and elucidation of its implications for stroke pathophysiology and prevention, is needed.