bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in alpine and moderate maritime climates differentially affects helper T cells and memory B cells in children
Authors: Heeringa J. J. , Fieten K. B. , Bruins F. M. , van Hoffen E. , Knol E. F. , Pasmans S. G. M. A. , van Zelm M. C.
Published: March 2018

Background

Treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is focused on topical anti‐inflammatory therapy, epidermal barrier repair and trigger avoidance. Multidisciplinary treatment in both moderate maritime and alpine climates can successfully reduce disease activity in children with AD. However, it remains unclear whether abnormalities in B cell and T cell memory normalize and whether this differs between treatment strategies.

Objective

To determine whether successful treatment in maritime and alpine climates normalizes B‐ and T lymphocytes in children with moderate to severe AD.

Methods

The study was performed in the context of a trial (DAVOS trial, registered at Current Controlled Trials ISCRTN88136485) in which eighty‐eight children with moderate to severe AD were randomized to 6 weeks of treatment in moderate maritime climate (outpatient setting) or in the alpine climate (inpatient setting). Before and directly after treatment, disease activity was determined with SA‐EASI and serum TARC, and T cell and B cell subsets were quantified in blood.

Results

Both treatment protocols achieved a significant decrease in disease activity, which was accompanied by a reduction in circulating memory Treg, transitional B cell and plasmablast numbers. Alpine climate treatment had a significantly greater effect on disease activity and was accompanied by a reduction in blood eosinophils and increases in memory B cells, CD8+ TemRO, CD4+ Tcm and CCR7+ Th2 subsets.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Clinically successful treatment of AD induces changes in blood B‐ and T cell subsets reflecting reduced chronic inflammation. In addition, multidisciplinary inpatient treatment in the alpine climate specifically affects memory B cells, CD8+ T cells and Th2 cells. These cell types could represent good markers for treatment efficacy.
Simultaneously elevated FeNO and blood eosinophils relate to asthma morbidity in asthmatics from NHANES 2007‐12
Authors: Mogensen I. , Alving K. , Jacinto T. , Fonseca J. , Janson C. , Malinovschi A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophil (B‐Eos) count are biomarkers for type 2 inflammation. However, they signal different inflammatory pathways. Simultaneously elevated, they are related to more asthma events in a general population and among younger asthmatics.

Objective

To investigate if simultaneously elevated FeNO and B‐Eos relate to asthma outcomes and lung function among subjects with asthma at a wide age span, and how different cut‐offs for the markers affect these relations.

Method

FeNO, B‐Eos and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were assessed in 1419 subjects with asthma, aged 6‐79 years old, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007‐12. Elevated levels were defined as FeNO ≥20 p.p.b. for children <12 years and ≥25 p.p.b. for subjects ≥12 years and B‐Eos count ≥300 cells/μL. Additional analyses were performed for the cut‐offs FeNO >35/30 and >50/35 p.p.b., and for B‐Eos ≥400 and ≥ 500 cells/μL, as well as for different age subgroups (6‐17, 18‐44, >44 years old). Asthma events during the past year were self‐reported.

Results

Subjects with simultaneously elevated FeNO and B‐Eos compared with normal levels of both markers had a higher adjusted odds ratio (aOR (95%CI)) for having FEV1 <80% of predicted (2.15 (1.28‐3.59), wheeze disturbing sleep (1.88 (1.27, 2.78)) but did not differ regarding asthma attacks past year. Elevated B‐Eos, but not FeNO, was related to higher aOR for asthma attack (1.57 (1.14, 2.18) or emergency room (ER) visit due to asthma (1.88 (1.33, 2.64) when elevated FeNO and elevated B‐Eos were studied as independent predictors.

Conclusion

Simultaneously elevated FeNO and B‐Eos related to reduced lung function in asthmatics, wheezing symptoms, but not to a history of asthma attacks. Asthma attacks and ER‐visit due to asthma were related to increased B‐Eos levels.
Outcome of pregnancies in a large cohort of women with acromegaly
Authors: Jallad R.S. , Shimon I. , Fraenkel M. , Medvedovsky V. , Akirov A. , Duarte F.H. , Bronstein M.D.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess the outcome of pregnancies in a large cohort of women with acromegaly.

Design and methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 31 pregnancies in 20 patients with acromegaly.

Results

Twenty‐seven pregnancies resulted in healthy offspring, and 4 resulted in abortion. Three patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery during pregnancy. IGF‐1 levels remained elevated during pregnancy in 4 pregnancies and normalized in 23 cases. Fifteen cases were followed during pregnancy without any medical or surgical treatment, and 13 of these exhibited normal IGF‐1 levels. Before or during pregnancy, somatostatin receptor ligands usage was not associated with higher risk for adverse outcomes. Arterial hypertension worsening (45%) and impairment of glucose levels (32%) were the most common complications during pregnancies. There were no maternal or neonatal deaths. One woman delivered twins. Two cases of congenital malformations and one with foetal macrosomia were observed. Caesarean delivery was performed in sixteen cases.

Conclusion

Our study confirms the impact of gestation on IGF‐1 levels. However, it also indicates that acromegaly still holds an increased risk for worsening of comorbidities, especially in uncontrolled patients.
Association between site‐specific bone mineral density and glucose homeostasis and anthropometric traits in healthy men and women
Authors: Kim Se‐Min , Cui Jinrui , Rhyu Jane , Guo Xiuqing , Chen Yii‐Der I. , Hsueh Willa A. , Rotter Jerome I. , Goodarzi Mark O.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of fracture despite normal or increased bone mineral density (BMD). Studies on the relationship of glucose homeostasis with BMD phenotypes have been inconclusive because distinguishing the roles of insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia in bone remodelling is challenging. In this study, we sought to define the relationship of site‐specific BMD with glucose homeostasis traits and anthropometric traits.

Design/Patients/Measurements

In a cross‐sectional study, we examined 787 subjects from the Mexican‐American Coronary Artery Disease (MACAD) cohort who had undergone euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamps, oral glucose tolerance testing and dual X‐ray absorptiometry. Glucose homeostasis traits included insulinogenic index (IGI30), insulin sensitivity (M value), insulin clearance (MCRI), fasting insulin, fasting glucose and 2‐hour glucose. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association of glucose homeostasis and anthropometric traits with site‐specific BMD.

Results

Two‐hour glucose was negatively associated with arm BMD in women, which remained significant in multivariate analysis (β = −.15, P = .0015). Positive correlations between fasting insulin and BMD at weight‐bearing sites, including pelvis (β = .22, P < .0001) and legs (β = .17, P = .001) in women and pelvis (β = .33, P < .0001) in men, lost significance after multivariate adjustment. Lean mass exhibited strong independent positive associations with BMD at multiple sites in both sexes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that (i) anabolic effects of insulin might work via mechanical loading from lean mass; (ii) a direct negative effect of increasing glucose might be more prominent at cortical‐bone‐rich sites in women; and (iii) lean mass is a strong positive predictor of bone mass.
The effect of implant‐abutment junction position on crestal bone loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Ravidà Andrea , Suárez‐López del Amo Fernando , Lin Guo‐Hao , Asa'ad Farah , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To investigate the effect of the apico‐coronal implant position on early and late crestal bone loss (CBL), in bone and tissue level implants.

Materials and methods

Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted for controlled clinical trials reporting on CBL before and after functional loading of implants. Random effects meta‐analyses were applied to analyze the weighted mean difference (WMD) and meta‐regression was conducted to investigate any potential influences of select confounding factors.

Results

Fourteen articles were included in the systematic review and 12 were included in the quantitative synthesis. For bone level implants, WMD comparing early CBL in equi and subcrestal placement was 0.15 mm (P = .18). For analyses of late CBL in bone level implants, equi and subcrestal placement revealed a 0.03 mm WMD (P = .88). Where in supra and subcrestal placement, WMD was 0.04 mm (P = .86). The comparison presented considerable heterogeneity between these two arms, where the P value for chi‐square test presented as .006. Finally, for CBL between supra and equicrestal placement, WMD was −0.64 mm (P < .0001), favoring the supracrestal group. For tissue level implants, WM of early and late CBL in implants placed equi‐crestally was 0.68 ± 0.12 mm and 0.69 ± 0.54 mm, respectively, where for implants placed sub‐crestally, the WM of CBL was 1.72 ± 0.15 mm and 2.26 ± 0.63 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it is recommended to place tissue level implants equicrestally, and bone level implants subcrestally.
A randomized controlled clinical trial to assess crestal bone remodeling of four different implant designs
Authors: Glibert Maarten , Vervaeke Stijn , Jacquet Wolfgang , Vermeersch Kim , Östman Pär‐Olov , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: March 2018

Background

It is claimed that bone remodeling is limited when the implant neck has microthreads and an internal abutment connection. However, comparative studies, excluding confounding factors, are scarce.

Aim

This RCT aims to assess whether a coronal microthreaded design and an internal abutment connection affects crestal bone loss, up to one year of function.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one maxillary edentulous patients were consecutively treated for a bar supported maxillary overdenture on four different implants with respectively: internal connection and microthreads on the implant neck (I MT); internal connection, no microthreads (I NMT), external connection, with microthreads (E MT), and external connection, without microthreads (E NMT). Other design features, s.a. width, surface topography, platform switch as well as surgical placement and prosthetic protocol were consistent. Implant survival and crestal bone loss in relation to the implant type were considered the main variables and a Friedman test for ordered alternatives was used to assess the difference in crestal bone loss between the different study implants.

Results

Twenty‐one patients received 83 study implants. Three implants failed within three months and required replacement. The total survival rate was 96.39% after one year and based on 21 patients and 80 implants a mean crestal bone loss of 0.25 mm (SD: 0.38; range: 0‐1.48) was measured. After a follow‐up of 3, 6, 12, and 21 months no statistically significant differences in crestal bone loss between the different study implants or the different time intervals could be identified.

Conclusions

From this RCT, it is concluded that the implant‐abutment connection and a microthreaded external thread configuration have limited influence on crestal bone remodeling. The latter can be considered a multifactorial process and is more dependent on other factors such as biologic considerations than on implant design.
GeX: an automated tool for generating XYD files for analysis of endemicity using VNDM
Authors: Santos Charles Morphy D. , Fuhlendorf Max
Published: March 2018

In the last decade, a method widely used to delimit areas of endemism is the analysis of endemicity (AE), a non‐hierarchical and grid‐dependent algorithm implemented through the package NDM/VNDM. Its input files are based on lists of georeferenced taxa, and any mistakes in their preparation will influence the results of the analyses. We describe here a free online automated tool for generating the input files for VNDM from simple spreadsheets.
A parallel computational approach for similarity search using Bloom filters
Authors: Chauhan Sachendra Singh , Batra Shalini
Published: March 2018

Finding similar items in a large and unstructured dataset is a challenging task in many applications of data science, such as searching, indexing, and retrieval. With the increasing data volume and demand for real time responses, similarity search has gained much consideration. In this paper, a parallel computational approach for similarity search using Bloom filters (PCASSB) has been proposed, which uses Bloom filter for the representation of features of document and comparison with user's query. Query features are stored in integer query array (IQA), an array of integer. The PCASSB, an approximate similarity search technique, has been implemented on graphics processing unit with compute unified device architecture as the programming platform. To compute the similarity score between query and reference dataset, Dice coefficient has been used as a baseline method. The accuracy of the results generated by PCASSB is compared with the baseline method and other state‐of‐the‐art methods. The experimental results show that the proposed technique is quite effective in processing large number of text documents as it takes less computational time.
The multidisciplinary support in preventing alcohol relapse after liver transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Attilia Maria Luisa , Lattanzi Barbara , Ledda Roberta , Galli Anna Maria , Farcomeni Alessio , Rotondo Claudia , Di Gregorio Vincenza , Mennini Gianluca , Poli Edoardo , Attilia Fabio , Ginanni Corradini Stefano , Rossi Massimo , Merli Manuela
Published: March 2018

Background and aim

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) represents a frequent indication for liver transplantation (LT). Since 2004, we have adopted a program of multidisciplinary support(MS) to assist patients undergoing LT for ALD. We aimed at analyzing the relapse rate and the risk factors for relapse. The relapse rate was also compared with that of a historical group of patients who underwent transplantation. Their survival rate was also analyzed.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients with ALD transplanted from 2004 were included. The most important demographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics known to be associated with alcohol relapse were recorded.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients underwent MS: 8.7% presented alcohol relapse. At multivariate analysis female gender (sHR 9.02, 95% CI 1.71‐47.56, P = .009), alcohol withdrawal syndrome (sHR 5.89, 95% CI 1.42‐24.46, P = .015) and a shorter time of MS program before LT (sHR 0.928 per month, 95% CI 0.870‐0.988, P = .021) were identified as independent risk factors for relapse.

The rate of alcohol relapse was significantly lower than that of the historical group who did not undergo MS (sHR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06‐0.68; P = .009).

Conclusion

This study shows that a MS program may contribute to alcohol relapse prevention after LT in ALD patients. However, the relevance of this support needs to be confirmed by clinical trials.
Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath: A 10‐year study from a tertiary care centre
Authors: Kumar R. , Bharani V. , Gupta N. , Gupta K. , Dey P. , Srinivasan R. , Rajwanshi A.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Cytology of giant cell tumour of tendon sheath (GCTTS) is often sufficient to diagnose this lesion and has been previously described in small series. The present study was undertaken to evaluate detailed cytomorphological features and differential diagnostic entities and pitfalls in the diagnosis.

Methods

All the cases of GCTTS reported on FNAC were retrieved from July 2007 to June 2017. The cases were reviewed for various cytomorphological features, which were correlated with follow‐up histopathology wherever available.

Results

A total of 72 cases of GCTTS were retrieved, follow‐up histopathology was available in 20 cases. The common sites of involvement were fingers and palm followed by wrists, elbow, knee, ankle and shoulder. The characteristic cytomorphology consisted of mononuclear cells, multinucleated giant cells and pigment laden macrophages in variable numbers. There were four discordant cases that were confirmed on histopathology as sarcoidosis, melanoma, fibrous histiocytoma and eumycetoma.

Conclusions

GCTTS can be confused cytologically with giant cell rich lesions of bone and soft tissue and pigment containing lesions including melanoma. Ladybird cell is a characteristic feature seen in this lesion. Proper clinicoradiological correlation is essential before offering a diagnosis of GCTTS on cytology.
Peroral cholangioscopy‐guided laser lithotripsy to treat regional hepatolithiasis without stricture
Authors: Liu Ruohong , Zhang Bingyin , Liu Danqing
Published: March 2018

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Impaired muscle growth precedes development of increased stiffness of the triceps surae musculotendinous unit in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Willerslev‐Olsen Maria , Choe Lund Mai , Lorentzen Jakob , Barber Lee , Kofoed‐Hansen Mathilde , Nielsen Jens Bo
Published: March 2018

Aim

If increased muscle stiffness and contractures in children with cerebral palsy (CP) are related to impaired muscle growth, reduced muscle growth should precede or coincide with increased muscle stiffness during development. Here, we compared the volume of the medial gastrocnemius muscle and the passive (non‐neural) stiffness of the triceps surae musculotendinous unit in typically developing children and children with CP from birth until 4 years of age.

Method

Forty‐one children with CP and 45 typically developing children were included. Freehand three‐dimensional ultrasound was used to evaluate the volume of the medial gastrocnemius muscle. Biomechanical and electrophysiological measures were used to determine passive and reflex mediated stiffness of the triceps surae musculotendinous unit.

Results

Medial gastrocnemius muscle volume increased with the same rate in typically developing and children with CP until 12 months of age, when a significant smaller rate of growth was observed in children with CP. Passive stiffness of the triceps surae musculotendinous unit showed a linear increase with age in typically developing children. Children with CP older than 27 months showed a significant increase in passive stiffness. Reflex mediated stiffness was only pathologically increased in four children with CP.

Interpretation

The deviation of medial gastrocnemius muscle volume, earlier than musculotendinous unit stiffness, is consistent with the hypothesis. The data also point out that muscle atrophy and muscle stiffness already develops within the first 1 to 2 years. This emphasizes the necessity of early interventions to promote lower limb muscle growth in this population.

What this paper adds

Medial gastrocnemius muscle growth is reduced in children with cerebral palsy (CP) around 12 months after birth.

Triceps surae musculotendinous unit stiffness is increased in children with CP around 27 months after birth.

Reflex excitability is rarely increased in children with CP.

Reduced muscle growth may be involved in the pathophysiology of contractures.
The Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL): a new tool to assess cerebral palsy
Authors: Davids Jon
Published: March 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Thomason et al. on pages 618–623 of this issue.
Future challenges in functional gait training for children and young adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Swinnen Eva
Published: March 2018

This commentary is on the systematic review by Booth et al. on pages 866–883 of this issue.
Randomized controlled feasibility trial of supported self‐management in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and an intellectual disability: OK Diabetes
Authors: House A. , Bryant L. , Russell A. M. , Wright‐Hughes A. , Graham L. , Walwyn R. , Wright J. M. , Hulme C. , O'Dwyer J. L , Latchford G. , Stansfield A. , Ajjan R. , Farrin A.
Published: March 2018

Aims

To undertake a feasibility randomized controlled trial of supported self‐management vs treatment as usual in a population of adults with obesity, Type 2 diabetes and an intellectual disability.

Methods

We conducted an individually randomized feasibility trial. Participants were adults aged >18 years with a mild or moderate intellectual disability, living in the community with Type 2 diabetes, on any therapy other than insulin. Participants had mental capacity to consent to research and the intervention. Inclusion criteria included HbA1c > 48 mmol/mol (6.5%), BMI >25 kg/m2, or self‐reported physical activity below national guideline levels. The experimental intervention was standardized supported self‐management delivered by diabetes specialist nurses plus treatment as usual, compared with treatment as usual alone. Feasibility outcomes included: recruitment and retention; intervention acceptability and feasibility; data collection and completeness for physiological state and values for candidate primary outcomes (HbA1c and BMI).

Results

A total of 82 participants (89% of those contacted and eligible) were randomized. All supported self‐management sessions were completed by 35/41 participants (85%); only four completed no sessions. Data on the follow‐up candidate primary outcomes HbA1c and BMI were obtained for 75/82 (91%) and 77/82 participants (94%), respectively. The mean baseline HbA1c was 56±16.5 mmol/mol (7.3±1.5%) and the mean BMI was 34±7.6 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Adherence to supported self‐management and willingness to have blood taken for outcome measurement was good. A definitive randomized controlled trial is feasible in this population.

(Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN41897033)
Teaching Customer Experience Quality and its Significance in Retail Management: A Role Playing Game using Chinese Puzzle ‘Tangram’
Authors: Paul Rik , Ponnam Abhilash
Published: March 2018

Services are intangible in nature. For a marketing educator, it is difficult to illustrate to students the means of creating favorable customer experiences through standard lectures or case studies in a services context, considering this intangibility property. This paper describes a simple role playing game that uses the Chinese puzzle ‘Tangram’ to help students comprehend how customer experiences are shaped within and beyond a service setting. In the game, the class gets divided into two groups, individual customers and furniture retailer teams. The two groups interact with each other in buying and selling modular furniture. At the end of the game, customers share qualitative and quantitative feedback on their retailer experience, and the retailer team which obtains a high score on profitability as well as customer experience quality is declared as the winner. The debriefing session that follows the game lets students share their experiences and key learnings. The game provides the students with a scope to learn and explore the importance of customer experience quality without direct supervision from the instructor. This game requires minimal physical infrastructure. The materials required to conduct this game are easily available in departmental stores, and the monetary cost involved in deploying this game is nominal.
Biphasic effects of THC in memory and cognition
Authors: Calabrese Edward J. , Rubio‐Casillas Alberto
Published: March 2018

A generally undesired effect of cannabis smoking is a reversible disruption of short‐term memory induced by delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. However, this paradigm has been recently challenged by a group of scientists who have shown that THC is also able to improve neurological function in old animals when chronically administered at low concentrations. Moreover, recent studies demonstrated that THC paradoxically promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, prevents neurodegenerative processes occurring in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, protects from inflammation‐induced cognitive damage and restores memory and cognitive function in old mice. With the aim to reconcile these seemingly contradictory facts, this work will show that such paradox can be explained within the framework of hormesis, defined as a biphasic dose‐response.
THE OPTIMAL DEFENSE OF NETWORKS OF TARGETS
Authors: Kovenock Dan , Roberson Brian
Published: March 2018

This paper examines a game‐theoretic model of attack and defense of multiple networks of targets in which there exist intranetwork strategic complementarities among targets. The defender's objective is to successfully defend all the networks and the attacker's objective is to successfully attack at least one network of targets. Although there are multiple equilibria, we characterize correlation structures in the allocations of forces across targets that arise in all equilibria. For example, in all equilibria the attacker utilizes a stochastic “guerrilla warfare” strategy in which a single random network is attacked. (JEL C72, D74)
Early population dynamics in classical biological control: establishment of the exotic parasitoid Torymus sinensis and control of its target pest, the chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus, in France
Authors: Borowiec Nicolas , Thaon Marcel , Brancaccio Lisa , Cailleret Benoît , Ris Nicolas , Vercken Elodie
Published: March 2018

In response to the introduction and spread of the chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) in metropolitan France, including Corsica, the exotic parasitoid Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) was deliberately introduced in more than 50 locations covering most of the areas of chestnut production. To test the impact of propagule pressure (i.e., the number and size of introductions) on establishment success and post‐release dynamics, the introductions were done according to three experimental modalities: (1) a single introduction of 100 females, (2) two sequential introductions of 50 females, or (3) a single introduction of 1 000 females. Post‐release surveys demonstrated a very high local establishment of T. sinensis, regardless of the introduction modality. Post‐introduction dynamics were found to follow a two‐phase process. First, early dynamics were characterized by an exponential growth of T. sinensis populations without a significant decrease in D. kuriphilus populations. Later, middle‐term dynamics indicated a global decrease in both D. kuriphilus and T. sinensis populations. Quite surprisingly, propagule pressure had a limited effect on post‐introduction dynamics, with a lasting demographic advantage for the largest introductions, but no influence of the number of introductions. Finally, site connectivity had a positive effect on T. sinensis population size, suggesting successful colonization and establishment at a wide spatial scale beyond the introduction sites. In addition, we observed that some T. sinensis exhibited a very short developmental time compared to the majority of the emerged individuals, which may be interpreted as a diversified bet hedging strategy against environmental stochasticity. These findings confirm the strong potential of T. sinensis for successful establishment and sustainable control of the chestnut gall wasp in Europe.
Predator feeding vibrations encourage mosquito larvae to shorten their development and so become smaller adults
Authors: Roberts Derek M.
Published: March 2018

1. Water‐borne predator kairomones are known to allow mosquito larvae to detect and identify the presence of a specific predator, so that they can deploy defences tailored to that predator. Kairomones, however, have limitations, and detection of specific water‐borne vibrations produced by a predator would allow fine‐tuning of their anti‐predator defences.

2. Larvae of the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata have previously been shown to recognise the specific vibration pattern of a feeding dragonfly nymph and respond by altering their feeding behaviour from active bottom‐scraping to a more passive surface filter‐feeding, while other water vibrations did not produce this response. Culex perexiguus larvae also responded, but to a much lesser extent.

3. In this study, C. perexiguus larvae responded strongly to dragonfly vibrations by reducing their larval duration from 9.8 to 8.7 days, but this resulted in significantly smaller (and thus probably less successful) adults. However, Culiseta longiareolata larvae did not alter their larval duration in response to dragonfly vibrations.
Clinical and functional correlates of financially deprived women with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Hui Christy L.M. , Ko Wai Tung , Chang Wing Chung , Lee Edwin H.M. , Chan Sherry K.W. , Chen Eric Y.H.
Published: March 2018

Background

Women, especially those with low‐socio‐economic status and financial deprivation, are found to be affected by mental illnesses disproportionately. We compared the clinical, functioning and cognitive characteristics between the financially deprived women with first‐episode psychosis and their non‐deprived women counterparts.

Method

A cross‐sectional analysis of consecutively recruited first‐episode psychosis women patients was conducted. A total of 93 financially deprived women patients and 105 non‐deprived women patients aged 25 to 55 years were compared in terms of demographic, premorbid and help‐seeking characteristics, baseline clinical characteristics, baseline functioning and baseline cognitive functioning.

Results

Financially deprived women were older (P= .005), had received less education (P= .001), more likely to live alone (P< .001) and with a higher proportion of immigrants (P= .001). Whereas there was no significant difference found in duration of untreated psychosis, deprived women had more severe depressive symptoms (P= .021) and more severe negative symptoms, in terms of avolition‐apathy (P= .003) and anhedonia‐asociality (P= .008). They also perform worse in social and occupational functioning (P= .002) and a range of cognitive abilities.

Conclusions

Nearly half of the adult female patients with first‐episode psychosis in Hong Kong encountered persistent financially difficulties. The fact that they suffer from more severe symptoms and worsened functioning and cognitive abilities at an early stage of illness shows that this subgroup of patients warrant assistance and attention.
Managers’ Corruption Prevention Efforts in Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises: An Exploration of Determinants
Authors: Werner Anna , Rabl Tanja , Best Henning
Published: March 2018

Based on an extension of the theory of planned behavior, this paper examines the determinants of managers’ corruption prevention efforts in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). For this, we collected survey data from 339 managers in German SMEs and conducted five supplementary in‐depth interviews. Our quantitative findings show that the SMEs’ managers’ moral obligation, subjective norm, self‐efficacy, perceived controllability, and perceived threat of employees’ corrupt behavior are positively related to managers’ intention to apply corruption prevention measures in their SME. This intention in turn is positively related to the application of such measures as is the managers’ perceived controllability. The supplementary qualitative analysis mostly supports these results. Based on our findings, we identify starting points to reach a higher sensitization of managers in SMEs to corruption prevention.
Early management of patients with medication‐overuse headache: results from a multicentre clinical study
Authors: Corbelli I. , Sarchielli P. , Eusebi P. , Cupini L. M. , Caproni S. , Calabresi P. ,   SAMOHA Study Group
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

Educational intervention has proved to be effective in reducing drug abuse in uncomplicated medication‐overuse headache (MOH). This ancillary of the SAMOHA multicentre study aimed to assess any differences in phenotypic characteristics, type and amount of drugs overused, and comorbidities between patients with MOH who responded to simple advice and those who did not.

Methods

Demographic and clinical headache data of the last 3 months before enrollment of patients were collected and patients were then asked to fill out a daily headache diary for 4 weeks. Patients were then divided into two subgroups, i.e. those with confirmed MOH continued in the study [randomized (R) group], whereas those who did not still show any features of MOH dropped out of the study.

Results

A total of 88 (67.7%) patients still met the inclusion criteria after the baseline 4 weeks (R group). Conversely, 42 (32.3%) patients dropped out of the study. A detailed analysis of those who dropped out revealed that only 34 were not randomized at visit 2 because they no longer satisfied the inclusion criteria for MOH [screening failures (SF) group]. The SF group was significantly younger and had fewer years of migraine history than the R group. Moreover, the SF group had a significantly shorter history of chronicity compared with the R group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in MOH trials, after an educational session, an observational period is needed in order to confirm the diagnosis of MOH and to avoid overestimation of the effect of other treatments used to manage MOH. Future research should focus mainly on those patients with MOH who do not respond to simple advice and with unsuccessful withdrawal.
Faunistic survey of Aphidoidea (Hemiptera) and associated predatory ladybirds in orchards, Yazd Province, Iran
Authors: Heidari Latibari M. , Zare Khormizi M. , Sahamian E. , Dehghan Dehnavi L. , Moravvej G. H.
Published: March 2018

A faunistic survey of aphids was carried out in the centre of Iran. Aphids were collected and identified from 14 host plants. Thirteen species, belonging to 3 families (Aphididae, Pemphigidae, Lachnidae) were recorded. According to collected data, the family Aphididae had the highest number identified species of the 3 families. The greatest diversity of aphids was found on plants of the family Rosaceae. All the species have been reported for Iran from other provinces in the past; however, they are new reports for Yazd province. Nine species of ladybirds were also identified.
Comparative effects of ammonium, nitrate and urea on growth and photosynthetic efficiency of three bloom‐forming cyanobacteria
Authors: Erratt Kevin J. , Creed Irena F. , Trick Charles G.
Published: March 2018

Urea‐based fertilisers have grown in popularity over the past half‐century and are now the dominant nitrogen (N) form applied to agricultural landscapes. The widespread use of urea fertilisers has favoured its export to local waterways, and urea pollution may be contributing to the propagation and maintenance of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms in fresh waters. The relative success of cyanobacteria in response to urea and inorganic N additions was studied to understand whether the recent changes in the magnitude and composition of N loading have created a scenario that now favours the dominance of cyanobacteria in fresh waters.

Growth and photosynthetic efficiency of three bloom‐forming freshwater cyanobacteria (Microcystis, Dolichospermum and Synechococcus) grown on nitrate (), ammonium () and urea (CO(NH2)2) as the sole N form were monitored. We hypothesised that N substrates that require the lowest energetic investment or offer the highest energetic return would favour optimal growth and photosynthetic performance. We predicted that urea would result in higher cellular growth and pigment production relative to or , as urea provides twice the amount N and an additional carbon (C) source making it more energetically efficient.

Cyanobacteria biomass was not significantly enhanced on urea relative to inorganic N forms. Growth on urea was matched by for all species, whereas growth on was halved compared urea or . However, cyanobacteria cells had higher pigment concentrations when grown on urea relative to inorganic N sources. These findings suggest that the additional nutrient building blocks supplied from the hydrolysis of urea were not directed towards active growth, but rather accumulated in secondary pools to increase production of N‐rich compounds, such as pigments.

Although urea did not influence cyanobacteria quantity “(i.e. biomass)” compared to inorganic N sources, it produced higher “quality” cells by enhancing pigment synthesis and potentially giving cyanobacteria a competitive advantage in light‐limiting conditions. Furthermore, when supplied in excess, cyanobacteria rapidly consumed urea in excess of their biosynthetic requirements suggesting a form of urea “gluttony.” These results demonstrate the importance of N speciation on cyanobacteria physiological responses and reinforce the emerging links between urea and cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms in inland waters.
Soil properties and sediment accretion modulate methane fluxes from restored wetlands
Authors: Chamberlain Samuel D. , Anthony Tyler L. , Silver Whendee L. , Eichelmann Elke , Hemes Kyle S. , Oikawa Patricia Y. , Sturtevant Cove , Szutu Daphne J. , Verfaillie Joseph G. , Baldocchi Dennis D.
Published: March 2018

Wetlands are the largest source of methane (CH4) globally, yet our understanding of how process‐level controls scale to ecosystem fluxes remains limited. It is particularly uncertain how variable soil properties influence ecosystem CH4 emissions on annual time scales. We measured ecosystem carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4 fluxes by eddy covariance from two wetlands recently restored on peat and alluvium soils within the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta of California. Annual CH4 fluxes from the alluvium wetland were significantly lower than the peat site for multiple years following restoration, but these differences were not explained by variation in dominant climate drivers or productivity across wetlands. Soil iron (Fe) concentrations were significantly higher in alluvium soils, and alluvium CH4 fluxes were decoupled from plant processes compared with the peat site, as expected when Fe reduction inhibits CH4 production in the rhizosphere. Soil carbon content and CO2 uptake rates did not vary across wetlands and, thus, could also be ruled out as drivers of initial CH4 flux differences. Differences in wetland CH4 fluxes across soil types were transient; alluvium wetland fluxes were similar to peat wetland fluxes 3 years after restoration. Changing alluvium CH4 emissions with time could not be explained by an empirical model based on dominant CH4 flux biophysical drivers, suggesting that other factors, not measured by our eddy covariance towers, were responsible for these changes. Recently accreted alluvium soils were less acidic and contained more reduced Fe compared with the pre‐restoration parent soils, suggesting that CH4 emissions increased as conditions became more favorable to methanogenesis within wetland sediments. This study suggests that alluvium soil properties, likely Fe content, are capable of inhibiting ecosystem‐scale wetland CH4 flux, but these effects appear to be transient without continued input of alluvium to wetland sediments.
Rising synchrony controls western North American ecosystems
Authors: Black Bryan A. , van der Sleen Peter , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Griffin Daniel , Sydeman William J. , Dunham Jason B. , Rykaczewski Ryan R. , García‐Reyes Marisol , Safeeq Mohammad , Arismendi Ivan , Bograd Steven J.
Published: March 2018

Along the western margin of North America, the winter expression of the North Pacific High (NPH) strongly influences interannual variability in coastal upwelling, storm track position, precipitation, and river discharge. Coherence among these factors induces covariance among physical and biological processes across adjacent marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we show that over the past century the degree and spatial extent of this covariance (synchrony) has substantially increased, and is coincident with rising variance in the winter NPH. Furthermore, centuries‐long blue oak (Quercus douglasii) growth chronologies sensitive to the winter NPH provide robust evidence that modern levels of synchrony are among the highest observed in the context of the last 250 years. These trends may ultimately be linked to changing impacts of the El Niño Southern Oscillation on midlatitude ecosystems of North America. Such a rise in synchrony may destabilize ecosystems, expose populations to higher risks of extinction, and is thus a concern given the broad biological relevance of winter climate to biological systems.
Assessing canopy performance using carbonyl sulfide measurements
Authors: Yang Fulin , Qubaja Rafat , Tatarinov Fyodor , Rotenberg Eyal , Yakir Dan
Published: March 2018

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is a tracer of ecosystem photosynthesis that can advance carbon cycle research from leaf to global scales; however, a range of newly reported caveats related to sink/source strength of various ecosystem components hinder its application. Using comprehensive eddy‐covariance and chamber measurements, we systematically measure ecosystem contributions from leaf, stem, soil, and litter and were able to close the ecosystem COS budget. The relative contributions of nonphotosynthetic components to the overall canopy‐scale flux are relatively small (~4% during peak activity season) and can be independently estimated based on their responses to temperature and humidity. Converting COS to photosynthetic CO2 fluxes based on the leaf relative uptake of COS/CO2, faces challenges due to observed daily and seasonal changes. Yet, this ratio converges around a constant value (~1.6), and the variations, dominated by light intensity, were found unimportant on a flux‐weighted daily time‐scale, indicating a mean ratio of daytime gross‐to‐net primary productivity of ~2 in our ecosystem. The seasonal changes in the leaf relative uptake ratio may indicate a reduction in mesophyll conductance in winter, and COS‐derived canopy conductance permitted canopy temperature estimate consistent with radiative skin temperature. These results support the feasibility of using COS as a powerful and much‐needed means of assessing ecosystem function and its response to change.
Lignocellulosic‐based bioenergy and water quality parameters: a review
Authors: Acharya Bharat Sharma , Blanco‐Canqui Humberto
Published: March 2018

High rates of crop residue removal as biofuel feedstocks could increase losses of nonpoint source pollutants, negatively affecting water quality. An alternative to residue removal can be growing dedicated bioenergy crops such as warm season grasses (WSGs) and short‐rotation woody crops (SRWCs). Yet, our understanding of the implications of growing dedicated bioenergy crops on water quality is limited. Thus, we (i) synthesized and compared the impacts of crop residue removal, WSGs, and SRWCs on water quality parameters (i.e., sediment and nutrient runoff, and nutrient leaching) and (ii) identified research gaps for growing dedicated energy crops. Literature indicates that residue removal at rates >50% (residue retention up to 4.71 Mg ha−1) can increase runoff by 5–15 mm, sediment loss by 0.2–7 Mg ha−1, NO3–N by 0.58–1 kg ha−1, and sediment‐associated C by 0.3–57 kg ha−1 per rainstorm event compared to no residue removal. Crop residue removal may also increase nutrient leaching. Studies on the impacts of growing WSGs as dedicated bioenergy crops at field scale on water quality parameters are few. However, WSGs when used as conservation buffers reduce losses of sediment by 66–97%, nutrients by 21–94%, and contaminants by 9–98%. This suggests that if WSGs were grown as dedicated bioenergy crops at larger scales, they could reduce losses of nonpoint source pollutants. Literature indicates that SRWCs can consistently reduce NO3–N leaching. More modeled than field data are available, warranting further field research on (i) field data collection from WSGs and SRWCs from marginal lands, (ii) growing monoculture or polyculture of WSGs, and (iii) large‐scale production of energy crops. Overall, dedicated bioenergy crops, particularly WSGs, can reduce losses of nonpoint source pollutants compared to residue removal and be an important strategy to improve water quality if grown at larger scales.
Knee extensor strength assessed using a vertical squat and a simple geometric model to calculate joint torque: An evaluation of validity and clinical utility
Authors: Sato Haruhiko , Kusayanagi Koki , Kondo Yu , Kamide Naoto , Shiba Yoshitaka , Takashima Atsushi
Published: March 2018

Aim

We propose a simple method to measure knee extensor muscle strength using a single‐legged vertical squat. The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of this method in comparison with standard methods of measurement.

Methods

A total of 30 healthy adults (mean age 22 years) and 28 healthy older individuals (mean age 69 years) participated in this study. Knee extensor torque at maximum knee flexion during a single‐leg squat was calculated by a geometrical model using height, weight and measured leg forward lean angle. Its validity as a measurement of knee extensor strength was assessed by comparing the results with maximum isometric knee extensor strength measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and a handheld dynamometer.

Results

Knee extensor torques calculated by the squat model were highly correlated with those calculated by the isokinetic dynamometer (r = 0.835) and handheld dynamometer (r = 0.884); however, the difference between the squat model and the isokinetic dynamometer measurements, and between the squat model and the handheld dynamometer measurements increased proportionally with increasing muscle strength.

Conclusion

The squat model is a convenient way to measure knee extensor muscle strength quantitatively. However, it might be more suitable for individuals with quadriceps muscle weakness than for those with strong muscles. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1125–1131.
Transnational migration, gender and educational development of children in Tajikistan
Authors: CEBOTARI VICTOR
Published: March 2018

In Tajikistan, a Central Asian country with high rates of emigration, there is little systematic empirical research on the education of children in transnational households. In this study, I use national representative data from 2011 to examine the number of years lag in education of boys (N=1110) and girls (N=1140) aged 7 to 17 who live in different transnational care arrangements compared with those living in non‐migrant households. I demonstrate that being in a transnational household reduces the risk of an educational lag, although there are gender differences when measuring this relationship. In particular, girls are less likely to have an educational lag if the mother or both parents migrate, if the duration of parental absence is shorter rather than longer, and if migrants send remittances home. The legal status of parents abroad and maternal migration are advantageous for boys’ education. These findings highlight the importance of looking at complex transnational forms of living and at gender when assessing the educational outcomes of children in migrant sending contexts.