bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of avian diversity across a decreasing patch‐size gradient in a critically endangered subtropical forest system
Authors: Ehlers Smith David A. , Si Xingfeng , Ehlers Smith Yvette C. , Kalle Riddhika , Ramesh Tharmalingam , Downs Colleen T.
Published: July 2018

Aim

We investigated habitat heterogeneity and patterns of avian taxonomic and functional diversity change across a decreasing patch‐size gradient in a critically endangered, fragmented forest‐system to elucidate: (1) habitat patch‐size and structural drivers of avian diversity change, (2) potential patch‐size thresholds at which avian diversity and habitat heterogeneity changes occurred and (3) avian species/communities within thresholds that indicated distinct patch‐size categories.

Location

Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, South Africa.

Methods

We conduced habitat‐structure and fixed‐radius point‐count surveys during the avian breeding season across 123 habitat patches (range 0.06–386.9 ha). We calculated taxonomic and functional diversity/patch (α) using a distance matrix of all traits present in the avian community (γ) and described community change across the patch‐size gradient (β). We compared linear regressions of patch‐size effects on avian functional α‐diversity and habitat‐structural heterogeneity to segmented regression at five bands, determined by mean patch sizes responsible for provisioning avian functional α‐diversity at <50%, 50%–62.5%, 62.5%–75%, 75%–87.5% and 87.5%–100% of avian functional γ‐diversity to explore patch‐size thresholds, and tested for significant avian indicator species of categories identified.

Results

Avian taxonomic and functional α‐diversity significantly decreased with decreasing patch size and habitat heterogeneity; correlations between taxonomic and functional diversity declines and a positive significant influence of habitat heterogeneity on avian functional diversity indicated selective extinction pressure on niches and concomitant functional traits. Species turnover significantly increased in smaller patches. Segmented regressions of patch size‐effect on avian functional diversity and habitat heterogeneity out‐performed linear regressions at three patch‐size thresholds (157, 96 and 9 ha). Forest‐dependent specialists were significant indicators of high‐diversity patches >90 ha. Species characterizing small patches <9 ha were generalists, but many were also present in larger patches, highlighting nested‐community subsets of γ‐diversity.

Main conclusions

Specialized niches and concomitant species became locally extinct at patch‐size thresholds. We present replicable methodology and recommendations for conservation of forest systems using a critically endangered biome containing disproportionately high avifauna.
Where and at which scales does the latitudinal diversity gradient fail?
Authors: Gaucherel C. , Tramier C. , Devictor V. , Svenning J.‐C. , Hély C.
Published: July 2018

Aim

This study analyses the places and the scales at which the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) for vertebrate species holds or, conversely, fails. Although much empirical support for the LDG at a global scale exists, several marked departures have also been previously reported for some regions, scales and organisms. Here, we aim to test the generality of the LDG by accurately quantifying its variability among regions and scales using a novel analysing approach applied on environmental and species data.

Location

Global; Vertebrate species (amphibians, mammals and birds).

Methods

To test the LDG, we proceeded in two successive steps. First, we collected environmental and vertebrate species data to summarize the overall environment (likely the LDG). In a second step, we compared the two datasets (environment and species biodiversity index maps) using the Comparison Map and Profile (CMP) method. It computes the correlation between datasets in moving windows, all over both maps (at one scale), and by increasing the size (scale) of the moving windows. Cross‐correlations are then spatially computed through all scales in order to map and accurately quantify the relationship between environment and biodiversity on Earth.

Results

The best environmental variable, explaining almost 70% of the spatial variation in vertebrate species richness, was the temperature seasonality composite (TSC), a good surrogate candidate for the LDG. While the TSC–diversity relationship followed an expected LDG‐like pattern in the Southern Hemisphere and in the tropics, it showed significant departures from latitudinal trends in Asia and North America. This observation can be explained by the increase in animal species number with increasing northern latitudes.

Main conclusions

We showed that the LDG (i.e. through the TSC surrogate) relationship fails in many places and at all scales in average. We must then reject the mainstream hypothesis of the overall worldwide LDG pattern. We suggest that it should not be taken for granted in macroecological studies, especially over the Northern Hemisphere. The spatial distribution of vertebrate richness is both area and scale dependent, and this observation is robust to changes in spatial resolution, in data coverage (e.g. ecoregions) and in taxa.
Subtropical streams harbour higher genus richness and lower abundance of insects compared to boreal streams, but scale matters
Authors: Heino Jani , Melo Adriano S. , Jyrkänkallio‐Mikkola Jenny , Petsch Danielle Katharine , Saito Victor Satoru , Tolonen Kimmo T. , Bini Luis Mauricio , Landeiro Victor Lemes , Silva Thiago Sanna Freire , Pajunen Virpi , Soininen Janne , Siqueira Tadeu
Published: July 2018

Aim

Biological diversity typically varies between climatically different regions, and regions closer to the equator often support higher numbers of taxa than those closer to the poles. However, these trends have been assessed for a few organism groups, and the existing studies have rarely been based on extensive identical surveys in different climatic regions.

Location

We conducted standardized surveys of wadeable streams in a boreal (western Finland) and a subtropical (south‐eastern Brazil) region, sampling insects identically from 100 streams in each region and measuring the same environmental variables in both regions.

Taxon

Aquatic insects.

Methods

Comparisons were made at the scales of local stream sites, drainage basins and entire regions. We standardized the spatial extent of the study areas by resampling regional richness based on subsets of sites with similar extents. We examined differences in genus richness and assemblage abundance patterns between the regions using graphical and statistical modelling approaches.

Results

We found that while genus accumulation and rank‐abundance curves were relatively similar at the regional scale between Finland and Brazil, regional genus richness was higher in the latter but regional abundance much higher in the former region. These regional patterns for richness and abundance were reproduced by basin and local genus richness that were higher in Brazil than in Finland, and assemblage abundance that was much higher in Finland than in Brazil. The magnitude of the difference in genus richness between Brazil and Finland tended to increase from local through basin to regional scales.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that factors related to evolutionary diversification might explain differences in genus richness between these two climatically different regions, whereas higher nutrient concentrations of stream waters might explain the higher abundance of insects in Finland than in Brazil.
Without quality presence–absence data, discrimination metrics such as TSS can be misleading measures of model performance
Authors: Leroy Boris , Delsol Robin , Hugueny Bernard , Meynard Christine N. , Barhoumi Chéïma , Barbet‐Massin Morgane , Bellard Céline
Published: July 2018

The discriminating capacity (i.e. ability to correctly classify presences and absences) of species distribution models (SDMs) is commonly evaluated with metrics such as the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUC), the Kappa statistic and the true skill statistic (TSS). AUC and Kappa have been repeatedly criticized, but TSS has fared relatively well since its introduction, mainly because it has been considered as independent of prevalence. In addition, discrimination metrics have been contested because they should be calculated on presence–absence data, but are often used on presence‐only or presence‐background data. Here, we investigate TSS and an alternative set of metrics—similarity indices, also known as F‐measures. We first show that even in ideal conditions (i.e. perfectly random presence–absence sampling), TSS can be misleading because of its dependence on prevalence, whereas similarity/F‐measures provide adequate estimations of model discrimination capacity. Second, we show that in real‐world situations where sample prevalence is different from true species prevalence (i.e. biased sampling or presence‐pseudoabsence), no discrimination capacity metric provides adequate estimation of model discrimination capacity, including metrics specifically designed for modelling with presence‐pseudoabsence data. Our conclusions are twofold. First, they unequivocally impel SDM users to understand the potential shortcomings of discrimination metrics when quality presence–absence data are lacking, and we recommend obtaining such data. Second, in the specific case of virtual species, which are increasingly used to develop and test SDM methodologies, we strongly recommend the use of similarity/F‐measures, which were not biased by prevalence, contrary to TSS.
Dietary sodium intake and its relationship to adiposity in young black and white adults: The African‐PREDICT study
Authors: Crouch Simone H. , Ware Lisa J. , Gafane‐Matemane Lebo F. , Kruger Herculina S. , Van Zyl Tertia , Van der Westhuizen Bianca , Schutte Aletta E.
Published: July 2018

Obesity and salt intake are both established factors contributing to cardiovascular disease development. Recently, studies found a controversial positive relationship between dietary salt and obesity. Therefore, the authors investigated whether obesity‐related measures are associated with 24‐hour urinary sodium in a healthy biethnic population. The study included 761 adults (20‐30 years) with complete 24‐hour urinary sodium, anthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance measurements. In single regression analyses all obesity‐related measures related positively with 24‐hour urinary sodium (P ≤ .008). However, with multivariate adjustments for energy intake, accelerometery, age, sex, black and white ethnicity, and other covariates, only body surface area (BSA) remained independently associated with 24‐hour urinary sodium (R2 = 0.72, β = .05, P = .039). To conclude, we found a consistent and robust positive relationship between BSA and estimated salt intake – but not with traditional obesity measures such as body mass index (BMI). Further studies are needed to investigate body surface area and potentially, skin area, in salt handling.
Elementary school children's associations of antisocial behaviour with risk‐taking across 7–11 years
Authors: Tieskens Jacintha M. , Buil J. Marieke , Koot Susanne , Krabbendam Lydia , van Lier Pol A.C.
Published: July 2018

Background

The impact of childhood antisocial behaviour on future maladaptation has been acknowledged. Risk‐taking has been associated with antisocial behaviour in adolescents and adults, but its association with childhood antisocial behaviour is understudied. In this study, we explored the association of children's risk‐taking with antisocial behaviour in mainstream elementary schoolchildren studied longitudinally across 7–11 years.

Methods

One thousand and eighty‐six children (51% boys) were assessed in three annual waves. Antisocial behaviours (aggressive, covert antisocial and oppositional defiant behaviour) were assessed using teacher‐ and peer‐reports. Risk‐taking was measured using the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). The association of antisocial behaviour with risk‐taking was analysed using parallel growth models.

Results

Children with higher levels of risk‐taking at age 7 showed increased growth in peer‐reported aggression from age 7 to 11. Risk‐taking, that is increased levels at age 7 in boys and increased growth in girls, predicted increased growth in peer‐reported oppositional defiant behaviour. Associations of risk‐taking with teacher‐reported aggression and covert antisocial behaviour were at trend level.

Conclusions

Results indicated that already in childhood, among typically developing children, risk‐taking is associated with the development of antisocial behaviour. Future research focused on antisocial behaviour, but also school mental health workers and clinicians should take into account that already in childhood, risk‐taking might affect antisocial behaviour development.
Lethal effects of erythritol on the mosquito Aedes aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Gilkey Patrick L. , Bolshakov Dennis T. , Kowala Julia G. , Taylor Linden A. , O'Donnell Sean , Marenda Daniel R. , Sirot Laura K.
Published: July 2018

The yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti Linnaeus is a major vector of several viruses that cause disease in humans and other animals. Conventional insecticides have been used for vector control, but can be problematic because Ae. aegypti and other mosquitoes can evolve resistance to them and they can negatively impact non‐target insect species. Therefore, there is a strong demand for novel methods in Ae. aegpyti vector control strategies. Our study investigated whether the sugar alcohol, erythritol, has potential as a novel insecticide for mosquito control. Erythritol is lethal to several dipteran species yet has been deemed safe for consumption by humans and other mammals. We tested the impact of erythritol on Ae. aegypti by comparing the longevity of larvae reared in erythritol‐treated water and adult females maintained on erythritol. We also tested whether sucrose supplementation impacts the effects of erythritol on adult longevity. For larvae, erythritol exposure at concentrations as low as 0.1 m is lethal, with LC50 at 48 hr of 0.11 m for early stage (3‐day old) larvae and 0.42 m for late stage (5‐day old) larvae. For adult females, maintenance on erythritol is lethal at concentrations as low as 0.5 m, with LC50 at 72 hr of 1.60 m. Further, a mixture of 1 m sucrose/1 m erythritol solution is more lethal to adult females than 1 m erythritol solution alone, suggesting that erythritol in combination with sucrose could comprise a toxic sugar bait. These results provide promising evidence for erythritol as a novel larvicide and adulticide for Ae. aegypti.
Sugar preferences of western corn rootworm larvae in a feeding stimulant blend
Authors: Bernklau Elisa J. , Hibbard Bruce E. , Bjostad Louis B.
Published: July 2018

Feeding behaviour, feeding intensity and staying behaviour of neonate western corn rootworm larvae (Diabrotica virgifera virgiferaLeConte) were evaluated in response to synthetic feeding stimulant blends to determine larval preferences among the three maize root sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) in the active blend and to determine whether any single sugar can substitute for the 3‐sugar combination in a feeding stimulant blend. These experiments demonstrated the strong affinity that western corn rootworm larvae have for the natural sugars found in maize roots and also showed that sucrose is the most preferred of the three primary maize root sugars. The blend containing sucrose at 30 mg/ml elicited feeding that was not significantly different than the natural glucose:fructose:sucrose blend. In subtraction bioassays, removal of sucrose from the blend resulted in significantly fewer larvae feeding. When the three‐sugar blend was substituted with one of the number of various mono‐, di‐ or trisaccharides, fewer larvae fed on all of the treatments compared to the blend with sucrose, except for the blend with maltose. In feeding choice tests, larvae preferred a blend containing sucrose over blends with either glucose or fructose, but larvae chose equally between a blend with sucrose and a blend containing the three‐sugar mixture found in maize roots. Based on these results, a feeding stimulant blend with glucose (30 mg/ml), fructose (4 mg/ml) and sucrose (4 mg/ml) elicits the strongest feeding response, but sucrose alone, in amounts equivalent to the total maize root sugar concentration (30 mg/ml), could serve as a substitute for the 3‐sugar mixture in a synthetic feeding stimulant blend.
Is an indistinct picture “exactly what we need”? Objectivity, accuracy, and harm in imaging for cancer
Authors: Reid Lynette
Published: July 2018

Assumptions about the epistemic ideal of objectivity, closely related to ontological assumptions about the nature of disease as pathophysiological abnormality, lead us into oversimplified ways of thinking about medical imaging. This is illustrated by current controversies in the early detection of cancer. Improvements in the technical quality of imaging failed to address the problem of overdiagnosis in breast cancer screening and exacerbate the problem in thyroid cancer diagnosis. Drawing on Douglas and on Daston and Galison, I distinguish 3 dimensions of objectivity (accuracy, reliability, and precision) and demonstrate ways they may be at odds, as illustrated in the early detection of cancer. Guidelines for evaluating the efficacy of diagnostic imaging are insufficiently sensitive to this complexity. Improving imaging quality may raise epistemic issues, place disease definitions in question, and lead to overall harm or to changes in the distribution of harms and benefits among population subgroups. With a nod to Wittgenstein, I argue that we cannot take for granted that “an indistinct picture” is not “exactly what we need.”
Reply to: Dying of Thirst in Palliative Care
Authors: Wax John W. , An Amy W. , Kosier Nicole , Quill Timothy E.
Published: July 2018

This letter responds to the letter by Thomas E. Finucane
Strength in Numbers: A National Monthly Case Conference Series for Fellows
Authors: Danto‐Nocton Ellen S. , Simpson Deborah , Rasansky Marc , Pascarella Lindsay C. , Malone Michael L.
Published: July 2018

Small fellowship programs face challenges in providing learners with sufficiently diverse experiences and patient populations. The Fellows Most Difficult Case Conference is designed to broaden geriatric medicine fellows' exposure to cases and to faculty and fellows from around the country through a monthly telephone conference. We describe this innovative approach to a national monthly complex case conference that fellows from almost one‐third of geriatrics fellowship programs attend, including its value to geriatric fellows and faculty and administrative costs. Once per month, a fellow presents a case, a moderator leads the discussion, and 2 faculty members provide teaching points during the 60‐minute session. Participants rated the conference's value using an 11‐item on‐line survey followed by a debriefing held during a regularly scheduled 2017 monthly conference. Thirty‐six percent of eligible participants responded to the survey (67/186), with 75% of respondents reporting that they applied knowledge gained from the conferences to their patient care at least 1 or 2 times per month and 41% that they applied it at least once per week. Participants appreciated the inclusion of multiple programs, the duration of the conference, and the interactive approach. Our administration time was less than 5 hours per month, plus a few additional hours annually to create the academic year schedule. We believe that this national case conference, the first of its kind in the country, involving almost one‐third of geriatrics fellowship programs, is an innovative and valuable way for fellows to explore complex cases and variations in regional perspectives and to connect with additional colleagues.
Astrocytes in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3) display metabolic and calcium signaling abnormalities
Authors: Bosch Megan E. , Kielian Tammy
Published: July 2018

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by autosomal recessive mutations in ceroid lipofuscinosis 3 (CLN3). Children with JNCL experience progressive visual, cognitive, and motor deterioration with a decreased life expectancy (late teens‐early 20s). Neuronal loss is thought to occur, in part, via glutamate excitotoxicity; however, little is known about astrocyte glutamate regulation in JNCL. Spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations were reduced in murine Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes, which were also observed following glutamate or cytokine exposure. Astrocyte glutamate transport is an energy‐demanding process and disruptions in metabolic pathways could influence glutamate homeostasis in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. Indeed, basal mitochondrial respiration and ATP production were significantly reduced in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. These changes were not attributable to reduced mitochondria, since mitochondrial DNA levels were similar between wild type and Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes. Interestingly, despite these functional deficits in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes, glutamate transporter expression and glutamate uptake were not dramatically affected. Concurrent with impaired astrocyte metabolism and Ca2+ signaling, murine Cln3Δex7/8 neurons were hyper‐responsive to glutamate, as reflected by heightened and prolonged Ca2+ signals. These findings identify intrinsic metabolic and Ca2+ signaling defects in Cln3Δex7/8 astrocytes that may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in CLN3 disease.

image

This article is part of the Special Issue “Lysosomal Storage Disorders”.
Usability of a wearable fall detection prototype from the perspective of older people–A real field testing approach
Authors: Thilo Friederike J. S. , Hahn Sabine , Halfens Ruud J. G. , Schols Jos M. G. A.
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectives

Community‐dwelling older people were involved in the testing of a fall detection device to improve its utilisation and acceptance in everyday life.

Background

The usability of alerting devices remains unsatisfactory, as they are scarcely utilised by older people, despite wide recognition of the importance of rapid assistance after a fall. Moreover, the time a person remains on the floor negatively impacts the severity of fall consequences. However, it is unclear how to increase alerting device utilisation in everyday life. Therefore, older people were involved in this research to consider their perspective during prototype development.

Design

A qualitative focus group study was conducted, following a real field testing approach, underpinned by the theoretical framework “Medical Device Technology Development Process.”

Methods

Fifteen community‐dwelling older people tested the prototype in daily living over a period of nine days. Different means of involvement were exploited such as “user seminars” or “discussion with users.” On day 9, data were collected using focus groups and analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

The participants’ perspectives yielded positive aspects of the prototype along with aspects requiring improvement. They indicated that technical requirements are essential. They also revealed that a minimal change in daily routines, support for physical activity and independent living and the inclusion of trusted contact persons could lead to wider use of the alerting device.

Conclusions

Involving users is crucial in gaining a deeper understanding of aspects influencing utilisation of an alerting device. The study revealed that usability is influenced both by technical requirements as well as habits and personal preferences. This finding is vital, as habits and personal preferences can only be identified through the involvement of target users.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study provides key insights for health practitioners interested in promoting the use of an alerting device in community‐dwelling older people.
Predictors of hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers among older adult inpatients
Authors: Han Seol‐Heui , Kim Yoon‐Sook , Hwang Jeonghae , Lee Jongmin , Song Mi Ryeong
Published: July 2018

Aim and objectives

To provide basic information on the preventive care for pressure ulcer (PU) by analysing PU‐related characteristics and identifying PU predictors.

Background

The incidence of PUs in hospitals is increasing, and continuous PU management is required. The occurrence of PU was an important standard for hospital certification. There is a need to identify predictors of PUs for proper management of PUs.

Design

This is a descriptive study that analyses the electronic medical records of a university hospital.

Methods

Of all older adult inpatients aged over 65 years admitted to the hospital (from January 1, 2011–December 31, 2015), 34,287 were included in this study. To identify the PU predictors, a logistic regression analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.

Results

Predictors influencing PU were gender (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.03–1.05), age, (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.03–1.05), admission method (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.32–0.46), consciousness status (OR = 3.77, 95% CI = 1.83–7.77) and Braden Scale score (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.69–0.72). Among the predictors, consciousness is the most important variable. Patients who are drowsy were 3.77 times more likely to develop PU than those who are alert.

Conclusions

To prevent and manage PU, the level of consciousness of older adult patients who are hospitalised should be assessed, and appropriate interventions should be provided.

Relevance to clinical practice

Pressure ulcer‐specific interventions should be provided systematically by healthcare providers to those with altered consciousness beginning at hospital admission.
Elevated hydrostatic pressure promotes ameloblastoma cell invasion through upregulation of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression via Wnt/β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Yang Zinan , Li Kan , Liang Qian , Zheng Guangsen , Zhang Sien , Lao Xiaomei , Liang Yujie , Liao Guiqing
Published: July 2018

Background

The process of marsupialization involves the release of intracystic pressure and the fluid contained within. Marsupialization of cystic ameloblastoma is controversial; therefore, we investigated how hydrostatic pressure influences biological behaviours of ameloblastoma cells and its underlying mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

An ameloblastoma epithelial cell line, hTERT+‐AM, was exposed to different hydrostatic pressures with or without Dickkopf‐related protein 1 (also known as DKK), a canonical Wnt signalling pathway inhibitor. A CCK‐8 assay, a monolayer wound assay, and a Transwell assay were used to determine cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. qRT‐PCR and Western blot were used to detect expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, RANKL and other downstream targets of Wnt signalling.

Results

Elevated hydrostatic pressure promoted migration and invasion of ameloblastoma cells, but inhibited proliferation. Expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, LEF‐1, cyclin D1, c‐Jun and c‐Myc was significantly upregulated under elevated hydrostatic pressure, and these effects could be abolished by DKK1. Expression of RANKL, which is thought to be a downstream target of Wnt signalling, did not significantly change under elevated hydrostatic pressure.

Conclusions

This study indicates that elevated hydrostatic pressure promotes the migration and invasion of ameloblastoma cells by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, thereby increasing expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and other Wnt signalling downstream targets. This suggests that marsupialization may reduce invasiveness and reverse the bone resorption process by lowering intracystic hydrostatic pressure in cystic ameloblastoma.
Immunohistochemical analysis of neutrophils, interleukin‐17, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and neoformed vessels in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Silva Ricardo Natã Fonseca , Dallarmi Laís Bueno , Araujo Ana Karoline Carvalho , Alencar Rita Cassia Gonçalves , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Batista Aline Carvalho , Costa Nadia Lago
Published: July 2018

Background

Tumor‐associated neutrophils (TAN), matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), and angiogenesis have been proposed as prognostic biomarkers of malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate these inflammatory markers as prognostic factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Specimens of OSCC (n = 30), healthy oral mucosa (negative control, n = 10), oral leukoplakia (n = 10), and apical granuloma with abscess (positive inflammatory controls, n = 10) were immunostained for CD66b (neutrophils), MMP‐9, IL‐17, and CD105 (neoformed microvessels). Semiquantitative (IL‐17) and quantitative (CD66b, IL‐17, MMP‐9, and CD105) analyses were performed. Clinical information (TNM stage, metastasis, recurrence, and survival) and tumor histological grade were also obtained.

Results

Positivity for TAN, MMP‐9, IL‐17, and CD105 was higher in OSCC than in the negative control (P < 0.05) and oral leukoplakia, but similar to the positive inflammatory control. Coincident high counts of inflammatory markers (CD66b, MMP‐9, IL‐17, and CD105) were associated with lymph node metastasis of OSCC. Associations between high numbers of neoformed microvessels and advanced clinical stage and a higher degree of malignancy were also demonstrated.

Conclusions

Combined positivity for TAN, MMP‐9, IL‐17, and CD105 appears to be associated with the metastasis‐prone phenotype of OSCC.
Time‐Dependent Dual‐Frequency Coherence in Multivariate Non‐Stationary Time Series
Authors: Gorrostieta Cristina , Ombao Hernando , Von Sachs Rainer
Published: July 2018

Coherence is one common metric for cross‐dependence in multichannel signals. However, standard coherence does not sufficiently model many biological signals with complex dependence structures such as cross‐oscillatory interactions between a low‐frequency component in one signal and a high‐frequency component in another. The notion of cross‐dependence between low‐ and high‐frequency components, as defined in classical harmonizable processes, is still inadequate because it assumes time invariance and thus cannot capture cross‐frequency interactions that evolve over time. We construct a novel framework for modeling and estimating these dependencies under the replicated time series setting. Under this framework, we establish the novel concept of evolutionary dual‐frequency coherence and develop time‐localized estimators based on dual‐frequency local periodograms. The proposed nonparametric estimation procedure does not suffer from model misspecification. It uses the localized fast Fourier transform and hence is able to handle massive data. When applied to electroencephalogram data recorded in a motor intention experiment, the proposed method uncovers new and interesting cross‐oscillatory interactions that have been overlooked by the standard approaches.
A Crisis of Care: The Politics and Therapeutics of a Rape Crisis Hotline
Authors: Backe Emma L.
Published: July 2018

This article explores the politics and contingencies of care provided to survivors of sexual assault on a rape crisis hotline in the U.S.’s mid‐Atlantic region. The support provided to survivors on the hotline represents a crisis of care, one fomented by the victim services sector's failure to address the limitations of a crisis‐oriented paradigm or survivors’ chronic trauma. The tension between the survivor‐centered model of the hotline and the mental health needs of clients represents a friction of utility—a misalignment between the care hotline advocates provide and the support survivors seek. The anonymous care and internal contradictions of the hotline also results in high rates of vicarious trauma for advocates. Given the polysemic dimensions of care exhibited on the hotline, the service represents a form of negative care, one that accounts for gaps in survivors’ care yet still fails to empower proactive means of recovery.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and altered ribostasis in hippocampal neurons with cytoplasmic inclusions of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Maeda Norihisa , Honda Hiroyuki , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Fujii Naoki , Kira Jun‐ichi , Iwaki Toru
Published: July 2018

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic adult‐onset neurodegenerative disease. It has recently been shown that patients with MSA accompanied by cognitive decline display numerous neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) in the limbic neurons. We examined potential mechanisms underlying the formation of these NCIs by determining of mitochondrial function and statuses of RNA processing by analyzing 12 pathologically confirmed cases of MSA. Among them, four had cognitive impairment Semiquantitative evaluation using immunohistochemistry analyses revealed a significantly greater NCI burden in the hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) subfield, subiculum, and amygdala in the cases with cognitive impairments compared with those without cognitive impairment. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that limbic neurons with NCIs often accelerated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and degraded mitochondrial quality control. Immunofluorescent staining also revealed that neurons with these NCIs translocated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (HNRNPA1) from the nucleus and aggregated abnormally at the perinuclear rim. Since the NCIs in the hippocampal neurons of MSA with cognitive impairments were more numerous, the neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction and altered ribostasis observed in NCI formation may be involved in the hippocampal degeneration of MSA.
Compliance with perioperative prophylaxis guidelines and the use of novel outcome measures
Authors: Morse James , Blackburn Lee , Hannam Jacqueline A. , Voss Lesley , Anderson Brian J.
Published: July 2018

Postoperative wound infections represent an important source of morbidity and mortality in children. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis has been shown to decrease the risk of developing infections and hospital guidelines surrounding antibiotic use exist to standardize patient care. Despite supporting evidence, rates of compliance with guidelines vary. Quality improvement initiatives have been introduced to improve compliance with intraoperative antibiotic guidelines. Thorough infection surveillance, including antibiotic provision in presurgical checklists, computerized voice antibiotic administration prompts, and national feedback systems are now increasingly common. Few studies have been conducted investigating the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in children. Outcome measures such as morbidity and mortality and return to the operating room can be used to examine the relationship between antibiotic use and patient outcome but these measures are limited in that they occur infrequently or are subjective and difficult to measure. Metrics such as days alive out of hospital and length of hospital stay may be useful alternatives for ongoing monitoring of infections and identifying improvements in patient outcomes. Guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis have facilitated an increase in the correct provision of perioperative antibiotics and a reduction in the incidence of postoperative infection. Measures of patient outcome such as days alive out of hospital and length of hospital stay are easy to collect and calculate but further work is needed to confirm the utility of these measures for monitoring infection rates.
Racial disparities in fifth‐grade sun protection: Evidence from the Healthy Passages study
Authors: Correnti Christina M. , Klein David J. , Elliott Marc N. , Veledar Emir , Saraiya Mona , Chien Alyna T. , Schwebel David C. , Mrug Sylvie , Tortolero Susan R. , Cuccaro Paula M. , Schuster Mark A. , Chen Suephy C.
Published: July 2018

Background/Objectives

Despite rising skin cancer rates in children, multiple studies reveal inadequate youth sun‐protective behavior (eg, sunscreen use). Using Healthy Passages data for fifth‐graders, we set out to determine sunscreen adherence in these children and investigated factors related to sunscreen performance.

Methods

Survey data were collected from 5119 fifth‐graders and their primary caregivers. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between sunscreen adherence and performance of other preventive health behaviors (eg, flossing, helmet use) and examine predictors of sunscreen adherence. Analyses were repeated in non‐Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non‐Hispanic white subgroups.

Results

Five thousand one hundred nineteen (23.4%) children almost always used sunscreen, 5.9% of non‐Hispanic blacks (n = 1748), 23.7% of Hispanics (n = 1802), and 44.8% of non‐Hispanic whites (n = 1249). Performing other preventive health behaviors was associated with higher odds of sunscreen adherence (all P < .001), with the greatest association with flossing teeth (odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.86‐3.13, P < .001). Factors for lower odds of sunscreen adherence included being male and non‐Hispanic black or Hispanic and having lower socioeconomic status. School‐based sun‐safety education and involvement in team sports were not significant factors.

Conclusion

Our data confirm low use of sun protection among fifth‐graders. Future research should explore how public health success in increasing prevalence of other preventive health behaviors may be applied to enhance sun protection messages. Identifying risk factors for poor adherence enables providers to target patients who need more education. Improving educational policies and content in schools may be an effective way to address sun safety.
Phototherapy‐induced blistering reaction and eruptive melanocytic nevi in a child with transient neonatal porphyrinemia
Authors: Karg Eszter , Kovács László , Ignácz Ferenc , Varga Erika , Hocsi Mária , Szűts Péter , Kemény Lajos , Bereczki Csaba , Oláh Judit
Published: July 2018

Neonatal blue‐light phototherapy induced a blistering reaction followed by eruption of melanocytic nevi on the exposed skin surface of a child with transient neonatal porphyrinemia. New nevi are still developing 4 years after the triggering event. The role of phototoxicity‐induced epidermal injury, that of porphyrins and the influence of neonatal blue‐light therapy, in this unique phenomenon are discussed.
Topical timolol: An effective treatment option for agminated pyogenic granuloma
Authors: McGinness Anelah , Gillam Amy , Yeh Iwei , Mathes Erin F.
Published: July 2018

We present three patients with agminated pyogenic granulomas who experienced significant decrease in size and bleeding with treatment with topical timolol solution with minimal side effects. One patient had complete clinical resolution. For patients with agminated pyogenic granuloma who may otherwise have limited treatment options, timolol is an effective potential solution.
Cryosurvival and pregnancy rates: One‐step protocol for freezing–thawing Shangri‐la Yak (Bos grunniens) Embryos
Authors: Jia Yinhai , Yang Xiurong , Zhang Chengfu , Yang Shangzhi , Li Ming , Xu Wenwen , Ji Qiumei , Jiang Hesheng
Published: July 2018

The yak is one of the most important and economically useful animals for highlanders. The decline in the yak population requires effective measures for the conservation and multiplication of elite germplasm. A standardized protocol will simplify the freezing and warming of yak embryos in straw and facilitate embryo transfer. In this work, we investigated a one‐step protocol that uses a stable basal medium, which comprised a warming medium (1.08 M sucrose) and a freezing medium (EFS40). We also assessed the effects of the new transfer method on embryo survival. A total of 145 yak frozen embryos were thawed in a standard medium system. The one‐step protocol led to a high recovery percentage (84.93) of yak embryos that survived vitrification and warming. The in vitro survival rates of these embryos significantly different from those of embryos frozen–thawed via the conventional method. The 95 embryos frozen–thawed via our one‐step protocol were then implanted in selected recipients. Thirty‐six singleton pregnancies were established. In conclusion, the proposed one‐step method is a simple, safe, and standardized freezing–thawing protocol that ensures embryo survival and quality under field conditions. This study establishes new possibilities for the widespread use of embryo transfer in yaks.
Sperm cryopreservation in the Far‐Eastern wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus)
Authors: Amstislavsky Sergei , Brusentsev Eugeny , Kizilova Elena , Mokrousova Valentina , Kozhevnikova Valeria , Abramova Tatyana , Rozhkova Irina , Naidenko Sergey
Published: July 2018

The Far‐Eastern wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a rare and poorly investigated nondomestic felid species. An attempt of freezing and cryopreserving Far‐Eastern wildcat spermatozoa in CaniPlus Freeze (CPF) medium is reported. Sperm was collected by electroejaculation from five adult Far‐Eastern wildcat captive‐born males. Epididymal spermatozoa from five adult randomly bred domestic cat males were used as a reference. The viability of frozen–thawed spermatozoa evaluated by double staining with SYBR Green I and PI followed by the subsequent confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was 38.2% ± 3.0% for the domestic cat and 38.0% ± 10.2% for the Far‐Eastern wildcat. The motility of frozen–thawed spermatozoa was 30.8% ± 9.8% for the domestic cat and 33.7% ± 15.1% for the Far‐Eastern wildcat. Sperm morphology was assessed by light microscopy. The total percentage of normal spermatozoa after freezing and thawing was 51.9 ± 5.9 for the domestic cat and 55.0% ± 6.4% for the Far‐Eastern wildcat. Defects of flagella were the most frequently observed abnormalities in both species (32.2% ± 4.8% and 30.8% ± 4.4% of all reported anomalies for the domestic cat and Far‐Eastern wildcat, respectively). Domestic cat epididymal and Far‐Eastern ejaculatory spermatozoa fertilized in vitro‐matured oocytes of the domestic cat (30.0% ± 5.5% and 35.5% ± 15.0%, respectively). Taken together, these results suggest that the freezing of Far‐Eastern wildcat spermatozoa with CPF medium is a suitable method for Felidae cryopreservation.
Case report: A transplant candidate with unexpected serum reactivity against the 45KE eplet on HLA‐B alleles
Authors: Cauquil Bastien , Dautin Guillaume , Duquesnoy Rene J.
Published: July 2018

This case report describes the serum antibody specificity against the 45KE eplet which had not been yet shown to be antibody‐verified. This antibody was produced by a 41‐year‐old European male with Berger's disease. His serum had HLA class I antibody reactivity as determined in IgG binding assays with single allele panels (OneLambda, ThermoFisher, Lot 8 and Lot 9). The HLAMatchmaker analysis revealed reproducible serum reactivity only with alleles carrying the 45KE eplet. The cause of this 45KE‐specific immunization is unknown because this male patient had never been transfused nor received a previous transplant, Moreover, his mother's HLA type did not have any 45KE‐carrying allele. This finding might be related to observations reported in the literature about the appearance of HLA‐reactive antibodies following influenza vaccination but this possibility could not be investigated.
Identification of bacteria and fungi sampled from the conjunctival surface of normal horses in South‐East Queensland, Australia
Authors: Hampson Edith C. G. M. , Gibson Justine S. , Barot Mayank , Shapter Frances M. , Greer Ristan M.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To identify bacteria and fungi found on the conjunctival surface of normal horse eyes; to investigate potential risk factors for these microflora; and to determine their susceptibility to common topical ophthalmic antimicrobials.

Animals studied

A total of 95 client‐owned horses were studied.

Procedures

Horses within sub‐tropical Australia (South‐East Queensland) were sampled once between April 2012 and March 2013. A conjunctival swab was taken from each eye and cultured for aerobic bacteria and fungi. Organisms were identified by colony morphology and phenotype. Antimicrobial disk diffusion susceptibility testing for commonly used antimicrobials was performed.

Results

Positive bacterial cultures were returned from 187/190 (98.4%) eyes from 94/95 (98.9%) horses. The most common species included Staphylococcus spp. (25.2% of total bacterial isolates), Bacillus cereus (17.4%), Bacillus spp. (14.1%), and Corynebacterium spp. (8.9%). Most bacterial isolates were susceptible to neomycin and fluoroquinolones. Positive fungal cultures were returned from 111/190 (58.4%) eyes from 73 (76.8%) horses. The most common species identified included: Penicillium spp. (16.7% of fungal isolates), Aspergillus spp. (15.4%), and Scopulariopsis spp. (10.3%). Most (≥90%) molds were susceptible to ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and miconazole. Yeasts were most susceptible to ketoconazole. There was no significant effect of breed, age, sex, purpose, or housing of the horse or climatic conditions on bacterial or fungal culture status.

Conclusions

Bacteria and fungi were commonly isolated from the eyes of healthy horses. The antibiotic and antifungal susceptibilities identified can be used as a guide for empirical therapy after cytology in the treatment of corneal ulceration in horses.
The Impact of Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain on Perinatal Outcomes for Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chiou Yi‐Ling , Hung Chich‐Hsiu , Liao Hsiu‐Yun
Published: July 2018

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), an obstetric disease that affects the health of pregnant women, is one of the key factors associated with perinatal mortality or disease.

Aims

To explore the impact of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on perinatal outcomes for women with GDM.

Methods

With a retrospective study design, women were recruited who received prenatal checkups, gave birth at two teaching hospitals in southern Taiwan from 1995 to 2011, and received a diagnosis of GDM by an obstetrician. A trained research assistant collected the participants’ data in each hospital's archives room. The researcher used a retrospective case study method to identify women who received a GDM diagnosis between 1995 and 2011.

Results

Women with GDM and with an overweight prepregnancy BMI were more likely to have cesarean deliveries and to use glucose‐lowering medicines after delivery. Their newborns also had a higher birth weight. In addition, gestational hypertension and cesarean delivery were more common in women with GDM and with excessive GWG than in women with GDM and with normal GWG. The newborns of women with GDM and with excessive GWG had higher birth weights and more nuchal cord than those of women with GDM and with normal GWG. More women with GDM and with excessive GWG underwent blood glucose monitoring than did women with GDM and with normal GWG.

Linking Evidence to Action

The prepregnancy weight and GWG significantly affected perinatal outcomes in both the women with GDM themselves and their newborns. Healthcare professionals must provide childbearing women with additional health education in the areas of health promotion, nutrition, weight control, exercise, and maintaining regular everyday lives.
Additions to the knowledge of oribatid mites of the family Lohmanniidae (Acari: Oribatida) in China
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Leong Chi-Man
Published: July 2018

A new species of the genus Meristolohmannia (Oribatida: Lohmanniidae) is described from litter of a secondary forest in Macao of southern China; M. macaoensis Ermilov sp. nov. differs from M. abbreviata Chen, Yang & Xie, 2010 by the comparatively longer rostral setae than the lamellar, interlamellar and posterior exobothridial setae, bothridial setae with well-developed branches, reticulate notogaster surface, number and morphology of subcapitular setae, nine pairs of genital setae and the smaller body size. An identification key to the known species of Meristolohmannia is provided. Lohmannia (Lohmannia) corallium Nakatamari, 1982 is recorded in the Oriental region for the first time; its supplementary description is provided based on material from China, and the revised diagnostic traits for this species are also proposed.