bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The double-edge resource-based view of logistics performance and governance in Asian countries
Authors: Koh Bee Hui , Wong Wai Peng , Tang Chor Foon , Lim Ming K.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Asia has been transformed into a well-regulated dynamic platform for trade and is today world’s fastest-developing economic region. However, the increasing cross-border economic activities create new opportunities for corruption. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of corruption on trade facilitation using logistics performance index (LPI). This paper also examines the moderating effect of governance or government effectiveness (GE) on the relationship between corruption and LPI within Asian countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel of time-series data from year 2007 to 2014 of 26 Asian countries was collected for analysis. Static linear panel models which comprised of pooled ordinary least squares, fixed-effect model and random-effect model were utilised to analyse the panel data.

Findings

The findings show that corruption significantly affects LPI and each of the six dimensions in LPI. The results also show that governance or GE has a moderating effect on the relationship between corruption and LPI.

Practical implications

This study benefits Asian governments to gain a better understanding on influences of corruption on trade facilitation and triggering suggestions of a government role in the relationship. Practically, the results could be used as a guideline in improving national LPI. Besides, the findings could be used to support policy decision to modify corruption regulations at the national and regional levels.

Originality/value

This study reveals that the optimistic view of sands in the wheel overcomes the dark side of the grease in the wheel practices. To be corrupt free or less corrupt is a rare and inimitable resource capability that makes nations logistically competitive.
Currency comovements in Asia‐Pacific: The regional role of the renminbi
Authors: Marconi Daniela
Published: April 2018

The internationalization of China's currency, the renminbi (RMB), bolsters the growing economic and political influence of China in the Asia‐Pacific region. This paper assesses the evolution of RMB exchange rate comovements against the US dollar (USD) within the region. While the RMB's influence is growing, it is also found to be asymmetric and varying over time depending on the global movement of the USD. The trend is strong when the USD depreciates but fades when the USD appreciates.
The Power of Group Stigmatization: Wealthy Roma, Urban Space and Strategies of Defence in Post‐socialist Romania
Authors: Creţan Remus , Powell Ryan
Published: April 2018

Recent research on Roma stigmatization has tended to focus on the marginal socio‐economic and spatial position of Roma people within European societies, with poverty, persistent inequalities and substandard housing conditions (for example, ghettoization) highlighting their differential treatment. Central to such accounts are group images and stereotypes of Roma as ‘benefit scroungers’ and/or ‘beggars’ lacking notions of self‐restraint and social responsibility. This body of research is hugely important in terms of its contribution to an understanding of the complex dynamics of marginalization and stigmatization of poor Roma households. Yet not all Roma are characterized by poverty and economic hardship. This article explores the neglected experiences of wealthy Roma within urban spaces in Romania. It draws on empirical evidence from interviews with Roma families, leaders and local authorities. Our analysis exposes the way in which Roma are vehemently stigmatized regardless of their economic position or housing circumstances and highlights deep underlying sentiments towards them within Romanian society. We critique Wacquant's concept of territorial stigmatization by applying it to wealthy groups outwith typical areas of relegation (for example, Roma ghettos) within the specific urban context of post‐socialist Romania. While our analysis points to the internalization of stigma, we also identify distinct defensive strategies wealthy Roma employ to counter and avoid stigmatization. We suggest that a focus on the neglected spaces of wealthy Roma groups can facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the distinct urban power relations that shape Roma stigmatization, reveal how this long‐term process has recently been accentuated within Europe alongside a more overt populist and anti‐Roma political agenda, and contribute to the development and refinement of Wacquant's thesis.
Back to the future: workplace relations and labour law in the 21st century in the Asia Pacific context
Authors: Bellace Janice R
Published: April 2018

Modern labour law is a product of the industrial revolution. In an earlier age, the rights and obligations of capital and labour were status based, such as master and servant, or landowner and farmworker. The move into factories led to the demise of status‐based based obligations. In the initial stages, the wages‐for‐work performed transaction resulted in harsh working conditions and significant insecurity for most workers who lacked bargaining power. Labour law was developed, based on a notion of ‘employment’ resting on a contractual relationship between employer and employee with rights and obligations, shaped by statutory regulation. In the twenty‐first century, this notion of employment that undergirds labour law has been breaking down as we move into the information age. Technological change led to a digital or gig economy where IT platforms using algorithms can replace managers and workers are no longer employees, where labour law often does not apply, and where full‐time, stable employment is disappearing. The challenge is to devise a new labour law which focuses on the fundamental rights and needs of working people. How these changes will affect any specific country depends on its level of economic development, and its already established mechanisms for responding to disruptive changes. Advanced democratic countries may experience greater disruption and find it more difficult to form the consensus necessary to devise new policies and laws for supporting workers.
An audit of pregnancy outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients at a metropolitan hospital
Authors: Fang Yunjing E. , Nayyar Roshini , Diplock Hayley
Published: April 2018

Background

Pregnancies in patients with solid organ transplants have higher rates of complications and caesarean sections (CS).

Aim

To perform an audit of the pregnancy outcomes in transplant recipients, to determine the rate of CS in our cohort, the appropriate skin incision for CS in these patients and to formulate recommendations for preoperative planning.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. All patients who had a solid organ transplant were identified from the obstetrics database. The operation records of the transplant recipients who delivered by CS were reviewed and the de‐identified data were evaluated for pregnancy outcomes.

Results

This cohort consisted of 22 women: six had simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplants and 16 had kidney transplants. Over a ten‐year period, four women had two pregnancies and one had a twin pregnancy, thus 27 babies were born. The rate of CS was 58% (n = 15) and the surgical approach in 13 of these patients was by Pfannenstiel incision. One patient had an elective midline incision at the first CS, which was repeated in the next pregnancy. Two CS were complicated by bladder injury, both occurring in SPK recipients.

Conclusion

Patients with solid organ transplants have a higher rate of CS and SPK patients may be at a higher risk of bladder injuries during CS. Our data suggest that Pfannenstiel skin incision is still suitable for these patients. We recommend reviewing the operative details of the transplant operation and a pelvic magnetic resonance imaging for pre‐operative planning.
Abortion law reform: Why ethical intractability and maternal morbidity are grounds for decriminalisation
Authors: McGee Andrew , Jansen Melanie , Sheldon Sally
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we present two grounds for arguing that abortion should be decriminalised. First, we consider the implications of the fact that the long‐standing ethical debate concerning the morality of abortion has to date proven intractable. We maintain that because the philosophical literature has failed to demonstrate conclusively that views either for or against abortion's moral acceptability are false, the matter remains at a stalemate in terms of rational debate, contributing to the ongoing absence of political and popular consensus about the issue in our society. In these circumstances, we argue, the law should adopt a minimalist position by not imposing criminal sanctions for abortion. Second, we present evidence, often neglected in the moral debates about abortion, that the risks of carrying a fetus to term and of delivery are substantial for a woman. Most laws recognise that, should her life be endangered by her pregnancy, a woman's right to life shall prevail. However, the impacts of carrying a fetus to term and delivery on a woman are not restricted to the risks to her life, but extend to significant permanent changes to her body, and include risks of injury that are not negligible. We argue that a woman should not be compelled to take these risks by laws prohibiting abortion, when no conclusive argument exists against the morality of abortion. We also address, albeit briefly, the issue of late‐term abortion.
Identification of novel CYP4V2 genotypes associated with Bietti crystalline dystrophy and atypical anterior segment phenotypes in Spanish patients
Authors: García‐García Gerardo Pedro , Martínez‐Rubio Magdalena , Moya‐Moya Medina‐Azahara , Pérez‐Santonja Juan José , Escribano Julio
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To identify the spectrum of disease‐causing CYP4V2 variants in Spanish patients with clinically diagnosed Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) over an 8‐year period and to analyse the phenotype–genotype correlation of the identified variants.

Methods

Four unrelated Spanish probands with a clinical diagnosis of BCD were recruited. Ophthalmological examination included visual acuity (VA), slit lamp examination, in vivo corneal confocal microscopy, funduscopy and fluoresceinic angiography. Genomic DNA was obtained from blood samples, and the exons and flanking intron sequences of the CYP4V2 gene were screened by Sanger sequencing. Family members of the patients with mutations in CYP4V2 gene were subsequently studied.

Results

Clinical examination revealed retinal and corneal patterns compatible with BCD in all the participants. We identified a total of six CYP4V2 variants among the four carriers. As far as we know, the variant p.(Trp244Cysfs*33) has not previously been reported. This variant along with p.(Ala204Thr) and p.(Arg443Trp) were combined in three novel pathogenic phenotypes that share the presence of bilateral limbic glistening deposits, severe retinal damage and visual impairment and a fast rate of progression of the disease.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the largest effort to determine the genetic alterations underlying BCD in Spain to date. Our results show that analysis of CYP4V2 variants is required for a reliable diagnosis of BCD. We report a high prevalence of anterior segment changes in this Spanish BCD cohort, which we consider representative of the Spanish patients.
Primary tonsillar mast cell tumour in a dog
Authors: Shekell CC , Thomson MJ , Miller RI , Mackie JT
Published: April 2018

Case report

A 6‐year‐old speyed female Bull Arab‐cross dog was found to have a small tonsillar nodule. Histological examination revealed a well‐differentiated mast cell tumour (MCT). At initial staging, no evidence of concurrent cutaneous or visceral MCTs was found on a complete blood count, a single lateral thoracic radiograph, abdominal ultrasound or cytology of the spleen and regional lymph nodes. A diagnosis of primary tonsillar MCT was made. At 40 months postoperatively, the dog is alive with no evidence of gross tumour progression, in contrast to some previous reports of rapid disease progression and metastasis in dogs with primary oral MCTs.

Conclusion

To the authors’ knowledge, no previous reports of a primary MCT of the tonsil in dogs exist in the veterinary literature.
What makes a word so attractive? Disclosing the urge to read while bisecting
Authors: Girelli Luisa , Previtali Paola , Arduino Lisa S.
Published: April 2018

Expert readers have been repeatedly reported to misperceive the centre of visual stimuli, shifting systematically to the left the bisection of any lines (pseudoneglect) while showing a cross‐over effect while bisecting different types of orthographic strings (Arduinoet al., 2010,Neuropsychologia, 48, 2140). This difference has been attributed to asymmetrical allocation of attention that visuo‐verbal material receives when lexical access occurs (e.g., Fischer, 2004,Cognitive Brain Research, 4, 163). The aim of this study was to further examine which visual features guide recognition of potentially orthographic materials. To disentangle the role of orthography, heterogeneity, and visuo‐perceptual discreteness, we presented Italian unimpaired adults with four experiments exploiting the bisection paradigm. The results showed that a cross‐over effect emerges in most discrete strings, especially when their internal structure, that is being composed of heterogeneous elements, is suggestive of orthographically relevant material. Interestingly, the cross‐over effect systematically characterized the processing of letter strings (Experiment 2) and words (Experiments 3 and 4), whether visually discrete or not. Overall, this pattern of results suggests that neither discreteness nor heterogeneity per se are responsible for activating visual scanning mechanisms implied in text exploration, although both contribute to increasing the chance of a visual stimulus undergoing a perceptual analysis dedicated to pre‐lexical processing.
Insulin receptor in the brain: Mechanisms of activation and the role in the CNS pathology and treatment
Authors: Pomytkin Igor , Costa‐Nunes João P. , Kasatkin Vladimir , Veniaminova Ekaterina , Demchenko Anna , Lyundup Alexey , Lesch Klaus‐Peter , Ponomarev Eugene D. , Strekalova Tatyana
Published: April 2018

While the insulin receptor (IR) was found in the CNS decades ago, the brain was long considered to be an insulin‐insensitive organ. This view is currently revisited, given emerging evidence of critical roles of IR‐mediated signaling in development, neuroprotection, metabolism, and plasticity in the brain. These diverse cellular and physiological IR activities are distinct from metabolic IR functions in peripheral tissues, thus highlighting region specificity of IR properties. This particularly concerns the fact that two IR isoforms, A and B, are predominantly expressed in either the brain or peripheral tissues, respectively, and neurons express exclusively IR‐A. Intriguingly, in comparison with IR‐B, IR‐A displays high binding affinity and is also activated by low concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor‐2 (IGF‐2), a regulator of neuronal plasticity, whose dysregulation is associated with neuropathologic processes. Deficiencies in IR activation, insulin availability, and downstream IR‐related mechanisms may result in aberrant IR‐mediated functions and, subsequently, a broad range of brain disorders, including neurodevelopmental syndromes, neoplasms, neurodegenerative conditions, and depression. Here, we discuss findings on the brain‐specific features of IR‐mediated signaling with focus on mechanisms of primary receptor activation and their roles in the neuropathology. We aimed to uncover the remaining gaps in current knowledge on IR physiology and highlight new therapies targeting IR, such as IR sensitizers.
Mixed mode crack tip parameters for different wheel positions relative to a vertical crack at the rail foot
Authors: Ayatollahi M.R. , Lordejani A. Ardeshiri , Guagliano M. , Vergani L.
Published: April 2018

Finite element method is used to analyze a rail with a vertical bottom up crack at its foot, under the axle load and surface traction of a wheel. The possibility of crack formation at the foot of the rail in the neighborhood of a welding connection is discussed. A brief review on the importance of T‐stress in brittle fracture is presented. Seven cases with different locations of the crack relative to rail's sleeper contact region are considered. Numerous positions of the wheel are considered, and in each case, 3 crack parameters KI, KII, and T‐stress are calculated. Then, the biaxiality ratio and the mixity parameter for each loading and crack condition are calculated. It is shown that the location of crack and wheel can create mixed mode loading in the cracked rail and that the magnitude of crack tip parameters are strongly dependent on these geometric variables. In particular, the magnitudes of T‐stress and biaxiality ratio are significant in some cases. The effect of friction between the crack faces in the presence of compressive mode I loading on the mode II stress intensity factor is studied. Under mixed mode loading, due to the axle load and surface traction, the most critical condition is the formation of vertical cracks near the sleeper contact region.
Defining and characterising age-friendly community pharmacies: a qualitative study
Authors: Malet-Larrea Amaia , Arbillaga Leire , Gastelurrutia Miguel Á , Larrañaga Belén , Garay Ángel , Benrimoj Shalom I , Oñatibia-Astibia Ainhoa , Goyenechea Estíbaliz
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The Global Network of Age-friendly Cities is a project promoted by the World Health Organization as a response to demographic ageing and urbanization process. San Sebastian, Spain, is one of these Age-friendly Cities and community pharmacies of the city joined the initiative.

Objective

To define and implement the Age-friendly Pharmacy concept to promote active ageing, optimize the contribution of community pharmacies of San Sebastian to the friendliness of the city and to the improvement of quality of life of the ageing population.

Method

A bottom-up participative approach was undertaken. A focus group was conducted to determine elderly people’s opinions and expectations of community pharmacy. The information obtained was analysed using content analysis and validated for reliability, usefulness and applicability through three expert groups of community pharmacy owners and staff.

Key findings

Fifteen requirements were agreed, covering four main areas: relationships, pharmacy layout, pharmaceutical services and communication of services. Initially, 18 community pharmacies committed to become Age-friendly Pharmacies by pledging to these requirements and the Official Pharmacist Association of Gipuzkoa supported pharmacies in the implementation of the initiative.

Conclusion

This study suggests that there is demand for a patient-centred community pharmacy to support older people, in which pharmaceutical care services are required. The 18 Age-friendly Pharmacies together with the Official Pharmacist Association of Gipuzkoa have publicly committed to actively work on social and patient-centred care to meet the needs of the ageing population.
Geostatistical Methods for Disease Mapping and Visualisation Using Data from Spatio‐temporally Referenced Prevalence Surveys
Authors: Giorgi Emanuele , Diggle Peter J. , Snow Robert W. , Noor Abdisalan M.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we set out general principles and develop geostatistical methods for the analysis of data from spatio‐temporally referenced prevalence surveys. Our objective is to provide a tutorial guide that can be used in order to identify parsimonious geostatistical models for prevalence mapping. A general variogram‐based Monte Carlo procedure is proposed to check the validity of the modelling assumptions. We describe and contrast likelihood‐based and Bayesian methods of inference, showing how to account for parameter uncertainty under each of the two paradigms. We also describe extensions of the standard model for disease prevalence that can be used when stationarity of the spatio‐temporal covariance function is not supported by the data. We discuss how to define predictive targets and argue that exceedance probabilities provide one of the most effective ways to convey uncertainty in prevalence estimates. We describe statistical software for the visualisation of spatio‐temporal predictive summaries of prevalence through interactive animations. Finally, we illustrate an application to historical malaria prevalence data from 1 334 surveys conducted in Senegal between 1905 and 2014.
Receipt and effectiveness of influenza vaccination reminders for adults, 2011‐2012 season, United States
Authors: Benedict Katharine M. , Santibanez Tammy A. , Kahn Katherine E. , Pabst Laura J. , Bridges Carolyn B. , Kennedy Erin D.
Published: April 2018

Background

Reminders for influenza vaccination improve influenza vaccination coverage. The purpose of this study was to describe the receipt of reminders for influenza vaccination during the 2011‐12 influenza season among US adults.

Methods

We analyzed data from the March 2012 National Flu Survey (NFS), a random digit dial telephone survey of adults in the United States. Relative to July 1, 2011, respondents were asked whether they received a reminder for influenza vaccination and the source and type of reminder they received. The association between reminder receipt and demographic variables, and the association between influenza vaccination coverage and receipt of reminders were also examined.

Results

Of adults interviewed, 17.2% reported receiving a reminder since July 1, 2011. More than half (65.2%) of the reminders were sent by doctor offices. Hispanics and non‐Hispanic blacks were more likely than non‐Hispanic whites to report receiving a reminder. Adults who reported having a usual healthcare provider, health insurance, or a high‐risk condition were more likely to report receiving reminders than the respective reference group. Adults reporting receipt of reminders were 1.15 times more likely (adjusted prevalence ratio, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.25) to report being vaccinated for influenza than adults reporting not receiving reminders.

Conclusions

Differences exist in receipt of influenza vaccination reminders among adults. Reminders are important tools to improve adult influenza vaccination coverage. Greater use of reminders may lead to higher rates of adult influenza vaccination coverage and reductions in influenza‐related morbidity.
Multilocus phylogeography of Patella caerulea (Linnaeus, 1758) reveals contrasting connectivity patterns across the Eastern–Western Mediterranean transition
Authors: Villamor Adriana , Costantini Federica , Abbiati Marco
Published: April 2018

Aim

The Mediterranean Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting a wide variety of habitats and organisms resulting from its complex past history and present‐day processes. Although several biogeographical areas are defined within the Mediterranean Sea, a comprehensive description of the main connectivity patterns among these areas is still lacking. In the present work, we describe the main features structuring the past and present genetic diversity and connectivity in a shallow subtidal limpet across the Mediterranean Sea.

Location

Mediterranean Sea.

Methods

The genetic diversity and structure of the common and widespread limpet Patella caerulea were analysed in 32 locations across the Mediterranean Sea using two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S) and five nuclear microsatellite loci. Demographic history and phylogenetic analyses were carried out using mitochondrial markers, and assignment tests were performed on nuclear markers.

Results

Two main evolutionary units were detected according to both mitochondrial markers. The most significant genetic differentiation was located between the southern tip of Sicily and the Calabria Peninsula. However, the full transition between the Western and Eastern basins is broadly located in the area between the Siculo–Tunisian Strait and the eastern Ionian Sea. Highly variable nuclear markers revealed further complexity related to current connectivity patterns, showing a genetic structure in the Sicily Channel and the Tyrrhenian–Ligurian transition and gene flow across the Messina Strait. The three markers showed a consistent pattern of isolation by distance only in the Eastern basin.

Main conclusions

Complex connectivity patterns in the central Mediterranean confirm that this area represents a genetic diversity hotspot for limpets, reflecting the interplay of the past and present processes. For this crucial area, we propose to use the term “transition area,” which may better reflect its complexity and so avoid further debate on the location of a single “genetic barrier.”
Legacy of post‐glacial colonization affects β‐diversity: Insights into local community assembly processes
Authors: Douda Jan , Havrdová Alena , Doudová Jana , Mandák Bohumil
Published: April 2018

Aim

Differences in local β‐diversity (i.e., within‐site β‐diversity) along climatic and biogeographical gradients may result from regional differences in the importance of local community assembly processes (e.g. dispersal limitation and habitat filtering) or from regional differences in species pool sizes (i.e. species potentially able to colonize a focal site). Here, we assess the importance of processes influencing regional differences in local plant β‐diversity.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We sampled herbaceous assemblages of Alnus‐dominated floodplain forests. At each of 67 locations, we placed a 50‐m long transect with ten subplots. We compared the influence of post‐glacial colonization history, climatic conditions and local environmental conditions on the turnover and nestedness‐resultant components of local β‐diversity. To evaluate the importance of local and regional processes influencing local β‐diversity, we took a variance partitioning approach and applied null‐model fixing of site γ‐diversity. By considering functional community composition, we estimated the degree to which regional differences in local β‐diversity correlate with species functional traits.

Results

We found that regional factors and local environmental conditions contribute more or less equally to local β‐diversity. The effect of regional factors was not strongly affected by variation in γ‐diversity of sites, indicating the presence of regional differences in local community assembly processes rather than strong effects of species pool sizes. The time of the post‐glacial expansion of dominant Alnus trees was the most important regional variable influencing the components of local β‐diversity. Plant clonality was negatively correlated with the time of the Alnus expansion.

Main conclusions

Regional factors influenced local β‐diversity primarily due to changes in local community assembly processes. Specifically, the post‐glacial colonization history influenced local β‐diversity likely by sorting species according to their functional traits with a non‐random nested community structure in refugial areas and a structure close to the null expectations in recently colonized areas.
Large generative and vegetative reproduction independently increases global success of perennial plants from Central Europe
Authors: Klinerová Tereza , Tasevová Karolina , Dostál Petr
Published: April 2018

Aim

Invasion success of non‐native plants is known to be enhanced by high values in several performance‐related traits. As most studies have explored the traits in isolation, we do not know whether improved performance of invaders in some traits is negatively related to performance in other traits. Here, we examine associations between the alien success of Central European grassland species and several traits of generative and vegetative reproduction. We asked which reproductive characteristics are most important for alien success. We also investigated whether the most widespread non‐native species succeeded due to a weakened trade‐off between the traits.

Location

Global with respect to alien success, and Central European with respect to origin of study species.

Methods

In greenhouse and garden conditions we measured traits of generative (seed mass, reproductive output, germination delay, germination rate, seedling weight) and vegetative reproduction (number and size of modules) of 85 perennial species native to Europe. We also compiled information on the ‘success’ of these species in exotic ranges from the Global Compendium of Weeds.

Results

After accounting for the effect of propagule pressure (which explained 30% of variance in the data), alien success was significantly and positively associated with germination rate, reproductive output and seedling weight, and with the product of these traits (termed generative reproduction), which explained 5%–13% of variance in the data. The best predictor of success was vegetative reproduction (product of module number and weight), which explained 19% of variance. However, more successful species resembled the less successful ones in following similar associations between the traits, such as the negative relationship between number and weight of modules or a non‐significant relationship between generative and vegetative reproduction.

Main conclusions

High values of generative and vegetative reproduction pre‐adapt grassland perennial plants from Central Europe for global success. The success is, however, driven by an independent effect of the two reproductive modes and not by a weakened trade‐off between them.
Glucocorticoids modulate multidrug resistance transporters in the first trimester human placenta
Authors: Lye Phetcharawan , Bloise Enrrico , Nadeem Lubna , Gibb William , Lye Stephen J. , Matthews Stephen G.
Published: April 2018

The placental multidrug transporters, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp, encoded by ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) protect the foetus from exposure to maternally derived glucocorticoids, toxins and xenobiotics. During pregnancy, maternal glucocorticoid levels can be elevated by stress or exogenous administration. We hypothesized that glucocorticoids modulate the expression of ABCB1/P‐gp and ABCG2/BCRP in the first trimester human placenta. Our objective was to examine whether dexamethasone (DEX) or cortisol modulate first trimester placental expression of multidrug transporters and determine whether cytotrophoblasts or the syncytiotrophoblast are/is responsible for mediating these effects. Three models were examined: (i) an ex‐vivo model of placental villous explants (7‐10 weeks), (ii) a model of isolated first trimester syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells and (iii) the BeWo immortalized trophoblast cell line model. These cells/tissues were treated with DEX or cortisol for 24 hour to 72 hour. In first trimester placental explants, DEX (48 hour) increased ABCB1 (P < .001) and ABCG2 (P < .05) mRNA levels, whereas cortisol (48 hour) only increased ABCB1 mRNA levels (P < .01). Dexamethasone (P < .05) and cortisol (P < .01) increased BCRP but did not affect P‐gp protein levels. Breast cancer resistance protein expression was primarily confined to syncytiotrophoblasts. BeWo cells, when syncytialized with forskolin, increased expression of BCRP protein, and this was further augmented by DEX (P < .05). Our data suggest that the protective barrier provided by BCRP increases as cytotrophoblasts fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast. Increase in glucocorticoid levels during the first trimester may reduce embryo/foetal exposure to clinically relevant BCRP substrates, because of an increase in placental BCRP.
Association of ATM and BMI‐1 genetic variation with breast cancer risk in Han Chinese
Authors: Yue Li‐Ling , Wang Fu‐Chao , Zhang Ming‐Long , Liu Dan , Chen Ping , Mei Qing‐Bu , Li Peng‐Hui , Pan Hong‐Ming , Zheng Li‐Hong
Published: April 2018

We tested the hypothesis that genetic variation in ATM and BMI‐1 genes can alter the risk of breast cancer through genotyping 6 variants among 524 breast cancer cases and 518 cancer‐free controls of Han nationality. This was an observational, hospital‐based, case–control association study. Analyses of single variant, linkage, haplotype, interaction and nomogram were performed. Risk was expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). All studied variants were in the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium and were not linked. The mutant allele frequencies of rs1890637, rs3092856 and rs1801516 in ATM gene were significantly higher in cases than in controls (P = .005, <.001 and .001, respectively). Two variants, rs1042059 and rs201024480, in BMI‐1 gene were low penetrant, with no detectable significance. After adjustment, rs189037 and rs1801516 were significantly associated with breast cancer under the additive model (OR: 1.37 and 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.71 and 1.14‐2.04, P: .005 and .005, respectively). In haplotype analysis, haplotypes A‐C‐G‐G (in order of rs189037, rs3092856, rs1801516 and rs373759) and A‐C‐A‐A in ATM gene were significantly associated with 1.98‐fold and 6.04‐fold increased risk of breast cancer (95% CI: 1.36‐2.90 and 1.65‐22.08, respectively). Nomogram analysis estimated that the cumulative proportion of 3 significant variants in ATM gene was about 12.5%. Our findings collectively indicated that ATM gene was a candidate gene in susceptibility to breast cancer in Han Chinese.
Periodontitis and quality of life: What is the role of socioeconomic status, sense of coherence, dental service use and oral health practices? An exploratory theory‐guided analysis on a Norwegian population
Authors: Holde Gro Eirin , Baker Sarah R. , Jönsson Birgitta
Published: April 2018

Aim

To utilise Andersen's behavioural model for health services’ use as the theoretical framework to examine direct and indirect relationships between population characteristics, oral health behaviours and periodontitis and oral health impacts.

Materials and methods

The model was tested in a general adult population (n = 1,886) in Norway, using structural equation modelling. Socioeconomic status, sense of coherence (SOC), dental anxiety, perceived treatment need, oral health behaviours and oral health impact profile (OHIP‐14) were collected through questionnaire. Periodontal examinations consisted of full‐mouth recordings.

Results

Andersen's model explained a large part of the variance in use of dental services (58%) and oral health‐related impacts (55%), and to a less extent periodontitis (19%). More social structure and stronger SOC was related to more enabling resources, which in turn was associated with more use of dental services. More use of dental services was related to more periodontitis and more periodontitis was associated with increased oral health impacts. A stronger SOC was associated with less oral impacts. There was no association between use of dental services and oral health impacts.

Conclusions

The result demonstrated complex relationships between population characteristics, oral health‐related behaviours and oral health outcomes. Socioeconomic factors and smoking were main predictors of periodontitis. Regular dental visiting habits did not, however, reduce the likelihood of periodontitis.
Testing overwork weakness in Charcot‐Marie‐tooth disease: Is it true or false?
Authors: Prada Valeria , Mori Laura , Accogli Susanna , Rivarola Matteo , Schizzi Sara , Hamedani Mehrnaz , Schenone Angelo
Published: April 2018

The occurrence of the overwork weakness (OW) in Charcot‐Marie‐tooth (CMT) disease has been debated for a long time. Especially at the hands level, it is still unclear as to whether OW occurs. Contrasting results may relate to the different muscle groups evaluated and the instruments used. We concentrated to the upper limbs (UL). We recruited 120 subjects, 60 CMT patients and 60 normal controls and evaluated the strength of the tripod pinch and of the hand‐grip with a dynamometer, the opposition ability with the thumb opposition test (TOT) and applied an innovative instrumental testing of hand function using the sensor engineered glove test (SEGT), which previously demonstrated its sensitiveness to measure severity of hands dysfunction in CMT patients. In CMT patients, TOT scores were significantly higher in the non‐dominant hand (NDH) compared to dominant hand (DH), strength in the NDH was slightly but not significantly better than the DH. Finally, SEGT results were similar between the NDH and DH, whereas in normal controls the DH performed better. In conclusion, this study supports the existence of the overwork weakness in CMT. We can speculate that the dexterity and overall ability of the hands appear more impaired in the DH as a result of a weakness and incapacity of opposition. Our results support the importance of avoiding supramaximal exercises and educating patients to prevent incorrect movements.
Spiritualist Signal and Theosophical Noise
Authors: Manning Paul
Published: April 2018

Recent media studies research on 19th‐century Spiritualism has foregrounded the technological metaphors that suffuse Spiritualist models of the séance. However, this article shows that the actualphaticchannels proposed by Spiritualism consisted almost entirely of mediating chains of human spirits who stood between the bereaved séance guests and the spirits of the dear departed called “strangers.”While the “strangers” were, like the séance guests, departed white people, the authoritative “control spirits” were frequently exotic others such as “Indians” from the American imaginary of the Frontier. Beginning in 1875, the apparent transparency of the Spiritualist séance became the object of critique of an emerging occultist movement of Theosophy, which sought to undermine the authoritative human spirits of Spiritualism by turning the human spirits of the Spiritualist séance wholesale into disruptive non‐human mediators called “Diakkas,” “Bhuts,” and “Elementals,” and replacing Spiritualism's authoritative “Indian” control spirits drawn from the imaginary of the American frontier with Tibetan “Mahatmas” drawn from the orientalist imaginary of the Empire. These elementals initially represented noisy non‐human “parasites” of Spiritualist channels, but later these parasites take over the channel and become the channel themselves in the form of what came to be called the “elemental essence.”
Development and implementation of a novel immune thrombocytopenia bleeding score for dogs
Authors: Makielski Kelly M. , Brooks Marjory B. , Wang Chong , Cullen Jonah N. , O'Connor Annette M. , LeVine Dana N.
Published: April 2018

Background

A method of quantifying clinical bleeding in dogs with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is needed because ITP patients have variable bleeding tendencies that inconsistently correlate with platelet count. A scoring system will facilitate patient comparisons and allow stratification based on bleeding severity in clinical trials.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To develop and evaluate a bleeding assessment tool for dogs, and a training course for improving its consistent implementation.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 61) with platelet counts <50,000/μL; 34 classified as primary ITP, 17 as secondary ITP, and 10 as non‐ITP.

Methods

A novel bleeding assessment tool, DOGiBAT, comprising bleeding grades from 0 (none) to 2 (severe) at 9 anatomic sites, was developed. Clinicians and technicians completed a training course and quiz before scoring thrombocytopenic patients. The training course was assessed by randomizing student volunteers to take the quiz with or without prior training. A logistic regression model assessed the association between training and quiz performance. The correlation of DOGiBAT score with platelet count and outcome measures was assessed in the thrombocytopenic dogs.

Results

Clinicians and technicians consistently applied the DOGiBAT, correctly scoring all quiz cases. The odds of trained students answering correctly were higher than those of untrained students (P < .0001). In clinical cases, DOGiBAT score and platelet count were inversely correlated (rs = −0.527, P < .0001), and DOGiBAT directly correlated with transfusion requirements (rs = 0.512, P < .0001) and hospitalization duration (rs = 0.35, P = .006).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The DOGiBAT and assessment quiz are simple tools to standardize evaluation of bleeding severity. With further validation, the DOGiBAT may provide a clinically relevant metric to characterize ITP severity and monitor response in treatment trials.
Association between indoor air pollution and respiratory disease in companion dogs and cats
Authors: Lin Chung‐Hui , Lo Pei‐Ying , Wu Huey‐Dong , Chang Chinhao , Wang Lih‐Chiann
Published: April 2018

Background

Indoor air pollution (IAP) leads to important respiratory morbidity and mortality in humans. Companion dogs and cats share the same household environment with their owners and are exposed to IAP.

Hypothesis

Pets with respiratory disease are more commonly exposed to indoor air pollutants in their homes and to worse air quality than pets without respiratory disease.

Animals

Three hundred and forty‐eight animals (230 dogs and 118 cats) were recruited.

Methods

Dogs and cats attending the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital were prospectively enrolled over a 12‐month period. Questionnaires were collected from pet owners regarding the status of signs of respiratory problem of animals and air pollutants in their homes. Clinical assessment was performed by veterinarians on all animals included in the case‐control study and the presence/absence of respiratory disease and diagnoses were recorded. Individual exposure to particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) was estimated in the domestic microenvironment of the animals.

Results

Dogs with respiratory disease were more commonly exposed to incense burning than control dogs (30 versus 13%, P = .045), but household PM2.5 level was not different between dogs with and without respiratory disease [median 30.8 μg/m3, range 10.8‐214.2 versus median 38.2 μg/m3, range 5.4‐69.4, P = .57]. Signalment factors (age, body weight, and body condition score) instead of IAP factors were associated with respiratory disease in dogs using multivariable logistic regression. In contrast, household PM2.5 level was significantly higher in cats with respiratory disease than in control cats [median 38.6 μg/m3, range 17.8‐131.2 versus median 27.4 μg/m3, range 15.4‐70.0, P = .017]. Cats living in households with PM2.5 > 35 μg/m3 were more likely to have respiratory disease than those living in households with acceptable levels of PM2.5 (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.12‐15.27, P = .03).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The link between IAP and respiratory disease in dogs is complicated. An unacceptable level of household PM2.5 (>35 μg/m3) is significantly associated with respiratory disease in cats. The effect of IAP on the respiratory health of companion animals warrants further attention.
Phenotypic plasticity in the timing of reproduction in Andean bears
Authors: Appleton R. D. , Van Horn R. C. , Noyce K. V. , Spady T. J. , Swaisgood R. R. , Arcese P.
Published: April 2018

Many factors influence whether mammals reproduce seasonally or continuously but disentangling them can be challenging in free‐living species that are hard to observe. We described the seasonality of reproduction in Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in NW Peru (6°26′S, 79°33′W) to test for phenotypic plasticity in response to extrinsic cues. To do so, we compared the mating behavior and birthdates of free‐living bears to the birthdates of captive bears housed over a broad range of latitudes. Free‐living bears were observed on 302 occasions over 6 years (967 field‐days), and mating behaviors recorded 61 times from late Dec to Jan. The mean birthdate of 12 wild‐born litters was 17 August (range = 23 Jun – 15 Oct), 57 ± 10 (SD) days after the winter solstice. Birthdates for 367 captive litters varied widely by comparison (range = 1 Jan – 31 Dec; mean = 14 ± 49 days after the winter solstice). However, captive bears in the tropics had fewer births in autumn and winter (71.4% of births) than captive bears at higher latitudes (96.8% of births; P < 0.001). Differences in seasonal reproduction among captive bears at high and low latitudes and captive and a free‐living at tropical latitudes suggest that Andean bears display phenotypic plasticity in reproductive timing but influenced by photoperiod at high latitudes. Because photoperiodic effects were less evident at tropic latitudes, we suggest that seasonality in the timing of reproduction in the free‐living bears we observed was influenced by seasonal variation in food abundance. The observed effect of photoperiod on reproduction in captive Andean bears at high latitudes may also imply that free‐living bears at the southern edge of the range may be constrained in their ability to adjust reproductive timing to resource availability as environments change.
Sexual dimorphism in the sonic system and otolith morphology of Neobythites gilli (Ophidiiformes)
Authors: Parmentier E. , Boistel R. , Bahri M. A. , Plenevaux A. , Schwarzhans W.
Published: April 2018

Although males and females of many sound‐producing fish species may show differences at the level of the sonic apparatus, otoliths are usually species specific having intraspecific variation only if exposed to different environmental condition or in relation with the fish size. This study reports sexual dimorphism at the level of both otolith shape and sonic apparatus in the ophidiid Neobythites gilli. As it is the case in other Neobythites species, sound‐producing apparatus is better developed in males. Due to their way of life in darker or deep waters, differences at the level of the sound‐producing apparatus support more constraints related to acoustic communication for sex recognition or mate localization. Otolith modifications concern only Neobythites male specimens, whereas otolith of females are virtually unchanged when compared to sister species without sexual dimorphism, meaning this feature would not be related to sexually induced differences in calling. Differences between the otoliths of males and females could therefore be related to their way of life.
GhWIP2, a WIP zinc finger protein, suppresses cell expansion in Gerbera hybrida by mediating crosstalk between gibberellin, abscisic acid, and auxin
Authors: Ren Guiping , Li Lingfei , Huang Yuhua , Wang Yaqin , Zhang Wenbin , Zheng Rouyan , Zhong Chunmei , Wang Xiaojing
Published: April 2018

Cell expansion is a key determinant for the final size and shape of plant organ, and is regulated by various phytohormones. Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) consist of a superfamily involved in multiple aspects of organ morphogenesis. However, little is known about WIP‐type ZFP function in phytohormone‐mediated organ growth.

Using reverse genetics, RNA‐seq and phytohormone quantification, we elucidated the role of a new WIP‐type ZFP from Gerbera hybrida, GhWIP2, in controlling organ growth via regulation of cell expansion.

GhWIP2 localizes to the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional repressor. Constitutive overexpression of GhWIP2 (GhWIP2OE) in both Gerbera and Arabidopsis thaliana caused major developmental defects associated with cell expansion, including dwarfism, short petals, scapes, and petioles. Furthermore, GhWIP2OE plants were hypersensitive to GA, but not to ABA, and showed a reduction in endogenous GA and auxin, but not ABA concentrations. Consistent with these observations, RNA‐seq analysis revealed that genes involved in GA and auxin signaling were down‐regulated, while those involved in ABA signaling were up‐regulated in GhWIP2OE plants.

Our findings suggest that GhWIP2 acts as a transcriptional repressor, suppressing cell expansion during organ growth by modulating crosstalk between GA, ABA, and auxin.