bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐world conservation planning for evolutionary diversity in the Kimberley, Australia, sidesteps uncertain taxonomy
Authors: Rosauer Dan F. , Byrne Margaret , Blom Mozes P. K. , Coates David J. , Donnellan Stephen , Doughty Paul , Keogh J. Scott , Kinloch Janine , Laver Rebecca J. , Myers Cecilia , Oliver Paul M. , Potter Sally , Rabosky Daniel L. , Afonso Silva Ana Catarina , Smith James , Moritz Craig
Published: January 2018

Targeting phylogenetic diversity (PD) in systematic conservation planning is an efficient way to minimize losses across the Tree of Life. Considering representation of genetic diversity below and above species level, also allows robust analyses within systems where taxonomy is in flux. We use dense sampling of phylogeographic diversity for 11 lizard genera, to demonstrate how PD can be applied to a policy‐ready conservation planning problem. Our analysis bypasses named taxa, using genetic data directly to inform conservation decisions. We highlight areas that should be prioritized for ecological management, and also areas that would provide the greatest benefit if added to the multisector conservation estate. We provide a rigorous and effective approach to represent the spectrum of genetic and species diversity in conservation planning.
Reassessing the Lewis Turning Point in China: Evidence from 70,000 Rural Households
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Shao Ting , Dong Qi
Published: January 2018

There is no convincing evidence to prove that China's Lewis turning point (LTP) arrived in 2004–2005, as suggested in some of the existing literature. Employing data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China for 70,000 rural households and following the method proposed by Minami (1968) to identify the Lewis turning point in Japan, the present study reassessed the reaching of the LTP in China and found that China's economy reached the LTP around 2010. From a regional perspective, China's eastern region reached the LTP in 2010 and its central and western regions are now approaching the turning point. After arriving at the LTP, China's rural economy will face three key tasks: safeguarding grain security, promoting economic restructuring and realizing agricultural modernization. To cope with the shortage of human capital in agriculture production and the challenge of the tight balance between grain supply and demand, the Chinese Government should improve the human capital training system, accelerate agricultural modernization and guarantee national grain security.
Historical Transformation of China's Agriculture: Productivity Changes and Other Key Features
Authors: Liu Shouying , Wang Ruimin , Shi Guang
Published: January 2018

According to an analysis of sampled data from the National Bureau of Statistics for 70,000 peasant households, agricultural labor productivity has been increasing at a faster rate than land productivity since 2003. Labor productivity has, in fact, experienced long‐term stagnation. The data also reveals the heterogenization of small farmers, farm machinery replacing manual labor as an agricultural input, the expansion of the scale of land management, the development of the rural land leasing market and the diversification of the agricultural management entities. Review of the historical transformation of agriculture helps to recognize the declining importance of agricultural land, the direction of agricultural technological changes, the path and the disposition of the changes to the agricultural system, and the adjustment of China's rural policies.
Identifying the Turning Point of the Urban–Rural Relationship: Evidence from Macro Data
Authors: Gao Liangliang , Yan Jiao , Du Yue
Published: January 2018

The urban and rural dual structure is a defining characteristic of the social and economic development process in China. With rapid urbanization, remarkable development of agriculture and rural modernization, the relationship between urban and rural areas is undergoing significant changes in China. Using macro data, we find that the relationship between urban and rural areas started to change in 2010. The transition has mainly been reflected in three dimensions: agriculture, rural areas and farmers. First, agricultural versatility has gradually increased, and the number of participants in leisure agriculture and rural tourism has grown rapidly since 2010. Second, the rural employment rate has risen gradually, and the share of rural employees in the tertiary sector has grown markedly. Third, the urban–rural income ratio and consumption ratio have begun to decrease, and the levels of consumption of domestic tourism by urban and rural residents are becoming small.
Hypoxia‐ischemia and brain injury in infants born preterm
Authors: Paneth Nigel
Published: January 2018

This commentary is on the reviews by Gilles et al. and Galinsky et al. on pages 120–125 and 126–133 of this issue.
Multiple sclerosis: long‐term outcomes in ethnic minorities. Analysis of a UK population‐based registry
Authors: Alsaeed M. O. , Harding K. E. , Williams O. H. , Willis M. D. , Hrastelj J. , Tallantyre E. C. , Joseph F. G. , Wardle M. , Pickersgill T. P. , Robertson N. P.
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is most frequent in Caucasian populations. However, studies of MS in other ethnic groups may offer unique insights into genetic and environmental influences on the disease, and data on long‐term outcomes in these patients is limited. In this work clinical features and time to disability milestones were investigated in ethnic minority (EM) patients with MS in a UK population and comparisons were made to a Caucasian cohort from the same region.

Methods

In all, 1949 MS patients (1866 Caucasian, 83 EM) were identified from a regional disease registry. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyse the time to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0.

Results

Ethnic minority patients were younger at disease onset (28.6 years vs. 32.8 years, P = 0.001), and primary progressive MS was less common (EM 4.8%, Caucasian 11.6%, P = 0.03). After correction for clinical variables, ethnicity was associated with time to EDSS 3.0 [EM: hazard ratio (HR) 1.75, P < 0.0001] and 4.0 (HR 1.46, P = 0.03), but not 6.0 (HR 1.5, P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Ethnic minority patients reach early levels of fixed disability more rapidly than Caucasian patients, but this effect diminishes at later stages of the disease. This has implications for clinical management of these patients.
Return to driving after a diagnosis of epilepsy: A prospective registry study
Authors: Xu Ying , Hackett Maree L. , Glozier Nick , Nikpour Armin , Somerville Ernest , Bleasel Andrew , Ireland Carol , Anderson Craig S.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To determine the frequency and predictors of return to driving within 1 year after a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Methods

SEISMIC (the Sydney Epilepsy Incidence Study to Measure Illness Consequences) was a prospective, multicenter, community‐wide study of people of all ages with newly diagnosed epilepsy in Sydney, Australia. Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics and driving status were obtained as soon as possible after baseline registration with a diagnosis of epilepsy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of return to driving at 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Among 181 (76%) adult participants (≥18 years old) who reported driving before an epilepsy diagnosis, 152 provided information on driving at 12 months, of whom 118 (78%) had returned to driving. Driving for reasons of getting to work or place of education (odds ratio [OR] = 4.70, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.87‐11.86), no seizure recurrence (OR = 5.15, 95% CI = 2.07‐12.82), and being on no or a single antiepileptic drug (OR = 4.54, 95% CI = 1.45‐14.22) were associated with return to driving (C statistic = 0.79). More than half of participants with recurrent seizures were driving at follow‐up.

Significance

Early return to driving after a diagnosis of epilepsy is related to work/social imperatives and control of seizures, but many people with recurrent seizures continue to drive. Further efforts are required to implement driving restriction policies and to provide transport options for people with epilepsy.
Long‐term surveillance of SUDEP in drug‐resistant epilepsy patients treated with VNS therapy
Authors: Ryvlin Philippe , So Elson L. , Gordon Charles M. , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Sperling Michael R. , Devinsky Orrin , Bunker Mark T. , Olin Bryan , Friedman Daniel
Published: January 2018

Objective

Limited data are available regarding the evolution over time of the rate of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) in drug‐resistant epilepsy. The objective is to analyze a database of 40 443 patients with epilepsy implanted with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy in the United States (from 1988 to 2012) and assess whether SUDEP rates decrease during the postimplantation follow‐up period.

Methods

Patient vital status was ascertained using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Death Index (NDI). An expert panel adjudicated classification of cause of deaths as SUDEP based on NDI data and available narrative descriptions of deaths. We tested the hypothesis that SUDEP rates decrease with time using the Mann‐Kendall nonparametric trend test and by comparing SUDEP rates of the first 2 years of follow‐up (years 1‐2) to longer follow‐up (years 3‐10).

Results

Our cohort included 277 661 person‐years of follow‐up and 3689 deaths, including 632 SUDEP. Primary analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in age‐adjusted SUDEP rate during follow‐up (S = −27 P = .008), with rates of 2.47/1000 for years 1‐2 and 1.68/1000 for years 3‐10 (rate ratio 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53‐0.87; P = .002). Sensitivity analyses confirm these findings.

Significance

Our data suggest that SUDEP risk significantly decreases during long‐term follow‐up of patients with refractory epilepsy receiving VNS Therapy. This finding might reflect several factors, including the natural long‐term dynamic of SUDEP rate, attrition, and the impact of VNS Therapy. The role of each of these factors cannot be confirmed due to the limitations of the study.
Impact of pregnancy on psychoactive substance use among women with substance use disorders recruited in addiction specialized care centers in France
Authors: Pochard Liselotte , Dupouy Julie , Frauger Elisabeth , Giocanti Adeline , Micallef Joëlle , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse ,   French Addictovigilance Network
Published: January 2018

Pregnancy can be a motivation for decrease in drug abusing but may also represent a period of high vulnerability for relapse. We aimed to assess psychoactive substance use among women with substance use disorders followed in addiction care centers in France. We analyzed data from women aged 15–44 years included in the ‘Observation of illegal drugs and misuse of psychotropic medication (OPPIDUM) survey’, an annual cross‐sectional survey collecting details on psychoactive substances used. Characteristics of women included in 2005–2012 yearly surveys were compared depending on their pregnant or not pregnant status. Factors, including pregnancy, associated with illicit substance use and medication misuse were investigated through logistic regression. The study included 518 pregnant and 6345 nonpregnant women; 85.3% pregnant women were on opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) (vs. 77.1% of nonpregnant). Pregnancy was associated with lower illicit substance use (adjusted OR 0.71 [0.58–0.88]) and with lower medication misuse (0.66 [0.49–0.89]), whereas financial insecurity and living as a couple were associated with increased risk. Raising children was significantly associated with less risk of substance use. Each substance taken separately, the part of women using illicit substance or misusing medication did not differ depending on whether they were pregnant or not, except for heroin (24.5% in pregnant vs. 17.9% nonpregnant; <0.001). This nationwide study provides new insights into psychoactive substance use in a large mixed population of women with drug use disorders. Results outline the challenge of preventing drug use and initiating care strategies with a specific approach on socio‐economic environment.
Canonical signaling and nuclear activity of mTOR—a teamwork effort to regulate metabolism and cell growth
Authors: Giguère Vincent
Published: January 2018

Mechanistic (or mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase that regulates almost all functions related to cell growth and metabolism in response to extra‐ and intracellular stimuli, such as availability of nutrients, the presence of growth factors, or the energy status of the cell. As part of two distinct protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, the kinase has been shown to influence cell growth and proliferation by controlling ribosome biogenesis, mRNA translation, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, protein degradation, autophagy as well as microtubule and actin dynamics. In addition to these well‐characterized functions, mTOR can also influence gene transcription. While most studies focused on investigating how canonical mTOR signaling regulates the activity of transcription factors outside the nucleus, recent findings point to a more direct role for mTOR as a transcription factor operating on chromatin in the nucleus. In particular, recent genome‐wide identification of mTOR targets on chromatin reveals that its activities in the nucleus and cytoplasm are functionally and biologically linked, thus uncovering a novel paradigm in mTOR function.
Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) as perennial multipurpose crop: biomass yields, energetic valorization, utilization potentials, and management perspectives
Authors: Nahm Michael , Morhart Christopher
Published: January 2018

This article reviews the scholarly literature dealing with the perennial multipurpose crop Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby; Sida in the following). In regions dominated by intensive agricultural management practices, growing Sida holds the potential to combine ecosystem services such as decreasing soil erosion, reducing nitrate leaching as well as enhancing biodiversity, with economic profit for the farmer. After promising biomass yields of Sida were reported from studies performed in Poland about 15 years ago, the interest in this plant species has continuously increased, and different utilization pathways were examined, predominantly by researchers in Poland and Germany. At present, however, a comprehensive overview that summarizes the different lines of research performed regarding the use of Sida is lacking. This review aims at closing this gap. After providing background information on Sida, we summarize the main results obtained from investigations concerning biomass yields, fertilization effects, key findings concerning direct combustion, biogas production, steam gasification, phytoremediation, and alternative utilization pathways. Thereafter, we highlight important aspects of Virginia mallow cultivation practices, including first estimates regarding the costs involved. Finally, we point to existing research gaps. Summarizing the available literature on Sida, we aim at raising the interest of scientists and farmers in this plant species further and to show where future research might tie in with, as the successful cultivation of Sida might represent a worthwhile strategy to transform current agricultural practices in Central Europe into approaches that are more sustainable and resilient against future challenges.
Evaluating the validity of subclassifying warfarin‐associated nonuremic calciphylaxis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lehman Julia S. , Chen Tiffany Y. , Lohse Christine M. , el‐Azhary Rokea A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Calciphylaxis is a devastating multifactorial disorder of the subcutaneous fat that is known to be associated with hypercoagulability. Recent literature has proposed subclassifying patients with calciphylaxis as having warfarin‐associated or warfarin‐unassociated disease.

Aim

We aimed to determine whether patients with warfarin‐associated calciphylaxis differ clinically from patients with warfarin‐unassociated calciphylaxis.

Materials and methods

We performed a subgroup analysis of patients with nonuremic calciphylaxis from a previously studied cohort and compared clinical and outcomes features of patients who were taking warfarin at the time of disease onset to those of patients who were not.

Results

Nineteen patients with nonuremic calciphylaxis were identified, including 10 (53%) who had been on warfarin at the time of disease onset and 9 (47%) who had not. Of all clinical and outcomes parameters tested, no significant differences were detected between the two groups.

Discussion and Conclusions

Though this study is limited by its retrospective nature and the relatively small number of patients studied, available data do not support subclassifying patients with nonuremic calciphylaxis as having warfarin‐associated or warfarin‐unassociated disease. Rather, the body of literature would suggest that identification and correction of underlying disorders of hypercoagulability should be prioritized.
Physicochemical, functional andATR‐FTIR molecular analysis of protein extracts derived from starchy pulses
Authors: de la Rosa‐Millán Julián , Orona‐Padilla José Luis , Flores‐Moreno Víctor Manuel , Serna‐Saldívar Sergio O.
Published: January 2018

An alkaline solubilisation and isoelectric point precipitation process were used to isolate proteins from broad bean, chickpea, lentil and white bean. The physicochemical, water solubility and foaming properties as well as their protein digestion characteristics of whole flours and its protein extracts were correlated with their molecular characteristics, analysed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). The processing of pulses resulted in protein recoveries ≥50.12% and yields up to 30.26% for broad bean. The purity of the protein was from 68.27% to 86.58% for chickpea and broad bean, with in vitro digestion values ≥80.59%. The protein extracts showed up to 0.85 mg g−1 of phenolic compounds (gallic acid eq./100 g). The ATR‐FTIR analysis of the extracts showed different proportions of α‐helix and β‐sheet secondary structures of the amide II group. The analysis of the amide III group reflected inter‐ and intramolecular associations that could have influenced their emulsion and foam characteristics.
Expectations and experiences of patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total joint arthroplasty: An integrative review
Authors: See Min Ting Alicia , Kowitlawakul Yanika , Tan Apphia Jia Qi , Liaw Sok Ying
Published: January 2018

Background

The effectiveness of educational interventions for osteoarthritic patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty remains inconclusive. It is essential to understand the educational needs of these patients from their perspectives.

Aim

The aim of this study was to systematically summarize and synthesize osteoarthritic patients' expectations and experiences in undergoing total joint arthroplasty to identify their educational needs.

Design

An integrative review was conducted.

Methods

Twenty studies (13 qualitative and 7 quantitative), published between 2006 and 2016, were independently appraised by 2 reviewers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools for quantitative studies. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the findings were synthesized in a narrative summary.

Results

Six themes describing patients' preoperative and post‐operative educational needs were identified: (1) preoperative anxiety, (2) unrealistic expectations of recovery, (3) post‐operative pain, (4) regaining functional abilities, (5) physical and psychological sense of loss, and (6) lack of continuity of care.

Conclusion

This review is the first to capture the osteoarthritic patients' educational needs from their perspectives. The biopsychosocial model can address the multidimensionality (biological, psychological, and social) of patients' educational needs. A robust infrastructure supporting interprofessional collaborative practice and continuity of care should be adopted to enhance current educational efforts.
Hypoxia‐inducible transcription factors, HIF1A and HIF2A, increase in aging mucosal tissues
Authors: Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Novak Michael John , Orraca Luis , Martinez‐Gonzalez Janis , Kirakodu Sreenatha , Chen Kuey C. , Stromberg Arnold , Gonzalez Octavio A.
Published: January 2018

Hypoxia (i.e. oxygen deprivation) activates the hypoxia‐signalling pathway, primarily via hypoxia‐inducible transcription factors (HIF) for numerous target genes, which mediate angiogenesis, metabolism and coagulation, among other processes to try to replenish tissues with blood and oxygen. Hypoxia signalling dysregulation also commonly occurs during chronic inflammation. We sampled gingival tissues from rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta; 3–25 years old) and total RNA was isolated for microarray analysis. HIF1A, HIF1B and HIF2A were significantly different in healthy aged tissues, and both HIF1A and HIF3A were positively correlated with aging. Beyond these transcription factor alterations, analysis of patterns of gene expression involved in hypoxic changes in tissues showed specific increases in metabolic pathway hypoxia‐inducible genes, whereas angiogenesis pathway gene changes were more variable in healthy aging tissues across the animals. With periodontitis, aging tissues showed decreases in metabolic gene expression related to carbohydrate/lipid utilization (GBE1, PGAP1, TPI1), energy metabolism and cell cycle regulation (IER3, CCNG2, PER1), with up‐regulation of transcription genes and cellular proliferation genes (FOS, EGR1, MET, JMJD6) that are hypoxia‐inducible. The potential clinical implications of these results are related to the epidemiological findings of increased susceptibility and expression of periodontitis with aging. More specifically the findings describe that hypoxic stress may exist in aging gingival tissues before documentation of clinical changes of periodontitis and, so, may provide an explanatory molecular risk factor for an elevated capacity of the tissues to express destructive processes in response to changes in the microbial biofilms characteristic of a more pathogenic microbial challenge.
Soil urease and catalase responses to ozone pollution are affected by the ozone sensitivity of wheat cultivars
Authors: Kou T.‐J. , Lam S.K. , Chen D.‐L. , Yu W.‐W.
Published: January 2018

Understanding the effects of elevated O3 (EO3) on belowground process such as soil enzyme activities is essential to evaluate plant physiological reaction and soil processes (e.g. carbon and nitrogen turnover) under predicted increases in atmospheric O3. In this study, O3‐induced changes in soil urease (UA) and catalase activities (CTA) under two contrasting wheat cultivars (O3‐sensitive versus O3‐tolerant) were investigated using a free‐air O3 enrichment (O3FACE) facility in China. EO3 (60 ppb compared with 40 ppb in ambient O3) generally increased UA under the O3‐tolerant cultivar but reduced it under the O3‐sensitive cultivar for different soil depths and growth stages. In contrast, the effects of EO3 on CTA were not consistent and varied with soil depths and growth stages. These results suggest that the O3 sensitivity of wheat cultivars plays an important role in determining the effects of EO3 on soil enzyme activities. The contrasting responses of soil UA and CTA to EO3 may alter the effect of projected increase in tropospheric O3 on soil carbon and nitrogen turnover.
The exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise in the sub‐acute phase after stroke is not affected by aerobic exercise
Authors: Wijkman Magnus O. , Sandberg Klas , Kleist Marie , Falk Lars , Enthoven Paul
Published: January 2018

The prevalence of an exaggerated exercise blood pressure (BP) response is unknown in patients with subacute stroke, and it is not known whether an aerobic exercise program modulates this response. The authors randomized 53 patients (27 women) with subacute stroke to 12 weeks of twice‐weekly aerobic exercise (n = 29) or to usual care without scheduled physical exercise (n = 24). At baseline, 66% of the patients exhibited an exaggerated exercise BP response (peak systolic BP ≥210 mm Hg in men and ≥190 mm Hg in women) during a symptom‐limited ergometer exercise test. At follow‐up, patients who had been randomized to the exercise program achieved higher peak work rate, but peak systolic BP remained unaltered. Among patients with a recent stroke, it was common to have an exaggerated systolic BP response during exercise. This response was not altered by participation in a 12‐week program of aerobic exercise.
Impact of quality of research on patient outcomes in the Institute of Medicine 2013 report on dietary sodium
Authors: Lucko Aaron , Doktorchik Chelsea TA , Campbell Norm RC
Published: January 2018

The 2013 Institute of Medicine report entitled “Sodium Intake in Populations: Assessment of Evidence” found inconsistent evidence of health benefit with dietary sodium intake <2300 mg/d. Different studies reported benefit and harm of population dietary intake <2300 mg/d. The Institute of Medicine committee, however, did not assess whether the methodology used in each of the studies was appropriate to examine dietary sodium and health outcomes. This review investigates the association of methodological rigor and outcomes of studies in the Institute of Medicine report. For the 13 studies that met all methodological criteria, nine found a detrimental impact of high sodium consumption on health, one found a health benefit, and in three the effect was unclear (P = .068). For the 22 studies that failed to meet all criteria, 11 showed a detrimental impact, four a health benefit, and seven had unclear effects from increasing dietary sodium (P = .42).
The association between different features of sleep‐disordered breathing and blood pressure: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khoshkish Shayan , Hohl Mathias , Linz Benedikt , Arzt Michael , Mahfoud Felix , Baumert Mathias , Schöpe Jakob , Böhm Michael , Linz Dominik
Published: January 2018

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in patients with high blood pressure (BP). Severity of SDB can be evaluated by the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour (AHI) or by measures of hypoxia. The objective of this study was to assess the association between different measures of SDB and BP. In 134 consecutive patients, polygraphy was performed to determine the AHI. Pulse oximetry was used to determine hypoxemic burden (time below 90% oxygen saturation [T90] and hypoxia load [HL], representing the integrated area above the curve of desaturation). AHI did not correlate with systolic and diastolic BP or pulse pressure. In contrast, HL correlated with pulse pressure during the day (P = .01) and night (P = .0034) before and after adjustment for body mass index. The correlation between systolic BP and HL at night disappeared following adjustment for body mass index. This study generates the hypothesis that nocturnal hypoxemic burden may represent a suitable marker of BP pattern and a potential treatment target in hypertensive patients.
Reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography for the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus and surrounding subclinical lesions
Authors: Mandel V.D. , Cinotti E. , Benati E. , Labeille B. , Ciardo S. , Vaschieri C. , Cambazard F. , Perrot J.L. , Pellacani G.
Published: January 2018

Background

Diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and pemphigus is based on clinical features, histology, immunofluorescence and laboratory data.

Objectives

To evaluate features of BP and pemphigus at reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in order to provide a rapid non‐invasive bed‐side diagnosis. Secondary objective was to evaluate the detectability of clinically non‐visible lesions.

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective, multicentre study in which patients with suspicious lesions for BP or pemphigus underwent clinical assessment, RCM, OCT, blood tests and skin biopsy for histological and direct immunofluorescence examinations from January 2014 to December 2015. A total of 72 lesions in 24 selected patients were evaluated. Additionally, apparently unaffected skin at two different distances [near (1–2 cm) and far (2–3 cm)] from each lesion was examined to test subclinical lesion detectability.

Results

RCM was able to detect subepidermal and intra‐epidermal blisters, respectively, in 75% and 50% of the patients affected by BP and pemphigus. At OCT, the exact blister level was identified in all patients. Acantholytic cells were observed only at RCM in pemphigus (62.5%). Fibrin deposition inside the blisters was only found in BP, evidenced both at RCM and OCT. Among patients with BP, subclinical blisters were detected in nine (9.4%) clinically healthy skin, while among patients with pemphigus were observed in 10 (20.8%) apparently unaffected skin.

Conclusion

RCM and/or OCT provide useful information for a rapid diagnosis of BP and pemphigus and for the identification of biopsy site. Combined use of RCM and OCT is optimal because associates the higher resolution of RCM with the greater penetration depth of OCT. OCT could be an optimal tool for treatment monitoring, especially in the cases of subclinical lesions. However, histopathologic and immunologic examinations remain the gold standard for establishing the final diagnosis.
Casual movement speed but not maximal locomotor capacity predicts mate searching success
Authors: Kasumovic M. M. , Seebacher F.
Published: January 2018

Maximal locomotor performance is often used as a proxy for fitness. Maximal speed may be important under high‐threat conditions, such as during predator escape. However, animals do not always move at a speed that reflects their maximal physiological capacities when undisturbed. The physiological factors that determine the movement speed chosen by animals, such as minimization of energy use, may be independent from maximal performance. As a result, the casual speed at which individuals move when undisturbed in a given context may better represent an individual's motivation to move. The casual speed may therefore be a better predictor of fitness in natural contexts than maximal performance capacity. We tested the hypothesis that casual movement speed rather than maximal speed predicts fitness in the golden orb‐web spider, Nephila plumipes. We measured fitness in two separate contexts, mate‐searching success and the positional rank near a female. We show that casual but not maximal locomotor speed predicted both aspects of fitness. Casual speed was linearly related to maximal speed, indicating that casual speed is determined by physiological optimization. Size and metabolic scope were not related to either maximal or chosen speeds, indicating that the supply of ATP does not limit locomotor performance in this species. Overall, our results demonstrate that locomotor performance is related to fitness, but suggest that different types of performance and not necessarily maximal physiological capacities are most relevant for particular ecologically relevant tasks.
Differential visual ornamentation between brood parasitic and parental cuckoos
Authors: Hasegawa M. , Arai E.
Published: January 2018

The evolution of brood parasitism should affect adult phenotypic traits due to sexual selection as well as the parasite–host interactions, although it is rarely focused on. Sexual selection theory predicts extravagant secondary sexual characteristics in brood parasites whereas immature‐like modest sexual characteristics in parental species. This is because juvenile‐like immature traits can attract mates by exploiting parental care for young (i.e. attraction to young), and because the good parent process, which favours traits that signal parental care ability, would constrain the evolution of costly secondary sexual characteristics due to evolutionary trade‐offs between parental investment and sexually selected traits. Using a phylogenetic comparative approach, we studied plumage and bare‐part characteristics of adults in relation to brood parasitism in cuckoos (family Cuculidae), in which brood parasitism together with loss of parental care has evolved three times. As predicted, we found that nonparasitic cuckoos had plumage more similar to the juveniles than did brood parasitic cuckoos. Furthermore, nonparasitic cuckoos had a higher probability of having additional bare skin, that is a seemingly less costly, hatchling‐like trait, than did brood parasitic cuckoos. This finding further supports the link between parental care and sexual selection, although the influence of a parasite–host interaction cannot be excluded. The analysis of evolutionary pathways suggested interdependent evolution of additional bare skin and brood parasitism. Brood parasitism together with the loss of parental care may prevent the maintenance of a modest phenotype similar to the young, and vice versa in some cases.
Sappinia sp. (Amoebozoa: Thecamoebida) and Rosculus sp. (SAR: Cercozoa) Isolated From King Penguin Guano Collected in the Subantarctic (South Georgia, Salisbury Plain) and their Coexistence in Culture
Authors: Tyml Tomáš , Dyková Iva
Published: January 2018

Two amoeboid organisms of the genera Sappinia Dangeard, 1896 and Rosculus Hawes, 1963 were identified in a sample containing king penguin guano. This sample, collected in the Subantarctic, enlarges the list of fecal habitats known for the presence of coprophilic amoebae. The two organisms were co‐isolated and subcultured for over 6 mo, with continuous efforts being invested to separate each one from the mixed culture. In the mixed culture, Rosculus cells were fast growing, tolerated changes in culturing conditions, formed cysts, and evidently were attracted by Sappinia trophozoites. The separation of the Rosculus strain was accomplished, whereas the Sappinia strain remained intermixed with inseparable Rosculus cells. Sappinia cell populations were sensitive to changes in culturing conditions; they improved with reduction of Rosculus cells in the mixed culture. Thick‐walled cysts, reportedly formed by Sappinia species, were not seen. The ultrastructure of both organisms was congruent with the currently accepted generic characteristics; however, some details were remarkable at the species level. Combined with the results of phylogenetic analyses, our findings indicate that the ultrastructure of the glycocalyx and the presence/absence of the Golgi apparatus in differential diagnoses of Sappinia species require a critical re‐evaluation.
Environmental Sequencing Fills the Gap Between Parasitic Haplosporidians and Free‐living Giant Amoebae
Authors: Ward Georgia M. , Neuhauser Sigrid , Groben René , Ciaghi Stefan , Berney Cédric , Romac Sarah , Bass David
Published: January 2018

Class Ascetosporea (Rhizaria; Endomyxa) comprises many parasites of invertebrates. Within this group, recent group‐specific environmental DNA (eDNA) studies have contributed to the establishment of the new order Mikrocytida, a new phylogeny and characterization of Paramyxida, and illuminated the diversity and distribution of haplosporidians. Here, we use general and lineage‐specific PCR primers to investigate the phylogenetic “gap” between haplosporidians and their closest known free‐living relatives, the testate amoeba Gromia and reticulate amoeba Filoreta. Within this gap are Paradinium spp. parasites of copepods, which we show to be highly diverse and widely distributed in planktonic and benthic samples. We reveal a robustly supported radiation of parasites, ENDO‐3, comprised of Paradinium and three further clades (ENDO‐3a, ENDO‐3b and SPP). A further environmental group, ENDO‐2, perhaps comprising several clades, branches between this radiation and the free‐living amoebae. Early diverging haplosporidians were also amplified, often associated with bivalves or deep‐sea samples. The general primer approach amplified an overlapping set of novel lineages within ENDO‐3 and Haplosporida, whereas the group‐specific primer strategy, targeted to amplify from the earliest known divergent haplosporidians to Gromia, generated greater sequence diversity across part of this phylogenetic range.
Facility and State Variation in Hip Fracture in U.S. Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Zullo Andrew R. , Zhang Tingting , Banerjee Geetanjoli , Lee Yoojin , McConeghy Kevin W. , Kiel Douglas P. , Daiello Lori A. , Mor Vincent , Berry Sarah D.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To quantify the variation in hip fracture incidence across U.S. nursing home (NH) facilities and states and examine how hip fracture incidence varies according to facility‐ and state‐level characteristics.

Design

Retrospective cohort using linked national Minimum Data Set assessments; Online Survey, Certification and Reporting records; and Medicare claims.

Setting

U.S. NHs with 100 or more beds.

Participants

Long‐stay NH residents between May 1, 2007, and April 30, 2008, from 1,481 facilities and 46 U.S. states (N = 201,892).

Measurements

Incident hip fractures were ascertained using Medicare Part A diagnostic codes. Each resident was followed for up to 2 years.

Results

The mean adjusted incidence rate of hip fractures for all facilities was 3.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.01–3.26) per 100 person‐years (range 1.20, 95% CI = 1.15–1.26 to 6.40, 95% CI = 6.07–6.77). Facilities with the highest rates of hip fracture had greater percentages of residents taking psychoactive medications (top tertile 27.2%, bottom tertile 24.8%), and fewer nursing (top tertile 3.43, bottom tertile 3.53) and direct care (top tertile 3.22, bottom tertile 3.29) hours per day per resident. The combination of state and facility characteristics explained 6.7% of the variation in hip fracture, and resident characteristics explained 7.6%.

Conclusion

Much of the variation in hip fracture incidence remained unexplained, although these findings indicate that potentially modifiable state and facility characteristics such as psychoactive drug prescribing and minimum staffing requirements could be addressed to help reduce the rate of hip fracture in U.S. NHs.
Expression of the purine biosynthetic enzyme phosphoribosyl formylglycinamidine synthase in neurons
Authors: Mangold Colleen A. , Yao Pamela J. , Du Mei , Freeman Willard M. , Benkovic Stephen J. , Szpara Moriah L.
Published: January 2018

Purines are metabolic building blocks essential for all living organisms on earth. De novo purine biosynthesis occurs in the brain and appears to play important roles in neural development. Phosphoribosyl formylglycinamidine synthase (FGAMS, also known as PFAS or FGARAT), a core enzyme involved in the de novo synthesis of purines, may play alternative roles in viral pathogenesis. To date, no thorough investigation of the endogenous expression and localization of de novo purine biosynthetic enzymes has been conducted in human neurons or in virally infected cells. In this study, we characterized expression of FGAMS using multiple neuronal models. In differentiated human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, primary rat hippocampal neurons, and in whole‐mouse brain sections, FGAMS immunoreactivity was distributed within the neuronal cytoplasm. FGAMS immunolabeling in vitro demonstrated extensive distribution throughout neuronal processes. To investigate potential changes in FGAMS expression and localization following viral infection, we infected cells with the human pathogen herpes simplex virus 1. In infected fibroblasts, FGAMS immunolabeling shifted from a diffuse cytoplasmic location to a mainly perinuclear localization by 12 h post‐infection. In contrast, in infected neurons, FGAMS localization showed no discernable changes in the localization of FGAMS immunoreactivity. There were no changes in total FGAMS protein levels in either cell type. Together, these data provide insight into potential purine biosynthetic mechanisms utilized within neurons during homeostasis as well as viral infection.

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Cover Image for this Issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14169.
The cognitive profile of Sotos syndrome
Authors: Lane Chloe , Milne Elizabeth , Freeth Megan
Published: January 2018

Sotos syndrome is a congenital overgrowth disorder, associated with intellectual disability. Previous research suggests that Sotos syndrome may be associated with relative strength in verbal ability and relative weakness in non‐verbal reasoning ability but this has not been explicitly assessed. To date, the cognitive profile of Sotos syndrome is unknown. Cognitive abilities of a large and representative sample of individuals with Sotos syndrome (N = 52) were assessed using the British Ability Scales (BAS3). The majority of participants had intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning. The cluster score profile analysis revealed a consistent verbal ability > non‐verbal reasoning ability profile. Four specific criteria were proposed as the Sotos syndrome cognitive profile (SSCP): verbal ability > non‐verbal reasoning ability; quantitative reasoning T‐score or matrices T‐score <20th percentile; quantitative reasoning T‐score < mean T‐score; recognition of designs T‐score or recognition of pictures T‐score > mean T‐score. Of the 35 participants included in the profile analysis, 28 met all four SSCP criteria, yielding a sensitivity of 0.8. The sensitivity of each of the SSCP criteria was >0.9. Individuals with Sotos syndrome display a clear and consistent cognitive profile, characterized by relative strength in verbal ability and visuospatial memory but relative weakness in non‐verbal reasoning ability and quantitative reasoning. This has important implications for the education of individuals with Sotos syndrome.
Small‐scale commodity frontiers: The bioeconomy value chain of castor oil in Madagascar
Authors: Neimark Benjamin D. , Healy Timothy M.
Published: January 2018

The European Commission defines the bioeconomy as a “transition economy which seeks to increase efficiency, optimize use and decrease environmental impact through the reduction of waste and greenhouse gas emissions.” However, attempts to substitute or control nature through efficient bio‐based technology have not lived up to expectations and much of the industry still relies on globally sourced biomass to drive the bioeconomy. This article examines the social and political economic relations surrounding small‐scale production of the feedstock castor oil plant (castor,Ricinus communis) in the deep south of Madagascar. Theorizing the bioeconomy through the lens of a “small‐scale commodity frontier,” it builds from recent injunctions by Jason Moore to show how the appropriation of cheap nature (including paid and unpaid labour) is both historically and geographically co‐produced. The castor value chain is held up as a way to transform regional economies and a “silver bullet” to alleviate poverty and address food security in some of the most economically marginal areas of Madagascar. We adopt a regional and feminist political ecology approach to illustrate what is behind this discursive cloak of “development imaginaries,” making visible the social relations surrounding castor production and demonstrating the historical marginalization involved in producing the frontier.
Is there an association of ABO blood groups and Rhesus factor with alopecia areata?
Authors: İslamoğlu Zeynep Gizem Kaya , Unal Mehmet
Published: January 2018

Background/Objectives

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by noncicatricial hair loss localized on hair, beard, mustache, eyebrow, eyelash, and sometimes on the body. Although etiopathogenesis is not fully understood, many studies show remarkable associations between various diseases and ABO blood groups. However, there is no study with AA and blood groups.

Methods

Healthy people and patients with AA were included in this study. A total of 155 patients with AA and 299 healthy controls were included in the study.

Results

ABO blood group distribution in patients with AA and distribution of healthy donors were similar. However, Rhesus factor positivity in the AA group was significantly higher than in healthy donors. The relationship between stress and AA was high as known. But, ABO blood group and Rhesus factor were not in a significant connection with stress.

Conclusion

We conclude that there was no association between ABO blood group and AA, but the observed distribution of Rhesus blood group differed slightly but significantly from that of the healthy population. The result of the study shows a small but statistically significant difference in the Rh blood group between patients with AA and the healthy population blood groups. This result is important because it suggests that genetic factors may influence the development of AA. The role of blood groups in the development of AA remains to be determined. We believe that the studies which will be carried out in other centers with wider series will be more valuable to support this hypothesis.
School Lunch Consumption Among 3 Food Service Providers in New Orleans
Authors: Canterberry Melanie , Francois Samantha , van Hattum Taslim , Rudov Lindsey , Carton Thomas W.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Louisiana has one of the highest rates of overweight and obese children in the United States. The Healthy School Food Collaborative (HSFC) was created to allow New Orleans's schools to select their own healthy school Food Service Provider (FSP) with requirements for higher nutritional standards than traditional options. The goal of this cross‐sectional study was to examine whether HSFC membership was associated with lunch consumption rates in elementary school children.

METHODS

An 8‐week plate waste study examining 18,070 trays of food among fourth and fifth graders was conducted. Participants included 7 schools and the 3 FSPs (2 HSFC and 1 non‐HSFC member) that serviced them. Mixed models analysis examined whether consumption rates of food items differed among FSPs.

RESULTS

On average, students consumed 307 cal during lunch. Analyses showed significant differences in consumption rates of entrée, vegetables, fruit, and milk between the 3 FSPs (p < .01). The highest consumption rate was among entrées at 65%. One HSFC provider had consumption levels consistent with the non‐HSFC FSP.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, students consumed less than 60% of the US Department of Agriculture recommended calories for school lunch. While overall caloric consumption was higher among the non‐HSFC schools, interventions to increase lunch consumption across all schools are needed.
Physical and Social Contexts of Physical Activity Behaviors of Fifth and Seventh Grade Youth
Authors: Saunders Ruth P. , Dowda Marsha , Mciver Kerry , McDonald Samantha M. , Pate Russell R.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to characterize the temporal, social, and physical contexts for physical activities commonly reported in a diverse cohort of 753 boys and girls from fifth to seventh grade.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a multilevel longitudinal study, the Transitions and Activity Changes in Kids. The Physical Activity Choices instrument assessed previous 5‐day participation in specific physical activities and their temporal, social, and physical contexts. Mixed model repeated measure analyses of variance and multinomial analyses examined sex differences and change over time.

RESULTS

Fifth grade boys and girls reported participation in similar activities at similar frequencies, which declined significantly by seventh grade. One temporal pattern, playing with younger children, changed over time from “both inside/outside” to “outside” school. Boys and females reported more activities performed in class/team groups over time. Most activities took place primarily at home for all participants in both grades.

CONCLUSIONS

Boys and girls reported declines in the variety and frequency of activities from fifth to seventh grade. There were sex‐specific patterns in physical activities and groups; however, all participants reported home as the primary location and a shift to class/team groups over time. Schools are well‐positioned to provide additional physical activity opportunities.