bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagule pressure in the presence of uncertainty: extending the utility of proxy variables with hierarchical models
Authors: Drake D. Andrew R. , Casas‐Monroy Oscar , Koops Marten A. , Bailey Sarah A.
Published: June 2015

Species invasions depend on the abundance and rate at which organisms are introduced to new localities, known as propagule pressure. Due to the challenges of measuring propagule pressure, proxy variables are often used; however, untested proxy variables may obscure the role of propagule pressure vs. ecological factors that facilitate invasion, leading to uncertainty about the invasion process and confounding management response.

To generate absolute estimates of propagule pressure and facilitate meaningful comparison among pathways of species introduction, we extend proxy variables by combining ecological and global trade data with hierarchical statistical models. We derive absolute propagule pressure with probability distribution functions (propagule size: the probability of introducingnpropagules per event; and overall propagule pressure: the probability of introducingnpropagules per year) and, based on these projections, evaluate the performance of ballast water volume (m3) as a common proxy variable.

Hindcast accuracy of ballast water volume was low but strongly scale‐dependent, exhibiting poor accuracy (R2 = 0·058) at small scales and only marginal accuracy at large scales (overallR2 = 0·169). As a result, conclusions about propagule pressure are likely to be biased based on the ballast volume proxy, as may be conclusions about species invasion when ballast water volume has been used. Irrespective of geographic pathway, estimated propagule sizes demonstrated extreme leptokurtosis and long right tails, with maximum values between 131‐fold and 2966‐fold greater than median values. These characteristics signify a subset of introduction events involving extreme propagule abundance that may provide opportunity to overcome Allee thresholds or marginal environmental conditions.

Developing meaningful propagule supply functions is critical to resolve the role of propagule pressure within the invasion process and test hypotheses about species colonization at landscape scales. By joining absolute propagule pressure with existing theory about species extinction, the expected ecological outcome of environmental policy to manage propagule pressure can be estimated within a statistical framework.
Seeing and Holding Baby: Systematic Review of Clinical Management and Parental Outcomes After Stillbirth
Authors: Kingdon Carol , Givens Jennifer L. , O'Donnell Emer , Turner Mark
Published: June 2015

Background

In 2009 there were an estimated 2.6 million stillbirths worldwide. In the United States, a 2007 systematic review found little consensus about professional behaviors perceived by parents to be most helpful or most distressing. In the United Kingdom, a bereaved parents' organization has highlighted discordance between parental views and clinical guidelines that recommend clinicians do not encourage parents to see and hold their baby. The objective of this review was to identify and synthesize available research reporting parental outcomes relating to seeing and holding.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review. We included studies of any design, reporting parental experiences and outcomes. Electronic searches (PubMed and PsychINFO) were conducted in January 2014. Three authors independently screened and assessed the quality of the studies before abstracting data and undertaking thematic analysis.

Results

We reviewed 741 records and included 23 studies (10 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 1 mixed‐method). Twenty‐one studies suggested positive outcomes for parents who saw or held their baby. Increased psychological morbidity was associated with current pregnancy, choice not to see their baby, lack of time with their baby and/or insufficient mementos. Three themes were formulated “positive effects of contact within a traumatic life event,” “importance of role of health professionals,” and “impact on mothers and fathers: similarities and differences.”

Conclusions

Stillbirth is a risk factor for increased psychological morbidity. Parents seeing and holding their stillborn baby can be beneficial to their future well‐being. Since 2007, there has been a proliferation of studies that challenge clinical guidelines recommending that clinicians do not encourage parental contact.
Melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancers in hairy cell leukaemia: a Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results population analysis and the 30‐year experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Authors: Watts Justin M. , Kishtagari Ashwin , Hsu Meier , Lacouture Mario E. , Postow Michael A. , Park Jae H. , Stein Eytan M. , Teruya‐Feldstein Julie , Abdel‐Wahab Omar , Devlin Sean M. , Tallman Martin S.
Published: June 2015

Few studies have examined melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) incidence rates after a diagnosis of hairy cell leukaemia (HCL). We assessed 267 HCL patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data for melanoma and NMSC incidence rates after HCL. Incidence data from MSKCC patients demonstrated a 10‐year combined melanoma and NMSC skin cancer rate of 11·3%, melanoma 4·4% and NMSC 6·9%. Molecular analysis of skin cancers from MSKCC patients revealed activating RAS mutations in 3/9 patients, including one patient with melanoma. Of 4750 SEER patients with HCL, 55 (1·2%) had a subsequent diagnosis of melanoma. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) did not show that melanoma was more common in HCL patients versus the general population (SIR 1·3, 95% CI 0·78–2·03). Analysis of SEER HCL patients diagnosed before and after 1990 (approximately before and after purine analogue therapy was introduced) showed no evidence of an increased incidence after 1990. A better understanding of any potential association between HCL and skin cancer is highly relevant given ongoing trials using BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, for relapsed HCL, as RAS‐mutant skin cancers could be paradoxically activated in these patients.
Papillary Tumor of the Pineal Region: A Distinct Molecular Entity
Authors: Heim Stephanie , Sill Martin , Jones David T.W. , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Jouvet Anne , Fèvre‐Montange Michelle , Wesseling Pieter , Beschorner Rudi , Mittelbronn Michel , Kohlhof Patricia , Hovestadt Volker , Johann Pascal , Kool Marcel , Pajtler Kristian W. , Korshunov Andrey , Ruland Vincent , Sperveslage Jan , Thomas Christian , Witt Hendrik , von Deimling Andreas , Paulus Werner , Pfister Stefan M. , Capper David , Hasselblatt Martin
Published: June 2015

Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a neuroepithelial brain tumor, which might pose diagnostic difficulties and recurs often. Little is known about underlying molecular alterations. We therefore investigated chromosomal copy number alterations, DNA methylation patterns and mRNA expression profiles in a series of 24 PTPRs. Losses of chromosome 10 were identified in all 13 PTPRs examined. Losses of chromosomes 3 and 22q (54%) as well as gains of chromosomes 8p (62%) and 12 (46%) were also common. DNA methylation profiling using Illumina 450k arrays reliably distinguished PTPR from ependymomas and pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation. PTPR could be divided into two subgroups based on methylation pattern, PTPR group 2 showing higher global methylation and a tendency toward shorter progression‐free survival (P = 0.06). Genes overexpressed in PTPR as compared with ependymal tumors included SPDEF, known to be expressed in the rodent subcommissural organ. Notable SPDEF protein expression was encountered in 15/19 PTPRs as compared with only 2/36 ependymal tumors, 2/19 choroid plexus tumors and 0/23 samples of other central nervous system (CNS) tumor entities. In conclusion, PTPRs show typical chromosomal alterations as well as distinct DNA methylation and expression profiles, which might serve as useful diagnostic tools.
Layered approach with autogenous bone and bone substitute for ridge augmentation on implant dehiscence defects in dogs
Authors: Lee In‐Kyeong , Lim Hyun‐Chang , Lee Jung‐Seok , Hong Ji‐Youn , Choi Seong‐Ho , Jung Ui‐Won
Published: June 2015

Objectives

This study compared the efficacies of different layered approaches using autogenous bone and synthetic bone substitute for ridge augmentation on implant dehiscence defects in dogs.

Materials and methods

Right mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars and the first molar were extracted, followed by standardized one‐wall defect preparation in five dogs. After a healing period of 12 weeks, three implants (Implantium®) were installed. Each of the three implant dehiscence defects was grafted with a different material as follows: (i) synthetic bone substitute combined with collagen (SBC; SBC group), (ii) inner autogenous bone layer and outer SBC layer (IAB group), and (iii) inner SBC layer and outer autogenous bone layer (OAB group). The grafted sites were covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the subsequent bone regeneration were performed at 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results

The dome‐like augmented shape was relatively well maintained in the IAB and OAB groups, while the graft particles in the SBC group were dispersed. The bone‐to‐implant contact values tended to be significantly higher in the OAB group (49.51%) than in the SBC (36.58%) group. The amounts of newly formed bone within an area designated as 1 × 3 mm (width × height) from the implant platform in the IAB, OAB, and SBC groups were 35.59%, 28.10%, and 16.71%, respectively.

Conclusion

Application of the layered approach using autogenous bone and synthetic biomaterial resulted in substantial new bone formation and volume maintenance on implant dehiscence defects, irrespective of the position of the autogenous bone layer.
LABOR MARKET CONDITIONS AT SCHOOL‐LEAVING: LONG‐RUN EFFECTS ON MARRIAGE AND FERTILITY
Authors: Maclean Johanna Catherine , Covington Reginald , Sikora Kessler Asia
Published: June 2015

In this study, we assess the long‐run impact of labor market conditions at the time of school‐leaving on marriage and fertility outcomes. We draw data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. Our sample left school between 1976 and 1989, and we use variation in the state unemployment rate at the time of school‐leaving to identify persistent effects. We find that men who left school when the state unemployment rate was high are less likely to be married and have children at age 45, but are more likely to be divorced. Women, however, are more likely to have children. (JEL J1, J2)
Severe drug‐induced skin reactions: clinical features, diagnosis, etiology, and therapy
Authors: Paulmann Maren , Mockenhaupt Maja
Published: June 2015

Drugs can induce severe skin reactions that differ in clinical presentation, prognosis, and therapy. The spectrum of these reactions not only includes bullous reactions such as Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) but also acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). If AGEP or DRESS is suspected, the diagnosis should be confirmed by thorough clinical examination, a skin biopsy, and specific laboratory tests. Crucial for the patient's prognosis, the causative agent should be rapidly identified and discontinued. It is therefore important to know the most frequent triggers of severe drug reactions, some of which may induce various reaction patterns. Depending on the clinical diagnosis, symptomatic and adequate supportive therapy, as well as systemic immunomodulatory treatments are used. The prognosis in SJS/TEN is often poor and depends on the patient's age and underlying conditions as well as the extent of skin detachment. The prognosis of GBFDE is somewhat better, but recurrences may lead to more severe disease manifestations. In DRESS, protracted and recurrent courses have been described, whereas AGEP usually resolves without problems.
Früherkennung der Komorbidität bei Psoriasis: Konsensusempfehlungen der Nationalen Konferenz zur Versorgung der Psoriasis
Authors: Radtke Marc Alexander , Mrowietz Ulrich , Feuerhahn Julia , Härter Martin , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Nast Alexander , Reich Kristian , Strömer Klaus , Wohlrab Johannes , Augustin Matthias
Published: June 2015

Hintergrund

Psoriasis ist mit einer erhöhten Rate an Komorbidität assoziiert, deren frühzeitige Erkennung in die Nationalen Versorgungsziele aufgenommen worden ist. Bislang fehlte eine konsentierte Empfehlung zur Früherkennung innerhalb einer dermatologischen Routineversorgung. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die interdisziplinäre Entwicklung von Algorithmen zur Früherkennung.

Methodik

Die Entwicklung des Konsensuspapiers beruht auf einem dreistufigen Vorgehen: In der ersten Stufe erfolgte in einer nationalen Versorgungskonferenz zur Psoriasis im Auftrag der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG) und des Berufsverbandes der Deutschen Dermatologen (BVDD) eine Definition von Bedarfen, Einsatzbereichen, Konzeption und Methodik eines Tools zur Früherkennung. Im zweiten Schritt wurde durch einzelne Arbeitsgruppen auf Basis einer Literaturrecherche die Evidenz für den Einsatz von Screening‐Parametern zusammengetragen. Im dritten Schritt erfolgte von einer interdisziplinären Arbeitsgruppe die Verabschiedung der Algorithmen mittels Delphi‐Befragung.

Ergebnisse

In den Literaturrecherchen der assoziierten Arbeitsgruppen wurden für 15 Gruppen von Komorbidität über 2 000 Publikationen gesichtet. Für die nachfolgenden zwölf Indikationen wurde ein Screening‐Algorithmus konsentiert: Arterielle Hypertonie, Dyslipidämie, Adipositas, Diabetes, metabolisches Syndrom, nicht‐alkoholische Steatohepatitis, Depression, Nikotinabusus, Alkoholabusus, chronische entzündliche Darmerkrankungen, Psoriasisarthritis, maligne Lymphome. Es wurde dabei auf die Belange in der dermatologischen Versorgung eingegangen.

Schlussfolgerung

Es stehen für das Screening auf Komorbidität bei Psoriasis vereinheitlichte und im Expertenkonsens verabschiedete Schemata zur Verfügung, die bundesweit im Rahmen von „PsoNet –Regionale Psoriasisnetze in Deutschland“ umgesetzt werden können.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus in rural China: results from Shandong Province
Authors: Yang F. , Qian D. , Chen J. , Hu D. , Hou M. , Chen S. , Wang P. ,   the LWS Project Group
Published: June 2015

Aims

To estimate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes in rural areas in Shandong Province, China.

Methods

The Luxemburg–WHO–Shandong Project on Rural Health Personnel Training and Chronic Disease Control, a cross‐sectional study, examined 16 375 rural residents aged 25 years and over using multistage cluster sampling in April 2007. An overnight fasting blood specimen was collected to measure plasma glucose and a 2–h 75–g oral glucose tolerance test was conducted among people with a fasting blood glucose of ≥ 6.1 mmol/l. Information on the history of diabetes and hypoglycaemic medication was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Diabetes and prediabetes were defined according to the 1999 World Health Organization diagnostic criteria.

Results

Overall, the prevalence rates for diabetes, prediabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in the rural population were estimated to be 3.5%, 6.0% and 1.2%, respectively. Among those with diabetes, only 34.8% were aware of their condition, 30.6% were currently undergoing medication treatment, and 11.5% achieved glycaemic control.

Conclusions

These results indicate that diabetes has become a public health problem in poor rural areas of China and the rates of awareness, treatment and control of diabetes were relatively low. There is an urgent need for strategies aimed at the prevention and treatment of diabetes in the rural population in Shandong Province, China.
Incremental Value of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography over the Two‐Dimensional Technique in the Assessment of Primary Cardiac Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma
Authors: Gok Gulay , Elsayed Mahmoud , Thind Munveer , Uygur Begum , Abtahi Firoozeh , Chahwala Jugal R. , Yıldırımtürk Özlem , Kayacıoğlu İlyas , Pehlivanoğlu Seçkin , Nanda Navin C.
Published: June 2015

We describe a case of primary cardiac malignant fibrous histiocytoma where live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography added incremental value to the two‐dimensional modalities. Specifically, the three‐dimensional technique allowed us to delineate the true extent and infiltration of the tumor, to identify characteristics of the tumor mass suggestive of its malignant nature, and to quantitatively assess the total tumor burden.
Re‐thinking Intelligence: schools that build the mind
Authors: Resnick Lauren B. , Schantz Faith
Published: June 2015

We now understand that human intelligence, once thought to be determined almost solely by heredity, is malleable. In developed countries, average intelligence test scores have increased substantially since the tests began to be administered 100 years ago. In school settings, however, intelligence is often still treated as a fixed attribute that limits many students' ability to learn. We argue that schools can and should create intelligence. A body of research has now shown that participating in certain forms of discussion‐based instruction can lead to gains in performance, not only in the subject taught, but also in other, distant domains. This means that schools can actually ‘grow the mind.’ Here, we look at a few powerful examples of dialogic teaching and learning, and discuss some of the implications for the future of education.
Dorsolateral striatum is critical for the expression of surprise‐induced enhancements in cue associability
Authors: Asem Judith S. A. , Schiffino Felipe L. , Holland Peter C.
Published: June 2015

The dorsolateral striatum (DLS) is frequently implicated in sensory‐motor integration, including the performance of sensory orienting responses (ORs) and learned stimulus–response habits. Our laboratory previously identified a role for the DLS in rats' performance of conditioned ORs to Pavlovian cues for food delivery. Here, we considered whether DLS is also critical to another aspect of attention in associative learning, the surprise‐induced enhancement of cue associability. A large behavioral literature shows that a cue present when an expected event is omitted enters into new associations more rapidly when that cue is subsequently paired with food. Research from our laboratory has shown that both cue associability enhancements and conditioned ORs depend on the function of a circuit that includes the amygdala central nucleus and the substantia nigra pars compacta. In three experiments, we explored the involvement of DLS in surprise‐induced associability enhancements, using a three‐stage serial prediction task that permitted separation of DLS function in registering surprise (prediction error) and enhancing cue associability, and in using that increased associability to learn more rapidly about that cue later. The results showed that DLS is critical to the expression, but not the establishment, of the enhanced cue associability normally produced by surprise in this task. They extend the role of DLS and the amygdalo‐nigro‐striatal circuit underlying learned orienting to more subtle aspects of attention in associative learning, but are consistent with the general notion that DLS is more important in the expression of previously acquired tendencies than in their acquisition.
Evolutionary rescue can be impeded by temporary environmental amelioration
Authors: Hao Yi‐Qi , Brockhurst Michael A. , Petchey Owen L. , Zhang Quan‐Guo
Published: June 2015

Rapid evolutionary adaptation has the potential to rescue from extinction populations experiencing environmental changes. Little is known, however, about the impact of short‐term environmental fluctuations during long‐term environmental deterioration, an intrinsic property of realistic environmental changes. Temporary environmental amelioration arising from such fluctuations could either facilitate evolutionary rescue by allowing population recovery (a positive demographic effect) or impede it by relaxing selection for beneficial mutations required for future survival (a negative population genetic effect). We address this uncertainty in an experiment with populations of a bacteriophage virus that evolved under deteriorating conditions (gradually increasing temperature). Periodic environmental amelioration (short periods of reduced temperature) caused demographic recovery during the early phase of the experiment, but ultimately reduced the frequency of evolutionary rescue. These experimental results suggest that environmental fluctuations could reduce the potential of evolutionary rescue.
Success, failure and ambiguity of the dilution effect among competitors
Authors: Strauss Alexander T. , Civitello David J. , Cáceres Carla E. , Hall Spencer R.
Published: June 2015

It remains challenging to predict variation in the magnitude of disease outbreaks. The dilution effect seeks to explain this variation by linking multiple host species to disease transmission. It predicts that disease risk increases for a focal host when host species diversity declines. However, when an increase in species diversity does not reduce disease, we are often unable to diagnose why. Here, we increase mechanistic and predictive clarity of the dilution effect with a general trait‐based model of disease transmission in multi‐host communities. Then, we parameterise and empirically test our model with a multi‐generational case study of planktonic disease. The model‐experiment combination shows that hosts that vary in competitive ability (R*) and potential to spread disease (R0) can produce three qualitatively disparate outcomes of dilution on disease: the dilution effect can succeed, fail, or be ambiguous/irrelevant.
Synthesis and evaluation of 1,4–naphthoquinone ether derivatives as SmTGR inhibitors and new anti‐schistosomal drugs
Authors: Johann Laure , Belorgey Didier , Huang Hsin‐Hung , Day Latasha , Chessé Matthieu , Becker Katja , Williams David L. , Davioud‐Charvet Elisabeth
Published: June 2015

Investigations regarding the chemistry and mechanism of action of 2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (or menadione) derivatives revealed 3‐phenoxymethyl menadiones as a novel anti‐schistosomal chemical series. These newly synthesized compounds (1–7) and their difluoromethylmenadione counterparts (8, 9) were found to be potent and specific inhibitors of Schistosoma mansoni thioredoxin‐glutathione reductase (SmTGR), which has been identified as a potential target for anti‐schistosomal drugs. The compounds were also tested in enzymic assays using both human flavoenzymes, i.e. glutathione reductase (hGR) and selenium‐dependent human thioredoxin reductase (hTrxR), to evaluate the specificity of the inhibition. Structure–activity relationships as well as physico‐ and electro‐chemical studies showed a high potential for the 3‐phenoxymethyl menadiones to inhibit SmTGR selectively compared to hGR and hTrxR enzymes, in particular those bearing an α‐fluorophenol methyl ether moiety, which improves anti‐schistosomal action. Furthermore, the (substituted phenoxy)methyl menadione derivative (7) displayed time‐dependent SmTGR inactivation, correlating with unproductive NADPH‐dependent redox cycling of SmTGR, and potent anti‐schistosomal action in worms cultured ex vivo. In contrast, the difluoromethylmenadione analog 9, which inactivates SmTGR through an irreversible non‐consuming NADPH‐dependent process, has little killing effect in worms cultured ex vivo. Despite ex vivo activity, none of the compounds tested was active in vivo, suggesting that the limited bioavailability may compromise compound activity. Therefore, future studies will be directed toward improving pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability.
Will a warmer and wetter future cause extinction of native Hawaiian forest birds?
Authors: Liao Wei , Elison Timm Oliver , Zhang Chunxi , Atkinson Carter T. , LaPointe Dennis A. , Samuel Michael D.
Published: June 2015

Isolation of the Hawaiian archipelago produced a highly endemic and unique avifauna. Avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum), an introduced mosquito‐borne pathogen, is a primary cause of extinctions and declines of these endemic honeycreepers. Our research assesses how global climate change will affect future malaria risk and native bird populations. We used an epidemiological model to evaluate future bird–mosquito–malaria dynamics in response to alternative climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Climate changes during the second half of the century accelerate malaria transmission and cause a dramatic decline in bird abundance. Different temperature and precipitation patterns produce divergent trajectories where native birds persist with low malaria infection under a warmer and dryer projection (RCP4.5), but suffer high malaria infection and severe reductions under hot and dry (RCP8.5) or warm and wet (A1B) futures. We conclude that future global climate change will cause significant decreases in the abundance and diversity of remaining Hawaiian bird communities. Because these effects appear unlikely before mid‐century, natural resource managers have time to implement conservation strategies to protect this unique avifauna from further decimation. Similar climatic drivers for avian and human malaria suggest that mitigation strategies for Hawai'i have broad application to human health.
High night temperatures during grain number determination reduce wheat and barley grain yield: a field study
Authors: García Guillermo A. , Dreccer M. Fernanda , Miralles Daniel J. , Serrago Román A.
Published: June 2015

Warm nights are a widespread predicted feature of climate change. This study investigated the impact of high night temperatures during the critical period for grain yield determination in wheat and barley crops under field conditions, assessing the effects on development, growth and partitioning crop‐level processes driving grain number per unit area (GN). Experiments combined: (i) two contrasting radiation and temperature environments: late sowing in 2011 and early sowing in 2013, (ii) two well‐adapted crops with similar phenology: bread wheat and two‐row malting barley and (iii) two temperature regimes: ambient and high night temperatures. The night temperature increase (ca. 3.9 °C in both crops and growing seasons) was achieved using purpose‐built heating chambers placed on the crop at 19:000 hours and removed at 7:00 hours every day from the third detectable stem node to 10 days post‐flowering. Across growing seasons and crops, the average minimum temperature during the critical period ranged from 11.2 to 17.2 °C. Wheat and barley grain yield were similarly reduced under warm nights (ca. 7% °C−1), due to GN reductions (ca. 6% °C−1) linked to a lower number of spikes per m2. An accelerated development under high night temperatures led to a shorter critical period duration, reducing solar radiation capture with negative consequences for biomass production, GN and therefore, grain yield. The information generated could be used as a starting point to design management and/or breeding strategies to improve crop adaptation facing climate change.
Differential effects of environmental heterogeneity on global mammal species richness
Authors: Stein Anke , Beck Jan , Meyer Carsten , Waldmann Elisabeth , Weigelt Patrick , Kreft Holger
Published: June 2015

Aim

Spatial environmental heterogeneity (EH) is an important driver of species richness, affecting species coexistence, persistence and diversification. EH has been widely studied in ecology and evolution and quantified in many different ways, with a strong bias towards a few common measures of EH like elevation range. Here, we calculate 51 measures of EH within grid cells world‐wide across three spatial grains to investigate similarities and differences among these measures. Moreover, we compare the association between species richness of terrestrial mammals and each EH measure to assess the impact of methodological choices on EH–richness relationships found by standard macroecological modelling approaches.

Location

Global.

Methods

We derive 51 measures of EH from nine variables related to the five subject areas land cover, vegetation, climate, soil and topography, using nine calculation methods. We first explore differences among these EH measures with correlation and principal components analyses. We then analyse the relationship between mammal species richness and each EH measure alone and while accounting for effects of current climate, regional biogeographic history and human influence. We assess the impact of subject area and method of calculation of EH measures on model support using conditional inference trees.

Results

Despite some redundancy, correlations (rs = −0.45 to 1.00, median 0.35) and spatial patterns indicate clear differences between the EH measures. We find clear effects of subject area and calculation method on the importance of EH measures for mammal species richness. Measures of climatic and topographic EH and measures calculated as counts and ranges (as against, for example, coefficient of variation) receive particularly high model support across all spatial grains.

Main conclusions

The outcome of broad‐scale EH–richness studies is greatly determined by methodological decisions on calculation of measures and statistical analysis. These decisions should therefore be made carefully with regard to the hypothesis and mechanism of interest.
On the island biogeography of aliens: a global analysis of the richness of plant and bird species on oceanic islands
Authors: Blackburn Tim M. , Delean Steven , Pyšek Petr , Cassey Phillip
Published: June 2015

Aim

(1) To characterize the relationship(s) between species richness and area for alien plant and bird species on islands, and to identify commonalities and differences in those relationships for these different taxa, and between alien and native species; (2) to test whether area per se, native species richness or human factors related to area is the primary determinant of alien species richness; and (3) to explore the effects on alien island biogeography of isolation, productivity and the time since first European landfall.

Location

Islands around the world.

Methods

We used structural equation models (SEMs; supported by generalized linear models) to interrogate data on the alien and native species richness of birds and plants on islands.

Results

Alien plant and bird species richness were both strongly correlated with island area, with similar slopes on logarithmic axes. SEMs for both plants and birds revealed positive direct effects of native species richness and human population size, and positive indirect effects of area, on alien species richness. The models also identified indirect effects of temperature (positive) and isolation (negative) on alien species richness. Native plant and bird species richness were both predicted by direct effects of area (positive), temperature (positive) and isolation (negative). However, native plant richness was the only direct predictor of native bird species richness, and the strongest direct predictor of alien bird species richness, for islands with both plant and bird richness data.

Main conclusions

Our analyses recover the species–area, species–isolation and productivity relationships in native richness. Alien species richness was most strongly related to native species richness, with additional effects of human population size. Human population size most likely determines the number of alien species that arrive on an island, while the effect of native species richness may be driven by the influence of habitat heterogeneity on the likelihood that those populations persist (establishment success).
Successful treatment of oral pemphigus vulgaris in an insulin‐dependant geriatric patient
Authors: González‐Serrano José , Paredes Víctor Manuel , López‐Pintor Rosa María , de Arriba Lorenzo , Hernández Gonzalo
Published: June 2015

Objective

To present a clinical report of a patient treated with corticosteroids for oral pemphigus vulgaris (PV) lesions.

Background

PV is the type of pemphigus that most often affects the oral mucosa and tends not to appear in elderly people.

Methods

Two biopsies were needed for diagnosis. She was treated with oral prednisone and topically with 0.05% clobetasol propionate.

Conclusion

An early diagnosis and treatment is needed for a good prognosis, especially in elderly patients with multiple systemic pathology.
The Significance of the Secondhand Trade in Europe, 1200–1600
Authors: Staples Kate Kelsey
Published: June 2015

We tend to think of the trade in used clothing and other goods in past economies as secondary to the trade in wholesale or luxury items. Instead, the medieval economy was a multifaceted one, with many points of entry. The concurrent expansion in both trade and fashion in the Middle Ages resulted in a larger inventory for secondhand dealers, and the ways in which credit undergirded exchange allowed for a deep and varied clientele. The purpose of this article is to suggest, through a review of what we know about the trade in secondhand goods, that by considering this vital commerce, we can expand our knowledge of asset preservation, sartorial expression, and commercial exchange in medieval Europe. Rather than an indication of poverty, the trade in used clothing and goods was an expansive and adaptable trade that reflects the complexity of the medieval European economy. Further, it was a trade to which the majority of people had access. By selling, loaning, renting, coveting, valuing, and refurbishing secondhand clothing and other goods, women and men actively shaped their economy, and the space in which they lived and worked.

Video abstract (click to view)

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The effect of initiation of antiretroviral therapy on monocyte, endothelial and platelet function in HIV‐1 infection
Authors: O'Halloran JA , Dunne E , Gurwith MMP , Lambert JS , Sheehan GJ , Feeney ER , Pozniak A , Reiss P , Kenny D , Mallon PWG
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Monocyte activation, endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation all potentially contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) reported in those with HIV‐1 infection. To date, no study has examined how initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) affects markers of all three processes. We aimed to compare markers of monocyte, endothelial and platelet function between untreated HIV‐positive subjects and HIV‐negative controls and to examine the early effects of ART initiation on these markers.

Methods

We measured monocyte [soluble CD14 (sCD14) and sCD163], endothelial [von Willebrand factor (vWF), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1)] and platelet [soluble P‐selectin (sP‐selectin), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and soluble glycoprotein VI (sGPVI)] biomarkers before and at weeks 4 and 12 post ART initiation in HIV‐positive and well‐matched HIV‐negative controls.

Results

We examined 40 subjects, 25 HIV‐positive subjects and 15 controls, with a median age of 34 years [interquartile range (IQR) 31, 40 years], of whom 60% were male and 47.5% Caucasian. Pre‐ART, all biomarkers (monocyte, endothelial and platelet) were significantly higher in HIV‐positive patients versus controls (all P < 0.05) and decreased with ART initiation, except for sCD14, which remained unchanged [median 1680 (IQR 1489, 1946) ng/mL at week 12 versus 1570 (IQR 1287, 2102) ng/mL at week 0; P = 0.7]. Although platelet activation markers reduced to levels comparable to those in controls, endothelial dysfunction markers remained elevated, as did sCD163 [at week 12, median 1005 (IQR 791, 1577) ng/mL in HIV‐positive patients versus 621 (IQR 406, 700) ng/mL in controls; P < 0.0001].

Conclusions

ART initiation resulted in reductions in levels of CVD‐associated biomarkers; however, although they improved, markers of endothelial dysfunction and monocyte activation remained elevated. How these persistent abnormalities affect CVD risk in HIV infection remains to be determined.
Amblyomma americanum tick saliva insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐related protein 1 binds insulin but not insulin‐like growth factors
Authors: Radulović Ž. M. , Porter L. M. , Kim T. K. , Bakshi M. , Mulenga A.
Published: June 2015

Silencing Amblyomma americanum insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐related protein 1 (AamIGFBP‐rP1) mRNA prevented ticks from feeding to repletion. In this study, we used recombinant (r)AamIGFBP‐rP1 in a series of assays to obtain further insight into the role(s) of this protein in tick feeding regulation. Our results suggest that AamIGFBP‐1 is an antigenic protein that is apparently exclusively expressed in salivary glands. We found that both males and females secrete AamIGFBP‐rP1 into the host during feeding and confirmed that female ticks secrete this protein from within 24–48 h after attachment. Our data suggest that native AamIGFBP‐rP1 is a functional insulin binding protein in that both yeast‐ and insect cell‐expressed rAamIGFBP‐rP1 bound insulin, but not insulin‐like growth factors. When subjected to anti‐blood clotting and platelet aggregation assays, rAamIGFBP‐rP1 did not have any effect. Unlike human IGFBP‐rP1, which is controlled by trypsinization, rAamIGFBP‐rP1 is resistant to digestion, suggesting that the tick protein may not be under mammalian host control at the tick feeding site. The majority of tick‐borne pathogens are transmitted 48 h after the tick has attached. Thus, the demonstrated antigenicity and secretion into the host within 24–48 h of the tick starting to feed makes AamIGFBP‐rP1 an attractive target for antitick vaccine development.
Epidemiology and risk factors for chronic kidney disease in Chinese patients with biopsy‐proven lupus nephritis
Authors: Sui M. , Ye X. , Ma J. , Yu C. , Zhao S. , Liu X. , Li L. , Cao J. , Jia X. , Xie R.
Published: June 2015

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common secondary glomerulonephritis leading to end‐stage renal disease.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Chinese patients with LN.

Methods

Clinical, laboratory, renal histopathology, treatment and outcome data were collected and retrospectively analysed in LN patients with or without CKD.

Results

At the end of the study, 94 (45.63%) patients were identified as having CKD among 206 individuals with renal biopsy‐proven LN. Renal function, represented by serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, was significantly decreased in the CKD patients (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively) at the time of the kidney biopsy. Compared with the non‐CKD group, significantly increased proportions of hypertension (P < 0.001), serositis (P = 0.042) and anti‐histone antibody positivity (P = 0.004) were detected in the CKD patients. Renal pathological activity and chronicity index scores were significantly increased in the CKD group (P < 0.001 for all). Finally, hypertension (hazard ratio (HR) 2.432, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.575–3.754, P < 0.001), anti‐histone antibody (HR 2.907, 95% CI 1.837–4.600, P < 0.001), and tubular atrophy (HR 1.248, 95% CI 1.007–1.547, P = 0.043) were independent risk factors for CKD.

Conclusions

Hypertension, anti‐histone antibody and tubular atrophy are independent risk factors for CKD in Chinese LN patients.
Safety of intravenous metoprolol use in unmonitored wards: a single‐centre observational study
Authors: Kelly D. , Hawdon G. , Reeves J. , Morris A. , Cunningham M. , Barrett J.
Published: June 2015

Background and Aim

This study aims to examine and quantify the risks associated with the use of intravenous metoprolol on unmonitored wards.

Method

This study was a retrospective single‐centre observational study from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. The study hospital was a 415‐bed, private hospital in Melbourne, Victoria. The study population was all patients who received intravenous metoprolol on an unmonitored ward. The primary outcome measure was the rate of serious adverse events (SAE), defined as a complication of intravenous metoprolol resulting in transfer to a critical‐care environment, a medical emergency team call or death.

Results

Six hundred and nine patients received a total of 8260 doses of intravenous metoprolol. Seven cases were identified with a SAE deemed possibly related to beta‐blocker use and there was one death. All SAE were hypotension, giving an overall rate of hypotension of 7/609 or 1.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5 to 2.4%) with a rate per dose delivered of 0.8/1000 doses (95% CI 0.3 to 1.7). The death occurred in a 94‐year‐old woman with abdominal sepsis. After case file review, consensus opinion deemed this to be unrelated to intravenous metoprolol.

Conclusion

The use of intravenous metoprolol on unmonitored wards appears to be safe. The complication rate was low, suggesting that this may be a sensible approach to the management of in‐hospital populations at risk of beta‐blocker withdrawal.
Stability and Decomposition of Ca‐Substituted Lanthanum Ferrite in Reducing Atmospheres
Authors: Price Patrick M. , Butt Darryl P.
Published: June 2015

Calcium‐substituted lanthanum ferrites (La1−xCaxFeO3−δ x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were synthesized in air and subsequently decomposed in reducing atmospheres. The partial pressure of oxygen () was controlled by varying the H2/H2O ratio by bubbling hydrogen/argon mixtures through water baths at controlled temperatures. Three regions of mass loss were identified as the was reduced, two of which were determined to be associated with decomposition reactions. Calcium was shown to decrease the thermal stability of the perovskite compound, but rather than incrementally increasing the required for decomposition proportional to calcium concentration, all samples partially decomposed at a single . The extent of the partial decomposition was dependent on the amount of calcium substitution and temperature. The perovskite phase remaining after the partial decomposition was found to fully decompose at the same oxygen partial pressure as pure lanthanum ferrite.
Heat Processing of Blueberries and Its Effect on Their Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Reque Priscilla M. , Steckert Eduardo V. , dos Santos Fernanda T. , Danelli Daiane , Jablonski André , Flôres Simone H. , Rech Rosane , de O. Rios Alessandro , de Jong Erna V.
Published: June 2015

The current study aimed to evaluate the dehydration process of blueberry fruits at temperatures of 70, 80 and 90C and its effect on their physicochemical and bioactive properties. The values for moisture content and water activity (aw) were still high for dehydrated fruits, although at temperatures of 80 and 90C, the dried fruits showed a aw below the limit for contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. The antioxidant activity increased during the first half of dehydration at 80C, but after 3 h suffered a significant reduction (P < 0.05), which continued up to the end of the process. The anthocyanins showed mean half‐lives of 7.7 and 6.8 h for dehydration at 70 and 80C, respectively. These results indicated that the stability of the anthocyanins and the antioxidant capacity of the fruits could be related to both the intensity and the duration of the dehydration.

Practical Applications

The present work consists of a study of the dehydration of blueberry fruits at different temperatures in order to extend their shelf life and provide their consumption at any time of the year in the form of dried blueberries. Thus, mathematical modeling of the process was carried out to evaluate the behavior of water activity and moisture, and to determine the degradation of its antioxidant compounds. The optimization of the drying time and temperature of these products is essential to avoid losses in the bioactive properties of blueberries.
Evaluation of the Cooking Quality Characteristics of Pasta Enriched with Spirulina Platensis
Authors: Özyurt Gülsün , Uslu Leyla , Yuvka Ilknur , Gökdoğan Saadet , Atci Gökçe , Ak Burcu , Işik Oya
Published: June 2015

Pasta is produced from semolina with the addition of Spirulina platensis at three different levels (5, 10 and 15% w/w) to enhance the sensorial and nutritional quality. Pasta samples were evaluated for cooking quality (weight increase, cooking loss, volume increase), microbiological quality (total mold and yeast count), color (L, a, b) and sensory characteristics. The cooking loss in all pasta samples was similar and was below the technologically acceptable limit (<8%). According to color measurements and evaluations of panelists, adding Spirulina in pasta provided an appealing green tone. Also, mold and yeast were not detected in control and pasta enriched with Spirulina. Sensory evaluation indicated that pasta enriched with 10% S. platensis has a good overall score the same as the control group. In this study, the investigation results of pasta enriched with Spirulina indicated satisfactory technological attributes needed in the pasta industry.

Practical Applications

Microalgae may enhance the nutritional content of conventional foods to positively affect human health because of their high nutritional components. Pasta is one of the best choices for incorporating Spirulina because it is popular with consumers due to it is easy handling, storage and preparation. There is a great need for scientific knowledge about application of such functional ingredients in industrial food. Determination of the cooking quality parameters of pasta enriched with Spirulina will provide the basic information to the food industry.
Effect of Ultraviolet‐C Radiation Combined with Unconventional Atmosphere Packaging on the Quality of Fresh‐Cut Arugula (Eruca Sativa Mill.)
Authors: Silveira Ana Cecilia , Baeza Andrea , Escalona Víctor Hugo
Published: June 2015

The combined effects of ultraviolet (UV) light C (0.34 to 20.13 kJ/l2) and superatmospheric O2 (>85%) packaging on the respiration rate, atmospheric composition, microbiological growth and nutritional quality of fresh‐cut arugula stored for 10 days at 5C were studied. All treatments performed under increased O2 levels exhibited a reduction in the respiration rate throughout the cold storage. High microbial load of the raw material were found. UV‐C radiation enabled an initial reduction of about 1 and 1.5 log units on mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts, respectively. However, this treatment was not effective for mold control. In addition, a noticeable increase occurred in the total antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content without affecting the visual appearance of the leaves. UV‐C radiation, as a sanitizing method, in combination with superatmospheric O2 conditions maintains the overall quality of fresh‐cut arugula and is a feasible alternative to industrial‐scale enforcement.

Practical Applications

Our finding indicates that ultraviolet (UV)‐C doses between 15.14 and 20.13 kJ/m2 combined with packaging in high O2 atmosphere (>85%) are an environmentally friendly disinfection method, effective in preserve fresh‐cut arugula during 10 days at 5C. Additionally, the treatments determined an increased compounds considered interesting for consumer health. In fact, UV‐C radiation can be applied by a cheap and simple chamber with a relative low maintenance cost being a feasible alternative to small industry.