bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of systemic inflammatory response markers in urological malignancy
Authors: Ohno Yoshio
Published: September 2018

The systemic inflammatory response is associated with survival in patients with a variety of cancers. This inflammatory response is measured in the peripheral blood, and can be monitored using two categories of indices: concentration of specific serum proteins (albumin, C‐reactive protein) and differential blood cell count (neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets). Furthermore, combinations of these indices, such as the Glasgow Prognostic Score, which consists of the serum C‐reactive protein and albumin level; the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio; the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio; and the prognostic nutritional index, which is based on peripheral blood lymphocyte count and serum albumin level, have also been evaluated and compared in cancer research. To date, there are hundreds of studies that have shown the prognostic value of systemic inflammatory response markers in patients with urological cancer. Most studies have evaluated the prognostic and predictive role of the pretreatment value of the markers, although some have focused on the role of the post‐treatment value at specific points during the clinical course. The advantages of systemic inflammatory response markers are that they are easily measurable and inexpensive in the clinical setting. However, it is important to consider how clinicians use these markers in clinical practice. The present review provides a concise overview regarding systemic inflammatory markers in urological cancers, specifically C‐reactive protein, Glasgow Prognostic Score/modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index.
Impact of prior local therapy on overall survival in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer: Results from Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital
Authors: Patel Devin N , Jha Shalini , Howard Lauren E , Amling Christopher L , Aronson William J , Cooperberg Matthew R , Kane Christopher J , Terris Martha K , Chapin Brian F , Freedland Stephen J
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of previous local treatment on survival in men with newly diagnosed metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study of patients newly diagnosed with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer in the year 2000 or later from eight Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Patients were categorized based on prior local therapy (none, prostatectomy ± radiation or radiation alone). Overall and cancer‐specific survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to test the association between prior local treatment and survival.

Results

Of 729 patients, 284 (39%) underwent no local treatment, 176 (24%) underwent radical prostatectomy ± radiation and 269 (37%) underwent radiation alone. On multivariable analysis, men with prior prostatectomy had improved overall (hazard ratio 0.71, P = 0.005) and cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 0.55, P < 0.001) compared with men with no prior local therapy. This improvement in overall (hazard ratio 0.89, P = 0.219) and cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 0.87, P = 0.170) was not seen in men with prior radiation alone. After further adjusting for comorbidity with the Charlson Comorbidity Index, patients with prior prostatectomy still had improved overall survival (hazard ratio 0.70, P = 0.003), whereas this was not seen in patients who received prior radiation alone (hazard ratio 0.88, P = 0.185).

Conclusions

Independent of patient‐ and disease‐related factors, men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer who had undergone prior radical prostatectomy have improved overall and cancer‐specific survival compared with those with no prior local therapy.
Bayesian Analysis of a Sensitive Proportion for a Small Area
Authors: Nandram Balgobin , Yu Yuan
Published: September 2018

Without accounting for sensitive items in sample surveys, sampled units may not respond (nonignorable nonresponse) or they respond untruthfully. There are several survey designs that address this problem and we will review some of them. In our study, we have binary data from clusters within small areas, obtained from a version of the unrelated‐question design, and the sensitive proportion is of interest for each area. A hierarchical Bayesian model is used to capture the variation in the observed binomial counts from the clusters within the small areas and to estimate the sensitive proportions for all areas. Both our example on college cheating and a simulation study show significant reductions in the posterior standard deviations of the sensitive proportions under the small‐area model as compared with an analogous individual‐area model. The simulation study also demonstrates that the estimates under the small‐area model are closer to the truth than for the corresponding estimates under the individual‐area model. Finally, for small areas, we discuss many extensions to accommodate covariates, finite population sampling, multiple sensitive items and optional designs.
Techniques to model uncertain input data of multi‐criteria decision‐making problems: a literature review
Authors: Pelissari Renata , Oliveira Maria Celia , Abackerli Alvaro J. , Ben‐Amor Sarah , Assumpção Maria Rita Pontes
Published: September 2018

There are a few studies in the literature regarding possible types of uncertainty in input data of multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) or multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) problems and the techniques employed to deal with each of them. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the different types of uncertainty that occur in input data of MCDM/MCDA problems and the most appropriate techniques to deal with each one of these uncertainty types. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review is presented in order to meet this objective. We selected and summarized 134 international journal articles. They were analyzed based on the type of data with uncertainty, the type of uncertainty, and the technique used to model it. We identified three distinct types of uncertainty in input data of MCDM/MCDA problems, namely (i) uncertainty due to ambiguity, (ii) uncertainty due to randomness, and (iii) uncertainty due to partial information. We identified a new generation of fuzzy approaches including Type‐2, intuitionistic, and hesitant fuzzy sets (FSs), which are used to model these types of uncertainty alongside other approaches such as traditional FSs theory, probability theory, evidential reasoning theory, rough set theory, and grey numbers. Finally, a framework that indicates techniques used in different decision‐making contexts under uncertainty is proposed.
Pressure ulcers in cardiac surgery: Few clinical studies, difficult risk assessment, and profound clinical implications
Authors: Chello Camilla , Lusini Mario , Schilirò Davide , Greco Salvatore Matteo , Barbato Raffaele , Nenna Antonio
Published: September 2018

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common complication after cardiac surgery, with almost one third of patients suffering from PUs during hospitalisation. Because of the burden that PUs exert on both the patients and the health care system, prevention is of utmost importance. The first step in successful prevention, however, includes the identification of the main features that render patients prone to PU development. Cardiac surgery population is not adequately addressed in current clinical trials and studies. Few studies focused specifically on cardiac surgery patients, but the majority included cardiac surgery patients within a heterogeneous population of acute or critical care patients. Therefore, additional research is warranted to understand the unique risk profile of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Intraoperative risk factors that affect tissue tolerance have not been thoroughly investigated but are likely to play an important role, which might explain the epidemiology of a PU. Further research is also needed to better comprehend the risk of PUs among cardiac surgery patients and to design effective and tailored preventative measures with the help of newer tools for risk assessment.
Subregional variability in the response of New England vegetation to postglacial climate change
Authors: Oswald W. Wyatt , Foster David R. , Shuman Bryan N. , Doughty Elaine D. , Faison Edward K. , Hall Brian R. , Hansen Barbara C. S. , Lindbladh Matts , Marroquin Adriana , Truebe Sarah A.
Published: September 2018

Aim

We analysed a dataset composed of multiple palaeoclimate and lake‐sediment pollen records from New England to explore how postglacial changes in the composition and spatial patterns of vegetation were controlled by regional‐scale climate change, a subregional environmental gradient, and landscape‐scale variations in soil characteristics.

Location

The 120,000‐km2 study area includes parts of Vermont and New Hampshire in the north, where sites are 150–200 km from the Atlantic Ocean, and spans the coastline from southeastern New York to Cape Cod and the adjacent islands, including Block Island, the Elizabeth Islands, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard.

Methods

We analysed pollen records from 29 study sites, using multivariate cluster analysis to visualize changes in the composition and spatial patterns of vegetation during the last 14,000 years. The pollen data were compared with temperature and precipitation reconstructions.

Results

Boreal forest featuring Picea and Pinus banksiana was present across the region when conditions were cool and dry 14,000–12,000 calibrated 14C years before present (ybp). Pinus strobus became regionally dominant as temperatures increased between 12,000 and 10,000 ybp. The composition of forests in inland and coastal areas diverged in response to further warming after 10,000 ybp, when Quercus and Pinus rigida expanded across southern New England, whereas conditions remained cool enough in inland areas to maintain Pinus strobus. Increasing precipitation allowed Tsuga canadensis, Fagus grandifolia, and Betula to replace Pinus strobus in inland areas during 9,000–8,000 ybp, and also led to the expansion of Carya across the coastal part of the region beginning at 7,000–6,000 ybp. Abrupt cooling at 5,500–5,000 ybp caused sharp declines in Tsuga in inland areas and Quercus at some coastal sites, and the populations of those taxa remained low until they recovered around 3,000 ybp in response to rising precipitation. Throughout most of the Holocene, sites underlain by sandy glacial deposits were occupied by Pinus rigida and Quercus.

Main conclusions

Postglacial changes in the composition and spatial pattern of New England forests were controlled by long‐term trends and abrupt shifts in temperature and precipitation, as well as by the environmental gradient between coastal and inland parts of the region. Substrate and soil moisture shaped landscape‐scale variations in forest composition.
Formicidal activity of indole derivatives on Atta opaciceps (Borgmeier): Lethal, behavioural and locomotive effects
Authors: Costa Ângela C. F. , Cavalcanti Sócrates C. H. , Santana Alisson S. , Lima Ana P. S. , Santana Emile D. R. , Brito Thaysnara B. , Oliveira Rafael R. B. , Macêdo Nathália A. , Cristaldo Paulo F. , Bacci Leandro
Published: September 2018

The leaf‐cutting ants of the genus Atta are of extreme importance for agriculture and forestry. Few active products can be employed to control these pests and, therefore, the discovery of new insecticidal products represents a fundamental strategy for its management. In this study, we evaluated the mortality, behaviour and locomotion of workers of Atta opaciceps (Borgmeier) exposed to synthesized indole derivatives. The most active compound was 4d [1‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)pentan‐1‐one] (LD50 = 0.018 μg/mg), while the 4e [1‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)hexan‐1‐one] (LD50 = 3.82 μg/mg) was the least active compound. These two derivatives reduced the survival of A. opaciceps over time and altered the behaviour and locomotion of these ants. This study demonstrates the potential of indole derivatives to produce new formicidal products, since, in addition to being effective, it also affects the ant's behaviour and locomotion.
An egg‐laying device to estimate the induction of sterility in Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) sterile insect technique programmes
Authors: Suárez Lorena , Buonocore Biancheri María Josefina , Murúa Fernando , Rull Juan , Ovruski Sergio , de los Ríos Claudia , Escobar Jorge , Schliserman Pablo
Published: September 2018

Area‐wide environmentally friendly pest control methods such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) are being developed and improved to contribute in managing agricultural, environmental and public health problems. A key aspect to evaluate performance of sterile males is to directly measure sterility induction in the field. Sterility induction has been estimated for tephritid fruit flies by recovering egg from host fruit in the field, the method is, however, impractical, and past efforts to develop artificial egg‐laying devices have not prospered. Here, we evaluated response of wild gravid Ceratitis capitata (Medfly) females to long‐distance fruit‐based chemical attractants, visual and tactile stimuli to develop an artificial egg‐laying device. The device combining the most attractive features was further tested under two deployment schemes. Finally, devices and deployment tactics were used to compare fertility levels between feral Medfly females under conventional management and under SIT. Agar spheres wrapped in plastic film, baited with pressed peach juice and visually enhanced with yellow discs received more egg than other combinations of attractive features. Such devices also received more eggs when deployed on fruitless trees and when placed on the orchard perimeter. The egg hatch in an orchard under conventional management was estimated at 86%, whilst egg hatch in an area under SIT was reduced to 31%. The egg‐laying devices are therefore useful to measure sterility induction and can be further improved by refining long‐distance attraction and deployment schemes.
Native Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytschaand non‐native brook troutSalvelinus fontinalisprefer similar water temperatures
Authors: Baird Sarah E. , Steel Anna E. , Cocherell Dennis E. , Cech Joseph J. , Fangue Nann A.
Published: September 2018

Preferred water temperatures and acute temperature tolerance limits of two salmonids in California were assessed: juvenile Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytscha,a native anadromous species, and sub‐adult brook troutSalvelinus fontinalis,an introduced game species. These two species preferred similar temperatures across an 18 h temperature preference experiment and showed similar critical thermal tolerance limits, suggesting a substantial thermal habitat overlap in the wild.
Masking a fish's detection of environmental stimuli: application to improving downstream migration at river infrastructure
Authors: Kerr James R. , Kemp Paul S.
Published: September 2018

According to Signal Detection Theory, the ability to detect a stimulus (discriminability, d') is inversely related to the magnitude of internal and external noise. In this study, downstream moving brown trout Salmo trutta were used to investigate whether external hydrodynamic noise (in this case turbulence) could mask a signal that induced an unwanted response, such as rejecting accelerating velocity gradients commonly encountered at entrances to fish bypass channels. S. trutta behaviour was quantified in the absence (control) or presence of an accelerating velocity gradient created by an unconstricted or constricted channel, respectively, under two levels (low and high) of background turbulent kinetic energy (hydrodynamic noise). Experiments were conducted in an indoor recirculating flume in the dark and a range of passage metrics were quantified. Under the control condition, most (ca. 91%) S. trutta passed, usually oriented downstream (67%), with minimal delay (median 0.13 min). In comparison, fewer S. trutta (ca. 43%) passed under constricted conditions, they tended to orient facing into the flow (ca. 64%) and delay was greater (median > 20 min). When viewed from a coarse‐scale perspective, discriminability of the velocity gradient was lower when turbulence was high suggesting masking of the signal occurred. However, the resulting increase in the percentage of fish that passed, decrease in time to pass and reduction in the distance at which S. trutta reacted (switched orientation) was subtle and non‐significant. Despite the mixed results obtained, the use of masking to manipulate an animal's perception of environmental stimuli as a fisheries management tool is conceptually valid and the results of this experiment present a useful stepping stone for future research.
Surgical Menopause and Frailty Risk in Community‐Dwelling Older Women: Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Huang Grace , Coviello Andrea , LaValley Michael P. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Cauley Jane A. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Fredman Lisa
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To determine whether women with surgical menopause have a higher risk of frailty than naturally menopausal women.

Design

Prospective cohort study with up to 18 years of follow‐up.

Setting

Four U.S clinical centers.

Participants

Community‐dwelling white women aged 65 and older (mean 71.2±5.2) enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (N=7,699).

Measurements

Surgical menopause was based on participant self‐report of having undergone bilateral oophorectomy before menopause. The outcome was incident frailty, classified as robust, prefrail, frail, or death at 4 follow‐up interviews, conducted 6 to 18 years after baseline. Information on baseline serum total testosterone concentrations was available for 541 participants.

Results

At baseline, 12.6% reported surgical menopause. Over the follow‐up period, 22.0% died, and 10.1% were classified as frail, 39.7% as prefrail, and 28.3% as robust. Surgically menopausal women had significantly lower total serum testosterone levels (13.2 ± 7.8 ng/dL) than naturally menopausal women (21.7 ± 14.8 ng/dL) (p=0.000), although they were not at greater risk of frailty (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.72–1.22), prefrailty (aOR=0.96, 95% CI=0.80–1.10), or death (aOR=1.17, 95% CI=0.97–1.42) after adjusting for age, body mass index, and number of instrumental activity of daily living impairments. There was no evidence that oral estrogen use modified these associations.

Conclusion

In postmenopausal women, surgical menopause was not associated with greater risk for frailty than natural menopause, even in the absence of estrogen therapy. Future prospective studies are needed to investigate hormonal mechanisms involved in development of frailty in older postmenopausal women. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2172–2177, 2018.
Pravastatin for Primary Prevention in Older Adults: Restricted Mean Survival Time Analysis
Authors: Orkaby Ariela R. , Rich Michael W. , Sun Ryan , Lux Eliah , Wei Lee‐Jen , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To use restricted mean survival time, which summarizes treatment effects in terms of event‐free time over a fixed time period, to evaluate the benefit of pravastatin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older adults.

Design

Secondary analysis of the Antihypertensive and Lipid‐Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial‐Lipid‐Lowering Trial (ALLHAT‐LLT).

Setting

Ambulatory setting.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older (mean aged 71, 49% female) free of cardiovascular disease (N=2,867).

Intervention

Pravastatin 40 mg/d (n=1,467) versus usual care (n=1,400).

Measurements

We estimated the difference in RMST for total and coronary heart disease (CHD)‐free survival between the pravastatin and usual care groups over the 6‐year trial period and used parametric survival models to estimate RMST differences projected over 10 years.

Results

Over 6 years, individuals treated with pravastatin lived (RMST 2,008.1 days), on average, 33.7 fewer days than those receiving usual care (RMST 2,041.8 days) (difference –33.7 days, 95% confidence interval (CI)=–67.0 to –0.5 days, p=.047). Pravastatin‐treated individuals lived RMST 2,088.1 days), on average, 18.7 more days free of CHD over 6 years than those receiving usual care (RMST 2,069.4 days), but this difference was not statistically significant (difference 18.7 days, 95% CI=–10.4–47.8 days, p=.21). The 10‐year projection showed that pravastatin‐treated individuals would live 108.1 fewer days (95% CI=–204.5 to –14.1, p=.03) than those receiving usual care, although treated individuals would gain 77.9 days (95% CI=3.8–159.6, p=.046) of CHD‐free survival.

Conclusion

RMST provides an intuitive and explicit way to express the effect of pravastatin therapy on CHD‐free and overall survival in older adults free of cardiovascular disease. This measure allows a more personalized interpretation than hazard ratios of the benefits and risks of a medical intervention for decision‐making.
‘Til Death Do Us Part: End‐of‐Life Experiences of Married Couples in a Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin A. , Abdoler Emily , Diaz‐Ramirez L. Grisell , Kelley Amy S. , Ornstein Katherine A. , Boscardin W. John , Smith Alexander K.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To determine whether end‐of‐life (EOL) experiences in the first spouse in a marriage are associated with EOL experiences in the other spouse.

Design

Nationally representative, longitudinal survey.

Setting

Health and Retirement Study, Waves 1992–2012 linked to Medicare claims

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults who died (N=4,558), representing 2,279 married heterosexual couples.

Measurements

We examined 3 EOL experiences: enrollment in hospice for >3 days before death, lack of advance care planning (ACP) before death, and intensive care unit (ICU) use during the last 30 days of life. We used multiple logistic regression to determine whether the EOL experience of the first spouse was a significant predictor of the EOL experience of the second spouse after adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health status, and time between the first and second spouses' deaths.

Results

First spouses who died were on average 80 years old, and 62% were male; second spouses were on average 85 years old, and 62% were female. After adjustment, second spouses were more likely to use hospice if the first spouse used hospice (odds ratio (OR)=1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.29–2.20). Second spouses were less likely to have ACP when the first spouse did not have ACP (OR=2.91, 95% CI=2.02–4.21). Hospice and ACP associations were stronger when deaths were closer in time to one another (p‐value for interaction < .05). Second spouses were more likely to use ICU services if the first spouse did (OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.27–2.55).

Conclusions

The EOL experiences of older spouses are strongly associated, which may be relevant when framing ACP discussions. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2360–2366, 2018
Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Headache Disorders in Older Adults
Authors: Berk Thomas , Ashina Sait , Martin Vincent , Newman Lawrence , Vij Brinder
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To provide a unique perspective on geriatric headache and a number of novel treatment options that are not well known outside of the headache literature.

Design

Review of the most current and relevant headache literature for practitioners specializing in geriatric care.

Results

Evaluation and management of headache disorders in older adults requires an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and how it relates to age‐related physiological changes. To treat headache disorders in general, the appropriate diagnosis must first be established, and treatment of headaches in elderly adults poses unique challenges, including potential polypharmacy, medical comorbidities, and physiological changes associated with aging.

Conclusion

The purpose of this review is to provide a guide to and perspective on the challenges inherent in treating headaches in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2408–2416, 2018.
Use of a Facilitated Group Process to Design and Implement a Group Antenatal and Postnatal Care Program in Rwanda
Authors: Sayinzoga Felix , Lundeen Tiffany , Gakwerere Mathias , Manzi Emmanuel , Nsaba Yvonne Delphine U. , Umuziga M. Providence , Kalisa Ina R. , Musange Sabine F. , Walker Dilys
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The government of Rwanda is exploring strategies that may reduce the incidence of prematurity and low birth weight. Large‐scale implementation of group antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) within the context of the Rwanda national health care system is under consideration. To launch a cluster randomized controlled trial of group ANC and PNC in 5 districts in Rwanda, the implementation team needed a customized group care model for this context and trained health care workers to deliver the program.

Process

Adapting the group ANC and group PNC model for the Rwandan context was accomplished through a group process identical to that which is fundamental to group care. A technical working group composed of 10 Rwandan maternal‐child health stakeholders met 3 times over the course of 3 months, for 4 to 8 hours each time. Their objectives were to consider the evidence on group ANC, agree on the priorities and constraints of their ANC delivery system, and ultimately define the content and structure of a combined group ANC and PNC model for implementation in Rwanda. The same group process was employed to train health care workers to act as group ANC facilitators.

Outcomes

A customized group ANC and PNC model and guidelines for its introduction were developed in the context of a cluster randomized controlled trial in 36 health centers. Descriptions of this model and the implementation plan are included in this article.

Discussion

Our experience suggests that the group process fundamental to successful group ANC and PNC is an effective method to customize and implement this innovative health services delivery model in a new context and is instrumental in achieving local ownership.
Health Care‐Related Correlates of Cervical Cancer Screening among Sexual Minority Women: An Integrative Review
Authors: Greene Madelyne Z. , Meghani Salimah H. , Sommers Marilyn S. , Hughes Tonda L.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Sexual minority women (SMW; lesbian, bisexual, nonheterosexual women) may have lower rates of cervical cancer screening than heterosexual women. Health care‐related factors may explain some of the variation in cervical cancer screening rates among SMW. We aimed to synthesize published evidence of health care‐related correlates of cervical cancer screening among SMW.

Methods

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for English‐language studies published between January 2000 and March 2017 that 1) assessed sexual identity or the sexual partners of female participants, 2) included cervical cancer screening as a main outcome of interest, and 3) measured at least one health care‐related variable in addition to cervical cancer screening. We excluded articles that 1) reported on non‐US samples or 2) did not report original research. We reviewed the sample, methods, and findings of 17 studies. We then summarized current knowledge about health care‐related factors across 3 categories and generated recommendations for clinical practice and future research.

Results

Several health care‐related factors such as previous contraception use, having a primary care provider, knowledge of screening recommendations, and disclosing sexual orientation to providers were consistently positively associated with cervical cancer screening. Three groups of factors—previous health care use, health care provider‐related factors, and belief‐related factors—account for a substantial part of the variation in cervical cancer screening among SMW.

Discussion

Several gaps in knowledge remain that could be addressed by recruiting more diverse samples of SMW with improved generalizability. Clinicians and clinical institutions can address factors associated with low rates of screening among SMW by preventing sexual orientation‐based discrimination, inviting sexual orientation disclosure, and offering cervical cancer screening to SMW at a variety of health care encounters. Future research should examine how the location of care and health care provider type affect SMW's cervical cancer screening behaviors and should test the effectiveness of health care interventions designed to address sexual orientation‐related disparities.
A Matter of Time: Father Involvement and Child Cognitive Outcomes
Authors: Cano Tomás , Perales Francisco , Baxter Janeen
Published: September 2018

Objective

This study provides the first systematic account of how father–child time (in total and across activity types) relates to children's cognitive development as well as examining whether paternal education moderates these associations.

Background

Fathers in Western countries allocate progressively more time to child care. However, most research on how parental time inputs affect child development focuses on maternal time. It remains unclear how paternal involvement in the child's upbringing influences child outcomes.

Method

The study uses three waves of unique, longitudinal, time‐diary data from an Australian national sample of children aged 4 to 8 years (Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children;N= 3,273 children, 6,960 observations). Children's cognitive development is measured using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. The data are modeled using a range of estimation strategies for panel data.

Results

The total amount of father–child time is associated with, at best, small improvements in children's cognitive functioning. In contrast, the amount of father–child time in educational activities is associated with moderate to large improvements. Such associations are similar for highly and less‐highly educated fathers.

Conclusion

Our findings are relevant for policy and practice, being indicative that enabling paternal involvement in their children's upbringing should bring moderate to high gains to their children in terms of cognitive functioning, particularly if paternal involvement is directed at educational activities.
The mediator effect of cognition on the relationship between brain lesion location and dysphagia in patients with stroke: Applying a structural equation model
Authors: Ebrahimian Dehaghani Shiva , Yadegari Fariba , Asgari Ali , Bagheri Zahra
Published: September 2018

Background

Cognitive status is important for performing the assessment and treatment of dysphagia. Nonetheless, the cognitive neuropsychological profile of patients with stroke and dysphagia is not studied as deeply enough as it should be. On the one hand, focal and non‐focal brain lesions may lead to dysphagia and cognitive disorders, and on the other hand, the cognitive status possibly affects swallowing. In this study, cognition is supposed to be a mediator between brain lesion and swallowing disorder (dysphagia). The role of cognition and attention as mediators between brain lesion and dysphagia was evaluated via three causal models in which the causal mechanisms of swallowing were explained.

Methods

Eighty‐eight patients with their first stroke (34 women and 54 men) in the acute phase (mean: 3.5 days after stroke; SD: 2.7) participated in this research. The data of dysphagic and non‐dysphagic patients were entered into structural equation models. Two relationships were estimated: a direct relationship between brain lesion and dysphagia and an indirect association between brain lesion and dysphagia through cognition and attention.

Results

The goodness‐of‐fit indices confirmed the three models. Our first model proved a good fit [CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00]. The second model revealed an appropriate goodness of fit [CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00]. Our third model also showed a good fit [CFI = 1.00; TLI = 1.00].

Conclusion

It is suggested that in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia, cognition is better to be considered as a mediator along with physical aspects of dysphagia.
Total flavones of Rhododendron simsii Planch flower protect isolated rat heart from ischaemia-reperfusion injury and its mechanism of UTR-RhoA-ROCK pathway inhibition
Authors: Sun Xiao-Qing , Chen Shuo , Wang Liang-Fang , Chen Zhi-Wu
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Total flavones of Rhododendron simsii Planch flower (TFR) are an effective part extracted from the flower. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of TFR in isolated rat heart following global ischaemia-reperfusion and the possible underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Langendorff perfusion apparatus was used to perfuse isolated rat heart which was subjected to global ischaemia-reperfusion. The hemodynamic parameters were continuously monitored. Coronary flow as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in coronary effluents was measured. RhoA activity and urotensin receptor (UTR) and Rho-related coiled-coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK) protein expressions in rat myocardium were examined, respectively. Cardiac dysfunction was indicated by the alterations of hemodynamic parameters and the reduced coronary flow.

Key findings

Total flavones of Rhododendron simsii Planch flower significantly improved ischaemia-reperfusion–induced cardiac dysfunction and leakages of LDH, CK-MB and cTnI, and inhibited myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion–increased RhoA activity and UTR, ROCK1 and ROCK2 protein expressions. The improvement of TFR in the cardiac dysfunction and the leakage of LDH, CK-MB and cTnI were markedly attenuated under the UTR blockade and ROCK inhibition. TFR-inhibited RhoA activity was decreased under the UTR blockade.

Conclusions

Total flavones of Rhododendron simsii Planch flower had a protective effect on ischaemia-reperfusion injury in isolated rat heart, which may be attributed to the blocking of UTR and subsequent inhibition of the RhoA-ROCK pathway.
The efficacy of microemulsion-based delivery to improve vitamin E properties: evaluation of the antinociceptive, antioxidant, antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities in mice
Authors: Wilhelm Ethel A , Vogt Ane G , Reis Angélica S , Pinz Mikaela P , de Souza Jaqueline F , Haas Sandra E , Pereira Albanin A M , Fajardo André R , Luchese Cristiane
Published: September 2018

Objectives

A microemulsion-based delivery system was designed to improve vitamin E (VE) properties, and its antinociceptive, antioxidant, antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities in mice were evaluated.

Methods

Male Swiss mice received, by intragastric route, canola oil (20 ml/kg), blank microemulsion (B-ME) (20 ml/kg), VE free (VE-F) (200 mg/kg) or VE microemulsion (VE-ME) (200 mg/kg). In acute treatment, a single dose of treatments was administrated and 30 min after behavioural tests were performed. In the subchronic treatment, mice received such treatments, once a day, for 8 days. On the eighth day, behavioural tests were performed.

Key findings

In the subchronic treatment, VE-ME increased entries and spent time in the open arms in the elevated plus-maze test and decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test, but no change was found after acute treatment. Acute and subchronic treatments with VE-ME increased response latency to thermal stimulus in the hot-plate test. VE-ME decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive species levels in the acute and subchronic protocols. Additionally, in subchronic treatment, VE-ME increased renal catalase activity, but VE-F reduced its activity.

Conclusions

Vitamin E-microemulsions showed antioxidant, antinociceptive, antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like actions; thus, ME-based delivery improved pharmacological properties of VE.
Potential P-glycoprotein-mediated herb-drug interaction of phyllanthin at the intestinal absorptive barrier
Authors: Dunkoksung Wilasinee , Vardhanabhuti Nontima , Jianmongkol Suree
Published: September 2018

Objectives

This study investigated the absorptive potential of phyllanthin across the polarized Caco-2 monolayers and the potential role of phyllanthin in P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated drug interaction.

Methods

The absorptive potential of phyllanthin was predicted from its apparent permeability (Papp) across the Caco-2 monolayers under the pH gradient condition (pH 6.5AP–7.4BL) at 37°C. Integrity of paracellular transport was assessed by monitoring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and lucifer yellow (LY) leakage. P-gp-mediated interaction was evaluated by transport studies of phyllanthin and rhodamine-123.

Key findings

The absorptive Papp of phyllanthin (34.90 ± 1.18 × 10−6 cm/s) was in the same rank order as the high permeable theophylline and antipyrine. Phyllanthin transport in the absorptive and secretive directions was comparable (the efflux ratio (ER) of 1.19 ± 0.01). Phyllanthin caused no changes in TEER nor LY leakage in the monolayers. However, phyllanthin increased rhodamine-123 ER in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting its inhibition on P-gp function. In addition, phyllanthin aqueous solubility was <5 μg/ml at 37°C.

Conclusions

Phyllanthin is a highly permeable compound that could passively diffuse through the absorptive barrier via transcellular pathway with little hindrance from P-gp. Phyllanthin could interfere with transport of P-gp drug substrates, when concomitantly administered. In addition, aqueous solubility could be a limiting factor in phyllanthin absorption.
Antidiabetic potential of Musa spp. inflorescence: a systematic review
Authors: de Oliveira Vilhena Raquel , Fachi Mariana M , Marson Breno M , Dias Bruna L , Pontes Flávia L D , Tonin Fernanda S , Pontarolo Roberto
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Extracts of parts Musa spp. have been used for the treatment of various diseases in traditional medicine. Studies have shown that these extracts have hypoglycaemic properties. The aim of this work was to gather evidence on the antidiabetic effects of Musa spp. inflorescence.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted with searches in three electronic databases, along with manual searches. Studies evaluating the antidiabetic properties of extracts of flower or bract of the genus Musa (in vitro or in vivo) were included.

Key findings

Overall, 16 studies were found. The reported assays were of hypoglycaemic effects, oral glucose tolerance, inhibitory activities in carbohydrate metabolism and digestive enzymes, enhanced glucose uptake activity and popular use of the extract in patients with diabetes type 2. In vitro studies showed that use of the extract was associated with antidiabetic effects (e.g. increased glucose uptake and inhibition of carbohydrate digestion enzymes). In induced diabetic models, Musa spp. extracts showed dose-dependent glycaemic level reductions compared with pharmacological drugs (P < 0.05).

In general, promising results regarding antidiabetic activity were found for inflorescence of Musa spp., suggesting that this plant could represent a natural alternative therapy for treating diabetes mellitus type 2.
Transpacific coalescent pathways of coconut rhinoceros beetle biotypes: Resistance to biological control catalyses resurgence of an old pest
Authors: Reil Jonathan Bradley , Doorenweerd Camiel , San Jose Michael , Sim Sheina B. , Geib Scott M. , Rubinoff Daniel
Published: September 2018

Biological control agents have several advantages over chemical control for pest management, including the capability to restore ecosystem balance with minimal non‐target effects and a lower propensity for targets to develop resistance. These factors are particularly important for invasive species control. The coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros Linnaeus) is a major palm pest that invaded many Pacific islands in the early 20th century through human‐mediated dispersal. Application of the Oryctes nudivirus in the 1960s successfully halted the beetle's first invasion wave and made it a textbook example of successful biological control. However, a recently discovered O. rhinoceros biotype that is resistant to the nudivirus appears to be correlated with a new invasion wave. We performed a population genomics analysis of 172 O. rhinoceros from seven regions, including native and invasive populations, to reconstruct invasion pathways and explore correlation between recent invasions and biotypes. With ddRAD sequencing, we generated data sets ranging from 4,000 to 209,000 loci using stacks and ipyrad software pipelines and compared genetic signal in downstream clustering and phylogenetic analyses. Analysis suggests that the O. rhinoceros resurgence is mediated by the nudivirus‐resistant biotype. Genomic data have been proven essential to understanding the new O. rhinoceros biotype's invasion patterns and interactions with the original biotype. Such information is crucial to optimization of strategies for quarantine and control of resurgent pests. Our results demonstrate that while invasions are relatively rare events, new introductions can have significant ecological consequences, and quarantine vigilance is required even in previously invaded areas.
Association mapping desiccation resistance within chromosomal inversions in the African malaria vectorAnopheles gambiae
Authors: Ayala Diego , Zhang Simo , Chateau Mathieu , Fouet Caroline , Morlais Isabelle , Costantini Carlo , Hahn Matthew W. , Besansky Nora J.
Published: September 2018

Inversion polymorphisms are responsible for many ecologically important phenotypes and are often found under balancing selection. However, the same features that ensure their large role in local adaptation—especially reduced recombination between alternate arrangements—mean that uncovering the precise loci within inversions that control these phenotypes is unachievable using standard mapping approaches. Here, we take advantage of long‐term balancing selection on a pair of inversions in the mosquitoAnopheles gambiaeto map desiccation tolerance via pool‐GWAS. Two polymorphic inversions on chromosome 2 of this species (denoted 2La and 2Rb) are associated with arid and hot conditions in Africa and are maintained in spatially and temporally heterogeneous environments. After measuring thousands of wild‐caught individuals for survival under desiccation stress, we used phenotypically extreme individuals homozygous for alternative arrangements at the 2La inversion to construct pools for whole‐genome sequencing. Genomewide association mapping using these pools revealed dozens of significantSNPs within both 2La and 2Rb, many of which neighboured genes controlling ion channels or related functions. Our results point to the promise of similar approaches in systems with inversions maintained by balancing selection and provide a list of candidate genes underlying the specific phenotypes controlled by the two inversions studied here.
RADseq and mate choice assays reveal unidirectional gene flow among three lamprey ecotypes despite weak assortative mating: Insights into the formation and stability of multiple ecotypes in sympatry
Authors: Hume John B. , Recknagel Hans , Bean Colin W. , Adams Colin E. , Mable Barbara K.
Published: September 2018

Adaptive divergence with gene flow often results in complex patterns of variation within taxa exhibiting substantial ecological differences among populations. One example where this may have occurred is the parallel evolution of freshwater‐resident nonparasitic lampreys from anadromous‐parasitic ancestors. Previous studies have focused on transitions between these two phenotypic extremes, but here, we considered more complex evolutionary scenarios where an intermediate freshwater form that remains parasitic is found sympatrically with the other two ecotypes. Using population genomic analysis (restriction‐associatedDNAsequencing), we found that a freshwater‐parasitic ecotype was highly distinct from an anadromous‐parasitic form (Qlake‐P = 96.8%,Fst = 0.154), but that a freshwater‐nonparasitic form was almost completely admixed in Loch Lomond, Scotland. Demographic reconstructions indicated that both freshwater populations likely derived from a common freshwater ancestor. However, while the nonparasitic ecotype has experienced high levels of introgression from the anadromous‐parasitic ecotype (Qanad‐P = 37.7%), there is no evidence of introgression into the freshwater‐parasitic ecotype. Paradoxically, mate choice experiments predicted high potential for gene flow: Males from all ecotypes were stimulated to spawn with freshwater‐parasitic females, which released gametes in response to all ecotypes. Differentially fixed single nucleotide polymorphisms identified genes associated with growth and development, which could possibly influence the timing of metamorphosis, resulting in significant ecological differences between forms. This suggests that multiple lamprey ecotypes can persist in sympatry following shifts in adaptive peaks, due to environmental change during their repeated colonization of post‐glacial regions, followed by periods of extensive gene flow among such diverging populations.
Delimiting species of marine gastropods (Turridae, Conoidea) using RAD sequencing in an integrative taxonomy framework
Authors: Abdelkrim Jawad , Aznar‐Cormano Laetitia , Buge Barbara , Fedosov Alexander , Kantor Yuri , Zaharias Paul , Puillandre Nicolas
Published: September 2018

Species delimitation in poorly known and diverse taxa is usually performed based on monolocus, DNA‐barcoding‐like approaches, while multilocus data are often used to test alternative species hypotheses in well‐studied groups. We combined both approaches to delimit species in the Xenuroturris/Iotyrris complex, a group of venomous marine gastropods from the Indo‐Pacific. First, COI sequences were analysed using three methods of species delimitation to propose primary species hypotheses. Second, RAD sequencing data were also obtained and a maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic tree produced. We tested the impact of the level of missing data on the robustness of the phylogenetic tree obtained with the RAD‐seq data. Alternative species partitions revealed with the COI data set were also tested using the RAD‐seq data and the Bayes factor species delimitation method. The congruence between the species hypotheses proposed with the mitochondrial nuclear data sets, together with the morphological variability of the shell and the radula and the distribution pattern, was used to turn the primary species hypotheses into secondary species hypotheses. Allopatric primary species hypotheses defined with the COI gene were interpreted to correspond to intraspecific structure. Most of the species are found sympatrically in the Philippines, and only one is confidently identified as a new species and described as Iotyrris conotaxis n. sp. The results obtained demonstrate the efficiency of the combined monolocus/multilocus approach to delimit species.
Recognition of lettuce downy mildew effector BLR38 in Lactuca serriola LS102 requires two unlinked loci
Authors: Pelgrom Alexandra J. E. , Eikelhof Jelle , Elberse Joyce , Meisrimler Claudia‐Nicole , Raedts Rob , Klein Joël , Van den Ackerveken Guido
Published: September 2018

Plant‐pathogenic oomycetes secrete effector proteins to suppress host immune responses. Resistance proteins may recognize effectors and activate immunity, which is often associated with a hypersensitive response (HR). Transient expression of effectors in plant germplasm and screening for HR has proven to be a powerful tool in the identification of new resistance genes. In this study, 14 effectors from the lettuce downy mildew Bremia lactucae race Bl:24 were screened for HR induction in over 150 lettuce accessions. Three effectors—BLN06, BLR38 and BLR40—were recognized in specific lettuce lines. The recognition of effector BLR38 in Lactuca serriola LS102 did not co‐segregate with resistance against race Bl:24, but was linked to resistance against multiple other B. lactucae races. Two unlinked loci are both required for effector recognition and are located near known major resistance clusters. Gene dosage affects the intensity of the BLR38‐triggered HR, but is of minor importance for disease resistance.