bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Headache Frequency and Psychosocial Impairment in Migraine: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Ruscheweyh Ruth , Müller Melanie , Blum Bernhard , Straube Andreas
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate if a headache frequency of 15 days per month constitutes a turning point in the psychosocial impairment associated with migraine.

Background

Migraine is differentiated into episodic and chronic forms based on a headache frequency criterion (< vs ≥15 headache days per month). It is presently not clear if this criterion represents a clinically and pathophysiologically meaningful turning point of the disease.

Methods

Six hundred and one migraine patients completed measures of pain‐specific disability (Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, von Korff scale), health‐related quality of life (Short Form‐12 Health Survey), habitual well‐being (Marburg questionnaire), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score).

Results

A significant increase of psychosocial impairment with the number of headache days per month was found at lower headache frequencies, but leveled off at higher headache frequencies. Visual inspection and spline interpolation suggested that the turning point was not exactly at 15 headache days per month but rather around 13.3 (confidence interval: 8.9‐17.7) days. Accordingly, significant correlations between headache days and psychosocial impairment were found in the group with ≤13 headache days per month (Spearman's rho = 0.25, P < .001) but not in the group with >13 headache days (rho = −0.02, n.s.).

Conclusion

These results suggest that a meaningful turning point in psychosocial impairment associated with migraine is located around 13.3 headache days per month, somewhat below the 15‐headache days criterion that by definition separates chronic from episodic migraine. However, confidence intervals surrounding the turning point were large. Further studies will be needed to more exactly localize the turning point.
Liver‐specific deceased donor risk indices
Authors: Wang Zifa , Hisatake Garrett , Yang Libin
Published: August 2013

In order to assess the quality of the donor liver, procuring surgeons should accurately evaluate not only general donor risk indices, such as donor age, causes of brain death and cold ischemic time, but also consider the specific donor risk indices. In this review, we focus on liver‐specific deceased donor risk indices, including liver steatosis, anti‐hepatitis B core (HBc) positive or hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive donors, hypernatremia and anatomical variations. Liver steatosis is strongly associated with poor graft function after liver transplantation. Liver with more than 40–50% macrosteatosis should not be used. However, at present the quantity of fatty livers lack accepted standards. The computerized image analysis programs should be used to automate the determination of fat content in liver biopsy specimens. Liver grafts from anti‐HBc positive donors can be safely used, preferentially in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive or anti‐HBc/anti‐HBs positive recipients. HCV positive allografts free from fibrosis or severe inflammation are a safe option for HCV positive recipients. The procurement team should consider liver biopsy to evaluate these HCV positive allografts. Donor serum sodium over 150 mm may predict a higher rate of graft primary non‐functions. Recently, however, some investigators reported the sodium level likely has little clinical impact on post‐transplant liver function. The incidence of hepatic artery variations has been reported to be approximately 30%. To avoid injuries, it is very important to know and identify these variations with precision at the time of organ procurement.
Learn something new in 20 minutes: Bite Size sessions to support research and teaching
Authors: Tattersall Andy , Beecroft Claire , Freeman Jenny
Published: August 2013

The School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at The University of Sheffield run an innovative series of informal 20‐minute Bite Size sessions to help staff and students teach, research, collaborate and communicate more effectively. The sessions have two clear strands: one focused on teaching and the other on research. The remit is not to teach people how to use something in their work or study, but to let them know why they should use it and how they can employ it. By introducing participants to the possibilities and how they can apply ideas and technologies in their work and study in an enthusiastic manner, it is possible to send them away with at least the intention to explore and experiment. The evidence shows that this organic approach is working – staff and students are starting to use many of the tools that Bite Size has covered. Any kind of widespread change within organisations can be hard to deliver, but by bringing champions on your side and delivering sessions in a convenient, informal and timely manner; good practice and ideas can spread naturally.

H.S.
International trends in health science libraria‐ nship: Part 7 Taking stock
Authors: Murphy Jeannette
Published: August 2013

This article reviews the six papers published so far in this series on global trends in health science librarianship. Starting with a retrospective review of trends in the twentieth‐century, the series has covered 6 different regions, with contributions from 21 countries. As this is the half‐way point in the survey, it seems a useful point at which to reflect on what has emerged so far. The method of content analysis is used to identify key trends. The top five trends are explored.

JM
Grassy margins along organically managed cereal fields foster trait diversity and taxonomic distinctness of arthropod communities
Authors: Birkhofer Klaus , Wolters Volkmar , Diekötter Tim
Published: August 2013

It is not known if grassy margins contribute to the conservation of biodiversity if situated along organically managed cereal fields as the contrast in environmental conditions between fields and margins may be too small in absence of pesticide applications.

Communities of spiders, ground beetles, true bugs and aphids were sampled in 2 years along transects from the centre of organically managed cereal fields into adjacent grassy margins. Based on species richness, abundances, ecological and body size traits of species and taxonomic distinctness between species, communities were compared between organically managed cereal fields and their grassy margins.

The species richness, abundance and variation in taxonomic distinctness of true bugs were significantly higher in grassy margins. For spiders and ground beetles, these metrics were either higher in cereal fields or did not differ significantly. At the species level, spiders living under stones or in soil crevices, as well as phytophagous ground beetles and true bugs that overwinter as eggs benefited from grassy margins. True bug communities in cereal fields were dominated by a few abundant species, whereas communities in margins were rather dominated by a few large species.

Our comprehensive analyses highlight the importance of accounting for species identities and biology in biodiversity studies. The traits that characterised arthropod species that benefited from margins are not characteristic for pest species. Grassy margins along organic fields therefore represent an important agri‐environmental scheme for the conservation of several arthropod taxa and margins should not be removed to increase the crop production area in organically managed cereal fields.
Clinical profile, morbidity, and outcome of adult‐onset generalized pustular psoriasis: analysis of 102 cases seen in a tertiary hospital in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Choon Siew Eng , Lai Nai Ming , Mohammad Norshaleyna A , Nanu Nalini M , Tey Kwee Eng , Chew Shang Fern
Published: August 2013

Background

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe but rare variant of psoriasis. Our objective is to review the clinical profile, comorbidities, and outcome of patients with GPP.

Materials and methods

A retrospective note review of all patients with adult‐onset GPP.

Results

A total of 102 patients with adult‐onset GPP were diagnosed between 1989 and November 2011, with a female to male ratio of 2 : 1. The mean age at onset of GPP was 40.9 years (range: 21–81 years). Acute GPP was the most common variant seen (95 cases), followed by four localized variants of GPP and three with annular pustular psoriasis. Fever and painful skin were present in 89% of patients, arthritis in 34.7%, and leukocytosis in 78.4%. Common triggers were systemic steroids (45 cases), pregnancy (17 cases), and upper respiratory tract infections (16 cases). A positive family history of psoriasis and GPP was present in 29% and 11%, respectively. Comorbidities included obesity (42.9%), hypertension (25.7%), hyperlipidemia (25.7%), and diabetes mellitus (23.7%). The mean duration of admission and pustular flare for acute GPP was 10.3 days (range: 3–44 days) and 16 days (range: 7–60 days), respectively. Fifty‐four patients responded to systemic retinoid, 21 to methotrexate, eight to cyclosporine, and one to adalimumab, but recurrences were common.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the poor response of GPP to currently available anti‐psoriatic agents, with frequent flare‐ups. There is a need for a more effective targeted therapy for this condition.
The cutaneous bacterium Janthinobacterium lividum inhibits the growth of Trichophyton rubrum in vitro
Authors: Ramsey Jeremy P. , Mercurio Albert , Holland Jessica A. , Harris Reid N. , Minbiole Kevin P. C.
Published: August 2013

Background

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a fungal infection that is both widespread and challenging to treat. Standard treatments consist of topical and systemic therapies of antifungal agents, such as miconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine. The extended nature of topical therapy and the toxicity of long‐term systemic therapy limit the utility of current treatments. An alternate approach relies on an understanding of bacterial–fungal interactions. Specifically, a probiotic antifungal bacterium such as Janthinobacterium lividum can counter infection; Janthinobacterium is a major constituent of the human skin microbiota. Janthinobacterium lividum has been shown to ameliorate the effects of the cutaneous fungal disease chytridiomycosis in a vertebrate species (Rana muscosa).

Methods

Dual‐culture plate challenge assays were performed using J. lividum and Trichophyton rubrum, the leading cause of athlete's foot.

Results

In all cases, T. rubrum colonies grew significantly smaller when co‐cultured with J. lividum.

Conclusion

These in vitro results suggest that J. lividum merits further investigation as a human cutaneous probiotic.
Assessment of quality of life in haemodialysis patients: A comparison of the Nottingham Health Profile and the Short Form 36
Authors: Zengin Neriman , Ören Besey , Gül Asiye , Üstündağ Hülya
Published: August 2013

This study aimed to compare the psychometric properties of the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36), which evaluates health‐related quality of life in haemodialysis patients. Data were gathered using the NHP and the SF‐36. Quality of life scores obtained from the NHP and the SF‐36 were compared according to sociodemographic characteristics. It was found that the internal consistency values of the NHP and the SF‐36 were similar. The floor effect of the two NHP subscales and the ceiling effect of all the NHP subscales were higher than those pertaining to the. It was observed that the NHP mean subscale scores were higher than those of the SF‐36, except for one subscale of the SF‐36. There was a significant positive correlation between the similar subscales of the NHP and the SF‐36 and between the total scores. These results seem to support the utility of the NHP and the SF‐36 in evaluating quality of life in haemodialysis patients.
The role of motivation and self‐efficacy on the practice of health promotion behaviours in the overweight and obese middle‐aged American women
Authors: Fisher Kathleen , Kridli Suha Al‐Oballi
Published: August 2013

The study investigated the relationship between motivation, self‐efficacy and demographic variables, and determined if they affect the performance of health promotion behaviours in overweight or obese middle‐aged American women. The sample consisted of middle‐aged American women from a small town in Michigan. Two groups of women aged 30–65, one with a body mass index (BMI) range of 25–29, and the second with a BMI of ≥ 30, completed the Health Self‐Determinism Index, the General Self‐Efficacy Scale and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile‐II. Self‐efficacy was found to be a significant predictor in the performance of health‐promoting behaviours in both the overweight and obese participants in this study. Motivation was not found to be a significant predictor of performance of health promotion behaviours in either participant group. Education was found to be a significant predictor of performance of health promotion behaviours in the obese participants only. Nurses need to develop effective methods of supporting self‐efficacy in both the overweight and obese middle‐aged American women. Nursing‐based research focusing on interventions to improve self‐efficacy, as well as studies identifying effective educational techniques to improve the practice of health promotion behaviours in this population is necessary. Further investigation into the effect of motivation and demographics on the performance of health promotion behaviours is also needed.
Efficacy and complications of urinary drainage procedures in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis complicated by extrinsic ureteral obstruction
Authors: Mertens Sanne , Zeegers Antoine GM , Wertheimer Peter A , Hendriksz Tadek R , van Bommel Eric FH
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and complications of urinary drainage procedures in patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis complicated by ureteral obstruction.

Methods

A retrospective study of 30 idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis patients involving 44 obstructed urinary units who underwent urinary drainage from January 2002 through April 2010 was carried out. Data of all diagnostic procedures, blood and urine cultures, and hospital admissions were collected and analyzed.

Results

In 12 of 44 (27%) cases, percutaneous nephrostomy was carried out at the first step. Attempted ureteral stenting at the first step was successful in 25 of 32 (79%) cases, of which 20 (80%) cases could be managed successfully by ureteral stenting alone throughout the study period. Successful prolonged urinary drainage with percutaneous nephrostomy alone was accomplished in 10 cases, three at the first step and seven at the second step after failed intraureteral stent insertion or after unsuccessful maintenance of urinary drainage with an intraureteral stent. A total of 21 urinary tract infection episodes occurred in 11 patients. The incidence and accumulated incidence of acute pyelonephritis was 0.062 episodes/100 person‐days and 30%, respectively. The incidence and accumulated incidence of urosepsis was 0.015 episodes/100 person‐days and 6.6%, respectively. The overall number of complications did not differ between external and internal urinary drainage procedures (percutaneous nephrostomy, 21% vs intraureteral stent, 17.9%; P = 0.79).

Conclusion

Both intraureteral stent and percutaneous nephrostomy placement are a safe way to relieve urinary obstruction in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis patients, and they have comparable complication rates. Over time, the need for using both management options in the same patient might be required. Hence, these techniques should be regarded as complementary.
Demographic and clinical features of 521 Turkish patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Balta Ilknur , Akbay Gulfer , Kalkan Goknur , Eksioglu Meral
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of this study is to reveal demographic and clinical features of Behçet's disease (BD) in a Turkish population.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical findings of 521 patients with BD.

Results

A total of 521 patients (287 female and 234 male) were included in this study. Onset signs: oral ulceration (72.7%) was followed by genital ulceration (3.1%), ocular involvement (1.0%), and erythema nodosum‐like lesions (ENLL) (0.2%). In 120 patients (23%), the onset manifestation compromised more than one symptom. During follow‐up, in females and males respectively, oral ulceration was found in 100%, genital ulceration in 90.9% and in 82.5%, papulopustular lesions in 52.6% and in 71.4%, positive pathergy test in 45.3% and in 48.7%, ENLL in 43.6% and in 31.6%, ocular involvement in 36.9% and in 58.1%, gastrointestinal involvement in 6.6% and in 5.6%, joint involvement in 4.2% and in 6.4%, vascular involvement in 1.7% and in 10.6%, neurological involvement in 0% and in 4.7% and pulmonary involvement in 0.7% and in 0.7%. Genital ulceration and ENLL were found to be statistically higher in females than males. Papulopustular lesions and ocular, neurological, and vascular involvement were significantly higher in males than females.

Conclusions

In our study, systemic involvement was higher in males than females, as the disease is more severe in males than females. As the only initial finding of the disease can be genital ulceration or ocular manifestations, gynecologists, urologists, ophthalmologists, and family practitioners must keep in mind BD as a differential diagnosis.
Molecular biological techniques and their use to study streptococci in dental caries
Authors: Jacques Nick
Published: August 2013

This review explains some of the basic techniques of molecular biology and their application to the study of oral streptococci. Examples of how these techniques have furthered the understanding of streptococcal colonization in health and disease are discussed along with approaches to controlling dental caries that have been made plausible by the knowledge gained using these techniques.
The microbial contamination of toothbrushes. A pilot study
Authors: Taji S. S. , Rogers A. H.
Published: August 2013

Ten individuals were each supplied with a new toothbrush of the same type and brand, together with identical tubes of fluoridated toothpaste. After a three‐week period, during which subjects were asked to follow their usual oral hygiene practices, the toothbrushes were collected and assayed for microbial contamination using a range of selective growth media. The total microbial load per toothbrush was found to be 104 to 106 colony forming units. Staphylococci were found on all toothbrushes and streptococci on all but one. These two genera were also quantitatively dominant. Candida, corynebacteria, pseudomonads and coliforms were identified in 70, 60, 50 and 30 per cent of toothbrushes, respectively. However, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and black‐pigmented Gram‐negative anaerobic rods were not detected on any of the toothbrushes. For each individual, information on variables such as toothbrush rinsing practices and post‐brushing storage methods and environment was collected. No obvious relationship between such variables and microbial load was apparent but it is suggested that more extensive studies are needed, taking into account additional parameters such as age and degree of toothbrush wear and the use of pre‐brushing mouthwashes.
Restraint and Seclusion: The Perspective of Service Users and Staff Members
Authors: Mérineau‐Côté Julie , Morin Diane
Published: August 2013

Background

Restrictive measures may have important physical and psychological consequences on all persons involved. The current study examined how these are perceived by persons with intellectual disabilities and staff.

Materials and Methods

Interviews were conducted with eight persons with intellectual disabilities who experienced a restrictive measure and their care providers. They were queried on their understanding of the restrictive measure, its impact on the relationship, their emotions and alternative interventions.

Results

Restrictive measures were experienced negatively by persons with intellectual disabilities and their care providers. Service users reported feeling sad and angry, whereas staff mentioned feeling anxious. Moreover, persons with intellectual disabilities appeared to understand the goal of restrictive measures (e.g. ensuring their own and others' safety) and identified alternative interventions (e.g. speaking with a staff member or taking a walk).

Conclusion

This study sheds further light on how persons with intellectual disabilities and staff experience the application of restrictive measures. Debriefing sessions with service users and staff may help minimize negative consequences.
Spotted stream frog diversification at the Australasian faunal zone interface, mainland versus island comparisons, and a test of the Philippine ‘dual‐umbilicus’ hypothesis
Authors: Brown Rafe M. , Siler Cameron D.
Published: August 2013

Aim

To utilize comprehensive geographical sampling and a new, multilocus dataset to re‐examine the biogeography of spotted stream frogs (Hylarana signata complex) throughout Southeast Asia. To compare patterns of diversification among stream frog populations on land‐bridge islands and oceanic islands and to re‐evaluate a previous ‘dual‐invasion’ hypothesis for the origins of endemic Philippine taxa.

Location

Southeast Asia, Sundaland, and the Philippines.

Methods

We sequenced two mitochondrial and two nuclear gene regions for members of the Hylarana signata complex. We used summary statistics and phylogenetic networks to characterize genetic variation; phylogenetic relationships and ancestral ranges were estimated using Bayesian and likelihood methods. We used the preferred topology and Bayesian methods to evaluate a previous biogeographical ‘dual‐invasion’ hypothesis.

Results

In contrast to expectations, we found highly divergent, demographically stable and geographically regionalized lineages on the mainland and on land‐bridge islands, but minimally divergent, widespread and clinally distributed populations, with evidence of recent demographic expansion, in adjacent oceanic island populations. Novel phylogenetic relationships depart from previous studies and our data strongly reject the previously published ‘dual‐invasion’ hypothesis.

Main conclusions

Our results join new literature demonstrating that species on mainland and continental shelf islands may harbour high levels of unrecognized diversity, whereas adjacent oceanic island archipelagos can and do support naturally occurring widespread species. Although our data indicate that the individual identities of species previously hypothesized to be involved in the ‘dual‐invasion’ scenario may have been incorrect, this mechanism for faunal exchange between the archipelago and adjacent mainland undoubtedly has contributed substantially to the accumulation of endemic vertebrate diversity in the Philippines.
Punishment insensitivity and impaired reinforcement learning in preschoolers
Authors: Briggs‐Gowan Margaret J. , Nichols Sara R. , Voss Joel , Zobel Elvira , Carter Alice S. , McCarthy Kimberly J. , Pine Daniel S. , Blair James , Wakschlag Lauren S.
Published: August 2013

Background

Youth and adults with psychopathic traits display disrupted reinforcement learning. Advances in measurement now enable examination of this association in preschoolers. The current study examines relations between reinforcement learning in preschoolers and parent ratings of reduced responsiveness to socialization, conceptualized as a developmental vulnerability to psychopathic traits.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐seven preschoolers (mean age 4.7 ± 0.8 years) participated in a substudy that was embedded within a larger project. Children completed the ‘Stars‐in‐Jars’ task, which involved learning to select rewarded jars and avoid punished jars. Maternal report of responsiveness to socialization was assessed with the Punishment Insensitivity and Low Concern for Others scales of the Multidimensional Assessment of Preschool Disruptive Behavior (MAP‐DB).

Results

Punishment Insensitivity, but not Low Concern for Others, was significantly associated with reinforcement learning in multivariate models that accounted for age and sex. Specifically, higher Punishment Insensitivity was associated with significantly lower overall performance and more errors on punished trials (‘passive avoidance’).

Conclusions

Impairments in reinforcement learning manifest in preschoolers who are high in maternal ratings of Punishment Insensitivity. If replicated, these findings may help to pinpoint the neurodevelopmental antecedents of psychopathic tendencies and suggest novel intervention targets beginning in early childhood.
Skin rash and arthritis a simplified appraisal of less common associations
Authors: Cozzi A. , Doria A. , Gisondi P. , Girolomoni G.
Published: August 2013

Skin and joint manifestations are part of the clinical spectrum of many disorders. Well‐known associations include psoriatic arthritis and arthritis associated with autoimmune connective tissue diseases. This review focuses on less common associations where skin lesions can provide easily accessible and valuable diagnostic clues, and directly lead to the specific diagnosis or limit the list of possibilities. This may also affect health care resources as diagnostic tests are often low‐specific, highly expensive and poorly available. This group of diseases can be divided into two subsets, based on the presence/absence of fever, and then further classified according to elementary skin lesions (macular, urticarial, maculo‐papular, vesico‐bullous, pustular, petechial and nodular). In most instances joint involvement occurs as peripheral migrating polyarthritis. Erythematosus macular or urticarial rashes occur in most febrile disorders such as monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes, Schnitzler's syndrome, Still's disease and rheumatic fever and afebrile diseases as urticarial vasculitis. Pustular rash may be observed in chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) and pyogenic arthritis with pyoderma gangrenosum and acne (PAPA) syndrome (both febrile) as well as in Behcet's disease and Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome (both non‐febrile). Papular lesions are typical of secondary syphilis, sarcoidosis, interstitial granulomatous dermatitis, papular petechial of cutaneous small‐vessel vasculitis and nodular lesions of polyarteritis nodosa and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis all of which are afebrile. Differential diagnosis includes infections and drug reactions which may mimic several of these conditions. To biopsy the right skin lesion at the right time it is essential to obtain relevant histological information.
Investigation of the association between psoriasis and human leucocyte antigens A by means of meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Y.E. , Hu L. , Ma J.X. , Xiao S.X. , Zhao Y.L.
Published: August 2013

Background

The association between psoriasis and human leucocyte antigen A (HLA‐A) does not reach a consensus.

Objectives

To clarify the association between psoriasis and HLA‐A.

Methods

Predefined selection criteria were applied to all relevant case–control studies (from 1972 to 2013) in two English databases.

Results

Twenty‐three eligible articles covering 12 227 participants were included, in which 28 alleles were reported associated with psoriasis. Our meta‐analysis results showed that nine alleles were susceptible, 12 were protective and seven were unassociated. Subgroup analyses were conducted in terms of race, clinical type and onset age. For unspecific psoriasis, only one strongly susceptible allele was found in Caucasian and three were in Asian; three strongly protective alleles were reported in Caucasian and only one was found in Asian. There was no common allele to both races. For psoriasis vulgaris, there was no strongly susceptible allele in Caucasian but two in Asian; two strongly protective alleles were found in Caucasian and another two were in Asian. For psoriatic arthritis, two strongly susceptible alleles and one strongly protective allele were reported in Caucasian cases. For psoriasis guttate, only one strongly protective allele was found in Caucasian. In terms of onset age, A*01, A*02, A*03, A*26 and A*30 alleles were more susceptible to type I psoriasis than to type II, and it showed a stronger association in those with family history.

Conclusions

Psoriasis is associated with a number of HLA‐A alleles, some are susceptible, some are protective. The association of some alleles is different in terms of different races, clinical types and onset age.
Predation‐associated divergence of male genital morphology in a livebearing fish
Authors: Heinen‐Kay J. L. , Langerhans R. B.
Published: August 2013

Male genital morphology is remarkably diverse across internally fertilizing animals, a phenomenon largely attributed to sexual selection. Ecological differences across environments can alter the context of sexual selection, yet little research has addressed how this may influence the rapid, divergent evolution of male genitalia. Using the model system of Bahamas mosquitofish (Gambusia hubbsi) undergoing ecological speciation across blue holes, we used geometric morphometric methods to test (i) whether male genital shape (the small, approximately 1 mm long, distal tip of the sperm‐transfer organ, the gonopodium) has diverged between populations with and without predatory fish and (ii) whether any observed divergence has a genetic basis. We additionally examined the effects of genetic relatedness and employed model selection to investigate other environmental factors (i.e. interspecific competition, adult sex ratio and resource availability) that could potentially influence genital shape via changes in sexual selection. Predation regime comprised the most important factor associated with male genital divergence in this system, although sex ratio and some aspects of resource availability had suggestive effects. We found consistent, heritable differences in male genital morphology between predation regimes: Bahamas mosquitofish coexisting with predatory fish possessed more elongate genital tips with reduced soft tissue compared with counterparts inhabiting blue holes without predatory fish. We suggest this may reflect selection for greater efficiency of sperm transfer and fertilization during rapid and often forced copulations in high‐predation populations or differences in sexual conflict between predation regimes. Our study highlights the potential importance of ecological variation, particularly predation risk, in indirectly generating genital diversity.
Refining Identity Theory to Better Account for Relationships and Context: Applications to Fathering
Authors: Adamsons Kari , Pasley Kay
Published: August 2013

Identity theory explains behaviors as socially constructed phenomena that result from the expectations we hold and the feedback we receive about how to fulfill the statuses we occupy. However, identity theory inadequately addresses the myriad contexts that influence identity and behavior, a weakness particularly relevant to fathering research. Here, we suggest ways of refining identity theory to better account for context—specifically, interpersonal and environmental contexts. We discuss conceptual and methodological issues created by current deficits in identity theory and propose 2 new constructs (unsupportive commitment and contextual commitment). We apply our theoretical refinements to fathering by drawing examples from the empirical literature. Finally, we suggest additional areas of inquiry that would benefit from the proposed refinements to identity theory.
A Stress Model for Couples Parenting Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Introduction of a Mindfulness Intervention
Authors: Bluth Karen , Roberson Patricia N. E. , Billen Rhett M. , Sams Juli M.
Published: August 2013

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at an increased risk for acute and chronic stress compared to parents of children with other developmental disabilities and parents of children without disabilities. It is plausible that the stressors of having a child with ASD affect the couple relationship; however, few researchers have focused on this dynamic within these families. In this article, we seek to develop a model for how stress operates in families with children with ASD. In developing this new stress model, we describe the characteristics of ASD, discuss stressors that are pronounced in families of children with ASD as supported by the literature, and highlight the limitations of Perry's (2004) model in application to this population. Our expanded stress model includes the addition of parenting couple resources and parenting couple outcomes. Finally, we demonstrate how to apply the model using a mindfulness intervention to promote positive outcomes and strengthen the couple relationship.
Increased whole blood viscosity associated with arterial stiffness in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yu Kai‐jiang , Zhang Mei‐jie , Li Ying , Wang Rui‐tao
Published: August 2013

Background and Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for increased cardiovascular disease. The brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a marker for early atherosclerotic changes. Recently, the effect of changed blood rheology on atherosclerosis has received attention. A study confirmed that whole blood viscosity (WBV) is a predictor of cardiovascular events. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of WBV with baPWV in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, the relationship between WBV and baPWV was investigated in 2032 participants (1035 men and 997 women) with NAFLD in a general health examination.

Results

Different metabolic parameters were compared across WBV (3/s) quartiles. The mean values of baPWV gradually increased with WBV (3/s) quartiles. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that WBV (3/s) is a significant determinant for increased baPWV both in men and in women (for male, β = 0.229; P < 0.001; for female, β = 0.672; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings showed that baPWV elevated as WBV (3/s) increased in NAFLD. Moreover, WBV (3/s) is independently associated with baPWV even after adjusting other cardiovascular risk factors. Early detection of abnormal WBV levels at low shear rate should warrant for early search of undetected arterial stiffness in patients with NAFLD.
MODEL AVERAGING IN ECONOMICS: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Moral‐Benito Enrique
Published: August 2013

Standard practice in empirical research is based on two steps: first, researchers select a model from the space of all possible models; second, they proceed as if the selected model had generated the data. Therefore, uncertainty in the model selection step is typically ignored. Alternatively, model averaging accounts for this model uncertainty. In this paper, I review the literature on model averaging with special emphasis on its applications to economics. Finally, as an empirical illustration, I consider model averaging to examine the deterrent effect of capital punishment across states in the USA.
Does high educational level protect against intellectual decline in older adults?: A 10‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Nishita Yukiko , Tange Chikako , Tomida Makiko , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi
Published: August 2013

This study examined the relation between educational level and intellectual change in Japanese older adults. Participants (age = 65–79 years, n = 593) comprised the first‐wave participants of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences‐Longitudinal Study of Aging (NILS‐LSA). They were followed for 10 years and were tested six times. Educational levels were divided into two groups (low‐educated or high‐educated), and intellectual changes for the 10 years were assessed using the Japanese Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised Short Forms (JWAIS‐R‐SF); subtests included Information, Similarities, Picture Completion, and Digit Symbol. General linear mixed‐model analyses revealed that education had not affected 10‐year changes of the Information, Similarities, and Picture Completion subtest scores. In contrast, education was significantly associated with a change in the Digit Symbol subtest score; individuals with higher levels of education showed greater decline than those with less education, although they had higher ability at every time point. These findings suggest that higher education does not protect against intellectual decline in late life, although it is associated with long‐term individual differences in intelligence.
Body Imaging and Sexual Behavior in Lean Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Morotti Elena , Persico Nicola , Battaglia Bruno , Fabbri Raffaella , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Venturoli Stefano , Battaglia Cesare
Published: August 2013

Introduction

In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), changes in body appearance may influence the feminine identity of the patients with possible consequent depression and sexual dysfunction.

Aim

The study aims to examine the differences in mood, perceived body image, sexual behavior, and clitoral vascularization between lean PCOS patients and healthy eumenorrheic controls.

Methods

Thirty-three lean PCOS women (Group I) and 22 healthy nonhirsute volunteers (Group II) were submitted, on day 3–5 of the cycle, to ultrasonographic (US) and Doppler analyses, to clinical, hormonal, and biochemical evaluations, and to psychometric tests.

Main Outcomes Measures

Main outcome measures are Ferriman–Gallwey score (FG), clitoral volume, clitoral artery Pulsatility Index, the two-factor Italian McCoy female questionnaire (MFSQ), the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire.

Results

The FG score and the androgens resulted, as expected, more elevated in PCOS patients than in controls. However, the US assessment of the clitoral body volume and the resistances registered at the level of the dorsal clitoral artery did not show any difference between Group I and Group II patients. Moreover, the two-factor Italian MFSQ, the FRS, and the BDI were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

It seems that in lean PCOS women, the moderate hirsutism and hyperandrogenism do not have any important influence on body image and self-esteem and, as a consequence, on sexual function.
Urethral Diverticulum in Young Nulliparous with Unusual Presentation
Authors: LU Buo‐Jia , PUE Leng Boi , WU Pei‐Ying , LO Tsia‐Shu
Published: August 2013

Case

We highlight a case of chronic skenitis leading to the formation of Urethral diverticulum. A young nulliparous woman presented with dysuria, intermittent hematuria and a 3 cm cystic swelling adjacent to the left distal urethra. Aspiration of the cyst was done initially. Excisional biopsy was followed when it recurred. Urethral diverticulum was revealed when the excisional operation traced up to left distal urethral wall. The cystic swelling urethral diverticulum was completely enucleated.

Outcome

The pathology report showed fibrous tissue with cystic spaces lined by squamous epithelium with inflammation, which was consistent with a urethral diverticulum.

Conclusion

The presenting symptoms and signs of female urethral diverticulum are often diverse and easily overlooked, we have to keep in mind that cases with unusual age, location and presentation can also exist.
Long‐term stasis and short‐term divergence in the phenotypes of microsnails on oceanic islands
Authors: Wada Shinichiro , Kameda Yuichi , Chiba Satoshi
Published: August 2013

Phenotypic divergence is often unrelated to genotypic divergence. An extreme example is rapid phenotypic differentiation despite genetic similarity. Another extreme is morphological stasis despite substantial genetic divergence. These opposite patterns have been viewed as reflecting opposite properties of the lineages. In this study, phenotypic radiation accompanied by both rapid divergence and long‐term conservatism is documented in the inferred molecular phylogeny of the micro land snailsCavernacmella(Assimineidae) on theOgasawaraIslands. The populations ofCavernacmellaon theSekimon limestone outcrop ofHahajimaIsland showed marked divergence in shell morphology. Within this area, one lineage diversified into types with elongated turret shells, conical shells and flat disc‐like shells without substantial genetic differentiation. Additionally, a co‐occurring species with these types developed a much larger shell size. Moreover, a lineage adapted to live inside caves in this area. In contrast, populations in the other areas exhibited no morphological differences despite high genetic divergence among populations. Accordingly, the phenotypic evolution ofCavernacmellainOgasawara is characterized by a pattern of long‐term stasis and periodic bursts of change. This pattern suggests that even lineages with phenotypic conservatism could shift to an alternative state allowing rapid phenotypic divergence.
Shaping and Remodeling of the Fetoplacental Circulation: Aspects of Health and Disease
Authors: Haas Tara L.
Published: August 2013

Extensive vascular adaptations occur during pregnancy, and these result in the formation of a low‐resistance placental circulation that maintains high blood flow to the developing fetus. These adaptations encompass both functional and structural alterations, including altered vasoreactivity of resistance vessels, arterial remodeling and angiogenesis. This Special Topics issue presents a collection of expert reviews that summarize the current state of knowledge on the regulation of the structural and functional changes that occur within the fetoplacental circulation, as well as introduce emerging research questions and tools. Emphasis is placed on defining the mechanisms that underlie these physiological adaptations, as a foundation for applying this knowledge to the development of improved early detection markers and treatments for pathological conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and fetal growth restriction.
Regulation of Placental Angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Dong‐bao , Zheng Jing
Published: August 2013

Ample interest has been evoked in using placental angiogenesis as a target for the development of diagnosis tools and potential therapeutics for pregnancy complications based on the knowledge of placental angiogenesis in normal and aberrant pregnancies. Although these goals are still far from reach, one would expect that two complementary processes should be balanced for therapeutic angiogenesis to be successful in restoring a mature and functional vascular network in the placenta in any pregnancy complication: (i) pro‐angiogenic stimulation of new vessel growth and (ii) anti‐angiogenic inhibition of vessel overgrowth. As the best model of physiological angiogenesis, investigations of placental angiogenesis provide critical insights not only for better understanding of normal placental endothelial biology but also for the development of diagnosis tools for pregnancy complications. Such investigations will potentially identify novel pro‐angiogenic factors for therapeutic intervention for tissue damage in various obstetric complications or heart failure or anti‐angiogenic factors to target on cancer or vision loss in which circulation needs to be constrained. This review summarizes the genetic and molecular aspects of normal placental angiogenesis as well as the signaling mechanisms by which the dominant angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor regulates placental angiogenesis with a focus on placental endothelial cells.
Regulated DNA rearrangement during sporulation in Bacillus weihenstephanensis KBAB4
Authors: Abe Kimihiro , Yoshinari Akira , Aoyagi Takahiro , Hirota Yasunori , Iwamoto Keito , Sato Tsutomu
Published: August 2013

Temperate phages can integrate their genomes into a specific region of a host chromosome to produce lysogens (prophage). During genome insertion, prophages may interrupt the gene coding sequence. In Bacillus subtilis, the sigma factor gene sigK is interrupted by a 48 kb prophage‐like element. sigK is a composite coding sequence from two partial genes during sporulation. For over two decades, however, no further examples of DNA element‐mediated gene reconstitution other than sigK have been identified in spore formers. Here we report that the gene for dipicolinic acid (DPA) synthetase β subunit spoVFB in B. weihenstephanensis KBAB4 is interrupted by a prophage‐like element named vfbin. DPA is synthesized in the mother cell and required for maintaining spore dormancy. We found that spoVFB was a composite coding sequence generated in the mother cell via chromosomal rearrangement that excised vfbin. Furthermore, vfbin caused excision after phage‐inducer treatment, but vfbin appeared to be defective as a prophage. We also found various spore‐forming bacteria in which sporulation‐related genes were disrupted by prophage‐like DNA elements. These results demonstrate the first example of a similar mechanism that affects a sporulation gene other than sigK and suggest that this prophage‐mediated DNA rearrangement is a common phenomenon in spore‐forming bacteria.
Nucleocapsid of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus forms mobile particles that traffic on an actin/endoplasmic reticulum network driven by myosin XI‐K
Authors: Feng Zhike , Chen Xiaojiao , Bao Yiqun , Dong Jiahong , Zhang Zhongkai , Tao Xiaorong
Published: August 2013

A number of viral proteins from plant viruses, other than movement proteins, have been shown to traffic intracellularly along actin filaments and to be involved in viral infection. However, there has been no report that a viral capsid protein may traffic within a cell by utilizing the actin/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network.

We used Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) as a model virus to study the cell biological properties of a nucleocapsid (N) protein.

We found that TSWV N protein was capable of forming highly motile cytoplasmic inclusions that moved along the ER and actin network. The disruption of actin filaments by latrunculin B, an actin‐depolymerizing agent, almost stopped the intracellular movement of N inclusions, whereas treatment with a microtubule‐depolymerizing reagent, oryzalin, did not. The over‐expression of a myosin XI‐K tail, functioning in a dominant‐negative manner, completely halted the movement of N inclusions. Latrunculin B treatment strongly inhibited the formation of TSWV local lesions in Nicotiana tabacum cv Samsun NN and delayed systemic infection in N. benthamiana.

Collectively, our findings provide the first evidence that the capsid protein of a plant virus has the novel property of intracellular trafficking. The findings add capsid protein as a new class of viral protein that traffics on the actin/ER system.
Visual fatigue effects on vergence dynamics in asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Thiagarajan Preethi , Ciuffreda Kenneth J
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To evaluate objectively changes in vergence dynamics following intentional visual fatiguing tasks using congruent (C) and non‐congruent (NC) vergence stimulus demands.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐task vergence dynamics to a 10.3° disparity stimulus were recorded objectively in 12 adult, asymptomatic individuals for both convergence and divergence. There were two fatigue‐inducing tasks: Congruent or C‐task: Subjects altered bifixation (50 cycles) between reduced Snellen charts at 2 m and at 20 cm every 3 s. Non‐congruent orNCtask: Subjects performed 50 cycles of vergence flipper (7ΔBO/BI), while bifixating a reducedSnellen chart at 40 cm. Pre‐ and post‐task mean amplitude, time constant, peak velocity, and steady‐state response variability were compared.

Results

There was a significant increase in mean post‐task, steady‐state response variability for both the C andNCtasks. However, there were no significant group differences for either convergence or divergence between the pre‐ and post‐mean amplitude, time constant, and peak velocity parameters for both the C andNCtasks, although post‐task peak velocity was consistently reduced.

Conclusions

Steady‐state vergence response variability was found to be the critical objective parameter to demonstrate significant fatigue effects in the group. Peak velocity was also consistently reduced to a small extent in theNCtask. We speculate that these fatigue effects are of a central, and not of peripheral, origin.