bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem vs. community recovery 25 years after grass invasions and fire in a subtropical woodland
Authors: D'Antonio Carla M. , Yelenik Stephanie G. , Mack Michelle C.
Published: October 2017

Despite a large body of research documenting invasive plant impacts, few studies have followed individual invaded sites over decades to observe how they change, and none have contrasted how compositional impacts from invasion compare to ecosystem‐process impacts over a multi‐decadal time‐scale.

Using direct measurements of plant density and composition and of ecosystems processes, we evaluate how ecosystem structure, above‐ground net primary production (ANPP), and above‐ground and soil nutrient pools compare over 25 years since fire and C4 grass invasions disrupted seasonally dry Hawaiian woodlands. We compare structure and function between primary woodland that has never burned and is largely native species‐dominated, with sites that had been the same woodland type but burned in alien‐grass‐fuelled fires in the 1970s and 1980s. The sites have not experienced fires since 1987.

We report here that woody plant composition and structure continue to be dramatically changed by the initial invasions and fires that occurred 25 years ago and invaders continue to dominate in burned sites. This is reflected in continued low plant carbon pools in burned compared to unburned sites. Yet ANPP and N storage, which were dramatically lower in the initial decade after invasive‐grass fuelled fires, have increased and are now indistinguishable from values measured in intact woodlands. Soil carbon pools were resilient to both invasion and fire initially and over time.

Above‐ground net primary production has recovered because of invasion of burned sites by a non‐native N‐fixing tree rather than because of recovery of native species. This invasive N‐fixing tree is unlikely to return C storage of the invaded sites to those of unburned woodland because of its tissue and growth characteristics and its interactions with invasive grasses. It does not facilitate native species but rather promotes a persistent invasive grass/N‐fixer savanna.

Synthesis. We conclude that fire, an unusual disturbance in this system, has perpetuated the dominance of these sites by invasive species and that despite the dramatic recovery of above‐ground net primary production and N pools, the ecosystem continues to be in a distinctly different state than the pre‐fire, pre‐Melinis community. Thus, despite the absence of further disturbance (fire), there is no evidence that succession towards the original ecosystem is occurring. The fact that N pools and above‐ground net primary production recover because of a new invader (Morella faya), highlights the unpredictability of ecosystem trajectories in the face of altered regional species pools.
Alternative pathways to landscape transformation: invasive grasses, burn severity and fire frequency in arid ecosystems
Authors: Klinger Rob , Brooks Matt
Published: October 2017

Arid ecosystems are often vulnerable to transformation to invasive‐dominated states following fire, but data on persistence of these states are sparse. The grass/fire cycle is a feedback process between invasive annual grasses and fire frequency that often leads to the formation of alternative vegetation states dominated by the invasive grasses. However, other components of fire regimes, such as burn severity, also have the potential to produce long‐term vegetation transformations. Our goal was to evaluate the influence of both fire frequency and burn severity on the transformation of woody‐dominated communities to communities dominated by invasive grasses in major elevation zones of the Mojave Desert of western North America.

We used a chronosequence design to collect data on herbaceous and woody cover at 229 unburned reference plots and 578 plots that burned between 1972 and 2010. We stratified the plots by elevation zone (low, mid, high), fire frequency (1–3 times) and years post‐fire (YPF; 1–5, 6–10, 11–20 and 21–40 YPF). Burn severity for each plot was estimated by the difference normalized burn ratio.

We identified two broad post‐fire successional pathways. One was an outcome of fire frequency, resulting in a strong potential transformation via the grass/fire cycle. The second pathway was driven by burn severity, the critical aspect being that long‐term transformation of a community could occur from just one fire in areas that burned at high or sometimes moderate severity. Dominance by invasive grasses was most likely to occur in low‐and high‐elevation communities; cover of native herbaceous species was often greater than that of invasive grasses in the mid‐elevation zone.

Synthesis. Invasive grasses can dominate a site that burned only one time in many decades at high severity, or a site that burned at low severity but multiple times in the same time period. However, high burn severity may predispose areas to more frequent fire because they have relatively high cover of invasive annual grass, suggesting burn severity and fire frequency have both independent and synergistic effects. Resilience in vegetation structure following fire in many arid communities may be limited to a narrow window of low burn severity in areas that have not burned in many decades.
Long‐term dynamics and impacts of plant invasions
Authors: D'Antonio Carla , Flory S. Luke
Published: October 2017

Hundreds of studies have evaluated the dynamics of plant invasions and their impacts on native plant communities and ecosystem functions, but most are limited in duration to only one or a few years. As such, we have a poor understanding of how invader dynamics and impacts change over time.

This special feature presents six studies that use literature reviews, field studies and experiments to examine long‐term patterns in invader effects on species, communities and ecosystems. All studies in the special feature focus on data collected over multiple years and two studies provide data that cover multiple decades.

One study provides a review and framework for understanding how invaders impact plant–mycorrhiza mutualisms and two studies focus on long‐term ecosystem changes in response to invasion and fire. The next two studies examine how invaders respond to successional change and climate conditions over time, and the final study shows that invaders can shift selection regimes and the evolutionary trajectory of native plant populations.

Synthesis. Articles in this special feature demonstrate changes in the dynamics of invasive plant populations and their community and ecosystem impacts over time. Together they illustrate that findings from a snapshot in time may poorly describe years‐long outcomes of invasions, and they highlight the need for long‐term studies of biological invasions.
Far‐red light promotes biofilm formation in the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina
Authors: Hernández‐Prieto Miguel A. , Li Yaqiong , Postier Bradley L. , Blankenship Robert E. , Chen Min
Published: October 2017

Light quantity and quality promotes ecological‐niche differentiation of photosynthetic organisms. The existence of cyanobacteria capable of performing photosynthesis using red‐shifted chlorophylls, chlorophyll d and f, reduces competition between species in light‐limiting environments, and permits them to thrive in niches enriched in far‐red light. We examined global transcriptome changes due to changing the culture light conditions in Acaryochloris marina, a chlorophyll d‐containing cyanobacterium. We identified the functional category of ‘photosynthesis’ as the most down‐regulated and the category of ‘cell wall/membrane biogenesis’ as the most up‐regulated through a functional enrichment analysis of genes differentially expressed. Within the category of ‘cell wall/membrane biogenesis’, genes encoding glycosysltransferases accumulated the most in response to far‐red light. Further experimental results confirmed that cells grown under far‐red light form biofilms with a significantly increased adherence compared to cells grown under white light. Taken together, these results indicate that Acaryochloris marina shifts its lifestyle from a planktonic state under white light to an immobilized state under far‐red light.
Partner smoking influences whether mothers quit smoking during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Román‐Gálvez RM , Amezcua‐Prieto C , Olmedo‐Requena R , Lewis‐Mikhael Saad AM , Martínez‐Galiano JM , Bueno‐Cavanillas A
Published: October 2017

Objective

To analyse the prevalence and intensity of smoking among pregnant women and their partners, and factors associated with quitting smoking among pregnant women.

Design

A prospective cohort study, starting in 2013.

Setting

Andalusia, the south of Spain.

Sample

A cohort of 486 healthy pregnant women followed‐up on three occasions during pregnancy.

Methods

Estimation of the proportions of women and partners who quit smoking at each trimester.

Main outcome measures

To determine factors associated in a multivariable model, considering sociodemographic, obstetric, anthropometric, lifestyle variables, and the smoking habits of their partners.

Results

A high proportion of women quit smoking during pregnancy (61.08%; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 53.61–68.55%). The smoking rate amongst mothers decreased from 36.06% (n = 167) before pregnancy to 14.08% (n = 65), 12.39% (n = 54), and 11.92% (n = 51) during the three pregnancy trimesters (P < 0.001), and consumption decreased from 8.71 cigarettes/day in the first trimester to 5.51 cigarettes/day in the second trimester (P < 0.001) and 5.96 cigarettes/day in third trimester (P = 0.0002 first versus third trimester). There was only a minimal decrease in the frequency of smoking among the partners, however: 38.44% (n = 178) before pregnancy, and 36.07% (n = 167), 32.72% (n = 143), and 31.85% (n = 136) during the three trimesters of pregnancy. The consumption of cigarettes did not decrease among partners: 11.75, 11.67, and 12.09 cigarettes/day (P = 0.4299 first versus second trimester; P = 0.654 first versus third trimester). Women whose partner smoked were less likely to quit (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.26; 95% CI 0.12–0.55).

Conclusions

About one in ten pregnant women smoked and one in four was a passive smoker. Strategies to reduce tobacco exposure in pregnancy should include a focus on partner smoking.

Tweetable abstract

Pregnant women quit smoking cigarettes in pregnancy. What about their partners?
Comparing Serial, and Choice Task Stated and Inferred Attribute Non‐Attendance Methods in Food Choice Experiments
Authors: Caputo Vincenzina , Van Loo Ellen J. , Scarpa Riccardo , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Verbeke Wim
Published: October 2017

A number of choice experiment (CE) studies have shown that survey respondents employ heuristics such as attribute non‐attendance (ANA) while evaluating food products. This paper addresses a set of related methodological questions using empirical consumer data from a CE on poultry meat with sustainability labels. First, it assesses whether there are differences in terms of marginal willingness to pay estimates between the two most common ways of collecting stated ANA (serial and choice task level). Second, it validates the self‐reported ANA behaviour across both approaches. Third, it explores the concordance of stated methods with that of the inferred method. Results show that WTP estimates from serial‐level data differ from those from choice task‐level data. Also, self‐reported measures on choice task ANA are found to be more congruent with model estimates than those for serial ANA, as well as with inferred ANA.
European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2017
Authors: Carracher Ann M. , Marathe Payal H. , Close Kelly L.
Published: October 2017

Ann M. Carracher, Payal H. Marathe, and Kelly L. Close are of Close Concerns (http://www.closeconcerns.com), a healthcare information company focused exclusively on diabetes and obesity care. Close Concerns publishes Closer Look, a periodical that brings together news and insights in these areas. Each month, the Journal of Diabetes includes this News feature, in which Carracher, Marathe, and Close review the latest developments relevant to researchers and clinicians.
Distribution and diversity of begomoviruses in tomato and sweet pepper plants in Costa Rica
Authors: Barboza N. , Blanco‐Meneses M. , Esker P. , Moriones E. , Inoue‐Nagata A.K.
Published: October 2017

Begomoviruses (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) have emerged as important plant pathogens in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Although these viruses were reported during the 1970s in Costa Rica, they are still poorly known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyse the diversity and distribution of begomoviruses in commercial tomato and sweet pepper fields from different agricultural production systems of the major growing regions of Costa Rica. A total of 651 plants were randomly sampled from greenhouses and open field crops during 2011 and 2012 in three different geographical locations. The bipartite begomoviruses Tomato yellow mottle virus, Tomato leaf curl Sinaloa virus and Pepper golden mosaic virus, and the monopartite begomovirus Tomato yellow leaf curl virus were detected in the collected samples. The complete genome of isolates from each species was cloned and sequenced. The frequency of detection of these four begomoviruses in the analysed samples ranged from 0 to 9%, the presence, and the prevalent virus varied largely according to the geographical location, the host (tomato and pepper), and the production system (greenhouses or open fields). An association between geographical region and begomovirus species was observed suggesting that in Costa Rica the heterogeneity on climate, topography and agricultural system might influence the distribution of begomovirus species in the country. A broader survey needs to be conducted to confirm it, although these preliminary results may contribute to the management of begomoviruses in Costa Rica.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Prevalence and impact on the wellbeing of Australian women aged 16–29 years
Authors: Varanasi L. Chitra , Subasinghe Asvini , Jayasinghe Yasmin L. , Callegari Emma T. , Garland Suzanne M. , Gorelik Alexandra , Wark John D.
Published: October 2017

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common condition among reproductive‐aged women. However, its exact prevalence is unknown.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of PCOS in Australian women aged 16–29 years using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria compared to self‐reported PCOS, to compare co‐morbidities between the groups and to determine the most distressing aspect of a diagnosis of PCOS for these young women.

Materials and Methods

Participants were recruited from the Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI) and Safe‐D studies. Participants completed questionnaires, physical examinations and blood tests from 2012 to 2016. In March 2016, two supplementary questionnaires were distributed: the first, comprising questions on reproductive health and impact of diagnosis, was sent to participants who self‐reported having PCOS in the original studies. The second, comprising general reproductive health questions, was sent to the remainder.

Results

The prevalence of PCOS, according to the NIH criteria, was 12% (31/254), while the prevalence of self‐reported PCOS was 8% (23/300). Only 35% (8/23) of those with self‐reported PCOS actually fulfilled the NIH criteria for PCOS. Comorbidities were relatively similar among groups. Finally, approximately 65% (15/23) were unhappy or worried about their initial PCOS diagnosis, with 72% (13/18) stating fertility concerns were the most distressing aspect of their diagnosis.

Conclusions

The lack of consistent and accurate diagnosis of PCOS in young women potentially leads to over‐diagnosis. This creates unnecessary fears of health complications, particularly infertility. Therefore, we recommend the development of standardised criteria with set parameters that allow for better diagnosis of PCOS.
The longitudinal impact of probiotic and peanut oral immunotherapy on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Dunn Galvin A. , McMahon S. , Ponsonby A.‐L. , Hsiao K.‐C. , Tang M. L. K. ,   the PPOIT study team
Published: October 2017

Background

We previously reported that probiotic and peanut oral immunotherapy (PPOIT) was effective at inducing sustained unresponsiveness compared with placebo in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized trial. This study evaluated the impact of PPOIT on health‐related quality of life (HRQL).

Method

Fifty‐one participants (PPOIT 24; placebo 27) from the PPOIT trial completed Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ‐PF) and Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) at pre‐treatment, end‐of‐treatment and 3 months after end‐of‐treatment. A total of 42 participants (20 PPOIT; 22 placebo) completed measures at 12 months post‐treatment. Changes over time in PPOIT and placebo groups were examined by repeated‐measures analysis of variance and paired t tests.

Results

Probiotic and peanut oral immunotherapy was associated with significant improvement in FAQLQ‐PF (F = 3.63, P = .02), with mean difference 0.8 at 3 months post‐treatment (P = .05) and 1.3 at 12 months post‐treatment (P = .005), exceeding the 0.5 minimal clinically important difference for FAQLQ‐PF. For FAIM, mean difference was 0.5 (P = .03) at 3 months and 0.4 (P = .04) at 12 months post‐treatment. In placebo group, post‐treatment FAQLQ and FAIM remained unchanged from pretreatment. Improvement in FAQLQ‐PF and FAIM scores related specifically to acquisition of sustained unresponsiveness rather than to receiving PPOIT treatment or participation in the trial.

Conclusions

Probiotic and peanut oral immunotherapy has a sustained beneficial effect on psychosocial impact of food allergy at 3 and 12 months after end‐of‐treatment. Treatment was not associated with reduced HRQL relative to baseline in either PPOIT or placebo groups, indicating that PPOIT was well tolerated and psychological well‐being was not negatively impacted. Improved HRQL was specifically associated with acquisition of sustained unresponsiveness.
Different functional genes of upper airway microbiome associated with natural course of childhood asthma
Authors: Kim B.‐S. , Lee E. , Lee M.‐J. , Kang M.‐J. , Yoon J. , Cho H.‐J. , Park J. , Won S. , Lee S. Y. , Hong S. J.
Published: October 2017

Background

Microbial colonization of the airway plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma; however, the effect of the upper airway microbiome on childhood asthma is not fully understood. We analyzed the metagenome of airway microbiome to understand the associated role of upper airway microbiome with the natural course of childhood asthma.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children with asthma, those in asthma remission, and control groups. High‐throughput sequencing was used to examine the structure and functional dynamics of the airway microbiome with respect to asthma phenotypes.

Results

The composition of microbiota differed among healthy control, asthma, and remission groups. The relative abundance of Streptococcus was negatively associated with FEV1% predicted (P = .023) and that of Staphylococcus was negatively associated with methacholine PC20 (P = .013). Genes related to arachidonic acid metabolites, lysine residues, and glycosaminoglycans in the microbiome could be associated with airway inflammation. In particular, genes related to synthesis of anti‐inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were not detected from the airway microbiome in the asthma group.

Conclusions

These data suggest that alterations in the composition and function of the upper airway microbiome could be related with the natural course of asthma in children.
Food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome by fish: Not necessarily a restricted diet
Authors: Infante S. , Marco‐Martín G. , Sánchez‐Domínguez M. , Rodríguez‐Fernández A. , Fuentes‐Aparicio V. , Alvarez‐Perea A. , Cabrera‐Freitag P. , Morales‐Cabeza C. , Zubeldia J. M. , Zapatero L.
Published: October 2017

Food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non‐IgE‐mediated gastrointestinal food hypersensitivity usually due to cow′s milk or soy. Recent researches show that fish is 1 of the most important triggers of FPIES in the Mediterranean countries. Due to the risk of multiple‐food FPIES, avoiding foods in the same category or that often occur together may be reasonable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution and follow‐up of FPIES related to fish over a period of 20 years. We describe the clinical features of our population, discuss different approaches to oral food challenges, and analyze the possibility of introducing the culprit fish or other nonrelated fish to avoid unnecessary restricted diets.
Editorial: hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease progression – HCV cure and the elimination of the “ethnic slope”
Authors: Tau J. A. , Pappas S. C.
Published: October 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Le et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14326 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14241.
Letter: addition of methotrexate neither restores clinical response nor improves the pharmacokinetic profile of vedolizumab‐treated patients
Authors: Gouynou C. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L.
Published: October 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Strik et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13994.
Editorial: risk stratification for endoscopic surveillance of metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection
Authors: Fock K. M. , Ang T. L.
Published: October 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kwon and Jeon, and Kwon et al papers. To view these article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14363 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14263
Editorial: hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease progression – HCV cure and the elimination of the “ethnic slope”. Authors’ reply
Authors: Le A. K. , Garcia G. , Nguyen M. H.
Published: October 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Tau and Papas, and Le et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14283 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14241.
Letter: low‐FODMAP diet for exercise‐induced gastrointestinal syndrome
Authors: Uno Y.
Published: October 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Costa et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14157 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14358.
The taxonomic composition of the donor intestinal microbiota is a major factor influencing the efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation in therapy refractory ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kump P. , Wurm P. , Gröchenig H. P. , Wenzl H. , Petritsch W. , Halwachs B. , Wagner M. , Stadlbauer V. , Eherer A. , Hoffmann K. M. , Deutschmann A. , Reicht G. , Reiter L. , Slawitsch P. , Gorkiewicz G. , Högenauer C.
Published: October 2017

Background

Faecal microbiota transplantation is an experimental approach for the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis. Although there is growing evidence that faecal microbiota transplantation is effective in this disease, factors affecting its response are unknown.

Aims

To establish a faecal microbiota transplantation treatment protocol in ulcerative colitis patients, and to investigate which patient or donor factors are responsible for the treatment success.

Methods

This is an open controlled trial of repeated faecal microbiota transplantation after antibiotic pre‐treatment (FMT‐group, n = 17) vs antibiotic pre‐treatment only (AB‐group, n = 10) in 27 therapy refractory ulcerative colitis patients over 90 days. Faecal samples of donors and patients were analysed by 16SrRNA gene‐based microbiota analysis.

Results

In the FMT‐group, 10/17 (59%) of patients showed a response and 4/17 (24%) a remission to faecal microbiota transplantation. Response to faecal microbiota transplantation was mainly influenced by the taxonomic composition of the donor's microbiota. Stool of donors with a high bacterial richness (observed species remission 946 ± 93 vs no response 797 ± 181 at 15367 rps) and a high relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (3.3 ± 3.1% vs 0.1 ± 0.2%), unclassified Ruminococcaceae (13.8 ± 5.0% vs 7.5 ± 3.7%), and Ruminococcus spp. (4.9 ± 3.5% vs 1.0 ± 0.7%) were more likely to induce remission. In contrast antibiotic treatment alone (AB‐group) was poorly tolerated, probably because of a sustained decrease of intestinal microbial richness.

Conclusions

The taxonomic composition of the donor's intestinal microbiota is a major factor influencing the efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation in ulcerative colitis patients. The design of specific microbial preparation might lead to new treatments for ulcerative colitis.
New mothers’ feelings of disappointment and failure after cesarean delivery
Authors: Kjerulff Kristen H. , Brubaker Laura H.
Published: October 2017

Background

Childbirth is an important life event and how women feel in retrospect about their first childbirth may have long‐term effects on the mother, child, and family. In this study, we investigated the association between mode of delivery at first childbirth and birth experience, using a new scale developed specifically to measure women's affective response.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 3006 women who were interviewed during pregnancy and 1‐month postpartum. The First Baby Study Birth Experience Scale was used to measure the association between mode of delivery and women's postpartum feelings about their childbirth, taking into account relevant confounders, including maternal age, race, education, pregnancy intendedness, depression, social support, and maternal and newborn complications by way of linear and logistic regression models.

Results

Women who had unplanned cesarean delivery had the least positive feelings overall about their first childbirth, in comparison to those whose deliveries were spontaneous vaginal (P < .001), instrumental vaginal (P = .001), and planned cesarean (P < .001). In addition, those who delivered by unplanned cesarean were more likely to feel disappointed (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 6.21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.62‐8.35]) and like a failure (adjusted OR 5.09 [95% CI 3.65‐7.09]) in comparison to women who had spontaneous vaginal delivery; and less likely to feel extremely or quite a bit proud of themselves (adjusted OR 2.70 [95% CI 2.20‐3.30]).

Conclusions

Delivering by unplanned cesarean delivery adversely affects how women feel about their first childbirth in retrospect, and their self‐esteem.
Utility of reproductive life plans in identification of potentially teratogenic medication use: A pilot study
Authors: DiPietro Mager Natalie , Mills Caitlin , Snelling April
Published: October 2017

Background

Teratogenic medications increase risks of miscarriage, fetal death, and/or birth defects. It is important to identify whether women of childbearing potential are taking these medications and to minimize exposure to these agents through change in drug therapy before conception and/or use of effective contraception to prevent conception.

Objective

To determine the utility of reproductive life plans as tools to identify women using potentially teratogenic medications.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on reproductive life plans completed by women receiving services as part of the Toledo‐Lucas County Healthy Start program. The medication section of the reproductive life plan was reviewed to determine: if it was completed; categories of medications reported (prescription, over‐the‐counter, vitamin/herbal); potentially teratogenic medications listed; contraception use and method.

Results

Medication lists were completed for 437 of the 580 reproductive life plans reviewed (75%). Thirty‐five women (8%) reported use of a potentially teratogenic medication; most commonly reported agents included blood pressure medications and antidepressants. Only 10 women taking a potentially teratogenic medication (29%) reported using some form of contraception, half of which reported use of a less effective method such as condoms.

Conclusion

The reproductive life plan can be a useful tool to identify women of childbearing age who require intervention due to use of potentially teratogenic medications. Efforts are needed to ensure complete and accurate reporting of medication use in reproductive life plans, and to promote effective contraceptive use among women taking potentially teratogenic medications.
A chronology of environmental changes in the Lake Vättern basin from deglaciation to its final isolation
Authors: Swärd Henrik , O'Regan Matt , Björck Svante , Greenwood Sarah L. , Kylander Malin E. , Mörth Carl‐Magnus , Pearce Christof , Jakobsson Martin
Published: October 2017

During and after deglaciation, Lake Vättern developed from a proglacial lake situated at the westernmost rim of the Baltic Ice Lake (BIL), into a brackish water body connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, and finally into an isolated freshwater lake. Here we present geochemical and mineralogical data from a 70‐m composite sediment core recovered in southern Lake Vättern. Together with a radiocarbon age model of this core, we are able to delineate the character and timing of the different lake stages. In addition to a common mineralogical background signature seen throughout the sediment core, the proglacial sediments bear a calcite imprint representing ice‐sheet transported material from the limestone bedrock that borders the lake basin in the northeast. The proglacial fresh to brackish water transition is dated to 11 480±290 cal. a BP and is in close agreement with other regional chronologies. The brackish period lasted c. 300 years and was followed by a c. 1600 year freshwater period before the Vättern basin became isolated from the Initial Littorina Sea. Decreasing detrital input, increasing δ13C values and the appearance of diatoms in the upper 15 m of the sediment succession are interpreted as an overall increase in biological productivity. This mode of sedimentation continues until the present and is interpreted to mark the final isolation of the lake at 9530±50 cal. a BP. Consequently, the isolation of Lake Vättern was not an outcome of the Ancylus Lake regression, but rather because of ongoing continental uplift in the early Littorina period.
Design, synthesis, and cytotoxic evaluation of novel scopoletin derivatives
Authors: Shi Wei , Zhang Jinlu , Bao Na , Guan Fuqin , Chen Li , Sun Jianbo
Published: October 2017

A series of scopoletin derivatives were designed and synthesized by introducing α‐aminoacetamide, acrylamide and β‐aminopropamide, respectively, to 3‐position of scopoletin, and their chemical structures were confirmed by ESI‐MS, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectra. All target compounds were evaluated in vitro against four human cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐231, MCF‐7, HepG2, and A549) by MTT method. Cytotoxic assay showed that compounds 7a, 7b, 7e, 7f, 8a, and 8e exhibited more potent cytotoxicities compared to scopoletin. Besides, we have further evaluated the growth inhibitory activities of these selected compounds against normal tissue cell lines HFL‐1. Although compound 8a showed the strongest antiproliferative activity in vitro, it exhibited strong cytotoxicity on normal cells HFL‐1, which limited its further study. Compound 7a and 7b exhibited higher antiproliferative activity against MDA‐MB‐231 and HepG2 cells and weak cytotoxicity on HFL‐1, which suggested that 7a and 7b might be ideal anticancer candidates. The SARs showed that the introduction of the acrylamide and its analogues β‐aminopropamide could significantly improve activity, while the α‐aminoacetamide failed to enhance potency obviously. Therefore, the mechanism of compound 7a and 7b is worthy of further research and the structure of compound 8a should be further optimized.
Nonsteroidal estrogen receptor isoform‐selective biphenyls
Authors: Bhatnagar Seema , Soni Anjali , Kaushik Swati , Rikhi Megha , Santhoshkumar Thankayyan Retnabai , Jayaram Bhyravabhotla
Published: October 2017

Estrogen receptor (ER) has been a therapeutic target to treat ER‐positive breast cancer, most notably by agents known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). However, resistance and severe adverse effects of known drugs gave impetus to the search for newer agents with better therapeutic profile. ERα and ERβ are two isoforms sharing 56% identity and having different physiological functions and expressions in various tissues. Only two residues differ in the active sites of the two isoforms motivating us to design isoform‐selective ligands. Guided by computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations, we have designed, synthesized, and tested, substituted biphenyl‐2,6‐diethanones and their derivatives as potential agents targeting ERα. Four of the molecules synthesized exhibited preferential cytotoxicity in ERα+ cell line (MCF‐7) compared to ERβ+ cell line (MDA‐MB‐231). Molecular dynamics (MD) in combination with molecular mechanics‐generalized Born surface area (MM‐GBSA) methods could account for binding selectivity. Further cotreatment and E‐screen studies with known ER ligands—estradiol (E2) and tamoxifen (Tam)—indicated isoform‐selective anti‐estrogenicity in ERα+ cell line which might be ER‐mediated. ERα siRNA silencing experiments further confirmed the ER selective nature of ligands.
Infant Visual Attention and Stimulus Repetition Effects on Object Recognition
Authors: Reynolds Greg D. , Richards John E.
Published: October 2017

This study examined behavioral, heart rate (HR), and event‐related potential (ERP) correlates of attention and recognition memory for 4.5‐, 6‐, and 7.5‐month‐old infants (N = 45) during stimulus encoding. Attention was utilized as an independent variable using HR measures. The Nc ERP component associated with attention and the late slow wave (LSW) associated with recognition memory were analyzed. The 7.5‐month‐olds demonstrated a significant reduction in Nc amplitude with stimulus repetition. This reduction in Nc was not found for younger infants. Additionally, infants only demonstrated differential LSW amplitude based on stimulus type on attentive trials as defined by HR changes. These findings indicate that from 4.5 to 7.5 months, infants’ attentional engagement is influenced by an increasingly broader range of stimulus characteristics.
XEN‐45 collagen implant for the treatment of uveitic glaucoma
Authors: Sng Chelvin CA , Wang Jing , Hau Scott , Htoon Hla Myint , Barton Keith
Published: October 2017

Importance

The XEN‐45 implant, a hydrophilic collagen implant which drains aqueous to the subconjunctival space, has not been investigated in the context of uveitic glaucoma.

Background

To determine the safety and efficacy of the XEN‐45 collagen implant in eyes with uveitic glaucoma.

Design

Exploratory prospective case series.

Participants

patients with medically uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma.

Methods

Twenty‐four consecutive patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD] = 45.3 ± 18.1 years) were implanted with the XEN‐45 implant.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction at 12 months as compared to baseline. Secondary outcome measures included ocular hypotensive medication use at 12 months, the requirement for further glaucoma surgery and failure. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were documented.

Results

The baseline mean ± SD IOP was 30.5 ± 9.8 mmHg and the mean ± SD number of glaucoma medications required was 3.3 ± 0.8. In 20 eyes (83.3%) in whom conventional glaucoma surgery was originally perceived to be inevitable, further surgery was not required after XEN‐45 implantation. The mean IOP was reduced by 60.2% from baseline to 12.2 ± 3.1 mmHg and mean medication usage was reduced to 0.4 ± 0.9 at 12 months (both P < 0.001). One patient had hypotony persisting beyond 2 months that required surgical revision and one patient developed blebitis. The 12‐month cumulative Kaplan–Meier survival probability was 79.2%.

Conclusions and Relevance

The XEN‐45 implant is effective for the treatment of patients with medically uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma. Potentially sight‐threatening complications, including bleb‐related ocular infection and persistent hypotony, may occur.
Predicting chronic neglect: Understanding risk and protective factors for CPS‐involved families
Authors: Logan‐Greene Patricia , Semanchin Jones Annette
Published: October 2017

Child neglect continues to receive less attention in research literature compared to other forms of maltreatment, despite accumulating evidence of serious negative impacts on child well‐being. Chronic neglect is also poorly understood. Although such cases comprise a relatively small percentage of workers' caseloads, they represent accumulation of harm that impacts the cognitive and social development of children. These cases can also disproportionately utilize protective service resources. This study contributes to the literature by examining risk and protective factors of chronic neglect. We utilized administrative data (N = 2,074) from a midsize city in the Northeast to examine the use of existing risk assessment tools to distinguish families with and without chronic neglect, including an analysis of the predictive capacity of risk and protective factors. We found that families with chronic neglect were younger, had more children, were more likely to have children under age one, and had higher rates of domestic violence, mental health problems, and cognitive impairment. None of the assessed protective factors differed significantly. The overall predictive value of the assessment was low. Implications include the need to expand risk assessment tools to incorporate patterns over time and identify early indicators specific to chronic neglect.
Utility of genetics for risk stratification in pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mathew J. , Zahavich L. , Lafreniere‐Roula M. , Wilson J. , George K. , Benson L. , Bowdin S. , Mital S.
Published: October 2017

Children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) experience sudden cardiac death (SCD) and other life‐threatening events. We assessed if affected gene and variant burden predict outcomes. Patients <18 years old with primary HCM with a pathogenic variant or variant of uncertain significance in cardiomyopathy genes were included. Association of gene and variant number and type with freedom from major adverse cardiac events (MACE), that is, ICD insertion, myectomy, aborted SCD, transplantation or death, was assessed by Cox regression. A total of 98 of 155 gene‐tested patients carried a non‐benign variant. The primary affected gene was MYH7 in 35% (MYH7+) and MYBPC3 in 49% (MYBPC3+). MYH7+ patients had earlier disease onset and higher risk of MACE (hazard ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.3‐5.7). Risk of MACE was also higher in patients with multiple variants (n = 16) (HR 2.5, CI: 1.1‐5.9) compared to a propensity score‐matched single variant subset, after adjustment for primary gene, and in patients with de novo (n = 18) vs inherited variants (HR 5.7, CI: 2.6‐12.7). Affected gene (eg, MYH7), higher variant burden and de novo variant status are independently associated with earlier onset and higher frequency of adverse outcomes in pediatric HCM, highlighting the importance of genetic risk stratification in HCM.
Enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with health‐related quality of life in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Liang Yan , Deng Min , Chen Yang‐Kun , Mok Vincent , Wang De‐Feng , Ungvari Gabor S. , Chu Chiu‐Wing Winnie , Berge Eivind , Tang Wai‐Kwong
Published: October 2017

Aims

This study explored the association between enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

This was an observational study of consecutively screened patients with acute ischemic stroke from March 2010 to March 2015. EPVS were rated in the basal ganglia and the centrum semiovale with a validated scale. The HRQoL was assessed 3 months after the stroke onset using the Stroke‐Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL). Linear regression models were used to study the association between EPVS and HRQoL.

Results

The study included 648 patients (mean age 65.8 years; 40.0% women) with mild to moderately severe stroke (median NIHSS score 2), of whom 640 (98.8%) exhibited signs of small vessel disease. The median EPVS scores in the basal ganglia and the centrum semiovale were 1 each. In linear regression analysis, EPVS in the basal ganglia were associated with a lower total SSQoL score (P = 0.02) and lower mobility (P = 0.01), mood (P = 0.03), and self‐care (P < 0.01). EPVS in the centrum semiovale were associated only with a lower SSQoL work/productivity subscore (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

EPVS are associated with lower HRQoL in patients with mild to moderate acute ischemic stroke. Early identification and intervention of EPVS may improve HRQoL in stroke survivors.
Influence of backside loading on the floating mass transducer: An in vitro experimental study
Authors: Gostian A.‐O. , Otte M.S. , Pazen D. , Ortmann M. , Schwarz D. , Hüttenbrink K.B. , Beutner D.
Published: October 2017

Hypothesis

The vibration of the floating mass transducer (FMT) of a single active middle‐ear implant (AMEI) is distinctly influenced by the properties of the material coupled to its back side.

Background

In round window vibroplasty, the FMT needs to be padded against the surrounding bone opposite from the round window membrane. This represents one factor influencing its performance as a round window driver. Therefore, we examined the effects of different materials linked to the back side of an FMT on its vibration range.

Methods

The back side of an FMT was glued to a silicone cylinder 1.0 mm in diameter and 1.0 mm – 1.5 mm in length and of 40A, 50A or 70A Shore hardness; to cartilage of equivalent size; or to a round window soft coupler (RWSC), all firmly fixed on a steel plate. The vibrations were determined by a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) measuring the velocity of the centre point on the front side of the FMT.

Results

The materials on the back side of the FMT significantly influenced the vibration range of the FMT. The RWSC and silicone of 40A Shore hardness allowed for the highest detected velocities, while cartilage led to a distinct reduction similarly to 70A silicone.

Conclusion

The coupling on the back side of an FMT distinctly affects its vibration range. In this regard, the RWSC and silicone of 40A Shore hardness yield the least impairment of vibration. Thus, the RWSC may be a feasible option in round window vibroplasty when additionally connected to the FMT opposite from the round window membrane.
Views of diverse primary care patients on the roles of healthcare providers and staff and the influence of other variables in their weight management
Authors: Tucker C. M. , Williams J. L. , Wippold G. M. , Bilello L. A. , Morrissette T. A. , Good A. J. , Shah N. R. , Rowland N. E.
Published: October 2017

The prevalence of overweight/obesity is disproportionately higher among racial/ethnic minority and low‐income patients. The purpose of this study was to survey racially diverse, low‐income patients regarding their experiences with and desires regarding their providers’ involvement in weight management. Adult patients (N = 529), including mostly African American (42.7%), White (44.6%) and low‐income (55.5% with incomes <$30 000) patients from 7 Patient‐Centered Medical Homes voluntarily completed a brief anonymous survey while waiting to see their providers. Only 19.8% of the patients said that their primary care provider frequently or very frequently talked with them about their weight. Older patients as compared to younger patients, as well as males compared to females, were more likely to have their primary care provider talk to them about their diet and physical activity during the last year. It was also found that 56.9% of the patients were interested in getting help from their doctor to connect with resources for weight management in their community. African American patients, as compared to White patients, were more interested in getting such help. These results suggest that there is a need to establish healthcare policies and training in primary care settings that are designed to ensure that primary care providers routinely talk with all of their patients, including their female and older patients, about their weight and weight management services. Additionally, primary care administrators need to play an increased role in identifying, developing, and advocating for affordable weight management services, particularly in African American and low‐income communities.
Analysis of the clinical features of invasive bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Cao Yueqin , Shao Changzhou , Song Yuanlin
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Early diagnosis of invasive bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (IBPA) is difficult, so the mortality rate is high.

Objective

To discuss the clinical features of IBPA.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, imaging findings, laboratory test, diagnosis and treatment of 115 patients with IBPA diagnosed from October 2004 to June 2013 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University.

Results

The main clinical manifestations were cough in 58 patients (50.4%), expectoration in 37 patients (32.2%), fever in 18 patients (15.7%), shortness of breath in 26 patients (22.6%), hemoptysis in 26 patients (22.6%) and chest pain in 7 patients (6.0%). The main CT findings were nodules in 35 patients (30.4%), consolidation shadows or patchy shadows in 62 patients (53.9%) and cavity in 14 patients (12.2%). Percutaneous pulmonary biopsy was conducted in 25 patients (21.7%), TBLB in 58 patients (50.4%) and thoracoscopic surgery in 32 patients (27.8%). The positive rate of GM test was 73.5% (72/98). Thirty patients who received lobectomy were followed up for 1‐3 years. Fifty‐five patients who received monotherapy with antifungal agents were followed up for 1‐3 years, and 12 patients were healed. The lesions for 23 patients were obviously absorbed, 10 patients had aggravation and two patients died.

Conclusions

The clinical manifestations of IBPA were unspecific. The main symptoms were cough and expectorate. Patients with different immunologic function had different imaging findings. The halo sign and new moon sign for diagnosis was not as common as reported. Interventional therapy under bronchoscope is very important for patients with ATB.
Evaluation of adherence and tolerability of prolonged‐release tacrolimus (Advagraf™) in kidney transplant patients in Germany: A multicenter, noninterventional study
Authors: Lehner Lukas J. , Reinke Petra , Hörstrup Jan H. , Rath Thomas , Suwelack Barbara , Krämer Bernhard K. , Budde Klemens , Banas Bernhard
Published: October 2017

This study assessed adherence to prolonged‐release tacrolimus (PR‐T)‐based immunosuppression during routine maintenance of renal transplant recipients in Germany. Patients had received PR‐T for ≥1 month at inclusion. Data were collected during four visits (V): baseline (V1), 6 (V2), 12 (V3), and 18 (V4) months. Composite primary endpoint: nonadherence at V4, defined as self‐reported nonadherence on the Basel Assessment of Adherence with Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS©), investigator‐rated nonadherence, and/or V4 tacrolimus trough level outside a predefined range. Secondary endpoints: individual BAASIS items, incidence of rejection, kidney function, and safety. Overall, 153 adult kidney recipients (mean [standard deviation] time post‐transplant 5.8 [4.6] years) were included. Nonadherence was high at V4 (67.7% [95% confidence interval 58.9%, 75.6%]). Medication‐taking adherence was 86.9% and 91.3% at V1 and V4, respectively; adherence to timing of medication intake was 58.2% and 58.3%, with little evidence of missed doses/drug holidays. Investigators rated adherence “good” in 85.6% of patients (V4). Two (1.3%) patients had acute rejection episodes. Kidney function remained stable (mean creatinine clearance, V1: 62.1 mL/min; V4: 65.3 mL/min). Investigators rated effectiveness of PR‐T as “very good”/“good” in 91.5% of patients. Most patients (94.7%) found PR‐T dosing more convenient than immediate‐release tacrolimus. PR‐T was well tolerated with high medication persistence.