bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five‐year change in refraction and its ocular components in the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of the Shahroud eye cohort study
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Iribarren Rafael , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: April 2016

Background

To assess 5‐year refractive changes and their related factors in the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of Shahroud, Iran.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Participants

Of the 5190 participants of Phase I, 4737 participated in Phase II (response rate = 91.3%).

Methods

Participants were tested by refraction, visual acuity, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and biometry. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent more negative than −0.5 dioptre (D) and hyperopia as a spherical equivalent more positive than +0.5 D.

Main Outcome Measures

Mean 5‐year change in spherical equivalent refraction.

Results

The mean 5‐year change in spherical equivalent refraction was +0.24 D (95% CI: +0.22 to +0.25). After 5 years, 4.77% (95% CI: 4.08 to 5.46) of subjects developed at least 0.5 D of myopia and 22.27% (95% CI: 20.97 to 23.57) developed at least 0.5 D of hyperopia. Five‐year changes in refraction included a hyperopic shift in all age groups. The greatest hyperopic shift was seen in middle‐aged women. The greatest loss of lens power was observed in hyperopic women and the least in myopic men. Nuclear cataract was associated with a myopic shift in refraction. The axial length and the corneal power had very small changes during this period. Myopes showed the greatest increase in axial length. Corneal power increased by a very small amount in all refractive groups.

Conclusions

The most important biometric index related to hyperopic shifts, which were greater in magnitude in women, was loss of lens power, whereas nuclear cataract was associated with myopic shifts.
Kindergartners’ Development of Privileged Subjectivities within an Elite School
Authors: Henward Allison S. , Grace Donna J.
Published: April 2016

This case study investigates how kindergarten children thought and talked about their school in three socially stratified school settings: public, charter and private, and the extent to which they grasped sociocultural understandings related to social class. Data included field notes, interviews with the children and teachers, and parent surveys. A Bourdieuian lens illuminated emergent themes. Results indicate that children in the elite setting had developed sophisticated understandings of their privileged social locations and understood their position as distinct from other children.
Early identification of cerebral visual impairments in infants born extremely preterm
Authors: Pel Johan J M , Dudink Jeroen , Vonk Mark , Plaisier Annemarie , Reiss Irwin K M , van der Steen Johannes
Published: April 2016

Aim

Children born extremely preterm are at risk of visual processing problems related to brain damage. Damage in visual pathways can remain undetected by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional consequences cannot always be predicted. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of processing visual information in infants born extremely preterm at a corrected age of 1 year using a communication‐free visual function test based on eye tracking.

Method

Infants born extremely preterm (<29wks’ gestation) without apparent white and grey matter damage on conventional MRI at 30 weeks’ postmenstrual age were included (19 males, 1.01y [0.96–1.24] (median [25th–75th centiles]); 11 females, 0.99y [0.98–1.01]). At the corrected age of 1 year, reaction times to fixation (RTF) of specific visual properties displayed on an eye‐tracker monitor were quantified and compared with results from a comparison group (eight males, 1.28y [1.01–1.33]; nine females, 1.10y [0.90–1.20]).

Results

The infants in the preterm group had longer response times in detecting colour patterns (red–green) and motion compared with infants in the comparison group. No impairments were detected in oculomotor functions (saccades, pursuit, and fixations).

Interpretation

The data suggest that delays in processing visual information can be identified in children born extremely preterm. The delays might be ascribed to deficits in neuronal connectivity in visual pathways at a microstructural level.
Magnetic resonance imaging arterial‐spin‐labelling perfusion alterations in childhood migraine with atypical aura: a case–control study
Authors: Boulouis Grégoire , Shotar Eimad , Dangouloff‐Ros Volodia , Grévent David , Calmon Raphaël , Brunelle Francis , Naggara Olivier , Kossorotoff Manoelle , Boddaert Nathalie
Published: April 2016

Aim

Atypical migraine with aura can be challenging to diagnose. Arterial‐spin‐labelling (ASL) is able to non‐invasively quantify brain perfusion. Our aim was to report cerebral blood flow (CBF) alterations using ASL, at the acute phase of atypical migraine with aura in children.

Method

Paediatric patients were retrospectively included if (1) referred for acute neurological deficit(s), (2) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at presentation with ASL sequence, and (3) had subsequent diagnosis of migraine with aura. Neurological symptom‐free controls were matched for age. Twenty‐eight regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on CBF maps for each participant/control.

Results

Ten patients were included (median age 13y, range 8–16y). Eight of 10 had multiple aura symptoms during the episode. For every patient, CBF was decreased in a brain region consistent with symptoms when MRI was performed less than 14 hours after onset (n=7 patients) and increased if the MRI was performed 17 hours or more after (n=4 MRIs).

Interpretation

MRI–ASL appears to be a promising tool for the diagnostic workup and differentials exclusion in paediatric migraine with aura. Constant and time‐consistent non‐territorial CBF modifications were found in our sample providing additional insight to migraine with aura pathophysiology. The authors encourage implementing this sequence at the acute phase of unexplained paediatric neurological deficits, with or without accompanying headache.
Incentive Provision when Contracting is Costly
Authors: Kvaløy Ola , Olsen Trond E.
Published: April 2016

We analyse optimal incentive contracts in a model where the probability of court enforcement is determined by the costs spent on contracting. The analysis shows that there is no monotonic relationship between contracting costs and incentive intensity, and that an increase in contracting costs may lead to higher‐powered incentives. Moreover, we formulate hypotheses about the relationship between legal systems and incentive provision. Specifically, the model predicts higher‐powered incentives in common law than in civil law systems. We also find that better performance measures may induce lower investments in contracting, and potentially lead to lower‐powered incentives.
Aliskiren directly improves endothelial progenitor cell function from Type II diabetic patients
Authors: Chang Ting‐Ting , Wu Tao‐Cheng , Huang Po‐Hsun , Chen Jia‐Shiong , Lin Liang‐Yu , Lin Shing‐Jong , Chen Jaw‐Wen
Published: April 2016

Background

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) functions are impaired in the presence of diabetes mellitus. Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor, which is expected to modify proangiogenic cells. This study aimed to investigate whether and how aliskiren could improve the function of EPCs from patients with type II diabetes (T2DM).

Materials and methods

Endothelial progenitor cells fibronectin adhesion assay, chamber assay and in vitro tube formation assay were used to estimate the degree of EPC adhesion, migration and tube formation abilities. EPC protein and mRNA expressions were evaluated by Western blot and quantitative RT‐PCR, respectively. EPC vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) expression was knocked down by VEGF and (P)RR siRNA.

Results

Aliskiren (0·1 or 10 μM) dose‐dependently improved functions and increased both VEGF and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) expression of EPCs from patients with T2DM or EPCs from healthy volunteers and treated with high glucose. Transfection with VEGF siRNA significantly reduced the aliskiren‐induced SDF‐1α expression. Furthermore, (P)RR siRNA transfection impaired the aliskiren‐induced VEGF and SDF‐1 expression.

Conclusions

The results show that aliskiren improved EPC function from patients with T2DM in a dose‐dependent manner probably via the (P)RR and VEGF/SDF‐1α‐related mechanisms.
Graph theory illustrates spatial and temporal features that structure elephant rest locations and reflect risk perception
Authors: Wittemyer George , Keating Laura M. , Vollrath Fritz , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain
Published: April 2016

Understanding the spatial structuring of animal behaviors and how they link landscapes can be critical for conservation management. This emerging field has been greatly facilitated by technologically advanced acquisition and analysis of data on animal movements. The framework of graph theory, which directly quantifies network connectivity properties, provides a useful addition to this tool set. Using a novel application of graph theory, we investigate the structure and patterning of African elephant Loxodonta africana rest sites, a potentially critical feature structuring spatial properties of animal populations. Elephants in the study rested intermittently and for short durations (1–3 rests d–1, lasting 3–5 h total). They switched circadian rest patterns according to landscape attributes, resting more during the day and further from permanent water in areas with high human density outside protected areas. Within protected areas and during the dry season, elephants showed clustering and sequential use of rest nodes (repeated motifs). Repeated use of specific rest nodes (self‐looping) was more frequent than expected if rest nodes were chosen at random, particularly when outside protected areas further from water, indicating the importance of preferred rest sites. Our results suggest that elephants adjust resting behavior when in human‐dominated areas, using preferred resting sites presumably in locations that reduce the risk of interactions. This study demonstrates how graph theory may be used practically to gain novel insight into behaviours, such as resting, that are discrete in time and space. Furthermore, analysis of the spatial and network properties of rest sites, given an individual's susceptibility when engaged in rest behavior, allowed characterization of spatio‐temporal risk perception, providing a powerful behavioral based means to quantify the landscape of fear.
Endohyphal bacteria from fungal endophytes of the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) exhibit in vitro bioactivity
Authors: Pakvaz S. , Soltani J.
Published: April 2016

Endohyphal organisms of endophytic fungi can induce, or promote, beneficial effects of their respective host fungi to the host plant that harbours them. The Cupressaceae plant family (Coniferales) hosts highly bioactive endophytic fungi. Here, we show that a fraction of such endophytic fungi harbours bioactive endohyphal bacteria with a non‐obligatory symbiotic lifestyle. Indeed, 5 of 16 (31.25%) endophytic fungi of Cupressus sempervirens harboured endofungal bacterial strains of Bacillaceae (G+, Bacilli) and Sphingomonadaceae (G−, α‐Proteobacteria), that is Bacillus pumilus (from the fungi Leptosphaeria CSE211 and Pyrenochaeta CSE134), Bacillus subtilis (from the fungi Leptosphaeria CSE212 and Ascorhizoctonia CSE148) and Sphingomonas paucimobilis (from the fungus Ascorhizoctonia CSE195). Notably, each endophytic fungal species contained only one endofungal bacterial species that was stably maintained in symbiosis over several rounds of subculturing. Moreover, we investigated whether cypress endofungal bacteria (CEB) could benefit their host fungus competing with other fungi and bacteria or the host plant against the invading microorganisms. In vitro assays indicated that CEB possessed antagonistic activity against cypress endophytic and pathogenic microbiome. Also, CEB metabolites and volatile compounds (VOCs) exhibited antifungal and antibacterial activity against the target microbiome. Bioactivity of CEB was less than that of the endophytic microbiome of Cupressaceae, on which we reported earlier. In conclusion, our work is the first to document endohyphal bacteria of fungal endophytes of C. sempervirens and the bioactivity of such endohyphal symbionts. These findings implicate a complicated interrelationship among host plant, endophytic microbiome and endofungal bacteria, which might be of high importance for evolutionary, as well as environmental and agricultural studies. Eventually, endohyphal bacteria may be introduced as a novel source for lead molecule discovery.
Allegiance and knowledge levels of professionals working with early intensive behavioural intervention in autism
Authors: Långh Ulrika , Hammar Martin , Klintwall Lars , Bölte Sven
Published: April 2016

Aim

Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often delivered using a community model. Behaviour modification experts train and supervise non‐experts (e.g. preschool personnel) to teach children according to applied behaviour analysis principles in their natural environment. Several factors predict EIBI outcomes in ASD, for example, knowledge of EIBI and EIBI allegiance among trainers. The aim of the present study was to survey levels of knowledge about and allegiance towards EIBI.

Methods

Formal knowledge of EIBI and EIBI allegiance was surveyed in supervised preschool staff conducting EIBI (n = 33), preschool staff not involved in EIBI (n = 26), behaviour modification experts (n = 60), school staff (n = 25) and parents of children with ASD (n = 150) [N = 294]. A 27‐item (15 knowledge and 12 allegiance questions) online questionnaire was collected.

Results

Supervised preschool staff conducting EIBI had more knowledge than preschool staff not using EIBI, but they were not more allegiant. Compared with behaviour modification experts, the supervised EIBI preschool staff group showed markedly less knowledge and allegiance.

Conclusions

Findings indicate potential for improvement regarding formal knowledge levels of preschool staff delivering EIBI to children with ASD in real‐world settings. In addition, fostering EIBI allegiance might be prioritized when teaching EIBI among non‐experts. Broadly increased EIBI knowledge levels among all preschool teachers should be achieved by adding behaviour modification techniques to common university curricula in preschool education. Allegiance of preschool personnel might be accomplished by EIBI supervisors meeting skepticism in practice with conveyance of evidence‐based principles and discussions of ethical issues.
Neurovestibular analysis and falls in Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism
Authors: Venhovens J. , Meulstee J. , Bloem B. R. , Verhagen W. I. M.
Published: April 2016

The primary aim of our study was to determine the extent of vestibular dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Our secondary aim was to determine if vestibular dysfunction in PD is a risk factor for falling. The tertiary aim was to determine both the extent of vestibular dysfunction and if this dysfunction is a risk factor for falling in patients with atypical parkinsonism (AP). Twenty‐five healthy subjects, 30 PD patients and 14 AP patients were matched for age and gender in a case‐control study design. All subjects underwent clinical neurological and neurotological assessments, cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), subjective visual vertical measurements, and videonystagmography with caloric and rotatory chair stimulation. Ninety per cent of PD patients (27 of 30) and all 14 AP patients had signs of vestibular dysfunction on laboratory examinations. The evoked potential (VEMPs and BAEPs) test results of PD patients showed significant prolongation of the p13, n1 and interpeak III–V latencies on the symptomatic brainstem side (0.003 ≤  P ≤ 0.019) compared with healthy subjects. Also, vestibular testing abnormalities were correlated with an increased risk for falling when fallers among PD and AP patients were compared with the non‐fallers (P ≤ 0.001). To conclude, vestibular dysfunction on vestibular laboratory testing is highly prevalent in both PD and AP patients compared with healthy subjects, and is associated with an increased risk for falling.
Toll‐Interleukin 1 Receptor domain‐containing adaptor protein positively regulates BV2 cell M1 polarization
Authors: Gong Leilei , Wang Hanxiang , Sun Xiaolei , Liu Chun , Duan Chengwei , Cai Rixin , Gu Xingxing , Zhu Shunxing
Published: April 2016

Microglial activation, including classical (M1) and alternative (M2) activation, plays important roles in the development of several central nervous system disorders and promotes tissue reconstruction. Toll‐like receptor (TLR)4 is important for microglial polarization. TIR domain‐containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) is an intracellular adaptor protein, which is responsible for the early phase of TLR4 activation. The role of TIRAP in BV2 cell M1 polarization is still unknown. In this study, we showed that TIRAP expression is greatly elevated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon (IFN)‐γ‐treated microglia. TIRAP overexpression promoted BV2 microglial M1 polarization by increasing M1‐related marker production (inducible nitric oxide synthase, CD86, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α). In contrast, TIRAP knockdown prevented M1‐related marker production. Mechanistically, TIRAP could interact with TNF Receptor‐Associated Factor 6 (TRAF6) to increase M1‐related marker production in TIRAP overexpressed and LPS/IFN‐γ‐treated BV2 cells. In addition, silencing of TIRAP effectively inhibited the activation of the Transforming Growth Factor‐Beta‐Activated Kinase 1/I‐Kappa‐B Kinase /Nuclear Factor of Kappa Light Polypeptide Gene Enhancer in B‐Cells (TAK1/IKK/NF‐κB) signalling pathway and the phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen‐activated protein kinases, which were activated by LPS/IFN‐γ stimulation. Thus, our results suggest that TIRAP positively regulated BV2 microglial M1 polarization through TLR4‐mediated TAK1/IKK/NF‐κB, mitogen‐activated protein kinases and Akt signalling pathways.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerates nerve regeneration following inferior alveolar nerve transection in rats
Authors: Sato Mai , Motoyoshi Mitsuru , Shinoda Masamichi , Iwata Koichi , Shimizu Noriyoshi
Published: April 2016

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury, which is frequently caused by orofacial surgery or trauma, induces sensory loss in orofacial regions innervated by the IAN. However, no effective treatment for orofacial sensory loss currently exists. We determined whether sensory loss in facial skin above the mental foramen following IAN transection was recovered by exposure of the transected IAN to low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS). Inferior alveolar nerve transection (IANX) was performed in 7‐wk‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats. On day 7 after IANX, the effect of daily LIPUS (from day 0) on the transected IAN, in terms of sensitivity to mechanical stimulation of the facial skin above the mental foramen, was examined. Moreover, the number of trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the facial skin above the mental foramen of rats with IANX treated daily with LIPUS was counted using the retrograde neurotracing technique. Daily exposure of the transected IAN to LIPUS significantly promoted recovery of the head‐withdrawal threshold in response to mechanical stimulation of the facial skin above the mental foramen, and the number of TG neurons innervating the facial skin above mental foramen was significantly increased in rats with IANX treated daily with LIPUS compared with sham or LIPUS‐unexposed rats. Daily treatment of stumps of the transected IAN with LIPUS facilitated morphological and functional regeneration, suggesting that LIPUS is an effective and novel therapy for IAN injury.
Determinants of brain metabolism changes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Chassoux Francine , Artiges Eric , Semah Franck , Desarnaud Serge , Laurent Agathe , Landre Elisabeth , Gervais Philippe , Devaux Bertrand , Helal Ourkia Badia
Published: April 2016

Objective

To determine the main factors influencing metabolic changes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis (HS).

Methods

We prospectively studied 114 patients with MTLE (62 female; 60 left HS; 15‐ to 56‐year‐olds) with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography and correlated the results with the side of HS, structural atrophy, electroclinical features, gender, age at onset, epilepsy duration, and seizure frequency. Imaging processing was performed using statistical parametric mapping.

Results

Ipsilateral hypometabolism involved temporal (mesial structures, pole, and lateral cortex) and extratemporal areas including the insula, frontal lobe, perisylvian regions, and thalamus, more extensively in right HS (RHS). A relative increase of metabolism (hypermetabolism) was found in the nonepileptic temporal lobe and in posterior areas bilaterally. Voxel‐based morphometry detected unilateral hippocampus atrophy and gray matter concentration decrease in both frontal lobes, more extensively in left HS (LHS). Regardless of the structural alterations, the topography of hypometabolism correlated strongly with the extent of epileptic networks (mesial, anterior‐mesiolateral, widespread mesiolateral, and bitemporal according to the ictal spread), which were larger in RHS. Notably, widespread perisylvian and bitemporal hypometabolism was found only in RHS. Mirror hypermetabolism was grossly proportional to the hypometabolic areas, coinciding partly with the default mode network. Gender‐related effect was significant mainly in the contralateral frontal lobe, in which metabolism was higher in female patients. Epilepsy duration correlated with the contralateral temporal metabolism, positively in LHS and negatively in RHS. Opposite results were found with age at onset. High seizure frequency correlated negatively with the contralateral metabolism in LHS.

Significance

Epileptic networks, as assessed by electroclinical correlations, appear to be the main determinant of hypometabolism in MTLE. Compensatory mechanisms reflected by a relative hypermetabolism in the nonepileptic temporal lobe and in extratemporal areas seem more efficient in LHS and in female patients, whereas long duration, late onset of epilepsy, and high seizure frequency may reduce these adaptive changes.
What Can Scholars of Entrepreneurship Learn from Sound Family Businesses?
Authors: Miller Danny , Steier Lloyd , Le Breton–Miller Isabelle
Published: April 2016

Scholars of entrepreneurship have focused mostly on founder entrepreneurs, new ventures, venture capital, and entrepreneurial initiatives in larger firms. However, family firms, which account for a majority of new ventures, have received far less prominent attention from the field. Although family businesses, often rightly, have been portrayed as being conservative and even stodgy, many of them are successful and enduring, and enjoy advantages in the business founding, growth, and maturity phases of the life cycle. We discuss the resources that may be responsible for these advantages in successful family firms, and the lessons that may be drawn from such firms for quintessential topics in entrepreneurship such as effectuation, new ventures, venture capital, opportunity platforms, and entrepreneurial orientation.
A simple damage model for concrete considering irreversible mode‐II microcracks
Authors: Yu Z. , Shan Z. , Ouyang Z. , Guo F.
Published: April 2016

A simple damage model with the concept of mode‐II microcracks on crack wall contributing to the irreversible strains for concrete is developed. By applying the micromechanics method, a microcell‐based damage model is introduced to understand the damage behaviour. Further, by introducing the physical interpretation of the damage variable using thermodynamic method, a novel damage variable (irreversible‐damage variable) is proposed to describe the irrecoverable strains generated by both mode‐II microcracks and irreversible‐frictional sliding. With this methodology, a simple continuum damage mechanics model is developed in which both elastic and irreversible damages are considered. As demonstrated by the comparison with experimental results, the proposed model is characterized by accuracy of solutions, sufficiency of physical sense and convenience of implementation.
The influence of AVPR1A genotype on individual differences in behaviors during a mirror self‐recognition task in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Mahovetz L. M. , Young L. J. , Hopkins W. D.
Published: April 2016

The mark/rouge test has been used to assess mirror self‐recognition (MSR) in many species. Despite consistent evidence of MSR in great apes, genetic or non‐genetic factors may account for the individual differences in behavioral responses that have been reported. We examined whether vasopressin receptor gene (AVPR1A) polymorphisms are associated with MSR‐related behaviors in chimpanzees since vasopressin has been implicated in the development and evolution of complex social relations and cognition and chimpanzees are polymorphic for the presence of the RS3‐containing DupB region. We compared a sample of DupB+/− and DupB−/− chimpanzees on a mark test to assess its role on social behavior toward a mirror. Chimpanzees were administered two, 10‐min sessions where frequencies of mirror‐guided self‐directed behaviors, contingent actions and other social behaviors were recorded. Approximately one‐third showed evidence of MSR and these individuals exhibited more mirror‐guided self‐exploratory behaviors and mouth contingent actions than chimpanzees not classified as passers. Moreover, DupB+/− males exhibited more scratching and agonistic behaviors than other male and female cohorts. Our findings support previous studies demonstrating individual differences in MSR abilities in chimpanzees and suggest that AVPR1A partly explains individual differences in MSR by influencing the behavioral reactions of chimpanzees in front of a mirror.
Predictors for self‐directed aggression in Italian prisoners include externalizing behaviors, childhood trauma and the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism 5‐HTTLPR
Authors: Gorodetsky E. , Carli V. , Sarchiapone M. , Roy A. , Goldman D. , Enoch M.‐A.
Published: April 2016

Suicidal behavior and self‐mutilation can be regarded as the expression of self‐directed aggression and both are common in prison populations. We investigated the influence of externalizing behaviors, depressive symptoms, childhood trauma, 5‐HTTLPRvariants on self‐directed aggression (N = 145) in a group of 702 male Italian prisoners. Participants were comprehensively evaluated, including for psychiatric disorders, impulsive traits, lifetime aggressive behavior [Brown‐Goodwin Lifetime History of Aggression (BGHA)], hostility, violent behavior during incarceration, depressive symptomatology [Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)], childhood trauma [Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)]. Logistic regression analysis showed false discovery rate corrected independent main effects of externalizing behaviors:BGHA(P = 0.001), violent behavior in jail (P = 0.007), extraversion (P = 0.015);HDRS(P = 0.0004), Axis I disorders (P = 0.015),CTQ(P = 0.004) and 5‐HTTLPRgenotype (P = 0.02). Carriers of 5‐HTTLPRhigh (LALA), intermediate (LALG,SLA) activity variants were more likely to have exhibited self‐directed aggression relative to the low activity (LGLG,SLG,SS) variant: high/low: odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–4.68,P = 0.007; intermediate/low:OR = 1.96, 95%CI1.09–3.68,P = 0.025. TheCTQmain effect was driven by physical abuse. There was no interactive effect of 5‐HTTLPRandCTQ. Secondary logistic regression analyses in (1) all suicide attempters (N = 88) and (2) all self‐mutilators (N = 104), compared with controls showed that in both groups, childhood trauma (P = 0.008–0.01), depression (P = 0.0004–0.001) were strong predictors.BGHA, violent behavior in jail predicted self‐mutilation (P = 0.002) but not suicide attempts (P = 0.1). This study was able to distinguish differing influences on self‐directed aggression between groups of closely related predictor variables within the externalizing behavioral domain. 5‐HTTLPRhad an independent, variant dosage effect.
Uncertainty in predicting range dynamics of endemic alpine plants under climate warming
Authors: Hülber Karl , Wessely Johannes , Gattringer Andreas , Moser Dietmar , Kuttner Michael , Essl Franz , Leitner Michael , Winkler Manuela , Ertl Siegrun , Willner Wolfgang , Kleinbauer Ingrid , Sauberer Norbert , Mang Thomas , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Dullinger Stefan
Published: April 2016

Correlative species distribution models have long been the predominant approach to predict species’ range responses to climate change. Recently, the use of dynamic models is increasingly advocated for because these models better represent the main processes involved in range shifts and also simulate transient dynamics. A well‐known problem with the application of these models is the lack of data for estimating necessary parameters of demographic and dispersal processes. However, what has been hardly considered so far is the fact that simulating transient dynamics potentially implies additional uncertainty arising from our ignorance of short‐term climate variability in future climatic trends. Here, we use endemic mountain plants of Austria as a case study to assess how the integration of decadal variability in future climate affects outcomes of dynamic range models as compared to projected long‐term trends and uncertainty in demographic and dispersal parameters. We do so by contrasting simulations of a so‐called hybrid model run under fluctuating climatic conditions with those based on a linear interpolation of climatic conditions between current values and those predicted for the end of the 21st century. We find that accounting for short‐term climate variability modifies model results nearly as differences in projected long‐term trends and much more than uncertainty in demographic/dispersal parameters. In particular, range loss and extinction rates are much higher when simulations are run under fluctuating conditions. These results highlight the importance of considering the appropriate temporal resolution when parameterizing and applying range‐dynamic models, and hybrid models in particular. In case of our endemic mountain plants, we hypothesize that smoothed linear time series deliver more reliable results because these long‐lived species are primarily responsive to long‐term climate averages.
Climatic drivers of leaf traits and genetic divergence in the tree Annona crassiflora: a broad spatial survey in the Brazilian savannas
Authors: Ribeiro Priciane C. , Souza Matheus L. , Muller Larissa A. C. , Ellis Vincenzo A. , Heuertz Myriam , Lemos‐Filho José P. , Lovato Maria Bernadete
Published: April 2016

The Cerrado is the largest South American savanna and encompasses substantial species diversity and environmental variation. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the influence of the environment on population divergence of Cerrado species. Here, we searched for climatic drivers of genetic (nuclear microsatellites) and leaf trait divergence in Annona crassiflora, a widespread tree in the Cerrado. The sampling encompassed all phytogeographic provinces of the continuous area of the Cerrado and included 397 individuals belonging to 21 populations. Populations showed substantial genetic and leaf trait divergence across the species' range. Our data revealed three spatially defined genetic groups (eastern, western and southern) and two morphologically distinct groups (eastern and western only). The east‐west split in both the morphological and genetic data closely mirrors previously described phylogeographic patterns of Cerrado species. Generalized linear mixed effects models and multiple regression analyses revealed several climatic factors associated with both genetic and leaf trait divergence among populations of A. crassiflora. Isolation by environment (IBE) was mainly due to temperature seasonality and precipitation of the warmest quarter. Populations that experienced lower precipitation summers and hotter winters had heavier leaves and lower specific leaf area. The southwestern area of the Cerrado had the highest genetic diversity of A. crassiflora, suggesting that this region may have been climatically stable. Overall, we demonstrate that a combination of current climate and past climatic changes have shaped the population divergence and spatial structure of A. crassiflora. However, the genetic structure of A. crassiflora reflects the biogeographic history of the species more strongly than leaf traits, which are more related to current climate.
Temperature extremes: geographic patterns, recent changes, and implications for organismal vulnerabilities
Authors: Buckley Lauren B. , Huey Raymond B.
Published: April 2016

Extreme temperatures can injure or kill organisms and can drive evolutionary patterns. Many indices of extremes have been proposed, but few attempts have been made to establish geographic patterns of extremes and to evaluate whether they align with geographic patterns in biological vulnerability and diversity. To examine these issues, we adopt the CLIMDEX indices of thermal extremes. We compute scores for each index on a geographic grid during a baseline period (1961–1990) and separately for the recent period (1991–2010). Heat extremes (temperatures above the 90th percentile during the baseline period) have become substantially more common during the recent period, particularly in the tropics. Importantly, the various indices show weak geographic concordance, implying that organisms in different regions will face different forms of thermal stress. The magnitude of recent shifts in indices is largely uncorrelated with baseline scores in those indices, suggesting that organisms are likely to face novel thermal stresses. Organismal tolerances correlate roughly with absolute metrics (mainly for cold), but poorly with metrics defined relative to local conditions. Regions with high extreme scores do not correlate closely with regions with high species diversity, human population density, or agricultural production. Even though frequency and intensity of extreme temperature events have – and are likely to have – major impacts on organisms, the impacts are likely to be geographically and taxonomically idiosyncratic and difficult to predict.
On Estimating the Size of the Shadow Economy
Authors: Kirchgässner Gebhard
Published: April 2016

As long as it is employed cautiously enough, the model approach is a useful tool to estimate simultaneously the size and the development of the shadow economy in several countries. However, a second method is necessary to calibrate the model. The currency demand approach can lead to highly implausible results; the size of the shadow economy might be largely overestimated. An alternative is the survey method. For real tests of whether a variable has an impact, procedures are necessary that do not use the same variables as those used to construct the indicator. Thus, to make progress in analysing the shadow economy, the model approach has a role to play, but it has to be complemented by other methods employing different data. The currency demand approach cannot be used as long as it employs the same variables for its constructions.
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 2 regulates filamin A‐dependent focal adhesion dynamics and cell migration
Authors: Sato Tatsuhiro , Ishii Junko , Ota Yuki , Sasaki Eri , Shibagaki Yoshio , Hattori Seisuke
Published: April 2016

The serine/threonine kinase mTOR forms two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, and controls a number of biological processes, including proliferation, survival and autophagy. Although the function of mTORC1 has been extensively studied, the mTORC2 signaling pathway largely remains to be elucidated. Here, we have shown that mTORC2 phosphorylates filamin A, an actin cross‐linking protein, at serine 2152 (S2152) both in vivo and in living cells. Treatment of HeLa cells with Torin1 (an mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor), but not rapamycin (an mTORC1 inhibitor), suppressed the phosphorylation of filamin A, which decreased the binding of filamin A with β7‐integrin cytoplasmic tail. Torin1 also inhibited focal adhesion formation and cell migration in A7 filamin A‐replete melanoma cells but not in M2 filamin A‐deficient cells, suggesting a pivotal role for mTORC2 in filamin A function. Finally, reduced focal adhesion formation in M2 cells was significantly rescued by expressing wild type but not S2152A nonphosphorylatable mutant of filamin A. Taken together, our results indicate that mTORC2 regulates filamin A‐dependent focal adhesions and cell migration.
Esophageal perforation during cuffed tunneled catheter introduction: First case in literature
Authors: Burak Çildağ Mehmet , Faruk Kutsi Köseoğlu Ömer
Published: April 2016

The percutaneous catheterization of central veins is increasingly used in nephrological practice as a temporary or permanent vascular access. Some mechanical complications may occur during insertion of catheter such as misplaced catheter. In this report, we present a case that was misplaced the catheter in esophagus and to analyze the reason of catheter malposition during percutaneous tunneled hemodialysis catheter insertion.
Close correlation between urinary sodium excretion and response to tolvaptan in liver cirrhosis patients with ascites
Authors: Uojima Haruki , Kinbara Takeshi , Hidaka Hisashi , Sung Ji Hyun , Ichida Masachika , Tokoro Shinnosuke , Masuda Sakue , Takizawa Satoshi , Sasaki Akiko , Koizumi Kazuya , Egashira Hideto , Kako Makoto
Published: April 2016

Aim

To assess the correlation between response to tolvaptan and treatment‐related factors in liver cirrhosis patients.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study was carried out at Shonan Kamakura General Hospital in Kanagawa, Japan, between October 2013 and September 2015. Forty‐three liver cirrhosis patients (mean age, 65.7 years) with insufficient responses to conventional diuretics for at least 7 days were enrolled. All patients received oral tolvaptan (7.5 mg/day for 7 days) and guideline‐directed medical therapy including sodium intake restrictions. A responder to tolvaptan was defined as a patient having a ≥2‐kg decrease in body weight 1 week after commencing drug treatment, and a non‐responder was defined as a patient not losing ≥2 kg in body weight 1 week after commencing treatment. We investigated the correlation of change in body weight for 1 week after drug administration compared to baseline clinical characteristics.

Results

The mean body weight change from the baseline on the final dosing day was −2.47 ± 3.34 kg (P < 0.0001). There were 20 (46.5%) responders to tolvaptan. Urinary sodium and volume excretion was higher in responders than in non‐responders (108.2 ± 70.5 vs 42.6 ± 36.7, P = 0.0003; 1462.8 ± 625.7 vs 960.9 ± 600.6, P = 0.0073). Logistic regression analyses for responders to tolvaptan were carried out, and independent correlation of the responders was urinary sodium excretion (P = 0.0114; hazard ratio, 0.9418; 95% confidence interval, 0.8768−0.9896) in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

In decompensated liver cirrhosis patients, urinary excretion sodium showed good correlation with tolvaptan response.
The ADOPT‐LC score: a novel predictive index of in‐hospital mortality of cirrhotic patients following surgical procedures, based on a national survey
Authors: Sato Masaya , Tateishi Ryosuke , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Matsui Hiroki , Yoshida Haruhiko , Fushimi Kiyohide , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: April 2016

Aim

We aimed to develop a model for predicting in‐hospital mortality of cirrhotic patients following major surgical procedures using a large sample of patients derived from a Japanese nationwide administrative database.

Methods

We enrolled 2197 cirrhotic patients who underwent elective (n = 1973) or emergency (n = 224) surgery. We analyzed the risk factors for postoperative mortality and established a scoring system for predicting postoperative mortality in cirrhotic patients using a split‐sample method.

Results

In‐hospital mortality rates following elective or emergency surgery were 4.7% and 20.5%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, patient age, Child–Pugh (CP) class, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and duration of anesthesia in elective surgery were significantly associated with in‐hospital mortality. In emergency surgery, CP class and duration of anesthesia were significant factors. Based on multivariate analysis in the training set (n = 987), the Adequate Operative Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis (ADOPT‐LC) score that used patient age, CP class, CCI, and duration of anesthesia to predict in‐hospital mortality following elective surgery was developed. This scoring system was validated in the testing set (n = 986) and produced an area under the curve of 0.881. We also developed iOS/Android apps to calculate ADOPT‐LC scores to allow easy access to the current evidence in daily clinical practice.

Conclusion

Patient age, CP class, CCI, and duration of anesthesia were identified as important risk factors for predicting postoperative mortality in cirrhotic patients. The ADOPT‐LC score effectively predicts in‐hospital mortality following elective surgery and may assist decisions regarding surgical procedures in cirrhotic patients based on a quantitative risk assessment.
Female gender and gastrointestinal symptoms, not brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, are associated with depression and anxiety in cirrhosis
Authors: Xu Hong , Zhou Yang , Ko Fangyuan , Ping Jian , Zhang Jing , Zhao Changqing , Xu Lieming
Published: April 2016

Aim

Cirrhosis places a substantial burden on the psychological status of affected individuals. The aim of our study was to identify the associated factors of psychological distress in cirrhosis.

Methods

A total of 208 patients with cirrhosis were recruited. Each patient received validated questionnaires to assess gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

A total of 16.35% of patients (n = 34) were diagnosed with depression and 10.58% (n = 22) with anxiety. The percentages of female patients among those diagnosed with depression and anxiety were 58.8% and 77.3%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in non‐depressed (35.1%) and non‐anxious patients (34.4%). The patients who showed more GI symptoms had higher depression and anxiety scores. The GI symptom scores of patients with depression and anxiety were 4 (2.75, 7) and 4 (2.75, 7.25), respectively, which were significantly higher than that of patients without depression (2 [0, 4]) and anxiety (2 [1, 4]). Significantly higher depression and anxiety scores were detected in patients who suffered from abdominal bloating, belching, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and constipation. Cirrhotic patients had higher serum levels of BDNF than healthy controls (159.33 [96.64, 243.30] pg/mL vs. 70.74 [56.58, 93.52] pg/mL). In the cirrhosis group, there was no significant difference in BDNF levels between depressed and non‐depressed patients. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that depression and anxiety were each independently associated with female gender and GI symptom scores.

Conclusions

Female gender and GI symptoms are closely associated with depression and anxiety in cirrhosis. There is no significant correlation between BDNF level and psychological distress in cirrhosis.
Rosai–Dorfman‐type histiocytes occur in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and potentially play a role in disease initiation and persistence
Authors: Wilsher Mark James , Bonar Fiona
Published: April 2016

Aims

We recently identified the presence of Rosai–Dorfman‐type histiocytes (RDH) in sinonasal tissue removed from individuals with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECR). We sought to determine their clinical significance.

Methods and results

Sinonasal biopsies from 10 individuals (index cases) with classical features of ECR and the additional finding of RDH were collected during a two‐and‐a‐half‐year period. Twenty‐one sinonasal biopsies with a diagnosis of ECR accrued during a 6‐month period were reviewed at one institution to assess the presence of this phenomenon in archived material. Five of the 10 index cases were recurrent; in four of these in which archival material was available, three had RDH on review. Of the 21 review cases, 52% contained RDH. Six of the review cases represented recurrent disease and in five of these RDH were demonstrable. Archival material was available from five cases that recurred, RDH being demonstrable in three. RDH were seen to persist across multiple recurrences.

Conclusions

The presence of RDH within ECR samples is associated highly with recurrence. RDH have properties of antigen‐presenting cells and may play a hitherto unrecognized role in the initiation and persistence of ECR.
New approach for a reliable in vitro sun protection factor method – Part II: Practical aspects and implementations
Authors: Miksa S. , Lutz D. , Guy C. , Delamour E.
Published: April 2016

Objective

Our previous paper (Part I: Principle and mathematical aspects) presented a new reliable in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) method and demonstrated it to be reproducible and correlated with the in vivo method. Nevertheless, the relevance of an international method should to be adaptable to all products on the market and demonstrated with a blind test. Thus, the aim of this second article was to focus on the practical aspects and implementation (Part II) of a large population of different commercially available sunscreen formulations to obtain similar in vivo SPF results for the purpose of labelling.

Methods

The method uses the spectroradiometric measurement of residual ultraviolet (UV) through the sample that was applied on a substrate with a robotic appliance. The method has been demonstrated to be highly reliable, and it is based on a multisubstrate solution with a single UV pre‐irradiation dose. Furthermore, different categories of the product were studied to identify a reliable and universal in vitro SPF method.

Results

Based on different sunscreens products classified into 5 different groups (emulsion, oil, alcohol, stick and powder), it was demonstrated that our method has good reproducibility and accuracy compared with the clinical SPF method. Indeed, the mean coefficient of variation (CV%) was approximately 7%, and the coefficient of correlation reached approximately 0.8–1.0 for different types of tested products.

Conclusion

Our second paper concludes that the new in vitro SPF method (based on 113 sunscreen products from the Parts I and II) is clearly adaptable for the SPF labelling purpose on any product type because it is non‐invasive, less expensive, more practical and more reliable if performed under strict conditions.
Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome: report of six patients and identification of a novel mutation
Authors: Tekin Burak , Yucelten Deniz , Beleggia Filippo , Sarig Ofer , Sprecher Eli
Published: April 2016

Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome is an autosomal recessive genodermatosis typically manifesting with the constellation of palmoplantar keratoderma and progressive early‐onset periodontitis. The cutaneous phenotype can be strikingly psoriasiform, possibly posing a diagnostic challenge. This rare disorder is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the CTSC gene, which encodes cathepsin C. We report six patients with Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome from five consanguineous Turkish families, in whom genetic analysis of the CTSC gene revealed four recurrent mutations (c.415G>A; c.1015C>T; c.1019A>G; and c.103–105delCTG) and a novel missense mutation (c.117G>T) in the homozygous state.