bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and safety of extended‐release naltrexone treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorder in HIV clinics: a pilot/feasibility randomized trial
Authors: Korthuis Philip T. , Lum Paula J. , Vergara‐Rodriguez Pamela , Ahamad Keith , Wood Evan , Kunkel Lynn E. , Oden Neal L. , Lindblad Robert , Sorensen James L. , Arenas Virgilio , Ha Doan , Mandler Raul N. , McCarty Dennis ,   for the CTN‐0055 CHOICES Investigators
Published: January 2017

Background and aims

HIV‐infected people with substance use disorders are least likely to benefit from advances in HIV treatment. Integration of extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX) into HIV clinics may increase engagement in the HIV care continuum by decreasing substance use. We aimed to compare (1) XR‐NTX treatment initiation, (2) retention and (3) safety of XR‐NTX versus treatment as usual (TAU) for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and/or alcohol use disorder (AUD) in HIV clinics.

Design

Non‐blinded randomized trial of XR‐NTX versus pharmacotherapy TAU.

Setting

HIV primary care clinics in Vancouver, BC, Canada and Chicago, IL, USA.

Participants

Fifty‐one HIV‐infected patients seeking treatment for OUD (n = 16), AUD (n = 27) or both OUD and AUD (n = 8).

Measurements

Primary outcomes were XR‐NTX initiation (receipt of first injection within 4 weeks of randomization) and retention at 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes generated point estimates for change in substance use, HIV viral suppression [HIV RNA polymerase chain reaction (pcr) < 200 copies/ml] and safety.

Findings

Two‐thirds (68%) of participants assigned to XR‐NTX initiated treatment, and 88% of these were retained on XR‐NTX at 16 weeks. In comparison, 96% of TAU participants initiated treatment, but only 50% were retained on medication at 16 weeks. Mean days of opioid use in past 30 days decreased from 17.3 to 4.1 for TAU and from 20.3 to 7.7 for XR‐NTX. Mean heavy drinking days decreased from 15.6 to 5.7 for TAU and 12.5 to 2.8 for XR‐NTX. Among those with OUD, HIV suppression improved from 67 to 80% for XR‐NTX and 58 to 75% for TAU. XR‐NTX was well tolerated, with no precipitated withdrawals and one serious injection‐site reaction.

Conclusions

Extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX) is feasible and safe for treatment of opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder in HIV clinics. Treatment initiation appears to be lower and retention greater for XR‐NTX compared with treatment as usual (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01908062).
Is psoriasis an autoimmune disease? Interpretations from an immunofluorescence‐based study
Authors: Anand Shashi , Gupta Parikshaa , Bhardwaj Ranjeet , Narang Tarun , Dogra Sunil , Minz Ranjana W. , Saikia Biman , Chhabra Seema
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Psoriasis is a multisystem, immune‐mediated inflammatory disease. Some authors have proposed an autoimmune basis for psoriasis; however, till date, it has not been definitely established. This study was conducted to explore the autoimmune nature of psoriasis.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective study in which 43 psoriasis patients were assessed for detailed clinical, histopathological and immunopathological features to explore the diagnostic utility of subtypes, intensity and number of immunoreactants in lesional and non‐lesional skin in these patients. In addition, the sera of these patients were analyzed for the presence of various autoantibodies.

Results

The patients’ age ranged from 14 to 75 years with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.52:1. Nine patients (20.93%) were positive for antinuclear and 2 (4.65%) for antismooth muscle antibodies. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) was positive in 31 (72%) biopsies from the lesional and 27 (63%) biopsies from non‐lesional skin. In all these DIF positive cases, granular deposits of C5b‐9 were detected at the dermoepidermal junction. No significant difference was observed on comparing the type and pattern of immunoreactant positivity, among lesional and non‐lesional skin biopsies (P > .05).

Conclusion

No significant association between psoriasis and immunoreactant deposition as well as autoantibody seroprevalence was observed, thereby refuting a definite autoimmune basis for psoriasis.
Natural enemies govern ecosystem resilience in the face of extreme droughts
Authors: He Qiang , Silliman Brian R. , Liu Zezheng , Cui Baoshan
Published: January 2017

Severe droughts are on the rise in many regions. But thus far, attempts to predict when drought will cause a major regime shift or when ecosystems are resilient, often using plant drought tolerance models, have been frustrated. Here, we show that pressure from natural enemies regulates an ecosystem's resilience to severe droughts. Field experiments revealed that in protected salt marshes experiencing a severe drought, plant‐eating grazers eliminated drought‐stressed vegetation that could otherwise survive and recover from the climate extreme, transforming once lush marshes into persistent salt barrens. These results provide an explicit experimental demonstration for the obligatory role of natural enemies across the initiation, expansion and recovery stages of a natural ecosystem's collapse. Our study highlights that natural enemies can hasten an ecosystem's resilience to drought to much lower levels than currently predicted, calling for integration into climate change predictions and conservation strategies.
If What You Want is not What You Get: A Communication‐Based Approach to Top Managers' Intended Firm Creativity and Employees' Failure to Deliver
Authors: Linder Christian , Sperber Sonja
Published: January 2017

There often exists a gap between the level of creativity aimed for by the company's top managers and the level actually realized. In this article, we draw on Speech Act Theory and the Jakobsonian model of communication to investigate the reasons for this gap. We identify the top managerial as well as organizational conditions that shape and determine the way in which actors interpret information. By means of configuration analysis, we identify eight distinct configurations, which represent stable paths to reach the top managers' intended level of firm creativity. As the main contribution of this paper, we explain the reasons for the distance between the intended firm creativity by the top managers and the actually realized creative solutions by the workforce. This paper makes a further contribution to the interpretive approach in creativity management by highlighting the importance of speech acts.
RNA polymerase II components and Rrn7 form a preinitiation complex on the HomolD box to promote ribosomal protein gene expression in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Montes Matías , Moreira‐Ramos Sandra , Rojas Diego A. , Urbina Fabiola , Käufer Norbert F. , Maldonado Edio
Published: January 2017

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, ribosomal protein gene (RPG) promoters contain a TATA box analog, the HomolD box, which is bound by the Rrn7 protein. Despite the importance of ribosome biogenesis for cell survival, the mechanisms underlying RPG transcription remain unknown. In this study, we found that components of the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) system, consisting of the initiation or general transcription factors (GTFs) TFIIA, IIB, IIE, TATA‐binding protein (TBP) and the RNAPII holoenzyme, interacted directly with Rrn7 in vitro, and were able to form a preinitiation complex (PIC) on the HomolD box. PIC complex formation follows an ordered pathway on these promoters. The GTFs and RNAPII can also be cross‐linked to HomolD‐containing promoters in vivo. In an in vitro reconstituted transcription system, RNAPII components and Rrn7 were necessary for HomolD‐directed transcription. The Mediator complex was required for basal transcription from those promoters in whole cell extract (WCE). The Med17 subunit of Mediator also can be cross‐linked to the promoter region of HomolD‐containing promoters in vivo, suggesting the presence of the Mediator complex on HomolD box‐containing promoters. Together, these data show that components of the RNAPII machinery and Rrn7 participate in the PIC assembly on the HomolD box, thereby directing RPG transcription.
End‐of‐life care for people dying with dementia in general practice in Belgium, Italy and Spain: A cross‐sectional, retrospective study
Authors: Penders Yolanda W .H. , Albers Gwenda , Deliens Luc , Miccinesi Guido , Vega Alonso Tomás , Miralles Maite , Moreels Sarah , Van den Block Lieve ,   on behalf of EUROIMPACT
Published: January 2017

Aim

To describe and compare end‐of‐life care for people with mild or severe dementia in general practice in Belgium, Italy and Spain, in terms of place of care, place of death, treatment aims, use of specialized palliative care and communication with general practitioners (GPs).

Methods

Cross‐sectional retrospective survey was carried out of nationwide networks of GPs in Belgium, Italy and Spain, including patients who died aged 65 years or older in 2009–2011 and were judged by the GP to have had dementia (n = 1623).

Results

GPs reported a higher proportion of older people with severe dementia in Belgium (55%) than in Spain (46 %) and Italy (45 %), and a higher proportion of patients living in care homes (57%vs18% and 13%, respectively). A palliative treatment aim was common in the last 3 months of life in all three countries. Specialized palliative care services were provided in 14% (Italy, severe dementia) to 38% (Belgium, severe dementia) of cases. Communication between GP and patient about illness‐related topics occurred in between 50% (Italy) and 72% (Belgium) of cases of mild dementia, and 10% (Italy) to 32% (Belgium) of cases of severe dementia. Patient preferences for end‐of‐life care were known in a minority of cases. Few people (13–15 %) were transferred between care settings in the last week of life.

Conclusions

Although overall treatment aims at the end of life are often aligned with a palliative care approach and transfer rates are low, there is room for improvement in end‐of‐life care for people with dementia in all countries studied, especially regarding early patient–GP communication.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1667–1676.
Association of loneliness and healthcare utilization among older adults in Singapore
Authors: Lim Ka Keat , Chan Angelique
Published: January 2017

Aim

To assess the association between loneliness and physician visits among community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore.

Methods

We obtained data from two consecutive waves (2009 and 2011) of a nationally representative longitudinal survey of community‐dwelling Singaporeans aged 60 years and older. Out of 3103 responses, we excluded proxy interviews (n = 365; 11.8 %), resulting in a final analysis cohort of 2738 respondents. Using the frequency of physician visits in the past 30 days as the dependent variable, we carried out negative binomial hurdle regression controlling for predisposing characteristics, enabling factors, needs, social capital and change in loneliness status between the two waves of the survey.

Results

Approximately 23% of respondents suffered from chronic loneliness; a further 19% developed loneliness, whereas 33% recovered from loneliness by wave 2. Chronic (OR 0.76 ± 0.11) and recently‐developed loneliness (OR 0.70 ± 0.10) were significantly associated with lower odds of physician visits, compared with being never lonely. Meanwhile, those who recovered from loneliness had the same odds of physician visits, but were associated with lower number of visits (−0.71 ± 0.27) if they did utilize their physicians.

Conclusions

The present study found a significant association between loneliness and lower odds of physician visits regardless of whether the loneliness was recently developed or chronic. In addition, respondents who had loneliness in the past also had a significantly lower number of visits to physicians compared with those who were never lonely. Further studies on the underlying behavior and the health consequences are warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1789–1798.
Mediating effect of decline in social activities on urinary incontinence and negative mood: Do sex and marital differences exist?
Authors: Bai Xue , Leung Doris Yin Ping , Lai Claudia Kam Yuk , Chong Alice Ming Lin , Chi Iris
Published: January 2017

Aim

We tested the mediating effect of decline in social participation on urinary incontinence (UI) and negative mood in older adults by sex and marital status.

Methods

We carried out secondary analysis of data collected from 5301 Chinese adults aged 60 years or older in Hong Kong who had completed an initial screening instrument for subsidized long‐term care services in 2010. Path analysis within structural equation modeling was carried out.

Results

Satisfactory model fit was obtained: male–married group (n = 1949, standardized root means squared residual [SRMR] = 0.034, robust root mean square error of approximation [R‐RMSEA] = 0.045, robust comparative fit index [R‐CFI] = 0.965), male–other group (n = 519, SRMR = 0.023, R‐RMSEA = 0.011, R‐CFI = 0.988), female–married group (n = 948, SRMR = 0.018, R‐RMSEA = 0.002, R‐CFI = 1.000) and female–other group (n = 2251, SRMR = 0.023, R‐RMSEA = 0.048, R‐CFI = 0.970). In the male–married subsample, UI had both a significant direct effect (β = 0.046) and significant indirect effect on mood through decline in social participation (β = 0.021); for the female–other subsample, UI (β = 0.058) and decline in social participation (β = 0.335) had significant direct effects on negative mood. Decline in social participation had a significant direct effect on negative mood in the male–other subsample (β = 0.306) and the female–married subsample (β = 0.325).

Conclusions

Decline in social participation mediated the relationship between UI and negative mood in married older men, but not male–other group or women. It is important to recognize these sex and marital status differences, and expand social participation opportunities for UI patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1829–1836.
Role of the Attachment Style in Determining the Association Between Headache Features and Psychological Symptoms in Migraine Children and Adolescents. An Analytical Observational Case–Control Study
Authors: Tarantino Samuela , De Ranieri Cristiana , Dionisi Cecilia , Gagliardi Valentina , Paniccia Maria Francesca , Capuano Alessandro , Frusciante Roberto , Balestri Martina , Vigevano Federico , Gentile Simonetta , Valeriani Massimiliano
Published: January 2017

Objective

We aimed to study the role of attachment style on headache severity and psychological symptoms in migraineurs children/adolescents. Moreover, we investigated the association between attachment style, migraine severity, and psychological symptoms.

Background

Attachment theory suggests that early interpersonal relationships may be important determinants of psychopathology and pain management. In particular, individuals with insecure attachment styles have been shown to experience more pain than people with secure attachment style. Few studies focused on headache and data on attachment style in pediatric headache are scarce.

Methods

We studied 90 migraineurs (mean age 12.2 ± 2.6 years; female: 54, male: 36). Patients were divided in two groups according to headache attack frequency: (1) high frequency (HF) patients, having from weekly to daily episodes and (2) low frequency (LF) patients, showing ≤3 episodes per month. According to headache attack intensity, patients were classified in two groups: (1) mild pain (MP), allowing the patient to continue his/her daily activities and (2) severe pain (SP), leading to interruption of patient activities or forcing the child to go to bed. The psychological screening was assessed by SAFA Anxiety, Depression, and Somatization questionnaires. Attachment style was measured by the semi‐projective test Separation Anxiety Test. Patients were divided into “secure,” “avoidant,” “ambivalent,” and “disorganized/confused” attachment patterns.

Results

We found a significant relationship between the attachment style and migraine features. The ambivalent attachment was the most common style among patients reporting high attack frequency (51%) and severe pain intensity (50%). Anxiety (SAFA‐A Tot: F = 23.3, P < .001), depression (SAFA‐D Tot: F = 11.8, P < .001), and somatization (SAFA‐S Tot: F = 10.1, P < .001) were higher in patients with ambivalent attachment style. Moreover, our results showed an association between high attack frequency and high anxiety levels, in children with ambivalent attachment style (F = 6.7, P < .002).

Conclusions

Ambivalent attachment style may be a common vulnerability factor that impacts on pain severity, anxiety, depression, and somatization symptoms in young migraineurs. In particular, the present study provides the first evidence of the role of insecure attachment on the relationship between pain severity and psychological symptoms in migraine children.
A Multivariate Stochastic Volatility Model Applied to a Panel of S&P500 Stocks in Different Industries
Authors: Öztürk Serda S. , Stengos Thanasis
Published: January 2017

We estimate a multivariate stochastic volatility model for a panel of stock returns for a number of S&P 500 firms from different industries. To directly compare our results with those from the univariate estimation literature on the same data, we use an efficient importance sampling (EIS) method to estimate the likelihood function of the given multivariate system that we analyze. As opposed to univariate methods where each return is estimated separately for each firm, our results are based on joint estimation that can account for potential common error term interactions based on industry characteristics that cannot be detected by univariate methods. Our results reveal that there are important differences in the industry effects, something that suggests that differential gains to portfolio allocations in the different industries that we examine. There are differences because of idiosyncratic factors and the common industry factors that suggest that each industry requires a separate treatment in arriving at portfolio allocations.
Duration Dependence, Behavioral Restrictions, and the Market Timing Ability of Commodity Trading Advisors
Authors: Elaut Gert , Frömmel Michael , Mende Alexander
Published: January 2017

This paper addresses a potential shortcoming in the work on the market timing ability of fund managers. We adapt the Henriksson‐Merton (1981) test for market timing by relaxing a behavioral assumption that is implicit in the use of daily data. To this end, we relax the assumption that managers base their market timing decisions on daily excess returns. Instead, we use results from the literature on bull and bear markets and test whether fund managers can successfully time such trends in financial markets. We make use of a proprietary dataset of daily Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs) returns to show that CTAs, on average, are able to time the bull and bear markets we identify.
Introduction: The EU's Pouvoir Constituant Mixte – Exploring the Systematic Potential of an Innovative Category
Authors: Patberg Markus
Published: January 2017

According to Jürgen Habermas's notion of pouvoir constituant mixte, the EU needs to derive its democratic legitimacy from a dual subject, consisting of the community of European citizens on the one hand and the communities of state citizens on the other. In this introduction, I outline some of the basic ideas behind the pouvoir constituant mixte, situate the category within wider debates about democracy in the EU and the future of European integration, and provide a brief summary of the symposium contributions.
Oppositional defiant disorder dimensions: genetic influences and risk for later psychopathology
Authors: Mikolajewski Amy J. , Taylor Jeanette , Iacono William G.
Published: January 2017

Background

This study was undertaken to determine how well two oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) dimensions (irritable and headstrong/hurtful) assessed in childhood predict late adolescent psychopathology and the degree to which these outcomes can be attributed to genetic influences shared with ODD dimensions.

Methods

Psychopathology was assessed via diagnostic interviews of 1,225 twin pairs at ages 11 and 17.

Results

Consistent with hypotheses, the irritable dimension uniquely predicted overall internalizing problems, whereas the headstrong/hurtful dimension uniquely predicted substance use disorder symptoms. Both dimensions were predictive of antisocial behavior and overall externalizing problems. The expected relationships between the irritable dimension and specific internalizing disorders were not found. Twin modeling showed that the irritable and headstrong/hurtful dimensions were related to late adolescent psychopathology symptoms through common genetic influences.

Conclusions

Symptoms of ODD in childhood pose a significant risk for various mental health outcomes in late adolescence. Further, common genetic influences underlie the covariance between irritable symptoms in childhood and overall internalizing problems in late adolescence, whereas headstrong/hurtful symptoms share genetic influences with substance use disorder symptoms. Antisocial behavior and overall externalizing share common genetic influences with both the irritable and headstrong/hurtful dimensions.
Circulating ferritin concentrations and risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese individuals
Authors: Akter Shamima , Nanri Akiko , Kuwahara Keisuke , Matsushita Yumi , Nakagawa Tohru , Konishi Maki , Honda Toru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Hayashi Takeshi , Noda Mitsuhiko , Mizoue Tetsuya
Published: January 2017

Aims/Introduction

Higher iron storage has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but little is known about the mediator of this association. Here, we prospectively investigated the association between circulating ferritin, a marker of iron storage, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes among Japanese individuals.

Materials and Methods

The participants were 4,754 employees who attended a comprehensive health check‐up in 2008–2009 and donated blood for the study. During 5 years of follow up, diabetes was identified based on plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin and self‐report. Two controls matched to each case on sex, age and date of check‐up were randomly chosen using density sampling, giving 327 cases and 641 controls with ferritin measurement. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio while adjusting for a series of potential confounders or mediators.

Results

Elevated serum ferritin levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes, with the hazard ratio adjusted for known risk factors in the highest vs lowest quartile of 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.96). This association was unchanged after adjustment for C‐reactive protein and adiponectin, but attenuated after adjustment for liver enzyme and insulin resistance (hazard ratio 1.04). The ferritin–diabetes association was confined to non‐obese participants.

Conclusions

These results suggest that elevated iron storage is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes in normal weight individuals, and that this association is partly mediated through liver dysfunction and resulting insulin resistance.
Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography of least cisco Coregonus sardinella in Alaska
Authors: Padula V. M. , Causey D. , López J. A.
Published: January 2017

This study presents the first detailed analysis of the mitochondrial DNA diversity of least cisco Coregonus sardinella in Alaska using a 678 bp segment of the control region (D‐loop) of the mitochondrial genome. Findings suggest that the history of C. sardinella in Alaska differs from that of other species of Coregonus present in the state and surrounding regions. The examined populations of C. sardinella are genetically diverse across Alaska. Sixty‐eight distinct mitochondrial haplotypes were identified among 305 individuals sampled from nine locations. The haplotype minimum spanning network and phylogeny showed a modest level of geographic segregation among haplotypes, suggesting high levels of on‐going or recent connectivity among distant populations. Observed ΦST values and the results of homogeneity and AMOVAs indicate incipient genetic differentiation between aggregations in three broad regional groups. Sites north of the Brooks Range formed one group, sites in the Yukon and Selawik Rivers formed a second group and sites south of the Yukon drainage formed the third group. Overall, the sequence data showed that a large proportion of mtDNA genetic variation in C. sardinella is shared across Alaska, but this variation is not homogeneously distributed across all regions and for all haplotype groups.
Living on Standby: Endurance and Anticipation in Chile's Aconcagua Valley
Authors: Radovic‐Fanta Jelena
Published: January 2017

La industria de exportación frutícola en Chile entró al mercado internacional hace tres décadas y es hoy día citado como ejemplo de un sólido crecimiento económico en el país. Sin embargo, una mirada más cercana nos demuestra que los y las trabajadores temporeras enfrentan una creciente incertidumbre y precariedad laboral en un calendario laboral fragmentado. Los meses de invierno son caracterizados por el desempleo y endeudamiento que restringen las posibilidades de planificación a corto y mediano plazo. Este estudio está basado en una investigación etnográfica realizada en el Valle del Aconcagua de Chile, una región productora de uvas de mesa durante el verano austral. Aquí se examina las maneras en que las temporeras agrícolas llegan a fin de mes durante el invierno y cómo forjan las subjetividades dentro de un contexto neoliberal. La investigación nos revela cómo los objetos materiales y la maternidad facilitan la perseverancia y proveen un contorno emocional‐aunque sea de corta duración‐que amortigua la incertidumbre cotidiana.
ExPPNing how acetylcholine improves gait in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Falkenburger Björn
Published: January 2017

Read the highlighted article ‘Deletion of the Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter from Pedunculopontine/laterodorsal tegmental neurons modifies gait’ on page 787.
Gendered God Imagery and Attitudes Toward Mothers’ Labor Force Participation: Examining the Transposable Character of Religious Schemas
Authors: Shah Sarah , Bartkowski John P. , Xu Xiaohe
Published: January 2017

God imagery has been shown to have a profound influence on a diverse array of attitudes and behaviors. Research has also underscored the religious antecedents of traditionalist gender ideologies. This study integrates these parallel literatures by examining the degree to which gendered God imagery is a transposable schema that is associated with attitudes toward mothers’ paid labor force participation. We hypothesize that otherworldly schemas predicated on gender difference—namely, paternal and maternal images of God—have this‐worldly consequences by reinforcing opposition to mothers’ workforce participation. Analyses of General Social Survey data reveal strong support for this hypothesis. The evidence also demonstrates that paternal God images produce particularly robust and persistent opposition to mothers’ labor force participation net of other factors. Additional hypotheses about the interaction effects exhibited by gendered God imagery, prayer, and worship service attendance are modestly supported. We conclude by discussing our study's implications and outlining directions for future research.
Update: Singles in Late‐Modern Conservative Religions
Authors: Engelberg Ari
Published: January 2017

This article reviews the state of the research on religious singles, claiming that it is an understudied field. In late modernity, the age of marriage has risen. The importance of family for religious observance and the “family values” ideology adopted by conservative religions pose obstacles for singles who wish to remain observant, and can lead to their marginalization. I review the literature on singles and identify common patterns informed by my own research on religious Zionist singles. I argue that discourse and values regarding marriage and singlehood across various conservative religious communities have much in common, and that religious singles often find themselves torn between their religious values and those of secular mainstream young adult society.
Electoral Accountability in the Midst of Criminal Violence: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: Ley Sandra
Published: January 2017

Rising levels of crime and insecurity affect the quality of life. A fundamental question for the prospects of democracy is whether voters, in hopes of reaching better solutions to conditions of prevailing insecurity, can hold their elected officials accountable for such situations. This article argues that electoral accountability amid criminal violence requires voters to be able to assign responsibility for crime, and that partisan alignment across levels of government facilitates this task. Recent Mexican elections are examined to test this argument. Relying on both aggregate electoral data and individual survey evidence, this study shows that voters hold politicians accountable for crime in the narrow circumstances of organized crime–related violence and political alignment. This evidence not only provides additional caveats to issue voting models, but also opens new avenues of research on electoral accountability.
Uneasy Partners Against Crime: The Ambivalent Relationship Between the Police and the Private Security Industry in Mexico
Authors: Puck Logan
Published: January 2017

Legitimation is a fraught process for private security companies operating in Mexico and other countries in the Global South where the police have a poor reputation. Mexican private security companies have an ambivalent relationship with the police, which causes firms to engage in two seemingly contradictory practices. Companies attempt to gain legitimacy by aligning with the image of the police to earn a sense of “symbolic stateness” while simultaneously distancing themselves from Mexico's actual police forces so as to disassociate from the institution's poor reputation. Consequently, collaboration between public and private security is limited, despite official attempts by the Mexican state to foster positive contact between them. Overall, this study contributes to the growing literature on private security by providing novel insights into the strategies private security firms utilize to navigate within states possessing delegitimated security forces, and the resulting lucrative political economy landscape.
Suaahara in Nepal: An at‐scale, multi‐sectoral nutrition program influences knowledge and practices while enhancing equity
Authors: Cunningham Kenda , Singh Akriti , Pandey Rana Pooja , Brye Laura , Alayon Silvia , Lapping Karin , Gautam Bindu , Underwood Carol , Klemm Rolf D. W.
Published: January 2017

The burden of undernutrition in South Asia is greater than anywhere else. Policies and programmatic efforts increasingly address health and non‐health determinants of undernutrition. In Nepal, one large‐scale integrated nutrition program, Suaahara, aimed to reduce undernutrition among women and children in the 1,000‐day period, while simultaneously addressing inequities. In this study, we use household‐level process evaluation data (N = 480) to assess levels of exposure to program inputs and levels of knowledge and practices related to health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). We also assess Suaahara's effect on the differences between disadvantaged (DAG) and non‐disadvantaged households in exposure, knowledge, and practice indicators. All regression models were adjusted for potential confounders at the child‐, maternal‐, and household levels, as well as clustering. We found a higher prevalence of almost all exposure and knowledge indicators and some practice indicators in Suaahara areas versus comparison areas. A higher proportion of DAG households in Suaahara areas reported exposure, were knowledgeable, and practiced optimal behaviors related to nearly all maternal and child health, nutrition, and WASH indicators than DAG households in non‐Suaahara areas and sometimes even than non‐DAG households in Suaahara areas. Moreover, differences in some of these indicators between DAG and non‐DAG households were significantly smaller in Suaahara areas than in comparison areas. These results indicate that large‐scale integrated interventions can influence nutrition‐related knowledge and practices, while simultaneously reducing inequities.
Anxiety, stress, and quality of life among Iraqi refugees in Jordan: A cross sectional survey
Authors: Al‐Smadi Ahmed Mohammad , Tawalbeh Loai Issa , Gammoh Omar Salem , Ashour Ala Fawzi , Alshraifeen Ali , Gougazeh Yazeed Mohammed
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the predictors, levels, and prevalence of anxiety and stress and to assess the relationship between these factors and quality of life in recently displaced Iraqis. A cross‐sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 171 Iraqi refugees was recruited. The results indicated that more than half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, while 42.8% reported high stress. The regression model explained 46.3% of the variance in levels of quality of life. Unemployment, fewer than three family members, and high anxiety significantly predicted low‐level quality of life. These three predictors need to be taken into consideration when developing health‐related interventions to improve the quality of life of Iraqi refugees.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis with Arundo donax Decreases Root Respiration and Increases Both Photosynthesis and Plant Biomass Accumulation
Authors: Romero‐Munar Antònia , Del‐Saz Néstor Fernández , Ribas‐Carbó Miquel , Flexas Jaume , Baraza Elena , Florez‐Sarasa Igor , Fernie Alisdair Robert , Gulías Javier
Published: January 2017

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis on plant growth is associated with the balance between costs and benefits. A feedback regulation loop has been described in which the higher carbohydrate cost to plants for AM symbiosis is compensated by increases in their photosynthetic rates. Nevertheless, plant carbon balance depends both on photosynthetic carbon uptake and respiratory carbon consumption. The hypothesis behind this research was that the role of respiration in plant growth under AM symbiosis may be as important as that of photosynthesis.

This hypothesis was tested in Arundo donax L. plantlets inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae. We tested the effects of AM inoculation on both photosynthetic capacity and in vivo leaf and root respiration. Additionally, analyses of the primary metabolism and ion content were performed in both leaves and roots. AM inoculation increased photosynthesis through increased CO2 diffusion and electron transport in the chloroplast. Moreover, respiration decreased only in AM roots via the cytochrome oxidase pathway (COP) as measured by the oxygen isotope technique. This decline in the COP can be related to the reduced respiratory metabolism and substrates (sugars and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates) observed in roots.
Expression of the UVR8 photoreceptor in different tissues reveals tissue‐autonomous features of UV‐B signalling
Authors: Bernula Péter , Crocco Carlos Daniel , Arongaus Adriana Beatriz , Ulm Roman , Nagy Ferenc , Viczián András
Published: January 2017

The Arabidopsis UV‐B photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) orchestrates the expression of hundreds of genes, many of which can be associated with UV‐B tolerance. UV‐B does not efficiently penetrate into tissues, yet UV‐B regulates complex growth and developmental responses. To unravel to what extent and how UVR8 located in different tissues contributes to UV‐B‐induced responses, we expressed UVR8 fused to the YELLOW FLUORESCENT PROTEIN (YFP) under the control of tissue‐specific promoters in a uvr8 null mutant background. We show that (1) UVR8 localized in the epidermis plays a major role in regulating cotyledon expansion, and (2) expression of UVR8 in the mesophyll is important to protect adult plants from the damaging effects of UV‐B. We found that UV‐B induces transcription of selected genes, including the key transcriptional regulator ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), only in tissues that express UVR8. Thus, we suggest that tissue‐autonomous and simultaneous UVR8 signalling in different tissues mediates, at least partly, developmental and defence responses to UV‐B.
Contrasting phenotypic plasticity in the photoprotective strategies of the invasive species Carpobrotus edulis and the coexisting native species Crithmum maritimum
Authors: Fenollosa Erola , Munné‐Bosch Sergi , Pintó‐Marijuan Marta
Published: January 2017

Photoprotective strategies vary greatly within the plant kingdom and reflect a plant's physiological status and capacity to cope with environment variations. The plasticity and intensity of these responses may determine plant success. Invasive species are reported to show increased vigor to displace native species. Describing the mechanisms that confer such vigor is essential to understanding the success of invasive species. We performed an experiment whereby two species were monitored: Carpobrotus edulis, an aggressive invasive species in the Mediterranean basin, and Crithmum maritimum, a coexisting native species in the Cap de Creus Natural Park (NE Spain). We analyzed their photoprotective responses to seasonal environmental dynamics by comparing the capacity of the invader to respond to the local environmental stresses throughout the year. Our study analyses ecophysiological markers and photoprotective strategies to gain an insight into the success of invaders. We found that both species showed completely different but effective photoprotective strategies: in summer, C. edulis took special advantage of the xanthophyll cycle, whereas the success of C. maritimum in summer stemmed from morphological changes and alterations on β‐carotene content. Winter also presented differences between the species, as the native showed reduced Fv/Fm ratios. Our experimental design allowed us to introduce a new approach to compare phenotypic plasticity: the integrated phenotypic plasticity index (PPint), defined as the maximum Euclidian distance between phenotypes, using a combination of different variables to describe them. This index revealed significantly greater phenotypic plasticity in the invasive species compared to the native species.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and green tea polyphenols do not improve stallion semen parameters during cooling at 4°C
Authors: Bucci D , Spinaci M , Mislei B , Gadani B , Rizzato G , Love CC , Tamanini C , Galeati G , Mari G
Published: January 2017

Contents

Stallion semen storage for artificial insemination is mainly based on liquid cooled storage. In many stallions this technique maintains sperm quality for an extended period of time (24–72 hr) at 7°C. While this technique is commonly used in the horse industry, there can be a decline in fertility in some stallions, due to an inability of their sperm to tolerate the cool storage process. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of two natural antioxidants (epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) at 20, 60 and 120 μm and green tea polyphenols, and p at .001, .01 and .1 mg/ml) on some sperm parameters (sperm motility, viability/acrosome integrity and DNA quality) in extended semen immediately after its collection (T0) and after 2, 6, 24 and 48 hr of cool storage. Two ejaculates from three trotter stallions were analysed after 48 hr of storage at 4°C. No beneficial effect on the analysed parameters was observed: the two antioxidants were not able to improve sperm quality after 48 hr of storage. These results are in agreement with previous findings on the effect of different antioxidants reported by other researches, who have demonstrated that stallion semen keeps good antioxidant capacity after dilution for 24 hr. In conclusion, the positive effect exerted by antioxidant molecules in other species is not confirmed in the equine one.
Lipid and protein oxidation levels in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) and their relationship with semen parameters
Authors: Satitmanwiwat S , Promthep K , Buranaamnuay K , Mahasawangkul S , Saikhun K
Published: January 2017

Contents

Peroxidation damage to spermatozoa and seminal plasma has an important role in sperm quality. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the levels of lipid and protein oxidation in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) with varying percentage of progressive motility. Lipid and protein oxidation was measured by the thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species (TBARS) assay and the 2, 4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) carbonyl groups assay, respectively. Fresh semen samples were collected from Asian elephants and classified according to the percentage of motile spermatozoa into good (>60%) and poor (≤20%) motility. Results revealed that seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and seminal plasma protein carbonyls (PCs) were significantly higher in poor motility than in good motility (p < .05). The MDA and PC levels in seminal plasma were negatively correlated with the percentages of progressive motility (p < .05). In addition, the negative correlation between sperm concentration and seminal plasma MDA level was investigated (p < .05). The sperm viability was also negatively correlated with sperm PC level (p < .05). This study indicated that lipid and protein oxidation has deleterious effect on semen quality of Asian elephants.
Sedimentological and ichnological implications of rapid Holocene flooding of a gently sloping mud‐dominated incised valley – an example from the Red River (Gulf of Tonkin)
Authors: Wetzel Andreas , Szczygielski Agata , Unverricht Daniel , Stattegger Karl
Published: January 2017

The Gulf of Tonkin coastline migrated at an average rate of ca 60 m year−1 landward during Holocene sea‐level rise (20 to 8 ka). Due to a combination of rapid coastline migration and undersupply of sand, neither coastal barriers nor tidal sand bars developed at the mouth of the Red River incised valley. Only a 30 to 80 cm thick sandy interval formed at the base of full‐marine deposits. Thus, the river mouth represented a mud‐dominated open funnel‐shaped estuary during transgression. At the base of the valley fill, a thin fluvial lag deposit marks a period of lowered sea‐level when the river did not reach geomorphic equilibrium and was thus prone to erosion. The onset of base‐level rise is documented by non‐bioturbated to sparsely bioturbated mud that occasionally contains pyrite indicating short‐term seawater incursions. Siderite in overlying deposits points to low‐salinity estuarine conditions. The open funnel‐shaped river mouth favoured upstream incursion of seawater that varied inversely to the seasonal strongly fluctuating discharge: several centimetres to a few tens of centimetres thick intervals showing marine or freshwater dominance alternate, as indicated by bioturbational and physical sedimentary structures, and by the presence of Fe sulphides or siderite, respectively. Recurrent short‐term seawater incursions stressed the burrowing fauna. The degree of bioturbation increases upward corresponding to increasing marine influence. The uppermost estuarine sediments are completely bioturbated. The estuarine deposits aggraded on average rapidly, up to several metres kyr−1. Siphonichnidal burrows produced by bivalves, however, document recurrent episodes of enhanced deposition (>0·5 m) and pronounced erosion (<1 m) that are otherwise not recorded. The slope of the incised valley affected the sedimentary facies. In steep valley segments, the marine transgressive surface (equivalent to the onset of full‐marine conditions) is accentuated by the Glossifungites ichnofacies, whereas in gently sloped valley segments the marine transgressive surface is gradational and bioturbated. Marine deposits are completely bioturbated.
Successful treatment of donor‐derived hepatitis C infection in a lung transplant recipient
Authors: Theodoropoulos Nicole , Whitson Bryan A. , Martin Stanley I. , Pouch Stephanie , Pope‐Harman Amy
Published: January 2017

Data are limited regarding the use of direct‐acting antivirals for treatment of hepatitis C infection post lung transplant, especially in a donor‐derived infection. We present a case of a lung transplant recipient with donor‐derived hepatitis C that was successfully treated with a 12‐week regimen of simeprevir and sofosbuvir. This case reiterates the importance of screening recipients of increased‐risk donor organs for disease transmission and the value of early therapy.
Vernal‐like conjunctivitis in a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Authors: Hopper Jane S. , Holding Ellen , Scurrell Emma J. , Featherstone Heidi
Published: January 2017

Case description

A 17‐year‐old female western lowland gorilla presented with bilateral ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis that was investigated and treated over a 34‐month period. Clinical findings, diagnostic results, treatment, and follow‐up are described.

Clinical finding

A mild intermittent mucoid ocular discharge was initially noted. 10 months later, conjunctival hyperemia and thickening developed and progressed rapidly to a mass‐like lesion covering the right eye. Hematology revealed eosinophilia. Conjunctival cytology revealed eosinophils and neutrophils, and histopathology revealed a chronic proliferative eosinophilic conjunctivitis. 21 months after, the ocular lesions were investigated the gorilla developed masses within both external nares. Histopathology of the nasal lesions revealed chronic‐active eosinophilic rhinitis.

Treatment and outcome

Treatment of the gorilla was based on protocols recommended for human patients. Protocols for mild, moderate, and finally severe disease were used, involving topical and oral combinations of treatments. The gorilla eventually responded to systemic immunosuppressant therapy recommended for severe refractory disease.

Clinical significance

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of vernal‐like conjunctivitis in a western lowland gorilla.
Safe use of anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody in pig islet xenotransplantation in monkeys
Authors: Bottino Rita , Knoll Michael F. , Graeme‐Wilson Joshua , Klein Edwin C. , Ayares David , Trucco Massimo , Cooper David K. C.
Published: January 2017

Anti‐CD154mAb is a powerful co‐stimulation blockade agent that is efficacious in preventing rejection, even in xenogeneic settings. It has been used in the majority of successful long‐term pig‐to‐non‐human primate islet transplantation models. However, its clinical use was halted as a result of thromboembolic complications that were also observed in preclinical and clinical organ transplantation models. An anti‐CD154mAb was administered to 14 streptozotocin‐induced diabetic cynomolgus monkey recipients of porcine islets, some of which received the agent for many months. Monkeys were monitored for complications, and blood monitoring was carried out frequently. After euthanasia, multiple biopsies of all organs were examined for histological features of thromboembolism. Anti‐CD154mAb prevented rejection of genetically engineered pig islets in all monkeys. No significant complications were attributable specifically to anti‐CD154mAb. There was no evidence of thromboembolism in multiple histological sections from all major organs, including the brain. Our data suggest that in diabetic monkeys with pig islet grafts, anti‐CD154mAb would appear to be an effective and safe therapy, and is not associated with thromboembolic complications.
Can Mathematics be Biology's next microscope in disease research at the interface?
Authors: Anguelov Roumen , Bastos Armanda
Published: January 2017

In this paper we discuss how mathematics can be integrated into biological research as well as the benefits and challenges related to this process. The focus is on the research of diseases at the interface between wildlife, humans and livestock with some illustrative examples applications of mathematical models to disease research we have been personally involved with.