bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family conflict is associated with longitudinal changes in insular‐striatal functional connectivity during adolescent risk taking under maternal influence
Authors: Guassi Moreira João F. , Telzer Eva H.
Published: December 2017

Maternal presence has marked effects on adolescent neurocognition during risk taking, influencing teenagers to make safer decisions. However, it is currently unknown whether maternal buffering changes over the course of adolescence itself, and whether its effects are robust to individual differences in family relationship quality. In the current longitudinal study, 23 adolescents completed a risk‐taking task under maternal presence during an fMRI scan before and after the transition to high school. Behavioral results reveal that adolescent risk taking increased under maternal presence across a one‐year period. At the neural level, we found that adolescents reporting higher family conflict showed longitudinal increases in functional coupling between the anterior insula (AI) and ventral striatum (VS) when making safe decisions in the presence of their mother, which was associated with increased real‐world risk taking. These findings show that individual differences in family relationship quality undermine effective development of AI‐VS connectivity resulting in increased risk taking.
Long‐term behavioural outcomes after paediatric convulsive status epilepticus: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Martinos Marina M , Pujar Suresh , Gillberg Christopher , Cortina‐Borja Mario , Neville Brian G R , De Haan Michelle , Scott Rod C , Chin Richard F M
Published: December 2017

Aim

To describe behavioural and psychiatric outcomes of children within 10 years of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE).

Method

Children originally identified by the population‐based North London Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Childhood Surveillance Study were followed‐up between July 2009 and February 2013. They were grouped into epilepsy‐ and non‐epilepsy‐related CSE, and compared with population norms and healthy controls using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire; and the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham questionnaire. Children who scored above recommended clinical cut‐offs on any scale were invited for a neuropsychiatric assessment. Regression models were fitted to identify clinically relevant covariates associated with behavioural outcomes.

Results

At a mean follow‐up of 8.1 years post‐CSE, 28% of enrolled children were found to have a psychiatric disorder. Children with epilepsy‐related CSE scored higher than norms on all scales and children with non‐epilepsy‐related CSE scored higher than norms on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire. Presence of seizures at baseline and recurrence of CSE was associated with worse outcomes in the group with epilepsy. Intellectual abilities were associated with behavioural outcomes in all participants.

Interpretation

A large proportion of children manifest behavioural issues 8 years after CSE. The present data highlight the need for behavioural screening in children with neurodevelopmental impairments post‐CSE.

What this paper adds

Eight years post convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), 37% of parents report behavioural issues.

Of enrolled children, 28% were found to have a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual mental disorder.

Intellectual abilities are strongly associated with behavioural outcomes in children post‐CSE.
Comparative effectiveness of metformin monotherapy in extended release and immediate release formulations for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in treatment‐naïve Chinese patients: Analysis of results from the CONSENT trial
Authors: Ji Linong , Liu Jing , Yang Jing , Li Yufeng , Liang Li , Zhu Dalong , Li Quanmin , Ma Tianrong , Xu Haiyan , Yang Yanlan , Zeng Jiaoe , Feng Bo , Qu Shen , Li Yiming , Ma Lizhen , Lin Shanshan , Wang Jianping , Li Wei , Song Weihong , Li Xiaoxing , Luo Yong , Xi Shugang , Lin Mei , Liu Yu , Liang Zerong
Published: December 2017

Aims

Metformin treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be limited by gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs), resulting in treatment discontinuation. We investigated whether once‐daily metformin extended release (XR) is superior in terms of GI tolerability, with non‐inferior efficacy, compared with thrice‐daily metformin immediate release (IR) in treatment‐naïve Chinese patients with T2DM.

Materials and Methods

This prospective, open‐label, randomized, multicentre, phase IV interventional study enrolled Chinese T2DM patients to receive either metformin XR or metformin IR with a 2‐week screening period, a 16‐week treatment period and a 2‐week follow‐up period without treatment. Co‐primary endpoints were a non‐inferiority assessment of metformin XR vs metformin IR in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) least squares mean (LSM) change from baseline to week 16 and the superiority of GI tolerability for metformin XR vs metformin IR.

Results

Overall, 532 patients were randomized to metformin IR (n = 267) or metformin XR (n = 265). The HbA1c LSM change was −1.61% and −1.58% in each group, respectively (LSM difference, 0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.10, 0.17). Incidences of drug‐related AEs were 26.5% (n = 66) in the metformin IR‐only group and 32.2% (n = 85) in the metformin XR‐only group, and GI AEs were 23.8% and 22.3% in each group, respectively (difference, −1.52; 95% CI, −8.60, 5.56). The treatment difference met the predefined non‐inferiority upper CI margin of 0.4% in HbA1c.

Conclusions

Metformin XR was non‐inferior to metformin IR for the LSM change in HbA1c from baseline to week 16 and not superior to metformin IR for overall GI AE incidence during treatment of Chinese T2DM patients.
3DTEE imaging of a descending aorta floating thrombus in a patient with calciphylaxis
Authors: Theodoropoulos Konstantinos C. , Papachristidis Alexandros , Papitsas Michael , Byrne Jonathan , Monaghan Mark J.
Published: December 2017

We present a case of a 68‐year‐old man with calciphylaxis, who was found to have a floating thrombus in the descending aorta on a transesophageal echocardiogram. The use of 3D echocardiography demonstrated nicely the free motion of the thrombus, emerging from an atherosclerotic plaque in the descending aorta. Anticoagulation was started for thromboembolism prevention.
Acute severe mitral regurgitation after blunt chest trauma
Authors: Saric Petar , Ravaee Benjamin D. , Patel Toral R. , Hoit Brian D.
Published: December 2017

Myocardial contusion and aortic injury are well‐known cardiac complications of blunt chest trauma, but valvular injury is rare. Traumatic valve injuries most commonly involve the aortic valve, with isolated mitral valve injury being quite rare. We report a case of acute severe mitral regurgitation due to ruptured chordae tendineae requiring surgical repair following a motor vehicle accident.
Comparison of weighted and composite scores for pre‐clinical dental learners
Authors: Nassar H. M. , Park Y. S. , Tekian A.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The weighted mean (WM) method for combining scores of assessment components can provide outcomes with biased reliability and score precision. The objective of this study was to compare the traditional WM with another method utilising the composite score (CS) principle for combining scores of a final summative assessment exercise for a pre‐clinical dental course.

Methods

Data were collected from the final examination of third‐year Preclinical Operative and Esthetic Dentistry course consisting of 3 parts: practical competency, objective structured practical examination and a written examination with weights of 33%, 17% and 50%, respectively. Scores from the 3 components were combined using the WM and CS methods. Weighted kappa was used to compare both approaches for agreement, and students’ ranks were also compared.

Results

Combining scores using CS scheme produced lower scores overall compared to WM with more apparent effect for the male group. Agreement between WM and CS was moderate (κ = 0.44) with major differences between students’ ranks across the 2 modalities as only 21% of the cohort retained their ranks.

Conclusion

The CS method produced more reliable scores, resulting in moderate agreement with the WM and major shift in students’ ranks. These findings necessitate further validity considerations before implementing the CS method and call for further studies that examine the consequences of composite measures in dental education.
Cost‐utility analysis of idelalisib in combination with rituximab in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Casado Luis Felipe , Hernández José Ángel , Jarque Isidro , Echave María , Casado Miguel Angel , Castro Antonio
Published: December 2017

Objective

To evaluate the incremental cost‐utility ratio (ICUR) of idelalisib in combination with rituximab (IR) versus rituximab monotherapy (R) in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), from the Spanish National Health System (NHS) perspective.

Methods

A partitioned survival Markov model for a lifetime horizon (30 years) was developed to estimate costs (€, 2016) and quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) with IR and R. Initial cohort included patients with CLL receiving a second or subsequent line (2L) of treatment with IR or R. Survival data were based on CLL clinical trial. Drug, administration, monitoring, adverse events and clinical management of CLL costs were included in the model. Costs and outcomes were discounted using a 3% annually. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed.

Results

Compared to R, 2L IR treatment resulted in QALY gain of 3.147 (4.965 versus 1.818). Total costs were €118 254 for IR versus €23 874 for R. ICUR was €29 990/QALY gained with IR versus R. In the PSA, IR was cost‐effective in 78% of iterations using a threshold of €45 000/QALY.

Conclusion

IR can be considered a cost‐effective treatment compared to R, in the treatment of R/R CLL patients for the Spanish NHS.
Dermaphis coccidiformis sp. nov. (Hemiptera), an aphid species with asymmetrically sclerotized apterae and “winter alates”
Authors: Aoki Shigeyuki , Kurosu Utako , Uematsu Keigo , Fukatsu Takema , Kutsukake Mayako
Published: December 2017

Dermaphis coccidiformis sp. nov. (Hormaphidinae: Nipponaphidini) is described from Japan. Apterous adults of the species were found between winter buds (or between a winter bud and a leaf petiole) of the evergreen oaks Quercus glauca, Q. myrsinifolia and Q. salicina. Their morphology is peculiar in that their tergites are heavily sclerotized only in the part that seems to have been exposed to sunlight. The new species is also peculiar in that nymphs to be alates (sexuparae) were found on the upper surfaces of leaves of the host oak only during winter, from December to March or early April, before the bud break of the oak. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that the new species is closely related to Dermaphis spp., therefore it was placed in the genus. The analysis incidentally indicated that “Dinipponaphis” autumna, a monoecious species forming galls on Distylium racemosum, was included in the clade of the genus Dermaphis, and therefore it was transferred to this genus.
Association between scalp and intracerebral electroencephalographic seizure‐onset patterns: A study in different lesional pathological substrates
Authors: Tanaka Hideaki , Khoo Hui Ming , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean
Published: December 2017

Objective

Our purpose was to determine the correlation between scalp electroencephalography (EEG) and intracerebral EEG (iEEG) seizure‐onset patterns in patients with focal lesional epilepsy to determine whether scalp seizure‐onset patterns can be specific to intracerebral seizure‐onset patterns and to lesion type.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 61 patients with focal epilepsy and a structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐visible lesion, who first underwent extensive scalp recordings and then iEEG studies (stereo‐EEG) for presurgical evaluation, and who showed an iEEG seizure onset in the lesional/perilesional area. Five seizure‐onset patterns were recognized on scalp EEG, and 7 on iEEG, and in each patient, only the predominant scalp and iEEG seizure‐onset patterns were compared. Because scalp and iEEG recordings were acquired at different times, we followed strict criteria based on semiology and topography to match scalp with intracerebral seizures.

Results

Seventy‐one pairs of seizure‐onset patterns matched between scalp and iEEG were identified. Each scalp pattern did not correspond to a single intracerebral pattern, but there were significant associations: (1) paroxysmal fast activity (≥13 Hz) at scalp onset was associated with low‐voltage fast activity at iEEG onset (P < .001), with malformations of cortical development (P < .001), and with superficial seizure‐onset zone based on iEEG (P < .001); (2) rhythmic slow activity (<13 Hz) at scalp onset was associated with low‐frequency high‐amplitude periodic spikes at iEEG onset (P = .0014), with medial temporal atrophy/sclerosis (P < .001), and with deep seizure‐onset zone (P < .001); and (3) repetitive epileptiform discharge at scalp onset was associated with a burst of high‐amplitude polyspikes at iEEG onset (P = .0002).

Significance

Our results disclosed that in focal epilepsy patients with seizures generated in an MRI‐visible lesion, some scalp seizure‐onset patterns are highly associated with a specific intracerebral pattern, with specific pathologies, and with the depth of seizure‐onset zone. These findings allow the interpretation of scalp seizure‐onset patterns to be significantly more informative.
Predictors of Internalizing Behaviors in Ukrainian Children
Authors: Burlaka Viktor , Kim Yi Jin , Crutchfield Jandel M. , Lefmann Teresa A. , Kay Emma S.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To (a) estimate the level of child internalizing problems in a sample of Ukrainian school‐age children and (b) examine the relationships between child internalizing psychopathology and parenting practices, depression, alcohol use, and sociodemographics.

Background

Most research on child internalizing behaviors has used samples from high‐income countries, but there is a lack of information about children's behaviors and associated risk and protective factors from low‐ and middle‐income countries such as Ukraine. An ecological–transactional model framework was used in this study to examine maternal and family‐level factors associated with child internalizing behavior problems.

Method

Data were gathered from a community‐based sample of Ukrainian mothers and children between 9 and 16 years of age (n = 251) using face‐to‐face interviews. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship among the independent variables (e.g., alcohol use, depression, and parenting behaviors) and children's internalizing behaviors.

Results

Older children, especially boys, reported fewer internalizing problems. Increased internalizing symptomatology was associated with mothers' older age, higher level of depression, lower use of positive parenting, and poor child monitoring and supervision.

Conclusion

These results raise awareness about the importance of child familial backgrounds while trying to address child mental health problems in Ukraine.

Implications

Family practitioners may want to help mothers learn and apply positive parenting and effective supervision and monitoring skills to help reduce their children's depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, helping to decrease maternal depression may have a positive trickle‐down effect on their children's internalizing behaviors.
Catch‐related fish injury and catch efficiency of stow‐net‐based fish recovery installations for fish‐monitoring at hydropower plants
Authors: Pander J. , Mueller M. , Knott J. , Geist J.
Published: December 2017

Hydropower‐related damage to fish remains a great challenge, making objective monitoring of turbine‐related fish injury a necessity. The catch of fish at turbine outlets is currently realised by net fishing, but potential catch‐related injuries are largely unknown. Catch efficiency and fish‐friendliness in relation to fish handling, exposure time, floating debris and fish biomass of four fish recovery installations were assessed using seven species. Highly species‐specific lethal and sublethal effects were observed. Exposure time had the strongest effects on catch‐related damage, being up to 150‐fold increase after 12 hr compared to 1 hr. Up to 84% mortality occurred in the most sensitive species Thymallus thymallus L. Besides exposure time, higher current speed and biomass within the net resulted in greater fish damage. To minimise catch‐related effects, keeping emptying periods <1–2 hr and considering the effects of current speed, fish and debris biomass are crucial to increase data comparability among studies.
Fish invasion in the river systems of Guangdong Province, South China: Possible indicators of their success
Authors: Gu D. E. , Hu Y. C. , Xu M. , Wei H. , Luo D. , Yang Y. X. , Yu F. D. , Mu X. D.
Published: December 2017

Although a large number of fish species have been introduced into Guangdong Province in Southern China, a few species, such as tilapia (Tilapia spp.), North African catfish Clarias gariepinus Burchell, mrigal carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Bloch) and the sucker mouth catfish (Hypostomus sp.), have established natural populations and can be considered “successful invaders” in large rivers. The specific mechanisms underlying these contrasting results among different introduced fish species remain understudied. The relationship between multiple abiotic–biotic factors and the success of four invasive species was investigated using survey data for the Guangdong Province river ecosystem. In contrast to previous studies that have considered species‐specific traits, the focus was on economic, ecological and anthropogenic factors to predict invasion success. Four main predictive indicators were found: (1) successful invaders were of low or no commercial value; (2) successful invaders tolerated a wide range of environmental conditions, including poor water quality; (3) biodiversity loss accelerated the growth of non‐native populations; (4) human disturbance facilitated population growth and spread of invasive fish species. To lessen the impacts of invasive fish species, the selection of breeding species and breeding areas, maintenance of water quality and reduction in water pollution, protection of the diversity of fish species and reduction of human interference should be addressed.
Paradiplomacy and political geography: The geopolitics of substate regional diplomacy
Authors: Jackson Thomas
Published: December 2017

Political geographers have increasingly engaged with “alternative” diplomatic practices, actors, cultures, and sites which transcend traditional state‐centric modalities. Despite this growing interest, the term paradiplomacy, referring to the international activities of substate regions, has not featured heavily in the geographical literature. This paper brings debates surrounding the nature and practices of paradiplomacy into conversation with recent political geography scholarship on diplomacy and, in particular, geopolitics. It begins by introducing the increasingly plural understandings of diplomacy that have challenged dominant state‐centric discourse and foregrounded the inherent spatiality of diplomatic practices. This is followed by an examination of the dynamic evolution of the term “paradiplomacy.” The paper goes on to suggest how theoretical and methodological insights from political geography could be productively interwoven with the study of paradiplomacy. The final section exemplifies this through an exploration of the geopolitics of substate diplomacy. It is argued that by building on methodological insights from critical readings of geopolitics, it is possible to offer a multi‐scalar analysis of paradiplomacy which contributes to an ongoing project of political geography—to unsettle and challenge ingrained imaginaries which underpin our understandings of the region, the state, and the international political system.
Potassium fertilization of timothy‐based cut grassland—Effects on herbage yield, mineral composition and critical K concentration on soils with different K status
Authors: Lunnan T. , Øgaard A. F. , Krogstad T.
Published: December 2017

Herbage yield responses to K fertilizer application are variable in Norwegian grassland. Excessive K application may increase the risk of grass tetany (hypomagnesaemia) and milk fever (hypocalcaemia). We analysed a series of K fertilizer experiments on grassland with respect to their herbage yields and mineral composition. Our results show the importance of native soil K reserves when considering the need for K application. Soils with a high content of acid‐soluble K showed no response to K fertilizer application. The critical K content in grass with respect to yield was estimated to be 17.7 g K/kg DMin the first cut and 20.3 kg K/DMin the second cut, while the critical K/N relationship was found to be 0.83 when a maximum yield reduction of 2.5% was used as a criterion. In these trials, soils with a high content of acid‐soluble K had the greatest risk of grass tetany and the highest values of cation–anion balance. Application of potassium chloride had little effect on the cation–anion balance, and thereby the risk of milking fever, because there was a corresponding uptake of K and Cl ions.
Management of pain in end‐stage renal disease patients: Short review
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Krishnappa Vinod , Gupta Mona
Published: December 2017

Pain management in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is a complex and challenging task to accomplish, and effective pain and symptom control improves quality of life. Pain is prevalent in more than 50% of hemodialysis patients and up to 75% of these patients are treated ineffectively due to its poor recognition by providers. A good history for PQRST factors and intensity assessment using visual analog scale are the initial steps in the management of pain followed by involvement of palliative care, patient and family counseling, discussion of treatment options, and correction of reversible causes. First line should be conservative management such as exercise, massage, heat/cold therapy, acupuncture, meditation, distraction, music therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Analgesics are introduced according to WHO guidelines (by the mouth, by the clock, by the ladder, for the individual, and attention to detail) using three‐step analgesic ladder model. Neuropathic pain can be controlled by gabapentin and pregabalin. Substitution/addition of opioid analgesics are indicated if pain control is not optimal. Commonly used opioids in ESRD patients are tramadol, oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, and buprenorphine. Methadone, fentanyl, and buprenorphine are the ideal analgesics in ESRD. However, complex pain syndrome requires multidrug analgesic regimen comprising opioids, non‐opioids, and adjuvant medication, which should be individualized to the patient to achieve adequate pain control.
Childhood‐Onset Cluster Headache: Observations From a Personal Case‐Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Taga Arens , Manzoni Gian Camillo , Russo Marco , Paglia Maria Vittoria , Torelli Paola
Published: December 2017

Background/Objectives

Puberty seems to be a turning point in cluster headache (CH) onset. To verify its influence on CH phenotype, we focused on cases with onset ≤13 years. A review of the literature follows.

Method

We considered CH cases with age‐of‐onset ≤13 years evaluated at our center between 1975 and 2015; these cases were matched by sex to two consecutive patients with age‐of‐onset as close as possible (±2 years) to the median age‐of‐onset of the overall CH population.

Results

Of the overall 808 cases (585 men and 223 women, M:F ratio = 2.6), 38 patients (20 men and 18 women, M:F ratio = 1.1) had pediatric onset (PO). The diagnostic delay was significantly higher among cases with PO (21.2 ± 12.4 years, P < .0001). In this group, females had more frequently a chronic course and a familiarity for CH. Men with PO had some significant distinctive features, including higher frequency and longer duration of headache attacks, and higher proportion of various cranial autonomic and migraine‐like symptoms.

Conclusions

We confirmed that CH with childhood onset does not show a male predominance, which was actually inverted for chronic cases. Furthermore, males with PO seem to have a specific clinical phenotype.
Antioxidant potential of protein‐rich serum from farmed swan goose (Anser cygnoides): in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antioxidant effects
Authors: Cui Hao , Zhang Yang , Tian Haiping , Zhai Wanchen , Jiang Yu , Zhou Hongli
Published: December 2017

As food ingredient, Anser cygnoides is farmed in large scale; however, its blood is underused. The characteristics, stability and antioxidant activities of Powder of farmed A. Cygnoides Serum (FACSP) were investigated. Results showed that FACSP was protein‐rich and displayed satisfactory antioxidant activities. In vitro analysis indicated that the IC50 values of 2, 2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenz‐thiazoline‐6‐sulphonate), 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals were 1.56, 2.76 and 39.55 mg mL−1, respectively. In vivo experiment showed that the activity of total superoxide dismutase and content of glutathione of the FACSP‐treated groups were enhanced, and the contents of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were decreased. The parameters of 400 and 800 mg kg−1 bw day−1 dose groups were equally or approximately to vitamin C. The FACSP shows potential as an antioxidant functional food at a dose of 400 mg kg−1 bw day−1.
Low‐fidelity simulation for patients and caregivers in the use of lubricants in clean intermittent catheterization
Authors: Orlandin Leonardo , Mazzo Alessandra , Meska Mateus Henrique Gonçalves , Jorge Beatriz Maria , Cotta Filho Cezar Kayzuka , Fumincelli Laís
Published: December 2017

Can low‐fidelity simulation improve the knowledge and skills of patients undergoing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and their caregivers to prevent complications? Patients undergoing CIC are exposed to risks, such as urethral trauma and urinary tract infections. Objective of this paper was to assess the implications of low‐fidelity simulations for patients and caregivers in the use of clean intermittent catheterization in the event of urethral trauma and for its prevention. A quasi‐experimental study carried out between November 2015 and February 2016 in the rehabilitation centre of a university hospital, with patients undergoing CIC and/or their caregivers. Following the ethical precepts, data collection was performed during nursing consultations by means of interviews, structured observation, and a knowledge test applied before and after the low‐fidelity simulation. Patients undergoing CIC and/or caregivers underwent a low‐fidelity simulation of CIC with urethral trauma and then they were guided by the researchers following the protocol established in the department. They then underwent another simulation with the same characteristics. Fifty‐five patients participated in this study, in which most of them (33 [60·0%]) were men, with an average age of 31·7 years. Bleeding was reported by 19 patients (34·5%), of which 18 were men. The performance of low‐fidelity simulations proved to be effective for patients or caregivers in adverse situations, such as bleeding, resistance to the introduction of the catheter and negative urine drainage. The performance of low‐fidelity simulation is easily accessible and shows efficiency when used in teaching‐learning processes of health education and development of skills and competencies.
Transcriptome characterization of male accessory glands in ants to identify molecules involved in their reproductive success
Authors: Gotoh A. , Shigenobu S. , Yamaguchi K. , Kobayashi S. , Ito F. , Tsuji K.
Published: December 2017

In insects, seminal fluid proteins that are produced by male accessory glands and transferred to females during mating have key functions in sperm competition and sperm physiology that lead to male reproductive success. In ants, male reproductive success also depends on the longevity of sperm stored in the queen's spermatheca because their sexual offspring are usually produced only after a prolonged storage period. We identified genes that were up‐regulated in the male accessory glands relative to the bodies of Crematogaster osakensis to characterize the reproductive molecules associated with male reproductive success in ants. We found novel genes that had no hits in a homology search and that were predominantly expressed in the accessory glands. These reproductive proteins may have evolved under rapid positive selection for reproductive success in the species. Furthermore, we discovered that three spermatheca‐specific genes of C. osakensis queens were also enriched in the accessory glands relative to the bodies of males. These genes may be important for maintaining the sperm quality continuously from ejaculation by males to prolonged storage by queens. This research provides crucial information about the molecular mechanisms of sperm maintenance and sexual selection in ants, and also insight into the evolution of reproductive strategies in insects.
Do seasonal species assemblages differ in their biogeography? Evidence from the spatial structure of bird communities on land‐bridge islands
Authors: Chen Chuanwu , Holyoak Marcel , Si Xingfeng , Wang Yanping , Ding Ping
Published: December 2017

Aim

We tested the effects of season and migratory status (residents‐versus‐seasonal migrants) on island biogeography of bird assemblages through partitioning beta diversity into richness and turnover components and community nestedness metrics. We predicted that total beta diversity, the richness component of beta diversity and community nestedness will be lower for bird assemblages in winter than in summer, and lowest of all for winter visitors. These predictions were derived from published ideas about resource availability, movement and habitat choice in birds in different seasons.

Location

Thousand Island Lake, China.

Methods

Bird species were sampled using line transects on 36 islands during five breeding and winter seasons (2009−2014). Birds were grouped into assemblages of winter residents, winter visitors and summer residents. Associations between beta diversity partitioning, island area, isolation and habitat richness were tested using partial Mantel correlations. We complemented these tests with measures of nestedness and null model approaches.

Results

Contrary to expectation, beta diversity, nestedness and difference of beta diversity or its components from null models were higher for winter residents than either summer resident or winter visitor assemblages. As predicted, winter visitors showed little association with habitat richness, and beta diversity was rarely different from null communities. Summer residents had the highest correlations of beta diversity components with habitat richness, but showed the lowest level of total beta diversity, a low richness component and were anti‐nested (less nested than random).

Main conclusions

Substantial differences were found in the biogeography of winter‐versus‐summer residents, and seasonal visitor (migratory)‐versus‐resident bird assemblages, which match expectations derived from bird biology and population ecology. Summer residents highlighted the role of habitat‐related niche differences, whereas winter residents showed area‐related selective extinction. By contrast, winter visitors appeared to be more randomly distributed.
Hepatitis C virus clearance by direct‐acting antiviral treatments and impact on insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Adinolfi Luigi E , Nevola Riccardo , Guerrera Barbara , D'Alterio Giovanni , Marrone Aldo , Giordano Mauro , Rinaldi Luca
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), particularly genotype 1, is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes. This study evaluated the impact of HCV clearance by all‐oral direct‐acting antiviral treatments on IR and glycemic control.

Methods

Included in this prospective case–control study were 133 consecutive HCV‐genotype 1 patients with advance liver fibrosis (F3–F4) without type 2 diabetes. Sixty eight were treated with direct‐acting antiviral and 65 were untreated. Liver fibrosis was assessed by transient elastography. Pre‐treatment, end‐treatment, and 3 months post‐treatment withdrawal IR homeostasis was assessed by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)‐IR, HOMA‐S, and HOMA‐B.

Results

At baseline, treated, and untreated patients showed similar liver fibrosis levels, HOMA‐IR was 4.90 ± 4.62 and 4.64 ± 5.62, respectively. HOMA‐IR correlated with HCV RNA levels. At the end of treatment, all patients cleared HCV RNA, regardless of liver fibrosis and body mass index, and a reduction in HOMA‐IR at 2.42 ± 1.85 was showed (P < 0.001); in addition, increased insulin sensitivity, decreased insulin secretion, reduction of serum glucose, and insulin levels were observed. Data were confirmed 3 months after treatment withdrawal in the 65 patients who cleared HCV. No variation occurred in untreated patients. Overall, 76.5% of sustained virologic response patients showed IR improvements, of which 41.2% normalized IR. Improvement of IR was strictly associated with HCV clearance; however, patients with the highest levels of fibrosis remain associated with some degree of IR.

Conclusions

The data underline a role of HCV in development of IR and that viral eradication reverses IR and improves glycemic control and this could prevent IR‐related clinical manifestations and complications.
Nexus Strength: A Novel Metric for Assessing the Global Resource Nexus
Authors: Font Vivanco David , Wang Ranran , Hertwich Edgar
Published: December 2017

The limited access to natural resources is a major constraint for sustainability at various spatial scales. This challenge has sparked scholarly interest in the linkages or nexus between resources, with a view to helping anticipate unforeseen consequences, identify trade‐offs and co‐benefits, and find optimal solutions. Yet, despite decades of research, limitations in the scope and focus of studies remain. Recently constructed multiregional input‐output (MRIO) databases, which cover the global economy and its use of resources in unprecedented detail, allow systematically investigation of resource use by production as well as consumption processes at various levels and garner new insights into global resource nexus (GRN) issues. This article addresses the question of how to prioritize such issues. Using the MRIO database, EXIOBASE, we address the GRN considering five key resources: blue water, primary energy, land, metal ores, and minerals. We propose a metric of nexus strength, which relies on linear goal programming to rank industries and products based on its associated combined resource use and various weighting schemes. Our results validate current research efforts by identifying water, energy, and land as the strongest linkages globally and at all scales and, at the same time, lead to novel findings into the GRN, in that (1) it appears stronger and more complex from the consumption perspective, (2) metals and minerals emerge as critical, yet undervalued, components, and (3) it manifests with a considerable diversity across countries owing to differences in the economic structure, domestic policy, technology, and resource endowments.
Development, characterization, and evaluation of sunscreen cream containing solid lipid nanoparticles of silymarin
Authors: Netto MPharm Gladyston , Jose Jobin
Published: December 2017

Background

Most of the sunscreen formulations mainly contain chemicals or synthetic molecules. Nowadays, researchers are mainly focussing on herbal formulations due to toxicity of the synthetic molecules. Silymarin is a natural flavonoids having excellent antioxidant properties. Solid lipid nanoparticles are novel drug carriers which improve the drug stability and tolerance effect and also enhance the permeation effect.

Aims

This study aimed at the preparation of solid lipid nanoparticles containing silymarin that will be incorporated into a sunscreen cream and determine its sun protection factor.

Methods

The solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared by micro‐emulsion method; here, the glyceryl monostearate was used as lipid, and Tween 80 was used as an emulsifier. The solid lipid nanoparticles were evaluated for drug entrapment, particle size and morphology, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. The dispersion was formulated into sunscreen cream and evaluated for various parameters, such as extrudability, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation of drug, in vitro and in vivo sun protection factor determination, in vivo skin irritation test, and accelerated stability studies.

Results

The results suggested that as the concentration of emulsifier increased, the entrapment efficiency of silymarin increased. In vitro and in vivo sun protection factor determination showed that SPF of 13.80 and 14.1, respectively. Stability studies were performed under accelerated conditions, and it did not show any appreciable change in parameters.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the sunscreen containing silymarin solid lipid nanoparticles exhibited better photoprotective action.
Recurrence of uterine myoma after myomectomy: Open myomectomy versus laparoscopic myomectomy
Authors: Kotani Yasushi , Tobiume Takako , Fujishima Risa , Shigeta Mamoru , Takaya Hisamitsu , Nakai Hidekatsu , Suzuki Ayako , Tsuji Isao , Mandai Masaki , Matsumura Noriomi
Published: December 2017

Aim

Open myomectomy (OM) was previously frequently performed; however, laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) has recently become more common. Nevertheless, myoma can recur after both LM and OM. In this study, we report our retrospective investigation of myoma recurrence by comparing LM and OM.

Methods

A total of 474 patients underwent LM and 279 patients underwent OM. The patients were followed‐up postoperatively from six months to eight years. Recurrence was confirmed when a myoma with a diameter of ≥ 1 cm was detected. Post‐LM, post‐OM and cumulative recurrence rates were investigated, and a Cox hazard test was performed.

Results

The cumulative recurrence rates between the two groups were 76.2% (LM) vs. 63.4% (OM) at eight years postoperatively. A log‐rank test revealed a significant difference between the two groups. Cox hazard testing revealed that LM, a larger number of enucleated myoma masses and the absence of postoperative gestation significantly contributed to the postoperative recurrence rate.

Conclusions

LM yielded a higher recurrence rate than OM, likely a result of manual myoma removal in OM, which is a more exhaustive extraction of smaller myoma masses than performed in LM. In other words, fewer residual myoma masses after OM contribute to a lower postoperative recurrence rate.
Supplemental oxygen therapy does not affect the systemic inflammatory response to acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hofmann R. , Tornvall P. , Witt N. , Alfredsson J. , Svensson L. , Jonasson L. , Nilsson L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Oxygen therapy has been used routinely in normoxemic patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) despite limited evidence supporting a beneficial effect. AMI is associated with a systemic inflammation. Here, we hypothesized that the inflammatory response to AMI is potentiated by oxygen therapy.

Methods

The DETermination of the role of Oxygen in suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction (DETO2X‐AMI) multicentre trial randomized patients with suspected AMI to receive oxygen at 6 L min−1 for 6–12 h or ambient air. For this prespecified subgroup analysis, we recruited patients with confirmed AMI from two sites for evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers at randomization and 5–7 h later. Ninety‐two inflammatory biomarkers were analysed using proximity extension assay technology, to evaluate the effect of oxygen on the systemic inflammatory response to AMI.

Results

Plasma from 144 AMI patients was analysed whereof 76 (53%) were randomized to oxygen and 68 (47%) to air. Eight biomarkers showed a significant increase, whereas 13 were decreased 5–7 h after randomization. The inflammatory response did not differ between the two treatment groups neither did plasma troponin T levels. After adjustment for increase in troponin T over time, age and sex, the release of inflammation‐related biomarkers was still similar in the groups.

Conclusions

In a randomized controlled setting of normoxemic patients with AMI, the use of supplemental oxygen did not have any significant impact on the early release of systemic inflammatory markers.
Evaluating the Association between Enlarged Perivascular Spaces and Disease Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Cavallari Michele , Egorova Svetlana , Healy Brian C. , Palotai Miklos , Prieto Juan Carlos , Polgar‐Turcsanyi Mariann , Tauhid Shahamat , Anderson Mark , Glanz Bonnie , Chitnis Tanuja , Guttmann Charles R.G.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVSs) have been associated with relapses and brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated the association of EPVS with clinical and MRI features of disease worsening in a well‐characterized cohort of relapsing‐remitting MS patients prospectively followed for up to 10 years.

METHODS

Baseline EPVSs were scored on 1.5T MRI in 30 converters to moderate‐severe disability, and 30 nonconverters matched for baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

EPVS scores were not significantly different between converters and nonconverters, nor associated with accrual of lesions or brain atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary findings from a relatively small study sample argue against a potential use of EPVS as early indicator of risk for disease worsening in relapsing‐remitting MS patients in a clinical setting. Although the small sample size and clinical 1.5T MRI may have limited our ability to detect a significant effect, we provided estimates of the association of EPVS with clinical and MRI indicators of disease worsening in a well‐characterized cohort of MS patients.
Elevating Design in the Organization
Authors: Micheli Pietro , Perks Helen , Beverland Michael B.
Published: December 2017

Following evidence of its positive contribution to innovation and company performance, many firms are seeking to elevate design to a strategic level. However, little is known as to how this can be achieved. This study draws on the literatures concerned with elevating organizational functions and with organizational legitimacy, and aims to unravel and detail critical practices and potential tensions influencing the elevation of design's status in firms. To do so, 53 in‐depth interviews were undertaken with key informants, representing a range of functional specialisms, in 12 companies, including large multinational companies as well as small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Findings show how six practices—top management support, leadership of the design function, generating awareness of design's role and contribution, interfunctional coordination, evaluation of design, and formalization of product and service development processes—affect the design elevation process. In contrast with previous studies on raising the status of organizational functions, this research reveals that the same practice can play both positive and negative roles, and that there are fundamental tensions, which should be reconciled if design's status is to be elevated. Drawing on the concept of organizational legitimacy, we also examine how design moves beyond being seen as pragmatically useful, to being identified as a relevant, alternative way of operating, to being regarded as essential for success. The article concludes by articulating contributions to design and innovation management theory and practice, and to the body of scholarly work seeking to understand how to elevate the status of a function.
New Product Creativity Antecedents and Consequences: Evidence from South Korea, Japan, and China
Authors: Nakata Cheryl , Rubera Gaia , Im Subin , Pae Jae H. , Lee Hyun Jung , Onzo Naoto , Park Heungsoo
Published: December 2017

Creativity in new products is highly coveted by firms. However, businesses are faced with questions of how to inject creativity into new products, and whether it pays off in stronger product performance. To address these questions, a survey on key antecedents and consequences of creativity was conducted among new product managers. Based on gaps identified in the new product literature, this study examines several organizational culture (market orientation), leadership (top management involvement and risk‐taking encouragement), and national culture (secularism and survivalism) antecedents, along with new product performance consequences. Importantly, to uncover potentially complex nuances in creativity dynamics that may have been previously overlooked, the creativity construct is decomposed into novelty and meaningfulness dimensions, and the possibility of curvilinear relationships with antecedents and consequences are investigated. The study is also one of the first creativity studies based on a geography rather than a single country, specifically the cluster of South Korea, Japan, and China.

In terms of antecedents, this study finds customer orientation, cross‐functional integration, top management involvement, and cultural secularism have positive linear effects on creativity's meaningfulness component, whereas top management risk taking and cultural survivalism have a negative effect. In contrast, cross‐functional integration and top management risk taking have a negative curvilinear influence on creativity's novelty component. Similar to meaningfulness, cultural secularism and survivalism have positive and negative impacts on novelty, respectively. Regarding consequences, meaningfulness has a positive linear influence on new product performance, while novelty's contribution reflects an inverted U‐shaped relationship. This finding is notable in light of previous studies that question whether novelty is helpful at all. These findings explain prior mixed results on creativity based on simple linear and aggregated effects, as well as discover new drivers and outcomes. The article concludes with theoretical and managerial implications about how firms can enhance and benefit from creativity.
Mathematical modeling and simulation in animal health. Part III: Using nonlinear mixed‐effects to characterize and quantify variability in drug pharmacokinetics
Authors: Bon C. , Toutain P. L. , Concordet D. , Gehring R. , Martin‐Jimenez T. , Smith J. , Pelligand L. , Martinez M. , Whittem T. , Riviere J. E. , Mochel J. P.
Published: December 2017

A common feature of human and veterinary pharmacokinetics is the importance of identifying and quantifying the key determinants of between‐patient variability in drug disposition and effects. Some of these attributes are already well known to the field of human pharmacology such as bodyweight, age, or sex, while others are more specific to veterinary medicine, such as species, breed, and social behavior. Identification of these attributes has the potential to allow a better and more tailored use of therapeutic drugs both in companion and food‐producing animals. Nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) have been purposely designed to characterize the sources of variability in drug disposition and response. The NLME approach can be used to explore the impact of population‐associated variables on the relationship between drug administration, systemic exposure, and the levels of drug residues in tissues. The latter, while different from the method used by the US Food and Drug Administration for setting official withdrawal times (WT) can also be beneficial for estimating WT of approved animal drug products when used in an extralabel manner. Finally, NLME can also prove useful to optimize dosing schedules, or to analyze sparse data collected in situations where intensive blood collection is technically challenging, as in small animal species presenting limited blood volume such as poultry and fish.