bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should I stay or should I go? Modelling year‐round habitat suitability and drivers of residency for fin whales in the California Current
Authors: Scales Kylie L. , Schorr Gregory S. , Hazen Elliott L. , Bograd Steven J. , Miller Peter I. , Andrews Russel D. , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Falcone Erin A.
Published: August 2017

Aim

Understanding the spatial ecology of endangered species is crucial to predicting habitat use at scales relevant to conservation and management. Here, we aim to model the influence of biophysical conditions on habitat suitability for endangered fin whales Balaenoptera physalus, with a view to informing management in a heavily impacted ocean region.

Location

We satellite‐tracked the movements of 67 fin whales through the California Current System (CCS), a dynamic eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem in the Northeast Pacific.

Methods

We use a multi‐scale modelling framework to elucidate biophysical influences on habitat suitability for fin whales in the CCS. Using generalized additive mixed models, we quantify the influence of a suite of remotely sensed variables on broadscale patterns of occupancy and present the first year‐round, high‐resolution predictions of seasonal habitat suitability. Further, we model the influence of contemporaneous biophysical conditions on individual‐level residence times in high‐use habitat.

Results

We present evidence of year‐round habitat suitability in the southern California Current System, robust to interannual variability, establishing that North Pacific fin whales do not follow the canonical baleen whale migration model. Within the high‐use habitat in the Southern California Bight (SCB), individual‐level residency in localized areas (n = 16 for >30 days; n = 4 for >6 months) was associated with warm, shallow, nearshore waters (>18°C, <500 m), with cool waters (14–15°C) occurring over complex seafloor topographies and with convergent (sub)mesoscale structures at the surface.

Main Conclusions

Biophysical conditions in the southern CCS generate productive foraging habitats that can support the fin whale population year‐round and allow for extended periods of residency in localized areas. High‐use habitats for fin whales are colocated with areas of intense human use, including international shipping routes and a major naval training range. Seasonal habitat suitability maps presented here could inform the management of anthropogenic threats to endangered baleen whales in this globally significant biodiversity hotspot.
Metacommunity structure, additive partitioning and environmental drivers of woody plants diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Marcilio‐Silva Vinicius , Zwiener Victor P. , Marques Márcia C. M.
Published: August 2017

Aim

To assess the metacommunity structure of woody plants in the Atlantic Forest (AF), compare the structure across its different forest types and evaluate the contribution of multiple scales and environmental drivers for the total biodiversity, providing theoretical basis for efficient conservation of this important hotspot.

Location

South America, Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Methods

We compiled the occurrence of 2,071 woody plants in 177 sites across the Brazilian AF. We assessed the elements of metacommunity structure (species coherence, turnover and boundary clumping) to identify which idealized structure (checkerboard, nestedness, Clementsian, Gleasonian, evenly spaced or random) characterizes the AF and its forest types. We used the additive partition of diversity to determine the main spatial scales promoting biodiversity in the AF, that is local (within sites, α‐diversity), regional (among sites in each forest type, β1) or geographical (between forest types, β2), and examined environmental variables driving the metacommunity of the AF and forest types using canonical ordinations.

Results

The AF and its forest types presented positive coherence, negative turnover and large boundary clumping values which best‐fit the nested subsets metacommunity structure with clumped species loss. The diversity within sites (α‐diversity) and among types (β2) was higher than expected by chance. The climatic gradient driving the species composition differed in the AF. Temperature variation affected the entire AF, particularly Dense and Seasonal forests, whereas precipitation affected mostly the Mixed forest.

Main conclusions

Despite the similar structure underlying AF metacommunities, the main environmental gradient in each forest differs, highlighting ecological differences among communities at geographical scale. These differences are determinant for the high levels of biodiversity found in the AF. Conservation efforts should encompass all the AF ecosystems, considering its unique characteristics and prioritizing species‐rich sites given that they adequately represent the regional species pool.
Sedentary but not dispersing wolvesCanis lupusrecolonizing western Poland (2001–2016) conform to the predictions of a habitat suitability model
Authors: Nowak Sabina , Mysłajek Robert W. , Szewczyk Maciej , Tomczak Patrycja , Borowik Tomasz , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła
Published: August 2017

Aim

To compare predictions of the habitat suitability model (HSM) for wolvesCanis lupusin Poland with actual wolf distribution in western Poland after 15 years of recolonization.

Location

Western Poland (WPL,ca. 136,000 km2), west of the 18°48′E meridian.

Methods

Data on wolf occurrence (8,057 records) were gathered in 2001–2016. Wolf presence in 10 × 10 km cells was classified as follows: (1) permanent occurrence with reproduction, (2) permanent occurrence with no reproduction and (3) sporadic occurrence (interpreted as dispersing individuals). These cells were compared to all 10 × 10 km cells inWPLwith respect to the probability of wolf occurrence as predicted by theHSMand habitat variables important for wolves. For temporal analysis, data were divided into two 8‐year subsets: the initial and later phases of wolf recovery.

Results

Wolves were recorded in 259 cells (19.8% of the study area). The pairs and packs settled in areas predicted by theHSMto have good and very good habitat, in cells characterized by high forest cover and low densities of roads. Wolf groups that reproduced were found in the best‐quality habitats characterized by denser forest cover and markedly lower shares of anthropogenic structures. Dispersing individuals were mostly recorded in unsuitable and suboptimal habitats, and they avoided both the poorest and the best habitats. In the initial phase of wolf recovery, cells selected by wolves for settling down and those used by dispersing wolves did not differ in their habitat parameters. However, in the later phase, asWPLbecame more saturated with wolf packs, dispersing individuals were recorded in less suitable habitats.

Main conclusions

TheHSMfor Polish wolves predicted with high accuracy the areas later occupied by wolf groups in the western part of the country. A similar approach may also be useful to predict the future distribution of wolves in the lowlands of central and western Europe where environmental conditions are comparable and recolonizing wolves originate from the same source population.
Endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus: What can we learn from the Western perspective?
Authors: Shimamura Yuto , Iwaya Yugo , Goda Kenichi , Teshima Christopher W.
Published: August 2017

The incidence of Barrett's esophagus (BE)‐related neoplasia in Western countries has increased in the past several decades and, even in Eastern countries, it appears to be increasing. Endoscopic therapies are the first‐line treatment for BE‐related neoplasia; however, there is still no standardized treatment strategy. Most of the data have been published from Western countries where the ultimate goal of treatment is complete eradication of BE mucosa removing subtle synchronous lesions and preventing metachronous neoplasia. A multimodality approach that combines endoscopic resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been widely accepted in the West. In contrast, the lack of access to RFA treatment in the East has meant that endoscopic resection is the only feasible option. There is a wide divergence in treatment strategies for BE‐related neoplasia between the East and the West. It is very important to consider these basic differences in the context of the currently available evidence to date. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review the recent literature and to provide an overview of the endoscopic treatment options for BE.
Maturation promoting factor destabilization mediates human chorionic gonadotropin induced meiotic resumption in rat oocytes
Authors: Tiwari Meenakshi , Chaube Shail K.
Published: August 2017

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) and triggers meiotic maturation and ovulation in mammals. The mechanism by which hCG triggers meiotic resumption in mammalian oocytes remains poorly understood. We aimed to find out the impact of hCG surge on morphological changes, adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), guanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), cell division cycle 25B (Cdc25B), Wee1, early mitotic inhibitor 2 (Emi2), anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), meiotic arrest deficient protein 2 (MAD2), phosphorylation status of cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), its activity and cyclin B1 expression levels during meiotic resumption from diplotene as well as metaphase‐II (M‐II) arrest in cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Our data suggest that hCG surge increased cyclic nucleotides level in encircling granulosa cells but decreased their level in oocyte. The reduced intraoocyte cyclic nucleotides level is associated with the decrease of Cdc25B, Thr161 phosphorylated Cdk1 and Emi2 expression levels. On the other hand, hCG surge increased Wee1, Thr14/Tyr15 phosphorylated Cdk1, APC/C as well as MAD2 expression levels. The elevated APC/C activity reduced cyclin B1 level. The changes in phosphorylation status of Cdk1 and reduced cyclin B1 level might have resulted in maturation promoting factor (MPF) destabilization. The destabilized MPF finally triggered resumption of meiosis from diplotene as well as M‐II arrest in rat oocytes.
Functional electrical stimulation of the ankle dorsiflexors during walking in spastic cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Moll Irene , Vles Johannes S H , Soudant Dan L H M , Witlox Adhiambo M A , Staal Heleen M , Speth Lucianne A W M , Janssen‐Potten Yvonne J M , Coenen Marcel , Koudijs Suzanne M , Vermeulen R Jeroen
Published: August 2017

Aim

To assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of ankle dorsiflexors in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) during walking.

Method

A systematic review was performed using the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases were searched for studies applying interventions to patients aged younger than 20 years. Outcomes were classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Results

Seven hundred and eighty abstracts were found, 35 articles were fully screened, and 14 articles were used for analysis. Only five articles (three studies) were of level I to III evidence. At ICF participation and activity level, there is limited evidence for a decrease in self‐reported frequency of toe‐drag and falls. At ICF body structure and function level, there is clear evidence (I–III) that FES increased (active) ankle dorsiflexion angle, strength, and improved selective motor control, balance, and gait kinematics, but decreased walking speed. Adverse events include skin irritation, toleration, and acceptation issues.

Interpretation

There are insufficient data supporting functional gain by FES on activity and participation level. However, evidence points towards a role for FES as an alternative to orthoses in children with spastic CP.

What this paper adds

Effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) point towards a potential role as an alternative to orthoses for patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Some evidence for a decrease in self‐reported frequency of toe‐drag and falls with the use of FES in spastic CP.

Limited evidence for improvements in activity and participation in patients with spastic CP using FES.
Age‐related reference values for the pediatric Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia: a multicentre study
Authors: Lawerman Tjitske F , Brandsma Rick , Burger Huibert , Burgerhof Johannes G M , Sival Deborah A ,   the Childhood Ataxia and Cerebellar Group of the European Pediatric Neurology Society
Published: August 2017

Aim

For reliable assessment of ataxia severity in children, the Childhood Ataxia and Cerebellar Group of the European Pediatric Neurology Society aimed to validate the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) according to age.

Method

Twenty‐two pediatric ataxia experts from 15 international institutions scored videotaped SARA performances in 156 typically developing children (4–16y: m/f=1; 12 children per year of age; including nine different nationalities). We determined age‐dependency and reliability of pediatric SARA scores by a mixed model.

Results

In typically developing children, age was the only variable that revealed a relationship with SARA scores (p<0.001). The youngest children revealed the highest scores and the highest variation in scores (<8y; p<0.001). After 11 years of age, pediatric scores approached adult outcomes. The interobserver agreement of total SARA scores was substantial with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.56–0.69; p<0.001).

Interpretation

In typically developing European children, both SARA scores and interobserver agreement are age‐dependent. For reliable interpretation of pediatric SARA scores, consideration of the underlying test construct appears prudent. These data will hopefully contribute to a correct and uniform interpretation of longitudinal SARA scores from childhood to adulthood.
Early predictors of psychosocial functioning 5 years after paediatric stroke
Authors: Greenham Mardee , Anderson Vicki , Cooper Anna , Hearps Stephen , Ditchfield Michael , Coleman Lee , Hunt Rod W , Mackay Mark T , Monagle Paul , Gordon Anne L
Published: August 2017

Aim

Little is known about psychological and social outcomes after paediatric stroke. This study aimed to evaluate psychosocial outcomes in children 5 years after paediatric stroke and explore the contribution of early presenting factors.

Method

Thirty‐one children (19 males, 12 females) with arterial ischemic stroke were involved in this prospective, longitudinal study. Children underwent intellectual assessment at 12 months poststroke and parents completed questionnaires rating their own mental health and their child's functioning at 12 months and 5 years poststroke.

Results

At 5‐year follow‐up, psychological and social function were significantly poorer than normative expectations. Exploration of early predictive factors showed poorer cognitive and psychological function at 12 months poststroke and older age at stroke onset was associated with poorer psychosocial function at 5 years. Larger lesion size was also associated with poorer psychological function at 5 years poststroke.

Interpretation

These early predictors of poorer psychosocial outcome suggest that screening children within the first year after stroke may identify children most at risk of later problems and facilitate early intervention.
Single‐dose euglycaemic clamp studies demonstrating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic similarity between MK‐1293 insulin glargine and originator insulin glargine (Lantus) in subjects with type 1 diabetes and healthy subjects
Authors: Crutchlow Michael F. , Palcza John S. , Mostoller Kate M. , Mahon Chantal D. , Barbour April M. , Marcos Michael C. , Xu Yang , Watkins Elaine , Morrow Linda , Hompesch Marcus
Published: August 2017

Aims

MK‐1293 is an insulin glargine that has an amino acid sequence identical to that of Lantus, the originator insulin glargine. Two euglycaemic clamp studies, 1 in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 1 in healthy subjects, were conducted to demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) similarity between MK‐1293 and Lantus commercially procured in both the European Union (EU‐Lantus) and the USA (US‐Lantus).

Materials and Methods

Both studies were single‐dose, randomized, double‐blind, single‐centre, crossover studies with ≥7 days between dosing periods. A 2‐treatment, 4‐period replicate crossover study in T1D subjects (N = 76) compared the PK and PD of MK‐1293 to EU‐Lantus for 30 hours after dosing. A 3‐period crossover study in healthy subjects (N = 109) compared the PK and PD of MK‐1293, EU‐Lantus and US‐Lantus for 24 hours after dosing. In both studies, all subjects received single 0.4 units/kg subcutaneous doses of MK‐1293 or Lantus in all dosing periods. Pharmacokinetic assessment was based on LC‐MS/MS‐based measurement of the major insulin glargine metabolite (M1) and PD was characterized using the euglycaemic clamp platform.

Results

In both studies, pre‐specified similarity criteria were met between MK‐1293 and Lantus for comparison of PK (AUC0‐24 and Cmax of M1) and PD (GIR‐AUC0‐24, GIR‐AUC0‐12, GIR‐AUC12‐24, and GIRmax) primary endpoints. All treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion

Based on comparative assessment in both T1D and healthy subjects, it can be concluded that the PK and PD properties of MK‐1293 are highly similar to those of Lantus. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02059174).
Seasonal floodplain‐tidal slough complex supports size variation for juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Goertler Pascale A.L. , Sommer Ted R. , Satterthwaite William H. , Schreier Brian M.
Published: August 2017

Population diversity is a mechanism for resilience and has been identified as a critical issue for fisheries management, but restoration ecologists lack evidence for specific habitat features or processes that promote phenotypic diversity. Since habitat complexity may affect population diversity, it is important to understand how population diversity is partitioned across landscapes and among populations. In this study, we examined life history diversity based on size distributions of juvenile Central Valley Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) within the Yolo Bypass, a remnant transitional habitat from floodplain to tidal sloughs in the upper San Francisco Estuary (SFE). We used a generalized least squares model with an autoregressive (AR1) correlation structure to describe the distribution of variation in fish size from 1998 to 2014, and tested the effect of two possible drivers of the observed variation: (i) environmental/seasonal drivers within the Yolo Bypass, and (ii) the juvenile Chinook source population within the Sacramento River and northern SFE. We found that the duration of floodplain inundation, water temperature variation, season, and sampling effort influenced the observed time‐specific size distribution of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Yolo Bypass. Given the lack of seasonally inundated habitat and low thermal heterogeneity in the adjacent Sacramento River, these drivers of juvenile size diversification are primarily available to salmon utilizing the Yolo Bypass. Therefore, enhancement of river floodplain‐tidal slough complexes and inundation regimes may support the resilience of imperiled Central Valley Chinook salmon.
Intracellular iron overload leading to DNA damage of lymphocytes and immune dysfunction in thalassemia major patients
Authors: Shaw Jyoti , Chakraborty Ayan , Nag Arijit , Chattopadyay Arnab , Dasgupta Anjan K. , Bhattacharyya Maitreyee
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To investigate the cause and effects of intracellular iron overload in lymphocytes of thalassemia major patients.

Methods

Sixty‐six thalassemia major patients having iron overload and 10 age‐matched controls were chosen for the study. Blood sample was collected, and serum ferritin, oxidative stress; lymphocyte DNA damage were examined, and infective episodes were also counted.

Results

Case‐control analysis revealed significant oxidative stress, iron overload, DNA damage, and rate of infections in thalassemia cases as compared to controls. For cases, oxidative stress (ROS) and iron overload (serum ferritin) showed good correlation with R2 = 0.934 and correlation between DNA damage and ROS gave R2 = 0.961. We also demonstrated that intracellular iron overload in thalassemia caused oxidative damage of lymphocyte DNA as exhibited by DNA damage assay. The inference is further confirmed by partial inhibition of such damage by chelation of iron and the concurrent lowering of the ROS level in the presence of chelator deferasirox.

Conclusion

Therefore, intracellular iron overload caused DNA fragmentation, which may ultimately hamper lymphocyte function, and this may contribute to immune dysfunction and increased susceptibility to infections in thalassemia patients as indicated by the good correlation (R2 = 0.91) between lymphocyte DNA damage and rate of infection found in this study.
Effects of avpr1a length polymorphism on male social behavior and reproduction in semi‐natural populations of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
Authors: Keane Brian , Castelli Frank R. , Davis Haley , Crist Thomas O. , Solomon Nancy G.
Published: August 2017

Intraspecific variation in sociosexual behavior has typically been investigated in the context of its relationship with environmental factors, but neurogenetic factors can also influence sociosexual behavior. In laboratory studies of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), length polymorphism of microsatellite DNA within the gene (avpr1a) encoding the vasopressin 1a receptor is correlated with variation in male sociosexual behavior. However, field studies of prairie voles have found the relationship between male avpr1a microsatellite allele length and sociosexual behavior to be more ambiguous, possibly because most males had alleles of intermediate length. We tested the hypothesis that avpr1a microsatellite allele length mediates male sociosexual behavior in field settings by releasing voles into field enclosures where every male possessed two avpr1a microsatellite alleles at least one standard error longer or shorter than the mean length in their population of origin. Voles from an Illinois and Kansas population were examined separately as social monogamy appears more prevalent in the Illinois population. Illinois males with long avpr1a microsatellite alleles had smaller home ranges and overlapped a greater proportion of the home range of the female that they overlapped the most. Kansas males showed the opposite pattern. Illinois, but not Kansas, males with long avpr1a microsatellite alleles sired offspring with more females and sired more litters. Our results support the hypothesis that genetic variation associated with the avpr1a gene plays a role in mediating male prairie vole sociosexual behavior in nature. However, the relationship between specific male behaviors and male avpr1a microsatellite allele length sometimes differed significantly between Kansas and Illinois voles, suggesting relationships between specific male sociosexual behaviors and polymorphism associated with the avpr1a locus are complex, possibly involving specific nucleotide sequences or other population‐specific genetic differences.
The History of Common Market Law Review 1963–1993
Authors: Byberg Rebekka
Published: August 2017

The transnational organisation of an academic discipline of European law has been a key component in the history of European law. A constitutive element is explored in this article, namely, the journal Common Market Law Review (CML Rev.). General existing claims of a strong connection between the Community institutions and academia in the transnational, academic discipline of European law are substantiated, and it is documented how CML Rev. legitimised the jurisprudence of the ECJ, differentiated European law from international law and countered national criticism as the academic lighthouse of the discipline in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1980s, other forces drove the academic field forward, and CML Rev. lost its position as the avant‐garde in the discipline, but the journal developed a critical stance and rejected the most radical claims of the ECJ on the ultimate authority as part of a development towards professional maturity in the same period.
A multicentre study of long‐term follow‐up and owner satisfaction following enucleation in horses
Authors: Wright K. , Ireland J. L. , Rendle D. I.
Published: August 2017

Background

Horses are reported to return to a variety of disciplines following unilateral enucleation; however, owners of horses with ocular disease are frequently reluctant to consider the procedure. There is little published information investigating owners’ attitudes towards, and satisfaction following, enucleation.

Objectives

To investigate the hypotheses: 1) horses return to their previous level of work following unilateral enucleation and 2) their owners are satisfied with the post‐operative outcome.

Study design

Retrospective case series with cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Clinical records from eight equine referral centres in the United Kingdom were reviewed to identify horses that underwent enucleation between August 2006 and March 2015. Owner questionnaires were completed to corroborate information provided by medical records and obtain information on client perceptions.

Results

A total of 170 cases were identified and 119 owner questionnaires completed. The most frequent primary uses of horses in the study were pleasure/leisure riding, showjumping and dressage, with 25.2% (n = 30) of horses used for competition. Following enucleation, 77.3% (n = 92) of horses were performing at an equivalent or higher level than prior to enucleation and 60.0% (n = 18/30) of competition horses were competing at an equivalent or higher level. Complications related to the surgical site (predominantly mild post‐operative swelling) were reported in 3.7% of cases and nonocular complications in 3.7% of cases. Of owners who reported being concerned or very concerned about certain factors prior to surgery, ≥86.8% reported that these factors caused little or no issue post‐surgery. Most owners, 90.8% (n = 108) were pleased with the outcome following surgery, with 21.3% (n = 23/108) wishing the procedure had been undertaken sooner.

Main limitations

Retrospective data collection from clinical records and the potential for recall bias.

Conclusions

Horses can return successfully to a variety of disciplines following enucleation. Owners are satisfied with the outcome and pleased that enucleation was performed.
Routine detection of serum antidesmocollin autoantibodies is only useful in patients with atypical pemphigus
Authors: Mindorf Swantje , Dettmann Inga M. , Krüger Stine , Fuhrmann Tarek , Rentzsch Kristin , Karl Ingolf , Probst Christian , Komorowski Lars , Fechner Kai , van Beek Nina , Lemcke Susanne , Sárdy Miklós , Bangert Christine , Benoit Sandrine , Hashimoto Takashi , Zillikens Detlef , Pas Hendri H. , Jonkman Marcel F. , Stöcker Winfried , Schmidt Enno ,   the International Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Study Group
Published: August 2017

Autoantibodies against the 3 desmocollin (Dsc; Dsc1‐Dsc3) isoforms have been described in different pemphigus variants. Here, we developed state‐of‐the‐art detection systems for serum anti‐Dsc1, Dsc2 and Dsc1 IgG and IgA. These assays were applied in 5 different cohorts including pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients with compatible direct immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy but no reactivity against desmogleins 1 and 3 (n = 24) and sera from patients with autoimmune blistering diseases with positive direct IF microscopy taken at the time of diagnosis (n = 749). We found that detection of anti‐Dsc serum reactivity is not helpful in the routine diagnosis of PV, pemphigus foliaceus and paraneoplastic pemphigus but may be valuable in pemphigus vegetans.
Pharmacological evidence of involvement of nitric oxide pathway in anti‐pruritic effects of sumatriptan in chloroquine‐induced scratching in mice
Authors: Haddadi Nazgol‐Sadat , Ostadhadi Sattar , Shakiba Saeed , Afshari Khashayar , Rahimi Nastaran , Foroutan Arash , Dehpour Ahmad‐Reza
Published: August 2017

Chloroquine (CQ) induces histamine‐independent itch in human and mice. We recently reported the role of intradermal nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in CQ‐evoked scratching in mice. Chloroquine stimulates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity to over‐producing NO in the skin. Sumatriptan, a 5‐hydroxytryptamine 1b/1d receptors (5‐HTR1b/1d) agonist, is involved in pain and used to treat migraine and cluster headaches. According to previous studies, sumatriptan inhibits NOS activity. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of sumatriptan on CQ‐induced scratching. We used the rostral back model of itch. Chloroquine was injected intradermally into the rostral back of NMRI mice, and the scratching behavior was evaluated by measuring the number of bouts over 30 min. We evaluated the effect of sumatriptan and combination of sumatriptan and a non‐selective NO synthase inhibitor, L‐N‐nitro arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), on the scratching behavior. Additionally, the changes of skin, hippocampus, and cortical nitrite level after different treatments were studied. Intraperitoneal and intradermal sumatriptan attenuates CQ‐induced itch which reversed by GR‐127935, the selective 5‐HTR1b and 5‐HTR1d antagonist. Co‐administration of subeffective doses of sumatriptan and L‐NAME significantly decreases the scratching behavior. Intradermal injection of CQ significantly increases the intradermal nitrite levels while it does not have any significant effects on hippocampal or cortical nitrite concentrations. Likewise, the effective doses of intraperitoneal and intradermal sumatriptan significantly reduce intradermal nitrite levels. We concluded that sumatriptan suppresses CQ‐induced itch most likely by activating 5‐HT1b/1d receptors. This effect probably mediates through NO pathway.
Visual motion and rapid auditory processing are solid endophenotypes of developmental dyslexia
Authors: Mascheretti S. , Gori S. , Trezzi V. , Ruffino M. , Facoetti A. , Marino C.
Published: August 2017

Although a genetic component is known to have an important role in the etiology of developmental dyslexia (DD), we are far from understanding the molecular etiopathogenetic pathways. Reduced measures of neurobiological functioning related to reading (dis)ability, i.e. endophenotypes (EPs), are promising targets for gene finding and the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms. In a sample of 100 nuclear families with DD (229 offspring) and 83 unrelated typical readers, we tested whether a set of well‐established, cognitive phenotypes related to DD [i.e. rapid auditory processing (RAP), rapid automatized naming (RAN), multisensory nonspatial attention and visual motion processing] fulfilled the criteria of the EP construct. Visual motion and RAP satisfied all testable criteria (i.e. they are heritable, associate with the disorder, co‐segregate with the disorder within a family and represent reproducible measures) and are therefore solid EPs of DD. Multisensory nonspatial attention satisfied three of four criteria (i.e. it associates with the disorder, co‐segregates with the disorder within a family and represents a reproducible measure) and is therefore a potential EP for DD. Rapid automatized naming is heritable but does not meet other criteria of the EP construct. We provide the first evidence of a methodologically and statistically sound approach for identifying EPs for DD to be exploited as a solid alternative basis to clinical phenotypes in neuroscience.
Contrasting physiological responses to future ocean acidification among Arctic copepod populations
Authors: Thor Peter , Bailey Allison , Dupont Sam , Calosi Piero , Søreide Janne E. , De Wit Pierre , Guscelli Ella , Loubet‐Sartrou Lea , Deichmann Ida M. , Candee Martin M. , Svensen Camilla , King Andrew L. , Bellerby Richard G. J.
Published: August 2017

Widespread ocean acidification (OA) is modifying the chemistry of the global ocean, and the Arctic is recognized as the region where the changes will progress at the fastest rate. Moreover, Arctic species show lower capacity for cellular homeostasis and acid‐base regulation rendering them particularly vulnerable to OA. In the present study, we found physiological differences in OA response across geographically separated populations of the keystone Arctic copepod Calanus glacialis. In copepodites stage CIV, measured reaction norms of ingestion rate and metabolic rate showed severe reductions in ingestion and increased metabolic expenses in two populations from Svalbard (Kongsfjord and Billefjord) whereas no effects were observed in a population from the Disko Bay, West Greenland. At pHT 7.87, which has been predicted for the Svalbard west coast by year 2100, these changes resulted in reductions in scope for growth of 19% in the Kongsfjord and a staggering 50% in the Billefjord. Interestingly, these effects were not observed in stage CV copepodites from any of the three locations. It seems that CVs may be more tolerant to OA perhaps due to a general physiological reorganization to meet low intracellular pH during hibernation. Needless to say, the observed changes in the CIV stage will have serious implications for the C. glacialis population health status and growth around Svalbard. However, OA tolerant populations such as the one in the Disko Bay could help to alleviate severe effects in C. glacialis as a species.
Offsetting global warming‐induced elevated greenhouse gas emissions from an arable soil by biochar application
Authors: Bamminger Chris , Poll Christian , Marhan Sven
Published: August 2017

Global warming will likely enhance greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soils. Due to its slow decomposability, biochar is widely recognized as effective in long‐term soil carbon (C) sequestration and in mitigation of soil GHG emissions. In a long‐term soil warming experiment (+2.5 °C, since July 2008) we studied the effect of applying high‐temperature Miscanthus biochar (0, 30 t/ha, since August 2013) on GHG emissions and their global warming potential (GWP) during 2 years in a temperate agroecosystem. Crop growth, physical and chemical soil properties, temperature sensitivity of soil respiration (Rs), and metabolic quotient (qCO2) were investigated to yield further information about single effects of soil warming and biochar as well as on their interactions. Soil warming increased total CO2 emissions by 28% over 2 years. The effect of warming on soil respiration did not level off as has often been observed in less intensively managed ecosystems. However, the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration was not affected by warming. Overall, biochar had no effect on most of the measured parameters, suggesting its high degradation stability and its low influence on microbial C cycling even under elevated soil temperatures. In contrast, biochar × warming interactions led to higher total N2O emissions, possibly due to accelerated N‐cycling at elevated soil temperature and to biochar‐induced changes in soil properties and environmental conditions. Methane uptake was not affected by soil warming or biochar. The incorporation of biochar‐C into soil was estimated to offset warming‐induced elevated GHG emissions for 25 years. Our results highlight the suitability of biochar for C sequestration in cultivated temperate agricultural soil under a future elevated temperature. However, the increased N2O emissions under warming limit the GHG mitigation potential of biochar.
Pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of a recombinant factor IX product, trenonacog alfa in previously treated haemophilia B patients
Authors: Collins P. W. , Quon D. V. K. , Makris M. , Chowdary P. , Kempton C. L. , Apte S. J. , Ramanan M. V. , Hay C. R. M. , Drobic B. , Hua Y. , Babinchak T. J. , Gomperts E. D.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Trenonacog alfa (IB1001) is a recombinant factor IX (rFIX) manufactured in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. IB1001 was evaluated in a multicentre clinical trial with haemophilia B patients.

Aim

The aim was to establish IB1001 pharmacokinetic non‐inferiority to comparator rFIX, safety and efficacy in previously treated patients (PTPs) with haemophilia B.

Methods

Subjects were severe or moderately severe haemophilia B adult and adolescent PTPs with no history of FIX inhibitors.

Results

IB1001 PK non‐inferiority to comparator rFIX was demonstrated through ratio of AUC0‐∞ in 32 subjects. IB1001 was well tolerated in all 76 treated subjects; the most common adverse drug reaction was headache (2.6% of subjects) and there were no reports of FIX inhibitors. Transient non‐inhibitory binding FIX antibodies and anti‐CHO cell protein antibodies developed in 21% and 29% of subjects respectively; no safety concerns were associated with development of these antibodies. Prophylaxis (mean duration ± SD: 17.9 ± 9.6 months, mean dose: 55.5 ± 12.9 IU/kg, median 1.0 infusion per week) was effective in preventing bleeds (median annual bleed rate: 1.52, interquartile range: 0.0‐3.46). One or two IB1001 infusions resolved 84% of the bleeds, while for 84% of treatments haemostatic efficacy of IB1001 was rated excellent or good. IB1001 haemostatic efficacy for all 19 major surgeries was rated adequate or better than adequate.

Conclusions

IB1001 is safe and efficacious for treatment of bleeds, routine prophylaxis and perioperative management in haemophilia B patients.
The impact of body image on Fitbit use: a comparison across genders
Authors: Edwards Amber
Published: August 2017

This article is the first in the feature to explore personal tracking devices – in this case the Fitbit – and the relationship between their use and people's self‐perceptions and behaviour. Amber Edwards conducted the research for her MA dissertation at the University of Sheffield, graduating with an MA in Librarianship in January 2017. Her study shows that body image plays a large role in Fitbit use and that this is slightly more evident in females than males, although the differences are subtle. She argues that the results have implications for information professionals involved in teaching health information literacy. Amber began working in the library at Bishop Grosseteste University in June 2016, while completing her dissertation.

A. M.
In‐house peer supported literature search training: a public health perspective
Authors: Tran Anh
Published: August 2017

Public Health England plays a vital role in ensuring the health of the nation. The Knowledge and Library Service (KLS) is a key part of the organisation's evidence supply chain. KLS staff handle over 200 requests for literature searches per annum, and this number is increasing exponentially year on year. Searches are often complex and require specialist public health knowledge to complete effectively. Library staff who are new to the area of public health require support and training. In this article, Anh Tran, Knowledge and Evidence Specialist for Public Health England, discusses a peer supported literature search training course that has been developed in‐house for the benefit of new library staff, and to increase the Knowledge and Library Service's literature searching capacity at Public Health England.

H. S.
Patient and Public Information delivery through NHS library and knowledge services: how Knowledge for Healthcare changed the landscape
Authors: Case Holly , Howard Natasha , Grant Maria J.
Published: August 2017

Health care library and knowledge services (LKS) are now expected to contribute to the provision of Patient and Public Information (PPI). The challenges of an ageing population, prevalence of long‐term conditions and the encouragement of patients to self manage give added impetus. The Knowledge for Health care PPI Task and Finish Groups developed strategic partnerships with national organizations and produced a suite of resources to support LKS staff. Outputs include guidance, workshop materials, an Ideas Bank and Guide to NHS Choices. The work of the PPI Task and Finish groups will continue to support staff as they develop activities and evidence its impact.
Rapidly progressive intravascular primary effusion lymphoma in an HIV‐positive renal transplant recipient
Authors: Cain Owen , Yoong Adrian , Lipkin Graham , Huengsberg Mia , Murray Jim , Rudzki Zbigniew , Vydianath Bindu
Published: August 2017

We describe the clinical and post‐mortem findings of a case of rapidly progressive, ultimately fatal primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) arising in an HIV‐positive man 2 years after renal transplantation. Disseminated multi‐organ involvement associated with a peculiar intravascular pattern of growth, as seen in this case, has only been reported once previously. This is also, to our knowledge, the first detailed description of a lymphoma arising post‐transplant in an HIV‐positive patient.
Nonlinear relationship between preservation of microstructure and geochemical composition of Pleistocene brachiopod shells from the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuyuki , Takizawa Mamoru , Takayanagi Hideko , Asami Ryuji , Iryu Yasufumi
Published: August 2017

Stable carbon and oxygen isotope composition of fossilized brachiopod shells serves as an important source to delineate Earth's paleoenvironmental evolution in the Phanerozoic. However, the original isotopic composition is potentially modified by various kinds of diagenesis. To evaluate the extent to which the original isotopic composition of fossilized brachiopod shells is modified by meteoric diagenesis, microstructure, cathodoluminescence (CL) images, and carbon and oxygen isotope composition of fossilized Kikaithyris hanzawai (rhynchonellate brachiopod) shells were examined. The shells were collected from Pleistocene shallow marine carbonates exposed on the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan. The extent of diagenetic alteration is quantitatively evaluated here as both the preservation state of the original shell microstructure and the luminescence/non‐luminescence of shells. Although altered fibers were commonly observed in the brachiopod shells, the original isotopic composition was almost retained. There are no significant differences in the isotopic composition between the luminescent and non‐luminescent shells. There is no direct relationship between the preservation state of the original shell microstructure and the luminescence/non‐luminescence of shells at three of four horizons, indicating that CL images are not necessarily useful for the detection of diagenetic alteration of shells or shell portions. Applying multiple criteria to assessing diagenetic alteration and cross‐checking them are required to distinguish between diagenetically altered and unaltered brachiopod shells.
Preparation of fumed silica compacts for thermal insulation using wet processing method
Authors: Tang Xueyuan , Yu Yuxi
Published: August 2017

This paper describes the preparation of fumed silica compacts for thermal insulation, using wet processing method. A series of thermal insulation compacts based on fumed silica powder and glass fibers were prepared. The influence of the mass ratio about fumed silica and glass fibers on the fracture strength and thermal conductivity was investigated. The results showed that the fracture strength increased first and then decreased with the mass ratio increasing. The thermal conductivity decreased linearly with the mass ratio increasing. When the compact was pressed under 6 MPa with a mass ratio of 5:1, it exhibited excellent thermal insulation at room temperature with a thermal conductivity of 0.042W/mK. Moreover, the compact was hydrophobic, after being modified by KH‐570.
Hierarchical SnO2 nanosheets@SiC nanofibers for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Sun Lian , Wang Bing , Wang Yingde
Published: August 2017

Producing eco‐friendly hydrogen (H2) as a renewable energy by solar‐driven water splitting has triggered considerable interests. In this paper, we reported the in situ growth of ultrathin tin oxide nanosheets (SnO2 NSs) on the surface of mesoporous silicon carbide nanofibers (SiC NFs) using a simple hydrothermal method to form a core‐shell structures. The H2 production rate of the sample was 471.8 μmol g−1 h−1 under solar‐light illumination without any noble metals as catalysts, which was almost 1.25 and 3 times higher than pure SiC NFs and pure SnO2 NSs, respectively. The synergistic effect of the SnO2‐SiC heterojunction between the core‐shell microstructure played an important role in the superior performance of this photocatalyst.
‐318C/T polymorphism of the CTLA‐4 gene is an independent risk factor for RBC alloimmunization among sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Oliveira V. B. , Dezan M. R. , Gomes F. C. A. , Menosi Gualandro S. F. , Krieger J. E. , Pereira A. C. , Marsiglia J. D. , Levi J. E. , Rocha V. , Mendrone‐Junior A. , Sabino E. C. , Dinardo C. L.
Published: August 2017

Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) molecule is expressed on T‐lymphocyte membrane and negatively influences the antigen‐presenting process. Reduced expression of CTLA‐4 due to gene polymorphisms is associated with increased risk of autoimmune disorders, whose physiopathology is similar to that of post‐transfusion red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization. Our goal was to evaluate if polymorphisms of CTLA‐4 gene that affect protein expression are associated with RBC alloimmunization. This was a case–control study in which 134 sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and 253 non‐SCD patients were included. All patients were genotyped for the polymorphisms 49A/G and ‐318C/T of CTLA‐4 gene. The genotype frequency of ‐318C/T differed significantly between alloimmunized and nonalloimmunized SCD patients, irrespective of clinical confounders (p = .016). SCD patients heterozygous for ‐318T allele presented higher risk of alloantibody development (OR: 5.4, CI: 1.15–25.6). In conclusion, the polymorphism ‐318C/T of CTLA‐4 gene is associated with RBC alloimmunization among SCD patients. This highlights the role played by CTLA‐4 on post‐transfusion alloantibody development.
Training for creativity and innovation in small enterprises in Ethiopia
Authors: Mihret Dessie Wondifraw , Shumetie Ademe Arega
Published: August 2017

Policy makers recognize the role of small businesses in bringing about economic growth and reducing or eliminating poverty, and training can contribute significantly to this process. The present study adds to the small firm literature by examining whether training encourages small firms to be more creative and innovative. It does so by investigating the extent of creative and innovative activities in small enterprises (SEs) that have undertaken training with support from the Ethiopian technical and vocational education and training system. SEs for the purpose of the study are businesses with fewer than 30 employees. The term includes micro‐enterprises, which are defined in Ethiopia as having fewer than six employees. Quantitative methodology was used to compare and contrast these enterprises with similar enterprises which had not had training support. Data were collected from 146 randomly selected small firms by means of interviews with owners and employees. Interviews were also conducted with technical, vocational education and training experts. The study examined five predictors of creativity and innovation activities that training support would be expected to encourage and found significant differences in two of them: creative thinking and motivational attributes. Differences in other creativity and innovation variables, however, were not significant. The researchers conclude that education and training for creativity and innovation should be prioritized to enhance the performance of small firms, in particular by increasing their expertise, improving their motivation and ability to surmount challenges and developing their creative thinking in the search for new business ideas.