bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A benchmarking approach to the progress of green materials and systems’ use in the UAE construction industry
Authors: Elgayar Aly , Beheiry Salwa Mamoun , Jabbar Alaa , Al Ansari Hamad
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced several green regulatory guidelines, federal decrees, and a considerable number of environmentally friendly initiatives. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the top green materials and systems used currently in the UAE construction industry as per the new laws dictate as well as see if professionals are switching over to incorporate more green materials, systems, and/or designs.

Design/methodology/approach

The work involved reviewing internationally popular green materials and systems for construction, developing a questionnaire based on the literature review, surveying professionals in the seven UAE emirates, and ranking the findings based on the relative importance index.

Findings

Findings found the top used green materials and system in the UAE’s construction industry. As well as identified that there is a communication gap between the design and implementation phases that is possibly hindering the use of more green materials and systems.

Originality/value

This study sets a baseline to measure the UAE’s progress over the coming years in terms of integrating more green construction materials, systems, methodologies, and trends.
Legionella clemsonensis sp. nov.: a green fluorescing Legionella strain from a patient with pneumonia
Authors: Palmer Allison , Painter Joseph , Hassler Hayley , Richards Vincent P. , Bruce Terri , Morrison Shatavia , Brown Ellen , Kozak‐Muiznieks Natalia A. , Lucas Claressa , McNealy Tamara L.
Published: September 2016

A novel Legionella species was identified based on sequencing, cellular fatty acid analysis, biochemical reactions, and biofilm characterization. Strain D5610 was originally isolated from the bronchial wash of a patient in Ohio, USA. The bacteria were gram‐negative, rod‐shaped, and exhibited green fluorescence under long wave UV light. Phylogenetic analysis and fatty acid composition revealed a distinct separation within the genus. The strain grows between 26–45°C and forms biofilms equivalent to L. pneumophila Philadelphia 1. These characteristics suggest that this isolate is a novel Legionella species, for which the name Legionella clemsonensis sp nov. is proposed.
The modified generalized moveout approximation: a new parameter selection
Authors: Stovas Alexey , Fomel Sergey
Published: September 2016

Non‐hyperbolic generalised moveout approximation is a powerful tool to approximate the travel‐time function by using information obtained from two rays. The standard approach for parameter selection is using three parameters defined from zero‐offset ray and two parameters obtained from a reference ray. These parameters include the travel time and travel‐time derivatives of different order. The original parameter selection implies more fit at zero offset compared with offset from a reference ray. We propose an alternative approach for parameter selection within the frame of generalised moveout approximation by transferring more fit from the zero offset to a reference ray by changing in parameter selection. The modified approximation is tested against the original one in few analytical model examples, including the multi‐layered model.
Resilience among Employed Physicians and Mid‐Level Practitioners in Upstate New York
Authors: Waddimba Anthony C. , Scribani Melissa , Hasbrouck Melinda A. , Krupa Nicole , Jenkins Paul , May John J.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To investigate the factors associated with resilience among medical professionals.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Administrative information from a rural health care network (1 academic medical center, 6 hospitals, 31 clinics, and 20 school health centers) was triangulated with self‐report data from 308 respondents (response rate = 65.1 percent) to a 9/2013–1/2014 survey among practitioners serving a nine‐county 5,600‐square‐mile area.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey comprising valid measures of resilience, practice meaningfulness, satisfaction, and risk/uncertainty intolerance, nested within a prospective, community‐based project.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The sampling frame included practitioners on institutional payroll, excluding voluntary/involuntary attritions and advisory board/research team members. In multivariable mixed‐effects models, we regressed full‐range and high‐/low‐resilience scores on demographics, professional satisfaction, workplace needs, risk/uncertainty intolerance, and service unit characteristics.

Principal Findings

Relational needs, uncertainty intolerance, satisfaction ≥75 percent of the time, number of practitioners on a unit, and workload were significantly associated with resilience. Higher scores were most strongly associated with uncertainty tolerance, satisfaction, and practitioner numbers. Practitioner/unit demographics were mostly nonsignificant.

Conclusions

More resilient practitioners experienced frequent satisfaction, relational needs gratification, better uncertainty tolerance, lighter workloads, and practiced on units with more colleagues. Further studies should investigate well‐being interventions based on these mutable factors.
Caloric restriction increases brain mitochondrial calcium retention capacity and protects against excitotoxicity
Authors: Amigo Ignacio , Menezes‐Filho Sergio Luiz , Luévano‐Martínez Luis Alberto , Chausse Bruno , Kowaltowski Alicia J.
Published: September 2016

Caloric restriction (CR) protects against many cerebral pathological conditions that are associated with excitotoxic damage and calcium overload, although the mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here we show that CR strongly protects against excitotoxic insults in vitro and in vivo in a manner associated with significant changes in mitochondrial function. CR increases electron transport chain activity, enhances antioxidant defenses, and favors mitochondrial calcium retention capacity in the brain. These changes are accompanied by a decrease in cyclophilin D activity and acetylation and an increase in Sirt3 expression. This suggests that Sirt3‐mediated deacetylation and inhibition of cyclophilin D in CR promote the inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition, resulting in enhanced mitochondrial calcium retention. Altogether, our results indicate that enhanced mitochondrial calcium retention capacity underlies the beneficial effects of CR against excitotoxic conditions. This protection may explain the many beneficial effects of CR in the aging brain.
Patient outcomes of whole brain radiotherapy for brain metastases versus leptomeningeal metastases: A retrospective study
Authors: Sakaguchi M. , Maebayashi T. , Aizawa T. , Ishibashi N. , Saito T.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Important factors typically associated with prognosis in brain metastases include Karnofsky performance status (KPS), extracranial or cerebellar localization and combination chemotherapy. However, few studies investigated the prognostic role of leptomeningeal metastases (LM) following whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). On the basis of our experience suggesting better survival of asymptomatic patients with LM than those with brain metastases, we herein evaluated LM as a prognostic factor after WBRT.

Methods

Medical records of 206 patients (median age, 65 years) who received WBRT in 2007–2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The two most common cancers were of lung, breast origin in 78.5%, 10%, patients, respectively. Patients received parallel‐opposed WBRT, with a dose of 20–40 Gy. Additional doses of 9–12 Gy were used in patients who were operated on or had single metastases. Overall survival (OS) was determined, and clinical parameters including age, KPS, symptoms, radiation dose, dose per fraction, type of metastasis, extracranial metastases, primary status and surgery plus WBRT were assessed as prognostic factors.

Results

The median survival was 6 months (range, 1–100), and 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 28% and 17%, respectively. In univariate analysis, improved survival was associated with KPS of ≥70, absence of symptoms, radiation dose of ≥37.5 Gy, favorable primary lesion, LM, and surgery plus WBRT. Multivariate analysis revealed that these factors with the exception of radiation dose was significant prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusion

We found that LM were independent prognostic factors for good clinical outcomes.
Sensitivity of first‐trimester ultrasound in the detection of congenital anomalies in twin pregnancies: population study and systematic review
Authors: D'Antonio Francesco , Familiari Alessandra , Thilaganathan Basky , Papageorghiou Aris T. , Manzoli Lamberto , Khalil Asma , Bhide Amar
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The first aim of this study was to ascertain the diagnostic performance of first‐trimester ultrasound in detecting congenital anomalies in twins. The secondary aim was to explore the strength of association between different pregnancy characteristics and early detection of structural anomalies in a large unselected population of twin pregnancies. A systematic review of the published literature was also carried out.

Material and methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive twin pregnancies booked for antenatal care between 1996 and 2014. Predictive accuracy of those covariates independently associated with the occurrence of fetal anomalies was assessed with logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics curves.

Results

In all, 1064 twin pregnancies (820 dichorionic and 264 monochorionic) were included in the analysis. Forty‐two pregnancies had one or more fetuses with structural abnormalities. Detection of structural abnormalities using ultrasound was possible in the first trimester in 27.3% (95% confidence interval 15.0–42.8) of twin pregnancies. Monochorionicity (odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.7) and discordance in crown–rump length and nuchal translucency were associated with an increased risk of fetal anomalies. However, their predictive accuracy was only moderate (areas under the curve 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.6–0.8 and 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.6–0.8, for crown–rump length and nuchal translucency discrepancy, respectively).

Conclusions

First‐trimester detection of structural abnormalities in twin pregnancies is possible in 27.3% (95% confidence interval 15.0–42.8) of cases. The likelihood for first‐trimester detection of structural anomalies in twins was maximum for cranial vault, midline brain and abdominal wall defects. Monochorionicity and increasing discrepancy in crown–rump length and nuchal translucency were associated with fetal structural abnormalities, although their predictive performance was only moderately good.
At what age does the risk for adverse maternal and infant outcomes increase? Nationwide register‐based study on first births in Finland in 2005–2014
Authors: Klemetti Reija , Gissler Mika , Sainio Susanna , Hemminki Elina
Published: September 2016

Introduction

It is poorly understood if there are specific ages at which adverse outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth start to increase (threshold‐ages). The purpose of this study was to examine at which maternal ages the use of maternity care and the risks for adverse maternal and infant outcomes increase.

Material and methods

National data from the Finnish Medical Birth Register including all first‐time mothers aged 20 years or over with singleton pregnancies in 2005–2014 were analyzed (n = 228 348). Odds ratios for each outcome at different ages were calculated by logistic regression, using women aged 20–24 (n = 56 282) as the reference and adjusting for socioeconomic position and urbanity of residence. The threshold‐age was defined as the first significant adjusted odds ratio after which the risk remained significant.

Results

The threshold‐ages for use of maternity care varied from 25 years for cesarean section (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.14) to 38 years for having 16 or more antenatal visits (1.13, 1.04–1.21). Four threshold‐ages were found for maternal health outcomes: 25 years for gestational diabetes (OR 1.15, 1.09–1.23), 27 years for placenta previa (OR 1.75, 1.11–2.75), 33 years for gestational hypertension (1.14, 1.03–1.27), and 38 years for preeclampsia (OR 1.48, 1.12–1.96). The threshold‐ages for infant health outcomes varied from 28 years for preterm birth (37 weeks, OR 1.10, 1.02–1.19) to 36 years for perinatal mortality (OR 2.10, 1.44–3.07).

Conclusions

Different threshold‐ages were identified. Most adverse outcomes occurred earlier than the traditional cut‐off ages for high risk pregnancy, which have been set at 35 or 40 years.
Is routine transvaginal cervical length measurement cost‐effective in a population where the risk of spontaneous preterm birth is low?
Authors: Crosby David A. , Miletin Jan , Semberova Jana , Daly Sean
Published: September 2016

Introduction

A recent meta‐analysis has suggested that routine measurement of the cervical length should be performed in conjunction with the anomaly scan to identify a group of women at increased risk of preterm delivery. We decided to investigate whether this recommendation is justifiable in a population where the risk of preterm birth is low.

Material and methods

We reviewed 12 years of obstetric data from the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital. Relative risks of adverse outcomes from the randomized controlled trial were applied and we extrapolated the possible numbers of women requiring intervention. We then used published neonatal data to estimate the cost of neonatal care and estimated the costs of providing the service.

Results

Over 12 years from 2000 until 2011, there were 94 646 singleton deliveries, 1776 happening before 34 weeks. Spontaneous onset occurred in 882 (49.7%) of this group. These 882 births were studied. If we apply the figures from a randomized controlled trial, 1609 women (1.7% from our total population) would be expected to have a cervical length 15 mm. If we gave vaginal progesterone to all women with a sonographically short cervix, we would reduce the delivery rate before 34 weeks by 27.7%. The annual costs of providing the service were estimated to be €109 249 and the cost of immediate neonatal care was estimated to be €380 514.

Conclusion

Given the implications associated with preterm delivery, routine measurement of cervical length at the time of the anomaly scan may be justifiable from a cost point of view in a population where the risk of preterm birth is low.
Pathogenesis of acute graft‐versus‐host disease: from intestinal microbiota alterations to donor T cell activation
Authors: Zeiser Robert , Socié Gerard , Blazar Bruce R.
Published: September 2016

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) is a major life‐threatening complication of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). Here we discuss the aGVHD pathophysiology initiated by multiple signals that cause alloreactive T‐cell activation. The outcome of such donor T‐cell activation is influenced by T‐cell receptor‐signal strength, anatomical location, co‐stimulatory/co‐inhibitory signals and differentiation stage (naive, effector/memory) of T‐cells. Additionally, cross‐priming of T cells to antigens expressed by pathogens can contribute to aGVHD‐mediated tissue injury. In addition to the properties of donor T‐cell activation, highly specialized tissue resident cell types, such as innate lymphoid cells, antigen‐presenting cells, immune regulatory cells and various intestinal cell populations are critically involved in aGVHD pathogenesis. The role of the thymus and secondary lymphoid tissue injury, non‐haematopoietic cells, intestinal microflora, cytokines, chemokines, microRNAs, metabolites and kinases in aGVHD pathophysiology will be highlighted. Acute GVHD pathogenic mechanisms will be connected to novel therapeutic approaches under development for, and tested in, the clinic.
Positive post‐disaster images: A daydream machine?
Authors: Hancock Nicola J. , de Joux Neil R. , Wingreen Stephen C. , Kemp Simon , Thomas Jared , Helton William S.
Published: September 2016

This study explores the impact of post‐earthquake images inserted in a vigilance task, in terms of performance, self‐reports of task‐focus, and cerebral activity using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Vigilance tasks present a sequence of stimuli in which only a few are pre‐designated critical or target stimuli requiring an overt response from the participant. Seventy‐one residents participated (51 women, 20 men) by taking part in a vigilance task with task‐irrelevant images inserted in the sequence. There were three conditions consisting positive (emotive inducing), negative (emotive inducing), and control (devoid of meaning) images embedded in the vigilance task to assess possible impacts on vigilance performance. The images were obtained through crowdsourcing and represented parts of the city 3–4 years post‐earthquake. Task performance was assessed with signal detection theory metrics of sensitivity A’ and bias β’’. This enables the separation of an individual's ability to accurately discriminate critical signals from non‐critical stimuli (sensitivity) and shifts in their willingness to respond to any stimuli whether critical or not (bias). Individuals viewing the positive images, relating to progress, rebuild, or aesthetic aspects within the city, had a more conservative response bias (they responded less to both rare critical and distractor stimuli) than those in the other conditions. These individuals also reported lower task‐focus, as would be expected. However, contrary to expectations, indicators of cerebral activity (fNIRS) did not differ significantly between the experimental groups. These results, when combined, suggest that mind wandering events may be being generated when exposed to positive post‐earthquake images.
Learning style, judgements of learning, and learning of verbal and visual information
Authors: Knoll Abby R. , Otani Hajime , Skeel Reid L. , Van Horn K. Roger
Published: September 2016

The concept of learning style is immensely popular despite the lack of evidence showing that learning style influences performance. This study tested the hypothesis that the popularity of learning style is maintained because it is associated with subjective aspects of learning, such as judgements of learning (JOLs). Preference for verbal and visual information was assessed using the revised Verbalizer‐Visualizer Questionnaire (VVQ). Then, participants studied a list of word pairs and a list of picture pairs, making JOLs (immediate, delayed, and global) while studying each list. Learning was tested by cued recall. The results showed that higher VVQ verbalizer scores were associated with higher immediate JOLs for words, and higher VVQ visualizer scores were associated with higher immediate JOLs for pictures. There was no association between VVQ scores and recall or JOL accuracy. As predicted, learning style was associated with subjective aspects of learning but not objective aspects of learning.
Immigrant job search assimilation in Canada
Authors: Bowlus Audra J. , Miyairi Masashi , Robinson Chris
Published: September 2016

Immigrant assimilation is a major issue in many countries. While most of the literature studies assimilation through a human capital framework, we examine the role of job search assimilation. To do so, we estimate an equilibrium search model of immigrants operating in the same labour market as natives, where newly arrived immigrants have lower job offer arrival rates than natives but can acquire the same arrival rates according to a stochastic process. Using Canadian panel data, we find substantial differences in job offer arrival and destruction rates between natives and immigrants that are able to account for three quarters of the observed earnings gap. The estimates imply that immigrants take on average 13 years to acquire the native search parameters. Due to immigrants facing much lower on‐the‐job offer arrival rates than natives, the model predicts that earnings growth through job search is minimal for immigrants prior to their job search assimilation.
Who gains from capital market integration? Tax competition between unionized and non‐unionized countries
Authors: Ogawa Hikaru , Sato Yasuhiro , Tamai Toshiki
Published: September 2016

The welfare effects of capital market integration are examined under a model of tax competition with two asymmetric countries. The asymmetry is expressed through the labour market: one country has a perfect labour market whereas the other country's labour market is unionized. Our results indicate that the welfare effects of capital market integration differ depending on whether governments are active or passive in attracting capital. In the absence of active governments, capital market integration benefits the country with a competitive labour market whereas it harms the unionized country. Capital market integration benefits both countries if governments are active and compete for mobile capital using taxes/subsidies.
Reciprocal relationships and mechanism design
Authors: Celik Gorkem , Peters Michael
Published: September 2016

We study an incomplete information game in which players can coordinate their actions by contracting among themselves. We model this relationship as a reciprocal contracting procedure where each player has the ability to make commitments contingent on the other players' commitments. We differ from the rest of the literature on reciprocal contracting by assuming that punishments cannot be enforced in the event that cooperation breaks down. We fully characterize the outcomes that can be supported as perfect Bayesian equilibrium outcomes in such an environment. We use our characterization to show that the set of supportable outcomes with reciprocal contracting is larger than the set of outcomes available in a centralized mechanism design environment in which the mechanism designer is constrained by his inability to enforce punishments against non‐participants. The difference stems from the players' ability in our contracting game to convey partial information about their types at the time they offer contracts. We discuss the implications of our analysis for modelling collusion between multiple agents interacting with the same principal.
Is the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence dependent on the number of active electrode poles achieved during permanent lead insertion?
Authors: Duelund‐Jakobsen J. , Lundby L. , Lehur P.‐A. , Wyart V. , Laurberg S. , Buntzen S.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is effective for faecal incontinence (FI). Little is known about the relationship between the implantation technique and the functional outcome. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the numbers of active electrode poles (AEP) achieved during permanent lead placement and subsequent function, therapeutic amplitude and the need for extra appointments between scheduled follow‐up visits.

Method

One hundred and eighty‐six patients with FI who underwent permanent implantation between May 2009 and March 2015 with a tined (barbed) lead (3093/3080, Medtronic) using the straight stylet were registered on the European two‐centre SNS prospective database (SNSPD). Correlation between the number of AEP, function, stimulation amplitude and the need for extra visits was analysed.

Results

The numbers of patients having an intra‐operative motor response on stimulation of one, two, three and four poles were 18 (9.7%), 75 (40.3%), 61 (32.8%) and 32 (17.2%). The Wexner incontinence score was significantly reduced from 15 (±2.8) at baseline to 9.2 (±4.8) at the latest follow‐up after a mean 878 ± 561 days (SD; P < 0.001). No correlation was found between the number of AEP and the functional outcome (P > 0.05). Patients with four‐AEP had a reduced therapeutic amplitude up to 289 (±146) days of follow‐up (P < 0.03). The number of AEP did not influence the need for extra follow‐up visits (P < 0.223).

Conclusion

The functional outcome and number of extra visits after SNS for FI did not depend on the number of AEP achieved. The therapeutic amplitude was reduced during the first postoperative year if four AEP were achieved during lead placement.
Faecal incontinence in patients with a sphincter defect: comparison of sphincteroplasty and sacral nerve stimulation
Authors: Rodrigues F. G. , Chadi S. A. , Cracco A. J. , Sands D. R. , Zutshi M. , Gurland B. , Da Silva G. , Wexner S. D.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Sphincteroplasty (SP) is used to treat faecal incontinence (FI) in patients with a sphincter defect. Although sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is used in patients, its outcome in patients with a sphincter defect has not been definitively evaluated. We compared the results of SP and SNS for FI associated with a sphincter defect.

Method

Patients treated by SNS or SP for FI with an associated sphincter defect were retrospectively identified from an Institutional Review Board approved prospective database. Patients with ultrasound evidence of a sphincter defect were matched by age, gender and body mass index. The main outcome measure was change in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Score (CCF‐FIS).

Results

Twenty‐six female patients with a sphincter defect were included in the study. The 13 patients in each group were similar for age, body mass index, initial CCF‐FIS and the duration of follow‐up. No differences were observed in parity (P = 1.00), the rate of concomitant urinary incontinence (P = 0.62) or early postoperative complications. Within‐group analysis showed a significant reduction of the CCF‐FIS among patients having SNS (15.9–8.4; P = 0.003) but not SP (16.9–12.9; P = 0.078). There was a trend towards a more significant improvement in CCF‐FIS in the SNS than in the SP group (post‐treatment CCF‐FIS 8.4 vs 12.9, P = 0.06). Net improvement in CCF‐FIS was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.06).

Conclusion

Significant improvement in CCF‐FIS was observed in patients treated with SNS but not SP patients. A trend towards better results was seen with SNS.
The impact of bacterial colonization on graft success after total pancreatectomy with autologous islet transplantation: considerations for early definitive surgical intervention
Authors: Jolissaint Joshua S. , Langman Linda W. , DeBolt Claire L. , Tatum Jacob A. , Martin Allison N. , Wang Andrew Y. , Strand Daniel S. , Zaydfudim Victor M. , Adams Reid B. , Brayman Kenneth L.
Published: September 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether bacterial contamination of islets affects graft success after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT).

Background

Factors associated with insulin independence after TPIAT are inconclusive. Although bacterial contamination does not preclude transplantation, the impact of bacterial contamination on graft success is unknown.

Methods

Patients who received TPIAT at the University of Virginia between January 2007 and January 2016 were reviewed. Patient charts were reviewed for bacterial contamination and patients were prospectively contacted to assess rates of insulin independence.

Results

There was no significant difference in demographic or perioperative data between patients who achieved insulin independence and those who did not. However, six of 27 patients analyzed (22.2%) grew bacterial contaminants from culture of the final islet preparations. These patients had significantly lower islet yield and C‐peptide at most recent follow‐up (P<.05), and none of these patients achieved insulin independence.

Conclusions

Islet transplant solutions are often culture positive, likely secondary to preprocurement pancreatic manipulation and introduction of enteric flora. Although autotransplantation of culture‐positive islets is safe, it is associated with higher rates of graft failure and poor islet yield. Consideration should be given to identify patients who may develop refractory chronic pancreatitis and offer early operative management to prevent bacterial colonization.
Long‐term outcome after early cyclosporine withdrawal in kidney transplantation: ten years after
Authors: Tabibzadeh Nahid , Glowacki François , Frimat Marie , Elsermans Vincent , Provôt François , Lionet Arnaud , Gnemmi Viviane , Hertig Alexandre , Noël Christian , Hazzan Marc
Published: September 2016

Background

Despite long‐term side effects, calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) remain a cornerstone of immunosuppression in renal transplantation. Few trials assessed the long‐term outcome after early CNI withdrawal.

Methods

This intention‐to‐treat study assessed the 10‐year outcome of 108 patients randomly converted from a cyclosporine (CsA)—mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)—prednisone regimen to a dual therapy (CsA‐prednisone or MMF‐prednisone) at 3 months postgraft.

Results

At 10 years, 3.7% in the CsA group and 35.2% in the MMF group remained on the protocol regimen (P<.001). eGFR was higher in the MMF group (64.4±21 vs 49.7±14.7 mL/min/1.73 m², P<.001), although acute rejection (12 vs 4 in the CsA group, P=.03) and Class II DSA incidences were increased. CNI‐related toxicity (P=.019) and moderate‐to‐severe IF/TA (P=.004) were higher in the CsA group. Ten‐year graft and patient survivals were not different. In multivariate analysis, acute rejection remained the strongest predictor of graft loss (HR=11.64, 95% CI [5.05‐26.79], P<.0001).

Conclusions

MMF withdrawal largely failed due to CNI toxicity, while CsA withdrawal led to increased graft failure due to uncontrolled acute rejection without increasing graft survival. From this study, it remains unclear which patients could benefit from limiting CNI exposure.
Predictors of persistent diarrhea in norovirus enteritis after solid organ transplantation
Authors: Chong Pearlie P. , van Duin David , Sonderup Jessica L. , Grant Wendy J. , Kalil Andre C. , Florescu Diana F.
Published: September 2016

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients may develop protracted diarrheal illness from norovirus. We performed a retrospective chart review between January 2010 and April 2014 to identify predictors of persistent diarrhea in transplant recipients with norovirus enteritis. A total of 152 SOT recipients with mean age of 31.5 years (SD 23.1) were included: 43.4% male, 34.2% pediatric patients. Allograft types were abdominal 136 (89.5%) (kidney [39.5%], liver‐small bowel [23%], other [27%]) and thoracic 16 (10.5%). The median time to diagnosis of first norovirus enteritis episode from date of transplantation was 1.7 (0.3‐5.3) years. At time of presentation, diarrhea was present in 141 (93%). Thirty percent had persistent diarrhea at 2 weeks. Hospitalization was required for treatment in 121 (80%) of episodes with the mean length of stay of 10±15.2 days. Most (91%) infections were due to norovirus genogroup II, and gastrointestinal coinfections were seen in 23 (19%) norovirus enteritis episodes. Nausea at time of diagnosis (P=.002) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the preceding 90 days (P=.036) were identified as independent risk factors for persistent diarrhea using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Our study shows that nausea on presentation and prior CMV infection were associated with persistent diarrhea in patients with norovirus enteritis.
Spatial patterns of seagrass dispersal and settlement
Authors: Grech Alana , Wolter Jolan , Coles Rob , McKenzie Len , Rasheed Michael , Thomas Christopher , Waycott Michelle , Hanert Emmanuel
Published: September 2016

Aim

The movement of propagules among plant populations affects their ability to replenish and recover after a disturbance. Quantitative data on recovery strategies, including the effectiveness of population connectivity, are often lacking at broad spatial and temporal scales. We use numerical modelling to predict seagrass propagule dispersal and settlement to provide an approach for circumstances where direct, or even indirect, measures of population dynamics are difficult to establish.

Location

Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Methods

We used the finite‐element Second‐generation Louvain‐la‐Neuve Ice‐ocean Model (SLIM) to resolve the hydrodynamics of the central Great Barrier Reef and to simulate the dispersal of seagrass. We predicted dispersal and settlement patterns by releasing 10.6 million passive particles representing seagrass propagules at known sites of seagrass presence. We considered two fractions when modelling seagrass dispersal: floating and suspended propagules. Both fractions were modelled using 34 simulations run for a maximum of 8 weeks during the peak seagrass reproductive period, capturing variability in winds, tides and currents.

Results

The ‘virtual’ seagrass propagules moved on average between 30 and 60 km, but distances of over 900 km also occurred. Most particle movement was to the north‐west. The season (month) of release and source locations of the particles correlated with their dispersal distance, particularly for particles released offshore, with the complex coastal topography impeding movements close to the coast. The replenishment and recovery potential of the northernmost meadows was influenced by southern meadows. Protected north‐facing bays were less likely to receive particles.

Main conclusions

Our approach advances the conservation and management of marine biodiversity by predicting a key component of ecosystem resilience at a spatial scale that informs marine planning. We show a complex interaction among time, wind, water movement and topography that can guide a management response to improving replenishment and recovery after disturbance events.
A global systematic review of ecological field studies on two major invasive plant species, Ageratina adenophora and Chromolaena odorata
Authors: Yu Fuke , Akin‐Fajiye Morodoluwa , Thapa Magar Khum , Ren Jie , Gurevitch Jessica
Published: September 2016

Aim

Much of what is known about invasion biology is based on research conducted in North America and Europe, leading to limitations and potential biases in our knowledge. We address these limitations by conducting a systematic review to assess the literature on ecological studies of two major tropical and subtropical invasive plant species, Ageratina adenophora and Chromolaena odorata. Our goals were to: (1) collect the literature on the invasion biology of these species by broadly searching five databases (one international and four regional); (2) determine limitations to the international literature available in the ISI Web of Science (WOS); (3) quantitatively summarize the scope of the invasion literature on the two species; and (4) propose future studies based on what we found.

Location

Global.

Methods

Using specific search terms, we searched the literature for A. adenophora and C. odorata in the ISI WOS, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Indian Journals, Nepal Journals Online and African Journals Online (AJOL). We extracted information on journal titles, publication years, study area locations, habitats investigated and study focus.

Results

We found 101 papers for A. adenophora and 61 papers for C. odorata, published from 1987 to 2015. A high percentage of the studies were conducted in China, western and southern Africa, and India. Studies from WOS most frequently focused on the mechanism of invasion, while studies from CNKI and AJOL focused on the impacts of the invader.

Main conclusions

Web of Science is not sufficient for generalizing about the invasion biology literature, particularly if the goal is a comprehensive assessment that includes areas other than North America, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. In future systematic reviews, other databases should be used if possible, including those in languages other than English. For future research, several research areas should be studied more thoroughly for A. adenophora and C. odorata invasions, including possible multiple factors responsible for invasion, and impacts of co‐occurring invasive species.
Development of microsatellite markers for the pine needle blight pathogen, Dothistroma pini
Authors: Siziba V. I. , Wingfield M. J. , Sadiković D. , Mullett M. S. , Piškur B. , Barnes I.
Published: September 2016

Dothistroma needle blight of Pinus spp. is a serious disease that can be caused by two distinct fungal species: Dothistroma septosporum and D. pini. Dothistroma septosporum has a broad pine host range, a worldwide distribution and has caused many serious epidemics. In contrast, D. pini has a more limited distribution; known only from Europe and the USA. Unlike the situation for the better‐known D. septosporum, the population biology of D. pini has not been intensively studied. Microsatellite markers developed for D. septosporum either do not amplify in D. pini or they are uninformative. The aim of this study was to develop a robust set of microsatellite markers that amplify across different D. pini isolates from a range of geographical locations and different host species. The genome of an isolate from Ukraine was sequenced using Mi‐Seq Illumina sequencing. Thirty‐two primer pairs were designed to amplify microsatellite regions targeting a mixture of di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, penta‐ and hexa‐ nucleotide repeat regions. The results yielded 16 polymorphic markers that amplified across 32 isolates from seven countries and four hosts. Screening of the polymorphic markers on a population of D. pini from France and Slovenia revealed that the Slovenian isolates were clonal but that those from France were genetically more diverse. The markers developed in this study will provide a useful tool with which to study the population structure and genetic diversity of D. pini populations in countries where it is emerging as an important pathogen.
Pathological gambling in Parkinson's disease: what are the risk factors and what is the role of impulsivity?
Authors: Heiden Petra , Heinz Andreas , Romanczuk‐Seiferth Nina
Published: September 2016

The incidence of pathological gambling in Parkinson's patients is significantly greater than in the general population. A correlation has been observed between dopamine agonist medication and the development of pathological gambling. However, scientists conjecture that the affected patients have underlying risk factors. Studies analysing Parkinson's patients have detected that patients who developed pathological gambling are younger, score higher on novelty‐seeking tests, are more impulsive and are more likely to have a personal or family history of alcohol addiction. In addition, some genetic variations have been associated with the susceptibility of developing pathological gambling, which include mutations of DRD3, 5‐HTTLPR and GRIN2B. Studies focusing on neurofunctional discrepancies between Parkinson's patients with and without pathological gambling have found increased functional activation and dopamine release in regions associated with the mesolimbic reward system. Furthermore, there is also evidence showing increased processing of reward and decreased activation elicited by punishment, suggesting altered learning processes. Furthermore, the role of deep brain stimulation of the nucleus subthalamicus (STN DBS) is controversial. In most Parkinson's patients, pathological gambling resolved after the initiation of the STN DBS, which might be explained by discontinuation or decrease in dopamine agonist medication. However, it has been also shown that some patients are more impulsive while the STN DBS is activated. These differences may depend on the DBS localization in the more limbic or motor part of the STN and their regulative effects on impulsivity. Further research is needed to clarify susceptibility factors for the development of pathological gambling in Parkinson's patients.
Long‐term effects of chronic nicotine on emotional and cognitive behaviors and hippocampus cell morphology in mice: comparisons of adult and adolescent nicotine exposure
Authors: Holliday Erica D. , Nucero Paul , Kutlu Munir G. , Oliver Chicora , Connelly Krista L. , Gould Thomas J. , Unterwald Ellen M.
Published: September 2016

Nicotine dependence is associated with increased risk for emotional, cognitive and neurological impairments later in life. This study investigated the long‐term effects of nicotine exposure during adolescence and adulthood on measures of depression, anxiety, learning and hippocampal pyramidal cell morphology. Mice (C57BL/6J) received saline or nicotine for 12 days via pumps implanted on postnatal day 32 (adolescent) or 54 (adults). Thirty days after cessation of nicotine/saline, mice were tested for learning using contextual fear conditioning, depression‐like behaviors using the forced swim test or anxiety‐like behaviors with the elevated plus maze. Brains from nicotine‐ or saline‐exposed mice were processed with Golgi stain for whole neuron reconstruction in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Results demonstrate higher depression‐like responses in both adolescent and adult mice when tested during acute nicotine withdrawal. Heightened depression‐like behaviors persisted when tested after 30 days of nicotine abstinence in mice exposed as adolescents, but not adults. Adult, but not adolescent, exposure to nicotine resulted in increased open‐arm time when tested after 30 days of abstinence. Nicotine exposure during adolescence caused deficits in contextual fear learning indicated by lower levels of freezing to the context as compared with controls when tested 30 days later. In addition, reduced dendritic length and complexity in the apical CA1 branches in adult mice exposed to nicotine during adolescence were found. These results demonstrate that nicotine exposure and withdrawal can have long‐term effects on emotional and cognitive functioning, particularly when nicotine exposure occurs during the critical period of adolescence.
Manipulating virulence factor availability can have complex consequences for infections
Authors: Weigert Michael , Ross‐Gillespie Adin , Leinweber Anne , Pessi Gabriella , Brown Sam P. , Kümmerli Rolf
Published: September 2016

Given the rise of bacterial resistance against antibiotics, we urgently need alternative strategies to fight infections. Some propose we should disarm rather than kill bacteria, through targeted disruption of their virulence factors. It is assumed that this approach (i) induces weak selection for resistance because it should only minimally impact bacterial fitness, and (ii) is specific, only interfering with the virulence factor in question. Given that pathogenicity emerges from complex interactions between pathogens, hosts and their environment, such assumptions may be unrealistic. To address this issue in a test case, we conducted experiments with the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where we manipulated the availability of a virulence factor, the iron‐scavenging pyoverdine, within the insect host Galleria mellonella. We observed that pyoverdine availability was not stringently predictive of virulence and affected bacterial fitness in nonlinear ways. We show that this complexity could partly arise because pyoverdine availability affects host responses and alters the expression of regulatorily linked virulence factors. Our results reveal that virulence factor manipulation feeds back on pathogen and host behaviour, which in turn affects virulence. Our findings highlight that realizing effective and evolutionarily robust antivirulence therapies will ultimately require deeper engagement with the intrinsic complexity of host–pathogen systems.
Molecular and histological characterization of age spots
Authors: Choi Wonseon , Yin Lanlan , Smuda Christoph , Batzer Jan , Hearing Vincent J. , Kolbe Ludger
Published: September 2016

Age spots, also called solar lentigines and lentigo senilis, are light brown to black pigmented lesions of various sizes that typically develop in chronically sun‐exposed skin. It is well known that age spots are strongly related to chronic sun exposure and are associated with photodamage and an increased risk for skin cancer; however, the mechanisms underlying their development remain poorly understood. We used immunohistochemical analysis and microarray analysis to investigate the processes involved in their formation, focusing on specific markers associated with the functions and proliferation of melanocytes and keratinocytes. A total of 193 genes were differentially expressed in age spots, but melanocyte pigment genes were not among them. The increased expression of keratins 5 and 10, markers of basal and suprabasal keratinocytes, respectively, in age spots suggests that the increased proliferation of basal keratinocytes combined with the decreased turnover of suprabasal keratinocytes leads to the exaggerated formation of rete ridges in lesional epidermis which in turn disrupts the normal processing of melanin upwards from the basal layer. Based on our results, we propose a model for the development of age spots that explains the accumulation of melanin and the development of extensive rete ridges in those hyperpigmented lesions.
Membrane‐bound stem cell factor is the major but not only driver of fibroblast‐induced murine skin mast cell differentiation
Authors: Leist Mandy , Sünder Cathleen Annett , Drube Sebastian , Zimmermann Carolin , Geldmacher Astrid , Metz Martin , Dudeck Anne , Maurer Marcus
Published: September 2016

The maintenance and modulation of cutaneous mast cell (MC) numbers is held to be important for skin immune responses to allergens and pathogens. The increase in MC numbers in the skin is achieved by proliferation and the differentiation of precursor to mature MCs. Fibroblast‐derived SCF is thought to be the major skin MC growth factor and it potently induces MC proliferation. The mechanisms of fibroblast‐induced skin MC differentiation, including the role of SCF, however, remain insufficiently characterized and understood. Using cocultures of immature murine MCs and fibroblasts, we found that the adhesion of immature MCs to fibroblasts via VCAM‐1 and α4β7 integrin is very important for subsequent differentiation, which is driven by fibroblast membrane‐bound SCF and additional fibroblast‐derived membrane‐bound signals. Thus, our results show that fibroblast‐induced MC differentiation is induced by direct cell–cell contact and involves both Kit‐dependent and Kit‐independent pathways. Our findings add to the understanding of how immature mast cells mature in murine skin and encourage further analyses of the underlying mechanisms, which may result in novel targets for the modulation of skin mast cell driven diseases.