bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between glucose transporter 1 rs841853 polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk may be population specific (葡萄糖转移酶1的rs841853基因多态性与2型糖尿发生风险的关系可能具有人群特异性)
Authors: Du Bing , Liu Shengmao , Cui Chengji , Wang Songyan , Cui Wenpeng
Published: March 2013

Background

So far, studies on the association between the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) rs841853 polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk have generated considerable controversy. The present study was performed to clarify the association of this genetic variation with T2DM.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases was conducted to obtain articles focused on the relationship between the GLUT1 rs841853 polymorphism and T2DM, followed by a systemic meta‐analysis.

Results

Fourteen articles and 19 individual studies were included for analysis. Main analyses revealed extreme heterogeneity and random effect pooled odds ratios (OR) were weakly significant in allele contrast (OR 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01, 1.63; P = 0.04) and dominant model (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.19, 1.94; P = 0.0008) for T allele. Subgroup analyses for Caucasians showed marginal positive results in the dominant model. However, analyses for Asians yielded an obvious relationship to T2DM risk in all genetic models. Interestingly, T allele even seemed to be a protective factor against the development of T2DM in Blacks in allele contrast. Sensitivity analyses did not alter materially for most comparisons and no publication bias was found in this meta‐analysis.

Conclusions

The results of the present meta‐analysis provide evidence that the GLUT1 rs841853 polymorphism may confer increased susceptibility to T2DM in Asians. However, there is no currently available strong evidence supporting the association between this genetic variation and T2DM in Caucasians, Blacks, or the overall population.
New Decision‐Tree Model for Defining the Risk of Reproductive Failure
Authors: Ramos‐Medina Rocío , García‐Segovia Áurea , León Juan A. , Alonso Bárbara , Tejera‐Alhambra Marta , Gil Juana , Caputo Juan D. , Seyfferth Ansgar , Aguarón Ángel , Vicente Ángeles , Ordoñez Daniel , Alonso Jorge , de Albornoz Elena Carrillo , Carbone Javier , Caballero Pedro , Fernandez‐Cruz Eduardo , Ortiz‐Quintana Luis , Sánchez‐Ramón Silvia
Published: March 2013

Problem

Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in embryo implantation and pregnancy success, whereas blood and uterine NK expansions have been involved in the pathophysiology of reproductive failure (RF). Our main goal was to design in a large observational study a tree‐model decision for interpretation of risk factors for RF.

Methods of study

A hierarchical multivariate decision model based on a classification and regression tree was developed. NK and NKT‐like cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

By multivariate analysis, blood NK cells expansion was an independent risk factor for RF (both recurrent miscarriages and implantation failures). We propose a new decision‐tree model for the risk interpretation of women with RF based on a combination of main risk factors.

Conclusions

Women with age above 35 years and >13% CD56+CD16+ NK cells showed the highest risk of further pregnancy loss (100%).
The effect of the jaw‐thrust manoeuvre on the ability to advance a tracheal tube over a bronchoscope during oral fibreoptic intubation
Authors: Han S. H. , Oh A. Y. , Jung C. W. , Park S. J. , Kim J. H. , Nahm F. S.
Published: March 2013

During fibreoptic intubation, it is often difficult to advance a tracheal tube over the fibreoptic bronchoscope. We performed a prospective randomised study to investigate the effect of the jaw‐thrust manoeuvre on the ability to advance a tracheal tube during oral fibreoptic intubation. After placing the bronchoscope in the trachea, an assistant randomly applied a jaw‐thrust manoeuvre (jaw‐thrust group) or sham manoeuvre (control group) in 82 patients during tube advancement. The jaw‐thrust group had a higher success rate on the first attempt (70.7% vs 34.1%, p = 0.002), required fewer attempts (median (IQR [range]) 1 (1–2 [1–3]) vs 2 (1–3 [1–4]), p < 0.001), and took less time [6 (4–8 [2–16]) s vs 10 (7–15 [3–40]) s, p < 0.001] for tube advancement compared with the control group. The jaw‐thrust manoeuvre facilitates the advancement of a tracheal tube over the bronchoscope during oral fibreoptic intubation.
Design and internal validation of an obstetric early warning score: secondary analysis of the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre Case Mix Programme database
Authors: Carle C. , Alexander P. , Columb M. , Johal J.
Published: March 2013

We designed and internally validated an aggregate weighted early warning scoring system specific to the obstetric population that has the potential for use in the ward environment. Direct obstetric admissions from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre's Case Mix Programme Database were randomly allocated to model development (n = 2240) or validation (n = 2200) sets. Physiological variables collected during the first 24 h of critical care admission were analysed. Logistic regression analysis for mortality in the model development set was initially used to create a statistically based early warning score. The statistical score was then modified to create a clinically acceptable early warning score. Important features of this clinical obstetric early warning score are that the variables are weighted according to their statistical importance, a surrogate for the FIO2/PaO2 relationship is included, conscious level is assessed using a simplified alert/not alert variable, and the score, trigger thresholds and response are consistent with the new non‐obstetric National Early Warning Score system. The statistical and clinical early warning scores were internally validated using the validation set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.995 (95% CI 0.992–0.998) for the statistical score and 0.957 (95% CI 0.923–0.991) for the clinical score. Pre‐existing empirically designed early warning scores were also validated in the same way for comparison. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.955 (95% CI 0.922–0.988) for Swanton et al.'s Modified Early Obstetric Warning System, 0.937 (95% CI 0.884–0.991) for the obstetric early warning score suggested in the 2003–2005 Report on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK, and 0.973 (95% CI 0.957–0.989) for the non‐obstetric National Early Warning Score. This highlights that the new clinical obstetric early warning score has an excellent ability to discriminate survivors from non‐survivors in this critical care data set. Further work is needed to validate our new clinical early warning score externally in the obstetric ward environment.
Observational study comparing non‐invasive blood pressure measurement at the arm and ankle during caesarean section
Authors: Drake M. J. P. , Hill J. S.
Published: March 2013

Upper‐arm non‐invasive blood pressure measurement during caesarean section can be uncomfortable and unreliable because of movement artefact in the conscious parturient. We aimed to determine whether ankle blood pressure measurement could be used instead in this patient group by comparing concurrent arm and ankle blood pressure measured throughout elective caesarean section under regional anaesthesia in 64 term parturients. Bland‐Altman analysis of mean difference (95% limits of agreement [range]) between the ankle and arm was 11.2 (−20.3 to +42.7 [−67 to +102]) mmHg for systolic arterial pressure, −0.5 (−21.0 to +19.9 [−44 to +91]) mmHg for mean arterial pressure and −3.8 (−25.3 to +17.8 [−41 to +94]) mmHg for diastolic arterial pressure. Although ankle blood pressure measurement is well tolerated and allows greater mobility of the arms than measurement from the arm, the degree of discrepancy between the two sites is unacceptable to allow routine use of ankle blood pressure measurement, especially for systolic arterial pressure. However, ankle blood pressure measurement may be a useful alternative in situations where arm blood pressure measurement is difficult or impossible.
A Speleothem Record of Early British and Roman Mining at Charterhouse, Mendip, England
Authors: McFarlane D. A. , Lundberg J. , Neff H.
Published: March 2013

The laser ablation ICP–MS transect of a speleothem from GB Cave, close to Charterhouse, Mendip Hills, UK, records Pb variations over the past 5 ka. The speleothem record correlates well with the known historical record of lead mining in the district, the principal features of which include: the Roman lead mining peak; the Dark Ages cessation; gradual, episodic revival up to the late 16th century peak; the 17th century collapse and subsequent recovery; and the final short‐lived burst at the end of the 19th century. This correlation supports the assumption that the pre‐Roman lead record also derives from local mining. Thus, this record is the first example of quantifying ancient human mining activity through trace element signature of a speleothem. This record also provides the first solid evidence of significant pre‐Roman mining activity in the Charterhouse region, and the first solid dating of that activity. This pre‐Roman mining can be divided into three main peaks dated to 1800–1500 bc, 1100–800 bc and 350–0 bc.
The clinical benefit of ruxolitinib across patient subgroups: analysis of a placebo‐controlled, Phase III study in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Verstovsek Srdan , Mesa Ruben A. , Gotlib Jason , Levy Richard S. , Gupta Vikas , DiPersio John F. , Catalano John V. , Deininger Michael , Miller Carole , Silver Richard T. , Talpaz Moshe , Winton Elliott F. , Harvey Jimmie H. , Arcasoy Murat O. , Hexner Elizabeth , Lyons Roger M. , Paquette Ronald , Raza Azra , Vaddi Kris , Erickson‐Viitanen Susan , Sun William , Sandor Victor , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: March 2013

Myelofibrosis (MF) patients can present with a wide spectrum of disease characteristics. We analysed the consistency of ruxolitinib efficacy across patient subgroups in the COntrolled MyeloFibrosis Study With ORal JAK Inhibitor Treatment (COMFORT‐I,) a double‐blind trial, where patients with intermediate‐2 or high‐risk MF were randomized to twice‐daily oral ruxolitinib (n = 155) or placebo (n = 154). Subgroups analysed included MF subtype (primary, post‐polycythaemia vera, post‐essential thrombocythaemia), age (≤65, > 65 years), International Prognostic Scoring System risk group, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0, 1, ≥2), JAK2 V617F mutation (positive, negative), baseline haemoglobin level (≥100, <100 g/l), baseline platelet count (100–200 × 109/l, >200 × 109/l), baseline palpable spleen size (≤10, >10 cm), and baseline quartile of spleen volume and Total Symptom Score (TSS; Q1 = lowest, Q4 = highest). Mean percentage change from baseline to week 24 in spleen volume and TSS were calculated for ruxolitinib and placebo in each subgroup. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan–Meier method according to original randomization group. In ruxolitinib‐treated patients, reductions in spleen volume and TSS and evidence of improved survival relative to placebo across subgroups were consistent with those seen in the COMFORT‐I population, confirming that ruxolitinib is an effective therapy for the spectrum of MF patients studied in COMFORT‐I.
Systemic Amyloidosis in England: an epidemiological study
Authors: Pinney Jennifer H. , Smith Colette J. , Taube Jessi B. , Lachmann Helen J. , Venner Christopher P. , Gibbs Simon D. J. , Dungu Jason , Banypersad Sanjay M. , Wechalekar Ashutosh D. , Whelan Carol J. , Hawkins Philip N. , Gillmore Julian D.
Published: March 2013

Epidemiological studies of systemic amyloidosis are scarce and the burden of disease in England has not previously been estimated. In 1999, the National Health Service commissioned the National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) to provide a national clinical service for all patients with amyloidosis. Data for all individuals referred to the NAC is held on a comprehensive central database, and these were compared with English death certificate data for amyloidosis from 2000 to 2008, obtained from the Office of National Statistics. Amyloidosis was stated on death certificates of 2543 individuals, representing 0·58/1000 recorded deaths. During the same period, 1143 amyloidosis patients followed at the NAC died, 903 (79%) of whom had amyloidosis recorded on their death certificates. The estimated minimum incidence of systemic amyloidosis in the English population in 2008, based on new referrals to the NAC, was 0·4/100 000 population. The incidence peaked at age 60–79 years. Systemic AL amyloidosis was the most common type with an estimated minimum incidence of 0·3/100 000 population. Although there are various limitations to this study, the available data suggest the incidence of systemic amyloidosis in England exceeds 0·8/100 000 of the population.
Dissonance‐based interventions for health behaviour change: A systematic review
Authors: Freijy Tanya , Kothe Emily J.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Increasing evidence suggests that various health behaviours are amenable to change following the induction of cognitive dissonance. This systematic review sought to evaluate the effectiveness and methodological quality of dissonance‐based health behaviour interventions and to explore identified sources of heterogeneity in intervention effects.

Methods

Bibliographic databases were searched for relevant articles from inception to March 2012. Only studies targeting non‐clinical health behaviour in non‐clinical populations were included in the review. One author extracted data and assessed quality of evidence and a second author verified all content.

Results

Reports of 20 studies were included. A variety of health behaviours and outcome measures were addressed across studies. Most studies produced one or more significant effects on measures of behaviour, attitude or intention. Across studies, methodological risk for bias was frequently high, particularly for selection bias. Gender and self‐esteem were identified as potential moderator variables.

Conclusions

The evidence for the effectiveness of dissonance‐based interventions was generally positive. The hypocrisy paradigm was found to be the most commonly applied research paradigm and was most effective at inciting change across a range of health behaviours. There was no observable link between type of target behaviour and positive outcomes. Researchers are encouraged to minimize potential for bias in future studies and explore moderators of the dissonance effect.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? A recent meta‐analysis indicates that dissonance‐based interventions primarily based on the induced compliance paradigm are effective for eating disorder prevention (Stice, Shaw, Becker, & Rohde, 2008, Prev. Sci., 9, 114). However, it is currently unclear whether such outcomes are generalizable to interventions targeting non‐clinical health behaviours such as smoking, sun protection and sexual risk taking. Other research indicates that studies based on the hypocrisy paradigm may lead to changes in non‐clinical health behaviours (Stone & Fernandez, 2008, Soc. Personal. Psychol. Compass, 2, 1024; Stone & Focella, 2011, Self Identity, 10, 295) although this literature lacks systematic evaluation of interventions across a range of experimental paradigms.

What does this study add?

The hypocrisy paradigm appears most effective in inciting change across a range of non‐clinical health behaviours.

The dissonance effect may be moderated by variables such as self‐esteem and gender.

Risk of bias needs to be minimised to increase the validity of studies within this topic area.
Altitudinal migration in bats: evidence, patterns, and drivers
Authors: McGuire Liam P. , Boyle W. Alice
Published: March 2013

Altitudinal migrations are common in all major vertebrate and some invertebrate lineages. Such migrations have important implications for the basic and applied ecology of animals making these movements. The idea that bats make altitudinal migrations has been suggested for nearly a century. However, studies documenting the existence and causes of altitudinal bat migrations are scarce, and are frequently published in the ‘grey’ literature. For the first time, we comprehensively review the evidence supporting the existence of altitudinal bat migrations worldwide, describe basic patterns of migration in temperate and tropical regions, and articulate and propose tests of hypotheses potentially explaining these migrations. We compiled a list of 50 studies indicative of altitudinal bat migration in 61 species (five families) from 21 countries (four continents). The temporal and spatial patterns of these migrations grouped biogeographically. Temperate bats generally exhibit sex‐biased migrations with females inhabiting lower elevations than males during reproductive periods. Although there is less information on tropical bat migration, few studies report sex‐biased migration. We compiled hypotheses proposed in the bat and (more extensive) avian literature to provide a list of hypotheses potentially explaining altitudinal bat migrations. These hypotheses rely upon temporal availability of (and competition for) food resources, spatial distribution of geomorphological features suitable for hibernation, sex‐related differences in the use of torpor, mating opportunities, and climatic factors that impose direct physiological challenges to survival or that restrict the ability to forage. A more thorough description of the migration patterns of most species will be required to distinguish effectively among these hypotheses. We identify research avenues that would broaden our understanding of bat migration patterns and provide critical information required for effective conservation.
Managing Sustainable Innovation with a User Community Toolkit: The Case of the Video GameTrackmania
Authors: Parmentier Guy , Gandia Romain
Published: March 2013

Today, innovating with a user community seems an effective strategy for developing a firm's innovation capacity. However, short‐term benefits from this collaboration are no longer sufficient, and firms are now looking to develop a sustainable relationship with users, to maintain sustainable innovation. This study furthers our understanding of the way in which a user toolkit connected to a community serves to manage innovation of an existing product or service. The literature provides a limited understanding of the role of a user toolkit in the management of a sustainable innovation approach in firms. The research is based on a longitudinal case study of the video gameTrackmania, which has an integrated toolkit connected to a large and active user community. Results confirm the crucial role of the toolkit in the construction, control and maintenance of a sustainable innovative approach with a user community. From the innovation perspective, the toolkit can be considered as a means of managing the boundary between the firm and the user community, because it enables the community to structure itself as a multi‐sided platform, where all categories of users participate in value creation. Finally, we identify four modalities for managing sustainable innovation with a user community toolkit.
N‐[9‐(ortho‐Fluorobenzyl)‐2‐Phenyl‐8‐Azapurin‐6‐yl]‐Amides as Potent and Selective Ligands for A1 Adenosine Receptors
Authors: Borghini Alice , Pietra Daniele , Leonardi Michele , Giorgi Irene , Bianucci Anna M.
Published: March 2013

A series of N‐[9‐(ortho‐fluorobenzyl)‐2‐phenyl‐8‐azapurin‐6‐yl]‐amides were synthesized and tested for their affinity toward A1, A2A, and A3 adenosine receptor subtypes. Biological results demonstrated that the introduction of a fluorine atom at the ortho position of the 9‐benzyl group generally enhanced affinity toward A1 subtype and did not significantly affect A2A and A3 affinity. Very interesting is the compound bearing a meta‐fluorophenyl substituent on the carbonyl carbon of the amide group, which shows significantly high A1/A2A‐A3 selectivity. Compounds of this new series, together with the previously published analogs without the fluorine atom on the 9‐benzyl group, constituted the starting dataset for the development of QSAR models. The models obtained were able to rationally describe the affinity trends resulting from biological testing and to enable investigation of the role of different substituents on the 8‐azapurine scaffold, as well as the influence of the newly introduced fluorine atom on the benzyl moiety. The said QSAR models can also assist in the design of new compounds selectively active on A1 adenosine receptors. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was carried out to assess hypothetical binding mode of N‐[9‐(ortho‐fluorobenzyl)‐2‐phenyl‐8‐azapurin‐6‐yl]‐amides to A1 adenosine receptors.
Not All Past Events Are Equal: Biased Attention and Emerging Heuristics in Children's Past‐to‐Future Forecasting
Authors: Lagattuta Kristin Hansen , Sayfan Liat
Published: March 2013

Four‐ to 10‐year‐olds and adults (N = 265) responded to eight scenarios presented on an eye tracker. Each trial involved a character who encounters a perpetrator who had previously enacted positive (P), negative (N), or both types of actions toward him or her in varying sequences (NN, PP, PN, and NP). Participants predicted the character's thoughts about the likelihood of future events, emotion type and intensity, and decision to approach or avoid. All ages made more positive forecasts for PP > NP > PN > NN trials, with differentiation by past experience widening with age. Age‐related increases in weighting the most recent past event also appeared in eye gaze. Individual differences in biased visual attention correlated with verbal judgments. Findings contribute to research on risk assessment, person perception, and heuristics in judgment and decision making.
Significantly high level of late‐night free cortisol to creatinine ratio in urine specimen in patients with subclinical Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Shiwa Tsuguka , Oki Kenji , Yamane Kiminori , Yoneda Masayasu , Awaya Tomokazu , Nakanishi Shuhei , Kohno Nobuoki
Published: March 2013

Objective

Absence of a late‐night cortisol nadir is a consistent biochemical abnormality in patients with cortisol‐producing adenoma. We evaluated the abnormality of late‐night urinary free cortisol to creatinine ratio (late‐night UFCCR) in patients with subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS).

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients with incidentally detected adrenocortical adenomas [SCS: 9; nonfunctioning adenoma (NF): 49] were enrolled as subjects. Values measured in all patients were urinary free cortisol accumulated between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. (late‐night UFCCR), serum cortisol at 11:00 p.m. (midnight serum cortisol: MSC), serum cortisol after 1‐mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg‐DST) and 24‐h urinary free cortisol (UFC).

Results

Median late‐night UFCCR value in SCS was significantly higher than that in NF (P < 0·001). Significant correlations were observed between late‐night UFCCR and each of serum cortisol after 1 mg‐DST and MSC (r = 0·537, P < 0·001 and r = 0·556, P < 0·001, respectively). There was no significant correlation between serum cortisol after 1 mg‐DST and 24‐h UFC (r = 0·211, P = 0·112). In receiver operating characteristic analysis for diagnosis of SCS, the areas under the curves of late‐night UFCCR and 24‐h UFC were 0·937 (95% confidence interval 0·865–1·008) and 0·726 (0·874–0·999), respectively. Late‐night UFCCR cut‐off value of 4·9 nmol/μmol Cre showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 76·6%.

Conclusion

Patients with SCS showed higher late‐night UFCCR values than those with NF. Late‐night UFCCR was significantly correlated with autonomous cortisol production findings. Diagnostic performance of late‐night UFCCR was superior to 24‐h UFC. These results suggest that late‐night UFCCR might represent one of the simple and reliable tests for SCS diagnosis.
Effects of gender and age on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal reactivity after pharmacological challenge with low‐dose 1‐μg ACTH test: a prospective study in healthy adults
Authors: Lekkakou Leoni , Tzanela Marinella , Lymberi Maria , Consoulas Christos , Tsagarakis Stylianos , Koutsilieris Michael
Published: March 2013

Objective

Τhe aim of this study was to observe cortisol responses to a pharmacological challenge with 1 μg ACTH as a function of age and gender.

Patients

Twenty‐one young (13 women and 8 men; mean age: 43∙48 ± 10∙52 years) and forty elderly (20 women and 20 men; mean age: 79 ± 6∙76 years) volunteers without overt acute or chronic disease participated in this study.

Measurements

Basal serum cortisol levels were measured, and cortisol values were obtained at 30 and 60 min after administration of 1 μg ACTH. Free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyrotrophin, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin‐like growth factor‐1, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol levels in women and total testosterone levels in men were also measured at baseline.

Results

No differences were observed between the groups of older and younger individuals in baseline plasma cortisol levels and mean cortisol responses at 30 and 60 min postchallenge. In the elderly subjects, statistically lower cortisol responses were observed in men at 30 and 60 min after 1‐μg ACTH challenge (540∙17 ± 112∙28 vs 670∙11 ± 146∙49 nmol/l in women, P = 0∙003 at 30 min, and 482∙24 ± 108∙14 vs 568∙04 ± 135∙73 nmol/l in women, P = 0∙03 at 60 min).

Furthermore, significant lower values in PRL, IGF‐1, DHEAS and T3 were detected in older subjects when compared to the younger age group.

Interestingly, a higher incidence of individuals who did not achieve normal responses to 1‐μg ACTH test (>497 nmol/l) was noted in the group of elderly male subjects.

Conclusion

This study documents a marked gender effect in the elderly, in the cortisol response levels to 1‐μg ACTH stimulation. Elderly men demonstrate a decreased responsiveness compared to women in the same age range.
Simultaneous pancreas kidney transplants in diabetic patients with end‐stage renal disease: the 20‐yr experience
Authors: Light Jimmy , Tucker Marvin
Published: March 2013

Introduction

We are reporting the results over a 20 yr period of simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplants in patients with end‐stage renal disease and diabetes mellitus. The outcomes of the transplants, performed between 1989 and 2008, are stratified by pretransplant c‐peptide value.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐three patients with end‐stage renal disease due to diabetes, and were stratified according to undetectable c‐peptide (x < 0.8 ng/mL) and detectable c‐peptide (x > 0.8 ng/mL) levels.

Results

Patients with detectable c‐peptide (x > 0.8 ng/mL) were the oldest at diabetes diagnosis (24.2 vs. 15.4 yr, p < 0.0001), and oldest at transplant (42.8 vs. 38.5, p < 0.0001) had fewer years of insulin use (19.19 vs. 22.57 yr, p = 0.012), and were heavier pre transplant (BMI: 26.09 vs. 23.1, p < 0.0001), and heavier post transplant (29.8 vs. 24.7, p < 0.0001). Those with detectable c‐peptide levels (x > 0.8 ng/mL) had better graft survival than those with an undetectable c‐peptide level (x < 0.8 ng/mL), p = 0.064; while those with undetectable levels, had better patient survival than those with detectable c‐peptide levels (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Despite the differences between groups by BMI, age of onset of insulin use, and age at transplant, there was a difference in patient but not graft survival within the 20 yr follow‐up period.
Hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and depression among older methadone maintenance patients in British Columbia
Authors: Maruyama Anna , Macdonald Scott , Borycki Elizabeth , Zhao Jinhui
Published: March 2013

Introduction and Aims

Risk factors in older methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients may put them at a greater risk of acquiring chronic diseases; however, this group might experience barriers to treatment resulting in reduced recommended prescriptions. The research objective for this study was to assess whether MMT patients were significantly different from a matched control group in terms of medications dispensed for hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and depression.

Design and Methods

The research design was a case‐control study, where prescription claims data from the British Columbia database were used. MMT patients 50 years of age and older were randomly selected, and control subjects were individually matched in terms of age, sex, social assistance coverage and geographic jurisdiction.

Results

Each group consisted of 199 participants. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to compare the odds of MMT patients to non‐MMT patients on a first‐line medication for each chronic disease under investigation. The MMT group was significantly more likely to receive medications for COPD (OR = 32.68, P < 0.001) and depression (OR = 4.07, P < 0.001), and no significant differences for hypertension (OR = 0.86) or diabetes (OR = 0.74).

Discussion

Higher rates of COPD among MMT clients is likely explained by elevated smoking, and higher rates of depression may be explained by multiple disadvantages associated with substance use. Although the groups were similar for diabetes prescriptions, the MMT group likely experienced barriers to receiving treatment since prior research suggests their rates should be elevated due to methadone use. [Maruyama A, Macdonald S, Borycki E, Zhao J. Hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and depression among older methadone maintenance patients in British Columbia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:412–418]
Predictors of study setting (primary care vs. hospital setting) among studies of the effectiveness of brief interventions among heavy alcohol users: A systematic review
Authors: Mdege Noreen Dadirai , Watson Judith
Published: March 2013

Issues.

The aim of this study is to compare studies by their setting in order to identify design differences between studies on brief interventions (BI) for heavy alcohol use conducted in primary care and those in hospital settings.

Approach.

Potential studies were extracted from 16 reviews and from systematically searching literature up to October 2011. We assessed whether the following factors were statistically significant predictors of study setting: exclusion of very heavy/dependent drinkers; mean age of study sample; gender composition of study samples; sample size; total intervention delivery time; number of sessions; interventionist (physician vs. non‐physician); various study design and intervention fidelity aspects; accounting for screening/assessment reactivity; and control condition utilised.

Key Findings.

Seventy‐six studies (30 in primary care and 46 in hospital settings) met the inclusion criteria. The following factors were statistically significant predictors of study setting: number of sessions {odds ratio [OR] = 0.281 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.081, 0.979; P = 0.046]}, exclusion of very heavy/dependent drinkers [OR = 0.052 (95% CI 0.004, 0.716, P = 0.027)] and gender composition of study samples [OR = 1.063 (95% CI 1.005, 1.125; P = 0.033)].

Implications.

Researchers developing hospital setting BIs for excessive alcohol consumption should take into account methodological issues that could explain differences in the consistency of findings between hospital setting studies and primary care setting studies where BIs have been more consistently found effective in reducing alcohol use.

Conclusion.

The observed study design differences between hospital and primary care settings might partly explain the disparity in the consistency of findings on effectiveness of BIs between these settings.[Mdege ND, Watson J. Predictors of study setting (primary care vs. hospital setting) among studies of the effectiveness of brief interventions among heavy alcohol users: A systematic review.Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:368–380]
Keeping up with the neighbours: using a genetic measurement of dispersal and species distribution modelling to assess the impact of climate change on an Australian arid zone gecko (Gehyra variegata)
Authors: Duckett Paul E. , Wilson Peter D. , Stow Adam J.
Published: March 2013

Aim

During this century rapid climate change will have a profound effect on global biodiversity, and species survival will be contingent on their ability to adapt or disperse. Species distribution models are a popular tool for gauging how the distribution of favourable climate may change over space and time. Evaluating the level of dispersal between the current distribution and potential future distribution of a species is a key to predicting their survival, but rarely estimated. Here we applied species distribution models and a genetic estimate of dispersal to quantitatively assess dispersal to new distributions in the timescale imposed by future climate change.

Location/Methods

We sampled 635 adult Gehyra variegata (2n = 40a/38b) throughout central and eastern Australia, encompassing much of the recorded distribution for this gecko. We genotyped all individuals at 16 microsatellite loci, from which we estimated mean annual dispersal distance using Wright's neighbourhood size. Species distribution modelling predicted the current and future distribution of the species, and we used annual dispersal distances to evaluate whether the species could keep up with shifts in the range of their favourable climatic conditions.

Results

Our estimates of mean dispersal showed that 17–41% of the current G. variegata (2n = 40a/38b) distribution was unlikely to contribute to their future distribution given the timescale imposed by future global climate change.

Main Conclusions

Our approach can make further use of molecular and occurrence record datasets to answer whether a species has the capacity to reach future areas of favourable climate and the extent to which the current distribution will contribute to this process.
Importing risk: quantifying the propagule pressure–establishment relationship at the pathway level
Authors: Bradie Johanna , Chivers Corey , Leung Brian
Published: March 2013

Aim

To build and assess pathway‐level non‐indigenous species (NIS) establishment curves generated using a propagule pressure (PP) proxy and historical establishment data.

Location

North America

Methods

Our analysis examines the utility and behaviour of pathway‐level NIS establishment curves that relate species‐level PP to establishment probability. Using theoretical and empirical methods, we examine the behaviour of pathway‐level establishment models when species are heterogeneous in their ability to establish. Next, we examine the implications of using PP proxy and historical establishment data to parameterize these models. Finally, we test the model by building an establishment curve for aquarium fish establishments in the United States using import data as a proxy for PP.

Results

First, we show theoretically how species' heterogeneity and the use of a proxy metric for PP affect model parameterization and the interpretation of the establishment curve. Second, we demonstrate that import data are relatively consistent across space and time for aquarium fish species. Finally, we demonstrate how basic import‐level data can improve our ability to predict which species are at risk of establishment using aquarium fish introductions to the United States as a case study.

Main conclusions

Pathway‐level analyses generated using species‐level PP information can provide a snapshot of establishment probability for use in risk analyses without in‐depth knowledge of species' abiotic and biotic interactions. Proxy data for PP can be a good metric for such analyses, and valid predictions can be expected when the PP data are relatively consistent across the time period for which establishments are recorded.
European checkerspots (Melitaeini: Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) are not aposematic – the point of view of great tits (Parus major)
Authors: TESAŘOVÁ MONIKA , FRIC ZDENĚK , VESELÝ PETR , KONVIČKA MARTIN , FUCHS ROMAN
Published: March 2013

Checkerspots (Melitaeini, Nymphalidae, Lepidoptera) are usually considered a textbook example of aposematic butterflies and several studies on Nearctic species confirm this.

The responses of the avian predator, the great tit (Parus majorL., Paridae, Passeriformes), to five species of Palaearctic checkerspots and one control palatable ringlet (Aphantopus hyperanthusL., Satyrinae, Nymphalidae, Lepidoptera) were observed.

None of the tested checkerspots was attacked more often than the control palatable ringlet, which suggests that birds originating from the wild had no previous bad experiences with them. Nonetheless, certain tested butterfly species (Melitea didyma, Esper;Melitea aurelia, Nickerl, and probablyMelitea athalia, Rottemburg; Melitaeini, Nymphalidae, Lepidoptera) elicited some aversion in great tits (a long time handling them, a small portion of the body eaten, and some discomfort after ingestion).

Larvae of commonly eaten species (Melitea diamina, Lang;Euphydryas aurinia, Rottemburg; Melitaeini, Nymphalidae, Lepidoptera) feed on plants containing secoiridoids (in contrast to the earlier mentioned protected species, which feed mostly on plants containing iridoid glycosides); therefore the efficiency of secoiridoids in the chemical protection of butterflies is discussed.
Consistently high incidence of Wolbachia in global fig wasp communities
Authors: AHMED MUHAMMAD Z. , GREYVENSTEIN OCKERT F. C. , ERASMUS CHRISTOFF , WELCH JOHN J. , GREEFF JACO M.
Published: March 2013

Wolbachia are very common and widespread endosymbionts of arthropods. They can have a considerable effect on their host's fitness. It has been estimated that as many as 40% of arthropod species are infected with Wolbachia, but particular taxonomic groups and ecological niches display significantly higher or lower incidences.

In this study, an African sample was combined with those of three previous studies from three other continents. Wolbachia incidence in 172 fig wasp species (including pollinators, non‐pollinators, gallers and non gallers) associated with 81 fig trees of six subgenera was reanalysed and it was estimated that > 80% of fig wasp species were infected with Wolbachia, which is far higher than putative global infection rates in arthropods.

It was found that, within fig wasps, incidence does not vary consistently with respect to host taxonomy, ecology or geography. In particular, incidence seems remarkably constant across samples from different geographical locations.
Host preference and suitability in the endoparasitoid Campoletis chlorideae is associated with its ability to suppress host immune responses
Authors: HAN LI‐BIN , HUANG LING‐QIAO , WANG CHEN‐ZHU
Published: March 2013

The endoparasitoid wasp Campoletis chlorideae Uchida attacks many noctuid species which vary in their suitability but the host association of this wasp species is poorly understood. In this study, three sympatric noctuid species were chosen, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), Mythimna separata (Walker), and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), to study host preference and suitability of C. chlorideae, examining the immunological compatibility between the parasitoid and the three host species.

Campoletis chlorideae parasitised all three species, but showed a much higher preference for H. armigera and M. separata than for S. exigua. In H. armigera, the young wasps developed perfectly and none was encapsulated. In M. separata, about 50% and 10% of them were encapsulated in single and double parasitisation experiments, respectively, and the cocoons were significantly lighter than those from parasitised H. armigera and S. exigua. In S. exigua, 84.8% of the young wasps were encapsulated.

In double parasitisation experiments, the phenoloxidase activity, the number of total haemocytes, and the number of plasmatocytes and granulocytes significantly decreased in the haemolymph of H. armigera and M. separata, but not in S. exigua.

These results indicate that H. armigera is the most suitable host, M. separata is moderately suitable, whereas S. exigua is an unsuitable host for C. chlorideae. The suitability of the parasitoid to three host species was closely related with the capacity of the wasp to inhibit the host immune system.

This study sustains the optimality theory and also evidences the correlation of host‐selection behaviour of the parasitoid wasp and its immunosuppressive ability.
Contrasting engineering effects of leaf‐rolling caterpillars on a tropical mite community
Authors: LIMA VIVIAN O. , DEMITE PETERSON R. , VIEIRA CAMILA , FERES REINALDO J. F. , ROMERO GUSTAVO Q.
Published: March 2013

Ecosystem engineers are organisms that change the physical structure of environments and provide habitats for other organisms. Lepidopteran caterpillars may act as ecosystem engineers by rolling leaves as shelters to complete metamorphosis. After being abandoned, these structures may provide shelter for other organisms. In this study, the influence of leaf‐rolling caterpillars on tropical mite communities was reported.

Expanded leaves and leaves rolled by larvae and also developed field experiments using leaves rolled manually with different shapes and sizes (i.e. different architectures) in different seasons were surveyed (dry and rainy).

While the abundance and diversity of predatory mites were higher in rolled leaves, the abundance of phytophages decreased in these leaves. Species composition differed between rolled and expanded leaves. The structure of shelters affected the distribution of predatory mites, with higher abundances found on funnel‐shaped leaves. Predatory mites only benefited from the rolled leaves in the dry season.

This is the first study showing (i) the contrasting effects of ecosystem engineers on microarthropod communities, favouring some feeding guilds and inhibiting others; (ii) that the shape of rolled leaves has variable effects on mite communities; and (iii) that facilitation was temporally dependent, i.e. occurred only in the dry season.
Micro‐climate determines oviposition site selection and abundance in the butterfly Pyrgus armoricanus at its northern range margin
Authors: EILERS SILKE , PETTERSSON LARS B. , ÖCKINGER ERIK
Published: March 2013

Knowledge about species habitat requirements is important when designing conservation strategies as well as for predicting species distributions. For herbivorous insects, insights in oviposition preferences can provide important information on their habitat requirements.

The oviposition preferences of Oberthür's Grizzled Skipper butterfly Pyrgus armoricanus Oberthür at its northern range boundary in southern Sweden were studied and it was also tested to what extent oviposition preferences can predict variation in population size among monitored sites.

Oviposition behaviour was observed and analysed using a two‐step approach. First the characteristics of host plant ramets that female butterflies inspected for oviposition (including both ramets that were rejected and ramets used for oviposition) were compared with with control ramets. Second, ramets on which female butterflies oviposited were compared with ramets that butterflies inspected but rejected.

The preferred plant species for oviposition was Filipendula vulgaris Moench. Filipendula vulgaris ramets inspected for oviposition by P. armoricanus females were situated in warm microclimates, primarily on south facing slopes, surrounded by lower vegetation and a higher percentage cover of bare ground compared with random control ramets.

Among the inspected ramets, females chose to oviposit those situated in the warmest micro‐climates and those surrounded by the largest percentage cover of bare ground.

Together with habitat patch area, oviposition preferences explained 65% of the variation in butterfly population size.

These results reveal the importance of a microclimate as a component of habitat quality for insect populations at the margins of their geographical range.
Similar Performance of Diploid and Haploid Males in an Ant Species without Inbreeding Avoidance
Authors: Kureck Ilka M. , Nicolai Beate , Foitzik Susanne
Published: March 2013

Under haplodiploidy, a characteristic trait of all Hymenoptera, females develop from fertilised eggs, and males from unfertilised ones. Males are therefore typically haploid. Yet, inbreeding can lead to the production of diploid males that often fail in development, are sterile or are of lower fertility. In most Hymenoptera, inbreeding is avoided by dispersal flights of one or both sexes, leading to low diploid male loads. We investigated causes for the production of diploid males and their performance in a highly inbred social Hymenopteran species. In the ant Hypoponera opacior, inbreeding occurs between wingless sexuals, which mate within the mother nest, whereas winged sexuals outbreed during mating flights earlier in the season. Wingless males mate with queen pupae and guard their mating partners. We found that they mated randomly with respect to relatedness, indicating that males do not avoid mating with close kin. These frequent sib‐matings lead to the production of diploid males, which are able to sire sterile triploid offspring. We compared mating activity and lifespan of haploid and diploid wingless males. As sexual selection acts on the time of emergence and body size in this species, we also investigated these traits. Diploid males resembled haploid ones in all investigated traits. Hence, albeit diploid males cannot produce fertile offspring, they keep up with haploid males in their lifetime mating success. Moreover, by fathering viable triploid workers, they contribute to the colonies' work force. In conclusion, the lack of inbreeding avoidance led to frequent sib‐matings of wingless sexuals, which in turn resulted in the regular production of diploid males. However, in contrast to many other Hymenopteran species, diploid males exhibit normal sexual behaviour and sire viable, albeit sterile daughters.