bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly mixed fisheries: fine-scale spatial patterns in retained catches of French fisheries in the Celtic Sea
Authors: Mateo Maria , Pawlowski Lionel , Robert Marianne
Published: August 2016

Efficiency of mixed-fisheries management and operational implementation of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management rely on the ability to understand and describe the technical and biological interactions between fleets, gears and species. The present study aims to describe fine-scale spatial patterns of the French demersal mixed fisheries in the Celtic Sea and discusses their implications in terms of management. Analysis was made by integrating vessel monitoring systems and logbook data collected between 2010 and 2012 at a 3′*3′ spatial scale through the use of principal component analysis followed by hierarchical clustering. It revealed spatial regions defined by a distinct homogeneous composition of retained catches. Each cluster was also described in terms of the fishing activity: vessel length, effort, power and gear used. The analysis revealed a complex spatial structure in the species assemblage caught and suggests that a single situation cannot describe the mixed fisheries of the Celtic Sea, but rather that there are several distinct cases of mixed fisheries. Our results also highlight the limitations of using the current level of data aggregation commonly requested in international data calls to model these fisheries and suggest that improvements should be made to ensure efficient evaluation of management options. Analyses of spatially resolved fisheries data such as the one presented here open a range of potential applications. In the context of the Common Fisheries Policy reform and the landing obligation, comparison of our results with applications of the same methodology to a subset of vulnerable species or to catches of fish below the minimum conservation reference size would help to identify the geographical areas to avoid and assess potential effort reallocation strategies based on groups of target species.
Changes in size, age, and sex ratio composition of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) on the northwestern Pacific Ocean spawning grounds
Authors: Shiao Jen-Chieh , Lu Han-Bo , Hsu Jhen , Wang Hui-Yu , Chang Shui-Kai , Huang Min-Yu , Ishihara Taiki
Published: August 2016

The Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis, PBF), an iconic fisheries species, is heavily exploited and its biomass is at a historically low level. To enhance effectiveness of management and conservation, a study was initiated to examine the demographic changes of the PBF between 2002 and 2015. Annual tuna age compositions were estimated by applying an empirical age-length key, based on the ages and lengths of 892 fish, to the length frequencies observed among annual catches in the northwestern Pacific spawning grounds located near Taiwan. Ages of the spawners concentrated in 7–20-years old (range = 4–28 years), corresponding to fork lengths between 200 and 240 cm. The size and age compositions were influenced by the strong 1994 and 1996 year-cohorts, which showed a relatively high abundance in most years except 2007–2009. Between 2013 and 2015, recruits of 2005–2009 year-cohorts (age 6–10) increased in relative abundance while the strong 1994 and 1996 year-cohorts decreased as they neared the end of their lifespan. PBF smaller than 200 cm were rarely found in the tropical areas and the mean sizes of the PBF caught south of 24°N were significantly larger than those caught north of 24°N. These results suggested that the choice of spawning latitudes of the PBF was influenced by the size of spawning adults. The sex ratio of smaller (<200 cm) and intermediate size classes (200–230 cm) was female biased (50–75%) while that of larger fish (>240 cm) were male biased (62–100%). The size and age composition of the PBF was mainly influenced by the recruitment of young spawners and was less sensitive to the catch of longline fisheries. However the impact of longline fisheries on the reproductive potential of this species warrants further investigation.
Pre-strike Ballots, Picketing and Protest: Banning Industrial Action by the Back Door?
Authors: Dukes Ruth , Kountouris Nicola
Published: August 2016

Our aim in this article is to analyse the provisions of the Trade Union Act 2016 that deal with pre-strike ballots and picketing. We also consider Government proposals to legislate in respect of protests associated with industrial action (‘leverage action’), which were abandoned in favour of plans to amend the Code of Practice on Picketing. We note the suggestion made by several commentators and Opposition politicians that the Government might have intended with these changes to make it significantly more difficult for trade unions and workers to exercise their rights to take industrial action, and to engage in forms of protest associated with industrial action. Examining the stated policy aims of Government, and available evidence which speaks to those policy aims and to the likely impact of the new rules, we argue that the freedom of workers and trade unions to participate in and organise industrial action has indeed been narrowed very considerably by this Act; further, that the case for amending the existing legal framework was not at all well made.
Robust high-throughput prokaryote de novo assembly and improvement pipeline for Illumina data
Authors: Page Andrew J. , De Silva Nishadi , Hunt Martin , Quail Michael A. , Parkhill Julian , Harris Simon R. , Otto Thomas D. , Keane Jacqueline A.
Published: August 2016

The rapidly reducing cost of bacterial genome sequencing has lead to its routine use in large-scale microbial analysis. Though mapping approaches can be used to find differences relative to the reference, many bacteria are subject to constant evolutionary pressures resulting in events such as the loss and gain of mobile genetic elements, horizontal gene transfer through recombination and genomic rearrangements. De novo assembly is the reconstruction of the underlying genome sequence, an essential step to understanding bacterial genome diversity. Here we present a high-throughput bacterial assembly and improvement pipeline that has been used to generate nearly 20 000 annotated draft genome assemblies in public databases. We demonstrate its performance on a public data set of 9404 genomes. We find all the genes used in multi-locus sequence typing schema present in 99.6 % of assembled genomes. When tested on low-, neutral- and high-GC organisms, more than 94 % of genes were present and completely intact. The pipeline has been proven to be scalable and robust with a wide variety of datasets without requiring human intervention. All of the software is available on GitHub under the GNU GPL open source license.
Removing bias against short sequences enables northern blotting to better complement RNA-seq for the study of small RNAs
Authors: Choi Yun S. , Edwards Lanelle O. , DiBello Aubrey , Jose Antony M.
Published: August 2016

Changes in small non-coding RNAs such as micro RNAs (miRNAs) can serve as indicators of disease and can be measured using next-generation sequencing of RNA (RNA-seq). Here, we highlight the need for approaches that complement RNA-seq, discover that northern blotting of small RNAs is biased against short sequences, and develop a protocol that removes this bias. We found that multiple small RNA-seq datasets from the wormC. eleganshad shorter forms of miRNAs that appear to be degradation products that arose during the preparatory steps required for RNA-seq. When using northern blotting during these studies, we discovered that miRNA-length probes can have a ~360-fold bias against detecting even synthetic sequences that are 8 nt shorter. By using shorter probes and by performing hybridization and washes at low temperatures, we greatly reduced this bias to enable equivalent detection of 24 nt to 14 nt RNAs. Our protocol can better discriminate RNAs that differ by a single nucleotide and can detect specific miRNAs present in total RNA fromC. elegans. This improved northern blotting is particularly useful to obtain a measure of small RNA integrity, analyze products of RNA processing or turnover, and analyze functional RNAs that are shorter than typical miRNAs.
PBrowse: A web-based platform for real-time collaborative exploration of genomic data
Authors: Szot Peter S. , Yang Andrian , Wang Xin , Röhm Uwe , Ho Wong Koon , Ho Joshua W. K.
Published: August 2016

The central task of a genome browser is to enable easy visual exploration of large genomic data to gain biological insight. Most existing genome browsers were designed for data exploration by individual users, while a few allow some limited forms of collaboration among multiple users, such as file sharing and wiki-style collaborative editing of gene annotations. Our work’s premise is that allowing sharing of genome browser views instantaneously in real-time enables the exchange of ideas and insight in a collaborative project, thus harnessing the wisdom of the crowd. PBrowse is a parallel-access real-time collaborative web-based genome browser that provides both an integrated, real-time collaborative platform and a comprehensive file sharing system. PBrowse also allows real-time track comment and has integrated group chat to facilitate interactive discussion among multiple users. Through the Distributed Annotation Server protocol, PBrowse can easily access a wide range of publicly available genomic data, such as the ENCODE data sets. We argue that PBrowse, with the re-designed user management, data management and novel collaborative layer based on Biodalliance, represents a paradigm shift from seeing genome browser merely as a tool of data visualisation to a tool that enables real-time human-human interaction and knowledge exchange in a collaborative setting.

Availability

PBrowse is available athttp://pbrowse.victorchang.edu.au, and its source code is available via the open source BSD 3 license athttp://github.com/VCCRI/PBrowse.

Contact

j.ho@victorchang.edu.au

Supplementary Information

Supplementary video demonstrating collaborative feature of pbrowse is available inhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROvKXZoXiIc.
Structural and Functional Analyses of PolyProline-II helices in Globular Proteins
Authors: Kumar Prasun , Bansal Manju
Published: August 2016

PolyProline-II (PPII) helices are defined as a continuous stretch of a protein chain in which the constituent residues have the backbone torsion angle (φ,ψ) values of (-75°, 145°) and take up extended left handed conformation, lacking any intra-helical hydrogen bonds. They are found to occur very frequently in protein structures with their number exceeding that of π-helices, though it is considerably less than that of α-helices and β-strands. A relatively new procedure, ASSP, for the identification of regular secondary structures using Cα trace identifies 3597 PPII helices in 3582 protein chains, solved at resolution ≤ 2.5Å. Taking advantage of this significantly expanded database of PPII-helices, we have analyzed the functional and structural roles of PPII helices as well as determined the amino acid propensity within and around them. Though Pro residues are highly preferred, it is not a mandatory condition for the formation of PPII-helices, since ~40% PPII-helices were found to contain no Proline residues. Aromatic amino acids are avoided within this helix, while Gly, Asn and Asp residues are preferred in the proximal flanking regions. These helices range from 3 to 13 residues in length with the average twist and rise being -121.2°±9.2° and 3.0Å±0.1Å respectively. A majority (~72%) of PPII-helices were found to occur in conjunction with α-helices and β-strands, and serve as linkers as well. The analysis of various intra-helical non-bonded interactions revealed frequent presence of C-H...O H-bonds. PPII-helices participate in maintaining the three-dimensional structure of proteins and are important constituents of binding motifs involved in various biological functions.
Population genomics ofC. melanopterususing target gene capture data: demographic inferences and conservation perspectives
Authors: Delser Pierpaolo Maisano , Corrigan Shannon , Hale Matthew , Li Chenhong , Veuille Michel , Planes Serge , Naylor Gavin , Mona Stefano
Published: August 2016

Population genetics studies on non-model organisms typically involve sampling few markers from multiple individuals. Next-generation sequencing approaches open up the possibility of sampling many more markers from fewer individuals to address the same questions. Here, we applied a target gene capture method to deep sequence ∼1000 independent autosomal regions of a non-model organism, the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). We devised a sampling scheme based on the predictions of theoretical studies of metapopulations to show that sampling few individuals, but many loci, can be extremely informative to reconstruct the evolutionary history of species. We collected data from a single deme (SID) from Northern Australia and from a scattered sampling representing various locations throughout the Indian Ocean (SCD). We explored the genealogical signature of population dynamics detected from both sampling schemes using an ABC algorithm. We then contrasted these results with those obtained by fitting the data to a non-equilibrium finite island model. Both approaches supported anNmvalue ∼40, consistent with philopatry in this species. Finally, we demonstrate through simulation that metapopulations exhibit greater resilience to recent changes in effective size compared to unstructured populations. We propose an empirical approach to detect recent bottlenecks based on our sampling scheme.
Synthetic Photosynthetic Consortia Define Interactions Leading to Robustness and Photoproduction
Authors: Hays Stephanie G. , Yan Leo L.W. , Silver Pamela A. , Ducat Daniel C.
Published: August 2016

Background

Microbial consortia composed of autotrophic and heterotrophic species abound in nature, yet examples of synthetic communities with mixed metabolism are limited in the laboratory. We previously engineered a model cyanobacterium,Synechococcus elongatusPCC 7942, to secrete the bulk of the carbon it fixes as sucrose, a carbohydrate that can be utilized by many other microbes. Here, we tested the capability of sucrose-secreting cyanobacteria to act as a flexible platform for the construction of synthetic, light-driven consortia by pairing them with three disparate heterotrophs:Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, orSaccharomyces cerevisiae. The comparison of these different co-culture dyads reveals general design principles for the construction of robust autotroph/heterotroph consortia.

Main findings

We observed heterotrophic growth dependent upon cyanobacterial photosynthate in each co-culture pair. Furthermore, these synthetic consortia could be stabilized over the long-term (weeks to months) and both species could persist when challenged with specific perturbations. Stability and productivity of autotroph/heterotroph co-cultures was dependent on heterotroph sucrose utilization, as well as other species-independent interactions that we observed across all dyads. One interaction we observed to destabilize consortia was that non-sucrose byproducts of photosynthesis negatively impacted heterotroph growth. Conversely, inoculation of each heterotrophic species enhanced cyanobacterial growth in comparison to axenic cultures Finally, these consortia can be flexibly programmed for photoproduction of target compounds and proteins; by changing the heterotroph in co–culture to specialized strains ofB. subtilisorE. coliwe demonstrate production of alpha-amylase and polyhydroxybutyrate, respectively.

Conclusions

Enabled by the unprecedented flexibility of this consortia design, we uncover species-independent design principles that influence cyanobacteria/heterotroph consortia robustness. The modular nature of these communities and their unusual robustness exhibits promise as a platform for highly-versatile photoproduction strategies that capitalize on multi-species interactions and could be utilized as a tool for the study of nascent symbioses. Further consortia improvements via engineered interventions beyond those we show here (i.e. increased efficiency growing on sucrose) could improve these communities as production platforms.
Ancient European dog genomes reveal continuity since the Early Neolithic
Authors: Botigué Laura R. , Song Shiya , Scheu Amelie , Gopalan Shyamalika , Pendleton Amanda L. , Oetjens Matthew , Taravella Angela M. , Seregély Timo , Zeeb-Lanz Andrea , Arbogast Rose-Marie , Bobo Dean , Daly Kevin , Unterländer Martina , Burger Joachim , Kidd Jeffrey M. , Veeramah Krishna R.
Published: August 2016

Europe has played a major role in dog evolution, harbouring the oldest uncontested Paleolithic remains and having been the centre of modern dog breed creation. We sequenced the whole genomes of an Early and End Neolithic dog from Germany, including a sample associated with one of Europe’s earliest farming communities. Both dogs demonstrate continuity with each other and predominantly share ancestry with modern European dogs, contradicting a previously suggested Late Neolithic population replacement. Furthermore, we find no genetic evidence to support the recent hypothesis proposing dual origins of dog domestication. By calibrating the mutation rate using our oldest dog, we narrow the timing of dog domestication to 20,000-40,000 years ago. Interestingly, we do not observe the extreme copy number expansion of theAMY2Bgene that is characteristic of modern dogs and has previously been proposed as an adaptation to a starch-rich diet driven by the widespread adoption of agriculture in the Neolithic.
Work environment and employee motivation to lead
Authors: Porter Tracy H , Riesenmy Kelly Diane , Fields Dail
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– A key challenge for organizations is identification of candidates for development as organizational leaders. While selection criteria may vary, one important consideration is the extent to which an employee is motivated to lead. Previous studies have restricted investigation of the antecedents of these motivations to individual differences such as personality, self-efficacy, and previous leadership experiences, suggesting that leadership capacity may depend largely on employee selection. However, employee assessments of numerous aspects of the work environment may also have a substantial role in determining an employee’s motivation to lead (MTL), suggesting that an organization’s leadership capacity may depend on many other human resource practices. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the authors explored the role of employee assessments of work experiences as determinants of three types of MTL. This paper investigates the impact of a value-oriented organizational culture and the employee’s assessment of the work environment (pay satisfaction, promotion possibilities, recognition, job design, internal communication, and employee’s relationship with his/her current leader). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– Based upon the results of 210 respondents the strength of relationship varies among the three alternative types of leadership motivation. The results suggest that besides individual differences, the perceived work environment may be a significant determinant of motivation to become an organizational leader. Employee assessments of pay, promotion opportunities, recognition, job design, quality of organizational communications, and workplace spirituality all play a role in determining employee MTL.

Originality/value

– This paper offers a number of implications for human resource management practices, hiring, and leadership development.
Nematode parasite diversity in birds: the role of host ecology, life history and migration
Authors: Leung Tommy L. F. , Koprivnikar Janet
Published: August 2016

Previous studies have found that migratory birds generally have a more diverse array of pathogens such as parasites, as well as higher intensities of infection. However, it is not clear whether this is driven by the metabolic and physiological demands of migration, differential selection on host life‐history traits or basic ecological differences between migratory and non‐migratory species.

Parasitic helminths can cause significant pathology in their hosts, and many are trophically transmitted such that host diet and habitat use play key roles in the acquisition of infections. Given the concurrent changes in avian habitats and migratory behaviour, it is critical to understand the degree to which host ecology influences their parasite communities.

We examined nematode parasite diversity in 153 species of Anseriformes (water birds) and Accipitriformes (predatory birds) in relation to their migratory behaviour, diet, habitat use, geographic distribution and life history using previously published data.

Overall, migrators, host species with wide geographic distributions and those utilizing multiple aquatic habitats had greater nematode richness (number of species), and birds with large clutches harboured more diverse nematode fauna with respect to number of superfamilies. Separate analyses for each host order found similar results related to distribution, habitat use and migration; however, herbivorous water birds played host to a less diverse nematode community compared to those that consume some animals.

Birds using multiple aquatic habitats have a more diverse nematode fauna relative to primarily terrestrial species, likely because there is greater opportunity for contact with parasite infectious stages and/or consumption of infected hosts. As such, omnivorous and carnivorous birds using aquatic habitats may be more affected by environmental changes that alter their diet and range. Even though there were no overall differences in their ecology and life history compared with non‐migrators, migratory bird species still harboured a more diverse array of nematodes, suggesting that this behaviour places unique demands on these hosts and warrants further study.
Climate, invasive species and land use drive population dynamics of a cold‐water specialist
Authors: Kovach Ryan P. , Al‐Chokhachy Robert , Whited Diane C. , Schmetterling David A. , Dux Andrew M. , Muhlfeld Clint C.
Published: August 2016

Climate change is an additional stressor in a complex suite of threats facing freshwater biodiversity, particularly for cold‐water fishes. Research addressing the consequences of climate change on cold‐water fish has generally focused on temperature limits defining spatial distributions, largely ignoring how climatic variation influences population dynamics in the context of other existing stressors.

We used long‐term data from 92 populations of bull trout Salvelinus confluentus – one of North America's most cold‐adapted fishes – to quantify additive and interactive effects of climate, invasive species and land use on population dynamics (abundance, variability and growth rate).

Populations were generally depressed, more variable and declining where spawning and rearing stream habitat was limited, invasive species and land use were prevalent and stream temperatures were highest. Increasing stream temperature acted additively and independently, whereas land use and invasive species had additive and interactive effects (i.e. the impact of one stressor depended on exposure to the other stressor).

Most (58%–78%) of the explained variation in population dynamics was attributed to the presence of invasive species, differences in life history and management actions in foraging habitats in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Although invasive fishes had strong negative effects on populations in foraging habitats, proactive control programmes appeared to effectively temper their negative impact.

Synthesis and applications. Long‐term demographic data emphasize that climate warming will exacerbate imperilment of cold‐water specialists like bull trout, yet other stressors – especially invasive fishes – are immediate threats that can be addressed by proactive management actions. Therefore, climate‐adaptation strategies for freshwater biodiversity should consider existing abiotic and biotic stressors, some of which provide potential and realized opportunity for conservation of freshwater biodiversity in a warming world.
Whole genome sequence resource of Indian Zaprionus indianus
Authors: Khanna Radhika , Mohanty Sujata
Published: August 2016

This article documents the whole genome sequence information of the Indian Zaprionus indianus, a member of the fruit fly family Drosophilidae. The sequences were generated on an Illumina platform and reads and whole genome sequence submitted to NCBI to the SRA and BioProject databases, respectively. This is the first Indian Z. indianus whole genome (draft) submitted to the sequence repository with SRA reads. The details of methodology, assembly statistics and functional annotation are presented in this work.
Practical low‐coverage genomewide sequencing of hundreds of individually barcoded samples for population and evolutionary genomics in nonmodel species
Authors: Therkildsen Nina Overgaard , Palumbi Stephen R.
Published: August 2016

Today most population genomic studies of nonmodel organisms either sequence a subset of the genome deeply in each individual or sequence pools of unlabelled individuals. With a step‐by‐step workflow, we illustrate how low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing of hundreds of individually barcoded samples is now a practical alternative strategy for obtaining genomewide data on a population scale. We used a highly efficient protocol to generate high‐quality libraries for ~6.5 USD from each of 876 Atlantic silversides (a teleost fish with a genome size ~730 Mb) that we sequenced to 1–4× genome coverage. In the absence of a reference genome, we developed a bioinformatic pipeline for mapping the genomic reads to a de novo assembled reference transcriptome. This provides an ‘in silico’ method for exome capture that avoids the complexities and expenses of using wet chemistry for target isolation. Using novel tools for analysis of low‐coverage data, we extracted population allele frequencies, individual genotype likelihoods and polymorphism data for 2 504 335 SNPs across the exome for the 876 fish. To illustrate the use of the resulting data, we present a preliminary analysis of geographical patterns in the exome data and a comparison of complete mitochondrial genome sequences for each individual (constructed from the low‐coverage data) that show population colonization patterns along the US east coast. With a total cost per sample of less than 50 USD (including sequencing) and ability to prepare 96 libraries in only 5 h, our approach adds a viable new option to the population genomics toolbox.
Quantification of Neural Ethanol and Acetaldehyde Using Headspace GC‐MS
Authors: Heit Claire , Eriksson Peter , Thompson David C. , Charkoftaki Georgia , Fritz Kristofer S. , Vasiliou Vasilis
Published: August 2016

Background

There is controversy regarding the active agent responsible for alcohol addiction. The theory that ethanol (EtOH) itself was the agent in alcohol drinking behavior was widely accepted until acetaldehyde (AcH) was found in the brain. The importance of AcH formation in the brain is still subject to speculation due to the lack of a method to accurately assay the AcH levels directly. A highly sensitive gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) method to reliably determine AcH concentration with certainty is needed to address whether neural AcH is indeed responsible for increased alcohol consumption.

Methods

A headspace gas chromatograph coupled to selected‐ion monitoring MS was utilized to develop a quantitative assay for AcH and EtOH. Our GC‐MS approach was carried out using a Bruker Scion 436‐GC SQ MS.

Results

Our approach yields limits of detection of AcH in the nanomolar range and limits of quantification in the low micromolar range. Our linear calibration includes 5 concentrations with a least‐square regression greater than 0.99 for both AcH and EtOH. Tissue analyses using this method revealed the capacity to quantify EtOH and AcH in blood, brain, and liver tissue from mice.

Conclusions

By allowing quantification of very low concentrations, this method may be used to examine the formation of EtOH metabolites, specifically AcH, in murine brain tissue in alcohol research.
Distinct resting‐state perfusion patterns underlie psychomotor retardation in unipolar vs. bipolar depression
Authors: Cantisani A. , Stegmayer K. , Bracht T. , Federspiel A. , Wiest R. , Horn H. , Müller T. J. , Schneider C. , Höfle O. , Strik W. , Walther S.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Psychomotor abnormalities characterize both unipolar (UP) depression and bipolar (BP) depression. We aimed to assess their neurobiological correlates in terms of motor activity (AL) and resting‐state cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and investigate their association in BP, UP, and healthy controls (HC).

Method

We enrolled 42 depressed patients (22 BP, 20 UP) and 19 HC matched for age, gender, education, income. AL and rCBF were objectively assessed with the use of wrist actigraphy and arterial spin labeling. Group differences and the association of AL and rCBF were computed.

Results

Activity level was significantly reduced in patients, but no difference was found between BP and UP. Increased perfusion was found in BP compared with UP and HC, in multiple brain areas. We found positive correlations of rCBF and AL in BP and UP, in different parts of the insula and frontal regions. Only BP showed a cluster in the left precentral gyrus. In HC, only inverse correlations of AL and rCBF were found.

Conclusion

The differences in rCBF and in the localization of the clusters of positive AL/rCBF correlations between BP and UP suggest that different neural impairments may underlie motor symptoms in the two disorders, but finally converge in phenotypically similar manifestations.
Quality of life in stabilized patients with schizophrenia is mainly associated with resilience and self‐esteem
Authors: Wartelsteiner F. , Mizuno Y. , Frajo‐Apor B. , Kemmler G. , Pardeller S. , Sondermann C. , Welte A. , Fleischhacker W. W. , Uchida H. , Hofer A.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Improving quality of life (QoL) is an important objective in the treatment of schizophrenia. The aim of the current study was to examine to what extent resilience, self‐esteem, hopelessness, and psychopathology are correlated with QoL.

Method

We recruited 52 out‐patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM‐IV criteria and 77 healthy control subjects from the general community. In patients, psychopathology was quantified by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The following scales were used in both patients and control subjects: the Berliner Lebensqualitätsprofil, the Resilience Scale, the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale to assess QoL, resilience, self‐esteem, and hopelessness respectively.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia presented with significantly less QoL, resilience, self‐esteem, and hope compared to healthy control subjects. In patients, QoL correlated moderately with resilience, self‐esteem, and hopelessness and weakly with symptoms. With respect to the latter, particularly depression and positive symptoms were negatively correlated with QoL.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the complex nature of QoL in patients suffering from schizophrenia. They underscore that significant efforts are necessary to enhance resilience and self‐esteem and to diminish hopelessness as well as affective and positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Prevalence and predictors of drinking, binge drinking, and related health and social problems in Puerto Rico
Authors: Caetano Raul , Vaeth Patrice A.C. , Canino Glorisa
Published: August 2016

Background

This paper examines prevalence and predictors of drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol‐related social and health problems in Puerto Rico.

Methods

Respondents constitute a multi‐stage household probability sample (N = 1,510) from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The response rate was 83%.

Results

Men compared to women (Coeff: .34; 95 CI = .19–.50;p < .001), those with more liberal norms (Coeff: 1.05; 95 CI = .87–1.23;p < .001) and those with more positive attitudes about drinking (Coeff: 1.06; 95 CI= .63–1.49;p < .001) have a higher average number of weekly drinks. Those in the 40–49 age group have a lower mean number of weekly drinks than those in the 18–29 age group (Coeff.: −.23; 95 CI = −.42–.03;p < .02). Those with income between $30,001 and $40,000 a year compared to those with less than $10,000, (OR: .28; 95 CI = .08–1.93;p < .039) report fewer social/health problems. Protestants compared to Catholics (AOR: 1.94; 95 CI = 1.08–3.47;p < .026), those with more liberal drinking norms (AOR: 3.62; 95 CI = 1.87–6.99;p < .001) and more positive attitudes about drinking (AOR: 3.41; 95 CI = 1.04–11.09;p < .001), and those who consume a higher number of drink per week (AOR: 1.03; 95 CI = 1.01–1.05;p < .001) and binge (AOR: 3.52; 95 CI = 2.14–5.80;p < .001) are more likely to report social and health problems associated with alcohol use.

Discussion and Conclusions

The finding that male gender is not associated with binge drinking and social and health problems was not expected. Puerto Ricans appear to drink less than the general population and Hispanics and Puerto Ricans on the U.S. mainland.

Scientific Significance

Up to date epidemiological findings provide information about high risk groups and correlates of alcohol problems in the population. These are now available for Puerto Rico and can be used in the design of prevention interventions. (Am J Addict 2016;25:478–485)
Pregnancy complications in singleton pregnancies with isolated fetal heart defects
Authors: van Velzen Christine L. , Türkeri Freya , Pajkrt Eva , Clur Sally‐Ann , Rijlaarsdam Marry E.B. , Bax Caroline J. , Hruda Jaroslav , de Groot Christianne J.M. , Blom Nico A. , Haak Monique C.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

As the prenatal detection rates of congenital heart defects (CHDs) increase, obstetricians are more frequently faced with pregnancies complicated by a fetal CHD. Congenital anomalies in general are associated with preterm birth and fetal demise. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the prevalence of preterm birth and fetal demise in singleton pregnancies with fetuses with isolated CHDs.

Material and methods

A geographical cohort study was performed in a large region in the Netherlands. Fetuses and infants from singleton pregnancies diagnosed with severe isolated CHD, born between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2012, were included. All cases in the CHD cohort were assessed for preterm birth or fetal demise. The proportions of preterm birth and fetal demise were compared with those in a control group and odds ratios were calculated.

Results

The proportion of preterm births in the CHD cohort (n = 1013) was 9.1% (95% CI 7.3–10.9) compared with 5.6% (95% CI 5.4–5.8) in the control group, with an odds ratio of 1.7 (95% CI 1.4–2.1). The preterm birth started spontaneously in 49.5% and 38.4% were induced. In 15 cases fetal demise occurred (1.5%; 95% CI 0.8–2.2), compared with 0.7% (95% CI 0.6–0.8) in the control group, odds ratio 2.0 (95% CI 1.2–3.4).

Conclusions

Higher rates of preterm birth and fetal demise occur in fetuses with isolated CHD compared with the general population. Prenatal specialists should be vigilant for signs of heart failure, premature closure of the foramen ovale or fetal distress in fetuses with isolated CHDs.
A comparison of autologous transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) monolayer sheet graft with RPE–Bruch's membrane complex graft in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Lu Yao , Han Liang , Wang Changguan , Dou Hongliang , Feng Xuefeng , Hu Yuntao , Feng Kang , Wang Xin , Ma Zhizhong
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To compare the outcome after choroidal neovascular (CNV) membrane excision and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation and make further evaluation of two types of RPE grafts on the visual function in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), complicated by massive subretinal haemorrhage.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 80 patients who underwent CNV membrane excision with or without RPE transplantation. Two types of RPE grafts were adopted, RPE–Bruch's membrane complex graft (subgroup 1) and RPE monolayer sheet graft (subgroup 2). Outcome measures included pre‐ and postoperative visual acuity score (VAS), clinical findings, complications and recurrence rates.

Results

The mean VAS [Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)] in the CNV membrane excision group was 11.06 ± 18.28 at baseline and 14.41 ± 16.86 at follow‐up (p = 0.12) in a mean follow‐up period of 24.35 ± 9.31 months. While in subgroup 1, VAS increased from 22.62 ± 23.72 to 35.50 ± 24.46 (p = 0.02) in a mean period of 20.63 ± 6.25 months. The percentage of visual acuity (VA) improvement (at least two or more lines changed) in subgroup 1 is 62.5%, which is significantly higher than that in CNV excision group (23.5%), p = 0.02. In subgroup 2, VAS increased from 16.61 ± 27.98 to 29.16 ± 23.80 (p = 0.02) in a mean period of 21.72 ± 11.09 months. The percentage of VA improvement in subgroup 2 is 58.0%, which is also significantly higher than that in CNV excision group (23.5%), p = 0.02. Postoperative VA elevation was comparable between the two subgroups (p = 0.05). Complications including retinal detachment, proliferative vitreal retinopathy and CNV recurrence occurred in both techniques. Central fixation stability was observed in eight eyes in subgroup 1 and five eyes in subgroup 2.

Conclusions

The autologous RPE transplantation can increase the vision of patients with haemorrhagic AMD. Two types of autologous RPE grafts were both effective and comparable in restoring visual function and central fixation stability.
Assessment of retinal vascular calibres as a biomarker of disease activity in birdshot chorioretinopathy
Authors: Agrawal Rupesh , Joachim Nichole , Li Ling‐Jun , Lee Jiaying , Agarwal Aniruddha , Sim Dawn A. , Keane Pearse A. , Liew Gerald , Pavesio Carlos E.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR) is a potentially blinding ocular disorder involving the retinal vasculature and choroid without any systemic manifestations. The objective of the study was to describe vascular calibre changes in BCR and analyse the possibility of this optical biomarker for staging and monitoring disease activity in BCR.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study at a tertiary referral eye centre in the UK included 33 eyes from 21 patients with BCR and equal number of eyes from control subjects. Diagnosis of BCR was confirmed on fundus fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. Vascular calibres were measured using validated semiautomated software.

Results

Patients with BCR had smaller retinal venular calibres central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) than controls (211.3 versus 227.9 μm, p = 0.008). After adjusting for variables, the difference between the two groups for CRVE at baseline was statistically significant based on two different analysis methods. Central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) was lower at the 6‐month follow‐up visit (206.2 versus 213.8 μm, p‐value = 0.03), and arteriole‐to‐venule ratio was larger (0.74 versus 0.71, p = 0.04) in subjects with BCR. Arteriolar calibre (CRAE) remained the same.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insight into the pattern of vascular involvement in BCR. There was significant difference in the CRVE in patients with BCR. More studies are needed to correlate this data with visual function and treatment outcome and to validate the findings.
Effects of multifocal soft contact lenses used to slow myopia progression on quality of vision in young adults
Authors: Kang Pauline , McAlinden Colm , Wildsoet Christine F.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To assess the effects of multifocal soft contact lenses (MF SCLs) used for myopia control on visual acuity (VA) and subjective quality of vision.

Methods

Twenty‐four young adult myopes had baseline high and low‐contrast VAs and refractions measured and quality of vision assessed by the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire with single vision SCLs. Additional VA and QoV questionnaire data were collected immediately after subjects were fitted with Proclear MF SCLs and again after a 2‐week adaptation period of daily lens wear. Data were collected for two MF SCL designs, incorporating +1.50 and +3.00 D peripheral near additions, with a week washout period allowed between the two lens trials.

Results

High‐ and low‐contrast VAs were initially reduced with both MF SCL designs, but subsequently improved to be not significantly reduced in the case of high‐contrast VA by the end of the 2‐week adaptation period. The quality of vision was also reduced, more so with the +3.00 D MF SCL. Quality of Vision (QoV) scores describing frequency, severity and bothersome nature of visual symptoms indicated symptoms worsening rather than resolving over the 2‐week period, particularly so with the +3.00 D MF SCL.

Conclusion

Low and high add MF SCLs adversely affected vision on initial insertion, with sustained effects on low‐contrast VA and QoV scores but not high‐contrast VA. Thus, high‐contrast VA is not a suitable surrogate for quality of vision. In prescribing MF SCLs for myopia control, clinicians should educate patients about these effects on vision.
NATIONALIZATION OR PRIVATIZATION? THE FRAGMENTATION OF THE MAINSTREAM
Authors: VOSZKA Éva
Published: August 2016

The 2008 global crisis brought about curiously inconsistent changes in state ownership: asset sales by governments and purchases of private stocks increased sharply and simultaneously. These concurrent instances of nationalization and privatization, on a major scale in historical terms, deserve attention. The paper examines why both now seem appropriate tools for crisis management in Europe and in the USA. It also estimates the scale of changes after 2008. The author argues that the rapid alternation, including parallel applications and mixed, ‘silent’ forms of nationalization and privatization, reflects ambiguity in political, theoretical and popular views. The uncertainty far exceeds ownership issues to include the role of the state in general, revealing fragmentation of measures in each direction: neither nationalization nor privatization has been based on any integrated, defined paradigm of economic policy.
Hypoxia exposure and B‐type natriuretic peptide release from Langendorff heart of rats
Authors: Anttila K. , Streng T. , Pispa J. , Vainio M. , Nikinmaa M.
Published: August 2016

Aim

We studied whether available oxygen without induced mechanical stretch regulates the release of the biologically active B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) from Langendorff heart.

Methods

Rat hearts were isolated and perfused with a physiological Krebs–Henseleit solution at a constant hydrostatic pressure in Langendorff set‐up. The basal O2 level of perfusate (24.4 ± 0.04 mg L−1) was gradually lowered to 3.0 ± 0.01 mg L−1 over 20 min using N2 gas (n = 7). BNP and O2 level were measured from coronary flow. During control perfusions (n = 5), the O2 concentration was kept at 26.6 ± 0.3 mg L−1.

Results

A low oxygen concentration in the perfusate was associated with a significant increase in BNP release (F = 40.4, P < 0.001). Heart rate decreased when the oxygen concentration in the perfusate reached 9.1 ± 0.02 mg L−1 and continued to fall in lower oxygen concentrations (F = 14.8, P < 0.001). There was also a significant but inverse correlation between BNP and oxygen in the coronary flow (R2 = 0.27, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In the spontaneously beating Langendorff rat heart, a decreasing concentration of oxygen in the ingoing perfusion increased the secretion of BNP. The effect of oxygen was independent of mechanical stretch of the heart as it occurred even when the heart rate decreased but the pressure conditions remained constant. The difference in the oxygen capacitance of blood and Krebs–Henseleit solution appears to be a major factor affecting secretion of BNP, which is correlated with the oxygen tension of myocardial cells and affected both by the oxygen concentration and capacitance of solution perfusing the heart and by the coronary flow.
Impact of Maternal Body Mass Index on Intrapartum and Neonatal Outcomes in Brisbane, Australia, 2007 to 2013
Authors: Foo Xin Y. , Greer Ristan M. , Kumar Sailesh
Published: August 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of maternal body mass index on intrapartum and neonatal outcomes at one of the largest maternity hospitals in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study of 55,352 term singleton deliveries at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, was conducted. The study cohort was stratified into six groups based on the World Health Organization's body mass index classification. The normal body mass index category was the reference group for all comparisons. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the effect of maternal body mass index, adjusted for maternal age, ethnicity, parity, and preexisting conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus and hypertension), on selected intrapartum and neonatal outcomes.

Results

Women in the overweight and Obese I, II, and III categories were more likely to have chronic or gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, and preexisting or gestational diabetes mellitus. They also had an increased risk for induction of labor, elective and emergency cesarean, and postpartum hemorrhage. Underweight women were less likely to require induction of labor and emergency cesarean. Infants born to women with increased body mass index were more likely to require neonatal resuscitation, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and have lower Apgar scores at 5 minutes.

Conclusion

There is an increased risk of adverse intrapartum and neonatal outcomes for women who are overweight and obese, with the risks increasing with rising body mass index. Appropriately targeted weight management strategies and health education may yield improved maternal and perinatal outcomes if effectively implemented before pregnancy. These may particularly be of benefit in the teenage cohort that has yet to embark on pregnancy.
Guidelines for creating framework data for GIS analysis in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Makanga Prestige Tatenda , Schuurman Nadine , Sacoor Charfudin , Boene Helena , von Dadelszen Peter , Firoz Tabassum
Published: August 2016

Key Messages

While some framework data are available in LMICs, there is a lack of coordinated effort to create and share these data to support health GIS research in these settings.

Manual digitizing can be used to generate framework data, and is increasingly becoming cheaper and faster due to widely available free satellite imagery and open mapping standards that allow distributed data capture.

Efforts to create framework data should be done in collaboration with local mapping authorities that have the mandate for creating these data at scale.