bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constrained by markets: processing costs limit potential for managing predator–prey interactions in a commercial fishery
Authors: Walsworth Timothy E. , Schindler Daniel E. , Essington Timothy E.
Published: March 2017

Selective fisheries may impact non‐target species as well as limit the productivity of target species if their predators are not harvested. The outcomes of multi‐species harvest strategies that include targeting predators depend on ecological and economic constraints, although the development of ecosystem‐based management plans has typically focused on ecological constraints.

In Chignik, Alaska, sockeye salmon support a valuable commercial fishery and, as juveniles, are preyed upon by coho salmon, a species not subject to a targeted harvest. Whether exploitation of coho salmon would enhance overall fishery value by releasing sockeye salmon from predation constraints is not understood. We employ simulation models to examine the ecological and economic conditions necessary for directly targeting coho salmon to benefit fishers and seafood processors, two distinct but inter‐dependent stakeholders in this ecosystem.

Model results indicate fishers are likely to experience increased value regardless of economic constraints, as long as coho salmon predation negatively affects sockeye salmon productivity. However, seafood processors are much more limited in the conditions which produce increased economic value, constrained by greater operation costs required to process harvested coho salmon.

Synthesis and applications. The unique economic constraints and opportunities of different stakeholders can present contrasting outlooks on the potential benefits of alternative harvest strategies, even if the alternative strategies are predicted to increase yield. The findings herein demonstrate the importance of considering multiple stakeholders when considering alternative management strategies. Depending on the level of risk stakeholders are willing to accept, an active adaptive management strategy reducing coho salmon escapement to low levels could provide valuable information about ecosystem structure as well as potentially providing the greatest economic benefit to the fishery.
Attachment and relationship satisfaction among first married, remarried, and post‐divorce relationships
Authors: Diamond Rachel M. , Brimhall Andrew S. , Elliott Michael
Published: March 2017

This study examined relationship satisfaction and adult attachment in a sample of 562 participants: 340 in a first marriage (60.5%); 122 separated/divorced from their first spouse (21.7%); and 100 in a second marriage (17.8%). For participants in a relationship (dating or married), findings indicated no differences between groups on relationship satisfaction; instead, attachment served as a better predictor of satisfaction. Further, no differences existed when comparing first‐ and second‐married participants on attachment. Differences existed between separated/divorced participants and first‐ and second‐married participants on most attachment indexes; similarities existed between separated/divorce and second‐married participants on levels of preoccupation and model of self. When comparing non‐dating and dating separated/divorced participants, dating participants reported higher secure attachment and models of others and lower fearful attachment. Clinical and research implications will be discussed.

Practitioner points

Contrary to most extant literature, attachment styles and behaviour may be a better predictor of relationship satisfaction than relationship type (e.g. first vs. second marriage)

Consider the important role of attachment within relationships throughout adulthood and how attachment styles may differ in different types of relationships

Attachment frameworks should be used when developing interventions for couples to increase relationship satisfaction and attachment security
‘I Am a Slave Not a Wife’: Slave Women in Post‐Proclamation Gold Coast (Ghana)
Authors: Brivio Alessandra
Published: March 2017

This article contributes to the recent wave of historical studies that have examined the immediate social transformations implied by slavery abolition on gender relations. It highlights slave women's attempts to alter their status and the personal agency they displayed in the immediate post‐proclamation period in the Gold Coast (present‐day Ghana). During this very early period (1874–1877) women were quite an active presence in the colonial court and the percentage of cases discussing the right of women to leave their husbands increased. Traditional and colonial powers soon reacted to this changing situation. There were two main constraints to women's emancipation. On one hand there was a general confusion on the legal status of wives within traditional family, and on the other, the logic of debt concealed within the repayment of dowries tried to force women back into bondage even when they succeeded in changing their status from slaves to free women.
Women and the Nationalisation of Literature: Text and Image as Parallel Narratives with Multiplied Meaning in a Hindi Periodical (1927–1941)
Authors: Nijhawan Shobna
Published: March 2017

The early twentieth century is a period in colonial Indian history marked, among other things, by nationalist explorations of what was commonly described as the upper middle‐class, Hindu high caste ‘woman's question’. In the process, gender roles and responsibilities in public and private spheres were being contemplated and negotiated in oral and written forms. This essay explores the text‐image combinations and relationships in a mainstream Hindi literary periodical published in North India in the 1930s. It focuses specifically on the gendered visual narrative that emerged from this periodical's engagement with the role of women in the Hindi public and private spheres. It argues that through the combination of text and image, the reader of the Hindi periodical Sudha was presented with verbal and visual messages that were deeply embedded in debates on literary and cultural nationalism.
High Stroke Volume Variation Is an Independent Predictor for Decreased Blood Pressure During Hemodialysis
Authors: Yoshihara Fumiki , Kishida Masatsugu , Ogawa Koji , Nishigaki Takayuki , Nakasaki Hironori , Ishizuka Azusa , Koezuka Ryo , Matsuo Miki , Hayashi Teruyuki , Nakamura Satoko
Published: March 2017

It currently remains unclear whether stroke volume variation (SVV) before hemodialysis (HD) is an independent predictor of decreased blood pressure (BP) during HD. Fifty‐two patients were divided into two groups (Decreased BP during HD group: N = 10, Non‐decreased BP group: N = 42). Fractional shortening was lower, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and SVV were higher in the Decreased BP during HD group. A multiple logistic regression analysis identified low fractional shortening, high MAP, and high SVV as independent predictors of decreased BP during HD. The areas under the ROC curves were as follows: 0.849 for MAP, 0.712 for SVV, and 0.893 for MAP and SVV. Optimal threshold values were 93.0 mm Hg for MAP and 17.3 % for SVV. A multivariate regression analysis identified anemia and a longer dialysis vintage as independently related factors for higher SVV. Our results suggest that high SVV is an independent predictor for decreased BP during HD.
Research on Handwashing Techniques of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients From Yiwu, Southeast China
Authors: Ye Yuanjun , Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Yansu , Lou Hongqing , Shou Zhangfei
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study was to evaluate handwashing technique, bacteriology, and factors influencing handwashing technique of 86 stable chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients from Yiwu City in Southeast China. Based on the “Hygienic standard for disinfection in the hospital”, we also performed sampling for bacteriology from PD operators after they washed their hands. We compared their clinical features including the pathogenic bacteria of their previous peritonitis episodes and their handwashing evaluation results according to their bacteriologic sampling results. 65% of patients turned off the tap by bare hand, and 74% did not follow the six‐step handwashing method. Dialysis duration longer than 6 months (P = 0.04) and lower income (P = 0.05) were independent risk factors for higher handwashing error scores. The overall rate of appropriate handwashing, according to the “hygienic standard for disinfection in the hospital” was 26%. The bacteriologic sampling results showed that the most common pathogenic bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus (92%). PD operators whose hand bacteria culture was qualified contained a lower proportion of participants with advanced age (P = 0.07). Patients with repeated peritonitis occurrence had a significantly higher score on handwashing error (P < 0.01) and were more likely to develop Staphylococcus infection. We found that in Yiwu city patients on dialysis for more than 6 months, were of low income and had multiple prior episodes of PD peritonitis had poor handwashing compliance. Elderly patients had higher rates of positive bacterial culture (Staphylococcus) from their hands.
ROLE OF THE STREET NETWORK IN BURGLARS' SPATIAL DECISION‐MAKING*
Authors: FRITH MICHAEL J. , JOHNSON SHANE D. , FRY HANNAH M.
Published: March 2017

Explaining why crime is spatially concentrated has been a central theme of much criminological research. Although various theories focus on neighborhood social processes, environmental criminology asserts that the physical environment plays a central role by shaping people's activity patterns and the opportunities for crime. Here, we test theoretical expectations regarding the role of the road network in shaping the spatial distribution of crime and, in contrast to prior research, disentangle how it might influence offender awareness of criminal opportunities and the supply of ambient guardianship. With a mixed logit (discrete choice) model, we use data regarding (N = 459) residential burglaries (for the first time) to model offender spatial decision‐making at the street segment level. Novel graph theory metrics are developed to estimate offender awareness of street segments and to estimate levels of ambient guardianship, distinguishing between local and nonlocal guardianship. As predicted by crime pattern theory, novel metrics concerning offender familiarity and effort were significant predictors of residential burglary location choices. And, in line with Newman's (1972) concept of defensible space, nonlocal (local) pedestrian traffic was found to be associated with an increase (decrease) in burglary risk. Our findings also demonstrate that “taste” preferences vary across offenders, which presents a challenge for future research to explain.
Effects of Size and Stability of Native Fat Globules on the Formation of Milk Gel Induced by Rennet
Authors: Luo Jie , Wang Yuhan , Guo Huiyuan , Ren Fazheng
Published: March 2017

Rennet‐induced gelation crucially impacts cheese structure. In this study, effects of the size and stability of native fat globules on the kinetics of rennet‐induced coagulation were revealed by determining the caseinomacropeptide release rate and rheological properties of milk. Moreover, the mobility and stability of fat globules during renneting was revealed using diffusing wave spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. By use of a 2‐stage gravity separation combined centrifugation scheme, native fat globules were selectively separated into small (SFG, D4,3 = 1.87 ± 0.02 μm) and large fat globules (LFG, D4,3 = 5.65 ± 0.03 μm). The protein and fat content of SFG and LFG milk were then standardized to 3.2 g/100 mL and 1.2 g/100 mL, respectively. The milk containing different sized globules were then subjected to renneting experiments in the laboratory. Reduction of globule size accelerated the aggregation of casein micelles during renneting, giving a shorter gelation time and earlier 1/l* change. The gel produced from LFG milk was broken due to coalescent fat globules and generated coarser gel strands compared to the finer strands formed with SFG milk. Structural differences were also confirmed with a higher final storage modulus of the curd made from SFG milk than that from the LFG. In conclusion, the size of fat globules affects the aggregation of casein micelles. Moreover, fat globule coalescence and creaming during renneting, also affects the structure of the rennet gel. A better understanding of the size of globules effect on milk gelation could lead to the development of cheese with specific properties.
Association between non‐invasively diagnosed hepatic steatosis and chronic kidney disease in Chinese adults on their health check‐up
Authors: Zeng Jing , Sun Chao , Sun Wan Lu , Chen Guang Yu , Pan Qin , Yan Shi Yan , Xu Zheng Jie , Chen Yuan Wen , Fan Jian Gao
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD), graded by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and fatty liver index (FLI) values in Chinese adults undergoing routine health examinations.

METHODS

A total of 731 adult participants without diabetes mellitus or significant alcohol consumption who underwent routine health examinations were included. Their eGFR, CAP, FLI and abdominal ultrasonography results were assessed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ultrasound‐diagnosed NAFLD and CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) was 36.1% and 6.6%, respectively. CKD was more common in NAFLD patients than in those without (10.6% vs 4.3%, P < 0.001). The CAP and FLI values were significantly higher in the NAFLD group than in those without, but the change in the eGFR was negligible between the two groups. eGFR was negatively correlated with CAP (r = −0.189, P = 0.003) and FLI values (r = −0.130, P = 0.045). Moreover, eGFR was significantly lower in participants with CAP >292 dBm or FLI ≥60 than in those with CAP <238 dBm or FLI <30, respectively (both P < 0.05). The CAP value (odds ratio [OR] 1.099, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.091–1.108, P = 0.021) was an independent risk factor for CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

A diagnosis of hepatic steatosis is related to an increased risk of CKD among non‐alcoholic and non‐diabetic Chinese adults regardless of whether the diagnosis was acquired via ultrasound, CAP or FLI. Increased hepatic lipid content may contribute to CKD development.
Demerelate: calculating interindividual relatedness for kinship analysis based on codominant diploid genetic markers using R
Authors: Kraemer Philipp , Gerlach Gabriele
Published: March 2017

The Demerelate package offers algorithms to calculate different interindividual relatedness measurements. Three different allele sharing indices, five pairwise weighted estimates of relatedness and four pairwise weighted estimates with sample size correction are implemented to analyse kinship structures within populations. Statistics are based on randomization tests; modelling relatedness coefficients by logistic regression, modelling relatedness with geographic distance by mantel correlation and comparing mean relatedness between populations using pairwise t‐tests. Demerelate provides an advance on previous software packages by including some estimators not available in R to date, along with FIS, as well as combining analysis of relatedness and spatial structuring. An UPGMA tree visualizes genetic relatedness among individuals. Additionally, Demerelate summarizes information on data sets (allele vs. genotype frequencies; heterozygosity; FIS values). Demerelate is – to our knowledge – the first R package implementing basic allele sharing indices such as Blouin's Mxy relatedness, the estimator of Wang corrected for sample size (wangxy), estimators based on Morans I adapted to genetic relatedness as well as combining all estimators with geographic information. The R environment enables users to better understand relatedness within populations due to the flexibility of Demerelate of accepting different data sets as empirical data, reference data, geographical data and by providing intermediate results. Each statistic and tool can be used separately, which helps to understand the suitability of the data for relatedness analysis, and can be easily implemented in custom pipelines.
Relevance of clinical and autoantibody profiles in systemic sclerosis among Thais
Authors: Foocharoen Chingching , Watcharenwong Piyakarn , Netwijitpan Sittichai , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Nanagara Ratanvadee
Published: March 2017

Objective

Autoantibody profiles in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and their relative clinical association vary between studies. The rate for being anti‐topoisomerase‐I (ATA) positive and the association with diffuse cutaneous the SSc subset (dcSSc) is higher among Thais than among Caucasians. The objective was to evaluate the relevance of clinical presentation, namely being positive for one or more autoantibodies among Thai SSc patients.

Method

A retrospective, cohort study was performed among SSc patients over 18 years of age at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, during January 2006 to December 2013. Autoantibodies comprising 13 SSc‐specific antigens were evaluated using the EUROIMMUN AG (Lübeck, Germany) in order to define their clinical association(s).

Results

Two hundred and eighty‐five scleroderma patients (200 female; 85 male) were included. The majority (66.7%) were dcSSc subset. ATA was the most common antibody profile in our patients (231 cases; 81.1%), followed by anti‐Ro 52 (87 cases; 30.5%). Eleven of our patients (3.9%) were negative for all antibody profiles and 44 cases (15.4%) were negative for ATA and anti‐centromere antibody (anti‐CENP). Almost 40% (112 cases) were positive for at least two autoantibodies. There was an association between the presence of ATA and hand deformity (odds ratio [OR] 3.94; 95% CI 1.12–13.84), anti‐CENP and hand deformity (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.02–0.90), anti‐Ku and scleroderma‐polymyositis overlap syndrome (OR 6.58; 95% CI 2.16–19.39) and the absence of both ATA and anti‐CENP with female sex (OR 2.90; 95% CI 1.12–7.51), limited cutaneous SSc subset (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.30–5.55) and scleroderma‐polymyositis overlap syndrome (OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.04–6.16). Neither ATA nor anti‐CENP were associated with the SSc subset.

Conclusions

ATA and anti‐CENP were not helpful in differentiating the SSc subset in Thai SSc patients, albeit they were good for predicting hand function. Coexisting ATA and anti‐CENP negativity were associated with less extensive skin tightness and SSc overlap syndrome.
FLightR: an r package for reconstructing animal paths from solar geolocation loggers
Authors: Rakhimberdiev Eldar , Saveliev Anatoly , Piersma Theunis , Karagicheva Julia
Published: March 2017

Solar geolocators are relatively cheap and simple tools which are widely used to study the migration of animals, especially birds. The methods to estimate the geographic positions from the light‐intensity patterns collected by these loggers, however, are still under development.

The accurate reconstruction of the annual schedules and movement patterns of individual animals requires analytical methods which provide estimates of daily locations, distances between the locations and the directions of movement, with measures of their uncertainty.

The new r package FLightR meets all these requirements. It enables refined and statistically validated estimations of movement patterns of birds. Here, we present main features of this advanced package.
Current barriers and potential strategies to increase the use of long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies in Australia: An expert roundtable discussion
Authors: Mazza Danielle , Bateson Deborah , Frearson Meredith , Goldstone Philip , Kovacs Gab , Baber Rod
Published: March 2017

Background

Australia's abortion rates are among the highest in the developed world. Efficacy of the most commonly used form of contraception (oral contraceptives and condoms) relies on regular user compliance. Long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) virtually eradicates contraceptive failure as it is not user‐dependent; however, its uptake has been low.

Aim

To provide an overview of barriers to LARC use in Australia and potential strategies to overcome these barriers.

Method

A roundtable of Australian experts was convened to share clinical perspectives and to explore the barriers and potential strategies to increase LARC use.

Results

Three broad barriers to LARC uptake were identified. (i) A paucity of Australian research exists that impedes closure of evidence gaps regarding contraceptive prescription and use. Systematic data collection is required. (ii) Within primary care, lack of familiarity with LARC and misperceptions about its use, lack of access to general practitioners (GPs) trained in LARC insertion/removal and affordability impede LARC uptake. Potential strategies to encourage LARC use include, GP education to promote informed choice by women, training in LARC insertions/removals, effective funding models for nurses to perform LARC insertions/removals, and rapid referral pathways. (iii) At the health system level, primary care incentives to provide LARC to women and health economic analyses to inform government policy changes are required.

Conclusions

Although LARC decreases unintended pregnancies by eliminating user compliance issues, its uptake is low in Australia. Strategies that promote LARC uptake by targeting specific barriers may effectively reduce Australia's high unintended pregnancy rate.
Molecular changes and signaling events occurring in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation
Authors: Gervasi M. G. , Visconti P. E.
Published: March 2017

After leaving the testis, spermatozoa have not yet acquired the ability to move progressively and are unable to fertilize oocytes. To become fertilization competent, they must go through an epididymal maturation process in the male, and capacitation in the female tract. Epididymal maturation can be defined as those changes occurring to spermatozoa in the epididymis that render the spermatozoa the ability to capacitate in the female tract. As part of this process, sperm cells undergo a series of biochemical and physiological changes that require incorporation of new molecules derived from the epididymal epithelium, as well as post‐translational modifications of endogenous proteins synthesized during spermiogenesis in the testis. This review will focus on epididymal maturation events, with emphasis in recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this process.
Elevated seminal plasma myeloperoxidase is associated with a decreased sperm concentration in young men
Authors: Pullar J. M. , Carr A. C. , Bozonet S. M. , Rosengrave P. , Kettle A. J. , Vissers M. C. M.
Published: March 2017

Myeloperoxidase is a major neutrophil protein which generates oxidants that are highly reactive, and if present in seminal fluid, could be potentially damaging to spermatozoa. We recruited young males aged 18–35 years, unscreened for fertility status, for a pilot study measuring seminal plasma myeloperoxidase. On three occasions, over a 3‐month period, we measured parameters of semen quality and correlated these with seminal myeloperoxidase protein and activity. After baseline measurement, participants were supplemented daily with 250 mg of vitamin C, a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species with antiinflammatory activities. Seminal plasma from eight of the 12 participants had measurable concentrations of myeloperoxidase protein, across a broad range (15–250 ng/mL). Median myeloperoxidase protein concentrations were ~45‐fold higher in semen samples with low vs. high sperm concentrations. Seminal plasma myeloperoxidase protein concentration was inversely correlated with the percentage of rapidly motile spermatozoa assessed by computer‐assisted sperm analysis, and the total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate, but positively correlated with sperm maturity, measured by DNA staining ability. We measured an inverse correlation between semen vitamin C concentration and seminal plasma myeloperoxidase protein concentration, although vitamin C supplementation had no effect on semen quality. Our pilot data suggest that high concentrations of myeloperoxidase were present in the seminal plasma of many of our young participants, and that this may be associated with decreases in semen quality. A larger study is required to confirm these findings.
Changes in periprostatic adipose tissue induced by 5α‐reductase inhibitors
Authors: Taussky D. , Barkati M. , Campeau S. , Zerouali K. , Nadiri A. , Saad F. , Delouya G.
Published: March 2017

There is increasing interest in periprostatic fat and its influence on prostate cancer aggressiveness. In vitro data suggest that adipose stromal/stem cells (ASCs) can increase production of cytokines and growth factors resulting in invasive growth and metastasis in prostate cancer. The objective of the study was to determine the interaction between 5α‐reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) and periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) and factors of prostate cancer aggressiveness. In this retrospective study, we identified 61 patients treated with 5ARIs for a period of ≥12 months before undergoing radiation therapy (brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy). The control group consisted of 117 patients without any exposure to 5ARIs. Prior to being treated, all patients underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT). To measure PPAT, we defined the fat pad anteriorly to the prostate, as well as the intra‐abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous tissue (SAT) at the level of L4/L5. All contours were performed manually. These adipose tissue measurements were correlated with the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score using Pearson correlation coefficient. Differences in fat contents were evaluated using Student's t‐test. Median time on 5ARIs for the 61 patients was 12 months (range 12–96). Patient on 5ARIs had a significantly (p < 0.001) smaller PPAT (0.4, SD 0.5) than patients without a 5ARI (0.6 cc, SD 0.4). There was no significant correlation between the CAPRA score and fat measurements when adjusted for 5ARI use (p = 0.18). In non‐5ARI users, BMI was not correlated with PPAT but was correlated with SAT and VAT volume and its density. There were no significant differences in diabetics (p = 0.3), metformin users (p = 0.4) or statin users (p = 0.09) between both groups. 5ARIs taken for at least 12 months induce changes in PPAT volume. Whether these changes or the extent of changes will have an influence on outcome remains unknown.
Effect of icariin in combination with daily sildenafil on penile atrophy and erectile dysfunction in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerves injury
Authors: Xu Y. , Xin H. , Wu Y. , Guan R. , Lei H. , Fu X. , Xin Z. , Yang Y.
Published: March 2017

The commonly utilized phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors do not lead to satisfactory penile erection after radical prostatectomy mainly because of insufficient nitric oxide drive from the damaged cavernous nerves. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of icariin in combination with daily sildenafil on neurogenic erectile dysfunction and penile atrophy in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerves injury. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats injected with 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine (50 mg/kg) at postnatal day 1 for the purpose of tracking endogenous stem cells in penis. Forty‐eight rats of bilateral cavernous nerves injury were randomized equally into gavage feeding of vehicle, sildenafil (10 mg/kg), icariin (1.5 mg/kg) and sildenafil + icariin, respectively. Twelve sham‐operated rats served as control. The intracavernous pressure and mean arterial pressure was measured and mid‐penile cross sections were histologically examined 5 weeks after surgery. Western blotting of cavernous tissue protein was also performed. Animals treated with sildenafil + icariin had significantly higher mean intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio relative to other rats with bilateral cavernous nerves injury (p < 0.05). The circumference and mean cross‐sectional area of the paired corpus cavernosum were effectively preserved in the sildenafil + icariin. Treatment with sildenafil + icariin significantly increased the cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentration compared with the icariin group (p < 0.05). In addition, the numbers of neuronal nitric oxide synthase‐positive nerves and 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine‐positive cells co‐expressing S100 in the icariin‐treated groups were greater compared with the bilateral cavernous nerves injury control group (p < 0.05). These data suggest that the combined use of icariin and daily sildenafil holds promise as a potential therapy for neurogenic erectile dysfunction in the future. The underlying mechanisms appears to involve two aspects: (i) icariin promotes differentiation of endogenous stem cells to Schwann cells, which help to repair the damaged neural pathway for erection; (ii) on this basis, sildenafil can further improve penile engorgement through the cyclic guanosine monophosphate‐dependent smooth muscle relaxation.
Calcium‐dependent Nedd4‐2 upregulation mediates degradation of the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5: implications for heart failure
Authors: Luo L. , Ning F. , Du Y. , Song B. , Yang D. , Salvage S. C. , Wang Y. , Fraser J. A. , Zhang S. , Ma A. , Wang T.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Reductions in voltage‐gated sodium channel (Nav1.5) function/expression provide a slowed‐conduction substrate for cardiac arrhythmias. Nedd4‐2, which is activated by calcium, post‐translationally modulates Nav1.5. We aim to investigate whether elevated intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) reduces Nav1.5 through Nedd4‐2 and its role in heart failure (HF).

Methods

Using a combination of biochemical, electrophysiological, cellular and in vivo methods, we tested the effect and mechanism of calcium on Nedd4‐2 and in turn Nav1.5.

Results

Increased [Ca2+]i, following 24‐h ionomycin treatment, decreased sodium current (INa) density and Nav1.5 protein without altering its mRNA in both neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and HEK 293 cells stably expressing Nav1.5. The calcium chelator BAPTA‐AM restored the reduced Nav1.5 and INa in NRCMs pre‐treated by ionomycin. Nav1.5 was decreased by Nedd4‐2 transfection and further decreased by 6‐h ionomycin treatment. These effects were not observed in cells transfected with the catalytically inactive mutant, Nedd4‐2 C801S, or with Y1977A‐Nav1.5 mutant containing the impaired Nedd4‐2 binding motif. Furthermore, elevated [Ca2+]i increased Nedd4‐2, the interaction between Nedd4‐2 and Nav1.5, and Nav1.5 ubiquitination. Nav1.5 protein is decreased, whereas Nedd4‐2 is increased in volume‐overload HF rat hearts, with increased co‐localization of Nav1.5 with ubiquitin or Nedd4‐2 as indicated by immunofluorescence staining. BAPTA‐AM rescued the reduced Nav1.5 protein, INa and increased Nedd4‐2 in hypertrophied NRCMs induced by isoproterenol or angiotensin II.

Conclusion

Calcium‐mediated increases in Nedd4‐2 downregulate Nav1.5 by ubiquitination. Nav1.5 is downregulated and co‐localizes with Nedd4‐2 and ubiquitin in failing rat heart. These data suggest a role of Nedd4‐2 in Nav1.5 downregulation in HF.
Overlapping but distinct TDP‐43 and tau pathologic patterns in aged hippocampi
Authors: Smith Vanessa D. , Bachstetter Adam D. , Ighodaro Eseosa , Roberts Kelly , Abner Erin L. , Fardo David W. , Nelson Peter T.
Published: March 2017

Intracellular proteinaceous aggregates (inclusion bodies) are almost always detectable at autopsy in brains of elderly individuals. Inclusion bodies composed of TDP‐43 and tau proteins often coexist in the same brain, and each of these pathologic biomarkers is associated independently with cognitive impairment. However, uncertainties remain about how the presence and neuroanatomical distribution of inclusion bodies correlate with underlying diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed data from the University of Kentucky AD Center autopsy series (n = 247); none of the brains had frontotemporal lobar degeneration. A specific question for this study was whether neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) pathology outside of the Braak NFT staging scheme is characteristic of brains with TDP‐43 pathology but lacking AD, that is those with cerebral age‐related TDP‐43 with sclerosis (CARTS). We also tested whether TDP‐43 pathology is associated with comorbid AD pathology, and whether argyrophilic grains are relatively likely to be present in cases with, vs. without, TDP‐43 pathology. Consistent with prior studies, hippocampal TDP‐43 pathology was associated with advanced AD – Braak NFT stages V/VI. However, argyrophilic grain pathology was not more common in cases with TDP‐43 pathology in this data set. In brains with CARTS (TDP‐43[+]/AD[−] cases), there were more NFTs in dentate granule neurons than were seen in TDP‐43[−]/AD[−] cases. These dentate granule cell NFTs could provide a proxy indicator of CARTS pathology in cases lacking substantial AD pathology. Immunofluorescent experiments in a subsample of cases found that, in both advanced AD and CARTS, approximately 1% of dentate granule neurons were PHF‐1 immunopositive, whereas ∼25% of TDP‐43 positive cells showed colocalized PHF‐1 immunoreactivity. We conclude that NFTs in hippocampal dentate granule neurons are often present in CARTS, and TDP‐43 pathology may be secondary to or occurring in parallel with tauopathy.
“Watchful observation” follow‐up scheme after endoscopic CO2 laser treatment for small glottic carcinomas: A retrospective study of 93 cases
Authors: Gallet P. , Rumeau C. , Nguyen D.T. , Teixeira P.A. , Baumann C. , Toussaint B.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Evaluate the clinical outcome of patients treated with CO2 laser surgery for early‐stage glottic carcinomas followed up with 3‐month laryngoscopy regardless of tumor grade and margins.

Design

Case series.

Setting

Retrospective review of the clinical records of patients treated at the ENT department of a tertiary university hospital.

Participants and method

Clinical records from patients with early‐stage glottic carcinomas (Tis/T2) treated with curative intent by CO2 laser surgery in a ten‐year period were evaluated. Regardless of tumor margin status, patients underwent fiber endoscopy 6 weeks after surgery and a systematic second look by direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia at 3 months.

Main outcome measures

Local control, laryngeal preservation rate.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were included. Disease control was obtained in 90/93 cases. Laryngeal preservation rate was 96.8%. Twenty patients had a local residual disease or recurrence after the first laser surgery, but 17 were salvaged (85%). Local residual disease and recurrence were more frequent in patients with advanced disease (T1b/T2), invasion of anterior commissure and “non‐safe” margins.

Conclusion

The proposed follow‐up scheme might be a valuable option, but with caution for positive or unevaluable margins as the latter is an independent risk factor for local recurrence. An early laser excision procedure (eg, within the first two months after surgery) or an alternative strategy may be discussed in this situation. “Watchful observation” should be reserved for compliant patients only so that the risk of missing potential recurrences is minimised.
Cytological features of lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Sato A. , Kawasaki T. , Abo‐Yashima A. , Yoshida T. , Kobayashi S. , Kashiwaba M. , Sugai T. , Ichihara S.
Published: March 2017

Lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma is fairly uncommon in the breast and cytopathological differential diagnosis of mammary cancers with medullary features requires recognising lymphoepithelial clusters and a fine nuclear chromatin pattern. Tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) should be taken into account not only in histological but also cytological specimens because intratumoural and stromal TILs have value both prognostically and as predictive indicators for responses to chemotherapy.
Innovation and upheaval: early growth in Greek capital market listings and IPOs from 1880 to the Second World War in the Athens Stock Exchange†
Authors: Thomadakis Stavros , Gounopoulos Dimitrios , Nounis Christos , Riginos Michalis
Published: March 2017

The establishment and growth of the Greek stock market were coincident with development episodes, financial upheavals, and geographic expansions of the country's economy over the period 1880–1940. This article explores the growth of the Athens Stock Exchange through new listings and initial public offerings (IPOs) in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. We examine changes in exchange governance and listing requirements. On a theme not addressed before, we find that simple listings were far more numerous than actual IPOs. IPOs in Greece remained unregulated throughout the period. Their under‐pricing became pronounced in the later parts of the period, especially the 1920s. The study presents data on ‘quasi‐IPOs’ (that is, capital increases shortly after listing) and shows that they offer a more accurate assessment of the demand for the financing of listing firms in an emerging market. Robust evidence is presented to show that as the Exchange developed it also underwent a change in character, becoming more oriented to the domestic market and catering to smaller firms in domestic manufacturing in the post‐First World War era that marked the end of early globalization.
Extreme Returns in the European financial crisis
Authors: Chouliaras Andreas , Grammatikos Theoharry
Published: March 2017

We examine the transmission of financial shocks among the euro‐periphery (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain), the euro‐core (Germany, France, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium), and the major European Union (but not euro) countries (Sweden, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark). Using extreme returns on daily stock market data from 2004 until 2013, we find transmission effects for the tails of the returns distributions for the pre‐crisis, US crisis and euro crisis periods from the euro‐periphery to the non‐euro and euro‐core groups. During the crises, the shocks transmitted were more substantial, indicating significantly higher losses on extreme return days.
SIRT6 reduces macrophage foam cell formation by inducing autophagy and cholesterol efflux under ox‐LDL condition
Authors: He Jiangping , Zhang Guangya , Pang Qi , Yu Cong , Xiong Jie , Zhu Jing , Chen Fengling
Published: March 2017

SIRT6 is a pivotal regulator of lipid metabolism. It is also closely connected to cardiovascular diseases, which are the main cause of death in diabetic patients. We observed a decrease in the expression of SIRT6 and key autophagy effectors (ATG5, LC3B, and LAMP1) in ox‐LDL‐induced foam cells, a special form of lipid‐laden macrophages. In these cells, SIRT6 WT but not SIRT6 H133Y overexpression markedly reduced foam cell formation, as shown by Oil Red O staining, while inducing autophagy flux, as determined by both mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 labeling and transmission electron microscopy. Silencing the key autophagy initiation gene ATG5, reversed the autophagy‐promoting effect of SIRT6 in ox‐LDL‐treated THP1 cells, as evidenced by an increase in foam cells. Cholesterol efflux assays indicated that SIRT6 overexpression in foam cells promoted cholesterol efflux, increased the levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1, and reduced miR‐33 levels. By transfecting miR‐33 into cells overexpressing SIRT6, we observed that reduced foam cell formation and autophagy flux induction were largely reversed. These data imply that SIRT6 plays an essential role in protecting against atherosclerosis by reducing foam cell formation through an autophagy‐dependent pathway.
Liberalization by inertia: The politics of land reform under Zambia's movement for multiparty democracy, 1991–2011
Authors: Taylor Scott D.
Published: March 2017

Zambian land is governed under hybrid system that includes statutory and customary tenure, and the administration of the sector has long been regarded as inadequate by a host of international and domestic stakeholders, both neoliberals and pro‐poor advocates alike. Consequently, major land reform has been on the agenda for 2 decades, particularly during the rule of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) from 1991–2011, yet scant progress was made. The status quo appeared untenable, inasmuch as it left all sides unsatisfied: It was inconsistent with the country's generally neoliberal, investor‐friendly focus; it denied rural smallholders' access to collateral through title, and it simultaneously left rural voters potentially at the mercy of unscrupulous chiefs and savvy domestic and international land investors and speculators. The government largely failed to advance land reform despite years of rhetoric to the contrary. This paper identifies 3 principal reasons for this inertia: first, the system prevented opportunities for rent extraction by unscrupulous chiefs and their counterparts in the local and national land bodies and their international beneficiaries. Second, demand for land reform among the rural poor was diffuse and weakly articulated, meaning advocacy scanty. And third, although perhaps not as incendiary as countries such as Zimbabwe or Kenya, land reform was and remains politically sensitive. As Zambian politics grew increasingly competitive, the MMD could not afford to alienate any constituency. Siding with “investors” would needlessly alienate chiefs and the main users of customary lands, the rural poor, whereas the reverse would jeopardize investment imperatives, particularly in the land‐hungry mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Thus, Zambia under the MMD can be seen as caught between a model of “traditional,” customary tenure, and a “modern” property rights regime: Various proposals for reforms could not mutually satisfy address poverty alleviation needs and market demand for land. The best solution politically, therefore, was inertia. Yet the result of policy inertia over time is de facto land “reform” by other means, namely, the gradual alienation of the poor from lands to which they previously enjoyed access, in favor of the investor class.
Observed parent–child feeding dynamics in relation to child body mass index and adiposity
Authors: Johnson C. M. , Henderson M. S. , Tripicchio G. , Rozin P. , Heo M. , Pietrobelli A. , Berkowitz R. I. , Keller K. L. , Faith M. S.
Published: March 2017

Background

Restrictive feeding is associated with child overweight; however, the majority of studies used parent‐report questionnaires.

Objectives

The relationship between child adiposity measures and directly observed parent and child behaviours were tested using a novel behavioural coding system (BCS).

Methods

Data from 109 children, participants in a twin study and their mothers, were analyzed. Parent–child dyads were video‐recorded twice in the laboratory, while children ate ad libitum from a buffet lunch. Mother and child behaviours were assessed using the BCS. Height, body weight and body fat were directly measured for each child. Associations between child adiposity measures and average BCS behaviour (i.e. pooled across visits) were tested using partial correlations adjusting for child age.

Results

Regarding discouragement prompts, child body mass index (BMI) z‐score was significantly associated with a greater rate of total discouragements (per minute, min−1), nonverbal discouragements (min−1) and temporary (delay) discouragements (min−1) (p < 0.05). Child percent body fat was associated with greater nonverbal discouragements (min−1). Regarding encouragement prompts, child BMI z‐score was significantly associated with a greater rate of total encouragements (min−1), nonverbal encouragements (min−1) and reward encouragements (min−1). Child BMI z‐score and percent body fat were both positively associated with greater maternal health encouragements (min−1). Associations with encouragement to eat prompts were no longer significant when accounting for the dependence among twins (being part of the same family).

Conclusions

Heavier children received greater maternal discouragements to eat and, with qualifications, encouragements to eat. The role of nonverbal parenting cues warrants further research regarding child eating regulation and obesity.
Trends in diabetic retinopathy and related medical practices among type 2 diabetes patients: Results from the National Insurance Service Survey 2006–2013
Authors: Song Su Jeong , Han Kyungdo , Choi Kyung Seek , Ko Seung‐Hyun , Rhee Eun‐jung , Park Cheol‐Young , Park Joong‐Yeol , Lee Ki‐Up , Ko Kyung‐Soo ,   the Task Force Team for Diabetes Fact Sheet of the Korean Diabetes Association
Published: March 2017

Aims/Introduction

The present study aimed to analyze the temporal changes in the prevalence, screening rate, visual impairments and treatment patterns of diabetic retinopathy in the Korean population over 8 years.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective population‐based study of Korean national health insurance beneficiaries aged 30 years or older with type 2 diabetes, obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Claims database from 2006 to 2013 (n = 1,655,495 in 2006 and 2,720,777 in 2013). The annual prevalence rates of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, dilated fundus examinations, visual impairment, laser treatment and vitrectomy, as determined based on diagnostic and treatment codes, were analyzed.

Results

There was a steady increase in the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, from 14.3% in 2006 to 15.9% in 2013. However, the incidence of new diabetic retinopathy cases decreased from 6.7/100 person‐years in 2006 to 5.6 in 2013. Approximately 98% of patients underwent at least one dilated fundus examination during the follow‐up period. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy peaked in the 60–69 years age group. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was higher in female than in male diabetes patients. The proportion of patients who underwent an annual dilated fundus examination improved from 24.3% in 2006 to 30.0% in 2013. Among patients with diabetic retinopathy, constant decreases in the proportions of those who received laser treatment (11.4% in 2006 to 6.9% in 2013) and who underwent vitrectomy (2.4% in 2006 to 1.7% in 2013) were noted. Additionally, a decreasing trend in the prevalence of visual impairment was noted among the patients with diabetic retinopathy, from 2% (4,820/237,267) in 2006 to 0.08% (3,572/431,964) in 2013.

Conclusions

Although there was a rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes in the Korean population in the past decade, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy remained stable during the study period. However, just three out of 10 patients with diabetes underwent regular annual dilated fundus examinations. Thus, an improvement in the continuity of diabetic retinopathy screening among patients with diabetes is necessary to reduce the risk of visual impairment as a result of diabetic retinopathy.