bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of extrusion of corn and broken rice on energy content and growth performance of weaning pigs
Authors: Liu Hua , Wan Haifeng , Xu Shengyu , Fang Zhengfeng , Lin Yan , Che Lianqiang , Li Jian , Li Yong , Su Xiang , Wu De
Published: March 2016

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of extrusion on the energy content of corn and broken rice and on growth performance of weaning pigs. In experiment 1, 24 barrows (28 days old, 7.28 ± 0.90 kg body weight (BW)) were used to compare the effects of extrusion of corn and broken rice on the values of digestible energy (DE) in weaned pigs. The DE content in extruded corn (17.45 MJ/kg dry matter (DM)) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) by 5.54% compared with that in corn (16.48 MJ/kg DM), while no significant difference in DE content was observed between extruded broken rice (17.66 MJ/kg DM) and broken rice (17.76 MJ/kg DM). In experiment 2, 120 weanling pigs (21 days old, 5.76 ± 0.07 kg BW) were used to evaluate the influence of substitution corn and extruded corn by different proportions of raw and extruded broken rice on growth performance of pigs. The inclusion of broken rice in the diets improved (P < 0.05) growth performance of pigs during the first week and the 2 weeks post‐weaning but not thereafter. However, there was no significant difference in growth performance between treatments in other periods. Overall, this study indicates that feeding weaning pigs with broken rice has beneficial results.
The placebo response of injectable GLP‐1 receptor agonists vs. oral DPP‐4 inhibitors and SGLT‐2 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Wit Helena M. , te Groen Maarten , Rovers Maroeska M. , Tack Cees J.
Published: March 2016

Aims

The size of the placebo response in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) treatment and its relation to the route of drug administration have not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to determine weight loss, change in HbA1c and incidence of adverse events after treatment with injectable placebo GLP‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1ra), compared with oral placebo DPP‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i) and placebo SGLT‐2 inhibitor (SGLT‐2i).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and Central were searched up to September 2014 for randomized placebo controlled trials investigating GLP‐1ra, DPP‐4i or SGLT2‐i. Data on placebo groups were extracted and pooled using a generic inverse variance random effects model.

Results

Sixty‐seven trials were included, involving 2522, 5290 and 2028 patients randomized to placebo GLP‐1ra, placebo DPP‐4i and placebo SGLT‐2i, respectively. Body weight decreased by −0.67 kg (95% CI −1.03, −0.31) after treatment with placebo GLP‐1ra (−0.76 kg [95% CI −1.10, −0.43] with placebo short acting GLP‐1ra and −0.32 kg [95% CI −1.75, 1.10] with placebo long acting GLP‐1ra) and by −0.31 kg (95% CI −0.64, 0.01) with placebo DPP‐4i (P = 0.06 for difference with placebo short acting GLP‐1ra). Placebo SGLT‐2i resulted in an intermediate −0.48 kg (95% CI −0.81, −0.15) weight loss. Weight loss with placebo showed a strong correlation with the active comparator drug (r2 = 0.40–0.78). HbA1c changed little with placebo treatment (−0.23%, 0.10% and −0.13% for placebo GLP‐1ra, DPP‐4i and SGLT‐2i). Adverse events occurred frequently with placebo, were often similar to the active comparator drug and led to drop‐out in 2.0–2.7% of cases.

Conclusions

The response to placebo treatment was related to its active comparator, with injectable placebo GLP‐1ra showing a relevant response on weight, whereas oral placebo DPP4i showed no significant response. These findings may suggest that subjective expectations influence T2DM treatment efficacy, which can possibly be employed therapeutically.
Impact of tumour size on prognosis of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma after radical nephroureterectomy: a multi‐institutional analysis of 795 cases
Authors: Shibing Yan , Liangren Liu , Qiang Wei , Hong Liao , Turun Song , Junhao Lei , Lu Yang , Zhengyong Yuan , Yonghao Jiang , Guangqing Fu , Yunxiang Li , Dehong Cao
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic impact of tumour size on survival outcomes in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Patients and Methods

Data on 795 patients treated with RNU for UTUC from seven centres were retrospectively analysed with focus on tumour size. Clinicopathological features and relevant prognostic factors were compared between patients with tumours ≤3.0 cm and those with tumours >3.0 cm in size. The primary endpoints were cancer‐specific survival (CSS), disease recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

At a median follow‐up of 32 months, 313 (39.4%) patients died from UTUC, 321 (40.4%) developed cancer recurrence, and 359 (45.1%) died from all causes. Tumour size >3.0 cm was associated with unfavourable clinicopathlogical features. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that tumour size was significantly correlated with worse CSS, RFS and OS (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that tumour size was an independent predictor of CSS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.296; P < 0.001), RFS (HR 2.193; P < 0.001) and OS (HR 2.417; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Tumour size >3.0 cm was a significant predictor of CSS, RFS and OS after RNU for patients with UTUC. Further studies are warranted before tumour size is included in risk prediction tools.
IMPORTANCE OF DEMOGRAPHICS FOR HOUSING IN THE OECD ECONOMIES
Authors: Arestis Philip , Gonzalez‐Martinez Ana Rosa
Published: March 2016

The aim of this contribution is to study the role of demographics in the explanation of house prices in the last few decades. Special attention is paid to the role, which has been played by three groups of population that have different necessities in terms of the amount of housing services that they wish to consume: (a) population aged between 25 and 44 years old; (b) population aged between 45 and 64 years old; and (c) retirees. Following our discussion of recent trends in demographics and relevant stylized facts, the construction of a theoretical framework ensues; finally we provide empirical evidence in the case of 17 OECD economies over the period 1970–2013, discuss it in relation to our theoretical framework before we summarize and conclude.
Choosing foods for infants: a qualitative study of the factors that influence mothers
Authors: Boak R. , Virgo‐Milton M. , Hoare A. , de Silva A. , Gibbs L. , Gold L. , Gussy M. , Calache H. , Smith M. , Waters E.
Published: March 2016

Background

Examining the experiences of parents making food choices for infants is important because ultimately this influences what infants eat. Infancy is a critical period when food preferences and eating behaviour begin to develop, shaping dietary patterns, growth and health outcomes. There is limited evidence regarding what or why foods are chosen for infants.

Objective

To describe the experiences of mothers making food choices for their infant children.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 32 Australian mothers of infants aged four to 15 months from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. An inductive thematic analysis through a process of constant comparison was conducted on transcribed interviews.

Results

Mothers described many ideas and circumstances which influenced food choices they made for infants. Themes were developed which encapsulate how the wider environment and individual circumstances combine to result in the food choices made for infants. Beliefs, values, norms and knowledge were a central influence on choices. Cost, quality and availabilities of various foods were also key factors. Related to this, and combined with inherent factors such as perishability and infant acceptability, fresh fruits and vegetables were often singled out as an easy or difficult choice. Influences of time, parents' capacities, social connections and different information sources were clearly apparent. Finally infants' own preferences and how parents helped infants with learning to eat were also key influences on food choices.

Conclusions

Choosing foods for infants is a complex social practice. An ecological framework depicting the multiple influences on what people eat and sociological theory on food choice regarding the role of ‘social structure’ and ‘human agency’ are both applicable to the process of choosing foods for infants. Equity issues may be key regarding the degree to which mothers can choose particular foods for infants (e.g. choosing foods which promote health).
The Praise Paradox: When and Why Praise Backfires in Children With Low Self‐Esteem
Authors: Brummelman Eddie , Crocker Jennifer , Bushman Brad J.
Published: March 2016

In contemporary Western society, many adults use praise to boost children's self‐esteem. Accordingly, they might praise those who seem to need it the most: children with low self‐esteem. In this article, we review research showing that certain types of praise can backfire, especially in children with low self‐esteem. Adults are inclined to give children with low self‐esteem person praise (e.g., “You're smart!”) and inflated praise (e.g., “That's incredibly beautiful!”). Paradoxically, such praise can lower these children's motivation and feelings of self‐worth in the face of setbacks (e.g., when they struggle or fail). Lowered feelings of self‐worth, in turn, might invite more person praise and inflated praise from adults, creating a self‐sustaining downward spiral. We propose a transactional model to shed light on this apparent praise paradox, and we describe the model's implications for theory and research.
Antihypertensive Medications and the Survival Rate of Osseointegrated Dental Implants: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Xixi , Al‐Abedalla Khadijeh , Eimar Hazem , Arekunnath Madathil Sreenath , Abi‐Nader Samer , Daniel Nach G. , Nicolau Belinda , Tamimi Faleh
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Antihypertensive drugs in general are beneficial for bone formation and remodeling, and are associated with lower risk of bone fractures. As osseointegration is influenced by bone metabolism, this study aimed to investigate the association between antihypertensive drugs and the survival rate of osseointegrated implants.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included a total of 1,499 dental implants in 728 patients (327 implants in 142 antihypertensive‐drugs‐users and 1,172 in 586 nonusers). Multilevel mixed effects parametric survival analyses were used to test the association between antihypertensive drugs use and implant failure adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Only 0.6% of the implants failed in patients using antihypertensive drugs while 4.1% failed in nonusers. A higher survival rate of dental implants was observed among users of antihypertensive drugs [HR (95% CI): 0.12 (0.03–0.49)] compared to nonusers.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that treatment with antihypertensive drugs may be associated with an increased survival rate of osseointegrated implants. To our knowledge, this could be the first study showing that the systemic use of a medication could be associated with higher survival rate of dental implants.
The Role of Moral Beliefs, Memories, and Preferences in Representations of Identity
Authors: Heiphetz Larisa , Strohminger Nina , Young Liane L.
Published: March 2016

People perceive that if their memories and moral beliefs changed, they would change. We investigated why individuals respond this way. In Study 1, participants judged that identity would change more after changes to memories and widely shared moral beliefs (e.g., about murder) versus preferences and controversial moral beliefs (e.g., about abortion). The extent to which participants judged that changes would affect their relationships predicted identity change (Study 2) and mediated the relationship between type of moral belief and perceived identity change (Study 3). We discuss the role that social relationships play in judgments of identity and highlight implications for psychology and philosophy.
Characterization of muscle oxygenation response to vascular occlusion: implications for remote ischaemic preconditioning and physical Performance
Authors: Cunniffe B. , Sharma V. , Cardinale M. , Yellon D.
Published: March 2016

Remote ischaemic preconditioning is a non‐invasive intervention with potential to protect a number of organs against ischaemia–reperfusion injury and possibly improve athletic performance. Little mechanistic evidence exists to support either limb choice or cuff inflation pressure that is most effective. This preliminary study aimed to establish the dose–response effect of different occlusion pressures on skeletal muscle oxygenation and blood flow in healthy males (n = 6). In a randomized controlled crossover study, cuff inflation pressures (140,160 and 180 mmHg) were used to induce limb ischaemia (× 3 cycles of 5‐min) in upper (UL) and lower (LL) limbs on three separate occasions. Muscle oxygenation and blood flow properties of UL (flexor carpi ulnaris) and LL (vastus lateralis) were assessed using near infrared spectroscopy. Higher deoxyhaemoglobin (ΔHHb) values were consistently observed in UL (versus LL; P<0·05), no difference between pressures. Occlusion at 140 mm Hg failed to elicit decreases in tissue oxyhaemoglobin (ΔHbO2) from resting baseline (UL and LL), with significant HbO2 decreases only observed at 180 mmHg in LL (P<0·05). Increases in ΔHbO2 and muscle oxygenation index (Hbdiff) above baseline were observed with cuff deflation, lasting up to 15 min into recovery in LL irrespective of occlusion pressure (P<0·05). Muscle oxygenation properties are influenced by choice of limb occluded and findings show that tissue ischaemia can be induced at much lower absolute pressures than traditionally used in RIPC studies. Blood flow and muscle oxygenation may be enhanced for at least 15 min following the last occlusion.
Reproducibility of blood oxygen level‐dependent signal changes with end‐tidal carbon dioxide alterations
Authors: Dengel Donald R. , Evanoff Nicholas G. , Marlatt Kara L. , Geijer Justin R. , Mueller Bryon A. , Lim Kelvin O.
Published: March 2016

Hypercapnia has been utilized as a stimulus to elicit changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, in many instances it has been delivered in a non‐controlled method that is often difficult to reproduce. The purpose of this study was to examine the within‐ and between‐visit reproducibility of blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal changes to an iso‐oxic square wave alteration in end‐tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PetCO2). Two 3‐Tesla (3T) MRI scans were performed on the same visit, with two square wave alterations administered per scan. The protocol was repeated on a separate visit with minimum of 3 days between scanning sessions. PetCO2 was altered to stimulate changes in cerebral vascular reactivity (CVR), while PetO2 was held constant. Eleven subjects (six females; mean age 26·5 ± 5·7 years) completed the full testing protocol. Excellent within‐visit square wave reproducibility (ICC > 0·75) was observed. Similarly, square waves were reproducible between scanning sessions (ICC > 0·7). This study demonstrates BOLD signal changes in response to alterations in PetCO2 are reproducible both within‐ and between‐visit MRI scans.
Widening the spectrum of autoantibodies in pediatric brainstem encephalitis
Authors: Ramberger Melanie , Reindl Markus
Published: March 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Hacohen et al. on pages 836–841 of this issue.
Exenatide enhances cognitive performance and upregulates neurotrophic factor gene expression levels in diabetic mice
Authors: Gumuslu Esen , Mutlu Oguz , Celikyurt Ipek K , Ulak Guner , Akar Furuzan , Erden Faruk , Ertan Merve
Published: March 2016

Exenatide is a potent and selective agonist for the GLP‐1 (glucagon‐like peptide‐1) receptor. Recent studies are focused on the effects of GLP‐1 analogues on hippocampal neurogenesis, cognition, learning and memory functions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of chronic exenatide treatment (0.1 μg/kg, s.c, twice daily for 2 weeks) on spatial memory functions by using the modified elevated plus maze (mEPM) test and emotional memory functions by using the passive avoidance (PA) test in streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ‐NA)‐induced diabetic mice. As the genes involved in neurite remodelling are among the primary targets of regulation, the effects of diabetes and chronic administration of exenatide on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in the hippocampus of mice were also determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). This study revealed that in the mEPM and PA tests, type‐2 diabetes‐induced mice exhibited significant impairment of learning and memory which were ameliorated by GLP‐1 receptor agonist exenatide. Quantitative RT‐PCR revealed that CREB and BDNF gene expression levels were downregulated in diabetic mice, and these alterations were increased by exenatide treatment. Since, exenatide improves cognitive ability in STZ/NA‐induced diabetic mice and activates molecular mechanisms of memory storage in response to a learning experience, it may be a candidate for alleviation of mood and cognitive disorder.
Fatigue properties of conventionally manufactured and micro‐powder‐injection‐moulded 17‐4PH micro‐components
Authors: Slaby S. A. , Kraft O. , Eberl C.
Published: March 2016

Micro‐powder injection moulding (μPIM) is a promising mass manufacturing technique for the microsystem technology. Because typical applications – like sensors or actuators – need to withstand serious mechanical loadings, the investigations of the mechanical properties are of vital importance. Therefore, we implemented a small‐scale testing setup that enables tensile and tension–tension–fatigue testing of freestanding micro‐samples. This allowed for investigating tensile and fatigue properties of conventionally produced and μPIM 17‐4PH stainless‐steel thin membranes. The conventionally produced samples were machined from bulk material and showed properties and lifetimes comparable with the best bulk samples. The μPIM samples showed a weaker but more ductile behaviour, due to a ferritic phase and SiO2 inclusions. But their ultimate tensile strength of up to SU = 1021 ± 48 MPa and their relative fatigue strength of ≈46% SU (R = −1) are still comparable with average bulk values. This indicates the high potential of μPIM materials.
Temperature effects on fish production across a natural thermal gradient
Authors: O'Gorman Eoin J. , Ólafsson Ólafur P. , Demars Benoît O. L. , Friberg Nikolai , Guðbergsson Guðni , Hannesdóttir Elísabet R. , Jackson Michelle C. , Johansson Liselotte S. , McLaughlin Órla B. , Ólafsson Jón S. , Woodward Guy , Gíslason Gísli M.
Published: March 2016

Global warming is widely predicted to reduce the biomass production of top predators, or even result in species loss. Several exceptions to this expectation have been identified, however, and it is vital that we understand the underlying mechanisms if we are to improve our ability to predict future trends. Here, we used a natural warming experiment in Iceland and quantitative theoretical predictions to investigate the success of brown trout as top predators across a stream temperature gradient (4–25 °C). Brown trout are at the northern limit of their geographic distribution in this system, with ambient stream temperatures below their optimum for maximal growth, and above it in the warmest streams. A five‐month mark‐recapture study revealed that population abundance, biomass, growth rate, and production of trout all increased with stream temperature. We identified two mechanisms that contributed to these responses: (1) trout became more selective in their diet as stream temperature increased, feeding higher in the food web and increasing in trophic position; and (2) trophic transfer through the food web was more efficient in the warmer streams. We found little evidence to support a third potential mechanism: that external subsidies would play a more important role in the diet of trout with increasing stream temperature. Resource availability was also amplified through the trophic levels with warming, as predicted by metabolic theory in nutrient‐replete systems. These results highlight circumstances in which top predators can thrive in warmer environments and contribute to our knowledge of warming impacts on natural communities and ecosystem functioning.
Numerical Modelling of Braided River Morphodynamics: Review and Future Challenges
Authors: Williams Richard D. , Brasington James , Hicks D. Murray
Published: March 2016

Numerical morphological modelling of braided rivers is increasingly used to explore controls on river pattern and for applied environmental management. This article reviews and presents a taxonomy of braided river morphodynamic models and discusses the challenges facing model development and use, illustrating these challenges with a case example. The taxonomy is contextualised by an initial discussion of the physical mechanisms of braiding. The taxonomy differentiates between reach‐scale and catchment‐scale models. Reach‐scale models are usually physics‐based, which are further divided based upon the mathematical approach used to solve equations (analytical or numerical) and their dimensionality (1D, 2D or 3D). Cellular automata models are one type of numerical model that replace at least some physical processes with expedient rules. A 2D physics‐based approach encapsulates sufficient process complexity to provide behavioural predictions. Predictions from catchment‐scale landscape evolution models have potential for providing boundary conditions. Future progress in physics‐based modelling needs to address three challenges: (i) representation of flow and sediment transport; (ii) temporal and spatial scaling; and (iii) model calibration, sensitivity, uncertainty and validation. The key problem for addressing these is the dearth of laboratory or natural experiment datasets. To show that progress can be made by comparing reach‐scale predictions to high‐resolution observations, a case study of monitoring and modelling, conducted in the Rees River, New Zealand, is presented. Hydraulic predictions of cellular automata and shallow water equation (Delft3d) models are compared to observed inundation extent. The efficacy of high‐resolution, multi‐temporal morphological data for assessing 2D physics‐based morphodynamic model predictions is also demonstrated.
Penny wise, pound foolish: an assessment of Canadian Hemophilia/inherited bleeding disorder comprehensive care program services and resources
Authors: Page D. , Crymble S. , Lawday K. , Long M. , Stoffman J. , Waterhouse L. , Wilton P.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

A network of 25 haemophilia/inherited bleeding disorder comprehensive care centres was established in Canada in the 1970s and 1980s. In 2007, standards of care, focused on the structural and resource requirements necessary to effectively provide optimal care, were adopted.

Aim

Assess how human and physical resources affect centres' capacity to attain standards of care.

Methods

The Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS), with the support of the Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada (AHCDC), undertook the assessment. Health care providers were interviewed in person by lay CHS volunteers and staff. A comprehensive patient satisfaction survey was mailed to a representative cross‐section of patients/caregivers.

Results

The CHS observed that, despite competent and dedicated staff, many of the programmes are experiencing serious resource deficiencies. Twenty‐three of the 25 programmes lack resources in one or more of the following disciplines: haematology, nursing, physiotherapy, social work and clerical/data entry. In nine of the 25 programmes, no resources are allocated to certain core disciplines, notably physiotherapy and social work. Key standards of care, including regular health assessments and close monitoring of home infusion with factor concentrates, are not always respected. Nevertheless, a high level of satisfaction was observed among patients and their caregivers. The study also discovered that clotting factor concentrates constitute 90–95% of the total cost of care while all other aspects of care delivery represent only 5–10%.

Conclusions

Under‐funding of programmes and suboptimal monitoring of valuable clotting factor concentrate utilization and reporting are both ‘penny‐wise’ and ‘pound‐foolish’. A formal accreditation process is needed.
Lipopolysaccharide Structure and Biosynthesis in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Li Hong , Liao Tingting , Debowski Aleksandra W. , Tang Hong , Nilsson Hans‐Olof , Stubbs Keith A. , Marshall Barry J. , Benghezal Mohammed
Published: March 2016

This review covers the current knowledge and gaps in Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure and biosynthesis. H. pylori is a Gram‐negative bacterium which colonizes the luminal surface of the human gastric epithelium. Both a constitutive alteration of the lipid A preventing TLR4 elicitation and host mimicry of the Lewis antigen decorated O‐antigen of H. pylori LPS promote immune escape and chronic infection. To date, the complete structure of H. pylori LPS is not available, and the proposed model is a linear arrangement composed of the inner core defined as the hexa‐saccharide (Kdo‐LD‐Hep‐LD‐Hep‐DD‐Hep‐Gal‐Glc), the outer core composed of a conserved trisaccharide (‐GlcNAc‐Fuc‐DD‐Hep‐) linked to the third heptose of the inner core, the glucan, the heptan and a variable O‐antigen, generally consisting of a poly‐LacNAc decorated with Lewis antigens. Although the glycosyltransferases (GTs) responsible for the biosynthesis of the H. pylori O‐antigen chains have been identified and characterized, there are many gaps in regard to the biosynthesis of the core LPS. These limitations warrant additional mutagenesis and structural studies to obtain the complete LPS structure and corresponding biosynthetic pathway of this important gastric bacterium.
The Helicobacter heilmannii hofE and hofF Genes are Essential for Colonization of the Gastric Mucosa and Play a Role in IL‐1β‐Induced Gastric MUC13 Expression
Authors: Cheng Liu , Mirko Rossi , Sara Lindén , Medea Padra , Caroline Blaecher , Eva Bauwens , Myrthe Joosten , Bram Flahou , Wim Van den Broeck , Richard Ducatelle , Freddy Haesebrouck , Annemieke Smet
Published: March 2016

Background

Helicobacter heilmannii is a zoonotic bacterium associated with gastric disease in humans. We recently showed that H. heilmannii binds to human gastric mucins and epithelial cells and highlighted a potential role for the murine Muc13 mucin in gastric Helicobacter colonization. The aims of this study were to investigate the role of the H. heilmannii hof gene locus encoding HofH/F/E/G/C/D in adhesion to the gastric mucosa and induction of increased gastric Muc13 expression.

Methods

Bacterial hof gene and host gene expression experiments, Helicobacter binding assays and experimental infection studies in mice were performed. H. pylori and its ΔhofF mutant were included for comparison.

Results

Helicobacter heilmannii strains lacking HofE or HofF showed a clear decrease in binding to gastric mucins and epithelial cells as well as a lower gastric colonization level in the stomach of Balb/c mice at 4 and 9 weeks post‐infection compared to the H. heilmannii wildtype strain. Interestingly, H. heilmannii ΔhofE and ΔhofF and H. pylori ΔhofF did not induce an increased expression of MUC13 in human gastric epithelial cells and of Muc13 in the stomach of mice. Finally, we demonstrated that IL‐1β is induced in the stomach as a response to Helicobacter colonization which on its turn is involved in the expression of MUC13/Muc13 in the gastric epithelium.

Conclusion

These novel results in Helicobacter research identified H. heilmannii HofE and HofF as adhesins and suggest an important role of H. heilmannii HofE and HofF and H. pylori HofF in IL‐1β‐induced gastric MUC13/Muc13 expression.
Fecundity and sexual maturity of the coral Siderastrea siderea at high latitude along the Florida Reef Tract, USA
Authors: St. Gelais Adam T. , Chaves‐Fonnegra Andia , Brownlee Allison S. , Kosmynin Vladimir N. , Moulding Alison L. , Gilliam David S.
Published: March 2016

Siderastrea siderea is one of the most abundant corals at high latitude shallow sites along the Florida Reef Tract (25°–27°N). This species is able to tolerate wide seawater temperature fluctuations and sedimentation stress, but its reproductive status at high latitudes and under marginal environmental conditions is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reproductive potential of S. siderea along a latitudinal gradient (25°–27°N) and to determine if sexual maturity occurs in small (<12.0 cm) S. siderea colonies. Samples of coral tissue were collected in 2007, 2008, and 2009 at three sites along the latitudinal gradient and were processed for histological analysis. Oocyte size, volume, and abundance were used to calculate fecundity. Results showed that fecundity decreased with increasing latitude and that oocyte volume was the major contributing factor to this variation. Mature oocytes were observed in S. siderea colonies at sizes as small as 1.1 cm in diameter. The ability of S. siderea to reach fertility at high latitude areas suggests this species is able to reproduce under marginal environmental conditions; however, reduction in oocyte size could increase local retention of larvae. The presence of mature oocytes in small colonies suggests that stress can reduce somatic growth and shift sexual maturity to smaller colony sizes.
Geographical variation in reproductive biology is obscured by the species problem: a new record of brooding in Porites cylindrica, or misidentification?
Authors: Abecia Janine Erica D. , Guest James R. , Villanueva Ronald D.
Published: March 2016

Little is known about the reproductive biology of corals from the Philippines, despite this archipelago being at the center of coral reef biodiversity. Here, we report on the reproductive biology of a branching poritid species provisionally identified as Porites cf. cylindrica in the Bolinao‐Anda reef complex (BARC), northwestern Philippines. Histological examination and ex situ planulation observations reveal P.cf. cylindrica colonies to be gonochoric brooders that release actively swimming zooxanthellate larvae. Planulation appeared to occur throughout the year and there was significant lunar periodicity in planular release. The mean peak of release occurred from the 25th to 29th lunar day or just before the new moon, while peak in diel timing in planulation occurred during daytime between 08:00–11:00 h. Elsewhere in the Pacific, Porites cylindrica colonies are reported to broadcast spawn. If our species identification is correct, then this is the first report of brooding in P. cylindrica. Although there are no apparent morphological differences between the coral in this study and P. cylindrica reported from other sites, an alternative explanation for our findings is that our provisionally identified Porites cf. cylindrica is a different species. If so, our findings further highlight how difficulties with species identification in corals can influence our understanding of geographical variation in reproductive biology.
Incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism following surgical treatment of fractures below the hip: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan Lei , Qi Baochang , Yu Tiecheng , Wang Chengxue
Published: March 2016

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after surgical treatment of fractures, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Identifying the risk factors for VTE is important for preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of VTE. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the incidence of VTE and the risk factors influencing the development of VTE in patients who underwent surgery for fractures below the hip. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed (Chinese BioMedical Literature Service System, China) and CNKI (National Knowledge Infrastructure, China) databases were systematically searched to identify cohort or case–control studies that investigated the incidence and risk factors for VTE following surgical treatment of fractures below the hip. VTE risk ratios (RRs) were pooled by use of a fixed‐effect model or a random‐effect model, depending on the heterogeneity among the included studies. Heterogeneity between the studies was assessed by I2 statistics. Twenty‐three studies with a total of 191 294 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this meta‐analysis. Our results demonstrated that age (≥60 years) (RR = 1·85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·34, 2·55; P = 0·000), previous VTE(RR = 5·25, 95% CI: 2·77, 9·96; P = 0·000), heart failure (RR = 1·74, 95% CI: 1·34, 2·27; P = 0·000), current smoking status (RR = 1·23, 95% CI: 1·07, 1·41; P = 0·004), hypertension (RR = 1·62, 95% CI: 1·27, 2·06; P = 0·000), hyperlipidaemia (RR = 2·16, 95% CI: 1·79, 2·62; P = 0·000), diabetes mellitus (RR = 1·46, 95% CI: 1·27, 1·68; P = 0·000), obesity (RR = 1·58, 95% CI: 1·35,·1·85; P = 0·000), multiple fractures (RR = 2·14, 95% CI: 1·00, 4·60; P = 0·050), varicose veins (RR = 3·07, 95% CI: 1·12, 8·47; P = 0·030), prolonged operation time (weighted mean differences (WMD) = 1·22, 95% CI: 0·63, 1·81; P = 0·000) and prolonged bed rest time (WMD = 3·12, 95% CI: 2·96, 3·29; P = 0·000) were associated with an increased risk of developing VTE. The other variables, including age (<60 years), previous smoking, immobility, pregnancy, cancer, open fractures and combination with trauma were not identified as significant risk factors for VTE. Almost all the risk factors mentioned above are in line with the known risk factors for VTE following surgery for fractures below the hip. Thus, surgeons should pay close attention to patients with these medical conditions in order to reduce the incidence of VTE following surgical treatment of fractures below the hip.
Rate, risk factors and assessment of a counselling intervention for antenatal depression by public health nurses in an Israeli ultra‐orthodox community
Authors: Glasser Saralee , Hadad Lea , Bina Rena , Boyko Valentina , Magnezi Racheli
Published: March 2016

Aim

To investigate the rate of and risk factors for perinatal depression in an Israeli ultra‐orthodox Jewish community and assess the contribution of antenatal nursing intervention to reducing symptoms of postpartum depression.

Background

Perinatal depression is recognized globally as a common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, with negative effects on the mother, infant and family. Among Jewish ultra‐orthodox women both religion and childbearing play major roles.

Design

Single‐group pretest‐posttest intervention study.

Method

Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. One‐hundred‐sixty women attending a mother‐child healthcare clinic during December 2011–January 2013 completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale prenatally and 148 (92·5%) repeated the survey 6 weeks postpartum. Nurses were trained to screen and offer non‐directive supportive counselling intervention. Risk factors for antenatal depressive symptoms were analysed using multivariable logistic regression and analysis of changes in score was performed by 2‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Nineteen participants (11·9%) scored ≥10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale antenatally. Nurses provided intervention for 40 women. Postpartum, only one participant scored ≥10. The decrease in Edinburgh score was greater for those whose antenatal score was ≥10.

Conclusion

Although the rate of antenatal depressive symptoms was similar to that in other studies, postpartum symptoms may have been underreported, possible due to culturally‐related reticence. This underscores the importance of understanding the context in which the service is offered and the sensitivities of particular groups. The findings indicate that antenatal nursing intervention is a potentially protective measure for perinatal emotional well‐being.
Native microhabitats better predict tolerance to warming than latitudinal macro‐climatic variables in arid‐zone plants
Authors: Curtis Ellen M. , Gollan John , Murray Brad R. , Leigh Andrea
Published: March 2016

Aim

Understanding species ability to withstand heat stress is paramount for predicting their response to increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall. Arid systems are subject to climatic extremes, where plants, being immobile, live on the frontline of climate change. Our aim was to investigate whether: (1) warming tolerance [WT = the difference between a species physiological thermal damage threshold (T50) and the maximum temperature within its distribution (Thab)] for desert plants is higher at high latitudes, as has been shown for terrestrial ectotherms, and (2) if T50 of desert plants better corresponds with broad climatic indicators or species native microhabitats.

Location

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, Port Augusta, South Australia.

Methods

Using chlorophyll fluorescence techniques, we measured T50 for 42 Australian arid plant species native to different microhabitats based on water availability. WT was calculated (T50−Thab) and each metric was compared against microhabitat and broad‐scale climatic variables for each species.

Results

T50 was unrelated to macro‐scale climate or latitude, whereas WT increased for species whose distributions extend into higher latitudes, a pattern hitherto not shown for terrestrial plants. We also found that species adapted to higher water availability in their native microhabitat had significantly lower T50 and WT than species from drier microhabitats.

Main conclusions

(1) Warming tolerance increased with latitude, but the strength of this relationship was related to the way WT was quantified, with Thab and latitude being linked. (2) T50 did not correlate with latitude, but both T50 and WT were strongly related to their microhabitats. Specifically, water availability is important, such that even within a desert biome, species associated with ‘wetter’ microhabitats, may be particularly vulnerable to heat stress. Thus, we show that local‐scale patterns better capture plant physiological responses to temperature than broad‐scale distributions.
Evaluating the influence of connectivity and distance on biogeographical patterns in the south‐western deserts of North America
Authors: Van Dam Matthew H. , Matzke Nicholas J.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To examine the role of geological history, connectivity and distance in shaping the biogeographical structure of North American desert clades that are restricted to habitat islands (sand dunes and relictual aquatic habitats), using statistical model choice on old and new probabilistic biogeographical models.

Location

North America, Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.

Materials and methods

Dated phylogenies were estimated for three field‐sampled insect clades (Trigonoscuta,Rhaphiomidasand sand treader crickets), and five other literature‐sampled clades (the snailsAssiminea,PyrgulopsisandTryonia; the desert fringe‐toed lizardUma; and the desert pupfishCyprinodon).BioGeoBEARSwas used to statistically compare biogeographical models assuming unconstrained or connectivity‐constrained dispersal, with or without founder‐event speciation (jump dispersal) permitted. Finally, we introduce and test a novel distance‐based dispersal model (+x) where dispersal probability is multiplied by distance to the powerx.

Results

We observed little concordance between biogeographical patterns and timing of geological events. Model comparisons were decidedly in favour of inclusion of founder‐event speciation in the models for most taxa, with only a small taxon,Uma, showing support for the model favouring vicariance. The inclusion of a constrained‐dispersal matrix was favoured by three of the eight taxa examined (Cyprinodon, sand treader crickets, andTrigonoscuta). Surprisingly, tests for distance influencing dispersal probability were mostly negative.

Main conclusions

Our results do not show support for any one geological event shaping the biogeographical patterns of these desert taxa. Instead, the histories of desert dune and aquatic taxa are largely products of rare jump dispersal events, and can be considered island‐like systems. Although results are negative for the distance‐based dispersal model, this in itself demonstrates the superiority of explicit statistical model testing overa prioriassumption of fixed models in historical biogeography.
Comparative phylogeography of two codistributed subgenera of cave crickets (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae: Ceuthophilus spp.)
Authors: Weckstein Jason D. , Johnson Kevin P. , Murdoch John D. , Krejca Jean K. , Takiya Daniela M. , Veni George , Reddell James R. , Taylor Steven J.
Published: March 2016

Aim

We compare the phylogeographical structure among caves for co‐occurring cave dwelling crickets (Ceuthophilus) in two subgenera Ceuthophilus (Ceuthophilus) (hereafter, called Ceuthophilus) and Ceuthophilus (Geotettix) (hereafter, called Geotettix). In our study area (central Texas), cave‐inhabiting members of the subgenus Ceuthophilus are trogloxenes, roosting in the caves but foraging above ground and occasionally moving between caves, whereas members of the subgenus Geotettix are near‐obligate cave dwellers, which forage inside the caves, and only rarely are found above ground. Differences in potential dispersal ability and ecology provide a framework for understanding their effects on the phylogeographical structure and isolation of populations of cave dwelling organisms.

Location

Edwards Plateau, Texas, USA.

Methods

We sequenced 1263 bp of two mitochondrial genes for a total of 309 individual rhaphidophorid cave crickets primarily in two subgenera of Ceuthophilus (Rhaphidophoridae). We reconstructed phylogenetic trees for each subgenus using Bayesian inference and then assessed whether their recent evolutionary history exhibited patterns of geographical structure.

Results

Both Ceuthophilus and Geotettix exhibited strong geographical structure. Rather than exhibiting the expected lower levels of divergence and genetic structure, the trogloxenes of the subgenus Ceuthophilus show deeper divergences than the more cave‐limited Geotettix taxa. Ceuthophilus has a higher proportion of unique haplotypes than does Geotettix. Mismatch distributions of Ceuthophilus and Geotettix differ, with Ceuthophilus exhibiting a multimodal mismatch distribution and Geotettix exhibiting a unimodal mismatch distribution.

Main conclusions

Both cave cricket subgenera display strong geographical structuring. However, their phylogenetic trees differed in their geographical orientation, which could be explained by timing of colonization, association with caves and underground connections, and above‐ground landscape or ecological barriers. For Ceuthophilus, the relatively high proportion of unique haplotypes and the multimodal mismatch distribution are consistent with relatively larger population size as compared to Geotettix.
Modelling changes in clinical attachment loss to classify periodontal disease progression
Authors: Teles Ricardo , Benecha Habtamu K. , Preisser John S. , Moss Kevin , Starr Jacqueline R. , Corby Patricia , Genco Robert , Garcia Nathalia , Giannobile William V. , Jared Heather , Torresyap Gay , Salazar Elida , Moya Julie , Howard Cynthia , Schifferle Robert , Falkner Karen L. , Gillespie Jane , Dixon Debra , Cugini MaryAnn
Published: March 2016

Aim

The goal of this study was to identify progressing periodontal sites by applying linear mixed models (LMM) to longitudinal measurements of clinical attachment loss (CAL).

Methods

Ninety‐three periodontally healthy and 236 periodontitis subjects had their CAL measured bi‐monthly for 12 months. The proportions of sites demonstrating increases in CAL from baseline above specified thresholds were calculated for each visit. The proportions of sites reversing from the progressing state were also computed. LMM were fitted for each tooth site and the predicted CAL levels used to categorize sites regarding progression or regression. The threshold for progression was established based on the model‐estimated error in predictions.

Results

Over 12 months, 21.2%, 2.8% and 0.3% of sites progressed, according to thresholds of 1, 2 and 3 mm of CAL increase. However, on average, 42.0%, 64.4% and 77.7% of progressing sites for the different thresholds reversed in subsequent visits. Conversely, 97.1%, 76.9% and 23.1% of sites classified as progressing using LMM had observed CAL increases above 1, 2 and 3 mm after 12 months, whereas mean rates of reversal were 10.6%, 30.2% and 53.0% respectively.

Conclusion

LMM accounted for several sources of error in longitudinal CAL measurement, providing an improved method for classifying progressing sites.
Japanese study of tofogliflozin with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in an observational study of the elderly (J‐STEP/EL): A 12‐week interim analysis
Authors: Utsunomiya Kazunori , Shimmoto Naoki , Senda Masayuki , Kurihara Yuji , Gunji Ryoji , Kameda Hiroyuki , Tamura Masahiro , Mihara Hanako , Kaku Kohei
Published: March 2016

Aims/Introduction

Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors are a promising treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, but are associated with concerns about specific adverse drug reactions. We carried out a 1‐year post‐marketing surveillance of tofogliflozin, a novel agent in this class, in Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and here report the results of a 12‐week interim analysis, focusing on adverse drug reactions of special interest.

Materials and Methods

The present prospective observational study included all type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged ≥65 years who started tofogliflozin during the first 3 months after its launch. Data on demographic and baseline characteristics, clinical course and adverse events were collected.

Results

Of 1,535 patients registered, 1,506 patients whose electronic case report forms were collected and who had at least one follow‐up visit were included in the safety analysis at 12 weeks. A total of 178 of 1,506 patients (11.82%) had at least one adverse drug reaction to tofogliflozin. The incidence of adverse drug reactions of special interest (polyuria/pollakiuria, volume depletion‐related events, urinary tract infection, genital infection, skin disorders and hypoglycemia) was 2.19, 2.32, 1.33, 1.13, 1.46 and 0.73%, respectively. No new safety concerns were identified. Among those evaluable for clinical effectiveness, the mean (standard deviation) glycated hemoglobin decreased from 7.65% (1.35%) at baseline to 7.25% (1.16%) at 12 weeks by 0.39% (0.94%; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This interim analysis characterized the safety profile of tofogliflozin in Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during the early post‐marketing period.