bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical Alterations in Medication‐Overuse Headache
Authors: Riederer Franz , Schaer Marie , Gantenbein Andreas R. , Luechinger Roger , Michels Lars , Kaya Marihan , Kollias Spyridon , Sándor Peter S.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Using surface‐based morphometry we aimed to provide a detailed examination of cortical alterations in medication‐overuse headache (MOH), by disentangling between altered cortical thickness and gyrification (folding).

Background

In MOH, pain modulation is probably dysfunctional at the cortical and subcortical level, resulting in a disequilibrium between pain inhibition and facilitation. Both increased and decreased cortical volumes have been reported in individuals with MOH. There is however no detailed examination to date that distinguishes between altered cortical thickness and gyrification. Such distinction would help to identify the nature and timing of neurodevelopmental mechanisms at play in affected individuals.

Methods

We investigated cortical thickness and gyrification in 29 patients with MOH according to International Headache Society criteria and 29 age‐ and gender‐matched controls, using high‐resolution structural MRIs of the brain analyzed with FreeSurfer. This is a secondary analysis of data from a previously published voxel‐based morphometry study.

Results

In patients with MOH compared to controls, reduced cortical thickness was observed in the left prefrontal cortex. We also observed higher local gyrification in one cluster extending from the fusiform cortex to adjacent medial temporal regions, and in another cluster in the right occipital pole. Higher gyrification in the right occipital pole predicted poor response after detoxification.

Conclusions

Corroborating previous volumetric results, our study adds information on the putative neurobiological mechanisms involved in MOH, suggesting neurodevelopmental changes in MOH.
Structural Gray Matter Alterations in Chronic Migraine: Implications for a Progressive Disease?
Authors: Neeb Lars , Bastian Kaili , Villringer Kersten , Israel Heike , Reuter Uwe , Fiebach Jochen B.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To identify possible gray matter alterations in patients with chronic migraine using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM).

Background

VBM studies demonstrate structural alterations of gray matter (GM) in episodic migraine (EM) patients. Some of these alterations correlate with disease duration and headache frequency. We assessed GM alterations in chronic migraine (CM) and EM to evaluate the concept of migraine as a progressive disorder of the brain.

Methods

Individually age and sex‐matched subjects with CM or EM (both without aura) and healthy controls (n = 21 per group) underwent magnetic resonance imaging‐based VBM.

Results

We found an increase of GM volume (GMV) in amygdala and putamen, in CM compared to controls. GMV of EM compared to controls did not differ statistically significantly. Headache frequency in all migraineurs (EM and CM) correlated positively with GMV in putamen, frontal and temporal gyrus and negatively in left cuneus.

Conclusion

CM is associated with structural changes in brain regions involved in pain processing but also in affective and cognitive aspects of pain. Some GM alterations are correlated with headache frequency assessed in EM and CM. The findings support the assumption that chronic pain alters brain plasticity. GMV increase may reflect a remodeling of the central nervous system due to repetitive headache attacks leading to chronic sensitization and a continuous ictal‐like state of the brain in chronic migraineurs.
Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Migraine and Overweight/Obesity: Relative Frequency and Association With Migraine Severity
Authors: Bond Dale S. , Pavlović Jelena M. , Lipton Richard B. , Graham Thomas J. , Digre Kathleen B. , Roth Julie , Rathier Lucille , O'Leary Kevin C. , Evans E. Whitney , Wing Rena R.
Published: December 2016

Background/Objective

Previous studies suggest that migraine might be associated with female sexual dysfunction (FSD), although this association may be complicated by overweight/obesity. To disentangle relationships of migraine and obesity with FSD, we examined: (1) FSD rates in women who had migraine and obesity with a matched sample of women with obesity who were free of migraine and (2) associations between indices of migraine severity and FSD in a larger sample of participants with migraine and overweight/obesity, controlling for important confounders.

Methods

Women with migraine and obesity seeking behavioral weight loss treatment to decrease headaches (n = 37) and nonmigraine controls (n = 37) with obesity seeking weight loss via bariatric surgery were matched on age (±5 years), body mass index (BMI; ±3 kg/m2), and reported sexual activity during the past month. Both groups completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), with a validated FSFI‐total cutoff score used to define FSD. In participants with migraine and overweight/obesity (n = 105), separate logistic regression models evaluated associations of migraine attack frequency, intensity, and duration with odds of having FSD, controlling for age, BMI, depression, and anxiety.

Results

On average, participants and matched controls had severe obesity (BMI = 42.4 ± 3.8 kg/m2; range = 35‐49.9) and were 37.3 ± 7.2 years of age (range = 22‐50). FSD rate did not differ between migraine participants and controls (56.8% vs. 54.1%, P = .82). In the larger sample of participants with migraine and overweight/obesity (38.2 ± 7.8 years of age; BMI = 34.8 ± 6.4 [range = 25‐50 kg/m2]; 8.0 ± 4.3 migraine days/month, maximum pain intensity = 5.9 ± 1.4 on 0‐10 scale; average attack duration = 18.3 ± 9.7 hours), FSD was not associated with attack frequency (P = .31), pain intensity (P = .92), or attack duration (P = .35) but was associated with more severe anxiety symptoms (Ps < .017).

Conclusions

Rates of sexual dysfunction did not differ in severely obese women with and without migraine. Moreover, indices of migraine severity were not associated with increased risk of FSD in women with overweight/obesity. Replication of present findings in wider populations of women with migraine and of both normal‐weight and overweight/obese status are warranted.
A novel isolation protocol and probe‐based RT‐PCR for diagnosis of gastric infections with the zoonotic pathogen Helicobacter suis
Authors: Blaecher Caroline , Bauwens Eva , Tay Alfred , Peters Fanny , Dobbs Sylvia , Dobbs John , Charlett André , Ducatelle Richard , Haesebrouck Freddy , Smet Annemieke
Published: December 2016

Background

Helicobacter suis is a very fastidious microorganism associated with gastritis, gastric ulcers, and mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in humans. In vitro isolation of this agent from human patients has so far been unsuccessful.

Materials and methods

A probe‐based real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) for the rapid detection of H. suis in gastric biopsies was developed. Secondly, a mouse‐passage‐based protocol was optimized for isolation of low numbers of viable H. suis bacteria. Mice were inoculated with different numbers of viable H. suis (102‐108) and kept for 4 weeks to allow multiplication of this pathogen.

Results

The probe‐based real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) exhibited a high degree of diagnostic specificity and analytical sensitivity, high linear correlations (r2 between 0.995 and 0.999), and high amplification efficiencies (>90%) for H. suis. No cross‐reactivity was detected with human, porcine, non‐human primate, and murine DNA nor with DNA from other bacteria including Helicobacter spp. and Campylobacter spp. H. suis was successfully re‐isolated from the stomach of mice inoculated with at least 104 viable H. suis, using a biphasic medium (pH 5), consisting of Brucella agar with Brucella broth on top, both supplemented with vitox supplement, Campylobacter‐selective supplement, amphotericin (5 μg/mL), HCl (0.05%), fetal bovine serum (20%), and linezolid (5 μg/mL). Linezolid was necessary to inhibit proliferation of contaminants, including lactobacilli.

Conclusion

The methods described above can be implemented for detection or isolation of H. suis from human gastric biopsies.
Prognostic stratification of oestrogen receptor‐positive HER2‐negative lymph node‐negative class of breast cancer
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Agarwal Devika , Green Andrew R , Ashankyty Ibraheem , Ellis Ian O , Ball Graham , Alaskandarany Mohammed A
Published: December 2016

Aims

Multigene assay is recommended currently for prognostic stratification of the clinically indeterminate group of breast cancer (BC) patients defined as lymph node (LN)‐negative, oestrogen receptor (ER)‐positive, HER2‐negative (LN−/ER+/HER2−) to determine the use of chemotherapy. However, this cohort, comprising approximately 40% of BC, is not a homogeneous group and shows variable outcome. This study aims to determine the prognostic value of routinely assessed variables, singly and in combination, in LN−/ER+/HER2− BC patients.

Methods and results

A total of 830 LN−/ER+/HER2− chemotherapy‐naive BCs were investigated. The prognostic value of histological grade, tumour size, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), progesterone receptor (PgR) and Ki67 labelling index (Ki67LI) was assessed. In this series, only 25% of patients received hormone therapy. Median follow‐up was 172 months. In the whole cohort, tumour grade, size, LVI, PgR and Ki67LI were correlated highly with outcome in a time‐dependent manner. The outcome of this group varied widely from 97% (20% of cases) to 50% survival rate after 10‐year follow‐up using a combination of these markers. A prognostic index (Nottingham Px) incorporating grade, size, PgR and Ki67LI, was developed. The index can stratify the whole cohort robustly as well as the higher‐risk subgroup (NPI score >3.4) into distinct prognostic classes.

Conclusion

Current routinely assessed variables can provide additional prognostic information in LN−/ER+/HER2− BC. The proposed (Nottingham Px) index can stratify the BC clinically indeterminate group of patients into excellent and poor prognostic subgroups and can be used to identify reliably patients for systemic chemotherapy or further multigene prognostic testing. Performance of prognostic variables in these tumours is time‐dependent, and should be considered in future studies.
Marital relationship and health‐related quality of life after prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Harju Eeva , Rantanen Anja , Kaunonen Marja , Helminen Mika , Isotalo Taina , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Prostate cancer has an impact on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients and their spouses. However, the marital relationship at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis is not well known. The aim of the study was to describe and compare the marital relationship of patients with prostate cancer and their spouses and to identify factors associated with HRQoL at the time of diagnosis. The data of this cross‐sectional study were collected with The Marital Questionnaire and RAND‐36 Item Health Survey scales after the diagnosis of prostate cancer from 232 patients and 229 spouses at five Finnish central hospitals from October 2013 to January 2016. Patients with prostate cancer rated their dyadic satisfaction better than their spouses. Respectively, spouses reported better dyadic cohesion. The marital relationship of the patients or spouses was not associated with demographic variables of the respondents. In patients, energy, emotional well‐being and general health were associated with the marital relationship. In spouses, emotional role functioning, emotional well‐being and social functioning were explained by the marital relationship. At the time of diagnosis, the marital relationship of patients with prostate cancer and their spouses was good. However, there were differences in associations between patients' and their spouses' marital relationship and HRQoL. Based on the results of this study, it is useful to take into account the spouses and the marital relationship in the nursing of patients with prostate cancer. The follow‐up research on this subject is needed.
Specification Error, Estimation Risk, and Conditional Portfolio Rules
Authors: Carlson Murray , Chapman David A. , Kaniel Ron , Yan Hong
Published: December 2016

In characterizing the data‐generating process for excess returns, an investor faces both parameter uncertainty (or “estimation risk”) and specification error. We examine the trade‐off between these two effects, in the context of an optimal consumption/portfolio decision problem, by considering a minimal extension of the standard assumption of a linear vector autoregression for excess returns. The key additional assumption in our data‐generating process is a positive linear relationship between market volatility and lagged market dividend yields. This simple specification is consistent with a long sample of U.S. data. We show that volatility adjusted rules are substantially less sensitive to variation in dividend yields, and volatility‐related specification error is economically significant – even when the decisions are based on sample estimates from data sets of a realistic size.
Facilitators' delivery of a psychosocial intervention in a controlled trial for men with prostate cancer and their partners: a process evaluation
Authors: Parahoo Kader , McKenna Suzanne , Prue Gillian , McSorley Oonagh , McCaughan Eilis
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim of this paper was to report the process evaluation of facilitators' delivery of a psychosocial intervention (called CONNECT), in a randomized controlled trial, to men with prostate cancer and their partners.

Background

There is a lack of information on the process of implementing psychosocial interventions in controlled trials and, in particular, on the role and performance of facilitators who deliver them. Yet, this information is crucial in assessing whether these interventions are effective or not and why.

Design

Qualitative design.

Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews and diaries were used to collect data (January–October 2012) from four facilitators and a co‐facilitator. Data were analysed using the Miles et al. framework.

Results

Five themes were discernible. These were ‘difficulties to keep to the structure of the intervention’, ‘selective coverage of topics’, ‘partner participation’, ‘overall impression of the group and telephone sessions’ and ‘perceived benefits to participants’. Issues such as not keeping to the aim of the intervention, deviating from the content and/or reluctance in discussing sensitive issues such as sexual health may mean that the psychosocial effects of the intervention may not have been fully realized.

Conclusions

These findings will be useful for further development and evaluation of the intervention. A tentative conceptual framework of factors, related to facilitators, influencing the fidelity of interventions in the context of controlled trials, is offered. This model, which requires further development and testing, will be useful for researchers worldwide who are involved in developing interventions and training facilitators.
Neutral and selective drivers of colour evolution in a widespread Australian passerine
Authors: Morales Hernán E. , Pavlova Alexandra , Sunnucks Paul , Major Richard , Amos Nevil , Joseph Leo , Wang Biao , Lemmon Alan R. , Endler John A. , Delhey Kaspar
Published: December 2016

Aim

Rump plumage coloration of the Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis), a widespread Australian songbird, varies from bright yellow in the tropical north to olive‐green in the temperate south. Here, we test whether colour variation: (1) correlates most strongly with neutral genetic variation and so is best explained by historical processes, (2) reflects selection associated with different visual environments (dense versus open habitats) and/or (3) reflects selection associated with climatic variation.

Location

Eastern Australia.

Methods

We quantified colour variation using reflectance spectrometry and visual models. We performed geographical cline analysis of colour and neutral genetic variation (genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms). We tested for correlations of colour variation with climate, vegetation density, geographical location and genetic variation. We accounted for covariation and spatial autocorrelation, and conducted analyses at continental and regional spatial scales.

Results

Clinal variation of colour traits and neutral genetic markers were largely concordant. At the continental scale, colour variation was strongly associated with neutral genetic structure and geography, and to a lesser extent with environment. At the regional scale, environmental variation was a better predictor of colour variation than it was at the larger scale.

Main conclusion

At the continental scale, colour variation is strongly associated with large‐scale population history. In contrast, at the regional scale, where the influence of history and geography is weaker, environmental variation has a role in facilitating the maintenance of colour variation. Our results highlight the need to assess selective and neutral alternatives at multiple spatial scales when studying geographical variation.
Applying augmented reality to enhance learning: a study of different teaching materials
Authors: Hung Y.‐H. , Chen C.‐H. , Huang S.‐W.
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of augmented reality (AR) in teaching. An experiment was conducted to examine children's learning performances, which included the number of errors they made, their ability to remember the content of what they had read and their satisfaction with the three types of teaching materials, including a picture book, physical interactions and an AR graphic book. The three teaching materials were aimed to respectively demonstrate the characteristics of six bacteria with 2D graphics, 3D physical objects, and 3D virtual objects. Seventy‐two fifth‐grade children were randomly selected to participate in the study, and they were divided into three groups, each of which used the assigned teaching material to learn the name of the six different bacteria in intervals of 1, 2 and 3 min. Results showed that the AR graphic book offers a practical and hands‐on way for children to explore and learn about the bacteria. Follow‐up interviews indicated that the children liked the AR graphic book the most, and they preferred it to the other materials.

Lay Description

What is currently known about Augmented Reality and learning?

Augmented reality (AR) provides a new perspective for learning by allowing learners to visualize complex spatial relationships and abstract concepts.

What the paper adds to the subject matter?

AR improves learning performances to a similar extent as the most used teaching materials (both picture books and physical interactions) do.

AR not only facilitates learning but also increases learning motivations better than conventional teaching materials do.

The implications of study findings for practitioners.

If children feel bored about reading textbooks, give them AR (because AR effectively enhances learning and children are more motivated when using AR).

AR teaching material is a good alternative to conventional picture book and physical interactions.
Long‐term tooth retention in chronic periodontitis – results after 18 years of a conservative periodontal treatment regimen in a university setting
Authors: Graetz Christian , Plaumann Anna , Schlattmann Peter , Kahl Maren , Springer Claudia , Sälzer Sonja , Gomer Konstantin , Dörfer Christof , Schwendicke Falk
Published: December 2016

Aim

The longitudinal study assessed the risk of tooth loss under a non‐regenerative treatment regimen and aimed to identify prognostic factors for tooth loss.

Methods

Three hundred and fifteen patients (8009 teeth) were examined before (T0) and after active periodontal therapy (APT, T1) as well as after (mean ± SD) 18 ± 6 years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT, T2). Descriptive statistics and a Cox proportional hazards shared‐frailty model were applied.

Results

Overall, 351 and 816 teeth were lost during APT and SPT, respectively, with 0.15 ± 0.17 teeth being lost per patient and year. Seventy‐two percentage patients lost 0–3, 24% 4–9 and 4% ≥10 teeth. The proportion of teeth with probing‐pocket depths (PPD) >6 mm was 17.2% (T0), 1.6% (T1) and remained stable at 1.7% up to T2. Tooth loss during SPT was significantly increased in older patients [HR (95% CI): 1.04 (1.01–1.07) per year] and smokers [2.62 (1.34–5.14)], with each mm of PPD [1.35 (1.17–1.56)], in multirooted compared with single‐rooted teeth [1.86 (1.36–2.56)] and teeth with bone loss [BL; HR up to 23.6 (12.1–45.6) for BL > 70%].

Conclusion

The risk of tooth loss was generally low under the provided non‐regenerative treatment regimen; a minority of patients were responsible for the majority of teeth lost during SPT.
The association between undiagnosed glycaemic abnormalities and cardiometabolic risk factors with periodontitis: results from 2007–2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Zuk Aleksandra , Quiñonez Carlos , Lebenbaum Michael , Rosella Laura C.
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim was to investigate the association between undiagnosed glycaemic abnormalities and cardiometabolic risk factors with periodontitis.

Methods

Using Cycle 1 (2007–2009) of Canadian Health Measures Survey, survey‐sampling weights were applied to a restricted sample of fasting, non‐pregnant adults between 19 and 79 years of age without diagnosed or treated type 2 diabetes. We estimated the prevalence of periodontitis and various cardiometabolic risk factors according to the clinical diagnostic definition for metabolic syndrome (MetS), recognized by the American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate prevalence odds ratios (PORs) examining the association between cardiometabolic risk factors and periodontitis among dentate adults with available attachment loss measures.

Results

The prevalence of combined moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis was 17.93% (95% CI 15.85, 20.02). Hyperglycaemia (fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 5.6 mmol/l) was significantly associated with periodontitis, POR = 1.60 (95% (CI) 1.04, 2.45), but was no longer significant after controlling for socioeconomic status variables. Central adiposity, dyslipidaemia and hypertension were not associated with periodontitis.

Conclusion

Glucose disruption measured by FPG was associated with periodontitis; however, no association was observed with other cardiometabolic risk factors or MetS in a cross‐sectional, nationally representative sample of Canadian adults.
The complex interplay between macronutrient intake, cuticular hydrocarbon expression and mating success in male decorated crickets
Authors: Rapkin J. , Jensen K. , House C. M. , Sakaluk S. K. , Sakaluk J. K. , Hunt J.
Published: December 2016

The condition dependence of male sexual traits plays a central role in sexual selection theory. Relatively little, however, is known about the condition dependence of chemical signals used in mate choice and their subsequent effects on male mating success. Furthermore, few studies have isolated the specific nutrients responsible for condition‐dependent variation in male sexual traits. Here, we used nutritional geometry to determine the effect of protein (P) and carbohydrate (C) intake on male cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) expression and mating success in male decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus). We show that both traits are maximized at a moderate‐to‐high intake of nutrients in a P:C ratio of 1 : 1.5. We also show that female precopulatory mate choice exerts a complex pattern of linear and quadratic sexual selection on this condition‐dependent variation in male CHC expression. Structural equation modelling revealed that although the effect of nutrient intake on mating success is mediated through condition‐dependent CHC expression, it is not exclusively so, suggesting that other traits must also play an important role. Collectively, our results suggest that the complex interplay between nutrient intake, CHC expression and mating success plays an important role in the operation of sexual selection in G. sigillatus.
High Pressure Microfluidization of Agro by‐product to Functionalized Dietary Fiber and Evaluation as a Novel Bakery Ingredient
Authors: Yildiz Elif , Demirkesen Ilkem , Mert Behic
Published: December 2016

Functionalization through microfluidization was applied as a prospective method for the production of fibrous structures from hazelnut skin, and which was used as a novel ingredient in a model low water activity bakery product. Although hazelnut skin was used in this study, other common agro by‐products such as wheat bran, corn bran, citrus pulp, etc., could be also processed. Microfluidization led to the disintegration of large particles into flaky and fibrous structures of which entanglement and higher water holding capacity resulted in noticeably different texture and rheological properties. One major advantage of utilization of the functionalized fiber was production of cookies with less water activity at comparable moisture content with control samples. Furthermore, high pressure processing released some of the phenolic compounds which were previously trapped within the cellulosic structures led to cocoa like dark color. Incorporation of the novel fibers into cookie samples slowed down retrogradation rate during the storage period.

Practical Applications

In this study a methodology for production of functionalized fibers with high water binding ability is presented. For the production of fibers any kind of cellulosic agro by‐product can be utilized. It was shown that resulting fibers can be used as novel ingredient in bakery products to control texture and moisture content. More specifically moisture content can be increased without water activity exceeding the required limits in the products. Process can be easily scaled up and can be used many different, usually wasted, agro by‐products to obtain value added novel ingredients. Key advantages of the processed hazelnut skin fiber include: controlling water activity, possibility to reduce flour in products, imparting cacao like dark brown color to product and prolonged shelf life.
Does the Oxygen Permeability affect the Equilibrium Gas Concentrations in Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaged Pomegranate Arils?
Authors: Kizilirmak Esmer Ozlem , Yalcin Melikoglu Arzu
Published: December 2016

The effect of oxygen permeability of packaging material on shelf life of minimally processed and passive modified atmosphere packaged pomegranate arils, cv “Wonderful” as well as some quality attributes were investigated. Packaging materials having Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) as low as 125–290 cm3/m2/day were found to provide the gas concentration requirements of 2–5% O2 and 3–10% CO2 for passive modified atmosphere application of fresh fruits and vegetables. Although color, firmness, anthocyanin, total phenolic content and sensorial and microbial properties significantly changed there was no significant change in pH, total soluble solids and antioxidant activity during storage period at 5C. Microbial counts of total aerobic bacteria did not exceed the legal limit during storage period but sensorial values were below the limit of threshold on 11th day of storage.

OTR of packaging material of pomegranate arils should be as low as 125–290 cm3/m2/day under passive modified atmosphere and its shelf life was determined as 10 days at 5C and 90% Relative humidity (RH).

Practical Applications

The results of this project can be utilized by producers of fresh pomegranate arils to decide on packaging material having appropriate oxygen permeability. Thus the fresh cut producers prefer to use packaging materials having higher oxygen transmission rate since minimally processed fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to microbiological and sensorial deterioration because of the higher surface area leading to enhanced respiration rate. However, this situation is not valid for fresh pomegranate arils since the respiration rate of fresh pomegranate arils is lower compared to whole pomegranates.

Producers will also get the opinion that shelf life period of fresh pomegranate arils is about 10 days and sensorial properties are more potent than the microbiological properties to determine the end of shelf life due to the nature of pomegranate arils.
Operating a Monitoring Unit in the Geriatric Department: Effects on Outcomes
Authors: Abramovitch Abram , Friedmann Reuven , Zevin Shoshana , Munter Gabriel , Yinnon Amos M. , Raveh‐Brawer David
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To compare the effect of a five‐bed geriatric monitoring unit (MU) on in‐hospital mortality and length of stay with the effect of usual care in a geriatric hospital department and a medical MU.

Design

Prospective, case–control, noninterventional study.

Participants

All individuals hospitalized for 24 hours or longer in the geriatric MU (n = 89, aged 53–101, mean age 82.2 ± 9.6) over a period of 5 months (January–May 2015); individuals admitted to the geriatric department (n = 178, aged 55–100, mean age 83.2 ± 9.8), matched at a ratio of 1:2 according to sex, age ±5 years, and need for mechanical ventilation; and individuals admitted to a similar five‐bed medical MU (n = 95, aged 35–90, mean age 68.2 ± 14.4) during the same period.

Measurements

Primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality.

Results

The predicted death rate was 49 ± 26 for participants in the geriatric MU, 39.6 ± 27 for those in the medical MU (P = .02), and 36.7 ± 27 for those in the geriatric department (P < .001). Observed in‐hospital mortality was higher for geriatric MU participants (n = 40, 44.9%) than for the department control group (n = 48, 27%) (P = .002), although the mortality ratios (actual divided by predicted death rates) of these two groups were similar, indicating that the more severely ill participants in the geriatric MU did better than control participants in the departments, in particular those requiring hemodynamic pressure support and those with acute renal failure.

Conclusion

For elderly, severely ill adults, care in a geriatric MU was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality than care in the hospital geriatric ward and a longer stay and may be an alternative to medical MU admission.
Type‐I interferons mediate the neuroinflammatory response and neurotoxicity induced by rotenone
Authors: Main Bevan S. , Zhang Moses , Brody Kate M. , Kirby Francis J. , Crack Peter J. , Taylor Juliet M.
Published: December 2016

Evidence from post‐mortem human brains, animal studies and cell culture models has implicated neuroinflammation in the aetiology of chronic neuropathologies including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Although the neuroinflammatory response is considered detrimental in contributing to these pathologies, the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. The type‐I interferons (IFNs) have been well characterised in the periphery and are known to initiate/modulate the immune response. Recently, they have been implicated in ageing and we have also demonstrated increased type‐I IFN expression in post‐mortem human Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease brains. We hypothesise that the type‐I IFNs are key drivers of the damaging, self‐perpetuating pro‐inflammatory response that contributes to these chronic neuropathologies. In support of this, we have recently confirmed in models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease that mice lacking the type‐I IFN receptor (IFNAR1), display an attenuated neuroinflammatory response with subsequent neuroprotection. To further investigate type‐I IFN‐mediated neuroinflammation and the specific CNS cell types involved, this study treated primary cultured wild‐type and IFNAR1−/− neurons or mixed glia with the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, rotenone. Wild‐type neurons and glia treated with 3 nM and 25 nM rotenone, respectively, exhibited a pro‐inflammatory response, including increased type‐I IFN expression that was attenuated in cells lacking IFNAR1. Reduced type‐I IFN signalling in IFNAR1−/− neurons also conferred protection against caspase‐3‐mediated rotenone‐induced cell death. Further, this reduced pro‐inflammatory response in the IFNAR1−/− glia subsequently diminished their neurotoxic effects to wild‐type neurons. In support of this, we confirmed that therapeutically targeting the type‐I IFN glial response to rotenone through a specific IFNAR1 blocking monoclonal antibody was neuroprotective. Our data has confirmed that both neurons and glia contribute to the pro‐inflammatory response induced by rotenone with attenuation of this response beneficial in reducing neuronal cell death.

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Second trimester weight gain > 7 kg increases the risk of gestational diabetes after normal first trimester screening
Authors: Boriboonhirunsarn Dittakarn
Published: December 2016

Aims

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between second trimester weight gain and the risk of gestational diabetes (GDM) after normal first trimester screening.

Methods

A total of 195 women at risk for GDM who had normal first trimester screening results were enrolled. The study group consisted of 65 women who had second trimester weight gain > 7 kg, while another 130 women with weight gain ≤ 7 kg served as the comparison group, matched 1:2 by pre‐pregnancy body mass index. GDM screening was repeated during 24–28 weeks of gestation and the incidence of GDM was compared between the groups. Other possible associated factors were evaluated.

Results

Mean age, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, parity, GDM risks, first trimester weight gain, timing of GDM screening and initial test results were comparable between the groups. The incidence of GDM was significantly higher in the study than in the comparison group (24.6% vs 10.8%,P= 0.012). Logistic regression analysis showed that second trimester weight gain >7 kg and an abnormal 1 oral glucose tolerance test value on first trimester screening independently increased the risk of GDM (adjusted odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.13‐6.0,P= 0.025 and 8.36, 95% confidence interval 2.62–26.66,P< 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Second trimester weight gain > 7 kg and an abnormal 1 oral glucose tolerance test value at first screening increased the risk of GDM in at‐risk women.
Evolution and significance of the triple risk model in sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: Spinelli Jade , Collins‐Praino Lyndsey , Van Den Heuvel Corinna , Byard Roger W
Published: December 2016

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death in infants, although the mechanisms leading to death remain unclear. Multiple theories have emerged over time, with one of the most influential hypotheses being the triple risk model. This model, first devised in 1972 and later revised in 1994 by Filiano and Kinney, is still widely used in assisting with conceptualising and understanding sudden death in infancy. This model has evolved over time, with each version stressing that SIDS is likely to occur when certain risk factors coincide, suggesting that the lethal mechanisms in SIDS are likely to be multifactorial. All versions of the triple risk model from 1972 to the present have emphasised the complexity of SIDS and serve as useful guides for current and future research into the enigma of sudden and unexpected death in infancy.
Association of the Production of Phenylpropanoid Compounds at the Infection Sites of Corynespora cassiicola with Soybean Resistance against Target Spot
Authors: Fortunato Alessandro Antônio , Araujo Leonardo , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila
Published: December 2016

This study investigated, at the microscopic level, whether the differential defence responses of soybean cultivars that are resistant (Fundacep 59) and susceptible (TMG 132) to target spot, caused by Corynespora cassiicola, could be associated with an increase in the production of phenolics, flavonoids and lignin at the infection sites. Many larger necrotic lesions with yellow halos were noticed on the leaves of plants from cultivar TMG 132, in contrast to the leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59. Necrotic lesions also developed on the petioles of leaves of plants from cultivar TMG 132, while on the petioles and veins of leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59, the lesions were of purple colour. The growth of fungal hyphae was reduced on the leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59, and an apparently high density of trichomes was found in comparison with the leaves of plants from cultivar TMG 132. An appressorium‐like structure was produced at one or both extremities of the conidium of C. cassiicola, preferentially at the major and minor veins on the adaxial leaf surface of plants from both cultivars. Most cells on the leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59 reacted against C. cassiicola infection by accumulating phenolic‐like compounds, which contributed to the death of many fungal hyphae and a greater maintenance of cell integrity. In contrast, fungal hyphae grew without any impedance in the leaf cells of plants from cultivar TMG 132, which was associated with signs of intense leaf tissue disorganization. Stronger autofluorescence and deposition of lignin and flavonoids were found in the cells of leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59, in contrast to cultivar TMG 132. It can be concluded that soybean resistance to target spot is probably dependent on the activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway.
The Impact of Support Services Teams: Community‐Based Behavioral Health Support Interventions
Authors: Owen Randall , Bowers Anne , Heller Tamar , Hsieh Kelly , Gould Robert
Published: December 2016

Background: Community capacity to serve people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health challenges is often limited. Using interdisciplinary teams to work with stakeholders, including people with IDD, their families, providers, and agencies may help increase this capacity. One example in the United States is the Support Services Teams (SST) program of a midwestern state. Specific Aims: This research aimed to identify changes before to after referral to SST in the proportion of people who used and the total number of admissions/visits, and prescriptions; and the Medicaid liability associated with emergency room (ER), hospital, and pharmacy services for SST participants. Second, the research described the SST participants and services provided. Method: The authors used Wilcoxon and McNemar's tests to compare hospital, ER, and pharmacy outcome measures for 109 people who were referred to SST and had 12 months of data before and after referral. Separate analyses were also conducted for the 88 people who remained in the community after referral and the 21 people who had short institutional stays. Findings: For the full population of SST participants, the proportion of people with a hospital admission, the total number of hospital admissions, and Medicaid liability for hospitalizations significantly decreased from before to after referral to SST. Medicaid liability for prescriptions significantly decreased for people with an institutional stay. Changes in the other outcomes trended downwards, although not significantly. Discussion: This study shows that the use of interdisciplinary teams for people with IDD and behavioral health challenges can be effective in reducing the use of services. These teams can help to build community capacity to work with these individuals and avoid more costly ER and hospital services and reduce the number of medications prescribed.
A Spectral Domain Test for Stationarity of Spatio‐Temporal Data
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Soutir , Jentsch Carsten , Subba Rao Suhasini
Published: December 2016

Many random phenomena in the environmental and geophysical sciences are functions of both space and time; these are usually called spatio‐temporal processes. Typically, the spatio‐temporal process is observed over discrete equidistant time and at irregularly spaced locations in space. One important aim is to develop statistical models based on what is observed. While doing so a commonly used assumption is that the underlying spatio‐temporal process is stationary. If this assumption does not hold, then either the mean or the covariance function is misspecified. This can, for example, lead to inaccurate predictions. In this article we propose a test for spatio‐temporal stationarity. The test is based on the dichotomy that Fourier transforms of stochastic processes are near uncorrelated if the process is second‐order stationary but correlated if the process is second‐order nonstationary. Using this as motivation, a discrete Fourier transform for spatio‐temporal data over discrete equidistant times but on irregularly spaced spatial locations is defined. Two statistics which measure the degree of correlation in the discrete Fourier transforms are proposed. These statistics are used to test for spatio‐temporal stationarity. It is shown that the same statistics can also be adapted to test for the one‐way stationarity (either spatial or temporal stationarity). The proposed methodology is illustrated with a small simulation study.
Sensitivity of subtropical forest and savanna productivity to climate variability in South America, Uruguay
Authors: Lucas Christine , Ceroni Mauricio , Baeza Santiago , Muñoz Ariel A. , Brazeiro Alejandro
Published: December 2016

Questions

Increasing climate variability has major effects on forest productivity, as well as transitions between forest and savanna ecosystems. While drought‐induced declines in tropical forest productivity and forest loss is a global concern, forest expansion in subtropical South America predicted by climate models has received little attention. In the forest–grassland transition zone encompassing Uruguay, we ask: (1) how does climate variability affect woodland productivity and at what time scales; and (2) how do different woodland types (riparian, hillside and wooded savanna) differ in their sensitivity to climate variability?

Location

Forests and wooded savanna in Uruguay, subtropical southeast South America.

Methods

Primary productivity was measured as the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (fPAR) based on monthly normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from multitemporal (1998–2012) SPOT imagery at a 1 km × 1 km resolution, covering 19% of Uruguayan woodlands. The effects of accumulated rainfall and mean temperature on the productivity of riparian and hillside forests and wooded savanna were evaluated using correlations and time series analysis over multiple time windows ranging from 1–24 mo.

Results

Inter‐annual rainfall variability and seasonal temperatures affected forest productivity even though average conditions were largely non‐limiting. Periods of exceptionally high rainfall and warm winters had positive effects on forest productivity, but hot summers had a negative effect on all woodland productivity. Riparian and hillside forest productivity was equally susceptible to drought, showing similar relationships to accumulated rainfall over multiple time periods, as well as similar susceptibility to high summer temperatures. Wooded savanna – a composite cover of trees and a grass/forb understorey – productivity was linked to seasonal rainfall over 3–6 mo, and in general showed the lowest correlation with inter‐annual variability in rainfall.

Conclusions

Results suggest functional convergence in the response of riparian and hillside forests to water deficit and hot summers. The increases in forest productivity with increasing rainfall and declining drought risk – as predicted by the IPCC for this region – are a potential mechanism for increased growth and future expansion of forests in this biogeographic transition zone.
Effect of NaCrSi2O6 component on Lindsley's pyroxene thermometer: An evaluation based on strongly metamorphosed LL chondrites
Authors: Nakamuta Y. , Urata K. , Shibata Y. , Kuwahara Y.
Published: December 2016

In Lindsley's thermometry, a revised sequence of calculation of components is proposed for clinopyroxene, in which kosmochlor component is added. Temperatures obtained for the components calculated by the revised method are about 50 °C lower than those obtained for the components calculated by the Lindsley's original method and agree well with temperatures obtained from orthopyroxenes. Ca‐partitioning between clino‐ and orthopyroxenes is then thought to be equilibrated in types 5 to 7 ordinary chondrites. The temperatures for Tuxtuac (LL5), Dhurmsala (LL6), NWA 2092 (LL6/7), and Dho 011 (LL7) are 767–793°, 818–835°, 872–892°, and 917–936°C, respectively, suggesting that chondrites of higher petrographic types show higher equilibrium temperatures of pyroxenes. The regression equations which relate temperature and Wo and Fs contents in the temperature‐contoured pyroxene quadrilateral of 1 atm of Lindsley (1983) are also determined by the least squares method. It is possible to reproduce temperatures with an error less than 20 °C (2SE) using the regression equations.
Genomewide SNP data reveal cryptic phylogeographic structure and microallopatric divergence in a rapids‐adapted clade of cichlids from the Congo River
Authors: Alter S. Elizabeth , Munshi‐South Jason , Stiassny Melanie L. J.
Published: December 2016

The lower Congo River is a freshwater biodiversity hot spot in Africa characterized by some of the world's largest rapids. However, little is known about the evolutionary forces shaping this diversity, which include numerous endemic fishes. We investigated phylogeographic relationships in Teleogramma, a small clade of rheophilic cichlids, in the context of regional geography and hydrology. Previous studies have been unable to resolve phylogenetic relationships within Teleogramma due to lack of variation in nuclear genes and discrete morphological characters among putative species. To sample more broadly across the genome, we analysed double‐digest restriction‐associated sequencing (ddRAD) data from 53 individuals across all described species in the genus. We also assessed body shape and mitochondrial variation within and between taxa. Phylogenetic analyses reveal previously unrecognized lineages and instances of microallopatric divergence across as little as ~1.5 km. Species ranges appear to correspond to geographic regions broadly separated by major hydrological and topographic barriers, indicating these features are likely important drivers of diversification. Mitonuclear discordance indicates one or more introgressive hybridization events, but no clear evidence of admixture is present in nuclear genomes, suggesting these events were likely ancient. A survey of female fin patterns hints that previously undetected lineage‐specific patterning may be acting to reinforce species cohesion. These analyses highlight the importance of hydrological complexity in generating diversity in certain freshwater systems, as well as the utility of ddRAD‐Seq data in understanding diversification processes operating both below and above the species level.