bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved postnatal care is needed to maintain gains in neonatal survival after the implementation of the Helping Babies Breathe initiative
Authors: Wrammert J , KC A , Ewald U , Målqvist M
Published: March 2017

Aim

Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) is a neonatal resuscitation protocol proven to reduce intrapartum‐related mortality in low‐income settings. The aim of this study was to describe the timing and causes of neonatal in‐hospital deaths before and after HBB training at a maternity health facility in Nepal.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted at the facility between July 2012 and September 2013. All 137 staffs, including medical doctors and midwives, were trained in January 2013. The causes of 299 neonatal deaths and the day of death, up to 27 days, were collected before and after the training course.

Results

Deaths caused by intrapartum‐related complications were reduced from 51% to 33%. Preterm infants survived for more days (p < 0.01) during the neonatal period, but overall in‐hospital neonatal mortality was unchanged (p = 0.46) after training. The survival rates linked to complications of infection, congenital anomalies and other causes were unaffected by the intervention.

Conclusion

The continuum of postnatal care for newborn infants needs to be strengthened after Helping Babies Breathe training, to maintain the gains in neonatal survival on the day of delivery. Additional interventions in the postnatal period are therefore required to increase neonatal survival at facilities in low‐income settings.
Hypoxaemia and septic shock were independent risk factors for mechanical ventilation in Bangladeshi children hospitalised for diarrhoea
Authors: Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Shahunja KM , Afroze Farzana , Shahid Abu S.M.S.B. , Sharifuzzaman  , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: March 2017

Aim

In Bangladesh, approximately 6% of children under five years of age die due to diarrhoea. We evaluated the admission and hospitalisation risk factors for mechanical ventilation and outcomes in children with diarrhoea.

Methods

This retrospective case–control chart analysis was conducted in the intensive care unit of Dhaka Hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. We enrolled 219 children with diarrhoea aged 0–59 months between August 2009 and July 2013. The 73 cases were children who were initially identified as requiring mechanical ventilation during the study period, and the 146 controls were randomly selected from those who did not require mechanical ventilation. We compared the groups to determine the risk factors for mechanical ventilation.

Results

Mortality was significantly higher among the cases than the controls (p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis carried out for two separate time points, the independent risk factors for mechanical ventilation on admission were hypoxaemia (p < 0.001) and septic shock (p = 0.004) and during hospitalisation, they were intake of intravenous fluid (p = 0.015), hypokalaemia (p = 0.018), hyperkalaemia (p = 0.005) and septic shock (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Children under five with diarrhoea who required mechanical ventilation frequently had hypoxaemia and septic shock and were more likely to die than unventilated controls.
Late preterm birth has direct and indirect effects on infant gut microbiota development during the first six months of life
Authors: Forsgren M , Isolauri E , Salminen S , Rautava S
Published: March 2017

Aim

Preterm infants display aberrant gut microbial colonisation. We investigated whether the differences in gut microbiota between late preterm and full‐term infants results from prematurity or external exposures.

Methods

This study comprised 43 late preterm infants (340/7–366/7) and 75 full‐term infants based on faecal samples collected following birth and at two to four weeks and six months of age. We assessed clinically relevant bacteria using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether the observed differences in gut microbiota were attributable to prematurity or perinatal exposure.

Results

The prevalence of bifidobacteria differed in the intestinal microbiota of the full‐term and late preterm neonates. Differences in the presence of specific species were detected at the age of six months, although the microbiota alterations were most prominent following delivery. As well as prematurity, the mode of birth, intrapartum and neonatal antibiotic exposure, and the duration of breastfeeding had an additional impact on gut microbiota development.

Conclusion

The gut microbiota composition was significantly different between late preterm and full‐term infants at least six months after birth. Antibiotic exposure was common in late preterm infants and modulated gut colonisation, but preterm birth also affected gut microbiota development independently.
Validation of an informant‐based cognitive screening tool for Parkinson disease
Authors: Chee Kok‐Yoon , Ong Kheng‐Yee , Mak Chin‐Yeat , Yacob Sapini , Yeo Shen‐Cheng , Thrichelam Nathisha , Amarnath Deepa Darshini , Thong Kai‐Shin , Moey Chee‐Hoong , Ponusamy Thanam , Viswanathan Shanthi , Puvanarajah Santhi
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The objective of this study was to establish the psychometric properties of the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) with or without cognitive impairment using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tool (MoCA) for comparison.

Methods

The AD8 was translated into Malay for Malay‐speaking participants. A correlation analysis and a receiver operator characteristic curve were generated to establish the psychometric properties of the AD8 in relation to the MoCA.

Results

One hundred fifty patients and their caretakers completed the AD8 and MoCA. Using a cutoff score of 1/8, the AD8 had 81% sensitivity and 59% specificity for the detection of cognitive impairment in PD. With a cutoff score of 2/8, the AD8 had 83% specificity and 64% sensitivity. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 80%, indicating good‐to‐excellent discriminative ability.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the AD8 can reliably differentiate between cognitively impaired and cognitively normal patients with PD and is a useful caregiver screening tool for PD.
Editorial: scoring systems in primary biliary cholangitis – time to make a move
Authors: Mells G. F. , Jones D. E.
Published: March 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Yang et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14010 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13927.
Editorial: elemental diets for eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Katzka D. A.
Published: March 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Warners et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13953.
Letter: how to define remission in ulcerative colitis – histological remission should be considered
Authors: Kilincalp S. , Ustun Y. , Şimşek Z.
Published: March 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Angelison et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14003 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13983.
Letter: NICE referral criteria for lower gastrointestinal alarm features – not ideal but not poor either. Authors' reply
Authors: Simpkins S. J. , Pintos‐Sanchez M. I. , Moayyedi P. , Bercik P. , Morgan D. G. , Bolino C. , Ford A. C.
Published: March 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Min et al and Simpkins et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13989 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13846.
Editorial: co‐existing immune‐mediated disease in inflammatory bowel diseases – a new disease severity indicator? Author's reply
Authors: Ananthakrishnan A. N.
Published: March 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Vegh et al and Conway et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13987 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13940.
Letter: sustained virological response and liver healing – authors' reply
Authors: Mandorfer M. , Schwabl P. , Peck‐Radosavljevic M. , Reiberger T. ,   the Vienna HIV & Liver Study Group and the Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab
Published: March 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Rossotti et al and Schwabl et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13982 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13844.
Letter: how to define remission in ulcerative colitis – histological remission should be considered. Authors' reply
Authors: Angelison L , Marsal J. , Hertervig E.
Published: March 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kilincalp et al and Angelison et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13993 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13983.
Letter: dose optimising infliximab in acute severe ulcerative colitis – authors' reply
Authors: Jairath V. , Casteele N. V. , Hindryckx P.
Published: March 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Choy and De Cruz and Hindryckx et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13980 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13913.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: comparative efficacy of biologics for induction and maintenance of mucosal healing in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis controlled trials
Authors: Cholapranee A. , Hazlewood G. S , Kaplan G. G. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L. , Ananthakrishnan A. N.
Published: March 2017

Background

Mucosal healing is an important therapeutic endpoint in the management of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Limited data exist regarding the comparative efficacy of various therapies in achieving this outcome.

Aim

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of biologics for induction and maintenance of mucosal healing in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) examining mucosal healing as an endpoint of immunosuppressives, anti‐tumour necrosis factor α (anti‐TNF) or anti‐integrin monoclonal antibody therapy for moderate‐to‐severe CD or UC. Pooled effect sizes for induction and maintenance of mucosal healing were calculated and pairwise treatment comparisons evaluated using a Bayesian network meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 12 RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis (CD – 2 induction, 4 maintenance; UC – 8 induction, 5 maintenance). Duration of follow‐up was 6–12 weeks for induction and 32‐54 weeks for maintenance trials. In CD, anti‐TNFs were more effective than placebo for maintaining mucosal healing [28% vs. 1%, Odds ratio (OR) 19.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.51–110.84]. In UC, anti‐TNFs and anti‐integrins were more effective than placebo for inducing (45% vs. 30%) and maintaining mucosal healing (33% vs. 18%). In network analysis, adalimumab therapy was inferior to infliximab [OR 0.45, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.25–0.82] and combination infliximab‐azathioprine (OR 0.32, 95% CrI 0.12–0.84) for inducing mucosal healing in UC. There was no statistically significant pairwise difference between vedolizumab and anti‐TNF agents in UC.

Conclusions

Anti‐TNF and anti‐integrin biological agents are effective in inducing mucosal healing in UC, with adalimumab being inferior to infliximab or combination therapy. Infliximab and adalimumab were similar in CD.
Functioning of self‐help groups in India: Members’ perceptions of key issues
Authors: Huma  , Hasan Abid
Published: March 2017

Self‐help group‐bank linkage program is considered a powerful tool for eradicating poverty in many poor and developing countries, especially in Asia. The number of these groups has increased rapidly during the last few years; however, their efficacy to achieve long‐term poverty alleviation has been questioned by many researchers. Previous studies have focused mainly on objective indicators to understand the program's impact on the lives of its members, such as changes in the economic condition and the development of conceptual frameworks. The present study primarily focuses on member perceptions of the overall functioning of the self‐help group. A questionnaire survey was administered to 15 presidents and 75 group members belonging to 15 self‐help groups with active bank accounts in Chandigarh, a union territory of India. Drawing on their responses and perceptions, the five major problems faced by these groups were identified as: (i) ineffective group meetings, (ii) absence of income‐generating activities, (iii) lack of cooperation among members, (iv) lack of awareness, and (v) minimal savings. Our key recommendations include: (i) increased organizational support, (ii) focus on skill development, (iii) training and motivation, (iv) effective leadership, and (v) regular meetings.
Factors determining e‐learning service quality
Authors: Uppal Muhammad Amaad , Ali Samnan , Gulliver Stephen R.
Published: March 2017

e‐Learning courses are fast becoming common‐place, yet the success of these online courses varies considerably. Since limited research addresses the issue of e‐learning quality (ELQ) of service in higher education environments, there is an increasing need to effectively assess ELQ. In this paper, we argue that to obtain a satisfactory e‐learning student experience, we must offer more than access to learning material. The research proposes an extended SERVQUAL model, the ELQ model, which in addition to key service constructs, facilitates consideration of both information and system quality factors. Exploratory Factor Analysis is conducted to investigate the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and multiple regression analysis is used to test the research model. Data analysis reveals that Assurance, Responsiveness, Tangibility, Course Website and Learning Content have a positive correlation with the perception of ELQ. e‐Learning students value a stable, and easy to use e‐learning environment, yet do not perceive empathy and reliability as significant to student perception of ELQ.
Dysregulated Fear, Social Inhibition, and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Buss Kristin A. , Davis Elizabeth L. , Ram Nilam , Coccia Michael
Published: March 2017

Behavioral inhibition indicates increased risk for development of social anxiety. Recent work has identified a pattern of dysregulated fear (DF), characterized by high fear in low‐threat situations, that provides a more precise marker of developmental risk through early childhood. This study tested a new longitudinal sample of children (n = 124) from ages 24 to 48 months. Replicating prior findings, at 24 months, we identified a pattern of fearful behavior across contexts marked by higher fear to putatively low‐threat situations. DF was associated with higher parental report of social inhibition at 24, 36, and 48 months. Extending prior findings, we observed differences in cardiac physiology during fear‐eliciting situations, suggesting that the neurobiological underpinnings of DF relate to difficulty with regulation.
Ethnic‐Racial Identity and Friendships in Early Adolescence
Authors: Rivas‐Drake Deborah , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Schaefer David R. , Medina Michael
Published: March 2017

The current study examined how adolescents' ethnic‐racial identity (ERI) informed the demographic diversity of their friendship network (Goal 1) and the extent of similarity between adolescents' and their friends' ERI (Goal 2). Participants were sixth and seventh grade students (N = 353; Mage = 11.88, SD = .73; 50% girls; 29% African American, 31% White, 13% Latino) in the Midwestern U.S. Results from longitudinal cross‐lagged models (Goal 1) indicated that having more diverse friendships at T2 was associated with greater T3 ERI exploration among all youth. In addition, boys who reported higher ERI resolution at T1 had more diverse friendships at T2. Furthermore, findings from longitudinal social network analyses (SNA; Goal 2) suggested that influence drove similarity between adolescents and their friends in ERI exploration and resolution.
Identification of a HERV-K env surface peptide highly recognized in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients: a cross-sectional case–control study
Authors: Mameli G , Erre G L , Caggiu E , Mura S , Cossu D , Bo M , Cadoni M L , Piras A , Mundula N , Colombo E , Buscetta G , Passiu G , Sechi L A
Published: March 2017

Endogenous retroviruses (HERV) are believed to be pathogenic in several autoimmune diseases. Among them, HERV-K viruses have been reported recently to be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study we have explored the role of humoral immune response against HERV-K as a potential pathogenetic mechanism in RA. Four different peptides from the extracellular portion of the env protein of HERV-K (env-su19–37, env-su109–126, env-su164–186, env-su209–226) were selected by bioinformatic analysis on the basis of their putative immunogenicity. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was then carried out to quantify antibodies against those peptides on blood samples of 70 consecutive RA patients and 71 healthy controls (HC). Differences between the two groups were analysed using the Mann–Whitney test. Potential correlations between RA laboratory, clinical descriptors and immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels were explored by bivariate regression analysis. Serum autoantibodies against one of four tested peptides of HERV-K (env-su19–37) were significantly higher in RA than in HC (19 versus 3%, P = 0·0025). Subgroup analysis showed no association between anti-HERV-K peptide humoral response and clinical, serological and clinimetric RA disease descriptors. Serum from RA patients in our series reacted significantly against HERV-K env-su19–37 peptide in comparison to the general population suggesting a role for the HERV-K- related, secondary antigenic-driven immune response in the pathogenesis of RA. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to explore the role of this HERV-K surface peptide as a potential therapeutic target.
Impaired quality of life in patients with treated acromegaly despite long‐term biochemically stable disease: Results from a 5‐years prospective study
Authors: Kyriakakis Nikolaos , Lynch Julie , Gilbey Stephen G. , Webb Susan M. , Murray Robert D.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Patients with acromegaly demonstrate impaired quality of life (QoL), but data on long‐term QoL changes in treated acromegaly are limited. This study evaluates and identifies factors that influence QoL in patients with long‐term biochemical remission.

Design

The study consists of a cross‐sectional arm comparing QoL between patients with treated and controlled acromegaly and healthy controls; and a longitudinal arm assessing QoL changes in patients with biochemically stable disease during 5.7±0.6 years of follow‐up.

Patients

A total of 58 patients and 116 matched controls were recruited for the cross‐sectional arm; 28 patients completed the longitudinal arm.

Measurements

Three generic questionnaires (Psychological General Well‐Being Schedule [PGWBS], 36‐item Short‐Form [SF‐36], EuroQoL [EQ‐5D]) and the disease‐specific acromegaly QoL questionnaire (AcroQoL) were applied.

Results

Quality of life assessment was performed 11.6±8.2 years following diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly. Patients with treated acromegaly had lower QoL scores compared with controls in all questionnaires with the exception of the PGWBS “Anxiety” subscale. The AcroQoL “Appearance” subscale and the “Physical Function” subscales of the remaining questionnaires were the most underscored domains. No difference in the total and subscale scores of all questionnaires was observed between baseline and follow‐up, with the exception of the SF‐36 “Physical Function,” where a decline was found (58.5±24.7% vs 43.1±31.1%; P=.002). However, after adjusting for covariates, no significant change in any of the QoL scores was seen. Duration of IGF‐1/GH control was positively correlated with QoL scores in most questionnaires at baseline, whereas use of GH lowering therapy at the time of QoL assessment was a negative predictive factor of QoL.

Conclusion

Patients with biochemically controlled acromegaly demonstrate impaired QoL, which persists despite long‐term disease control. This primarily consists of impaired physical function and secondly of impaired psycho‐social well‐being. Duration of biochemical disease control and current use of GH lowering therapy was the predominant factors determining patients’ QoL.
Victorian trabeculectomy audit
Authors: Fan Gaskin Jennifer C , Sandhu Sukhpal S , Walland Mark J
Published: March 2017

Importance

This study highlights the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy in Victoria, Australia.

Background

Trabeculectomy is currently the gold standard in glaucoma surgery. However, its role has been increasingly questioned because of its associated risks and complications. This audit aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy surgery in the state of Victoria, Australia.

Design

A cross‐sectional, retrospective and voluntary statewide audit of trabeculectomy surgery by individual surgeons in 2012 with 24 months follow‐up.

Participants

Twenty‐four surgeons in the state of Victoria submitted data on 227 trabeculectomies.

Methods

Basic preoperative and perioperative data were collected. Post‐operative data collected included intra‐ocular pressure measurements, glaucoma medications, associated complications and subsequent surgery up to 24 months post‐trabeculectomy.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were post‐operative intra‐ocular pressure and surgical complications.

Results

At 12 months, the mean intra‐ocular pressure was 12.6 ± 4.1 mmHg (range 3–28 mmHg). A total of 91% of eyes had an intra‐ocular pressure ≤18 mmHg with or without ocular hypotensive medications. One‐third of eyes that were phakic at the time of trabeculectomy underwent cataract extraction within the 24 months of follow‐up. Eyes that underwent combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy (23% of trabeculectomies) had a significantly higher mean 12‐month intra‐ocular pressure than eyes that underwent trabeculectomy alone (13.9 vs. 12.2 mmHg, P = 0.01). At 24 months, there were no cases of blebitis/endophthalmitis.

Conclusions and Relevance

The Victorian Trabeculectomy Audit demonstrates excellent efficacy and safety results that are comparable with international standards. Combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy tended to result in a higher mean post‐operative intra‐ocular pressure than trabeculectomy alone.
Methodological rigor of corporate governance studies: A review and recommendations for future studies
Authors: Boyd Brian K. , Gove Steve , Solarino Angelo M.
Published: March 2017

Manuscript Type

Article/Review

Research Question/Issue

This study presents the results of a longitudinal content analysis of governance articles published in both CGIR and other leading management outlets. Our aim with this review is to identify problematic areas, as well as opportunities to improve the methodological rigor of governance studies.

Research Findings/Insights

We examine key design aspects of corporate governance articles. We identify and compare trends (1) over time and (2) across publishing outlets. Specifically examined are the geographic scope of samples, design characteristics (i.e., single‐ versus multi‐year data, the use of archival, survey, experimental, and qualitative designs, data sources, and reliance on concurrent versus longitudinal data), survey response rates and the use of tests for non‐response bias, the statistical analysis techniques used, reporting of results (number and proportion of hypotheses supported, non‐significant, and counter‐significant, use of statistical power analysis, reporting of descriptive statistics and correlations, use and significance of control variables, and endogeneity controls), and the sophistication of the models tests (i.e., mediation and moderation).

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Based on the results of the review, recommendations for academic researchers are offered in the following areas: (1) designing theoretical tests which both incorporate and go beyond main effects; (2) evaluating a research design's analytical parameters on an a priori basis to maximize reliability, validity, and the potential for publication; (3) incorporating assessment of sensitivity and robustness checks into the analysis; and (4) comprehensive reporting of results including post hoc power analysis, complete and expanded correlation matrix(es), reporting and assessing counter‐results, and avoiding HARKing.
Airway inflammation and symptoms in children following liver and heart transplantation
Authors: Redmann Andrew J. , Bucuvalas John C. , Wood Robert E. , Chin Clifford , Hart Catherine K.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To describe the upper airway endoscopic findings of children with upper airway symptoms after liver transplantation (LT) or heart transplantation (HT).

Methods

Review of children undergoing airway endoscopy after LT or HT from 2011 to 2015 at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Airway findings, biopsy results, immunosuppression, and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) levels were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐three of 158 LT (111) and HT (47) recipients underwent endoscopy. Median time from LT to endoscopy was 9 months (range 4‐25) and 31 months (range 1‐108) for HT. Thirteen of 23 patients presented with upper airway symptoms, and 10/23 presented with respiratory failure or for surveillance. Thirteen patients with upper airway symptoms had abnormal findings (7 LT; 6 HT), most commonly arytenoid edema (13 patients). There were five EBV‐positive biopsies (four with post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder), and six EBV‐negative biopsies with lymphocytic inflammation. One biopsy demonstrated fungal infection. Immunosuppression was decreased in seven patients, and three received steroids. There were no episodes of allograft rejection. No patients had airway symptoms at last follow‐up.

Conclusions

In pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, symptoms of airway obstruction are not uncommon and should be evaluated with endoscopy. Endoscopy without symptoms is low‐yield. Treatment with decreased immunosuppression improved airway symptoms.
Ecological niche differentiation across a wolf‐coyote hybrid zone in eastern North America
Authors: Otis Josée‐Anne , Thornton Dan , Rutledge Linda , Murray Dennis L.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Human‐caused habitat alteration and disturbance have promoted widespread loss of species’ reproductive barriers, leading to hybridization and attendant changes in the distribution, abundance and interactions of most species. In theory, hybrids should have intermediate niche occupancy features compared to parental groups, thereby potentially leading to fundamental changes in the role of organisms in an ecosystem. Yet, there is a gap in our empirical understanding of how hybrids differ in their niche characteristics compared to parental types; this uncertainty is especially true for large carnivores that range over large spatial extents and have high behavioural plasticity in their niche characteristics or in the environments that they inhabit. We sought to test whether eastern wolf (Canis lycaon) – eastern coyote (C. latrans sp.) hybrids exhibited intermediate environmental niche characteristics compared to their progenitors.

Location

Eastern North America.

Methods

We integrated genetic profiling of georeferenced canid (eastern wolf, eastern coyote, hybrid) samples into species distribution models, to investigate relationships between canid genetic groups and their environment. We used relevant environmental variables to investigate niche overlap and niche breath of hybrids and their parental groups.

Results

Species distribution models revealed clear patterns of niche differentiation, with hybrids tending to occur in areas having intermediate environmental niche attributes and niche breadth, compared to parental groups. Niche overlap between hybrids and either parental group was greater than between the two parental groups, further highlighting the intermediate environmental niche that is occupied by hybrids.

Main conclusions

We show that even among wide‐ranging and highly plastic large carnivores, hybrids tend to exhibit intermediate niche characteristics compared to parental groups. Our support for the intermediate phenotype hypothesis highlights its ecological relevance even when faced with coarse observational data, complex genetic structure, large spatial scale and high phenotypic plasticity.
Refining and expanding global climate change scenarios in the sea: Poleward creep complexities, range termini, and setbacks and surges
Authors: Canning‐Clode João , Carlton James T.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Invasion dynamics are sensitive to global‐scale changes. New marine invasions have been recorded in dramatically increasing numbers along the world's coasts, due, in part, to the global warming of the oceans and the ability of many successful invasive marine species to tolerate a broader thermal range than native species. As a response to ocean warming, a poleward movement of numerous species has been observed in many biogeographic regions. Our aim was to explore several poorly recognized and thus rarely studied aspects of ocean climate change scenarios in order to advance our understanding of finer‐grained aspects of poleward movements.

Location

Global.

Methods

Three scenarios are investigated in our framework: (1) the existence of networks of complex intraregional origins, routes and destinations of poleward‐moving species, (2) the existence of impenetrable termini where no further expansion is possible, linked to potential outflow corridors, and (3) the interplay of a warming ocean with aperiodic cold episodes.

Results

Poleward advances consist of distinct regional networks of origins, routes and destinations, largely undefined in most areas, linked in turn to the potential existence of endpoints where no further expansion may be possible without escape routes and/or human‐mediated assistance. The interaction of aperiodic cooling periods may result in temporary setbacks or rate reductions in range expansions.

Main conclusions

The recognition of potentially complex origin‐route‐destination networks may significantly advance our predictive capacity of both future invasions and range expansions and potential impacts. Thus, specific focus on high‐profile donor region species pools linked to established vector routes may yield far more robust management scenarios than currently in place. While it is probable that the frequency of climate‐mediated surges (inevitable warming) and setbacks (cooling periods) of species invasions will increase over time, the net outcome is likely to be positive, resulting in an inexorable poleward expansion of thousands of species.
Spatio‐temporal variation in ocean current‐driven hatchling dispersion: Implications for the world's largest leatherback sea turtle nesting region
Authors: Scott Rebecca , Biastoch Arne , Agamboue Pierre D. , Bayer Till , Boussamba Francois L. , Formia Angela , Godley Brendan J. , Mabert Brice D. K. , Manfoumbi Jean C. , Schwarzkopf Franziska U. , Sounguet Guy‐Philippe , Wagner Patrick , Witt Matthew J.
Published: March 2017

Aim

The lives of juvenile leatherback turtles are amongst the most enigmatic of all marine mega‐vertebrates. For these cryptic organisms, ocean models provide important insights into their dispersion from natal sites. Here, corroborated by fisheries bycatch data, we simulate spatio‐temporal variation in hatchling dispersion patterns over five decades from the World's largest leatherback turtle nesting region.

Location

Equatorial Central West Africa (3.5°N to −6°S) spanning the Gulf of Guinea in the North, Gabon and the Republic/Democratic Republic of the Congo in the South.

Results

Due to dynamic oceanic conditions at these equatorial latitudes, dispersion scenarios differed significantly: (1) along the north to south gradient of the study region, (2) seasonally and (3) between years. From rookeries to the north of the equator, simulated hatchling retention rates within the Gulf of Guinea were very high (>99%) after 6 months of drift, whilst south of the equator, retention rates were as low as c. 6% with the majority of simulated hatchlings dispersing west into the South Atlantic Ocean with the South Equatorial Current. Seasonal dispersion variability was driven by wind changes arising from the yearly north/southward migration of the intertropical convergence zone resulting in the increasing westerly dispersion of hatchlings throughout the hatching season. Annual variability in wind stress drove a long‐term trend for decreased retention within the Gulf of Guinea and increased westerly dispersion into habitats in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Main conclusions

Shifts in dispersion habitats arising from spatio‐temporal oceanic variability expose hatchlings to different environments and threats that will influence important life history attributes such as juvenile growth/survival rates; anticipated to impact the population dynamics and size/age structure of populations into adulthood. The impacts of local and dynamic oceanic conditions thus require careful considerations, such as subregional management, when managing marine populations of conservation concern.
Heart rate variability parameters in horses distinguish atrial fibrillation from sinus rhythm before and after successful electrical cardioversion
Authors: Broux B. , De Clercq D. , Decloedt A. , Ven S. , Vera L. , van Steenkiste G. , Mitchell K. , Schwarzwald C. , van Loon G.
Published: March 2017

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common pathological arrhythmia in horses. After successful treatment, recurrence is common. Heart rate monitors are easily applicable in horses and some devices offer basic heart rate variability (HRV) calculations. If HRV can be used to distinguish between AF and sinus rhythm (SR), this could become a monitoring tool for horses at risk for recurrence of AF.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess whether in horses AF (before cardioversion) and SR (after cardioversion) can be differentiated based upon HRV parameters.

Study design

Cohort study with internal controls.

Methods

Six HRV parameters were determined in 20 horses, both in AF and in SR, at rest (2‐ and 5‐min and 1‐ and 4‐h recordings) and during exercise (walk and trot, 2‐min recordings). Time‐domain (standard deviation of the NN intervals, root mean squared successive differences in NN intervals and triangular index), frequency domain (low/high frequency ratio) and nonlinear parameters (standard deviation of the Poincaré plot [SD]1 and SD2) were used. Statistical analysis was done using paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

HRV was higher during AF compared to SR. Results for the detection of AF were good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.8–1) for most HRV parameters. Root mean squared successive differences in NN intervals and SD1 yielded the best results (AUC 0.9–1). Sensitivity and specificity were high for all parameters at all recordings, but highest during exercise. Although AUCs improved with longer recordings, short recordings were also good (AUC 0.8–1) for the detection of AF. In horses with frequent second degree atrioventricular block, HRV at rest is increased and recordings at walk or trot are recommended.

Main limitations

Animals served as their own controls and there was no long‐term follow‐up to identify AF recurrence.

Conclusions

AF (before cardioversion) and SR (after cardioversion) could be distinguished with HRV. This technique has promise as a monitoring tool in horses at risk for AF development.
Characterisation of clotting factors, anticoagulant protein activities and viscoelastic analysis in healthy donkeys
Authors: Perez‐Ecija A. , Mendoza F. J.
Published: March 2017

Background

Studies have demonstrated differences in commonly measured haemostatic parameters between donkeys and horses. Whether clotting factors, anticoagulant protein activities and thromboelastography parameters also differ between species is still unknown.

Objectives

To characterise haemostatic parameters in healthy donkeys and to compare these with those in horses.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Clotting factors (V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII), and antithrombin III, Protein C and Protein S activities were measured in 80 healthy Andalusian and crossbred donkeys and 40 healthy Andalusian crossbred horses with assays based on human deficient plasmas. Thromboelastography was performed in 34 donkeys using a coagulation and platelet function analyser.

Results

Donkeys had shorter activated partial thromboplastin time (mean ± s.d. 33.4 ± 5.2 s vs. 38.8 ± 4.2 s; P<0.001) and higher Factor VII (1825 ± 206 vs. 1513 ± 174; P<0.001), IX (142 ± 41 vs. 114 ± 28; P<0.05) and XI (59.4 ± 14.0 vs. 27.2 ± 6.3; P<0.001) activities, whereas horses showed higher Factor X (130 ± 32 vs. 145 ± 23; P>0.05) and XII (96 ± 21 vs. 108 ± 15; P<0.001) activities. Antithrombin III (204 ± 26 vs. 174 ± 29; P<0.001), Protein C (33.16 ± 10.0 vs. 7.57 ± 1.70; P<0.001) and Protein S (median [interquartile range]: 7.8 [5.8–9.3] vs. 6.2 [5.2–7.0]; P<0.001) activities were higher in donkeys. Activated clot time (175 [159–189]), time to peak (6.5 [5.8–7.8]) and clot formation rate (26.9 [16.9–36.4]) in donkeys were shorter than reported values in horses.

Main limitations

Haemostatic pathways could not be fully evaluated in donkeys because some tests are unavailable. Certain fibrinolytic parameters (plasmin, plasminogen, etc.) have not been characterised in donkeys and this may have affected our results.

Conclusions

The haemostatic system in donkeys differs from that in horses and extrapolation of reference values between these species is not appropriate.
Biotic interactions modify multiple‐stressor effects on juvenile brown trout in an experimental stream food web
Authors: Bruder Andreas , Salis Romana K. , Jones Peter E. , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: March 2017

Agricultural land use results in multiple stressors affecting stream ecosystems. Flow reduction due to water abstraction, elevated levels of nutrients and chemical contaminants are common agricultural stressors worldwide. Concurrently, stream ecosystems are also increasingly affected by climate change. Interactions among multiple co‐occurring stressors result in biological responses that cannot be predicted from single‐stressor effects (i.e. synergisms and antagonisms). At the ecosystem level, multiple‐stressor effects can be further modified by biotic interactions (e.g. trophic interactions). We conducted a field experiment using 128 flow‐through stream mesocosms to examine the individual and combined effects of water abstraction, nutrient enrichment and elevated levels of the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on survival, condition and gut content of juvenile brown trout and on benthic abundance of their invertebrate prey. Flow velocity reduction decreased fish survival (−12% compared to controls) and condition (−8% compared to initial condition), whereas effects of nutrient andDCDadditions and interactions among these stressors were not significant. Negative effects of flow velocity reduction on fish survival and condition were consistent with effects on fish gut content (−25% compared to controls) and abundance of dominant invertebrate prey (−30% compared to controls), suggesting a negative metabolic balance driving fish mortality and condition decline, which was confirmed by structural equation modelling. Fish mortality under reduced flow velocity increased as maximal daily water temperatures approached the upper limit of their tolerance range, reflecting synergistic interactions between these stressors. Our study highlights the importance of indirect stressor effects such as those transferred through trophic interactions, which need to be considered when assessing and managing fish populations and stream food webs in multiple‐stressor situations. However, in real streams, compensatory mechanisms and behavioural responses, as well as seasonal and spatial variation, may alter the intensity of stressor effects and the sensitivity of trout populations.
GATA3 expression in benign prostate glands with radiation atypia: a diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Tian Wei , Dorn David , Wei Shi , Sanders Ronald D , Matoso Andres , Shah Rajal B , Gordetsky Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Aims

Patients who have undergone prostate radiation are at increased risk for developing urothelial carcinoma. Radiation changes can cause significant cytological atypia in benign prostate glands that may mimic pagetoid spread of urothelial carcinoma. GATA3 is a common marker for differentiating prostatic adenocarcinoma from urothelial carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of GATA3 in the epithelium of irradiated benign and malignant prostate tissue.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective review of prostate cases with radiation atypia. GATA3 staining was performed on benign prostate tissue with and without radiation atypia, as well as on residual/recurrent prostatic adenocarcinoma after radiation therapy. PIN4 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on prostate tissue with radiation atypia to confirm the presence of both basal and luminal cells. We identified 31 cases with benign prostate glands containing radiation atypia. The average time between treatment with radiation therapy and the surgical procedure was 10 years (range 5–20 years). PIN4 IHC staining confirmed the presence of basal and luminal cells in benign prostate glands with radiation atypia. Thirty‐one of 31 (100%) cases of benign prostate tissue with radiation atypia showed staining for GATA3 in both basal and luminal cells. Eight of eight (100%) cases of benign prostate glands without radiation atypia and no inflammatory changes showed GATA3 positivity limited to basal cells. GATA3 was negative in 12/12 (100%) cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma after radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Benign prostate glands with radiation atypia show diffuse positivity for GATA3. This staining pattern, along with the cytological atypia resulting from radiation, can mimic urothelial carcinoma.
Recent Dasycladales (Chlorophyta) in Okinawa Jima in the Central Ryukyus, southwestern Japan: Paleontological implications
Authors: Ohba Hideo , Matsuda Shinya , Asami Ryuji , Iryu Yasufumi
Published: March 2017

Recent dasycladalean algae (Dasycladales, Chlorophyta) are classified into two families, 11 genera, and 44 species, and inhabit the tropical to warm‐temperate waters of the world. Twelve species of dasycladalean algae occur in Okinawa Jima, Ryukyu Islands. In this paper, the present‐day dasycladalean species and their distributions in Okinawa Jima are reported and their paleontological implications are discussed. Dasycladalean algae grow mainly on coral rubble and rocks, often forming large meadows in calm shallow lagoons. However, Dasycladus vermicularis occurs in deeper waters, at depths of 15–89 m, around Okinawa Jima. Neomeris annulata is found at water depths of 0–30 m. These data throw doubt on the interpretation that the occurrence of dasycladalean algae is linked to warm shallow habitats.
U–Pb zircon geochronology of the Daraban leucogranite, Mawat ophiolite, Northeastern Iraq: A record of the subduction to collision history for the Arabia–Eurasia plates
Authors: Mohammad Yousif O. , Cornell David H.
Published: March 2017

The Mawat ophiolite is part of the Mesozoic Neo‐Tethyan ophiolite belt of the Middle East and is located in the Zagros Imbricate Zone of Iraq. It represents fossil fragments of the Neo‐Tethyan oceanic lithosphere within the Alpine collisional system between the Arabian and Eurasia Plates. The first U–Pb zircon dating of the Daraban leucogranite from the Mawat ophiolite provides a 207Pb–206Pb age of 96.8 ± 6.0 Ma. The age is 59.0 ± 6.0 m.y. older than the previously published age of the Daraban leucogranite obtained by 40Ar–39Ar muscovite dating method. The U–Pb dating of magmatic zircons collected from the Daraban leucogranite, which intrudes into the Mawat ophiolite, reveals that melting of the pelagic sediment beneath the hot Zagros proto‐ophiolite in an intra‐oceanic arc environment led to anatexis at the subduction front and the generation of granitic melts at 96.8 ± 6.0 Ma, which were emplaced in the overlaying mantle wedge. This process was a response to the initial formation of the Neo‐Tethys ophiolite above a northeast‐dipping intra‐oceanic subduction zone at 96.8 ± 6.0 Ma. Published 40Ar–39Ar muscovite dating from the same leucogranite dike yields plateau ages of 37.7 ± 0.3 Ma, reflecting that the age was reset during the Arabia–Eurasia continental collision. Therefore, the bimodal age populations from the granitic intrusion in the Mawat ophiolite preserve a record of the subduction to the collision cycle of the Zagros Orogenic Belt. The 59.0 ± 6.0 m.y. age difference from the Daraban leucogranite represents the duration of the subduction‐collision cycle of the Zagros Orogenic Belt in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and the time span for the closure of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean along the northern margin of the Arabian plate.
Lethal hopelessness: Understanding and responding to asylum seeker distress and mental deterioration
Authors: Procter Nicholas G. , Kenny Mary Anne , Eaton Heather , Grech Carol
Published: March 2017

The mental deterioration of the so called ‘legacy caseload’ (asylum seekers who arrived in Australia by boat between August 2012–December 2013) has become a national concern and is garnering international attention. Prolonged uncertainty is contributing to mental deterioration and despair. There have been at least 11 deaths by suicide since June 2014. Social support services have been limited and legal assistance in short supply; this is associated with lengthy delays with visa applications. Thwarted belongingness, purpose and identity, a shortage of available services, and barriers to legal support for processes attendant upon Refugee Status Determination increase the likelihood that the mental health of asylum seekers will deteriorate further, potentially developing into worsening decline, which will lead to increased self‐harm and suicide. This article summarises recent suicide deaths in Australia, positing practical assistance and support for asylum seekers living in the community. Therapeutic engagement should be trauma‐informed wherever possible, helping asylum seekers to reframe their sense of lethal hopelessness.