bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No trans-pacific partnership? Good or bad for Mexico?
Authors: Valverde Gabriela Ortiz , Latorre Maria C.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is as follows: first, it aims to explain the overall economic implications of the trans-pacific partnership (TPP). Second, it aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the TPP’s quantitative impact on an upper-middle economy such as Mexico, as well as on the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is performed using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model.

Findings

The results suggest that in the short run, both Mexico and the USA would slightly benefit from the TPP. Tariff reductions would lead to less bilateral trade between Mexico and the USA and the stronger integration of both countries with the rest of the TPP members. The opposite is true after a decrease in non-tariff barriers (NTBs). Overall, in terms of the impact on Mexico, trade integration with the rest of the TPP members prevails. This suggests that a TPP without the USA could still be beneficial.

Originality/value

Previous studies on the TPP have mainly focused on its impact for the USA, which is also analysed in the present study. The effects of the TPP are estimated for a broad set of micro and macroeconomic variables, paying particular attention to the reductions of NTBs.
Toward a data governance model for the Kenya health professional regulatory authorities
Authors: Were Victor , Moturi Christopher
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the status, drivers, and barriers to data governance at the health professional regulatory authorities in Kenya. This study aims to develop a model that can be used to establish a formal data governance program at these regulatory authorities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used data governance decision areas based on the study of Khatri and Brown (2010). Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in this study to collect data.

Findings

This paper identified maintenance of quality of data, achieving customer satisfaction, ensuring data security and control, and achieving operational efficiency as the drivers of data governance at the regulatory authorities. The authorities are faced with lack of data governance awareness, lack of management ownership and support, as well as limited funding and resource allocations as barriers to data governance. This study proposed that for the authorities to increase their data governance, they need to identify their data as an asset, initiate more data quality management mechanism, restrict access to their data, create awareness, and increase management, ownership and support.

Practical implications

A data governance program for healthcare workforce data is necessary for healthcare planning which influences national policy in the healthcare and the overall delivery of health services in a country.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a model that health professional regulators in developing countries that are facing limited resources can be used to establish a formal data governance program.
Adaptation responses to increasing drought frequency
Authors: Adamson David , Loch Adam , Schwabe Kurt
Published: May 2017

Using state contingent analysis, we discuss how and why irrigators adapt to alternative water supply signals. Focusing on the timing of water allocations, we explore inherent differences in the demand for water by two key irrigation sectors: annual and perennial producers. The analysis explores the reliability of alternative water property right bundles and how reduced allocations across time influence alternative responses by producers. Our findings are then extended to explore how management strategies could adapt to two possible future drier state types: (i) where an average reduction in water supply is experienced; and (ii) where drought becomes more frequent. The combination of these findings is subsequently used to discuss the role water reform policy plays in dealing with current and future climate scenarios.
The recognition of letters in emergent literacy in German: evidence from a longitudinal study
Authors: Schmitterer Alexandra M.A. , Schroeder Sascha
Published: June 2017

Background

German children do not formally learn letter‐sounds before school entry. In this study, we evaluated kindergarten children's sensitivity to the frequency of letters and visually similar symbols in child‐directed texts, how it develops and whether it predicts early reading abilities.

Method

In a longitudinal study from kindergarten to primary school, children were asked to judge whether a presented alphabetic (e.g., A) or non‐alphabetic symbol (e.g., #) was a letter. High and low frequency was varied for both types of symbols. Furthermore, we analysed whether later reading abilities were predicted by this letter judgement ability.

Results

Before school entry, children had difficulties in distinguishing frequent non‐alphabetic symbols from letters. Furthermore, letter judgement in kindergarten predicted reading abilities in first grade.

Conclusions

Children derive some knowledge about letters from the frequency of co‐occurrence of letters and symbols in texts. The ability to distinguish letters from non‐alphabetic symbols predicts early reading.
Log Odds and the Interpretation of Logit Models
Authors: Norton Edward C. , Dowd Bryan E.
Published: May 2017

Objective

We discuss how to interpret coefficients from logit models, focusing on the importance of the standard deviation (σ) of the error term to that interpretation.

Study Design

We show how odds ratios are computed, how they depend on the standard deviation (σ) of the error term, and their sensitivity to different model specifications. We also discuss alternatives to odds ratios.

Principal Findings

There is no single odds ratio; instead, any estimated odds ratio is conditional on the data and the model specification. Odds ratios should not be compared across different studies using different samples from different populations. Nor should they be compared across models with different sets of explanatory variables.

Conclusions

To communicate information regarding the effect of explanatory variables on binary {0,1} dependent variables, average marginal effects are generally preferable to odds ratios, unless the data are from a case–control study.
Orthodontic Treatment: Real Risk for Dental Age Estimation in Adults?
Authors: Marroquin Penaloza Talia Yolanda , Karkhanis Shalmira , Kvaal Sigrid Ingeborg , Vasudavan Sivabalan , Castelblanco Edwin , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: June 2017

Dental age estimation becomes a challenge once the root formation is concluded. In living adults, one dental age indicator is the formation of secondary dentine, also associated with orthodontic treatment as well as root shortening. The aim of this study was to establish whether these secondary effects of orthodontic treatment could generate a statistically significant difference in dental age estimations when using Kvaal's method. The study sample included 34 pairs of pre‐ and postorthodontic panoramic radiographs, from different individuals with exactly the same age and sex distribution. Females 65%, median age 17.5 years, and males 35%, median age 22.5 years, were included. After data collection, dental age was estimated per tooth using formulae previously published. The risk of obtaining over‐estimation of age was calculated. (RR = 1.007). The changes caused by orthodontic treatment do not have any significant effect on age estimation when Kvaal et al.'s method is applied on panoramic radiographs.
Testosterone effects on pain and brain activation patterns
Authors: Choi J. C. , Park Y.‐H. , Park S. K. , Lee J. S. , Kim J. , Choi J. I. , Yoon K. B. , Lee S. , Lim D. E. , Choi J. Y. , Kim M. H. , Park G. , Choi S. S. , Lee J.‐M.
Published: June 2017

Background

This study investigated whether pain and pain‐related unpleasantness ratings were altered by blood testosterone levels. We also investigated whether activation of brain regions that represent pain intensity [primary somatosensory cortex (S1)] and pain‐related unpleasantness [perigenual ACC (pACC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)] were affected by blood testosterone levels.

Methods

Twenty‐six healthy men were recruited. Blood testosterone levels were measured before fMRI scanning. The participants were classified into two groups (high vs. low testosterone) according to their blood testosterone level (each group n = 13). The middle finger was immersed in a 50°C water bath (50°C, 30 s, five times) to induce identical noxious stimulation in all participants.

Results

The low testosterone group showed statistically significantly higher pain (P = 0.047), unpleasantness (P = 0.047), anxiety (P = 0.015), and fear ratings (P = 0.01) than the high testosterone group. Fear rating increased as pain rating rose and as testosterone level decreased (P < 0.001). When participants received noxious stimulation, the pACC and OFC were more highly activated in the low testosterone group compared to the high testosterone group. Activation of S1, a region related to pain intensity, did not differ between both groups.

Conclusion

Compared to the high testosterone group, the low testosterone group had significant activation in the pACC and OFC, regions that represent pain‐related unpleasantness, but not in S1 that represents pain intensity, leading to higher pain ratings. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of testosterone levels when treating patients.
Stock price crash risk and internal control weakness: presence vs. disclosure effect
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Yeung Ira , Zhou Jie
Published: May 2017

This study examines the stock price crash risk for a sample of firms that disclosed internal control weaknesses (ICW) under Section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX). We find that in the year prior to the initial disclosures, ICW firms are more crash‐prone than firms with effective internal controls. This positive relation is more pronounced when weakness problems are associated with a firm's financial reporting process. More importantly, we find that stock price crash risk reduces significantly after the disclosures of ICWs, despite the disclosure itself signalling bad news. The above results hold after controlling for various firm‐specific determinants of crash risk and ICWs. Using an ICW disclosure as a natural experiment, our study attempts to isolate the presence effect of undisclosed ICWs from the initial disclosure effect of internal control weakness on stock price crash risk. In so doing, we provide more direct evidence on the causal relation between the quality of financial reporting and stock price crash risk.
Silage preparation and fermentation quality of kudzu, sugarcane top and their mixture treated with lactic acid bacteria, molasses and cellulase
Authors: Chen Xinzhu , Li Wenyang , Gao Chengfang , Zhang Xiaopei , Weng Boqi , Cai Yimin
Published: May 2017

We studied silage fermentation of kudzu (KZ), sugarcane top (ST) and their mixtures treated with additives to be able to effectively use available local feed resources. The silages were prepared using KZ, ST, KZ 90% + ST 10%, KZ 80% + ST 20%, KZ 70% + ST 30% and KZ 60% + ST 40%, based on fresh matter (FM). These silages were treated with 108 colony‐forming units/g epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (LAB), 5% molasses and 0.02% cellulase of FM. The KZ contained higher crude protein (CP; 14.52%) content and lower levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 62.15%) than those of ST (6.84% CP and 64.93% NDF) based on dry matter (DM). The KZ 60% + ST 40% silage fermented well with a higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid content and lower (P < 0.05) pH than those of the other mixed silages. Silages treated with molasses had lower (P < 0.05) ammonia‐N, NDF, acid detergent fiber, and hemi‐cellulose contents as well as pH, but higher (P < 0.05) DM, water‐soluble carbohydrate, and lactic acid contents, than those of the control, LAB and cellulase treatments. The results confirmed that KZ 60% + ST 40% was the best mixing ratio to prepare silage, and molasses improved silage fermentation and fiber degradation.
Math anxiety and math performance in children: The mediating roles of working memory and math self‐concept
Authors: Justicia‐Galiano M. José , Martín‐Puga M. Eva , Linares Rocío , Pelegrina Santiago
Published: May 2017

Background

Numerous studies, most of them involving adolescents and adults, have evidenced a moderate negative relationship between math anxiety and math performance. There are, however, a limited number of studies that have addressed the mechanisms underlying this relation.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the role of two possible mediational mechanisms between math anxiety and math performance. Specifically, we sought to test the simultaneous mediating role of working memory and math self‐concept.

Sample

A total of 167 children aged 8–12 years participated in this study.

Methods

Children completed a set of questionnaires used to assess math and trait anxiety, math self‐concept as well as measures of math fluency and math problem‐solving. Teachers were asked to rate each student's math achievement. As measures of working memory, two backward span tasks were administered to the children.

Results

A series of multiple mediation analyses were conducted. Results indicated that both mediators (working memory and math self‐concept) contributed to explaining the relationship between math anxiety and math achievement.

Conclusions

Results suggest that working memory and self‐concept could be worth considering when designing interventions aimed at helping students with math anxiety. Longitudinal designs could also be used to better understand the mediational mechanisms that may explain the relationship between math anxiety and math performance.
Use of eltrombopag for secondary immune thrombocytopenia in clinical practice
Authors: González‐López Tomás J. , Alvarez‐Román María T. , Pascual Cristina , Sánchez‐González Blanca , Fernández‐Fuentes Fernando , Pérez‐Rus Gloria , Hernández‐Rivas José A. , Bernat Silvia , Bastida José M. , Martínez‐Badas María P. , Martínez‐Robles Violeta , Soto Inmaculada , Olivera Pavel , Bolaños Estefanía , Alonso Rafael , Entrena Laura , Gómez‐Nuñez Marta , Alonso Arancha , Yera Cobo María , Caparrós Isabel , Tenorio María , Arrieta‐Cerdán Esther , Lopez‐Ansoar Elsa , García‐Frade Javier , González‐Porras José R.
Published: June 2017

Eltrombopag is a second‐line treatment in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, its role in secondary ITP is unknown. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in secondary ITP in daily clinical practice. Eighty‐seven secondary ITP patients (46 with ITP secondary to autoimmune syndromes, 23 with ITP secondary to a neoplastic disease subtype: lymphoproliferative disorders [LPDs] and 18 with ITP secondary to viral infections) who had been treated with eltrombopag were retrospectively evaluated. Forty‐four patients (38%) had a platelet response, including 40 (35%) with complete responses. Median time to platelet response was 15 days (95% confidence interval, 7–28 days), and was longer in the LPD‐ITP group. Platelet response rate was significantly lower in the LPD‐ITP than in other groups. However, having achieved response, there were no significant differences between the durable response of the groups. Forty‐three patients (49·4%) experienced adverse events (mainly grade 1–2), the commonest being hepatobiliary laboratory abnormalities. There were 10 deaths in this case series, all of which were related to pre‐existing medical conditions. In routine clinical practice, eltrombopag is effective and well‐tolerated in unselected patients with ITP secondary to both immune and infectious disorders. However, the response rate in LPD‐ITP is low.
The p21‐activated kinase 1 (Pak1) signalling pathway in cardiac disease: from mechanistic study to therapeutic exploration
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Wang Shunyao , Lei Ming , Boyett Mark , Tsui Hoyee , Liu Wei , Wang Xin
Published: June 2017

p21‐activated kinase 1 (Pak1) is a member of the highly conserved family of serine/threonine protein kinases regulated by Ras‐related small G‐proteins, Cdc42/Rac1. It has been previously demonstrated to be involved in cardiac protection. Based on recent studies, this review provides an overview of the role of Pak1 in cardiac diseases including disrupted Ca2+ homoeostasis‐related cardiac arrhythmias, adrenergic stress‐ and pressure overload‐induced hypertrophy, and ischaemia/reperfusion injury. These findings demonstrate the important role of Pak1 mediated through the phosphorylation and transcriptional modification of hypertrophy and/or arrhythmia‐related genes. This review also discusses the anti‐arrhythmic and anti‐hypertrophic, protective function of Pak1 and the beneficial effects of fingolimod (an FDA‐approved sphingolipid drug), a Pak1 activator, and its ability to prevent arrhythmias and cardiac hypertrophy. These findings also highlight the therapeutic potential of Pak1 signalling in the treatment and prevention of cardiac diseases.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc
Rationale for targeting the Wnt signalling modulator Dickkopf‐1 for oncology
Authors: Kagey Michael H , He Xi
Published: June 2017

Wnt signalling is a fundamental pathway involved in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Mutations in the pathway frequently lead to developmental defects and cancer. As such, therapeutic intervention of this pathway has generated tremendous interest. Dickkopf‐1 (DKK1) is a secreted inhibitor of β‐catenin‐dependent Wnt signalling and was originally characterized as a tumour suppressor based on the prevailing view that Wnt signalling promotes cancer pathogenesis. However, DKK1 appears to increase tumour growth and metastasis in preclinical models and its elevated expression correlates with a poor prognosis in a range of cancers, indicating that DKK1 has more complex cellular and biological functions than originally appreciated. Here, we review current evidence for the cancer‐promoting activity of DKK1 and recent insights into the effects of DKK1 on signalling pathways in both cancer and immune cells. We discuss the rationale and promise of targeting DKK1 for oncology.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc
The β3‐adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron increases human atrial force through β1‐adrenoceptors: an indirect mechanism?
Authors: Mo Weilan , Michel Martin C , Lee Xiang Wen , Kaumann Alberto J , Molenaar Peter
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose

Mirabegron has been classified as a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist approved for overactive bladder syndrome. We investigated possible cardiac effects of mirabegron in the absence or presence of β‐adrenoceptor subtype antagonists. In view of its phenylethanolamine structure, we investigated whether mirabegron has indirect sympathomimetic activity by using neuronal uptake blockers.

Experimental Approach

Right atrial trabeculae, from non‐failing hearts, were paced and contractile force measured at 37°C. Single concentrations of mirabegron were added in the absence or presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX), β3 (L‐748,337), β1 (CGP 20712A), β2 (ICI 118,551) ‐adrenoceptor antagonists, neuronal uptake inhibitors desipramine or phenoxybenzamine.

Key Results

Mirabegron significantly increased contractile force in human right atrium (1 μM, 7.6 ± 2.6%, n = 7; 10 μM, 10.2 ± 1.5%, n = 22 compared with (−)‐isoprenaline P < 0.05). In the presence of IBMX, mirabegron (10 μM) caused a greater contraction. L‐748,337 (100 nM) had no effect on the increase in contractile force caused by mirabegron (10 μM). In contrast, mirabegron (10 μM) reduced contractile force in the presence of CGP 20712A, which was not affected by L‐748,337 (100 nM) or ICI 118,551 (50 nM). Mirabegron (10 μM) also reduced contractile force in the presence of desipramine or phenoxybenzamine.

Conclusions and Implications

Mirabegron increases human atrial force through β1‐ but not β3‐adrenoceptors. Desipramine and phenoxybenzamine block neuronal uptake and conceivably prevent mirabegron from releasing noradrenaline. A non‐specific cardiodepressant effect is not mediated through β3 (or β2)‐adrenoceptors, consistent with lack of β3‐adrenoceptor function on human atrial contractility.
The effects of testosterone on body composition in obese men are not sustained after cessation of testosterone treatment
Authors: Ng Tang Fui Mark , Hoermann Rudolf , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Grossmann Mathis
Published: May 2017

Background

Testosterone treatment in obese dieting men augments the diet‐associated loss of fat mass, but protects against loss of lean mass. We assessed whether body composition changes are maintained following withdrawal of testosterone treatment.

Methods

We conducted a prespecified double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled observational follow‐up study of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were men with baseline obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2) and a repeated total testosterone level <12 nmol/L, previously enrolled in a 56‐week testosterone treatment trial combined with a weight loss programme. Main outcome measures were mean adjusted differences (MAD) (95% confidence interval), in body composition between testosterone‐ and placebo‐treated men at the end of the observation period.

Results

Of the 100 randomized men, 82 completed the RCT and 64 the subsequent observational study. Median [IQR] observation time after completion of the RCT was 82 weeks [74; 90] in men previously receiving testosterone (cases) and 81 weeks [67;91] in men previously receiving placebo (controls), P=.51. At the end of the RCT, while losing similar amounts of weight, cases had, compared to controls, lost more fat mass, MAD −2.9 kg (−5.7, −0.2), P=.04, but had lost less lean mass MAD 3.4 kg (1.3, 5.5), P=.002. At the end of the observation period, the former between‐group differences in fat mass, MAD −0.8 kg (−3.6, 2.0), P=1.0, in lean mass, MAD −1.3 kg (−3.0, 0.5), P=.39, and in appendicular lean mass, MAD −0.1 kg/m2 (−0.3, 0.1), P=.45, were no longer apparent. During observation, cases lost more lean mass, MAD −3.7 kg (−5.5, −1.9), P=.0005, and appendicular lean mass, MAD −0.5 kg/m2 (−0.8, −0.3), P<.0001 compared to controls.

Conclusions

The favourable effects of testosterone on body composition in men subjected to a concomitant weight loss programme were not maintained at 82 weeks after testosterone treatment cessation.
Mortality rates are lower in SIAD, than in hypervolaemic or hypovolaemic hyponatraemia: Results of a prospective observational study
Authors: Cuesta Martín , Garrahy Aoife , Slattery David , Gupta Saket , Hannon Anne Marie , McGurren Karen , Sherlock Mark , Tormey William , Thompson Christopher J.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Hyponatraemia is associated with increased mortality, but the mortality associated specifically with SIAD is not known. We hypothesized that mortality in SIAD was elevated, but that it was less than in hypervolaemic (HEN) or hypovolaemic (HON) hyponatraemia.

Design

Mortality rates are presented as risk ratios (RR),with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and compared to normonatraemic controls (NN).

Methods

Prospective, single centre, noninterventional study of all patients with hyponatraemia (≤130 mmol/L) admitted to hospital.

Results

A total of 1323 admissions with hyponatraemia were prospectively evaluated and 1136 contemporaneous NN controls. 431(32.6%) hyponatraemic patients had HON, 573(43.3%) had SIAD and 275(20.8%) patients had HEN. In patient mortality was higher in hyponatraemia than NN (9.1% vs 3.3%, P<.0001). The RRs for in‐hospital mortality compared to NN were: SIAD, 1.76 (95% CI 1.08‐2.8, P=.02), HON 2.77 (95% CI 1.8‐4.3, P<.0001) and HEN, 4.9 (95% CI 3.2‐7.4, P<.0001). The mortality rate was higher in HEN (RR 2.85; 95% CI 1.86‐4.37, P<.0001) and in HON, (RR 1.6; 95% CI 1.04‐2.52; P=.03), when compared to SIAD. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was lower in SIAD than in eunatraemic patients (P<.0001). 9/121(7.4%) patients died with plasma sodium <125 mmol/L and 4(3.3%) with plasma sodium <120 mmol/L. However, 69/121(57%) patients died with a plasma sodium above 133 mmol/L.

Conclusions

We confirmed higher all‐cause mortality in hyponatraemia than in NN. Mortality was higher in SIAD than in normonatraemia and was not explained on the basis of co‐morbidities. Mortality was higher in HON and HEN than in SIAD. Mortality rates reported for all‐cause hyponatraemia in the medical literature are not applicable to SIAD.
Patterns of offending behaviour over time for different groups of children in relation to time spent in and out of care
Authors: Hayden Carol , Graves Sam
Published: June 2017

Children who spend time in care are more likely to have an official record of offending behaviour than the general population. However, there is a lack of longitudinal research on the timing, severity, and volume of offending in relation to time spent in and out of care. Furthermore, differences in patterns of offending by identifiable groups in care are rarely a focus of research. This study is both longitudinal and identifies 8 groups within the care population with different volumes of recorded offending: ranging from a mean of 41.75 (prolific) to 1.60 (low). Substance misuse, gender, and reasons for referral to care were associated with different patterns of offending in and out of care. The study is primarily based on a subsample of 64 children who had offended whilst in care. The subsample represents 38.5% of a cohort of children who had been in care or were taken into care over a particular period (2008–2011) in one local authority. The placements and recorded offences of the 64 children were tracked for a further 2 years (2011–2013). The study highlights future areas of research and the need for more tailored responses to different groups within the care system.
A global bibliometric analysis of otolaryngology: Head and neck surgery literature
Authors: Saunders T.F.C. , Rymer B.C. , McNamara K.J.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Bibliometrics uses analysis of content and citations of journal articles to quantify trends in published data. We aim to use bibliometric analysis to identify the global contribution by country to the ENT surgical literature over a 5‐year period.

Data source

The top 20 countries for number of articles published in surgery and the 11 English‐language otolaryngology surgical journals with the highest impact factors (IF) were included. Numbers of scientific articles per year (2009‐2013) per country for each journal were identified through PubMed. As a marker of quality, a mean IF for each country was calculated, using number of articles and journal IF. These data were compared against population, GDP and dollars spent on research.

Results

In total, 10 574 articles were included. The USA was the largest contributor, with 4462 articles published over 5 years. The second largest was the UK (1215 articles). Spain's mean IF was 2.136, followed by Taiwan (2.110). The Netherlands (19.7) and the UK (18.9) had the highest number of publications per million population. When considering overall research spending per country, Greece had the most cost‐effective publication output. The least cost‐effective country was Japan. India, Greece and Japan had the greatest increase in publication quality.

Conclusions

Bibliometric analysis can be used to identify not only major centres of English‐language ENT surgical research, such as the USA and UK but centres that are producing high‐quality data, such as Spain, and cost‐effective research, such as the UK. It can also highlight areas of increasing success in ENT research.
Quantitative tools for implementing the new definition of significant portion of the range in the U.S. Endangered Species Act
Authors: Earl Julia E. , Nicol Sam , Wiederholt Ruscena , Diffendorfer Jay E. , Semmens Darius , Flockhart D. T. Tyler , Mattsson Brady J. , McCracken Gary , Norris D. Ryan , Thogmartin Wayne E. , López‐Hoffman Laura
Published: June 2017

In 2014, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service announced a new policy interpretation for the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). According to the act, a species must be listed as threatened or endangered if it is determined to be threatened or endangered in a significant portion of its range (SPR). The 2014 policy seeks to provide consistency by establishing that a portion of the range should be considered significant if the associated individuals’ “removal would cause the entire species to become endangered or threatened.” We reviewed 20 quantitative techniques used to assess whether a portion of a species’ range is significant according to the new guidance. Our assessments are based on the 3R criteria—redundancy (i.e., buffering from catastrophe), resiliency (i.e., ability to withstand stochasticity), and representation (i.e., ability to evolve)—that the FWS uses to determine if a species merits listing. We identified data needs for each quantitative technique and considered which methods could be implemented given the data limitations typical of rare species. We also identified proxies for the 3Rs that may be used with limited data. To assess potential data availability, we evaluated 7 example species by accessing data in their species status assessments, which document all the information used during a listing decision. In all species, an SPR could be evaluated with at least one metric for each of the 3Rs robustly or with substantial assumptions. Resiliency assessments appeared most constrained by limited data, and many species lacked information on connectivity between subpopulations, genetic variation, and spatial variability in vital rates. These data gaps will likely make SPR assessments for species with complex life histories or that cross national boundaries difficult. Although we reviewed techniques for the ESA, other countries require identification of significant areas and could benefit from this research.
Impact of terlipressin infusion during and after live donor liver transplantation on incidence of acute kidney injury and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin serum levels: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kandil Mohamed A. , Abouelenain Khalid M. , Alsebaey Ayman , Rashed Hanaa S. , Afifi Mohamed H. , Mahmoud Mohamed A. , Yassen Khaled A.
Published: May 2017

Background and Aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) with liver transplantation (LT) is not uncommon. Impact of terlipressin infusion on AKI, hemodynamics, and plasma concentration of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) was studied.

Methods

Patients (n=50) were randomized (NCT02059460, USA) into two equal groups: terlipressin vs Controls. Terlipressin (1‐4 μg/kg/h) was administrated for 5 days. Intraoperative transesophageal Doppler for hemodynamic management. Renal functions, peak portal vein blood flow velocity (PPV), and hepatic artery resistive index (HARI) were recorded. Plasma NGAL (pNGAL) was measured baseline, 2 and 24 hours postreperfusion.

Results

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the main etiology. Age, sex, model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD), and renal functions were comparable. Postoperative AKI incidence and NGAL concentrations were comparable (P>.05) between terlipressin and controls groups (44% vs 48% and 112.5±9 vs 93.1±8 ng/mL), respectively, but intraoperative NGAL in both groups increased significantly 2 hours postreperfusion (P<.05). The three NGAL readings were comparable (P>.05) between AKI (n=23) and non‐AKI developers (n=27). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was maintained in both groups with less systemic vascular resistance (SVR) fluctuations with terlipressin. Median norepinephrine consumption was lower in terlipressin vs controls (8 vs 12 mg; P=.04). The PPV and HARI were not affected by terlipressin at any stage (P>.05).

Conclusion

Postliver transplant AKI was not prevented by terlipressin use nor predicted by NGAL levels.
Environmental correlates of phylogenetic endemism in amphibians and the conservation of refugia in the Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa
Authors: Barratt Christopher D. , Bwong Beryl A. , Onstein Renske E. , Rosauer Dan F. , Menegon Michele , Doggart Nike , Nagel Peter , Kissling W. Daniel , Loader Simon P.
Published: May 2017

Aims

To quantify the spatial distribution of amphibian phylogenetic endemism (PE), an indicator of potential refugia, to test PE for correlations with current and historical environmental predictors, and to evaluate the effectiveness of current protected areas at conserving evolutionary history.

Location

Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa (CFEA) and the adjacent low‐elevation Eastern Afromontane (EA).

Methods

We integrated new and existing spatial and phylogenetic data to map PE for almost the full amphibian assemblage (41 of 55 species), including 35 intraspecific lineages from several species and complexes showing high phylogeographic structure. Using spatial and non‐spatial regressive models, we tested whether PE can be predicted by measures of Quaternary climate change, forest stability, topographic heterogeneity and current climate. PE results were intersected with the protected area network to evaluate current conservation effectiveness.

Results

We detect refugia in Tanzania and coastal Kenya previously identified as CFEA centres of endemism but also new areas (lowland Tanga region and Pangani river, Zaraninge forest, Mafia island, Matumbi hills). Results show that refugia for amphibians (high PE) are located in areas with long‐term Quaternary climate stability and benign current climate (high precipitation of driest quarter, high annual precipitation), with climatically unstable areas demonstrating low PE. Conservation analyses revealed that ten PE hotspots account for over 25% of the total PE, but only small parts of these areas are under conservation protection.

Main Conclusions

Utilizing cryptic diversity from novel phylogeographic data and distribution modelling improves our understanding of endemism patterns, with climate stability being strongly correlated with the distribution of PE. Our analyses point towards high PE areas being refugia, which require an urgent need to consolidate protected areas within centres of endemism in this highly threatened biodiversity hotspot.
Design and baseline characteristics of participants in the Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial on the cardiovascular effects of dulaglutide
Authors: Gerstein Hertzel C. , Colhoun Helen M. , Dagenais Gilles R. , Diaz Rafael , Lakshmanan Mark , Pais Prem , Probstfield Jeffrey , Riddle Matthew C. , Rydén Lars , Xavier Denis , Atisso Charles M. , Avezum Alvaro , Basile Jan , Chung Namsik , Conget Ignacio , Cushman William C. , Franek Edward , Hancu Nicolae , Hanefeld Markolf , Holt Shaun , Jansky Petr , Keltai Matyas , Lanas Fernando , Leiter Lawrence A. , Lopez‐Jaramillo Patricio , Cardona‐Munoz Ernesto G. , Pirags Valdis , Pogosova Nana , Raubenheimer Peter J. , Shaw Jonathan , Sheu Wayne H‐H. , Temelkova‐Kurktschiev Theodora ,   on behalf of the REWIND Trial Investigators
Published: June 2017

The aim was to determine the effects of dulaglutide, a synthetic once‐weekly, injectable human glucagon‐like peptide 1 analogue that lowers blood glucose, body weight, appetite and blood pressure, on cardiovascular outcomes. People with type 2 diabetes, aged ≥50 years, with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤9.5%, and either a previous cardiovascular event, evidence of cardiovascular disease or ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors were randomly allocated to a weekly subcutaneous injection of either dulaglutide (1.5 mg) or placebo and followed within the ongoing Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) trial every 3 to 6 months. The primary cardiovascular outcome is the first occurrence of the composite of cardiovascular death or non‐fatal myocardial infarction or non‐fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes include each component of the primary composite cardiovascular outcome, a composite clinical microvascular outcome comprising retinal or renal disease, hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure requiring hospitalization or an urgent heart failure visit, and all‐cause mortality. Follow‐up will continue until the accrual of 1200 confirmed primary outcomes. Recruitment of 9901 participants (mean age 66 years, 46% women) occurred in 370 sites located in 24 countries over a period of 2 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 10 years, mean baseline HbA1c was 7.3%, and 31% had prior cardiovascular disease. The REWIND trial's international scope, high proportion of women, high proportion of people without prior cardiovascular disease and inclusion of participants whose mean baseline HbA1c was 7.3% suggests that its cardiovascular and safety findings will be directly relevant to the typical middle‐aged patient seen in general practice throughout the world.
Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular apical aneurysm: Importance of multi‐modality imaging
Authors: Kherada Nisharahmed , Vinardell Juan M. , Mihos Christos G. , Santana Orlando
Published: June 2017

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an uncommon variant of HCM characterized by apical hypertrophy without the septal predominance seen in the majority of HCM cases. In 2% of patients, a concomitant left ventricular apical aneurysm is observed, which increases the risk of sudden death and adverse HCM‐related events. Multimodality imaging is helpful for appropriate identification of this particular morphologic pattern. Herein, we present a case of apical HCM with a left ventricular apical aneurysm, exemplifying the utility of a multimodality approach from resting electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, left ventriculography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, for proper risk stratification and treatment planning.
Mosquito female response to the presence of larvivorous fish does not match threat to larvae
Authors: SILBERBUSH ALON , RESETARITS WILLIAM J.
Published: June 2017

1. Several species with complex life‐history traits such as amphibians and insects with aquatic immature stages and terrestrial adults avoid ovipositing in pools containing larvivorous fish. This avoidance response was assumed to be a general one for most fish species.

2. The generality of ovipositing Culex to the presence of three, widespread larvivorous fish species was tested in a set of field experiments with artificial oviposition pools using caged fish.

3. Larval performance was further examined under actual predation by these three fish species.

4. Results show that ovipositing females responded strongly to the presence of caged mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, while showing no significant response to the presence of caged green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus, or the pirate perch, Aphredoderus sayanus. All three fish species consumed similar amounts of larvae.

5. This is the first example of species‐specific response differences to predators during mosquito oviposition habitat selection. These results point to the existence of predator‐released kairomones affecting mosquito behaviour. These kairomones may either be species‐specific or vary in concentration among fish, and probably have an important role in the understanding of mosquito spatial distribution.
Impact of distress related to attenuated psychotic symptoms in individuals at ultra high risk of psychosis: Findings from the Longitudinal Youth at Risk Study
Authors: Rekhi Gurpreet , Rapisarda Attilio , Lee Jimmy
Published: May 2017

Aim

Recent studies have highlighted that attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS) are an important source of distress in ultra high risk (UHR) individuals and that this distress is related to transition to psychosis (TTP). This study examined distress associated with APS in UHR individuals and investigated its association with TTP.

Methods

The Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental State (CAARMS) was used to identify 173 UHR individuals, who were included as participants in the study. Distress related to APS was self‐reported. Functioning was assessed on the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale. Associations between each of the 4 APS subscales in the CAARMS—non‐bizarre ideas (NBI), perceptual abnormalities (PA), unusual thought content (UTC) and disorganized speech (DS)—with its distress level were examined.

Results

Of the 173 UHR participants, 154 (89%) reported distress related to one or more APS. NBI was rated to be the most distressing out of the 4 APS by the highest number of participants (32.9%) compared to UTC (12.1%), PA (24.9%) and DS (2.9%). Mean distress scores were significantly associated with CAARMS composite scores (P < .001). However, there was no significant relationship between distress scores and functioning. Both mean distress scores (OR = 1.034, P = .029) and functioning (OR = 0.892, P = .022) were significant predictors of transition to psychosis at 1 year of follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study provides additional evidence to link subjective distress experienced by UHR individuals to APS and to their subsequent clinical outcomes and has significant clinical implications.
What impact does trauma have on the at‐risk mental state? A systematic literature review
Authors: Brew Benjamin , Doris Michael , Shannon Ciaran , Mulholland Ciaran
Published: May 2017

Identification of individuals with an at‐risk mental state (ARMS) who are at a heightened risk of developing psychosis allows researchers and clinicians to identify what factors are associated with poorer outcomes and transitions to psychosis. A number of socioenvironmental factors are linked to an increase risk of developing psychosis, of which childhood trauma is widely acknowledged. The current review aims to examine what impact trauma has on the ARMS by reviewing reported relationships between trauma variables and transition to psychosis, ARMS severity, adaptive functioning and comorbid symptomology from both cross sectional and prospective design studies. A literature search was conducted for all relevant original research articles published in the English language up to December 2015 using 3 electronic databases: PsycINFO, Web of Science and PubMed. A total of 6 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the current review. Trauma was found to have a significant impact on the ARMS observed through reported relationships between trauma variables and transition to psychosis, ARMS severity, adaptive functioning and comorbid symptomology. Sexual trauma demonstrated the most consistent trauma variable to impact the ARMS. Individuals with an ARMS who have experienced sexual trauma are at a heightened risk of poorer outcomes and transitions to psychosis. Further prospective design studies are required to examine this observation further.
Investigation of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) 4G/5G promoter polymorphism in Indian venous thrombosis patients: A case‐control study
Authors: Prabhudesai Aniket , Shetty Shrimati , Ghosh Kanjaksha , Kulkarni Bipin
Published: May 2017

Background

The role of PAI‐1 4G/5G polymorphism in venous thrombosis has been contradictory. PAI‐1 4G/4G genotype is associated with elevated levels of PAI‐1 resulting in a hypofibrinolytic state and a higher thrombotic risk.

Objective

In this study, the distribution of genotypes and frequency of alleles of the 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI‐1 gene in Indian patients with different types of venous thrombosis was investigated for its role in development of thrombosis.

Method

A total of 87 portal vein thrombosis (PVT), 71 Budd‐Chiari syndrome (BCS), 156 cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT), and 163 deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients were studied alongside 251 healthy controls for the PAI‐1 4G/5G polymorphism by allele‐specific PCR.

Results

Frequency of 4G/4G genotype was higher in all groups in comparison with controls. 4G/4G was associated with PVT risk (OR=2.51, 95% CI=1.29‐4.96, P=.0075), BCS risk (OR=5.98, 95% CI=2.68‐13.42, P<.0001), and DVT risk (OR=1.75, 95% CI=0.98‐3.02, P=.0225). This is the first case‐control study from India establishing PAI‐1 4G/4G as a strong risk factor for abdominal thrombosis (PVT and BCS). Statistically significant association was not found between 4G/4G genotype and CVT risk.

Conclusion

PAI‐1 4G/4G is a strong risk factor for venous thrombosis in Indian patients and should be included in laboratory testing panel of thrombophilia.
Trends in the incidence of use of noninsulin glucose‐lowering drugs between 2006 and 2013 in France
Authors: Arnaud Mickael , Bezin Julien , Bégaud Bernard , Pariente Antoine , Salvo Francesco
Published: June 2017

This study aimed at describing trends in the incidence of use of noninsulin glucose‐lowering drugs (NIGLDs) between 2006 and 2013 in France. Repeated cross‐sectional studies on NIGLD new users were performed annually from 2006 to 2013 within the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires (EGB) database, a 1/97th representative sample of the population covered by the French healthcare insurance system. NIGLD included metformin, sulfonylureas, α‐glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidylpeptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, glinides and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogues. New users were defined as patients with no delivery of any NIGLD (first‐line new users) or no delivery of a NIGLD of the same class (add‐on/switch new users) in the preceding year. Incidence rates of use and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated per 1000 persons. Among the 507 043 persons included in the EGB in 2006, 2036 were identified as NIGLD first‐line new users and 2192 as add‐on/switch new users, which corresponded to an incidence of use of 4.0‰ (95%CI 3.8–4.2) and 4.3‰ (4.1–4.5), respectively. First‐line incidence increased to 5.3‰ (5.1–5.5) in 2010 and then decreased to 4.2‰ (4.0–4.4) in 2013; add‐on/switch incidence increased to 8.0‰ (7.8–8.2) in 2010 and then decreased to 5.3‰ (5.1–5.5) in 2013. This reduction was mainly related to DPP‐4 inhibitors, whose use as add‐on/switch NIGLDs was roughly halved between 2010 and 2013. Concomitantly, the use of sulfonylureas and glinides increased. In conclusion, after reaching a peak in 2010, the incidence of use of NIGLDs has markedly decreased in France. Since then, prescribers seem to have reverted to older and well‐known therapies.