bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A descriptive study of effect‐size reporting in research reviews
Authors: Floyd Judith A.
Published: December 2016

Aim

To describe effect‐size reporting in research reviews completed in support of evidence‐based practice in nursing.

Background

Many research reviews report nurses’ critical appraisal of level, quality and overall strength of evidence available to address clinical questions. Several studies of research‐review quality suggest effect‐size information would be useful to include in these reviews, but none focused on reviewers’ attention to effect sizes.

Design

Descriptive.

Methods

One hundred and four reviews indexed in CINAHL as systematic reviews and published from July 2012–February 2014 were examined. Papers were required to be peer‐reviewed, written in English, contain an abstract and have at least one nurse author. Reviews were excluded if they did not use critical appraisal methods to address evidence of correlation, prediction or effectiveness. Data from remaining papers (N = 73) were extracted by three or more independent coders using a structured coding form and detailed codebook. Data were stored, viewed and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel® spreadsheet functions.

Results

Sixteen percent (n = 12) of the sample contained effect‐size information. Of the 12, six included all the effect‐size information recommended by APA guidelines. Independent of completeness of reporting, seven contained discussion of effect sizes in the paper, but none included effect‐size information in abstracts.

Conclusion

Research reviews available to practicing nurses often fail to include information needed to accurately assess how much improvement may result from implementation of evidence‐based policies, programs, protocols or practices. Manuscript reviewers are urged to hold authors to APA standards for reporting/discussing effect‐size information in both primary research reports and research reviews.
The 2014 International Pressure Ulcer Guideline: methods and development
Authors: Haesler Emily , Kottner Jan , Cuddigan Janet ,   the 2014 International Guideline Development Group
Published: December 2016

Aim

A discussion of the methodology used to develop the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guideline. (2014).

Background

International experts representing National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance developed the second edition of this clinical guideline.

Design

Discussion paper – methodology.

Data sources

A comprehensive search for papers published up to July 2013 was conducted in 11 databases and identified 4286 studies. After critical appraisal, 356 studies were included and assigned a level of evidence.

Implications for Nursing

Guideline recommendations provide guidance on best practice in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. Understanding the development process of a guideline increases the meaningfulness of recommendations to clinicians.

Findings

Five hundred and seventy five recommendations arose from the research and its interpretation. The body of evidence supporting each recommendation was assigned a strength of evidence. A strength of recommendation was assigned to recommendation statements using the GRADE system. Recommendations are primarily supported by a body of evidence rated as C (87% of recommendations), representing low quality and/or indirect evidence (30%) and expert opinion (57%). Two hundred and forty seven recommendations (43%) received a strong recommendation (‘Do it’).

Conclusion

Recommendations were developed with consideration to research of the highest methodological quality evidence and studies that add to clinical insight and provide guidance for areas of care where minimal research has been conducted. Recommendations in the guideline reflect best practice and should be implemented with consideration to local context and resources and the individual's preferences and needs.
The relative contributions of competition and abiotic tolerances in determining the geographical distributions of four closely related Yucca species in Texas
Authors: Darwell Clive T. , Althoff David M.
Published: December 2016

Aim

The determinants of species’ geographical ranges are the result of both abiotic and biotic factors. Among co‐occurring closely related species, some degree of differentiation in niche characteristics is assumed necessary to allow continued coexistence. As niche requirements are likely to show similarity or overlap, competition among such species may also restrict range limits and help maintain species boundaries. We examined the roles of niche compartmentalization and competition to assess their relative contributions in determining geographical distributions of four closely related species of Yucca co‐occurring across a large region of Texas. These species are pollinated by the same moth species, but each yucca is a distinct biological species.

Location

Texas, USA.

Methods

We used species distribution modelling and niche evaluation methods based on extensive field surveys to evaluate the roles of abiotic factors and competition. We also conducted surveys of flowering activity to determine if species boundaries may be maintained by species‐specific shifts in flowering phenology that would limit interspecific gene flow.

Results

Niche evaluation methods demonstrate unique niches mostly consistent with the defined ecological regions of Texas. Geographical distributions of yuccas are mostly parapatric with some regions of sympatry. Species distribution models indicate that most species pairings display a region of potential sympatry where one of the species is numerically dominant, suggesting that competitive exclusion is delineating species ranges at parapatric margins. Flowering activity data indicate the potential for cross‐pollination among these species. Nevertheless, there is little evidence for hybridization, suggesting that strong selection due to niche requirements is mediating species boundaries.

Main conclusions

Results suggest that adaptation to abiotic conditions has been a major force underpinning diversification in these plants. However, competition at the edge of species’ ranges likely limits the spread of any one species, leading to uncharacteristically high species diversity over a relatively small geographical area.
A null biogeographical test for assessing ecological niche evolution
Authors: Nunes Laura A. , Pearson Richard G.
Published: December 2016

Aims

Quantification of the degree to which ecological niches change over evolutionary time‐scales is important for deepening our understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes. Phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) is when closely related species differ less ecologically than expected by chance, whereas Phylogenetic Niche Divergence (PND) is when closely related species differ more ecologically than expected by chance. We present a new null model to test for PNC and PND (the random translocation and rotation (RTR) significance test), which we combine with a novel metric for quantifying niche overlap.

Location

Europe, North America and Madagascar.

Methods

The RTR null model comprises many thousands of replicates generated by randomly translocating and rotating the set of occurrence records for two populations (e.g. sister species) while maintaining the spatial configuration between all occurrences within each replicate. For each replicate, we calculate niche overlap as the proportion of the combined niche breadth that is shared by the two species, averaged over n environmental dimensions. This approach enables us to test whether the observed niche overlap is more or less than expected by chance given the environmental conditions present in the study area. We test the performance of our approach in comparison to other methods using both simulated and real case scenarios, including crested newts in Europe, pocket gophers in North America, and lemurs in Madagascar.

Results

We find that our measure of niche overlap performs better than other metrics in an artificial simulation scenario, and we find evidence for both PNC and PND in our case studies for Europe, North America and Madagascar. Our results demonstrate that both the RTR significance test and the novel metric of niche overlap are consistent with evolutionary theory and are suitable methods to test for PNC and PND.

Main conclusions

We make available scripts to implement the RTR test and metric of niche overlap, and expect that the methods will prove useful for addressing a broad set of questions relating to ecological niche evolution and speciation, particularly for restricted‐range species for which few known occurrence records are available.
Ancient diversification in glacial refugia leads to intraspecific diversity in a Holarctic mammal
Authors: Polfus Jean L. , Manseau Micheline , Klütsch Cornelya F.C. , Simmons Deborah , Wilson Paul J.
Published: December 2016

Aim

Glacial‐interglacial cycles influenced the contemporary genetic structure of many North American species. While phylogeographical lineage divergence among Pleistocene refugia has been proposed as a significant driver of subspecific and ecotypic differentiation, emerging evidence highlights the role of diversification within refugia in producing post‐glacial variation. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) exhibit significant morphological, ecological and behavioural phenotypic variation and occurred within Beringian and sub‐Laurentide refugia. More specifically, the boreal ecotype of woodland caribou ranges from the southern regions of Canada to the Northwest Territories (NWT). Woodland caribou are generally accepted to have evolved south of the glacial extent, but the boreal ecotype in the northern part of their range co‐occurs with caribou that have a Beringian origin. This proximity provides an opportunity to test whether woodland caribou colonized boreal habitats from a single southern refugial source or if independent evolution to a common ecotype resulted from diversification within refugia.

Location

Northwestern Canada.

Methods

We used approximate Bayesian computation to discriminate between alternate evolutionary histories of caribou belonging to boreal, northern mountain and barren‐ground ecotypes using microsatellite and mtDNA markers.

Results

Our analysis indicates that unlike the southern‐evolved boreal ecotype, the boreal ecotype of central NWT has Beringian origins and arose from a common lineage with barren‐ground and mountain caribou. Importantly, the divergence of the lineage resulting in the boreal ecotype of central NWT significantly pre‐dates the Last Glacial Maximum.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate that independent evolutionary trajectories can converge on a similar phenotype and for the first time show that the boreal ecotype of caribou in North America contains two phylogeographical assemblages. The ancient divergence suggests that diversification within Beringia could have resulted in ecological specialization. An eco‐evolutionary focus will be essential to designing biodiversity conservation strategies for caribou that maximize genetic diversity and preserve adaptive potential in this intraspecifically diverse species.
Biogeography and radiation of the land snail genus Xerocrassa (Geomitridae) in the Balearic Islands
Authors: Chueca Luis J. , Gómez‐Moliner Benjamín J. , Forés Maximino , Madeira María José
Published: December 2016

Aim

Our aim was to assess the evolutionary history of the land snail genus Xerocrassa on the Balearic Islands with a molecular phylogeny. We investigated how the main palaeogeographical events and climate changes which occurred in the Western Mediterranean basin influenced the current diversity and distribution of the genus within the archipelago.

Location

The Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean.

Methods

A dataset of 2540‐bp DNA sequences was generated from one nuclear and two mitochondrial gene fragments obtained from 170 specimens representing 112 populations. Applying maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods and a Bayesian molecular clock, we examined the evolutionary history of the genus Xerocrassa. We also used genetic‐based species delimitation models to clarify the taxonomy of the genus in the archipelago.

Results

We provide the first molecular phylogeny of the endemic Xerocrassa of the Balearic Islands. The monophyly of several currently recognized species was not supported. The genus colonized the archipelago in a single event during the Messinian salinity crisis (5.96–5.33 Ma) from the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. The hypothesis of a relatively recent origin for the evolutionary diversification within the group was supported by molecular clock analyses. Allopatric speciation occurred after the isolation of the Pityusic and Gymnesic island systems. Moreover, most of the extant species are the result of within‐island speciation events.

Main conclusions

Historical biogeographical reconstruction strongly supports the hypothesis of Messinian salinity crisis as the colonization period of the Balearic Islands for Xerocrassa. Major climate changes experienced in the Western Mediterranean basin during the Plio‐Pleistocene influenced the within‐island speciation processes postulated for Xerocrassa. The high morphological diversity in the genus represents 11 species and a strong phylogeographical structure within the main islands.
Past, present and future refugia for Tasmania's palaeoendemic flora
Authors: Mokany Karel , Jordan Greg J. , Harwood Thomas D. , Harrison Peter A. , Keppel Gunnar , Gilfedder Louise , Carter Oberon , Ferrier Simon
Published: December 2016

Aim

Refugia under past climates have been important in structuring current patterns in diversity, while refugia under anthropogenic climate change will likely be important in retaining this diversity and shaping new patterns. However, few studies have examined the congruence of past, present and future refugia, or the spatiotemporal connectivity of these refugia. Our aim was to test the extent of overlap of refugia under Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), present (2015) and likely future climates (2100), for Tasmania's palaeoendemic flora. We then aimed to identify areas of high spatiotemporal refugia connectivity, as priority areas for conservation and management.

Location

Tasmania, Australia.

Methods

We developed and applied a new community‐level approach to identifying refugia, based on generalized dissimilarity modelling of compositional turnover and a set of reference sites with known biodiversity value. Using these projections of palaeoendemic plant refugia for past, present and future climates, we developed and applied a second approach to quantify the level of connectivity of these refugia over space and time.

Results

Although there was large overlap (85%) between current and future climates in the distribution of the highest value palaeoendemic refugia, the small congruence of these areas with refugia at the LGM resulted in only a small area (c. 9 km2) of persistent high value refugia over all three time periods. Despite this, our spatiotemporal analysis identified several areas of high connectivity in refugial environments for Tasmania's palaeoendemic flora over time.

Main conclusions

The community‐level approaches we demonstrate here to quantify refugia and their spatiotemporal connectivity have the potential to advance our understanding of biodiversity dynamics, particularly for taxonomic groups that are species‐rich, poorly studied or comprised of many rare species, where species‐level approaches are less suitable.
Historical changes in the importance of climate and land use as determinants of Dutch pollinator distributions
Authors: Aguirre‐Gutiérrez Jesús , Kissling W. Daniel , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , WallisDeVries Michiel F. , Reemer Menno , Carvalheiro Luísa G.
Published: December 2016

Aim

Species distribution models are often used to project species distributions to different environmental conditions. However, most models do not consider whether the importance of abiotic factors may change over time. If they change, this has implications for the assessment of how abiotic changes affect species distributions. Here, we use spatially explicit historical data on species occurrences, climate and land use to test whether the importance of different climatic and land‐use drivers as determinants of species distributions has remained constant over a period of > 60 years (1951–2014).

Location

The Netherlands.

Methods

Using species distribution models and a comprehensive country‐wide dataset at 5 × 5 km resolution, we modelled the distribution of a total of 398 pollinator species (bees, butterflies and hoverflies) for three periods (1951–1970, 1971–1990 and 1998–2014). We then evaluated whether the importance of variables related to climate (precipitation, temperature) and land use (landscape composition and habitat fragmentation) in determining pollinator distributions has changed over time.

Results

Variables related to landscape composition were highly important in determining pollinator distributions in all periods. Precipitation was generally less important than temperature, and habitat fragmentation less than landscape composition. Land‐use variables remained equally important across time for all pollinator groups, except for bees where the importance of habitat fragmentation decreased significantly over time. Among climate variables, the importance of precipitation did not change across time for any pollinator group. However, the importance of temperature increased significantly in recent times for bees and hoverflies.

Main conclusions

Determinants of species distributions can change in their importance over time when changes in the magnitude and range of environmental conditions occur. Given future temperature rises, our results imply that species distribution models calibrated with current climatic conditions may not adequately predict the future importance of environmental factors in driving species distributions.
How marine currents influenced the widespread natural overseas dispersal of reptiles in the Western Indian Ocean region
Authors: Hawlitschek Oliver , Ramírez Garrido Sergio , Glaw Frank
Published: December 2016

In a recent contribution to this journal, Wilmé et al. (2016) proposed that the giant tortoises of the islands of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO: Aldabra, the Mascarenes, and the Granitic Seychelles) might have originated from translocation by early Austronesian sailors. Prompted by this paper we review recent literature and show that natural overseas dispersal was remarkably widespread in the colonization history of terrestrial reptiles in the WIO region. Almost 90% of the successful colonization events are supported by prevailing marine surface currents. However, these currents may change over geological (and evolutionary) time‐scales, and eddies and counter‐currents may facilitate transport against the main current direction. We review the cases of the extant and extinct WIO giant tortoises and suggest that the current distribution of all lineages can be convincingly explained by overseas dispersal.
Stock Market Reaction to Quality, Safety, and Sustainability Awards in Logistics
Authors: Eroglu Cuneyt , Kurt Ahmet C. , Elwakil Omar Sherif
Published: December 2016

Although quality, safety, and sustainability are important concerns in logistics, managers are sometimes reluctant to invest in these areas because it is not always clear how such investments will benefit firm performance. Empirical literature provides little guidance in the context of logistics as previous studies report mixed findings across a diverse set of industries, which may not be directly applicable to logistics. To address this gap, we conducted an event study to estimate the stock market reaction to quality, safety, and sustainability award announcements in logistics. Based on 244 award announcements during the period 2004–13, we found that stock market participants react positively to announcements of these awards. The market reaction appears to be stronger for sustainability awards than for quality and safety awards. Our results also suggest that the market reacts more favorably to quality and sustainability award announcements for firms with better past financial performance and for smaller firms.
Outcomes and perceptions of annotated video feedback following psychomotor skill laboratories
Authors: Truskowski S. , VanderMolen J.
Published: December 2016

This study sought to explore the effectiveness of annotated video technology for providing feedback to occupational therapy students learning transfers, range of motion and manual muscle testing. Fifty‐seven first‐year occupational therapy students were split into two groups. One received annotated video feedback during a transfer lab and traditional feedback during an upper extremity assessment lab. The second group received the opposite forms of feedback during the same labs. Students completed an online survey regarding their perceptions of learning based on the type of feedback received, including both numerical and open‐ended questions. Students receiving annotated feedback scored significantly higher on the transfer practical. There was no statistically significant difference in the outcomes of the upper extremity practical. Annotated video feedback appears to significantly improve student learning when video content and feedback matches the skill to be assessed. Despite these findings, students have mixed perceptions of this form of feedback.
Cross‐sectional associations of impaired glucose metabolism measures with bleeding on probing and periodontitis
Authors: Pérez Cynthia M. , Muñoz Francisco , Andriankaja Oelisoa M. , Ritchie Christine S. , Martínez Sasha , Vergara José , Vivaldi José , López Lydia , Campos Maribel , Joshipura Kaumudi J.
Published: December 2016

Aim

This study assessed the associations of pre‐diabetes and insulin resistance with bleeding on probing (BOP) and periodontitis among adults.

Materials and methods

We included 1191 Hispanic adults aged 40–65 years, free of diabetes, enrolled in San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal Study. Pre‐diabetes was defined as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or impaired glycated haemoglobin. Impaired one‐hour plasma glucose (1hPG) was defined as levels >155 mg/dl. Insulin resistance was defined using the study population‐specific 75th percentile (HOMA‐IR ≥ 3.13). High BOP was defined as percentage of teeth with bleeding ≥30%. Periodontitis was defined according to the CDC/AAP definition.

Results

After multivariable adjustment for age, gender, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, obesity, HDL‐C, and plaque index, pre‐diabetes with and without 1hPG, IFG, impaired 1hPG, IGT, and HOMA‐IR were significantly associated with high BOP; pre‐diabetes, IFG, and impaired 1hPG were significantly associated with severe periodontitis. Most of these associations remained significant when the analyses were restricted to non‐smokers.

Conclusions

This study suggests associations between pre‐diabetes and insulin resistance with BOP and periodontitis. Given the high prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism and periodontitis, the assessment of the temporal sequence of these associations is of utmost importance.
Risk factors for recurrence after successful treatment of warts: the role of smoking habits
Authors: Bencini P.L. , Guida S. , Cazzaniga S. , Pellacani G. , Galimberti M.G. , Bencini M. , Naldi L.
Published: December 2016

Background

Several therapies have been proposed for cutaneous warts without results concerning factors affecting recurrences.

Objective

To determine the importance of individual characteristics and different therapy modalities in the occurrence of relapses.

Methods

Observational prospective cohort study including 199 patients affected by multiple plantar warts treated as follows: 49 with keratolytics, 50 with CO2 laser, 50 with pulsed dye laser (PDL) and 50 with cryotherapy. Personal data were evaluated through a questionnaire, and treatment information was collected. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors for relapse occurrence.

Results

Of patients, 57.8% showed a persistent clearance of warts after treatment with a higher recurrence‐free interval when treated with PDL. Accordingly, the risk of recurrence was increased with CO2 laser [hazard ratio (HR) 2.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49–5.74] and keratolytic treatment (HR 3.23, 95% CI 1.60–6.54), as compared to PDL. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis highlighted a higher risk of recurrence in patients between 26 and 35 years (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.03–3.45), older than 35 (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.23–4.07) and smokers (HR 4.90, 95% CI 3.09–7.78).

Conclusions

Pulsed dye laser is characterized by the lowest rate of recurrence. Furthermore, our study highlights that the risk of warts relapse is 5‐fold higher in smokers compared to non‐smokers, revealing the importance of the effects of smoking on inflammation and immune response.
Rapid differentiation and asynchronous coevolution of male and female genitalia in stink bugs
Authors: Genevcius B. C. , Caetano D. S. , Schwertner C. F.
Published: December 2016

Despite claims that genitalia are among the fastest evolving phenotypes, few studies have tested this trend in a quantitative and phylogenetic framework. In systems where male and female genitalia coevolve, there is a growing effort to explore qualitative patterns of evolution and their underlying mechanisms, but the temporal aspect remains overlooked. An intriguing question is how fast male and female genitalia may change in a coevolutionary scenario. Here, we apply a series of comparative phylogenetic analyses to reveal a scenario of correlated evolution and to investigate how fast male and female external, nonhomologous and functionally integrated genitalia change in a group of stink bugs. We report three findings: the female gonocoxite 8 and the male pygophore showed a clear pattern of correlated evolution, both genitalia were estimated to evolve much faster than nongenital traits, and rates of evolution of the male genitalia were twice as fast as the female genitalia. Our results corroborate the widely held view that male genitalia evolve fast and add to the scarce evidence for rapidly evolving female genitalia. Different rates of evolution exhibited by males and females suggest either distinct forms or strengths of selection, despite their tight functional integration and coevolution. The morphological characteristics of this coevolutionary trend are more consistent with a cooperative adjustment of the genitalia, suggesting a scenario of female choice, morphological accommodation, lock‐and‐key or some combination of the three.
Crowd control: sex ratio affects sexually selected cuticular hydrocarbons in male Drosophila serrata
Authors: Gershman S. N. , Rundle H. D.
Published: December 2016

Although it is advantageous for males to express costly sexually selected signals when females are present, they may also benefit from suppressing these signals to avoid costly interactions with rival males. Cuticular chemical profiles frequently function as insect sexual signals; however, few studies have asked whether males alter these signals in response to their social environment. In Drosophila serrata, an Australian fly, there is sexual selection for a multivariate combination of male cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). Here, we show that the ratio of females to males that an adult male experiences has a strong effect on his CHC expression, with female‐biased adult sex ratios eliciting greater expression of CHC profiles associated with higher male mating success. Classical models predict that male reproductive investment should be highest when there is a small but nonzero number of rivals, but we found that males expressed the most attractive combination of CHCs when there were no rivals. We found that male CHCs were highly sensitive to adult sex ratio, with males expressing higher values of CHC profiles associated with greater mating success as the ratio of females to males increased. Moreover, sex ratio has a stronger effect on male CHC expression than adult density. Finally, we explore whether sex ratio affects the variance among a group of males in their CHC expression, as might be expected if individuals respond differently to a given social environment, but find little effect. Our results reveal that subtle differences in social environment can induce plasticity in male chemical signal expression.
Disseminated infection due to Exophiala pisciphila in Cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi
Authors: Řehulka J , Kolařík M , Hubka V
Published: December 2016

Cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi (Schultz, 1956), kept in an ornamental tank, was found to be affected by severe invasive mycosis. Externally, the disease manifested as abdominal swelling, and internally, the anterior part of the intestine was extremely bloated with abundant dematiaceous septate hyphae and an accumulation of fluid. Histopathologically, a granulomatous inflammatory response was observed in the intestine wall, kidney and spleen. We assume that the mycotic agent was primarily deposited in the intestine and was then gradually disseminated to the other organs. DNA sequencing of ITS and LSU rDNA regions and phenotypic characterization were used for identification of the isolated fungus. The obtained data confirmed that the infection was caused by Exophiala pisciphila. The disease was subsequently reproduced in the carp fingerling using intramuscular and intraperitoneal injection of a spore suspension. The 13th day after intramuscular infection, a marked elevation of neutrophils was recorded in the peripheral blood; this involved a proliferation of band forms and segmented forms. As far as we know, this is the first report of infection due to E. pisciphila in Cardinal tetra.
The paradoxical changes of membrane and soluble herpes virus entry mediator in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Zhao Qiyi , Zhang Geng‐lin , Zhu Xiang , Su Di , Huang Zhan‐Lian , Hu Zhao‐xia , Peng Liang
Published: December 2016

Background and Aim

The herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) network has become new directions in targeting novel checkpoint inhibitors for cancer therapy. However, the changes of membrane‐bound HVEM (mHVEM) and soluble HVEM (sHVEM) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not fully understood. This study aims to study the changes of mHVEM and sHVEM in HCC patients.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 65 HCC patients, from which sHVEM levels were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of mHVEM on peripheral lymphocytes from 20 HCC patients were determined using flow cytometry, and associations between mHVEM on T and B cells were analyzed.

Results

The levels of mHVEM were downregulated on peripheral lymphocytes in HCC patients, with a strong positive correlation between mHVEM expression on T and B cells. In contrast, the levels of soluble HVEM were upregulated in the serum of HCC patients. Furthermore, we found that the increase in sHVEM level was correlated with advanced stages HCC.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated paradoxical changes of membrane and soluble HVEM in the peripheral blood of HCC patients for the first time. These data supported the notion that roles of HVEM are likely to be immunosuppressive rather than activating tumor immunity. Future studies are warranted to further explore the translational values of mHVEM and sHVEM in peripheral blood as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Influence of Material‐Related Aspects of Additive and Subtractive Ti‐6Al‐4V Manufacturing on Energy Demand and Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Priarone Paolo C. , Ingarao Giuseppe , di Lorenzo Rosa , Settineri Luca
Published: December 2016

The additive manufacturing of metal parts represents a promising process that could be used alongside traditional manufacturing methods. The research scenario in this field is still largely unexplored, as far as the technological solutions adopted to integrate different processes are concerned and in terms of environmental and economic impact assessment. In this article, an electron beam melting (EBM) process and a machining process have been analyzed and compared using a cradle‐to‐grave life cycle–based approach. The production of components made of the Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy has been assumed as a case study. The proposed methodology is able to account for all of the main factors of influence on energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions when the component shape is varied. The results prove that, besides the direct energy intensity of the manufacturing processes, the impacts related to material usage are usually dominant. Therefore, when complex geometries have to be manufactured, the additive manufacturing approach could be the best strategy, if it enables a larger amount of material savings than conventional machining. Vice versa, when a small amount of material has to be machined off, the high energy intensity of an EBM process has a negative effect on the performance of the process.
Influence of a community‐based stretching intervention on the health outcomes among Korean‐Chinese female migrant workers in South Korea: A randomized prospective trial
Authors: Lee Hyeonkyeong , Chae Duckhee , Cho Sunghye , Kim Junghee , Yoo Ri
Published: December 2016

Aim

To investigate the long‐term effectiveness of stretching exercises on the health outcomes of Korean‐Chinese female migrant workers.

Methods

This study was a randomized prospective trial. The study's participants (n = 80) were middle‐aged, Korean‐Chinese women who had worked full‐time during the previous 6 months. They were assigned randomly to an enhanced stretching intervention group or a standard stretching intervention group. Both groups were instructed to carry out a structured 6 min stretching exercise program for at least three times per day and 5 days per week. The enhanced intervention group received additional interventions to increase exercise adherence through individual phone counseling and short message service during the 12 weeks, followed by three sets of acculturation workshops during the period of weeks 13–24. Musculoskeletal fitness, symptoms, and acculturative stress were assessed at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Linear mixed‐models were used to test the interventions' effects.

Results

The amount of stretching that was carried out, as a percentage of the recommended amount, was not significantly different between groups. There were significant improvements in flexibility of the back and work‐related musculoskeletal disorder symptoms after completing the 24 week intervention but no significant difference existed between the groups. Acculturative stress decreased at week 12 but there was no significant change at week 24.

Conclusions

The 24 week, community‐based stretching program for the Korean‐Chinese female migrant workers was effective in increasing their flexibility and decreasing work‐related musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. Culturally adaptive augmented interventions to increase social support are suggested in order to reduce acculturative stress.
Bank Leverage Cycles and the External Finance Premium
Authors: RANNENBERG ANSGAR
Published: December 2016

By combining the approaches of Gertler and Karadi (2011) (GK) and Bernanke, Gertler, and Gilchrist (1999) (BGG), I develop a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model with leverage constraints both in the banking and in the nonfinancial firm sector. I calibrate this “full model” to US data. The full model matches the relative volatility of the external finance premium and the procyclicality of bank leverage and thus outperforms both a BGG and a GK‐type model. For a reasonably calibrated combination of balance sheet shocks, the model reproduces a substantial share of the contraction (increase) of investment (the external finance premium) observed during the “Great Recession.”
Rollover Risk, Liquidity and Macroprudential Regulation
Authors: AHNERT TONI
Published: December 2016

I study rollover risk in wholesale funding markets when intermediaries hold liquidityex anteand fire sales may occurex post. Multiple equilibria exist in a global rollover game: intermediate liquidity holdings support equilibria with both positive and zero expected liquidation. A simple uniqueness refinement pins down the private liquidity choice, which balances the forgone expected return on investment with reduced fragility and costly liquidation. Due to fire sales, liquidity holdings are strategic substitutes. Intermediaries free ride on the holdings of other intermediaries, causing excessive liquidation. To internalize the systemic nature of liquidity, a macroprudential authority imposes liquidity buffers.
Heterogeneous Consumers and Fiscal Policy Shocks
Authors: ANDERSON EMILY , INOUE ATSUSHI , ROSSI BARBARA
Published: December 2016

This paper studies empirical facts regarding the effects of unexpected changes in aggregate macroeconomic fiscal policies on consumers that differ depending on individual characteristics. We use data from the Consumption Expenditure Survey to estimate individual‐level responses and multipliers for government spending. We find that unexpected fiscal shocks have substantially different effects on consumers depending on their income and age levels: the wealthiest individuals tend to behave according to predictions of standard Real Business Cycle (RBC) models, whereas the poorest ones behave according to standard IS–LM (non‐Ricardian) models, most likely due to credit constraints. Furthermore, government spending policy shocks tend to decrease consumption inequality.
Capital Regulation and Competition as a Moderator for Banking Stability
Authors: SCHLIEPHAKE EVA
Published: December 2016

Capital regulation forces banks to fund a substantial amount of their investments with equity. This creates a buffer against losses but also increases the cost of funding. If higher funding costs translate into higher loan interest rates, the bank's assets are also likely to become more risky, which may destabilize the lending bank. This paper argues that the level of competition in the banking sector can determine whether the buffer or cost effect prevails. The endogenous level of competition may be crucial in determining the efficiency of capital regulation in undercapitalized banking sectors, with excess capacities and correlated risks.
Dissecting neurovascular coupling mechanisms: a role for adenosine A2A receptor
Authors: Dale Nicholas , Sebastião Ana Maria
Published: December 2016

Read the highlighted article ‘Correlation of transient adenosine release and oxygen changes in the caudate‐putamen’ on page 13.
Cortical spreading depression preconditioning mediates neuroprotection against ischemic stroke by inducing AMP‐activated protein kinase‐dependent autophagy in a rat cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury model
Authors: Shen Pingping , Hou Shuai , Zhu Mingqin , Zhao Mingming , Ouyang Yibing , Feng Jiachun
Published: December 2016

Cortical spreading depression (CSD), based on its similarities with peri‐infarct depolarization, is an ideal model for investigating transformation from the ischemic penumbra to infarct core. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a middle cerebral artery occlusion ischemic‐reperfusion (I/R) injury model to determine whether AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)‐dependent autophagy contributes to the neuroprotection of CSD preconditioning in rat cortex. In this study, we topically applied a pledget soaked in 1 mol/L KCl solution on rat cortex for 2 h to elicite CSD or 1 mol/L NaCl solution as a control. The results demonstrated that CSD preconditioning significantly decreased the infarct volume, neurological deficits and neuronal apoptosis in the cortical penumbra of middle cerebral artery occlusion rats, which was inhibited by the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA, 200 nmol). Furthermore, CSD increased the protein levels of the autophagy markers LC3‐II, Beclin‐1 and the p‐AMPK (Thr172)/AMPK ratio at 12 h and decreased P62 and p‐P70S6K (Thr389). Moreover, the AMPK inhibitor Compound C (20 mg/kg) down‐regulated the LC3‐II, p‐AMPK (Thr172)/AMPK and ULK1 levels, up‐regulated the P62 and p‐P70S6K (Thr389) levels induced by CSD. The neuroprotection of CSD is likely a result of AMPK‐mediated autophagy activity and autophagy‐induced neuronal cells apoptosis inhibition. These novel findings support a central role for AMPK and autophagy in CSD‐induced ischemic tolerance. AMPK‐mediated autophagy may represent a new target for stroke.

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Hypoxia/ischemia activate processing of Amyloid Precursor Protein: impact of vascular dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Salminen Antero , Kauppinen Anu , Kaarniranta Kai
Published: December 2016

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with deficiencies in cerebrovascular functions, e.g. reduced cerebral blood flow and capillary amyloid angiopathy, both of which are evident during the early phase of AD, thus local hypoxia/ischemia could augment the pathogenesis of AD. There is abundant literature revealing that exposures to hypoxia/ischemia increase the amyloidogenic processing of amyloid‐β precursor protein (APP) leading to the accumulation of amyloid‐β peptides in brain. This hypoxia‐induced response has been attributed to a significant increase in the activities of β‐ and γ‐secretases, whereas α‐secretase activity decreases in hypoxia. Recent studies have indicated that hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) stimulates the transcription of the β‐secretase 1 (BACE1) gene through the hypoxia‐response element in the BACE1 promoter. Moreover, HIF‐1α protein can directly interact with the γ‐secretase complex and increase its activity in a non‐transcriptional manner. Hypoxia/ischemia also trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress and impair autophagy in brain, which consequently can stimulate the expression of presenilin 1 (PS1) and activate γ‐secretase. Subsequently, PS1 protein can stabilize HIF‐1α protein and in addition, APP intracellular domain peptide is able to induce the expression of HIF‐1α. The activation of β‐ and γ‐secretases is an evolutionarily conserved hypoxia response, e.g. it is also present in zebrafish. Given that β‐ and γ‐secretases have many substrates in addition to APP, one could postulate that AD pathology is a byproduct of the rescue process mediated by these two aspartyl proteinases under hypoxic/ischemic conditions. We will review the recent evidence indicating that vascular dysfunctions can provoke AD pathology by activating β‐ and γ‐secretases.

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A novel NDRG1 mutation in a non‐Romani patient with CMT4D/HMSN‐Lom
Authors: Piscosquito Giuseppe , Magri Stefania , Saveri Paola , Milani Micaela , Ciano Claudia , Farina Laura , Taroni Franco , Pareyson Davide
Published: December 2016

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 4D (CMT4D), also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy Lom type (HMSNL), is an autosomal recessive, early onset, severe demyelinating neuropathy with hearing loss, caused by N‐Myc downstream‐regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) mutations. CMT4D is rare with only three known mutations, one of which (p.Arg148Ter) is found in patients of Romani ancestry and accounts for the vast majority of cases. We report a 38‐year‐old Italian female with motor development delay, progressive neuropathy, and sensorineural deafness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed slight atrophy of cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and upper cervical spinal cord. She had a novel homozygous NDRG1 frameshift mutation (c.739delC; p.His247ThrfsTer74). The identification of this NDRG1 mutation confirms that CMT4D is not a private Romani disease and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recessive demyelinating CMT.
The role of oxidative stress in early‐onset androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Kaya Erdogan Hilal , Bulur Isıl , Kocaturk Evin , Yildiz Bahadir , Saracoglu Zeynep Nurhan , Alatas Ozkan
Published: December 2016

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of alopecia in men. In the literature, although there are in vitro studies investigating the relationship between oxidative stress and AGA, any in vivo study does not exist.

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate the oxidative stress status in male patients with early‐onset AGA by measuring total oxidant levels (TOS), total antioxidant levels (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI).

Methods

Our study included 33 male patients with early‐onset AGA and 30 healthy men between ages of 18 and 30 years old. TAS and TOS measurements were taken, and OSI was calculated.

Results

When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were compared between patient and control groups, there was no difference for TAS level, while TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patient group. In patient group, correlation between TAS, TOS, and OSI levels and age, and disease onset age and disease duration was evaluated. Highly significant negative correlation was determined between TAS level and both age and disease duration. When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were assessed according to AGA stage, there was no significant difference between groups, while OSI level was significantly higher in patients with family history.

Conclusions

We found increased oxidative stress in younger patients with early‐onset AGA. There is need for further molecular studies on the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of AGA. We also think that topical or systemic antioxidants can be promising in treatment of AGA, especially for young patients.
Effects of a surgical ward care protocol following open colon surgery as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme
Authors: Kim BoYeoul , Park SungHee , Park KyuJoo , Ryoo SeungBum
Published: December 2016

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the effects of a standardised care protocol as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme on the management of patients who underwent open colon surgery at the University Hospital, South Korea.

Background

Patients who undergo open colon surgery often have concerns about their care as they prepare for hospitalisation. By shortening hospital stay lengths, enhanced recovery after surgery programmes could reduce the number of opportunities for patient education and communication with nurses. Therefore, our surgical team developed an enhanced recovery after surgery programme, applied using a care protocol for patients with colorectal cancer, that spans the entire recovery process.

Design

A retrospective, comparative study was conducted using a care protocol as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme. Comparisons were made before and after the implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme with a care protocol.

Methods

Records of 219 patients who underwent open colon surgery were retrospectively audited. The records were grouped according to the care protocol used (enhanced recovery after surgery programme with a care protocol or traditional care programme). The outcomes, including postoperative bowel function recovery, postoperative pain control, recovery time and postoperative complications, were compared between two categories.

Results

Patients who were managed using the programme with a care protocol had shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, such as postoperative ileus wound infections, and emergency room visits than those who were managed using the traditional care programme.

Conclusion

The findings can be used to facilitate the implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme with a care protocol following open colon surgery.

Relevance to clinical practice

We present a care protocol that enables effective management using consistent and standardised education providing bedside care for patients who undergo open colon surgery. This care protocol empowers long‐term patient self‐care capacity, which contributes to increasing the effectiveness of clinical nursing care.