bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection avoidance behaviour: female fruit flies adjust foraging effort in response to internal and external cues of viral infection
Authors: Vale Pedro F. , Jardine Michael D.
Published: February 2016

Infection avoidance behaviours are the first line of defence against pathogenic encounters. Behavioural plasticity in response to internal or external cues can therefore generate potentially significant heterogeneity in infection. We tested whetherDrosophila melanogasterexhibits infection avoidance behaviour during foraging, and whether this behaviour is modified by prior exposure to Drosophila C Virus (DCV) and by the risk of DCV encounter. We examined two measures of infection avoidance: (1) the motivation to feed in the presence of an infection risk and (2) the preference to feed on a clean food source over a potentially infectious source. While we found no clear evidence for preference of clean food sources over potentially infectious ones, female flies were less motivated to feed when presented with a risk of encountering DCV, but only if they had been previously exposed to the virus. We discuss the relevance of behavioural plasticity during foraging for host fitness and pathogen spread.
N-(2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-N-(3-azidopropyl)-O-methylhydroxylamine
Authors: Munneke Stefan , Stocker Bridget L. , Timmer Mattie S. M. , Gainsford Graeme J.
Published: February 2016

The structure of the title compound, C12H23N5O6, solved using adequate data from a thin crystal plate, confirmed that this useful glycoconjugate was obtained in the ring-closed β-pyranose configuration with4C1conformation. The molecules are bound by O—H...O(OH) hydrogen bonds, notably in a zigzagC(2) chain along the shortb(screw) axis, supplemented with anR22(12)O—H...O(carbonyl) link along theaaxis and otherC(2) links. The absolute configuration was not unambiguously determined but was known from the synthetic chemistry, which used natural 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose as the starting material.
Crystal structure of 1,2-bis((benzylsulfanyl){2-[1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidene]hydrazin-1-ylidene}methyl)disulfane
Authors: Islam M. A. A. A. A. , Sheikh M. C. , Islam M. H. , Miyatake R. , Zangrando E.
Published: February 2016

The title compound, C32H30N4O2S4, consists of two Schiff base moieties, namely twoS-benzyl-β-N-(2-hydroxyphenylethylidene)dithiocarbazate groups, which are connected through an S—S single bond. These two moieties are twisted with respect to each other, with a dihedral angle of 87.88 (4)° between the S2C=N planes. A bifurcated intramolecular O—H...(N,S) hydrogen bond is observed in each moiety. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers. The dimers are further stacked in a column along thebaxis through weak C—H...π interactions.
Crystal structure of (+)-methyl (E)-3-[(2S,4S,5R)-2-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-trichloromethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]-2-methylprop-2-enoate
Authors: Oishi Takeshi , Yasushima Daichi , Yuasa Kihiro , Sato Takaaki , Chida Noritaka
Published: February 2016

In the title compound, C10H14Cl3NO5, the five-membered dioxolane ring adopts an envelope conformation. The C atom at the flap, which is bonded to the hydroxymethyl substituent, deviates from the mean plane of other ring atoms by 0.357 (5) Å. There are two intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O—H...N and N—H...O) between the hydroxy and amino groups, so that O- and N-bound H atoms involved in these hydrogen bonds are each disordered with equal occupancies of 0.50. The methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate substituent also shows a disordered structure over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.482 (5) and 0.518 (5). In the crystal, molecules are connected into a dimer by an O—H...O hydrogen bond. The dimers are further linked by N—H...O, C—H...N and C—H...O interactions, extending a sheet structure parallel to (\overline{1}01).
Enablers, challenges and relationships between research impact and theory generation
Authors: Holt Gary D. , Goulding Jack Steven , Akintoye Akintola
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Perceptions drawn from the construction management research (CMR) community regarding research impact (RI) and its relationship to theory generation (TG) are examined. Investigative emphasis is on RI and TG enablers and challenges (within an academic context). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative narrative data accrued from open-ended questions within a structured questionnaire survey are analysed using frequency, quantitative content analysis, and graphical methods. A model of the RI/TG interface is presented and discussed.

Findings

– Principal RI enablers are “facilitation” (industry engagement, time); while principal constraints include “internal factors” (the academic, the university) and “external factors” (collaboration, funding). Respective TG enablers are “resources” (competence, time, funding) and corresponding challenges include “external factors” (market forces, compliance). RI is considered a minor challenge to TG.

Research limitations/implications

– The study adds empirical evidence to the ongoing RI debate within the UK generally and with regard to the CMR discipline more specifically.

Originality/value

– RI research is relatively sparse, while the findings in regard to CMR are entirely novel.
Gender differences in preferences for firm characteristics across different groups of investors
Authors: Khan Mohammad Tariqul Islam , Tan Siow-Hooi , Chong Lee-Lee
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to study gender differences in preferences for firm characteristics across various groups of investors in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Self-declared preferences are elicited through a survey of 520 investors comprising retail, financial professionals and institutional investors in the Malaysian stock market. Non-parametric (Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis) tests are computed to achieve the stated objective.

Findings

– Results reveal that female investors display higher preferences for the liquidity of a firm, dividend payments, trading volume of a firm, stock price and firm’s age than male investors across investor’s groups.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings imply that the gender gap in investing behaviour can be partly attributed to gender differences in preferences for firm characteristics.

Practical/implications

– The findings suggest that the gender gap can be mitigated by giving more priority to the choices of female investors with respect to firm characteristics. In turn, this may reduce a part of the gender gap in investing. Moreover, the findings would assist companies to understand and know how their shareholder’s preferences vary with respect to gender and investor’s groups.

Originality/value

– This paper provides evidence concerning the gender gap in investor’s self-declared preferences for firm characteristics across retail, financial professionals and institutional investors in Malaysia, which complements previous studies that used equity holdings data and only two groups of investors.
More women on Indian boards: moving beyond mere regulations and tokenism
Authors: Pathak Atul Arun , Purkayastha Anish
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

– This briefing is prepared by independent writers who add their own impartial comments and place the articles in context.

Findings

– In patriarchal societies such as India, there is great reluctance to allow women to take up leadership roles. Although the benefits of gender diversity in board composition are understood by organizations, there is limited progress. The government, companies and women who are potential board members all need to coordinate and work together towards solving this issue in the long run.

Research limitations/implications

–

Practical implications

– The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Social implications

–

Originality/value

– The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Hitting the moving target: modelling ontogenetic shifts with stable isotopes reveals the importance of isotopic turnover
Authors: Hertz Eric , Trudel Marc , El‐Sabaawi Rana , Tucker Strahan , Dower John F. , Beacham Terry D. , Edwards Andrew M. , Mazumder Asit
Published: February 2016

Ontogenetic niche shifts are widely prevalent in nature and are important in shaping the structure and dynamics of ecosystems. Stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool to assess these shifts, with δ15N providing a measure of trophic level and δ13C a measure of energy source.

Previous applications of stable isotopes to study ontogenetic niche shifts have not considered the appreciable time lag between diet and consumer tissue associated with isotopic turnover. These time lags introduce significant complexity into field studies of ontogenetic niche shifts.

Juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) migrate from freshwater to marine ecosystems and shift their diet from feeding primarily on invertebrates to feeding primarily on fish. This dual ontogenetic habitat and diet shift, in addition to the long time lag associated with isotopic turnover, suggests that there is potential for a disconnect between the prey sources that juvenile salmon are consuming, and the inferred prey sources from stable isotopes.

We developed a model that considered ontogenetic niche shifts and time lags associated with isotopic turnover, and compared this ‘ontogeny’ model to one that considered only isotopic turnover. We used a Bayesian framework to explicitly account for parameter uncertainty.

Data showed overwhelming support for the ontogeny model relative to the isotopic turnover model. Estimated variables from best model fits indicate that the ontogeny model predicts a much greater reliance on fish prey than does the stomach content data. Overall, we found that this method of quantifying ontogenetic niche shifts effectively accounted for both isotopic turnover and ontogenetic diet shifts; a finding that could be widely applicable to a variety of systems.
The grammaticalization of possessive person marking: a typological approach
Authors: van Rijn Marlou
Published: February 2016

This study focuses on the grammaticalization of agreement markers from possessive pronouns, which has two different dimensions: loss of referentiality (function) and loss of morpho‐phonological independence (form). I examine the referential potential and formal expression type of possessive person markers in a worldwide sample of 39 languages with an alienability distinction. Referential potential is measured independently of expression type by applying a new typology of person markers. First, I demonstrate that inalienable possessive marking is at least as referential and formally independent as alienable possessive marking, and often less referential and less independent. Unlike explanations in terms of frequency and iconicity, I argue that this asymmetry is essentially semantics‐based: the presence of a possessive relationship is inherent to the meaning of the inalienable noun, which is therefore in less need of expressive marking than alienable nouns. Second, I show that loss of referentiality correlates with loss in form, but in a relative rather than an absolute sense: in individual languages, higher referential markers never show a greater degree of bonding with the possessee than lower referential markers. These results suggest that function and form evolve in the same direction, but need not evolve at the same pace.
Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombosis Secondary to Metastatic Uterine Cancer: A Rare Cause of Sudden Unexpected Death
Authors: Srettabunjong Supawon , Chuangsuwanich Tuenjai
Published: February 2016

Pulmonary tumor thromboembolus (PTTE) secondary to uterine cancer is a rare cause of sudden unexpected deaths in the elderly population. Additionally, tumor extension to the inferior vena cava (IVC) makes it rarer. No such cases have been previously reported in the forensic literature. We report this phenomenon in a previously healthy 70‐year‐old woman with no other known risk factors for the development of deep vein thrombosis. The deceased was found dead while watching television with her relatives. Autopsy examination revealed that her death was attributed to a saddle embolus lodged in the main pulmonary arteries. A uterine tumor was discovered, and microscopic examination revealed low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma with angiolymphatic invasion. The tumor cells were also found in the embolus and the remnant thrombosis attached to the inner wall of the IVC. This case demonstrates a sudden unexpected death caused by acute PTTE following seeding of uterine cancer into the IVC and raises awareness of such events.
The Total Incidence of Complications and the Impact of an Anticoagulation Regime on Adverse Events After Cryoballoon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Single‐Center Study of 409 Patients
Authors: Koektuerk Buelent , Turan Cem H. , Yorgun Hikmet , Keskin Kerim , Schoett Moritz , Dahmen Alina , Gorr Eduard , Yang Alexander , Hoppe Christian , Horlitz Marc , Turan Ramazan G.
Published: February 2016

Aim

Data evaluating the complications of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using second‐generation cryoballoons (CB) related to different anticoagulation regimes are limited. This study evaluates the total complications and the impact of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared to phenprocoumon on adverse events in the setting of PVI using CB.

Methods and results

PVI was performed using second‐generation CB by two experienced investigators. A total of 409 patients (58.9% male; mean age = 61 ± 10 years) with atrial fibrillation were included in this study. In group I, 150/409 (36.7%) patients received phenprocoumon therapy, and in group II, 259/409 (63.3%) patients were treated with NOACs (rivaroxaban: n = 193; dabigatran: n = 48; and apixaban: n = 18). In both groups, the rates of major complications were similar (group I [phenprocoumon]: four pts (2.7%) vs. Group II [NOACs]: seven pts (2.7%); P = 0.999). In this cohort, 275 patients were ablated with the bonus freeze protocol, and 134 patients were ablated without bonus freezes. The procedure duration significantly decreased with the bonus freeze protocol from 102.3 ± 24.6 min to 68.5 ± 16.2 min (P < 0.001). The impact of the bonus freeze on the postprocedural increase of C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels was significant compared to the postprocedural CRP levels after procedures without the bonus freeze protocol (postprocedural CRP level+ bonus protocol: 1.6 ± 1.2 mg/L vs. postprocedural CRP level+ nonbonus protocol: 1.3 ± 1.3 mg/L; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The incidence of adverse events in PVI using the second‐generation CB with the periprocedural administration of NAOCs was not significantly different compared to phenprocoumon. Further, large‐scale randomized studies are needed to evaluate the safety of two anticoagulation regimes comparing vitamin K antagonists and NOACs, as well as different NOAC regimes, in patients undergoing PVI using cryoballoon ablation.
Spatial patterns of arrests, police assault and addiction treatment center locations in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Werb Dan , Strathdee Steffanie A , Vera Alicia , Arredondo Jaime , Beletsky Leo , Gonzalez‐Zuniga Patricia , Gaines Tommi
Published: February 2016

Aims

In the context of a public health‐oriented drug policy reform in Mexico, we assessed the spatial distribution of police encounters among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tijuana, determined the association between these encounters and the location of addiction treatment centers and explored the association between police encounters and treatment access.

Design

Geographically weighted regression (GWR) and logistic regression analysis using prospective spatial data from a community‐recruited cohort of PWID in Tijuana and official geographical arrest data from the Tijuana Municipal Police Department.

Setting

Tijuana, Mexico.

Participants

A total of 608 participants (median age 37; 28.4% female) in the prospective Proyecto El Cuete cohort study recruited between January and December 2011.

Measurements

We compared the mean distance of police encounters and a randomly distributed set of events to treatment centers. GWR was undertaken to model the spatial relationship between police interactions and treatment centers. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with reporting police interactions.

Findings

During the study period, 27.5% of police encounters occurred within 500 m of treatment centers. The GWR model suggested spatial correlation between encounters and treatment centers (global R2 = 0.53). Reporting a need for addiction treatment was associated with reporting arrest and police assault [adjusted odds ratio = 2.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25–6.02, P = 0.012].

Conclusions

A geospatial analysis suggests that, in Mexico, people who inject drugs are at greater risk of being a victim of police violence if they consider themselves in need of addiction treatment, and their interactions with police appear to be more frequent around treatment centers.
Comparative adoption of cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography machines across Australia
Authors: Zhang A , Critchley S , Monsour PA
Published: February 2016

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the current adoption of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (PR) machines across Australia.

Methods

Information regarding registered CBCT and PR machines was obtained from radiation regulators across Australia. The number of X‐ray machines was correlated with the population size, the number of dentists, and the gross state product (GSP) per capita, to determine the best fitting regression model(s).

Results

In 2014, there were 232 CBCT and 1681 PR machines registered in Australia. Based on absolute counts, Queensland had the largest number of CBCT and PR machines whereas the Northern Territory had the smallest number. However, when based on accessibility in terms of the population size and the number of dentists, the Australian Capital Territory had the most CBCT machines and Western Australia had the most PR machines. The number of X‐ray machines correlated strongly with both the population size and the number of dentists, but not with the GSP per capita.

Conclusions

In 2014, the ratio of PR to CBCT machines was approximately 7:1. Projected increases in either the population size or the number of dentists could positively impact on the adoption of PR and CBCT machines in Australia.
Investigation of Toxic Effects of Mushroom Poisoning on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Erenler Ali Kemal , Doğan Tolga , Koçak Cem , Ece Yasemin
Published: February 2016

Mushroom poisoning (MP) is a public health problem in many countries. It is well known that consumption of wild mushrooms may cause serious toxicity on renal, hepatic and brain functions. In the literature, however, studies investigating cardiotoxic effects of MP are rare. In this study, we evaluated laboratory and ECG findings of patients and sought for possible toxic effects of MP on the cardiovascular system. During a 2‐year period, 175 patients with MP were included in the study. The majority of the poisonings occurred in early summertime. The most common complaint was found to be nausea and vomiting followed by mental status alterations. Methods of treatment were mainly based on gastric lavage, activated charcoal and supportive therapy. The most common ECG abnormalities in the patients with MP were sinus tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, ST/T inversion, 1st degree AV block and QT prolongation, respectively. Cardiac markers of the patients were found to be normal. Then, patients were divided into two subgroups according to symptom onset after consumption (less than 6 hr and more than 6 hr). When the two groups were compared, prevalence of tachycardia was significantly higher in Group II. Additionally, the interval between mushroom consumption and onset of symptoms was strongly correlated with blood pressure (BP). As this interval prolonged, BP of the patients tended to increase. In conclusion, according to our results, although mechanisms need to be clarified, MP causes hypertension and ECG alterations, particularly tachycardia in patients with late‐onset symptoms.
Lithium treatment and cancer incidence in bipolar disorder
Authors: Martinsson Lina , Westman Jeanette , Hällgren Jonas , Ösby Urban , Backlund Lena
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To investigate whether there is an increased risk of cancer associated with lithium treatment in patients with bipolar disorder compared to the general population.

Methods

A nationwide Swedish register study of incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of total cancer and site‐specific cancer in the 50–84‐year age range was carried out in patients with bipolar disorder (n = 5,442) with and without lithium treatment from July 2005 to December 2009 compared to the general population using linked information from The Swedish Cancer Register, The National Patient Register, and The Drug Prescription Register.

Results

The overall cancer risk was not increased in patients with bipolar disorder. There was no difference in risk of unspecified cancer, neither in patients with lithium treatment compared to the general population [IRR = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–1.23] nor in patients with bipolar disorder without lithium treatment compared to the general population (IRR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.89–1.19). The cancer risk was significantly increased in patients with bipolar disorder without lithium treatment in the digestive organs (IRR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12–1.93), in the respiratory system and intrathoracic organs (IRR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.11–2.66), and in the endocrine glands and related structures (IRR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.24–5.47), but in patients with bipolar disorder with lithium treatment, there was no significantly increased cancer risk compared to the general population.

Conclusions

Bipolar disorder was not associated with increased cancer incidence and neither was lithium treatment in these patients. Specifically, there was an increased risk of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and endocrine cancer in patients with bipolar disorder without lithium treatment.
Central Pain Following Cord Severance for Cephalosomatic Anastomosis
Authors: Canavero Sergio , Bonicalzi Vincenzo
Published: February 2016

One of the key obstacles to a successful head transplant is the possible onset of central pain, a chronic pain condition that would impair the quality of life of the transplantee. In this review, we provide the reader with a knowledge of this neglected aspect of the head transplant initiative and outline the management should this eventuality occur.
Shedding light on the leukodystrophies
Authors: Bonkowsky Joshua L
Published: February 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Stellitano et al. on pages 680–689 of this issue.
Lipid desaturation – the next step in targeting lipogenesis in cancer?
Authors: Peck Barrie , Schulze Almut
Published: February 2016

Metabolic reprogramming is a central feature of transformed cells. Cancer metabolism is now fully back in the focus of cancer research, as the interactions between oncogenic signalling and cellular metabolic processes are uncovered. One aspect of metabolic reprogramming in cancer is alterations in lipid metabolism. In contrast to most untransformed tissues, which satisfy their demand from dietary lipids, cancer cells frequently re‐activate de novo lipogenesis. However, compounds targeting fatty acid synthase (FASN), a multiprotein complex integral to lipogenesis, have so far shown limited efficacy in pre‐clinical cancer models and to date only one FASN inhibitor has entered clinical trials. Recently, a number of studies have suggested that enhanced production of fatty acids in cancer cells could also increases their dependence on the activity of desaturases, a class of enzymes that insert double bonds into acyl‐CoA chains. Targeting desaturase activity could provide a window of opportunity to selectively interfere with the metabolic activity of cancer cells. This review will summarise some key findings that implicate altered lipid metabolism in cancer and investigate the molecular interactions between lipid desaturation and cancer cell survival.
‘Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour’‐like dedifferentiation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐rearranged lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mason Emily F , Fletcher Christopher D M , Sholl Lynette M
Published: February 2016

Aims

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) functions as an oncogenic driver in a subset of haematopoietic, epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. Activation of ALK most commonly occurs through gene fusion events, the presence of which predicts response to ALK‐targeted inhibitors in some tumour types. Echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 (EML4)–ALK fusions represent the majority of ALK rearrangements in lung adenocarcinomas and were, until recently, thought to be exclusive to that tumour type. However, recent work has identified EML4–ALK fusions in ~20% of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours (IMTs), particularly in those arising in the lung. Here, we present a patient with an ALK‐rearranged poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinoma with a predominant sarcomatoid component that was morphologically indistinguishable from IMT.

Methods and results

Targeted next‐generation sequencing revealed EML4–ALK rearrangements in both components, with identical fusion sequences. Copy number analysis demonstrated focal gain of the MYC gene in the IMT‐like component. The findings support a diagnosis of ALK‐rearranged lung adenocarcinoma with IMT‐like dedifferentiation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ALK‐driven epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms exist on a morphological spectrum, and emphasize the need to consider translocation testing in pulmonary tumours with unusual sarcomatoid morphology.
One size fits all? Determinants of sperm transfer in a highly dimorphic orb‐web spider
Authors: Assis B. A. , Foellmer M. W.
Published: February 2016

The evolutionary significance of widespread hypo‐allometric scaling of genital traits in combination with rapid interspecific genital trait divergence has been of key interest to evolutionary biologists for many years and remains poorly understood. Here, we provide a detailed assessment of quantitative genital trait variation in males and females of the sexually highly dimorphic and cannibalistic orb‐weaving spider Argiope aurantia. We then test how this trait variation relates to sperm transfer success. In particular, we test specific predictions of the one‐size‐fits‐all and lock‐and‐key hypotheses for the evolution of genital characters. We use video‐taped staged matings in a controlled environment with subsequent morphological microdissections and sperm count analyses. We find little support for the prediction of the one‐size‐fits‐all hypothesis for the evolution of hypo‐allometric scaling of genital traits, namely that intermediate trait dimensions confer highest sperm transfer success. Likewise, our findings do not support the prediction of the lock‐and‐key hypothesis that a tight fit of male and female genital traits mediates highest sperm transfer success. We do, however, detect directional effects of a number of male and female genital characters on sperm transfer, suggesting that genital trait dimensions are commonly under selection in nature. Importantly, even though females are much larger than males, spermatheca size limits the number of sperm transferred, contradicting a previous hypothesis about the evolutionary consequences of genital size dimorphism in extremely size‐dimorphic taxa. We also find strong positive effects of male body size and copulation duration on the probability of sperm transfer and the number of sperm transferred, with implications for the evolution of extreme sexual size dimorphism and sexual cannibalism in orb weavers.
Coffee consumption protects against progression in liver cirrhosis and increases long‐term survival after liver transplantation
Authors: Friedrich Kilian , Smit Mark , Wannhoff Andreas , Rupp Christian , Scholl Sabine G. , Antoni Christoph , Dollinger Matthias , Neumann‐Haefelin Christoph , Stremmel Wolfgang , Weiss Karl Heinz , Schemmer Peter , Gotthardt Daniel Nils
Published: February 2016

Background

Therapeutic options to treat progression of end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) or improve long‐term survival after liver transplantation remain scarce. We investigated the impact of coffee consumption under these conditions.

Methods

We recorded coffee consumption habits of 379 patients with ESLD awaiting liver transplantation and 260 patients after liver transplantation. Survival was analyzed based on coffee intake.

Results

One hundred ninety‐five patients with ESLD consumed coffee on a daily basis, while 184 patients did not. Actuarial survival was impaired (P = 0.041) in non‐coffee drinkers (40.4 ± 4.3 months, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.0–48.9) compared with coffee drinkers (54.9 ± 5.5 months, 95% CI: 44.0–65.7). In subgroup analysis, the survival of patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD; P = 0.020) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC; P = 0.017) was increased with coffee intake while unaffected in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (P = 0.517) or other liver disease entities (P = 0.652). Multivariate analysis showed that coffee consumption of PSC and ALD patients retained as an independent risk factor (odds ratio [OR]: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.15–3.28; P = 0.013) along with MELD score (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.09–1.17; P = 0.000). Following liver transplantation, long‐term survival was longer in coffee drinkers (coffee: 61.8 ± 2.0 months, 95% CI: 57.9–65.8) than non‐drinkers (52.3 ± 3.5 months, 95% CI: 45.4–59.3; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Coffee consumption delayed disease progression in ALD and PSC patients with ESLD and increased long‐term survival after liver transplantation. We conclude that regular coffee intake might be recommended for these patients.
An exploration of the correlates of nurse practitioners’ clinical decision‐making abilities
Authors: Chen Shiah‐Lian , Hsu Hsiu‐Ying , Chang Chin‐Fu , Lin Esther Ching‐Lan
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

This study investigated nurse practitioners’ clinical decision‐making abilities and the factors that affect these abilities.

Background

Nurse practitioners play an important role in clinical care decision‐making; however, studies exploring the factors that affect their decision‐making abilities are lacking.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was employed.

Methods

A purposive sample of 197 nurse practitioners was recruited from a medical centre in central Taiwan. Structured questionnaires consisting of the Knowledge Readiness Scale, the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory and the Clinical Decision‐Making Model Inventory were used to collect data.

Results

The intuitive‐analytical type was the most commonly used decision‐making model, and the intuitive type was the least frequently used model. The decision‐making model used was significantly related to the nurse practitioners’ work unit. Significant differences were noted between the nurse practitioners’ clinical decision‐making models and their critical thinking dispositions (openness and empathy). The nurse practitioners’ years of work experience, work unit, professional knowledge and critical thinking disposition (openness and empathy as well as holistic and reflective dispositions) predicted the nurse practitioners’ analytical decision‐making scores. Age, years of nurse practitioner work experience, work unit and critical thinking disposition (holistic and reflective) predicted the nurse practitioners’ intuitive decision‐making scores.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the topic of clinical decision‐making by describing various types of nurse practitioner decision‐making. The factors associated with analytic and intuitive decision‐making scores were identified. These findings might be beneficial when planning continuing education programmes to enhance the clinical decision‐making abilities of nurse practitioners.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study results showed that nurse practitioners demonstrated various clinical decision‐making types across different work units. Consideration of nurse practitioners’ knowledge readiness and their specific needs while planning on‐duty education programmes is necessary.
Prevalence and associated factors for decreased appetite among patients with stable heart failure
Authors: Andreae Christina , Strömberg Anna , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the prevalence of decreased appetite and factors associated with appetite among patients with stable heart failure.

Background

Decreased appetite is an important factor for the development of undernutrition among patients with heart failure, but there are knowledge gaps about prevalence and the factors related to appetite in this patient group.

Design

Observational, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 186 patients with mild to severe heart failure were consecutively recruited from three heart failure outpatient clinics. Data were obtained from medical records (heart failure diagnosis, comorbidity and medical treatment) and self‐rated questionnaires (demographics, appetite, self‐perceived health, symptoms of depression and sleep). Blood samples were taken to determine myocardial stress and nutrition status. Heart failure symptoms and cognitive function were assessed by clinical examinations. The Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire was used to assess self‐reported appetite. Bivariate correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to explore factors associated with appetite.

Results

Seventy‐one patients (38%) experienced a loss of appetite with a significant risk of developing weight loss. The final multiple regression model showed that age, symptoms of depression, insomnia, cognitive function and pharmacological treatment were associated with appetite, explaining 27% of the total variance.

Conclusion

In this cross‐sectional study, a large share of patients with heart failure was affected by decreased appetite, associated with demographic, psychosocial and medical factors.

Relevance to clinical practice

Loss of appetite is a prevalent problem among patients with heart failure that may lead to undernutrition. Health care professionals should routinely assess appetite and discuss patients' experiences of appetite, nutrition intake and body weight and give appropriate nutritional advice with respect to individual needs.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in West Virginia Substate Regions, 2007‐2013
Authors: Stabler Meagan E. , Long D. Leann , Chertok Ilana R. A. , Giacobbi Peter R. , Pilkerton Courtney , Lander Laura R.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The opioid epidemic is a public health threat with consequences affecting newborns. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a constellation of withdrawal symptoms resulting primarily from in utero opioid exposure. The purpose of this study was to examine NAS and drug‐specific trends in West Virginia (WV), where rurality‐related issues are largely present.

Methods

The 2007‐2013 WV Health Care Authority, Uniform Billing Data were analyzed for 119,605 newborn admissions with 1,974 NAS diagnoses. NAS (ICD9‐CM 779.5) and exposure diagnostic codes for opioids, hallucinogens, and cocaine were utilized as incidence rate (IR) per 1,000 live births.

Findings

Between 2007 and 2013, NAS IR significantly increased from 7.74 to 31.56 per 1,000 live births per year (Z: ‐19.10, P < .0001). During this time period, opioid exposure increased (Z: ‐9.56, P < .0001), while cocaine exposure decreased (Z: 3.62, P = .0003). In 2013, the southeastern region of the state had the highest NAS IR of 48.76 per 1,000 live births. NAS infants were more likely to experience other clinical conditions, longer hospital stay, and be insured by Medicaid.

Conclusions

Statewide NAS IR increased 4‐fold over the study period, with rates over 3 times the national annual averages. This alarming trend is deleterious for the health of WV mother‐child dyads and it strains the state's health care system. Therefore, WV has a unique need for prenatal public health drug treatment and prevention resources, specifically targeting the southeastern region. Further examination of maternal drug‐specific trends and general underutilization of neonatal exposure ICD‐9‐CM codes is indicated.
Genetic and epigenetic differences associated with environmental gradients in replicate populations of two salt marsh perennials
Authors: Foust C. M. , Preite V. , Schrey A. W. , Alvarez M. , Robertson M. H. , Verhoeven K. J. F. , Richards C. L.
Published: February 2016

While traits and trait plasticity are partly genetically based, investigating epigenetic mechanisms may provide more nuanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying response to environment. Using AFLP and methylation‐sensitive AFLP, we tested the hypothesis that differentiation to habitats along natural salt marsh environmental gradients occurs at epigenetic, but not genetic loci in two salt marsh perennials. We detected significant genetic and epigenetic structure among populations and among subpopulations, but we found multilocus patterns of differentiation to habitat type only in epigenetic variation for both species. In addition, more epigenetic than genetic loci were correlated with habitat in both species. When we analysed genetic and epigenetic variation simultaneously with partial Mantel, we found no correlation between genetic variation and habitat and a significant correlation between epigenetic variation and habitat in Spartina alterniflora. In Borrichia frutescens, we found significant correlations between epigenetic and/or genetic variation and habitat in four of five populations when populations were analysed individually, but there was no significant correlation between genetic or epigenetic variation and habitat when analysed jointly across the five populations. These analyses suggest that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the response to salt marsh habitats, but also that the relationships among genetic and epigenetic variation and habitat vary by species. Site‐specific conditions may also cloud our ability to detect response in replicate populations with similar environmental gradients. Future studies analysing sequence data and the correlation between genetic variation and DNA methylation will be powerful to identify the contributions of genetic and epigenetic response to environmental gradients.
Development and evaluation of food and nutrition teaching kits for teachers of primary schoolchildren
Authors: Schneider E. , Theobald C.
Published: February 2016

Food and nutrition education is a compulsory part of the primary school curriculum across the UK, but primary school teachers report the need for further support to deliver food and nutrition lessons. Although the British Nutrition Foundation's education website, Food – a fact of life (FFL), contains a vast selection of resources for primary teachers, it was hypothesised that a prescribed ‘off the shelf’ package of resources may be more desirable for teachers and better support their requirements. This led to the creation of the FFL teaching kits. The Foundation developed two versions of the FFL teaching kit, one aimed at teachers of children aged 5–6 years and another for teachers of children aged 10–11 years. Each kit contained 12 UK curricula linked lesson plans, posters, stickers and a CD‐ROM with existing FFL website resources (e.g. interactive games, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets). Home activity booklets were also included in the kit to encourage parent/carer engagement with healthy eating topics. A pilot evaluation study was carried out to determine the acceptability and feasibility of the FFL teaching kits. Feedback from teachers using the kits was positive, and they taught a broader range of topics than teachers not offered the kits. These results, including suggestions for improvement, will inform future education resource development at the Foundation.
Full4Health: Understanding food–gut–brain mechanisms across the lifespan in the regulation of hunger and satiety for health
Authors: Amin T. , Mercer J. G.
Published: February 2016

Global levels of overweight and obesity continue to rise and successful interventions to combat this epidemic are limited in number and suitability. When energy intake exceeds that expended, the excess energy accumulates as body fat. Although energy balance is regulated by hypothalamic mechanisms, these can be overridden by the activation of hedonic brain systems. This apparent hierarchy is exacerbated by the widespread availability of inexpensive, palatable and energy‐dense food in the current obesogenic environment, giving rise to energy overconsumption and thereby contributing to the increase in overweight and obesity. The European Commission recognised a need for further research to enhance understanding of the relatively poorly understood mechanisms underpinning hunger and satiety, with a view to providing an evidence base from which novel strategies could be developed to tackle the escalating crisis. Full4Health (Understanding food–gut–brain mechanisms across the lifespan in the regulation of hunger and satiety for health) is a project funded under Framework Programme 7 (FP7), conceived to fulfil this aim. This article describes selected recent research from Full4Health and discusses how new mechanistic findings related to physiological responses to food might be adapted and harnessed to provide alternative ways to address the global problems related to positive energy balance.
Disporum sinovietnamicum sp. nov. (Colchicaceae) from southwestern Guangxi, China
Authors: Hu Ren‐Chuan , Xu Wei‐Bin , Huang Yun‐Feng
Published: February 2016

Disporum sinovietnamicum R. C. Hu & Y. Feng Huang sp. nov. is described and from southwestern Guangxi, China. It is morphologically closest to D. jinfoshanense X. Z. Li, D. M. Zhang & D. Y. Hong, but differs by having stems that are 35–90 cm tall, narrowly lanceolate and thinly leathery leaves, and ovate and glabrous tepals.
Rubovietnamia coronula sp. nov. (Rubiaceae: Gardenieae) from the Philippines
Authors: Alejandro Grecebio Jonathan D. , Meve Ulrich
Published: February 2016

Rubovietnamia coronula Alejandro and Meve, a new coastal Rubiaceae species from Davao del Sur, Philippines is here described and compared with Rubovietnamia nonggangensis and R. sericantha. This third species of Rubovietnamia is distinct from the two known species by its long leaf petioles, prominently keeled stipules, reduced calyx and corolla, outward curling of corolla lobes in anthesal flowers, included anthers and stigma, glabrous fruits with nectariferous disk, and numerous seeds.
The ubiquitin ligase SEVEN IN ABSENTIA (SINA) ubiquitinates a defense‐related NAC transcription factor and is involved in defense signaling
Authors: Miao Min , Niu Xiangli , Kud Joanna , Du Xinran , Avila Julian , Devarenne Timothy P. , Kuhl Joseph C. , Liu Yongsheng , Xiao Fangming
Published: February 2016

We recently identified a defense‐related tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) NAC (NAM, ATAF1,2, CUC2) transcription factor, NAC1, that is subjected to ubiquitin–proteasome system‐dependent degradation in plant cells. In this study, we identified a tomato ubiquitin ligase (termed SEVEN IN ABSENTIA3; SINA3) that ubiquitinates NAC1, promoting its degradation.

We conducted coimmunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation to determine that SINA3 specifically interacts with the NAC1 transcription factor in the nucleus. Moreover, we found that SINA3 ubiquitinates NAC1 in vitro and promotes NAC1 degradation via polyubiquitination in vivo, indicating that SINA3 is a ubiquitin ligase that ubiquitinates NAC1, promoting its degradation. Our real‐time PCR analysis indicated that, in contrast to our previous finding that NAC1 mRNA abundance increases upon Pseudomonas infection, the SINA3 mRNA abundance decreases in response to Pseudomonas infection.

Moreover, using Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression, we found that overexpression of SINA3 interferes with the hypersensitive response cell death triggered by multiple plant resistance proteins.

These results suggest that SINA3 ubiquitinates a defense‐related NAC transcription factor for degradation and plays a negative role in defense signaling.
Exploring why residents of socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods have less favourable perceptions of their neighbourhood environment than residents of wealthy neighbourhoods
Authors: Mackenbach J. D. , Lakerveld J. , van Lenthe F. J. , Bárdos H. , Glonti K. , Compernolle S. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Oppert J.‐M. , Roda C. , Rutter H. , Brug J. , Nijpels G.
Published: February 2016

Residents of socioeconomically deprived areas perceive their neighbourhood as less conducive to healthy behaviours than residents of more affluent areas. Whether these unfavourable perceptions are based on objective neighbourhood features or other factors is poorly understood. We examined individual and contextual correlates of socioeconomic inequalities in neighbourhood perceptions across five urban regions in Europe.

Data were analysed from 5205 participants of the SPOTLIGHT survey. Participants reported perceptions of their neighbourhood environment with regard to aesthetics, safety, the presence of destinations and functionality of the neighbourhood, which were summed into an overall neighbourhood perceptions score. Multivariable multilevel regression analyses were conducted to investigate whether the following factors were associated with socioeconomic inequalities in neighbourhood perceptions: objectively observed neighbourhood features, neighbourhood social capital, exposure to the neighbourhood, self‐rated health and lifestyle behaviours.

Objectively observed traffic safety, aesthetics and the presence of destinations in the neighbourhood explained around 15% of differences in neighbourhood perceptions between residents of high and low neighbourhoods; levels of neighbourhood social cohesion explained around 52%. Exposure to the neighbourhood, self‐rated health and lifestyle behaviours were significant correlates of neighbourhood perceptions but did not contribute to socioeconomic differences.

This cross‐European study provided evidence that socioeconomic differences in neighbourhood perceptions are not only associated with objective neighbourhood features but also with social cohesion. Levels of physical activity, sleep duration, self‐rated health, happiness and neighbourhood preference were also associated with neighbourhood perceptions.
Is yolk sac tumor related to the pathophysiology of low birthweight?
Authors: Kubo Hiroyuki , Shimono Ryuichi , Suzuki Hiromi , Fuke Noriko , Okada Hitoshi , Iwase Takashi , Kusaka Takashi , Hanaoka Uiko , Kanenishi Kenji , Hata Toshiyuki , Kozan Hiroko , Tanaka Aya , Fujii Takayuki , Katsuki Naomi , Kushida Yoshio , Haba Reiji
Published: February 2016

An 8‐year‐old Japanese girl was admitted with an ovarian yolk sac tumor. Regarding birth history, the patient had been delivered by cesarean section at 25 weeks of gestation with a birthweight of 711g. She had required neonatal intensive care including oxygenation, various medications, and tests. After surgery and chemotherapy, there was no recurrence for 2 years, at the time of writing. Yolk sac tumor, which is a malignant germ cell tumor, is rare in children. Although the cause and risk factors are unclear, it has been reported that malignant germ cell tumors in childhood have been associated with pathophysiology at birth. Given that premature infants are more likely to survive due to advances in perinatal care, it is expected that such cases will increase in the near future. We suggest that children born prematurely require careful follow up.