bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrently induced plasticity due to convergence of distinct forms of spike timing‐dependent plasticity in the developing barrel cortex
Authors: Itami Chiaki , Kimura Fumitaka
Published: October 2016

Spike timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP) has been demonstrated in a variety of neural circuits. Recent studies reveal that it plays a fundamental role in the formation and remodeling of neuronal circuits. We show here an interaction of two distinct forms of STDP in the mouse barrel cortex causing concurrent, plastic changes, potentially a novel mechanism underlying network remodeling. We previously demonstrated that during the second postnatal week, when layer four (L4) cells are forming synapses onto L2/3 cells, L4‐L2/3 synapses exhibit STDP with only long‐term potentiation (t‐LTP). We also showed that at the same developmental stage, thalamus‐L2/3 synapses express functional cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) and exhibit CB1R‐dependent STDP with only long‐term depression (t‐LTD). Thus, distinct forms of STDP with opposite directions (potentiation vs. depression) converge in the target layer of L2/3 during the second postnatal week. As the canonical target layer of the thalamus is L4 and thalamic cells activate both L4 and L2/3 cells, in principle, thalamic activity could induce t‐LTP at L4‐L2/3 and t‐LTD at thalamus‐L2/3 simultaneously. In this study, we tested this possibility. We found that when spike timing stimulation was applied to the thalamus and L2/3 cells, synapses between the thalamus and L2/3 were weakened, whereas synapses between L4 and L2/3 were potentiated; therefore, converging STDP caused the predicted concurrent plasticity. We propose that developmentally transient convergences of STDP may play a role in shaping neural networks by facilitating L4‐L2/3 formation and weakening aberrant thalamic innervation to L2/3, both driven by thalamic activity.
Trait biogeography of marine copepods – an analysis across scales
Authors: Brun Philipp , Payne Mark R. , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: October 2016

Functional traits, rather than taxonomic identity, determine the fitness of individuals in their environment: traits of marine organisms are therefore expected to vary across the global ocean as a function of the environment. Here, we quantify such spatial and seasonal variations based on extensive empirical data and present the first global biogeography of key traits (body size, feeding mode, relative offspring size and myelination) for pelagic copepods, the major group of marine zooplankton. We identify strong patterns with latitude, season and between ocean basins that are partially (c. 50%) explained by key environmental drivers. Body size, for example decreases with temperature, confirming the temperature‐size rule, but surprisingly also with productivity, possibly driven by food‐chain length and size‐selective predation. Patterns unrelated to environmental predictors may originate from phylogenetic clustering. Our maps can be used as a test‐bed for trait‐based mechanistic models and to inspire next‐generation biogeochemical models.
Twenty‐four‐hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate profiles in diagnosing orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
Authors: Vichayanrat E. , Low D. A. , Iodice V. , Stuebner E. , Hagen E. M. , Mathias C. J.
Published: October 2016

Background and purpose

Twenty‐four‐hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate monitoring (24‐h ABPM) can provide vital information on circadian blood pressure (BP) profiles, which are commonly abnormal in Parkinson's disease with and without autonomic failure (PD + AF and PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Twenty‐four‐hour ABPM has not been directly compared between these disorders regarding cardiovascular autonomic function. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of 24‐h ABPM with diary compared to head‐up tilting (HUT) in diagnosing orthostatic hypotension (OH) in these patients.

Methods

Seventy‐four patients (23 MSA, 18 PD + AF, 33 PD) underwent cardiovascular autonomic screening followed by 24‐h ABPM with diary. Standing tests were included during 24‐h ABPM. The sensitivity and specificity in detecting OH from the 24‐h ABPM standing test were compared with HUT.

Results

There was no difference in OH during HUT between MSA and PD + AF (P > 0.05). There was a higher proportion of abnormal BP circadian rhythms in MSA and PD + AF compared to PD (P < 0.05) but not between MSA and PD + AF (P > 0.05). Patients were divided into groups with OH (OH+) and without OH (OH−) on HUT. Using the standing test during 24‐h ABPM, a systolic BP fall of >20 mmHg showed a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 100% (area under the curve 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.84–0.98) in differentiating OH+ from OH−.

Conclusions

Parkinson's disease with autonomic failure and MSA patients had similar circadian BP patterns suggesting that autonomic dysfunction influences abnormal BP circadian patterns similarly in these disorders. The higher sensitivity and specificity in detecting OH using a systolic BP fall of >20 mmHg compared to a diastolic BP fall of >10 mmHg during the standing test supports its usefulness to assess autonomic function in MSA and PD.
Quality and safety in adult epilepsy monitoring units: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sauro Khara M. , Wiebe Natalie , Macrodimitris Sophie , Wiebe Samuel , Lukmanji Sara , Jetté Nathalie
Published: October 2016

Objective

The epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) is a valuable resource for optimizing management of persons with epilepsy, but may place patients at risk for adverse events due to withdrawal of treatment and induction of symptoms. The purpose of this study was to synthesize data on the safety and quality of care in EMUs to inform the development of quality indicators for EMUs.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting and Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The search strategy, which included broad search terms and synonyms pertaining to the EMU, was run in six medical databases and included conference proceedings. Data abstracted included patient and EMU demographics and quality and safety variables. Study quality was evaluated using a modified 15‐item Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. Descriptive statistics and meta‐analyses were used to describe and synthesize the evidence.

Results

The search yielded 7,601 references, of which 604 were reviewed in full text. One‐hundred thirty‐five studies were included. The quality and safety data came from 181,823 patients and reported on 34 different quality and safety variables. Included studies commonly reported the number of patients (108 studies; median number patients, 171.5), age (49 studies; mean age 35.7 years old), and the reason for admission (34 studies). The most common quality and safety data reported were the utility of the EMU admission (38 studies). Thirty‐three studies (24.4%) reported on adverse events, and yielded a pooled proportion of adverse events of 7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5–9%). The mean quality score was 73.3% (standard deviation [SD] 17.2).

Significance

This study demonstrates that there is a great deal of variation in the reporting of quality and safety measures and in the quality and safety in EMUs. Study quality also varied considerably from one study to the next. These findings highlight the need to develop evidence‐based, consensus‐driven quality indicators for EMUs.
A feasibility trial of an Internet‐delivered and transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy treatment program for anxiety, depression, and disability among adults with epilepsy
Authors: Gandy Milena , Karin Eyal , Fogliati Vincent J. , McDonald Sarah , Titov Nick , Dear Blake F.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in people with epilepsy (PWE) and contribute to increased disability. Unfortunately, there are numerous barriers (e.g., cost, distance, and stigma) and service gaps (e.g., lack of services and trained clinicians) that prevent many PWE from accessing traditional face‐to‐face psychological services. The aim of the present study was to examine the feasibility of a new transdiagnostic Internet‐delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program, the Chronic Conditions Course, to simultaneously treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, and disability.

Methods

A single‐group feasibility open trial was employed involving 27 adults with epilepsy. The program comprises five online lessons delivered over 8 weeks and is provided with weekly contact from a mental health professional via e‐mail and telephone.

Results

High treatment completion rates and levels of satisfaction were reported. Evidence of significant improvements in our primary outcomes (within‐group Cohen's d [d]; average [avg.] reductions) of anxiety (d ≥ 1.28; avg. reduction ≥ 54%), depression (d ≥ 1.24; avg. reduction ≥ 54%), epilepsy‐specific depression (d ≥ 0.95; avg. reduction ≥ 35%), and disability (d ≥ 0.62; avg. reduction ≥ 33%) were observed at posttreatment, which were sustained at or further improved to 3‐month follow‐up. On our secondary outcomes there were significant improvements for life satisfaction (d ≥ 0.70; avg. improvement ≥ 26%) but not for perceived cognitive difficulties (d ≥ 0.48; avg. reduction ≥ 15%). Highlighting the potential of the approach, relatively little clinician time was required per participant (mean 80.62 min, standard deviation [SD] 54.78), and the trial involved a broad range of geographically dispersed patients.

Significance

The findings of the current study support the feasibility and potential of transdiagnostic Internet‐delivered treatments for adults with epilepsy. Further large‐scale controlled trials are warranted.
Remembrance and time passed: Memory outcomes 4–11 years after pediatric epilepsy surgery
Authors: Puka Klajdi , Smith Mary Lou
Published: October 2016

Objective

Little is known about the long‐term cognitive outcomes following pediatric epilepsy surgery. Although the evidence for change within the first 2 years is not compelling, the plasticity of the immature brain may allow for improvements in the long term. This study examined memory function in a cohort of surgical and nonsurgical patients at baseline and 4–11 years after.

Method

Participants were 88 patients (mean age 20.05, standard deviation [SD] 4.21 years) with childhood‐onset intractable epilepsy; 53 had undergone resective epilepsy surgery. Verbal and visual memory were assessed at baseline and follow‐up using standardized tests of recall of stories, faces, word pairs, and word lists.

Results

Improvements over time were not found; outcomes were largely independent of surgical status. Those who were seizure‐free at follow‐up had better story recall at both times (p = 0.028), and did not show improvement. Among patients with extratemporal lobe epilepsy, significant declines in word list recall were found over time irrespective of surgical or seizure status (p = 0.010). Effects of laterality of seizure focus were evident only when examining patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE); patients with left TLE had lower story recall scores compared to patients with right TLE at long‐term follow‐up (p = 0.043).

Significance

Patients who became seizure‐free had some advantages in memory, but did not show improvements over time. These findings have important implications for understanding potential outcomes from surgery or continued use of antiepileptic medications.
Digital Entrepreneurship: Toward a Digital Technology Perspective of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Nambisan Satish
Published: October 2016

New digital technologies have transformed the nature of uncertainty inherent in entrepreneurial processes and outcomes as well as the ways of dealing with such uncertainty. This has raised important questions at the intersection of digital technologies and entrepreneurship—on digital entrepreneurship. We consider two broad implications—less bounded entrepreneurial processes and outcomes and less predefined locus of entrepreneurial agency—and advance a research agenda that calls for the explicit theorizing of concepts related to digital technologies. In articulating the promise and value of such a digital technology perspective, we consider how it would build on and enrich existing entrepreneurship theories.
Activin A‐induced signalling controls hair follicle neogenesis
Authors: Seo Chang H. , Kwack Mi H. , Kim Moon K. , Kim Jung C. , Sung Young K.
Published: October 2016

Acquisition of potent human dermal papilla (DP) cells that can induce hair follicle neogenesis is an overarching concern, and various approaches have been tried. In an attempt to solve the problem, we previously introduced the three‐dimensional (3D) culture of human DP cells and observed de novo formation of hair follicles when conducting a patch hair reconstitution assay using 3D cultured DP spheres with mouse epidermal cells. In this study, we have subsequently focused our attention on activin A, one of the notably upregulated proteins in DP spheres compared with 2D cultured DP cells. We then adopted a small interfering RNA‐mediated gene knock‐down approach and hair reconstitution assay to investigate the role of activin A. We observed that human DP spheres with activin A knock‐down are severely impaired in hair follicle neogenesis when combined with mouse epidermal cells. In addition, activin receptor 2B (ActvR2B) knock‐down mouse epidermal cells showed severe impairment of hair follicle neogenesis when combined with human DP spheres. Moreover, recombinant activin A treatment of mouse epidermal cells increased the expression of downstream genes of the activin pathway. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that activin A‐induced signalling plays a critical role in hair follicle neogenesis, which has not been previously reported.
The Effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavioral and Substance Misuse Problems: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hartnett Dan , Carr Alan , Hamilton Elena , O'Reilly Gary
Published: October 2016

A systematic review of published and unpublished English language articles identified 14 studies containing 18 comparisons between functional family therapy (FFT) and another condition in the treatment of adolescent disruptive behavior and substance use disorders. In 11 of these comparisons, assignment to conditions was random, while nonrandom assignment occurred in seven studies. For both random and nonrandom comparisons, separate meta‐analyses were conducted for subgroups of studies depending on the type of comparison group used. Data from studies of untreated control groups (CTL), treatment as usual (TAU), and well‐defined alternative treatments (ALTs) were analyzed separately. Effect sizes from these six meta‐analyses were as follows: random assignment FFT versus CTL (k = 3,d = 0.48,p < .01); random assignment FFT versus TAU (k = 3,d = .20, ns); random assignment FFT versus ALT (k = 5,d = .35,p < .05); nonrandom assignment FFT versus CTL (k = 2,d = .90, ns); nonrandom assignment FFT versus TAU (k = 2,d = .08, ns); and nonrandom assignment FFT versus ALT (k = 3,d = .75,p < .001). These results provide support for the effectiveness of FFT compared with untreated controls and well‐defined ALTs, such as cognitive behavior therapy, other models of family therapy, and individual and group therapy for adolescents.
Islamic and Conventional Equity Market Movements During and After the Financial Crisis: Evidence from the Newly Launched MSCI Indices
Authors: Hoque Hafiz , Kabir Sarkar Humayun , Abdelbari El Khamlichi , Manahov Viktor
Published: October 2016

This paper examines the relationship between the Islamic and conventional equity indices by employing the newly launched MSCI Global Islamic Indices which began in 2008. We argue for the case of cointegration supported by fundamental, category and habitat theories, and against cointegration due to the fundamental difference between Islamic and conventional stocks in terms of debt ratio, accounts receivable and interest bearing securities. We find Islamic and conventional equity markets move together despite fundamental differences and given that market microstructure, dividends, capital gains, taxation and governance systems are different across the markets. Almost simultaneous movement of the permanent and cycle components of Islamic and mainstream equity indices has been supported by the application of the Beveridge Nelson (BN) time series decomposition technique. Theoretically, the volatility of Islamic equities should be lower due to their low leverage ratio. Surprisingly, permanent parts of the Islamic indices appear to be more volatile during the crisis period and less volatile during the post‐crisis period.
Living in the city: urban environments shape the evolution of a native annual plant
Authors: Yakub Mohamed , Tiffin Peter
Published: October 2016

Urban environments are warmer, have higher levels of atmospheric CO2 and have altered patterns of disturbance and precipitation than nearby rural areas. These differences can be important for plant growth and are likely to create distinct selective environments. We planted a common garden experiment with seeds collected from natural populations of the native annual plant Lepidium virginicum, growing in five urban and nearby rural areas in the northern United States to determine whether and how urban populations differ from those from surrounding rural areas. When grown in a common environment, plants grown from seeds collected from urban areas bolted sooner, grew larger, had fewer leaves, had an extended time between bolting and flowering, and produced more seeds than plants grown from seeds collected from rural areas. Interestingly, the rural populations exhibited larger phenotypic differences from one another than urban populations. Surprisingly, genomic data revealed that the majority of individuals in each of the urban populations were more closely related to individuals from other urban populations than they were to geographically proximate rural areas – the one exception being urban and rural populations from New York which were nearly identical. Taken together, our results suggest that selection in urban environments favors different traits than selection in rural environments and that these differences can drive adaptation and shape population structure.
Serving Two Masters: Professionalization versus Corruption in Ukraine's Election Administration
Authors: Herron Erik S. , Boyko Nazar , Thunberg Michael E.
Published: October 2016

The development of a neutral, professional bureaucracy has been a profound concern for emerging democracies. International and domestic actors have expended significant resources to encourage the development of the rule of law, yet many postcommunist societies remain mired in corruption. When corrupt behaviors are integrated with a core function of democratic states, such as the implementation of free and fair elections, the implications of failures to professionalize bureaucrats are enhanced. This article empirically evaluates how professionalization and corruption interact in election administration, using unique survey data from Ukraine. We assess the results of pre‐ and postelection surveys of administrators conducted across Ukraine during the 2014 parliamentary elections. Our results suggest that aspects of a professionalized bureaucracy coexist with corruption and that mitigating incentives for state capture is a major challenge for democratization.
RNA decay systems enhance reciprocal switching of sense and antisense transcripts in response to glucose starvation
Authors: Miki Atsuko , Galipon Josephine , Sawai Satoshi , Inada Toshifumi , Ohta Kunihiro
Published: October 2016

Antisense RNA has emerged as a crucial regulator of opposite‐strand protein‐coding genes in the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) category, but little is known about their dynamics and decay process in the context of a stress response. Antisense transcripts from the fission yeast fbp1 locus (fbp1‐as) are expressed in glucose‐rich conditions and anticorrelated with transcription of metabolic stress‐induced lncRNA (mlonRNA) and mRNA on the sense strand during glucose starvation. Here, we investigate the localization and decay of antisense RNAs at fbp1 and other loci, and propose a model to explain the rapid switch between antisense and sense mlonRNA/mRNA transcription triggered by glucose starvation. We show that fbp1‐as shares many features with mRNAs, such as a 5′‐cap and poly(A)‐tail, and that its decay partially depends upon Rrp6, a cofactor of the nuclear exosome complex involved in 3′–5′ degradation of RNA. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and polysome fractionation show that the majority of remaining fbp1‐as localizes to the cytoplasm and binds to polyribosomes in glucose‐rich conditions. Furthermore, fbp1‐as and antisense RNA at other stress‐responsive loci are promptly degraded via the cotranslational nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD) pathway. These results suggest NMD may potentiate the swift disappearance of antisense RNAs in response to cellular stress.
SFP1‐mediated prion‐dependent lethality is caused by increased Sup35 aggregation and alleviated by Sis1
Authors: Matveenko Andrew G. , Drozdova Polina B. , Belousov Mikhail V. , Moskalenko Svetlana E. , Bondarev Stanislav A. , Barbitoff Yury A. , Nizhnikov Anton A. , Zhouravleva Galina A.
Published: October 2016

[PSI+] is the prion form of the translation termination factor Sup35 (eRF3); [PSI+] strains display nonsense suppression. Another prion‐like element, [ISP+], is linked to antisuppression in a specific background. Transcriptional regulator Sfp1 was shown to be responsible for [ISP+] propagation. In this work, we identified SFP1 as a multicopy inducer of [PSI+]‐dependent lethality. Sfp1 is likely to up‐regulate transcription of genes encoding release factors; however, its overproduction increases Sup35, but not Sup45 protein level. Using the synthetic lethality test, we compared the effects of SFP1 and SUP35 over‐expression on the viability of [PSI+] strains. Together with an observation that Sfp1 overproduction leads to an increased accumulation of Sup35 in [PSI+] aggregates, we suggest that excess Sfp1 causes [PSI+] toxicity. Even though SUP45 over‐expression is known to compensate for the [PSI+]‐dependent lethality, it fails to do so when the lethality is caused by SFP1 over‐expression. We discovered that the increased levels of Hsp40 chaperone Sis1 alleviate prion toxicity caused by either SFP1 or SUP35 over‐expression and revert back to normal distribution of Sup35 between monomers and aggregate fractions. Finally, we showed that Sfp1 partially colocalizes with Sup35 aggregates, which may contribute to another mechanism of Sfp1‐derived [PSI+] prion toxicity.
Groundwater Visibility: The Missing Link
Authors: Alley William M. , Beutler Lisa , Campana Michael E. , Megdal Sharon B. , Tracy John C.
Published: October 2016

Related Content
A combination of corticosteroid, sirolimus, and intradialytic parenteral nutrition in encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: Case report and literature review
Authors: Minetto Brabo Alexandre , Soares Do Carmo Reis Nayrana , Barretti Pasqual , Ponce Daniela
Published: October 2016

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare complication of peritoneal dialysis that carries a high morbidity and mortality. Although its pathogenesis is still not clear, the “two hit theory” suggests that long term deterioration of the peritoneum combined with intraperitoneal inflammation is needed in the pathogenesis of EPS. To date, there is no proven effective therapy with an absence of randomized controlled trials. Individual case reports and small case series have reported on the use of tamoxifen and corticosteroids for medical management of EPS. Here, we present the first case of EPS treated successfully with a combination of sirolimus, low dose corticosteroid and intradialytic parenteral nutrition. A critical review of the relevant literature on this subject is also presented to determine the best approach.
Persistent and Repetitive Visual Disturbances in Migraine: A Review
Authors: Schankin Christoph J. , Viana Michele , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: October 2016

Visual disturbances in migraineurs, such as visual aura, are typically episodic, that is, associated with the headache attack, and overlaid by head pain and other symptoms that impact the patient. In some patients, however, visual symptoms are dominant due to frequency (migraine aura status), duration (persistent migraine aura and other persistent positive visual phenomena), or complexity (visual snow syndrome). These syndromes are more rare and challenging to classify in clinical practice resulting in a lack of systematic studies on pathophysiology and treatment. We aim at describing clinical features and pathophysiological concepts of typical migraine aura with a focus on cortical spreading depression and differentiation from non‐typical migraine aura. Additionally, we discuss nomenclature and the specifics of migraine aura status, persistent migraine aura, persistent positive visual phenomena, visual snow, and other migrainous visual disturbances. The term migraine with prolonged aura might be a useful bridge between typical aura and persistent aura. Further studies would be necessary to assess whether a return of the classification category eventually helps diagnosing or treating patients more effectively. A practical approach is presented to help the treating physician to assign the correct diagnosis and to choose a medication for treatment that has been successful in case reports of these rare but disabling conditions.
Ageing with HIV: do comorbidities and polymedication drive treatment optimization?
Authors: Cuzin L , Katlama C , Cotte L , Pugliese P , Cheret A , Bernaud C , Rey D , Poizot‐Martin I , Chirouze C , Bani‐Sadr F , Cabié A ,   the Dat'AIDS Study Group
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the ageing HIV‐infected population (> 50 years old) and their current antiretroviral therapy (ART), comorbidities and coprescriptions in France in 2013 and to compare them to the younger population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was performed. The characteristics of patients receiving ART as well as their current ART and their numbers of comorbidities and comedications at the censoring date (1 July 2013) were compared between patients ageing with HIV infection, patients who seroconverted while ageing, and younger patients.

Results

We compared 10 318 ageing patients [median age 56 years; 25% interquartile range (IQR) 53–62 years] with 13 302 younger patients (median age 42 years; 25% IQR 36–47 years). The ageing patients were more frequently male than the younger patients (77 vs. 65%). Among the ageing patients, 7025 were diagnosed with HIV infection before 2000 and represented a distinct group, the ‘experienced ageing’ group, by comparison with the ‘recently diagnosed ageing’ group. Triple therapy containing a boosted protease inhibitor was used in 28.2% of the patients (vs. 39% and 36% of the younger and “recently diagnosed ageing” groups, respectively); a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor in 27% (vs. 33% and 38%, respectively), an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) in 9% (vs. 7% and 9%, respectively), and another regimen (fewer or more than three drugs) in 35.8% (vs. 21% and 16.5%, respectively). “Experienced ageing” patients typically had one or more comorbidities (62.1%) and were receiving at least one comedication (71%). Central nervous system (CNS) agents (prescribed in 44.6% of the “experienced ageing” patients) and antilipidaemics (in 44.2%) were the most frequently prescribed comedications. INSTIs were used in 23% of the population and were used significantly more often in patients with comorbidities and coprescriptions. For all comparisons, P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

In ageing HIV‐infected patients, especially those with a long history of HIV infection, comorbidities and coprescriptions are highly prevalent.
Computer‐aided photographic identification of Rosalia alpina (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) applied to a mark‐recapture study
Authors: Rossi de Gasperis Sarah , Carpaneto Giuseppe M. , Nigro Giulio , Antonini Gloria , Chiari Stefano , Cini Alessandro , Mancini Emiliano , Mason Franco , Mosconi Fabio , Redolfi De Zan Lara , Roversi Pio Federico , Sabbatini Peverieri Giuseppino , Solano Emanuela , Campanaro Alessandro
Published: October 2016

Assessing the conservation status of protected species needs quantitative population data, generally obtained using Capture‐Mark‐Recapture methods (CMR). The exploitation of natural marking (e.g. individual morphological traits) offers an interesting alternative, based on image analyses, which may result in a less manipulation of protected species compared to the typical artificial marking method.

In our 2‐year CMR study, we tested for the first time in the natural setting the feasibility and the application of the computer‐aided photographic identification method of Rosalia alpina using the individual elytral spots as the natural marking. The I3SC software was used for the photographic analysis.

Data were collected from populations of two National Parks of central Italy during July–August in 2014 and 2015. We developed a standard procedure in order to optimise the image acquisition in the field and to acquire clear and comparable images, facilitating the I3SC screening process.

The results demonstrated that the computer‐aided photographic identification of natural markings can be implemented in a CMR population study of R. alpina. Our image processing approach showed that using only the elytral central spot contours made the tracing contour process less time‐consuming obtaining reliable results. Furthermore, I3SC output scores were used to identify a threshold value for the identification of new individuals or recaptures, facilitating the final identification proposed by operators.

Finally, we assessed the possibility of performing the methodology using a Citizen Science approach.
Relationships between transepidermal water loss, cutaneous microcirculatory function and autonomic nervous activity
Authors: Nomura T. , Yoshida‐Amano Y. , Yoshida K. , Fujii A. , Tanahashi M. , Sugiyama Y. , Iwata K. , Murase T.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Several studies have shown that a deterioration of skin properties, an impaired cutaneous microcirculatory function and an imbalance of autonomic nervous activity are observed in smokers and in patients with diabetes mellitus or Raynaud's phenomenon. These observations suggest that skin properties are associated with cutaneous microcirculatory function and autonomic nervous activity in pathological conditions. However, there is no published evidence to support the concept that these two functions have any relationship with skin properties even in healthy subjects. To investigate the hypothesis that these properties are related, we conducted a survey of healthy adult subjects to investigate the relationships between cutaneous microcirculatory function and autonomic nervous activity and skin properties.

Methods

The hydration of the stratum corneum and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were investigated as skin properties, and the responsiveness of skin blood flow (SkBF) to local warming was examined as an index of cutaneous microcirculatory function in 19 healthy adult male subjects. Electrocardiograms were monitored for 24 h and heart rate variability was analysed considering low‐frequency power (LF: 0.04–0.15 Hz), high‐frequency power (HF: 0.15–0.40 Hz) and a ratio of low‐ to high‐frequency power (LF/HF) as indices of autonomic nervous activity; HF is an index of parasympathetic activity, whereas LF/HF is an index of sympathovagal balance. The relationships between those indices were then analysed.

Results

A moderate negative correlation was found between TEWL and the relative maximum rate of increases in the responsiveness of SkBF on local warming. A moderate positive and a moderate negative correlation were observed between TEWL and LF/HF or HF, respectively. Moreover, a moderate negative and a moderate positive correlation were shown between the responsiveness of SkBF and LF/HF or HF, respectively. The hydration of the stratum corneum showed no correlations with any indices of microcirculation or autonomic nervous activity.

Conclusion

These results indicate that skin barrier function, cutaneous microcirculatory function and autonomic nervous activity are mutually associated in healthy adults.
Glass: The Carrier of Light ‐ A Brief History of Optical Fiber
Authors: Ballato John , Dragic Peter
Published: October 2016

All voice and data communications employ silica glass optical fiber at some point in their nearly instantaneous transmission. This is enabled globally by the annual production of over 180 million kilometers of optical fiber. Since the first low‐loss fiber installations, nearly 2 billion kilometers have been manufactured, which is enough to connect the Earth with Jupiter. Given such a rare combination of ubiquity and utility, this article reviews the history of glass optical fiber and provides commentary on recent developments, and musings on their future.
Audit Quality and Regulation
Authors: Knechel W. Robert
Published: October 2016

Since 2002, there has been a significant and rapid growth in regulation related to the audit profession. However, despite significant progress in the quality of audits, as well as some complaints about over‐auditing, there are still concerns that audit quality is lower than wished by some stakeholders. In the end, the question of whether audit quality is good or not, depends on one's viewpoint. In order to reconcile potentially competing views of audit quality, it may be helpful to re‐consider what is meant by the term ‘audit quality’. Audit quality is generally defined as consisting of two important attributes: competence (expertise) and independence (objectivity). In this paper, I analyze how these two attributes interact with each other, creating different points of view for regulators and practitioners. Further, I illustrate how fundamental economic theory can be used to analyze how regulation might influence competence and independence to impact overall audit quality. However, because regulation may not always appropriately consider the economic theory underlying the market for assurance services, it is likely that the positive benefits obtained from regulation will also be tempered by negative unintended consequences.
Behavioural factors in young people's fruit consumption
Authors: Rita Silvestre Godinho Joana , Maria Batista Alves Helena
Published: October 2016

This study aims to find out the determinant factors affecting fruit consumption behaviour in Portuguese young people, based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, and determine if this model explains differences according to gender, age and rural/urban environments. This research is innovative because it tests the HAPA model with young people, and because it adds social support to the HAPA model as an extra predictor of young people's behaviour. To gather the data, a questionnaire survey was applied in two public schools, one in a rural area and the other in a city. The survey was answered by 266 Portuguese young people, aged 15–21 years, from the 10th to the 12th grades. Authorization for the survey was given in advance, from the Ministry of Education, schools and parents, after which the survey was performed. Before applying the questionnaire, two pre‐tests were carried out, each with ten participants and with similar characteristics to the population studied. This study analyses action self‐efficacy, outcome expectancies, action planning, risk perception, intention, maintenance self‐efficacy and social support variables. The result was obtained through a two‐step process, by determining the measurement and structural model, using Smart PLS 2.0. The results show that young females have more factors determining fruit consumption, with greater social support for action self‐efficacy, greater maintenance self‐efficacy through action self‐efficacy, and greater perception of risk regarding fruit consumption. In terms of age, young people over 16 years present greater outcome expectations for the intention, greater perception of risk and action self‐efficacy for fruit consumption. The multi‐group analysis referring to differences between young people living in rural or urban environments did not show proof of the model giving a better explanation of one situation or the other. It can be concluded that the HAPA model is appropriate to the investigation of behaviour factors that influence young people's fruit consumption. The results also indicate that in the scope of the behaviour analysed the proposed model gives a better explanation for females and for those over 16 years.
Experiences of Australian and New Zealand new nursing and midwifery graduates looking for employment
Authors: Tuckett Anthony , Oliffe John L.
Published: October 2016

The aim of this research is to describe the experiences of Australian and New Zealand nursing and midwifery students looking for employment after graduation. This qualitative study draws from 2008, 2009 and 2010 responses provided by 197 recently graduated Australian and New Zealand nurses and midwives to, Describe your experiences gaining employment as a nurse or midwife after graduation. Two themes were inductively derived, Taking what you can get and I had a job lined up. Within the taking what you can get theme, respondents efforts to gain employment as a nurse or midwife after graduation were challenged by limited choices round the type of clinical practice available and/or job insecurity. In contrast, for respondents in the I had a job lined up theme, employment after graduation was linked to job offers during student's clinical placements and/or hospitals where they completed their final practicum. Understanding and better facilitating the transition of new nurse/midwife graduates to healthcare institutions are vitally important to sustaining the nursing workforce.
Peripheral intravenous catheters in situ for more than 96 h in adults: What factors affect removal?
Authors: Zhu Aiqun , Wang Ting , Wen Shali
Published: October 2016

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) are widely used in clinical nursing, but indwelling time remains a subject of debate. This study aimed to assess the risk factors for PIVC phlebitis in adults and provide a basis for indwelling time decisions. A total of 189 first‐time PIVC patients in the emergency ward were assessed between May and October 2015. Data were retrieved for patient characteristics and PIVC assessment records. This study showed that over two‐thirds (67.72%) of PIVCs were removed because of phlebitis, including oedema (37.57%), rubefaction (33.33%), pain (32.28%), slow infusion speed (13.23%) and accidental extrusion (2.12%). PIVC indwelling time in the planned removal group was higher than that obtained for the unplanned removal group: 152.42 (74.58) vs. 94.64 (50.15) h, P < 0.001. At indwelling times > 96 h, 28.57% (n = 54) of catheters caused phlebitis, although 23.28% (n = 44) showed no phlebitis. PIVC phlebitis was associated with treatment with compound amino acid infusion (OR: 2.624), site at the elbow joint (OR: 3.049), haemoglobin level (OR: 2.492), white cell count (OR: 2.196) and catheter size (OR: 1.837). Study findings suggest that PIVC might be used for longer durations based on nursing assessments and health education.
Cardiac cephalgia: a diagnostic headache
Authors: Shankar A. , Allan C. L. M. , Smyth D. , Jardine D.
Published: October 2016

A 73‐year‐old man presented with a 6‐month history of exertional headaches. Exercise tolerance test demonstrated progressive ischaemic changes concomitant with worsening headache. Cardiac cephalgia was diagnosed and his symptoms resolved after coronary artery bypass surgery. Cardiac cephalgia may occasionally present as exertional headache without chest symptoms.
Effect of a general practitioner management plan on health outcomes and hospitalisations in older patients with diabetes
Authors: Caughey G. E. , Vitry A. I. , Ramsay E. N. , Gilbert A. L. , Shakib S. , Ryan P. , Esterman A. , McDermott R. A. , Roughead E. E.
Published: October 2016

Background

Little is known about the impact of a general practitioner management plan (GPMP) on health outcomes of patients with diabetes.

Aim

To examine the impact of a GPMP on the risk of hospitalisation for diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective study using administrative data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs was conducted (1 July 2006 to 30 June 2014) of diabetes patients either exposed or unexposed to a GPMP. The primary end‐point was the risk of first hospitalisation for a diabetes‐related complication and was assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression models with death as a competing risk. Secondary end‐points included rates of receiving guideline care for diabetes, with differences assessed using Poisson regression analyses.

Results

A total of 16 214 patients with diabetes were included; 8091 had a GPMP, and 8123 did not. After 1 year, 545 (6.7%) patients with a GPMP and 634 (7.8%) of patients without a GPMP were hospitalised for a diabetes complication. There was a 22% reduction in the risk of being hospitalised for a diabetes complication (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.87, P < 0.0001) for those who received a GPMP by comparison to those who did not. Increased rates of diabetes guideline care, HbA1c claims (adjusted HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.25–1.33) and microalbuminura claims (adjusted HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.58–1.72) were observed after a GPMP.

Conclusion

Provision of a GPMP in older patients with diabetes resulted in improved health outcomes, delaying the risk of hospitalisation at 12 months for diabetes complications. GPMP should be included as part of routine primary care for older patients with diabetes.
Age at Immigration and the Educational Attainment of Foreign-Born Children in the United States
Authors: Clarke Andrew
Published: October 2016

A substantial empirical literature confirms an educational disadvantage for foreign-born children that arrive in their host countries at older ages. In the presence of a negative correlation between parental education and age at immigration, estimates of the educational attainment age at immigration gradient, neglecting controls for parental education, will tend to overestimate this disadvantage. The results indicate a considerable overestimation (up to almost 28%) of the disadvantage for immigrant children that arrive at older ages. Moreover, a considerable portion (69%) of the total bias associated with omitted controls for parental education reflects the non-random educational selection of immigrant parents across the age at immigration distribution.
Developmental Differences in Infants' Attention to Social and Nonsocial Threats
Authors: LoBue Vanessa , Buss Kristin A. , Taber‐Thomas Bradley C. , Pérez‐Edgar Koraly
Published: October 2016

Research has demonstrated that humans detect threatening stimuli more rapidly than nonthreatening stimuli. Although the literature presumes that biases for threat should be normative, present early in development, evident across multiple forms of threat, and stable across individuals, developmental work in this area is limited. Here, we examine the developmental differences in infants' (4‐ to 24‐month‐olds) attention to social (angry faces) and nonsocial (snakes) threats using a new age‐appropriate dot‐probe task. In Experiment 1, infants' first fixations were more often to snakes than to frogs, and they were faster to fixate probes that appeared in place of snakes vs. frogs. There were no significant age differences, suggesting that a perceptual bias for snakes is present early in life and stable across infancy. In Experiment 2, infants fixated probes more quickly after viewing any trials that contained an angry face compared to trials that contained a happy face. Further, there were age‐related changes in infants' responses to face stimuli, with a general increase in looking time to faces before the probe and an increase in latency to fixate the probe after seeing angry faces. Together, this work suggests that different developmental mechanisms may be responsible for attentional biases for social vs. nonsocial threats.
Comparison of five systems of classification of diabetic foot ulcers and predictive factors for amputation
Authors: Jeon Byung‐Joon , Choi Hwan Jun , Kang Jin Seok , Tak Min Sung , Park Eun Soo
Published: October 2016

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder. Among various complications, diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disorders are closely associated with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Lower extremity ulcers and amputations are ongoing problems among individuals with diabetes. There are several classification systems for DFUs; however, no prognostic system has to date been accepted as the gold standard or the optimum prediction tool for amputations. A retrospective study was designed. Demographic data and baseline laboratory data were gathered and scored or evaluated using five representative DFU classification systems. These included (i) the diabetic ulcer severity score (DUSS); (ii) University of Texas (UT) diabetic wound classification; (iii) Meggitt–Wagner classification; (iv) depth of the ulcer, extent of bacterial colonisation, phase of ulcer and association aetiology (DEPA) scoring system; and (v) site, ischaemia, neuropathy, bacterial infection and depth (SINBAD) score. Finally, a statistical analysis was performed. A total of 137 patients were included in this study. During the follow‐up, DFU had healed in 51·1% of subjects and 48·9% of the individuals underwent lower extremity amputations (LEAs). In a univariable logistic regression analysis, history of previous DFU, hypertension, neuropathy, haemoglobin, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and ankle‐brachial index (ABI) showed a statistically significant difference between the healed group and the LEA group. Moreover, the stages, grades or overall prognostic ability of all five classifications were highly associated with the overall occurrence of LEA. On multivariable logistic regression analysis of the risk of LEA, all classifications showed a significant positive trend with an increased number of amputations. All the five classification systems exhibited high sensitivity, specificity, classification accuracy, positive predictive, negative predictive and area under the curve (AUC) values. They showed substantial accuracy and their main variables were associated with LEA occurrence. The Wagner and UT systems, although they are relatively simple to assess, were better predictors of LEA.
Risk factors for ulceration over tophi in patients with gout
Authors: Xu Jianjun , Lin Cai , Zhang Peng , Ying Jianghui
Published: October 2016

Ulceration over tophi in patients with gout usually causes a number of clinical problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for ulceration of tophi in patients with gout. Patients with gout who had tophi with or without ulceration were prospectively recruited and underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinical factors independently associated with the presence of ulceration were analysed using logistic regression models. Of the 113 participants, 18 (13·7%) had clinically apparent ulceration over tophi. In univariate analysis, ulceration over tophi correlated with age, tophus duration, size, location and lack of protective sensation. In logistic regression analysis, age, tophus size and lack of protective sensation were associated with ulceration over tophi. These findings indicate that old age, large tophus size and lack of protective sensation were independent risk factors for ulceration over tophi.
Video Game Violence and Aggression: A Proven Connection?
Authors: Hilgard Joseph
Published: October 2016

The American Academy of Pediatrics says the evidence is clear, that violent media – including video games – lead to aggression in children. But Joseph Hilgard and colleagues find that much of the experimental evidence, both for and against, is undermined by a tricky statistical weakness