bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivations for corporate social and environmental reporting: New Zealand evidence
Authors: Dobbs Stevie , van Staden Chris
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate corporate motivations for voluntarily reporting social and environmental information in New Zealand. The approach used in this study also gives the opportunity to gain insights into the internal systems and views of companies and allows the authors to make better judgements of the intentions of companies in undertaking corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is used and then extended to match corporate survey responses with content analysis results of actual company reporting. The results of the survey and the content analysis are examined both individually and collectively to gather more context for corporate motivations.

Findings

The authors find that community concerns and shareholder rights were the most important factors that influenced the companies’ decision to report. The driving force for a sustainability agenda within these companies is usually a member of senior management. The authors also find that reporting frameworks and highly formalised internal systems were not frequently used, external assurance of CSR reporting was lacking and there were low levels of stakeholder engagement. A commitment to reporting comprehensive CSR disclosures and accepting responsibility towards a range of stakeholders were, therefore, not in evidence.

Research limitations/implications

For researchers, the value is in further revising analysis techniques and expanding existing research methods used in this area. The study brings together important CSR topics from across the literature, including reporting levels and characteristics, internal CSR systems, CSR assurance and stakeholder engagement, to investigate the motivation for CSR reporting.

Practical implications

The results suggest that New Zealand companies are not currently fully committed to social and environmental reporting and that CSR reporting is most likely used to create the impression of being concerned about sustainability to increase legitimacy with stakeholders and society. The results highlight the importance of having formalised systems to ensure that disclosures are accurate and comprehensive.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the literature by providing a current view of the motivations for reporting companies to report or not report. The approach used gives the opportunity to gain insights into the internal systems and views of companies and allows the authors to make better judgements of the intentions of companies in undertaking CSR reporting.
Smart bomb AS1411 aptamer‐functionalized/PAMAM dendrimer nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Barzegar Behrooz Amir , Nabavizadeh Fatemeh , Adiban Jamal , Shafiee Ardestani Mehdi , Vahabpour Rouhollah , Aghasadeghi Mohammad Reza , Sohanaki Hamid
Published: September 2016

Chemotherapy, a conventional method assessed in recent oncology studies, poses numerous problems in the clinical environment. To overcome the problems inherent in chemotherapy, an intelligent drug delivery system has come to the forefront of cancer therapeutics. In this study, we designed a dendrimer‐based pharmaceutical system together with a single‐stranded AS1411 aptamer (APTAS1411) as a therapeutic strategy. The polyamidoamine (PAMAM)‐polyethylene glycol (PEG) complex was then conjugated with the AS1411 aptamer and confirmed by atomic‐force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) .In this study, we show that the conjugated PAMAM‐PEG‐APTAS1411complex dramatically increased PAMAM‐PEG‐5‐FU uptake by MKN45 gastric cancer cells. We also demonstrated both the stability of the nanoparticle‐5‐FU‐APTAS1411 complex, by thin layer chromatography (TLC), and an increase in 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) accumulation in the vicinity of cancerous tumors. This smart drug delivery system is capable of effectively transferring 5‐FU to MKN45 gastric cancer cells in consistent and without toxic effects.
Money Can't Buy Me Trust: Evidence of Exogenous Influences Crowding out Process‐based Trust in Alliances
Authors: Christoffersen Jeppe , Robson Matthew J.
Published: September 2016

In this study we investigate how external interventions shape process‐based trust development in cross‐border alliances. Specifically, we exploit a unique opportunity to observe the magnitude of external intervention through publicly available amounts of money given by the foreign, developed country partners’ government to support alliances with local, developing country partners. Applying motivation crowding theory to trust processes, we develop theoretical logic explaining how and under what conditions such third‐party financial support negatively affects the local partner's trust. Our assertions were tested using archival and survey data on 105 international strategic alliances. We find that amount of support is detrimental to local partner trust but that the negative relationship can be dampened via interaction between partners and agreement throughout these interactions. This shows a need for partners to think through trust development consequences of external interventions during the setting up of their alliances, in order to be able to act in a manner which promotes trust.
Applicability of first‐trimester combined screening for fetal trisomy 21 in a resource‐limited setting in mainland China
Authors: Li B , Sahota DS , Lao TT , Xu J , Hu SQ , Zhang L , Liu QY , Sun Q , Tang D , Ma RM
Published: September 2016

Objective

To assess the feasibility and performance of the first‐trimester combined screening test for trisomy 21 in a resource‐limited setting in mainland China.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China.

Population

Ten thousand four hundred and forty‐two pregnant women requesting first‐trimester screening.

Methods

The combined screening test was performed from May 2012 to December 2014. Women with a high‐risk result (≥1:600) were offered further confirmatory tests after counselling. The threshold for high risk was determined by Monte Carlo simulation to achieve a 5% false‐positive rate according to the local age distribution. Pregnancy outcome and screening results were recorded for all women and monthly audits were conducted.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity, screen positive rate, cost per case of Down syndrome detected.

Results

Six hundred and ten women (5.8% of the total screened) had a high‐risk screening test, of whom 274 (44.9%) underwent a diagnostic test and 169 (27.7%) opted for a noninvasive prenatal screening test (NIPT); 160 (26.2%) declined further testing after counselling. The pregnancy outcome was available for 10 174 (97.4%) of the women. The observed incidence of Down syndrome was 0.13% (1/750). All 14 women with a trisomy 21 pregnancy had a high‐risk screening test result. The cost per Down syndrome detected was RMB596 686 compared with RMB1.79 million if all had been screened by NIPT.

Conclusions

The combined screening test appears to be a more cost‐effective strategy in mainland China. Screening performance in China would be improved by adopting Chinese‐specific models, external quality control and assurance, and establishing risk thresholds appropriate for the age distribution of the population.

Tweetable abstract

Combined first‐trimester Downs screening in China was improved by adopting Chinese‐specific models and external QC.
Use of antiseptic mouthrinse during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: a randomised controlled clinical trial in rural China
Authors: Jiang H , Xiong X , Su Y , Peng J , Zhu X , Wang J , Chen M , Qian X
Published: September 2016

Objective

To determine whether an antimicrobial mouthrinse intervention reduces adverse pregnancy outcomes in a low‐resource rural area.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

A county‐level maternal health care hospital in China.

Sample

Pregnant women of less than 20 weeks of gestation having periodontal disease.

Methods

Women with periodontal disease were randomised into the intervention (n = 232) and control group (n = 234). Participants in the intervention group were provided with free mouthrinse (alcohol‐free mouthrinse containing 0.7% cetylpyridinium chloride) throughout the pregnancy and given education on oral health. Women in the control group only received oral hygiene education. All participants had a periodontal re‐examination at the third trimester and were followed‐up to childbirth.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was gestational age. Secondary outcomes included birthweight, periodontal disease score, pregnancy complications (small‐for‐gestational‐age, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetic mellitus, severe anaemia, premature rupture of membrane).

Results

The general periodontal status of the intervention group at the third trimester was significantly better than that of the control group (measured by periodontal disease score: 11.26 ± 3.60 versus 11.92 ± 3.01; P = 0.04). There was no difference in pregnancy outcome between the two groups except for premature rupture of the membranes. The women in the intervention group had a significantly reduced risk of premature rupture of the membranes compared with the control group (1.4 versus 5.7%, OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.84; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The mouthrinse intervention during pregnancy improved periodontal health. The intervention did not lead to a change in gestational age but it reduced the rate of premature membrane rupture. Further studies are needed to explore the biological mechanism of this association.

Tweetable abstract

Use of antiseptic mouthrinse during pregnancy may improve maternal oral health and pregnancy outcomes.
First record of the tribe Trigonoderini (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) from South Korea with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Tselikh Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Ko Guk‐Hyang , Lee Jong‐Wook
Published: September 2016

The tribe Trigonoderini (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) contains six genera (Gastracanthus Westwood, Janssoniella Kerrich, Miscogasteriella Girault, Platygerrhus Thomson, Plutothrix Förster and Trigonoderus Westwood). This tribe is recorded from South Korea for the first time. Two new species, Janssoniella albiclava Tselikh & Lee sp. nov. from South Korea and J. magna Tselikh & Lee sp. nov. from South Korea and the South Far East of Russia, are described. Eight species (Gastracanthus acutus (Kamijo), G. nigrescens Kamijo, Janssoniella intermedia Hedqvist, Miscogasteriella sulcate (Kamijo), Plutothrix scrobicula Kamijo, P. trifasciata (Thomson), Trigonoderus fraxini Yang and T. nigrocephalus Kamijo) are recorded from South Korea for the first time. The keys for identification of the Eastern–Palearctic species of Janssoniella and Gastracanthus are given and photos of diagnostic characters of the new species are provided.
Kinetic Study on Peptide‐Bound Pyrraline Formation and Elimination in the Maillard Reaction Using Single‐ and Multiple‐Response Models
Authors: Liang Zhili , Li Lin , Qi Haiping , Zhang Zhenbo Xu, Xia , Li Bing
Published: September 2016

Pyrraline, an advanced glycation end product (AGE), is related to some chronic diseases and can be employed as an indicator for heat damage in food processing. In this study, the impact of changing the reactant concentration and ratio on the kinetic parameters describing peptide‐bound pyrraline (pep‐pyr) formation and elimination was evaluated in the Lys‐Gly/glucose model systems, with microwave heating treatment ranging from 120 to 200 °C. The maximum pep‐pyr concentration increased as follows: 200 °C ˂ 180 °C ˂ 160 °C ˂ 120 °C ˂ 140 °C. First, the pep‐pyr formation and elimination was modeled by using a single‐response modelling. The formation rate constant (kF) of pep‐pyr was independent of the initial concentration of the reactants and ratios. However, the elimination rate constant of pep‐pyr (kE) increased with increasing reactant concentrations. Second, a multiresponse modelling was performed to illustrate the pathways of pep‐pyr formation and elimination. Two adapted models can fit to the experimental data with the goodness‐of‐fit ranging from 0.663 to 0.920. Glucose‐to‐fructose isomerization rather than glucose‐to‐mannose epimerization was detected in an equimolar model system and the model system with an excess of any of the reactants. The caramelization reaction was negligible in the equimolar systems and the model systems with an excess of peptide. The reaction rate constant of glucose‐to‐fructose isomerization was independent of the initial reactant ratios. It was more difficult for pep‐pyr elimination in the model system with an excess of peptide than that in the other 2 model systems (the equimolar system and the system with an excess of glucose), whereas a reverse result in pep‐pyr formation was obtained.
Intestinal injury in the rat model of 17α‐ethynylestradiol‐induced intrahepatic cholestasis
Authors: Chang Mu Jun , Xu Yan Jiao , He Wen Xi , Zhang Cheng Liang , Li Xi Ping , Liu Dong
Published: September 2016

Objective

Although the intimate relationship between liver and gut has been previously reported under physiological and pathological conditions, intestinal involvement in the process of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate intestinal changes in 17α‐ethynylestradiol (EE)‐induced cholestatic rat model.

Methods

Liver injury was assessed by HE stain and serum biochemical parameters were measured. Intestinal transit was determined using ink marks. Neuronal protein expressions in the intestine were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

EE treatment induced liver damage, including severe bile duct hyperplasia, portal edema, portal infiltration, a loss of hepatic structure in periportal areas and increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. Large areas of inflammatory cell infiltration and increased myeloperoxidase activity were observed in the intestine of EE‐induced cholestatic rats. The EE‐treated group showed increased intestinal transit and malondialdehyde levels, while the glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity were notably decreased, together with decreased protein gene product 9.5 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the ileum and colon. Furthermore, choline acetyltransferase expression was significantly decreased in the ileum, whereas no change was observed in the colon of EE‐treated rats.

Conclusion

EE‐induced liver damage is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and neural loss in the intestine, which may lead to altered intestinal motility.
Effective endoscopic treatment of Mallory–Weiss syndrome using Glasgow‐Blatchford score and Forrest classification
Authors: Lee Sunpyo , Ahn Ji Yong , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Jung Kee Wook , Lee Jeong Hoon , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Kim Jin‐Ho , Kim Seon‐Ok
Published: September 2016

Objectives

There is limited data on whether scoring systems can be used to predict clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to Mallory–Weiss syndrome (MWS). We aimed to evaluate whether the Glasgow‐Blatchford score (GBS) could be effective in predicting clinical outcomes of bleeding MWS and to investigate the predictive ability of the Forrest classification for rebleeding and assess the effective endoscopic modalities for bleeding control in MWS.

Methods

From January 2004 to December 2012 168 patients were diagnosed with MWS in the Asan Medical Center Emergency Department. We analyzed their clinical outcomes, including endoscopic treatment, transfusion and admission as well as the rates of rebleeding and mortality using GBS and the Forrest classification, retrospectively.

Results

Endoscopic treatment was applied to patients. The GBS was significantly higher in patients treated with endoscopic therapy than in the conservative treatment group (6.8 ± 3.7 vs 5.1 ± 4.7, P = 0.011). In patients with a GBS of >6 the rates of endoscopic treatment and rebleeding and the need for transfusion and admission were significantly higher (all P < 0.05). The Forrest classification was able to predict recurrent bleeding (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.723, 95% confidence interval 0.609–0.836, P = 0.025). Hemoclip‐based therapy and band ligation achieved higher success rates than did injection therapy alone in preventing rebleeding (96.4%, 88.9% and 71.4%, P = 0.013).

Conclusion

In MWS, GBS might be useful for predicting clinical outcomes and the Forrest classification in predicting recurrent bleeding.
Masked hypoglycemia in pregnancy
Authors: Naik Dukhabandhu , Hesarghatta Shyamasunder Asha , Doddabelavangala Mruthyunjaya Mahesh , Gupta Patil Rita , Paul Thomas Vizhalil , Christina Flory , Inbakumari Mercy , Jose Ruby , Lionel Jessie , Regi Annie , Jeyaseelan P. Visalakshi , Thomas Nihal
Published: September 2016

Background

Hypoglycemia is a major hindrance for optimal glycemic control in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on insulin. In the present study, masked hypoglycemia (glucose <2.77mmol/L for ≥30 min) was estimated in pregnant women using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.

Methods

Twenty pregnant women with GDM on insulin (cases) and 10 age‐matched euglycemic pregnant women (controls) between 24 and 36 weeks gestation were recruited. Both groups performed self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and underwent CGM for 72 h to assess masked hypoglycemia. Masked hypoglycemic episodes were further stratified into two groups based on interstitial glucose (2.28–2.77 and ≤2.22 mmol/L).

Results

Masked hypoglycemia was recorded in 35% (7/20) of cases and 40% (4/10) of controls using CGM, with an average of 1.28 and 1.25 episodes per subject, respectively. Time spent at glucose levels between 2.28 and 2.77 mmol/L did not differ between the two groups (mean 114 vs 90 min; P = 0.617), but cases spent a longer time with glucose ≤2.2 mmol/L. Babies born to women with GDM were significantly lighter than those born to controls (2860 vs 3290 g; P = 0.012). There was no significant difference in birth weight within the groups among babies born to women with or without hypoglycemia.

Conclusion

Euglycemic pregnant women and those with GDM on insulin had masked hypoglycemia. Masked hypoglycemia was not associated with adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Therefore, low glucose levels in the hypoglycemic range may represent a physiologic adaptation in pregnancy. This response is exaggerated in women with GDM on insulin.
Use of psychotropic drugs in patients with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Jobski K. , Höfer J. , Hoffmann F. , Bachmann C.
Published: September 2016

Objective

The objective of this review was to examine prevalence and patterns of psychopharmacotherapy in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

A systematic literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was performed, including articles published up to November 18, 2015.

Results

A total of 47 studies (data collection: 1976–2012), encompassing >300 000 individuals with ASD, were included. The prevalence of psychopharmacotherapy ranged from 2.7% to 80% (median (overall): 45.7%; median (children): 41.9%; median (adults): 61.5%), with psychotropic polypharmacy occurring in 5.4–54% (median: 23.0%). Regarding drug classes, antipsychotics were most frequently used, followed by attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication and antidepressants. Both older age and psychiatric comorbidity were associated with higher prevalences of psychopharmacotherapy and psychotropic polypharmacy. There were no time trends in psychopharmacotherapy prevalence observable.

Conclusion

Despite a lack of pharmacological treatment options for ASD core symptoms, the prevalence of psychopharmacotherapy and polypharmacy in ASD patients is considerable, which is probably due to the treatment of non‐core ASD symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities. While there is some evidence for the use of antipsychotics and ADHD medication for these indications, the use of antidepressants should be limited to selected cases.
Essential values of cocaine and non‐drug alternatives predict the choice between them
Authors: Kearns David N. , Kim Jung S. , Tunstall Brendan J. , Silberberg Alan
Published: September 2016

This study investigated the relationship between reinforcer value and choice between cocaine and two non‐drug alternative reinforcers in rats. The essential value (EV, a behavioral economic measure based on elasticity of demand) of intravenous cocaine and food (Experiment 1) or saccharin (Experiment 2) was determined in the first phase of each experiment. Food had higher EV than cocaine, whereas the EVs of cocaine and saccharin did not differ. In the second phase of each experiment, rats were allowed to make mutually exclusive choices between cocaine and the non‐drug alternative reinforcer. The main findings were that the EV of cocaine was a positive predictor of cocaine preference and the EV of food or saccharin was a negative predictor of cocaine preference. An analysis of within‐session patterns of choice behavior revealed sequential dependencies, whereby rats were more likely to choose cocaine on a particular trial after having chosen the non‐drug alternative on previous trials. When the time between choices was increased, these sequential dependencies disappeared. The results of these experiments are consistent with the suggestion that addiction‐like behavior involves both overvaluation of drug reinforcers and undervaluation of non‐drug reinforcers.
Diet during pregnancy: Women's knowledge of and adherence to food safety guidelines
Authors: Bryant Jamie , Waller Amy , Cameron Emilie , Hure Alexis , Sanson‐Fisher Rob
Published: September 2016

Background

As a precaution against acquiring food‐borne illnesses, guidelines recommend women avoid some foods during pregnancy.

Aims

To examine among women receiving antenatal care: (i) level of knowledge and self‐reported adherence to guidelines about foods that should be avoided during pregnancy; and (ii) associated socio‐demographic characteristics.

Methods

Women attending a public outpatient clinic who were: pregnant or had recently given birth; 18 years or older; able to complete an English language survey with minimal assistance; and had at least one prior antenatal appointment for their current pregnancy, were asked to complete a cross‐sectional survey.

Results

In total 223 women (64% consent rate) participated. Knowledge of foods to avoid during pregnancy was poor, with 83% of women incorrectly identifying at least one unsafe food as safe to consume. The average knowledge score for foods to avoid during pregnancy was 7.9 (standard deviation = 3.4; median = 9; interquartile range: 6–11; n = 218) out of a possible score of 12. Having more general practice (GP) visits for antenatal care and fewer tertiary antenatal visits were significantly associated with higher knowledge. Women with a higher number of GP visits and those receiving care in a high‐risk clinic were more likely to be adherent to guidelines.

Conclusions

The majority of pregnant women have poor knowledge of food avoidance guidelines and continue to consume foods that put them at risk.
Impact of sex on prognostic host factors in surgical patients with lung cancer
Authors: Wainer Zoe , Wright Gavin M. , Gough Karla , Daniels Marissa G. , Choong Peter , Conron Matthew , Russell Prudence A. , Alam Naveed Z. , Ball David , Solomon Benjamin
Published: September 2016

Background

Lung cancer has markedly poorer survival in men. Recognized important prognostic factors are divided into host, tumour and environmental factors. Traditional staging systems that use only tumour factors to predict prognosis are of limited accuracy. By examining sex‐based patterns of disease‐specific survival in non‐small cell lung cancer patients, we determined the effect of sex on the prognostic value of additional host factors.

Methods

Two cohorts of patients treated surgically with curative intent between 2000 and 2009 were utilized. The primary cohort was from Melbourne, Australia, with an independent validation set from the American Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate analyses of validated host‐related prognostic factors were performed in both cohorts to investigate the differences in survival between men and women.

Results

The Melbourne cohort had 605 patients (61% men) and SEER cohort comprised 55 681 patients (51% men). Disease‐specific 5‐year survival showed men had statistically significant poorer survival in both cohorts (P < 0.001); Melbourne men at 53.2% compared with women at 68.3%, and SEER 53.3% men and 62.0% women were alive at 5 years. Being male was independently prognostic for disease‐specific mortality in the Melbourne cohort after adjustment for ethnicity, smoking history, performance status, age, pathological stage and histology (hazard ratio = 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–2.16, P = 0.012).

Conclusions

Sex differences in non‐small cell lung cancer are important irrespective of age, ethnicity, smoking, performance status and tumour, node and metastasis stage. Epidemiological findings such as these should be translated into research and clinical paradigms to determine the factors that influence the survival disadvantage experienced by men.
Retracted: Effects of Di‐isononyl Phthalate on Neuropeptide Y Expression in Differentiating Human Neuronal Cells
Authors: Rendel Filip , Alfredsson Christina Fjæraa , Bornehag Carl‐Gustaf , Sundström Birgitta E. , Nånberg Eewa
Published: September 2016

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an abundant neuropeptide in the mammalian brain important for behavioural consequences of stress and energy metabolism. We have addressed possible effects of the phthalate DiNP on NPY expression in human SH‐SY5Y cells, a neuronal in vitro differentiation model. Pico‐ to nanomolar doses of DiNP and its metabolite MiNP resulted in decreased NPY mRNA and peptide expression in retinoid‐differentiated cells. Thus, dys‐regulated NPY may be an adverse outcome for exposure to low doses of DiNP in human beings.
Changing light conditions in pine rockland habitats affect the intensity and outcome of ant–plant interactions
Authors: Jones Ian M. , Koptur Suzanne , Gallegos Hilma R. , Tardanico Joseph P. , Trainer Patricia A. , Peña Jorge
Published: September 2016

Extrafloral nectar (EFN) mediates food‐for‐protection mutualisms between plants and ants. Such mutualisms exist within a complex web of biotic interactions, and in a framework provided by the abiotic environment. Both biotic and abiotic factors, therefore, affect the outcome of ant–plant interactions. We conducted an experiment to determine the effects of ant activity, and light intensity, on herbivory rates, growth, and reproductive fitness in Senna mexicana var. chapmanii, a perennial legume native to pine rockland habitats of south Florida. Forty plants were divided among four treatments in a factorial experimental design with two independent variables: ant activity and light intensity. Plants were divided equally between sunny and shady habitats, and ants were excluded from half of the plants in each habitat type. The presence of ants significantly reduced herbivory rates in S. chapmanii. In shaded habitats, the presence of ants had no effect on plant reproductive fitness, however, in sunny habitats plants with ants produced significantly more seeds over the duration of the 1‐yr study. Ants represent an important biotic defense against herbivores in S. chapmanii; however, their effects on plant fitness are dependent on light conditions. Pine rockland habitats in south Florida have been widely destroyed or mismanaged. In fragments that remain, suppression of fire has led to increased canopy closure and shading of the understory. These changes will likely negatively impact plants that rely on ants for defense. We highlight the importance of conservation efforts to preserve the pine rocklands and the fire regimes on which they rely.
Transition from paediatric to adult care: what makes it easier for parents?
Authors: Suris J. ‐C. , Larbre J. ‐P. , Hofer M. , Hauschild M. , Barrense‐Dias Y. , Berchtold A. , Akre C.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To assess differences between parents of adolescents with chronic illness (CI) going through a self‐reported easy or difficult transfer.

Methods

Seventy‐two parents of CI youths who had already transferred to adult care were divided according to whether they considered that the transfer had been easy (n = 45) or difficult (n = 27). We performed a bivariate analysis comparing both groups and variables with a significance level < .1 were included in a logistic regression. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratio (aOR).

Results

Over one third of parents (27/72) reported a difficult transfer. At the multivariate level, higher socioeconomic status (aOR: 7.74), parents feeling ready for transfer (aOR: 6.54) and a good coordination between teams (aOR: 7.66) were associated with an easy transfer.

Conclusions

An easy transfer for parents is associated with feeling ready and considering that the coordination between teams is good. Health providers should consider these requisites for a successful transfer.
Time trends of technology mediated communication with friends among bullied and not bullied children in four Nordic countries between 2001 and 2010
Authors: Bjereld Y. , Daneback K. , Löfstedt P. , Bjarnason T. , Tynjälä J. , Välimaa R. , Petzold M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Friends are important in childhood and adolescence, especially to bullied children. Technology mediated communication (TMC) could be used both to develop and maintain friendship. The present study examined (1) trends in the use of TMC with friends between 2001 and 2010; (2) possible differences between bullied and not bullied children and (3) differences between children with few close friends and children with several close friends.

Methods

Data were obtained from three waves of the serial cross‐sectional Health Behaviour in School‐Aged Children survey conducted in Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden during 2001/2002, 2005/2006 and 2009/2010. The total sample consisted of 65 953 children aged 11, 13 and 15.

Results

Two trends were observed. The first trend showed an increased use of TMC in all countries. Children that were not bullied and/or had several close friends had increased their use of TMC with friends from 2001 to 2010. The second trend was applicable only for bullied children with few close friends; they had not as other children increased their use of TMC and thus remained at the same levels as in 2001/2002.

Conclusions

Bullied children with few close friends were excluded from communication forums that usually allow children to maintain and develop friendships. This is a concern because friends are important during childhood and adolescence, especially for bullied children.
Body dysmorphic disorder in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery: should we be performing routine screening?
Authors: Joseph J. , Randhawa P. , Hannan S.A. , Long J. , Goh S. , O'Shea N. , Saleh H. , Hansen E. , Veale D. , Andrews P.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is defined as having a preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one's appearance, which appears slight to others and significantly interferes with a person's functioning. When undetected in septorhinoplasty patients, it will often lead to poor outcomes.

Design

We performed a prospective cohort study to determine the prevalence of BDD in our patients and whether surgical correction could be considered.

Setting and participants

We recruited 34 patients being considered for septorhinoplasty in a tertiary referral rhinology clinic and a control group of 50 from the otology clinic giving a total of 84.

Main outcome measures

Participants completed the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ), the sino‐nasal outcome test‐23 (SNOT‐23) and underwent nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF). Those found to be at high risk for BDD were referred to a clinical psychologist.

Results

Of the septorhinoplasty patients, 11 (32%) were high risk for BDD. Following psychological assessment, 7 (63%) patients were felt to be unsuitable for surgery and were offered psychological therapy. SNOT‐23 scores were significantly higher in the BDD group indicating a negative impact on quality of life. NIPF readings were not significantly different in the BDD group compared to the control group.

Conclusions

The BDDQ is a valid tool for identifying patients at risk of BDD. A close working relationship with clinical psychology has been advantageous to help the selection process of candidates for surgery when there is a high risk of BDD.
The value of virtual conferencing for ecology and conservation
Authors: Fraser Hannah , Soanes Kylie , Jones Stuart A. , Jones Chris S. , Malishev Matthew
Published: September 2016

The objectives of conservation science and dissemination of its research create a paradox: Conservation is about preserving the environment, yet scientists spread this message at conferences with heavy carbon footprints. Ecology and conservation science depend on global knowledge exchange—getting the best science to the places it is most needed. However, conference attendance from developed countries typically outweighs that from developing countries that are biodiversity and conservation hotspots. If any branch of science should be trying to maximize participation while minimizing carbon emissions, it is conservation. Virtual conferencing is common in other disciplines, such as education and humanities, but it is surprisingly underused in ecology and conservation. Adopting virtual conferencing entails a number of challenges, including logistics and unified acceptance, which we argue can be overcome through planning and technology. We examined 4 conference models: a pure‐virtual model and 3 hybrid hub‐and‐node models, where hubs stream content to local nodes. These models collectively aim to mitigate the logistical and administrative challenges of global knowledge transfer. Embracing virtual conferencing addresses 2 essential prerequisites of modern conferences: lowering carbon emissions and increasing accessibility for remote, time‐ and resource‐poor researchers, particularly those from developing countries.
Expert judgment and uncertainty regarding the protection of imperiled species
Authors: Heeren Alexander , Karns Gabriel , Bruskotter Jeremy , Toman Eric , Wilson Robyn , Szarek Harmony
Published: September 2016

Decisions concerning the appropriate listing status of species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) can be controversial even among conservationists. These decisions may determine whether a species persists in the near term and have long‐lasting social and political ramifications. Given the ESA's mandate that such decisions be based on the best available science, it is important to examine what factors contribute to experts’ judgments concerning the listing of species. We examined how a variety of factors (such as risk perception, value orientations, and norms) influenced experts’ judgments concerning the appropriate listing status of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Experts were invited to complete an online survey examining their perceptions of the threats grizzly bears face and their listing recommendation. Although experts’ assessments of the threats to this species were strongly correlated with their recommendations for listing status, this relationship did not exist when other cognitive factors were included in the model. Specifically, values related to human use of wildlife and norms (i.e., a respondent's expectation of peers’ assessments) were most influential in listing status recommendations. These results suggest that experts’ decisions about listing, like all human decisions, are subject to the use of heuristics (i.e., decision shortcuts). An understanding of how heuristics and related biases affect decisions under uncertainty can help inform decision making about threatened and endangered species and may be useful in designing effective processes for protection of imperiled species.
Sp1 transcription factor promotes TMEPAI gene expression and contributes to cell proliferation
Authors: Li Yuyin , Guo Ailong , Feng Yajuan , Zhang Yueying , Wang Jianjun , Jing Lifang , Yan Yali , Jing Lei , Liu Zhenxing , Ma Long , Diao Aipo
Published: September 2016

Objectives

TMEPAI (transmembrane prostate androgen‐induced protein) has been reported to be overexpressed during tumour progression; however, little is known concerning transcriptional mechanisms regulating TMEPAI gene expression.

Materials and methods

In this study, the TMEPAI gene promoter has been identified and characterized, and the effects of Sp1 on TMEPAI‐induced viability of A549 cells were evaluated, using MTT and colony formation assays.

Results

We found that the sequence between −298 and +24 consists of basal promoter activity for TMEPAI. Further analysis indicated that two Sp1‐binding sites are crucial for maintaining basal transcriptional activity of the TMEPAI promoter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed direct binding of Sp1 to the TMEPAI promoter. In addition, Sp1 up‐regulated TMEPAI protein expression, as well as Sp1 promoting TMEPAI‐induced cell proliferation.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the sequence between −298 and +24 consists of the basal promoter activity for TMEPAI. Sp1 promotes TMEPAI expression and contributes to cell proliferation.
Using prioritisation tools to strategically restore vegetation communities in fragmented agricultural landscapes
Authors: Jellinek Sacha
Published: September 2016

Restoring native habitats in heavily cleared and fragmented areas such as agricultural landscapes is important to maintain and increase remaining native floral and faunal communities. Identifying priority vegetation types for restoration – as well as the parcels of land where this restoration could take place at a landscape scale – may assist in strategically protecting these biodiversity assets. To prioritise the restoration of terrestrial habitats around an ecologically and culturally significant Ramsar‐listed wetland in South Australia, we used the spatial prioritisation tool Marxan. Originally designed for prioritising the protection of reserve areas, Marxan can also be used to identify parcels of land for restoration purposes. We tested how Marxan prioritised the restoration of four distinct vegetation types around the Coorong and Lower Lakes region of South Australia using the inverse of habitat remnancy as a cost and soil type and distance to ecologically significant bird species as a conservation feature. By prioritising restoration activities around certain landscape features, such as remnant areas, our results indicate that we would be able to strategically restore parcels of native habitat that would maximise biodiversity outcomes. This study highlights the need for robust input data, such as priority vegetation types and bird species associated with these habitats, to ensure informative modelling outputs. It also suggests that other measures, such as the cost of different land types, should be included in future restoration planning. Finally, we illustrate how prioritisation tools such as Marxan can be used by natural resource managers to restore areas within fragmented agricultural landscapes.
Effects of Isolation on Stress Responses to Novel Stimuli in Subadult Chickens (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Weldon Kimberly B. , Fanson Kerry V. , Smith Carolynn L.
Published: September 2016

Extensive research has examined the effects of social isolation in neonatal and adult animal populations, but few studies have examined the effect of social isolation in early adulthood. Animals reaching reproductive age often experience extensive social changes as they leave their natal site, and a social stressor like isolation may uniquely affect this age group. Furthermore, adolescence is a time when sex differences in behavior become more pronounced. As such, the effects of social stressors are likely to vary by sex. In this study, we used noninvasive methods to evaluate stress responses to social change in male and female subadult chickens (Gallus gallus). Half of the birds experienced regular sessions of social isolation over the course of 2 wk, while the other half were never isolated. Subsequently, all of the animals were exposed to a suite of three novel probes, including an open‐field test. We monitored the birds’ behavioral (head movements) and physiological (fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, FGM) response to the tests. Our results indicate that, for subadult chickens, the effect of social isolation is sex dependent: Male FGM and behavioral responses did not change with subsequent experiences, in contrast to females. Females also exhibited more social reinstatement behavior compared to males. Our results are consistent with the expectations of differences between the sexes based on changes in the social environment due to sex‐biased dispersal patterns. For both sexes, the FGM and behavioral responses varied independently, which highlights the necessity for multiple measures of stress in animal populations.
Does unreported catch lead to overfishing?
Authors: Rudd Merrill B , Branch Trevor A
Published: September 2016

Catches are commonly misreported in many fisheries worldwide, resulting in inaccurate data that hinder our ability to assess population status and manage fisheries sustainably. Under‐reported catch is generally perceived to lead to overfishing, and hence, catch reconstructions are increasingly used to account for sectors that may be unreliably reported, including illegal harvest, recreational and subsistence fisheries, and discards. However, improved monitoring and/or catch reconstructions only aid in the first step of a fisheries management plan: collecting data to make inferences on stock status. Misreported catch impacts estimates of population parameters, which in turn influences management decisions, but the pattern and degree of these impacts are not necessarily intuitive. We conducted a simulation study to test the effect of different patterns of catch misreporting on estimated fishery status and recommended catches. If, for example, 50% of all fishery catches are consistently unreported, estimates of population size and sustainable yield will be 50% lower, but estimates of current exploitation rate and fishery status will be unbiased. As a result, constant under‐ or over‐reporting of catches results in recommended catches that are sustainable. However, when there are trends in catch reporting over time, the estimates of important parameters are inaccurate, generally leading to underutilization when reporting rates improve, and overfishing when reporting rates degrade. Thus, while quantifying total catch is necessary for understanding the impact of fisheries on businesses, communities and ecosystems, detecting trends in reporting rates is more important for estimating fishery status and setting sustainable catches into the future.
Crystal structure of eIF2B and insights into eIF2–eIF2B interactions
Authors: Kashiwagi Kazuhiro , Ito Takuhiro , Yokoyama Shigeyuki
Published: September 2016

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B), a heterodecameric complex of two sets of the α, β, γ, δ, and ε subunits, is the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) specific for eIF2, a heterotrimeric G protein consisting of the α, β, and γ subunits. The eIF2 protein binds GTP on the γ subunits and delivers an initiator methionyl‐tRNA (Met‐tRNAiMet) to the ribosome. The GEF activity of eIF2B is inhibited by stress‐induced phosphorylation of Ser51 in the α subunit of eIF2, which leads to lower amounts of active eIF2 and a limited quantity of Met‐tRNAiMet for the ribosome, resulting in global repression of translation. However, the structural mechanism of the GEF activity inhibition remained enigmatic, and therefore the three‐dimensional structure of the entire eIF2B molecule had been awaited. Recently, we determined the crystal structure of Schizosaccharomyces pombe eIF2B. In this Structural Snapshot, we present the structural features of eIF2B and the mechanism underlying the GEF activity inhibition by the phosphorylation of eIF2α, elucidated from structure‐based in vitro analyses.
Genetic diversity of Miscanthus sinensis in US naturalized populations
Authors: Zhao Yongli , Basak Suma , Fleener Christine E. , Egnin Marceline , Sacks Erik J. , Prakash Channapatna S. , He Guohao
Published: September 2016

Miscanthus is increasingly gaining popularity as a bioenergy grass because of its extremely high biomass productivity. Many clones of this grass were introduced into United States over the past century from East Asia where it originated, and planted for ornamental and landscaping purposes. An understanding of the genetic diversity among these naturalized populations may help in the efficient selection of potential parents in the Miscanthus breeding program. Here, we report our study analyzing the genetic diversity of 228 MiscanthusDNA samples selected from seven sites in six states (Ohio, North Carolina, Washington D.C., Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) across the eastern United States. Ten transferable DNA markers from other plant species were employed to amplify genomic DNA of Miscanthus because of the paucity of molecular markers in Miscanthus. There were significant genetic variations observed within and among US naturalized populations. The highest genetic diversity (0.3738) was found among the North Carolina genotypes taken from Biltmore Deer Park and Biltmore, Madison County, Cody Rd. The lowest genetic diversity (0.2776) was observed among Virginia genotypes that were diverged from those from other states, suggesting Virginia genotypes might be independently introduced into the United States from the different origin. By the cluster and structure analysis, 228 genotypes were categorized into two major groups that were further divided into six subgroups at the DNA level and the groups were generally consistent with geographic region.