bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual fitness and the effects of a changing climate on the cessation and length of the breeding period using a 34‐year study of a temperate songbird
Authors: Tarwater Corey E. , Arcese Peter 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStudies of the phenological responses of animals to climate change typically emphasize the initiation of breeding although climatic effects on the cessation and length of the breeding period may be as or more influential of fitness. We quantified links between climate, the cessation and length of the breeding period, and individual survival and reproduction using a 34‐year study of a resident song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) population subject to dramatic variation in climate. We show that the cessation and length of the breeding period varied strongly across years, and predicted female annual fecundity but not survival. Breeding period length was more influential of fecundity than initiation or cessation of breeding alone. Warmer annual temperature and drier winters and summers predicted an earlier cessation of breeding. Population density, the date breeding was initiated, a female's history of breeding success, and the number of breeding attempts initiated previously also predicted the cessation of breeding annually, indicating that climatic, population, and individual factors may interact to affect breeding phenology. Linking climate projections to our model results suggests that females will both initiate and cease breeding earlier in the future; this will have opposite effects on individual reproductive rate because breeding earlier is expected to increase fecundity, whereas ceasing breeding earlier should reduce it. Identifying factors affecting the cessation and length of the breeding period in multiparous species may be essential to predicting individual fitness and population demography. Given a rich history of studies on the initiation of breeding in free‐living species, re‐visiting those data to estimate climatic effects on the cessation and length of breeding should improve our ability to predict the impacts of climate change on multiparous species.
Communication in Colonial North America
Authors: Dubcovsky Alejandra 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCommunication in Colonial North America was difficult. To stay informed, people in the early modern world employed a variety of different methods and technologies. Before the regularization of postal routes and the proliferation of newspapers and other printed media, communication depended on the movement and connections of a wide variety of people. Exchanging information was not simply about having the most up‐to‐date news or the quickest messenger. It was a way of establishing and maintaining relationships, expressing identity, as well as articulating values and enforcing priorities—a process inextricably tied to social and geopolitical realities. Questions about how people communicated in colonial America open‐up wider discussions of literacy, technology, and power. This article reviews the most recent literature on the acquisition and spread of information in colonial North America, explores the different lines of inquiry scholars have pursued, and posits suggestions and problems for further research.
Preparation and heat‐insulating properties of biomorphic ZrO2 hollow fibers derived from a cotton template
Authors: Wang Tianchi , Yu Qinkun , Kong Jian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractZirconia (ZrO2) fibers are lightweight polycrystalline refractory materials that have long service life, and are suitable for use at ultra‐high temperatures (above 1600°C). In this study, biomorphic ZrO2 ceramic fibers were prepared by a simple impregnation method using a zirconic solution using cotton fibers as a biomaterial template. First, cotton fibers were immersed in a zirconyl chloride octahydrate (ZrOCl2·8H2O) solution, which also contained yttrium nitrate hexahydrate [Y(NO3)3·6H2O], stannic chloride (SnCl4·5H2O), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The precursor fibers were sintered at different temperatures to produce the final biomorphic ZrO2 ceramic fibers in air. Phase analysis, microstructures, thermoanalysis, and thermal conductivity were investigated. The experimental results show that these ZrO2 ceramic fibers faithfully retain the morphologies of the cotton fibers: parts of the fibers are hollow, allowing greater heat insulation than traditional ZrO2 fibers. In this study, we utilized the morph‐genetic theory to prepare insulation material, providing a new and effective way to fabricate materials with excellent heat‐insulating properties.
Usefulness of the lymphocyte positional parameters in the Sysmex XN haematology analyser in lymphoproliferative disorders and mononucleosis syndrome
Authors: Furundarena J. R. , Uranga A. , Sainz M. R. , González C. , Uresandi N. , Argoitia N. , Araiz M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe lymphocyte positional parameters included in Sysmex XN have been suggested as useful means to differentiate lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), mononucleosis syndrome (MNS) and other lymphocytoses.MethodsWe evaluated Sysmex XN analysers, which supply 6 lymphocyte positional parameters that can be measured in the WDF scattergram: LY‐X, LY‐Y, LY‐Z, LY‐WX, LY‐WY and LY‐WZ.ResultsWe collected 301 samples from normal controls, polyclonal lymphocytosis, MNS and LPD. MNS and monoclonal expansion of T granular lymphocyte (T‐GL) diagnostic groups accumulated higher numbers of significant differences in the mean values in comparison with the other groups. We propose a new algorithm that can differentiate T‐GL cases from other diagnostic groups with an SE of 67.5%, an SP of 98.2%, a PPV of 87.1% and an NPV of 94.3%. Another algorithm showed its efficiency to differentiate MNS cases from other diagnostic groups with an SE of 63.6%, an SP of 97.5%, a PPV of 70.0% and an NPV of 96.7%. In 38.5% of all cases, the analyser did not generate any morphologic flag. Abnormal results in lymphocyte positional parameters were useful to detect 72.5% of these samples.ConclusionThe lymphocyte positional parameters provided by Sysmex XN analysers are useful to differentiate expansions of T‐GLs from other LPD and to differentiate MNS cases from other diagnostic groups. In addition, these parameters are very useful for detecting changes in the lymphocytes that make it necessary to review blood smears in samples without morphological flagging.
Plasma levels of haemostatic factors in patients with pulmonary embolism on admission and seven months later
Authors: Sane M. , Granér M. , Laukkanen J. A. , Harjola V.‐P. , Mustonen P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionWith the exception of D‐dimer, not much is known about the plasma levels of haemostatic factors during acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to their basic levels in a stable phase. The goal of this study was to examine how plasma levels of factor V, VIII, XIIIa, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), fibrinogen, thrombomodulin evolve from the point of diagnosis of acute VTE to the end of standard treatment period.MethodsSixty‐three consecutive patients (mean 57, range 18‐86 years, 33 females) with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) were included. Laboratory samples were collected upon arrival (acute phase) and seven months later (stable phase). Fifteen similar aged individuals served as controls.ResultsPlasma levels of factor XIIIa (87.5% vs 117.7%, P < .001) and soluble thrombomodulin (36.6 vs 47.5 ng/L, P < .001) were lower, whereas plasma levels of vWF:Ag (2.66 vs 2.01 IU/mL, P < .001) and fibrinogen (4.3 vs 3.9 g/L, P < .05) were higher on admission compared to the stable phase. In the stable phase, vWF:Ag (2.01 vs 1.43 IU/mL, P < .01) and soluble thrombomodulin (47.5 vs 38.0 ng/mL, P < .05), but not FXIIIa levels, were higher in PE patients compared to healthy controls.ConclusionThis study confirms the concept of FXIIIa consumption during acute phase of VTE by showing its intraindividual normalization during the follow‐up. vWF:Ag, known to be associated with the risk of VTE, was constantly elevated in the majority of the patients. Soluble thrombomodulin levels were lower in acute phase compared to stable phase, a finding which significance needs to be evaluated in the future.
Exposure to secondhand smoke, exclusive breastfeeding and infant adiposity at age 5 months in the Healthy Start study
Authors: Moore B. F. , Sauder K. A. , Starling A. P. , Ringham B. M. , Glueck D. H. , Dabelea D. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundInfant adiposity may be influenced by several environmental risk factors, but few studies have explored these interactions.ObjectiveTo examine the interaction between exposure to secondhand smoke and breastfeeding exclusivity on adiposity at age 5 months.MethodsWe studied 813 mother‐offspring pairs from the longitudinal Healthy Start study. Fat mass and fat‐free mass were measured by air displacement plethysmography. Linear regression analyses were used to estimate the association between household smokers (none, any) with fat mass, fat‐free mass, percent fat mass, weight‐for‐age z‐score, weight‐for‐length z‐score and BMI‐for‐age z‐score as separate outcomes. Interaction terms between household smokers and breastfeeding exclusivity (<5 months, ≥5 months) were added to separate models.ResultsThe combination of exposure to secondhand smoke and a lack of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with increased adiposity at age 5 months. For example, within the not exclusively breastfed strata, exposure to secondhand smoke was associated with increased fat mass (0.1 kg; 95% CI: 0.0–0.2; P = 0.05). Conversely, within the exclusively breastfed strata, there was virtually no difference in fat mass between exposed and non‐exposed infants (coefficient: −0.1; 95% CI: −0.3–0.1; P = 0.25).ConclusionsOur findings may inform new public health strategies with potential relevance for both smoking cessation and obesity prevention.
Prevalence and causes of preoperative anaemia in elective major surgery patients
Authors: Hong Frank S. , Sieradzki Nicole , Pollock Claire , Nasra Faye , Mo Allison , Willcox Abbey , Churilov Leonid , Ho Wai Khoon , Smith Carole 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative anaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Recent national patient blood management guideline recommended screening surgical patients for anaemia, particularly iron deficiency anaemia, without reference to the prevalence of anaemia or iron deficiency anaemia in this patient population.AimsTo establish the prevalence and cause of preoperative anaemia in elective major surgery patients.MethodsPatients attending the anaesthetic pre‐admission clinics from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 prior to their major elective surgery in our institution were screened for anaemia and iron deficiency by measuring full blood count, iron studies and C‐reactive protein. Patients who were anaemic were either further assessed in the haematology clinic or had their medical records reviewed to ascertain the cause of the anaemia.ResultsOf 1494 patients, 208 (13.9%) were anaemic, with a male predominance (70.7%); 57 (27.4%) of them had iron deficiency anaemia. Other common causes of anaemia include underlying malignancy (18.3%), end‐stage renal failure (11.5%) and other chronic diseases (7.2%). In 53 patients (25.5%), the cause was unknown. Anaemia was most commonly found in patients scheduled for gastrointestinal surgery.ConclusionPreoperative anaemia affects 13.9% of patients undergoing elective major surgery. The most common causes are iron deficiency and chronic diseases. The cause was unexplained in 25.5% of patients with anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia in different surgical specialties may have implications on the approach to screening, particularly in resource‐limited areas.
Early use of peripherally inserted central catheters is safe in Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia
Authors: Stewart James D. , Runnegar Naomi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundManagement of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) includes prolonged intravenous antibiotics often administered through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Optimal timing of PICC insertion for SAB treatment is unknown. There are concerns that early insertion may increase the risk of subsequent line infection.AimsThis retrospective audit aims to determine if early PICC insertion is safe. The outcomes considered included crude mortality, attributable mortality, PICC line infections, duration of bacteraemia and relapsed SAB.MethodsPatients with SAB at our institution between March 2013 and September 2016 were identified. Early PICC line insertion was defined as occurring within 48 h of index positive blood culture.ResultsThis retrospective audit identified 357 patients with SAB who subsequently received a PICC. This study did not show any significant differences between the early and late PICC insertion groups for attributable mortality (6.3% and 4.8%, P = 0.27), duration of bacteraemia (median 2 days for both groups, P = 0.48) and relapsed SAB (4.7% and 4.1%, P = 0.74). Importantly, no confirmed PICC infections were identified in either group.ConclusionsEarly PICC insertion in SAB appears safe in this retrospective audit. If validated in prospective studies, this should allow for the early establishment of safe, reliable intraveous access in SAB patients.
Evaluating the role of magnetic resonance imaging post‐neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer in the NEONAB trial
Authors: Murphy Caitlin , Mukaro Violet , Tobler Robert , Asher Rebecca , Gibbs Emma , West Linda , Giuffre Bruno , Baron‐Hay Sally , Khasraw Mustafa 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accuracy after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) for breast cancer varies according to hormone receptor (HR), human epidermal growth factor receptor type‐2 (HER2) subtype and Ki‐67 proliferation index. Whether MRI accuracy varies by genomic signatures is unknown. We examined the accuracy of MRI in the NEONAB trial (Clinicaltrials.gov #: NCT01830244).AimTo examine the accuracy of MRI to predict pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer in the NEONAB trial.MethodsPatients with stages II–III breast cancer received sequential epirubicin, cyclophosphamide and nab‐paclitaxel and trastuzumab if they were HER2+. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated to assess the utility of preoperative MRI to predict pathological complete response (pCR). Bland‐Altman plots were used to assess agreement between MRI and pathological assessment of residual disease.ResultsMRI correctly predicted pCR in 64.1% of the cohort. Sensitivity and specificity were 52% and 78%, respectively; PPV 73% and NPV 58%. MRI predicted pCR most accurately in HER2‐positive patients; sensitivity 58%, specificity 100%, PPV 100% and NPV 38%. MRI had higher PPV and NPV in tumours with Ki‐67 ≥ 15% than tumours with Ki‐67 < 15%, 75% versus 50% and 57.5% versus 50%, respectively. In this study, MRI underestimated residual tumour size by 1.65 mm (limits of agreement: 43.07–39.77 mm).ConclusionsMRI appears more accurate for predicting pCR in HER2+ disease than other subtypes and in cancers with Ki‐67 ≥ 15% compared to those with Ki‐67 < 15%. Accuracy of MRI in our HR+, RS ≥ 25 cohort is comparable to previous reports of unselected HR+ disease. MRI post‐NST should be interpreted in conjunction with HER2 status and Ki‐67 index of the primary.
Novel viral vectors in infectious diseases
Authors: Humphreys Ian R. , Sebastian Sarah 
Published: September 2017

SummarySince the development of vaccinia virus as a vaccine vector in 1984, the utility of numerous viruses in vaccination strategies has been explored. In recent years, key improvements to existing vectors such as those based on adenovirus have led to significant improvements in immunogenicity and efficacy. Furthermore, exciting new vectors that exploit viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) have emerged. Herein, we summarize these recent developments in viral vector technologies, focusing on novel vectors based on CMV, VSV, measles and modified adenovirus. We discuss the potential utility of these exciting approaches in eliciting protection against infectious diseases.
Group and individual stereotype threat and identity management strategies: An investigation of rugby women
Authors: Laurin Raphaël 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to test the gender identification effect on the stereotype threat (ST) experience felt, and whether the individual or group ST experience influenced the identity management strategies. Ninety‐six French rugby women were asked to imagine a training situation in which they practiced rugby in the presence of men. Results showed that the group identification did not affect Individual or Group ST and that the more women feel an individual ST the more they assess men's ability positively, and the less they assesses women's ability positively and that the more they feel a group ST the more they assess the ability of women positively. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
The Role of Parental Posttraumatic Stress, Marital Adjustment, and Dyadic Self‐Disclosure in Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma: A Family System Approach
Authors: Bachem Rahel , Levin Yafit , Zhou Xiao , Zerach Gadi , Solomon Zahava 
Published: September 2017

Research indicates that posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) induced by war trauma may be transmitted to veterans’ wives and offspring (secondary traumatic stress; STS). However, the interplay between family members’ characteristics has not been accounted for in such processes. Taking a family systems perspective, we examine the contributions of fathers’ PTSS, mothers’ STS, marital adjustment, and self‐disclosure of both parents to offspring's STS and test whether marital quality applies as a mechanism of parent–child transmission. Combat veterans and former prisoners of war (N = 123), their spouses, and adult offspring were investigated in a multiple‐step mediation analysis. The results highlight the mother's crucial role in trauma transmission and suggest that strengthening the marital relationship may buffer the transmission of fathers’ PTSS to offspring.
p75 neurotrophin receptor interacts with and promotes BACE1 localization in endosomes aggravating amyloidogenesis
Authors: Saadipour Khalil , Mañucat‐Tan Noralyn B. , Lim Yoon , Keating Damien J. , Smith Kevin S. , Zhong Jin‐hua , Liao Hong , Bobrovskaya Larisa , Wang Yan‐Jiang , Chao Moses V. , Zhou Xin‐Fu 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) and dysregulation of neurotrophic signaling, causing synaptic dysfunction, loss of memory, and cell death. The expression of p75 neurotrophin receptor is elevated in the brain of AD patients, suggesting its involvement in this disease. However, the exact mechanism of its action is not yet clear. Here, we show that p75 interacts with beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE1), and this interaction is enhanced in the presence of Aβ. Our results suggest that the colocalization of BACE1 and amyloid precursor protein (APP) is increased in the presence of both Aβ and p75 in cortical neurons. In addition, the localization of APP and BACE1 in early endosomes is increased in the presence of Aβ and p75. An increased phosphorylation of APP‐Thr668 and BACE1‐Ser498 by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in the presence of Aβ and p75 could be responsible for this localization. In conclusion, our study proposes a potential involvement in amyloidogenesis for p75, which may represent a future therapeutic target for AD.
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Cover Image for this Issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.14163.
Vaccination strategies in tauopathies and synucleinopathies
Authors: Braczynski Anne K. , Schulz Jörg B. , Bach Jan‐Philipp 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVaccination therapies constitute potential treatment options in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease. While a lot of research has been performed on vaccination against extracellular amyloid β, the focus recently shifted toward vaccination against the intracellular proteins tau and α‐synuclein, with promising results in terms of protein accumulation reduction. In this review, we briefly summarize lessons to be learned from clinical vaccination trials in Alzheimer disease that target amyloid β. We then focus on tau and α‐synuclein. For both proteins, we provide important data on protein immunogenicity, and put them into context with data available from both animals and human vaccination trials targeted at tau and α‐synuclein. Together, we give a comprehensive overview about current clinical data, and discuss associated problems.
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Comfort‐Supporting Nursing Activities for End‐of‐Life Patients in an Institutionalized Environment
Authors: Kisvetrová Helena , Vévodová Šárka , Školoudík David 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeComfort promotion plays a significant role in end‐of‐life patient care. The objective of this study was to determine the utilization rate of comfort supporting nursing activities in end‐of‐life patients in an institutionalized environment in the Czech Republic in relation to the age of the registered nurses (RNs), length of work experience, education level, and type of workplace.DesignA cross‐sectional, descriptive study was designed. A questionnaire with Likert scales included 31 activities of dying care and spiritual support interventions. The sample comprised 907 RNs working in 49 institutions in nine regions of the Czech Republic. The Kruskal‐Wallis test, Mann‐Whitney U post‐hoc test with Bonferroni correction of significance, Spearman's correlation analysis, and logical regression model were used for statistical evaluation.FindingsThe least frequently implemented activity by RNs was “Show the patient's willingness to discuss death” and the most frequent activity was “Threat to the patient's dignity and respect.” The highest utilization rate of nursing activities was reported in the physical dimension, while the lowest utilization rate of nursing activities was in the social dimension set. Significant predictors for the high utilization rate of physical dimension set activities were hospice care departments, long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), and the age of RNs. Hospice departments were also a predictor of high utilization rate of activities in the psychological, spiritual, and social dimension set activities.ConclusionsWith the exception of hospice departments, RNs used activities encouraging psychological, spiritual, and social comfort for end‐of‐life patients less frequently than the physical dimension.Clinical RelevanceRNs in hospitals and LTCFs focus insufficiently on the spiritual and psychosocial comfort of end‐of‐life patients. This study is of particular significance to educators who prepare the next generation of nurses.