bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid increase in dispersal during range expansion in the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Lombaert E. , Estoup A. , Facon B. , Joubard B. , Grégoire J.‐C. , Jannin A. , Blin A. , Guillemaud T. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe evolutionary trajectories associated with demographic, genetic and spatial disequilibrium have become an issue of growing interest in population biology. Invasive species provide unique opportunities to explore the impact of recent range expansion on life‐history traits, making it possible to test for a spatial arrangement of dispersal abilities along the expanding range, in particular. We carried out controlled experiments in laboratory conditions to test the hypothesis of an increase in dispersal capacity with range expansion in Harmonia axyridis, a ladybird that has been invading Europe since 2001. We found a marked increase in the flight speed of the insects from the core to the front of the invasion range in two independent sampling transects. By contrast, we found that two other traits associated with dispersal (endurance and motivation to fly off) did not follow the same spatial gradient. Our results provide a striking illustration of the way in which predictable directional genetic changes may occur rapidly for some traits associated with dispersal during biological invasions. We discuss the consequences of our results for invasion dynamics and the evolutionary outcomes of spatially expanding populations.
Cryptic differences in colour among Müllerian mimics: how can the visual capacities of predators and prey shape the evolution of wing colours?
Authors: Llaurens V. , Joron M. , Théry M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAntagonistic interactions between predators and prey often lead to co‐evolution. In the case of toxic prey, aposematic colours act as warning signals for predators and play a protective role. Evolutionary convergence in colour patterns among toxic prey evolves due to positive density‐dependent selection and the benefits of mutual resemblance in spreading the mortality cost of educating predators over a larger prey assemblage. Comimetic species evolve highly similar colour patterns, but such convergence may interfere with intraspecific signalling and recognition in the prey community, especially for species involved in polymorphic mimicry. Using spectrophotometry measures, we investigated the variation in wing coloration among comimetic butterflies from distantly related lineages. We focused on seven morphs of the polymorphic species Heliconius numata and the seven corresponding comimetic species from the genus Melinaea. Significant differences in the yellow, orange and black patches of the wing were detected between genera. Perceptions of these cryptic differences by bird and butterfly observers were then estimated using models of animal vision based on physiological data. Our results showed that the most strikingly perceived differences were obtained for the contrast of yellow against a black background. The capacity to discriminate between comimetic genera based on this colour contrast was also evaluated to be higher for butterflies than for birds, suggesting that this variation in colour, likely undetectable to birds, might be used by butterflies for distinguishing mating partners without losing the benefits of mimicry. The evolution of wing colour in mimetic butterflies might thus be shaped by the opposite selective pressures exerted by predation and species recognition.
Sublingual or subcutaneous immunotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis: an indirect analysis of efficacy, safety and cost
Authors: Dranitsaris George , Ellis Anne K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe standard of preventive care for poorly controlled seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) is subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with allergen extracts, administered in a physician's office. As an alternative to SCIT, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is now an option for patients with seasonal AR. Oralair™, a SLIT tablet containing freeze‐dried allergen extracts of five grasses [cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), meadow grass (Poa pratensis), rye grass (Lolium perenne), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and timothy grass (Phleum pratense)], and Grazax™, a SLIT tablet containing a standardized extract of grass pollen allergen from timothy grass (P pratenase), are two such agents currently available in many countries. However, head‐to‐head comparative data are not available. In this study, an indirect comparison on efficacy, safety and cost was undertaken between Oralair™, Grazax™ and SCIT.MethodsA systematic review was conducted for double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized trials evaluating Oralair™, Grazax™ or SCIT in patients with grass‐induced seasonal AR. Using placebo as the common control, an indirect statistical comparison between treatments was performed using meta regression analysis with active drug as the primary independent variable. An economic analysis, which included both direct and indirect costs for the Canadian setting, was also undertaken.ResultsOverall, 20 placebo‐controlled trials met the study inclusion criteria. The indirect analysis suggested improved efficacy with Oralair™ over SCIT [standardized mean difference (SMD) in AR symptom control = −0.21; P = 0.007] and Grazax™ (SMD = −0.18; P = 0.018). In addition, there were no significant differences in the risk of discontinuation due to adverse events between therapies. Oralair™ was associated with cost savings against year‐round SCIT ($2471), seasonal SCIT ($948) and Grazax™ ($1168) during the first year of therapy.ConclusionsOralair™ has at least non‐inferior efficacy and comparable safety against SCIT and Grazax™ at a lower annual cost.
Influence of psychiatric diagnosis on treatment uptake and interferon side effects in patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Wu Jing Yuan J , Shadbolt Bruce , Teoh Narci , Blunn Anne , To Caroline , Rodriguez‐Morales Ilys , Chitturi Shivakumar , Kaye Graham , Rodrigo Kalyana , Farrell Geoff 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackground and AimPegylated‐interferon‐α/ribavirin (PEG‐IFN/RBV) treatment can cure hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection but has frequent neuropsychiatric side‐effects. Patients with pre‐existing psychiatric illness may not be offered therapy. We established prevalence of self‐reported psychiatric comorbidity among HCV‐infected patients in a hospital‐liver clinic, and determined the impact of such diagnoses on uptake and tolerance to PEG‐IFN/RBV.MethodsAll HCV cases referred for assessment in Australian Capital Territory/surrounding regions April 2004–March 2012 were entered into a clinical database. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses of variables correlating with uptake of antiviral therapy and frequency of treatment‐related side‐effects.ResultsOf 773 referred patients, 235 (30%) described pre‐existing psychiatric illness. Among these, 26% received antiviral therapy, compared with 30% of 538 without psychiatric comorbidity. History of depression (usually validated by liaison psychiatry) was associated with higher incidence of treatment‐related neuropsychiatric side‐effects (odds ratio 2.79 [1.35–5.70], P < 0.05) but did not affect treatment outcome. Twenty‐seven patients reported schizophrenia: three (11%) received antiviral therapy, compared with 30% admitting depression and 20% with bipolar affective disorder (all assessed by psychiatrist). In most schizophrenia cases, the reason for not offering antiviral treatment was psychological illness, yet none of five treated (these three plus two others in a psychiatric rehabilitation facility) experienced worsening psychiatric symptoms.ConclusionsA history of depression is common with hepatitis C but does not affect initiation of antiviral treatment, despite substantially increased risk of psychiatric side‐effects. In contrast, pre‐existing schizophrenia appears to influence treatment decisions, despite little evidence that PEG‐IFN/RBV exacerbates the psychiatric condition, and well‐supervised antiviral therapy can have good outcomes.
Associations between intakes of individual nutrients or whole food groups and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease among Korean adults
Authors: Han Jung Mi , Jo An Na , Lee Seung Min , Bae Hyun Suk , Jun Dae Won , Cho Yong Kyun , Suk Ki Tae , Yoon Jai Hoon , Ahn Sang Bong , Cho Yong Jin , Kim Seong Woo , Jang Eun Chul 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackground and AimDietary factors are closely associated with the risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Asian and Western diets differ in energy‐nutrient composition, fatty‐acid composition, and main nutritional sources; therefore, the implications would be limited if the Western‐oriented study results were applied to Asian patients. We aimed to identify the nutrient and food group intakes of a typical Asian diet and assess their effects on NAFLD risk.MethodsIn total, 348 subjects were recruited from 5 participating hospitals. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and health‐related behaviors were obtained through face‐to‐face interviews. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound. Dietary intakes were assessed with a 24‐h recall applying a multiple‐pass approach and 4‐day food records that included 1 or 2 weekend days.ResultsThere were no significant differences in health‐related behaviors between the cases and controls except for smoking behavior. The cases had elevated triacylglycerol, fasting glucose, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with the controls. In men, after adjusting for variables, low intakes of vitamin C (odds ratio [OR], 4.23), vitamin K (OR, 3.93), folate (OR, 3.37), omega‐3 fatty acids (OR, 2.16), and nuts and seeds (OR, 3.66) were associated with a significantly higher risk for developing NAFLD. In women, vitamin K (OR, 2.54) and vegetable (OR, 4.11) intakes showed a significant beneficial effect for lowering NAFLD risk.ConclusionsAdequate intakes of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, omega‐3 fatty acids, nuts and seeds, and vegetables may help in preventing NAFLD in Korean adults.
Influence of Frailty‐Related Diagnoses, High‐Risk Prescribing in Elderly Adults, and Primary Care Use on Readmissions in Fewer than 30 Days for Veterans Aged 65 and Older
Authors: Pugh Jacqueline A. , Wang Chen‐Pin , Espinoza Sara E. , Noël Polly H. , Bollinger Mary , Amuan Megan , Finley Erin , Pugh Mary Jo 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of two variables not previously studied in the readmissions literature (frailty‐related diagnoses and high‐risk medications in the elderly (HRME)) and one understudied variable (volume of primary care visits in the prior year).DesignRetrospective cohort study using data from a study designed to examine outcomes associated with inappropriate prescribing in elderly adults.SettingAll Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities with acute inpatient beds in fiscal year 2006 (FY06).ParticipantsAll veterans aged 65 and older by October 1, 2005, who received VA care at least once per year between October 1, 2004, and September 30, 2006, and were hospitalized at least once during FY06 on a medical or surgical unit.MeasurementsA generalized linear interactive risk prediction model included demographic and clinical characteristics (mental health and chronic medical conditions, frailty‐related diagnoses, number of medications) in FY05; incident HRME in FY06 before index hospitalization or readmission; chronic HRME in FY05; and FY05 emergency department (ED), hospital, geriatric, palliative, or primary care use. Facility‐level variables were complexity, rural versus urban, and FY06 admission rate.ResultsThe mean adjusted readmission rate was 18.3%. The new frailty‐related diagnoses variable is a risk factor for readmission in addition to Charlson comorbidity score. Incident HRME use was associated with lower rates of readmission, as were higher numbers of primary care visits in the prior year.ConclusionFrailty‐related diagnoses may help to target individuals at higher risk of readmission to receive more‐intensive care transition services. HRME use does not help in this targeting. A higher number of face‐to‐face primary care visits in the prior year, unlike ED and hospital use, correlates with fewer readmissions and may be another avenue for targeting prevention strategies.
Homocysteine Levels and Treatment Effect in the Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk
Authors: Drewes Yvonne M. , Poortvliet Rosalinde K. E. , Blom Jeanet W. , de Ruijter Wouter , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Stott David J. , Blom Henk J. , Ford Ian , Sattar Naveed , Wouter Jukema J. , Assendelft Willem J. J. , de Craen Anton J. M. , Gussekloo Jacobijn 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of preventive pravastatin treatment on coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality in older persons at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), stratified according to plasma levels of homocysteine.DesignA post hoc subanalysis in the PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER), started in 1997, which is a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial with a mean follow‐up of 3.2 years.SettingPrimary care setting in two of the three PROSPER study sites (Netherlands and Scotland).ParticipantsIndividuals (n = 3,522, aged 70–82, 1,765 male) with a history of or risk factors for CVD were ranked in three groups depending on baseline homocysteine level, sex, and study site.InterventionPravastatin (40 mg) versus placebo.MeasurementsFatal and nonfatal CHD and mortality.ResultsIn the placebo group, participants with a high homocysteine level (n = 588) had a 1.8 higher risk (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.5, P = .001) of fatal and nonfatal CHD than those with a low homocysteine level (n = 597). The absolute risk reduction in fatal and nonfatal CHD with pravastatin treatment was 1.6% (95% CI = −1.6 to 4.7%) in the low homocysteine group and 6.7% (95% CI = 2.7–10.7%) in the high homocysteine group (difference 5.2%, 95% CI = 0.11–10.3, P = .046). Therefore, the number needed to treat (NNT) with pravastatin for 3.2 years for benefit related to fatal and nonfatal CHD events was 14.8 (95% CI = 9.3–36.6) for high homocysteine and 64.5 (95% CI = 21.4–∞) for low homocysteine.ConclusionIn older persons at risk of CVD, those with high homocysteine are at highest risk for fatal and nonfatal CHD. With pravastatin treatment, this group has the highest absolute risk reduction and the lowest NNT to prevent fatal and nonfatal CHD.
The Employment Footprints of Nations
Authors: Alsamawi Ali , Murray Joy , Lenzen Manfred 
Published: January 2014

SummaryIn this study, we present an analysis of the average wages paid for producing direct and indirect imports of nations using employment and income footprints. An employment footprint includes a country's domestic employment and that occurring along the supply chains of, and hence embodied in, its imported goods and services. Our results allow us to group the world's nations into “masters” that enjoy a lifestyle supported by workers in other countries and “servants” that support the lifestyle of master countries. We show that, in 2010, employment footprints of countries differed substantially from their own workforce footprints. Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland occupy the top‐ranking positions of master countries, whereas many African and Asian countries are servants. Our findings show that the commodities that are “servant intensive,” such as electronics, agricultural products, and chemicals, tend to have complex supply chains often originating in third‐world countries. The quantification of these master‐servant relationships and the exposing of implicated supply chains could be of benefit to those concerned with their corporate social responsibility and committed to fairer trading or those developing policy around fair globalization.
The Ethics of Intellectual Property Rights in an Era of Globalization
Authors: Shah Aakash Kaushik , Warsh Jonathan , Kesselheim Aaron S. 
Published: January 2014

In recent decades, advances in information technology have given rise to a post-industrial society in which emphasis on the manufacture of material goods has been supplanted by the creation of intellectual property. Indeed, this new “knowledge economy” can be tracked by the exponential growth in patented products across a range of sectors since the 1980s (see Figure 1). According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the number of annual patent applications submitted grew from 112,379 to 520,277 over the past three decades, a 464% increase.The transformation in the industrial markets has been accompanied by the rise of a new, global institution for coordinating intellectual property rights (IPRs): the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The care of older adults in hospital: if it's common sense why isn't it common practice?
Authors: Parke Belinda , Hunter Kathleen F 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo present three converging myths that underlie the perception that nursing care for older persons in hospital is simple in comparison with its actual complexity.BackgroundLiterature provides strong evidence indicating that the myths we discuss inherently arise from ageism, the social value of older patients and the economic burden of being an older patient in hospital. These powerful social discourses promote harm to older patients. Harm emerges from both the omission of gerontological nursing knowledge and skill and the commission of acts that unintentionally harm. A corresponding ethical challenge results for acute care nurses.DesignA discursive paper.MethodsWe illuminate gerontological issues by discussing three myths. In myth one, we detail four clusters of distinguishing characteristics in older hospitalised people. In the second myth, we challenge the idea that the role of the acute care hospital is to attend only to acute medical concerns. Finally, in the third myth, we address the issue of incorporating functional assessment into the acute care nursing assessment. We argue that functional assessment is poorly integrated and becomes acceptable only as long as the medical regimen is managed appropriately.ConclusionSafe quality care in hospital for older adults requires a hybrid practice that integrates acute care specialty knowledge with gerontological nursing knowledge and skill. Clinical reasoning that integrates this type of nursing knowledge can prevent harm.Relevance to clinical practiceIntegrating key elements of acute care nursing specialty knowledge with gerontological nursing principles aids to prevent the omission of care that is known to be harmful to older people. Conversely, the commission of gerontologically sensitive acute care can enhance safety and promote quality care in hospital.
Domestic abuse awareness and recognition among primary healthcare professionals and abused women: a qualitative investigation
Authors: Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Taylor Julie , Kroll Thilo , Duncan Fiona 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the dynamics of domestic abuse awareness and recognition among primary healthcare professionals and abused women.BackgroundDomestic abuse is a serious, public health issue that crosses geographical and demographic boundaries. Health professionals are well placed to recognise and respond to domestic abuse, but empirical evidence suggests that they are reluctant to broach the issue. Moreover, research has shown that women are reluctant to disclose abuse.DesignA two‐phase, qualitative study was conducted in Scotland.MethodsTwenty‐nine primary health professionals (midwives, health visitors and general practitioners) participated in the first phase of the study, and 14 abused women took part in phase two. Data were collected in 2011. Semi‐structured, individual interviews were conducted with the health professionals, and three focus groups were facilitated with the abused women. Data were analysed using a framework analysis approach.FindingsDiffering levels of awareness of the nature and existence of abuse are held by abused women and primary healthcare professionals. Specifically, many women do not identify their experiences as abusive. A conceptual representation of domestic abuse – the “abused women, awareness, recognition and empowerment' framework – arising from the study – presents a new way of capturing the complexity of the disclosure process.ConclusionFurther research is necessary to test and empirically validate the framework, but it has potential pedagogical use for the training and education of health professionals and clinical use with abused women.Relevance to clinical practiceThe framework may be used in clinical practice by nurses and other health professionals to facilitate open discussion between professionals and women. In turn, this may empower women to make choices regarding disclosure and safety planning.
A SPATIAL MULTIVARIATE COUNT MODEL FOR FIRM LOCATION DECISIONS
Authors: Bhat Chandra R. , Paleti Rajesh , Singh Palvinder 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a new spatial multivariate model to predict the count of new businesses at a county level in the state of Texas. Several important factors including agglomeration economies/diseconomies, industrial specialization indices, human capital, fiscal conditions, transportation infrastructure, and land development characteristics are considered. The results highlight the need to use a multivariate modeling system for the analysis of business counts by sector type, while also accommodating spatial dependence effects in business counts.
The Co‐Use of Tobacco and Cannabis Among Adolescents Over a 30‐Year Period
Authors: Webster Lauren , Chaiton Michael , Kirst Maritt 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThis study explores the patterns of use and co‐use of tobacco and cannabis among Ontario adolescents over 3 decades and if characteristics of co‐users and single substance users have changed.METHODSCo‐use trends for 1981‐2011 were analyzed using the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, which includes 38,331 students in grades 7, 9, and 11. A co‐user was defined as someone reporting daily tobacco and/or cannabis use in the past month. Trends over time (by gender and academic performance) were analyzed with logistic regression.RESULTSThe prevalence of tobacco‐only use, cannabis‐only use, and co‐use fluctuated considerably. During 1981‐1993, there were more tobacco‐only users than co‐users and cannabis‐only users; since 1993 the prevalence of tobacco use has decreased dramatically. Co‐use prevalence peaked at 12% (95% confidence interval: 9, 15) in 1999, when prevalence of overall use of both substances was highest. In 2011, 92% of tobacco users also used cannabis, up from 16% in 1991.CONCLUSIONSIn 2011 nearly all students who smoke tobacco daily also use cannabis. Non‐regular use of either substance is highest now compared with the past 3 decades. Contemporary tobacco and cannabis co‐users are significantly different than past users. Youth prevention programs should understand the changing context of cannabis and tobacco among youth.