bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SNRPA enhances tumour cell growth in gastric cancer through modulating NGF expression
Authors: Dou Ning , Yang Dong , Yu Shijun , Wu Binghao , Gao Yong , Li Yandong
Published: July 2018

Objectives

SNRPA is a protein component of U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1 snRNP) complex, which takes part in the splicing of pre‐mRNAs. Its expression and function in tumour remain unknown. Herein, we elucidated the functional contribution of SNRPA to the progression of gastric cancer (GC).

Materials and methods

SNRPA expression was investigated in a GC tissue microarray by immunohistochemical staining. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK‐8, colony formation and EdU incorporation assays. A mouse xenograft model was used to detect the tumourigenicity. Gene expression profiling was performed and then the potential target genes were verified by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot analyses. The functional relevance between SNRPA and its target gene was examined by cell growth assays.

Results

SNRPA expression was higher in tumour tissues than in matched normal gastric mucosa tissues, and it was positively correlated with the tumour size and progression. High SNRPA expression indicated poor prognosis of GC patients. Silencing SNRPA in GC cells markedly inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and tumour growth in a xenograft model, while overexpressing SNRPA exhibited opposite results. Moreover, we identified NGF (Nerve growth factor) as a downstream effector of SNRPA and further proved that NGF was crucial for SNRPA‐mediated GC cell growth.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that SNRPA may contribute to GC progression via NGF and could be a prognostic biomarker for GC.
AMOT130 linking F‐actin to YAP is involved in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Zhang Cong , Wang Feng , Xie Zhiyang , Chen Lu , Sinkemani Arjun , Yu Haomin , Wu Xiaotao
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Dysregulation of YAP by the Hippo signalling is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the relationship between the F‐actin and Hippo pathway in IDD, and their effects on YAP remain poorly understood.

Methods

The characteristics of Hippo pathway and F‐actin the in the NP (nucleus pulposus) and annulus fibrosus of immature, mature, ageing and disc degeneration model rats were observed by immunofluorescence, western blot and qPCR. Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were transfected with lentivirus Sh‐LATS A, Sh‐LATS B and harvested for SA‐β‐gal staining, qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining to investigate the mechanism of Hippo pathway and F‐actin interact in NPCs.

Results

We observed moderate decreases in F‐actin and YAP expression with age in healthy intervertebral discs (IVDs). F‐actin stress fibres distributed throughout the cytoplasm disappeared following treatment with latrunculin B (Lat B), resulting in a punctate distribution. Depletion of large tumour suppressor homologues 1/2 (LATS1/2) did not decrease the rate of cellular senescence, and YAP remained in the cytoplasm following Lat B treatment. Furthermore, angiomotin 130 (AMOT130) was associated with F‐actin through a conserved actin‐binding domain to retain YAP in the cytoplasm.

Conclusions

This study showed that a mechanism by which Hippo pathway and F‐actin synergize to modulate YAP activation and localization in the context of IDD and help to control NPCs proliferation.
Successful emergency endoscopic drainage for afferent limb syndrome‐induced severe acute cholangitis in a patient with altered Roux‐en Y anatomy
Authors: Yane Kei , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Katanuma Akio
Published: July 2018

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Clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gallbladder drainage replacement of percutaneous drainage: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Minaga Kosuke , Yamashita Yukitaka , Ogura Takeshi , Takenaka Mamoru , Shimokawa Yuzo , Hisa Takeshi , Itonaga Masahiro , Kato Hironari , Nishikiori Hidefumi , Okuda Atsushi , Matsumoto Hisakazu , Uenoyama Yoshito , Watanabe Tomohiro , Chiba Yasutaka , Higuchi Kazuhide , Kudo Masatoshi , Kitano Masayuki
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) is widely used for patients with acute cholecystitis. There are little data on the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gallbladder drainage (EUS‐GBD) replacement of PTGBD in patients who cannot undergo cholecystectomy.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study in Japan reviewed records of patients who underwent EUS‐GBD to replace PTGBD between January 2010 and December 2017. Outcomes evaluated included technical success, defined as successful stent placement between the gastrointestinal lumen and the gallbladder; clinical success, defined as subsequent removal of the percutaneous catheter; adverse events; and stent patency.

Results

EUS‐GBD was performed in 21 patients (14 women, mean age 77.5 ± 8.0 years) to replace PTGBD that had been instituted for acute cholecystitis (n = 19) or obstructive jaundice (n = 2). Technical success was achieved in 19 (90.5%). The median period from PTGBD placement to EUS‐GBD was 11 days (range, 6–68 days). The mean procedure time was 19.5 ± 5.1 min. No early adverse events were observed. There were three late adverse events, distal stent migration in two cases and stent occlusion causing recurrent cholecystitis in one patient. Reintervention was required in two patients. The percutaneous catheter was removed after EUS‐GBD in 17 patients at a median of 7 days (range, 2–20 days). The duration of stent patency was 139 days (range, 8–664 days).

Conclusions

Where ongoing gallbladder drainage is required, conversion from PTGBD to EUS‐GBD is a feasible, effective, and safe technique for patients who cannot undergo cholecystectomy.
Brief summary of the current protocols for generating intestinal organoids
Authors: Miura Shizuka , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: July 2018

The intestine has fundamental functions for the maintenance of homeostasis, including food digestion and nutrient/water absorption. Although the lumen of the intestine is always exposed to pathogens, intestinal epithelial cells form monolayer sheets that act as an epithelial barrier to prevent the invasion of pathogens. Thus, disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier causes inflammatory bowel diseases. To investigate the details of these intractable intestinal diseases, it is necessary to analyze the characteristics of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. However, it is difficult to maintain and propagate intestinal epithelial cells in culture. Recently, intestinal organoid culture systems have been established, in which differentiated intestinal epithelial lineage cells can be continuously produced from intestinal stem cells and form epithelial organoids with crypt‐like structures in long‐term culture. Moreover, intestinal epithelial organoids can be generated not only from intestinal tissue‐derived cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells, but also by inducing direct conversion of nonintestinal somatic cells into intestinal epithelial cells. These intestinal organoids can be used in basic studies for understanding the mechanisms underlying intestinal development and diseases and will be applied in future transplantation therapy and drug discovery to treat intestinal diseases.
Meta‐analysis of the association between sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and risk of skin cancer among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tang Huilin , Yang Keming , Song Yiqing , Han Jiali
Published: July 2018

A slight increase in melanoma risk was observed among sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitor users in the regular reports. However, the association remains uncertain. To address this issue, we performed a systematic search of electronic databases up to May 2, 2018 and a meta‐analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 20 308 patients. We did not find a significant increase in risk of melanoma among SGLT‐2 inhibitor users (Peto odds ratio [OR], 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80‐5.89; I2, 0%). Similar results were observed in the subgroup analyses according to the type of SGLT‐2 inhibitor, type of control, ages of patients, race/ethnicity, and trial durations. For non‐melanoma skin cancer risk, no significant difference was observed when all trials were combined (Peto OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.47‐1.07; I2, 0%), while a significantly decreased risk was observed among trials with duration <52 weeks (Peto OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02‐0.59; I2, 0%). No evidence of publication bias was detected in the analyses. Current evidence from RCTs did not support a significantly increased risk of skin cancer associated with SGLT‐2 inhibitors.
Regulation of macrophage activation by proteins expressed on apoptotic neutrophils: Subversion towards autoimmunity by proteinase 3
Authors: Thieblemont Nathalie , Witko‐Sarsat Véronique , Ariel Amiram
Published: July 2018

Neutrophils are critically involved in host defence and they also modulate the inflammatory process. Turning the inflammatory response towards a resolutive outcome requires a dialogue between apoptotic neutrophils and proresolving macrophages through complex key molecular interactions controlling efferocytosis, anti‐inflammatory reprogramming and ultimately immune regulation. In this review, we will first focus on recent molecular analyses aiming at characterizing the role of proteins expressed on apoptotic neutrophils and their cognate partners expressed on macrophages in the resolution of inflammation. These will include chemokine receptors and their ligands and annexin A1 and its receptor FPR2. We will next depict how the structural and enzymatic properties of proteinase 3 (PR3), the autoantigen in vasculitis, allow its expression on apoptotic neutrophils, which in turn affects efferocytosis and immune response associated with the clearance of apoptotic cells. This example illustrates that the fate of apoptotic neutrophils directly influences the resolution of inflammation and immune responses thereby potentially contributing to systemic and nonresolving inflammation as well as autoimmunity.
Is sport an untapped resource for recovery from first episode psychosis? A narrative review and call to action
Authors: Brooke Lauren E. , Lin Ashleigh , Ntoumanis Nikos , Gucciardi Daniel F.
Published: July 2018

Aim

The objective of this narrative review is to address the question: Should sport‐based life skills interventions be developed for young people recovering from first episode psychosis?

Methods

A prose was developed through a broad, critical narrative review of literatures on (1) first episode psychosis recovery (FEP); and (2) life skills and sport, highlighting the conceptual (and limited empirical) links between the two. This style of review allowed for a critical examination of evidence from seemingly distinct literatures to address a question yet to be explored empirically.

Results

The review process highlighted important overlaps between psychosis recovery and sport. A review of the FEP recovery literature reveals that important components of an individual's recovery following a psychotic episode are: (1) physical activity, (2) opportunities to build life skills, and (3) social connectivity. A review of the sport and life skills literature suggests that sport can be a powerful platform from which to: (1) promote physical activity, (2) teach life skills, and (3) foster social connectivity within vulnerable populations. Despite the clear links between the two fields, mental health interventions that combine both life skills training components and physical activity in a context that promotes social connectivity are scarce to none.

Conclusions

We suggest that sport‐based interventions could be an opportunity to provide life skills training, social connectivity and physical activity opportunities in one intervention to individuals recovering from their first psychotic episode. We call for their development, and provide empirically‐based recommendations for intervention design.
Seeking salt: herbivorous prairie insects can be co‐limited by macronutrients and sodium
Authors: Prather Chelse M. , Laws Angela N. , Cuellar Juan F. , Reihart Ryan W. , Gawkins Kaitlin M. , Pennings Steven C.
Published: July 2018

The canonical factors typically thought to determine herbivore community structure often explain only a small fraction of the variation in herbivore abundance and diversity. We tested how macronutrients and relatively understudied micronutrients interacted to influence the structure of insect herbivore (orthopteran) communities. We conducted a factorial fertilisation experiment manipulating macronutrients (N and P, added together) and micronutrients (Ca, Na and K) in large plots (30 × 30 m2) in a Texas coastal prairie. Although no single or combination of micronutrients affected herbivore communities in the absence of additional macronutrients, macronutrients and sodium added together increased herbivore abundance by 60%, richness by 15% and diversity by 20%. These results represent the first large‐scale manipulation of single micronutrients and macronutrients in concert, and revealed an herbivore community co‐limited by macronutrients and Na. Our work supports an emerging paradigm that Na may be important in limiting herbivore communities.
A learning automata‐based clustering algorithm using ant swarm intelligence
Authors: Anari Babak , Akbari Torkestani Javad , Rahmani Amir Masoud
Published: July 2018

Ant‐based clustering algorithms are inspired by the behaviour of real ants. In most ant‐based clustering algorithms, each ant lacks global visibility and only uses local search to find the best place on a grid to drop its data item. This paper presents a new clustering method called learning automata‐based clustering algorithm using learning automata (LA) and ant swarm intelligence. In this paper, the problem of finding the best location of grid for dropping a data item is solved using LA. We introduced a new drop operation using the global search capability of LA that can increase the quality of clustering. In the proposed method, each ant is equipped with an LA and a two‐dimensional grid is partitioned into a number of clusters. To drop a data item, the LA of each ant will be responsible for finding one of the best clusters on a grid unlike other methods that use the random search of a grid. To evaluate the results, some clustering evaluation criteria, such as the number of obtained clusters, f‐measure, Rand index, intracluster variance, Dunn index, error rate, and time cost were employed. Additionally, the proposed algorithms were compared with k‐means, Lumer and Faieta, ant clustering algorithm, modified version of the ant‐clustering algorithm, Chaotic Ant clustering (CAC), chaotic ant clustering algorithm, adaptive ant‐based clustering algorithm, adaptive artificial ant clustering algorithm, and ant clustering algorithm with information theoretic learning algorithms on both real and synthetic datasets. Experimental results show that the proposed method can increase the efficiency of the real dataset by 11.13% and that of the synthetic dataset by 16.11%. It also reduces the number of neighbouring function calls by 16% for the real dataset and by 28% for the synthetic dataset.
Law and Family Formation Among LGBQ‐Parent Families
Authors: Kazyak Emily , Woodell Brandi , Scherrer Kristin , Finken Emma
Published: July 2018

This article addresses how the law affects family formation among families with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) parents in the United States. Our discussion draws on a socio‐legal approach to law that focuses not only on the law on the books (what we refer to as “legal barriers”) but also on issues like how the law is practiced, how people experience the law in everyday life, and how the law serves as an interpretive framework through which people understand themselves and their families (what we refer to as “social barriers”). In our review, we highlight how attorneys can play a role in valuing and advancing rights for LGBQ‐parent families and LGBTQ prospective parents.
The Practice of Law With LGBT‐Parent Families
Authors: Baumle Amanda K.
Published: July 2018

In this article, I examine how a history of legal conflict has produced a constantly evolving professional identity for lawyers representing lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) clients on family matters. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 21 lawyers, I describe variation across areas of specialization, advertising, clientele, and access to professional networks. In addition, I focus on how sociopolitical and legal context shapes professional identity and practice for these lawyers, demonstrating the importance of practice location for this group of lawyers. Although interviews were conducted prior to national marriage recognition, these findings provide insight into the future development of the LGBT family law profession post‐Obergefell.
Blood Will Not Justify My Relation: Same‐Sex Couples and their Battle for Standing as De Facto Parents
Authors: Moalemi Lea
Published: July 2018

A parent's right to maintain a relationship with his/her child lies within the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution; however, this right does not apply to every type of parent. Although the U.S. Supreme Court granted same‐sex couples the right to marry, they still face parental rights issues when their child(ren) are nonbiological or nonadoptive because they lack standing for custody and/or visitation as de facto parents. Moreover, the rise of nontraditional same‐sex‐couple families has been placing states in a predicament, and the lack of uniform rights for de facto parents creates great inconsistency across the United States. The creation of a uniform statute with specific elements distinguishing de facto parents from mere caretakers will grant same‐sex nonbiological parents standing and create uniformity across the United States.
Morphological characteristics of a dimorphic pair of Albaillella sinuata Ishiga and Watase: Dimorphism in the lineage of the Permian Albaillellaria (Radiolaria)
Authors: Ito Tsuyoshi , Matsuoka Atsushi , Feng Qinglai
Published: July 2018

Some taxa of the order Albaillellaria (radiolaria) are dimorphic with normal and swollen types. This study observed and biometrically analyzed the normal and swollen types of Albaillella sinuata Ishiga and Watase from a red chert bed of the Waji section of Ie Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The distribution of the slimness of the shell body of A. sinuata is bimodal, indicating that the normal and swollen types are clearly dividable. The observational and biometric results indicate that the swollen‐type A. sinuata is characterized by a swollen apical portion and a shorter overall height compared to the normal‐type A. sinuata. Meanwhile, there is no clear difference in the width of the basal part of the shell between the normal and swollen types. Dimorphism composed of the normal and swollen types is recognized within several lineages of the Albaillellaria by a compilation of previous reports of the swollen‐type occurrences in the Permian. Therefore, the dimorphism is a common phenomenon that extends beyond the families within the Permian Albaillellaria.
Characteristics and management of Asian skin
Authors: Chan I. Lym , Cohen Simão , da Cunha Marisa G. , Maluf Luciana C.
Published: July 2018

Color differences in skin are due to the amount and distribution of epidermal melanin. The number of melanocytes is almost the same in all skin types, but higher phototypes exhibit more melanocytes, which produce more melanin and melanosomes that are individually distributed throughout the keratinocyte layers. This characteristic ensures a natural, significant photoprotection in darker skins. Asians are a population with various skin phototypes, ranging from type III to IV Fitzpatrick′s classification in Chinese and Japanese to type IV and V in Indian and Pakistani people. Asian skin tends to present postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, lentigines and freckles, nevus of Ota, and Hori nevus. The main skin diseases reported in Asians are acne, atopic dermatitis, and viral infections. Wrinkles and skin thickness, early signs of aging in Caucasians, are less evident in Asian skin. However, pigmentary changes occur earlier. Additionally, this ethnic population is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study is to show the importance of studying the characteristics of Asian skin for the better management of skin diseases in this population, which are being increasingly observed in doctor's offices. Based on a broad review of the medical literature, we report the characteristics of Asian skin, as well as some dyschromias and common skin disorders in this ethnic group. The objective of the article is to study the characteristics of Asian skin and differences in relation to other ethnic groups to achieve improved clinical and cosmetic management of diseases and other skin disorders. This article will discuss the concept of beauty in different ethnic groups, treatments with lasers and other light sources, and cosmiatric treatments in Asian skin. An extensive review of the literature was performed using the databases Scielo and Bireme, from Medline and Lilacs sources, over the last 50 years. The keywords used were as follows: Asian skin, ethnic skin, melanin. Due to the peculiarities of each ethnic group, this article demonstrates the importance of studying the characteristics of Asian skin to elucidate improved cosmiatric approaches for these patients.
Dental healthcare utilisation among young adults who were in societal out‐of‐home care as children: A Swedish National Cohort Study
Authors: Berlin Marie , Mensah Tita , Lundgren Frida , Klingberg Gunilla , Hjern Anders , Vinnerljung Bo , Cederlund Andreas
Published: July 2018

We used Swedish national registers to analyse dental health care among young adults with childhood experience of out‐of‐home care (OHC), in Cox regression analyses. All 1.7 million Swedish residents born in 1980–1994 were included, of whom 4% had been in OHC. The population was followed up in the Dental Health Register from age 20 to 29, during the period 2009–2014. We found that persons with short or long OHC experience made emergency dental care visits more often than their majority‐population peers: 17–23% versus 9–10%, (adjusted Hazard ratios [HR:s] 1.60–2.02); they more often had tooth extractions, 9–12% versus 3% (HR:s 2.33–3.03); but less regularly visited a dentist for planned check‐ups, 61–77% versus 80–87% (HR:s 0.76–0.78). Since dental health in young adulthood reflects dental health and dental care in childhood, the findings of this study call for improved preventive dental health care for children in OHC.
Evidence for involvement of atransformerparalogue in sex determination of the waspLeptopilina clavipes
Authors: Geuverink E. , Kraaijeveld K. , van Leussen M. , Chen F. , Pijpe J. , Linskens M. H. K. , Beukeboom L. W. , van de Zande L.
Published: July 2018

Transformer(tra) is the central gear in many insect sex determination pathways and transduces a wide range of primary signals. Mediated bytransformer‐2(tra2) it directs sexual development into the female or male mode. Duplications oftrahave been detected in numerous Hymenoptera, but a function in sex determination has been confirmed only inApis mellifera. We identified atra2orthologue (Lc‐tra2), atraorthologue (Lc‐tra) and atraparalogue (Lc‐traB) in the genome ofLeptopilina clavipes(Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). We compared the sequence and structural conservation of these genes between sexual (arrhenotokous) and asexual all‐female producing (thelytokous) individuals.Lc‐trais sex‐specifically spliced in adults consistent with its orthologous function. The male‐specific regions ofLc‐traare conserved in both reproductive modes. The paralogueLc‐traBlacks the genomic region coding for male‐specific exons and can only be translated into a full‐length TRA‐like peptide sequence. Furthermore, unlike LC‐TRA, the LC‐TRAB interstrain sequence variation is not differentiated into a sexual and an asexual haplotype. The LC‐TRAB protein interacts with LC‐TRA as well as LC‐TRA2. This suggests thatLc‐traBfunctions as a conserved element in sex determination of sexual and asexual individuals.
Nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to physical restraint: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang L. , Zhu X.‐P. , Zeng X.‐T. , Xiong P.
Published: July 2018

Aim

To investigate nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to physical restraint in tertiary hospitals and identify the factors that influence physical restraint use.

Background

Physical restraint is used to maintain patient safety. Nurses play an important role in the restraint process. It is important to identify their understanding, feelings and approach regarding the use of physical restraint.

Introduction

Physical restraint is widely practiced in hospitals in China. However, it results in a range of serious negative consequences. This article provides a clear description of nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to physical restraint.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire examining their knowledge, attitudes and practices related to physical restraint use. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed in four tertiary hospitals in Hubei Province, China between August and October 2014.

Results

The nurses' responses indicated a good level of knowledge regarding physical restraint use. However, they held some misconceptions. The nurses' attitudes towards physical restraint tended to be neutral. The nurses were well experienced in the use of physical restraint. Nurses who had received on‐the‐job training performed better than those who had received no training related to knowledge and practices regarding physical restraint use.

Conclusions and implication for nursing/health policy

In‐service training is highly recommended for nursing managers to improve nurses' physical restraint related knowledge and practices. Regulations regarding the use of restraints should be established as soon as possible by healthcare administration system.

Implications for nursing

Nurses should be open to evaluate and improve their views and attitudes regarding effective physical restraint use via multidimensional interventions.
Too much of a good thing: Overtreatment in epilepsy
Authors: de Souza S. M.
Published: July 2018

Disagreements between clinicians and patients when considering treatment often arise because patient and practitioner differ as to what they believe constitutes overtreatment. In this paper, I focus on tensions that can arise between practitioner and patients with a particular illness: temporal lobe epilepsy. I argue that some ill patients with temporal lobe epilepsy may believe that maintaining their current condition is preferable to suppressing it. Consequently, they view what practitioners tend to see as the right amount of treatment (that which eliminates seizures) as excessive. I argue that in some cases, these patients' beliefs are justified, but that failure to acknowledge this on the part of practitioners may lead to overtreatment in a number of ways.
Further improvement in a criterion for human stability in floodwaters
Authors: Chen Q. , Xia J. , Falconer R. A. , Guo P.
Published: July 2018

There have been numerous urban flood disasters in recent years, causing a considerable loss of human life. An improved criterion in the form of incipient velocity has been proposed for human stability in floodwaters, and it is specifically for deep waters where toppling instability generally occurs, and it can account for the posture of leaning forward of a human body in floodwater and the process of pivoting around heels at instability. Moreover, the previous equation of buoyancy force was modified using the parameters of human body structure for a typical American or European in ergonomics. Two parameters in the formula of incipient velocity were calibrated using existing experimental data based on real human subjects, with the improved stability criterion curves being presented for children and adults in floodwaters. Finally, the proposed formula was validated in detail against existing laboratory measurements, and the simple method was given to evaluate the flood hazard degrees for children and adults, based on the calculated incipient velocities at toppling instability and the corresponding incoming flow velocities.
Efficient iron plaque formation on tea (Camellia sinensis) roots contributes to acidic stress tolerance
Authors: Zhang Xianchen , Wu Honghong , Chen Lingmu , Li Yeyun , Wan Xiaochun
Published: July 2018

Tea plants grow in acidic soil, but to date, their intrinsic mechanisms of acidic stress tolerance have not been elucidated. Here, we assessed the tea plant response to growth on NH4+ nutrient media having different pH and iron levels. When grown in standard NH4+ nutrient solution (iron insufficient, 0.35 mg L−1 Fe2+), tea roots exhibited significantly lower nitrogen accumulation, plasma membrane H+‐ATPase activity, and protein levels; net H+ efflux was lower at pH 4.0 and 5.0 than at pH 6.0. Addition of 30 mg L−1 Fe2+ (iron sufficient, mimicking normal soil Fe2+ concentrations) to the NH4+ nutrient solution led to more efficient iron plaque formation on roots and increased root plasma membrane H+‐ATPase levels and activities at pH 4.0 and 5.0, compared to the pH 6.0 condition. Furthermore, plants grown at pH 4.0 and 5.0, with sufficient iron, exhibited significantly higher nitrogen accumulation than those grown at pH 6.0. Together, these results support the hypothesis that efficient iron plaque formation, on tea roots, is important for acidic stress tolerance. Furthermore, our findings establish that efficient iron plaque formation is linked to increased levels and activities of the tea root plasma membrane H+‐ATPase, under low pH conditions.
Big Banks and Macroeconomic Outcomes: Theory and Cross‐Country Evidence of Granularity
Authors: BREMUS FRANZISKA , BUCH CLAUDIA M. , RUSS KATHERYN N. , SCHNITZER MONIKA
Published: July 2018

Does the mere presence of big banks affect macroeconomic outcomes? We develop a theory of granularity for the banking sector by modeling heterogeneous banks charging variable markups. Using data for a large set of countries, we show that the banking sector is indeed “granular,” as the right tail of the bank size distribution follows a power law. We demonstrate empirically that the presence of big banks, measured by a high degree of market concentration, is associated with a positive and significant relationship between bank‐level credit growth and aggregate growth of credit or GDP.
Evaluation of lacrimal production, osmolarity, crystallization, proteomic profile, and biochemistry of capuchin monkeys’ tear film
Authors: Raposo Ana Cláudia , Portela Ricardo Dias , Masmali Ali , Cardoso‐Brito Vinicius , Bernardo Marcos , Oliveira Dayse Cury , Oriá Arianne Pontes
Published: July 2018

Background

To evaluate the composition and characteristics of capuchin monkey (CM) tear film.

Methods

Eleven CM (Sapajus sp.) was evaluated. Strip meniscometry test (SMT), osmolarity, and tear ferning test (TFT) (by Rolando and Masmali scales) were assessed. Tear protein profile (SDS‐PAGE), and total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, and cholesterol levels in tear film and blood serum were screened.

Results

Median ± semi‐interquatil range for SMT and osmolarity values were 8.0 ± 1.625 and 303.0 ± 9.875, respectively. TFT for Rolando was 2.0 ± 0.5, and Masmali was 2.0 ± 0.0. Monkeys's tear obtained type II and III for Rolando, and 1 and 2 for Masmali. Tear components showed protein bands among 23‐217 kDa, and presence of albumin, urea, glucose, and cholesterol.

Conclusions

The results of SMT, osmolarity, TFT, SDS‐PAGE, and tear biochemistry may serve as a reference baseline for CM, and the data may serve as a basis for future experimental model evaluations.
Assessing the impact of a partnership‐based work/study nursing upgrade programme in a low‐ and middle‐income setting
Authors: Brownie Sharon , Gatimu Samwel Maina , Wahedna Abdul Haq , Kambo Isabel , Ndirangu Eunice Wambui
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the 15‐year impact of the work/study nursing upgrading programme in East Africa.

Background

Working nurses in Africa are often primary family income earners, with limited ability to leave jobs and upgrade qualifications. In 2001, the university established a work/study upgrade programme for enrolled‐ and diploma‐level nurses, allowing them to upgrade their qualifications while continuing to work and support families. Donor partnerships provided scholarships to further increase programme access.

Design

A mixed‐method design was used involving an online alumni survey and 24 interviews and 23 focus groups with 172 purposively selected representatives of nursing graduates, employers, regulatory bodies, professional associations and senior nursing officials.

Method

Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Inductive thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Equator guidelines informed reporting of both qualitative and quantitative results.

Results

Of the 549 graduates who completed the survey, 81.2% (n = 446) were female, 93.1% were currently employed and 98% worked within East Africa. They reported improved professional competence (69.4%), nursing practice (25.9%) and patient outcomes (4.6%) on graduation. Extracted themes included the following: flexible/accessible programme; friendly learning environment; effective teaching and learning strategies; acquisition of nursing knowledge, skills and competencies; stakeholders’ role in the programme; career/professional advancement; and strengthened health systems.

Conclusion

The work/study programme was an effective nursing workforce capacity development strategy. Programme access was strengthened via the supporting donor partnership. Positive outcomes were achieved with respect to the university's values of quality, access, relevance and impact.

Relevance to clinical practice

Long‐term sustainable development of nurses and midwives is fundamental to achieving sustainable development goals. Work/study programmes and private–public partnerships are effective mechanisms to strengthen the development of nursing and the overall healthcare workforce in low‐resource settings.
The educational needs of nursing staff when working with hospitalised older people
Authors: Dahlke Sherry , Hunter Kathleen F. , Negrin Kelly , Reshef Kalogirou Maya , Fox Mary , Wagg Adrian
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To examine nursing staffs' geriatric knowledge, perceptions about interprofessional collaboration and patient‐centred care, and perceived learning needs related to working with hospitalised older people.

Method

A triangulation mixed methods design was used. A survey was administered to nursing staff that contained the Knowledge About Older Patients Quiz, the patient‐centered Care measure and the Modified Index of Interdisciplinary Collaboration measure. Interviews were conducted to understand nursing staffs' learning needs. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Interview data were analysed using content analysis. Survey and interview data were then compared and contrasted.

Results

Twenty‐two nursing staff (response rate 26%) completed surveys and 14 participated in interviews. The mean knowledge about older patients score was 22.95, indicating moderately high gerontological knowledge. The mean scores on the patient‐centered Care measure and Modified Index of Interdisciplinary Collaboration were moderately high at 3.75 and 3.86, respectively. Themes developed from analysis of the interview data were as follows: complex vulnerable population, clinical care concerns and working as a team. In spite of scores on knowledge surveys, nursing staff identified learning needs related to managing the responsive behaviours of older patients with cognitive impairment, chemical and physical restraints, mobility and continence.

Conclusions

There was an incongruence between survey and interview data as nursing staff reported gaps in their knowledge despite moderately high scores on the Knowledge about Older People Quiz. Further research is needed to understand additional factors that influence nurses' educational needs.
Attention‐seeking actions by patients on mechanical ventilation in intensive care units: A phenomenological‐hermeneutical study
Authors: Wallander Karlsen Marte‐Marie , Heggdal Kristin , Finset Arnstein , Heyn Lena Güntenberg
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the interaction between mechanically ventilated patients and healthcare personnel in intensive care units (ICUs), with a special emphasis on patients’ initiative to communicate.

Background

Patients on mechanical ventilation in ICUs tend to be less sedated today compared to standard care in the past. Their experiences of being voiceless may cause emotional distress, and for many patients, communication is difficult. Healthcare personnel are reported to be the main initiators of the communication exchanges that occur.

Design

An observational study with a phenomenological–hermeneutical approach.

Methods

Video recording was used to collect data on the naturally occurring communication and interaction. Ten conscious and alert patients from two Norwegian ICUs were recruited. Two relatives and a total of sixty healthcare personnel participated. Content analysis was conducted, with focus on both the manifest and latent content meaning.

Results

We found a total of 66 situations in which patients attempted to attract the attention of others on their own initiative in order to express themselves. Attention‐seeking actions, defined as the act of seeking attention and understanding without a voice, became an essential theme. Four patterns of interaction were identified: immediately responded to, delayed response or understanding, intensified attempts or giving up. Patients had a variety of reasons for seeking attention, which were classified into four domains: psychological expressions, physical expressions, social expressions and medical treatment.

Conclusions

Patients’ attention‐seeking actions varied in content, form and the types of responses they elicited. The patients had to fight to first gain joint attention and then joint understanding. This was both energy‐draining and time‐consuming.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare personnel need to spend more time for communication purposes, giving attention and being more alert to bodily or symbolic gestures to understand the patient's needs.
Hakkor Right: A Veblenian Narration of the Differences between the Justice Notions in Western Europe and Turkey
Authors: Öncü Ahmet
Published: July 2018

Using Veblen's status emulation theory in the background, but essentially engaged in theoretical debates on the transition to capitalism and modernity, this paper attempts to provide a comparative account of different forms of domination in Western European feudal society and the Ottoman Empire. In contrast, an individualistic representation of reality gained prevalence in social conflicts in Western Europe, precisely because forms of exploitation associated with European serfdom were far more severe and un‐tempered than was true for the Ottoman Empire. Due to being short of a legitimate claim to genuine nobility, Western European feudal aristocracy was driven into an insatiable hunger for luxury and waste. In the absence of a powerful central authority, members of this class “turned inward” for their ever‐increasing exploits and waged war against their servants, living and working under their private jurisdictions. The peasants, both free and serf, not only revolted repeatedly, but also ran into the cities to have “fairly secure property rights” so that they would be “the lord” or “dominus” of their own lives and morality. Out of this, a new justice notion had grown, that of natural rights law, which equated all human individuals within one single concern, that of “the right to self‐preservation,” eventually dragging the whole social fabric into heightened self‐centeredness. The Ottoman ruling class could not turn inward and wage an open class war against its servants. This was the land of peace,dar‐al Islam. All people, Muslim and non‐Muslim lived, or were supposed to live, in peace and harmony under the supreme order ofHakk. The transition to an individualistic justice notion along the lines of natural rights law was on the whole clogged in Turkey.
Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue: A Longitudinal Structural MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Yarraguntla K. , Seraji‐Bozorgzad N. , Lichtman‐Mikol S. , Razmjou S. , Bao F. , Sriwastava S. , Santiago‐Martinez C. , Khan O. , Bernitsas E.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Previous cross‐sectional studies have reported the involvement of thalamus, pallidum, superior cerebellar peduncle, temporal cortex, and fronto‐parietal white matter in multiple sclerosis (MS)‐related fatigue. However, the longitudinal imaging correlates of fatigue severity variation in MS remain unclear.

METHODS

Structural and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data were collected from 43 relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients with fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] range: 1–7). Subcortical nuclei volume using FreeSurfer and cortical diffusion indices using a cross‐modality technique were measured at baseline and year 1.

RESULTS

The pallidal volume had significantly decreased (P = .002) by year 1, although the fatigue score variation was not significant. At year 1, the pallidal volume (P = .023) and fractional anisotropy (FA, P = .013) of right temporal cortex (RTC) correlated significantly with FSS.

CONCLUSIONS

The pallidal volume and the FA‐RTC may be used to evaluate longitudinal fatigue severity variation. Our study proposes new biomarkers to monitor fatigue severity in MS patients.
Managing Gag Reflex during Removable Partial Denture Treatment: A Review and a Clinical Report
Authors: Stefos Spyridon , Zoidis Panagiotis , Nimmo Arthur
Published: July 2018

A gag reflex is a common occurrence during dental procedures. A hypersensitive gag reflex is less frequently encountered and may prevent the dental provider from successfully completing critical clinical stages, resulting in poor treatment outcomes. Once patients suffer an unpleasant gag reflex experience in a dental office, they may become phobic, delaying or postponing their dental treatment. The purpose of this article is to review available treatment options and present a report of a partially edentulous patient with an exaggerated gag reflex, focusing on clinical management using a simple yet effective table salt technique and proper prosthesis design.
Bond Strength of Resilient Lining Materials to Denture Base Resin: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Özdemir Hatice , Özdoğan Alper
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Bond strength of resilient lining materials with denture base materials is continuously under development. The purpose of this systematic review is to perform a meta‐analysis to find out which form of resilient lining bonds better to the denture base, what surface treatments have the highest efficacy to increase the bonding, and what is the most commonly preferred test method to measure bond strength.

Materials and Methods

Based on a search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, 57 articles were included in this study. A meta‐analysis was performed on the results of the 57 articles.

Results

The most commonly used test method was the tensile test. Effective surface treatments for bond strength vary depending on the type of the test applied and the type of the attached resilient lining material. Silicone‐based resilient lining materials are more commonly preferred than acrylic‐based resilient lining materials. While chemical agents and chemicals of resilient lining materials were the most commonly applied surface treatments, a very limited number of studies preferred applying CoJet and laser.

Conclusions

The efficacy of surface treatments varies depending on the resilient lining materials and the test type. More successful results can be achieved by selecting the appropriate surface treatment according to the type of the resilient lining material to increase the bond strength. In particular, when used alone, laser appears to be more effective. Chemical agents and laser are the most effective surface treatments for both silicone‐ and acrylic‐based liners. Moreover, new studies are required to determine the efficacy of CoJet. These findings should help clinicians select a suitable surface treatment to increase the bond strength of resilient lining materials to denture base materials.
Functional definition of the two effector binding sites, the oligomerization and DNA binding domains of the Bacillus subtilis LysR‐type transcriptional regulator AlsR
Authors: Härtig Elisabeth , Frädrich Claudia , Behringer Maren , Hartmann Anja , Neumann‐Schaal Meina , Jahn Dieter
Published: July 2018

The LysR‐type transcriptional regulator (LTTR) AlsR from Bacillus subtilis activates the transcription of the alsSD operon encoding enzymes for acetoin formation in response to the presence of acetate. The structural basis for effector binding, oligomerization, DNA binding, higher ordered complex formation, DNA bending and transcriptional control by B. subtilis AlsR was functionally characterized. The binding of two molecules of acetate per molecule AlsR was determined. Acetate‐dependent transcription complex formation was observed. A structural model of AlsR was used to identify the amino acid residues V98, S100, H147 of the binding site 1, which were experimentally verified. The second binding site formed by T193, V194, A196, T201 and L202 mediated high acetate responsive induction. Residues L124, E225 Q74, I79 and R111 contributed to dimerization of AlsR. A22, Q29, P30, S33, K37, L39, E46, R50 and R53 of the winged helix‐turn‐helix motif were important for promoter recognition. The DNA binding domain alone dimerized and effectively bound the promoter. The LTTR promoter elements RBS and ABS had to be localized on the same site of the DNA. Higher ordered complex formation resulted in bending of promoter DNA and transcriptional activation.
The Long‐Term Effectiveness of Mediating Workplace Conflicts
Authors: Kalter Meriem , Bollen Katalien , Euwema Martin
Published: July 2018

In this study, we explore the long‐term effectiveness of the mediation of hierarchical workplace conflicts by comparing and analyzing participants’ perceptions of short‐term and long‐term mediation effectiveness. Specifically, we surveyed supervisors and subordinates to determine the extent to which they perceive mediation to be effective one year after the conclusion of the process. In this study, we distinguish between mediations that result in a continuing employment relationship versus exit mediations, which occur when employees end their employment.

We collected data from real workplace mediation cases in the Netherlands. Our results show a general positive relationship between short‐term and long‐term mediation outcomes. Supervisors and subordinates, however, perceive the long‐term outcomes somewhat differently, with supervisors perceiving greater compliance with the agreement than did subordinates after one year. We found no significant difference in perceptions of long‐term effectiveness between exit and nonexit mediations. In the article, we discuss the implications of our findings for mediation theory and practice.