bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of soil salinity on the yield, composition and physiology of the bioenergy grass Miscanthus × giganteus
Authors: Stavridou Evangelia , Hastings Astley , Webster Richard J. , Robson Paul R. H.
Published: February 2016

High salinity land may provide an alternative resource for the cultivation of dedicated biomass crops for renewable energy and chemicals, thus avoiding competition for land use with food crops. The commercial perennial grass Miscanthus × giganteus is a leading biomass crop; however, its response to salt stress is largely unknown. Miscanthus × giganteus was grown in pots irrigated with nine different NaCl concentrations (0, 2.86, 5.44, 7.96, 10.65, 14.68, 17.5, 19.97 and 22.4 dS m−1). Biomass yield was reduced by 50% at 10.65 dS m−1 NaCl. Root dry matter inhibition occurred at the highest salt concentration tested, while rhizome dry weight and the ratios of root/rhizome and below‐/above‐ground dry matter were not affected by elevated salinity. The accumulative effect of increasing salinity reduced stem height and elongation, while photosynthesis was reduced to a smaller extent. The duration and strength of salinity exacerbated the reduction. Water use efficiency (WUE) was maintained except at the highest salinity and plants maintained stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf water content at low to moderate salinity. Miscanthus × giganteus showed strong induction of the osmoprotectant, proline and no significant increase in malondialdehyde content under increasing salinity. The ash content in leaves, increased, reducing the biomass quality at high salinity concentrations. The effects of salinity on the yield and the availability of land area in European geographical area for agriculture were investigated. Understanding the potential for growth of the C4 biomass crop Miscanthus on underutilized or abandoned land may offer a new range of targets for improved economics, crop management and breeding.
Sclerostin expression in bone tumours and tumour‐like lesions
Authors: Inagaki Yusuke , Hookway Edward S , Kashima Takeshi G , Munemoto Mitsuru , Tanaka Yasuhito , Hassan Andrew Bassim , Oppermann Udo , Athanasou Nick A
Published: February 2016

Aims

To assess the immunophenotypic and mRNA expression of sclerostin in human skeletal tissues and in a wide range of benign and malignant bone tumours and tumour‐like lesions.

Methods and results

Sclerostin expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In lamellar and woven bone, there was strong sclerostin expression by osteocytes. Osteoblasts and other cell types in bone were negative. Hypertrophic chondrocytes in the growth plate and mineralized cartilage cells in zone 4 of hyaline articular cartilage strongly expressed sclerostin, but most chondrocytes in hyaline cartilage were negative. In primary bone‐forming tumours, including osteosarcomas, there was patchy expression of sclerostin in mineralized osteoid and bone. Sclerostin staining was seen in woven bone in fibrous dysplasia, in osteofibrous dysplasia, and in reactive bone formed in fracture callus, in myositis ossificans, and in the wall of solitary bone cysts and aneurysmal bone cysts. Sclerostin was expressed by hypertrophic chondrocytes in osteochondroma and chondroblasts in chondroblastoma, but not by tumour cells in other bone tumours, including myeloma and metastatic carcinoma. mRNA expression of sclerostin was identified by quantitative PCR in osteosarcoma specimens and cell lines.

Conclusions

Sclerostin is an osteocyte marker that is strongly expressed in human woven and lamellar bone and mineralizing chondrocytes. This makes it a useful marker with which to identify benign and malignant osteogenic tumours and mineralizing cartilage tumours, such as chondroblastomas and other lesions in which there is bone formation.
Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from skin infections and its implications in various clinical conditions in Korea
Authors: Baek Yoo Sang , Jeon Jiehyun , Ahn Jae Woo , Song Hae Jun
Published: February 2016

Background

Periodic investigations into patterns of antimicrobial resistance can help to optimize the efficacy of treatment and limit the development of resistance.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to update information on patterns of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from skin infections in South Korea.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical information and in vitro antimicrobial resistance data for 965 clinical S. aureus isolates obtained from skin infections during 2010–2013 in a university hospital in South Korea.

Results

The rate of resistance to oxacillin (methicillin‐resistant S. aureus [MRSA]) was 47.4%. Similar rates of resistance to erythromycin (45.6%), fusidic acid (44.0%), and clindamycin (42.3%) were noted. The rate of resistance to mupirocin was 8.4%. Overall, 4.9% of isolates were resistant to both fusidic acid and mupirocin. None of the isolates showed resistance to habekacin, synercid, teicoplanin, or vancomycin. Generally, antimicrobial resistance rates did not increase from 2010 to 2013 except with reference to a few agents such as mupirocin and rifampin. Isolates from surgical patients, inpatients, non‐dermatology outpatients, and adult patients showed relatively high rates of resistance to multiple antimicrobials. Resistance to mupirocin was not only lower than that to fusidic acid but was consistent across clinical contexts.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MRSA in skin infections in South Korea did not increase during 2010–2013. Isolates from dermatology outpatients showed relatively lower rates of resistance to multiple antimicrobials than isolates from non‐dermatology outpatients. Among topical antimicrobials, resistance to mupirocin was relatively low regardless of clinical condition.
Effects of protein–lipid and starch–lipid complexes on textural characteristics of extrudates based on wheat flour with the addition of oleic acid
Authors: De Pilli Teresa , Giuliani Roma , Buléon Alain , Pontoire Bruno , Legrand Jack
Published: February 2016

The knowledge of biopolymer changes by extrusion is very important for a wide range of industrial applications that spreads from extruded food to biodegradable packaging. In this article, the formation of starch–lipid and lipid–protein complexes that occurred during the extrusion cooking of wheat flour with the addition of fatty acids was studied. Results showed that the highest barrel temperature (128.3 °C) promoted the formation of starch–lipid complexes in samples made up of wheat starch and wheat flour with the addition of fatty acids. The maximum formation of protein–lipid complexes (68% fatty acid bound to protein) was observed at the highest barrel temperature and water feed content (<22%). This study is a prerequisite for the optimisation of production of expanded extrudates made up of wheat flour and fatty ingredients and for the study of a biodegradable packaging based on by‐product of milling wheat (and fat).
Conditional Reasoning Test for Aggression: Further evidence about incremental validity
Authors: Galić Zvonimir
Published: February 2016

The Conditional Reasoning Test for Aggression has shown significant correlations with various counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) and seems to be potentially very useful for screening out applicants inclined to deviant behaviors at work. However, there is a lack of research testing its overlap with other personality determinants of CWBs. In this article, we report the results of three studies testing incremental validity of the Conditional Reasoning Test for Aggression (CRT‐A). Our results have shown that the CRT‐A was mostly unrelated to the Dark Triad traits (Study 1), the HEXACO traits (Study 2), or trait self‐control (Study 3). However, the CRT‐A score was still a significant predictor of CWBs‐related attitudes (Study 1) and self‐reported interpersonal and organizational deviance (Study 3).
For Love or for Money: Intrinsic and extrinsic value congruence in recruitment
Authors: Vanderstukken Arne , Van den Broeck Anja , Proost Karin
Published: February 2016

Answering the call for a more theory‐driven approach in recruitment research, this article integrates insights from self‐determination theory and value congruence to account for the attractiveness of respectable organizations (projecting an image of sustainability and social responsibility) and impressive organizations (projecting an image of high profitability and prestige). We argue that respectable organizations mostly appeal to job seekers pursuing intrinsic personal values (e.g., self‐development, satisfactory social relationships), and that impressive organizations mostly appeal to those pursuing extrinsic personal values (e.g., financial success, high esteem). We tested these hypotheses in a vignette study among 188 students. Results partially supported the hypotheses. Although intrinsic personal values did not increase the attractiveness of respectable organizations, extrinsic values increased the attractiveness of impressive organizations.
Social Influences in Recruitment: When is word‐of‐mouth most effective?
Authors: Van Hoye Greet , Weijters Bert , Lievens Filip , Stockman Sara
Published: February 2016

We apply a policy‐capturing design to examine the conditions under which word‐of‐mouth is most effective in recruitment. The effect of monetary incentives is compared to other key characteristics of word‐of‐mouth (the source, recipient, and message content) that might affect its impact on organizational attractiveness. In a first study, unemployed job seekers (N = 100) were less attracted when they knew a monetary incentive was offered to the source of positive word‐of‐mouth. Conversely, they were more attracted when word‐of‐mouth was provided by a more experienced source (employee) and by a stronger tie (friend). These findings were replicated in a second study among employed job seekers (N = 213). These results offer various implications for how recruiting organizations might make effective use of word‐of‐mouth.
Examining Applicant Reactions to Different Media Types in Character‐based Simulations for Employee Selection
Authors: Bruk‐Lee Valentina , Lanz Julie , Drew Erica N. , Coughlin Chris , Levine Pamela , Tuzinski Kathy , Wrenn Kimberly
Published: February 2016

While the influence of technology and medium of assessment administration on applicant reactions has been a topic for recent discussion, scant research has considered reactions to various forms of media types in employee character‐based simulations. In a series of two studies, we focused on the influence of various media types on a variety of applicant reaction criteria. In Study 1, we explored (1) differences in procedural justice perceptions and company impressions between a text and 3D animated simulation, (2) spillover mechanisms by which applicant reactions influences company perceptions, and (3) the influence of media richness on perceptions of other assessments types within a battery. In a second study, we focused on applicant reactions to and rankings of three media types (i.e., 2D animation, 3D animation, and live‐action video) in a character‐based simulation. Our results indicated support for a mediated effect of procedural justice rules on company perceptions. Across studies, favorable reaction ratings and rankings for 3D animation and live‐action video were found.
Evolutionary conservation of candidate osmoregulation genes in plant phloem sap‐feeding insects
Authors: Jing X. , White T. A. , Luan J. , Jiao C. , Fei Z. , Douglas A. E.
Published: February 2016

The high osmotic pressure generated by sugars in plant phloem sap is reduced in phloem‐feeding aphids by sugar transformations and facilitated water flux in the gut. The genes mediating these osmoregulatory functions have been identified and validated empirically in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum: sucrase 1 (SUC1), a sucrase in glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13), and aquaporin 1 (AQP1), a member of the Drosophila integral protein (DRIP) family of aquaporins. Here, we describe molecular analysis of GH13 and AQP genes in phloem‐feeding representatives of the four phloem‐feeding groups: aphids (Myzus persicae), coccids (Planococcus citri), psyllids (Diaphorina citri, Bactericera cockerelli) and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 and MED). A single candidate GH13‐SUC gene and DRIP‐AQP gene were identified in the genome/transcriptome of most insects tested by the criteria of sequence motif and gene expression in the gut. Exceptionally, the psyllid Ba. cockerelli transcriptome included a gut‐expressed Pyrocoelia rufa integral protein (PRIP)‐AQP, but has no DRIP‐AQP transcripts, suggesting that PRIP‐AQP is recruited for osmoregulatory function in this insect. This study indicates that phylogenetically related SUC and AQP genes may generally mediate osmoregulatory functions in these diverse phloem‐feeding insects, and provides candidate genes for empirical validation and development as targets for osmotic disruption of pest species.
Living through a volcanic eruption: Understanding the experience of survivors as a phenomenological existential phenomenon
Authors: Warsini Sri , Mills Jane , West Caryn , Usher Kim
Published: February 2016

Mount Merapi in Indonesia is the most active volcano in the world with its 4–6‐year eruption cycle. The mountain and surrounding areas are populated by hundreds of thousands of people who live near the volcano despite the danger posed to their wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of people who survived the most recent eruption of Mount Merapi, which took place in 2010. Investigators conducted interviews with 20 participants to generate textual data that were coded and themed. Three themes linked to the phenomenological existential experience (temporality and relationality) of living through a volcanic eruption emerged from the data. These themes were: connectivity, disconnection and reconnection. Results indicate that the close relationship individuals have with Mount Merapi and others in their neighbourhood outweighs the risk of living in the shadow of an active volcano. This is the first study to analyze the phenomenological existential elements of living through a volcanic eruption.
Industrial policy and employment in the UK: evidence from the pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Hannon Enda
Published: February 2016

Employment scholars have a longstanding interest in the potential for an active industrial policy to shift the UK economy to a high‐wage, high‐skill trajectory. This article addresses this topic by examining policy, performance and employment in the UK pharmaceutical sector, which has historically benefited from substantial government assistance. While weaknesses are apparent, overall the industrial policy context has supported the performance of the UK sector, underpinning a sizable number of highly skilled and paid jobs. The findings demonstrate the potential of an active industrial policy to facilitate a shift to a higher skills trajectory. Wider considerations of relevance and policy recommendations are discussed.
John Smith's settlement? The work of the 1992–93 Labour Party—Trade Union Links Review Group
Authors: Wickham‐Jones Mark
Published: February 2016

In this article, I examine the work of the 1992–93 Labour Party Trade Union Links Review Group. I ask whether the measures it proposed amounted to a new, durable settlement that governed internal relationships within the party. I detail disagreements amongst trade unions over the format that parliamentary selections should take; I evaluate the demands for reform of the party‐union link; I ask whether support for reform and for one member, one vote was falling in the early 1990s; I consider whether unions launched a ‘no say no pay campaign’ with regard to the Labour Party; I assess how much restraint was demonstrated at this time by Labour's affiliated unions and I consider what might have been at stake in these debates more generally. I conclude that there was considerable antagonism in party‐union relations during the early 1990s and that the work of the review group did not amount to an enduring settlement.
Motor and Sensory Innervation of Extraocular Eye Muscles
Authors: BÜTTNER‐ENNEVER J.A. , EBERHORN A. , HORN A.K.E.
Published: February 2016

Eye muscles are unusual in several ways; one is that they have up to three different layers—the inner global layer, the outer orbital layer, and in some species an external marginal layer has been described. In sheep this is called the “peripheral patch layer.” Three different types of proprioceptors are found in eye muscles—muscle spindles, Golgi tendon organs, and palisade endings. A survey of the organization of their location leads us to the hypothesis that each receptor is confined to a separate layer of the eye muscle. The palisade endings are associated with the global layer, the muscle spindles lie predominantly in the orbital layer, and the Golgi tendon organs are found only in the peripheral patch layer. This well‐organized scheme may help us to understand the proprioceptive system in eye muscles.
Discharge Patterns of Cerebellar Output Neurons in the Caudal Fastigial Nucleus during Head‐Free Gaze Shifts in Primates
Authors: BRETTLER SANDRA C. , FUCHS ALBERT F. , LING LEO
Published: February 2016

Lesion studies in both human and non‐human primates indicate that the cerebellum is important for accurate and stereotyped saccadic eye movements. Based on single‐unit recordings and pharmacological inactivations in head‐fixed monkeys, we suggested that the caudal fastigial nucleus (CFN) provides the brainstem saccade generator with a burst that helps accelerate contraversive saccades and decelerate ipsiversive ones. Here we examine this suggestion during head‐free gaze shifts where there can be a 10‐fold difference in saccade duration. First, the timing of the burst does not depend on whether the gaze shift has a head component. When a family of either ipsiversive or contraversive gaze shifts with a variety of saccadic durations is aligned on gaze onset, the high‐frequency burst in the associated rasters occurs progressively later as saccade duration increases. Realignment of the same rasters with the end of the saccade reveals a tight timing of burst end with saccade end for all 10 CFN burst neurons studied. The delayed bursts for contraversive saccades were unexpected based on the early burst illustrated in the published head‐fixed data. One hypothesis is that the late activity helps terminate contraversive as well as ipsiversive gaze shifts. An alternative explanation is that the late CFN burst could still be used as an excitatory drive to promote the late reacceleration or prolonged velocity plateau that is present during large gaze shifts.
Adaptive Changes in the Angular VOR: Duration of Gain Changes and Lack of Effect of Nodulo‐Uvulectomy
Authors: YAKUSHIN SERGEI B. , BUKHARINA SVETLANA E. , RAPHAN THEODORE , BÜTTNER‐ENNEVER JEAN , COHEN BERNARD
Published: February 2016

Alterations in the gain of the vertical angular vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) are dependent on the head position in which the gain changes were produced. We determined how long gravity‐dependent gain changes last in monkeys after four hours of adaptation, and whether the adaptation is mediated through the nodulus and uvula of the vestibulocerebellum. Vertical VOR gains were adaptively modified by rotation about an interaural axis, in phase or out of phase with the visual surround. Vertical VOR gains were modified with the animals in one of three orientations: upright, left‐side down, or right‐side down. Monkeys were tested in darkness for up to four days after adaptation using sinusoidal rotation about an interaural axis that was incrementally tilted in 10° steps from vertical to side down positions. Animals were unrestrained in their cages in normal light conditions between tests. Gravity‐dependent gain changes lasted for a day or less after adaptation while upright, but persisted for two days or more after on‐side adaptation. These data show that gravity‐dependent gain changes can last for prolonged periods after only four hours of adaptation in monkeys, as in humans. They also demonstrate that natural head movements made while upright do not provide an adequate stimulus for rapid recovery of vertical VOR gains that were induced on side. In two animals, the nodulus and uvula were surgically ablated. Vertical gravity‐dependent gain changes were not significantly different before and after surgery, indicating that the nodulus and uvula do not have a critical role in producing them.
Short‐Term Adaptation of the VOR: Non‐Retinal‐Slip Error Signals and Saccade Substitution
Authors: EGGERS SCOTT D.Z. , PENNINGTON NICK DE , WALKER MARK F. , SHELHAMER MARK , ZEE DAVID S.
Published: February 2016

We studied short‐term (30 min) adaptation of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) in five normal humans using a “position error” stimulus without retinal image motion. Both before and after adaptation a velocity gain (peak slow‐phase eye velocity/peak head velocity) and a position gain (total eye movement during chair rotation/amplitude of chair motion) were measured in darkness using search coils. The vestibular stimulus was a brief (~700 ms), 15° chair rotation in darkness (peak velocity 43°/s). To elicit adaptation, a straight‐ahead fixation target disappeared during chair movement and when the chair stopped the target reappeared at a new location in front of the subject for gain‐decrease (×0) adaptation, or 10° opposite to chair motion for gain‐increase (×1.67) adaptation. This position‐error stimulus was effective at inducing VOR adaptation, though for gain‐increase adaptation the primary strategy was to substitute augmenting saccades during rotation while for gain‐decrease adaptation both corrective saccades and a decrease in slow‐phase velocity occurred. Finally, the presence of the position‐error signal alone, at the end of head rotation, without any attempt to fix upon it, was not sufficient to induce adaptation. Adaptation did occur, however, if the subject did make a saccade to the target after head rotation, or even if the subject paid attention to the new location of the target without actually looking at it.
A Synaptic Mechanism on Prepositus Hypoglossi Neurons Underlying Eye Fixation
Authors: NAVARRO‐LOPEZ JUAN D. , ALVARADO JUAN CARLOS , ESCUDERO MIGUEL , DELGADO‐GARCÍA JOSÉ M. , YAJEYA JAVIER
Published: February 2016

We have studied in vitro and in vivo the origin of the persistent neuronal activity underlying eye positions of fixation after eye saccades in the horizontal plane. It is proposed that the tonic firing presented by prepositus hypoglossi neurons during eye fixations is the result of the combined action of eye‐velocity signals arriving from excitatory burst neurons and the facilitative role of cholinergic terminals of reticular origin.
Involvement of the Frontal Oculomotor Areas in Developmental Compensation for the Directional Asymmetry in Smooth‐Pursuit Eye Movements in Young Primates
Authors: FUKUSHIMA JUNKO , AKAO TEPPEI , TAKEICHI NORIHITO , KANEKO CHRIS R.S. , FUKUSHIMA KIKURO
Published: February 2016

The smooth pursuit system moves the eyes in space to accurately track objects of interest and maintain their images on the foveae while compensating for conflicting visual inputs from the moving background and/or vestibular inputs during head movements. Under demanding task conditions, young (but not mature) primates have difficulty with upward smooth gaze (eye in space) movement; pursuit breaks down, and they perform the task with saccades. Proper compensation matures later, after preadolescence. Chemical inactivation of the supplementary eye fields in compensated monkeys reproduced the directional asymmetry that had been compensated developmentally, suggesting that the supplemental eye fields may be involved in the compensation.
Development and validation of a questionnaire evaluating patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging: the Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Anxiety Questionnaire (MRI‐AQ)
Authors: Ahlander Britt‐Marie , Årestedt Kristofer , Engvall Jan , Maret Eva , Ericsson Elisabeth
Published: February 2016

Aim

To develop and validate a new instrument measuring patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging examinations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐ Anxiety Questionnaire.

Background

Questionnaires measuring patients’ anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging examinations have been the same as used in a wide range of conditions. To learn about patients’ experience during examination and to evaluate interventions, a specific questionnaire measuring patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging is needed.

Design

Psychometric cross‐sectional study with test‐retest design.

Methods

A new questionnaire, Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Anxiety Questionnaire, was designed from patient expressions of anxiety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐scanners. The sample was recruited between October 2012–October 2014. Factor structure was evaluated with exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha. Criterion‐related validity, known‐group validity and test‐retest was calculated.

Results

Patients referred for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of either the spine or the heart, were invited to participate. The development and validation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Anxiety Questionnaire resulted in 15 items consisting of two factors. Cronbach's alpha was found to be high. Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Anxiety Questionnaire correlated higher with instruments measuring anxiety than with depression scales. Known‐group validity demonstrated a higher level of anxiety for patients undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan of the heart than for those examining the spine. Test‐retest reliability demonstrated acceptable level for the scale.

Conclusion

Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Anxiety Questionnaire bridges a gap among existing questionnaires, making it a simple and useful tool for measuring patient anxiety during Magnetic Resonance Imaging examinations.
Long‐Term Experiences in Cash and Counseling for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Familial Programme Representative Descriptions
Authors: Harry Melissa L. , MacDonald Lynn , McLuckie Althea , Battista Christina , Mahoney Ellen K. , Mahoney Kevin J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Our aim was to explore previously unknown long‐term outcomes of self‐directed personal care services for young adults with intellectual disabilities and limitations in activities of daily living.

Materials and Methods

The present authors utilized participatory action research and qualitative content analysis in interviewing 11 unpaid familial programme representatives of young adults with intellectual disabilities, ages 23–34, who were eligible for income‐based Medicaid and enrolled five or more years in a Cash and Counseling‐based programme of self‐direction in the United States.

Results

Young adults are represented as receiving services and supports in a supportive and stable environment, with previously identified short‐term programme benefits evident over the long‐term. Young adults are also transitioning to adulthood at home with their families as primary social support and caregivers, bridging a service gap.

Conclusions

Our results show that self‐direction helps meet these young adults’ personal care and community engagement needs over time.
The risk of new‐onset cancer associated with HFE C282Y and H63D mutations: evidence from 87,028 participants
Authors: Lv Yang‐Fan , Chang Xian , Hua Rui‐Xi , Yan Guang‐Ning , Meng Gang , Liao Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Xi , Guo Qiao‐Nan
Published: February 2016

To investigate the association between mutation of HFE (the principal pathogenic gene in hereditary haemochromatosis) and risk of cancer, we conducted a meta‐analysis of all available case–control or cohort studies relating to two missense mutations, C282Y and H63D mutations. Eligible studies were identified by searching databases including PubMed, Embase and the ISI Web of Knowledge. Overall and subgroup analyses were performed and odds ratios (ORs) combined with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate the association between C282Y mutation, H63D mutation and cancer risk. Sensitivity and cumulative analyses were used to evaluate the stability of the results. A total of 36 eligible studies were included, comprising 13,680 cases and 73,348 controls. C282Y was significantly associated with elevated cancer risk in a recessive genetic model (OR: 1.991, 95% CI: 1.448–2.737). On subgroup analysis stratified by cancer type, statistically significantly increased cancer risks were found for breast cancer, colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma in a recessive model. When stratified by territory, a significantly increased risk of cancer was found in Oceanic populations in a recessive model and in Asian populations in an allele model and dominant model. H63D mutation did not significantly increase overall cancer risk in any genetic model. However, when, stratified by territory, an increased cancer risk was found in the Asian population in an allele and dominant. C282Y but not H63D mutation was related to elevated cancer risk. Further large‐scale studies considering gene–environment interactions and functional research should be conducted to further investigate this association.
Annual Research Review: On the developmental neuropsychology of substance use disorders
Authors: J. Conrod Patricia , Nikolaou Kyriaki
Published: February 2016

Background

Adolescence represents a period of development during which critical biological, as well as social and cognitive, changes occur that are necessary for the transition into adulthood. A number of researchers have suggested that the pattern of normative brain changes that occurs during this period not only predisposes adolescents to engage in risk behaviours, such as experimentation with drugs, but that they additionally make the adolescent brain more vulnerable to the direct pharmacological impact of substances of abuse. The neural circuits that we examine in this review involve cortico‐basal‐ganglia/limbic networks implicated in the processing of rewards, emotion regulation, and the control of behaviour, emotion and cognition.

Findings and Conclusions

We identify certain neurocognitive and personality/comorbidity‐based risk factors for the onset of substance misuse during adolescence, and summarise the evidence suggesting that these risk factors may be further impacted by the direct effect of drugs on the underlying neural circuits implicated in substance misuse vulnerability.
Commentary: Transdiagnostic neuroscience of child and adolescent mental disorders – differentiating decision‐making in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, depression and anxiety. A commentary on Sonuga‐Barke et al. (2016)
Authors: Rohde Luis Augusto
Published: February 2016

Sonuga‐Barke, Cortese, Fairchild, and Stringaris offer us new insights not only on the neuropsychological processes and neurobiological mechanisms involved in the decision‐making process but also how some of the most relevant child mental disorders might impact this process through a very comprehensive review of the pertinent literature. Although it is difficult to select specific points for discussing in a so dense review, I would like to highlight some aspects for ‘whetting readers appetite’ and seduce them to be in contact with the fascinating neurobiology behind an essential aspect of our lives.
Commentary: Making the brain matter in assessing and treating adolescent substance use – a commentary on Conrod and Nikolaou (2016)
Authors: Mosconi Matthew W. , Lejuez Carl W.
Published: February 2016

Adolescence represents a period of vulnerability to psychiatric problems due to a range of factors, including advances in social and cognitive abilities, increased levels of autonomy in decision‐making and behavioral governance, and greater exposure to opportunities for risk‐taking behavior. Adding to these psychological and social challenges, adolescence also is marked by robust maturational changes affecting both the microcircuitry and connectivity between widely distributed brain systems. These changes alter the communication among parallel, distributed brain networks, have implications for one's vulnerability to engage in risk behavior and make the brain particularly susceptible to external perturbations, such as exposure to neurotoxic substances.
Commentary: Finding out the best way to tailor psychological interventions for children and families – a commentary on Ng and Weisz (2016)
Authors: Scott Stephen
Published: February 2016

The article by Ng and Weisz () on how to build a science of personalized intervention for youth mental health is ambitious and wide‐ranging, being packed with penetrating analyses and imaginative proposals that set the agenda for psychotherapeutic research for years to come. It is driven by the desire to make therapy more effective, and underpinned by the notion that if therapy can be fitted more closely to individual characteristics, results will be better.
Habitat‐related specialization of lateral‐line system morphology in a habitat‐generalist and a habitat‐specialist New Zealand eleotrid
Authors: Vanderpham J. P. , Nakagawa S. , Senior A. M. , Closs G. P.
Published: February 2016

An investigation of intraspecific habitat‐related patterns of variation in oculoscapular lateral‐line superficial neuromasts (SN) identified a decrease in the ratio of total SNs to pores, and a trend towards decreased asymmetry in SNs in the habitat‐generalist common bully Gobiomorphus cotidianus from fluvial habitats compared to lacustrine habitats, suggesting habitat‐related phenotypic variability. A greater ratio of pores to SNs, as well as less variation in the total number and asymmetry of SNs observed in the fluvial habitat‐specialist redfin bully Gobiomorphus huttoni may provide further evidence of variations in the oculoscapular lateral‐line morphology of fluvial habitat G. cotidianus individuals serving as adaptations to more turbulent environments.
Propensity score‐matched study of laparoscopic and open surgery for colorectal cancer in rural hospitals
Authors: Nakao Toshihiro , Shimada Mitsuo , Yoshikawa Kozo , Higashijima Jun , Tokunaga Takuya , Nishi Masaaki , Takasu Chie , Kashihara Hideya , Suzuka Ichio , Nishizaki Takashi , Okitsu Hiroshi , Yagi Toshiyuki , Miyake Hidenori , Miura Murato , Fukuyama Mitsutoshi , Wada Daisuke , Bando Yoshiaki
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim

Various randomized clinical studies have suggested that short‐ and long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery (LAP) for colorectal cancer are comparable with those of open surgery (OP). However, these studies were performed in high‐volume hospitals. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of LAP versus OP for colorectal cancer in rural hospitals.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective propensity score‐matched case–control study of patients who underwent colorectal surgery from January 2004 to April 2009 in 10 hospitals in Japan. All patients underwent curative surgery for pathologically diagnosed stage II or III colorectal cancer. The primary end point was 5‐year overall survival (OS). The secondary end points were disease‐free survival (DFS) and postoperative complications.

Results

In total, 319 patients who underwent LAP and 1020 patients who underwent OP were balanced to 261 pairs. There was no significant difference in the OS and DFS between two groups. The operation time was significantly shorter for OP than for LAP. Blood loss was significantly lower in LAP than in OP. There was no difference in intraoperative morbidity between the two groups. The postoperative morbidity was significantly lower in LAP than in OP. The hospital stay was significantly shorter in LAP than in OP. There was no significant difference in 90‐day postoperative mortality.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgery may be a feasible option for colorectal cancer in rural hospitals.
Hepatobiliary and pancreatic: Comparison between Chinese herbal medicine and Western medicine‐induced liver injury of 1985 patients
Authors: Zhu Yun , Niu Ming , Chen Jing , Zou Zheng‐sheng , Ma Zhi‐jie , Liu Shu‐hong , Wang Rui‐lin , He Ting‐ting , Song Hai‐bo , Wang Zhong‐xia , Pu Shi‐biao , Ma Xiao , Wang Li‐fu , Bai Zhao‐fang , Zhao Yan‐ling , Li Yong‐gang , Wang Jia‐bo , Xiao Xiao‐he ,   on behalf of The Specialized Committee for Drug‐Induced Liver Diseases, Division of Drug‐Induced Diseases, Chinese Pharmacological Society
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), as well as Western medicine (WM), is an important cause of drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). However, the differences between CHM and WM as agents implicated in liver injury have rarely been reported.

Methods

Overall, 1985 (2.05%) DILI cases were retrospectively collected from the 96 857 patients hospitalized because of liver dysfunction in the 302 Military Hospital between January 2009 and January 2014.

Results

In all the enrolled patients with DILI, CHM was implicated in 563 cases (28.4%), while 870 cases (43.8%) were caused by WM and the remaining patients (27.8%) by the combination of WM and CHM. Polygonum multiflorum was the major implicated CHM. Compared with WM, the cases caused by CHM showed more female (51 vs 71%, P < 0.001) and positive rechallenge (6.1 vs 8.9%, P = 0.046), a much greater proportion of hepatocellular injury (62.2 vs 88.5%, P < 0.001), and a higher mortality (2.8 vs 4.8%, P = 0.042); however, no differences in the rates of chronic DILI and ALF were found (12.9 vs 12.4%, P = 0.807; 7.6 vs 7.6%, P = 0.971). Based on Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method, 75.6% of cases caused by CHM were classified as probable and only 16.6% as highly probable, significantly different from WM (38.4 and 60.3%, all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The causal relationship between CHM and liver injury is much complex, and the clinical characteristics of DILI caused by CHM differ from those caused by WM.
Osteoprotegerin: A novel biomarker for inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal carcinoma
Authors: De Voogd Floris AE , Gearry Richard B , Mulder Christopher J , Day Andrew S
Published: February 2016

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily of proteins. Although initial data illustrated the key role that OPG plays in bone turnover, numerous recent reports indicate that OPG is also an important factor in inflammatory pathways and tumor cell survival. OPG contributes directly to inflammatory processes and has been evaluated as a novel non‐invasive biomarker of gut inflammation. Furthermore, OPG affects cell turn‐over, differentiation, death, and survival via extracellular pathways, correlating with worse prognosis in inflammatory bowel diseases and several gastrointestinal carcinomas. It is now clear that OPG has multiple functions and characteristics. This review gives an overview of OPG, highlights its roles in different extracellular pathways, and outlines how OPG could be used as a novel non‐invasive biological marker in inflammatory bowel diseases and gastrointestinal carcinomas.
Transitions Between Healthcare Settings of Hospice Enrollees at the End of Life
Authors: Wang Shi‐Yi , Aldridge Melissa D. , Gross Cary P. , Canavan Maureen , Cherlin Emily , Johnson‐Hurzeler Rosemary , Bradley Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To characterize the number and types of care transitions in the last 6 months of life of individuals who used hospice and to examine factors associated with having multiple transitions in care.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

One hundred percent fee‐for‐service Medicare decedent claims data.

Participants

Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older who died between July 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011, and were enrolled in hospice at some time during the last 6 months of life.

Measurements

Hierarchical generalized linear modeling was used to identify individual, hospice, and regional factors associated with transitions. The sequence of transitions across healthcare settings was described. Healthcare transitions after hospice enrollment included from and to the hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health agency program, hospice, or home without receiving any service in these four healthcare settings.

Results

Of 311,090 hospice decedents, 31,675 (10.2%) had at least one transition after hospice enrollment, and this varied substantially across the United States; 6.6% of all decedents had more than one transition in care after hospice enrollment (range 2–19 transitions). Of hospice users with transitions, 53.4% were admitted to hospitals, 17.7% were admitted to skilled nursing facilities, 9.6% used home health agencies, and 25.8% had transitions to home without receiving the services from the healthcare settings examined. In adjusted analyses, decedents who were younger, nonwhite, enrolled in a for‐profit or small hospice program, or had less access to hospital‐based palliative care had significantly higher odds of having at least one transition.

Conclusion

A notable proportion of hospice users experience at least one transition in care in the last 6 months of life, suggesting that further research on the effect of transitions on users and families is warranted.
Transcriptional repressor DREAM regulates trigeminal noxious perception
Authors: Benedet Tomaso , Gonzalez Paz , Oliveros Juan C. , Dopazo Jose M. , Ghimire Kedar , Palczewska Malgorzata , Mellstrom Britt , Naranjo Jose R.
Published: February 2016

Expression of the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) protein in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord is related to endogenous control mechanisms of acute and chronic pain. In primary sensory trigeminal neurons, high levels of endogenous DREAM protein are preferentially localized in the nucleus, suggesting a major transcriptional role. Here, we show that transgenic mice expressing a dominant active mutant of DREAM in trigeminal neurons show increased responses following orofacial sensory stimulation, which correlates with a decreased expression of prodynorphin and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in trigeminal ganglia. Genome‐wide analysis of trigeminal neurons in daDREAM transgenic mice identified cathepsin L and the monoglyceride lipase as two new DREAM transcriptional targets related to pain. Our results suggest a role for DREAM in the regulation of trigeminal nociception.

This article is part of the special article series “Pain”.

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Retromer and Rab2‐dependent trafficking mediate PS1 degradation by proteasomes in endocytic disturbance
Authors: Ueda Naoya , Tomita Taisuke , Yanagisawa Katsuhiko , Kimura Nobuyuki
Published: February 2016

Accumulating evidence suggests that endocytic pathway deficits are involved in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Several reports show that endocytic disturbance affects β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) cleavage from β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP). Presenilin‐1 (PS1) is the catalytic core of the γ‐secretase complex required for Aβ generation. Previously, we showed that aging induces endocytic disturbance, resulting in the accumulation of Aβ and APP in enlarged endosomes. It remains unclear, however, whether PS1 localization and function are affected with endocytic disturbance. Here, we report that in endocytic disturbance, PS1 is transported from endosomes to ER/Golgi compartments via retromer trafficking, and that PS1 interacts with vacuolar protein sorting‐associated protein 35 both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, PS1 is degraded by proteasomes via a Rab2‐dependent trafficking pathway, only during endocytic disturbance. These findings suggest that PS1 levels and localization in endosomes are regulated by retromer trafficking and ER‐associated degradation system, even if endocytic disturbance significantly induces the endosomal accumulation of APP and β‐site APP‐cleaving enzyme 1. Results of this study also suggest that retromer deficiency can affect PS1 localization in endosomes, where Aβ cleavage mainly occurs, possibly leading to enhanced Aβ pathology.

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We proposed the following mechanism for intracellular transport of presenilin‐1 (PS1). When endosome/lysosome trafficking is disturbed, PS1 is transported from endosome to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi compartments via retromer and Rab2‐mediated trafficking, and then degraded by endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD). Perturbations in this trafficking can cause abnormal endosomal accumulation of PS1, and then may lead to exacerbated Aβ pathology.

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13318.
CONSUMER‐DIRECTED HEALTH PLANS: A REVIEWOF THE EVIDENCE
Authors: Bundorf M. Kate
Published: February 2016

The number of people enrolled in consumer‐directed health plans (CDHPs) has increased dramatically over the last decade. We review the empirical literature on the effects of CDHPs, which is based on the experience of these plans in the employer‐sponsored market. Studies indicate that CDHPs reduce health care spending by approximately 5–15 percent relative to similar plans with lower deductibles and without spending accounts. Spending reductions are concentrated among healthier enrollees and are driven by reductions in the use of outpatient services and pharmaceuticals. There is little evidence on whether they reduce the use of low‐value services.
Diagnostic Value of Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility Index in Dogs with Pulmonary Hypertension: Comparison with Doppler Echocardiographic Estimates of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure
Authors: Visser L.C. , Im M.K. , Johnson L.R. , Stern J.A.
Published: February 2016

Background

Noninvasive diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) primarily relies upon Doppler echocardiography of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, TR might be absent or difficult to measure.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the diagnostic value of right pulmonary artery distensibility (RPAD) index for prediction of Doppler‐derived estimates of pulmonary artery (PA) pressure compared to other indices of PH in dogs.

Animals

Sixty‐nine client‐owned dogs with TR.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Dogs were allocated to groups according to TR pressure gradient (TRPG): TRPG <36 mmHg (control, n = 22), TRPG 36–50 (n = 16), TRPG 50–75 (n = 14) and TRPG >75 mmHg (n = 17). Right pulmonary artery distensibility index, acceleration time to peak PA flow (AT), AT: ejection time of PA flow (AT:ET) and main PA size: aorta size (MPA:Ao) were calculated in each dog.

Results

Right pulmonary artery distensibility index demonstrated the strongest correlation (r = −0.90; P < .0001) to TRPG followed by MPA:Ao (r = 0.78; P < .0001), AT (r = −0.69; P < .0001) and AT:ET (r = −0.68; P < .0001). RPAD index possessed the most accurate cutoff (<29.5%; Sensitivity [Sn] 0.84, Specificity [Sp] 0.95) to predict TRPG >50 mmHg compared to AT (<53.9 ms; Sn 0.74, Sp 0.87), AT:ET (<0.30; Sn 0.61, Sp 0.97) and MPA:Ao (>1.04; Sn 0.94, Sp 0.74). All intra‐ and interobserver measurement variabilities exhibited coefficients of variation ≤13%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Right pulmonary artery distensibility index is an accurate predictor of TRPG and should be particularly useful if TR is absent or difficult to measure.