bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical nurses’ knowledge and practice of venous thromboembolism risk assessment and prevention in South Korea: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Oh Hyunjin , Boo Sunjoo , Lee Jung‐Ah
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine Korean registered nurses’ level of perceived knowledge and practice of venous thromboembolism risk assessment as well as prevention, self‐efficacy in venous thromboembolism care and actual knowledge of venous thromboembolism.

Background

For hospitalised patients, venous thromboembolism is a preventable clinical disorder. Caring for venous thromboembolism patients requires coordination across multiple providers and settings. Clinical nurses can play a major role in improving venous thromboembolism prevention care, assessing venous thromboembolism risks and providing appropriate prophylactic measures to those who are at risk for venous thromboembolism.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

Anonymous paper‐based surveys were conducted for a convenience sample of registered nurses’ (n = 452) from two university‐affiliated hospitals in South Korea.

Results

The majority of participants indicated that their overall self‐rated venous thromboembolism knowledge was ‘fair’, while only 2·4% rated it as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. The overall mean score of the venous thromboembolism knowledge questions was 50·9 (±13·0) of a possible score of 100. The mean score of self‐efficacy in practising venous thromboembolism prevention/prophylaxis was 3·0 (based on a one to five Likert scale). The self‐reported venous thromboembolism assessment performance on patients varied among clinical units. Only 9·3% of participants reported having received in‐service venous thromboembolism education from their hospital.

Conclusions

The findings showed that overall venous thromboembolism knowledge and self‐efficacy in venous thromboembolism prevention practices of Korean registered nurses’ were not highly rated. Korean nurses demonstrated a lack of knowledge about venous thromboembolism, particularly in the areas of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis measures and venous thromboembolism diagnosis methods.

Relevance to clinical practice

Focused education on venous thromboembolism prevention and risk assessment should be considered a component of continuing education for Korean nurses.
Interfirm Bundled Discounts as a Collusive Device
Authors: Hahn Jong‐Hee , Kim Sang‐Hyun
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates whether and how firms competing in price with homogeneous goods (i.e., Bertrand competitors) can achieve supernormal profits using interfirm bundled discounts. By committing to offering price discounts conditional on the purchase of a specific brand of other differentiated good, the homogeneous good suppliers can separate consumers into distinct groups. Such brand‐specific discounts help the firms relax competition and attain a collusive outcome. Consumers become worse off due to higher effective prices. Our result shows that in oligopolies it is feasible to leverage other's market power without excluding rivals.
How Do Switching Costs Affect Market Concentration and Prices in Network Industries?
Authors: Chen Jiawei
Published: June 2016

I investigate the effects of switching costs on the market outcome in network industries using a dynamic duopoly model of price competition in the presence of an outside option. I find that the role of switching costs depends on network effects and the outside option. Without a viable outside option, high switching costs can neutralize the tendency towards high market concentration associated with network effects, but with a viable outside option, switching costs increase market concentration. Furthermore, switching costs lower prices if network effects are modest and there exists a viable outside option, but generally raise prices otherwise.
Dental insurance and dental care among working‐age adults: differences by type and complexity of disability
Authors: Horner‐Johnson Willi , Dobbertin Konrad
Published: June 2016

Objectives

People with disabilities experience barriers to dental care, which may vary depending on type of disability and disability complexity (e.g., impact on activities of daily living). The purpose of this study was to examine differences in dental insurance, receipt of dental checkups, and delayed and unmet needs for dental care by type and complexity of disability.

Methods

We conducted cross‐sectional analysis of 2002–2011 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Multivariable logistic regression analyses compared adults ages 18–64 in five disability type groups (physical, cognitive, vision, hearing, or multiple disabilities) to those with no disabilities, and compared people with complex activity limitations to those without complex limitations.

Results

All disability types except hearing had significantly higher adjusted odds of being without dental insurance, as did people with complex activity limitations. All disability groups except those with cognitive disabilities had increased odds of receiving dental checkups less than once a year. Similarly, all disability groups were at increased risk of both delayed and unmet needs for dental care. Odds ratios were generally highest for people with multiple types of disabilities.

Conclusions

There are significant disparities in having dental insurance and receiving dental care for adults with disabilities, especially those with multiple types of disabilities, after controlling for socioeconomic and demographic differences. Further, disparities in care were apparent even when controlling for presence of dental insurance.
Oral pharmacokinetics and in-vitro metabolism of metyrapone in male rats
Authors: Murata Hideyuki , Higuchi Toshiyuki , Otagiri Masaki
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of a single oral administration of metyrapone (MP) and metabolites produced from it in male Wistar rats, and the major tissues and enzymes involved in the production of the MP metabolites. Furthermore, the MP metabolism in human liver subcellular fractions was compared with that in rats.

Methods

High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was used to determine the concentrations of MP and its metabolites in plasma and urine after administration, and the production activity of MP metabolites in subcellular fractions of various tissues.

Key findings

Plasma concentration of MP was rapidly increased and decreased, and the primary metabolite, metyrapol (MPOL), was immediately produced. The production activity of MPOL was substantially inhibited by an 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) inhibitor in the rat and human liver microsomal and mitochondrial fractions. In the liver cytosolic fraction, the activity was inhibited by a carbonyl reductase inhibitor in the humans but not rats.

Conclusions

In this study, we elucidated the plasma pharmacokinetics of MP and its metabolites in male rats after an oral administration. MPOL is most likely to be produced by 11β-HSD1 in the male rats and humans.
An isoflavone cladrin prevents high-fat diet-induced bone loss and inhibits the expression of adipogenic gene regulators in 3T3-L1 adipocyte
Authors: Gautam Jyoti , Khedgikar Vikram , Choudhary Dharmendra , Kushwaha Priyanka , Dixit Preeti , Singh Divya , Maurya Rakesh , Trivedi Ritu
Published: June 2016

Objective

This study evaluates the effect of isoflavone cladrin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced bone loss and adipogenesis.

Methods

Thirty-two 4-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: a standard diet group, a HFD group and HFD group with cladrin (5 and 10 mg/kg per day orally) for 12 weeks. The effect of cladrin on bone micro-architecture, bone marrow cell lineages and hyperlipidaemia were assessed. For assessing anti-adipogenic activity of cladrin, 3T3-L1 cells were used.

Key findings

Cladrin attenuated HFD-induced hyperlipidaemia and bone loss by preserving bone micro-architecture and strength. Effect of cladrin was found at the level of bone marrow progenitor cells. Gene expression profile of cladrin-treated mice bone showed upregulation of osteoblast and downregulation of adipogenic transcription factors and increased OPG/RANKL ratio. Cladrin inhibited cellular lipid accumulation through downregulation of transcription factors such as PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α and modulated the expression of major adipokines involved behind obesity stimulation without eliciting cell cytotoxicity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Conclusion

We conclude that cladrin may improve obesity-induced bone loss and hyperlipidaemia in mice fed HFD and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells by modifying adipokines and could offer clinical benefits as a supplement to treat obesity-induced disorders.
Melatonin reversed tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐inhibited osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells by stabilizing SMAD1 protein
Authors: Lian Chengjie , Wu Zizhao , Gao Bo , Peng Yan , Liang Anjing , Xu Caixia , Liu Lei , Qiu Xianjian , Huang Junjun , Zhou Hang , Cai Yifeng , Su Peiqiang , Huang Dongsheng
Published: June 2016

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) plays a pivotal role in inflammation‐related osteoporosis through the promotion of bone resorption and suppression of bone formation. Numerous drugs have been produced to treat osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption, but they offer few benefits to bone formation, which is what is needed by patients with severe bone loss. Melatonin, which can exert both anti‐inflammatory and pro‐osteogenic effects, shows promise in overcoming TNFα‐inhibited osteogenesis and deserves further research. This study demonstrated that melatonin rescued TNFα‐inhibited osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells and that the interactions between SMURF1 and SMAD1 mediated the crosstalk between melatonin signaling and TNFα signaling. Additionally, melatonin treatment was found to downregulate TNFα‐induced SMURF1 expression and then decrease SMURF1‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of SMAD1 protein, leading to steady bone morphogenetic protein‐SMAD1 signaling activity and restoration of TNFα‐impaired osteogenesis. Thus, melatonin has prospects for treating osteoporosis caused by inflammatory factors due to its multifaceted functions on regulation of bone formation, bone resorption, and inflammation. Further studies will focus on unveiling the specific mechanisms by which melatonin downregulates SMURF1 expression and confirming the clinical therapeutic value of melatonin in the prevention and therapy of bone loss associated with inflammation.
Both de novo synthetized and exogenous fatty acids support the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Cao Dan , Song Xinhua , Che Li , Li Xiaolei , Pilo Maria G. , Vidili Gianpaolo , Porcu Alberto , Solinas Antonio , Cigliano Antonio , Pes Giovanni M. , Ribback Silvia , Dombrowski Frank , Chen Xin , Li Lei , Calvisi Diego F.
Published: June 2016

Background & Aims

Although it is well established that fatty acids (FA) are indispensable for the proliferation and survival of cancer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), inhibition of Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) cannot completely repress HCC cell growth in culture. Thus, we hypothesized that uptake of exogenous FA by cancer cells might play an important role in the development and progression of HCC. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is the enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids (FFA) and increases the cellular uptake of FA.

Methods

We used immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction to evaluate LPL expression in human and mouse HCC samples. Using lipoprotein‐deficient medium as well as siRNAs against LPL and/or FASN, we investigated whether human HCC cells depend on both endogenous and exogenous fatty acids for survival in vitro.

Results

We found that LPL is upregulated in mouse and human HCC samples. High expression of LPL in human HCC samples is associated with poor prognosis. In HCC cell lines, silencing of FASN or LPL or culturing the cells in lipoprotein‐deficient medium significantly decreased cell proliferation. Importantly, when FASN suppression was coupled to concomitant LPL depletion, the growth restraint of cell lines was further augmented.

Conclusions

The present study strongly suggests that both de novo synthetized and exogenous FA play a major role along hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, combined suppression of LPL and FASN might be highly beneficial for the treatment of human HCC.
Infant and young child feeding practices and stunting in two highland provinces in Ecuador
Authors: Roche Marion L , Gyorkos Theresa W , Blouin Brittany , Marquis Grace S , Sarsoza Julieta , Kuhnlein Harriet V
Published: June 2016

The first two years of life are critical for growth and development. Little is known about infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in the Ecuadorian highlands and how they contribute to stunting. With the objective of understanding nutritional status and the influencing factors to design an intervention, we assessed the nutritional status of 293 infants and children between 0 and 24 months of age, living in 14 communities in the provinces of Tungurahua and Chimborazo using a cross‐sectional study design. We used the WHO IYCF indicators to assess feeding practices; estimated dietary intake with 24‐h recalls; and identified nutritious local foods by food frequency questionnaires. Multiple regression modelling was performed to identify correlates of nutritional status. Stunting was found in 56.2% of children. Mean protein, vitamin A and vitamin C intakes were above recommendations for all ages. Only infants 6.0 to 8.9 months of age and non‐breastfed children 12–23.9 months of age consumed energy intakes below recommendations. Younger age groups had below recommended intakes for iron and calcium. While mean complementary food densities met recommendations for protein, vitamin A, vitamin C and energy, those for zinc, iron and calcium were lower than recommended. Older age, respiratory infections and being male were predictors of lower HAZ, whereas early initiation of breastfeeding, higher socioeconomic status, consumption of iron‐rich foods and higher dietary protein density were protective. Interventions that promote and support optimal breastfeeding practices and enable increased consumption of nutritious local foods have potential to contribute to reducing stunting in this vulnerable population. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
‘My Name is Joe and I'm an Alcoholic’: Addiction, Self‐knowledge and the Dangers of Rationalism
Authors: Levy Neil
Published: June 2016

Rationalist accounts of self‐knowledge are motivated in important part by the claim that only by looking to our reasons to discover our beliefs and desires are we active in relation to them and only thereby do we take responsibility for them. These kinds of account seem to predict that self‐knowledge generated using third‐personal methods or analogues of these methods will tend to undermine the capacity to exercise self‐control. In this light, the insistence by treatment programs that addicts acknowledge that they are addicts seems puzzling. I argue that because addicts—and perhaps ordinary akratics, to some extent at least, too—are vulnerable to losing control of their actions via losing control over their beliefs, advising them to look to their reasons for actions is counterproductive and facilitates loss of control. In contrast, an insistence on what I call impersonal self‐knowledge, knowledge of some of one's states and dispositions generated by third‐personal means, may help to reestablish control.
Denial in Addiction
Authors: Pickard Hanna
Published: June 2016

I argue that denial plays a central but insufficiently recognized role in addiction. The puzzle inherent in addiction is why drug use persists despite negative consequences. The orthodox conception of addiction resolves this puzzle by appeal to compulsion; but there is increasing evidence that addicts are not compelled to use but retain choice and control over their consumption in many circumstances. Denial offers an alternative explanation: there is no puzzle as to why drug use persists despite negative consequences if these consequences are not straightforwardly known. I describe the nature of the causal knowledge that one's drug use is causing negative consequences; map the conceptual landscape of denial and explain how it can block such knowledge; and explore some of the processes and mechanisms that have been studied by philosophy and the cognitive sciences and which may underpin denial in addiction, including well‐established information‐processing biases, motivational influences on belief formation and self‐deception, and cognitive deficits with respect to insight and self‐awareness. I conclude by suggesting that addiction is as much a disorder of cognition as a disorder of conation.
Addiction, Self‐Signalling and the Deep Self
Authors: Holton Richard
Published: June 2016

Addicts may simply deny that they are addicted; or they may use self‐signalling to try to provide evidence that giving up is not worthwhile. I provide an account that shows how easy it is to provide apparent evidence either that the addiction is so bad that it cannot be escaped; or that there is no real addiction, and hence nothing to escape. I suggest that the most effective way of avoiding this is to avoid self‐signalling altogether.
Getting Out of Your Head: Addiction and the Motive of Self‐Escape
Authors: Morgan Daniel , O'Brien Lucy
Published: June 2016

This article explores and defends the claim that addictive desires—for alcohol in particular—are partly explained by the motive of self‐escape. We consider how this claim sits with the neurophysiological explanation of the strength of addictive desires in terms of the effect addictive substances have on the dopamine system. We argue that nothing in the neuroscientific framework rules out pluralism about the causes of addictive desire.
Taxonomic and ecological relevance of the chlorophyll a fluorescence signature of tree species in mixed European forests
Authors: Pollastrini Martina , Holland Vera , Brüggemann Wolfgang , Bruelheide Helge , Dănilă Iulian , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Valladares Fernando , Bussotti Filippo
Published: June 2016

The variability of chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) parameters of forest tree species was investigated in 209 stands belonging to six European forests, from Mediterranean to boreal regions.

The modifying role of environmental factors, forest structure and tree diversity (species richness and composition) on ChlF signature was analysed.

At the European level, conifers showed higher potential performance than broadleaf species. Forests in central Europe performed better than those in Mediterranean and boreal regions. At the site level, homogeneous clusters of tree species were identified by means of a principal component analysis (PCA) of ChlF parameters. The discrimination of the clusters of species was influenced by their taxonomic position and ecological characteristics. The species richness influenced the tree ChlF properties in different ways depending on tree species and site. Tree species and site also affected the relationships between ChlF parameters and other plant functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen content, light‐saturated photosynthesis, wood density, leaf carbon isotope composition).

The assessment of the photosynthetic properties of tree species, by means of ChlF parameters, in relation to their functional traits, is a relevant issue for studies in forest ecology. The connections of data from field surveys with remotely assessed parameters must be carefully explored.
Genetic variations and miRNA–target interactions contribute to natural phenotypic variations in Populus
Authors: Chen Jinhui , Xie Jianbo , Chen Beibei , Quan Mingyang , Li Ying , Li Bailian , Zhang Deqiang
Published: June 2016

Variation in regulatory factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs), contributes to variation in quantitative and complex traits. However, in plants, variants in miRNAs and their target genes that contribute to natural phenotypic variation, and the underlying regulatory networks, remain poorly characterized.

We investigated the associations and interactions of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs and their target genes with phenotypes in 435 individuals from a natural population of Populus.

We used RNA‐seq to identify 217 miRNAs differentially expressed in a tension wood system, and identified 1196 candidate target genes; degradome sequencing confirmed 60 of the target sites. In addition, 72 miRNA–target pairs showed significant co‐expression. Gene ontology (GO) term analysis showed that most of the genes in the co‐regulated pairs participate in biological regulation. Genome resequencing found 5383 common SNPs (frequency ≥ 0.05) in 139 miRNAs and 31 037 SNPs in 819 target genes. Single‐SNP association analyses identified 232 significant associations between wood traits (P ≤ 0.05) and SNPs in 102 miRNAs and 1387 associations with 478 target genes. Among these, 102 miRNA–target pairs associated with the same traits. Multi‐SNP associations found 102 epistatic pairs associated with traits. Furthermore, a reconstructed regulatory network contained 12 significantly co‐expressed pairs, including eight miRNAs and nine targets associated with traits. Lastly, both expression and genetic association showed that miR156i, miR156j, miR396a and miR6445b were involved in the formation of tension wood.

This study shows that variants in miRNAs and target genes contribute to natural phenotypic variation and annotated roles and interactions of miRNAs and their target genes by genetic association analysis.
Oral health‐related quality of life in patients on chronic haemodialysis and after kidney transplantation
Authors: Schmalz G , Kollmar O , Vasko R , Müller GA , Haak R , Ziebolz D
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The objective of the study was to evaluate oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) depending on dental and periodontal situation in patients on haemodialysis (HD) and after kidney transplantation (KTx) compared to healthy controls (HC).

Subjects and Methods

OHRQoL was assessed using the German short form of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP G14). Dental health was estimated using the decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMF‐T). Periodontal health was classified as healthy/mild or moderate/severe periodontitis. Statistical analysis: Mann–Whitney U‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, chi‐square test and Fisher's test.

Results

Eighty‐seven HD patients, 39 KTx patients and 91 HC were included. Significant differences in DMF‐T, D‐T, M‐T and F‐T scores were identified between groups (P < 0.001). The prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis was significantly higher in the HD and KTx group compared to HC (P = 0.002). Differences in OHIP G14 between groups were neither clinical relevant nor statistically significant (P = 0.199). A significant effect of DMF‐T (P = 0.012), M‐T (P < 0.001) and periodontitis (P = 0.023) on the OHIP G14 scores was identified only in HC.

Conclusions

Improvement in dental care of HD and KTx patients is required. OHIP G14 values provide a subjectively considered low importance of oral health in HD and KTx patients, leading to need of motivation and sensitisation of these patients.
Fine mapping the QTL qFS‐chr.23, using a CSIL
Authors: Wang Youwu , Zhang Jingchuan , Kong Guangchao , Lin Hai
Published: June 2016

In an earlier advanced‐backcross quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of an interspecific cross of Gossypium hirsutum cv. ‘Xinluzhong 36’(‘XLZH36’) and G. barbadense cv. ‘Xinhai 21’(‘XH21’), a QTL for fibre strength in the chromosome segment introgression line IL23‐09 was analysed. Single marker analysis revealed that the markers on chro.23 were associated with fibre strength. Using composite interval mapping with the F2 population (1296 plants), a QTL for fibre strength was detected on chro. 23. The QTL explained 8.9% and 15.9% of phenotypic variances in the F2 and F2 : 3 generations, respectively. Substitution mapping suggested that the QTL was located at a physical distance of 23.4 kb between the markers BNL1414 and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus D09_43776813 C‐G. We designated this QTL as qFS‐chr.23 (quantitative trait locus for fibre strength on chro.23). This work provides a valuable genetic resource for the breeding of high fibre quality in cotton and will facilitate future efforts for map‐based cloning.
Diacylglycerol kinases activate tobacco NADPH oxidase‐dependent oxidative burst in response to cryptogein
Authors: Cacas Jean‐Luc , Gerbeau‐Pissot Patricia , Fromentin Jérôme , Cantrel Catherine , Thomas Dominique , Jeannette Emmanuelle , Kalachova Tetiana , Mongrand Sébastien , Simon‐Plas Françoise , Ruelland Eric
Published: June 2016

Cryptogein is a 10 kDa protein secreted by the oomycetePhytophthora cryptogeathat activates defence mechanisms in tobacco plants. Among early signalling events triggered by this microbial‐associated molecular pattern is a transient apoplastic oxidative burst which is dependent on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity of the RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG isoform D (RBOHD). Using radioactive [33P]‐orthophosphate labelling of tobacco Bright Yellow‐2 suspension cells, we here providein vivoevidence for a rapid accumulation of phosphatidic acid (PA) in response to cryptogein because of the coordinated onset of phosphoinositide‐dependent phospholipase C and diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) activities. Both enzyme specific inhibitors and silencing of the phylogenetic cluster III of the tobacco DGK family were found to reduce PA production upon elicitation and to strongly decrease the RBOHD‐mediated oxidative burst. Therefore, it appears that PA originating from DGK controls NADPH‐oxidase activity. Amongst cluster III DGKs, the expression ofDGK5‐likewas up‐regulated in response to cryptogein. BesidesDGK5‐likeis likely to be the main cluster III DGK isoform silenced in one of our mutant lines, making it a strong candidate for the observed response to cryptogein. The relevance of these results is discussed with regard to early signalling lipid‐mediated events in plant immunity.
Questions for a Theory of Humor
Authors: Olin Lauren
Published: June 2016

Finding things funny is a pervasive aspect of human mental and social life, but humor has been neglected in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science. Recently, however, there has been a swell of interest in the topic. This essay critically introduces and evaluates contemporary developments in the field, and generates an associated list of questions that a successful theory of humor should be able to answer.
Philosophy in Western Han Dynasty China (206 BCE–9 CE)
Authors: Ing Michael D. K.
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that there are ample resources in the English‐speaking academic community to enable philosophers who cannot read Chinese to work with material from the Western Han dynasty in their research or teaching. It discusses three kinds of resources, with the aim of developing a community of philosophers engaged in a sustained conversation about Western Han thought. These resources are (1) histories that describe various aspects of the Han dynasty, (2) translations of key texts, and (3) intellectual histories that examine specific thinkers or texts from the Han. This article also provides a detailed example of one way in which Western Han texts demonstrate the diversity of Chinese philosophy with regard to value conflicts.
Supporting Safety in the Older Adult Driver: A Public Health Nursing Opportunity
Authors: Wiese Lisa Kirk , Wolff Logan
Published: June 2016

The effective operation of a motor vehicle encompasses a wide range of cognitive processes that can decline due to age‐related changes in neuroanatomical structures and cognitive functionality. The increasing number of older adult drivers in our rapidly aging population heightens the public safety concern of unsafe driving associated with these changes. Nurses caring for older adults in public health settings are well positioned to make a difference in the management of older patients who may be at risk of endangering themselves or others on the roadways. In this article, information is provided for increasing nurses’ awareness of the cognitive factors inhibiting effective driving, recognizing older adults who may be at risk for unsafe driving, and facilitating a patient/family to seek a driving evaluation.
Comparative effects of wild type Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and its indole acetic acid‐deficient mutants on wheat
Authors: Hassan T. U. , Bano A.
Published: June 2016

The present investigation evaluated the role of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and its IAA‐deficient mutant on soil health and plant growth under salinity stress in the presence of tryptophan.

In the first phase, S. maltophilia isolated from roots of the halo‐ phytic herb, Cenchrus ciliaris was used as bio‐inoculant on wheat grown in saline sodic soil. A field experiment was conducted at Soil Salinity Research Institute during 2010–2011. Treatments included seed inoculation with S. maltophilia with or without tryptophan; uninoculated untreated plants were taken as control. An aqueous solution of tryptophan was added to rhizosphere soil at 1 μg l_1 after seed germination.

Inoculation with S. maltophilia significantly increased soil organic matter, enhanced (20–30%) availability of P, K, Ca and NO3‐N and decreased Na content and electrical conductivity of rhizosphere soil. Plant height, fresh weight, proline and phytohormone content of leaves were increased 30–40% over the control. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were 40–50% higher than control. Addition of tryptophan further augmented (10–15%) growth parameters, whereas NO3‐N, P, K and Ca content, proline content and SOD and POD increased 20–30%. In a second phase, indoleacetic acid (IAA)‐deficient mutants of S. maltophilia were constructed and evaluated for conversion of tryptophan to IAA at the University of Calgary, Canada, during 2013–2014. About 1800 trans‐conjugants were constructed that were unable to produce IAA in the presence of tryptophan.

The results suggest that tryptophan assisted S. maltophilia in the amelioration of salt stress, and that IAA played positive role in induction of salt tolerance.
Characterization of accessions and species of Macadamia to stem infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Akinsanmi O. A. , Neal J. , Drenth A. , Topp B.
Published: June 2016

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a major pathogen in most macadamia plantations worldwide. Due to stem lesions, stem cankers and leaf defoliation, it results in loss of productivity and tree death. This study examined accessions of the four Macadamia species and their hybrids, produced via rooted stem cuttings or germinated seeds, for susceptibility to stem canker and necrotic lesions caused by P. cinnamomi. Plants were wound‐inoculated with agar containing P. cinnamomi. The symptoms produced in inoculated plants were used to characterize host susceptibility variation within and among the population. Lesion length and severity of stem canker were recorded. The four species and hybrids differed significantly in stem canker severity (P < 0.001) and lesion length (P = 0.04). Macadamia integrifolia and M. tetraphylla hybrids were the most susceptible. Macadamia integrifolia had the greatest stem canker severity and the most extensive lesions above and below the site of inoculation. Restricted lesion sizes were observed in M. ternifolia and M.  jansenii. The effects of basal stem diameter and the method of propagation either from cuttings or from seed were not significant. The genetic variation in the reaction of macadamia accessions to stem infection by P. cinnamomi is discussed.
Retracted: Proteomic and physiological responses of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to salinity stress and N‐acyl‐homoserine lactone
Authors: Ding Lina , Cao Jun , Duan Yunfei , Li Jun , Yang Yang , Yang Guoxing , Zhou Yang
Published: June 2016

To evaluate the alleviating action of exogenous N‐acyl‐homoserine lactones (AHLs) on NaCl toxicity, morphological, physiological and proteomic changes were investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Salinity stress decreased growth parameters, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and catalase activities. Application of lower concentration of AHL had a relieving effect on Arabidopsis seedlings under salinity stress which dramatically decreased MDA content, and increased growth parameters as well as SOD and POD activities. Total proteins were extracted from the control, NaCl‐, AHL‐ and NaCl + AHL‐treated seedlings and were separated using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. A total of 127 protein spots showed different expression compared with the control. Mass spectrometry analysis allowed the identification of 97 proteins involved in multiple pathways, i.e. defense/stress/detoxification, photosynthesis, protein metabolism, signal transduction, transcription, cell wall biogenesis, metabolisms of carbon, lipid, energy, sulfur, nucleotide and sugar. These results suggest that defense/stress response, metabolism and energy, signal transduction and regulation, protein metabolism and transcription‐related proteins may be particularly subjected to regulation in salt stressed Arabidopsis seedlings, when treated with AHL and that this regulation lead to improved salt tolerance and plant growth. Overall, this study provides insight to the effect of AHL on salinity stress for the first time, and also sheds light on overview of the molecular mechanism of AHL‐regulated plant growth promotion and salt resistance.
Optical coherence tomography of basal cell carcinoma: density and signal attenuation
Authors: Yücel D. , Themstrup L. , Manfredi M. , Jemec G. B. E.
Published: June 2016

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent malignancy in Caucasians. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non‐invasive optical imaging technology using the principle of interferometry. OCT has shown a great potential in diagnosing, monitoring, and follow‐up of BCC. So far most OCT studies on the subject of BCC have had a qualitative focus, i.e. on morphological analysis of the OCT images. The aim of this study was to explore the use of quantitative OCT measurements, density, and attenuation coefficient in BCC lesions as a way to improve the OCT evaluation of BCC.

Methods

The study was based on OCT images of 58 histologically verified BCC lesions and the corresponding normal adjacent skin. The study population was divided into two groups based on the OCT morphology of the BCC lesions: the “Disrupt BCC group” and the “Nodular BCC group”. Density and attenuation coefficients were measured in the OCT images by specially designed software and the regions of interests (ROI) were placed directly on (ROI1) and under the visible BCC lesions (ROI2). The results were compared to the OCT images of normal adjacent skin.

Results

Disrupt BCC group: The densities of BCC lesions were significant lower (P = 0.002), than the normal skin in ROI1. Attenuation measurements were found to be significantly greater (P = 0.012) in BCC lesions compared to normal skin in ROI1.

Nodular BCC group: Attenuation measurements were found to be significantly lower (P = 0.017) in BCC lesions compared to normal skin in ROI1.

Conclusions

Our study suggests a quantitative potential of OCT in the context of BCC. This study is exploratory and requires independent verification.
Evaluation of the Techniques to Mitigate Early Shrinkage Cracking through an Image Analysis Methodology
Authors: Ruiz‐Ripoll L. , Barragán B. E. , Moro S. , Turmo J.
Published: June 2016

Nowadays, new products are introduced in concrete mixes to reduce the effects of shrinkage, which are the main reason of most of early age cracking phenomena, especially when curing is not performed in accordance to best practices. The lack of a standardized methodology to quantify concrete cracking complicates the determination of the effectiveness of different solutions and comparison between them.

This research presents an evaluation through images of the suitability of fibres and shrinkage‐reducing admixtures to control early shrinkage cracking in slab‐type concrete elements. The use of this technique has permitted quantifying the typical cracking parameters objectively and analyse probabilistically the average crack width.

Results show a delay and reduction of cracking after adding shrinkage‐reducing admixtures and fibres in concrete, especially 1 kg m−3of polymeric microfibres. The incorporation of these components directly into the mix modified the behaviour of concrete, reducing shrinkage cracking from the beginning of moisture losses.
Correlations of Bubble Diameter and Frequency for Air–Water System Based on Orifice Diameter and Flow Rate
Authors: Al Ba'ba'a Hasan B. , Elgammal Tarek , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: June 2016

Prediction correlations of air bubble diameter and frequency in stagnant clean water were established. Eleven different orifice diameters were tested under flow rate of 0.05–0.15 SLPM. The resulted bubble size and frequency were traced using high-speed camera. It was found that the mean Sauter diameter and bubble frequency are in the range of 3.7–6.9 mm and 6.4–47.2 bubbles per second, respectively. Nonlinear regression was performed to design the new correlations of estimating diameter and frequency with a correlation factor of 0.93 and 0.94, respectively. Flow rate and orifice size had the highest impact on the studied parameters.
Chemically amplified molecular resists based on noria derivatives containing adamantyl ester groups for electron beam lithography
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroki , Tagawa Seiichi , Kozawa Takahiro , Kudo Hiroto , Okamoto Kazumasa
Published: June 2016

In this study, the authors examined the synthesis and resist performance of positive-tone chemically amplified molecular resist materials based on noria (water wheel in Latin) derivatives with pendant adamantyl ester (AD) groups (noria-AD) using an electron beam (EB) exposure tool. The physical properties of synthesized noria derivatives with various ratios of AD groups and their patterning properties were examined in an EB exposure tool. Furthermore, lithographic performances such as the etch durability and line width roughness of resist patterns were also investigated. These results showed that the physical properties and resist performance of the noria-AD were consistent with the ratio of AD groups, and noria derivatives have high potential to offer higher-resolution resist patterns for EB lithography.
Gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced vitamin K deficiency
Authors: Fotouhie Azadeh , Desai Hem , King Skye , Parsa Nour Alhoda
Published: June 2016

There is a well-known association between vitamin K deficiency and haemorrhagic events including gastrointestinal bleeding. There is also a well-known association between both poor dietary intake of vitamin K and chronic antibiotic use and the development of vitamin K deficiency. Although the medical literature notes that cephalosporin antibiotics have a propensity to cause vitamin K deficiency due to the molecular structure of the medications and their ability to suppress the synthesis of clotting factors, there are other antibiotics that have also been implicated in the development of vitamin K deficiency. There are very few reports of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole causing vitamin K deficiency and further leading to bleeding episodes. We present such a case and discuss the risk factors leading to such complications.
Attitudes towards abortion in graduate and non-graduate entrants to medical school in Ireland
Authors: O'Grady Kevin , Doran Kieran , O'Tuathaigh Colm M P
Published: June 2016

Background

Recent legislation has sought to clarify abortion law in Ireland, allowing abortion where pregnancy endangers a woman's life, including through risk of suicide. Previous studies have shown that medical students’ attitudes towards abortion can predict their likelihood to provide abortion care services in the future.

Aim

To survey graduate-entry (GEM) and undergraduate-entry (i.e. school-leaver; DEM) medical students in Ireland on their attitudes to abortion, in light of recent changes in legislation.

Methods

Irish medical students completed an 18-item anonymous questionnaire, measuring knowledge and attitudes regarding abortion, and current Irish abortion law.

Results

Of 525 respondents (response rate 52.9%), 92% indicated that abortion was justified in specific circumstances. Over 80% stated that abortion was justified in cases of risk to the life of the mother (including risk of suicide) or where the fetus would not survive until term. 58.2% believed abortion was justified in the case of certain fetal developmental and genetic defects. 56.6% expressed a willingness to perform a legal abortion in their future practice. GEM students were more likely than DEM students to support availability of abortion services across each of the clinical scenarios. This effect was largely mediated by differences in religious adherence and continent-of-origin across both cohorts.

Conclusions

The majority of students, regardless of mode of entry, believed abortion was justified where there was a real risk to the life of the mother (including risk of suicide) or in cases of fetal non-viability. The most significant determinant of students’ beliefs was religious adherence.
Inducible T-cell co-stimulator ligand (ICOSL) blockade leads to selective inhibition of anti-KLH IgG responses in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sullivan B A , Tsuji W , Kivitz A , Peng J , Arnold G E , Boedigheimer M J , Chiu K , Green C L , Kaliyaperumal A , Wang C , Ferbas J , Chung J B
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single-dose and multiple-dose administration of AMG 557, a human anti-inducible T cell co-stimulator ligand (ICOSL) monoclonal antibody, in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Patients with mild, stable SLE (n=112) were enrolled in two clinical trials to evaluate the effects of single (1.8–210 mg subcutaneous or 18 mg intravenous) and multiple (6 –210 mg subcutaneous every other week (Q2W)×7) doses of AMG 557. Subjects received two 1 mg intradermal injections 28 days apart of keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH), a neoantigen, to assess PD effects of AMG 557. Safety, PK, target occupancy, anti-KLH antibody responses, lymphocyte subset analyses and SLE-associated biomarkers and clinical outcomes were assessed.

Results

AMG 557 demonstrated an acceptable safety profile. The PK properties were consistent with an antibody directed against a cell surface target, with non-linear PK observed at lower concentrations and linear PK at higher concentrations. Target occupancy by AMG 557 was dose dependent and reversible, and maximal occupancy was achieved in the setting of this trial. Anti-AMG 557 antibodies were observed, but none were neutralising and without impact on drug levels. A significant reduction in the anti-KLH IgG response was observed with AMG 557 administration without discernible changes in the anti-KLH IgM response or on the overall IgG levels. No discernible changes were seen in lymphocyte subsets or in SLE-related biomarkers and clinical measures.

Conclusions

The selective reduction in anti-KLH IgG demonstrates a PD effect of AMG 557 in subjects with SLE consistent with the biology of the ICOS pathway and supports further studies of AMG 557 as a potential therapeutic for autoimmune diseases.

Trial registration numbers

NCT02391259 andNCT00774943.
Effect of short‐term probioticEnterococcus faeciumSF68 dietary supplementation in overweight and obese cats without comorbidities
Authors: Kathrani Aarti , Larsen Jennifer A , Kass Philip H , Fascetti Andrea J
Published: June 2016

Obesity in cats is associated with metabolic abnormalities and increased susceptibility to diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Studies in mouse models and human beings have shown that probiotics can reduce food intake, promote weight loss and improve metabolic profile. Studies assessing the effects of probiotics on these same parameters are absent in cats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if probioticEnterococcus faeciumstrain SF68 dietary supplementation reduces food intake, promotes weight loss and improves metabolic profile in overweight and obese cats without comorbidities. Twenty overweight and obese specific pathogen‐free cats without comorbidities were acclimatised to a dry diet for four weeks. After exclusion of four cats for unrelated reasons, eight cats received a daily oral probiotic for eight weeks and eight control cats received no probiotic. All cats were fed ad libitum with food intake measured daily and bodyweight weekly. Blood was collected at three time points: after four weeks of acclimatisation to the diet, after eight weeks of intervention and after six weeks of washout for measurement of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, fructosamine, insulin, leptin, total adiponectin and deuterium oxide for body composition. There were no differences in food intake, metabolic parameters and body composition between the probiotic and control groups after eight weeks of intervention and six weeks of washout (P≥0.050). Short‐term use ofE faeciumSF68 dietary supplementation had no significant effect on food intake, bodyweight, body composition or metabolic parameters in overweight and obese specific pathogen‐free cats without comorbidities.
Thermal conductivity of geosynthetic clay liners
Authors: Ali Mohammad Asgar , Bouazza Abdelmalek , Singh Rao Martand , Gates Will P. , Rowe R. Kerry
Published: June 2016

The thermal conductivities of powdered and granular bentonite based needle punched geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) were investigated at different gravimetric water contents under 25, 50, 75, and 100 kPa vertical stresses. Both types of GCLs exhibited an increase in thermal conductivity with increasing vertical stress at all water contents. The effect of vertical stresses was more pronounced for the specimens hydrated at lower gravimetric water contents and this was attributed to their high initial volumetric air content. The variability of water distribution in partially hydrated GCLs has been identified as a factor that may affect their thermal conductivity. The forms of bentonites (i.e., powder or granular) affected their thermal conductivities; however, this effect was less apparent at higher gravimetric water contents due to the reduced air content and gel formation in the bentonites. Finally, the GCL thermal conductivity calculated from the measured thermal conductivities of its various constituents (i.e geotextile and bentonite) components differed from the measured values. This was attributed to the nonuniform water distribution across the GCL specimen and change in material properties when components of GCL were disassembled.