bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unstable bodyweight and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kodama Satoru , Fujihara Kazuya , Ishiguro Hajime , Horikawa Chika , Ohara Nobumasa , Yachi Yoko , Tanaka Shiro , Shimano Hitoshi , Kato Kiminori , Hanyu Osamu , Sone Hirohito
Published: January 2017

Aims/Introduction

The present meta‐analysis aimed to clarify the association of unstable bodyweight with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, an association that has been controversial among longitudinal studies.

Materials and Methods

An electronic literature search using EMBASE and MEDLINE was followed up to 31 August 2016. The relative risks (RRs) of type 2 diabetes mellitus in individuals with unstable bodyweight were pooled using the inverse variance method.

Results

Eight studies were eligible for the meta‐analysis. The median duration of measurements of weight change and follow‐up years for ascertaining type 2 diabetes mellitus were 13.5 and 9.4 years, respectively. The pooled RR for the least vs most stable category was 1.33 (95% confidence interval 1.12–1.57). Between‐study heterogeneity was statistically significant (P = 0.048). Whether type 2 diabetes mellitus was ascertained by blood testing explained 66.0% of the variance in the logarithm of RR (P = 0.02). In three studies in which blood testing was carried out, type 2 diabetes mellitus risk was not significant (RR 1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.91–1.25). Furthermore, publication bias that inflated type 2 diabetes mellitus risk was statistically detected by Egger's test (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Unstable bodyweight might be modestly associated with the elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus; although serious biases, such as diagnostic suspicion bias and publication bias, made it difficult to assess this association.
Social Capital and Organizational Change in High‐Involvement and Traditional Work Organizations
Authors: Gant Jon , Ichniowski Casey , Shaw Kathryn
Published: January 2017

We present new evidence indicating that changing from a traditional human resource management (HRM) environment to an innovative one entails a change not only in formal work practices, but also in the informal networks and patterns of interaction among employees. We focus on differences in the social capital of these workplaces and measure differences in the structure of interactions and information transfer among employees across a sample of manufacturing lines with a common production technology and different HRM systems. We then consider the implications of these differences and show that the change from one form of workplace practices to the other is therefore not just a matter of paying for the direct costs of a new set of HRM practices. Rather, it would involve a disruptive overhaul in the entire network of interactions among all workers at the plant.
Land use influence on flood routing and retention from the viewpoint of hydromechanics
Authors: Bornschein A. , Pohl R.
Published: January 2017

Implementing new concepts and measures for flood risk management may be restricted by hydromechanical processes. These processes govern the movement of water masses within rivers and their floodplains. Different hydraulic processes are still not fully understood or cannot be described satisfactorily by hydro‐numerical models due to uncertainty in input data. The choosing of the correct surface roughness has a huge influence on the results of hydro‐numerical calculation of historical and design flood events and their reliability for the assessment of flood risk mitigation measures like floodplain restoration. The authors try to outline the various effects of channel and floodplain roughness on fluvial flood routing and give examples. A method is presented for peak discharge calculation of historical flood events.
Stability and change in flood risk governance: on path dependencies and change agents
Authors: Wiering M. , Liefferink D. , Crabbé A.
Published: January 2017

This article presents a theoretical framework for the analysis of stability and change in national flood risk policies. Based on thorough scrutiny of existing theories on stability and change in the literature, we want to offer guidance for empirical studies on flood risk governance. On one hand, we elaborate theories of path dependency and institutional stability. On the other hand, we focus on the role of policy entrepreneurs and actor coalitions bringing in new ideas on how policies should be adjusted. We translate both angles to the realm of flood risks. Furthermore, we consider the role of trends and shock events. By integrating these perspectives into one comprehensive theoretical framework, we aim to offer guidance to empirical researchers searching for forces of stability and change in flood risk governance.
Comparison of treatment outcomes between balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for gastric variceal bleeding hemostasis
Authors: Lee Shin Jae , Kim Seung Up , Kim Man‐Deuk , Kim Young Hwan , Kim Gyoung Min , Park Sung Il , Won Jong Yun , Lee Do Yun , Lee Kwang‐Hun
Published: January 2017

Background and Aim

Both balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are considered effective treatments for gastric variceal bleeding (GVB). In this study, outcomes of these two procedures were compared in managing patients with GVB.

Methods

A total of 142 patients undergoing BRTO (n = 95) or TIPS (n = 47) between 2005 and 2012 at two tertiary centers were selected for retrospective review.

Results

Mean patient age (male, 115; female, 27) was 58.1 years. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis was the most common underlying cause (n = 63, 44.4%), followed by hepatitis B (n = 60, 42.3%) and hepatitis C (n = 7, 4.9%) viral infections. Concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was identified in 64 (45.1%) patients. During the follow‐up period (mean, 28.2 months), 27 patients (19%) experienced re‐bleeding. Cumulative re‐bleeding rates after BRTO (8.6% at 1 year; 22.7% at 3 years) were significantly lower than those after TIPS (19.8% at 1 year; 48.2% at 3 years; P = 0.006, log‐rank test). In multivariate analysis, TIPS (vs BRTO) was found independently predictive of re‐bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.174; P = 0.048), in addition to concurrent HCC and poor baseline Child–Pugh score (both P < 0.05). Although BRTO surpassed TIPS (P = 0.026, log‐rank test) in terms of overall postprocedural survival, independent factors predictive of poor overall survival after hemostasis were concurrent HCC (HR = 3.106), high Child–Pugh score (HR = 1.886 per 1‐point increase), and postprocedural hepatic encephalopathy (HR = 3.014; all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration proved more effective than TIPS in hemostasis of GVB, associated with significantly less risk of re‐bleeding.
THE FINANCIAL REPRESSION‐LIBERALIZATION DEBATE: TAKING STOCK, LOOKING FOR A SYNTHESIS
Authors: Loizos Konstantinos
Published: January 2017

Financial repression and liberalization became the object of fierce debates between academics and policy makers since the early 1970s. As of the late 1980s, financial liberalization became also part of the ‘Structural Adjustment Programs’ sponsored by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. However, the literature on financial repression and liberalization remains controversial on its theoretical conclusions and policy implications. Given its importance for both the theory and policy of economic development and growth, this paper looks for a possible synthesis. After reviewing the theoretical contributions and empirical studies under the headings of the McKinnon–Shaw and new structuralists models, the survey concludes that a new synthesis might be found in the Post‐Keynesian attempt to take an institutional perspective within a globalised financial and economic environment.
Balancing the Human Touch with the Need for Integrating Technology in Ambulatory Surgical Environments: Barriers and Facilitators to Nursing Work and Care Team Interactions
Authors: Joseph Anjali , Wingler Deborah , Zamani Zahra
Published: January 2017

Ambulatory surgical environments are dynamic and complex, involving coordination across multiple groups of care providers and requiring numerous sources and handoffs of information. As in other areas of healthcare, these settings have grown increasingly complex over the years with the integration of new equipment and technology such as electronic medical records. However, little thought has been given to the design of workspaces in these settings to support evolving work processes and emerging technologies. The purpose of this research study was to understand nurses’ work patterns in preoperative and postoperative workspaces of ambulatory surgery centers, and to identify environmental design strategies that support or act as barriers to critical interactions between care teams due to the integration of new technologies. In–depth case studies were conducted at two ambulatory surgery centers using a multimethod approach consisting of behavior mapping, shadowing, spatial analysis, and semi–structured interviews with nursing staff. The study data were collected over two consecutive days at each site. The majority of patient care activities such as bedside care and charting were carried out directly with the patient in the patient bays. Nurses were observed standing or walking for approximately 70% of the observations, and face–to–face interactions were dominant in both case studies regardless of the technology implemented. Key environmental facilitators and barriers to nurses’ work in surgery centers include: accessibility, flexibility, visibility, size, and privacy. Architects and interior designers can play an important role in designing human–centered work environments for nurses in surgical settings that effectively support the critical tasks and interactions that must take place. Designing work systems requires a human–factors approach to design that examines the range of activities, interactions, people, technology, and design of the workspace and its elements.
Use of Treatment and Counseling Services and Mind‐Body Techniques by Students With Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties
Authors: Jayawardene Wasantha , Erbe Ryan , Lohrmann David , Torabi Mohammad
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

School‐based treatment and counseling services (TCSs) can integrate mind‐body techniques (MBTs) to improve children's health, wellness, and academic performance. We aimed to describe the effect of school‐based TCS on MBT‐use among students experiencing difficulties with concentration, emotions, behaviors, and getting along (DCEBG).

METHODS

National Health Interview Survey data were utilized (N2007 = 1225; N2012 = 1835). Logistic regression examined associations between TCS‐type and MBT‐use, while propensity score matching controlled for confounders in the prematch sample.

RESULTS

Compared with children without DCEBG, MBT‐use was higher among children with DCEBG, but it decreased from 2007 (9.7%) to 2012 (5.1%). Receipt of school‐based TCS increased from 2007 (11.3%) to 2012 (33.9%). Receipt of school‐only TCS, compared with nonschool‐only TCS, was associated with lower MBT‐use (OR2007 = 0.20; OR2012 = 0.54). After matching, this difference remained for 2007 (tprematch = −2.77; tpostmatch = −2.00), but not 2012 (tprematch = −2.53; tpostmatch = −0.88). School‐only TCS‐use increased with family activity limitations; in 2012, it decreased with higher parental education. Mind‐body techniques‐use was higher in girls and associated with higher parental education and family activity limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

While the relative increase of MBT integration by school‐based TCS is commendable and further encouraged, school mental health practitioners should account for the differential effects of family‐level factors on TCS‐choice and MBT‐use.
The Association Between Electronic Bullying and School Absenteeism Among High School Students in the United States
Authors: Grinshteyn Erin , Tony Yang Y.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

We examined the relationship between exposure to electronic bullying and absenteeism as a result of being afraid.

METHODS

This multivariate, multinomial regression analysis of the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data assessed the association between experiencing electronic bullying in the past year and how often students were absent in the last month due to feeling unsafe at/in transit to school. The model controlled for other predictors of school absence including demographics, physical/behavioral health, and risk factors. Missing data were multiply imputed.

RESULTS

Electronic bullying was significantly associated with absences. Controlling for model covariates, the relative risk of missing 1 day of school was 1.77 times higher, the relative risk of missing 2 to 3 days of school per month increased by a factor of 2.08, and the relative risk of missing 4 or more days of school per month increased by a factor of 1.77 for those who experienced electronic bullying in the past year compared with those who were not electronically bullied.

CONCLUSIONS

Electronic bullying's association with absenteeism places it among already recognized negative influences such as depression and binge drinking, necessitating schools to implement policies to mediate the resulting harmful effects.
Retinal vascular lesions
Authors: Tripathy Koushik , Sharma Yog Raj
Published: January 2017

See Answer
Improved milk production through PG–PL system by provision of in‐house shelter management in lactating Murrah buffaloes during winter season
Authors: Haque N. , Singh M. , Hossain S. A.
Published: January 2017

Comprehensive information on the role of β‐casein and plasminogen–plasmin (PG–PL) system in milk secretion of Murrah buffaloes during winter season is lacking, although effects of cold stress can be ameliorated to an extent by altering microclimate at farm level. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the changes in productivity along with PG–PL system of milk, plasma hormones and metabolites of buffaloes during winter (December–January) season under two different management systems. Average minimum temperature and wind chill index during this season were 7.02 and 12.74 °C respectively. Buffaloes were divided in two groups of six animals each: control and treatment, where treatment group animals were placed in‐house with floor bedding of paddy straw and the control group animals in loose housing system without straw bedding. Physiological responses were recorded, and milk and blood samples were collected at weekly intervals for six‐week experimental period. Under in‐house management system, buffaloes experienced better comfort by alleviating environmental stress as their physiological responses such as respiration rate and pulse rate were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) as compared to the control, which subsequently resulted higher milk yield by 9.92% (p < 0.05). Analysis of milk samples revealed higher concentration of plasminogen (10.6 vs. 8.05 μg/ml; p < 0.01) and β‐casein (p < 0.05), and lower plasmin level (0.299 vs. 0.321 μg/ml; p < 0.05) in buffaloes under treatment group. It was also found that plasma cortisol, glucose and non‐esterified fatty acids levels were higher (p < 0.01) in control group as compared to the treatment animals by 13.6%, 8.14% and 12.6% respectively. However, milk composition, growth hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine level in plasma were similar in both the groups. Hence, it may be concluded that provision of in‐house shelter management with floor bedding of paddy straw during winter was effective to minimize environmental stress and improved milk production through manipulation of PG–PL system in buffaloes.
Future anti‐HBV strategies
Authors: Gane Edward J.
Published: January 2017

Although current oral antivirals can maintain viral suppression and reduce the risk of liver‐related complications, lifelong therapy is associated with high cost, risk of breakthrough and potential toxicity. There is a need to develop a finite course of treatment which can provide sustained off‐treatment virological and clinical response. The likely marker of such a clinical HBV CURE would be HBsAg clearance, but in addition cccDNA elimination would be required to prevent future reactivation (ie complete HBV cure). Chronic HBV infection is characterised by high viral and antigen burden and inadequate host immune responses, both of which will need to be overcome to achieve HBV CURE. Innovative approaches to restore innate and adaptive immune responses against HBV currently in clinical development include therapeutic vaccines, TLR‐7 and TLR‐8 agonists. In future, strategies to reverse T‐cell exhaustion such as checkpoint inhibitors may be feasible. Currently, the only antivirals in clinical use are the HBV polymerase inhibitors. However, many other steps of HBV virion life cycle can be targeted by small molecules, including inhibitors of HBV entry, nucleocapsid formation and virion assembly and release. siRNAs could inhibit many different steps by blocking multiple HBV transcripts. But, the ultimate goal will be to successfully eradicate or silence cccDNA. It is likely that successful HBV cure will require combination of immunomodulatory, antiviral and cccDNA silencing strategies. Efficacy, safety, route of administration and cost will ultimately determine the impact of these new regimens on the burden of HBV.
Why and how to measure renal function in patients with liver disease
Authors: Piano Salvatore , Romano Antonietta , Di Pascoli Marco , Angeli Paolo
Published: January 2017

Patients with advanced liver disease frequently have impaired renal function. Both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are quite common in patients with cirrhosis and both are associated with a worse prognosis in these patients. A careful assessment of renal function is highly important in these patients to help physicians determine their diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic management and to define transplantation strategies (liver transplantation alone vs simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation). Although they are still widely used in clinical practice, conventional biomarkers of renal function such as serum creatinine have several limitations in these patients. Recent progress has been made in the evaluation of renal function and new diagnostic criteria for AKI have been proposed. However, certain issues such as the noninvasive assessment of the glomerular filtration rate and/or improvement in the differential diagnosis between hepatorenal syndrome and acute tubular necrosis must still be addressed. The purposes of this paper are: (i) to highlight the importance of the evaluation of renal function in patients with cirrhosis; (ii) to review the state of the art in the assessment of renal function in these patients as well as advances that we expect will be made to improve the accuracy of available tools.
When can we stop nucleoside analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B?
Authors: Chong Chern Hao , Lim Seng Gee
Published: January 2017

Treatment with nucleoside analogue (NAs) is now the most common treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and is recommended by all guidelines. Stopping NAs is a controversial issue in these patients, unless the clinical endpoints of HBeAg seroconversion or HBsAg seroclearance are achieved. While HBeAg seroconversion can occur in a significant number of patients, HBsAg seroclearance rates are low. HBsAg seroclearance is increasingly accepted as the ideal end of treatment, representing a functional cure. Treatment withdrawal leads to relapse in 50% of patients who achieve HBeAg seroconversion and complete at least 12 months of consolidation therapy. In HBeAg negative CHB, the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) stopping rules show that although clinical relapse occurs in approximately 43% and virological relapse occurs in 70%, very few patients experience flare or decompensation. NAs treatment for >2 years was associated with a lower rate of relapse. Recently, stopping NA therapy was shown to be associated with HBsAg in 20%‐39% of HBeAg negative patients and more frequently in those with low quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg). However, the most optimal level is unclear. Quantitative HBsAg is becoming a useful tool to predict a sustained response or relapse before stopping therapy. In conclusion, stopping NA therapy is generally safe and can be an option in specific situations such as HBeAg seroconversion. However, it is associated with disease relapse. Thus, patient selection based on qHBsAg may help identify patients who are more likely to achieve HBsAg seroclearance or a sustained response.
Program changes are effective and cost‐effective in increasing the amount of oil used in preparing corn soy blend porridge for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition in Malawi
Authors: Rogers Beatrice Lorge , Wilner Lauren B. , Maganga Gray , Walton Shelley Marcus , Suri Devika J. , Langlois Breanne K. , Chui Kenneth Kwan Ho , Boiteau Jocelyn M. , Vosti Stephen A. , Webb Patrick
Published: January 2017

Corn Soy Blend (CSB) porridge is commonly prepared with oil for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). A recent review recommended that 30 g of oil be used with 100 g of CSB to increase energy density and micronutrient absorption. This study assessed the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of program changes aimed at achieving that target oil:CSB ratio in prepared porridge. Caregivers of children in MAM supplementary feeding programs were assigned to three groups: a control group received monthly rations of 1 L oil, 8 kg CSB in bulk, and social and behavior change communication (SBCC); intervention groups received 2.6 L oil, 8 kg CSB provided either in bulk (Group 1) or four 2‐kg packages with printed messages (Group 2), and enhanced SBCC emphasizing the target oil:CSB ratio. Compared to the control, both intervention groups had higher mean added oil per 100 g CSB (18 g, p < 0.01, and 13 g, p= 0.04, higher in groups 1 and 2, respectively), and greater odds of meeting or exceeding the target ratio (28.4, p< 0.01, and 12.7, p= 0.02, in groups 1 and 2, respectively). Cost per caregiver reaching the target ratio was most favorable in Group 1 ($391 in Group 1, $527 in Group 2, and $1,666 in the control). Enhanced SBCC combined with increased oil ration resulted in increased use of oil in CSB porridge in a supplementary feeding program. Modified packaging did not improve effectiveness. However, both interventions were more cost‐effective than standard programming.
When Do Scientific Explanations Compete? Steps Toward a Heuristic Checklist
Authors: Jones Todd , Pravica Michael
Published: January 2017

It's not uncommon for scientists to give different explanations of the same phenomenon, but we currently lack clear guidelines for deciding whether to treat such accounts as competitors. This article discusses how science studies can help create tools and guidelines for thinking about whether explanations compete. It also specifies how one family of discourse rules enables there to be differing accounts that appear to compete but don't. One hopes that being more aware of the linguistic mechanisms making compatible accounts appear to compete will prevent people from wasting resources trying to show which account is right.
Does item overlap render measured relationships between pain and challenging behaviour trivial? Results from a multicentre cross‐sectional study in 13 German nursing homes
Authors: Kutschar Patrick , Bauer Zsuzsa , Gnass Irmela , Osterbrink Jürgen
Published: January 2017

Several studies suggest that pain is a trigger for challenging behaviour in older adults with cognitive impairment. However, such measured relationships might be confounded due to item overlap as instruments share similar or identical items. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the frequently observed association between pain and challenging behaviour might be traced back to item overlap. This multicentre cross‐sectional study was conducted in 13 nursing homes and examined pain (measure: Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale) and challenging behaviour (measure: Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory) in 150 residents with severe cognitive impairment. The extent of item overlap was determined by juxtaposition of both measures’ original items. As expected, comparison between these instruments revealed an extensive item overlap. The statistical relationship between the two phenomena can be traced back mainly to the contribution of the overlapping items, which renders the frequently stated relationship between pain and challenging behaviour trivial. The status quo of measuring such associations must be contested: constructs’ discrimination and instruments’ discrimination have to be discussed critically as item overlap may lead to biased conclusions and assumptions in research as well as to inadequate care measures in nursing practice.
Reproductive modification in forest plantations: impacts on biodiversity and society
Authors: Strauss Steven H. , Jones Kristin N. , Lu Haiwei , Petit Joshua D. , Klocko Amy L. , Betts Matthew G. , Brosi Berry J. , Fletcher Robert J. , Needham Mark D.
Published: January 2017

Genetic engineering (GE) can be used to improve forest plantation productivity and tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses. However, gene flow fromGEforest plantations is a large source of ecological, social and legal controversy. The use of genetic technologies to mitigate or prevent gene flow has been discussed widely and should be technically feasible in a variety of plantation taxa. However, potential ecological effects of such modifications, and their social acceptability, are not well understood. Focusing onEucalyptus,Pinus,PopulusandPseudotsuga –genera that represent diverse modes of pollination and seed dispersal – we conducted in‐depth reviews of ecological processes associated with reproductive tissues. We also explored potential impacts of various forms of reproductive modification at stand and landscape levels, and means for mitigating impacts. We found little research on potential reactions by the public and other stakeholders to reproductive modification in forest plantations. However, there is considerable research on related areas that suggest key dimensions of concern and support. We provide detailed suggestions for research to understand the biological and social dimensions of containment technologies, and consider the role of regulatory and market restrictions that obstruct necessary ecological and genetic research.

ContentsSummary1000I.Introduction1000II.Impacts of reproductive modification1001III.Synthesis1014IV.Research priorities1015V.Conclusion1016Acknowledgements1016References1016
Extensive recent secondary contacts between four European white oak species
Authors: Leroy Thibault , Roux Camille , Villate Laure , Bodénès Catherine , Romiguier Jonathan , Paiva Jorge A. P. , Dossat Carole , Aury Jean‐Marc , Plomion Christophe , Kremer Antoine
Published: January 2017

Historical trajectories of tree species during the late Quaternary have been well reconstructed through genetic and palaeobotanical studies. However, many congeneric tree species are interfertile, and the timing and contribution of introgression to species divergence during their evolutionary history remains largely unknown.

We quantified past and current gene flow events between four morphologically divergent oak species (Quercus petraea, Q. robur, Q. pyrenaica, Q. pubescens), by two independent inference methods: diffusion approximation to the joint frequency spectrum (∂a∂i) and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). For each pair of species, alternative scenarios of speciation allowing gene flow over different timescales were evaluated.

Analyses of 3524 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) randomly distributed in the genome, showed that these species evolved in complete isolation for most of their history, but recently came into secondary contact, probably facilitated by the most recent period of postglacial warming.

We demonstrated that: there was sufficient genetic differentiation before secondary contact for the accumulation of barriers to gene flow; and current European white oak genomes are a mosaic of genes that have crossed species boundaries and genes impermeable to gene flow.
Rubisco small subunits from the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas complement Rubisco‐deficient mutants of Arabidopsis
Authors: Atkinson Nicky , Leitão Nuno , Orr Douglas J. , Meyer Moritz T. , Carmo‐Silva Elizabete , Griffiths Howard , Smith Alison M. , McCormick Alistair J.
Published: January 2017

Introducing components of algal carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) into higher plant chloroplasts could increase photosynthetic productivity. A key component is the Rubisco‐containing pyrenoid that is needed to minimise CO2 retro‐diffusion for CCM operating efficiency.

Rubisco in Arabidopsis was re‐engineered to incorporate sequence elements that are thought to be essential for recruitment of Rubisco to the pyrenoid, namely the algal Rubisco small subunit (SSU, encoded by rbcS) or only the surface‐exposed algal SSU α‐helices.

Leaves of Arabidopsis rbcs mutants expressing ‘pyrenoid‐competent’ chimeric Arabidopsis SSUs containing the SSU α‐helices from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii can form hybrid Rubisco complexes with catalytic properties similar to those of native Rubisco, suggesting that the α‐helices are catalytically neutral.

The growth and photosynthetic performance of complemented Arabidopsis rbcs mutants producing near wild‐type levels of the hybrid Rubisco were similar to those of wild‐type controls. Arabidopsis rbcs mutants expressing a Chlamydomonas SSU differed from wild‐type plants with respect to Rubisco catalysis, photosynthesis and growth. This confirms a role for the SSU in influencing Rubisco catalytic properties.
Dynamic location changes of Bub1‐phosphorylated‐H2AThr133 with CENH3 nucleosome in maize centromeric regions
Authors: Su Handong , Liu Yalin , Dong Qianhua , Feng Chao , Zhang Jing , Liu Yang , Birchler James A. , Han Fangpu
Published: January 2017

The genomic stability of all organisms requires precise cell division with proper chromosome orientation. The Bub1‐H2Aph‐Sgo1 pathway and spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) components have been identified in yeast and mammals that are important for sister centromere orientation and chromosome segregation. However, their roles in plants are not clear.

Maize meiotic mutants and minichromosomes were used to study the role of H2AThr133 phosphorylation and SAC components in sister centromere orientation and chromosome segregation.

Unlike previously reported, SAC protein Bub1‐Sgo1 recruitment was independent of Rec8 in maize and did not play a role in centromere protection in meiosis I. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis with immnolocalization results indicate most CENH3 nucleosomes contain phosphorylated H2AThr133 in centromeric regions. H2AThr133ph spreads to encompass centromeric regions including the inner centromeric and pericentromeric regions during (pro)metaphase. The presence and localization of SAC components and H2AThr133ph on maize lines containing sister chromatids separate precociously in anaphase I revealed no direct role of these proteins on centromere orientation in meiosis I .

This work sheds light on the relationship between H2AThr133ph and CENH3 nucleosome in plants, and the phosphorylation with dynamic location changes in centomeric regions suggests temporal and spatial regulation roles for H2A phosphorylation in chromosome segregation.
Novel reuterin‐related compounds suppress odour by periodontopathic bacteria
Authors: Fujiwara N , Murakami K , Nakao M , Toguchi M , Yumoto H , Amoh T , Hirota K , Matsuo T , Sano S , Ozaki K , Miyake Y
Published: January 2017

Objective

Halitosis is caused by volatile sulphur compounds including methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) in the oral cavity and is a serious problem that limits interpersonal social communication. The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of reuterin‐related compounds (RRCs) on halitosis‐related periodontopathic bacteria in vitro.

Materials and Methods

RRC‐01, RRC‐02 and RRC‐03 (32 and 64 μg ml−1) in culture media containing Fusobacterium nucleatum JCM8523 and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC33277 were used. The effects of RRCs on CH3SH production and detectable odour by F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis were examined by CH3SH production assay and organoleptic test, respectively. The number of bacterial cells was also measured using an ATP assay. In P. gingivalis treated with RRCs, the expression of mgl gene, which is responsible for CH3SH production, was examined by qRT‐PCR.

Results

CH3SH production and the score of detectable odour from F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis culture media containing RRCs were significantly lower than that without RRCs (P < 0.05). The expression of mgl gene in P. gingivalis was significantly downregulated by RRC‐01 (P < 0.01), but not by RRC‐02 or RRC‐03.

Conclusions

RRCs are potent oral care products for preventing halitosis via reducing CH3SH production.
Oral mucous membrane pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris—a retrospective two‐center cohort study
Authors: Sultan AS , Villa A , Saavedra AP , Treister NS , Woo S‐B
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Few studies have compared oral mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Descriptive analysis of oral features, extent of extra‐oral involvement, and management outcomes were performed.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with PV and MMP, the latter with exclusive oral involvement at first presentation, were included.

Results

There were 26 MMP (46%) and 31 PV (54%) patients. Desquamative gingivitis was evident in 84% of MMP cases compared to 28% of PV cases (P < 0.05). Non‐gingival lesions were noted in 6% of MMP cases compared to 55% of PV cases (P < 0.01). Management of MMP consisted of only topical corticosteroids in 88% of cases while 12% of cases required concomitant systemic therapy. All PV cases (100%) required systemic therapy. No patients with MMP developed scarring or ocular lesions, and one patient (4%) developed cutaneous lesions. Five PV cases (16%) had oral cavity involvement only with three (60%) developing pharyngeal involvement and two (40%) developing cutaneous lesions on follow‐up.

Conclusion

Oral MMP presents primarily as desquamative gingivitis, infrequently involving extragingival sites, and is highly amenable to topical therapy, while PV is a systemic mucocutaneous disease with extensive non‐gingival oral lesions that almost always requires systemic therapy.
Balancing food and density‐dependence in the spatial distribution of an interference‐prone forager
Authors: Dokter Adriaan M. , van Loon E. Emiel , Rappoldt Cornelis , Oosterbeek Kees , Baptist Martin J. , Bouten Willem , Ens Bruno J.
Published: January 2017

Foraging distributions are thought to be density‐dependent, because animals not only select for a high availability and quality of resources, but also avoid conspecific interference. Since these processes are confounded, their relative importance in shaping foraging distributions remains poorly understood. Here we aimed to rank the contribution of density‐dependent and density‐independent effects on the spatio‐temporal foraging patterns of eurasian oystercatchers. In our intertidal study area, tides caused continuous variation in oystercatcher density, providing an opportunity to disentangle conspecific interference and density‐independent interactions with the food landscape. Spatial distributions were quantified using high‐resolution individual tracking of foraging activity and location. In a model environment that included a realistic reconstruction of both the tides and the benthic food, we tested a family of behaviour‐based optimality models against these tracking data. Density‐independent interactions affected spatial distributions much more strongly than conspecific interference, even in an interference‐prone species like oystercatchers. Spatial distributions were governed by avoidance of bill injury costs, selection for high interference‐free intake rates and a decreasing availability of benthic bivalve prey after their exposure. These density‐independent interactions outweighed interference competition in terms of effect size. We suggest that the bottleneck in our mechanistic understanding of foraging distributions may be primarily the role of density‐independent prey attributes unrelated to intake rates, like damage costs in the case of oystercatchers foraging on perilous prey. At a landscape scale, above the finest inter‐individual distances, effects of conspecific interaction on spatial distributions may have been overemphasised.
Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device‐Related Infection and Extraction Trends in the U.S.
Authors: SRIDHAR ARUN RAGHAV MAHANKALI , LAVU MADHAV , YARLAGADDA VIVEK , REDDY MADHU , GUNDA SAMPATH , AFZAL RIZWAN , ATKINS DONITA , GOPINATHANAIR RAKESH , DAWN BUDDHADEB , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA R.
Published: January 2017

Background

Implantation of cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) has surged lately. This resulted in a rise in cardiac device‐related infections (CDI) and inevitably, lead extractions. We examined the recent national trend in the incidence of CIED infections and lead extractions in hospitalized patients and associated mortality.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2003–2011 we identified patients diagnosed with a CDI‐associated infection as determined by discharge ICD‐9 diagnostic codes. We examined the trend of device‐related infections overall and in different subgroups. We studied mortality associated with device infections, lead extractions, associated costs, and length of stay.

Results

There is a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations due to CDI from 5,308 in the year 2003 to 9,948 in 2011. Males (68%), Caucasians (77%), and age group 65–84 years (56.4%) accounted for majority of CDI. The mortality associated with CDI was 4.5 %, and was worse in higher age groups (2.5% in 18–44 years compared to 5.3% in 85+ years, P < 0.001). Average length of stay was unchanged over the years remaining at 13.6 days; however, mean hospitalization charges increased from $91,348 in 2003 to $173,211 in 2011 (P < 0.001). Among all lead extraction procedures, the percentage of patients undergoing lead extraction secondary to CDI also increased from 2003 (59.1%) to 2011 (76.7%), P‐value < 0.001.

Conclusions

Healthcare burden associated with CDI infections and associated lead extractions has significantly increased in the recent years. Despite an increase in cost associated with CIED infections, mortality remains the same, and is higher in older patients.
His‐Bundle Pacing for Identifying Optimal Ablation Sites in Patients Undergoing Atrioventricular Junction Ablation
Authors: KULKARNI NITIN , MOORE CURTISS , PANDEY AMBARISH , CASTILLO DEMETRIO , AYERS COLBY , JOGLAR JOSE , WU RICHARD
Published: January 2017

Background

Atrioventricular (AV) junction (AVJ) ablation is conventionally performed by localizing the His‐bundle electrogram (HBE). Identification of HBE in the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) can be difficult, and can make this simple procedure challenging. In this study, we describe our experience with an alternative approach to localize optimal ablation sites using His‐bundle pacing (HBP).

Methods

Between 1/1/2014 and 12/31/2015, we performed 13 AVJ ablations using the standard electrogram‐guided approach and 11 ablations using HBP. All cases utilized a long femoral guiding sheath and an 8‐mm‐tip electrode radiofrequency (RF) energy ablation catheter. Pacing was performed at high output (10 mA at 2 ms) to initially achieve right bundle branch capture. The catheter was withdrawn until a narrow QRS morphology and increased stim‐to‐QRS time were observed. HBP was confirmed when paced and native QRS were identical in morphology. RF energy was applied at the site of HBP capture until AV block was observed.

Results

Baseline characteristics of patients in each arm were not significantly different. Compared with the standard approach, HBP was associated with trends toward lower RF applications (3 vs. 2, P = 0.16) and shorter mean RF time (208 seconds vs. 128 seconds, P = 0.19).

Conclusion

HBP is an effective technique to identify optimal ablation sites during AVJ ablation and may shorten procedure time. HBP can be used to identify the AV node during AF without recording the His potential. Future studies with larger sample size are needed to better characterize the utility of this technique.
A Novel Approach to Atrial Endocardial Pacing
Authors: Hayes David L. , Vlietstra Ronald E. , Puga Francisco J. , Shub Clarence
Published: January 2017

We describe a patient who had tricuspid valve replacement and in whom dual‐chamber pacing was accomplished by using a ventricular epicardial lead and by placing an atrial endocardial lead through the wall of the atrial appendage and positioning the tip against the endocardial surface of the atrial appendage. A ligature was placed around the atrial appendage where the lead passed through the wall of the right atrial appendage. This obviated the need for a second procedure to place the atrial lead in a transvenous fashion. After 5 years of follow‐up the patient continues with normal DVI pacing.
Death Due to Paroxysmal Atrioventricular Block During Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Monitoring
Authors: Medina-Ravell Victor , Rodriguez-Salas Luis , Castellanos Agustin , Myerburg Robert J.
Published: January 2017

Witnessed sudden cardiac death due to paroxysmal atrioventricular (AV) block during ambulatory monitoring occurred in a 56‐year‐old female with primary conduction system disease. The control tracings showed right bundle branch block. Holter recordings obtained during the fatal event revealed paroxysmal complete AV block followed by ventricular asystole of approximately 13 seconds which, in turn, preceded the emergence of a slow idioventricular rhythm. The patient was definitely alive 5 minutes and 10 seconds following the onset of the AV block (since she activated the event marker in the recorder twice) and, possibly, 8 minutes later. Complete AV block persisted until the cessation of all cardiac activity, which took place 47 minutes following the occurrence of AV block. It is very likely that this patient could have been resuscitated in a city having a rapidly responding rescue squad.
Problems with Permanent Atrial Pacing in the Fontan Patient
Authors: Case Christopher L. , Gillette Paul C. , Zeigler Vicki , Sade Robert M.
Published: January 2017

Transvenous atrial pacing is the preferred method for control of both brady and tachyarrhythmias in the postoperative pediatric patient with normal atrioventricular conduction. We reviewed our experience with the use of permanent atrial pacing for the control of bradycardia and tachycardia in the Fontan patient. We then compared this pacing experience to atrial pacing data compiled for postop Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) patients. Out of twenty‐five Fontan patients followed at the Medical University of South Carolina, six patients have had atrial arrhythmias necessitating pacing (24%). Underlying congenital heart disease included tricuspid atresia physiology in three and single ventricle in three. The indications for atrial pacing was brady‐tachy syndrome in four patients and sick sinus syndrome in two. Pacers were inserted immediately postop in three patients and 1.5 years, 2 years, and 8 years post Fontan in the other three. These six patients have required a total of nine pulse generator implantations. Five of the nine pacers were inserted transvenously and four via thoracotomy. In contrast to our experience with permanent atrial pacing in post TGA patients, dysrhythmia control with atrial pacing in the Fontan patient has been more difficult to achieve. The Fontan patients have a higher incidence of symptomatic dysrhythmias, hospitalizations, and antidysrhythmic medication requirements after pacer insertion. Implantation thresholds of the Fontan patients are higher than those of the transposition group. While successful atrial demand pacing is attainable in both groups, antitachycardia pacing is more reliable in the postop TGA patient. The Fontan procedure seems to present a new set of obstacles for successful atrial pacing in the pediatric postop patient.
Tapentadol for Cancer Pain Management: A Narrative Review
Authors: Carmona‐Bayonas Alberto , Jiménez Fonseca Paula , Virizuela Echaburu Juan
Published: January 2017

Background and Objective

Pain is one of the most common symptoms in patients with cancer. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent literature regarding tapentadol use in oncology patients and moderate or severe pain.

Databases and Data Treatment

We have conducted a review of the literature using PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for all manuscripts published between 2008 and 2016, using the key words “tapentadol,” “cancer,” “pain,” “tumor,” and “malignant.”

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria (four randomized clinical trials and five prospective cohort studies). The scope of the literature was diverse, with 15 instruments used to measure different aspects of pain (intensity, health status, quality of life, psychometric and well‐being, perception of change, and neuropathic pain). All these studies concluded that tapentadol is seemingly a well‐tolerated and efficacious agent for moderate‐severe cancer pain, with few typically mild adverse reactions. However, the most significant detected weaknesses of research were that (1) existing studies do not clearly show a superiority of tapentadol with respect to previous generation opioids, (2) low‐to‐moderate sample sizes prevent obtaining robust conclusions about effectiveness, (3) there was an absence of noninferiority trials comparing tapentadol vs. fentanyl or oxycodone–naloxone, and (4) there was scarce generalizability of prospective observational studies.

Conclusion

Tapentadol is seemingly an effective, well‐tolerated alternative for moderate or severe cancer pain. Most prospective cohort studies have relatively small samples, are restricted to few research centers, and lack detailed subgroup information. More experience is required to draw valid generalizable conclusions.
‘Slaves among Us’: The Climate and Character of Eighteenth‐Century Philosophical Discussions of Slavery
Authors: Watkins Margaret
Published: January 2017

This article introduces several aspects of eighteenth‐century discussions of slavery that may be unfamiliar or surprising to present‐day readers. First, even eighteenth‐century philosophers who were opponents of slavery often exhibited marked racism and helped develop racial concepts that would later serve pro‐slavery theorists. Such thinkers include Hume, Voltaire, and Kant. Second, we must see slavery debates in the context of larger scientific and political debates, including those about climate and character, just political systems, the superiority or inferiority of the moderns to the ancients, and the status of women. This section of the paper discusses the views of Montesquieu, Edmund Burke, Adam Smith, Sarah Chapone, and Mary Astell. Finally, many anti‐slavery arguments of the time may seem too ‘soft’ to contemporary readers, as they appeal to negative effects or aspects of slavery rather than arguing for its absolute injustice. The last section of the paper compares Rousseau's arguments against slavery in The Social Contract with such arguments and concludes with a discussion of how Hume's understanding of humanity as a virtue may serve as a bridge between the two.