bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes of tight junction and interleukin‐8 expression using a human gastroid monolayer model of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Uotani Takahiro , Murakami Kosuke , Uchida Tomohisa , Tanaka Shingo , Nagashima Hiroyuki , Zeng Xi‐Lei , Akada Junko , Estes Mary K. , Graham David Y. , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: April 2019

Background

Lack of a model that mirrors Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastric mucosal inflammation has hampered investigation of early host‐bacterial interactions. We used an ex vivo model of human stomach, gastric epithelial organoid monolayers (gastroid monolayers) to investigate interactions of H pylori infection and the apical junctional complex and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) expression.

Method

Morphology of human antral mucosal gastroid monolayers was evaluated using histology, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Functional and gross changes in the apical junctional complexes were assessed using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), cytotoxicity assays, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. IL‐8 expression was evaluated by real‐time quantitative PCR and ELISA.

Results

When evaluated by IHC and TEM, the morphology of gastroid monolayers closely resembled in vivo human stomach. Following inoculation of H pylori, TEER transiently declined (up to 51%) in an H pylori density‐dependent manner. TEER recovered by 48 hours post‐infection and remained normal despite continued presence and replication of H pylori. Confocal scanning microscopy showed minimal disruption of zonula occludens‐1 or E‐cadherin structure. IL‐8 production was unchanged by infection with either CagA‐positive or CagA‐negative H pylori and JNK and MEK inhibitors did not suppress IL‐8 production, whereas p38 and IKK inhibitor significantly did.

Conclusion

Human gastroid monolayers provide a model for experimental H pylori infection more consistent with in vivo human infections than seen with typical gastric epithelial cell lines. This ex vivo system should lead to better understanding of H pylori host‐pathogen interactions.
Management of Helicobacter pylori infection at the primary care level. The implementation of specific counseling improves eradication rates
Authors: Laredo Viviana , Sostres Carlos , Alfaro Enrique , Arroyo Maria Teresa , Lanas Ángel
Published: April 2019

Background

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection has been expanded from the gastroenterology specialist (GS) to primary care physicians (PCPs), with a large increase in requests for urea breath tests (UBT). Due to the lack of evidence at this level, we evaluated the appropriateness of UBT indications and treatment for H pylori infections between PCPs and GSs and the effect of introducing specific counseling to PCPs.

Materials and Methods

This was a quasi‐experimental study. Phase I included 650 consecutive UBT requested by PCPs (400) and GSs (250). Indications and treatments were classified as appropriate or inappropriate based on national guidelines. Data on eradication rates were also collected. In phase II, 240 UBT and patients' treatment outcomes were analyzed after individually counseling PCPs on both aspects.

Results

Of 1049 UBT, inappropriate indications in phase I were significantly higher in tests requested by PCP compared with GS (35.9% vs 7.2%; P < 0.001). Inappropriate treatment regimens were significantly higher for PCPs in phase I (65.8% vs 26.4%; P < 0.001). Consequently, eradication rates were significantly lower in patients treated by PCPs compared with those treated by GS (63.7% vs 81.4%; P = 0.004). A significant increase in adherence to appropriate treatment regimens (75.8% vs 34.2%; P < 0.001) and eradication rates (79.2% vs 63.7%; P = 0.002) were observed in the PCP group after counseling; however, the appropriateness of indications did not improve.

Conclusions

Patients infected with H pylori managed at the primary care level had poorer outcomes. The introduction of specific counseling for PCPs significantly improved treatment management, but not indications.
Late Anisian radiolarian assemblages from the Yarlung‐Tsangpo Suture Zone in the Jinlu area, Zedong, southern Tibet: Implications for the evolution of Neotethys
Authors: Chen Dishu , Luo Hui , Wang Xueheng , Xu Bo , Matsuoka Atsushi
Published: April 2019

Abundant Triassic radiolarian fossils were obtained from varicolored bedded cherts exposed in the Buruocang section near Jinlu village, Zedong, southern Tibet. The radiolarian‐bearing rocks represent fragmented remnants of the Neotethys oceanic sediments belonging to the mélange complex of the east part of the Yarlung‐Tsangpo Suture Zone. Two new middle Late Anisian radiolarian assemblages recognized from this section named Oertlispongus inaequispinosus and Triassocampe deweveri, respectively, are compared with those known from Europe, Far East Russia, Japan, and Turkey. These Anisian radiolarian fossils are the first reported in southern Tibet and the oldest radiolarian record within the Yarlung‐Tsangpo Suture Zone. They improve time constraints for the evolution of Neotethys in southern Tibet.
Urban exploiters have broader dietary niches than urban avoiders
Authors: Palacio Facundo Xavier
Published: April 2019

Urbanization is currently one of the most pervasive threats to biodiversity worldwide, yet traits permitting birds to exploit urban environments are not fully understood. I used bird traits related to diet (dietary item and foraging stratum), accounting for latitude, body size, development mode and phylogeny, to compare diet breadths of urban exploiters and urban avoiders, using a global dataset (463 bird species). Urban exploiters (urban species) were larger, consumed more vertebrates and carrion, and fed more frequently on the ground or aerially, and also had broader diets than urban avoiders (non‐urban species). In contrast, urban species had narrower foraging strata ranges than non‐urban species. These results not only support the hypothesis that urban species share dietary traits allowing them to cope with urban environments but also highlight the importance of considering multiple dietary traits to properly quantify species niches when assessing a species’ response to environmental change.
Developmental expression and evolution of hexamerin and haemocyanin fromFolsomia candida(Collembola)
Authors: Liang Y. , Xie W. , Luan Y.‐X.
Published: April 2019

Haemocyanins constitute a group of copper‐containing respiratory proteins, and hexamerins were derived from hexapod haemocyanin but lost the ability to transport oxygen and serve as storage proteins. Although hexamerins have been reported in most insect species, none of them has been identified in Collembola, one of the most primitive hexapod lineages, thereby preventing us from exploring relevant evolutionary scenarios regarding the origin and evolution of hexamerins in hexapods. Here we report on collembolan hexamerins for the first time, and investigated the temporal expression profiles of hexamerin and haemocyanin in the collembolanFolsomia candida. Haemocyanin was expressed over the entire life cycle, with higher expression at the embryonic stage than at other stages, whereas hexamerin expression was restricted to embryos, unlike insect hexamerins, which are generally expressed from larval to adult stages. A phylogenetic analysis and molecular clock estimation suggested that all investigated hexapod hexamerins have a single and ancient origin (~423 Ma), coincident with the rise of atmospheric oxygen levels in the Silurian–Devonian period, indicating a physiological link between molecular evolution and Palaeozoic oxygen changes.
‘There's more to a person than what's in front of you’: Nursing students’ experiences of consumer taught mental health education
Authors: Happell Brenda , Waks Shifra , Bocking Julia , Horgan Aine , Manning Fionnuala , Greaney Sonya , Goodwin John , Scholz Brett , van der Vaart Kornelis Jan , Allon Jerry , Granerud Arild , Hals Elisabeth , Doody Rory , Russell Siobhan , Griffin Martha , MacGabhann Liam , Lahti Mari , Ellilä Heikki , Pulli Jarmo , Vatula Annaliina , Platania‐Phung Chris , Bjornsson Einar , Biering Pall
Published: April 2019

Holistic and person‐centred nursing care is commonly regarded as fundamental to nursing practice. These approaches are complementary to recovery which is rapidly becoming the preferred mode of practice within mental health. The willingness and ability of nurses to adopt recovery‐oriented practice is essential to services realizing recovery goals. Involving consumers (referred herein as Experts by Experience) in mental health nursing education has demonstrated positive impact on the skills and attitudes of nursing students. A qualitative exploratory research project was undertaken to examine the perspectives of undergraduate nursing students to Expert by Experience‐led teaching as part of a co‐produced learning module developed through an international study. Focus groups were held with students at each site. Data were analysed thematically. Understanding the person behind the diagnosis was a major theme, including subthemes: person‐centred care/seeing the whole person; getting to know the person, understanding, listening; and challenging the medical model, embracing recovery. Participants described recognizing consumers as far more than their psychiatric diagnoses, and the importance of person‐centred care and recovery‐oriented practice. Understanding the individuality of consumers, their needs and goals, is crucial in mental health and all areas of nursing practice. These findings suggest that recovery, taught by Experts by Experience, is effective and impactful on students’ approach to practice. Further research addressing the impact of Experts by Experience is crucial to enhance our understanding of ways to facilitate the development of recovery‐oriented practice in mental health and holistic and person‐centred practice in all areas of health care.
Substitutional reaction in Si–O network of molecular dynamics‐modeled liquid Na2SiO3: Microscopic and statistical study
Authors: Shimizu Masahiro , Cormack Alastair N. , Wang Liaoyuan , Nishi Masayuki , Hirao Kazuyuki , Shimotsuma Yasuhiko , Miura Kiyotaka
Published: April 2019

The study of the bond breaking and formation processes, that is, the chemical reaction, in the Si–O network structure in liquid alkali silicates at temperatures around or higher than the glass‐transition temperature is important for understanding kinetic processes such as the structural relaxation of the network, viscous flow, and diffusion of the network former ions. Herein, novel methods for analyzing the reactions in a molecular‐dynamics‐modeled liquid Na2SiO3 were used to confirm the following results: (a) the substitutional reactions (in which a nonbridging O ion of a Si–O chain or a SiO4 tetrahedron attacks the Si ion of another chain from backside of a bridging O ion, which acts as the leaving group, and the bridging O leaves the Si ion) primarily occur in the Si–O network of liquid Na2SiO3; and (b) The abundance ratio of Qn species can be quantitatively reproduced by the reaction rate.
Strategies for overcoming language barriers in research
Authors: Squires Allison , Sadarangani Tina , Jones Simon
Published: April 2019

Aim

This paper seeks to describe best practices for conducting cross‐language research with individuals who have a language barrier.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data Sources

Research methods papers addressing cross‐language research issues published between 2000–2017.

Implications for Nursing

Rigorous cross‐language research involves the appropriate use of interpreters during the research process, systematic planning for how to address the language barrier between participant and researcher and the use of reliably and validly translated survey instruments (when applicable). Biases rooted in those who enter data into “big data” systems may influence data quality and analytic approaches in large observational studies focused on linking patient language preference to health outcomes.

Conclusion

Cross‐language research methods can help ensure that those individuals with language barriers have their voices contributing to the evidence informing healthcare practice and policies that shape health services implementation and financing. Understanding the inherent conscious and unconscious biases of those conducting research with this population and how this may emerge in research studies is also an important part of producing rigorous, reliable, and valid cross‐language research.

Impact

This study synthesized methodological recommendations for cross‐language research studies with the goal to improve the quality of future research and expand the evidence‐base for clinical practice.

Clear methodological recommendations were generated that can improve research rigor and quality of cross‐language qualitative and quantitative studies.

The recommendations generated here have the potential to have an impact on the health and well‐being of migrants around the world.
Prevalence of pressure injury among Chinese community‐dwelling older people and its risk factors: A national survey based on Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey
Authors: Cai Ji‐Yu , Zha Man‐Li , Yuan Bao‐Fang , Xie Qian , Chen Hong‐Lin
Published: April 2019

Aim

To investigate the distribution of pressure injuries among older adults in China and to identify the associated risk factors.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The identified subjects were collected from 2012 wave of a national Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Older people were defined as being 65 years of age or older. We used chi‐square test and binary logistic regression to investigate the risk factors of pressure injury development.

Results

A total of 55 older people were documented as suffering from pressure injuries among 6,961 older Chinese adults, with a prevalence of 0.8%. In the group of disability, the prevalence of pressure injuries from high to low was 3.6% in the highly limited group, 0.4% in the moderately limited group, and 0.3% in the not limited group. The prevalence of pressure injury among older people with stroke, cancer, and dementia were 2%, 4.2%, and 6.6%, respectively. According to the final binary logistic regression analysis, age, disability, incontinence, cancer, and dementia emerged as important risk factors for pressure injury development.

Conclusion

Pressure injury among Chinese community‐dwelling aged people was shown to be associated with age, disability, incontinence, cancer, and dementia. As the development of pressure injury may distinctly increase the burden on individuals and healthcare systems, the social and related institutions should actively prevent and control the disease.

Impact

The results of this study will improve the identification of pressure injury among older Chinese people and contribute to the development of effective pressure injury risk management interventions.
Evaluation of a WeChat‐based life review programme for cancer patients: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Xiao Huimin , Chen Ying
Published: April 2019

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility and effects of the WeChat‐based life review programme on anxiety, depression, self‐transcendence, meaning in life and hope among cancer patients.

Background

Life review is effective in improving the psychospiritual well‐being of palliative patients. However, traditional life review programmes are limitedly applied in clinical practice.

Design

A non‐concurrent controlled quasi‐experimental design.

Methods

Ninety‐two cancer patients were recruited from April 2017 – February 2018, with 44 patients in the control group receiving routine care and 48 in the experimental group receiving a 6‐week WeChat‐based life review programme plus routine care. Compliance with the programme, difficulty in participation and satisfaction with the programme were used to explore its feasibility. Anxiety, depression, self‐transcendence, meaning in life and hope were measured at baseline and immediately after the programme.

Results

All experimental participants who completed the programme used the WeChat platform; 39 participants had no difficulties in operating the platform and 40 were satisfied with the programme. Statistically significant effects were identified on anxiety, depression and self‐transcendence. An increase in the levels of meaning in life and hope was observed in the experimental group after the programme.

Conclusion and impact

The innovative WeChat‐based life review programme is an effective non‐pharmacological intervention in improving psychospiritual well‐being of community‐dwelling cancer patients. It could be integrated into transitional care for cancer patients. Future research with rigorous design is necessary to test the effects online life reviews among cancer patients.

Trial registration

This study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No: ChiCTR‐IOR‐17011998).
HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis uptake by advanced practice nurses: Interplay of agency, community and attitudinal factors
Authors: Jayawardene Wasantha , Carter Gregory , Agley Jon , Meyerson Beth , Garcia Justin R. , Miller Wendy
Published: April 2019

Aims

To identify associations among agency, community, personal and attitudinal factors that affect advanced practice nurses’ uptake of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis, an intervention consists of emtricitabine/tenofovir once‐daily pill, along with sexual risk reduction education.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

During March‐May 2017, randomly selected Indiana advanced practice nurses were invited to complete an online survey, consisted of several validated self‐rating measures (N = 1,358; response = 32.3%). Final sample (N = 369) was predominantly White, non‐Hispanic, female advanced practice nurses in urban practices (mean age = 46). Conceptual model for structural equation model included 29 original/composite variables and five latent factors.

Results

Final model consisted of 11 variables and four factors: agency, community, HIV prevention practices (including screening) and motivation to adopt evidence‐based practices overall. Community had direct effects on HIV prevention practices (estimate = 0.28) and agency (estimate = 0.29). Agency had direct effects on HIV prevention practices (estimate = 0.74) and motivation to adopt evidence‐based practices (estimate = 0.24). Community had indirect effects, through agency, on the two remaining factors.

Conclusion

Barriers exist against pre‐exposure prophylaxis implementation, although practice guidelines are available. HIV prevention practices must be integrated across organizational structures, especially in high‐risk communities, whereas practice change is more effective when focused on changing providers’ attitudes towards intervention. When planning a pre‐exposure prophylaxis intervention, advancing inputs from healthcare professionals, organizational leadership and community members, is crucial to success.

Impact

In settings where advanced practice nurses are primary contact points for health care, they may be best positioned to have an impact on implementation of HIV risk reduction strategies. Further research is needed to optimize their contributions to pre‐exposure prophylaxis implementation.
The impact of assault by vitriolage on quality of life: Integrative review
Authors: Didcott Sarah , Taylor Julie
Published: April 2019

Aims

To analyse quality of life post vitriolage and explore factors affecting an individual's everyday functioning after an acid attack.

Design

Integrative review.

Data Sources

Articles (N = 570) retrieved from Medline, CINAHL Embase and Psychinfo between 2004–2017. Reference chaining and hand‐searching yielded 12 further articles. A total 12 articles were reviewed.

Review Methods

Whittemore and Knalf (2005) Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 546–553.

Results

Five themes were identified; contextual factors, physical wounds, psychological wounds, social wounds, and legal factors, as demonstrated by a conceptual model exploring traumatic events experienced by survivors.

Conclusion

The event, the burn injury itself, scarring and ocular damage are core factors that impair quality of life. Patients find it difficult to reintegrate into society following the assault and discrepancies between medico‐legal and social services further prevent them from achieving their pre‐morbid level of functioning. Nurses can use the biopsychosocial findings of this review to provide effective care for those assaulted by acid. It also provides a basis of discussion and application to other permanently disfiguring conditions and intentional injuries.

Impact

This review has found survivors of acid assaults experience legal, physical, psychological, and social problems. Findings suggest that no single person will have the same experiences since the burden of injury is dependent on socio‐cultural and contextual factors rather than the degree of injury alone. Inadequate coordination between multidisciplinary services hinders reintegration into society; causing permanent traumatization for some survivors. This review can assist nurses in understanding how acid assaults impact on quality of life to enable more holistic care provision.
Transitioning to adulthood with a mild intellectual disability—Young people's experiences, expectations and aspirations
Authors: Salt Emily , Melville Craig , Jahoda Andrew
Published: April 2019

Aim

Very little attention has been paid to the views and experiences of young people with mild intellectual disabilities on the broad topics of adulthood and adult identity. The following study was undertaken to explore how young adults with mild intellectual disabilities conceptualize, relate to, and experience the process of transition.

Method

Eight young adults with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities participated in semi‐structured interviews. Results were analysed using interpretive thematic analysis.

Results

Two umbrella themes were identified: “On a developmental pathway” and “Negotiations in the environment”.

Conclusions

The participants concerns were surprisingly similar to those commonly expressed by young adults without disabilities. Self‐perceived adult identity appeared to be affected by the participants' personal definitions of adulthood, as well as by social comparisons with both peers and adults. Finally, while concerns were expressed about their capacity to cope with responsibility, most felt optimistic about adopting full adult status in the future.
Examining determinants of lifestyle interventions targeting persons with intellectual disabilities supported by healthcare organizations: Usability of the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations
Authors: Steenbergen Henderika A. , de Jong Brenda I. , Fleuren Margot A. H. , van der Schans Cees P. , Waninge Aly
Published: April 2019

Background

Due to complex processes of implementation of innovations aimed at persons with intellectual disabilities in healthcare organizations, lifestyle interventions are not used as intended or not used at all. In order to provide insight into determinants influencing this implementation, this study aims to ascertain if the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovations (MIDI) is useful for objectively evaluating implementation.

Method

With semi‐structured interviews, data concerning determinants of implementation of lifestyle interventions were aggregated. These data were compared to the determinants questioned in the MIDI. Adaptations to the MIDI were made in consultation with the author of the MIDI.

Results

All determinants of the MIDI, except for that concerning legislation and regulations, were represented in the interview data. Determinants not represented in the MIDI were the level of intellectual disabilities, suitability of materials and physical environment, multi‐levelness of interventions and several persons who could be involved in the intervention, such as direct support persons (DSPs), a therapist or family, and the communication between these involved persons.

Conclusion

The present authors suggested making adjustments to existing questions of the MIDI in order to improve usability for deployment in organizations that provide care to persons with intellectual disabilities. The adjustments need to be tested with other interventions.
“Moving on” through the locked ward system for women with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Fish Rebecca , Morgan Hannah
Published: April 2019

Background

The move to community support for all people with intellectual disabilities is an aspiration with international significance. In this article, we draw on rich accounts from women with intellectual disabilities detained under the Mental Health Act (E&W) 1983 and staff at an National Health Service secure setting in England to explore how “moving on” is defined and perceived.

Methods

The study reports on an ethnographic study using the field‐notes and the 26 semi‐structured interviews with detained women and staff on three wards.

Results

We first explore staff conceptions of moving on, which include behavioural change and utilizing coping strategies. Then, we discuss the areas of analysis that women discussed: taking back responsibility, success in arranged relationships, acceptance of regime and resistance to progression.

Conclusion

The concepts of moving on were not determined by the women but by the service. We recommend further research which explores women's own rehabilitation requirements.
Physical fitness is predictive for 5‐year survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Oppewal Alyt , Hilgenkamp Thessa I.M.
Published: April 2019

Background

The very low physical fitness levels of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) may influence their life expectancy. Therefore, we investigated the predictive value of physical fitness for survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities.

Method

In the Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities (HA‐ID) study,the physical fitness levels of 900 older adults (≥50 years; 61.5 ± 8.1 years) were measured at baseline. All‐cause mortality was collected over a 5‐year follow‐up period. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the association between each physical fitness test and survival, adjusted for age, sex, level of ID, and Down syndrome.

Results

The physical fitness components that were independently predictive for survival were manual dexterity (HR = 0.96 [0.94–0.98]), visual reaction time (HR = 1.57 [1.28–1.94]), balance (HR = 0.97 [0.95–0.99]), comfortable gait speed (HR = 0.65 [0.54–0.78]), fast gait speed (HR = 0.81 [0.72–0.91]), grip strength (HR = 0.97 [0.94–0.99]) and cardiorespiratory fitness (HR = 0.997 [0.995–0.999]), with a better physical fitness showing a lower mortality risk.

Conclusion

We showed for the first time that physical fitness was independently associated with survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities. Improving and maintaining physical fitness must become an essential part of care and support for this population.
Comparing parental stress of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: The case of Williams syndrome, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Ashworth Maria , Palikara Olympia , Van Herwegen Jo
Published: April 2019

Background

Although parental stress is higher for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), it is unclear how this stress compares to more commonNDs. The current study compared stress in parents of children with Williams syndrome (WS), Down syndrome (DS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The impact of individual and contextual factors was also explored.

Method

Parents of children withWS(n = 107),DS(n = 79) andASD(n = 79) completed a background questionnaire, a parental stress questionnaire and a satisfaction with life questionnaire.

Results

Although all groups displayed similar levels of parental stress, the factors that influenced this stress differed between the groups. There were also differences for life satisfaction and relationships between parental stress and individual and contextual factors.

Conclusions

Although parents of children withNDs are not at an increased risk of parental stress, the results suggest that interventions should be syndrome‐specific.
The experience of ego threat in the public arena: A study of air ball shots performance in collegiate basketball
Authors: Goldschmied Nadav , Vira Damien
Published: April 2019

Performance following ego threat has often been studied in the laboratory under conditions, which may limit external validity. In the current investigation, Men’s college basketball games were studied focusing on attempts at shot that completely missed the basket and are thus known colloquially as “air ball” shots (ABS). When an away player launches an ABS, the home crowd is likely to recite in unison an “air ball, air ball” chant (ABC) to single him out for a uniquely subpar performance. Similar poor performance by a home player is almost always ignored. An archival exploration showed that away players who shot an ABS had a lower success rate in the shot immediately after, as compared to home players launching an ABS, however, this difference was unrelated to ABC. Also, players with a better shooting ability were better able to deal with the debilitating effects. The results expand ego threat research and are discussed in the context of ego‐depletion and a model is proposed to predict performance quality in social context when the negative feedback is delivered by partisans and one’s knowledge of his skill level is known.
The Status of Waterslied Management Concepts
Authors: Wilm H. G.
Published: April 2019

For the last half‐century and more, increasing attention has been devoted to the value of vegetation, particularly forests, In protecting valuable watersheds and the lands below them from floods and erosion. Throughout this period the proponents of watershed protection have been opposed by others who have maintained that the benefits of vegetation are generally offset by its consumption of water. The author outlines the development of these arguments and shows that, as often happens, both sides are supported by facts. Actually the usefulness of vegetation is determined by the relative value and demand for water, weighed against the hazards of flood and erosion. Wherever such hazards are great, watershed management must consist largely of the protection and restoration of plant cover. Where, on the other hand, Rood risks are low and the demand for water ia high, management practices may include the manipulation of watershed vegetation so as to minimize water consumption, while still protecting the capacity of the land for continuous production of water and other resources.
FORESTS AND THE NATION'S WATER
Authors: Wooldridge David D. , Gessel Stanley P.
Published: April 2019

Three quarters of the nation's total usable streamflow originates on forested lands. Increasing demands for use of forested acres for many forms of outdoor recreation and Increasing demands for the forests' raw materials pose varied problems to resource managers. Activities on forested lands can alter the quality and quantity of water an acre of forested land will yield.

Plans for development of resources of river basis should recognize the potential role of forest cover manipulation in altering the hydrologic cycle and the quality and quantity of the water resource.
Lake and catchment‐scale determinants of aquatic vegetation across almost 1,000 lakes and the contrasts between lake types
Authors: Sun Junyao , Hunter Peter D. , Tyler Andrew N. , Willby Nigel J.
Published: April 2019

Aim

The factors controlling macrophyte (aquatic plant) composition are complex, recent research having shown that the well‐studied effects of lake environmental factors (the so‐called “environmental filter”) can be constrained by hydrological and landscape factors. We investigated the factors determining macrophyte composition in lakes over water body and catchment scales and the transferability of this pattern across lake types.

Location

Almost 1,000 lakes distributed across Britain.

Taxon

Lake macrophytes.

Methods

Lakes were partitioned into five types based on subdivision of alkalinity and elevation gradients. Data from botanical surveys were used to compare the spatial turnover and nestedness components of beta diversity between lake types. The relative importance of lake environment (based on local physicochemical data), hydrology (e.g. lake and stream density), landscape (e.g. fragmentation indices, land cover) and spatial autocorrelation in explaining variation in macrophyte composition were derived from variance partitioning.

Results

Species composition showed strong spatial structuring, suggestive of overland dispersal, enhanced by spatially correlated abiotic factors such as alkalinity and elevation. Catchment‐scale factors (e.g. land use, connectivity) promoted the establishment of different communities (more or less diverse, or differing in composition) but were of secondary importance. Turnover in composition between upland lakes was lower than in other lake types, reflecting a more specialist flora and increased potential for propagule exchange due to spatial aggregation and higher hydrological connectivity.

Main conclusions

Vegetation composition in lakes is more spatially structured than previously appreciated, consistent with the importance of dispersal limitation, but this does not apply evenly to all lakes, being most acute in lowland high alkalinity lakes. Thus, spatially structured abiotic factors, such as alkalinity, influence macrophyte composition most (suggestive of niche filtering) in high alkalinity lakes where human impacts tend to be greatest, although nestedness was also lowest in such lakes. By contrast, hydrological connectivity has a proportionally stronger structuring role in upland lakes.
With Ellenberg indicator values towards the north: Does the indicative power decrease with distance from Central Europe?
Authors: Hedwall Per‐Ola , Brunet Jörg , Diekmann Martin
Published: April 2019

Aim

Ellenberg indicator values (EIV) are frequently used in regions outside their Central European origin as proxies for environmental conditions, a practice further boosted by the increasing scientific focus on global change. The performance of EIV outside their geographic origin and over long gradients has, however, rarely been tested. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the indicative power of EIV changes over a large geographic gradient and to analyse the potential causes of such changes.

Location

Sweden.

Taxon

Vascular plants.

Methods

We used data on forest understorey vegetation and soils from >15,000 plots from the Swedish National Forest Inventory to model how the relationship between community mean EIV and measured environmental variables changes along an extensive latitudinal gradient (>15°). We used Generalized Additive Mixed Models to account for the inventory design, and for potential nonlinearities in the relationship between the mean EIV and the environmental variables. Additionally, Huisman–Olff–Fresco (HOF) models were developed for the relationship between the incidence probability and the environmental variables to analyse if the widths of species niches change along the geographic gradient.

Results

Our study shows that EIV for N (nutrients), R (pH) and T (temperature) are useful as far north as the Arctic Circle, while those for K (continentality) showed a much weaker relationship with measured continentality. However, the indicative power of the EIV for N and R gradually became weaker towards the north along with shifts towards larger environmental niche widths of the indicator species.

Main conclusions

EIV are useful indicators of soil conditions in boreal forests located far north of Central Europe. However, the drop in indicative power in the northernmost regions due to increasing environmental niche widths needs to be taken into account when applying EIV along long geographic gradients to avoid spatial bias.
Associations between resting heart rate, hypertension, and stroke: A population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hu Lihua , Huang Xiao , Zhou Wei , You Chunjiao , Liang Qian , Zhou Di , Li Juxiang , Li Ping , Wu Yanqing , Wu Qinghua , Wang Zengwu , Gao Runlin , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: April 2019

Uncertainty remains regarding the association between resting heart rate (RHR) with hypertension and stroke because of limited and inconsistent data. We assessed the association between RHR, hypertension, and stroke. In this cross‐sectional study, 14 677 participants from the China Hypertension Survey study were analyzed. The history of stroke was conducted by questionnaires. RHR was measured by the standardized electronic monitors. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between RHR, hypertension, and stroke. Moreover, a generalized additive model (GAM) and smooth curve fitting (penalized spline method) were conducted to assess the association between RHR and stroke in different status of hypertension. Overall, each 10 beats per minute (bpm) increase in RHR was associated with an 18% increased prevalence of stroke (P = 0.017). Subjects with RHR > 80 bpm were associated with a higher prevalence of stroke (OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.08‐2.01) compared with those with RHR ≤ 80 bpm. Similarly, hypertensives had a higher prevalence of stroke than normotensives (OR = 3.76; 95% CI, 2.39‐5.92). Hypertensives with RHR > 80 bpm had the highest prevalence of stroke compared with their counterparts (OR = 5.47; 95% CI, 3.13‐9.56). The fully adjusted smooth curve fitting presented a linear association between RHR and stroke among participants with hypertension, but almost horizontal association among participants without hypertension. In conclusion, elevated RHR and hypertension were independently and jointly associated with the increased prevalence of stroke. These findings suggested that elevated RHR was associated with increased prevalence of stroke especially among hypertensives.
Rutaecarpine prevents hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy involving the inhibition of Nox4‐ROS‐ADAM17 pathway
Authors: Zeng Si‐yu , Yang Li , Lu Hui‐qin , Yan Qiu‐jiang , Gao Ling , Qin Xu‐ping
Published: April 2019

Rutaecarpine attenuates hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy in the rats with abdominal artery constriction (AAC); however, its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. Our previous study indicated that NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) promotes angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy through the pathway between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase‐17 (ADAM17) in primary cardiomyocytes. This research aimed to determine whether the Nox4‐ROS‐ADAM17 pathway is involved in the protective action of rutaecarpine against hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy. AAC‐induced hypertensive rats were adopted to evaluate the role of rutaecarpine in hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy. Western blotting and real‐time PCR were used to detect gene expression. Rutaecarpine inhibited hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy in AAC‐induced hypertensive rats. These findings were confirmed by the results of in vitro experiments that rutaecarpine significantly inhibited Ang II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy in primary cardiomyocytes. Likewise, rutaecarpine significantly suppressed the Nox4‐ROS‐ADAM17 pathway and over‐activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway in the left ventricle of AAC‐induced hypertensive rats and primary cardiomyocytes stimulated with Ang II. The inhibition of Nox4‐ROS‐ADAM17 pathway and over‐activation of ERK1/2 might be associated with the beneficial role of rutaecarpine in hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy, thus providing additional evidence for preventing hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy with rutaecarpine.
Interactive association of lipopolysaccharide and free fatty acid with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes: A community‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Huang Xiuji , Yan Dan , Xu Mingtong , Li Feng , Ren Meng , Zhang Jin , Wu Muchao
Published: April 2019

Aims/Introduction

Increased blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or free fatty acid (FFA) levels correlate with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the interactive effect of serum LPS and FFA levels on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 2,553 community‐dwelling Chinese adults. Fasting serum LPS levels were determined using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Chromogenic Endpoint assay, and FFA levels were determined using an enzymatic method. The participants were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of LPS or FFA levels or nine groups according to the tertiles of LPS and FFA levels. The odd ratios (ORs) for type 2 diabetes were estimated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

We found that higher serum LPS or FFA levels were associated with higher high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels (P < 0.001), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance levels (P < 0.001) and ORs for type 2 diabetes (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, there were significant interactions between LPS and FFA in terms of the high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein level (P < 0.001), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance level (P < 0.001) and ORs for type 2 diabetes (P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, the OR for participants with type 2 diabetes in the higher LPS and FFA level group were 6.58 (95% confidence interval 3.05–14.18, P < 0.001) compared with that in participants in the lower LPS and FFA level group.

Conclusions

The interaction between LPS and FFA was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in community‐dwelling Chinese adults.
Stock Market Reactions to India's 2016 Demonetization
Authors: Dharmapala Dhammika , Khanna Vikramaditya S.
Published: April 2019

On November 8, 2016, the Indian government made a surprise announcement that certain currency notes (representing 86 percent of the currency then in circulation) would no longer be legal tender (although they could be deposited in banks over a limited period). The stated reason for this sudden “demonetization” was to combat tax evasion and corruption associated with “unaccounted for” cash. We compute abnormal returns for different subsamples of firms—defined by industry, ownership structure, and other characteristics—on the Indian stock market around this event. There is little evidence that sectors thought to be associated with greater tax evasion or corruption experienced significantly different returns. However, we find substantial positive returns for banks and for state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). These effects persist over longer time horizons, implying that the initial reactions do not show any indication of subsequent reversal. The bank results appear to indicate a market expectation of a persistent increase in financial depth. We also find a pattern of higher returns for industries that are characterized by a greater dependence on external finance, possibly suggesting an expectation of an easing of financial constraints. The returns for SOEs are more puzzling and we canvass a number of potential explanations, while leaving further examination of this finding to future research.
Monitoring of tropical freshwater fish resources for sustainable use
Authors: Elliott Vittoria L. , Chheng Phen , Uy Sophorn , Holtgrieve Gordon W.
Published: April 2019

Tropical freshwater ecosystems are some of the world's most biodiverse and productive systems where determining what sustainable exploitation of inland fisheries looks like is particularly challenging. One of the greatest obstacles to sustainable management is collecting and using quality data on fish production and yield. The biodiversity and hydro‐ecology of these systems often under open‐access governance, add to the complexity of managing them. This paper describes an integrated citizen‐science, earth observation, environmental DNA and independent survey approach to collecting fish and fisheries data, using the Cambodian Mekong as a case study.
Methacarn preserves mucus integrity and improves visualization of amoebae in gills of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Fernandez Carolina , Mascolo Dario , Monaghan Sean J. , Baily Johanna L. , Chalmers Lynn , Paladini Giuseppe , Adams Alexandra , Bron James E. , Fridman Sophie
Published: April 2019

Two aqueous fixation methods (modified Davidson's solution and modified Davidson's solution with 2% (w/v) Alcian blue) were compared against two non‐aqueous fixation methods (methacarn solution and methacarn solution with 2% (w/v) Alcian blue) along with the standard buffered formalin fixation method to (a) improve preservation of the mucous coat on Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., gills and (b) to examine the interaction between the amoebae and mucus on the gill during an infection with amoebic gill disease. Aqueous fixatives demonstrated excellent cytological preservation but failed to deliver the preservation of the mucus when compared to the non‐aqueous‐based fixatives; qualitative and semi‐quantitative analysis revealed a greater preservation of the gill mucus using the non‐aqueous methacarn solution. A combination of this fixation method and an Alcian blue/Periodic acid–Schiff staining was tested in gills of Atlantic salmon infected with amoebic gill disease; lectin labelling was also used to confirm the mucus preservation in the methacarn‐fixed tissue. Amoebae were observed closely associated with the mucus demonstrating that the techniques employed for preservation of the mucous coat can indeed avoid the loss of potential mucus‐embedded parasites, thus providing a better understanding of the relationship between the mucus and parasite.
Introducing Aquifer Geriatrics, the American Geriatrics Society National Online Curriculum
Authors: Sehgal Mandi , Syed Quratulain , Callahan Kathryn E. , Powers Becky B. , Eleazer G. Paul , Gleason Lauren L. , Ramaswamy Ravishankar , Sauvigne Karen , Leipzig Rosanne M. , Shah Amit
Published: April 2019

Aquifer Geriatrics, formerly web‐based Geriatrics Education Modules, was initially developed through Donald W. Reynolds Foundation funding, and is now the national curriculum of the American Geriatrics Society and the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs. Aquifer Geriatrics consists of 26 evidence‐based, peer‐reviewed, online case‐based modules based on the Association of American Medical Colleges/John A. Hartford Foundation Minimum Geriatrics Competencies for Medical Students and is available by subscription at www.aquifer.org/courses.

This curriculum aims to help address the national shortage of geriatrics educators, complement current teaching, bridge content gaps in geriatrics education, and standardize geriatrics‐focused educational content. This report will describe the development of Aquifer Geriatrics, highlight best practices to incorporate cases in a variety of teaching settings, describe teaching methods that utilize the curriculum to create a robust experience for learners, and address the cost of obtaining the curriculum. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:811–817, 2019.