bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heritability of metabolic traits associated with equine metabolic syndrome in Welsh ponies and Morgan horses
Authors: Norton E. M. , Schultz N. E. , Rendahl A. K. , Mcfarlane D. , Geor R. J. , Mickelson J. R. , McCue M. E.
Published: November 2018

Background

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a complex clinical disorder with both environmental and genetic factors contributing to EMS phenotypes. Estimates of heritability determine the proportion of variation in a trait that is attributable to genetics.

Objectives

To provide heritability estimates for nine metabolic traits associated with EMS in two high‐risk breeds.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

High‐density single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data was used to estimate the heritability (h2SNP) of nine metabolic traits relevant to EMS in a cohort of 264 Welsh ponies and 286 Morgan horses. Traits included measurements of insulin, glucose, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin, ACTH, and glucose (GLU‐OST) and insulin (INS‐OST) following an oral sugar challenge.

Results

In Welsh ponies, seven of the nine traits had statistically significant h2SNP estimates that were considered moderately to highly heritable (h2SNP>0.20) including: triglycerides (0.313; s.e. = 0.146), glucose (0.408; s.e. = 0.135), NEFA (0.434; s.e. = 0.136), INS‐OST (0.440; s.e. = 0.148), adiponectin (0.488; s.e. = 0.143), leptin (0.554; s.e. = 0.132) and insulin (0.808; s.e. = 0.108). In Morgans, six of the nine traits had statistically significant h2SNP estimates that were also determined to be moderately to highly heritable including: INS‐OST (0.359; s.e. = 0.185), leptin (0.486; s.e. = 0.177), GLU‐OST (0.566 s.e. = 0.175), insulin (0.592; s.e. = 0.195), NEFA (0.684; s.e. = 0.164), and adiponectin (0.913; s.e. = 0.181).

Main limitations

Insufficient population size may have limited power to obtain statistically significant h2SNP estimates for ACTH (both breeds), glucose and triglycerides in Morgans and GLU‐OST in Welsh ponies.

Conclusions

This study provides the first concrete evidence of a genetic contribution to key phenotypes associated with EMS. Eight of these nine traits had moderate to high h2SNP estimates in this cohort. These data demonstrate that continued research for identification of the genetic risk factors for EMS phenotypes within and across breeds is warranted.
Respect, trust and continuity: A qualitative study exploring service users’ experience of involvement at a Healthy Life Centre in Norway
Authors: Sagsveen Espen , Rise Marit B. , Grønning Kjersti , Westerlund Heidi , Bratås Ola
Published: November 2018

Background

To meet the challenges caused by non‐communicable diseases, Norway has established Healthy Life Centres within primary care to encourage a healthy lifestyle. To promote people's health and ensure high‐quality services, user involvement in contemporary health care is regarded as essential.

Objective

To explore the experience of user involvement among Healthy Life Centre users participating in individual health consultations, followed by physical activity groups and/or diet courses.

Methods

This was a qualitative study based on twenty semi‐structured individual interviews conducted between September 2015 and May 2016 at a Healthy Life Centre in Norway. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

Being respected and having a trustworthy relationship with the professionals were found to be essential for the service users’ involvement. Building a trustworthy relationship was disrupted for some service users by a lack of relational continuity. This lack of continuity jeopardized the continuation of professionals’ awareness of the service users’ challenges and personal goals. The service users’ preferred levels of user involvement varied. Some service users did not always want to play an active part and instead wanted the professionals, as “experts,” to decide.

Conclusions

The findings imply that the professionals need to assess each service user's desires for involvement and consider how these can be met. Thus, user involvement cannot be understood without considering the particular setting and each individual service user's preferences for involvement. Relational continuity is needed to maintain the service users’ challenges and goals throughout the services and to promote health behaviour changes.
Neutrophils mitigate the systemic host response during endotoxemia in mice
Authors: van der Meer Anne Jan , Ding Chao , Hoogendijk Arie Johan , de Vos Alex F. , Boon Louis , Zeerleder Sacha S. , van der Poll Tom
Published: November 2018

Recent studies have suggested that neutrophils can exert anti‐inflammatory effects. To determine the role of neutrophils in the acute response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the Gram‐negative bacterial cell wall, we challenged neutrophil‐depleted and control mice with LPS and analyzed the plasma concentrations of biomarkers indicative of the cytokine and chemokine network, activation of coagulation and the vascular endothelium, and cellular injury. We here show that neutrophils serve an anti‐inflammatory role upon LPS administration, as reflected by sustained elevations of multiple cytokines and chemokines, and enhanced release of nucleosomes in mice depleted of neutrophils, compared with control mice.
Interleukin‐17/interleukin‐17 receptor axis elicits intestinal neutrophil migration, restrains gut dysbiosis and lipopolysaccharide translocation in high‐fat diet‐induced metabolic syndrome model
Authors: Pérez Malena M. , Martins Larissa M. S. , Dias Murilo S. , Pereira Camila A. , Leite Jefferson A. , Gonçalves Enrico C. S. , de Almeida Paula Z. , de Freitas Emanuelle N. , Tostes Rita C. , Ramos Simone G. , de Zoete Marcel R. , Ryffel Bernhard , Silva João S. , Carlos Daniela
Published: November 2018

Sound evidence supports a role for interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) ‐producing γδ T cells and IL‐17‐producing helper T (Th17) cells in intestinal homeostasis, especially in intestinal barrier integrity. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the role of IL‐17 cytokine in the regulation of intestinal immunity and obesity‐induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) in an experimental murine model. C57BL/6 wild‐type (WT) mice and mice lacking the IL‐17 cytokine receptor (IL‐17RA−/−) were fed either a control diet (CD) or a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 9 weeks. Our data demonstrate that IL‐17RA−/− mice are protected against obesity, but develop hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. In parallel, HFD‐fed IL‐17RA−/− mice display intense inflammation in the ileum compared with WT mice on the HFD. IL‐17RA−/− mice fed the HFD exhibit impaired neutrophil migration to the intestinal mucosa and reduced gene expression of the CXCL‐1 chemokine and CXCR‐2 receptor in the ileum. Interestingly, the populations of neutrophils (CD11b+ Ly6G+) and anti‐inflammatory macrophages (CD11b+ CX3CR1+) are increased in the mesenteric lymph nodes of these mice. IL‐17RA−/− mice on the HFD also display increased commensal bacterial translocation into the bloodstream and elevated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Metagenomic analysis of bacterial 16S gene revealed increased Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla, the main representatives of Gram‐negative bacteria, and reduced Akkermansia muciniphila in the fecal samples of IL‐17RA−/− mice fed the HFD. Together, these data indicate that the IL‐17/IL‐17R axis drives intestinal neutrophil migration, limits gut dysbiosis and attenuates LPS translocation to VAT, resulting in protection to MetS.
Phase transition, microstructure and electrical properties of K1‐xNaxNbO3‐based ceramic sintered in reducing atmosphere
Authors: Cen Zhenyong , Zhen Yichao , Feng Wei , Chen Lingling , Zhao Peiyao , Yu Yan , Xiao Mengjian , Li Longtu , Wang Xiaohui
Published: November 2018

Lead‐free 0.955K1‐xNaxNbO3‐0.045Bi0.5Na0.5ZrO3+0.4% mol MnO ceramics (Abbreviated as K1‐xNxN‐0.045BNZ+0.4Mn) were prepared by a conventional solid‐state sintering method in a reducing atmosphere (oxygen partial pressure : 1 × 10−11 MPa). All K1‐xNxN‐0.045BNZ+0.4Mn samples show a pure perovskite structure with a polymorphic phase boundary (PPB) composed of rhombohedral (R) and tetragonal (T) phases. A high Na/K ratio and a low Na/K ratio can both induce an increase in the rhombohedral phase. The reverse piezoelectric coefficient and its temperature stability in K1‐xNxN‐0.045BNZ+0.4Mn ceramics can be improved by controlling the Na/K ratio. The increase in the Na/K ratio from x = 0.46 to x = 0.56 can decrease the A‐site cation vacancies. The activation energy of the grain is higher than that of the grain boundary due to the accumulation of oxygen vacancies at the grain boundary. K1‐xNxN‐0.045BNZ+0.4Mn ceramics with excellent piezoelectric properties (quasi‐static piezoelectric coefficient d33 = 326 pC/N, and  = 472 pm/V at Emax = 25 kV/cm) were obtained at x = 0.52.
Therapeutic effects of lentinan on inflammatory bowel disease and colitis‐associated cancer
Authors: Liu Yanrong , Zhao Jianmin , Zhao Yali , Zong Shumin , Tian Yixuan , Chen Shuang , Li Meng , Liu Huijuan , Zhang Qiang , Jing Xueshuang , Sun Bo , Wang Hongzhi , Sun Tao , Yang Cheng
Published: November 2018

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of lentinan in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis‐associated cancer (CAC). Lentinan decreased the disease activity index and macroscopic and microscopic colon tissue damage in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced or TNBS‐induced models of colitis. High‐dose lentinan was more effective than salicylazosulfapyridine in the mouse models of colitis. Lentinan decreased the number of tumours, inflammatory cell infiltration, atypical hyperplasia and nuclear atypia in azoxymethane/DSS‐induced CAC model. It also decreased the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐13 and CD30L, in IBD and CAC model mice possibly by inhibiting Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF‐κB signalling and the expression of colon cancer markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin 8, CK18 and p53, in CAC model mice. In addition, lentinan restored the intestinal bacterial microbiotal community structure in IBD model mice. Thus, it shows therapeutic potential in IBD and CAC model mice possibly by inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB signalling‐mediated inflammatory responses and disruption of the intestinal microbiotal structure.
Managing adverse effects by dose reduction during routine treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma with the hedgehog inhibitor vismodegib: a single centre experience
Authors: Woltsche N. , Pichler N. , Wolf I. , Di Meo N. , Zalaudek I.
Published: November 2018

Linked article: This article is commented on by M. Scalvenzi et al., pp. e146–e147 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15469.
Calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam vs. apremilast, methotrexate, acitretin or fumaric acid esters for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: a matching‐adjusted indirect comparison
Authors: Bewley A.P. , Shear N.H. , Calzavara‐Pinton P.G. , Hansen J.B. , Nyeland M.E. , Signorovitch J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Plaque psoriasis has significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Topical therapy is considered the treatment mainstay for mild‐to‐moderate disease according to guidelines. Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) [0.005%/0.05%] aerosol foam is indicated for psoriasis vulgaris treatment in adults. Cal/BD foam trials demonstrated improved efficacy and similar safety in this population. Psoriasis treatment is complicated by the broad range of disease presentation, variability and therapeutic options; particularly decisions on transition from topical to non‐biologic systemic treatment are difficult. Assessing comparative effectiveness of treatment options provides meaningful value to treatment decisions.

Objective

To compare efficacy of Cal/BD foam individual patient data from pooled trials with efficacy of non‐biologic systemic treatments based on aggregated patient characteristics and treatment outcomes.

Methods

Individual data from four Cal/BD foam trials in 749 psoriasis patients were pooled to conduct matching‐adjusted indirect comparisons. Literature review identified non‐biologic systemic treatment trials where methods, populations and outcomes align with Cal/BD foam trials. Of 3090 screened publications, four studies of apremilast, methotrexate, acitretin or fumaric acid esters (FAE) were included.

Results

After baseline matching, patients treated with 4 weeks of Cal/BD foam had greater Physician's Global Assessment 0/1 response compared to those treated with 16 weeks of apremilast (52.7% vs. 30.4%; P < 0.001). Patients treated with Cal/BD foam had significantly greater Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response at Week 4 compared to 16 weeks of apremilast treatment (51.1% vs. 21.6%; P < 0.001). Cal/BD foam patients demonstrated significantly greater PASI 75 response improvements at Week 4 vs. 12 weeks of methotrexate (50.8% vs. 33.5%; P < 0.001) or acitretin (50.9% vs. 31.7%; P = 0.009), and comparable response to FAE (42.4% vs. 47.0%; P = 0.451).

Conclusions

Despite recent treatment advances, unmet needs for psoriasis patients remain. Cal/BD foam offers improved efficacy in baseline matched psoriasis patients compared to apremilast, methotrexate or acitretin, and comparable efficacy to FAE.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia: a case series of 65 patients seen in a single Italian centre
Authors: Starace M. , Brandi N. , Alessandrini A. , Bruni F. , Piraccini B.M.
Published: November 2018

Background

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is increasing in prevalence worldwide and several series from different countries have been published, in order to detect possible causes of the disease outbreak.

Objective

To analyze the epidemiological, clinical and trichoscopic features of FFA seen in an Italian Dermatology Unit.

Methods

Clinical, trichoscopy, histopathology and medical details of all patients were compared with literature and general population data.

Results

From 2005 to 2017, we diagnosed FFA in 65 Caucasian females, with the number of diagnoses per year progressively rising. Premenopausal onset was detected in 21%. Frontal hair line recession was associated with parietal involvement in 80% of cases, occipital in 12.3% and eyebrows alopecia in 86.1%. In six cases, eyebrow alopecia preceded hair loss. Non‐inflammatory facial papules were detected in 1/3 of the patients. Itching was reported by 2/3 of the patients and was indicative of disease progression. Trichoscopy showed empty follicles/yellow dots, absence of follicular ostia, mild follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular erythema and ‘lonely hair’. Scalp lichen plano‐pilaris was seen in 15 patients, female pattern hair loss in 22. Therapy included short‐term treatment with systemic or intralesional corticosteroids followed by therapy with 5α‐reductase inhibitors of hydroxychloroquine and topical drugs. Arrest of FFA progression was seen in 75% of the patients, while 16 experienced worsening of the hairline despite therapy.

Conclusions

Frontal fibrosing alopecia not rarely starts before menopause, loss of the eyebrows can be the first sign of the disease, about 50% of the patients have other autoimmune conditions, FFA severity is not related to its duration, itching, follicular hyperkeratosis and erythema at trichoscopy are signs of disease progression, 25% of the patients show progression of hairline recession despite therapy.
Identification of novel sRNAs involved in oxidative stress response in the fish pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus by transcriptome analysis
Authors: Peng Tao , Kan Jie , Lun Jingsheng , Hu Zhong
Published: November 2018

Vibrio alginolyticus as an important pathogen in aquaculture can encounter the oxidative stress produced by the immune system during infection. Previous studies showed that sRNAs have important functions in response to oxidative stress in bacteria; however, less of sRNAs related to oxidative stress response were identified in V. alginolyticus. In this study, a total of 749 novel sRNAs were identified by RNA sequencing; among them, 128 sRNAs were up‐ or downregulated in response to oxidative stress. In addition, 1,870 genes exhibited variation on mRNA levels in oxidative stress response. By analysing the target genes of the sRNAs, we concluded that these sRNAs could regulate expressions of genes responsible for iron transport, catalase, GSH‐dependent defence system, electron transferred and stress response. Moreover, the functions of the sRNAs are also seemed related to the pathogenicity in V. alginolyticus. Based on the results, we constructed the oxidative stress model in V. alginolyticus. This study provides us the first outlook of sRNAs function in oxidative stress response in V. alginolyticus. Furthermore, this study can help us to prevent and control this important opportunistic pathogen in aquaculture.
The evidence for the physiological effects of lactate on the cerebral microcirculation: a systematic review
Authors: Hollyer Tristan R. , Bordoni Luca , Kousholt Birgitte S. , van Luijk Judith , Ritskes‐Hoitinga Merel , Østergaard Leif
Published: November 2018

Lactate's role in the brain is understood as a contributor to brain energy metabolism, but it may also regulate the cerebral microcirculation. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence of lactate as a physiological effector within the normal cerebral microcirculation in reports ranging from in vitro experiments to in vivo studies in animals and humans. Following pre‐registration of a review protocol, we systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for literature covering themes of ‘lactate’, ‘the brain’, and ‘microcirculation’. Abstracts were screened, and data extracted independently by two individuals. We excluded studies evaluating lactate in disease models. Twenty‐eight papers were identified, 18 of which were in vivo animal experiments (65%), four on human studies (14%), and six on in vitro or ex vivo experiments (21%). Approximately half of the papers identified lactate as an augmenter of the hyperemic response to functional activation by a visual stimulus or as an instigator of hyperemia in a dose‐dependent manner, without external stimulation. The mechanisms are likely to be coupled to NAD+/NADH redox state influencing the production of nitric oxide. Unfortunately, only 38% of these studies demonstrated any control for bias, which makes reliable generalizations of the conclusions insecure. This systematic review identifies that lactate may act as a dose‐dependent regulator of cerebral microcirculation by augmenting the hyperemic response to functional activation below 5 mmol/kg, and by initiating a hyperemic response above 5 mmol/kg.

Open Science Badges

This article has received a badge for *Pre‐registration* because it made the data publicly available. The data can be accessed at www.radboudumc.nl/getmedia/53625326-d1df-432c-980f-27c7c80d1a90/THollyer_lactate_protocol.aspx. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

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Diet‐induced insulin resistance elevates hippocampal glutamate as well asVGLUT1 andGFAPexpression in AβPP/PS1 mice
Authors: Hascup Erin R. , Broderick Sarah O. , Russell Mary K. , Fang Yimin , Bartke Andrzej , Boger Heather A. , Hascup Kevin N.
Published: November 2018

The symptomologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) develop over decades suggesting modifiable lifestyle factors may contribute to disease pathogenesis. In humans, hyperinsulinemia associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk for developingADand both diseases share similar age‐related etiologies including amyloidogenesis. Since we have demonstrated that soluble Aβ42elicits glutamate release, we wanted to understand how diet‐induced insulin resistance alters hippocampal glutamate dynamics, which are important for memory formation and consolidation. Eight to twelve‐week‐old C57BL/6J and AβPP/PS1 mice were placed on either a low‐fat diet or high‐fat diet (HFD) for 8 months. AHFDled to significant weight increases as well as impaired insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and learning in both C57BL/6J and AβPP/PS1 mice. AβPP/PS1 low‐fat diet mice had elevated hippocampal basal as well as stimulus‐evoked glutamate release that was further increased with consumption of aHFD. Immunohistochemistry indicated an increase in vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein density in hippocampal subregions corresponding with this elevated extracellular glutamate. While no differences in hippocampal plaque load were observed, the elevated astrogliotic response surrounding the plaques in AβPP/PS1HFDmice may have been a compensatory mechanism to control plaque accumulation. These data support that AβPP/PS1 mice have chronically elevated extracellular glutamate that is exacerbated by aHFDand that modifiable lifestyle factors such as obesity‐induced insulin resistance can contribute toADpathogenesis.

Open science badges

This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* and for *Open Data* because it made the data publicly available. The data can be accessed athttps://osf.io/5whvu(figures for data) andhttps://osf.io/gd5vf(materials and methods). The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found athttps://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi:10.1111/jnc.14490.
Anti‐inflammatory therapy for atherosclerosis: interpreting divergent results from the CANTOS and CIRT clinical trials
Authors: Ridker P. M.
Published: November 2018

Content List ‐ 15th Key symposium ‐ “Innate immunity”.
Pre‐operative parafunctional or dysfunctional oral habits are associated with the temporomandibular disorders after orthognathic surgery: An observational cohort study
Authors: Bruguiere Fanny , Sciote James J. , Roland‐Billecart Thomas , Raoul Gwénaël , Machuron François , Ferri Joël , Nicot Romain
Published: November 2018

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are frequent and disabling, and hence, preventing them is an important health issue. Combining orthodontic and surgical treatments for malocclusions has been shown to affect temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health. However, publications regarding the risk factors that predict negative TMJ outcomes after orthognathic surgery are scarce.

Objective

Present prospective cohort study was conducted to identify an association between pre‐operative dysfunctional/parafunctional oral habits and the presence of TMD symptoms after orthognathic surgery.

Method

We included 237 patients undergoing orthodontics and surgical treatment for malocclusions associated with dentofacial deformities within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Lille. Their parafunctional and dysfunctional oral habits were recorded through clinical examination along with the presence of TMD symptoms before and after the surgery. According to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) classification, the TMD symptoms studied were myalgia, arthralgia, disc displacement with or without reduction.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations among bruxism (odds ratio [OR] 3.17 [1.066; 9.432]), lingual interposition (OR 4.241 [1.351; 13.313]), as well as primary swallowing (OR 3.54 [1.225; 10.234]) and the presence of postoperative symptoms of myalgia. Moreover, a significant association was observed between the presence of any dysfunctional oral habit and postoperative disc displacement with reduction (OR 4.611 [1.249; 17.021]).

Conclusion

Bruxism and dysfunctional oral habits were shown to be risk factors for the presence of TMD symptoms also after combined orthodontic and surgical treatment. Treating such habits before orthognathic surgery should help prevent TMD.
Correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of people with mental illness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi Ying , Shao Yanping , Li Huanhuan , Wang Shouqi , Ying Jie , Zhang Meiling , Li Yuan , Xing Zhuangjie , Sun Jiao
Published: November 2018

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

A growing body of qualitative and quantitative research has investigated the experiences of affiliated stigma for family members of PWMI.

Some findings are contradictory and have not been considered systematically.

What does the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Family caregivers of PWMI may encounter affiliate stigma, but no systematic review or meta‐analysis has been conducted to evaluate affiliate stigma among them.

We identified eight variables significantly related to affiliate stigma among caregivers of PWMI. The findings can be used to help clinical practice to develop health promotion and prevention strategies.

What are the implications for practice?

Affiliate stigma was prevalent among the family caregivers of PWMI and is important for clinicians to consider.

Health‐focused interventions for family caregivers can mediate the impact of affiliated stigma through provision of social support by practitioners, such as respite care based on the “Senses Framework,” self‐help groups and online support program. And the caregivers of PWMI might benefit from further support (e.g., psychoeducation) to improve their knowledge about mental illness.

Introduction

Many studies have investigated the correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of people with mental illness (PWMI). Thus far, no systematic review or meta‐analysis has been conducted to synthesize these results.

Aims/Question

This review aims to identify the correlates of affiliate stigma among family caregivers of PWMI.

Method

We searched four databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies that investigated the association of affiliate sigma with socio‐demographic, psychosocial and disease‐related factors.

Results

Twenty‐two studies including 3,381 participants met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen variables were included for the meta‐analysis. For disease‐related characteristics, only “disease attribution” and “care time/day” were associated with affiliate stigma. For psychosocial characteristics, “support from others,” “burden,” “depression,” “stress,” “distress” and “face concern” were related to affiliate stigma.

Discussion

This review is the first to assess the association of affiliate stigma with other characteristics of interest. However, the findings are limited due to a very small number of studies. Researchers should conduct in‐depth study in this area and improve the quality of the literature.

Implications for practice

Health‐focused interventions for family caregivers such as respite care, self‐help groups, online support program and psychosocial education can mediate the impact of affiliated stigma.
Assessment of the long‐term impact of deer on understory vegetation in mixed temperate forests
Authors: Simončič Tina , Bončina Andrej , Jarni Kristjan , Klopčič Matija
Published: November 2018

Questions

What is the long‐term impact of deer browsing on the diversity of the herbaceous layer and tree species regeneration? Which parameters of regeneration of the tree species regeneration and the herbaceous layer best indicate browsing impact?

Study site

Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia.

Methods

We studied the long‐term impact of red deer on mixed temperate forests by comparing the tree species regeneration and herbaceous layer vegetation under two treatments: deer present, no deer. We analyzed the regeneration of trees older than one year up to a diameter at breast height of 10 cm (categorized into five height classes) and the cover abundance of plant species in the herbaceous layer (<50 cm).

Results

There were no significant differences between the treatments in the number of tree species regeneration. Browsing impact on the most abundant tree species—European beech, silver fir and sycamore—varied, indicating differences in palatability. When deer were present, the number of silver fir regenerating was significantly lower in all height classes, and regeneration of European beech specimens shorter than 50 cm was more abundant, while for sycamore shorter seedlings (<20 cm) were more abundant, and regeneration of taller specimens (≥50 cm) was significantly less abundant. The reduction of tree species diversity during natural regeneration is evident. There were no significant differences between the treatments in the number and diversity of plant species in the herbaceous layer; however, the abundance of 13 plant species differed significantly between the treatments. Deer reduce the density of tree species saplings due to long‐term browsing and thus indirectly increase tree species diversity in the regeneration up to 20 cm in height and plant species diversity in the herbaceous layer.

Conclusions

We documented the direct and indirect impact of deer on the diversity of tree species regeneration, but only found an indirect influence on the diversity of the herbaceous layer. The height structure of palatable tree species regeneration appears to be the most appropriate indicator of browsing impact. The observed browsing impact leads to the complete dominance of European beech in the tree species composition of forest stands.
Hepatitis C: Is eradication possible?
Authors: Lombardi Andrea , Mondelli Mario U. ,   ESCMID Study Group for Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH)
Published: November 2018

Hepatitis C has a relevant global impact in terms of morbidity, mortality and economic costs, with more than 70 million people infected worldwide. In the resolution, “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” was included as a focus area in the health‐related goal with world leaders pledging to “combat” it by 2030. In response, WHO drafted the Global Viral Hepatitis Strategy carrying the ambitious targets to reduce the number of deaths by two‐thirds and to increase treatment rates up to 80%. Despite the availability of highly effective therapeutic regimens based on direct‐acting antivirals many barriers to HCV eradication still remain. They are related to awareness of the infection, linkage to care, availability of the therapeutic drug regimens and reinfection. Overall, if an effective prophylactic vaccine will not be available, HCV eradication appears difficult to achieve in the future.
Effect of proton pump inhibitors on the risk and prognosis of infections in patients with cirrhosis and ascites
Authors: Dam Gitte , Vilstrup Hendrik , Andersen Per Kragh , Bossen Lars , Watson Hugh , Jepsen Peter
Published: November 2018

Background & Aims

Many patients with cirrhosis use proton pump inhibitors. We aimed to determine their effects on the risk and prognosis of infections in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

Methods

We used data from three 1‐year trials of satavaptan treatment of ascites (N = 1198) to compare incidence and 90‐day mortality of first‐time infections between users and nonusers of proton pump inhibitors. With standard and marginal structural Cox models, we adjusted for differences in gender, age, cirrhosis aetiology, Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score, serum albumin, lactulose use, severity of ascites, and history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or variceal bleeding.

Results

During the follow‐up, 446 patients had an infection. At inclusion, 524 patients (44%) used proton pump inhibitors, and 645 (54%) used them at some point during the follow‐up. Proton pump inhibitor use increased the rate of infections overall (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.43, 95% CI 1.18‐1.74), and it also increased the rate of all specific types of infections except upper respiratory tract infections of presumably viral origin. The estimated cumulative risk of infections was 36.4% for proton pump inhibitor users vs 25.1% for nonusers at 6 months (relative risk = 1.45, 95% CI 1.22‐1.73), and 45.2% vs 37.7% at 1 year (relative risk = 1.20, 95% 0.97‐1.40). Use of proton pump inhibitors did not affect mortality during the 90 days following infection (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.83, 95% CI 0.53‐1.31).

Conclusions

Approximately half of patients with cirrhosis and ascites use proton pump inhibitors. This use increases their risk of bacterial infections, but does not affect their prognosis after an infection occurs.
Phantom bedside intruder in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ting Simon Kang Seng , Chen Celeste , Hameed Shahul , Ng Adeline , Kandiah Nagaendran , Prakash Kumar M , Xie Wanying , Lam Winnie Wing‐Chuen , Sin Gwen Li , Chan Ling Ling , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Gauthier Serge , Ng Kok Pin
Published: November 2018

Psychosis is a known neuropsychiatric feature in Lewy body disease. While visual hallucination remained the most common form of psychosis, a minor proportion of patients suffer from multimodal psychosis in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, current research does not always specify whether multimodal psychosis is manifested in an independent, sequential, or concomitant manner. As such, studies addressing brain–behavior relationship of multimodal psychosis remain sparse. In this paper, we described a case of PD multimodal psychosis manifesting as a phantom bedside intruder, where the patient episodically “felt” the presence and “heard” the breathing sound of the “person” without visualizing him. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography scan showed predominant hypometabolism in brain regions involving the bilateral insula, superior temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and anterior cingulate. The unusual multimodal phantom bedside intruder phenomenon observed in this case is likely a result of combinational dysfunction of bilateral temporal parietal lobes.
Physico‐chemical stability of Plasma‐Lyte 148® and Plasma‐Lyte 148® + 5% Glucose with eight common intravenous medications
Authors: Dawson Rachael , Wignell Andrew , Cooling Paul , Barrett David , Vyas Harish , Davies Patrick
Published: November 2018

Background

Plasma‐Lyte 148® is a balanced, crystalloid intravenous (IV) fluid which is both calcium‐free and isotonic. It prevents the hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and iatrogenic hyponatremia seen with use of 0.9% sodium chloride and hypotonic solutions, respectively. However, data on compatibility with commonly used drugs are lacking.

Aims

To investigate the stability of Plasma‐Lyte 148® and Plasma‐Lyte 148® + 5% Glucose with eight commonly used therapeutic agents when compared with 5% glucose and 0.9% sodium chloride as diluents. We aimed to provide vital data which may facilitate the introduction of what appears to be a safer and more economic fluid.

Methods

Plasma‐Lyte 148® and Plasma‐Lyte 148® + 5% Glucose were mixed with morphine, midazolam, fentanyl, ketamine, clonidine, aminophylline, salbutamol, and furosemide at set concentrations. Comparisons were made to 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% glucose fluid controls. Six repeats of each IV fluid and drug admixture were analyzed through high‐performance liquid chromatography at three time points: 0, 2, and 24 hours. A concentration change of <5% was defined as chemically stable. Physical stability was assessed by observation of precipitate formation or color change. pH changes were measured using a Fisherbrand Hydrus 300 pH meter.

Results

Relative to starting concentration, all drugs except midazolam were stable to ±3%. All examined therapeutic agents were chemically stable at 2 and 24 hours relative to control solutions. No precipitate formed in any of the samples. All Plasma‐Lyte 148® and Plasma‐Lyte 148® + 5% Glucose drug admixtures remained in a safe, peripheral administration pH range of 5‐9 and were closer to the pH of blood than standard fluid‐drug admixtures.

Conclusion

Morphine, fentanyl, ketamine, salbutamol, aminophylline, and clonidine are stable for 24 hours when mixed with Plasma‐Lyte 148® and Plasma‐Lyte 148®+5% Glucose for administration at concentrations equivalent to those found at a typical Y‐site with maintenance fluid. Furosemide is stable at lower concentrations than those seen at a Y‐site, but midazolam displayed instability.
A follow‐up survey of total intravenous anesthesia usage in children in the U.K. and Ireland
Authors: Goh Au-Chyun Nicole , Bagshaw Oliver , Courtman Simon
Published: November 2018

Background

Total intravenous anesthesia usage in children remains relatively unpopular in the UK and Ireland. A postal survey by Hill et al in 2008 indicated that only 26% of Consultants used a propofol infusion at least once a month.

Aims

Following an increase in teaching and training opportunities in pediatric total intravenous anesthesia in the UK, we repeated the survey among Consultant members of Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland and Society for Intravenous Anaesthesia, to see if this had affected total intravenous anesthesia usage in children and how practice may have changed.

Methods

We used an anonymous online survey sent to Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland and Society for Intravenous Anaesthesia members.

Results

A total of 291 responses were analyzed. Total intravenous anesthesia was the default method of anesthesia in 8% of respondents and a further 46% used total intravenous anesthesia at least monthly. Overall total intravenous anesthesia usage had increased in the past year in 53%. The main indications were malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Ear/nose/throat surgery was the most popular surgical specialty. The main reasons for not using total intravenous anesthesia were that it was too “fiddly” and lack of confidence in the user. Most respondents used propofol in combination with remifentanil. Over 80% used propofol target‐controlled infusion. The potential for propofol‐related infusion syndrome concerned many, with 74% limiting infusion duration as a result. Bispectral Index was not used routinely by the majority of anesthetists. Even though most anesthetists did not use total intravenous anesthesia routinely, 98% felt they would be confident to anesthetize an malignant hyperpyrexia‐positive patient using the technique.

Conclusion

This survey has shown that although total intravenous anesthesia is not the default anesthetic technique for most anesthetists, overall usage in children has more than doubled in the past 10 years, with many happy to use it in a wide variety of patients and procedures.
Sedation and neurodevelopmental outcomes in PICU: Identification of study groups
Authors: Withington Davinia E. , Mujallid Razaz , Al Sabaa Zainab
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims

As little as 30 minutes of exposure to anesthetic and sedative agents may adversely affect the developing brain. Safe, humane management of critically ill infants requires the use of sedative agents, often for prolonged periods. We sought to identify two comparable groups of critical care patients who did or did not receive sedatives, with the aim of designing a long‐term neurodevelopment follow‐up study. This feasibility study aimed to determine if two comparable groups could be found.

Methods

Infants with respiratory diagnoses having noninvasive ventilation without sedation (Group C) or intubation and ventilation with sedation (Group S) were identified by chart review. Charts of patients fulfilling the above inclusion criteria were searched for exclusion criteria including neurological disease, extreme prematurity, congenital cardiac disease, and genetic anomalies. Data were extracted to score pediatric severity of illness scores (PRISM and PELOD) for each patient. These scores were then compared using the absolute scores and by risk strata.

Results

Group S included 33 patients and Group C had 39. The absolute PRISM and PELOD scores were different between groups. Comparing the groups in three risk strata (PRISM greater or less than 5 or 10), there were no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

It is not possible to randomize infants to sedation or no sedation to investigate neurodevelopmental outcomes. This phase of the project aimed to determine the comparability of two groups of PICU patients. These findings indicate that these groups could be enrolled as exposed and control subjects in an outcomes study.
Elevated carbon dioxide plus chronic warming causes dramatic increases in leaf angle in tomato, which correlates with reduced plant growth
Authors: Jayawardena Dileepa Madushanka , Heckathorn Scott Alan , Bista Deepesh Raj , Boldt Jennifer Kay
Published: November 2018

Limited evidence indicates that moderate leaf hyponasty can be induced by high temperatures or unnaturally high CO2. Here, we report that the combination of warming plus elevated CO2 (eCO2) induces severe leaf hyponasty in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). To characterize this phenomenon, tomato plants were grown at two levels of CO2 (400 vs. 700 ppm) and two temperature regimes (30 vs. 37°C) for 16–18 days. Leaf hyponasty increased dramatically with warming plus eCO2 but increased only slightly with either factor alone and was slowly reversible upon transfer to control treatments. Increases in leaf angle were not correlated with leaf temperature, leaf water stress, or heat‐related damage to photosynthesis. However, steeper leaf angles were correlated with decreases in leaf area and biomass, which could be explained by decreased light interception and thus in situ photosynthesis, as leaves became more vertical. Petiole hyponasty and leaf‐blade cupping were also observed with warming + eCO2 in marigold and soybean, respectively, which are compound‐leaved species like tomato, but no such hyponasty was observed in sunflower and okra, which have simple leaves. If severe leaf hyponasty is common under eCO2 and warming, then this may have serious consequences for food production in the future.
Ultraviolet B radiation modifies circadian time in epidermal skin and in subcutaneous adipose tissue
Authors: Nikkola Veera , Miettinen Maija E. , Karisola Piia , Grönroos Mari , Ylianttila Lasse , Alenius Harri , Snellman Erna , Partonen Timo
Published: November 2018

Background

Recent findings suggest that circadian time regulates cellular functions in the skin and may affect protection against ultraviolet radiation (UVR). It is not known, however, whether UVR through skin directly affects the expression of circadian genes. We investigated the effect of ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure on cryptochrome circadian clock 1 (CRY1), cryptochrome circadian clock 2 (CRY2), and circadian associated repressor of transcription (CIART) genes.

Methods

Healthy volunteers (n = 12) were exposed to narrow‐band UVB radiation of four standard erythemal dose (SED). Epidermal/dermal and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were obtained by punch biopsies from irradiated and non‐irradiated skin 10 cm away from the irradiated site 24 hours after UVB exposure. Gene expression of CRY1, CRY2, and CIART was measured using RT‐PCR (TaqMan).

Results

Ultraviolet B radiation affected mRNA expression in the epidermal/dermal skin and in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. It down‐regulated expression of CRY2 gene in the epidermal/dermal skin, whereas it up‐regulated expression of CRY1 and CIART genes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Conclusion

We showed for the first time that UVB radiation affects expression of circadian genes in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Further studies are warranted to understand the mechanisms in detail.
Participation of actin filaments, myosin and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase in the formation and polarisation of tetraspore germ tube ofGelidium floridanum(Rhodophyta,Florideophyceae)
Authors: Filipin E. P. , Pereira D. T. , Ouriques L. C. , Bouzon Z. L. , Simioni C.
Published: November 2018

This study aimed to examine the evidence of direct interaction among actin, myosin and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) in the polarisation and formation of the tetraspore germ tube ofGelidium floridanum.

After release, tetraspores were exposed to cytochalasin B, latrunculin B,LY294002 andBDMfor a period of 6 h.

In control samples, formation of the germ tube occurred after the experimental period, with cellulose formation and elongated chloroplasts moving through the tube region in the presence of F‐actin. In the presence of cytochalasin B, an inhibitor of F‐actin, latrunculin B, an inhibitor of G‐actin, andBDM, a myosin inhibitor, tetraspores showed no formation of the germ tube or cellulose. Spherical‐shaped chloroplasts were observed in the central region with a few F‐actin filaments in the periphery of the cytoplasm. Tetraspores treated withLY294002, aPI3K inhibitor, showed no formation of the tube at the highest concentrations. Polarisation of cytoplasmic contents did not occur, only cellulose formation.

It was concluded that F‐actin directs the cell wall components and contributes to the maintenance of chloroplast shape and elongation during germ tube formation.PI3K plays a fundamental role in signalling for the asymmetric polarisation of F‐actin. Thus, F‐actin regulates the polarisation and germination processes of tetraspores ofG. floridanum.
Post‐thawing effects of three cryopreservation diluents on Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) spermatozoa
Authors: Monaco Davide , Zappia Eduardo , Apichaya Sudsukh , Lacalandra Giovanni M. , Thongtip Nikorn
Published: November 2018

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate home‐made and commercial extenders for the cryopreservation of Rusa deer semen. After collection by electroejaculation, six ejaculates were diluted and frozen in TES‐based, Tris‐based and Triladyl® extenders. Subjective motility, viability, morphology, acrosome integrity and membrane functionality were assessed post‐thawing and after 1‐hr incubation at 37°C (Thermal stress test). Total and progressive motility, and kinematic parameters were also assessed through CASA system. Post‐thawing sperm progressive motility (PM), velocity according to the straight path (VSL) and linearity (LIN) showed significant differences, and higher values were detected for spermatozoa diluted with Triladyl® and TES (p < 0.05) as compared with Tris (PM of Triladyl® 14.7% vs. 3.2% TES and 2.5% Tris; VSL 56 for Triladyl®, 59.2 for TES and 41.7 for Tris; LIN 45.6 for Triladyl®, 52 for TES and 36.5 for Tris). Triladyl® and TES extender led to better post‐thawing sperm parameters, but these preliminary results need to be verified through artificial insemination trials.
Effect of semen and donor factors on multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) in sheep
Authors: Bergstein‐Galan Tácia Gomes , Weiss Romildo Romualdo , Kozicki Luiz Ernandes
Published: November 2018

Contents

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) is an important tool in the sheep industry for increasing numbers of genetically superior individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of semen source (frozen or fresh), the number of embryo collection procedures for each donor (NECP), the season in which embryo transfer and collection was performed, and the age and breed of the donor, on the number of recovered embryos and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer. The Alamos Genetics’ flushing station database was used. This consisted of 140 embryo collection procedures, from 53 Dorper and White Dorper sheep donors, aged between one and eight years, totalling 1,200 collected embryos. Neither the number of retrieved embryos nor the pregnancy rate was affected by the semen preservation method (fresh or frozen), NECP or the age and breed of donor. The season did not affect the number of collected embryos but had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the recipient pregnancy rate, with higher pregnancy rates reported in the winter (65.57% ± 25.33%) compared with spring (37.11% ± 33.27%), summer (29.95% ± 28.33%) or autumn (35.03% ± 31.66%). There is an estimated increase of 98.4% and 71.5% of embryos recovered in the spring and summer seasons, respectively, when winter is used as reference. The survival of embryos is significantly higher when implanted during the breeding season, more specifically in winter. Embryo collection can be carried out throughout the year in sheep, but there may be a marginal advantage in the use of superovulation and fresh embryo transfer programmes in the autumn and winter.