bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutualism influences species distribution predictions for a bromeliad‐breeding anuran under climate change
Authors: Vasconcelos Tiago Silveira , Antonelli Caio Pastana , Napoli Marcelo Felgueiras
Published: July 2017

Ecological niche models, or species distribution models, have been widely used to identify potentially suitable areas for species in future climate change scenarios. However, there are inherent errors to these models due to their inability to evaluate species occurrence influenced by non‐climatic factors. With the intuit to improve the modelling predictions for a bromeliad‐breeding treefrog (Phyllodytes melanomystax, Hylidae), we investigate how the climatic suitability of bromeliads influences the distribution model for the treefrog in the context of baseline and 2050 climate change scenarios. We used point occurrence data on the frog and the bromeliad (Vriesea procera, Bromeliaceae) to generate their predicted distributions based on baseline and 2050 climates. Using a consensus of five algorithms, we compared the accuracy of the models and the geographic predictions for the frog generated from two modelling procedures: (i) a climate‐only model for P. melanomystax and V. procera; and (ii) a climate‐biotic model for P. melanomystax, in which the climatic suitability of the bromeliad was jointly considered with the climatic variables. Both modelling approaches generated strong and similar predictive power for P. melanomystax, yet climate‐biotic modelling generated more concise predictions, particularly for the year 2050. Specifically, because the predicted area of the bromeliad overlaps with the predictions for the treefrog in the baseline climate, both modelling approaches produce reasonable similar predicted areas for the anuran. Alternatively, due to the predicted loss of northern climatically suitable areas for the bromeliad by 2050, only the climate‐biotic models provide evidence that northern populations of P. melanomystax will likely be negatively affected by 2050.
Earliest Holocene deglaciation of the central Uummannaq Fjord system, West Greenland
Authors: Philipps William , Briner Jason P. , Bennike Ole , Schweinsberg Avriel , Beel Casey , Lifton Nathaniel
Published: July 2017

Uummannaq Fjord, West Greenland, held the Uummannaq Ice Stream system that drained an estimated ~6% of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) during the Last Glacial Maximum. Published ages for the final deglaciation in Uummannaq Fjord vary from as early asc. 9.8 ka to as late asc. 5.3 ka. Assessing this variability requires additional chronological controls to improve the deglaciation history of central West Greenland. Here, we combine14C dating of lake sediment cores with cosmogenic10Be exposure dating at sites adjacent to the present GrISmargin in the central‐inland sector of the Uummannaq Fjord system. We find that ice retreated to or within the present GrISmargin at 10.8±0.2 ka (n = 6). Although this ‘final deglaciation’ to or within the present GrISmargin across the Uummannaq Fjord system varies fromc. 10.8 to 5.3 ka, all chronologies indicate collapse from the continental shelf to the inner fjords atc. 11.0 ka, which occurred at a net retreat rate of 300–1100 m a−1. The Uummannaq Fjord system deglaciatedc. 1000 years earlier than the major fjord system to the south, Disko Bugt. However, similarly rapid retreat rates of the two palaeo‐ice stream systems suggest that their collapse may have been aided by high calving rates. The asynchronous deglaciation of the GrISthroughout the Uummannaq Fjord system probably relates to the influence of varying fjord geometry on marine glacier behaviour.
α9‐ and α7‐containing receptors mediate the pro‐proliferative effects of nicotine in the A549 adenocarcinoma cell line
Authors: Mucchietto Vanessa , Fasoli Francesca , Pucci Susanna , Moretti Milena , Benfante Roberta , Maroli Annalisa , Di Lascio Simona , Bolchi Cristiano , Pallavicini Marco , Dowell Cheryl , McIntosh Michael , Clementi Francesco , Gotti Cecilia
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose

Tobacco smoke contains many classes of carcinogens and although nicotine is unable to initiate tumourigenesis in humans and rodents, it promotes tumour growth and metastasis in lung tumours by acting on neuronal nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs). The aim of this study was to identify molecularly, biochemically and pharmacologically which nAChR subtypes are expressed and functionally activated by nicotine in lung cancer cell lines.

Experimental Approach

We used A549 and H1975 adenocarcinoma cell lines derived from lung tumours to test the in vitro effects of nicotine, and nAChR subtype‐specific peptides and compounds.

Key Results

The two adenocarcinoma cell lines express distinctive nAChR subtypes, and this affects their nicotine‐induced proliferation. In A549 cells, nAChRs containing the α7 or α9 subunits not only regulate nicotine‐induced cell proliferation but also the activation of the Akt and ERK pathways. Blocking these nAChRs by means of subtype‐specific peptides, or silencing their expression by means of subunit‐specific siRNAs, abolishes nicotine‐induced proliferation and signalling. Moreover, we found that the α7 antagonist MG624 also acts on α9–α10 nAChRs, blocks the effects of nicotine on A549 cells and has dose‐dependent cytotoxic activity.

Conclusions and Implications

These results highlight the pathophysiological role of α7‐ and α9‐containing receptors in promoting non‐small cell lung carcinoma cell growth and intracellular signalling and provide a framework for the development of new drugs that specifically target the receptors expressed in lung tumours.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc
Central amygdala relaxin‐3/relaxin family peptide receptor 3 signalling modulates alcohol seeking in rats
Authors: Walker Leigh C , Kastman Hanna E , Krstew Elena V , Gundlach Andrew L , Lawrence Andrew J
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose

Alcohol use disorders are a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, and stress is a major trigger of relapse. The neuropeptide relaxin‐3 and its cognate receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 3 (RXFP3), modulate stress‐induced relapse to alcohol seeking in rats, and while the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis has been implicated in this regard, the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) also receives a relaxin‐3 innervation and CeA neurons densely express RXFP3 mRNA. Moreover, the CeA is consistently implicated in both stress and addictive disorders. Yohimbine precipitates relapse‐like behaviour in rodents, although exactly how yohimbine induces relapse is unknown, possibly by increasing stress levels and inducing heightened cue reactivity.

Experimental Approach

In the current study, we examined the effects of yohimbine (1 mg·kg−1, i.p.) on anxiety‐like behaviour in alcohol‐experienced rats. Furthermore, we assessed CeA neuronal activation following yohimbine‐induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking and the role of the relaxin‐3/RXFP3 signalling within the CeA in yohimbine‐induced reinstatement to alcohol seeking.

Key Results

Low‐dose yohimbine was anxiogenic in rats with a history of alcohol use. Furthermore, yohimbine‐induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking increased Fos activation in CeA corticotrophin‐releasing factor, dynorphin and GABA neurons compared with naïve and vehicle controls. Bilateral intra‐CeA injections of the selective RXFP3 antagonist, R3(B1‐22)R, attenuated yohimbine‐induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data suggest that the CeA is a node where yohimbine acts to induce reinstatement of alcohol seeking and implicate the relaxin‐3/RXFP3 system within the CeA in this process.
P2X receptor channels in chronic pain pathways
Authors: Bernier Louis‐Philippe , Ase Ariel R , Séguéla Philippe
Published: July 2017

Chronic pain is a highly prevalent debilitating condition for which treatment options remain limited for many patients. Ionotropic ATP signalling through excitatory and calcium‐permeable P2X receptor channels is now rightfully considered as a critical player in pathological pain generation and maintenance; therefore, their selective targeting represents a therapeutic opportunity with promising yet untapped potential. Recent advances in the structural, functional and pharmacological characterization of rodent and human ATP‐gated P2X receptor channels have shed brighter light on the role of specific subtypes in the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory, neuropathic or cancer pain. Here, we will review the contribution of P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7 receptors to chronic pain and discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with the pharmacological manipulation of their function.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc
Dental erosion among South Brazilian adolescents: A 2.5‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Brusius C.D. , Alves L.S. , Susin C. , Maltz M.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

This population‐based longitudinal study investigated the incidence, progression and risk factors for dental erosion among South Brazilian adolescents.

Methods

Eight hundred and one schoolchildren attending 42 public and private schools were clinically examined at 12 years of age; clinical examinations were repeated after 2.5 years (SD=0.3). After tooth cleaning and drying, permanent incisors and first molars were classified using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) scoring criteria. Questionnaires were used to collect data on socio‐demographic characteristics, dietary habits, toothbrushing frequency and general health. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association between dental erosion incidence and explanatory variables, with adjusted incidence risk ratios (IRR) and 95% CI estimated.

Results

Among those who did not have dental erosion at baseline, 49 of 680 schoolchildren (7.1%; 95% CI=5.2‐9.1) developed erosive lesions over the follow‐up period. Among schoolchildren who had dental erosion at baseline, 31 of 121 (25.4%; 95% CI=17.6‐33.3) had new or more severe lesions. Boys were more likely to develop dental erosion than girls (IRR=1.88; 95% CI=1.06‐3.32).

Conclusions

A moderate incidence of dental erosion was observed among South Brazilian adolescents, with boys being at higher risk. The high progression rate of 25% observed here is very concerning, and it should be taken in consideration when designing preventive strategies for dental erosion.
Month of birth is associated with the subsequent diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism. A nationwide Danish register‐based study
Authors: Thvilum Marianne , Brandt Frans , Brix Thomas Heiberg , Hegedüs Laszlo
Published: July 2017

Background

The triggering of thyroid autoimmunity in the genetically susceptible remains a conundrum. Environmental exposures during gestation and/or early postnatally have proponents, as suggested in diabetes mellitus, with a higher incidence of births during spring and summer. Whether the development of autoimmune hypothyroidism (AIT) is influenced by month or season of birth is less clear.

Method

Nationwide cohort study of 111 565 individuals diagnosed with AIT and four euthyroid controls per case, matched according to age and sex, were identified from Danish health registers. Differences in month of birth across the year were evaluated by the Walter‐Elwood test. The risk of patients with AIT being born in a certain month or season of the year was calculated using a Cox regression model.

Results

There was a significant difference in birth month between cases and controls, P<.001. Individuals with AIT had a significantly increased risk of being born in June (Hazard ratio 1.04; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.02‐1.08) and in the summer (June‐August; HR 1.02; 95%CI: 1.01‐1.04).

Conclusion

In this large‐scale nationwide cohort study, we found a higher risk of AIT when born in the summer season or more specifically in June, supporting the hypothesis that seasonal variations in exposures—gestationally and/or early postnatally—may contribute to the development of AIT.
Comparison of thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy results before and after implementation of Bethesda classification
Authors: Ozdemir D. , Bestepe N. , Faki S. , Kilicarslan A. , Parlak O. , Ersoy R. , Cakir B.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The Bethesda classification was introduced in 2008 to provide standardisation in the evaluation of thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). We compared the diagnostic value of pre‐Bethesda and Bethesda classification systems in the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent a thyroidectomy between June 2007 and June 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Nodules evaluated with FNAC before March 2010 were classified as pre‐Bethesda (non‐diagnostic, benign, indeterminate, suspicious for malignancy and malignant), and those evaluated after March 2010 were considered Bethesda (non‐diagnostic, benign, atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance, follicular neoplasia/suspicious for follicular neoplasia, suspicious for malignancy and malignant). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of the two classification systems were calculated.

Results

There were 1810 nodules in the pre‐Bethesda and 5115 nodules in the Bethesda group. The non‐diagnostic rate was significantly higher, and benign and suspicious for malignancy rates were lower in Bethesda compared with the pre‐Bethesda group (P<.001 for each). When benign cytology was considered negative, and indeterminate, follicular neoplasia/suspicious for follicular neoplasia, suspicious for malignancy and malignant cytologies were considered positive, results for pre‐Bethesda and Bethesda were as follows: sensitivity, 78.9% and 78.5%; specificity, 86.6% and 97.0%; PPV, 42.8% and 72.6%; NPV, 97% and 97.8%; and accuracy, 85.7% and 95.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

Among operated nodules, percentages of benign and suspicious for malignancy cytologies decreased, and percentages of non‐diagnostic and uncertain cytologies increased with the implementation of Bethesda. The diagnostic value of FNAC seems to have increased with the use of Bethesda classification.
The cost of treating diabetic ketoacidosis in the UK: a national survey of hospital resource use
Authors: Dhatariya K. K. , Skedgel C. , Fordham R.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a commonly encountered metabolic emergency. In 2014, a national survey was conducted looking at the management of diabetic ketoacidosis in adult patients across the UK. The survey reported the clinical management of individual patients as well as institutional factors that teams felt were important in helping to deliver that care. However, the costs of treating diabetic ketoacidosis were not reported.

Methods

We used a ‘bottom up’ approach to cost analysis to determine the total expense associated with treating diabetic ketoacidosis in a mixed population sample. The data were derived from the source data from the national UK survey of 283 individual patients collected via questionnaires sent to hospitals across the country.

Results

Because the initial survey collection tool was not designed with a health economic model in mind, several assumptions were made when analysing the data. The mean and median time in hospital was 5.6 and 2.7 days respectively. Based on the individual patient data and using the Joint British Diabetes Societies Inpatient Care Group guidelines, the cost analysis shows that for this cohort, the average cost for an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis was £2064 per patient (95% confidence intervals: 1800, 2563).

Conclusion

Despite relatively short stays in hospital, costs for managing episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis in adults were relatively high. Assumptions made in the calculations did not consider prolonged hospital stay due to comorbidities or costs incurred as a loss of productivity. Therefore, the actual costs to the healthcare system and society in general are likely to be substantially higher.
Continuous Improvement of Team Assignments: Using a Web‐Based Tool and the Plan‐Do‐Check‐Act Cycle in Design and Redesign
Authors: Morgan Shona D. , Stewart Alice C.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this brief is twofold. First, it describes a useful template for business instructors to improve teamwork assignment design and efficacy; and second, it provides an example of how to use data collected and analyzed from a Web‐based tool, Comprehensive Assessment of Team Member Effectiveness (CATME). Though CATME has been the subject of research regarding its impact on team effectiveness, less common is a clear description of its use for continuous improvement by instructors in the classroom. In this brief, we combine the well‐known continuous improvement framework of Deming's wheel—the plan‐do‐check‐act (PDCA) cycle—with CATME. We provide a template for systematic pedagogical adjustment to improve team assignments in the classroom and to ultimately impact improvement in team skills and behaviors. First, the CATME tool and its capabilities are introduced. Next, we provide a demonstration of how an instructor used the PDCA cycle and the CATME data to design, evaluate, and analyze team processes within her classroom and the actions planned to redesign her team assignment.
Female mate preference in an invasive phytopathogen vector: how learning may influence mate choice and fecundity in Diaphorina citri
Authors: Stockton D.G. , Pescitelli L.E. , Martini X. , Stelinski L.L.
Published: July 2017

In some arthropods, females learn in the context of reproduction to refine their mate choices and avoid males displaying traits associated with impotency. Previous studies have shown that males of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citriKuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), associate female odor with copulatory rewards. However, it is unclear whether females similarly learn about male traits. We compared mate choice in females previously mated to either blue or orange males and found that females may associate male color with reproductive success, and avoided blue males after previous experience. Orange males mated more frequently than blue males and appeared to be more sexually aggressive in their mating attempts. In addition, females mated to orange males laid approximately twice as many eggs as those mated to blue males. We dissected male psyllids and measured the size of their reproductive organs to determine whether abdominal color was associated with reproductive development. Our morphometric analysis indicated that blue males may not be physiologically immature compared with orange males. Rather, blue males displayed larger testes and seminal vesicles than orange males, suggesting that differences in reproductive output may be behavioral in nature. Based on our data, we suggest that females learn about the appearance and mating behaviors of blue and orange males from early mating experiences, and subsequently avoid blue males in future matings. Although the roles of blue males within a population are unclear, it is possible that blue morphs may specialize in other functions such as dispersal.
The effect of depression and side effects of antiepileptic drugs on injuries in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Gur‐Ozmen S. , Mula M. , Agrawal N. , Cock H. R. , Lozsadi D. , von Oertzen T. J.
Published: July 2017

Background and purpose

People with epilepsy are at increased risk of accidents and injuries but, despite several studies on this subject, data regarding preventable causes are still contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between injuries, side effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and depression.

Methods

Data from a consecutive sample of adult patients with epilepsy attending the outpatient clinics at St George's University Hospital in London were included. All patients were asked if they had had any injury since the last clinic appointment and completed the Liverpool Adverse Event Profile (LAEP) and Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy.

Results

Among 407 patients (243 females, mean age 43.1 years), 71 (17.4%) reported injuries since the last appointment. A two‐step cluster analysis revealed two clusters with the major cluster (53.5% of the injured group) showing a total score for LAEP ≥45, a positive Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy screening and presence of AED polytherapy. A total score for LAEP ≥45 was the most important predictor.

Conclusions

Antiepileptic drug treatment should be reviewed in patients reporting injuries in order to evaluate the potential contribution and burden of AED side effects.
The Impact of Ecological Factors on Game‐Based L2 Practice and Learning
Authors: Ibrahim Karim
Published: July 2017

Various empirical studies have demonstrated that digital gaming can promote second language (L2) use and learning and that game‐based L2 learning is a dynamic, emergent activity that is shaped by the interactions of different factors. Although a deeper understanding of gaming ecology on game‐based L2 use and learning is necessary to inform the selection and adaptation of digital games for L2 learning and teaching, to date the ecology of digital game‐based learning remains underexplored. To address this gap, the present exploratory case study investigated the effect of learners’ L2 proficiency, L2 learner identity, and gaming experience on the use of L2 in‐game discourse of six learners of Arabic when playing the simulation‐management video game Baalty. Informed by ecological approaches to L2 learning, data collected through questionnaires, think‐aloud protocols, observations, walk‐throughs, gaming journals, and interviews were analyzed and triangulated. Data analysis revealed that player–game interaction was deeply embedded in the gaming ecology and that learners’ L2 proficiency, L2‐learner identities, and gaming experience shaped the L2 learning potential of digital gaming. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
Altered sediment biota and lagoon habitat carbonate dynamics due to sea cucumber bioturbation in a high‐pCO2 environment
Authors: Wolfe Kennedy , Vidal‐Ramirez Francisco , Dove Sophie , Deaker Dione , Byrne Maria
Published: July 2017

The effects of global change on biological systems and functioning are already measurable, but how ecological interactions are being altered is poorly understood. Ecosystem resilience is strengthened by ecological functionality, which depends on trophic interactions between key species and resilience generated through biogenic buffering. Climate‐driven alterations to coral reef metabolism, structural complexity and biodiversity are well documented, but the feedbacks between ocean change and trophic interactions of non‐coral invertebrates are understudied. Sea cucumbers, some of the largest benthic inhabitants of tropical lagoon systems, can influence diel changes in reef carbonate dynamics. Whether they have the potential to exacerbate or buffer ocean acidification over diel cycles depends on their relative production of total alkalinity (AT) through the dissolution of ingested calcium carbonate (CaCO3) sediments and release of dissolved inorganic carbon (CT) through respiration and trophic interactions. In this study, the potential for the sea cucumber, Stichopus herrmanni, a bêche‐de‐mer (fished) species listed as vulnerable to extinction, to buffer the impacts of ocean acidification on reef carbonate chemistry was investigated in lagoon sediment mesocosms across diel cycles. Stichopus herrmanni directly reduced the abundance of meiofauna and benthic primary producers through its deposit‐feeding activity under present‐day and near‐future pCO2. These changes in benthic community structure, as well as AT (sediment dissolution) and CT (respiration) production by S. herrmanni, played a significant role in modifying seawater carbonate dynamics night and day. This previously unappreciated role of tropical sea cucumbers, in support of ecosystem resilience in the face of global change, is an important consideration with respect to the bêche‐de‐mer trade to ensure sea cucumber populations are sustained in a future ocean.
Defaunation leads to interaction deficits, not interaction compensation, in an island seed dispersal network
Authors: Fricke Evan C. , Tewksbury Joshua J. , Rogers Haldre S.
Published: July 2017

Following defaunation, the loss of interactions with mutualists such as pollinators or seed dispersers may be compensated through increased interactions with remaining mutualists, ameliorating the negative cascading impacts on biodiversity. Alternatively, remaining mutualists may respond to altered competition by reducing the breadth or intensity of their interactions, exacerbating negative impacts on biodiversity. Despite the importance of these responses for our understanding of the dynamics of mutualistic networks and their response to global change, the mechanism and magnitude of interaction compensation within real mutualistic networks remains largely unknown. We examined differences in mutualistic interactions between frugivores and fruiting plants in two island ecosystems possessing an intact or disrupted seed dispersal network. We determined how changes in the abundance and behavior of remaining seed dispersers either increased mutualistic interactions (contributing to “interaction compensation”) or decreased interactions (causing an “interaction deficit”) in the disrupted network. We found a “rich‐get‐richer” response in the disrupted network, where remaining frugivores favored the plant species with highest interaction frequency, a dynamic that worsened the interaction deficit among plant species with low interaction frequency. Only one of five plant species experienced compensation and the other four had significant interaction deficits, with interaction frequencies 56–95% lower in the disrupted network. These results do not provide support for the strong compensating mechanisms assumed in theoretical network models, suggesting that existing network models underestimate the prevalence of cascading mutualism disruption after defaunation. This work supports a mutualist biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning relationship, highlighting the importance of mutualist diversity for sustaining diverse and resilient ecosystems.
Thermal affinity as the dominant factor changing Mediterranean fish abundances
Authors: Givan Or , Edelist Dor , Sonin Oren , Belmaker Jonathan
Published: July 2017

Recent decades have seen profound changes in species abundance and community composition. In the marine environment, the major anthropogenic drivers of change comprise exploitation, invasion by nonindigenous species, and climate change. However, the magnitude of these stressors has been widely debated and we lack empirical estimates of their relative importance. In this study, we focused on Eastern Mediterranean, a region exposed to an invasion of species of Red Sea origin, extreme climate change, and high fishing pressure. We estimated changes in fish abundance using two fish trawl surveys spanning a 20‐year period, and correlated these changes with estimated sensitivity of species to the different stressors. We estimated sensitivity to invasion using the trait similarity between indigenous and nonindigenous species; sensitivity to fishing using a published composite index based on the species’ life‐history; and sensitivity to climate change using species climatic affinity based on occurrence data. Using both a meta‐analytical method and random forest analysis, we found that for shallow‐water species the most important driver of population size changes is sensitivity to climate change. Species with an affinity to warm climates increased in relative abundance and species with an affinity to cold climates decreased suggesting a strong response to warming local sea temperatures over recent decades. This decrease in the abundance of cold‐water‐associated species at the trailing “warm” end of their distribution has been rarely documented. Despite the immense biomass of nonindigenous species and the presumed high fishing pressure, these two latter factors seem to have only a minor role in explaining abundance changes. The decline in abundance of indigenous species of cold‐water origin indicates a future major restructuring of fish communities in the Mediterranean in response to the ongoing warming, with unknown impacts on ecosystem function.
Changes in leaf epicuticular wax load and its effect on leaf temperature and physiological traits in wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) exposed to high temperatures during anthesis
Authors: Huggins T. D. , Mohammed S. , Sengodon P. , Ibrahim A. M. H. , Tilley M. , Hays D. B.
Published: July 2017

The physiological functions of epicuticular wax (EW) include reflectance of irradiation and the reduction of water loss. When a plant experiences stressful conditions, most notably, high irradiance and temperature, damage to the photosynthetic apparatus can occur and is signalled by a decrease in the Fv/Fmax ratio. In this study, we examined the influence of increased EW on physiological function in terms of chlorophyll fluorescence (ChFl), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf temperature and spectral reflectance indices (SRI) of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. The wheat cultivars were subjected to high temperature stress (HT) (38–40°C) under greenhouse conditions when the primary inflorescence was fully emerged to determine its effect on leaf EW deposition. Leaf temperature depression (LTD) was generally lower in control (2.3°C—2012, 0.94°C—2013) compared to HT stress (3.13°C—2012, 4.05°C—2013). Cultivars in control (0.69 to 0.74 Fv/Fmax) had significantly higher ChFl compared to HT (0.58 to 0.74 Fv/Fmax). HT treatment resulted in higher EW (1.28—2012, 4.59 mg dm−2—2013) compared to control treatment (1.04—2012 to 4.56 mg dm−2—2013). Leaves devoid of EW showed significant variation among cultivars at reproductive stages for water index (WI), normalized phaeophytinization index (NPQI) and simple ratio index (SRI). In HT stress conditions, significant correlations were observed between EWL and SRI only at 3DAFE (days after full emergence), suggesting that increased EWL induced by HT and irradiation in early development may provide relief and prevent grain loss. EWL significantly associated with the physiological traits ChFl, gs, LTD and spike temperature depression (SpTD). These observations suggest that EWL may lessen the effect of high irradiance, thereby, effectively adjusting stomatal conductance, ChFl and leaf temperature, limiting the risk of over excitation of photosystem II.
A randomized controlled trial on a nurse‐led smartphone‐based self‐management programme for people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: A study protocol
Authors: Wang Wenru , Seah Betsy , Jiang Ying , Lopez Violeta , Tan Cherry , Lim Suan Tee , Ren Hongliang , Khoo Yin Hao
Published: July 2017

Aim

To develop and compare a nurse‐led smartphone‐based self‐management programme with an existing nurse‐led diabetes service on health‐related outcomes for people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes in Singapore.

Background

Over the past decades, Asia has emerged as the “diabetes epicentre” in the world due to rapid economic development, urbanization and nutrition transition. There is an urgent need to develop more effective care management strategies in response to this rising diabetes epidemic.

Design

A randomized controlled trial with pre‐ and repeated posttests control group design.

Methodology

A total of 128 adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes will be recruited from the diabetes clinic of a public acute hospital in Singapore through convenience sampling. Study participants will be randomly allocated either to the experimental group or the control group. Outcome measures will include the 10‐item General Self‐Efficacy Scale, 11‐item Revised Summary of Diabetes Self‐care Activities and 19‐item Diabetes‐Dependent Quality of Life. Data will be collected at three time points: baseline, 3 and 6 months from the baseline.

Discussion

It is expected that this programme will be an alternative offered to diabetes patients to master their self‐care management skills, in addition to the existing diabetes service provided in diabetes clinics in Singapore hospitals. Furthermore, the self‐supporting and less resource‐intensive nature of this programme, using a smartphone application as the mode of intervention delivery, will greatly reduce nurses’ direct contact time with patients and allow more time to be allocated to those who require more attention.

The study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. The trial registration number is NCT03088475.
Early warning systems and rapid response to the deteriorating patient in hospital: A systematic realist review
Authors: McGaughey Jennifer , O'Halloran Peter , Porter Sam , Blackwood Bronagh
Published: July 2017

Aim

To determine the Rapid Response System programme theory and investigate how the mechanisms of implementation and the characteristics of context combine to enable or constrain the implementation of Rapid Response Systems and the achievement of desired outcomes.

Background

Rapid Response Systems have been implemented internationally to improve the recognition and management of patient deterioration, reduce the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and improve patient outcomes.

Design

Realist review.

Data sources

We searchedDARE,CENTRAL,NHSEED,MEDLINE, Medline In Process, EMBASE,CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, The Web of Science and PychInfo databases from 1997 ‐ 2017 in addition to purposively searching the grey literature looking for articles supporting, refuting or explaining Rapid Response System programme theories.

Review methods

Included studies were critically appraised and graded using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Data extraction and synthesis investigated the Rapid Response System theoretical propositions against the empirical evidence to refine Rapid Response System programme theories.

Results

The review found that the Rapid Response System programme theory achieved desired outcomes when there were sufficient skills mix of experienced staff,EWSprotocols were used flexibly alongside clinical judgement and staff had access to ongoing, multiprofessional, competency‐based education. However, ward cultures, hierarchical referral systems, workload and staffing resources had a negative impact on the implementation of the Rapid Response System.

Conclusion

To improve the recognition and management of patient deterioration, policymakers need to address those cultural, educational and organizational factors that have an impact on the successful implementation of Rapid Response Systems in practice.
Stereotype content of people with acquired brain injury: Warm but incompetent
Authors: Fresson Megan , Dardenne Benoit , Geurten Marie , Meulemans Thierry
Published: July 2017

Since stereotypes about people with acquired brain injury (ABI) can lead to prejudice, studying these stereotypes is highly important. In two studies, we examined these stereotypes both on idiosyncratic dimensions and on the two dimensions of the Stereotype Content Model. Participants completed a specific questionnaire about ABI and warmth and competence questionnaires regarding people with ABI and other social groups. Specific stereotypes about ABI were found to be underpinned by dimensions of “cognitive impairments and ADL limitations,” “catastrophic outcomes,” and “personal and interpersonal development.” Within the model, people with ABI were seen as being warm but incompetent. The ambivalent ABI stereotype could elicit prejudicial attitudes that may impede rehabilitation.
Sorry seems to be the hardest word: Cultural differences in apologizing effectively
Authors: Shafa Saïd , Harinck Fieke , Ellemers Naomi
Published: July 2017

Apologies can have desirable effects on the reduction of anger and may foster forgiveness. Yet, we know little about the effectiveness of apologies across different cultures. In this research, we distinguished two important components of apologies: admission of blame by the self and the expression of remorse for the plight of the other. We investigated how these two components resonate with cultural values associated with dignity and honor. Results revealed that although an apology increased forgiveness in both cultures, honor‐culture members tended to forgive less and retaliate more than dignity‐culture members, after an apology. This cultural difference was mediated by the extent to which honor‐culture (vs. dignity‐culture) members perceived the apology to express (less) remorse and thus be (less) sincere.
The association between acute mental stress and abnormal left atrial electrophysiology
Authors: O'Neal Wesley T. , Hammadah Muhammad , Sandesara Pratik B. , Almuwaqqat Zakaria , Samman‐Tahhan Ayman , Gafeer Mohamad M. , Abdelhadi Naser , Wilmot Kobina , Al Mheid Ibhar , Bremner Douglas J. , Kutner Michael , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Shah Amit J. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Vaccarino Viola
Published: July 2017

Background

Acute stress may trigger atrial fibrillation (AF), but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We examined if acute mental stress results in abnormal left atrial electrophysiology as detected by more negative deflection of P‐wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1), a well‐known marker of AF risk.

Methods and results

We examined this hypothesis in 422 patients (mean age = 56 ± 10 years; 61% men; 44% white) with stable coronary heart disease who underwent mental (speech task) stress testing. PTFV1 was defined as the duration (milliseconds) times the value of the depth (μV) of the downward deflection (terminal portion) of the P‐wave in lead V1 measured on digital electrocardiograms (ECG). Electrocardiographic left atrial abnormality was defined as PTFV1 ≤ −4000 μV*ms. Mean PTFV1 values during stress and recovery were compared with rest. The percentage of participants who developed left atrial abnormality during stress and recovery was compared with the percentage at rest. Compared with rest, PTFV1 became more negative during mental stress (mean change =  −348, 95% CI = [−515, −182]; P < 0.001) and no change was observed at recovery (mean change = 12, 95%CI = [−148, 172]; P = 0.89). A larger percentage of participants showed left atrial abnormality on ECGs obtained at stress (n = 163, 39%) and recovery (n = 142, 34%) compared with rest (n = 127, 30%).

Conclusion

Acute mental stress alters left atrial electrophysiology, suggesting that stressful situations promote adverse transient electrical changes to provide the necessary substrate for AF.
Anterior pericardial access to facilitate electrophysiology study and catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: A single tertiary center experience
Authors: Keramati Ali R. , DeMazumder Deeptankar , Misra Satish , Chrispin Jonathan , Assis Fabrizio R. , Raghuram Chava , Dey Swati , Calkins Hugh , Tandri Harikrishna
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Epicardial ablation is becoming an important part of management in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT). Posterior epicardial access via the Sosa or needle‐in‐needle (NIN) approach for epicardial VT ablation is considered to be the method of choice for most electrophysiologists. Anterior epicardial access as an alternative technique has recently been proposed, but there are limited data about its safety, efficacy, and the rate of immediate complications. In this study, we report our experience with anterior epicardial access between 2009 and 2016.

Methods

Between 2009 and June 2016, 100 consecutive patients underwent epicardial VT ablation using an anterior approach. The success rate, epicardial bleeding, and other complications related to the epicardial access in these patients were compared to the previously reported rate of complications in patients whom epicardial access was performed using the NIN or Sosa techniques.

Results

Anterior epicardial access was obtained successfully in 100% of patients in the first attempt. The success rate of the anterior approach was comparable with the reported success rate of the NIN technique (100% vs. 100%, P value not significant) but better than the Sosa technique (100% vs. 94%, P = 0.012). None of the patients in the anterior approach series suffered from significant pericardial bleeding (defined as greater than 80 mL of blood loss), RV puncture/damage, or need for an emergent cardiac surgery.

Conclusion

An anterior epicardial approach is feasible and appears to have an acceptable safety profile in comparison with other epicardial approaches.
Isolation and characterization of a Serratia marcescens with insecticidal activity from Polyphylla olivieri (Col.: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Bidari F. , Shams‐Bakhsh M. , Mehrabadi M.
Published: July 2017

Members of the genus Serratia are known for their abilities to infect insects. In this study, a red‐pigmented S. marcescens was isolated and characterized from the infected larvae of Polyphylla olivieri using bacterial cultivation, phylogenetic analysis as well as bioassays against larvae of the two insect pests, Plodia interpunctella and Ephestia kuehniella. Comparative 16S rRNA and groEL gene sequence BLAST analyses strongly suggested that the isolated strain should be placed in the genus Serratia, sharing high sequence similarities with several strain of S. marcescens associated with insects. Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolated bacterium with other S. marcescens bacteria in a clade with high bootstrapping values. To assess pathogenicity of the S. marcescens isolate, the bacterial cells were either injected into the haemolymph of the fifth‐instar larvae or added to the diets of insects. Survival curves of the control insects and those challenged with six different concentrations of S. marcescens showed that the S. marcescens isolate significantly reduced survival rates of the larvae. The LC50s of the bacterium on P. interpunctella and E. kuehniella were 1992.26 and 1.09 × 104 (CFU/μl) for injection bioassays at 6 h post‐injection, and 4.48 × 104 and 1.96 × 105 (CFU/10 μl) for feeding bioassays at 24 h post‐feeding, respectively. Injection of the bacterial culture supernatant into the larvae led to continuous bleeding from the site of injection, while injection of heat‐treated culture supernatant of the bacterium did not cause continuous bleeding. Together, our results showed the possibility of using this S. marcescens isolate in microbial control of the insect pests after addressing the safety concerns. Moreover, it might be considered as a source of useful bioactive molecules and genes with application in insect control and biotechnology via developing insect‐resistant plants.
Preperitoneal fat as a non‐invasive marker of increased risk of severe non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Parente Daniella Braz , Oliveira Neto Jaime Araújo , Brasil Pedro Emmanuel Alvarenga Americano , Paiva Fernando Fernandes , Ravani José Pedro Rodrigues , Gomes Marilia Brito , Lanzoni Valeria , Campos Carlos Frederico Ferreira , Machado‐Silva Lilian , Perez Renata Mello , Rodrigues Rosana Souza
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim

Fat distribution may have prognostic value in the evaluation of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study was conducted to evaluate associations of magnetic resonance imaging‐measured abdominal fat areas with steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, assessed histopathologically, in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This prospective study included 66 patients with type 2 diabetes (12 males, 54 females, age 26–68 years), without chronic liver disease of other causes. Axial dual‐echo magnetic resonance images were acquired. Visceral, subcutaneous, and preperitoneal fat areas were measured using Osirix software. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained from all patients and examined histopathologically to evaluate steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. Linear (for steatosis) and logistic (for steatohepatitis and fibrosis) regression models were fitted for the outcomes. R2 was used as a measure of how much model variance the predictors explained and to compare different predictors of the same outcome.

Results

Visceral and preperitoneal fat areas correlated well with histopathologically determined liver steatosis grade (bothP = 0.004) and liver fibrosis (P = 0.008 andP = 0.037, respectively). All fat areas correlated well with steatohepatitis (P ≤ 0.002). Preperitoneal and visceral fat areas were the best predictors of steatohepatitis (R2 = 0.379) and fibrosis (R2 = 0.181), respectively.

Conclusions

Visceral fat area was the best predictor of fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Preperitoneal fat area was the best predictor of steatohepatitis and is a potential new non‐invasive marker for use in the screening of these patients to detect more aggressive forms of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Influence of weather on incidence of bronchiolitis in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Hoeppner Tobias , Borland Meredith , Babl Franz E , Neutze Jocelyn , Phillips Natalie , Krieser David , Dalziel Stuart R , Davidson Andrew , Donath Susan , Jachno Kim , South Mike , Williams Amanda , Zhang Guicheng , Oakley Ed ,   for the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: July 2017

Aim

We aimed to examine the impact of weather on hospital admissions with bronchiolitis in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

We collected data for inpatient admissions of infants aged 2–12 months to seven hospitals in four cities in Australia and New Zealand from 2009 until 2011. Correlation of hospital admissions with minimum daily temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and rainfall was examined using linear, Poisson and negative binomial regression analyses as well as general estimated equation models. To account for possible lag between exposure to weather and admission to hospital, analyses were conducted for time lags of 0–4 weeks.

Results

During the study period, 3876 patients were admitted to the study hospitals. Hospital admissions showed strong seasonality with peaks in wintertime, onset in autumn and offset in spring. The onset of peak incidence was preceded by a drop in temperature. Minimum temperature was inversely correlated with hospital admissions, whereas wind speed was directly correlated. These correlations were sustained for time lags of up to 4 weeks. Standardised correlation coefficients ranged from −0.14 to −0.54 for minimum temperature and from 0.18 to 0.39 for wind speed. Relative humidity and rainfall showed no correlation with hospital admissions in our study.

Conclusion

A decrease in temperature and increasing wind speed are associated with increasing incidence of bronchiolitis hospital admissions in Australia and New Zealand.