bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Running‐wheel activity delays mitochondrial respiratory flux decline in aging mouse muscle via a post‐transcriptional mechanism
Authors: Stolle Sarah , Ciapaite Jolita , Reijne Aaffien C. , Talarovicova Alzbeta , Wolters Justina C. , Aguirre‐Gamboa Raúl , van der Vlies Pieter , de Lange Kim , Neerincx Pieter B. , van der Vries Gerben , Deelen Patrick , Swertz Morris A. , Li Yang , Bischoff Rainer , Permentier Hjalmar P. , Horvatovitch Peter L. , Groen Albert K. , van Dijk Gertjan , Reijngoud Dirk‐Jan , Bakker Barbara M.
Published: November 2017

Loss of mitochondrial respiratory flux is a hallmark of skeletal muscle aging, contributing to a progressive decline of muscle strength. Endurance exercise alleviates the decrease in respiratory flux, both in humans and in rodents. Here, we dissect the underlying mechanism of mitochondrial flux decline by integrated analysis of the molecular network.

Mice were given a lifelong ad libitum low‐fat or high‐fat sucrose diet and were further divided into sedentary and running‐wheel groups. At 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, muscle weight, triglyceride content and mitochondrial respiratory flux were analysed. Subsequently, transcriptome was measured by RNA‐Seq and proteome by targeted LC‐MS/MS analysis with 13C‐labelled standards. In the sedentary groups, mitochondrial respiratory flux declined with age. Voluntary running protected the mitochondrial respiratory flux until 18 months of age. Beyond this time point, all groups converged. Regulation Analysis of flux, proteome and transcriptome showed that the decline of flux was equally regulated at the proteomic and at the metabolic level, while regulation at the transcriptional level was marginal. Proteomic regulation was most prominent at the beginning and at the end of the pathway, namely at the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and at the synthesis and transport of ATP. Further proteomic regulation was scattered across the entire pathway, revealing an effective multisite regulation. Finally, reactions regulated at the protein level were highly overlapping between the four experimental groups, suggesting a common, post‐transcriptional mechanism of muscle aging.
Strong and frequent T‐cell responses to the minor allergen Phl p 12 in Spanish patients IgE‐sensitized to Profilins
Authors: Lund G. , Brand S. , Ramos T. , Jimeno L. , Boissy P. , Vega F. , Arina M. , Christensen L. H. , Hoof I. , Meno K. H. , Barber D. , Blanco C. , Würtzen P. A. , Andersen P. S.
Published: November 2017

Background

Profilins are dominant pan‐allergens known to cause cross‐sensitization, leading to clinical symptoms such as pollen‐food syndrome. This study aimed to determine the T‐cell response to Phl p 12 in profilin‐sensitized patients, by measuring the prevalence, strength and cross‐reactivity to clinically relevant profilins.

Methods

The release of Phl p allergens from pollen was determined by mass spectrometry and immunochemistry. T‐cell responses, epitope mapping and cross‐reactivity to profilins (Phl p 12, Ole e 2, Bet v 2 and Mal d 4) were measured in vitro using PBMCs from 26 Spanish grass‐allergic donors IgE‐sensitized to profilin. Cross‐reactivity was addressed in vivo using 2 different mouse strains (BALB/c and C3H).

Results

Phl p 12 and Phl p 1 are released from pollen simultaneously and in similar amounts. Both T‐cell response frequency (17/26 donors) and strength were comparable between Phl p 12 and Phl p 1. T‐cell cross‐reactivity to other profilins correlated with overall sequence homology, and 2 immunodominant epitope regions of Phl p 12 were identified. Data from mice immunized with Phl p 12 showed that cross‐reactivity to Bet v 2 was mediated by conserved epitopes and further influenced by additional genetic factors, likely to be MHC II.

Conclusion

The strength, prevalence and cross‐reactivity of T‐cell responses towards Phl p 12 are comparable to the major allergen Phl p 1, which supports the hypothesis that T cells to Phl p 12 can play an important role in development of allergic symptoms, such as those associated with pollen‐food syndrome.
ORAL IRON PROPHYLAXIS DURING PREGNANCY‐A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON DIFFERENT DOSAGE REGIMENS
Authors: Sjöstedt J. E. , Manner P. , Nummi S. , Ekenved G.
Published: November 2017

The effect of oral iron prophylaxis on haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) has been studied in 300 pregnant women. From the 3rd to 4th month of pregnancy and until term the women were randomly treated with 100 mg or 200 mg ferrous iron daily respectively as sustained‐release tablets (Duroferon® Duretter®) or 200 mg ferrous iron as rapidly disintegrating tablets.

All three treatments gave the same effect on Hb and Hct. This was true irrespective of the initial Hb. It was concluded that even the 100 mg dose was sufficient to cover the increased iron demands during pregnancy and to give an increase in Hb in anemic patients. The frequency of side‐effects was lower in the two groups receiving the sustained‐release tablets.

The changes in Hb with time during pregnancy in relation to the initial iron status are discussed and some practical conclusions concerning the interpretation of the effect of iron supplementation during pregnancy are drawn.
Timing of Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump Placement Before Off‐Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Liu Feng , Yang Feng , Du Zhongtao , Miao Na , Zhao Yanyan , Xu Bo , Hou Xiaotong
Published: November 2017

We aimed to evaluate the timing of preoperative intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement and outcomes in patients undergoing off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Patients with prophylactic IABP placement before OPCAB presenting between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013 were included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the timing of preoperative IABP placement: less than 2 h (Group A, n = 223) and more than 2 h (Group B, n = 94). According to the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE), patients were divided into two subgroups: middle‐low EuroSCORE (<6, Groups A1 and B1) and high EuroSCORE (≥6, Groups A2 and B2). Clinical data were compared between groups. Groups contained the following numbers of patients: Group A1, 163; Group A2, 60; Group B1, 60; and Group B2, 34. There was a significant difference in length of ICU and hospital stay between Group A and Group B, respectively (40.5 [22, 64] vs. 26.25 [18, 46.5] hours, P = 0.006; 16 [11, 22] vs. 11 [8, 14] days, P = 0.000). Duration of IABP support, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and cost of hospitalization were significantly higher in Group A1 than in Group B1, respectively (73.69 ± 44.12 vs. 64.03 ± 40.93 h, P = 0.013; 36 [20, 56.5] vs. 25.5 [17, 43.75] hours, P = 0.035; 15(11,21) vs. 9(7.25, 12) days, P = 0.000; 109.53(101.20, 131.1) vs. 102.7(95.94, 115.32) thousands CNY, P = 0.009). The length of hospital stay was also significantly higher in Group A2 than in Group B2 (18(13, 26) vs. 13(11, 15) hours, P = 0.000). Preoperative placement of IABP greater than 2 h prior to OPCAB is of benefit, especially in those with high EuroSCORE. The optimal time for prophylactic IABP placement requires further study.
Experimental Heating of Moravian Cherts and its Implication for Palaeolithic Chipped Stone Assemblages
Authors: Moník M. , Nerudová Z. , Schnabl P.
Published: November 2017

The applicability of colour, magnetic susceptibility and remanent magnetization measurements for the identification of heated or accidentally burned Palaeolithic cherts from Moravia (Czech Republic) is tested in this study. We conclude that all these methods are usable. Colour changes are best detectable in materials heated at between 250–350°C, while magnetic susceptibility and remanent magnetization change at higher temperatures, closer to 600°C. This latter temperature, however, is usually destructive for cherts and is probably evidenced by accidentally burned artefacts. With the use of the three methods, we managed to identify three probably heated chert artefacts from two early Upper Palaeolithic assemblages from Moravia.
Values within Reason
Authors: Sayer Andrew
Published: November 2017

The paper questions the assumptions that facts and values are always radically different, that objectivity and values do not mix, and that values are subjective and a‐rational and should be excluded from social science. It argues (1) that such assumptions are underpinned by unnoticed slippages between different meanings of objectivity and by misunderstandings of the nature of values and normativity; (2) that evaluative judgments—often in the form of “thick ethical concepts” in which description and evaluation are fused—are necessary for objective description in social science; and (3) that framing the values issue in terms of the relations between is and ought misrepresents the place of normativity in social science and in everyday life.
Ethnicity and Effectively Maintained Inequality in BC Universities
Authors: Sweet Robert , Robson Karen , Adamuti‐Trache Maria
Published: November 2017

As Canadian postsecondary systems have expanded they have become more institutionally differentiated. In British Columbia, distinctions are made between research‐intensive universities (RIUs) and teaching‐intensive universities with respect to resources, programming, and perceived prestige value. We employ an effectively maintained inequality framework to examine the role played by ethnicity in the competition for admission to RIUs. Our findings indicate that, together with socioeconomic status and gender, ethnicity is significantly related to RIU attendance rates. Ethnic group differences were particularly marked—Chinese and Korean speakers being most likely and Tagalog speakers least likely to attend an RIU. High school grade point averages and English language proficiency scores moderated only some of these differences, raising questions about the efficacy of competitive admissions policies based solely on academic merit.
Multispecies assessment of core areas and connectivity of desert carnivores in central Iran
Authors: Khosravi Rasoul , Hemami Mahmoud‐Reza , Cushman Samuel A.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Central Iran is a priority area for biodiversity conservation, which is threatened by encroachment on core habitats and fragmentation by roads. The goal of this study was to identify core areas and connectivity corridors for a set of desert carnivores by predicting habitat suitability and calculating resistant kernel, factorial least‐cost path modelling and graph network indices.

Location

Iran.

Methods

We used an ensemble model (EM) of habitat suitability methods to predict the potential habitats of leopard, cheetah, caracal, wild cat, sand cat and grey wolf and used resistant kernel and factorial least‐cost path modelling to identify important core habitats and corridors between patches. We also used a graph network analysis to quantify the importance of each core patch to landscape connectivity.

Results

Potential habitats of the studied carnivores appeared to be strongly influenced by prey density, annual precipitation, topographical roughness, shrubland density and anthropogenic factors. Most of the core patches were covered by protected areas and no‐hunting areas. This may be attributed to the relatively high resistance outside protected areas leading to isolated occupied patches. Patch importance to connectivity was significantly correlated with patch extent, density of dispersing individuals and probability of occurrence in the core patch.

Main conclusions

Our findings revealed that prey abundance in core habitat is critically important, and has higher influence than habitat area per se. In addition, our analysis provided the first map of landscape connectivity for multiple species in Iran and revealed that conserving these species requires integrated landscape‐level management to reduce mortality risk and protect core areas and linkages among them. These results will assist the development of multispecies conservation strategies to protect core areas for carnivores.
Impact of delaying treatment intensification with a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin: A longitudinal study of a US administrative claims database
Authors: Tong Liyue , Pan Chunshen , Wang Hongwei , Bertolini Monica , Lew Elisheva , Meneghini Luigi F.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To evaluate the effect of delaying treatment intensification with a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) on clinical and economic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational claims study using IMPACT (Impact National Managed Care Benchmark Database) in adult patients with T2D who initiated basal insulin between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012, with or without OADs, who remained uncontrolled (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] ≥7.0%). Patients were categorized into 3 groups: early, delayed, and no intensification with a GLP‐1 RA. We evaluated changes from baseline to follow‐up at 12 months for HbA1c level, rate of hypoglycaemic events, and healthcare costs, and we assessed the association between baseline patient characteristics and subsequent treatment intensification.

Results

A total of 139 patients (9.0% of 1552 eligible patients) met criteria for inclusion in the early intensification group, 588 patients (37.9%) met criteria for inclusion in the delayed intensification group, and 825 patients (53.2%) met criteria for inclusion in the no intensification group. Mean baseline HbA1c values were 9.16%, 9.07%, and 9.34%, respectively. At follow‐up, delayed intensification was associated with significantly smaller decreases in HbA1c from baseline (−0.68%) compared with early intensification (−1.01%). Rates of overall hypoglycaemia were numerically greater in the delayed intensification group than in the early intensification group (0.26 vs 0.06 events/patient‐years of exposure, respectively). Change in semi‐annual total healthcare costs was greater in the no intensification group (+5266 USD) compared with the early intensification group (−560 USD) and the delayed intensification group (+1943 USD).

Conclusions

Timely addition of a GLP‐1 RA to therapy for patients with T2D who were not adequately controlled with basal insulin is associated with better clinical and economic outcomes.
Student performance in a flipped classroom dental anatomy course
Authors: Chutinan S. , Riedy C. A. , Park S. E.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess dental student learning in a dental anatomy module between traditional lecture and flipped classroom cohorts.

Methods

Two cohorts of predoctoral dental students (N = 70 within each cohort) participated in a dental anatomy module within an Introduction to the Dental Patient (IDP) course ([traditional/lecture cohort: academic year (AY) 2012, 2013] and [flipped classroom cohort: AY 2014, 2015]). For the dental anatomy module, both cohorts were evaluated on pre‐clinical tooth waxing exercises immediately after each of five lectures and tooth identification after all lectures were given. Additionally, the cohorts' performance on the overall IDP course examination was compared.

Results

The flipped classroom cohort had statistically significant higher waxing scores (dental anatomy module) than students in the traditional classroom. There was no statistically significant difference for tooth identification scores and the overall IDP course examination between the traditional vs flipped approach cohorts. This is due to the latter two assessments conducted at the end of the course gave all students enough time to review the lecture content prior to the assessment resulting in similar scores for both cohorts.

Conclusion

The flipped classroom cohort promoted students' individual learning and resulted in improved students' performance on immediate evaluation but not on the end of the course evaluation. Redesign of courses to include a new pedagogical approach should be carefully implemented and evaluated for student's educational success.
Heparanase level and procoagulant activity are reduced in severe sepsis
Authors: Matan Moshe , King Daniel , Peled Eli , Ackerman Shanny , Bar‐Lavi Yaron , Brenner Benjamin , Nadir Yona
Published: November 2017

Background

During severe sepsis, levels and activity of all coagulation proteins are reduced. Heparanase is implicated in angiogenesis and tumor progression. We previously demonstrated that heparanase also affected the hemostatic system. It forms a complex and increases the activity of the blood coagulation initiator tissue factor.

Aim

To evaluate heparanase levels and procoagulant activity as predictors of sepsis severity.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one patients with non‐trauma, non‐surgical sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit and 35 controls were recruited. Plasma samples were drawn from the study participants on days 1 and 7 following admission.

Results

Heparanase levels and procoagulant activity on day 1 were significantly reduced in patients compared to controls (P < .0001, P < .0001, respectively). Day 1 heparanase procoagulant activity ≥350 ng/mL yielded a negative predictive value for severe sepsis of 89%. Additionally, heparanase procoagulant activity on day 7 correlated with the change in the APACHE score between days 1 and 7 (r = .66, P = .007).

Conclusions

Heparanase procoagulant activity decreases during sepsis and returns to normal levels as soon as the patient recovers. Hence, it can be potentially used to predict the risk of severe sepsis. These findings need to be further explored in large‐scale studies.
Task‐dependent function of striatal cholinergic interneurons in behavioural flexibility
Authors: Okada Kana , Nishizawa Kayo , Setogawa Susumu , Hashimoto Kouichi , Kobayashi Kazuto
Published: November 2017

Flexible switching of behaviours depends on integrative functioning through the neural circuit connecting the prefrontal cortex and the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). Although cholinergic interneurons modulate striatal outputs by diverse synaptic mechanisms, the roles of cholinergic interneurons in the DMS appear to vary among different models used to validate behavioural flexibility. Here, we conducted immunotoxin‐mediated cell targeting of DMS cholinergic interneurons and examined the functions of these interneurons in behavioural flexibility, with the learning conditions differing in trial spacing and discrimination type in a modified T‐maze. Elimination of the DMS cholinergic cell group normally spared reversal learning in place discrimination with an intertrial interval (ITI) of 15 s, but it impaired the reversal performance in response discrimination with the same ITI. In contrast, DMS cholinergic elimination resulted in enhanced reversal performance in both place and response discrimination tasks with a 10‐min ITI and accelerated the reversal of response discrimination with a 20‐min ITI. Our previous study also showed an enhanced influence of cholinergic targeting on place reversal learning with a 20‐min ITI, and the present results demonstrate that DMS cholinergic interneurons act to inhibit both place and response reversal performance with a relatively longer ITI, whereas their functions differ between types of reversal performance in the tasks with a shorter ITI. These findings suggest distinct roles of the DMS cholinergic cell group in behavioural flexibility dependent on the trial spacing and discrimination type constituting the learning tasks.
Use‐dependent directional bias does not transfer to the untrained limb during bimanual contractions
Authors: Marinovic Welber , Homan Melinda , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: November 2017

Skills learned through practice with one limb can often be transferred to the untrained limb. In the present report, we sought to determine whether movement direction biases, acquired through repeated movement with one limb, transfer to the untrained limb. In order to do so, we asked participants to perform synchronized bilateral contractions of muscles in both wrists, followed by the unilateral contraction of muscles in one wrist. In four experiments, we manipulated the position of the unilateral target to create use‐dependent directional biases; changed the direction of the cursor in relation to the wrist movement to control for attentional biases; and sought to induce directional biases with both right and left unilateral movements. The results showed clear movement‐related biases for the wrist that performed unilateral contractions, but no evidence that movement‐related bias transferred to the opposite limb during bilateral action. Thus, motor preparation and execution of unilateral contractions does not affect the direction of movement made by the opposite limb during subsequent bilateral contractions.
Are you surprised to hear this? Longitudinal spectral speech exposure in older compared to middle‐aged normal hearing adults
Authors: Giroud Nathalie , Lemke Ulrike , Reich Philip , Bauer Julia , Widmer Susann , Meyer Martin
Published: November 2017

Cognitive abilities such as attention or working memory can support older adults during speech perception. However, cognitive abilities as well as speech perception decline with age, leading to the expenditure of effort during speech processing. This longitudinal study therefore investigated age‐related differences in electrophysiological processes during speech discrimination and assessed the extent of enhancement to such cognitive auditory processes through repeated auditory exposure. For that purpose, accuracy and reaction time were compared between 13 older adults (62–76 years) and 15 middle‐aged (28–52 years) controls in an active oddball paradigm which was administered at three consecutive measurement time points at an interval of 2 wk, while EEG was recorded. As a standard stimulus, the nonsense syllable /′a:ʃa/was used, while the nonsense syllable /′a:sa/ and a morphing between /′a:ʃa/ and /′a:sa/ served as deviants. N2b and P3b ERP responses were evaluated as a function of age, deviant, and measurement time point using a data‐driven topographical microstate analysis. From middle age to old age, age‐related decline in attentive perception (as reflected in the N2b‐related microstates) and in memory updating and attentional processes (as reflected in the P3b‐related microstates) was found, as indicated by both lower neural responses and later onsets of the respective cortical networks, and in age‐related changes in frontal activation during attentional stimulus processing. Importantly, N2b‐ and P3b‐related microstates changed as a function of repeated stimulus exposure in both groups. This research therefore suggests that experience with auditory stimuli can support auditory neurocognitive processes in normal hearing adults into advanced age.
In vitro characterization of gamma oscillations in the hippocampal formation of the domestic chick
Authors: Dheerendra Pradeep , Lynch Nicholas M. , Crutwell Joseph , Cunningham Mark O. , Smulders Tom V.
Published: November 2017

Avian and mammalian brains have evolved independently from each other for about 300 million years. During that time, the hippocampal formation (HF) has diverged in morphology and cytoarchitecture, but seems to have conserved much of its function. It is therefore an open question how seemingly different neural organizations can generate the same function. A prominent feature of the mammalian hippocampus is that it generates different neural oscillations, including the gamma rhythm, which plays an important role in memory processing. In this study, we investigate whether the avian hippocampus also generates gamma oscillations, and whether similar pharmacological mechanisms are involved in this function. We investigated the existence of gamma oscillations in avian HF using in vitro electrophysiology in P0–P12 domestic chick (Gallus gallus domesticus) HF brain slices. Persistent gamma frequency oscillations were induced by the bath application of the cholinergic agonist carbachol, but not by kainate, a glutamate receptor agonist. Similar to other species, carbachol‐evoked gamma oscillations were sensitive to GABAA, AMPA/kainate and muscarinic (M1) receptor antagonism. Therefore, similar to mammalian species, muscarinic receptor‐activated avian HF gamma oscillations may arise via a pyramidal‐interneuron gamma (PING)‐based mechanism. Gamma oscillations are most prominent in the ventromedial area of the hippocampal slices, and gamma power is reduced more laterally and dorsally in the HF. We conclude that similar micro‐circuitry may exist in the avian and mammalian hippocampal formation, and this is likely to relate to the shared function of the two structures.
Nitrogen limitation of decomposition and decay: How can it occur?
Authors: Averill Colin , Waring Bonnie
Published: November 2017

The availability of nitrogen (N) is a critical control on the cycling and storage of soil carbon (C). Yet, there are conflicting conceptual models to explain how N availability influences the decomposition of organic matter by soil microbial communities. Several lines of evidence suggest that N availability limits decomposition; the earliest stages of leaf litter decay are associated with a net import of N from the soil environment, and both observations and models show that high N organic matter decomposes more rapidly. In direct contrast to these findings, experimental additions of inorganic N to soils broadly show a suppression of microbial activity, which is inconsistent with N limitation of decomposition. Resolving this apparent contradiction is critical to representing nutrient dynamics in predictive ecosystem models under a multitude of global change factors that alter soil N availability. Here, we propose a new conceptual framework, the Carbon, Acidity, and Mineral Protection hypothesis, to understand the effects of N availability on soil C cycling and storage and explore the predictions of this framework with a mathematical model. Our model simulations demonstrate that N addition can have opposing effects on separate soil C pools (particulate and mineral‐protected carbon) because they are differentially affected by microbial biomass growth. Moreover, changes in N availability are frequently linked to shifts in soil pH or osmotic stress, which can independently affect microbial biomass dynamics and mask N stimulation of microbial activity. Thus, the net effect of N addition on soil C is dependent upon interactions among microbial physiology, soil mineralogy, and soil acidity. We believe that our synthesis provides a broadly applicable conceptual framework to understand and predict the effect of changes in soil N availability on ecosystem C cycling under global change.
Inhibitory effects of Eucalyptus globulus on understorey plant growth and species richness are greater in non‐native regions
Authors: Becerra Pablo I. , Catford Jane A. , Inderjit  , Luce McLeod Morgan , Andonian Krikor , Aschehoug Erik T. , Montesinos Daniel , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: November 2017

Aim

We studied the novel weapons hypothesis in the context of the broadly distributed tree species Eucalyptus globulus. We evaluated the hypothesis that this Australian species would produce stronger inhibitory effects on species from its non‐native range than on species from its native range.

Location

We worked in four countries where this species is exotic (U.S.A., Chile, India, Portugal) and one country where it is native (Australia).

Time period

2009–2012.

Major taxa studied

Plants.

Methods

We compared species composition, richness and height of plant communities in 20 paired plots underneath E. globulus individuals and open areas in two sites within its native range and each non‐native region. We also compared effects of litter leachates of E. globulus on root growth of seedlings in species from Australia, Chile, the U.S.A. and India.

Results

In all sites and countries, the plant community under E. globulus canopies had lower species richness than did the plant community in open areas. However, the reduction was much greater in the non‐native ranges: species richness declined by an average of 51% in the eight non‐native sites versus 8% in the two native Australian sites. The root growth of 15 out of 21 species from the non‐native range were highly suppressed by E. globulus litter leachates, whereas the effect of litter leachate varied from facilitation to suppression for six species native to Australia. The mean reduction in root growth for Australian plants was significantly lower than for plants from the U.S.A., Chile and India.

Main conclusions

Our results show biogeographical differences in the impact of an exotic species on understorey plant communities. Consistent with the novel weapons hypothesis, our findings suggest that different adaptations of species from the native and non‐native ranges to biochemical compounds produced by an exotic species may play a role in these biogeographical differences.
The design of behavioural interventions labelled as patient‐mediated: A scoping review
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y. , Gagliardi Anna R.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Patient‐mediated interventions (PMIs) directed at patients and/or physicians improve patient or provider behaviour and patient outcomes. However, what constitutes a PMI is not clear. This study described interventions explicitly labelled as “patient‐mediated” in primary research.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine, PsychINFO, HealthSTAR, Social Work Abstracts, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched from inception on 1 January 2017 for English language studies that developed or evaluated behavioural interventions referred to as “patient‐mediated” or “patient mediated” in the full text. Screening and data extraction were independently duplicated. Data were extracted and summarized on study and intervention characteristics. Interventions were categorized as 1 of 4 PMI pathways.

Results

Eight studies (4 randomized controlled trials, 1 observational study and 3 qualitative studies) were included. No studies explicitly defined PMI, and few PMIs were described in terms of content and format. Although 3 studies employed physician interventions, only patient interventions were considered PMIs. One study achieved positive improvement in patient behaviour.

Conclusions

Research is needed to generate consensus on the PMI concept, employ theory when designing or evaluating PMIs, establish the effectiveness of different types of PMIs, and understand when and how to employ PMIs alone or combined with other interventions.
Highly porous Y2SiO5 ceramic with extremely low thermal conductivity prepared by foam‐gelcasting‐freeze drying method
Authors: Wu Zhen , Sun Luchao , Pan Jingjing , Wang Jingyang
Published: November 2017

Foam‐gelcasting‐freeze drying method is developed to fabricate porous Y2SiO5 ceramic with ultrahigh porosity of 92.2%‐95.8% and isotropous multiple pore structures. As prepared porous samples have quite low shrinkages of 0.8%‐1.9% during demolding and drying processes, lightweights of 0.19‐0.35 g/cm3, and extremely low thermal conductivities of 0.054‐0.089 W·(m·K)−1. Our approach combines the merits of foam‐gelcasting method and freeze drying method. It is a simple and effective method to fabricate porous ceramics with very high porosity and extremely low thermal conductivity through low shrinkage of green body and near net complex shape forming.
Medication Exposure and Risk of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in Community‐Dwelling Older People and Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Haran John P. , Bradley Evan , Howe Emily , Wu Xun , Tjia Jennifer
Published: November 2017

Background/Objectives

It is unclear how medication exposures differ in their association with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) in elderly nursing home (NH) residents and community‐dwelling individuals. This study examined these exposures to determine whether the risk of rCDI differs according to living environment.

Design

Retrospective.

Setting

Academic and community healthcare settings.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with CDI (N = 616).

Measurements

Information on participant characteristics and medications was extracted from the electronic medical record (EMR). We used separate extended Cox models according to living environment to identify the association between medication use and risk of rCDI.

Results

Of the 616 elderly adults treated for CDI, 24.1% of those living in the community and 28.1% of NH residents experienced recurrence within 1 year. For community‐dwelling participants, the risk of rCDI was 1.6 times as high with antibiotic exposure and 2.5 times as high with acid‐reducing medication exposure, but corticosteroid exposure was associated with a 39% lower risk of recurrence. For NH residents, the risk of rCDI was 2.9 times as high with acid‐reducing medication exposure and 5.9 times as high with corticosteroid medication exposure. Antibiotic exposure was associated with an increased risk of recurrence only in community‐dwelling participants (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval = 1.00–2.67).

Conclusion

Risk of rCDI is greater with acid‐reducing medication use than antibiotic use after initial CDI treatment, although the risk varied depending on living environment. Corticosteroid use is associated with greater risk of recurrence in NH residents but lower risk in community‐dwelling elderly adults.
Methods, metrics and research gaps around minimum data sets for nursing practice and fundamental care: A scoping literature review
Authors: Muntlin Athlin Åsa
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To examine and map research on minimum data sets linked to nursing practice and the fundamentals of care. Another aim was to identify gaps in the evidence to suggest future research questions to highlight the need for standardisation of terminology around nursing practice and fundamental care.

Background

Addressing fundamental care has been highlighted internationally as a response to missed nursing care. Systematic performance measurements are needed to capture nursing practice outcomes.

Design

Overview of the literature framed by the scoping study methodology.

Method

PubMed and CINAHL were searched using the following inclusion criteria: peer‐reviewed empirical quantitative and qualitative studies related to minimum data sets and nursing practice published in English. No time restrictions were set. Exclusion criteria were as follows: no available full text, reviews and methodological and discursive studies. Data were categorised into one of the fundamentals of care elements.

Results

The review included 20 studies published in 1999–2016. Settings were mainly nursing homes or hospitals. Of 14 elements of the fundamentals of care, 11 were identified as measures in the included studies, but their frequency varied. The most commonly identified elements concerned safety, prevention and medication (n = 11), comfort (n = 6) and eating and drinking (n = 5).

Conclusion

Studies have used minimum data sets and included variables linked to nursing practices and fundamentals of care. However, the relations of these variables to nursing practice were not always clearly described and the main purpose of the studies was seldom to measure the outcomes of nursing interventions. More robust studies focusing on nursing practice and patient outcomes are warranted.

Relevance to clinical practice

Using minimum data sets can highlight the nurses' work and what impact it has on direct patient care. Appropriate models, systems and standardised terminology are needed to facilitate the documentation of nursing activities.
Transabdominal cerclage (TAC) for patients with ultra‐short uterine cervix after uterine cervix surgery and its impact on pregnancy
Authors: Ishioka Shinichi , Kim Miseon , Mizugaki Yuko , Kon Saori , Isoyama Kyoko , Mizuuchi Masahito , Morishita Miyuki , Baba Tsuyoshi , Sekiya Takao , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2017

Aim

Patients with an ultra‐short uterine cervix as a result of large conization, repeated conization or radical trachelectomy (RT), are at high risk of preterm premature rupture of the membrane, which leads to preterm birth. We have commenced performing transabdominal cerclage (TAC) of the uterine cervix for these patients. In this study, we examined the safety of TAC and its impact on pregnancy.

Methods

We have performed TAC in 11 patients before pregnancy: in six after large cervical operations, such as repeated conization; and in five for difficulties with cervical cerclage after RT. After laparotomy, a Teflon thread was placed in the avascular space between the uterine vessels and the uterine muscle, and tied. The clinical course of the patients after TAC and their pregnancy course were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

TAC was performed safely without any complications. The mean operative duration was 53 ± 10 min, and the mean blood loss during the operation was 49 ± 64 mL. Seven women conceived within 2 years after TAC. Their pregnancy courses were favorable. Five of the women underwent scheduled cesarean sections, while two pregnancies are ongoing.

Conclusions

Although there are risks of various complications as a result of the use of non‐absorbable thread and the need for two extra laparotomies, TAC can be a safe and useful option for patients who show cervical incompetence after large uterine cervical operations, such as RT or large conization.
Effects of vanadium supplementation on performance, some plasma metabolites and glucose metabolism in Mahabadi goat kids
Authors: Zarqami A. , Ganjkhanlou M. , Zali A. , Rezayazdi K. , Jolazadeh A. R.
Published: November 2017

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of vanadium (V) supplementation on performance, some plasma metabolites (cholesterol and triglycerides) and glucose metabolism in Mahabadi goat kids. Twenty‐eight male kids (15 ± 2 kg body weight) were fed for 14 weeks in a completely randomized design with four treatments. Treatments were supplemented with 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3 mg V as vanadyl sulfate/animal/daily. On day 70, an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was conducted. Dry matter intake did not change by V supplementation, but adding V quadraticaly improved feed efficiency (p = .03) and tended to increase average daily gain (Quadratic, p = .09). Blood metabolites were unaffected by V supplementation, except for concentration of glucose in plasma, which decreased linearly as supplemental V level increased (p = .02). Plasma glucose concentrations at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after glucose infusion were decreased in a quadratic fashion in response to increasing supplemental V level (p < .01). The IVGTT indicated that the kids supplemented with 2 mg V had higher glucose clearance rate (K) and lower glucose half‐life (T½; p < .05). Glucose area under the response curve from 0 to 60 min and 0 to 180 min after glucose infusion were decreased linearly (p = .04) by supplemental V. The results suggested that moderate supplementation of V may improve glucose utilization and feed efficiency in fattening kids.
Heterogeneity of intron presence/absence in Olifantiella sp. (Bacillariophyta) contributes to the understanding of intron loss
Authors: Han Jichang , Zhang Lin , Wang Pu , Yang Guanpin , Wang Song , Li Yuhang , Pan Kehou
Published: November 2017

Although hypotheses have been proposed and developed to interpret the origins and functions of introns, substantial controversies remain about the mechanism of intron evolution. The availability of introns in the intermediate state is quite helpful for resolving this debate. In this study, a new strain of diatom (denominated as DB21‐1) was isolated and identified as Olifantiella sp., which possesses multiple types of 18S rDNAs (obtained from genomic DNA; lengths ranged from 2,056 bp to 2,988 bp). Based on alignments between 18S rDNAs and 18S rRNA (obtained from cDNA; 1,783 bp), seven intron insertion sites (IISs) located in the 18S rDNA were identified, each of which displayed the polymorphism of intron presence/absence. Specific primers around each IIS were designed to amplify the introns and the results indicated that introns in the same IIS varied in lengths, while terminal sequences were conserved. Our study showed that the process of intron loss happens via a series of successive steps, and each step could derive corresponding introns under intermediate states. Moreover, these results indicate that the mechanism of genomic deletion that occurs at DNA level can also lead to exact intron loss.
Biophysical properties of microvascular endothelium: Requirements for initiating and conducting electrical signals
Authors: Kapela Adam , Behringer Erik J. , Segal Steven S. , Tsoukias Nikolaos M.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Electrical signaling along the endothelium underlies spreading vasodilation and blood flow control. We use mathematical modeling to determine the electrical properties of the endothelium and gain insight into the biophysical determinants of electrical conduction.

Methods

Electrical conduction data along endothelial tubes (40 μm wide, 2.5 mm long) isolated from mouse skeletal muscle resistance arteries were analyzed using cable equations and a multicellular computational model.

Results

Responses to intracellular current injection attenuate with an axial length constant (λ) of 1.2‐1.4 mm. Data were fitted to estimate the axial (ra; 10.7 MΩ/mm) and membrane (rm; 14.5 MΩ∙mm) resistivities, EC membrane resistance (Rm; 12 GΩ), and EC‐EC coupling resistance (Rgj; 4.5 MΩ) and predict that stimulation of ≥30 neighboring ECs is required to elicit 1 mV of hyperpolarization at distance = 2.5 mm. Opening Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (KCa) along the endothelium reduced λ by up to 55%.

Conclusions

High Rm makes the endothelium sensitive to electrical stimuli and able to conduct these signals effectively. Whereas the activation of a group of ECs is required to initiate physiologically relevant hyperpolarization, this requirement is increased by myoendothelial coupling and KCa activation along the endothelium inhibits conduction by dissipating electrical signals.
Independent recruitment of a novel seed dispersal system by camel crickets in achlorophyllous plants
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji
Published: November 2017

The seeds of most heterotrophic plants, commonly referred to as dust seeds, are typically dispersed in the air like dust particles. Therefore, little attention has been paid to how seeds of heterotrophic plants are dispersed, owing to the notion that wind dispersal is the dominant strategy. However, inconspicuous but fleshy, indehiscent fruit can be observed in distantly related plants that have independently evolved full heterotrophy.

Here I investigated the seed dispersal system in three unrelated fully heterotrophic plants with fleshy, indehiscent fruits (Yoania amagiensis, Monotropastrum humile and Phacellanthus tubiflorus) by direct observation, a differential exclusion experiment of fruit feeders and investigation on seed viability through the digestive tract.

The present study revealed that camel crickets are the major seed disperser in three achlorophyllous plants in the study population. This represents the first evidence of seed dispersal by camel crickets in any angiosperm species.

These heterotrophic plants grow in the understorey of densely vegetated forests where wind is probably an ineffective seed dispersal agent. Life‐history traits of the achlorophyllous plants associated with heterotrophic lifestyles, such as colonization of dark understorey habitats and dust seeds, could facilitate independent recruitment of the novel endozoochorous seed dispersal system by camel crickets.
Functional diversification of Flowering Locus T homologs in soybean: GmFT1a and GmFT2a/5a have opposite roles in controlling flowering and maturation
Authors: Liu Wei , Jiang Bingjun , Ma Liming , Zhang Shouwei , Zhai Hong , Xu Xin , Hou Wensheng , Xia Zhengjun , Wu Cunxiang , Sun Shi , Wu Tingting , Chen Li , Han Tianfu
Published: November 2017

Soybean flowering and maturation are strictly regulated by photoperiod. Photoperiod‐sensitive soybean varieties can undergo flowering reversion when switched from short‐day (SD) to long‐day (LD) conditions, suggesting the presence of a ‘floral‐inhibitor’ under LD conditions.

We combined gene expression profiling with a study of transgenic plants and confirmed that GmFT1a, soybean Flowering Locus T (FT) homolog, is a floral inhibitor.

GmFT1a is expressed specifically in leaves, similar to the flowering‐promoting FT homologs GmFT2a/5a. However, in Zigongdongdou (ZGDD), a model variety for studying flowering reversion, GmFT1a expression was induced by LD but inhibited by SD conditions. This was unexpected, as it is the complete opposite of the expression of flowering promoters GmFT2a/5a. Moreover, the key soybean maturity gene E1 may up‐regulate GmFT1a expression. It is also notable that GmFT1a expression was conspicuously high in late‐flowering varieties. Transgenic overexpression of GmFT1a delayed flowering and maturation in soybean, confirming that GmFT1a functions as a flowering inhibitor.

This discovery highlights the complex impacts of the functional diversification of the FT gene family in soybean, and implies that antagonism between flowering‐inhibiting and flowering‐promoting FT homologs in this highly photoperiod‐sensitive plant may specify vegetative vs reproductive development.
Nutrient‐rich plants emit a less intense blend of volatile isoprenoids
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Llusià Joan , Filella Iolanda , Niinemets Ülo , Arneth Almut , Wright Ian J. , Loreto Francesco , Peñuelas Josep
Published: November 2017

The emission of isoprenoids (e.g. isoprene and monoterpenes) by plants plays an important defensive role against biotic and abiotic stresses. Little is known, however, about the functional traits linked to species‐specific variability in the types and rates of isoprenoids emitted and about possible co‐evolution of functional traits with isoprenoid emission type (isoprene emitter, monoterpene emitter or both).

We combined data for isoprene and monoterpene emission rates per unit dry mass with key functional traits (foliar nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, and leaf mass per area) and climate for 113 plant species, covering the boreal, wet temperate, Mediterranean and tropical biomes.

Foliar N was positively correlated with isoprene emission, and foliar P was negatively correlated with both isoprene and monoterpene emission rate. Nonemitting plants generally had the highest nutrient concentrations, and those storing monoterpenes had the lowest concentrations. Our phylogenetic analyses found that the type of isoprenoid emission followed an adaptive, rather than a random model of evolution.

Evolution of isoprenoids may be linked to nutrient availability. Foliar N and P are good predictors of the type of isoprenoid emission and the rate at which monoterpenes, and to a lesser extent isoprene, are emitted.