bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The SCN8A encephalopathy mutation p.Ile1327Val displays elevated sensitivity to the anticonvulsant phenytoin
Authors: Barker Bryan S. , Ottolini Matteo , Wagnon Jacy L. , Hollander Rachel M. , Meisler Miriam H. , Patel Manoj K.
Published: July 2016

Objective

SCN8A encephalopathy (early infantile epileptic encephalopathy; EIEE13) is caused by gain‐of‐function mutations resulting in hyperactivity of the voltage‐gated sodium channel Nav1.6. The channel is concentrated at the axon initial segment (AIS) and is involved in establishing neuronal excitability. Clinical features of SCN8A encephalopathy include seizure onset between 0 and 18 months of age, intellectual disability, and developmental delay. Seizures are often refractory to treatment with standard antiepileptic drugs, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has been reported in approximately 10% of patients. In a recent study, high doses of phenytoin were effective in four patients with SCN8A encephalopathy. In view of this observation, we have investigated the relationship between the functional effect of the SCN8A mutation p.Ile1327Val and its response to phenytoin.

Methods

The mutation was introduced into the Scn8a cDNA by site‐directed mutagenesis. Channel activity was characterized in transfected ND7/23 cells. The effects of phenytoin (100 μm) on mutant and wild‐type (WT) channels were compared.

Results

Channel activation parameters were shifted in a hyperpolarizing direction in the mutant channel, whereas inactivation parameters were shifted in a depolarizing direction, increasing Na channel window current. Macroscopic current decay was slowed in I1327V channels, indicating an impairment in the transition from open state to inactivated state. Channel deactivation was also delayed, allowing more channels to remain in the open state. Phenytoin (100 μm) resulted in hyperpolarized activation and inactivation curves as well as greater tonic block and use‐dependent block of I1327V mutant channels relative to WT.

Significance

SCN8A – I1327V is a gain‐of‐function mutation with altered features that are predicted to increase neuronal excitability and seizure susceptibility. Phenytoin is an effective inhibitor of the mutant channel and may be of use in treating patients with gain‐of‐function mutations of SCN8A.
Past and present dynamics of sorghum and pearl millet diversity in Mount Kenya region
Authors: Labeyrie Vanesse , Deu Monique , Dussert Yann , Rono Bernard , Lamy Françoise , Marangu Charles , Kiambi Dan , Calatayud Caroline , Coppens d'Eeckenbrugge Geo , Robert Thierry , Leclerc Christian
Published: July 2016

Crop populations in smallholder farming systems are shaped by the interaction of biological, ecological, and social processes, occurring on different spatiotemporal scales. Understanding these dynamics is fundamental for the conservation of crop genetic resources. In this study, we investigated the processes involved in sorghum and pearl millet diversity dynamics on Mount Kenya. Surveys were conducted in ten sites distributed along two elevation transects and occupied by six ethnolinguistic groups. Varieties of both species grown in each site were inventoried and characterized using SSR markers. Genetic diversity was analyzed using both individual‐ and population‐based approaches. Surveys of seed lot sources allowed characterizing seed‐mediated gene flow. Past sorghum diffusion dynamics were explored by comparing Mount Kenya sorghum diversity with that of the African continent. The absence of structure in pearl millet genetic diversity indicated common ancestry and/or important pollen‐ and seed‐mediated gene flow. On the contrary, sorghum varietal and genetic diversity showed geographic patterns, pointing to different ancestry of varieties, limited pollen‐mediated gene flow, and geographic patterns in seed‐mediated gene flow. Social and ecological processes involved in shaping seed‐mediated gene flow are further discussed.
Eco‐immunology and bioinvasion: revisiting the evolution of increased competitive ability hypotheses
Authors: Cornet Stéphane , Brouat Carine , Diagne Christophe , Charbonnel Nathalie
Published: July 2016

Immunity is at the core of major theories related to invasion biology. Among them, the evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) andEICA‐refined hypotheses have been used as a reference work. They postulate that the release from pathogens often experienced during invasion should favour a reallocation of resources from (costly) immune defences to beneficial life‐history traits associated with invasive potential. We review studies documenting immune changes during animal invasions. We describe the designs and approaches that have been applied and discuss some reasons that prevent drawing generalized conclusions regardingEICAhypotheses. We detail why a better assessment of invasion history and immune costs, including immunopathologies and parasite communities, could improve our understanding of the relationships between immunity and invasion success. Finally, we propose new perspectives to revisit theEICAhypotheses. We first emphasize the neutral and adaptive mechanisms involved in immune changes, as well as timing of the later. Such investigation will help decipher whether immune changes are a consequence of pre‐adaptation, or the result of postintroduction adaptations to invasion front conditions. We next bring attention to new avenues of research that remain unexplored, namely age‐dependent immunity and gut microbiota, potential key factors underlying adaptation to invasion front environment and modulating invasion success.
Treatment of extensive erythema multiforme with topical gentian violet
Authors: Murthy Rajini K. , Van Livia , Arbiser Jack L.
Published: July 2016

Topical and systemic therapies for erythema multiforme have been widely described in the literature. The pathogenesis of erythema multiforme involves increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor resulting in the promotion of microvascular permeability and angiogenesis. Gentian violet has been shown to have antiangiogenic properties. Here, we present a case of erythema multiforme successfully treated with topical gentian violet. We report the case of a patient who presented with erythema multiforme. Prior pertinent history included diabetes mellitus type I, limiting the clinical use of systemic corticosteroids. Topical gentian violet was used to treat the cutaneous lesions. Our patient responded well to treatment with topical gentian violet with stabilization and resolution of the lesions without using systemic therapy that may pose serious side effects in the setting of other comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus type I. This case highlights the variable therapeutic options available for treatment of erythema multiforme, including topical gentian violet. While further studies are needed, this case demonstrates the antiangiogenic properties and clinical utility of topical gentian violet in the treatment of erythema multiforme.
Gene signatures of estrogen and progesterone receptor pathways predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Dingxie
Published: July 2016

The associations of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) pathways with the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are still controversial. The aim of this study was to readdress these issues by introducing a gene signature‐based approach to semiquantitate pathway activity. In this approach, the ER and PR pathway activities in CRC were computed based on the expression profiles of the signature genes of ER and PR pathways, respectively. The results showed that the ER pathway activity was progressively significantly decreased from normal colorectal mucosa, colorectal adenoma to CRC. ER pathway signaling was a favorable factor for the presence of microsatellite stability (MSS) in CRC in seven cohorts tested, while was an unfavorable factor for cancer recurrence in all four CRC cohorts tested (n = 1122; overall HR: 0.311, 95% CI: 0.199–0.488, P < 0.001). Subset stratification in stage II patients showed that ER pathway remained significantly inversely associated with recurrence. PR pathway was also suppressed in colorectal tumors and inversely associated with recurrence of CRC, but to a much lesser extent than ER pathway. Moreover, the inverse association of PR pathway with cancer recurrence was more likely observed in CRC with high ER pathway activity, suggesting the interactions between the two pathways. PR pathway was not associated with MSS in CRC, but it was more significant than ER pathway associated with advance cancer stages and cancer response to adjuvant chemotherapy. These results suggested the potential application of the gene signatures of ER and PR pathways, especially the former, as novel markers for prognosis and management of CRC.
Flow regulation increases food‐chain length through omnivory mechanisms in a Mediterranean river network
Authors: Ruhí Albert , Muñoz Isabel , Tornés Elisabet , Batalla Ramon J. , Vericat Damià , Ponsatí Lídia , Acuña Vicenç , von Schiller Daniel , Marcé Rafael , Bussi Gianbattista , Francés Félix , Sabater Sergi
Published: July 2016

Dams fragment river systems worldwide, and Mediterranean‐climate rivers, characterised by highly seasonal hydrographs and adapted biotas, are particularly impacted by flow regulation. Whereas the effects of flow regulation on hydrology, sediment transport and biodiversity have long been examined, responses at the food‐web level remain understudied.

Environmental variation is a key control of food‐web structure. Thus, we predicted that flow regulation would impact food‐chain length (FCL) via changes in the flow variation regime, and we tested this prediction in a set of flow unregulated to completely regulated reaches in a Mediterranean river basin.

In each reach, we characterised flow variation, together with two other putative controls of FCL (productivity and habitat size). We combined community data with carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to estimate food‐chain length, and Bayesian mixing models allowed estimates of dietary proportions of consumers.

Flow variation was paramount in controlling FCL in the studied river network, and this same control largely explained the degree of omnivory among top predators. Thus, omnivory mechanisms were the main proximate structural mechanism allowing shifts in food‐web structure and linking disturbance regimes to FCL.

Our results suggest that flow regulation in Mediterranean rivers may impact food‐web structure even when no significant changes in community composition are observed. If highly variable Mediterranean streams become increasingly affected by flow regulation, the resulting more stable conditions could enhance intraguild predation and thus lengthen riverine food chains.
A proportion of primary squamous cell carcinomas of the parotid gland harbour high‐risk human papillomavirus
Authors: Xu Bin , Wang Lu , Borsu Laetitia , Ghossein Ronald , Katabi Nora , Ganly Ian , Dogan Snjezana
Published: July 2016

Aims

In the current study, we aimed to examine primary parotid squamous cell carcinoma (ParSCC) for the presence of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) and associated molecular alterations.

Methods and results

Eight cases of ParSCC were retrieved after a detailed clinicopathological review to exclude the possibility of metastasis and/or extension from another primary site. HR‐HPV status was determined on the basis of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 expression and chromogenic in‐situ hybridization (CISH) for HR‐HPV. All cases were genotyped with a multiplexed mass spectrometry assay interrogating 91 hotspot mutations in eight cancer‐related genes (EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, AKT1, MEK1 and ERBB2), and studied by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization for PTEN copy number alteration. Three of eight cases (37.5%) were positive for the presence of HR‐HPV by CISH and p16 IHC. One of three (33%) HR‐HPV‐positive cases harboured a PTEN hemizygous deletion, and one (33%) HR‐HPV‐positive case harboured a PIK3CA E545K somatic mutation. No alteration of the PTEN–PI3K pathway was detected in HR‐HPV‐negative tumours. Over a median follow‐up period of 66.2 months, only the patient with the HR‐HPV‐positive PIK3CA‐mutated tumour died of his disease, the remaining seven patients being disease‐free.

Conclusions

Given the established aetiological role of HR‐HPV in other head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, it is likely that HR‐HPV represents an oncogenic driver in the pathogenesis of more than one‐third of ParSCCs. The presence of HR‐HPV in ParSCC may be coupled with alterations in the PTEN–PI3K pathway. Further studies on HR‐HPV and the molecular characterization of a larger number of ParSCCs are needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.
‘Working in the dark’: Swedish general dental practitioners on the complexity of root canal treatment
Authors: Dahlström L. , Lindwall O. , Rystedt H. , Reit C.
Published: July 2016

Aim

To explore elements of reasoning and understanding that might obstruct the performance of good‐quality root canal treatment (RCT) and make general dental practitioners (GDPs) produce and accept root fillings of inferior quality.

Methodology

The study was designed as a qualitative and explorative study based on seven videotaped focus group interviews analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. Nine predetermined questions were followed. Thirty‐three GDPs (4–6 dentists/interview), employed in the Public Dental Health Service in Gothenburg, Sweden, participated.

Results

Feelings such as anxiety, frustration, stress or exhaustion were associated with RCT. In general, RCT was regarded as complex, mysterious and embedded in uncertainty. A feeling of loss of control was frequently described in relation to all procedural steps from negotiating the canal to prognostic deliberations. Reasons could include challenging canals, complicated instruments and the fact that treatment had to be performed in a concealed space without visible insight. Several dentists questioned the requirements for correctly performing RCT, and some indicated that striving towards optimal technical root filling quality should not be expected in each case in general practice. Most of the GDPs were unable to complete a case within the remuneration system, and they therefore either spent more time than the set fee allowed for or accepted a suboptimal root filling when the time limit was reached.

Conclusions

High levels of stress and frustration in relation to RCT were reported by the GDPs. RCT was regarded as complex and was often performed with an overall sense of lack of control.
Enhanced Photovoltaic Effect in Fe‐Doped (Bi, Na) TiO3‐BaTiO3 Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Chen Lu , Lin Qianru , Hart Judy , Li Sean , Wang Danyang
Published: July 2016

In this study, the photovoltaic (PV) effect in Fe‐doped (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐0.06BaTiO3 (BNBT) ceramics was investigated. It was found that the bandgap of BNBT is successfully narrowed through Fe doping and a substantially enhanced photovoltaic response was obtained in Fe‐doped BNBT. Density functional theory calculations show that the enhanced PV response can be attributed to the dopant, which introduces localized intermediate states within the band gap as well as a strong asymmetry of the projections of the responsible Fe‐Ti bond length on the c‐axis.
Sponge cake microstructure, starch retrogradation and quality changes during frozen storage
Authors: Díaz‐Ramírez Mayra , Calderón‐Domínguez Georgina , Salgado‐Cruz Ma de la Paz , Chanona‐Pérez José J. , Andraca‐Adame José A. , Ribotta Pablo D.
Published: July 2016

The effect of frozen storage (6 months) on the microstructure (microscopy, flatbed scanning and image analysis), quality (texture, moisture and specific volume) and starch retrogradation of the cake crumb were evaluated. After 2 months of storage, texture (firmness, cohesiveness and resilience) was significantly (P < 0.05) affected and starch retrogradation was observed, while by the fourth month, the crystallinity increased and crumb fractures were noticeable. Additionally, the shrinkage of starch granules was observed as the starch circularity (Sc) values significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by the sixth month of storage. Although structural changes were not detected by image analysis, it was demonstrated that cake microstructure damage is related to physical changes because the Sc was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with moisture and specific volume and therefore with the cake quality and texture. Moreover, sugar re‐crystallisation occurred during frozen storage, and it was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with the deterioration in cake quality.
Effect of cooking on polyphenols and antioxidant activity of Araucaria angustifolia seed coat and evaluation of phytochemical and microbiological stability over storage
Authors: Sant'Anna Voltaire , Sfoglia Natalia M. , Mercali Giovana D. , Corrêa Ana Paula F. , Brandelli Adriano
Published: July 2016

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of cooking on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the coat of pinhão. Moreover, the dried powder, obtained after seed coat cooking and drying, was stored for 90 days at 25 °C, and stability of polyphenols and antioxidant activity, as well as, growth of viable bacteria and fungi were evaluated. Results showed that polyphenol content was increased in the residue submitted to cooking from 25 to 51 mg GAE g−1. DPPH radical scavenging capability decreased from 93% to 88% after the heat treatment, and 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐ 6‐sulfonic acid radical scavenging was not affected. Pinhão seed coat did not present iron‐chelating capacity. The coat from cooked seeds presented low growth of viable bacteria, but was suitable to yeast multiplication during storage period under ambient conditions. No degradation of phenolics and compounds with antioxidant activity was observed during the storage conditions.
Cotesia vestalis parasitization suppresses expression of a Plutella xylostella thioredoxin
Authors: Shi M. , Zhao S. , Wang Z‐H. , Stanley D. , Chen X.‐X.
Published: July 2016

Thioredoxins (Trxs) are a family of small, highly conserved and ubiquitous proteins involved in protecting organisms against toxic reactive oxygen species. In this study, a typical thioredoxin gene, PxTrx, was isolated from Plutella xylostella. The full‐length cDNA sequence is composed of 959 bp containing a 321 bp open reading frame that encodes a predicted protein of 106 amino acids, a predicted molecular weight of 11.7 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.03. PxTrx was mainly expressed in larval Malpighian tubules and the fat body. An enriched recombinant PxTrx had insulin disulphide reductase activity and stimulated Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK293) cell proliferation. It also protected supercoiled DNA and living HEK293 cells from H2O2‐induced damage. Parasitization by Cotesia vestalis and injections of 0.05 and 0.01 equivalents of C. vestalis Bracovirus (CvBv), the symbiotic virus carried by the parasitoid, led to down‐regulation of PxTrx expression in host fat body. Taken together, our results indicate that PxTrx contributes to the maintenance of P. xylostella cellular haemostasis. Host fat body expression of PxTrx is strongly attenuated by parasitization and by injections of CvBv.
Nursing staff stress from challenging behaviour of residents with dementia: a concept analysis
Authors: Hazelhof T.J.G.M. , Schoonhoven L. , van Gaal B.G.I. , Koopmans R.T.C.M. , Gerritsen D.L.
Published: July 2016

Aim

Provide insight into the concept of stress in the context of challenging behaviour of nursing home residents with dementia and its causes and consequences.

Background

Challenging behaviour is frequent in residents with dementia, but consequences for nursing staff are unclear.

Introduction

Challenging behaviour of residents can be enervating for nurses and may lead to stress. Although stress in general is associated with negative outcomes, an overview of stress in this context would be a welcome addition to the field.

Method

Concept analysis according to Walker and Avant.

Results

Identified antecedents of stress: physical and verbal aggression, conflicts, excessive demands and being unresponsive (residents), age, experience, tenure, nursing level and training (nursing staff). Defining attributes: disturbed homoeostasis and the personal appraisal of the situation. Identified consequences regard health, psychological aspects and behaviour.

Discussion

Intervening in the identified factors may contribute to prevention of stress in nursing staff.

Limitations

Given a lack of strong empirical studies, our analysis is not based on a high level of evidence and needs to be tested. Papers from before 1990 might have been missed.

Conclusion

The concept analysis revealed that nursing staff stress in the context of challenging behaviour may result from resident and nursing staff factors. Besides health and psychological consequences, behavioural consequences can enormously impact the well‐being of residents.

Implications

Application in daily care to support teams in influencing resident and nursing staff factors could prevent stress, for instance using behavioural management training or recruiting higher educated nursing staff. Given the increasing complexity of care, creating specialized units with specifically trained staff for different groups of people with dementia may be desirable.
Children's experiences of dental anxiety
Authors: Morgan Annie G. , Rodd Helen D. , Porritt Jenny M. , Baker Sarah R. , Creswell Cathy , Newton Tim , Williams Chris , Marshman Zoe
Published: July 2016

Background

Dental anxiety is common among children. Although there is a wealth of research investigating childhood dental anxiety, little consideration has been given to the child's perspective.

Aim

This qualitative study sought to explore with children their own experiences of dental anxiety using a cognitive behavioural therapy assessment model.

Design

Face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with dentally anxious children aged 11–16 years. The Five Areas model was used to inform the topic guide and analysis. Data were analysed using a framework approach.

Results

In total, 13 children were interviewed. Participants described their experiences of dental anxiety across multiple dimensions (situational factors and altered thoughts, feelings, physical symptoms, and behaviours). Participants placed considerable value on communication by dental professionals, with poor communication having a negative influence on dental anxiety and the dentist–patient relationship.

Conclusions

This study confirms the Five Areas model as an applicable theoretical model for the assessment of childhood dental anxiety. Children provided insights about their own dental anxiety experiences that have not previously been described.
Influenza C infections in Western Australia and Victoria from 2008 to 2014
Authors: Jelley Lauren , Levy Avram , Deng Yi‐Mo , Spirason Natalie , Lang Jurissa , Buettner Iwona , Druce Julian , Blyth Chris , Effler Paul , Smith David , Barr Ian G.
Published: July 2016

Background

Influenza C is usually considered a minor cause of respiratory illness in humans with many infections being asymptomatic or clinically mild. Large outbreaks can occur periodically resulting in significant morbidity.

Objectives

This study aimed at analyzing the available influenza C clinical samples from two widely separated states of Australia, collected over a 7‐year period and to compare them with influenza C viruses detected in other parts of the world in recent years.

Patients/Methods

Between 2008 and 2014, 86 respiratory samples that were influenza C positive were collected from subjects with influenza‐like illness living in the states of Victoria and Western Australia. A battery of other respiratory viruses were also tested for in these influenza C‐positive samples. Virus isolation was attempted on all of these clinical samples, and gene sequencing was performed on all influenza C‐positive cultures.

Results and conclusions

Detections of influenza C in respiratory samples were sporadic in most years studied, but higher rates of infection occurred in 2012 and 2014. Many of the patients with influenza C had coinfections with other respiratory pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis of the full‐length hemagglutinin–esterase–fusion (HE) gene found that most of the viruses grouped in the C/Sao Paulo/378/82 clade with the remainder grouping in the C/Kanagawa/1/76 clade.
Reactions of Secondary Phases with Carbon in Magnesia‐Carbon Bricks
Authors: Redecker Lisa , Sax Almuth , Quirmbach Peter , Jansen Helge
Published: July 2016

Despite the excellent thermochemical properties of magnesia carbon bricks, these exhibit one weak characteristic during their use: their carbothermally induced wear. Carbon has a high affinity to oxygen, which leads to a reaction between magnesia and carbon, forming gaseous products at very low oxygen partial pressures in the surrounding atmosphere. When magnesia carbon material is furthermore applied at negative pressures, the precited carbothermic reduction processes effect an internal decomposition or even degradation of the bricks. Mostly, high‐purity magnesia varieties (MgO ≥ 96 wt%) are used for the production of magnesia carbon bricks because the low‐melting calcium silicate secondary phases in magnesia impair the high‐temperature resistance of these bricks. The fundamental question if and to which extent secondary phases react with carbon and which impact they have on the carbothermally induced wear of bricks has been unsolved so far. The following paper presents which influence the mineral secondary phases, monticellite, merwinite, and belite that are most commonly occurring in magnesia, have on the carbothermally induced wear. The respective studies were conducted by means of thermogravimetric and microstructural analyses. The results of these studies show that monticellite in the MgO–C microstructure brings about an increase in weight loss on account of carbothermic reduction processes. On the contrary, belite and merwinite in the MgO–C structure do not exhibit any negative impact on the thermal stability of the microstructure.
Effects of Li Substitution on the Microstructure and Thermal Expansion Behavior of Pollucite Derived from Geopolymer
Authors: Yuan Jingkun , He Peigang , Yang Chao , Jia Dechang , You Jinsong , Yan Shu , Cai Delong , Yang Zhihua , Duan Xiaoming , Wang Shengjin , Xu Jiahuan , Zhou Yu
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this work was to study the role of lithium in cesium‐based geopolymers and the thermal evolution during heat treatment together with thermal expansion behavior of the resulting geopolymer ceramic. A series of lithium‐substituted cesium‐based geopolymers, Cs(1−x)LixGP (where x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3), were prepared. All the geopolymer samples were heated at 1300°C for 2 h and thermal evolution on heating was studied by a variety of techniques. Phase composition, microstructure evolution, and thermal expansion behaviors of the ceramics derived from the geopolymers were characterized. All the geopolymer specimens exhibited similar thermal evolutionary trends. With increases in lithium content, overall mass loss increased gradually due to the higher hydration energy of Li+ than Cs+. Thermal shrinkage of these specimens can be divided into four stages, i.e., structural resilience, dehydration, dehydroxylation, and sintering, according to the dilatometer results. The introduction of Li results in two‐step sintering behavior for the lithium‐substituted cesium‐based geopolymers. The average thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of Cs(1−x)LixGP ceramics decreased from 4.80 × 10−6 K−1 (x = 0) to 3.61 × 10−6 K−1 (x = 0.3) with increase in lithium substitution. The reason can be attributed to the presence of spodumene after thermal treatment, which has a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient compared with pollucite. Meanwhile, molten spodumene could serve as a buffer phase between pollucite crystals also conducive to the decline of CTE of this system.
Pessimism About Motivating Modal Personism
Authors: Roberts Adam James
Published: July 2016

In ‘What's Wrong with Speciesism?’, Shelly Kagan sketches an account on which both actually being a person and possibly being a person are relevant to one's moral status, labelling this view ‘modal personism’ and supporting its conclusions with appeals to intuitions about a range of marginal cases. I tender a pessimistic response to Kagan's concern about motivating modal personism: that is, of being able to ‘go beyond the mere appeal to brute intuition, eventually offering an account of why modal personhood should matter in the ways we may intuitively think that it does.’
C‐Jun N‐terminal kinase signalling pathway in response to cisplatin
Authors: Yan Dong , An GuangYu , Kuo Macus Tien
Published: July 2016

Cisplatin (cis diamminedichloroplatinum II, cDDP) is one of the most effective cancer chemotherapeutic agents and is used in the treatment of many types of human malignancies. However, inherent tumour resistance is a major barrier to effective cisplatin therapy. So far, the mechanism of cDDP resistance has not been well defined. In general, cisplatin is considered to be a cytotoxic drug, for damaging DNA and inhibiting DNA synthesis, resulting in apoptosis via the mitochondrial death pathway or plasma membrane disruption. cDDP−induced DNA damage triggers signalling pathways that will eventually decide between cell life and death. As a member of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases family, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) is a signalling pathway in response to extracellular stimuli, especially drug treatment, to modify the activity of numerous proteins locating in the mitochondria or the nucleus. Recent studies suggest that JNK signalling pathway plays a major role in deciding the fate of the cell and inducing resistance to cDDP‐induced apoptosis in human tumours. c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase regulates several important cellular functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis while activating and inhibiting substrates for phosphorylation transcription factors (c‐Jun, ATF2: Activating transcription factor 2, p53 and so on), which subsequently induce pro‐apoptosis and pro‐survival factors expression. Therefore, it is suggested that JNK signal pathway is a double‐edged sword in cDDP treatment, simultaneously being a significant pro‐apoptosis factor but also being associated with increased resistance to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. This review focuses on current knowledge concerning the role of JNK in cell response to cDDP, as well as their role in cisplatin resistance.
Ecological speciation in sympatric palms: 2. Pre‐ and post‐zygotic isolation
Authors: Hipperson H. , Dunning L. T. , Baker W. J. , Butlin R. K. , Hutton I. , Papadopulos A. S. T. , Smadja C. M. , Wilson T. C. , Devaux C. , Savolainen V.
Published: July 2016

We evaluated reproductive isolation in two species of palms (Howea) that have evolved sympatrically on Lord Howe Island (LHI, Australia). We estimated the strength of some pre‐ and post‐zygotic mechanisms in maintaining current species boundaries. We found that flowering time displacement between species is consistent acrossinandex situcommon gardens and is thus partly genetically determined. On LHI, pre‐zygotic isolation due solely to flowering displacement was 97% forHowea belmoreanaand 80% forH. forsteriana; this asymmetry results fromH. forsterianaflowering earlier thanH. belmoreanaand being protandrous. As expected, only a few hybrids (here confirmed by genotyping) at both juvenile and adult stages could be detected in two sites on LHI, in which the two species grow intermingled (the Far Flats) or adjacently (Transit Hill). Yet, the distribution of hybrids was different between sites. At Transit Hill, we found no hybrid adult trees, but 13.5% of younger palms examined there were of late hybrid classes. In contrast, we found four hybrid adult trees, mostly of late hybrid classes, and only one juvenile F1 hybrid in the Far Flats. This pattern indicates that selection acts against hybrids between the juvenile and adult stages. Anin situreciprocal seed transplant between volcanic and calcareous soils also shows that early fitness components (up to 36 months) were affected by species and soil. These results are indicative of divergent selection in reproductive isolation, although it does not solely explain the current distribution of the two species on LHI.
The effects of napping on the risk of hypertension: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Thongprayoon Charat , Srivali Narat , Vijayvargiya Priya , Andersen Carl A. , Kittanamongkolchai Wonngarm , Sathick Insara J. Jaffer , Caples Sean M. , Erickson Stephen B.
Published: July 2016

Objective

The risk of hypertension in adults who regularly take a nap is controversial. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to assess the associations between napping and hypertension.

Methods

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMbase and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception through October, 2015. Studies that reported relative risks, odd ratios or hazard ratios comparing the risk of hypertension in individuals who regularly take nap were included. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random‐effect, generic inverse variance method.

Results

Nine observational studies with 112,267 individuals were included in the analysis to assess the risk of hypertension in nappers. The pooled RR of hypertension in nappers was 1.13 with 95% CI (0.98 to 1.30). When meta‐analysis was limited only to studies assessing the risk of hypertension in daytime nappers, the pooled RR of hypertension was 1.19 with 95% CI (1.06 to 1.35). The data on association between nighttime napping in individuals who work night shift and hypertension were limited, only one observational study reported reduced risk of hypertension in nighttime nappers with odds ratio of 0.79 with 95% CI (0.63 to 1.00).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis demonstrates a significant association between daytime napping and hypertension. Future study is needed to assess the potential benefits of HTN screening for daytime nappers.
Bullous pemphigoid‐like skin blistering disease in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Kim Jong‐Min , Kim Hyun‐Je , Min Byoung‐Hoon , Shin Jun‐Seop , Jeong Won Young , Lee Ga Eul , Kim Min Sun , Kim Ju Eun , Park Chung‐Gyu
Published: July 2016

Autoimmune bullous disease is very uncommon in non‐human primates. We observed a bullous skin disease in a male rhesus monkey while conducting porcine islet xenotransplantation. Fifty days after the transplantation, multiple bullous skin lesions were observed. There was no mucosal involvement. Skin biopsy results demonstrated a subepidermal blister with no necrotic keratinocytes. Immunofluorescent staining showed linear IgG deposition at the roof of the blister. These skin lesions spontaneously disappeared. Considering these results, this monkey was diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid (BP). As far as we know, this is the first report of BP in non‐human primates.
Assessing Fidelity of a Community‐Based Opioid Overdose Prevention Program: Modification of the Fidelity Checklist
Authors: Clark Angela , Breitenstein Susie , Martsolf Donna S. , Winstanley Erin L.
Published: July 2016

Background

The evaluation and maintenance of treatment fidelity is an important methodological consideration in intervention research. Treatment fidelity is the degree to which interventions are delivered as outlined by the program developers. A lack of fidelity to the intervention model has the potential to be a large source of error, including type I and type II error. Monitoring and assuring fidelity is critical to assuring the validity of the interventions. The Fidelity Checklist is a reliable and valid tool designed to measure fidelity in a group‐based parenting program. The Fidelity Checklist assesses group leaders’ maintenance of the intervention protocol (adherence) and their group facilitation and process skills (competence).

Objectives

The purpose of this article is to describe the systematic process of modifying the Fidelity Checklist for use in a community‐based opioid overdose prevention group educational intervention.

Methods

A biphasic approach was used to modify the Fidelity Checklist. Phase 1 included engaging key stakeholders during a full‐day meeting to determine adherence subscale components. Phase 2 included: (a) the modification of the competence subscale of the Fidelity Checklist, (b) adaptation of the coding manual defining the components of the Fidelity Checklist, and (c) creating a fidelity checklist to guide interventionists.

Results

The biphasic systematic modification approach resulted in a revised Fidelity Checklist that was successfully used to measure treatment fidelity in a community‐based opioid overdose prevention program.

Clinical Relevance

The findings of this study provide information for nurse researchers and nurse educators for modifying a fidelity checklist that can be used to enhance community‐based educational interventions.
Weight Control Behavior as an Indicator of Adolescent Psychological Well‐Being
Authors: Yeatts Paul E. , Martin Scott B. , Petrie Trent A. , Greenleaf Christy
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Adolescence is a critical time for the development of psychological well‐being. Weight gain and the emergence of body image concerns during this period can lead to the development of negative psychological states. To explore this issue, we examined the relationship between weight control behavior (WCB; ie, trying to lose, gain, stay the same, or do nothing about weight) and levels of depression and self‐esteem.

METHODS

Adolescents (508 boys, 502 girls; Mage = 12.32 ± .88 years) completed a survey that assessed WCB, depression, and self‐esteem. Descriptive discriminant analysis was used to analyze WCB group differences on psychological well‐being. Multivariate post hoc analysis further examined group differences. Structure coefficients indicated the relative importance of each dependent variable in boys and girls.

RESULTS

Results indicated that, among both sexes, WCB was significantly related to depression and self‐esteem. Individuals trying to lose weight had lower levels of psychological well‐being than the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents trying to lose weight reported the lowest psychological well‐being scores whereas those not doing anything to control weight reported the highest levels of psychological well‐being. These findings have important implications for screening and education programs designed to monitor and support adolescent psychological well‐being.
Associations of Teen Dating Violence Victimization With School Violence and Bullying Among US High School Students
Authors: Vivolo‐Kantor Alana M. , Olsen Emily O'Malley , Bacon Sarah
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Teen dating violence (TDV) negatively impacts health, mental and physical well‐being, and school performance.

METHODS

Data from a nationally representative sample of high school students participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) are used to demonstrate associations of physical and sexual TDV with school violence‐related experiences and behaviors, including bullying victimization. Bivariate and adjusted sex‐stratified regressions assessed relationships between TDV and school violence‐related experiences and behaviors.

RESULTS

Compared to students not reporting TDV, those experiencing both physical and sexual TDV were more likely to report carrying a weapon at school, missing school because they felt unsafe, being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property, having a physical fight at school, and being bullied on school property.

CONCLUSIONS

School‐based prevention efforts should target multiple forms of violence.
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Vibrio natriegens from Diseased Portunus trituberculatus in China
Authors: Bi Keran , Zhang Xiaojun , Yan Binlun , Gao Huan , Gao Xiaojian , Sun Jingjing
Published: July 2016

In July 2010, heavy mortalities were seen in cultured swimming crabs, Portunus trituberculatus, from Jiangsu Province in China. Two isolates, XA1 and XA2, were isolated from cardiac muscle and somatic muscle of the moribund crabs on ZoBell's marine 2216E agar and were confirmed as the causative agent for the mass mortalities seen on that farm. The morphological and physiological characteristics as well as the biochemical tests of the two isolates were identical and were similar to Vibrio natriegens. Both were gram‐negative, oxidase positive, produced acid when fermenting glucose, and failed to grow in the media containing 1% NaCl. Furthermore, the sequencing of the 16S rRNA, gapA, ftsZ, mreB, and topA genes revealed that the two isolates were identical and had a 0.99 homology coefficient with V. natriegens. The Neighbor‐Joining tree based on the concatenated sequences of four housekeeping genes (gapA, ftsZ, mreB, and topA) strongly supported that XA1 was most closely related to V. natriegens within the Vibrio harveyi–related clade. In addition, pathogenicity testing using immersion challenge confirmed that strain XA1 was virulent to juvenile crabs, and the LD50 value was 1.09 × 106. This is the first report on V. natriegens as a virulent pathogen for Portunus trituberculatus.
Optimum Dietary Protein Level and Protein‐to‐energy Ratio for Growth of Juvenile Parrot Fish, Oplegnathus fasciatus
Authors: Kim Kang‐Woong , Kim Kyoung‐Duck , Han Hyon Sob , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Yun Hyeonho , Lee Seunghan , Bai Sungchul C.
Published: July 2016

An 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted to estimate the optimum dietary protein level and protein‐to‐energy (P/E) ratio in juvenile parrot fish, Oplegnathus fasciatus. Eight experimental diets were formulated with two energy levels and four protein levels for each energy level. Diets containing crude protein (CP) at 35, 40, 45, and 50% had either 12.5 or 14.6 kJ/g of energy. Fish averaging 7.1 ± 0.06 g (mean ± SD) were fed one of the experimental diets for 8 wk. At the end of the feeding trial, weight gain (WG) of fish fed 45 and 50% CP in the 12.5 kJ/g diet was significantly higher than fish fed the 35% CP diet (P < 0.05). WG of the fish fed 45 and 50% CP in the 14.6 kJ/g diet was significantly higher than fish fed the 35 and 40% CP diets (P < 0.05). Fish fed the 14.6 kJ/g diet had a higher WG compared with fish fed the 12.5 kJ/g diet at all CP levels. Feed efficiency (FE) and specific growth rate (SGR) showed a similar trend to the WG. WG, FE, and SGR improved with increasing dietary protein levels up to 45% and remained constant at 50% CP for both energy levels. However, protein efficiency ratio was negatively related to dietary protein levels. The results suggested that the optimum level of protein and the optimum P/E ratio for juvenile parrot fish should be 45% and 31.1 mg protein/kJ, respectively, in a diet containing 14.6 kJ/g energy.
Dietary behaviour, food and nutrient intake of women do not change during pregnancy in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Asayehu Tamene Taye , Lachat Carl , Henauw Stefaan De , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos
Published: July 2016

Although pregnant women are required to increase food and nutrient intake to accommodate for the increased nutritional demands, information on dietary behaviour and nutrient intake is limited. This study aimed to identify the adequacy and differences in intake between pregnant and non‐pregnant women in a rural community of Butajira district, Southern Ethiopia. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 159 pregnant and 164 non‐pregnant women. An interactive multiple pass 24‐h recall survey was used to evaluate the food and nutrient intake of the study participants. Except for iron, vitamin A and C, intakes of macro and micronutrient were below the recommendations. Almost all study participants were deficient in energy, protein, calcium, folate and niacin intakes. There was no significant difference in the mean dietary intake of all nutrients between pregnant and non‐pregnant women (p > 0.05). The prevalence of inadequacy was comparable between pregnant and non‐pregnant women in all of the nutrient intakes except for Zn, where the prevalence of inadequacy was much higher among the pregnant women. Nearly all (99.0%) of the pregnant women were deficient in niacin, folate and calcium. Although all pregnant women considered it important to increase food intake during pregnancy, only a quarter of women reported to do so. In conclusion, pregnant women in the rural community of Butajira district do not make significant dietary intake adjustments to account for increased nutrient needs during pregnancy. In food insecure areas, such as ours, nutritional counselling complemented with supplementary feeding programmes could be key to ensure adequate dietary intake. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Unexpected biodiversity of ciliates in marine samples from below the photic zone
Authors: Grattepanche Jean‐David , Santoferrara Luciana F. , McManus George B. , Katz Laura A.
Published: July 2016

Marine microbial eukaryotes play critical roles in planktonic food webs and have been described as most diverse in the photic zone where productivity is high. We used high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) to analyse the spatial distribution of planktonic ciliate diversity from shallow waters (<30 m depth) to beyond the continental shelf (>800 m depth) along a 163 km transect off the coast of New England, USA. We focus on ciliates in the subclasses Oligotrichia and Choreotrichia (class Spirotrichea), as these taxa are major components of marine food webs. We did not observe the decrease of diversity below the photic zone expected based on productivity and previous analyses. Instead, we saw an increase of diversity with depth. We also observed that the ciliate communities assessed by HTS cluster by depth layer and degree of water column stratification, suggesting that community assembly is driven by environmental factors. Across our samples, abundant OTUs tend to match previously characterized morphospecies while rare OTUs are more often undescribed, consistent with the idea that species in the rare biosphere remain to be characterized by microscopy. Finally, samples taken below the photic zone also reveal the prevalence of two uncharacterized (i.e. lacking sequenced morphospecies) clades – clusters X1 and X2 – that are enriched within the nano‐sized fraction (2–10 μm) and are defined by deletions within the region of the SSU‐rDNA analysed here. Together, these data reinforce that we still have much to learn about microbial diversity in marine ecosystems, especially in deep‐waters that may be a reservoir for rare species and uncharacterized taxa.
Salafī‐Ashʻarī Polemics of the 3rd & 4th Islamic Centuries
Authors: Qadhi Yasir
Published: July 2016

While Sunnism is the largest sect of Islam, Sunnism itself is divided into many strands. The two main strands of Sunnism for the last few centuries are the Atharī (or Salafī) strand, and the Ashʻarī strand. This papers seeks to examine the earliest recorded controversies that signal this intra‐Sunnī divide. While each of these two groups has historically attempted to claim true Sunnī ‘orthodoxy’ by denying the legitimacy, and at times even the early existence, of the other, it will be shown that the genesis of this intra‐Sunnī divide dates back to the first century of Sunnism itself, viz., the 3rd AH/8th CE centuries, and that there are specific historic incidents that indicate theological tensions within the nascent Sunnī movement that would later be manifested in the two streams of Ashʻarism and Salafism. Hence, it can be argued that Sunnism was never truly unified to begin with, and that these incidents demonstrate theological tensions that existed from its very origins.