bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of a rein tension device to compare different training methods for neck flexion in base‐level trained Warmblood horses at the walk
Authors: Veen I. , Killian D. , Vlaminck L. , Vernooij J. C. M. , Back W.
Published: March 2018

Background

Debate surrounds the use of high rein tension for obtaining different head and neck positions in the training of sport horses on account of possible welfare issues.

Objectives

To compare auxiliary rein tension in two methods (Draw Reins and Concord Leader) for obtaining a standardised head and neck position on a hard and a soft surface.

Study design

Intervention study.

Methods

Left and right rein tensions were measured in 11 base‐level trained client‐owned sport horses (mean age ± s.d.; 10 ± 3.2 years) exercised in‐hand with, in a random order, conventional draw reins or the newly developed Concord Leader in a standardised head and neck position. Rein tension was measured using a calibrated device operating at 10 Hz during six runs of 15 s in a straight line for each training method on both a hard and a soft surface. A linear mixed model and grouped logistic regression analysis were applied to compare the two methods (P<0.05).

Results

The odds of a tension of 0 N were lower with draw reins than with the Concord Leader. The rein tension (mean sum of the force applied, in N) of the draw reins was 13.8 times higher than that of the Concord Leader.

Main limitations

This study was performed on horses exercised in‐hand; however, these auxiliary aids are normally used when lungeing. Possible redirection of rein tension towards the poll was not measured.

Conclusions

We showed that when using the Concord Leader a similar head and neck position is achieved with a much lower rein tension than with the draw reins and, more importantly, with a much greater likelihood of 0 N. It is unnecessary to use high auxiliary rein tension to obtain a standard, flexed head and neck position.
Combining abundance and performance data reveals how temperature regulates coastal occurrences and activity of a roaming apex predator
Authors: Payne Nicholas L. , Meyer Carl G. , Smith James A. , Houghton Jonathan D. R. , Barnett Adam , Holmes Bonnie J. , Nakamura Itsumi , Papastamatiou Yannis P. , Royer Mark A. , Coffey Daniel M. , Anderson James M. , Hutchinson Melanie R. , Sato Katsufumi , Halsey Lewis G.
Published: March 2018

The redistribution of species has emerged as one of the most pervasive impacts of anthropogenic climate warming, and presents many societal challenges. Understanding how temperature regulates species distributions is particularly important for mobile marine fauna such as sharks given their seemingly rapid responses to warming, and the socio‐political implications of human encounters with some dangerous species. The predictability of species distributions can potentially be improved by accounting for temperature's influence on performance, an elusive relationship for most large animals. We combined multi‐decadal catch data and bio‐logging to show that coastal abundance and swimming performance of tiger sharks Galeocerdo cuvier are both highest at ~22°C, suggesting thermal constraints on performance may regulate this species' distribution. Tiger sharks are responsible for a large proportion of shark bites on humans, and a focus of controversial control measures in several countries. The combination of distribution and performance data moves towards a mechanistic understanding of tiger shark's thermal niche, and delivers a simple yet powerful indicator for predicting the location and timing of their occurrences throughout coastlines. For example, tiger sharks are mostly caught at Australia's popular New South Wales beaches (i.e. near Sydney) in the warmest months, but our data suggest similar abundances will occur in winter and summer if annual sea surface temperatures increase by a further 1–2°C.
Antihypertensive properties of aqueous extracts of vegetable leaf‐fortified bread after oral administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Alashi Adeola M. , Taiwo Kehinde A. , Oyedele Durodoluwa , Adebooye Odunayo C. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the potential cardiovascular health benefits of leavened bread produced from wheat flour that contained 1%, 2% and 3% additions of leafy vegetable powders obtained from Amaranthus viridis (AO), Solanum macrocarpon (SM) or Telfairia occidentalis (TO). Dried breads were extracted with water at 60 °C followed by analysis for total polyphenolic content (TPC), as well as in vitro inhibitions of angiotensin‐converting enzyme and renin activities. HPLC analysis of the bread extracts indicated the presence of mainly rutin, gallic acid, myricetin and caffeic acid. TPC of the vegetable‐fortified breads was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (5.8–7.6 mg gallic acid equivalent, GAE/g) than that of control bread (5.5 mg GAE/g). Oral administration of 100 mg dried extract/kg body weight to spontaneously hypertensive rats led to reductions (up to 42 mmHg) in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure in comparison with 20 mmHg for the control bread.
Maternal Into‐The‐Face Behavior, Shared Attention, and Infant Distress During Face‐to‐Face Play at 12 Months: Bi‐directional Contingencies
Authors: Galligan Robert P. , Beebe Beatrice , Milne Dafne , Ewing Julie , Lee Sang Han , Buck Karen A.
Published: March 2018

We describe a new maternal intrusion behavior, moving a toy or hand “into‐the‐face” of the infant, and we investigate its bi‐directional associations with infant‐initiated shared attention, infant distress, and infant gaze, during mother–infant face‐to‐face play at 12 months. The play was videotaped split‐screen, with infants seated in a high chair. Videotapes were coded on a 1‐sec time base for mother and infant gaze (at partner, toy, both, or gaze away); infant distress; and maternal intrusion behavior, “into‐the‐face.” We defined “infant‐initiated shared attention” as mother and infant looking in the same second at a toy that the infant‐initiated interest in. We documented that maternal into‐the‐face behavior decreased the likelihood of infant‐initiated shared attention, increased the likelihood of infant distress, and decreased the likelihood of infant gazing away. Reciprocally, infant distress and gazing away increased the likelihood of mother into‐the‐face. In moments when the dyad was engaged in infant‐initiated shared attention, mother into‐the‐face was less likely. This work documents bi‐directional contingencies in the regulation of maternal intrusion and infant behavior during face‐to‐face play at 12 months. We suggest that mother into‐the‐face behavior disturbs an aspect of the infant's experience of recognition.
Viral etiologies of influenza‐like illness and severe acute respiratory infections in Thailand
Authors: Chittaganpitch Malinee , Waicharoen Sunthareeya , Yingyong Thitipong , Praphasiri Prabda , Sangkitporn Somchai , Olsen Sonja J. , Lindblade Kim A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Information on the burden, characteristics and seasonality of non‐influenza respiratory viruses is limited in tropical countries.

Objectives

Describe the epidemiology of selected non‐influenza respiratory viruses in Thailand between June 2010 and May 2014 using a sentinel surveillance platform established for influenza.

Methods

Patients with influenza‐like illness (ILI; history of fever or documented temperature ≥38°C, cough, not requiring hospitalization) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI; history of fever or documented temperature ≥38°C, cough, onset <10 days, requiring hospitalization) were enrolled from 10 sites. Throat swabs were tested for influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus (MPV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV) 1‐3, and adenoviruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or real‐time reverse transcriptase‐PCR.

Results

We screened 15 369 persons with acute respiratory infections and enrolled 8106 cases of ILI (5069 cases <15 years old) and 1754 cases of SARI (1404 cases <15 years old). Among ILI cases <15 years old, influenza viruses (1173, 23%), RSV (447, 9%), and adenoviruses (430, 8%) were the most frequently identified respiratory viruses tested, while for SARI cases <15 years old, RSV (196, 14%) influenza (157, 11%) and adenoviruses (90, 6%) were the most common. The RSV season significantly overlapped the larger influenza season from July to November in Thailand.

Conclusions

The global expansion of influenza sentinel surveillance provides an opportunity to gather information on the characteristics of cases positive for non‐influenza respiratory viruses, particularly seasonality, although adjustments to case definitions may be required.
The association between nurse staffing and omissions in nursing care: A systematic review
Authors: Griffiths Peter , Recio‐Saucedo Alejandra , Dall'Ora Chiara , Briggs Jim , Maruotti Antonello , Meredith Paul , Smith Gary B. , Ball Jane ,   the Missed Care Study Group
Published: March 2018

Aims

To identify nursing care most frequently missed in acute adult inpatient wards and to determine evidence for the association of missed care with nurse staffing.

Background

Research has established associations between nurse staffing levels and adverse patient outcomes including in‐hospital mortality. However, the causal nature of this relationship is uncertain and omissions of nursing care (referred as missed care, care left undone or rationed care) have been proposed as a factor which may provide a more direct indicator of nurse staffing adequacy.

Design

Systematic review.

Data Sources

We searched the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase and Medline for quantitative studies of associations between staffing and missed care. We searched key journals, personal libraries and reference lists of articles.

Review Methods

Two reviewers independently selected studies. Quality appraisal was based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quality appraisal checklist for studies reporting correlations and associations. Data were abstracted on study design, missed care prevalence and measures of association. Synthesis was narrative.

Results

Eighteen studies gave subjective reports of missed care. Seventy‐five per cent or more nurses reported omitting some care. Fourteen studies found low nurse staffing levels were significantly associated with higher reports of missed care. There was little evidence that adding support workers to the team reduced missed care.

Conclusions

Low Registered Nurse staffing is associated with reports of missed nursing care in hospitals. Missed care is a promising indicator of nurse staffing adequacy. The extent to which the relationships observed represent actual failures, is yet to be investigated.
Stress in nurses: The 100 top‐cited papers published in nursing journals
Authors: Martín‐Del‐Río Beatriz , Solanes‐Puchol Ángel , Martínez‐Zaragoza Fermín , Benavides‐Gil Gemma
Published: March 2018

Aim

To identify and analyse the 100 most cited papers on stress in nurses published in nursing journals.

Background

The number of citations an article receives is an index of its impact on the scientific community. An analysis of the most cited articles on stress in nursing would allow us to identify the most important articles and to obtain information about this area of knowledge.

Design

A retrospective bibliometric analysis.

Data sources

In 2016, 111 journals belonging to the “nursing” category were identified in the Science and Social Science Citation Index. A search was performed of the Science Core Collection Website for articles on stress published in these journals.

Review methods

The topic, type of article, publishing journal, countries and institutions of origin and year of publication were extracted from the articles. The impact factor, immediacy index, journal country and publisher and h index were collected from the Institute for Scientific Information. The citation density, citation tendency and Bradford's law were calculated.

Results

They identified articles were mostly empirical quantitative studies with a transversal design, published from 1975 ‐ 2011 in 23 journals. They were signed by 233 authors, most of whom are English‐speaking from the USA and UK. The core distribution of the publications comprises a single journal, the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Conclusion

The study of stress in nursing has shown increased visibility and recognition each decade. The most recent articles have the highest number of citations, are the highest in rank and have the higher citation densities.
Retracted: Effect of CLIC1 gene silencing on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of human gallbladder cancer cells
Authors: He Yue‐Ming , Zhang Zhong‐Lin , Liu Quan‐Yan , Xiao Yu‐Sha , Wei Lei , Xi Chen , Nan Xiang
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to explore the effects of CLIC1 gene silencing on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of human gallbladder cancer (GBC). GBC and normal gallbladder tissues were extracted for the detection of mRNA and protein expressions of CLIC1. GBC‐SD and NOZ cells in the logarithmic growth phase were selected to conduct the experiment. Three different siRNA recombined expression vectors were established using CLIC1 as a target at different sites. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blotting were, respectively, used to detect the CLIC1 mRNA and protein expressions. MTT assay was performed to detect the cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. The variations of cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assay. GBC tissues showed higher CLIC1 mRNA and protein expressions than normal gallbladder tissues. The CLIC1 mRNA and protein expressions in the CLIC1 siRNA group were significantly lower than those in the NC and blank groups. Compared with the NC and blank groups, the CLIC1 siRNA group showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation but an obvious increase in apoptosis rate in GBC cells. Besides, in the CLIC1 siRNA group, cell percentage in G0/G1 and G2/M phase was gradually increased but decreased in S phases. The migration and invasion abilities in GBC cells were significantly lower than those in the NC and blank groups. Our study demonstrates that CLIC1 gene silencing could promote apoptosis and inhibit proliferation migration and invasion of GBC cells.
A novel peptide Phylloseptin‐PBu from Phyllomedusa burmeisteri possesses insulinotropic activity via potassium channel and GLP‐1 receptor signalling
Authors: Long Qilin , Wang Lei , Zhou Mei , Wu Yuxin , Chen Tianbao
Published: March 2018

Insulin, as one of the most important hormones regulating energy metabolism, plays an essential role in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis in vivo. Failure or insufficiency of insulin secretion from pancreatic beta‐cells increases glucose and free fatty acid level in circulation and subsequently contributes to the emergence of hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. Therefore, stimulating the insulin release benefits the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity significantly. Frog skin peptides have been extensively studied for their biological functions, among which, Phylloseptin peptides discovered in Phyllomedusinae frogs have been found to exert antimicrobial, antiproliferative and insulinotropic activities, while the mechanism associated with Phylloseptin‐induced insulin secretion remains elusive. In this study, we reported a novel peptide named Phylloseptin‐PBu, isolated and identified from Phyllomedusa burmeisteri, exhibited dose‐dependent insulinotropic property in rat pancreatic beta BRIN‐BD11 cells without altering cell membrane integrity. Further mechanism investigations revealed that Phylloseptin‐PBu‐induced insulin output is predominantly modulated by KATP‐[K+] channel depolarization triggered extracellular calcium influx and GLP‐1 receptor initiated PKA signalling activation. Overall, our study highlighted that this novel Phylloseptin‐PBu peptide has clear potential to be developed as a potent antidiabetic agent with established function‐traced mechanism and low risk of cytotoxicity.
Transplant of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 expressing bone marrow stem cells improves functional regeneration of injured rat uterus by NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Mengnan , Jin Minfei , Wu Yuelin , Zheng Tao , Gu Shengyi , Hua Xiaolin
Published: March 2018

To investigate the potential beneficial effect of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in BMSC transplantation therapy of uterus injury and the underlying molecular mechanisms, rat BMSCs were isolated and cultured. The relative expressions of IGF‐1 and IL‐10 were determined by RT‐PCR and immunoblotting. The secretory IL‐10 and released E2 were measured using ELISA kits. The relative vWF and α‐SMA expressions were determined by immunohistochemistry. The direct binding of NF‐κB subunit p50 with IL‐10 promoter was analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The regulation of IL‐10 expression by p50 was interrogated by luciferase reporter assay. Our data demonstrated that IGF‐1 expression in BMSCs induced IL‐10 expression and secretion, which was further enhanced by E2‐PLGA. IGF‐1 overexpression improved BMSCs transplantation therapy in rat uterus injury. We further demonstrated that both inhibition and knockdown of p50 abolished IGF‐1‐induced expression and secretion of IL‐10 in BMSCs, which consequently compromised the IGF‐1 conferred therapeutic benefits against uterus injury. Furthermore, we elucidated that p50 regulated IL‐10 expression via direct association with its promoter. Our data suggested that transplantation of IGF‐1 overexpressing BMSCs improved functional regeneration of injured uterus by inducing IL‐10 expression and secretion via activation of NF‐κB signalling.
Midazolam inhibits chondrogenesis via peripheral benzodiazepine receptor in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Chen Yung‐Ching , Wu King‐Chuen , Huang Bu‐Miin , So Edmund Cheung , Wang Yang‐Kao
Published: March 2018

Midazolam, a benzodiazepine derivative, is widely used for sedation and surgery. However, previous studies have demonstrated that Midazolam is associated with increased risks of congenital malformations, such as dwarfism, when used during early pregnancy. Recent studies have also demonstrated that Midazolam suppresses osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Given that hypertrophic chondrocytes can differentiate into osteoblast and osteocytes and contribute to endochondral bone formation, the effect of Midazolam on chondrogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we applied a human MSC line, the KP cell, to serve as an in vitro model to study the effect of Midazolam on chondrogenesis. We first successfully established an in vitro chondrogenic model in a micromass culture or a 2D high‐density culture performed with TGF‐β‐driven chondrogenic induction medium. Treatment of the Midazolam dose‐dependently inhibited chondrogenesis, examined using Alcian blue‐stained glycosaminoglycans and the expression of chondrogenic markers, such as SOX9 and type II collagen. Inhibition of Midazolam by peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) antagonist PK11195 or small interfering RNA rescued the inhibitory effects of Midazolam on chondrogenesis. In addition, Midazolam suppressed transforming growth factor‐β‐induced Smad3 phosphorylation, and this inhibitory effect could be rescued using PBR antagonist PK11195. This study provides a possible explanation for Midazolam‐induced congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system through PBR.
NF‐κB inhibition reverses acidic bile‐induced miR‐21, miR‐155, miR‐192, miR‐34a, miR‐375 and miR‐451a deregulations in human hypopharyngeal cells
Authors: Doukas Sotirios G. , Vageli Dimitra P. , Sasaki Clarence T.
Published: March 2018

We previously demonstrated that acidic bile activates NF‐κB, deregulating the expression of oncogenic miRNA markers, in pre‐malignant murine laryngopharyngeal mucosa. Here, we hypothesize that the in vitro exposure of human hypopharyngeal cells to acidic bile deregulates cancer‐related miRNA markers that can be reversed by BAY 11‐7082, a pharmacologic NF‐κB inhibitor. We repetitively exposed normal human hypopharyngeal primary cells and human hypopharyngeal keratinocytes to bile fluid (400 μmol/L), at pH 4.0 and 7.0, with/without BAY 11‐7082 (20 μmol/L). We centred our study on the transcriptional activation of oncogenic miR‐21, miR‐155, miR‐192, miR‐34a, miR‐375, miR‐451a and NF‐κB‐related genes, previously linked to acidic bile‐induced pre‐neoplastic events. Our novel findings in vitro are consistent with our hypothesis demonstrating that BAY 11‐7082 significantly reverses the acidic bile‐induced oncogenic miRNA phenotype, in normal hypopharyngeal cells. BAY 11‐7082 strongly inhibits the acidic bile‐induced up‐regulation of miR‐192 and down‐regulation of miR‐451a and significantly decreases the miR‐21/375 ratios, previously related to poor prognosis in hypopharyngeal cancer. This is the first in vitro report that NF‐κB inhibition reverses acidic bile‐induced miR‐21, miR‐155, miR‐192, miR‐34a, miR‐375 and miR‐451a deregulations in normal human hypopharyngeal cells, suggesting that acidic bile‐induced events are directly or indirectly dependent on NF‐κB signalling.
Trait differentiation and adaptation of plants along elevation gradients
Authors: Halbritter Aud H. , Fior Simone , Keller Irene , Billeter Regula , Edwards Peter J. , Holderegger Rolf , Karrenberg Sophie , Pluess Andrea R. , Widmer Alex , Alexander Jake M.
Published: March 2018

Studies of genetic adaptation in plant populations along elevation gradients in mountains have a long history, but there has until now been neither a synthesis of how frequently plant populations exhibit adaptation to elevation nor an evaluation of how consistent underlying trait differences across species are. We reviewed studies of adaptation along elevation gradients (i) from a meta‐analysis of phenotypic differentiation of three traits (height, biomass and phenology) from plants growing in 70 common garden experiments; (ii) by testing elevation adaptation using three fitness proxies (survival, reproductive output and biomass) from 14 reciprocal transplant experiments; (iii) by qualitatively assessing information at the molecular level, from 10 genomewide surveys and candidate gene approaches. We found that plants originating from high elevations were generally shorter and produced less biomass, but phenology did not vary consistently. We found significant evidence for elevation adaptation in terms of survival and biomass, but not for reproductive output. Variation in phenotypic and fitness responses to elevation across species was not related to life history traits or to environmental conditions. Molecular studies, which have focussed mainly on loci related to plant physiology and phenology, also provide evidence for adaptation along elevation gradients. Together, these studies indicate that genetically based trait differentiation and adaptation to elevation are widespread in plants. We conclude that a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying adaptation, not only to elevation but also to environmental change, will require more studies combining the ecological and molecular approaches.
Correlates of elemental‐isotopic composition of stream fishes: the importance of land‐use, species identity and body size
Authors: Montaña C. G. , Schalk C. M.
Published: March 2018

The isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) and stoichiometric (C:N:P) compositions of four fish species (Family Centrarchidae: Lepomis auritus, Lepomis cyanellus; Family Cyprinidae: Nocomis leptocephalus, Semotilus atromaculatus) were examined across four North Carolina Piedmont streams arrayed along an urbanization gradient. Both isotopic and stoichiometric composition of fishes appeared to track changes occurring in basal resource availability. Values of δ13C of basal resources and consumers were more enriched at the most urbanized streams. Similarly, basal resources and consumers were δ15N–enriched at more urbanized streams. Basal resource stoichiometry varied across streams, with periphyton being the most variable. Primary consumers stoichiometry also differed across streams. Intraspecific variation in fish stoichiometry correlated with the degree of urbanization, as the two cyprinids had higher N content and L. cyanellus had higher P content in more urbanized streams, probably due to enrichment of basal resources. Intrinsic factors, specifically species identity and body size also affected stoichiometric variation. Phosphorus (P) content increased significantly with body size in centrarchids, but not in cyprinids. These results suggest that although species identity and body size are important predictors of elemental stoichiometry, the complex nature of altered urban streams may yield imbalances in the elemental composition of consumers via their food resources.
Using passive acoustics to assess habitat selection by the brown meagre Sciaena umbra in a northern Adriatic Sea mussel farm
Authors: Colla S. , Pranovi F. , Fiorin R. , Malavasi S. , Picciulin M.
Published: March 2018

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) of the brown meagre Sciaena umbra was conducted in a northern Adriatic Sea mussel farm. The level of acoustic activity was found to be constantly high from June to August before declining sharply in September and there was significantly higher acoustic activity in the structured habitats within the mussel farm than in the bare sandy bottom outside the farm. Results are discussed in the context of the use of this species as an indicator species of artificial rocky habitats along the Mediterranean coastal environments.
Relatives’ involvement in the care of patients in acute medical wards in two different countries—An ethnographic study
Authors: Alshahrani Shadia , Magarey Judy , Kitson Alison
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore the nature of relatives’ involvement in the care of patients in acute medical settings in Australia and Saudi Arabia and to explore the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of nurses.

Background

There is little known about how relatives respond to being involved in patient care and the impact this has on the quality of care. Equally, little is known about how nurses enable such involvement. Previous studies have focused on settings such as critical care and paediatrics where relatives’ involvement as advocates is mostly acknowledged and accepted.

Design

The study used a qualitative ethnographic approach based on an interpretive paradigm.

Methods

Data collection was carried out in medical settings in two major hospitals: one in Australia and another in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by observations and interviews over a 6‐month period, with 3 months spent in each setting.

Results

In both fields, relatives and nurses faced ongoing ambiguity about the role relatives should play in the hospital environment. Nurses were challenged by the unpredictability of relatives’ participation in patient care. The nurses’ fear of taking responsibility and uncertainty about the relatives’ role led them to take varied and individualised approaches to the involvement of relatives in patient care. Relatives were unclear about how to behave in the role; what the needs of patients were; and whether they were contributing positively to care and this resulted in frustration.

Conclusion

The results show that ambiguity regarding the role of relatives led to problems in patient care such as safety concerns and conflict with nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study identified the need for patients’ relatives and nursing staff to more actively engage in negotiating and managing their respective roles in acute medical areas. This could be supported by the development and use of a set of principles or guidelines for nurses, relatives and patients regarding relatives’ involvement in hospital care settings to reduce ambiguity for all involved.
“We're stuck with what we've got”: The impact of lipodystrophy on body image
Authors: Adams Claire , Stears Anna , Savage David , Deaton Christi
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the impact of lipodystrophy on body image and how this affects patients’ daily lives.

Background

Lipodystrophy refers to a group of rare conditions characterised by generalised or partial lack of body fat and is associated with severe metabolic problems, for example, severe insulin resistance, diabetes and pancreatitis. In addition to its metabolic effect, lack of adipose tissue may have a major impact on appearance and cause distressing physical changes. While global research has focused on diagnosis and management, there is no published work investigating the psychological effects of lipodystrophy on body image.

Methods

Following ethical approval, participants with lipodystrophy were purposively sampled from the National Severe Insulin Resistance Service in Cambridge, UK, and invited to take part in a semi‐structured interview. Eleven (10 female, one male) interviews were conducted and digitally recorded. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Four main themes were identified in the data set; “Always feeling appearance was different,” “a better understanding of lipodystrophy is needed,” “feeling accepted” and “there's more to lipodystrophy than managing symptoms.” Participants spoke of distressing cosmetic effects related to lack of fat tissue and other changes related to lipodystrophy, contributing to negative body image. For some, negative body image led to feelings of worthlessness impacting daily life and adherence to treatment. Psychological support was lacking but desired by participants.

Conclusion

Lipodystrophy contributes to negative body image affecting patients’ daily lives. Patients wanted psychological support alongside medical management. Further research is needed to determine how best to deliver psychological support and to evaluate its impact on well‐being and metabolic management.

Relevance to clinical practice

The effects of rare diseases such as lipodystrophy on appearance can be distressing for patients. Support beyond medical management is needed to improve patients’ daily lives and help them to live well with appearance‐altering conditions.
The meaning of living with uncertainty for people with motor neurone disease
Authors: Harris Denise Andrea , Jack Kirsten , Wibberley Christopher
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore the meaning of living with uncertainty for people diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Background

Motor neurone disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition resulting in multiple needs, arising from the complex nature of the disease trajectory. People with MND are often required to make decisions for symptom management and end‐of‐life care. Research into the lived experience of MND has previously highlighted the following: the shock of receiving such a diagnosis and prognosis; subsequent concerns relating to the future and loss; and the existential suffering for a person with MND. The lived experiences of MND accentuate the devastating nature of the disease, and this can impact upon how people respond to care.

Design

Hermeneutic (interpretive) phenomenology: suitable for studying lifeworld experiences.

Method

Life story interviews were conducted with four participants and subjected to interpretive analysis.

Results

Three phases of the MND illness trajectory emerged: “body failing prematurely and searching for answers,” “body deterioration and responses to care” and “body nearing its end and needing to talk.” These phases highlight the phenomenon under study, all relating to uncertainty for people living with MND.

Conclusions

This study showed that people with MND are living with uncertainty and other concerns throughout their illness trajectory. People are having to turn to palliative care professionals who are more able to meet their concerns than those caring for other aspects of their disease.

Relevance to clinical practice

Motor neurone disease is a complex disease, and it is important that professionals continue to provide holistic care throughout the illness trajectory. The identification of three distinct phases of the MND illness trajectory will help nurses and other professionals to better understand the meaning of uncertainty and other concerns for people with MND.
THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL EFFECTS OF RELIGION ON SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW OF THE EMPIRICAL LITERATURE
Authors: Basedau Matthias , Gobien Simone , Prediger Sebastian
Published: March 2018

Religion plays a fundamental role in most people's lives with profound implications for socioeconomic development. This survey provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of the causal mechanisms between religion and development discussed and tested in the economics literature, and reviews quantitative empirical evidence on the actual effects of religion on economic and social dimensions of development. We start by disaggregating the concept of religion into four religious dimensions and propose a framework to conceptualize causal mechanisms. Numerous mechanisms are possible but only a few uncontested findings exist. Religion is ambivalent vis‐à‐vis development: although religious ideas can foster certain forms of human capital acquisition and labor market participation, scholars have found a negative relationship between religious dimensions and both income and gender equality as well as innovation activities. Religious identity is also a source of labor market discrimination and has ambivalent effects on economic growth and social cohesion. Methodological challenges refer to the availability of fine‐grained data, especially for developing countries, the use of concepts and definitions, and the lack of causal inference.
Obstetric outcome in patients with a unicornuate uterus after laparoscopic resection of a rudimentary horn
Authors: Sawada Masaaki , Kakigano Aiko , Matsuzaki Shinya , Takiuchi Tsuyoshi , Mimura Kazuya , Kumasawa Keiichi , Endo Masayuki , Ueda Yutaka , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: March 2018

Aim

Previous studies have shown adverse obstetric outcomes of the laparoscopic resection of a rudimentary horn. Our study aimed to investigate the obstetric outcome in our institution and to review previous studies.

Methods

Using a retrospective analysis, data were reviewed from singleton pregnancies with maternal uterine anomalies at a medical center in Osaka, Japan, between January 2011 and March 2016. The uterine anomaly cases were divided into a ‘postlaparoscopic resection of the rudimentary horn’ group (study group) and an ‘other uterine anomalies’ (bicornuate uterus, uterine didelphys and unicornuate uterus) group (control group). Primary outcomes of interest were differences in obstetric outcomes, such as spontaneous preterm birth rate, small for gestational age (SGA) infant rate and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) rate between the study and the control group, and the secondary outcome of interest was mode of delivery in the study group.

Results

Data from 40 deliveries were included in the study (7 deliveries: study group, 33 deliveries: control group). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of either mean gestational weeks at delivery (36.4 weeks vs 37.1 weeks; P = .38), cesarean delivery rate (57.1% vs 57.5%; P = 1.0), SGA infant rate (<10th percentile) (0% vs 24.2%; P = .31) and HDP rate (0.0% vs 3.0%; P = 1.0). Three of seven cases with postlaparoscopic resection of the rudimentary horn were able to deliver vaginally without complications.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the obstetric outcome observed in the study group was similar to that observed in the control group.
Salivary testosterone may not serve as a screening test in the diagnosis of biochemical hyperandrogenism
Authors: Ambroziak Urszula , Kuryłowicz Alina , Kępczyńska‐Nyk Anna , Kondracka Agnieszka , Gajda Sylvia , Sieńko Damian
Published: March 2018

Aim

The diagnosis of biochemical hyperandrogenism is still challenging because a set of appropriate, recommended diagnostic tests has not been established. In our study, we aimed to answer the question of whether salivary testosterone is a reliable test to establish the diagnosis of biochemical hyperandrogenism as compared to serum total testosterone (TT) measured either by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) or immunoassay and to assess which set of biochemical tests would be the most appropriate for the identification of biochemical hyperandrogenism.

Methods

A total of 39 women, aged 18–45 years, with clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism and 41 healthy individuals, aged 19–45 years, were enrolled in the study. Salivary testosterone was measured using the Salimetrics test. Serum TT was measured either using the LC–MS/MS method or immunoassay, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA‐S) and androstenedione were measured using LC–MS/MS.

Results

In 15 of 17 (88%) patients with elevated serum TT measured by LC–MS/MS and in 14 of 16 (87%) measured with immunoassay, salivary testosterone showed normal levels. In 11 of 39 women (28%) with normal serum testosterone levels, DHEA‐S was elevated. All patients with elevated androstenedione presented with an elevated concentration of either serum testosterone or DHEA‐S.

Conclusion

Salivary testosterone measurement may lead to the underdiagnosis of biochemical hyperandrogenism. Both serum testosterone and DHEA‐S should be measured in the endocrine work‐up toward biochemical hyperandrogenism.
High‐speed railroads and economic geography: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Li Zhigang , Xu Hangtian
Published: March 2018

Our study shows that high‐speed railroads (HSR) can either polarize or diffuse economic geography based on the sector and distance between cities. Economic activities could agglomerate from distant to core areas, while disperse from core toward its periphery at the same time. Empirical evidence from the 1982 introduction of two major HSRs in Japan, which halved intercity transit time, support this. Noncore areas lost 3–6 percent population; service employment declined 7 percent, whereas manufacturing employment increased by 21 percent. Municipalities within approximately 150 km of Tokyo expanded, while the distant ones contracted. The net result is that the Tokyo metropolitan area agglomerates because of HSR.
Use of glucose biosensors to measure extracellular glucose exudation by intertidal microphytobenthos in southern Tasmania
Authors: McMinn Andrew , Lee Shihong
Published: March 2018

Micro glucose biosensors were used to measure net extracellular glucose produced by natural microphytobenthos and three diatom cultures (Amphora coffeaeformis, Navicula menisculus, Nitzschia longissima) from southern Tasmania, Australia. They were exposed to a light gradient in either nutrient‐replete or nutrient‐limiting conditions. Glucose exudation in the natural communities increased with increased light but the response in the cultures was variable. Similarly, nutrient‐replete conditions elicited lower rates of glucose exudation in the natural communities but produced variable species‐specific responses in the cultures. Increased glucose exudation mostly correlated with a reduction in maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm). The same trend was observed in the natural communities for relative maximum electron transfer rates (rETRmax) but responses in the cultures were again variable and species‐specific. Responses of the three species to increased light and nutrient deficiency were variable, although glucose exudation, Fv/Fm and rETRmax was mostly lower in the nutrient‐limited media. In a second set of experiments species/communities were treated with/without antibiotics. In the dark, glucose concentrations in treatments with antibiotics remained unchanged, while in those with bacteria, it fell rapidly. In the sediment communities, glucose consumption in the dark was ~25% the rate of exudation at the highest light level. In culture, exudation rates were up to 100% greater than those with active bacteria. Rates of glucose consumption in the dark in the antibiotic–treated samples were negligible and up to 104 times lower than those with active bacteria. These results demonstrate the important role extracellular glucose exudation has on maintaining an active microbial loop.
Genome size variation and evolution in the grape family Vitaceae
Authors: Chu Zhao‐Fu , Wen Jun , Yang Yong‐Ping , Nie Ze‐Long , Meng Ying
Published: March 2018

Genome size variation is of fundamental biological importance and has been a longstanding puzzle in evolutionary biology. In the present study, the genome size of 61 accessions corresponding to 11 genera and 50 species of Vitaceae and Leeaceae is determined using flow cytometry. Phylogenetically based statistical analyses were used to infer ancestral character reconstructions of nuclear DNA contents. The DNA 1C‐values of 38 species are reported for the first time, with the largest genome (Cyphostemma humile(N. E. Br.) Desc. ex Wild & R. B. Drumm, 1C = 3.25 pg) roughly 10.48‐fold larger than the smallest (Vitis vulpinaL., 1C = 0.31 pg). The large genomes are restricted to the tribe Cayratieae, and most other extant species in the family possess relatively small genomes. Ancestral genome size reconstruction revealed that the most recent common ancestor for the family had a relatively small genome (1C = 0.85 pg). Genome evolution in Vitaceae has been characterized by a trend towards genome size reduction, with just one episode of apparent DNA accumulation in the Cayratieae lineage. Such contrasting patterns of genome size evolution probably resulted from transposable elements and chromosome rearrangements, while neopolyploidization seems to contribute to recent genome increase in some species at the tips in the family tree.
Free‐running circadian period in adolescents and adults
Authors: Crowley Stephanie J. , Eastman Charmane I.
Published: March 2018

Sleep timing shifts later during adolescence (second decade). This trend reverses at ~20 years and continues to shift earlier into adulthood. The current analysis examined the hypothesis that a longer free‐running circadian period during late adolescence (14–17 years) compared with adulthood (30–45 years) accounts for sleep timing differences. Sex and ancestry were also examined because previous reports find that women and those with African‐American ancestry have shorter free‐running periods. Circadian period was measured using an ultradian dark–light protocol (2 hr dark/sleep, 2 hr dim room light [~20 lux]/wake) over 3.4 days. Dim light melatonin onsets were measured before and after the ultradian protocol, from which the circadian period was derived. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found that free‐running circadian period was similar in adolescents and adults. African‐American adults had shorter free‐running circadian periods compared with adults of other ancestries. This ancestry difference was not seen in the adolescent group. Finally, we observed a non‐significant trend for shorter free‐running circadian periods in females compared with males. These data suggest that age‐related changes in circadian period after late adolescence do not account for sleep timing differences. These data provide further support for ancestry‐related differences in period, particularly in adults. Whether the large difference in circadian period between African‐American and other ancestries emerges later in development should be explored.
Automatic artefact detection in single‐channel sleep EEG recordings
Authors: Malafeev Alexander , Omlin Ximena , Wierzbicka Aleksandra , Wichniak Adam , Jernajczyk Wojciech , Riener Robert , Achermann Peter
Published: March 2018

Quantitative electroencephalogram analysis (e.g. spectral analysis) has become an important tool in sleep research and sleep medicine. However, reliable results are only obtained if artefacts are removed or excluded. Artefact detection is often performed manually during sleep stage scoring, which is time consuming and prevents application to large datasets. We aimed to test the performance of mostly simple algorithms of artefact detection in polysomnographic recordings, derive optimal parameters and test their generalization capacity. We implemented 14 different artefact detection methods, optimized parameters for derivation C3A2 using receiver operator characteristic curves of 32 recordings, and validated them on 21 recordings of healthy participants and 10 recordings of patients (different laboratory) and considered the methods as generalizable. We also compared average power density spectra with artefacts excluded based on algorithms and expert scoring. Analyses were performed retrospectively. We could reliably identify artefact contaminated epochs in sleep electroencephalogram recordings of two laboratories (healthy participants and patients) reaching good sensitivity (specificity 0.9) with most algorithms. The best performance was obtained using fixed thresholds of the electroencephalogram slope, high‐frequency power (25–90 Hz or 45–90 Hz) and residuals of adaptive autoregressive models. Artefacts in electroencephalogram data can be reliably excluded by simple algorithms with good performance, and average electroencephalogram power density spectra with artefact exclusion based on algorithms and manual scoring are very similar in the frequency range relevant for most applications in sleep research and sleep medicine, allowing application to large datasets as needed to address questions related to genetics, epidemiology or precision medicine.
Functional trait shifts after disturbance reveal broad‐scale variability in temperate forest regional recruitment processes
Authors: Wilfahrt Peter A.
Published: March 2018

Question

Decreased above‐ground biomass and subsequent changes in resource availability exert a strong influence on seedling recruitment in post‐disturbance forests. Ecological trade‐offs underlie recruitment processes, as species vary in resource allocation, dispersal and stress tolerance strategies. Functional traits that indicate resource acquisition–conservation trade‐offs include leaf N content, wood density, maximum height, shade tolerance and drought tolerance, while seed mass can indicate species’ dispersal strategies. This study looks for generality in post‐disturbance trait responses, and asks whether these responses are additionally constrained or amplified by disturbance characteristics, climate and ecological provinces.

Location

Eastern US temperate forests.

Methods

I leveraged a longitudinal, continental‐scale database of post‐disturbance forests to examine recruitment dynamics. Using multivariate, hierarchical Bayesian models, I examined how disturbance affects the traits of seedling layer communities where recruitment dynamics should be most evident, and compared this to undisturbed communities. I also examined how the traits underlying trade‐off axes varied across disturbance properties, ecological provinces and climatic gradients.

Results

All traits except leaf N showed significant, study‐wide shifts in disturbed communities consistent with expectations of post‐disturbance stands. In undisturbed plots, all traits had significant shifts in the opposite direction to those observed in disturbed plots, except leaf N and drought tolerance, where no change was observed. Disturbance severity increased the magnitude of response of several, but not all, trait responses in disturbed plots. The traits that had significant shifts were idiosyncratic across ecological provinces, indicating unique processes influencing disturbance responses across the system. Moreover, while climate strongly correlated with all traits prior to disturbance in the initial sampling periods, it was not correlated with disturbance responses.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates general, biome‐wide trait shifts towards resource acquisition and bet‐hedging dispersal strategies in post‐disturbance forest seedling communities. At finer spatial scales, the traits underlying these trade‐offs varied, indicating that disturbance‐dependent species differ in life‐history strategies across the system. This variation across ecological provinces appears independent of temperature and precipitation, suggesting that unmeasured abiotic or biotic variables influence recruitment. Seedling recruitment is critical in shaping future adult tree communities, and this study reveals large‐scale contingencies in trait patterns associated with this process.