bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Total Isoflavone Intake Is Associated With Lower Systolic Blood Pressure: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study
Authors: Richardson Safiya I. , Steffen Lyn M. , Swett Katrina , Smith Che , Burke Lora , Zhou Xia , Shikany James M. , Rodriguez Carlos J.
Published: December 2015

The effect of dietary isoflavone intake on systolic blood pressure (SBP) has not been studied in a large community‐based cohort inclusive of African Americans. The authors analyzed data from the year 20 examination of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, including medical history, physical examination, and dietary intake surveys for 3142 participants. Multivariable linear regression models controlled for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and intakes of alcohol and total energy. Effect modification by race was tested. Overall, patients with hypertension had a lower daily intake of total dietary isoflavones (2.2±5.2 mg/d vs 4.1±11.7 mg/d; P<.001). In fully adjusted models, the highest quartile of dietary isoflavone intake was associated with a 4.4 mm Hg lower SBP on average compared with SBP for the lowest quartile. The relationship between dietary isoflavone intake and SBP was more pronounced among African Americans compared with Caucasians (P for interaction <.001). Greater dietary intake of isoflavones was independently associated with a lower SBP.
Heritability of autism spectrum disorders: a meta‐analysis of twin studies
Authors: Tick Beata , Bolton Patrick , Happé Francesca , Rutter Michael , Rijsdijk Frühling
Published: December 2015

Background

The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been recently debated due to emerging findings on the importance of shared environmental influences. However, two recent twin studies do not support this and instead re‐affirm strong genetic effects on the liability to ASD, a finding consistent with previous reports. This study conducts a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all twin studies of ASD published to date and explores the etiology along the continuum of a quantitative measure of ASD.

Methods

A PubMed Central, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Knowledge structured search conducted online, to identify all twin studies on ASD published to date. Thirteen primary twin studies were identified, seven were included in the meta‐analysis by meeting Systematic Recruitment criterion; correction for selection and ascertainment strategies, and applied prevalences were assessed for these studies. In addition, a quantile DF extremes analysis was carried out on Childhood Autism Spectrum Test scores measured in a population sample of 6,413 twin pairs including affected twins.

Results

The meta‐analysis correlations for monozygotic twins (MZ) were almost perfect at .98 (95% Confidence Interval, .96–.99). The dizygotic (DZ) correlation, however, was .53 (95% CI .44–.60) when ASD prevalence rate was set at 5% (in line with the Broad Phenotype of ASD) and increased to .67 (95% CI .61–.72) when applying a prevalence rate of 1%. The meta‐analytic heritability estimates were substantial: 64–91%. Shared environmental effects became significant as the prevalence rate decreased from 5–1%: 07–35%. The DF analyses show that for the most part, there is no departure from linearity in heritability.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that: (a) ASD is due to strong genetic effects; (b) shared environmental effects become significant as a function of lower prevalence rate; (c) previously reported significant shared environmental influences are likely a statistical artefact of overinclusion of concordant DZ twins.
Fitness differences between parapatric lake and stream stickleback revealed by a field transplant
Authors: Moser D. , Frey A. , Berner D.
Published: December 2015

Molecular comparisons of populations diverging into ecologically different environments often reveal strong differentiation in localized genomic regions, with the remainder of the genome being weakly differentiated. This pattern of heterogeneous genomic divergence, however, is rarely connected to direct measurements of fitness differences among populations. We here do so by performing a field enclosure experiment in threespine stickleback fish residing in a lake and in three replicate adjoining streams, and displaying weak yet heterogeneous genomic divergence between these habitats. Tracking survival over 29 weeks, we consistently find that lake genotypes transplanted into the streams suffer greatly reduced viability relative to local stream genotypes and that the performance of F1 hybrid genotypes is intermediate. This observed selection against migrants and hybrids combines to a total reduction in gene flow from the lake into streams of around 80%. Overall, our study identifies a strong reproductive barrier between parapatric stickleback populations, and cautions against inferring weak fitness differences between populations exhibiting weak overall genomic differentiation.
Reproduction of the whitesnout guitarfish Rhinobatos leucorhynchus in the Ecuadorian Pacific Ocean
Authors: Romero‐Caicedo A. F. , Carrera‐Fernández M.
Published: December 2015

Biological sampling of whitesnout guitarfish Rhinobatos leucorhynchus, caught as by‐catch in the commercial fisheries on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, was conducted from specimens caught between April 2013 and January 2015, in order to provide further information on the reproductive biology of this species, for which data are limited. Samples comprised 1024 specimens (458 males and 566 females), with the sex ratio (1:1·23) significantly in favour of females. The total length (LT) ranged from 20·5 to 106·0 cm and showed sexual dimorphism, with females attaining a larger size. The relationship between body mass (MT) and LT was not significantly different between sexes. The length at 50% maturity for males based on internal reproductive organs was 60·9 cm LT, which was slightly larger than when based on clasper condition alone (58·5 cm LT). The LT at 50% maturity for females was 57·8 cm, and the LT at maternity was 65·1 cm. Fecundity ranged from one to seven embryos and LT at birth was 20–26 cm. According to oocyte development, two peaks of ovulation were observed (May to June and November to December). The ovarian cycle was estimated at 6 months and gestation between 5 and 6 months. Embryos showed different sizes all year‐round, indicating an asynchronous cycle.
Genetic structure, population demography and seasonal occurrence of blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus in Bimini, the Bahamas
Authors: Gledhill K. S. , Kessel S. T. , Guttridge T. L. , Hansell A. C. , Bester‐van der Merwe A. E. , Feldheim K. A. , Gruber S. H. , Chapman D. D.
Published: December 2015

A longline survey was conducted from 2004 to 2014 to investigate the demographic population structure and seasonal abundance of the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus in the Bimini Islands, the Bahamas. All individuals sampled (n = 242) were sub‐adult or adults [70·1–145·1 cm pre‐caudal length (LPC) range] with no neonates or YOY recorded in Bimini. Carcharhinus limbatus abundance peaked in September, coincident with the largest ratio of female to male sharks and a peak in fresh mating wounds on females. Mitochondrial control region (mtCR) DNA sequences were obtained from C. limbatus at Bimini to test whether Bimini C. limbatus are most closely related to geographically proximate populations sampled on the south‐eastern coast of the U.S.A., the closest known nursery areas for this species. Nine mtCR haplotypes were observed in 32 individuals sampled at Bimini [haplotype diversity (h) = 0·821, nucleotide diversity (π) = 0·0015]. Four haplotypes observed from Bimini matched those previously found in the northern Yucatan (Mexico)–Belize and two matched a haplotype previously found in the U.S.A. Four haplotypes were novel but were closely related to the northern Yucatan–Belizean haplotypes. Pair‐wise ΦST analysis showed that Bimini was significantly differentiated from all of the populations previously sampled (U.S.A. Atlantic, U.S.A. Gulf of Mexico, northern Yucatan, Belize and Brazil). This indicates that C. limbatus sampled from Bimini are unlikely from the described, proximate U.S.A. nurseries.
Reproductive characteristics and life‐history relationships of starry smooth‐hound Mustelus asterias in British waters
Authors: McCully Phillips S. R. , Ellis J. R.
Published: December 2015

The reproductive biology and other life‐history parameters were investigated for Mustelus asterias in British waters, with specimens caught from both commercial fisheries and research‐vessel surveys. In total, 504 specimens [238 males, 24–99 cm total length (LT) and 266 females, 28–124 cm LT] were examined, with further information collected from 238 uterine pups. The lengths at 50% maturity were estimated as 70·4 and 81·9 cm LT for males and females, respectively. Ovarian fecundity ranged from one to 28, and uterine fecundity from four to 20. The number, mass and LT of pups were positively correlated with maternal LT. Full‐term pups ranged from 205 to 329 mm LT, and the smallest free‐living fish caught was 24 cm LT. Parturition occurred in February in the western English Channel and during June to July in the eastern English Channel and southern North Sea, indicating either protracted spawning or asynchronous parturition for the stock as a whole. The reproductive cycle is thought to extend beyond 1 year. Developmental abnormalities observed included atresia in oocytes, uterine eggs that failed to develop, a partly developed pup and an abnormal male with a single aberrant clasper. Data relating to conversion factors, oocyte numbers and diameter and gonado‐somatic and hepato‐somatic indices are presented, and the seasonality of the reproductive cycle is discussed.
Perspectives on elasmobranch life‐history studies: a focus on age validation and relevance to fishery management
Authors: Cailliet G. M.
Published: December 2015

Life‐history (age, growth, age validation, reproduction and demography) studies of elasmobranchs date back to the middle of the last century with major early contributions made by British fishery scientists. As predicted by Holden in the early 1970s, many sharks and rays can be vulnerable to fishery mortality because they grow slowly, mature late in life, reproduce infrequently, have relatively low fecundities and can have relatively long life spans. As has now been found, however, not all species exhibit these traits. Also, ageing structures (neural arches and caudal thorns), other than vertebrae and spines, have since been evaluated. Various methods for validating age and growth estimates have been developed and tested on numerous species of elasmobranchs. These include tag–recapture analyses, oxytetracycline injections, centrum or spine edge and marginal increment analyses, and bomb radiocarbon dating of calcified structures. Application of these techniques has sometimes not only validated relatively slow growth and long life span estimates, but also has produced other results. A brief historical perspective on the applications and limitations of these techniques for elasmobranchs is provided, along with a discussion of selected species for which these techniques worked well, did not work at all or have produced variable and conflicting results. Because many fishery management techniques utilize age or stage‐specific information, often through demographic analyses, accurate information on the life histories of fished populations, especially age validation, is extremely important for the fishery management of these cartilaginous fishes.
Interannual variability in the skate assemblage on the South Patagonian shelf and slope
Authors: Winter A. , Pompert J. , Arkhipkin A. , Brewin P. E.
Published: December 2015

Observer data from the commercial fishery on the Patagonian shelf and slope around the Falkland Islands (home to an assemblage of >16 skate species (Rajiformes), for which commercial catches have been recorded since 1987), as well as survey data from an area closed to skate target fishing after exploitation, were summarized by species to examine changes in the population status of individual skate species. Total skate catch per unit effort increased significantly in the target fishery since 1994, and four species have made up >85% of all skate catch. Bathyraja brachyurops and Zearaja chilensis increased significantly in catch proportions and abundance from 1994 to 2013. Bathyraja albomaculata and Bathyraja griseocauda decreased significantly before rebounding with trends of increasing abundance. Concurrently, B. brachyurops and Z. chilensis showed decreasing trends in size at 50% maturity in areas where skates continue to be targeted commercially. The increasing abundances and concomitant reductions in size at maturity of B. brachyurops and Z. chilensis suggest either plasticity in life‐history traits or a density‐dependent growth response to fishing pressure. Bathyraja griseocauda decreased in size at 50% maturity in the area that was closed to skate target fishing, where it was initially larger, but only decreased to the same average size as in the commercially targeted areas. Bathyraja albomaculata and Z. chilensis are IUCN‐listed as vulnerable and B. griseocauda is listed as endangered, but their abundance trends since 1994 indicate that these populations are not declining in Falkland waters.
Comparison of fin ray sampling methods on white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus growth and swimming performance
Authors: Nguyen P. L. , Jackson Z. J. , Peterson D. L.
Published: December 2015

Effects of two fin‐ray sampling methods on swimming performance, growth and survival were evaluated for hatchery‐reared sub‐adult white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus. Fish were subjected to either a notch removal treatment in which a small section was removed from an anterior marginal pectoral‐fin ray, or a full removal treatment in which an entire marginal pectoral‐fin ray was removed. Control fish did not have fin rays removed, but they were subjected to a sham operation. A modified 3230 l Brett‐type swim tunnel was used to evaluate 10 min critical station‐holding speeds (SCSH) of A. transmontanus, immediately after the fin ray biopsies were obtained with each method. Survival and growth were evaluated over a 6 month period for a separate group of fish subjected to the same biopsy methods. Mean ± s.e. 10 min SCSH were 108·0 ± 2·3, 110·0 ± 2·6 and 115·0 ± 3·5 cm s−1 for the notch removal group, full removal group and control group, respectively, and were not significantly different among treatments. Behavioural characteristics including tail‐beat frequency and time spent hunkering were also not significantly different among treatment groups swimming at the same speeds. There were no mortalities and relative growth was similar among treatment groups. Average biopsy time for the notch removal method was lower and the wounds appeared to heal more quickly compared with the full removal method.
The Impact of Different Drying Modes of Scyphozoan Jellyfish Rhopilema Esculentum and Aurelia Aurita on the Protein and Carbohydrate Components in their Composition and the Possibility of Their Use as Dried Prepared Food
Authors: Yuferova Aleksandra Aleksandrovna
Published: December 2015

The article studied the impact of convection drying on the stability of proteins and sugars in jellyfish species Rhopilema esculentum and Aurelia aurita. The interdependence of the drying time and the process parameters was studied. Stability of the proteins was evaluated by their denaturation degree, using the method of Ds‐Na‐PAAG‐electrophoresis; the stability of monosaccharides was evaluated with regard to change in their composition using the Gas Liquid Chromatography method. Fixation of the dried jellyfish structure after hydration was performed by reducing the pH of the solution by adding the 70% acetic acid in quantity 0.3% into the 4% solution of salt. Acetic acid restrained the distinct smell of dried jellyfish, stabilized its structure. The dried semifinished product that has passed the hydration without adding acetic acid had an unstable, moist structure. Marinated products have gained good taste in 3 days; the smell of raw jellyfish disappeared completely after 5 days.

Practical Applications

It was found that at a drying temperature of 65C, the content of protein and carbohydrate components in Rhopilema esculentum reduced by 50% as compared with the content in the native sample, the content of amino sugars (glucosamine, galactosamine) does not change, which indicates the active ongoing reaction of melanoidin formation. The application of food production technology with the use of Rhopilema esculentum as dried prepared food along with the hydration process was substantiated. Therefore, the study justified specific drying mode for Rhopilema esculentum, which implies minimal loss of protein–carbohydrate components. The loss of proteins and sugars in the jellyfish Aurelia at a drying temperature 50C made 60%, as compared with their content in the native sample, indicating nonexpediency of further experiments. Thus, the research provided optimum parameters for drying of Rhopilema esculentum.
Simulation of Ascorbic Acid Release from Alginate‐Whey Protein Concentrates Microspheres at the Simulated Gastrointestinal Condition Using Netlogo Platform
Authors: Zandi Mohsen
Published: December 2015

In this article, our earlier researches were applied for ascorbic acid (AA) release study from Alginate‐Whey Protein Concentrate (AL‐WPC‐AA) microcapsule at the simulated gastrointestinal media. So, we created an agent‐based simulator using NetLogo platform to develop the virtual release tools. Diffusion equation is then fitted to the experimental release data, and finally diffusion coefficient and permeability funded for each condition. Results indicated that this agent‐based model can simulate the AA release process well, and there is a good R2 values (above 88.3%) between experimental and model release data. Conversely, results also show that the presence of the shear force and enzymes (pepsin and pancreatin) at the simulated gastrointestinal conditions significantly increase diffusion coefficients and release rate. Finally, this research suggested that we can easily use this agent‐based model for various nutrients and different situations.

Practical Applications

In this work, we developed an efficient agent‐based simulator for release study of the encapsulated AA using NetLogo platform. Our model was built in the NetLogo platform, which is a multiagent programming language and modeling environment with a good documentation, user‐friendly environment and visualization abilities. Our simulation model is accessible for nonexpert users, and it is possible to change or adjust parts of our agent‐based model to adapt the virtual release process to a specific real process. This model is the first version of a release simulator using the NetLogo platform. This article demonstrated that NetLogo model can simulate the AA release from AL‐WPC‐AA microcapsules well with the high correlation coefficient value. Our research also depicted that this simulation model can provide a strong tool for AA release prediction.
Chemical, Thermal and Physical Characterization of Inulin for its Technological Application Based on the Degree of Polymerization
Authors: Leyva‐Porras C. , Saavedra–Leos M.Z. , López‐Pablos A.L. , Soto‐Guerrero J.J. , Toxqui‐Terán A. , Fozado‐Quiroz R.E.
Published: December 2015

In this work was studied the effect of the degree of polymerization (DP) in two systems based on inulin. Understanding the relation between the chemical and physical properties, allows establishing the potential application for inulin according to its DP. Amorphous inulin powders were characterized by mass spectrometry to determine the DP. Inulin from chicory root and dahlia tubers showed a DP of 2–15 and 2–12, respectively. The systems were exposed to different water activities, finding sigmoidal curves type II. Thermal analysis showed two melting events, suggesting the presence of crystals differing in size. The glass transition temperature range widened and lowered in the high DP inulin. By X‐ray diffraction low DP inulin presented a moderate transition behavior while in high DP inulin was conducted abruptly. State diagrams for stability showed that high DP inulin must be stored at more rigorous conditions of temperature and humidity for avoiding unwanted crystallization effects.

Practical Applications

The results presented in this work are useful for: (i) relating the physical and thermal properties (Tm, Td and Tg) with the degree of polymerization of sugar‐rich systems such as inulin powders, (ii) set the optimal processing conditions in an industrial application such as spray drying process while avoiding product damage, and (iii) predicting the product stability based on the physical properties plotted in the form of a state diagram.
The Environmental Impacts of Reuse: A Review
Authors: Cooper Daniel R. , Gutowski Timothy G.
Published: December 2015

The fear that human consumption is causing climate change, biodiversity loss, and mineral scarcity has recently prompted interest in reuse because of the intuitive belief that it reduces new production and waste. The environmental impacts of reuse have, however, received little attention—the benefits typically assumed rather than understood—and consequently the overall effects remain unclear. In this article, we structure the current work on the topic, reviewing the potential benefits and pitfalls described in the literature and providing a framework for future research.

Many products’ use‐phase energy requirements are decreasing. The relative importance of the embodied impacts from initial production is therefore growing and the prominence of reuse as an abatement strategy is likely to increase in the future. Many examples are found in the literature of beneficial reuse of standardized, unpowered products and components, and repairing an item is always found to be less energy intensive than new production. However, reusing a product does not guarantee an environmental benefit. Attention must be paid to restoring and upgrading old product efficiencies, minimizing overspecification in the new application, and considering whether more efficient, new products exist that would be more suitable. Cheap, reused goods can allow many consumers access to products they would otherwise have been unable to afford. Though socially valuable, these sales, which may help minimize landfill in the short term, can represent additional consumption rather than a net environmental benefit compared to the status quo.
Attachment Change in the Beginning Stages of Therapy: Examining Change Trajectories for Avoidance and Anxiety
Authors: Seedall Ryan B. , Butler Mark H. , Zamora Justin P. , Yang Chongming
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of self‐reported attachment change (avoidance and anxiety) in the context of six sessions of couple therapy designed to emphasize both therapist‐centered and couple‐centered (i.e., enactment‐based) clinical process during the beginning stages of therapy. A total of 48 couples with at least one partner who reported clinically significant relationship dissatisfaction participated in this study. Findings confirmed that some couples experience positive attachment‐related change (anxiety or avoidance), while also identifying a subset of individuals who may not experience optimal levels of attachment‐related change. In addition, findings point toward both differences and similarities between change trajectories for avoidance and anxiety. Finally, there was evidence that socio‐demographic factors may be associated with attachment change.
Structural stress responses and degradation of dictyosomes in algae analysed by TEM and FIB‐SEM tomography
Authors: LÜTZ‐MEINDL U. , LUCKNER M. , ANDOSCH A. , WANNER G.
Published: December 2015

Stress‐induced physiological deficiencies in cells are reflected in structural, morphological and functional reactions of organelles. Although numerous investigations have focused on chloroplasts and mitochondria as main targets of different stressors in plant cells, there is insufficient information on the plant Golgi apparatus as stress sensor. By using the advantages of field emission scanning electron microscopy tomography in combination with classical ultrathin sectioning and transmission electron microscopic analyses, we provide structural evidence for common stress responses of the large and highly stable dictyosomes in the algal model system Micrasterias. Stress is induced by different metals such as manganese and lead, by starvation in 9 weeks of darkness or by inhibiting photosynthesis or glycolysis and by disturbing ionic homeostasis via KCl. For the first time a stress‐induced degradation pathway of dictyosomes is described that does not follow “classical” autophagy but occurs by disintegration of cisternae into single membrane balls that seem to be finally absorbed by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Comparison of the morphological features that accompany dictyosomal degradation in Micrasterias to similar reactions observed during the same stress application in Nitella indicates an ubiquitous degradation process at least in algae. As the algae investigated belong to the closest relatives of higher land plants these results may also be relevant for understanding dictyosomal stress and degradation responses in the latter phylogenetic group. In addition, this study shows that two‐dimensional transmission electron microscopy is insufficient for elucidating complex processes such as organelle degradation, and that information from three‐dimensional reconstructions as provided by field emission scanning electron microscopy tomography is absolutely required for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.
Tryptophan‐2,3‐dioxygenase is regulated by prostaglandin E2 in malignant glioma via a positive signaling loop involving prostaglandin E receptor‐4
Authors: Ochs Katharina , Ott Martina , Rauschenbach Katharina J. , Deumelandt Katrin , Sahm Felix , Opitz Christiane A. , von Deimling Andreas , Wick Wolfgang , Platten Michael
Published: December 2015

Malignant gliomas and other types of tumors generate a local immunosuppressive microenvironment, which prohibits an effective anti‐tumor immune response and promotes tumor growth. Along with others, we have recently demonstrated that catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan via tryptophan‐2,3‐dioxygenase (TDO) is an important mechanism mediating tumor‐associated immunosuppression particularly in gliomas. The pathways regulating TDO in tumors, however, are poorly understood. Here, we show that prostaglandins enhance TDO expression and enzymatic activity in malignant gliomas via activation of prostaglandin E receptor‐4 (EP4). Stimulation with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) up‐regulated TDO‐mediated kynurenine release in human glioma cell lines, whereas knockdown of the PGE2 receptor EP4 inhibited TDO expression and activity. In human malignant glioma tissue expression of the PGE2‐producing enzyme cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2) and its receptor EP4 were associated with TDO expression both on transcript and protein level. High expression of EP4 correlated with poor survival in malignant glioma patients WHO III‐IV. Importantly, treatment of glioma cells with an EP4 inhibitor decreased TDO expression and activity. Moreover, TDO‐over‐expressing murine gliomas showed increased COX2 and EP4 expression suggesting a positive feedback mechanism in vivo. In summary, targeting EP4 may inhibit – in addition to immunosuppressive COX2 signaling – tryptophan degradation as another important immunosuppressive pathway and thus, could provide a dual clinically relevant immunotherapeutic avenue for the treatment of malignant gliomas.

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We proposed that in malignant gliomas prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced by cyclooxygenases (COX) up‐regulates tryptophan‐2,3‐dioxygenase (TDO) expression and enzyme activity through binding to its Gs‐coupled receptor EP4 and therefore may mediate tumor immune escape in part through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation. Moreover, TDO activity itself seems to induce intratumoral PGE2 metabolism suggesting an immunosuppressive loop involving COX/EP4/TDO.
RNA polymerase I transcription is modulated by spatial learning in different brain regions
Authors: Capitano Fabrizio , Gargiuli Chiara , Angerilli Alessandro , Maccaroni Klizia , Pelliccia Franca , Mele Andrea , Camilloni Giorgio
Published: December 2015

Long‐term memory is accompanied by changes in neuronal morphology and connectivity. These alterations are thought to depend upon new gene expression and protein synthesis over a distributed network of brain structures. Although much evidence supports the idea that the creation of stable, persistent memory traces requires synthesis of new proteins, the role of rRNA transcription and nucleolar activity in learning and memory has hardly been explored. rRNAs needed for protein synthesis result from the activity of two different RNA polymerases, RNA polymerase I and RNA polymerase III, transcribing for 47S RNA and 5S RNA, respectively. In this study, we first investigated the effects of spatial training in the Morris water maze on 47S RNA transcription in the central nervous system, demonstrating bidirectional modulation of its expression over a distributed neural network. We found learning‐induced increases in the nucleolar organizer regions in the hippocampus. Finally, we demonstrated that intrahippocampal administrations of CX‐5461 (0.6 μg/side), the specific RNA Polymerase I inhibitor, impair the ability of mice to locate the platform in the same task. These results suggest that de novo rRNA transcription is a necessary step for spatial memory consolidation, and that after learning, it occurs in several brain regions with a complex spatiotemporal dynamic.

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In this study, we demonstrate for the very first time that spatial learning modulates ribosomal RNA transcription in a wide brain circuit, with anatomical specificities in the dynamic of modulation. Together with pharmacological evidences, data presented here support the hypothesis of a necessary role of RNA Pol‐I transcription during spatial memory formation.

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 673.
The Role of Oxytocin in Parenting and as Augmentative Pharmacotherapy: Critical Issues and Bold Conjectures
Authors: van IJzendoorn M. H. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg M. J.
Published: December 2015

Despite the sometimes heated debate about the validity of human oxytocin studies, experimental oxytocin research with intranasal administration is a growing field with promising preliminary findings. The effects of intranasally administered oxytocin compared to placebo on brain neural activity have been supported in animal studies and in human studies of neural resting state. In several studies, oxytocin sniffs have been shown to lead to down‐regulation of amygdala activation in response to infant attachment vocalisations. Meta‐analytic evidence shows that oxytocin enhances the salience of (emotional) stimuli, lowers stress and arousal, and elevates empathic concern and tender care, in particular for offspring and in‐group members. Less firm evidence points at the amnestic effects of oxytocin. We also note that the average effect sizes of oxytocin experiments are small to modest, and that most studies include a small number of subjects and thus are seriously underpowered, which implies a high risk for publication bias and nonreplicability. Nevertheless, we argue that the power of within‐subjects experiments with oxytocin has been underestimated. Much more work is needed, however, to create a firm knowledge base of the neural and behavioural effects of oxytocin. Human oxytocin research is still taking place in the context of discovery, in which bold conjectures are being generated. In the context of justification, these conjectures should subsequently be subjected to stringent attempts at refutations before we jump to theoretical or clinical conclusions. For this context of justification, we propose a multisite multiple replications project on the social stimuli salience enhancing effect of oxytocin. Clinical application of oxytocin is premature. Meta‐analytically, the use of oxytocin in clinical groups tends to show only effectiveness in changing symptomatology in individuals with autism spectrum disorders but, even then, it is not yet a validated therapy and its use is premature because safety and long‐term side‐effects have not been sufficiently studied, in particular in children.
Mapping of Kisspeptin Receptor mRNA in the Whole Rat Brain and its Co‐Localisation with Oxytocin in the Paraventricular Nucleus
Authors: Higo S. , Honda S. , Iijima N. , Ozawa H.
Published: December 2015

The neuropeptide kisspeptin and its receptor play an essential role in reproduction as a potent modulator of the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurone. In addition to its reproductive function, kisspeptin signalling is also involved in extra‐hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis systems, including oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion. By contrast to the accumulating information for kisspeptin neurones and kisspeptin fibres, the histological distribution and function of the kisspeptin receptor in the rat brain remain poorly characterised. Using in situ hybridisation combined with immunofluorescence, the present study aimed to determine the whole brain map of Kiss1r mRNA (encoding the kisspeptin receptor), and to examine whether oxytocin or AVP neurones express Kiss1r. Neurones with strong Kiss1r expression were observed in several rostral brain areas, including the olfactory bulb, medial septum, diagonal band of Broca and throughout the preoptic area, with the most concentrated population being around 0.5 mm rostral to the bregma. Co‐immunofluorescence staining revealed that, in these rostral brain areas, the vast majority of the Kiss1r‐expressing neurones co‐expressed GnRH. Moderate levels of Kiss1r mRNA were also noted in the rostral periventricular area, paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and throughout the arcuate nucleus. Relatively weak Kiss1r expression was observed in the supraoptic nucleus and supramammillary nuclei. Moderate to weak expression of Kiss1r was also observed in several regions in the midbrain, including the periaqueductal gray and dorsal raphe nucleus. We also examined whether oxytocin and AVP neurones in the PVN co‐express Kiss1r. Immunofluorescence revealed the co‐expression of Kiss1r in a subset of the oxytocin neurones but not in the AVP neurones in the PVN. The present study provides a fundamental anatomical basis for further examination of the kisspeptin signalling system in the extra‐HPG axis, as well as in reproductive function.
Impact of left ventricular ejection fraction and medication adherence on major adverse cardiac events during the first year after successful primary percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Son Youn‐Jung , Shim Sook Kyung , Hwang Sun Young , Ahn Ji Hun , Yu Hye Yon
Published: December 2015

Aims and objectives

To identify the impact of preprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction and adherence to prescribed medication on major adverse cardiac events in patients with a successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background

Although advances in percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease have considerably reduced poor outcomes such as major adverse cardiac events, many patients still experience adverse outcomes after a percutaneous coronary intervention. Thus, in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention, it is extremely important to identify the predictors for major adverse cardiac events.

Design

A retrospective and cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Three hundred and nineteen patients who underwent successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention participated in this study. Participants were assessed for major adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention for the first year. Preprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction was measured by echocardiogram. Medication adherence was used with the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale‐8 items at the first year after the successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Results

Of the 319 patients, 102 had major adverse cardiac events after the successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention. On the basis of Cox regression, after adjusting for patient characteristics, lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction and medication nonadherence and were statistically significant and independent predictors of major adverse cardiac events.

Conclusions

Our results show that major adverse cardiac events after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention are associated with low left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline and medication nonadherence after discharge. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider multidimensional approaches to improve low left ventricular ejection fraction and medication adherence.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings suggest that the classification of high‐risk patients after percutaneous coronary intervention need to be based on level of preprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction. Follow‐up of these patients may include educational interventions to enhance medication adherence, to decrease the prevalence of major adverse cardiac events.
Patient experience in fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty – a qualitative study
Authors: Specht Kirsten , Kjaersgaard‐Andersen Per , Pedersen Birthe D
Published: December 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore the lived experience of patients in fast‐track primary unilateral total hip and knee arthroplasty from the first visit at the outpatient clinic until discharge.

Background

Fast‐track has resulted in increased effectiveness, including faster recovery and shorter length of stay to about two days after hip and knee arthroplasty. However, the patient perspective in fast‐track with a median length of stay of less than three days has been less investigated.

Design

A qualitative design.

Methods

A phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach was used, inspired by Paul Ricoeur's theory of narrative and interpretation. Eight patients were included. Semi‐structured interviews and participant observation were performed.

Results

Three themes emerged: dealing with pain; feelings of confidence or uncertainty – the meaning of information; and readiness for discharge. Generally, the patients were resistant to taking analgesics and found it difficult to find out when to take supplementary analgesics; therefore, nursing staff needed enough expertise to take responsibility. Factors that increased patients’ confidence: information about fast‐track, meeting staff before admission and involving relatives. In contrast, incorrect or conflicting information and a lack of respect for privacy led to uncertainty. In preparing for early discharge, sufficient pain management, feeling well‐rested and optimal use of time during hospitalisation were important.

Conclusion

The study shows the importance of dealing with pain and getting the right information and support to have confidence in the fast‐track programme, to be ready for discharge and to manage postoperatively at home.

Relevance to clinical practice

In fast‐track focusing on early discharge, there is an increased need for evidence‐based nursing practice, including a qualified judgement of what is best for the patient in certain situations. The knowledge should be gleaned from: research; the patients’ expertise, understanding and situation; and nurses’ knowledge, skills and experience.
Living in the Past, Present, and Future: Measuring Temporal Orientation With Language
Authors: Park Gregory , Schwartz H. Andrew , Sap Maarten , Kern Margaret L. , Weingarten Evan , Eichstaedt Johannes C. , Berger Jonah , Stillwell David J. , Kosinski Michal , Ungar Lyle H. , Seligman Martin E. P.
Published: December 2015

Temporal orientation refers to individual differences in the relative emphasis one places on the past, present, or future, and it is related to academic, financial, and health outcomes. We propose and evaluate a method for automatically measuring temporal orientation through language expressed on social media. Judges rated the temporal orientation of 4,302 social media messages. We trained a classifier based on these ratings, which could accurately predict the temporal orientation of new messages in a separate validation set (accuracy/mean sensitivity = .72; mean specificity = .77). We used the classifier to automatically classify 1.3 million messages written by 5,372 participants (50% female; ages 13–48). Finally, we tested whether individual differences in past, present, and future orientation differentially related to gender, age, Big Five personality, satisfaction with life, and depressive symptoms. Temporal orientations exhibit several expected correlations with age, gender, and Big Five personality. More future‐oriented people were older, more likely to be female, more conscientious, less impulsive, less depressed, and more satisfied with life; present orientation showed the opposite pattern. Language‐based assessments can complement and extend existing measures of temporal orientation, providing an alternative approach and additional insights into language and personality relationships.
Practice nurses mental health provide space to patients to discuss unpleasant emotions
Authors: Griep E. C. M. , Noordman J. , van Dulmen S.
Published: December 2015

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

A core skill of practice nurses' mental health is to recognize and explore patients' unpleasant emotions.

Patients rarely express their unpleasant emotions directly and spontaneously, but instead give indirect signs that something is worrying them.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Patients with mild psychosocial and psychological problems provide signs of worrying or express a clear unpleasant emotion in 94% of consultations with a practice nurse mental health.

Nurses' responses to patients' signs of worrying or clear unpleasant emotions were mostly characterized by providing space for patients to talk about these emotions, by using minimal responses.

What are the implications for practice?

Practice nurses' mental health have passive listening skills, and to a lesser extent, use active listening techniques.

Accurate emotion detection and the ability to pick out emotional signs during consultations must also be considered as an important skill for health providers to improve patient‐centred communication.

Aim

Patients with physical problems are known to express their emotional concerns in an implicit way only. Whether the same counts for patients presenting mental health problems in primary care is unknown. This study aims to examine how patients with mild psychosocial and psychological complaints express their concerns during consultations with the practice nurse mental health and how practice nurses respond to these expressions.

Method

Fifteen practice nurses mental health working in Dutch general practices participated in the study. Their consultations with 116 patients with mild psychosocial or psychological complaints were video recorded. patients' explicitly expressed emotional concerns and more implicit expressions of underlying emotional problems (cues) as well as nurses' responses to these expressions were rated using the Verona Coding Definition of Emotional Sequences.

Results

Almost all consultations contained at least one cue or concern (94%). Nurses' responses were mostly characterized by providing space for patients to talk about their cue or concern in a non‐explicit way (62%), by using minimal responses (42%).

Discussion

Practice nurses mental health have passive listening skills, and to a lesser extent, use active listening techniques. However, there are no strict rules which way of responding is the best and patients value responses differently.
Echinocandin to fluconazole step‐down therapy in critically ill patients with invasive, susceptible Candida albicans infections
Authors: van der Geest Patrick J. , Rijnders Bart J. A. , Vonk Alieke G. , Groeneveld A. B. Johan
Published: December 2015

Invasive Candida spp. infections are increasingly diagnosed in critically ill patients. For initial treatment, an echinocandin is recommended with a possible step‐down to fluconazole when the patients’ condition is improving and the isolate appears susceptible, but there are no data to support such policy. We studied the safety and efficacy of step‐down therapy in critically ill patients with culture proven deep seated or bloodstream infections by C. albicans susceptible to fluconazole. All patients admitted into the intensive care unit from January 2010 to December 2014, who had a culture proven invasive C. albicans infection and received initial treatment with an echinocandin for at least 4 days were included. Data on patient characteristics, treatment and vital outcomes were assessed. Of the 56 patients, 32 received step‐down fluconazole therapy, at median day 5, whereas the echinocandin was continued in the other 24. No differences where seen in baseline characteristics or risk factors for invasive C. albicans infection between the two groups. Response rates were similar and no difference where seen in 28‐day or 90‐day mortality between the groups. Step‐down therapy to fluconazole may be safe and effective in critically ill patients with invasive infections by C. albicans, susceptible to fluconazole, who have clinically improved as early as 4 days after start of treatment with an echinocandin.
Enhancing adherence to infection control in Swedish community care: Factors of importance
Authors: Lindh Marianne , Holmström Inger K. , Perseius Kent‐Inge , Windahl Jenny
Published: December 2015

Healthcare‐associated infections are the most frequent adverse event in healthcare delivery worldwide. The theory of planned behavior has proven helpful in hospital hygiene interventions and might be useful in community care. This study explored how medically‐responsible nurses in Swedish community care perceived and ranked the impact of factors related to the theory of planned behavior, the factors“ probability to change, enhancing the healthcare staff's adherence to infection control guidelines, and identified which theory of planned behavior subquestions should be focused on to enhance adherence to infection control. Medically‐responsible nurses (n = 268) in Swedish communities answered a Web‐based questionnaire regarding impact and probability to change theory of planned behavior factors in relation to infection control. Four theory of planned behavior factor constructs were found: (i) knowledge and encouragement from management; (ii) access and availability to materials and equipment, and interest among staff; (iii) influence by colleagues; and (iv) workload, and influence by patients and significant others. The theory of planned behavior factors are relevant for infection control in a home‐like environment, and findings could be used as a basis for interventions enhancing hygiene in community care.