bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of long‐term care services use in a suburban municipality of Japan: a population‐based study
Authors: Igarashi Ayumi , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko , Yoshie Satoru , Iijima Katsuya
Published: June 2016

Aim

Increasing service use under the long‐term care insurance (LTCI) system in Japan requires a comprehensive understanding of how the services are actually used. This study aimed to identify patterns of LTCI service use and to examine the characteristics of the patterns.

Methods

We analyzed data from a population of 4,339 older adults living in the community who were certified as “Needing Care” and were using at least one LTCI service in a suburban municipality of Japan. We identified six patterns of service use using cluster analysis based on the amount of fees for LTCI services and compared characteristics among the clusters.

Results

The clusters were: 1) light use of care services (n = 1,852); 2) day care‐centered (n = 1,071); 3) day care with rehabilitation‐centered (n = 616); 4) home help‐centered (n = 365); 5) short‐stay respite service‐centered (n = 246); and 6) compound uses of visiting services (n = 189). “Home help‐centered” and “short‐stay respite service‐centered” clusters used a large number of fees, whereas “compound uses of visiting services” clusters did not despite their severe conditions. The “day care‐centered (with rehabilitation)” classification included few people who needed medical procedures, likely due to the lack of medical facilities in those agencies.

Conclusions

The results show the impact of social and medical factors on LTCI service use, suggesting possible difficulties in the socialization of care. The clusters could be used as typical service use patterns, providing a framework for further studies, such as those evaluating the services’ effects. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 753‐759.
Cognitive impairment is independently associated with definitive and possible sarcopenia in hospitalized older adults: The prevalence and impact of comorbidities
Authors: Maeda Keisuke , Akagi Junji
Published: June 2016

Aim

Older adults often present with several comorbidities, including sarcopenia. However, the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associations with other comorbidities in hospitalized older adults are unknown. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia, and its associations with other comorbidities in hospitalized older adults.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study included 619 patients admitted to a geriatric hospital. The prevalence of comorbidities in the presence and absence of sarcopenia, nutritional status (according to body mass index and the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form), and activities of daily living (according to the Barthel Index) were assessed. Sarcopenia was defined as skeletal muscle loss evaluated by both bioelectrical impedance and handgrip strength analyses.

Results

Of the 619 participants (mean age 83.0 ± 8.2 years), 417 (67.4%) and 87 (14.1%) had definitive and possible sarcopenia, respectively. The prevalence rates of cognitive impairment and stroke were significantly higher in patients with definitive sarcopenia and those with possible sarcopenia than in those without sarcopenia (cognitive impairment 54.4%, 70.1% and 20.9%, respectively, P < 0.001; stroke 31.2%, 48.3% and 19.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cognitive impairment was independently associated with sarcopenia after adjusting for age, sex, the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form score, Barthel Index and primary disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.98, 95% confidence interval 1.06–3.71; P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia might be highly prevalent among hospitalized older adults. Furthermore, cognitive impairment might be an independent explanatory variable of sarcopenia. Therefore, further studies on sarcopenia in patients with cognitive impairment are warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1048–1056.
Attitudes towards poverty, organizations, ethics and morals: Israeli social workers’ shared decision making
Authors: Levin Lia , Schwartz‐Tayri Talia
Published: June 2016

Objective

Partnerships between service users and social workers are complex in nature and can be driven by both personal and contextual circumstances. This study sought to explore the relationship between social workers’ involvement in shared decision making with service users, their attitudes towards service users in poverty, moral standards and health and social care organizations’ policies towards shared decision making.

Methods

Based on the responses of 225 licensed social workers from health and social care agencies in the public, private and third sectors in Israel, path analysis was used to test a hypothesized model.

Results

Structural attributions for poverty contributed to attitudes towards people who live in poverty, which led to shared decision making. Also, organizational support in shared decision making, and professional moral identity, contributed to ethical behaviour which led to shared decision making.

Conclusion

The results of this analysis revealed that shared decision making may be a scion of branched roots planted in the relationship between ethics, organizations and Stigma.
Attachment and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells on dentine treated with different regenerative endodontic protocols
Authors: Alghilan M. A. , Windsor L. J. , Palasuk J. , Yassen G. H.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To investigate the attachment and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) on dentine treated with various endodontic regeneration protocols.

Methodology

Standardized dentine samples were irrigated with sodium hypochlorite (1.5% NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (17% EDTA) and randomized into four treatment groups and two control groups. The treatment groups were treated with a clinically used concentration of triple antibiotic paste (TAP), double antibiotic paste (DAP), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) or diluted TAP in a methylcellulose system (DTAP) for 1 week. Each sample in the treatment groups was then irrigated with EDTA. The two control groups were treated with EDTA or received no treatment. Dental pulp stem cells were seeded on each dentine specimen (10 000 cells). Lactate dehydrogenase activity assays were then performed to evaluate the attached DPSC after 1 day of incubation. Water‐soluble tetrazolium assays were used to determine DPSC proliferation after three additional days of incubation. Friedman's test followed by least significant difference were used for statistical analyses (α = 0.05).

Results

Triple antibiotic paste and DTAP regeneration protocols, as well as EDTA‐treated dentine, caused significant increases in DPSC attachment to dentine. Triple antibiotic paste, DAP and Ca(OH)2 regeneration protocols caused significant reductions in DPSC proliferation on dentine. However, the DTAP regeneration protocol did not have any significant negative effects on DPSC proliferation.

Conclusions

The clinically used endodontic regeneration protocols that include the use of TAP, DAP or Ca(OH)2 medicament negatively affected DPSC proliferation on dentine. However, the use of DTAP medicament during regenerative endodontic treatment may not adversely affect the proliferation of DPSC.
Characterization of a novel MICA allele, MICA*012:05, by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Wang W. Y. , Tian W. , Wang F. , Zhu F. M. , Li L. X.
Published: June 2016

A new MICA allelic variant, MICA*012:05, has been identified in a Chinese Mongolian population. Following polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT), this new allele was further confirmed by cloning and sequencing. MICA*012:05 was linked to an HLA‐A*24‐C*01‐B*55:02‐DRB1*09 haplotype. MICA*012:05 differs from MICA*012:01 by a single synonymous C to T substitution at nucleotide position 269 in exon 3.
Rel B‐modified dendritic cells possess tolerogenic phenotype and functions on lupus splenic lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Wu Haijing , Lo Yi , Chan Albert , Law Ka Sin , Mok Mo Yin
Published: June 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by high morbidity and mortality and its treatment remains challenging. Dendritic cells (DCs) have been shown to participate in the initiation and perpetuation of lupus pathogenesis and the DCs that can induce tolerogenicity appear as potential cell‐based therapy in this condition. In this study, we examined the in vitro tolerogenic properties of bone‐marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) in the murine lupus setting. We used lentiviral transduction of RelB‐silencing short hairpin RNA to modify the expression of RelB, a key transcription factor regulating DC maturation, in BMDCs from MRL/MpJ mice. Tolerogenic properties of RelB‐modified DCs were compared with scrambled control (SC) ‐modified DCs. RelB expression was found to be significantly reduced in RelB‐modified DCs derived from MRL/MpJ mice, wild‐type of the same genetic background as MRL/lpr lupus‐prone mice. These MRL/MpJ RelB‐modified DCs displayed semi‐mature phenotype with expression of lower levels of co‐stimulatory molecules compared with SC‐modified DCs. RelB‐modified DCs were found to be low producers of interleukin‐12p70 (IL‐12p70) and could induce hyporesponsiveness of splenic T cells from MRL/MpJ and MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, they down‐regulated interferon‐γ expression and induced IL‐10‐producing T cells in MRL/MpJ splenocytes, and attenuated interferon‐γ and IL‐17 expression in MRL/lpr splenic CD4+ lymphocytes. Splenocytes primed by RelB‐modified DCs demonstrated antigen‐specific suppressive effects on allogeneic splenocytes. In conclusion, RelB‐silencing in DCs generates DCs of tolerogenic properties with immunomodulatory function and appears as potential option of cell‐targeted therapy.
Needs, expectations and consequences for children growing up in a family where the parent has a mental illness
Authors: Tabak Izabela , Zabłocka‐Żytka Lidia , Ryan Peter , Poma Stefano Zanone , Joronen Katja , Viganò Giovanni , Simpson Wendy , Paavilainen Eija , Scherbaum Norbert , Smith Martin , Dawson Ian
Published: June 2016

The lack of pan–European guidelines for empowering children of parents with mental illness led to the EU project CAMILLE – Empowerment of Children and Adolescents of Mentally Ill Parents through Training of Professionals working with children and adolescents. The aim of this initial task in the project was to analyse needs, expectations and consequences for children with respect to living with a parent with mental illness from the perspective of professionals and family members. This qualitative research was conducted in England, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland and Scotland with 96 professionals, parents with mental illness, adult children and partners of parents with mental illness. A framework analysis method was used. Results of the study highlighted that the main consequences described for children of parental mental illness were role reversal; emotional and behavioural problems; lack of parent's attention and stigma. The main needs of these children were described as emotional support, security and multidisciplinary help. Implications for practice are that professionals working with parents with mental illness should be aware of the specific consequences for the children and encourage parents in their parental role; multi‐agency collaboration is necessary; schools should provide counselling and prevent stigma.
Nursing in an imperfect world: Storytelling as preparation for mental health nursing practice
Authors: Treloar Anna , McMillan Margaret , Stone Teresa
Published: June 2016

Storytelling is a valuable adjunctive method of preparing undergraduate mental health nursing students for practice. To explore the possibilities of this method of teaching, 100 stories were collected from experienced nurses working in mental health and analysed using a case study methodology. The aim was to explore the purpose of clinical anecdotes told by experienced nurses working in mental health settings to undergraduates and new recruits, with an ancillary purpose of looking at the implications of these anecdotes for the exploration of contemporary mental health practice and education. A framework for student discussion of stories is provided. The insights gained illuminate not only the history of mental health nursing and the daily activities of nurses working in mental health, but also some of the deep‐level skills developed and used by these nurses as they work in the complexity and ambiguity of an imperfect world where the job requires managing the unexpected every shift, and where there might not always be a textbook‐perfect solution to clinical situations.
Evaluating a Research Training Programme for People with Intellectual Disabilities Participating in Inclusive Research: The Views of Participants
Authors: Fullana Judit , Pallisera Maria , Català Elena , Puyalto Carolina
Published: June 2016

Background

This article presents the results of evaluating a research training programme aimed at developing the skills of people with intellectual disabilities to actively participate in inclusive research.

Methods

The present authors opted for a responsive approach to evaluation, using a combination of interviews, questionnaires and focus groups to gather information on the views of students, trainers and members of the research team regarding how the programme progressed, the learning achieved and participants’ satisfaction with the programme.

Results

The evaluation showed that most of the participants were satisfied with the programme and provided guidelines for planning contents and materials, demonstrating the usefulness of these types of programme in constructing the research group and empowering people with intellectual disabilities to participate in research.

Conclusions

The evaluation revealed that the programme had been a positive social experience that fostered interest in lifelong learning for people with intellectual disabilities.
‘Bringing respite in the burden of illness’ – dog handlers’ experience of visiting older persons with dementia together with a therapy dog
Authors: Swall Anna , Ebbeskog Britt , Lundh Hagelin Carina , Fagerberg Ingegerd
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To illuminate meanings of the lived experiences of dog handlers’ when visiting older persons with dementia with their therapy dog.

Background

Studies indicate that care of persons with dementia should focus on a person‐centred approach with the person's interests in the centre. Animal‐assisted therapy using a therapy dog in the care of persons with dementia has been shown to increase well‐being and decrease problematic behaviours associated with the illness.

Design

A qualitative lifeworld approach was adopted for this study.

Methods

Data were collected from open‐ended interviews with nine dog handlers, and the analysis conducted using the phenomenological hermeneutical method.

Results

The structural analysis resulted in one theme, ‘Respite from the burden of illness for persons with dementia’.

Conclusions

Visiting a person with dementia can be seen as an act of caring, providing temporary respite from their illness, and creating a special relationship between handler and patient. A therapy dog visit can represent a moment of communion between the handler and the person with dementia.

Implication for clinical practice

Dog handlers use their skills and knowledge to promote a situation that reduces symptoms of illness and encourages healthier behaviour. The results of this study may be of interest to researchers, clinical practitioners, caregivers and dog handlers who care for persons with dementia using therapy dog teams on prescription as an alternative method to minimise behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Building resilience in the face of adversity: navigation processes used by older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults living in Ireland
Authors: Higgins Agnes , Sharek Danika , Glacken Michele
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore resilience processes among older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults.

Background

Older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities have frequently been viewed from a deficit, vulnerability and pathological perspective; consequently, the natural resilience processes that underpin the lives of many older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people goes unrecognised, with few studies focusing on the processes they use in building resilience.

Design

The design of the study is qualitative and exploratory.

Methods

Data were collected through in‐depth, face‐to‐face interviews. Thirty‐six lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people participated in the interviews. The mean age of the interview participants was 60·3 years. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Nine processes were identified that enhanced participants resilience, namely: ‘Making a decision to accept oneself and not be defined by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identity’; ‘Acquiring an empowering perspective’; ‘Learning to let go and moving on’; ‘Leaving oppressive social environments’; ‘Experiencing affirming relationships with family and others’; ‘Accessing formal supports’; ‘Maintaining connections with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people’; ‘Remaining positive and being thankful for life’ and ‘Remaining active and keeping busy’. These processes fostered the development of characteristics, such as: courage and strength; a positive sense of self and an optimistic outlook on life.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of the considerable strength among this group of people, highlighting how adversity has engendered in participants a set of resilience skills, adding to the emerging body of research into resilience and older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses not only need to be aware of the life histories of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people but they also need to assess their strengths and offer sensitive services that promote and support resilience among this population.
Thoracic laminectomy with spinal fixation in a nonambulatory patient with metastatic vertebral tumor from endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Takeshita Sho , Todo Yukiharu , Okamoto Kazuhira , Minobe Shinichiro , Kato Hidenori
Published: June 2016

Vertebral metastasis from endometrial cancer is a rare event and requires emergency treatment at the onset of neurologic symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. We report a case of a metastatic vertebral tumor, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification, of stage IVb endometrial cancer with multiple lung metastases. Emergency irradiation to the spinal tumor was conducted as a result of a loss of ambulation. Thoracic laminectomy with spinal fixation was subsequently performed because the patient remained nonambulatory and her neurological function deteriorated. Spinal decompression surgery enabled her to regain the ability to walk. Complete remission was achieved by subsequent pelvic surgery followed by combined chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel and carboplatin. Finally, the patient had no evidence of disease 45 months after the initial treatment. Early recognition and expeditious treatment is crucial for neurological recovery from metastatic spinal cord compression.
Basel III Versus Solvency II: An Analysis of Regulatory Consistency Under the New Capital Standards
Authors: Laas Daniela , Siegel Caroline Franziska
Published: June 2016

This article provides a critical analysis of the consistency of the standard approaches for market and credit risks under Solvency II and the current and forthcoming Basel III standards. The comparability is assessed both theoretically via a detailed comparison of the capital standards and in a numerical analysis that contrasts the capital charges for a stylized portfolio. Our examination reveals substantial discrepancies in the design of the frameworks. These lead to vastly differing capital requirements for the same risks. Moreover, the analysis indicates higher charges for banks than insurers, especially under the proposed new Basel III standard approaches.
Crisis Sentiment in the U.S. Insurance Sector
Authors: Irresberger Felix , König Fee Elisabeth , Weiß Gregor N. F.
Published: June 2016

We use Internet search volume data to measure idiosyncratic and market‐wide crisis sentiment to explain insurer stock return volatility. We find that market‐level crisis sentiment was a significant predictor of stock return volatility of U.S. insurers between 2006 and 2010. Higher levels of crisis sentiment are associated with higher levels of price uncertainty. This effect is strongest for insurers with less exposure to the adverse effects of the financial crisis. Further, crisis sentiment also affects the cross‐section of movements in insurer stock prices. Our results imply that investors exited insurer stocks mainly due to crisis sentiment rather than a rational assessment of the insurers’ actual exposure to the crisis.
Perceptual dialectology in northern England: Accent recognition, geographical proximity and cultural prominence
Authors: Leach Hannah , Watson Kevin , Gnevsheva Ksenia
Published: June 2016

Work in perceptual dialectology has argued that listeners’ successful identification of accent areas is facilitated by their geographical proximity to a particular region. Montgomery (, ) argues that this proximity effect is mediated by a ‘cultural prominence’ effect, where localities of high cultural salience seem less distant. We explore these claims using an online survey in which listeners were asked to identify the regional origin of speakers of five accents from England's ‘linguistic north’ (Liverpool, Manchester, Crewe, Stoke‐on‐Trent and Macclesfield) from audio clips of four different sentences. We show that the proximity and cultural prominence effects are partially supported, and that the proximity effect is driven by listeners’ likely contact with/experience of the dialect in question. We also show that listeners react differently to different sentences in the same accent. While some sentences are identified correctly very often, others, even for culturally prominent locations with distinctive accents (i.e. Liverpool), are hardly ever correctly identified. We connect this to the geographical distribution of the linguistic features in the clips, and we argue that the presence, absence and range of individual linguistic features should be systematically considered in all perceptual dialectology work which uses audio stimuli.
The effect of dietary supplementation with rumen‐protected methionine alone or in combination with rumen‐protected choline and betaine on sheep milk and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Tsiplakou E. , Mavrommatis A. , Kalogeropoulos T. , Chatzikonstantinou M. , Koutsouli P. , Sotirakoglou K. , Labrou N. , Zervas G.
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of rumen‐protected methionine alone or in combination with rumen‐protected choline and betaine on: (i) milk yield, chemical composition and fatty acids (FA) profile and (ii) blood plasma glutathione transferase (GST) activity of periparturient ewes. Furthermore, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] were also determined in plasma and milk of ewes. Thus, 45 ewes were divided into three equal groups. Each animal of the control group fed daily with a basal diet. The same diet was offered also in each animal of the other two groups. However, the concentrate fed to M group was supplemented with 2.5 g/kg rumen‐protected methionine, while the concentrate fed to MCB group with 5 g/kg of a commercial product which contained a combination of methionine, choline and betaine, all three in rumen‐protected form. The results showed that the M diet, compared with the control, increased significantly the ewe's milk fat and the total solids content. Likewise, a tendency for higher milk fat and total solids content in ewes fed the MCB diet was also observed. Both M and MCB diets had not noticeable impact on ewes milk FA profile. Significantly higher FRAP values in the blood plasma of ewes fed the MCB and in the milk of ewes fed with the M diet compared with the control were found. Additionally, significantly higher GST activity in the blood plasma of ewes fed the M diet, compared with the control, was observed. Moreover, a significant increase (by 20%) and a tendency for increase (by 16.72%) in the growth rate of lambs nursing ewes fed with M and MCB diets, respectively, compared to controls, were found.
Transport of fatty acids within plasma lipoproteins in lactating and non‐lactating cows fed on fish oil and hydrogenated palm oil
Authors: Vargas‐Bello‐Pérez E. , Íñiguez‐González G. , Garnsworthy P. C. , Loor J. J.
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of dietary fish oil (FO) and a blend of FO and hydrogenated palm oil (FOPO) on transport of fatty acids (FA) within plasma lipoproteins in lactating and non‐lactating cows. Two trials were conducted (one with lactating and another with non‐lactating dairy cows) in two 3 × 3 Latin squares that included three periods of 21 days. Dietary treatments for lactating cows consisted of a basal diet (Control; no fat supplement), and fat‐supplemented diets containing FO (500 g/day/cow) and FOPO (250 FO + 250 g/day/cow hydrogenated palm oil). For non‐lactating cows, dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (Control; no fat supplement), and fat‐supplemented diets containing FO (170 g/day/cow) and FOPO (85 FO + 85 hydrogenated palm oil g/day/cow). In lactating cows, compared with control and FOPO, FO increased C16:0, C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11 and total saturated and polyunsaturated FA in plasma and increased C16:0, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11, total polyunsaturated and total polyunsaturated n‐6 in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), whereas in non‐lactating cows, compared with control and FOPO, FO increased C16:0, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:2 trans‐9, 12, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11, C20:5 n‐3 and total saturated and polyunsaturated FA in plasma; C16:0, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:1 cis‐9, C18:2 trans‐9, 12, C20:5 n‐3 and total monounsaturated FA in HDL; and C18:1 trans‐6‐8, C18:1 trans‐9, C18:1 trans‐10, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15 and C20:5 n‐3 in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). FO increased C20:5 n‐3 in plasma and lipoproteins in non‐lactating cows and increased C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15 in plasma (in lactating cows) and LDL (in non‐lactating cows). We concluded from results of this study that in bovine plasma, the LDL fraction appears to be the main lipoprotein transporting C18:1 trans isomers and is more responsive than other lipoprotein fractions to variation in supply of dietary lipids.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effects of Oligosaccharides on Transfer of Passive Immunity in Neonatal Dairy Calves
Authors: Short D.M. , Moore D.A. , Sischo W.M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Bacterial contamination of colostrum is common and can decrease IgG absorption in neonatal calves. Strategies that mitigate this situation without complicating colostrum management will benefit dairy calf health and survival.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of supplementing colostrum with oligosaccharides (OS) on serum IgG concentration and apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG (AEA%) in calves fed unpasteurized colostrum and characterize these outcomes with respect to colostrum bacterial exposures.

Animals

One hundred twenty‐three neonatal dairy calves.

Methods

Randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial conducted at a commercial dairy operation. Calves were enrolled at birth in 1 of 4 treatment groups. Data were complete for 123 calves, which were distributed across the treatment groups as follows: mannan‐oligosaccharides (MOS), n = 33; Saccharomyces galacto‐oligosaccharides (SGOS), n = 31; Bifidobacterium galacto‐oligosaccharides (BGOS), n = 28; and lactose control (CON), n = 31. A commercial radial immunodiffusion kit was used to determine colostrum and serum IgG concentrations. Conventional microbiology methods were used to enumerate colostrum bacterial counts.

Results

Bacterial counts were not significantly different among treatment groups. Total bacterial plate counts (TPC) were relatively low for the majority of colostrum samples, but TPC had a significant negative effect on serum IgG concentration and AEA% in the lactose‐supplemented control group but not the OS treatment groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These results suggest that a complement of OS structures may mitigate adverse effects of bacteria on transfer of passive immunity (TPI).
Tracheobronchoscopic Assessment of Exercise‐Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage and Airway Inflammation in Barrel Racing Horses
Authors: Léguillette R. , Steinmann M. , Bond S.L. , Stanton B.
Published: June 2016

Background

Poor performance is often suspected to be associated withEIPHin barrel racing horses; however, there are no published reports ofEIPHfor this discipline. The prevalence ofEIPHin barrel racing horses is also unknown.

Objectives

This study was performed to determine the prevalence ofEIPHand signs of airway inflammation in barrel racing horses under normal racing conditions in Alberta.

Animals

About 170 barrel racing horses.

Methods

Observational cross‐sectional study. Tracheobronchoscopic examinations were performed at least 30 minutes postrace. Video recordings were scored off‐site independently by two observers forEIPHand tracheal mucus accumulation (TMA). Horses with anEIPHscore ≥2 were not assessed forTMA. Interobserver agreement was calculated by weighted κ statistics. Run times, environmental variables, and clinical information were also recorded for analysis.

Results

77/170 (45.3%) of horses examined showed evidence ofEIPH(grade ≥ 1). Interobserver agreement was 0.94. 140/141 (99.3%) of horses assessed forTMAshowed evidence of tracheal mucus accumulation (grade ≥ 1) with 104/141 (73.8%) having aTMAscore ≥ 2. Interobserver agreement was 0.73. A weak positive association was found betweenEIPHscores and average run speed, the presence of cough at rest reported by the riders, increased recovery time, exercise intolerance, and outdoor pattern.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The high prevalence ofEIPHobserved in the sampled population indicates that barrel racing induces substantial stress on the lungs. The presence ofEIPHdid not impact negatively on performance. Factors such as environmental dust and frequent traveling might have contributed to the high prevalence ofTMAobserved.
An Epichloë festucae homologue of MOB3, a component of the STRIPAK complex, is required for the establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne
Authors: Green Kimberly A. , Becker Yvonne , Fitzsimons Helen L. , Scott Barry
Published: June 2016

In both Sordaria macrospora and Neurospora crassa, components of the conserved STRIPAK (striatin‐interacting phosphatase and kinase) complex regulate cell–cell fusion, hyphal network development and fruiting body formation. Interestingly, a number of Epichloë festucae genes that are required for hyphal cell–cell fusion, such as noxA, noxR, proA, mpkA and mkkA, are also required for the establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. To determine whether MobC, a homologue of the STRIPAK complex component MOB3 in S. macrospora and N. crassa, is required for E. festucae hyphal fusion and symbiosis, a mobC deletion strain was generated. The ΔmobC mutant showed reduced rates of hyphal cell–cell fusion, formed intrahyphal hyphae and exhibited enhanced conidiation. Plants infected with ΔmobC were severely stunted. Hyphae of ΔmobC showed a proliferative pattern of growth within the leaves of Lolium perenne with increased colonization of the intercellular spaces and vascular bundles. Although hyphae were still able to form expressoria, structures allowing the colonization of the leaf surface, the frequency of formation was significantly reduced. Collectively, these results show that the STRIPAK component MobC is required for the establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic association between E. festucae and L. perenne, and plays an accessory role in the regulation of hyphal cell–cell fusion and expressorium development in E. festucae.
Comparison of equations for dosing of medications in renal impairment
Authors: Khanal Aarati , Peterson Gregory M , Jose Matthew D , Castelino Ronald L
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the concordance among the Cockcroft‐Gault, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equations in hypothetical dosing of renally cleared medications.

Methods

A total of 2163 patients prescribed at least one of the 31 renally cleared drugs under review were included in the study. Kidney function was estimated using the three equations. We compared actual prescribed dosages of the same drug with recommended dosages based on the kidney function as calculated by each of the equations and applying dosing recommendations in the Australian Medicines Handbook.

Results

There was a significant difference in the kidney function values estimated from the three equations (P < 0.001). Despite the good overall agreement in renal drug dosing, we found selected but potentially important discrepancies among the doses rendered from the equations. The CKD‐EPI equation non‐normalized for body surface area had a greater rate of concordance with the Cockcroft‐Gault equation than the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation for renal drug dosing.

Conclusions

There is need for a long‐term multi‐centre study in a diverse population to define the clinical effects of the discrepancies among the equations for drug dosing. Given the greater concordance of the non‐normalized CKD‐EPI equation with the Cockcroft‐Gault equation for dosing, the recommendation by Kidney Health Australia and the United States National Kidney Disease Education Program that ‘dosing based on either eCrCl or an eGFR with body surface area normalization removed are acceptable’ seems suitable and practicable for the purpose of dosing of non‐critical drugs in the primary care setting.
Adaptive evolution and functional innovation of Populus‐specific recently evolved microRNAs
Authors: Xie Jianbo , Yang Xiaohui , Song Yuepeng , Du Qingzhang , Li Ying , Chen Jinhui , Zhang Deqiang
Published: June 2016

Lineage‐specific microRNAs (miRNAs) undergo rapid turnover during evolution; however, their origin and functional importance have remained controversial. Here, we examine the origin, evolution, and potential roles in local adaptation of Populus‐specific miRNAs, which originated after the recent salicoid‐specific, whole‐genome duplication.

RNA sequencing was used to generate extensive, comparable miRNA and gene expression data for six tissues. A natural population of Populus trichocarpa and closely related species were used to study the divergence rates, evolution, and adaptive variation of miRNAs.

MiRNAs that originated in 5′ untranslated regions had higher expression levels and their expression showed high correlation with their host genes. Compared with conserved miRNAs, a significantly higher proportion of Populus‐specific miRNAs appear to target genes that were duplicated in salicoids. Examination of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Populus‐specific miRNA precursors showed high amounts of population differentiation. We also characterized the newly emerged MIR6445 family, which could trigger the production of phased small interfering RNAs from NAC mRNAs, which encode a transcription factor with primary roles in a variety of plant developmental processes.

Together, these observations provide evolutionary insights into the birth and potential roles of Populus‐specific miRNAs in genome maintenance, local adaptation, and functional innovation.
Transcript levels of plastin 3 and neuritin 1 modifier genes in spinal muscular atrophy siblings
Authors: Yener İnci Hande , Topaloglu Haluk , Erdem‐Özdamar Sevim , Dayangac‐Erden Didem
Published: June 2016

Background

In single gene disorders, patients with the same genotype may have variations in severity. One of the main factors affecting disease severity is modifier genes. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by degeneration of alpha motor neurons. Plastin 3 (PLS3) is a phenotypic modifier of SMA, and neuritin 1 (NRN1) has also been suggested as a possible modifier gene. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyze PLS3 and NRN1 expression in SMA siblings in four families.

Methods

The study group consisted of four SMA families with seven with discordant phenotype and two affected siblings. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood. PLS3 and NRN1 expression was analyzed on quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In family 1 only NRN1 expression was increased in the mildly affected sister. In family 2 only PLS3 had a modifier effect. Family 3, which had type III siblings with identical clinical phenotypes, had similar PLS3 expression between the siblings but no NRN1 expression. In family 4, neither PLS3 nor NRN1 had any correlation with severity.

Conclusion

On analysis of the expression of NRN1 in SMA patients for the first time, NRN1 could be a potential modifier gene. PLS3 expression does not always modify SMA phenotype. In patients with no modifier effect of known genes, genome sequencing and transcriptome analysis are promising for the identification of novel modifiers and understanding of SMA pathophysiology.
U–Pb and Re–Os Geochronology of the Hucunnan Copper–Molybdenum Deposit in Anhui Province, Southeast China, and its Geological Implications
Authors: Yang Heming , Du Yangsong , Lu Yinghuai , Chen Linjie , Zheng Zejun , Zhang Yun
Published: June 2016

The Middle–Lower Yangtze Region (MLYR) is one of the most important metallogenic belts in China that hosts numerous Cu–Fe–Au–S deposits. The Hucunnan deposit in the central part of MLYR is a newly discovered porphyry–skarn‐type copper–molybdenum deposit during recent drilling exploration. Laser ablation ICP–MS analysis carried out in this study yields U–Pb isotopic ages of 137.5 ± 1.2 Ma for the Cu–Mo bearing granodiorite rock and 125.0 ± 1.5 Ma for the Cu‐bearing quartz diorites. The Re–Os isotopic dating of seven molybdenite samples gave an isochron age of 139.5 ± 1.1 Ma, suggesting a syn‐magma mineralization of molybdenite in the Hucunnan deposit. Since porphyry‐type molybdenum deposits are rare in central MLYR, the discovery of the Hucunnan deposit suggests possible molybdenite mineralizations in the deep places of the Cu–Mo bearing granitoids. In addition, the U–Pb isotopic age of 125 Ma for the Cu‐bearing quartz diorites implies a new Cu mineralization period for the MLYR that was rarely reported by previous studies.
Risk‐Mitigating Policies and Adversarial Behavior: Case of Backlash
Authors: Mohtadi Hamid
Published: June 2016

A probabilistic game‐theoretic model is developed within both a static and a dynamic framework to capture adversary–defender conflict in the presence of backlash. I find that not accounting for backlash in counteradversary policies may be costly to the target government. But to minimize adversarial backlash requires understanding how backlash emerges and if, and how, adversaries strategize to goad target governments into policies that induce backlash. The dynamic version of the model shows that when backlash occurs with a time lag, an escalation of the conflict is likely to occur.
Admissibility of the Usual Confidence Set for the Mean of a Univariate or Bivariate Normal Population: The Unknown Variance Case
Authors: Leeb Hannes , Kabaila Paul
Published: June 2016

In the Gaussian linear regression model (with unknown mean and variance), we show that the standard confidence set for one or two regression coefficients is admissible in the sense of Joshi. This solves a long-standing open problem in mathematical statistics, and this has important implications on the performance of modern inference procedures post model selection or post shrinkage, particularly in situations where the number of parameters is larger than the sample size. As a technical contribution of independent interest, we introduce a new class of conjugate priors for the Gaussian location–scale model.
Factors associated with quality of life in Arab patients with heart failure
Authors: Alaloul Fawwaz , AbuRuz Mohannad E. , Moser Debra K. , Hall Lynne A. , Al‐Sadi Ahmad
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships of demographic characteristics, medical variables and perceived social support with quality of life (QOL) in Arab patients with heart failure. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to identify factors associated with QOL in Arab patients with heart failure. Participants with heart failure (N = 99) were enrolled from a nonprofit hospital and an educational hospital. Data were collected on QOL using the Short Form‐36 survey. Perceived social support was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. The majority of the patients reported significant impairment in QOL as evidenced by subscale scored. Left ventricular ejection fraction was the strongest correlate of most QOL domains. Tangible support was significantly associated with most QOL domains. Other social support dimensions were not significantly related to QOL domains. Most patients with heart failure had significant disrupting pain and limitations in performing activities which interfered with their usual role. Due to the importance of understanding QOL and its determinants within the context of culture, the outcomes of this study may provide valuable guidance to healthcare providers in Arabic countries as well as Western society in caring for these patients. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between social support and QOL among patients with heart failure in the Arabic culture.
Envy and Its Consequences: Why It Is Useful to Distinguish between Benign and Malicious Envy
Authors: van de Ven Niels
Published: June 2016

Envy is the pain that arises from the good fortune of others. Recent research identified two subtypes of envy, benign and malicious envy. Malicious envy is the envy subtype with action tendencies aimed to pull down the envied person from their superior position. Benign envy is also a frustrating experience, but activates action tendencies aimed at improving oneself. This article provides an overview of the empirical support for making this distinction in envy subtypes. It then discusses the benefits of a subtype approach to envy, with the main advantages of distinguishing benign and malicious envy being that it (a) provides researchers with the language to be clear in how they conceptualize envy and (b) allows novel predictions. A next section provides a response to some criticism on making this distinction. Finally, I conclude with a section on how envy in general, and benign and malicious envy in particular, could be measured.
Reputation, Gossip, and Human Cooperation
Authors: Wu Junhui , Balliet Daniel , Van Lange Paul A. M.
Published: June 2016

Why do people cooperate? We address this classic question by analyzing and discussing the role of reputation: people cooperate to maintain a positive reputation in their social environment. Reputation is a key element fueling a system of indirect reciprocity, where cooperators establish a good reputation and are thus more likely to receive future benefits from third parties. The tendencies to monitor, spread, and manage each other's reputation help explain the abundance of human cooperation with unrelated strangers. We review research on the phenomenon of reputation‐based cooperation in the domains of how people manage their reputation in response to varying cues of reputation, when reputation can promote cooperation, and individual differences in reputation management. We also propose three directions for future research: group stability and reputation‐based cooperation, solutions to cope with noise and biased reputation, and the relative efficiency of positive versus negative reputation systems.
Complete exon 2 sequence of the HLA‐DPA1*03:01 allele by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Sarri C. A. , Markantoni M. , Hadjichristodoulou C. , Mamuris Z. ,   MALWEST Project
Published: June 2016

Completion of the first 20 nucleotides of exon 2 of DPA1*03:01 allele.
Recognition of a novel HLA‐DRB1*09 variant, HLA‐DRB1*09:25, in a Taiwanese hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Yang K. L. , Chen S.‐P. , Lin P. Y.
Published: June 2016

One nucleotide replacement at codon 91of the HLA‐DRB1*09:01:02 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DRB1*09:25.
Riboflavin and ultraviolet light: impact on dengue virus infectivity
Authors: Faddy H. M. , Fryk J. J. , Watterson D. , Young P. R. , Modhiran N. , Muller D. A. , Keil S. D. , Goodrich R. P. , Marks D. C.
Published: June 2016

Background

Dengue viruses (DENV 1‐4) are emerging across the world, and these viruses pose a risk to transfusion safety. Pathogen inactivation may be an alternative approach for managing the risk of DENV transfusion transmission. This study aimed to investigate the ability of riboflavin and UV light to inactivate DENV 1‐4 in platelet concentrates.

Materials and Methods

DENV 1‐4 were spiked into buffy coat‐derived platelet concentrates in additive solution (SSP+) before being treated with riboflavin and UV light. Infectious virus was quantified pre‐ and posttreatment, and the reduction in viral infectivity was calculated.

Results

All four DENV serotypes were modestly reduced after treatment. The greatest amount of reduction in infectivity was observed for DENV‐4 (1·81 log reduction) followed by DENV‐3 (1·71 log reduction), DENV‐2 (1·45 log reduction) and then DENV‐1 (1·28 log reduction).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that DENV 1‐4 titres are modestly reduced following treatment with riboflavin and UV light. With the increasing number of transfusion‐transmitted cases of DENV around the globe, and the increasing incidence and geographical distribution of DENV, additional approaches for maintaining blood safety may be required in the future.
Hepatitis E virus in donor plasma collected in Japan
Authors: Minagi T. , Okamoto H. , Ikegawa M. , Ideno S. , Takahashi K. , Sakai K. , Hagiwara K. , Yunoki M. , Wakisaka A.
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives

Human hepatitis E virus (HEV) is prevalent worldwide. Iatrogenic HEV has recently been identified based on the reports of transfusion‐transmitted cases. The detection rate of HEV‐RNA and seroprevalence of HEV‐IgG/IgM have been regionally evaluated in Japan, and donor plasma collected in Hokkaido is currently screened by nucleic acid amplification testing. However, the detection rate of HEV‐RNA in blood donors in Japan outside of Hokkaido has not been reported.

Materials and Methods

A total of 620 140 qualified donor plasma samples from Japanese regions excluding Hokkaido were tested for HEV‐RNA (pools of 50 or 500) between 2004 and 2014. HEV‐RNA‐positive plasma bags were identified, and the HEV viral load, genotype and anti‐HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G/IgM were evaluated.

Results

The detection rate of HEV‐RNA (pools of 50) was 1/15 075 and higher in eastern than in western Japan. All 36 HEV‐RNA‐positive samples were genotype 3 with viral load ranging from <1·69 to 7·22 log10 copies/ml.

Conclusions

Our detection rate of HEV‐RNA in donor populations in Japan outside Hokkaido (1/15 075 donations) is generally lower than reported in Europe and lower than previously reported for Hokkaido (1/8173 donations). As methods varied, we cannot exclude that these differences are reflective of differing RNA detection limits. In contrast to Hokkaido where genotype 4 has been reported among blood donations, all our positive donations were genotype 3, which is less pathogenic.