bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam provides superior efficacy vs. gel in patients with psoriasis vulgaris: randomized, controlled PSO‐ABLE study
Authors: Paul C. , Stein Gold L. , Cambazard F. , Kalb R.E. , Lowson D. , Bang B. , Griffiths C.E.M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Fixed combination calcipotriol 50 μg/g (Cal) plus betamethasone 0.5 mg/g (BD) foam has been developed as a new treatment option for patients with psoriasis.

Methods

The randomized, parallel‐group, investigator‐blinded Phase III, 12‐week PSO‐ABLE study compared the efficacy and safety of Cal/BD foam with Cal/BD gel. Patients aged ≥18 years with mild‐to‐severe psoriasis were randomized 4:4:1:1 to once‐daily Cal/BD foam, Cal/BD gel, foam vehicle or gel vehicle (NCT02132936). The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients who were clear/almost clear with a ≥ 2 grade improvement according to the physician's global assessment of disease severity (i.e. treatment success) at week 4 for Cal/BD foam vs. week 8 for Cal/BD gel. Secondary efficacy endpoints included: proportion of patients achieving at least a 75% reduction in modified psoriasis area and severity index (mPASI75), and time to treatment success (TTTS). Safety was monitored throughout.

Results

A total of 463 patients were randomized: Cal/BD foam (n = 185), Cal/BD gel (n = 188), foam vehicle (n = 47), gel vehicle (n = 43); overall completion rate was 90%. Cal/BD foam achieved higher treatment success rates (38% vs. 22%; P < 0.001) and mPASI75 (52% vs. 35%; P < 0.001) by week 4 than Cal/BD gel by week 8. Median TTTS with Cal/BD foam was 6 weeks; this could not be determined for Cal/BD gel as 50% treatment success was not achieved (P < 0.001). Adverse drug reactions were reported in 14 (7.6%) Cal/BD aerosol foam patients and 7 (3.7%) Cal/BD gel patients; all were single events except for itch with Cal/BD aerosol foam (n = 5; 2.7%) and worsening psoriasis with Cal/BD gel (n = 3; 1.6%).

Conclusion

Cal/BD aerosol foam showed significantly greater efficacy after 4 weeks, than 8 weeks of treatment with Cal/BD gel, with similar tolerability.
Understanding symptom experiences of muscle tightness from patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives
Authors: Bhimani Rozina H , Gaugler Joseph E , Skay Carol
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine how patients’ symptom experiences of muscle tightness correlate with examiner assessments. To address this question, we (1) obtained the vocabularies used by patients and examiners to describe muscle tightness, (2) correlated patient‐ reported Visual Analog Scale ratings for locations of muscle tightness on a body diagram and (3) explored the similarities and differences between patient and examiner evaluation of muscle tightness analytically and graphically.

Background

Symptoms of muscle tightness are common complaints that occur due to musculoskeletal and neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Terms such as muscle tightness are often intermingled with other conditions including muscle tension, muscle spasticity and muscle rigidity. Discrepancies between patients and clinicians understanding of similar symptoms have been reported in the literature.

Design

A concurrent exploratory mixed methods design was used.

Method

Fifty‐seven participants (six physical therapists, 51 patients) participated. Participants provided semi‐structured interviews, ratings through Visual Analog Scale and concurrently provided the words used to describe muscle tightness. Patients also provided the location of muscle tightness on a body diagram. Content analysis and hierarchical linear modelling were used for data analysis.

Results

The patients’ vocabularies contained more sensory and pain experiences when compared to the clinicians’ vocabularies. Examiners and patients ratings were variable (standard deviation >20) and contained discrepancies. Stress played a role in the symptom experience of muscle tightness. Examiners tended to focus on patients’ chief complaints, while patients reported their symptoms from a whole‐body perspective.

Conclusions

Symptom experiences of muscle tightness can occur with or without pain. Use of complementary therapy and development of an objective tool that accounts for patients’ sensory experiences is warranted.

Relevance to clinical Practice

Findings from this study indicate that in addition to all other available treatments options, nurses must also educate patients about correct posture alignment, breathing exercises and stress management.
Next of kin's experiences of information and responsibility during their older relatives’ care transitions from hospital to municipal health care
Authors: Rustad Else Cathrine , Seiger Cronfalk Berit , Furnes Bodil , Dysvik Elin
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To gain an understanding of how next of kin experience the transition of their older relatives from hospital to municipal health care.

Background

During the care transition of their older relatives, next of kin experience a period of ill‐defined roles and expectations. Successful transition lays the ground for postdischarge treatment and care, in which next of kin have important roles.

Design

A descriptive, exploratory design was used to gain a greater understanding of the experiences of next of kin during their older relatives’ care transitions.

Methods

We conducted qualitative interviews of 13 next of kin of patients aged ≥80 years who had been discharged from the hospital to municipal care. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse interviews.

Results

The main theme, ‘Next of kin balance multiple tasks during older relatives’ care transitions’, emerged from two subthemes: ‘Next of kin strive to fulfil informational needs during care transition’ and ‘Next of kin take responsibility for the older relative during care transition’.

Conclusions

Next of kin have the challenging role of letting their older relative manage self‐care during transition, when able, while being prepared to act on behalf of their relative as needed. Insufficient information and significant responsibilities contribute to unnecessary concerns and worries among next of kin.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses in both hospitals and municipal health care will benefit from knowing more about the experiences of next of kin; this may ensure continuity of care during transitions and diminish unnecessary worries and concerns. Clinical nurses should be sensitive to the next of kin's need for support so the next of kin can better manage their older relatives’ care after homecoming.
A narrative review of acute care nurses’ experiences nursing patients with intellectual disability: underprepared, communication barriers and ambiguity about the role of caregivers
Authors: Lewis Peter , Gaffney Ryan J , Wilson Nathan J
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe how nurses experience caring for people with intellectual disability in an acute care setting.

Background

Recent advances in the care of people with intellectual disability in hospital are primarily based upon the experiences of people with intellectual disability and their caregivers. Little is known about the experiences of registered nurses caring for people with intellectual disability, yet the experiences of nurses in delivering care largely determine the quality of care experienced by people with intellectual disability and their caregivers.

Methods

A narrative literature review using electronic database searches was conducted using variants of the terms disability, nursing and acute care.

Results

Through our reading of the recent literature describing the experiences of nurses caring for people with intellectual disability in an acute care setting, we have identified three themes: (1) nurses feel underprepared when caring for patients with intellectual disability, (2) nurses experience challenges when communicating with people with intellectual disability and (3) nurses have ambiguous expectations of paid and unpaid caregivers.

Conclusion

The enablers of and barriers to the delivery of nursing care in acute care settings need to be made explicit and researchers and nurses need to collaborate in the development, implementation and evaluation of care delivery strategies.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses need to be adequately prepared to care for people with intellectual disability. Preparation should include dealing with the complexities of communicating with people with intellectual disability and practical experience of doing so in clinical and educational environments that ensure the safety and dignity of nurses and people with intellectual disability. Nurses need supportive strategies for developing therapeutic relationships with a range of informal and formal caregivers.
Cultural factors influencing dietary and fluid restriction behaviour: perceptions of older Chinese patients with heart failure
Authors: Rong Xiaoshan , Peng Youqing , Yu Hai‐Ping , Li Dan
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the cultural factors related to dietary and fluid restriction behaviours among older Chinese patients.

Background

Excess dietary sodium and fluid intake are risk factors contributing to the worsening and rehospitalisation for heart failure in older patients. Managing the complex fluid and diet requirements of heart failure patients is challenging and is made more complicated by cultural variations in self‐management behaviours in response to a health threat.

Design

Qualitative study using semi‐structured in interviews and framework analysis.

Methods

The design of this study is qualitative descriptive. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 15 heart failure patients. Data were analysed through content analysis.

Results

Seven cultural themes emerged from the qualitative data: the values placed on health and illness, customary way of life, preference for folk care and the Chinese healthcare system, and factors related to kinship and social ties, religion, economics and education.

Conclusions

Dietary change and management in response to illness, including heart failure, is closely related to individuals’ cultural background. Healthcare providers should have a good understanding of cultural aspects that can influence patients’ conformity to medical recommendations.

Relevance to clinical practice

Heart failure patients need support that considers their cultural needs. Healthcare providers must have a good understanding of the experiences of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The Apparent Digestibility Coefficients of 13 Selected Animal Feedstuff for Cobia,Rachycentron canadum
Authors: Chi Shuyan , Wang Wenjuan , Tan Beiping , Dong Xiaohui , Yang Qihui , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Shuang
Published: August 2016

The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of crude protein, lipid, phosphorous, and amino acids, as well as energy, of 13 animal feedstuffs were determined for cobia,Rachycentron canadum(initial weight 130.0 g). The feedstuffs tested included five types of fishmeal, two of blood meal, one of poultry meat meal, two of meat‐and‐bone meal, two of feather meal, and one type of shrimp meal. A reference diet was formulated and the test diets contained 70% of the reference diet and 30% of each feedstuff. TheADCsof crude protein, lipid, energy, phosphorous, and amino acids of the test ingredients ranged from 68.97 to 92.5%, 69.3 to 95.7%, 77.5 to 98.3%, 58.2 to 80.1%, and 72.5 to 97.0%, respectively. TheADCsof crude protein of white fishmeal, steam‐dried brown fishmeal, imported flame‐dried fishmeal, spray‐dried blood cells, poultry byproduct meal, meat‐bone meal, and meat meal were significantly higher than those of dried blood meal, fermented feather meal, and hydrolyzed feather meal (P < 0.05). TheADCsof lipid of dried blood meal and hydrolyzed feather meal were significantly lower than those of other feedstuffs (P < 0.05). TheADCsof energy of fermented feather meal and hydrolyzed feather meal were significantly lower than those of other feedstuffs (P < 0.05) and theADCsof phosphorus of white fishmeal, steam‐dried brown fishmeal, and imported flame‐dried fishmeal were significantly higher than those of the other ingredients (P < 0.05).
Postzygotic isolation varies by ploidy level within a polyploid complex
Authors: Sutherland Brittany L. , Galloway Laura F.
Published: August 2016

Whole genome duplication is considered to be a significant contributor to angiosperm speciation due to accumulation of rapid, strong interploid reproductive isolation. However, recent work suggests that interploid reproductive isolation may not be complete, especially among higher order cytotypes. This study evaluates postzygotic reproductive isolation among three cytotypes within a polyploid complex.

We conducted reciprocal crosses using two diploid and two hexaploid populations each crossed to tetraploid populations spanning the geographic and phylogenetic range of the Campanula rotundifolia polyploid complex. Interploid and intrapopulation crosses were scored for fruit set, seed number, germination proportion and pollen viability. Postzygotic isolation was calculated for each cross as the product of these fitness components. A subset of offspring was cytotyped via flow cytometry.

Postzygotic isolation was significantly lower in tetraploid–hexaploid crosses than diploid–tetraploid crosses, mostly due to substantially higher germination among tetraploid–hexaploid crosses. Tetraploid–hexaploid crosses produced pentaploids exclusively, whereas diploid–tetraploid crosses produced both triploids and tetraploids in high frequencies.

Postzygotic isolation was weaker among higher order polyploids than between diploids and tetraploids, and unreduced gametes may facilitate diploid–tetraploid reproduction. This incomplete postzygotic isolation could allow ongoing interploid gene flow, especially among higher order polyploids, which may slow divergence and speciation in polyploid complexes.
Analysis of Complications in Outpatient ICD Surgery On or Off Warfarin Anticoagulation
Authors: TOLAT ANEESH , SINGH ANIRUDDHA , WOICIECHOWSKI MELISSA , MASOTTI MAURA , DELL'ORFANO JOSEPH , BERNS ELLISON , BERNSTEIN BRUCE , LIPPMAN NEAL
Published: August 2016

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation is being performed differently at many hospitals, with some keeping patients overnight after procedure while others discharge patients home same day. In addition, many centers are now performing ICD surgery while on warfarin anticoagulation. There are, however, limited data on outpatient ICD surgery on anticoagulated (AC) patients.

Objective

We wished to evaluate the safety of performing outpatient ICD surgery with and without warfarin anticoagulation.

Methods

We evaluated 866 patients who underwent outpatient ICD surgery between April 2010 and September 2014. Patients who were on novel oral anticoagulants, or did not have an international normalized ratio drawn within 24 hours of the procedure were excluded and the remainder were divided into two groups based on whether they were on (n = 230) or off (n = 518) warfarin anticoagulation. We evaluated both procedural and 30‐day complications in both groups.

Results

The complication rate at 30 days in the warfarin AC group was 4.3%, while in the nonanticoagulated (NAC) group was 2.9% and not significantly different (P = 0.31). However, the pocket hematoma rate in the warfarin anticoagulated group was 3.5%, as compared to the NAC group that was 0.4% (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Complications from ICD surgery are low in the ambulatory setting on or off warfarin anticoagulation and appear to be comparable. However, warfarin use during ICD surgery is associated with an increased risk of pocket hematoma.
Xylem and stomata, coordinated through time and space
Authors: Brodribb Timothy J , McAdam Scott AM , Carins Murphy Madeline R
Published: August 2016

Land plants exhibit a degree of homeostasis in leaf water content to protect against damage to photosynthetic and xylem tissues, and to maintain an efficient allocation of resources. This is achieved by a strong coordination between the systems regulating water delivery (xylem) and water loss (stomata). This review discusses evolution in xylem and stomatal function, specifically focussing on the interactions between them.
Social Networks and Policy Entrepreneurship: How Relationships Shape Municipal Decision Making about High‐Volume Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Arnold Gwen , Nguyen Long Le Anh , Gottlieb Madeline
Published: August 2016

Well‐resourced and well‐connected individuals, or “policy entrepreneurs,” often play an important role in advocating and securing the adoption of policies. There is a striking lack of inquiry into the ways that social networks shape the ability of these actors to achieve their aims, including the ways in which network ties may channel policy conflict. To address these gaps, we analyze data from an original survey and an original database of policies to assess the success of policy entrepreneurs (PEs) active in a highly contentious arena: municipal policymaking concerning high‐volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) in New York. We use text‐mining to collect social network data from local newspaper archives, then use those data to construct municipal HVHF policy networks. Municipal anti‐HVHF PEs appear more successful when they operate in less cohesive networks, act as bridges to relative newcomers to the governance network, and have a larger number of network connections. Pro‐HVHF PEs appear more successful when they can forge high‐value connections to key decision makers. Policy entrepreneurs on both sides of the issue are more successful when they have a greater number of sympathetic coalition partners.
Performance and Management in the Public Sector: Testing a Model of Relative Risk Aversion
Authors: Nicholson‐Crotty Sean , Nicholson‐Crotty Jill , Fernandez Sergio
Published: August 2016

Research has demonstrated that management influences the performance of public organizations, but almost no research has explored how the success or failure of a public organization influences the decisions of those who manage it. Arguing that many decisions by public managers are analogous to risky choice, the authors use a well‐validated model of relative risk aversion to understand how such choices are influenced by managers’ perceptions of organizational performance. They theorize that managers will be less likely to encourage innovation or give discretion to employees when they are just reaching their goals relative to other performance conditions. Analyses of responses to the 2011 and 2013 Federal Employee Viewpoint Surveys provide considerable support for these assertions. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of the relationship between management and performance in public organizations.
Evaluating future success of whitebark pine ecosystem restoration under climate change using simulation modeling
Authors: Keane Robert E. , Holsinger Lisa M. , Mahalovich Mary F. , Tomback Diana F.
Published: August 2016

Major declines of whitebark pine forests throughout western North America from the combined effects of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks, fire exclusion policies, and the exotic disease white pine blister rust (WPBR) have spurred many restoration actions. However, projected future warming and drying may further exacerbate the species' decline and possibly compromise long‐term success of today's restoration activities. We evaluated successes of restoration treatments under future climate using a comprehensive landscape simulation experiment. The spatially explicit, ecological process model FireBGCv2 was used to simulate whitebark pine populations on two U.S. Northern Rocky Mountain landscapes over 95 years under two climate, three restoration, and two fire management scenarios. Major findings were that (1) whitebark pine can remain on some high mountain landscapes in a future climate albeit at lower basal areas (50% decrease), (2) restoration efforts, such as thinning and prescribed burning, are vital to ensure future whitebark pine forests, and (3) climate change impacts on whitebark pine vary by local setting. Whitebark pine restoration efforts will mostly be successful in the future but only if future populations are somewhat resistant to WPBR. Results were used to develop general guidelines that address climate change impacts for planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating fine‐scale restoration activities.
Gas exchange responses during 6‐min walk test in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Morris Norman R. , Seale Helen , Harris Julie , Hall Kathleen , Lin Aaron C. W. , Kermeen Fiona
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

The 6‐min walk test (6MWT) is the most widely utilized method of assessing exercise capacity in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing has the advantage of providing additional physiological information over 6MWT. The goals of our study were to describe the addition of gas exchange measurements to 6MWT and to determine how these parameters were related to the severity of PAH in three major subgroups of PAH (idiopathic (IPAH), connective tissue disease‐related (CTPAH) and congenital heart disease‐related (CHPAH)).

Methods

Seventy‐six PAH patients (IPAH, n = 28; CTPAH, n = 24; CHPAH, n = 24) completed the 6MWT with simultaneous gas exchange measurements. The 6‐min walk distance (6MWD), oxygen uptake (
O2
), carbon dioxide production (
CO2
), oxygen saturation, minute ventilation to carbon dioxide output (
E/
CO2
) and end‐tidal partial pressure for carbon dioxide (PETCO2
) were compared between subgroups, different functional classes (FCs) and pharmacotherapy.

Results

Whilst no significant difference in 6MWT was observed, absolute
O2
and
CO2
were higher for IPAH (P < 0.05). Differences were removed when
O2
and
CO2
were expressed relative to body mass (i.e. mL/kg/min). CHPAH had the most significant desaturation during 6MWT (CPAH: 73 ± 15%; CTPAH: 90 ± 8%, IPAH: 92 ± 8%, P < 0.01). There was no difference in
E/
CO2
and PETCO2
between groups; however, New York Health Association (NYHA) FC II performed better than FC III subjects in 6MWT with lower
E/
CO2
and higher end‐exercise PETCO2
. Similarly, individuals on more advanced pharmacotherapy (triple therapy vs monotherapy) had poorer gas exchange during exercise.

Conclusion

Whilst 6MWT and gas exchange did not differentiate between PAH groups, individuals with more severe disease and on more advanced pharmacotherapy had poorer gas exchange during exercise.
A red flag is seen in a perfect asthma storm
Authors: Gibson Peter G.
Published: August 2016

See article, page 1251
Family caregivers' experience of activities of daily living handling in older adult with stroke: a qualitative research in the Iranian context
Authors: Hesamzadeh Ali , Dalvandi Asghar , Bagher Maddah Sadat , Fallahi Khoshknab Masoud , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Mosavi Arfa Nazila
Published: August 2016

Background

Patients with stroke require additional support from family to live independently in the area of activities of daily living. Family members are usually the main caregivers of stroke patients. Comprehensive explanation of ADL handling from family caregivers’ view is lacking.

Aim

This study explores and describes family caregivers’ experiences about the strategies to handle activities of daily living (ADL) dependency of elderly patient with stroke in the Iranian context.

Method

A qualitative content analysis approach was conducted to analyse data. Nineteen family caregivers participated in the study from multiple physiotherapy clinics of physiotherapy in Sari (Iran) between September 2013 and May 2014. Data were generated through in‐depth interviews, and content analysis method was used to analyse the data and determine themes.

Findings

The findings show that family caregivers manage the ADL dependency of their elderly stroke patients through seven strategies including encouraging physical movements, providing personal hygiene, nutritional consideration, facilitating religious activities, filling leisure time, and facilitating transfer and assisting in financial issues.

Conclusion

Family has an important role in handling of elderly stroke patients’ ADL dependency. Health practitioners can take benefit from the findings to help the stroke families play more active role in the handling ADL dependency of their patients after stroke.
Effects of a dietary self‐management programme for community‐dwelling older adults: a quasi‐experimental design
Authors: Chen Su‐Hui , Huang Yu‐Ping , Shao Jung‐Hua
Published: August 2016

Rationale

Nutritional health plays a crucial role in determining successful ageing and differs by different living area. Although nutritional interventions have long been advocated, little research has directly assessed the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on community‐dwelling older adults in urban and rural areas and compared intervention effects on these two populations.

Aims and objectives

To examine the effectiveness of a 12‐week dietary self‐management programme for salt‐, fluid‐, fat‐ and cholesterol‐intake behaviours of community‐dwelling older adults and to compare these effects in rural‐ and urban‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

For this quasi‐experimental two‐group study, older adults (≥65 years old) were recruited from two randomly selected public health centres in a rural north‐eastern county and a northern city of Taiwan from January through December 2011. Outcomes included nutritional status, nutritional self‐efficacy and health locus of control. Data were collected at baseline and 12 weeks later. To compare changes in outcome variables over time between the control (usual care) and intervention (nutritional programme) groups and between the urban‐ and rural‐dwelling participants in the experimental group, we used generalised estimating equation analysis.

Results

Of the 129 participants, 120 completed this study (58 in the intervention group and 62 in the control group). After 12 weeks, the intervention group had significantly better nutritional status and higher internal health locus of control than the control group. Moreover, older rural participants who received the intervention tended towards higher nutritional self‐efficacy and internal health locus of control than their urban counterparts.

Conclusions

Our research findings support the positive effect of our nutritional self‐management programme for community‐dwelling older adults. The knowledge gained from this study can help stakeholders recognise the need for healthcare policy to establish effective strategies and sustainable intervention programmes for this population, especially those living in rural areas.
Closing down bars in the inner city centre: Informal urban planning, civil insecurity and subjectivity in Bolivia
Authors: Risør Helene
Published: August 2016

The paper presents an ethnographic analysis of a group of secondary school students' protests against (illegal) bars in the city centre of El Alto, Bolivia. It shows how informal and formal practices are entangled through the state's dependence on the (illegal) actions of the citizenry in order to ensure civil security. The paper suggests that urban intervention is coproduced by state and nonstate actors at the margins of the state and that urban transformation entails subject formation, in this case that of political youth. Following Hansen and Verkaaik's (2009) argument that the city is essentially multilayered and unknowable, I argue that urban life, as well as state‐citizen relations, is indeterminate, and that it is due to this indeterminacy that the students succeeded in transforming a common association between Alteño youth, alcohol consumption and potential criminal conduct into an alternative notion of youth as responsible citizens of the New Bolivia. This conceptualization permits us to understand the urban sphere as a space not only of conflict but also of endurance and hope, and hence as a zone that allows for the imaginative production of the otherwise (Povinelli, 2011).
Interference with ethylene perception at receptor level sheds light on auxin and transcriptional circuits associated with the climacteric ripening of apple fruit (Malus x domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Tadiello Alice , Longhi Sara , Moretto Marco , Ferrarini Alberto , Tononi Paola , Farneti Brian , Busatto Nicola , Vrhovsek Urska , Molin Alessandra dal , Avanzato Carla , Biasioli Franco , Cappellin Luca , Scholz Matthias , Velasco Riccardo , Trainotti Livio , Delledonne Massimo , Costa Fabrizio
Published: August 2016

Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) is a model species for studying the metabolic changes that occur at the onset of ripening in fruit crops, and the physiological mechanisms that are governed by the hormone ethylene. In this study, to dissect the climacteric interplay in apple, a multidisciplinary approach was employed. To this end, a comprehensive analysis of gene expression together with the investigation of several physiological entities (texture, volatilome and content of polyphenolic compounds) was performed throughout fruit development and ripening. The transcriptomic profiling was conducted with two microarray platforms: a dedicated custom array (iRIPE) and a whole genome array specifically enriched with ripening‐related genes for apple (WGAA). The transcriptomic and phenotypic changes following the application of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), an ethylene inhibitor leading to important modifications in overall fruit physiology, were also highlighted. The integrative comparative network analysis showed both negative and positive correlations between ripening‐related transcripts and the accumulation of specific metabolites or texture components. The ripening distortion caused by the inhibition of ethylene perception, in addition to affecting the ethylene pathway, stimulated the de‐repression of auxin‐related genes, transcription factors and photosynthetic genes. Overall, the comprehensive repertoire of results obtained here advances the elucidation of the multi‐layered climacteric mechanism of fruit ripening, thus suggesting a possible transcriptional circuit governed by hormones and transcription factors.
Transient cerebellar alterations during development prior to obvious motor phenotype in a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 6
Authors: Jayabal Sriram , Ljungberg Lovisa , Watt Alanna J.
Published: August 2016

Key points

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is a midlife‐onset neurodegenerative disease caused by a CACNA1A mutation; CACNA1A is also implicated in cerebellar development.

We have previously shown that when disease symptoms are present in midlife in SCA684Q/84Q mice, cerebellar Purkinje cells spike with reduced rate and precision. In contrast, we find that during postnatal development (P10–13), SCA684Q/84Q Purkinje cells spike with elevated rate and precision.

Although surplus climbing fibres are linked to ataxia in other mouse models, we found surplus climbing fibre inputs on developing (P10–13) SCA684Q/84Q Purkinje cells when motor deficits were not detected.

Developmental alterations were transient and were no longer observed in weanling (P21–24) SCA684Q/84Q Purkinje cells.

Our results suggest that changes in the developing cerebellar circuit can occur without detectable motor abnormalities, and that changes in cerebellar development may not necessarily persist into adulthood.

Although some neurodegenerative diseases are caused by mutations in genes that are known to regulate neuronal development, surprisingly, patients may not present disease symptoms until adulthood. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is one such midlife‐onset disorder in which the mutated gene, CACNA1A, is implicated in cerebellar development. We wondered whether changes were observed in the developing cerebellum in SCA6 prior to the detection of motor deficits. To address this question, we used a transgenic mouse with a hyper‐expanded triplet repeat (SCA684Q/84Q) that displays late‐onset motor deficits at 7 months, and measured cerebellar Purkinje cell synaptic and intrinsic properties during postnatal development. We found that firing rate and precision were enhanced during postnatal development in P10–13 SCA684Q/84Q Purkinje cells, and observed surplus multiple climbing fibre innervation without changes in inhibitory input or dendritic structure during development. Although excess multiple climbing fibre innervation has been associated with ataxic symptoms in several adult transgenic mice, we observed no detectable changes in cerebellar‐related motor behaviour in developing SCA684Q/84Q mice. Interestingly, we found that developmental alterations were transient, as both Purkinje cell firing properties and climbing fibre innervation from weanling‐aged (P21–24) SCA684Q/84Q mice were indistinguishable from litter‐matched control mice. Our results demonstrate that significant alterations in neuronal circuit development may be observed without any detectable behavioural read‐out, and that early changes in brain development may not necessarily persist into adulthood in midlife‐onset diseases.
Hardness, elastic modulus, and wear resistance of hafnium oxide-based films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Berdova Maria , Liu Xuwen , Wiemer Claudia , Lamperti Alessio , Tallarida Grazia , Cianci Elena , Fanciulli Marco , Franssila Sami
Published: August 2016

The investigation of mechanical properties of atomic layer deposition HfO2 films is important for implementing these layers in microdevices. The mechanical properties of films change as a function of composition and structure, which accordingly vary with deposition temperature and post-annealing. This work describes elastic modulus, hardness, and wear resistance of as-grown and annealed HfO2. From nanoindentation measurements, the elastic modulus and hardness remained relatively stable in the range of 163–165 GPa and 8.3–9.7 GPa as a function of deposition temperature. The annealing of HfO2 caused significant increase in hardness up to 14.4 GPa due to film crystallization and densification. The structural change also caused increase in the elastic modulus up to 197 GPa. Wear resistance did not change as a function of deposition temperature, but improved upon annealing.
Phoneme restoration and empirical coverage of Interactive Activation and Adaptive Resonance models of human speech processing
Authors: Grossberg Stephen , Kazerounian Sohrob
Published: August 2016

Magnuson [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 137, 1481–1492 (2015)] makes claims for Interactive Activation (IA) models and against Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) models of speech perception. Magnuson also presents simulations that claim to show that the TRACE model can simulate phonemic restoration, which was an explanatory target of the cARTWORD ART model. The theoretical analysis and review herein show that these claims are incorrect. More generally, the TRACE and cARTWORD models illustrate two diametrically opposed types of neural models of speech and language. The TRACE model embodies core assumptions with no analog in known brain processes. The cARTWORD model defines a hierarchy of cortical processing regions whose networks embody cells in laminar cortical circuits as part of the paradigm of laminar computing. cARTWORD further develops ART speech and language models that were introduced in the 1970s. It builds upon Item-Order-Rank working memories, which activate learned list chunks that unitize sequences to represent phonemes, syllables, and words. Psychophysical and neurophysiological data support Item-Order-Rank mechanisms and contradict TRACE representations of time, temporal order, silence, and top-down processing that exhibit many anomalous properties, including hallucinations of non-occurring future phonemes. Computer simulations of the TRACE model are presented that demonstrate these failures.
In-air vocal repertoires of spotted seals, Phoca largha
Authors: Zhang Peijun , Lu Jiaojiao , Li Songhai , Han Jiabo , Wang Qinguo , Yang Liangliang
Published: August 2016

Spotted seals (Phoca largha) are thought to be less vocal than other phocids. However, acoustic communication behaviors of spotted seals have been reported several times. In this study, the vocal repertoires of spotted seals housed in Dalian Sun Aquarium, China were recorded and analyzed. The frequencies of the sounds made by the seals ranged from 139.3 to 2323.1 Hz, and the time durations lasted from 92.8 to 1208 ms, depending on age and gender (P < 0.01). The peak-to-peak sound source levels were 109–124 dB re 20μPa. In total, seven vocal types were identified: pup call, yearling call, bark, growl, grunt, moo, and throat guttural. The pups emitted sounds with high frequencies (F1: 972.4 ± 374.4 Hz, mean ± standard deviation) and medial time durations (564 ± 178 ms); when the pups grew older, the sounds became yearling calls, which had high frequencies with median (interquartile range) of 1198.0 (821.7–1385.5) Hz; and long time durations [902 (745–1080) ms]. The male adults emitted sounds with low frequencies [430.2 (388.2–486.7) Hz] and short time durations [334 (233–599) ms], while the female adults emitted sounds with medial frequencies [814.5 (592.6–1024.3) Hz] and medial time durations [531 (336–688) ms].
How Do Adults With Down Syndrome Perceive Physical Activity?
Authors: Love Adam , Agiovlasitis Stamatis
Published: August 2016

Adults with Down syndrome (DS) tend to have low physical activity levels, which may relate to how they perceive participation in physical activities. The current study entailed interviews with 30 adults with DS (age 18–71 yr, 18 women) to examine how they perceived physical activity, exercise, and sport. Through qualitative analysis informed by grounded theory, the investigators found that adults with DS have positive perceptions of physical activity that center on enjoyment. Three facets of enjoyment were identified: interaction, achievement, and process. Interaction reflected enjoyment of social contact with others including relatives, peers, caregivers, and animals. Achievement involved enjoyment of achieving particular ends including accomplishment of tasks, material rewards, formation of athletic identities, and improvement of health. Process represented enjoyment from performing a particular activity itself. This multifaceted enjoyment expressed by adults with DS may facilitate physical activity and should be considered when developing programs to improve their well-being.
Pharmacological targeting of kinases MST1 and MST2 augments tissue repair and regeneration
Authors: Fan Fuqin , He Zhixiang , Kong Lu-Lu , Chen Qinghua , Yuan Quan , Zhang Shihao , Ye Jinjin , Liu Hao , Sun Xiufeng , Geng Jing , Yuan Lunzhi , Hong Lixin , Xiao Chen , Zhang Weiji , Sun Xihuan , Li Yunzhan , Wang Ping , Huang Lihong , Wu Xinrui , Ji Zhiliang , Wu Qiao , Xia Ning-Shao , Gray Nathanael S. , Chen Lanfen , Yun Cai-Hong , Deng Xianming , Zhou Dawang
Published: August 2016

Manipulation of the Hippo signaling pathway with a reversible and selective small-molecule inhibitor of Hippo kinase MST1/2 provides a therapeutic option for tissue injury and repair.
The Stringent Response Promotes Antibiotic Resistance Dissemination by Regulating Integron Integrase Expression in Biofilms
Authors: Strugeon Emilie , Tilloy Valentin , Ploy Marie-Cécile , Da Re Sandra
Published: August 2016

Class 1 integrons are genetic systems that enable bacteria to capture and express gene cassettes. These integrons, when isolated in clinical contexts, most often carry antibiotic resistance gene cassettes. They play a major role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance among Gram-negative bacteria. The key element of integrons is the integrase, which allows gene cassettes to be acquired and shuffled. Planktonic culture experiments have shown that integrase expression is regulated by the bacterial SOS response. In natural settings, however, bacteria generally live in biofilms, which are characterized by strong antibiotic resilience and by increased expression of stress-related genes. Here, we report that under biofilm conditions, the stringent response, which is induced upon starvation, (i) increases basal integrase and SOS regulon gene expression via induction of the SOS response and (ii) exerts biofilm-specific regulation of the integrase via the Lon protease. This indicates that biofilm environments favor integron-mediated acquisition of antibiotic resistance and other adaptive functions encoded by gene cassettes.

IMPORTANCE
Multidrug-resistant bacteria are becoming a worldwide health problem. Integrons are bacterial genetic platforms that allow the bacteria to capture and express gene cassettes. In clinical settings, integrons play a major role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance gene cassettes among Gram-negative bacteria. Cassette capture is catalyzed by the integron integrase, whose expression is induced by DNA damage and controlled by the bacterial SOS response in laboratory planktonic cultures. In natural settings, bacteria usually grow in heterogeneous environments known as biofilms, which have very different conditions than planktonic cultures. Integrase regulation has not been investigated in biofilms. Our results showed that in addition to the SOS response, the stringent response (induced upon starvation) is specifically involved in the regulation of class 1 integron integrases in biofilms. This study shows that biofilms are favorable environments for integron-mediated acquisition/exchange of antibiotic resistance genes by bacteria and for the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Vpu-Mediated Counteraction of Tetherin Is a Major Determinant of HIV-1 Interferon Resistance
Authors: Kmiec Dorota , Iyer Shilpa S. , Stürzel Christina M. , Sauter Daniel , Hahn Beatrice H. , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: August 2016

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) groups M, N, O, and P are the result of independent zoonotic transmissions of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) infecting great apes in Africa. Among these, only Vpu proteins of pandemic HIV-1 group M strains evolved potent activity against the restriction factor tetherin, which inhibits virus release from infected cells. Thus, effective Vpu-mediated tetherin antagonism may have been a prerequisite for the global spread of HIV-1. To determine whether this particular function enhances primary HIV-1 replication and interferon resistance, we introduced mutations into thevpugenes of HIV-1 group M and N strains to specifically disrupt their ability to antagonize tetherin, but not other Vpu functions, such as degradation of CD4, down-modulation of CD1d and NTB-A, and suppression of NF-κB activity. Lack of particular human-specific adaptations reduced the ability of HIV-1 group M Vpu proteins to enhance virus production and release from primary CD4+T cells at high levels of type I interferon (IFN) from about 5-fold to 2-fold. Interestingly, transmitted founder HIV-1 strains exhibited higher virion release capacity than chronic control HIV-1 strains irrespective of Vpu function, and group M viruses produced higher levels of cell-free virions than an N group HIV-1 strain. Thus, efficient virus release from infected cells seems to play an important role in the spread of HIV-1 in the human population and requires a fully functional Vpu protein that counteracts human tetherin.

IMPORTANCEUnderstanding which human-specific adaptations allowed HIV-1 to cause the AIDS pandemic is of great importance. One feature that distinguishes pandemic HIV-1 group M strains from nonpandemic or rare group O, N, and P viruses is the acquisition of mutations in the accessory Vpu protein that confer potent activity against human tetherin. Adaptation was required because human tetherin has a deletion that renders it resistant to the Nef protein used by the SIV precursor of HIV-1 to antagonize this antiviral factor. It has been suggested that these adaptations in Vpu were critical for the effective spread of HIV-1 M strains, but direct evidence has been lacking. Here, we show that these changes in Vpu significantly enhance virus replication and release in human CD4+T cells, particularly in the presence of IFN, thus supporting an important role in the spread of pandemic HIV-1.
Hydrogen Metabolism in Helicobacter pylori Plays a Role in Gastric Carcinogenesis through Facilitating CagA Translocation
Authors: Wang Ge , Romero-Gallo Judith , Benoit Stéphane L. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Dominguez Ricardo L. , Morgan Douglas R. , Peek Richard M. , Maier Robert J.
Published: August 2016

A known virulence factor of
Helicobacter pylori
that augments gastric cancer risk is the CagA cytotoxin. A carcinogenic derivative strain, 7.13, that has a greater ability to translocate CagA exhibits much higher hydrogenase activity than its parent noncarcinogenic strain, B128. A Δ
hyd
mutant strain with deletion of hydrogenase genes was ineffective in CagA translocation into human gastric epithelial AGS cells, while no significant attenuation of cell adhesion was observed. The quinone reductase inhibitor 2-
n
-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-
N
-oxide (HQNO) was used to specifically inhibit the H
2
-utilizing respiratory chain of outer membrane-permeabilized bacterial cells; that level of inhibitor also greatly attenuated CagA translocation into AGS cells, indicating the H
2
-generated transmembrane potential is a contributor to toxin translocation. The Δ
hyd
strain showed a decreased frequency of DNA transformation, suggesting that
H. pylori
hydrogenase is also involved in energizing the DNA uptake apparatus. In a gerbil model of infection, the ability of the Δ
hyd
strain to induce inflammation was significantly attenuated (at 12 weeks postinoculation), while all of the gerbils infected with the parent strain (7.13) exhibited a high level of inflammation. Gastric cancer developed in 50% of gerbils infected with the wild-type strain 7.13 but in none of the animals infected with the Δ
hyd
strain. By examining the hydrogenase activities from well-defined clinical
H. pylori
isolates, we observed that strains isolated from cancer patients (
n
= 6) have a significantly higher hydrogenase (H
2
/O
2
) activity than the strains isolated from gastritis patients (
n
= 6), further supporting an association between
H. pylori
hydrogenase activity and gastric carcinogenesis in humans.

IMPORTANCE
Hydrogen-utilizing hydrogenases are known to be important for some respiratory pathogens to colonize hosts. Here a gastric cancer connection is made via a pathogen’s (
H. pylori
) use of molecular hydrogen, a host microbiome-produced gas. Delivery of the known carcinogenic factor CagA into host cells is augmented by the H
2
-utilizing respiratory chain of the bacterium. The role of hydrogenase in carcinogenesis is demonstrated in an animal model, whereby inflammation markers and cancer development were attenuated in the hydrogenase-null strain. Hydrogenase activity comparisons of clinical strains of the pathogen also support a connection between hydrogen metabolism and gastric cancer risk. While molecular hydrogen use is acknowledged to be an alternative high-energy substrate for some pathogens, this work extends the roles of H
2
oxidation to include transport of a carcinogenic toxin. The work provides a new avenue for exploratory treatment of some cancers via microflora alterations.