bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifurcaria bifurcata: a key macro‐alga as a source of bioactive compounds and functional ingredients
Authors: Alves Celso , Pinteus Susete , Simões Tiago , Horta André , Silva Joana , Tecelão Carla , Pedrosa Rui
Published: May 2016

The aim of this work was to study the proximate composition and the bioactive profile of Bifurcaria bifurcata. It contains 73.31 ± 0.69% of moisture, 8.57 ± 0.11 g per 100 g dry weight (d.w.) of protein, 5.81 ± 0.14 g per 100 g d.w. of lipid content and 30.15 ± 0.00 g per 100 g d.w. of ash. The polyunsaturated fatty acids were the most abundant fatty acid (FA), accounting for 2426.56 mg per 100 g which represents 41.77% of the total FA. The methanolic fraction showed high quantity of polyphenols (220.01 ± 0.010 phloroglucinol equivalents g−1 extract), DPPH radical reduction capacity (EC50:58.82 μg mL−1) and oxygen radical absorbent capacity (3151.35 ± 119.33 μmol Trolox equivalents g−1 extract). The highest antimicrobial effect was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.3 ± 1.5 mm) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (IC50:17.07 μg mL−1) induced by methanolic and dichloromethane fractions, respectively. Dichloromethane fraction revealed the highest antitumor activity on Caco‐2 and HepG‐2 cells. Bifurcaria bifurcata can be a promising source of bioactive compounds and functional ingredients.
Combined effects of matrix and gene marker on the real‐time PCR detection of wheat
Authors: Martín‐Fernández Begoña , Costa Joana , Oliveira Maria Beatriz Prior Pinto , López‐Ruiz Beatriz , Mafra Isabel
Published: May 2016

DNA‐based methods have been advanced as excellent alternatives for the detection and quantification of gluten‐containing cereals. In this study, it was intended to evaluate the effect of three distinct food matrices on the performance three TaqMan real‐time PCR approaches targeting α2‐gliadin, agglutinin isolectin (Tri a 18) and thioredoxin h(Tri a 25) genes of wheat. The results of wheat flour detection in soya bean, maize and rice model matrices evidenced that sensitivity was considerably affected by both the food matrix and the target gene. Rice matrix allowed the highest sensitivity, in opposition to soya bean. The α2‐gliadin method enabled the best sensitivity, especially when combined with rice matrix (5 mg kg−1), followed by maize (10 mg kg−1) and soya bean (50 mg kg−1). These findings suggest that food matrix effects need to be carefully evaluated when developing real‐time PCR assays for wheat detection/quantification, but without compromising their great effectiveness as tools to monitor gluten‐containing cereals.
Changes in bioactive compounds and their relationship to antioxidant activity in white sufu during manufacturing
Authors: Cai Ruo‐chun , Li Li , Yang Mei , Cheung Hon‐Yeung , Fu Liang
Published: May 2016

In this article, samples of white sufu were collected at different manufacture stages and their content of water‐soluble protein (WSP) and amino nitrogen (AN); the distribution of peptides in WSP and isoflavones, as well as the antioxidant activities, was analysed. Results indicated that the peptides with molecular weight of 500–1000 Da increased 13.09 times from 0.11 to 1.44 g 100 g−1 dry matter (DM) during the whole manufacturing, while isoflavone glucosides were almost entirely converted to aglycones after ripening for 15 days. Ferric reducing power (FRAP) and 2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid radical scavenging activity (ABTS RSA) were significantly increased by 2.80‐ and 1.60‐fold, respectively. Correlation analysis suggested that ABTS RSA was significantly related to WSP (especially for the 500–1000 Da peptides; P < 0.01) and the content of aglycones (P < 0.05), while FRAP was only correlated to WSP (P < 0.05). It is concluded the peptides were the most important components contributing to the antioxidant activities of sufu.
Strategies to reduce the use of seclusion with tāngata whai i te ora (Māori mental health service users)
Authors: Wharewera‐Mika Julie, PhD , Cooper Erana, PhD , Wiki Nick, RN , Field Trudie, RN , Haitana Jason , Toko Mike , Edwards Erika , McKenna Brian, RN, BA, MHSc, PhD
Published: May 2016

Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have the highest crude population‐based rate of seclusion events reported internationally (McLeod et al. ). This qualitative study explored Māori clinical, cultural and consumer perspectives on potential strategies and initiatives considered likely to facilitate prevention of, and reduction in, the use of seclusion, with tāngata whai i te ora (Māori mental health service users) in mental health inpatient services.

A hui (gathering) over 2 days was held with 16 Māori participants with high levels of clinical, cultural and consumer expertise. The gathering was taped and the tapes transcribed. A thematic analysis of the hui data generated three key categories: Te Ao Māori (access to a Māori worldview); Te Ao Hurihuri (transforming practice); and Rangatiratanga (leadership, power, and control).

The findings of this study align with the “six core strategies” for best practice to reduce the use of seclusion (Huckshorn ). A comprehensive approach to the reduction of the use of seclusion with tāngata whai i te ora is required, which is clearly based on a Māori model of care and a vision for transformation of practice in mental health inpatient services, which involves Māori leadership.
Difficulties encountered by hospitalized Syrian refugees and their expectations from nurses
Authors: Sevinç S. , Kılıç S.P. , Ajghif M. , Öztürk M.H. , Karadağ E.
Published: May 2016

Background

Treating patients with care and respecting their cultural values are key factors necessary to enhance the quality of nursing care.

Aim

The objective of this study was to explore and describe the difficulties experienced by hospitalized Syrian refugees and their expectations from nurses and hospital administration.

Methods

We used a descriptive qualitative research approach to engage 30 Syrian refugees undergoing treatment in internal medicine who met the study criteria. Data were collected using a descriptive questionnaire and a semi‐structured interview with open‐ended interview questions. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive coding approach. Descriptive questions were analysed and presented via number and percentage. Other data were assessed using content analysis methods.

Results

Three major themes were developed following the analysis of the interviews. We determined that the refugees who participated in the study experienced difficulties in communicating, meeting their personal needs and correctly following treatment instructions. They also had certain expectations from the hospital administration and nurses, and they felt gratitude for both nurses and the nation of Turkey.

Conclusions

The results of this study, shared with the executive administration of the hospital, may result in new policies which will help new Syrian refugee patients and patients with similar needs to have better experience related to patient care, communications and meeting personal needs.

Implication for nursing and health policy

It is important that nurses and other healthcare provider consider the difficulties and expectations of refugees regarding healthcare services and include same in the development of provider training programmes. Development of public health welfare and employment law and policies help to lay the groundwork for successful integration of refugees in new cultures and countries.
Recrystallization of Er3+:CaF2 in Transparent Fluorophosphate Glass‐Ceramics with the Co‐Firing Method
Authors: Fan Jintai , Chen Siyuan , Yuan Xinqiang , Jiang Yiguang , Pan Liangjie , Jiang Benxue , Mao Xiaojian , Li Rihong , Jiang Xiongwei , Zhang Long
Published: May 2016

Transparent glass‐ceramics containing Er3+:CaF2 crystallites were prepared with the co‐firing method. The formation process of the glass‐ceramics was investigated by means of SEM, XRD, and DSC. The results reveal that the Er3+:CaF2 nanocrystals do not dissolve into the fluorophosphates (FP) glassmelt until the co‐firing temperature increase higher than about 920°C. Below this temperature, Er3+:CaF2 survives the co‐firing process and the nanocrystals just grow to spherical crystals of micrometers in size. Co‐firing temperature higher than this temperature leads to the dissolution of Er3+:CaF2 and the dissolved Er3+:CaF2 recrystallized during quenching process and takes the shape of dendrite.
Forced air warming to maintain normoTHERMIa during SEDation in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: protocol for the THERMISED pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Conway Aaron , Duff Jed
Published: May 2016

Aim

To determine whether applying forced air warming attenuates the impact of sedation‐induced impairment of thermoregulation on body temperature of patients who are sedated during interventional procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Background

A moderate proportion of sedated patients who undergo procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory with only passive warming become hypothermic. Hypothermia in the surgical population is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiac events, infections, thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications and prolonged hospital stay. For this reason, investigation of the clinical benefits of preventing hypothermia in sedated patients using active warming is required.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 140 participants undergoing elective interventional procedures with sedation in a cardiac catheterization laboratory will be recruited from two hospitals in Australia. Participants will be randomized to receive forced air warming (active warming) or usual care (passive warming with heated cotton blankets) throughout procedures. The primary outcome is hypothermia (defined as temperature less than 36°C) at the conclusion of the procedure. Secondary outcomes are postprocedure temperature, postprocedural shivering, thermal discomfort, major complications, disability‐free survival to 30 days postprocedure, cost‐effectiveness and feasibility of conducting a larger clinical trial.

Discussion

The results from this study will provide high‐level evidence for practice in an area where there is currently no guidance. Findings will be easily translatable into clinical practice because most hospitals already have forced air warming equipment available for use during general anaesthesia.

Registration number: ACTRN12616000013460.
Effects of work–family–school role conflicts and role‐related social support on burnout in Registered Nurses: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Goong Hwasoo , Xu Lijuan , Li Chun‐yu
Published: May 2016

Aim

To examine the effects of work–family–school role conflicts and role‐related social support (RRSS) on burnout of nurses pursuing an advanced degree.

Design

A predictive correlational cross‐sectional study design was used.

Background

Nurses were found to be a high‐risk group for burnout, even more so among nurses pursuing an advanced degree. When nurses with a professional career marry and decide to become students, inter‐role conflicts and burnout are possible outcomes of the resulting multiple roles.

Methods

Using convenience sampling, data were collected from October 2011–May 2012. A questionnaire about work–family–school role conflicts, RRSS, burnout and general information was completed by 286 nurses pursuing an advanced degree at 12 hospitals in Korea. Data were analysed using SPSS and structural equation modelling with the Analysis of Moment Structures program.

Results

The proposed model provided a good fit to the obtained data. Work–family–school role conflicts and social support exerted significant effects on burnout. Role‐related social support was found to play a partial mediating role between work–family–school role conflicts and burnout.

Conclusion

The findings of this study imply that RRSS significantly directly and indirectly influences burnout among the nurses pursuing an advanced degree. It is necessary for nursing managers to consider implementing family‐ and school‐friendly policies (e.g. flexible work schedules) to help nurses to manage their multiple roles and thereby decrease their burnout rate.
Secondary traumatic stress in the emergency department
Authors: Morrison Lindy E. , Joy Jane P.
Published: May 2016

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among Emergency nurses in the West of Scotland and explore their experiences of this.

Background

Unexpected death, trauma and violence are regular occurrences that contribute to the stressful environment nurses working in the Emergency department experience. A potential consequence of repeated exposure to such stressors can be referred to as secondary traumatic stress.

Design

Triangulation of methods of data collection, using two distinct phases:

Phase 1 – quantitative

Phase 2 – qualitative

Methods

Quantitative data were collated via postal questionnaire, from a convenience sample of Emergency nurses. Qualitative data were subsequently collated from a focus group constituting of a random sample of these Emergency nurses. Descriptive statistics were computed and thematic analysis conducted. All data were collated during February 2013.

Results/findings

75% of the sampled Emergency nurses reported at least one secondary traumatic stress symptom in the last week. Participants said that acute occupational stressors such as resuscitation and death were the influencing factors towards this. Strategies such as formal debriefing and social support were cited as beneficial tools for the management of secondary traumatic stress; however, barriers such as time and experience were found to inhibit their common use.

Conclusion

Secondary traumatic stress is a prevalent phenomenon among Emergency nurses in the West of Scotland and if not managed appropriately, could represent a significant barrier to the mental health of this group and their capacity to provide quality care.
Systematic methodological review: developing a framework for a qualitative semi‐structured interview guide
Authors: Kallio Hanna , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Johnson Martin , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: May 2016

Aim

To produce a framework for the development of a qualitative semi‐structured interview guide.

Background

Rigorous data collection procedures fundamentally influence the results of studies. The semi‐structured interview is a common data collection method, but methodological research on the development of a semi‐structured interview guide is sparse.

Design

Systematic methodological review.

Data sources

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science for methodological papers on semi‐structured interview guides from October 2004–September 2014. Having examined 2,703 titles and abstracts and 21 full texts, we finally selected 10 papers.

Review methods

We analysed the data using the qualitative content analysis method.

Results

Our analysis resulted in new synthesized knowledge on the development of a semi‐structured interview guide, including five phases: (1) identifying the prerequisites for using semi‐structured interviews; (2) retrieving and using previous knowledge; (3) formulating the preliminary semi‐structured interview guide; (4) pilot testing the guide; and (5) presenting the complete semi‐structured interview guide.

Conclusion

Rigorous development of a qualitative semi‐structured interview guide contributes to the objectivity and trustworthiness of studies and makes the results more plausible. Researchers should consider using this five‐step process to develop a semi‐structured interview guide and justify the decisions made during it.
Inhibition of Rac1 reduces store overload‐induced calcium release and protects against ventricular arrhythmia
Authors: Zhang Lili , Lu Xiangru , Gui Le , Wu Yan , Sims Stephen M. , Wang Guoping , Feng Qingping
Published: May 2016

Rac1 is a small GTPase and plays key roles in multiple cellular processes including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, whether Rac1 activation during myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) contributes to arrhythmogenesis is not fully understood. We aimed to study the effects of Rac1 inhibition on store overload‐induced Ca2+ release (SOICR) and ventricular arrhythmia during myocardial I/R. Adult Rac1f/f and cardiac‐specific Rac1 knockdown (Rac1ckd) mice were subjected to myocardial I/R and their electrocardiograms (ECGs) were monitored for ventricular arrhythmia. Myocardial Rac1 activity was increased and ventricular arrhythmia was induced during I/R in Rac1f/f mice. Remarkably, I/R‐induced ventricular arrhythmia was significantly decreased in Rac1ckd compared to Rac1f/f mice. Furthermore, treatment with Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 decreased I/R‐induced ventricular arrhythmia. Ca2+ imaging analysis showed that in response to a 6 mM external Ca2+ concentration challenge, SOICR was induced with characteristic spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ waves in Rac1f/f cardiomyocytes. Notably, SOICR was diminished by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of Rac1 in adult cardiomyocytes. Moreover, I/R‐induced ROS production and ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) oxidation were significantly inhibited in the myocardium of Rac1ckd mice. We conclude that Rac1 activation induces ventricular arrhythmia during myocardial I/R. Inhibition of Rac1 suppresses SOICR and protects against ventricular arrhythmia. Blockade of Rac1 activation may represent a new paradigm for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia in ischaemic heart disease.
High neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is associated with increased carotid artery intima‐media thickness in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Xueqin , Shen Jun , Lu Zhenghong , Chen Min , Fang Xiaozheng , Wang Gongcheng
Published: May 2016

Aims/Introduction

Emerging evidence suggests that the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a novel potential marker of inflammatory responses. The objective was to evaluate the association between NLR and carotid artery intima‐media thickness (cIMT) in type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a case–control study involving 320 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 250 age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched healthy controls who all underwent carotid ultrasonography and took a blood examination. We divided the diabetes patients into two groups according to cIMT: 188 diabetes patients with high cIMT and 132 diabetes patients with low cIMT, and compared baseline characteristics and NLR between the two groups and healthy controls.

Results

The mean NLR was significantly higher in the group of diabetes patients with high cIMT than the group of diabetes patients with low cIMT, who in turn showed a significantly higher NLR compared with control participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that the NLR was an independent risk factor for diabetes patients with high cIMT (odds ratio 140.89, 95% CI 1.71–11615.30, P = 0.028). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, use of the NLR as an indicator for diabetes patients with high cIMT diagnosis was projected to be 3.16, and yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 36.2% and 93.2%, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.606 (95% CI 0.544–0.667).

Conclusions

High NLR might be a potential biomarker for the increased cIMT in type 2 diabetes patients. Future studies are required to validate our findings.
Pyoverdin cheats fail to invade bacterial populations in stationary phase
Authors: Ghoul M. , West S. A. , McCorkell F. A. , Lee Z.‐B. , Bruce J. B. , Griffin A. S.
Published: May 2016

Microbes engage in cooperative behaviours by producing and secreting public goods, the benefits of which are shared among cells, and are therefore susceptible to exploitation by nonproducing cheats. In nature, bacteria are not typically colonizing sterile, rich environments in contrast to laboratory experiments, which involve inoculating sterile culture with few bacterial cells that then race to fill the available niche. Here, we study the potential implications of this difference, using the production of pyoverdin, an iron‐scavenging siderophore that acts as a public good in the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We show that (1) nonproducers are able to invade cultures of producers when added at the start of growth or during early exponential growth phase, but not during late exponential or stationary phase; (2) the producer strain does not produce pyoverdin in the late exponential and stationary phases and so is not paying the cost of cooperating during those phases. These results suggest that whether a nonproducing mutant can invade will depend upon when the mutation arises, as well as the population structure, and raise a potential difficulty with the use of antimicrobial treatment strategies that propose to exploit the invasive abilities of cheats.
Microsatellite analysis revealed a different approach of control of olive fly population (Bactrocera oleae) in Slovenia
Authors: Knap T. , Bandelj D.
Published: May 2016

The olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleaeGmelin) is the most important olive pest in the north‐eastern Adriatic coast region. Despite the importance of olive production in the region, and the significance of the olive fruit fly, no information with respect to genetic diversity, population structure or dispersion patterns of this pest is available. The aims of this study were to investigate the genetic structure of the olive fly population in the Slovenian Istria region using microsatellite markers to determine olive fruit fly migration between locations and to establish an appropriate and effective strategy for controlling the pest population. Analysis was performed on a sample of 117 flies, collected from attacked olive fruits at three different locations. Olive fruit flies were genotyped using eight microsatellite loci. Sixty‐six alleles were identified over all microsatellite loci with an average of 8.25 alleles per locus. The population structure was determined with methods based on Bayesian principles using theBAPS6.0 andSTRUCTURE2.3 programs. Genetic analysis confirmed unlimited migration and random mating between individuals of different microlocations, which suggests time‐coordinated first treatment in the region would be the best solution.
Multiyear Survey of Coccidia, Cryptosporidia, Microsporidia, Histomona, and Hematozoa in Wild Quail in the Rolling Plains Ecoregion of Texas and Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Xiang Lixin , Guo Fengguang , Yu Yonglan , Parson Lacy S. , LaCoste Lloyd , Gibson Anna , Presley Steve M. , Peterson Markus , Craig Thomas M. , Rollins Dale , Fedynich Alan M. , Zhu Guan
Published: May 2016

We developed nested PCR protocols and performed a multiyear survey on the prevalence of several protozoan parasites in wild northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas and Oklahoma (i.e. fecal pellets, bird intestines and blood smears collected between 2010 and 2013). Coccidia, cryptosporidia, and microsporidia were detected in 46.2%, 11.7%, and 44.0% of the samples (n = 687), whereas histomona and hematozoa were undetected. Coccidia consisted of one major and two minor Eimeria species. Cryptosporidia were represented by a major unknown Cryptosporidium species and Cryptosporidium baileyi. Detected microsporidia species were highly diverse, in which only 11% were native avian parasites including Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon cuniculi, whereas 33% were closely related to species from insects (e.g. Antonospora, Liebermannia, and Sporanauta). This survey suggests that coccidia infections are a significant risk factor in the health of wild quail while cryptosporidia and microsporidia may be much less significant than coccidiosis. In addition, the presence of E. hellem and E. cuniculi (known to cause opportunistic infections in humans) suggests that wild quail could serve as a reservoir for human microsporidian pathogens, and individuals with compromised or weakened immunity should probably take precautions while directly handling wild quail.
Exploratory behaviour and novel predator recognition: behavioural correlations across contexts
Authors: Blake C. A. , Gabor C. R.
Published: May 2016

It was hypothesized that the exploratory behaviour of an individual measured in a novel environment could predict its behaviour in response to a novel predator. This study examined novel predator recognition in the western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis, a species with individual differences in risk‐taking, activity and exploration in novel environments. Prey responded with characteristic shoaling and avoidance in response to native predators, but did not show characteristic antipredator behaviour towards novel predators. Furthermore, G. affinis exhibited individual‐level behavioural correlations across contexts but only when prey were tested with native predators. This could be the result of native predatory selection on behavioural correlations in the prey species.
An assessment of juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua distribution and growth using diver operated stereo‐video surveys
Authors: Elliott S. A. M. , Ahti P. A. , Heath M. R. , Turrell W. R. , Bailey D. M.
Published: May 2016

Stereo‐video scuba transects were conducted during daylight hours from June to September 2013 within a proposed marine protected area (MPA) in the Firth of Clyde, west of Scotland. More juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua of fork length (LF) range 6–11 cm were observed in substrata containing mixed gravel, including maerl, than in boulder‐cobble substrata with high algal cover, or sand with low density seagrass. Community composition was significantly different between substratum types. A decrease in G. morhua abundance was observed over the period of data collection. Over time, mean and variance in G. morhua LF increased, indicating multiple recruitment events. Protecting mixed gravel substrata could be a beneficial management measure to support the survival and recruitment of juvenile G. morhua; other substrata might be important at night given their diel migratory behaviour. Stereo‐video cameras provide a useful non‐destructive fisheries‐independent method to monitor species abundance and length measurements.
Inverted Oligo‐Miocene metamorphism in the Lesser Himalaya Sequence, Arunachal Pradesh, India; age and grade relationships
Authors: Clarke G. L. , Bhowmik S. K. , Ireland T. R. , Aitchison J. C. , Chapman S. L. , Kent L.
Published: May 2016

The Lesser Himalaya sequence in the Siyom Valley, eastern Arunachal Pradesh, exposes a telescoped and inverted greenschist–upper amphibolite facies sequence over ~20 km, tectonically overlain by an upright (grade decreasing upward) granulite to lower amphibolite facies sequence over ~30 km. Such grade relationships would normally attribute the boundary to a Main Central Thrust (MCT) structure, and predict a change from underlying Lesser Himalaya Sequence (LHS) to Greater Himalaya Sequence rocks across the boundary. However, all pelitic and psammitic samples have similar detrital‐zircon age spectra, involving c. 2500, 1750–1500, 1200 and 1000 Ma Gondwanan populations correlated with the LHS. Isograds are broadly parallel to a penetrative NW‐dipping S2 foliation, developed contemporaneously with the inversion. Garnet growth in garnet, staurolite and kyanite‐zone schists beneath the thrust commenced at >8 kbar and ≈550 °C, before syn‐ to post‐S2 heating of staurolite and kyanite‐zone rocks to ≈640 °C at ≈8.5 kbar, most probably at c. 18.5 Ma. Kyanite‐rutile‐garnet migmatite immediately above the thrust records peak conditions of ≈10 kbar and ≈750 °C and c. 21.5 Ma monazite ages. Slip on a SE‐propagating thrust was likely contemporaneous with early Miocene metamorphism, based on the distribution of structure, metamorphic textures, and overlap of age relationships. It is inferred to have initially controlled the uplift of granulite to mid‐crustal levels between 22 and 19 Ma, thermal relaxation within a disrupted LHS metamorphic profile inducing a post‐S2 thermal peak in lower grade footwall rocks.
Regulation of striatal astrocytic receptor for advanced glycation end‐products variants in an early stage of experimental Parkinson's disease
Authors: Viana Sofia D. , Valero Jorge , Rodrigues‐Santos Paulo , Couceiro Patrícia , Silva Andréa M. , Carvalho Félix , Ali Syed F. , Fontes‐Ribeiro Carlos A. , Pereira Frederico C.
Published: May 2016

Convincing evidence indicates that advanced glycation end‐products and danger‐associated protein S100B play a role in Parkinson's disease (PD). These agents operate through the receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE), which displays distinct isoforms playing protective/deleterious effects. However, the nature of RAGE variants has been overlooked in PD studies. Hence, we attempted to characterize RAGE regulation in early stages of PD striatal pathology. A neurotoxin‐based rodent model of PD was used in this study, through administration of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to C57BL/6 mice. Animals were killed 6 h post‐MPTP to assess S100B/RAGE contents (RT‐qPCR, ELISA) and RAGE isoform density (WB) and cellular distribution (immunohistochemistry). Dopaminergic and gliotic status were also mapped (HPLC‐ED, WB, immunohistochemistry). At this preliminary stage of MPTP‐induced PD in mice, RAGE inhibitory isoforms were increased whereas full‐length RAGE was not affected. This putative cytoprotective RAGE phenotype paired an inflammatory and pro‐oxidant setting fueling DAergic denervation. Increased RAGE inhibitory variants occur in astrocytes showing higher S100B density but no overt signs of hypertrophy or NF‐κB activation, a canonical effector of RAGE. These findings expand our understanding of the toxic effect of MPTP on striatum and offer first in vivo evidence of RAGE being a responder in early stages of astrogliosis dynamics, supporting a protective rather tissue‐destructive phenotype of RAGE in the initial phase of PD degeneration. These data lay the groundwork for future studies on the relevance of astrocytic RAGE in DAergic neuroprotection strategies.

image

We report increased antagonistic RAGE variants paralleling S100B up‐regulation in early stages of MPTP‐induced astrogliosis dynamics . We propose that selective RAGE regulation reflects a self‐protective mechanism to maintain low levels of RAGE ligands , preventing long‐term inflammation and oxidative stress arising from sustained ligands/flRAGE activation . Understanding loss of RAGE protective response to stress may provide new therapeutic options to halt or slow down dopaminergic axonopathy and, ultimately, neuronal death .
The role of body image and self‐perception in anorexia nervosa: the neuroimaging perspective
Authors: Esposito Roberto , Cieri Filippo , di Giannantonio Massimo , Tartaro Armando
Published: May 2016

Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric illness characterized by intense fear of gaining weight, relentless pursuit of thinness, deep concerns about food and a pervasive disturbance of body image. Functional magnetic resonance imaging tries to shed light on the neurobiological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa. This review aims to evaluate the empirical neuroimaging literature about self‐perception in anorexia nervosa. This narrative review summarizes a number of task‐based and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in anorexia nervosa about body image and self‐perception. The articles listed in references were searched using electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from 1990 to February 2016 using specific key words. All studies were reviewed with regard to their quality and eligibility for the review. Differences in brain activity were observed using body image perception and body size estimation tasks showing significant modifications in activity of specific brain areas (extrastriate body area, fusiform body area, inferior parietal lobule). Recent studies highlighted the role of emotions and self‐perception in anorexia nervosa and their neural substrate involving resting‐state networks and particularly frontal and posterior midline cortical structures within default mode network and insula. These findings open new horizons to understand the neural substrate of anorexia nervosa.
The Glasgow Coma Scale and evidence‐informed practice: a critical review of where we are and where we need to be
Authors: Braine Mary E , Cook Neal
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectives

This paper aims to critically consider the evidence since the Glasgow Coma Scale was first launched, reflecting on how that evidence has shaped practice. It illustrates the lack of clarity and consensus about the use of the tool in practice and draws upon existing evidence to determine the route to clarity for an evidence‐informed approach to practice.

Background

The Glasgow Coma Scale has permeated and influenced practice for over 40 years, being well‐established worldwide as the key tool for assessing level of consciousness. During this time, the tool has been scrutinised, evaluated, challenged and re‐launched in a plethora of publications. This has led to an insight into the challenges, and to some extent the opportunities, in using the Glasgow Coma Scale in practice but has also resulted in a lack of clarity.

Design

This is a discursive paper that invites readers to explore and arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of the Glasgow Coma Scale in practice and is based on searches of Scopus, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Science Direct and CINAHL databases.

Results

While the Glasgow Coma Scale has been rivalled by other tools in an attempt to improve upon it, a shift in practice to those tools has not occurred. The tool has withstood the test of time in this respect, indicating the need for further research into its use and a clear education strategy to standardise implementation in practice.

Conclusion

Further exploration is needed into the application of painful stimuli in using the Glasgow Coma Scale to assess level of consciousness. In addition, a robust educational strategy is necessary to maximise consistency in its use in practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

The evidence illustrates inconsistency and confusion in the use of the Glasgow Coma Scale in practice; this has the potential to compromise care and clarity around the issues is therefore necessary.
Intimate partner violence and pregnancy intentions: a qualitative study
Authors: Baird Kathleen , Creedy Debra , Mitchell Theresa
Published: May 2016

Aim and objective

In this qualitative study, we explored women's pregnancy intentions and experiences of intimate partner violence before, during and after pregnancy.

Background

Unintended pregnancies in the context of intimate partner violence can have serious health, social and economic consequences for women and their children.

Design

Feminist and phenomenological philosophies underpinned the study to gain a richer understanding of women's experiences.

Methods

Eleven women who had been pregnant in the previous two years were recruited from community‐based women's refuges in one region of the UK. Of the 11 women, eight had unplanned pregnancies, two reported being coerced into early motherhood, and only one woman had purposively planned her pregnancy. Multiple in‐depth interviews focused on participants’ accounts of living with intimate partner violence. Experiential data analysis was used to identify, analyse and highlight themes.

Results

Three major themes were identified: men's control of contraception, partner's indiscriminate response to the pregnancy and women's mixed feelings about the pregnancy. Participants reported limited influence over their sexual relationship and birth control. Feelings of vulnerability about themselves and fear for their unborn babies’ safety were intensified by their partners’ continued violence during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Women experiencing intimate partner violence were more likely to have an unintended pregnancy. This could be attributed to male dominance and fear, which impacts on a woman's ability to manage her birth control options. The women's initial excitement about their pregnancy diminished in the face of uncertainty and ongoing violence within their relationship.

Relevance to clinical practice

Women experiencing violence lack choice in relation to birth control options leading to unintended pregnancies. Interpreting the findings from the victim–perpetrator interactive spin theory of intimate partner violence provides a possible framework for midwives and nurses to better understand and respond to women's experiences of violence during pregnancy.
THE DECOMPOSITION AND DYNAMICS OF INDUSTRIAL CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FOR 287 CHINESE CITIES IN 1998–2009
Authors: Auffhammer Maximilian , Sun Weizeng , Wu Jianfeng , Zheng Siqi
Published: May 2016

85% of China's GHG emissions are attributed to urban economic activities, and this share is expected to rise given China's fast urbanization process. This paper provides estimates of city‐level industrial CO2 emissions and their growth rates for all 287 Chinese prefecture‐level and above cities during the years 1998–2009. We decompose the CO2 emission changes into scale, composition and technique effects. The decomposition results show that these three effects differ significantly across the three tiers of cities in China. The scale effect contributes to rising CO2 emissions, while the technique effect leads to declining CO2 emissions in all cities. The composition effect leads to increasing CO2 emissions in the third‐tier cities, while it reduces CO2 emissions in the first and second‐tier cities, due to the relocation of energy‐intensive industries from the latter to the former type of cities. Based on these decomposition results, we identify the separate channels through which the inflow of FDI and the environmental regulations affect city‐level CO2 emissions. The decomposition framework in our paper can help policy makers and scholars to better understand Chinese cities’ trade‐offs between economic growth and environmental goals.
In vivo and in vitro effects of curcumin on head and neck carcinoma: a systematic review
Authors: Borges Gabriel Álvares , Rêgo Daniela Fortunato , Assad Daniele Xavier , Coletta Ricardo D. , De Luca Canto Graziela , Guerra Eliete Neves Silva
Published: May 2016

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) contributes globally to a great number of deaths and morbidity, in spite of new therapeutic strategies. There is a great need of new drugs that are significantly effective and less deleterious to the patients' general health. In this sense, phytotherapy is a tendency, with results pointing to its use as a chemo‐preventive and adjuvant therapy. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of curcumin on proliferation and survival of HNSCC.

Materials and methods

The search was conducted on six databases: Cochrane, LILACS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. In vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated the effects of curcumin on cell viability, tumor growth, cell cycle and/or cell death pattern in HNSCC cell lines or animal models were selected.

Results

Of the 525 initially gathered studies, 30 met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated that curcumin induces cytotoxicity, apoptosis (via intrinsic pathway), and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase in HSNCC cell lines. It also reduces tumor measurements in animal models. These events were mostly studied through MTT assay, flow cytometry, and cell cycle‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins expression.

Conclusion

This systematic review demonstrated that curcumin is effective on HNSCC cell proliferation and survival, reinforcing the currently available evidence that curcumin could be an adjuvant drug in HNSCC treatment.
Maximum levels of hepatitis C virus lipoviral particles are associated with early and persistent infection
Authors: Sheridan David A. , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Fenwick Fiona I. , Matthews Gail V. , Applegate Tanya , Douglas Mark , Neely Dermot , Askew Bev , Dore Gregory J. , Lloyd Andrew R. , George Jacob , Bassendine Margaret F. , Grebely Jason
Published: May 2016

Background & Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is bound to plasma lipoproteins and circulates as an infectious lipoviral particle (LVP). Experimental evidence indicates that LVPs have decreased susceptibility to antibody‐mediated neutralisation and higher infectivity. This study tested the hypothesis that LVPs are required to establish persistent infection, and conversely, low levels of LVP in recent HCV infection increase the probability of spontaneous HCV clearance.

Methods

LVP in non‐fasting plasma was measured using the concentration of HCV RNA bound to large >100 nm sized lipoproteins after ex vivo addition of a lipid emulsion, that represented the maximum concentration of LVP (maxi‐LVP). This method correlated with LVP in fasting plasma measured using iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation. Maxi‐LVP was measured in a cohort of 180 HCV participants with recent HCV infection and detectable HCV RNA from the Australian Trial in Acute Hepatitis C (ATAHC) and Hepatitis C Incidence and Transmission Study in prison (HITS‐p) cohorts.

Results

Spontaneous clearance occurred in 15% (27 of 180) of individuals. In adjusted analyses, low plasma maxi‐LVP level was independently associated with spontaneous HCV clearance (≤827 IU/ml; adjusted odds ratio 3.98, 95% CI: 1.02, 15.51, P = 0.047), after adjusting for interferon lambda‐3 rs8099917 genotype, estimated duration of HCV infection and total HCV RNA level.

Conclusions

Maxi‐LVP is a biomarker for the maximum concentration of LVP in non‐fasting samples. Low maxi‐LVP level is an independent predictor of spontaneous clearance of acute HCV.
OPTIMAL LIQUIDATION AND ADVERSE SELECTION IN DARK POOLS
Authors: Kratz Peter , Schöneborn Torsten
Published: May 2016

We consider an investor who has access both to a traditional venue and a dark pool for liquidating a position in a single asset. While trade execution is certain on the traditional exchange, she faces linear price impact costs. On the other hand, dark pool orders suffer from adverse selection and trade execution is uncertain. Adverse selection decreases order sizes in the dark pool while it speeds up trading at the exchange. For small orders, it is optimal to avoid the dark pool completely. Adverse selection can prevent profitable round‐trip trading strategies that otherwise would arise if permanent price impact were included in the model.
Repeated invasions into the twilight zone: evolutionary origins of a novel assemblage of fishes from deep Caribbean reefs
Authors: Tornabene Luke , Van Tassell James L. , Robertson D. Ross , Baldwin Carole C.
Published: May 2016

Mesophotic and deeper reefs of the tropics are poorly known and underexplored ecosystems worldwide. Collectively referred to as the ‘twilight zone’, depths below ~30–50 m are home to many species of reef fishes that are absent from shallower depths, including many undescribed and endemic species. We currently lack even a basic understanding of the diversity and evolutionary origins of fishes on tropical mesophotic reefs. Recent submersible collections in the Caribbean have provided new specimens that are enabling phylogenetic reconstructions that incorporate deep‐reef representatives of tropical fish genera. Here, we investigate evolutionary depth transitions in the family Gobiidae (gobies), the most diverse group of tropical marine fishes. Using divergence‐time estimation coupled with stochastic character mapping to infer the timing of shallow‐to‐deep habitat transitions in gobies, we demonstrate at least four transitions from shallow to mesophotic depths. Habitat transitions occurred in two broad time periods (Miocene, Pliocene–Pleistocene), and may have been linked to the availability of underutilized niches, as well as the evolution of morphological/behavioural adaptations for life on deep reefs. Further, our analysis shows that at least three evolutionary lineages that invaded deep habitats subsequently underwent speciation, reflecting another unique mode of radiation within the Gobiidae. Lastly, we synthesize depth distributions for 95 species of Caribbean gobies, which reveal major bathymetric faunal breaks at the boundary between euphotic and mesophotic reefs. Ultimately, our study is the first rigorous investigation into the origin of Caribbean deep‐reef fishes and provides a framework for future studies that utilize rare, deep‐reef specimens.
Genomic and phenotypic differentiation of Arabidopsis thaliana along altitudinal gradients in the North Italian Alps
Authors: Günther Torsten , Lampei Christian , Barilar Ivan , Schmid Karl J.
Published: May 2016

Altitudinal gradients in mountain regions are short‐range clines of different environmental parameters such as temperature or radiation. We investigated genomic and phenotypic signatures of adaptation to such gradients in five Arabidopsis thaliana populations from the North Italian Alps that originated from 580 to 2350 m altitude by resequencing pools of 19–29 individuals from each population. The sample includes two pairs of low‐ and high‐altitude populations from two different valleys. High‐altitude populations showed a lower nucleotide diversity and negative Tajima's D values and were more closely related to each other than to low‐altitude populations from the same valley. Despite their close geographic proximity, demographic analysis revealed that low‐ and high‐altitude populations split between 260 000 and 15 000 years before present. Single nucleotide polymorphisms whose allele frequencies were highly differentiated between low‐ and high‐altitude populations identified genomic regions of up to 50 kb length where patterns of genetic diversity are consistent with signatures of local selective sweeps. These regions harbour multiple genes involved in stress response. Variation among populations in two putative adaptive phenotypic traits, frost tolerance and response to light/UV stress was not correlated with altitude. Taken together, the spatial distribution of genetic diversity reflects a potentially adaptive differentiation between low‐ and high‐altitude populations, whereas the phenotypic differentiation in the two traits investigated does not. It may resemble an interaction between adaptation to the local microhabitat and demographic history influenced by historical glaciation cycles, recent seed dispersal and genetic drift in local populations.
The Different Approaches to the Study of Innovation in Services in Europe and the USA
Authors: De Liso Nicola , Vergori Anna Serena
Published: May 2016

Innovation in services is a hot topic since the 1990s, but little attention has been paid until today to the applied side of this research field. In this work we consider the features of two fundamental, large‐scale, innovation surveys: the European CIS and the American SIRD/BRDIS. Innovation surveys are the main tool through which innovation data are gathered, and these data become more and more important to test theories and to provide ground for innovation policy. Once the characteristics of both surveys have been identified, we carry on with our analysis in two ways. First, we match the surveys with the theories; second we provide a comparison between the two surveys. The different paths undertaken by the European scholars on the one hand, and the American scholars on the other, are explicitly indicated.