bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The revisited genome of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 enlightens its value as a robust metabolic chassis
Authors: Belda Eugeni , van Heck Ruben G. A. , José Lopez‐Sanchez Maria , Cruveiller Stéphane , Barbe Valérie , Fraser Claire , Klenk Hans‐Peter , Petersen Jörn , Morgat Anne , Nikel Pablo I. , Vallenet David , Rouy Zoé , Sekowska Agnieszka , Martins dos Santos Vitor A. P. , de Lorenzo Víctor , Danchin Antoine , Médigue Claudine
Published: February 2016

By the time the complete genome sequence of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 was published in 2002 (Nelson et al., ) this bacterium was considered a potential agent for environmental bioremediation of industrial waste and a good colonizer of the rhizosphere. However, neither the annotation tools available at that time nor the scarcely available omics data—let alone metabolic modeling and other nowadays common systems biology approaches—allowed them to anticipate the astonishing capacities that are encoded in the genetic complement of this unique microorganism. In this work we have adopted a suite of state‐of‐the‐art genomic analysis tools to revisit the functional and metabolic information encoded in the chromosomal sequence of strain KT2440. We identified 242 new protein‐coding genes and re‐annotated the functions of 1548 genes, which are linked to almost 4900 PubMed references. Catabolic pathways for 92 compounds (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus sources) that could not be accommodated by the previously constructed metabolic models were also predicted. The resulting examination not only accounts for some of the known stress tolerance traits known in P. putida but also recognizes the capacity of this bacterium to perform difficult redox reactions, thereby multiplying its value as a platform microorganism for industrial biotechnology.
Coprophilic amoebae and flagellates, including Guttulinopsis, Rosculus and Helkesimastix, characterise a divergent and diverse rhizarian radiation and contribute to a large diversity of faecal‐associated protists
Authors: Bass David , Silberman Jeffrey D. , Brown Matthew W. , Pearce Rebecca A. , Tice Alexander K. , Jousset Alexandre , Geisen Stefan , Hartikainen Hanna
Published: February 2016

A wide diversity of organisms utilize faecal habitats as a rich nutrient source or a mechanism to traverse through animal hosts. We sequenced the 18S rRNA genes of the coprophilic, fruiting body‐forming amoeba Guttulinopsis vulgaris and its non‐fruiting relatives Rosculus ‘ithacus’ CCAP 1571/3, R. terrestris n. sp. and R. elongata n. sp. and demonstrate that they are related to the coprophilic flagellate Helkesimastix in a strongly supported, but highly divergent 18S sister clade. PCR primers specific to both clades were used to generate 18S amplicons from a range of environmental and faecal DNA samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the cloned sequences demonstrated a high diversity of uncharacterised sequence types within this clade, likely representing previously described members of the genera Guttulinopsis, Rosculus and Helkesimastix, as well as so‐far unobserved organisms. Further, an Illumina MiSeq sequenced set of 18S V4‐region amplicons generated from faecal DNAs using universal eukaryote primers showed that core‐cercozoan assemblages in faecal samples are as diverse as those found in more conventionally examined habitats. These results reveal many novel lineages, some of which appear to occur preferentially in faecal material, in particular cercomonads and glissomonads. More broadly, we show that faecal habitats are likely untapped reservoirs of microbial eukaryotic diversity.
Does oral carbohydrate supplementation improve labour outcome? A systematic review and individual patient data meta‐analysis
Authors: Malin GL , Bugg GJ , Thornton J , Taylor MA , Grauwen N , Devlieger R , Kardel KR , Kubli M , Tranmer JE , Jones NW
Published: February 2016

Background

Labour is a period of significant physical activity. The importance of carbohydrate intake to improve outcome has been recognised in sports medicine and general surgery.

Objectives

To assess the effect of oral carbohydrate supplementation on labour outcomes.

Search strategy

MEDLINE (1966–2014), Embase, the Cochrane Library and clinical trial registries.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) of women randomised to receive oral carbohydrate in labour (<6 cm dilated), versus placebo or standard care.

Data collection and analysis

Authors were contacted to provide data. Individual patient data meta‐analyses were performed to calculate pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main results

Eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Six authors responded, four supplied data (n = 691). Three studies used isotonic drinks (one placebo‐controlled, two compared with standard care), and one an advice booklet regarding carbohydrate intake. The mean difference in energy intake between the intervention and control groups was small [three studies, 195 kilocalories (kcal), 95% CI 118–273]. There was no difference in the risk of caesarean section (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.83– 1.61), instrumental birth (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.96–1.66) or syntocinon augmentation (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.86–1.13). Length of labour was similar (mean difference −3.15 minutes, 95% CI −35.14 to 41.95). Restricting the analysis to primigravid women did not affect the result. Oral carbohydrates did not increase the risk of vomiting (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.78–1.52) or 1‐minute Apgar score <7 (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.82–1.83).

Authors’ conclusion

Oral carbohydrate supplements in small quantities did not alter labour outcome.

Tweetable abstract

Oral carbohydrate does not affect labour. But the difference between intervention and control equals 10 teaspoons sugar.
REIT Stock Market Volatility and Expected Returns
Authors: Chung Richard , Fung Scott , Shilling James D. , Simmons–Mosley Tammie X.
Published: February 2016

We study the relation between REIT stock volatility and future returns, focusing particularly on the financial crisis period of 2007–2009. There is ongoing debate about whether stock volatility can forecast future returns. Our findings suggest that REIT‐implied volatility is negatively related to contemporaneous stock returns; there is a significant positive relationship between REIT implied volatility and future stock volatility; and there is a significant negative relation between REIT implied volatility and future stock returns. Lastly, we develop trading rules based on REIT implied volatility to test whether these relationships are exploitable. The result suggests a potentially profitable trading strategy.
Assessment of the TRMM 3B42 Precipitation Product in Southern Brazil
Authors: Fensterseifer Cesar , Allasia Daniel G. , Paz Adriano R.
Published: February 2016

The increase in the use of satellite‐derived precipitation products generated by different methods and algorithms emphasizes the need for a deeper analysis of their quality and accuracy. Using the contingency table method, we evaluated the accuracy of versions 6 and 7 of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation (TRMM) 3B42 product in southern Brazil by comparing daily precipitation over 13 years (V6 was tested for historical context). The interpolated data from 25 rain gauges were compared with both versions of TRMM. The V7 product tended to produce a slight increase in PC (proportion correct). V7 also showed a slight increase in the correlation coefficient (CC) and a significant increase in the H (hit rate) and CSI (critical success) indexes. However, the upgraded version shows an undesirable increase in the false alarm ratio. When the rainfall volumes were compared, V6 clearly underestimated the total rainfall over the entire period, but the V7 product slightly overestimated the cumulative volume (11%) which still represented a more reliable estimate than from V6. Furthermore, the main improvement in V7 was a large increase in the quantitative recognition of extreme precipitation events: V6 detected only 1% of the daily rainfalls above 60 mm, whereas V7 detected 57% of the events.
Fatigue in patients with Behçet's syndrome: relationship with quality of life, depression, anxiety, disability and disease activity
Authors: Ilhan Birkan , Can Meryem , Alibaz‐Oner Fatma , Yilmaz‐Oner Sibel , Polat‐Korkmaz Ozge , Ozen Gulsen , Mumcu Gonca , Maradit Kremers Hilal , Direskeneli Haner
Published: February 2016

Objectives

Fatigue is a common symptom of chronic inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate fatigue in patients with Behçet's syndrome (BS) and to examine the relationship between fatigue and disease activity, quality of life, anxiety and depression.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of 123 BS patients and 71 healthy controls in Turkey. All subjects completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) questionnaire, Short form‐36 (SF‐36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) scale and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Disease activity among BS patients was assessed using the Behçet Syndrome Activity Scale (BSAS) and the physician's global assessment (PGA).

Results

BS patients had significantly higher MAF, HADS‐depression (HADS‐D) and HADS‐anxiety (HADS‐A) scores than the healthy controls (P < 0.001). Both the physical and mental components of the SF‐36 scale were impaired in BS patients (P = 0.0001). BS patients with active disease, depression and anxiety had significantly higher MAF scores compared to BS patients without active disease, depression and anxiety (P = 0.0001). MAF scores showed positive correlations with HADS‐A, HADS‐D, HAQ scores and negative correlations with SF‐36 mental and physical components. In regression analyses, depression, anxiety and physical dysfunction were significantly associated with fatigue, after adjusting for age, sex, SF‐36 physical and mental scores, HAQ, HADS‐A, HADS‐D and BSAS scores (P < 0.05). Decreases in SF‐36 physical and mental scores were significant predictive factors for high MAF score in healthy controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Fatigue is common in clinically active BS patients compared with healthy controls and inactive BS patients. Depression, anxiety and physical dysfunction were significantly associated with fatigue.
Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma mimicking lung cancer: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lim Jung‐Hwan , Lee Nuri , Choi Dae‐Woong , Oh Hyung‐Joo , Park Ha Young , Kim Ki‐Hyun , Kim Tae‐Ok , Park Cheol‐Kyu , Shin Hong‐Jun , Choi Yoo‐Duk , Yun Ju‐Sik , Song Sang‐Yun , Oh In‐Jae
Published: February 2016

Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP) is a rare benign neoplasm that predominantly affects middle‐aged Asian women. PSP is often asymptomatic and demonstrates a solitary pulmonary nodule on radiologic examination. We report a case of PSP initially misdiagnosed as lung cancer because of strong 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake revealed by 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography‐computed tomography scan. After surgery, pathology revealed that the tumor cells were immunopositive for epithelial membrane antigen and thyroid transcription factor‐1. The patient has been followed up without complication or recurrence.
Three points to consider when choosing a LM or GLM test for count data
Authors: Warton David I. , Lyons Mitchell , Stoklosa Jakub , Ives Anthony R.
Published: February 2016

The two most common approaches for analysing count data are to use a generalized linear model (GLM), or transform data, and use a linear model (LM). The latter has recently been advocated to more reliably maintain control of type I error rates in tests for no association, while seemingly losing little in power. We make three points on this issue.

Point 1 – Choice of statistical model should primarily be made on the grounds of data properties. Choice of testing procedure should be considered and addressed as a separate issue, after model choice. If models with the appropriate data properties nonetheless have statistical problems such as type I error control (i.e. type I error rate greatly exceeds the intended significance level), the best solution is to keep the model but fix the problems.

Point 2 – When a test has problems with type I error control, it can usually be corrected, but this may require departure from software default approaches. In particular, resampling is a good solution for small samples that can be easy to implement.

Point 3 –Tests based on models that better fit the data (e.g. a negative binomial for overdispersed count data) tend to have better power properties and in some instances have considerably higher power.

We illustrate these issues for a 2 × 2 experiment with a count response. This seemingly simple problem becomes hard when the experimental design is unbalanced, and software default procedures using LMs or GLMs can have difficulties, although in both cases the issues can be fixed.

We conclude that, when GLMs are thought to fit count data well, and when any necessary steps are taken to correct type I error rates, they should be used rather than LMs. Nonetheless, standard LM tests are often robust and can have good type I error control, so there is an argument for their use for counts when diagnostics are difficult and statistical models are complex, although at some risk of loss of power and interpretability.
Bedside diagnosis of persistent post‐sternotomy pain
Authors: Kalliomäki M.‐L. , Puolakka P. , Huhtala H. , Sisto T. , Järvelä K.
Published: February 2016

Background

The prevalence of persistent post‐sternotomy pain (PPSP) varies largely and has been mainly studied using questionnaires. We decided to perform a systematic qualitative and quantitative sensory examination study on a power‐calculated sample of patients who had undergone sternotomy for cardiac surgery. Pain was diagnosed as PPSP if the patient complained of sternal pain that had developed after surgery together with corresponding sensory disturbances.

Patients and methods

One hundred elective patients undergoing coronary artery bypass via sternotomy were recruited for dynamic sensory mapping 4–6 months after surgery. Sensory testing was performed using thermal rollers, a cotton stick and pinprick. The intensity of sensation was registered as a score on a numeric rating scale. The area of sensory dysfunction on the chest wall was traced onto paper and calculated with the help of a computer‐based program. The patient also answered a validated pain questionnaire.

Results

Altogether 90 patients took part in the examination. Thirteen (15.4%) of the patients had pain and formed the PPSP group, while the remaining patients formed the non‐PPSP group. Both groups had sensory abnormalities over the chest wall (69% of all patients). Sensory disturbances were more common, more profound and extended over a larger skin area in the PPSP group. Furthermore, daily activity performance in the PPSP group was poorer compared to the non‐PPSP group.

Conclusion

PPSP is a clinical diagnosis easily achieved using simple diagnostic tools and a medical history. Severity and extent of sensory abnormalities were found to be greater in the PPSP group.
Substitution treatment in addiction: there is more than one way…
Authors: Lingford‐Hughes Anne
Published: February 2016

Commentary to: Which medications are suitable for agonist drug maintenance?
Long‐term patterns of invertebrate abundance and relationships to environmental factors in arid Australia
Authors: Kwok Alan B. C. , Wardle Glenda M. , Greenville Aaron C. , Dickman Chris R.
Published: February 2016

Resource pulses are a key feature of semi‐arid and arid ecosystems and are generally triggered by rainfall. While rainfall is an acknowledged driver of the abundance and distribution of larger animals, little is known about how invertebrate communities respond to rain events or to vegetative productivity. Here we investigate Ordinal‐level patterns and drivers of ground‐dwelling invertebrate abundance across 6 years of sampling in the Simpson Desert, central Australia. Between February 1999 and February 2005, a total of 174 381 invertebrates were sampled from 32 Orders. Ants were the most abundant taxon, comprising 83% of all invertebrates captured, while Collembola at 10.3% of total captures were a distant second over this period. Temporal patterns of the six invertebrate taxa specifically analysed (Acarina, ants, Araneae, Coleoptera, Collembola and Thysanura) were dynamic over the sampling period, and patterns of abundance were taxon‐specific. Analyses indicate that all six taxa showed a positive relationship with the cover of non‐Triodiavegetation. Other indicators of vegetative productivity (seeding and flowering) also showed positive relationships with certain taxa. Although the influence of rainfall was taxon‐dependent, no taxon was affected by short‐term rainfall (up to 18 days prior to survey). The abundance of Acarina, ants, and Coleoptera increased with greater long‐term rainfall (up to 18 months prior to survey), whilst Araneae showed the opposite effect. Temperature and dune zone (dune crestvs. swale) also had taxon‐specific effects. These results show that invertebrates in arid ecosystems are influenced by a variety of abiotic factors, at multiple scales, and that responses to rainfall are not as strong or as predictable as those seen for other taxa. Our results highlight the diversity of invertebrates in our study region and emphasize the need for targeted long‐term sampling to enhance our understanding of the ecology of these taxa and the role they play in arid ecosystems.
Allergic contact dermatitis to substitute hair dyes in a patient allergic to para‐phenylenediamine: Pure henna, black tea and indigo powder
Authors: Swan Bonnie C , Tam Mei M , Higgins Claire L , Nixon Rosemary L
Published: February 2016

We report a case of a 50‐year‐old lady with allergic contact dermatitis to para‐phenylenediamine, who in her quest to find a substitute hair dye, subsequently reacted to a number of plant‐based hair dyes, including pure henna, black tea and indigo powder respectively. While these substances all contain tannins, testing to possible constituents tannic acid and gallic acid was negative.
Metastatic basal cell carcinoma: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Tang Simon , Thompson Stephen , Smee Robert
Published: February 2016

Metastatic basal cell carcinoma is exceedingly uncommon, with a poorly defined natural history, and its incidence, risk factors, patterns of spread, prognosis and potential treatment options are not well understood. This retrospective single institution case series aims to shed light on these issues. Aggressive local management in patients with locoregional disease may result in long‐term survivors.
The prevalence of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy in Australia
Authors: Moses Robert G. , Wong Veronica C.K. , Lambert Kelly , Morris Gary J. , San Gil Fernando
Published: February 2016

Background

The Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) has recently endorsed the World Health Organization (WHO) terminology and classification of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. The prevalence is likely to increase, but no prospective data are available for a representative Australian population.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) using results from both the public and private sectors in a population that has a similar ethnicity to the overall Australian population.

Material and Methods

The results of all pregnancy oral glucose tolerance tests (POGTT) in the public sector and by a dominant private pathology provider in a major city have been prospectively collected for a three‐year period and analysed using theADIPS(WHO) criteria.

Results

The prevalence of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) was 13.1% with diabetes mellitus in pregnancy (DIP) being 0.4% and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) being 12.7%.

Conclusion

The new criteria will diagnose about one‐third more women withGDMthan the previousADIPScriteria. This will have resource and health implications. Focussed local health economic data will be important.
Levobupivacaine – dextran mixture for transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hamada T. , Tsuchiya M. , Mizutani K. , Takahashi R. , Muguruma K. , Maeda K. , Ueda W. , Nishikawa K.
Published: February 2016

We performed a randomised controlled double‐blinded study of patients having laparoscopic colectomy with bilateral transversus abdominis plane block plus rectus sheath block, comparing a control group receiving 80 ml levobupivacaine 0.2% in saline with a dextran group receiving 80 ml levobupivacaine 0.2% in 8% low‐molecular weight dextran. Twenty‐seven patients were studied in each group. The mean (SD) maximum plasma concentration of levobupivacaine in the control group (1410 (322) ng.ml−1) was higher than the dextran group (1141 (287) ng.ml−1; p = 0.004), and was reached more quickly (50.6 (30.2) min vs 73.2 (24.6) min; p = 0.006). The area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 min to 240 min in the control group (229,124 (87,254) ng.min.ml−1) was larger than in the dextran group (172,484 (50,502) ng.min.ml−1; p = 0.007). The median (IQR [range]) of the summated numerical pain rating score at rest during the first postoperative 24 h in the control group (16 (9–20 [3–31]) was higher than in the dextran group (8 (2–11 [0–18]); p = 0.0001). In this study, adding dextran to levobupivacaine decreased the risk of levobupivacaine toxicity while providing better analgesia.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of sperm chromatin structure andDNAstability
Authors: Oldenhof H. , Schütze S. , Wolkers W. F. , Sieme H.
Published: February 2016

Sperm chromatin structure and condensation determine accessibility for damage, and hence success of fertilization and development. The aim of this study was to reveal characteristic spectral features coinciding with abnormal sperm chromatin packing (i.e.,DNA–protein interactions) and decreased fertility, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Chromatin structure in spermatozoa obtained from different stallions was investigated. Furthermore, spermatozoa were exposed to oxidative stress, or treated with thiol‐oxidizing and disulfide‐reducing agents, to alter chromatin structure and packing. Spectroscopic studies were corroborated with flow cytometric analyses using theDNA‐intercalating fluorescent dye acridine orange. Decreased fertility of individuals correlated with increased abnormal sperm morphology and decreased stability toward inducedDNAdamage. Treatment with the disulfide reducing agent dithiothreitol resulted in increased sperm chromatin decondensation andDNAaccessibility, similar as found for less mature epididymal spermatozoa.In situinfrared spectroscopic analysis revealed that characteristic bands arising from theDNAbackbone (ν1230, ν1086, ν1051 cm−1) changed in response to induced oxidative damage, water removal, and decondensation. This coincided with changes in the amide‐I region (intensity at ν1620 vs. ν1640 cm−1) denoting concomitant changes in protein secondary structure. Reduction in protein disulfide bonds resulted in a decreased value of the asymmetric to symmetric phosphate band intensity (ν1230/ν1086 cm−1), suggesting that this band ratio is sensitive for the degree of chromatin condensation. Moreover, when analyzing spermatozoa from different individuals, it was found that the asymmetric/symmetric phosphate band ratio negatively correlated with the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa.
Error rate of automated choroidal segmentation using swept‐source optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kong Mingui , Eo Doo Ri , Han Gyule , Park Sung Yong , Ham Don‐Il
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To investigate the error rate of automated choroidal segmentation and the effect of frame averaging on error rate.

Methods

A horizontal B scan at the fovea was performed in patients having various retinochoroidal disorders using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (OCT) with frame‐averaging technique. Scanned images were classified into four morphological groups: normal from fellow eyes (NF), normal from pathologic eyes (NP), retinal abnormality (R) and retinochoroidal abnormality (RC) group. Choroidal segmentation was automatically performed using built‐in software of a swept‐source OCT device, and the error rate of choroidal segmentation was analysed.

Results

Qualified images for all four averaging types with different number of averaged frames were acquired in 89 eyes of 77 patients. Images of 12, 20, 24 and 33 eyes were classified as NF, NP, R and RC group, respectively. The choroidal segmentation error was detected in 1–2 images (8.3–16.7%) in the NF group, 3–6 images (15.0–30.0%) in the NP group, 4–8 images (16.7–33.3%) in the R group and 17–19 images (51.5–57.6%) in the RC group. The error rate was significantly higher in RC group than other groups (p < 0.05). Increasing the number of frames for averaging showed no significant effect on the error rate in all groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Automated choroidal segmentation showed a high error rate in images with choroidal abnormalities, and the averaging effect could not reduce the error rate significantly. Thus, further technological improvement is needed to increase the accuracy of the automated choroidal segmentation.
Review article: bile acid diarrhoea – pathogenesis, diagnosis and management
Authors: Mottacki N. , Simrén M. , Bajor A.
Published: February 2016

Background

Bile acid diarrhoea results from imbalances in the homoeostasis of bile acids in the enterohepatic circulation. It can be a consequence of ileal disease/dysfunction, associated with other GI pathology or can be idiopathic.

Aims

To summarise the different types of bile acid diarrhoea and discuss the currently available diagnostic methods and treatments.

Results

Bile acid diarrhoea is found in up to 40% of patients diagnosed as having functional diarrhoea/IBS‐D, and in up to 80% of patients who have undergone ileal resection. It is likely under‐diagnosed and under‐treated. In idiopathic disease, errors in regulation feedback of fibroblast growth factor 19 contribute to the development of the condition. Clinical therapeutic trials for bile acid diarrhoea have been used to diagnose it, but the 75SeHCAT test is the primary current method. It is sensitive, specific and widely available, though not in the USA. Other diagnostic methods (such as serum measurement of the bile acid intermediate 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one, or C4) have less widespread availability and documentation, and some (such as faecal measurement of bile acids) are significantly more complex and costly. First‐line treatment of bile acid diarrhoea is with the bile acid sequestrant cholestyramine, which can be difficult to administer and dose due to gastrointestinal side effects. These side effects are less prominent in newer agents such as colesevelam, which may provide higher efficacy, tolerability and compliance.

Conclusion

Bile acid diarrhoea is common, and likely under‐diagnosed. Bile acid diarrhoea should be considered relatively early in the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhoea.
Iron profile in Thoroughbreds during a standard training program
Authors: Assenza A , Casella S , Giannetto C , Fazio F , Tosto F , Piccione G
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the modifications of some haematological parameters and iron profile during an 80‐day training program and their relationship with athletic performance of performance horses.

Methods

During the training period, 20 Thoroughbreds were subjected to a standardised exercise test, previously standardised for gallopers to evaluate athletic performance. The test was performed immediately before the beginning of the training program (T0) and after 30 days (T30), 60 days (T60) and 90 days (T90). For each horse, their velocities at blood lactate concentrations of 2 and 4 mmol/L (V2andV4) and a heart rate of 200 beats/min (V200) were calculated to assess the effect of the training program on athletic performance. Blood samples were collected at 20‐day intervals over a period of 80 days from the beginning of the training program.

Results

One‐way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant effect of days of training (time) on iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron‐binding capacity, transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron‐binding capacity (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

The results showed the influence of the intensity and duration of exercise on iron metabolism. These findings may be useful for evaluating the athletic status of horses during training and to assess the degree of training adaptability, providing an opportunity to modify the training schedule to achieve the desired performance.
Achievement goals and emotions: The mediational roles of perceived progress, control, and value
Authors: Hall Nathan C. , Sampasivam Lavanya , Muis Krista R. , Ranellucci John
Published: February 2016

Background

The link between achievement goals and achievement emotions is well established; however, research exploring potential mediators of this relationship is lacking. The control‐value theory of achievement emotions (Pekrun, 2006, Educational Psychology Review, 18, 315) posits that perceptions of control and value mediate the relationship between achievement goals and achievement emotions, whereas the bidirectional theory of affect (Linnenbrink & Pintrich, 2002, Educational Psychologist, 37, 69) proposes that perceived progress mediates this relationship.

Aims

The present study empirically evaluated three hypothesized mediators of the effects of achievement goals on learning‐related emotions as proposed in the control‐value theory and the bidirectional theory of affect.

Sample

Undergraduate students (N = 273) from humanities, social science, and STEM disciplines participated.

Methods

Participants completed web‐based questionnaires evaluating academic achievement goals, perceptions of control, perceived task value, and achievement emotions.

Results

Results provided empirical support primarily for perceived progress as a mediator of mastery‐approach goal effects on positive emotions (enjoyment, hope), showing indirect effects of mastery‐ and performance‐approach goals on outcome‐related emotions (hope, anxiety) via perceived control. Indirect effects of mastery‐ and performance‐approach goals were further observed on anxiety via perceived value, with higher value levels predicting greater anxiety.

Conclusions

Study findings partially support Linnenbrink and Pintrich's (2002, Educational Psychologist, 37, 69) bidirectional theory of affect while underscoring the potential for indirect effects of goals on emotions through perceived control as proposed by Pekrun (2006, Educational Psychology Review, 18, 315).
Analysing 157 learning designs using learning analytic approaches as a means to evaluate the impact of pedagogical decision making
Authors: Toetenel Lisette , Rienties Bart
Published: February 2016

Educators need to change their practice to adapt to a shifting educational context. By visualising learning design decisions, this article highlights the need to capture educators' “tacit” knowledge relating to course material, activity types and workload, through employing learning analytics methods in order to analyse the learning designs of courses taken by 60,000+ students, common pedagogical patterns are identified. When analysing 157 learning designs using a taxonomy of seven different learning activities, we found that the majority of educators used two types of learning activities most widely, namely assimilative activities (reading, watching videos and listening to audio) and assessment activities. Surprisingly, educators do not choose different activity types based upon function (eg, replace one type of student‐activating activity by another), but patterns can be seen where educators combine assimilative, productive and assessment activities or assimilative, finding and handling information and communication tasks. While educators rely heavily on assimilative and assessment activities, no positive correlation was found between any of the seven learning design activity types and student outcomes. Our initial findings suggest that student outcomes are negatively correlated with a high proportion of assimilative activities. Further studies are needed to establish whether particular learning design decisions are related to student outcomes and whether these findings can be replicated in different research settings.
Targeting protein kinase C in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Rauert‐Wunderlich Hilka , Rudelius Martina , Ott German , Rosenwald Andreas
Published: February 2016

Although targeting the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) with ibrutinib has changed lymphoma treatment, patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remain incurable. In this study, we characterized a broad range of MCL cell lines and primary MCL cells with respect to the response to the BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib, and compared it with the response to the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, sotrastaurin. At clinically relevant concentrations, each drug induced potent cell death only in the REC‐1 cell line, which was accompanied by robust inhibition of AKT and ERK1/ERK2 (ERK1/2, also termed MAPK3/MAPK1) phosphorylation. In sensitive REC‐1 cells, the drug‐mediated impaired phosphorylation was obvious on the levels of B‐cell receptor‐induced and basal phosphorylation. Similar results were obtained in primary MCL cells with ibrutinib and in a subset with sotrastaurin. The various drug‐resistant MCL cell lines showed very distinct responses in terms of basal AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Interestingly, targeting PKC and BTK at the same time led to ibrutinib‐mediated rescue of a weak sotrastaurin‐induced apoptosis in MINO cells. Additional targeting of AKT sensitized MINO cells to inhibitor‐mediated cytotoxicity. In summary, MCL cells are heterogeneous in their response to BTK or PKC inhibition, indicating the need for even more individualized targeted treatment approaches in subsets of MCL patients.
Influence of patient and provider characteristics on quality of care for the myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Abel Gregory A. , Cronin Angel M. , Odejide Oreofe O. , Uno Hajime , Stone Richard M. , Steensma David P.
Published: February 2016

Little is known about quality of care for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), or patient and provider factors that influence quality. We identified Medicare enrollees diagnosed with MDS between 2006 and 2011, and analysed linked claims for performance on two widely‐accepted quality measures: diagnostic bone marrow cytogenetic testing (diagnostic quality) and pre‐treatment iron assessment for patients receiving an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA; treatment quality). A total of 4575 patients met the criteria for diagnostic quality measurement, and 3379 for treatment quality measurement. In the diagnostic cohort, 74% had a claim for marrow cytogenetic testing 3 months before to 3 months after diagnosis. In multivariate models, younger age (P < 0·001), treatment at a higher‐volume MDS centre (P < 0·001), and claims for pancytopenia (P < 0·001) were all associated with higher levels of testing. A borderline result was observed for diagnostic year, with improvement over time (P = 0·06). In the treatment cohort, 56% had evidence of pre‐ESA iron assessment, with higher rates for later years of diagnosis (P < 0·001), higher household income (P = 0·03), and those treated at higher‐volume centres (P = 0·01). In this large cohort of patients with MDS, quality of care was suboptimal overall, but worse in several specific subgroups. These data suggest that targeted educational and/or process‐focused interventions are warranted.
Impact of the lack of community urinary catheter care services on the Emergency Department
Authors: Tay Li June , Lyons Hannah , Karrouze Irene , Taylor Claire , Khan Azhar A. , Thompson Peter M.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To conduct an audit of patients presenting with long‐term urinary catheter (LTC)‐associated problems to our Emergency Department (ED) and to assess the availability of community nursing support for their LTC. We also estimated the cost implication to the health service and the potential solutions to this issue, as although catheter care is provided by community nurses, LTC problems are common presentations to the ED and are often significant burdens to the services.

Patients and Methods

A study was carried out of all patients presenting to the ED with a urinary catheter problem, specifically studying LTCs and the reason for presentation, district nurses' involvement, and the intervention received.

Results

In all, 78 patients with a urinary catheter problem presented to the ED over a 69‐day period, of whom 59 (68%) had a LTC. In all, 33 patients (42%) attended during normal working hours between 0900 and 1700 h. The mean (range) age was 74 (42–93) years and the duration the LTC had been in situ was 11 (1–120) months. The most common reasons for attendance were blocked catheter (37 patients, 47%) and catheter‐bypass (18, 23%). Only 28 patients (36%) were known to district nursing services, and 14% were referred by a district nurse. Most of the remaining patients self‐referred to the ED. No patient had any documented contact with their general practitioner. In addition, 64 patients (82%) had their catheter issues addressed adequately by ED nurses or doctors, without any urology involvement.

Conclusions

The high morbidity of LTCs causes a considerable demand on ED services, and has heavy cost implications to the health system. Most patients had minimal community nurse support, and their catheter problems were easily dealt with by ED nurses and doctors.
Abnormal Akt signalling in bladder epithelial cell explants from patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome can be induced by antiproliferative factor treatment of normal bladder cells
Authors: Keay Susan K. , Zhang Chen‐Ou
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To determine whether protein kinase B (Akt) signalling and secretion of specific downstream effector proteins are abnormal in specific cell fractions of bladder epithelial cells from patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), as explanted bladder epithelial cells from patients with IC/BPS produce a frizzled 8‐related glycopeptide antiproliferative factor (APF) that inhibits normal bladder epithelial cell proliferation and expression of several proteins known to be regulated by Akt signalling. A related secondary objective was to determine whether treatment of normal bladder epithelial cells with active synthetic asialo‐antiproliferative factor (as‐APF) induces similar changes in Akt signalling and specific downstream effector proteins/mRNAs.

Patients and Methods

Cell proteins were extracted into four subcellular fractions from primary bladder epithelial explants of six patients who fulfilled modified National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) criteria for IC/BPS and six age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Total and/or phosphorylated cellular Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and β‐catenin; total cellular JunB; and secreted matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) levels were determined by Western blot. MMP2, JunB, p53, uroplakin 3 (UPK3), and β‐actin mRNAs were quantified by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Akt activity was determined by nonradioactive assay.

Results

IC/BPS cells had lower Akt activity, along with lower Akt ser473‐ and GSK3β ser9‐phosphorylation and higher β‐catenin ser33,37/thr41‐phosphorylation in specific fractions as compared with matched control cells. IC/BPS explants also had evidence of additional downstream abnormalities compared with control cells, including lower nuclear JunB; lower secreted MMP2 and HB‐EGF; plus lower MMP2, JunB, and UPK3 mRNAs but higher p53 mRNA relative to β‐actin. Each of these IC/BPS cell abnormalities was also induced in normal cells by as‐APF.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that IC/BPS cells have abnormal Akt activity with downstream protein expression abnormalities including decreased MMP2 and HB‐EGF secretion. They also support the hypothesis that APF plays a role in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS via its effects on cell Akt signalling and HB‐EGF production.
An 11 000‐year record of driftwood delivery to the western Queen Elizabeth Islands, Arctic Canada
Authors: Nixon F. Chantel , England John H. , Lajeunesse Patrick , Hanson Michelle A.
Published: February 2016

Fifty‐six new radiocarbon dates from driftwood (mainlyLarix,PiceaandPopulusspp.) collected from the modern and raised shorelines of Melville and Eglinton islands (western Canadian High Arctic) are presented and compared to other driftwood collections from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) and Greenland. By documenting the species (provenance) and spatio‐temporal distribution of driftwood at various sites across the Arctic, regional characterizations of former sea‐ice conditions and changes in Arctic Ocean circulation patterns may be deduced. The earliest postglacial invasion of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago by driftwood is recorded on central Melville Island atc. 11 cal. kaBP, suggesting that the modern circulation pattern of Arctic Ocean surface water southeast through the archipelago was established >1000 years earlier than previously proposed. Throughout most of the Holocene untilc. 1.0 cal. kaBP, the rate of driftwood delivery to the western Arctic islands was low (~1 recorded stranding event per 200 years) and intermittent, with the longest break in the record occurring betweenc. 3.0 and 5.0 cal. kaBP. This 2000‐year hiatus is attributed to a period of colder temperatures causing severe sea‐ice conditions and effectively making the coasts of the western Arctic islands inaccessible. Afterc. 1.0 cal. kaBP, driftwood incursion increased to maximum Holocene levels (~1 recorded stranding event every 20 years). Driftwood identified to the genus level asLarixthat was delivered at this time suggests that the Trans Polar Drift current was regularly in its most southwestern position, related to a dominantly positive Arctic Oscillation mode. The Little Ice Age appears to have had little impact on driftwood entry to the western Canadian Arctic Archipelago, indeed the general abundance in the latest Holocene may record infrequent landfast sea ice.
Infiltration of tumor‐associated macrophages is involved in CD44 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ma Chaoya , Komohara Yoshihiro , Ohnishi Koji , Shimoji Tetsu , Kuwahara Nao , Sakumura Yasuo , Matsuishi Kozue , Fujiwara Yukio , Motoshima Takanobu , Takahashi Wataru , Yamada Sohsuke , Kitada Shohei , Fujimoto Naohiro , Nakayama Toshiyuki , Eto Masatoshi , Takeya Motohiro
Published: February 2016

Cancer stem‐like cells (CSC) or cancer‐initiating cells are now considered to be an important cell population related to cancer recurrence and the resistance to anti‐cancer therapy. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) are a main component of stromal cells and are related to cancer progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Because the detailed mechanisms allowing the maintenance of CSC in cancer tissues remain unclear, we investigated the relationship between TAM and CD44‐expressing cancer cells in ccRCC. CD44 was used as a marker for CSC, and CD163 and CD204 were used as markers for TAM. CD44‐positive cancer cells were detected in 37 of the 103 cases. Although statistical analysis showed no relationship between CD44‐positive cancer cells and the clinical course, the distribution of CD44‐positive cancer cells was significantly associated with a high density of TAM. Our in vitro study using RCC cell lines and human macrophages demonstrated that CD44 expression was upregulated by direct co‐culture with macrophages. Silencing of TNF‐alpha on macrophages abrogated the upregulation of CD44 expression in cancer cells. Macrophage‐induced CD44 overexpression was also suppressed by NF‐κB inhibitors. These results suggest that TNF‐alpha derived from TAM is linked to CD44 overexpression via NF‐κB signaling in ccRCC.
Culture and context: exploring attributions and caregiving approaches of parents of children with an intellectual disability in urban India
Authors: John Aesha , Bailey Lucy E. , Jones Jennifer L.
Published: February 2016

We utilized a sociocultural lens and a qualitative approach to examine causal attributions and caregiving approaches of parents of children with an intellectual disability in a mid‐sized Indian city. Sixteen mothers and three fathers participated in a semi‐structured interview. Findings elucidate participants' active processing of the cause of their child's intellectual disability. They seemed to simultaneously draw upon religious, biological and situational factors to construct an explanation. As far as caregiving approaches, most parents reported moving away gradually from mainstream medicine to alternative medicine and physiotherapy and from regular education settings to special schools. The themes highlight the role of sociocultural factors and also cross‐cultural similarities in parental causal attributions and caregiving approach. The findings are discussed in the context of implications for social work practice and policy in India.
Regional hypoplasia of somatosensory cortex in growth‐retarded mice (grt/grt)
Authors: Sawada Kazuhiko , Saito Shigeyoshi , Sugasawa Akari , Sato Chika , Aoyama Junya , Ohara Naoko , Horiuchi‐Hirose Miwa , Kobayashi Tetsuya
Published: February 2016

Growth‐retarded mouse (grt/grt) is a spontaneous mutant that is known as an animal model for primary congenital hypothyroidism caused by resistance to TSH signaling. The regional pattern of cerebral cortical hypoplasia was characterized ingrt/grtmice.Ex vivocomputed tomography (CT)‐based volumetry was examined in four regions of the cerebral cortex, i.e., prefrontal, frontal, parietal and occipito‐temporal regions, which were demarcated by structural landmarks on coronal CT images. A region‐specific reduced volume of the parietal cortical region covering most of the somatosensory cortex was noted ingrt/grtmice rather than in both heterozygous (grt/+) and wild‐type (+/+) mice. We concluded that the cortical hypoplasia ingrt/grtwas seen in identical cortical regions corresponding to human congenital hypothyroidism.
Voices of Children from Around the Globe; An International Analysis of Children's Issues at Child Helplines
Authors: Fukkink Ruben Georges , Bruns Suzan , Ligtvoet Rudy
Published: February 2016

Child helplines around the world are an important mental health resource for many children. In this study, an international database was analysed with a total of 25 million registered calls at a total of 111 helplines affiliated with Child Helpline International. The research was aimed at discovering if there are differences between the reasons for calling of children from different parts of the world, and if shifts in the studied 10‐year period can be observed. The data show that all child helplines are contacted by young people seek support with questions concerning abuse, sexual matters and school issues. The results from a mixed model also show significant differences in the reasons for calling between Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, the Pacific region and the region Middle East and North Africa. Child helplines in Africa and other developing parts of the world received many calls related to safety and health (e.g. HIV/AIDS, commercial exploitation), whereas children and young people from Europe, North America and the Pacific more often discussed social and psychosocial issues with the helpline (e.g. mental health, peer and family relations). The reasons for calling were relatively stable for the studied period.