bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hcm1 integrates signals from Cdk1 and calcineurin to control cell proliferation
Authors: Arsenault Heather E. , Roy Jagoree , Mapa Claudine E. , Cyert Martha S. , Benanti Jennifer A.
Published: August 2015

Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk1) orchestrates progression through the cell cycle by coordinating the activities of cell-cycle regulators. Although phosphatases that oppose Cdk1 are likely to be necessary to establish dynamic phosphorylation, specific phosphatases that target most Cdk1 substrates have not been identified. In budding yeast, the transcription factor Hcm1 activates expression of genes that regulate chromosome segregation and is critical for maintaining genome stability. Previously we found that Hcm1 activity and degradation are stimulated by Cdk1 phosphorylation of distinct clusters of sites. Here we show that, upon exposure to environmental stress, the phosphatase calcineurin inhibits Hcm1 by specifically removing activating phosphorylations and that this regulation is important for cells to delay proliferation when they encounter stress. Our work identifies a mechanism by which proliferative signals from Cdk1 are removed in response to stress and suggests that Hcm1 functions as a rheostat that integrates stimulatory and inhibitory signals to control cell proliferation.
Evaluation of Cytokine Profile and HLA Association in Benznidazole Related Cutaneous Reactions in Patients With Chagas Disease
Authors: Salvador Fernando , Sánchez-Montalvá Adrián , Martínez-Gallo Mónica , Sala-Cunill Anna , Viñas Laura , García-Prat Marina , Aparicio Gloria , Sao Avilés Augusto , Artaza Mª Ángeles , Ferrer Berta , Molina Israel
Published: August 2015

Background.  Benznidazole is the drug of choice for Chagas disease. The major drawback of this drug is the high adverse events rate, being cutaneous reactions the most frequent one, leading to definitive withdrawal of treatment in 15%–30% of patients.

Methods.  Prospective observational study where adult Chagas disease patients accepting to receive benznidazole (100 mg/8 hours for 60 days) were included. The objective was to characterize the skin toxicity of benznidazole in patients with Chagas disease, determine the serum cytokine profile, and evaluate the potential association with specific HLA alleles and benznidazole concentration. Serum cytokine levels were measured at day 0, 15, and 60 of treatment. Class I and II HLA alleles were determined. When cutaneous reaction was detected, a skin biopsy was performed. Serum benznidazole concentration was determined at the time of cutaneous reaction, or at day 15 of treatment.

Results.  Fifty-two patients were included, 20(38.5%) had cutaneous reaction, and median time of appearance was 9 days. Skin biopsies showed histopathological findings consistent with drug eruption. Patients with cutaneous drug-reaction had higher proportion of eosinophilia during treatment, and higher interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-10 serum concentrations at day 15 of treatment than those without cutaneous reaction. Treatment interruption (that included moderate-severe cutaneous reactions) was more frequent in patients carrying HLA-B*3505 allele (45.5% vs 15.4%, P = .033). No differences in benznidazole serum concentration were found.

Conclusions.  Benznidazole related cutaneous reaction rate is high, and it was produced by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction with a Th2 response. Carrying HLA-B*3505 allele could be associated with moderate-severe cutaneous reaction.
Effect of zooplankton on fish larval abundance and distribution: a long-term study on North Sea herring (Clupea harengus)
Authors: Alvarez-Fernandez S. , Licandro P. , van Damme C. J. G. , Hufnagl M.
Published: August 2015

During the last decade, North Sea autumn spawning herring (Clupea harengus) has gone through consecutive years of low recruitment despite high spawning-stock biomass. Although several mechanisms, such as reduced larval growth and high early larvae mortality, have been identified as co-occurring during these years, the causes behind them have not been identified. In this study, we analyse a long-term dataset of larval distribution, obtained during the International Bottom Trawl Survey, in relation to environmental conditions during winter and zooplankton abundances, obtained from the continuous plankton recorder. These analyses assessed the potential influence of these factors on the reduced survival of larval stages. Generalized additive mixed models on 30 years of data showed the abundance of Pseudocalanus sp. during winter to have a strong relationship with larval distribution and abundance, suggesting that predator–prey processes are behind the low recruitment in recent years. According to our models, the direct effect of temperature on larval abundances was less than the effect of zooplankton abundances.
Association Between Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing Practices and Community-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Dantes Raymund , Mu Yi , Hicks Lauri A. , Cohen Jessica , Bamberg Wendy , Beldavs Zintars G. , Dumyati Ghinwa , Farley Monica M. , Holzbauer Stacy , Meek James , Phipps Erin , Wilson Lucy , Winston Lisa G. , McDonald L. Clifford , Lessa Fernanda C.
Published: August 2015

Background.  Antibiotic use predisposes patients to Clostridium difficile infections (CDI), and approximately 32% of these infections are community-associated (CA) CDI. The population-level impact of antibiotic use on adult CA-CDI rates is not well described.

Methods.  We used 2011 active population- and laboratory-based surveillance data from 9 US geographic locations to identify adult CA-CDI cases, defined as C difficile-positive stool specimens (by toxin or molecular assay) collected from outpatients or from patients ≤3 days after hospital admission. All patients were surveillance area residents and aged ≥20 years with no positive test ≤8 weeks prior and no overnight stay in a healthcare facility ≤12 weeks prior. Outpatient oral antibiotic prescriptions dispensed in 2010 were obtained from the IMS Health Xponent database. Regression models examined the association between outpatient antibiotic prescribing and adult CA-CDI rates.

Methods.  Healthcare providers prescribed 5.2 million courses of antibiotics among adults in the surveillance population in 2010, for an average of 0.73 per person. Across surveillance sites, antibiotic prescription rates (0.50–0.88 prescriptions per capita) and unadjusted CA-CDI rates (40.7–139.3 cases per 100 000 persons) varied. In regression modeling, reducing antibiotic prescribing rates by 10% among persons ≥20 years old was associated with a 17% (95% confidence interval, 6.0%–26.3%; P = .032) decrease in CA-CDI rates after adjusting for age, gender, race, and type of diagnostic assay. Reductions in prescribing penicillins and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were associated with the greatest decreases in CA-CDI rates.

Conclusions and Relevance.  Community-associated CDI prevention should include reducing unnecessary outpatient antibiotic use. A modest reduction of 10% in outpatient antibiotic prescribing can have a disproportionate impact on reducing CA-CDI rates.
Emulsifying and Foaming Properties of Okara Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Fierens Ellen , Brijs Kristof , Delcour Jan A.
Published: August 2015

Okara is a low‐value coproduct of soy milk production. Its dry matter contains 25–30% protein that is of high nutritive quality, has an excellent efficiency ratio, and thus holds promise for applications in food systems. However, okara protein has low solubility. We here optimized its extraction and isolation from okara by using dilute sodium hydroxide and subsequent isoelectric precipitation. The obtained okara protein isolate (OPI) was hydrolyzed with different enzymes into a range of hydrolysates with different degrees of hydrolysis. Most hydrolysates had better emulsifying activity and produced more stable emulsions than OPI. In contrast, hydrolysis had no positive effect on foam‐forming and foam‐stabilizing activity of OPI proteins. Hydrolysis of OPI enhances the emulsifying capacity of the proteins. Furthermore, the emulsifying and foam‐forming capacities of most of the OPI hydrolysates were similar to or even better than those of the commercial (soy) protein hydrolysates used in this study.
QTL Mapping for Gray Leaf Spot Resistance in a Tropical Maize Population
Authors: Liu L. , Zhang Y. D. , Li H. Y. , Bi Y. Q. , Yu L. J. , Fan X. M. , Tan J. , Jeffers D. P. , Kang M. S.
Published: August 2015

A tropical gray leaf spot (GLS)-resistant line, YML 32, was crossed to a temperate GLS-susceptible line, Ye 478, to produce an F2:3 population for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to GLS. The population was evaluated for GLS disease resistance and flowering time at two locations in Yunnan province. Seven QTL using GLS disease scores and six QTL using flowering time were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 in the YML 32 × Ye 478 maize population. All QTL, except one identified on chromosome 2 using flowering time, were overlapped with the QTL for GLS disease scores. The results indicated that QTL for flowering time in this population strongly corresponded to QTL for GLS resistance. Among the QTL, qRgls.yaas-8-1/qFt.yaas-8 with the largest genetic effect accounted for 17.9 to 18.1 and 11.0 to 21.42% of variations for GLS disease scores and flowering time, respectively, and these should be very useful for improving resistance to GLS, especially in subtropical maize breeding programs. The QTL effects for resistance to GLS were predominantly additive in nature, with a dominance effect having been found for two QTL on the basis of joint segregation genetic analysis and QTL analysis.
Opportunities and barriers to cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in English secondary schools
Authors: Lockey Andrew S. , Barton Katherine , Yoxall Heather
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates and survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are poor in the UK compared with areas abroad that deliver mandatory training to all school children. We sought to identify barriers to training and develop a strategy to enable delivery of this training.

Methods

Qualitative analysis, comprising semistructured interviews and group discussions, covering 14 schools in the metropolitan borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire.

Results

Only three schools out of 14 were delivering training to entire year groups. Barriers include lack of resources, lack of training for teachers and difficulty in initiating a programme. Strategies were developed to overcome these barriers with the result that four additional schools are now teaching a whole year group. There is no single solution and bespoke plans may be needed for each school.

Conclusion

The establishment of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in secondary schools in the UK is achievable. The commonly perceived barriers to establishment of training are all surmountable, but solving them does not necessarily ensure universal coverage. Support from healthcare professionals, in particular public health, is essential to ensure that the training is as widespread as possible. Mandatory inclusion of this training on the school curriculum, as seen in other countries, would result in significantly improved survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest. Solutions to improve training have been proposed, which could be used in other parts of Europe where such training is not a mandatory requirement.
Associations between perceived discrimination and health status among frequent Emergency Department users
Authors: Baggio Stéphanie , Iglesias Katia , Hugli Olivier , Burnand Bernard , Ruggeri Ornella , Wasserfallen Jean-Blaise , Moschetti Karine , Staeger Philippe , Alary Séverine , Canepa Allen Marina , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Bodenmann Patrick
Published: August 2015

Objective

Frequent Emergency Department (ED) users are vulnerable individuals and discrimination is usually associated with increased vulnerability. The aim of this study was to investigate frequent ED users’ perceptions of discrimination and to test whether they were associated with increased vulnerability.

Methods

In total, 250 adult frequent ED users were interviewed in Lausanne University Hospital. From a previously published questionnaire, we assessed 15 dichotomous sources of perceived discrimination. Vulnerability was assessed using health status: objective health status (evaluation by a healthcare practitioner including somatic, mental health, behavioral, and social issues – dichotomous variables) and subjective health status [self-evaluation including health-related quality of life (WHOQOL) and quality of life (EUROQOL) – mean-scores]. We computed the prevalence rates of perceived discrimination and tested associations between perceived discrimination and health status (Fischer’s exact tests, Mann–Whitney U-tests).

Results

A total of 35.2% of the frequent ED users surveyed reported at least one source of perceived discrimination. Objective health status was not significantly related to perceived discrimination. In contrast, experiencing perceived discrimination was associated with worse subjective health status (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Frequent ED users are highly likely to report perceived discrimination during ED use, and this was linked to a decrease in their own rating of their health. Hence, discrimination should be taken into account when providing care to such users as it may constitute an additional risk factor for this vulnerable population. Perceived discrimination may also be of concern to professionals seeking to improve practices and provide optimal care to frequent ED users.
A system-wide approach from the community to the hospital for improving neurologic outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients
Authors: Hwang Won Sook , Park Jong Su , Kim Su Jin , Hong Yun Sik , Moon Sung Woo , Lee Sung Woo
Published: August 2015

Objective

In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of a system-wide approach from the community to the hospital in improving the neurologic outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients within Sungbuk in Korea.

Methods

This study used a before–after design. In 2011, compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for citizens, a state-wide standard dispatcher assisted-CPR protocol, medical control for regional emergency medical service (EMS), provision of high-quality advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) with capnography and extracorporeal CPR, and the standard postcardiac arrest care protocol were implemented in the system-wide CPR program. CPR provision and outcomes were compared between the 2009–2010 and the 2012–2013 periods. A multivariate logistic regression model for good outcome of OHCA was used to identify interventions with a significant impact.

Results

In total, 581 adult nontraumatic OHCA patients who received resuscitation attempts from 2009 to 2013 were selected for the analysis of CPR provision and outcomes. CPR provision improved significantly, as indicated by the following results from 2009–2010 to 2012–2013: from 15.9 to 50.4% for bystander CPR (P<0.001), 6.0 to 0% for the proportion of no documented arrest rhythm by EMS (P=0.004), 41.4 to 62.2% for ACLS with capnography (P=0.008), 1.4 to 10.5% for extracorporeal CPR (P=0.052), 3.7 to 34.4% for successful therapeutic hypothermia in coma patients (P<0.001), and 61.5 to 87.1% for immediate coronary angiography for presumed cardiac etiology (P=0.005). Moreover, the proportion of OHCA patients who received early EMS activation, bystander CPR, appropriate attempt of defibrillation at the prehospital level, high-quality ACLS, and standard postcardiac arrest care increased from 0.5% in 2009–2010 to 8.5% in 2012–2013 (P<0.001). The rates of discharge with a good neurologic outcome improved from 3.3% in 2009–2010 to 8.5% in 2012–2013 (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The system-wide CPR program was associated with enhancements in CPR performance at both the prehospital and the hospital level, and yielded improved neurologic outcomes in OHCA patients in a small region.
Amisulpride Augmentation in Acute Catatonia
Authors: Arora Manu , Banal Rakesh , Praharaj Samir K. , Mahajan Vivek
Published: August 2015

Benzodiazepines are the first-line treatment of catatonia, but a substantial number of patients do not respond to them. Amisulpride is one of the atypical antipsychotic that has been effective for negative symptoms of schizophrenia. We examined the effect of augmentation of oral low doses of amisulpride with lorazepam on resolution of catatonic symptoms. Fifteen patients with catatonia were treated with a combination of oral lorazepam (2–4 mg) with amisulpride (100 mg). Catatonic symptoms were rated using the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale at the baseline and daily thereafter. There was complete resolution of catatonic symptoms on the third day in all patients. There was significant reduction of the total Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale score over time (F = 181.38, P < 0.001) with a strong effect size (partial η2 = 0.96). Augmentation of lorazepam with low-dose amisulpride can be a reliable strategy for management of catatonia.
Unusual Bleeding Due to Riociguat Use in a Patient With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Sonmez Asli , Sunbul Murat , Yildizeli Bedrettin , Mutlu Bulent
Published: August 2015

Riociguat is a new drug prescribed to patients with pulmonary hypertension that reduces the pressure in pulmonary artery by vasodilation. This drug like many other drugs has several side effects, some of which can be serious such as bleeding. Riociguat causes vaginal bleeding by increasing endometrial thickness and blood flow to the endometrium, therefore, should be used with care especially for patients who have history of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. In this case report, we present a 27-year-old female patient with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and dysfunctional uterine bleeding presented with severe vaginal bleeding under riociguat treatment.
Patricia Hannah Clarke. 29 July 1919 — 28 January 2010
Authors: Brammar W. J.
Published: August 2015

Patricia Hannah Clarke was a distinguished British biochemist and microbiologist who won an international reputation for her work on microbial evolution. After completing the Natural Sciences Tripos at the University of Cambridge at the beginning of World War II, she chose to work for the Armaments Research Department, before moving into microbiological research on bacterial toxoids. She was appointed to an assistant lectureship in biochemistry at University College London in 1953, eventually becoming Professor of Microbial Biochemistry in 1974. Her pioneering work on the directed evolution of bacterial metabolic capability led to her election to Fellowship of the Royal Society in 1976. Patricia gave dedicated service to the scientific community through her many years of committee work with the Royal Society, the Biochemical Society and the Society for General Microbiology. She was a passionate advocate of the importance of equal opportunities for women in education and scientific careers.
Thiorhodococcus fuscus sp. nov., isolated from a lagoon
Authors: Lakshmi K. V. N. S. , Divyasree B. , Sucharita K. , Sasikala Ch. , Ramana Ch. V.
Published: August 2015

A brown, moderately halophilic, photoautotrophic bacterium designated strain JA363T was purified from a photoheterotrophic enrichment obtained from sediment from Chilika lagoon, Odisha, India. Cells of the isolate were coccoid, motile by means of single polar flagellum and Gram-stain-negative. Strain JA363T had an obligate requirement for NaCl and could tolerate up to 7 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain JA363T had complex growth factor requirements. Internal photosynthetic membranes were present as vesicles. Strain JA363T contained bacteriochlorophyll a and spirilloxanthin series carotenoids with rhodopin as a major (>85 %) component. C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c, C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 were the major fatty acids and phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine were the major polar lipids. Q8 was the predominant quinone system of strain JA363T. The DNA G+C content was 64 mol%. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain JA363T was found with the type strains of Thiorhodococcus kakinadensis (98.7 %), Thiohalobacter thiocyanaticus (98.2 %), Thiophaeococcus fuscus (97.4 %) and Thiorhodococcus bheemlicus (96.3 %). However, the phylogenetic trees generated firmly placed strain JA363T in the genus Thiorhodococcus, which was further supported by phenotypic and chemotaxonomic evidence. Consequently, strain JA363T is described as representing a novel species of the genus Thiorhodococcus as Thiorhodococcus fuscus sp. nov. The type strain is JA363T ( = KCTC 5701T = NBRC 104959T).
Pulmonary infection due to Nocardia exalbida complicated with pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Kiyasu Yoshihiko , Koganemaru Hiroshi , Kurihara Yoko , Hitomi Shigemi
Published: August 2015

Introduction:

Nocardia exalbida is an uncommon Nocardia sp., first described in 2006. We report a case of pulmonary infection due to this organism, which became evident after treatment of antecedent pneumococcal pneumonia.

Case presentation:

A 68-year-old man was hospitalized because of pneumococcal pneumonia. Although his symptoms improved immediately after administration of anti-pneumococcal antibiotics, patchy opacity on the chest X-ray remained and pyrexia recurred. Administration of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, given after seropositivity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 was confirmed and Nocardia-like organisms were detected from the sputa, completely resolved his symptoms. The recovered organism was identified as N. exalbida by comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, only six other cases of N. exalbida infection have been described. Most of these cases were reported from Japan, suggesting that the organism is more prevalent in this country than in other areas. The present case also highlights that underlying nocardiosis should be considered when an immunocompromised patient with acute bacterial pneumonia demonstrates refractory respiratory manifestations, despite receiving appropriate treatments.
A Molecular Classification of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Rohart Florian , Mason Elizabeth , Matigian Nicholas , Mosbergen Rowland , Korn Othmar , Chen Tyrone , Butcher Suzanne , Patel Jatin , Atkinson Kerry , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Fisk Nicholas , Lê Cao Kim-Anh , Wells Christine A
Published: August 2015

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are widely used, isolated from a variety of tissues and increasingly adopted for cell therapy, but the identity of these cells is poorly defined and commonalities between MSC from different tissues sources is controversial. Here we undertook a comprehensive review of all public MSC expression studies to assess whether cells derived from different sources shared any common molecular attributes. In doing so, we discovered an over-arching transcriptional phenotype shared by a wide variety of MSC, freshly isolated or cultured cells, and under a variety of growth conditions. We developed a modified variable selection protocol that included cross platform normalisation, and assessment of the selected gene stability and informativeness. A 16-gene signature classified MSC with >97% accuracy, discriminating these from fibroblasts, other adult stem/progenitor cell types and differentiated cells. The genes form part of a protein-interaction network, and mutations in more than 65% of this network were associated with Mendelian disorders of skeletal growth or metabolism. The signature and accompanying datasets are provided as a community resource at www.stemformatics.org resource, and the method is available from the CRAN repository.
Global business services
Authors: Wirtz Jochen , Tuzovic Sven , Ehret Michael
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of global business services (GBS) to improve productivity and economic growth of the world economy, which has gone largely unnoticed in service research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors draw on macroeconomic data and industry reports, and link them to the non-ownership concept in service research and theories of the firm.

Findings

– Business services explain a large share of the growth of the global service economy. The fast growth of business services coincides with shifts from domestic production toward global outsourcing of services. A new wave of GBS are traded across borders and have emerged as important drivers of growth in the world’s service sector.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper advances the understanding of non-ownership services in an increasingly global and specialized post-industrial economy. The paper makes a conceptual contribution supported by descriptive data, but without empirical testing.

Originality/value

– The authors integrate the non-ownership concept and three related economic theories of the firm to explain the role of GBS in driving business performance and the international transformation of service economies.
Understanding the usage of global social networking sites by Arabs through the lens of uses and gratifications theory
Authors: Al-Jabri Ibrahim M , Sohail M. Sadiq , Ndubisi Nelson Oly
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding of the determinants and usage of global technology services in Saudi Arabia. The technology under investigation is social network technology, Twitter.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing upon relevant extant literature, the paper proposes a research model, which examines the relationship between personal and social factors and usage of Twitter, as well as the moderating effects of gender and user experience. Data were collected online from 281 Saudi Twitter users, and the research model was empirically tested using standard procedures.

Findings

– The findings support some of the proposed direct and moderating effects. For example, enjoyment, freedom of expression, and social interaction were found to influence Twitter usage. Gender as well as user experience has a moderating effect in the relationship between self-presentation and usage.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed framework contributes to global (technology) services management and marketing research by integrating personal and social factors, and demographics as direct and contingent factors in understanding user acceptance of social network technologies in the Arab region. Detailed discussions of the research, managerial and contextual implications conclude the paper.

Originality/value

– The personal and social motives behind the use of social network sites in the Arab region particularly Saudi Arabia is ill understood due to a dearth of research on the region. This paper helps to bridge this research and knowledge gap.
Human appropriation of biogenic silicon – the increasing role of agriculture
Authors: Carey Joanna C. , Fulweiler Robinson W.
Published: August 2015

Terrestrial plants create roughly 84 Tmol biogenic silicon (BSi) each year. This substantial uptake of dissolved silicon (DSi) by land plants represents an important, yet often overlooked, pathway of Si on the global scale. Agricultural crops account for ~35% of BSi created by land plants globally due to a combination of large biomass and relatively high Si concentrations in the tissue of many crops. In this review, we investigate the global importance of terrestrial BSi fixation by agricultural crops.

Using annual data from 1961 to 2012 of the 10 most important crops (ranked by mass produced globally), we quantify how agriculture has altered the amount of BSi created on land.

Over this time period, average annual BSi production by the top 10 crops tripled globally, increasing by an additional 39 Gmol Si each year. We refer to this BSi in agricultural crops as human‐appropriated biogenic Si (HABSi). Based on projected increases in human populations and land cover change, HABSi is projected to increase by 22–35% by 2050.

Human agricultural practices are increasing the size of relatively labile plant BSi pool on land. Considering its bioavailable nature, we suggest that increasing plant BSi on land has the capacity to alter Si availability in downstream receiving waters, although this depends on the fate of harvesting and threshing losses, which varies substantially across the globe. We highlight similarities between the N, P and Si cycles in agricultural settings, such as the often unidirectional flow of Si away from croplands (similar to N) and soil BSi depletion (similar to P). We then address how changing human diets will continue to alter plant BSi cycling in future decades.
The effects of an exercise programme during pregnancy on health‐related quality of life in pregnant women: a Norwegian randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gustafsson MK , Stafne SN , Romundstad PR , Mørkved S , Salvesen KÅ , Helvik A‐S
Published: August 2015

Objective

To investigate whether a customised exercise programme influences pregnant women's psychological wellbeing and general health perception reflecting health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in late pregnancy.

Design

A two‐armed, two‐centred randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Trondheim and Stavanger University Hospitals, Norway.

Population

A total of 855 healthy Caucasian pregnant women.

Methods

The intervention group was offered a 12‐week exercise programme between 20 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. One weekly group session was led by physiotherapists, in addition women were encouraged to follow a home exercise programme at least twice a week. The exercise programme followed standard recommendations and included both aerobic and strength training. The control group received regular antenatal care. Pretests and post‐tests were performed at 18–22 and 32–36 weeks of pregnancy.

Main outcome measures

In the original study primary outcome was gestational diabetes mellitus, but in this report the primary outcome is HRQoL. The questionnaire Psychological General Wellbeing Index (PGWBI) was used to assess psychological wellbeing and self‐perceived general health before and after the intervention. PGWBI contains six subscales and it is also possible to summarise all items to a global score.

Results

No association between antenatal exercise programme allocation and PGWBI (global score and subscales) was found. The study population was homogeneous and had high educational level.

Conclusions

The results indicate that offering women an exercise programme during pregnancy does not seem to influence healthy pregnant women's psychological wellbeing and self‐perceived general health. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of exercise in pregnancy on psychological wellbeing and self‐perceived general health among women from different sociocultural subgroups.

Tweetable abstract

Exercise in pregnancy does not influence healthy pregnant women's health‐related quality of life.
An Analysis of the Characteristics of Thoracic and Abdominal Injuries Due to Gunshot Homicides in Israel
Authors: Maiden Nicholas R. , Hiss Jehuda , Gips Hadas , Hocherman Gil , Levin Nadav , Kosachevsky Olga , Vinokurov Asya , Zelkowicz Avraham , Byard Roger W.
Published: August 2015

De‐identified wound data from 197 homicidal gunshot postmortems were obtained between 2000 and 2008. Forensic ballistics data were only available for cases between 2004 and 2008. Males represent 91% of gunshot victims and were struck in the thorax/abdomen with an average of 2.3 bullets. The type of firearms involved were semi‐automatic pistols in the predominant caliber 9‐mm Luger and assault rifles in caliber 5.56 × 45 mm and caliber 7.62 × 39 mm Soviet, using full metal jacket bullets. The majority of shootings occurred at ranges of 1 m or greater. The most common bullet path was front to back in 66% of cases. Entry wounds occurred more often on the left side of the thorax, abdomen, and back. The most common critical organs/tissues to sustain bullet trauma in descending order were as follows: heart, lungs, liver, aorta, spleen, kidneys, and vena cava. Ribs were struck by most bullets that entered the thorax.
Sensory Evaluation and Electronic Tongue for Sensing Flavored Mineral Water Taste Attributes
Authors: Sipos László , Gere Attila , Szöllősi Dániel , Kovács Zoltán , Kókai Zoltán , Fekete András
Published: August 2015

In this article a trained sensory panel evaluated 6 flavored mineral water samples. The samples consisted of 3 different brands, each with 2 flavors (pear‐lemon grass and josta berry). The applied sensory method was profile analysis. Our aim was to analyze the sensory profiles and to investigate the similarities between the sensitivity of the trained human panel and an electronic tongue device. Another objective was to demonstrate the possibilities for the prediction of sensory attributes from electronic tongue measurements using a multivariate statistical method (Partial Least Squares regression [PLS]). The results showed that the products manufactured under different brand name but with the same aromas had very similar sensory profiles. The panel performance evaluation showed that it is appropriate (discrimination ability, repeatability, and panel consensus) to compare the panel's results with the results of the electronic tongue. The samples can be discriminated by the electronic tongue and an accurate classification model can be built. Principal Component Analysis BiPlot diagrams showed that Brand A and B were similar because the manufacturers use the same aroma brands for their products. It can be concluded that Brand C was quite different compared to the other samples independently of the aroma content. Based on the electronic tongue results good prediction models can be obtained with high correlation coefficient (r2 > 0.81) and low prediction error (RMSEP < 13.71 on the scale of the sensory evaluation from 0 to 100).
Discrimination of Swiss Cheese from 5 Different Factories by High Impact Volatile Organic Compound Profiles Determined by Odor Activity Value Using Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry and Odor Threshold
Authors: Taylor Kaitlyn , Wick Cheryl , Castada Hardy , Kent Kyle , Harper W. James
Published: August 2015

Swiss cheese contains more than 200 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry has been utilized for the analysis of volatile compounds in food products; however, it is not sensitive enough to measure VOCs directly in the headspace of a food at low concentrations. Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS) provides a basis for determining the concentrations of VOCs in the head space of the sample in real time at low concentration levels of parts per billion/trillion by volume. Of the Swiss cheese VOCs, relatively few have a major impact on flavor quality. VOCs with odor activity values (OAVs) (concentration/odor threshold) greater than one are considered high‐impact flavor compounds. The objective of this study was to utilize SIFT‐MS concentrations in conjunction with odor threshold values to determine OAVs thereby identifying high‐impact VOCs to use for differentiating Swiss cheese from five factories and identify the factory variability. Seventeen high‐impact VOCs were identified for Swiss cheese based on an OAV greater than one in at least 1 of the 5 Swiss cheese factories. Of these, 2,3‐butanedione was the only compound with significantly different OAVs in all factories; however, cheese from any pair of factories had multiple statistically different compounds based on OAV. Principal component analysis using soft independent modeling of class analogy statistical differentiation plots, with all of the OAVs, showed differentiation between the 5 factories. Overall, Swiss cheese from different factories was determined to have different OAV profiles utilizing SIFT‐MS to determine OAVs of high impact compounds.
Cancer in Australia 2014: Actual incidence data from 1982 to 2011 and mortality data from 1982 to 2012 with projections to 2014
Authors:   Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Published: August 2015

Aim

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is a major national agency that provides authoritative information and statistics on Australia's health and welfare. The AIHW and the Australasian Association of Cancer Registries collaborate every year to provide updated information on cancer occurrences and trends in Australia.

Method

The actual number of cases diagnosed and deaths, for all cancers combined and selected cancers, are presented from 1982 to 2011 for incidence and from 1982 to 2012 for mortality, with projections to 2014. Data on key population groups, survival, prevalence, hospitalizations and national population screening programs are also provided.

Results

In 2014, it was estimated that 123 920 new cases of cancer (excluding basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) were diagnosed. Prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males whereas breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females. It was estimated that 45 780 deaths from cancer occurred in Australia in 2014. Lung cancer was the most common cause of cancer death in both males and females.

Conclusion

From 1982 to 2014, it was estimated that the number of new cancer cases diagnosed in Australia more than doubled from 47 417 to 123 920. More males (55%) than females (45%) were diagnosed with cancer in 2014. From 1982 to 2014, the number of people who died in Australia from cancer almost doubled from 24 922 to 45 780. In 2014, more males (57%) than females (43%) were estimated to have died from cancer.
Breastfeeding and childhood acute otitis media: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bowatte G , Tham R , Allen KJ , Tan DJ , Lau MXZ , Dai X , Lodge CJ
Published: August 2015

Aim

To synthesise the evidence on the association between duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding and the risk of acute otitis media (AOM).

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis following searching of PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE electronic databases.

Results

Twenty‐four studies, all from the USA or Europe, met the inclusion criteria. In the pooled analyses, any form of breastfeeding was found to be protective for AOM in the first 2 years of life. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months was associated with the greatest protection (OR 0.57 95% CI 0.44, 0.75), followed by ‘more vs less’ breastfeeding (OR 0.67; 0.59, 0.76) and ‘ever vs never’ breastfeeding (OR 0.67; 0.56, 0.80).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis provides evidence that breastfeeding protects against AOM until 2 years of age, but protection is greater for exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding of longer duration. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months was associated with around a 43% reduction in ever having AOM in the first 2 years of life. After 2 years of age, there is no evidence that breastfeeding protects against AOM; however, there were few studies and the evidence quality was low.
Re‐vegetation with native species does not control the invasive Ruellia simplex in a floodplain forest in Florida, USA
Authors: Smith Adrienne M. , Reinhardt Adams Carrie , Wiese Christine , Wilson Sandra B.
Published: August 2015

Question

Planting or seeding native species after control of invasive species can limit re‐invasion and hasten establishment of native species. Ruellia simplex (Mexican petunia) invades floodplain forests in Florida, and is controlled with glyphosate herbicide. Will herbicide application used to control this weed allow establishment of native vegetation and limit R. simplex?

Location

Floodplain forest altered by stormwater run‐off, Lake Jesup Conservation Area, Sanford, FL, US.

Methods

We evaluated re‐vegetation following herbicide application to control R. simplex. For re‐vegetation, we planted or seeded native species (Andropogon glomeratus, Juncus effusus, Panicum longifolium, Solidago fistulosa) and measured stem density, percentage cover, above‐ground biomass and species richness for 1 yr. We compared the results to those from control plots (i.e. no herbicide, no re‐vegetation) and plots where R. simplex was sprayed with herbicide but not planted or seeded with native species.

Results

Unassisted re‐colonization (i.e. plots where R. simplex was sprayed but not planted or seeded with native species) did not result in native plant restoration. Re‐vegetation treatments (i.e. plots where R. simplex was sprayed and planted or seeded with native species) did not restore native vegetation; nor did re‐vegetation treatments reduce R. simplex stem density, percentage cover or biomass compared to control plots. However, total species richness, including native and exotic species richness, increased in plots planted with a native plug mix compared to control plots (i.e. no herbicide, no re‐vegetation). Native species failed to germinate in all seeding treatments. Plugs had adequate survival (2–57% depending on species) but did not prevent re‐invasion of R. simplex. Re‐invasion of R. simplex occurred in plots despite application of glyphosate herbicide and re‐vegetation treatments.

Conclusions

Re‐vegetation by seeding or planting did not establish native vegetation in the first year, instead, R. simplex reinvaded. Abiotic and biotic site conditions, e.g. invasive species propagule pressure and altered soil nutrients, may have limited seed germination and survival of planted seedlings. More research is necessary to determine if a reduction in invasive species propagules through repeated herbicide application coupled with planting native species results in native plant restoration in the longer term.
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 promotes epithelial cell transformation and breast tumourigenesis via induction of PIN1 gene expression
Authors: Choi H J , Kim J Y , Lim S‐C , Kim G , Yun H J , Choi H S
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is an aminopeptidase that is widely expressed in different cell types. Recent studies suggested that DPP4 plays an important role in tumour progression in several human malignancies. Here we have examined the mechanisms by which up‐regulation of DPP4 expression causes epithelial transformation and mammary tumourigenesis.

Experimental Approach

Expression of DPP4 and the peptidylprolyl cis/trans isomerase, NIMA‐interacting 1 (PIN1), and the cytotoxic effects of combined treatment with sitagliptin and juglone were investigated by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, real‐time PCR, TUNEL and soft agar assays, using MCF7 cells. The effects of sitagliptin on tumour development in vivo were studied in the syngeneic 4T1 metastatic breast cancer model.

Key Results

Activity of the transcription factor E2F1 induced by EGF was enhanced by DPP4, thus increasing PIN1 expression. Furthermore, DPP4 enhanced MEK/ERK and JNK/c‐Jun signalling induced by EGF, inducing AP‐1 activity and epithelial cell transformation. In contrast, DPP4 silencing or DPP4 inhibition in MCF7 cells inhibited PIN1 expression via E2F1 activity induced by EGF, decreasing colony formation and inducing DNA fragmentation. In the syngeneic 4T1 metastatic breast cancer model, DPP4 overexpression increased tumour development, whereas treatment with sitagliptin and/or juglone suppressed it. Consistent with these observations, DPP4 levels were positively correlated with PIN1 expression in human breast cancer.

Conclusions and Implications

DPP4 promoted EGF‐induced epithelial cell transformation and mammary tumourigenesis via induction of PIN1 expression, suggesting that sitagliptin targeting of DPP4 could be a treatment strategy in patients with breast cancer.
Sequential Healing at Implants with Different Configuration and Modified Surfaces: An Experimental Study in the Dog
Authors: Schweikert Michael T. , Botticelli Daniele , Sbricoli Luca , Antunes Antonio , Favero Vittorio , Salata Luiz A.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the peri‐implant soft and hard tissue adaptation at implants with different modified surfaces and configurations.

Materials and Methods

Six Beagle dogs were used. Mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months, full‐thickness flaps were elevated, and two different types of trans‐mucosal implants (ICX‐Gold®, Medentis Medical GmbH, Dernau, Germany and SLActive®, Institute Straumann, Bern, Switzerland) and two different surfaces were randomly installed in the distal regions of one side of the mandible. Abutments were applied, and a nonsubmerged healing was allowed. After 1 month, the procedures were performed in the other side of the mandible, and after a further month, the animals were sacrificed, biopsies were collected, and ground sections prepared for histological examination.

Results

Similar results in marginal bone and soft tissues dimensions were observed after 1 month of healing at the two implant systems used, and no major changes could be observed after 2 months of healing. After 1 month, the percentage of new bone was 69.0% and 68.8% at ICX‐Gold and SLActive surfaces, respectively. After 2 months, the percentage of new bone was 67.8% and 71.9% at ICX‐Gold Medentis and SLActive surfaces, respectively. No statistically significant differences in osseointegration were found.

Conclusion

The two implant systems used resulted in similar osseointegration after 1 and 2 months of healing.
Decementation Rates and the Peri‐Implant Tissue Status of Implant‐Supported Fixed Restorations Retained via Zinc Oxide Cement: A Retrospective 10–23‐Year Study
Authors: Woelber Johan P , Ratka‐Krueger Petra , Vach Kirstin , Frisch Eberhard
Published: August 2015

Background

Long‐term data on clinical outcomes of restorations attached to implants via zinc oxide (ZnO) cement have been sparse.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate decementation rates and peri‐implant tissue status of implant‐supported fixed restorations retained by ZnO cement.

Materials and Methods

Between 1989 and 2003, 63 partially edentulous patients received 93 implants. Of these, 27 patients received 36 screwed single crowns (SC) and served as a control (C group). The other 36 patients had their restorations cemented using ZnO cement. They were subdivided into a SC group and a fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) group. After between 10 and 23 years (mean: 13.22 ± 3.21), all decementation events and peri‐implant soft tissue status were evaluated using patient records.

Results

Decementation was assessed in 57 implants supporting 30 SCs and 16 FDPs. Five cases of decementation (8.77%) were recorded after a mean of 9.27 ± 7.05 years (range: 4.81–21.79). In the control group of vertically screwed SCs, five events of screw loosening (13.89%) were recorded in five patients (18.52%) after a mean of 5.84 ± 5.96 years (range: 0.56–15.05) within a 14.30 year observation period. No cases of peri‐implantitis were observed in any group. The mean values of periodontal probing depths and bleeding on probing (BOP+) were 3.74 mm and 31.58%, respectively, for ZnO‐cemented restorations, versus 3.76 mm and 25%, respectively, for the C group. No significant correlations regarding technical/biologic complications between the groups were detected.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that the use of ZnO cement provides sufficient retention of implant‐supported fixed restorations over long periods without biologic complications in form of peri‐implantitis.