bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habits are negatively regulated by HDAC3 in the dorsal striatum
Authors: Malvaez Melissa , Greenfield Venuz Y. , Matheos Dina P. , Angelillis Nicolas A. , Murphy Michael D. , Kennedy Pamela J. , Wood Marcelo A. , Wassum Kate. M.
Published: June 2017

Optimal behavior results from a balance of control between two strategies, one cognitive/goal-directed and one habitual, which rely on the anatomically distinct dorsomedial (DMS) and dorsolateral (DLS) striatum, respectively. The transcriptional regulatory mechanisms required to learn and transition between these strategies are unknown. Here we identified a critical negative regulator of habit learning. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition following instrumental conditioning accelerated habitual control of behavior. HDAC3, a transcriptional repressor, was removed from the promoters of learning-related genes in the dorsal striatum as habits formed with overtraining and with post-training HDAC inhibition. Decreasing HDAC3 function in the DLS accelerated habit formation, while DLS HDAC3 overexpression prevented habit. HDAC3 activity in the DMS was also found to constrain habit formation. These results challenge the strict dissociation between DMS and DLS function in goal-directed v. habitual behavioral control and identify dorsal striatal HDAC3 as a critical molecular substrate of the transition to habit.
1,1′-(Diphosphene-1,2-diyl)bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine)
Authors: Höhne Martha , Spannenberg Anke , Müller Bernd H. , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: June 2017

The title compound, C18H36N2P2, crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP-1 with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Both molecules adopt atransconfiguration of the tetramethylpiperidine units along the P=P axis. The crystal packing is stabilized only by van der Waals interactions.
Towards dynamic and interdisciplinary frameworks for school-based mental health promotion
Authors: O’Toole Catriona
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to scrutinise two ostensibly disparate approaches to school-based mental health promotion and offer a conceptual foundation for considering possible synergies between them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines current conceptualisations of child and youth mental health and explores how these inform school-based prevention and intervention approaches. The dominance of discrete, “expert-driven” psychosocial programmes as well as the potential of critical pedagogy is explored using frameworks provided by contemporary dynamic systems theories. These theories call for a situated and holistic understanding of children’s development; and they look beyond static characteristics within individuals, to view well-being in relation to the dynamic social and historical contexts in which children develop.

Findings

Psychosocial interventions and critical pedagogies have strengths but also a number of limitations. Traditional psychosocial interventions teach important skill sets, but they take little account of children’s dynamic socio-cultural contexts, nor acknowledge the broader inequalities that are frequently a root cause of children’s distress. Critical pedagogies, in turn, are committed to social justice goals, but these goals can be elusive or seem unworkable in practice. By bringing these seemingly disparate approaches into conversation, it may be possible to harness their respective strengths, in ways that are faithful to the complex, emergent nature of children’s development, as well as committed to correcting inequalities.

Originality/value

The current paper is unique in bringing together contemporary psychological theory with critical pedagogy perspectives to explore the future of school-based mental health promotion.
Adopting a virtual learning environment towards enhancing students’ self-efficacy
Authors: McKenna Gary , Baxter Gavin , Hainey Thomas
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a semi-experimental study conducted over a period of two years of five degree programmes using a web-based personal tutoring system to enhance learner engagement and students’ self-efficacy, towards using personal development planning (PDP) e-portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a semi-experimental approach using quantitative methods utilising a pre- and post-test design in the form of a general self-efficacy questionnaire inventory.

Findings

The study investigated the extent to which using a virtual learning environment web-based personal tutoring system (VLE WBPTS) can impact positively on the learners’ self-efficacy of the students’ undertaking a degree programme which promotes engagement with PDP e-portfolios.

Research limitations/implications

More empirical research is required to establish whether PDP and e-portfolios have a positive effect on students’ perceived self-efficacy. Further testing is required to establish whether the VLE WBPTS can have a positive effect on other beneficial elements associated with PDP and e-portfolio usage such as students: learning styles, learner conscientiousness, reflective thinking and effective learner skills.

Practical implications

The introduction of interventions that involve the utilisation of a VLE WBPTS may have a more significant impact and yield positive results when the period of usage is extended beyond the initial period of six weeks to a minimum period of 12 weeks.

Originality/value

This study was one of few studies to use a pre/post-test design to collect and analyse empirical data about whether a VLE WBPTS can have a positive effect on students’ self-efficacy towards using PDP e-portfolios.
Picking a hill to die on: discreet activism, leadership and social justice in education
Authors: Ryan James , Tuters Stephanie
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a study that explores the discreet activist strategies of educational leaders who promote social justice.

Design/methodology/approach

Part of a larger project, this study employed qualitative methods. In particular, researchers interviewed 26 leaders – principals, vice principals, department heads, and central office officials who presided over both homogeneous and diverse schools, departments, and districts in and around a large Canadian city. Data were analyzed during and after data collection, and themes were identified, explored, and described.

Findings

Given the resistance they faced in their efforts to promote social justice, leaders found that they had to be strategic in their efforts. In particular, they had to position themselves in ways that reduced their visibility and increased their credibility. When they took action, they tended to adopt subtle rather than obvious strategies.

Originality/value

The harsh reality for activist educational leaders who promote social justice is that they will likely have to be strategic in the way they go about their work. Given the nature of their relationships with the organizations in which they work and the power differentials within which they operate, educational leaders may have to adopt low key or discreet strategies if they are to successfully promote their social justice agendas.
Inquiry-based leadership
Authors: Uiterwijk-Luijk Lisette , Krüger Meta , Zijlstra Bonne , Volman Monique
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of psychological factors that influence inquiry-based leadership. This study investigates how affective attitude, experienced social pressure, and self-efficacy relate to aspects of inquiry-based school leadership. A school leader’s inquiry habit of mind, data literacy, and the extent to which he or she creates a culture of inquiry in the school are each identified as aspects of inquiry-based leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from questionnaires completed by a sample of 79 school leaders.

Findings

A significant relationship was found between self-efficacy regarding inquiry-based leadership and all aspects of inquiry-based leadership. Affective attitude toward inquiry-based leadership was significantly related to creating a culture of inquiry. There was no unique relationship between experienced social pressure and inquiry-based leadership.

Practical implications

Administrators and educators of school leaders who aim to stimulate inquiry-based school leadership should not only focus on increasing the capacity of school leaders to lead their school in an inquiry-based way, but they should also focus on leaders’ self-efficacy and on fostering leaders’ positive attitude toward inquiry-based school leadership. Administrators and educators can, for example, give positive feedback, emphasize the added value of inquiry-based leadership, encourage working with critical friends, and stimulate collaboration with other leaders.

Originality/value

This study addresses two gaps in the existing research, by focusing on inquiry-based leadership instead of data use and on psychological factors instead of knowledge and skills that are related to this type of leadership.
Tropical forest restoration: Fast resilience of plant biomass contrasts with slow recovery of stable soil C stocks
Authors: Wang Faming , Ding Yongzhen , Sayer Emma J. , Li Qinlu , Zou Bi , Mo Qifeng , Li Yingwen , Lu Xiaoliang , Tang Jianwu , Zhu Weixing , Li Zhian
Published: June 2017

Due to intensifying human disturbance, over half of the world's tropical forests are reforested or afforested secondary forests or plantations. Understanding the resilience of carbon (C) stocks in these forests, and estimating the extent to which they can provide equivalent carbon (C) sequestration and stabilization to the old growth forest they replace, is critical for the global C balance.

In this study, we combined estimates of biomass C stocks with a detailed assessment of soil C pools in bare land, Eucalyptus plantation, secondary forest and natural old‐growth forest after over 50 years of forest restoration in a degraded tropical region of South China. We used isotope studies, density fractionation and physical fractionation to determine the age and stability of soil C pools at different soil depths.

After 52 years, the secondary forests had equivalent biomass C stocks to natural forest, whereas soil C stocks were still much higher in natural forest (97.42 t/ha) than in secondary forest (58.75 t/ha) or Eucalyptus plantation (38.99 t/ha) and lowest in bare land (19.9 t/ha). Analysis of δ13C values revealed that most of the C in the soil surface horizons in the secondary forest was new C, with a limited increase of more recalcitrant old C, and limited accumulation of C in deeper soil horizons. However, occlusion of C in microaggregates in the surface soil layer was similar across forested sites, which suggests that there is great potential for additional soil C sequestration and stabilization in the secondary forest and Eucalyptus plantation.

Collectively, our results demonstrate that reforestation on degraded tropical land can restore biomass C and surface soil C stocks within a few decades, but much longer recovery times are needed to restore recalcitrant C pools and C stocks at depth. Repeated harvesting and disturbance in rotation plantations had a substantial negative impact on the recovery of soil C stocks. We suggest that current calculations of soil C in secondary tropical forests (e.g. IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories) could overestimate soil C sequestration and stabilization levels in secondary forests and plantations.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Mutualistic interactions amplify saltmarsh restoration success
Authors: Derksen‐Hooijberg Marlous , Angelini Christine , Lamers Leon P. M. , Borst Annieke , Smolders Alfons , Hoogveld Jasper R. H. , de Paoli Hélène , van de Koppel Johan , Silliman Brian R. , van der Heide Tjisse
Published: June 2017

Mounting evidence shows that the functioning and stability of coastal ecosystems often depends critically on habitat‐forming foundation species such as seagrasses, mangroves and saltmarsh grasses that engage in facultative mutualistic interactions. However, although restoration science is now gradually expanding its long‐standing paradigm of minimizing competition to including intraspecific, or within species, facilitation in its designs, the potential of harnessing mutualistic interactions between species for restoration purposes remains uninvestigated.

Here, we experimentally tested whether a previously documented mutualism between marsh‐formingSpartina alterniflora(cordgrass) andGeukensia demissa(mussels) can increase restoration success in degradedUSsaltmarshes.

We found that co‐transplanted mussels locally increased nutrients and reduced sulphide stress, thereby increasing cordgrass growth and clonal expansion by 50%. We then removed above‐ground vegetation and mussels to simulate a disturbance event and discovered that cordgrass co‐transplanted with mussels experienced three times greater survival than control transplants.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings indicate that mussels amplify cordgrass re‐colonization and resilience over spatial and temporal scales that exceed those of their actual mutualistic interaction. By experimentally demonstrating that mutualistic partners can enable foundation species to overcome stress barriers to establish and persist, we highlight that coastal restoration needs to evolve beyond the sole inclusion of intraspecific‐positive interactions. In particular, we suggest that integrating mutualisms in restoration designs may powerfully enhance long‐term restoration success and ecosystem resilience in the many coastal ecosystems where mutualisms involving foundation species are important ecosystem‐structuring interactions.
Pathways to professionalism? Quality improvement, care pathways, and the interplay of standardisation and clinical autonomy
Authors: Martin Graham P. , Kocman David , Stephens Timothy , Peden Carol J. , Pearse Rupert M. ,   This study was carried out as part of a wider randomised controlled trial, EPOCH
Published: June 2017

Care pathways are a prominent feature of efforts to improve healthcare quality, outcomes and accountability, but sociological studies of pathways often find professional resistance to standardisation. This qualitative study examined the adoption and adaptation of a novel pathway as part of a randomised controlled trial in an unusually complex, non‐linear field – emergency general surgery – by teams of surgeons and physicians in six theoretically sampled sites in the UK. We find near‐universal receptivity to the concept of a pathway as a means of improving peri‐operative processes and outcomes, but concern about the impact on appropriate professional judgement. However, this concern translated not into resistance and implementation failure, but into a nuancing of the pathways‐as‐realised in each site, and their use as a means of enhancing professional decision‐making and inter‐professional collaboration. We discuss our findings in the context of recent literature on the interplay between managerialism and professionalism in healthcare, and highlight practical and theoretical implications.
Recommendations for revision of Chinese diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome: A nationwide study
Authors: Xing Ying , Xu Shaoyong , Jia Aihua , Cai Jing , Zhao Mingwei , Guo Jianhua , Ji Qiuhe , Ming Jie
Published: June 2017

Background

Diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS) proposed by the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) may have limitations because an additional 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (2‐h PPG) test is required to diagnose hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to revise the CDS‐MS criteria by removing the 2‐h PPG test and determining the optimal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) cut‐off for a diagnosis of hyperglycemia in the Chinese population.

Methods

The study population was from the 2007–08 China Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study. The optimal FPG diagnostic cut‐off value was determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Hyperglycemia defined using CDS‐MS criteria was the end‐point. Agreement between different diagnostic methods was assessed using κ values.

Results

The study enrolled 46 239 participants (mean age 44.95 years). The optimal diagnostic cut‐off for FPG was found to be 5.62 mmol/L, which showed a sensitivity of 66.92%, a specificity of 89.09%, and an area under the curve of 0.848. Using this diagnostic criterion, the standardized prevalence of MS was similar to that using the CDS‐MS criteria (18.26% vs 17.89%, respectively), with both values being lower than those obtained using conventional international criteria (20.64–26.67%). Compared with the CDS‐MS criteria, the recommended FPG cut‐off showed better agreement (κ) with international criteria: 0.695, 0.774, and 0.730 with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), revised Adult Treatment Panel III, and Joint Interim Statement of the IDF criteria, respectively.

Conclusions

We recommend eliminating the 2‐h PPG blood test and lowering the FPG diagnostic cut‐off value to 5.6 mmol/L in the CDS‐MS diagnostic criteria.
Disproportionate insider control and firm performance
Authors: Hettler Barry , Forst Arno
Published: June 2017

The effect of disproportionate insider control on firm performance is ambiguous. Disproportionate control may enhance insiders’ ability to expropriate perquisites; on the other hand, it may provide stability of management and reduce short‐term market pressures. Using a hand‐collected sample of U.S. dual‐class firms, we find that disproportionate control is positively associated with accounting‐based performance, but negatively associated with Tobin's Q. These results are consistent with the incentives of entrenched insiders who are interested in profitability but less beholden to capital markets.
Agropastoral activities increase fluctuating asymmetry in tadpoles of two neotropical anuran species
Authors: Costa Renan N. , Solé Mirco , Nomura Fausto
Published: June 2017

Agriculture and pasture activities are the main drivers for habitat reduction, directly affecting amphibian assemblages. In the Cerrado, the progress of agricultural and pasture areas negatively affects aquatic environments and their organisms, once the suppression of marginal vegetation reduces the natural protection against allochtone stressors. One possible way to measure the stress level is the Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA), which is calculated based on the deviations in the development of bilateral morphological traits of the organism. Herein, we evaluated whether environments with a higher degree of agropastoral influence and reduced marginal vegetation can increase FA levels in tadpoles of two common and widely distributed anuran species in the Cerrado (Physalaemus cuvieri and Scinax fuscomarginatus). We sampled and classified water bodies according to the percentage of agropastoral land use and marginal vegetation, and measured four morphological traits of tadpoles to evaluate the degree of FA. We found that in environments with intensive agropastoral land use, tadpoles of P. cuvieri and S. fuscomarginatus had higher FA in nostril‐snout distance (NSD). In environments with reduced marginal vegetation, tadpoles of S. fuscomarginatus had higher FA in eye width (EW), but no effect was detected for tadpoles of P. cuvieri. These morphological traits (i.e. nostrils and eyes) are associated to individual fitness of tadpoles. Thus, these developmental deviations can affect species fitness and population homeostasis over time, contributing to generate stochastic population dynamics and increasing the vulnerability of native species to local extinctions. The use of FA as a tool to measure environmental impact on species with potential to be used as bioindicators can contribute to generate and test hypothesis when integrated with long‐term studies.
Mechanisms of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐mediated vasoconstriction of rat afferent arterioles
Authors: Guan Z. , Wang F. , Cui X. , Inscho E. W.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) influences resistance vessel function and is implicated in renal pathological processes. Previous studies revealed that S1P evoked potent vasoconstriction of the pre‐glomerular microvasculature, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined. We postulated that S1P‐mediated pre‐glomerular microvascular vasoconstriction involves activation of voltage‐dependent L‐type calcium channels (L‐VDCC) and the rho/rho kinase pathway.

Methods

Afferent arteriolar reactivity was assessed in vitro using the blood‐perfused rat juxtamedullary nephron preparation, and diameter was measured during exposure to physiological and pharmacological agents.

Results

Exogenous S1P (10−9–10−5 mol L−1) evoked concentration‐dependent vasoconstriction of afferent arterioles. Superfusion with nifedipine, a L‐VDCC blocker, increased arteriolar diameter by 39 ± 18% of baseline and significantly attenuated the S1P‐induced vasoconstriction. Superfusion with the rho kinase inhibitor, Y‐27632, increased diameter by 60 ± 12% of baseline and also significantly blunted vasoconstriction by S1P. Combined nifedipine and Y‐27632 treatment significantly inhibited S1P‐induced vasoconstriction over the entire concentration range tested. In contrast, depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores with the Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitors, thapsigargin or cyclopiazonic acid, did not alter the S1P‐mediated vasoconstrictor profile. Scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) or inhibition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity significantly attenuated S1P‐mediated vasoconstriction.

Conclusion

Exogenous S1P elicits potent vasoconstriction of rat afferent arterioles. These data also demonstrate that S1P‐mediated pre‐glomerular vasoconstriction involves activation of L‐VDCC, the rho/rho kinase pathway and ROS. Mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is not required for S1P‐mediated vasoconstriction. These studies reveal a potential role for S1P in the modulation of renal microvascular tone.
Systematic review: health‐related quality of life in children and adults with eosinophilic oesophagitis—instruments for measurement and determinant factors
Authors: Lucendo A. J. , Arias‐González L. , Molina‐Infante J. , Arias Á.
Published: June 2017

Background

Several measures have been used to assess the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).

Aims

To systematically review these HRQoL measures, to appraise measurement properties of specific instruments and to evaluate determinant factors influencing HRQoL in paediatric and adult EoE patients.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS) and PsycINFO databases for documents providing original information on the development of measurement tools and/or evaluation of HRQoL outcomes in EoE patients of all ages.

Results

Of the 596 references identified, data was collected from 34 studies (with only 16 of them being published as full papers) including a total of 1,689 individual patients. Three disease‐specific HRQoL measures in EoE covering different aspects of patients’ lives and developed in English, were scored positive regarding measurement properties. The PedsQL inventory (including parent and child report forms) and the Peds‐QoL EoE module were the generic and specific instruments respectively used in children, while the SF‐36 and EoE‐QoL‐A were the most used questionnaires in adults. Patients with EoE show an impaired HRQoL compared to controls, which greatly depends on symptom severity and disease duration. Severity of endoscopic features and female gender may also determine an impaired HRQoL. The effect of treatments on HRQoL requires further assessment.

Conclusions

HRQoL is a relevant outcome that should be considered in clinical practice and research of EoE. Further validation studies in several languages and populations are required to support the use of disease‐specific HRQoL measures.
Morphological and mitochondrial DNA variation revealed an undescribed lineage under the genus Sperata (Bagridae) in Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal Mohammed Mahbub , Alam M. M. Mahbub , Kabir Muhammad Anamul , Pálsson Snæbjörn
Published: June 2017

Catfishes Sperata are popular, known for its taste and nutritional value, and are found naturally in wide variety of freshwaters in South Asia. The taxonomy of Sperata spp., sampled from Hakaluki Haor in Bangladesh, was re‐evaluated based on morphological variation and DNA barcoding. The collective variation in morphometric characters and mitochondrial DNA revealed an undescribed old and well‐separated lineage under the genus Sperata along with two previously known Sperata aor and Sperata seenghala in Bangladesh. Analyses of morphological traits suggested significant differentiation among Sperata species. The variation in mitochondrial DNA supported the distinct lineage and taxonomical discrimination. Sperata aor diverged earlier from the new lineage and Sperata seenghala with a divergence of 5.39 (CI: 3.91–7.19) Mya (PP > 90). Sperata seenghala and the new lineage shared a most recent common ancestry, which diverged from each other around 3.41 (CI: 2.24–4.62) Mya (PP > 90). Thus, the newly identified lineage could be a subspecies of S. seenghala or even a species under the genus Sperata. The information of the study will be useful for conservation, sustainable management and selective breeding of the putative species, including previously reported S. aor and S. seenghala in Bangladesh.
Decrease in Oxidative Stress Parameters after Post‐Ischaemic Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Administration in the Hippocampus of Rats Exposed to Focal Cerebral Ischaemia
Authors: Mršić‐Pelčić Jasenka , Pilipović Kristina , Pelčić Goran , Vitezić Dinko , Župan Gordana
Published: June 2017

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) is a multi‐functional drug with antioxidant potential. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its action are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of rhEpo on the brain infarct volume as well as on the levels of the neuronal damage, oxidative stress parameters and active caspase‐3, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and haemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expressions in the hippocampi of rats exposed to the right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1 hr. Ischaemic animals received either vehicle or rhEpo (5000 IU/kg, i.p.) immediately or 3 hr after the induction of ischaemia. Sham‐operated, vehicle‐treated animals served as the control group. Rats were killed 24 hr after the onset of the ischaemic or sham experimental procedure. MCAO caused ipsilateral brain infarction within the striatum and cortex. In the CA1 region of the hippocampi, we did not find significant neuronal loss, but a statistically significant rise in the active caspase‐3 and Nrf2 protein expressions was registered. We detected also significant increases in the hippocampal levels of oxidative stress parameters (thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase). Post‐ischaemic administration of rhEpo significantly reduced the brain infarct volume, decreased levels of all tested oxidative stress parameters and increased the Nrf2 expression level. These findings suggest that decrease in oxidative stress parameters in the hippocampus could be an early indicator of post‐ischaemic neuroprotective effect of rhEpo in rats exposed to focal cerebral ischaemia and that this effect could be attributable to additional post‐ischaemic activation of Nrf2 endogenous antioxidant system.
The new work regime in Nunavut: A gender perspective
Authors: Quintal‐Marineau Magalie
Published: June 2017

Key Messages

Inuit women and men's economic roles have been shifting over the last decades.

Gender plays a crucial role in explaining wage work dynamics in contemporary Nunavut.

Wage employment is an important element of Inuit female identity.
Definitional Elasticity in the Measurement of Intergenerational Continuity in Substance Use
Authors: Loughran Thomas A. , Larroulet Pilar , Thornberry Terence P.
Published: June 2017

Increasingly, three generation studies have investigated intergenerational (IG) continuity and discontinuity in substance use and related problem behaviors. However, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the conceptual definition of continuity or to different types of discontinuity (resilience and escalation) or to measurement sensitivity, which affects not only the magnitudes of observed continuity but also factors that correlate with this linkage. This study uses longitudinal data on 427 parent–child dyads from the Rochester IG Study to study continuity and discontinuity in substance use over ages 14–18. Results suggest that the degree of IG continuity, resilience, and escalation in adolescent substance use, as well as correlates of each, depend heavily on how heterogeneity in the behavior is taken into account.
Comparative and correlative assessments of cytokine, complement and antibody patterns in paediatric type 1 diabetes
Authors: Abdel-Latif M , Abdel-Moneim A A , El-Hefnawy M H , Khalil R G
Published: June 2017

One of the most widespread and effective environmental factors is the infection with enteroviruses (EVs) which accelerate β cell destruction in type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study represented a comparison between diabetic EV+ and EV– children as well as correlation analysis between autoantibodies, T1D markers, cytokines, complement activation products and anti-coxsackievirus (CV) immunoglobulin (Ig)G. EV RNA was detected in Egyptian children with T1D (26·2%) and healthy controls (0%). Detection of anti-CV IgG in T1D-EV+ resulted in 64% positivity. Within T1D-EV+, previously diagnosed (PD) showed 74 versus 56% in newly diagnosed (ND) children. Comparisons between populations showed increased levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), nitric oxide (NO), glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulin and islet cell autoantibodies [glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA), insulin autoantibodies (IAA) and islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICA), respectively], interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL −10, IL −12, IL −17, C3d and sC5–9 in T1D-EV+versus T1D-EV–. Conversely, both IL-20 and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) decreased in T1D-EV+versus EV–, while IL-4, −6 and −13 did not show any changes. Correlation analysis showed dependency of accelerated autoimmunity and β cell destruction on increased IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-17 versus decreased IL-4, −6 and −13. In conclusion, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-17 played an essential role in exacerbating EV+-T1D, while C3d, sC5b −9, IL-10 and −20 displayed distinct patterns.
Development of immune response to tissue‐restricted self‐antigens in simultaneous kidney‐pancreas transplant recipients with acute rejection
Authors: Gunasekaran Muthukumar , Vachharajani Neeta , Gaut Joseph P. , Maw Thin Thin , Delos Santos Rowena , Shenoy Surendra , Chapman William C. , Wellen Jason , Mohanakumar Thalachallour
Published: June 2017

Simultaneous kidney‐pancreas transplantation (SKP Tx) is a treatment for end‐stage kidney disease secondary to diabetes mellitus. We investigated the role of immune responses to donor human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and tissue‐restricted kidney and pancreas self‐antigens (KSAgs and PSAgs, respectively) in SKP Tx recipients (SKP TxRs). Sera collected from 39 SKP TxRs were used to determine de novo Abs specific for KSAgs (collagen‐IV, Col‐IV; fibronectin, FN) and PSAgs (insulin, islet cells, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and pancreas‐associated protein‐1) by ELISA. KSAg‐specific IFN‐γ, IL‐17, and IL‐10 cytokines were enumerated by ELISpot. Abs to donor HLA classes I and II were determined by Luminex assay. Abs to KSAgs and PSAgs were detectable in recipients with rejection compared with stable recipients (P<.05). Kidney‐only rejection recipients had increased Abs against KSAgs compared with stable (P<.05), with no increase in Abs against PSAgs. Pancreas‐only rejection recipients showed increased Abs against PSAgs compared to stable (P<.05), with no Abs against KSAgs. SKP TxRs with rejection showed increased frequencies of KSAg‐specific IFN‐γ and IL‐17 with reduction in IL‐10‐secreting cells. SKP TxRs with rejection developed Abs to KSAgs and PSAgs demonstrated increased frequencies of kidney or pancreas SAg‐specific IFN‐γ and IL‐17‐secreting cells with reduced IL‐10, suggesting loss of peripheral tolerance to SAgs.
Readability, content analysis, and racial/ethnic diversity of online living kidney donation information
Authors: Rodrigue James R. , Feranil Mario , Lang Jenna , Fleishman Aaron
Published: June 2017

More than three‐fourths of adults in the USA use the Internet to access health‐related information. Adults exploring the possibility of living donation should have access to online content that is readable and comprehensive. We simulated a search of online information about living kidney donation and evaluated readability, topics covered, and racial/ethnic diversity of 21 websites meeting inclusion criteria (eg, hosted by a nonprofit or patient advocacy organization, English content, based in USA). Using standard readability metrics, 62% of sites were classified as “Difficult to read” and none achieved the recommended reading level of sixth grade. On average, websites covered 18.5 (62%) of 30 recommended information topics (range: 7 to 28) and only 2.1 (23%) of 9 racial/ethnic diversity items (range: 0 to 6). Overall, the most common nonprofit or patient advocacy organization websites do not meet the readability standards established by the National Institutes of Health and the American Medical Association, many lack fundamental information about living kidney donation, and most are not racially/ethnically diverse. We encourage the transplant community to consider playing a more active role in improving the overall quality of online information disseminated to the general public. Further, there is a need to more critically examine the accuracy of online living donation content in future investigations.
Longitudinal associations between low morning cortisol in infancy and anger dysregulation in early childhood in a CPS‐referred sample
Authors: Frost Allison , Jelinek Caitlin , Bernard Kristin , Lind Teresa , Dozier Mary
Published: June 2017

Children who experience early adversity are at increased risk for developing psychopathology, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is a possible mechanism conferring this risk. This study sought to characterize the association between morning cortisol during different developmental periods and deficits in children's emotion regulation, a core feature of many psychological disorders. Morning cortisol was collected at two time points (i.e., during infancy, M = 13.0 months old, and during early childhood, M = 36.8 months old) from 120 children with histories of child protective services (CPS) involvement. Children completed a lab visit during early childhood (M = 38.6 months old) that involved an observational measure of anger regulation. Results showed that low morning cortisol during infancy, but not early childhood, predicted increased anger dysregulation during early childhood. These results highlight the importance of developmental timing in assessing the effects of HPA axis functioning and suggest that low cortisol during infancy is a risk factor for later emotion regulation difficulties.
Threshold Firms: Innovation, Design and Collaboration in British Columbia's Forest Economy
Authors: Hanna Rosemary , Hayter Roger , Clapp Alex
Published: June 2017

This paper assesses the extent to which threshold firms have emerged within British Columbia's wood processing industries. Threshold firms comprise an innovative business segment and are growth oriented, larger than most small firms but not giant, locally owned, international in scope at least with respect to exporting, reliant on skilled, well paid employees, and that have developed knowledge‐based product market advantages. The analysis draws on an extended case study survey of 14 firms located in the lower mainland and Okanagan regions of British Columbia, and selected for their potential as threshold firms. The analysis examines six characteristics associated with threshold firms: size and ownership, internationalization, wood supply, labor relations, innovative design and collaboration, and local embeddedness. These firms reveal attributes of threshold firms, and the paper concludes by suggesting that an innovative forest policy for British Columbia could usefully focus on this type of firm.
Creative Industries and Regional Productivity Growth in the Developing Economy: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Fahmi Fikri Zul , Koster Sierdjan
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the degree to which creative industries stimulate regional productivity growth in a developing country, Indonesia. The Indonesian government promotes long‐established “traditional” craft businesses as creative industries, but they pay less attention to new knowledge creation and focus on highlighting heritage values as selling points. Our findings show that the “real” creative industries are still scarce and found mostly in fairly advanced urban regions. These industries are more likely to be an indicator than a driver of regional economic development. Meanwhile, those traditional businesses are much larger than creative industries and potentially contribute to regional productivity through consumption activities, thereby requiring different policy strategies.
Species traits explain long‐term population trends of Finnish cuckoo wasps (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae)
Authors: Paukkunen Juho , Pöyry Juha , Kuussaari Mikko
Published: June 2017

Kleptoparasitic and parasitoid insects are expected to be particularly sensitive to changes in habitat availability due to their high trophic position and small population sizes compared with their hosts, but there are only few quantitative studies on their population changes.

Here, we studied the distribution and abundance of 48 kleptoparasitic and parasitoid species of cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae) and eight selected host species recorded in Finland from 1840 to 2015 based on an extensive survey of entomological collections. Population trends were assessed by studying changes in occupancy in 10 × 10 km grid squares between two study periods, 1840–1967 and 1968–2015.

Statistically significant decreases in occurrence were found for 11 cuckoo wasp species and one host species, while significant increases were not observed for any species. Trends of cuckoo wasps and their hosts were positively correlated, and changes were generally stronger in cuckoo wasps than in their hosts.

In a comparative analysis of species traits, abundance, body size and nesting type of host were related to occurrence changes of cuckoo wasps. Scarce and small species that use above ground‐nesting hosts declined more than abundant and large species that use ground‐nesting hosts.

Cuckoo wasp species dependent on dead wood are more vulnerable to changes in the environment than species associated with open sandy habitats. While both groups of species have probably suffered from habitat loss, the emergence of secondary habitats may have benefitted species living in sandy areas and compensated for the negative impact of habitat destruction.
Dynamics of transcriptomic response to infection by the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and its bacterial symbiont Photorhabdus temperata in Heliothis virescens larvae
Authors: An R. , Suri K. S. , Jurat‐Fuentes J. L. , Grewal P. S.
Published: June 2017

Entomopathogenic nematodes in the Heterorhabditis genus and their symbiotic Photorhabdus bacteria are important biocontrol agents of insect pests and models for the study of microbe−host interactions. In this work, we used larvae of the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) as a model to study its defensive mechanisms against Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes carrying symbiotic Photorhabdus temperata. We first determined time points of initial nematode entry and release of bacteria into the haemolymph to perform transcriptional analysis of insect gene expression during these steps in the infective process. RNA‐Sequencing analyses were then performed to profile differential gene expression in the insect during nematode invasion, bacterial release and final steps of infection, relative to the untreated controls. Our results support the theory that insect immune response genes are induced upon nematode invasion, but the majority of these genes are suppressed upon the release of bacteria by the nematodes into the haemolymph. Overall, these findings provide information on the dynamics of the insect's response to a progressing infection by this entomopathogenic nematode−bacteria complex and facilitate development of Hel. virescens as a pest model for future functional studies of the key insect defence factors.
Fabrication of highly homogeneous Al‐doped TiO2 nanotubes by nanolamination of atomic layer deposition
Authors: Su Chung‐Yi , Wang Chih‐Chieh , Hsueh Yang‐Chih , Gurylev Vitaly , Kei Chi‐Chung , Perng Tsong‐Pyng
Published: June 2017

Conformal parallel arrays of Al‐doped TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated by atomic layer deposition. TiO2/Al2O3 bilayered shells were grown on a polycarbonate template by various cyclic sequences of TiO2 and Al2O3. The doping level of Al could be tuned by the fraction of cycle number of Al2O3. From the depth profiles measured by second ion mass spectrometry, Al is uniformly distributed across the thickness, which is also supported by the analyses of X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. A uniform bulk solubility of ~7 at.% and the surface concentration of ~18 at.% were observed with the cycle ratio of Al2O3: TiO2 at 0.04.
Prospective use of Ablation Index targets improves clinical outcomes following ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hussein Ahmed , Das Moloy , Chaturvedi Vivek , Asfour Issa Khalil , Daryanani Niji , Morgan Maureen , Ronayne Christina , Shaw Matthew , Snowdon Richard , Gupta Dhiraj
Published: June 2017

Aims

Late recovery of ablated tissue leading to reconnection of pulmonary veins remains common following radiofrequency catheter ablation for AF. Ablation Index (AI), a novel ablation quality marker, incorporates contact force (CF), time, and power in a weighted formula. We hypothesized that prospective use of our previously published derived AI targets would result in better outcomes when compared to CF‐guided ablation.

Methods

Eighty‐nine consecutive drug‐refractory AF patients (49% paroxysmal) underwent AI‐guided ablation (AI‐group). AI targets were 550 for anterior/roof and 400 for posterior/inferior left atrial segments. Procedural and clinical outcomes of these patients were compared to 89 propensity‐matched controls who underwent CF‐guided ablation (CF‐group). All 178 procedures were otherwise similar, and both groups were followed‐up for 12 months. The last 25 patients from each group underwent analysis of all VisiTags™ for ablation duration, CF, Force‐Time Integral, and impedance drop.

Results

First‐pass pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was more frequent in AI‐group than in CF‐group (173 [97%] vs. 149 [84%] circles, P < 0.001), and acute PV reconnection was lower (11 [6%] vs. 24 [13%] circles, P = 0.02). Mean PVI ablation time was similar (AI‐group: 42 ± 9 vs. CF‐group: 45 ± 14 minutes, P = 0.14). Median impedance drop for AI‐group was significantly higher than in CF‐group (13.7 [9‐19] Ω vs. 8.8 [5.2‐13] Ω, P < 0.001). Two major complications occurred in CF‐group and none in AI‐group. Atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence was significantly lower in AI‐group (15 of 89 [17%]) than in CF‐group (33 of 89 [37%], P = 0.002).

Conclusion

AI‐guided ablation is associated with significant improvements in the incidence of acute PV reconnection and atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence rate compared to CF‐guided ablation, potentially due to creation of better quality lesions as suggested by greater impedance drop.
The effect of activation rate on left atrial bipolar voltage in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Williams Steven E , Linton Nick , O'Neill Louisa , Harrison James , Whitaker John , Mukherjee Rahul , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Gill Jaswinder , Niederer Steven , Wright Matthew , O'Neill Mark
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Bipolar voltage is used during electroanatomic mapping to define abnormal myocardium, but the effect of activation rate on bipolar voltage is not known. We hypothesized that bipolar voltage may change in response to activation rate. By examining corresponding unipolar signals we sought to determine the mechanisms of such changes.

Methods and results

LA extrastimulus mapping was performed during CS pacing in 10 patients undergoing first time paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation. Bipolar and unipolar electrograms were recorded using a PentaRay catheter (4‐4‐4 spacing) and indifferent IVC electrode, respectively. An S1S2 pacing protocol was delivered with extrastimulus coupling interval reducing from 350 to 200 milliseconds. At each recording site (119 ± 37 per LA), bipolar peak‐to‐peak voltage, unipolar peak to peak voltage and activation delay between unipole pairs was measured. Four patterns of bipolar voltage/extrastimulus coupling interval curves were seen: voltage attenuation with plateau voltage >1 mV (48 ± 15%) or <1 mV (22 ± 15%), and voltage unaffected by coupling interval with plateau voltage >1 mV (17 ± 10%) or <1 mV (13 ± 8%). Electrograms showing bipolar voltage attenuation were associated with significantly greater unipolar voltage attenuation at low (25 ± 28 mV/s vs. 9 ± 11 mV/s) and high (23 ± 29 mV/s vs. 6 ± 12 mV/s) plateau voltage sites (P < 0.001). There was a small but significant increase in conduction delay between unipole pairs at sites showing bipolar voltage attenuation (P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Bipolar electrogram voltage is dependent on activation rate at a significant proportion of sites. Changes in unipolar voltage and timing underlie these effects. These observations have important implications for use of voltage mapping to delineate abnormal atrial substrate.