bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced acoustic startle response and peripheral hearing loss in the5xFADmouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: O'Leary T. P. , Shin S. , Fertan E. , Dingle R. N. , Almuklass A. , Gunn R. K. , Yu Z. , Wang J. , Brown R. E.
Published: January 2017

Hearing dysfunction has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in humans, but there is little data on the auditory function of mouse models ofAD. Furthermore, characterization of hearing ability in mouse models is needed to ensure that tests of cognition that use auditory stimuli are not confounded by hearing dysfunction. Therefore, we assessed acoustic startle response and pre‐pulse inhibition in the double transgenic5xFADmouse model ofADfrom 3–4 to 16 months of age. The5xFADmice showed an age‐related decline in acoustic startle as early as 3–4 months of age. We subsequently tested auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds at 4 and 13–14 months of age using tone bursts at frequencies of 2–32 kHz. The5xFADmice showed increasedABRthresholds for tone bursts between 8 and 32 kHzat 13–14 months of age. Finally, cochleae were extracted and basilar membranes were dissected to count hair cell loss across the cochlea. The5xFADmice showed significantly greater loss of both inner and outer hair cells at the apical and basal ends of the basilar membrane than wild‐type mice at 15–16 months of age. These results indicate that the5xFADmouse model ofADshows age‐related decreases in acoustic startle responses, which are at least partially due to age‐related peripheral hearing loss. Therefore, we caution against the use of cognitive tests that rely on audition in5xFADmice over 3–4 months of age, without first confirming that performance is not confounded by hearing dysfunction.
Structural overshoot of tree growth with climate variability and the global spectrum of drought‐induced forest dieback
Authors: Jump Alistair S. , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Greenwood Sarah , Allen Craig D. , Kitzberger Thomas , Fensham Rod , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Lloret Francisco
Published: January 2017

Ongoing climate change poses significant threats to plant function and distribution. Increased temperatures and altered precipitation regimes amplify drought frequency and intensity, elevating plant stress and mortality. Large‐scale forest mortality events will have far‐reaching impacts on carbon and hydrological cycling, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. However, biogeographical theory and global vegetation models poorly represent recent forest die‐off patterns. Furthermore, as trees are sessile and long‐lived, their responses to climate extremes are substantially dependent on historical factors. We show that periods of favourable climatic and management conditions that facilitate abundant tree growth can lead to structural overshoot of aboveground tree biomass due to a subsequent temporal mismatch between water demand and availability. When environmental favourability declines, increases in water and temperature stress that are protracted, rapid, or both, drive a gradient of tree structural responses that can modify forest self‐thinning relationships. Responses ranging from premature leaf senescence and partial canopy dieback to whole‐tree mortality reduce canopy leaf area during the stress period and for a lagged recovery window thereafter. Such temporal mismatches of water requirements from availability can occur at local to regional scales throughout a species geographical range. As climate change projections predict large future fluctuations in both wet and dry conditions, we expect forests to become increasingly structurally mismatched to water availability and thus overbuilt during more stressful episodes. By accounting for the historical context of biomass development, our approach can explain previously problematic aspects of large‐scale forest mortality, such as why it can occur throughout the range of a species and yet still be locally highly variable, and why some events seem readily attributable to an ongoing drought while others do not. This refined understanding can facilitate better projections of structural overshoot responses, enabling improved prediction of changes in forest distribution and function from regional to global scales.
Long‐term no‐till and stover retention each decrease the global warming potential of irrigated continuous corn
Authors: Jin Virginia L. , Schmer Marty R. , Stewart Catherine E. , Sindelar Aaron J. , Varvel Gary E. , Wienhold Brian J.
Published: January 2017

Over the last 50 years, the most increase in cultivated land area globally has been due to a doubling of irrigated land. Long‐term agronomic management impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and global warming potential (GWP) in irrigated systems, however, remain relatively unknown. Here, residue and tillage management effects were quantified by measuring soil nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) fluxes and SOC changes (ΔSOC) at a long‐term, irrigated continuous corn (Zea mays L.) system in eastern Nebraska, United States. Management treatments began in 2002, and measured treatments included no or high stover removal (0 or 6.8 Mg DM ha−1 yr−1, respectively) under no‐till (NT) or conventional disk tillage (CT) with full irrigation (n = 4). Soil N2O and CH4 fluxes were measured for five crop‐years (2011–2015), and ΔSOC was determined on an equivalent mass basis to ~30 cm soil depth. Both area‐ and yield‐scaled soil N2O emissions were greater with stover retention compared to removal and for CT compared to NT, with no interaction between stover and tillage practices. Methane comprised <1% of total emissions, with NT being CH4 neutral and CT a CH4 source. Surface SOC decreased with stover removal and with CT after 14 years of management. When ΔSOC, soil GHG emissions, and agronomic energy usage were used to calculate system GWP, all management systems were net GHG sources. Conservation practices (NT, stover retention) each decreased system GWP compared to conventional practices (CT, stover removal), but pairing conservation practices conferred no additional mitigation benefit. Although cropping system, management equipment/timing/history, soil type, location, weather, and the depth to which ΔSOC is measured affect the GWP outcomes of irrigated systems at large, this long‐term irrigated study provides valuable empirical evidence of how management decisions can impact soil GHG emissions and surface SOC stocks.
Expanding the scope of studentification studies
Authors: Nakazawa Takashi
Published: January 2017

The term “studentification” refers to multifaceted urban transformations resulting from increases in and concentrations of student populations. Notably, this concept has been investigated with frequent reference to gentrification studies from both spatial and temporal perspectives. In this regard, spatial perspectives focus on the common urban spatial processes that studentification and gentrification share, whereas temporal perspectives assume students as candidates to become gentrifiers. This essay reorganizes the literature consistently with these two perspectives and aims to extend the limits of studentification studies beyond the epistemological constraints of gentrification.
Application of biochemical markers for the assessment of drought tolerance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars
Authors: Maghsoodi Malek , Razmjoo Jamshid , Gheysari Mahdi
Published: January 2017

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars respond differently to drought stress levels and oxidative injury. This may provide us with an important tool to identify the chemical mechanisms operative in drought tolerant genotypes. The present experiment was conducted to determine catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX) activities; malondialdehyde (MDA) content; herbage yield; stress susceptibility index (SSI); and drought tolerance index (DTI) of 10 alfalfa cultivars under four irrigation regimes (55, 65, 75 and 85% depletion of available soil water). Drought stress was observed to reduce herbage yield but increase CAT, APX and POX activities as well as MDA content; however, such alterations were cultivar‐drought level‐specific. With a few exceptions, Baghdadi had the highest CAT, POX and APX activities and lowest MDA content, lowest reduction in herbage yield and the lowest SSI and the highest DTI under all irrigation regimes suggesting that it was the most adapted and drought‐tolerant cultivar. Herbage yield had a significant and positive correlation with POX and a significant and negative correlation with MDA under all irrigation regimes indicating that they could be used as markers for selecting more drought‐tolerant cultivars in alfalfa. Catalase and APX also had a significant and positive correlation with herbage yield, thus they could be used as markers for selection of more drought‐tolerant cultivars. The results suggested that a wide variation in drought tolerance exists within alfalfa cultivars, thus selection for more drought tolerance is possible. In addition, chemical markers such as POX, CAT and APX activities and MDA content may be used to assist in selection for more drought tolerance cultivar in this species.
Effects of 24‐epibrassinolide application on cool‐season turfgrass growth and quality under salt stress
Authors: Sever Mutlu Songül , Atesoglu Hakan , Selim Ceren , Tokgöz Serkan
Published: January 2017

Brassinosteroids are steroidal phytohormones with a significant role in the amelioration of various stresses. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of foliar application of 24‐epibrassinolide (EBL) on growth and quality of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.) grown under salt stress. The plants were grown under non saline or saline conditions (6 dS m−1), and were sprayed with 0.00 and 0.15 mg L−1 EBL. Salt stress significantly reduced the shoot growth and turfgrass quality. However, EBL alleviated detrimental effects of the salt stress by enhancing turfgrass quality (7–26%), and increasing shoot growth and clipping yield. The EBL application under salt stress alleviated loss in clipping yield by 35 and 12%; and reduced leaf firing, through weeks 2–6 post‐application, by 75–40 and 50–20% for perennial ryegrass and tall fescue, respectively. The EBL may find additional use in stress management of turfgrass areas.
Relationship between sward height and herbage mass for integrated crop‐livestock systems with trees
Authors: Pontes Laíse da S. , Carpinelli Sandoval , Stafin Giliardi , Porfírio‐da‐Silva Vanderley , Santos Betina R. C. dos
Published: January 2017

Sward height (SH) is an important management variable for both continuous and intermittent stocking, since it is easily measured and highly correlated to herbage mass (HM). However, in systems with trees, tree shading can alter the relationship between SH and HM by changes in the sward structure. Understanding these relationships under shading could help identify and design management practices for swards in association with trees. The aim of this study was to investigate the SH and HM relationship for a continuously stocked mixed black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) + annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pasture in two systems, i.e. with and without trees, with two levels of nitrogen (N) (90 vs. 180 kg N ha−1), three replicates and over 2 years (2014/2015). Comparison of regression lines was performed between SH (x‐variable) and HM (y‐variable), showing mainly a system effect. Shading altered the relationship between SH and HM in order of magnitude (i.e. different intercepts), but not in the rate of change (i.e. equal slopes). Regardless the SH, oat + ryegrass mixture under trees produced 698 kg of dry matter (DM) ha−1 less than those without trees. Therefore, a target SH used at full sun systems as an index for management (e.g. 20 cm) might not apply under trees with >50% shade, since HM may be limiting to ensure intake of grazing animals (e.g. <1200 kg DM ha−1). The shade level must be controlled to optimize the yield of these forage species and to maintain the necessary HM to ensure the sustainability of no‐till silvopastoral systems.
Lanthanum deposition from oral lanthanum carbonate in the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Hoda Raza S , Sanyal Soma , Abraham Jerrold L , Everett Jamie M , Hundemer Gregory L , Yee Eric , Lauwers Gregory Y , Tolkoff‐Rubin Nina , Misdraji Joseph
Published: January 2017

Aims

Lanthanum carbonate is used as an alternative to calcium‐based phosphate binders to manage hyperphosphataemia in patients with renal failure. The deposition of lanthanum within gastroduodenal mucosa of patients treated with the medication has been described, but given the relative novelty of this entity, the histiocytic deposits in the gastroduodenal mucosa can be confused with a variety of other processes, including infections and other drug‐induced forms of injury.

Methods and results

We describe five cases of lanthanum phosphate deposition in upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract biopsies. Three cases were confirmed with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, including one unique patient, status post‐renal transplant for polycystic kidney disease, who had last taken lanthanum 7 years prior to biopsy.

Conclusion

Lanthanum deposition in the upper GI tract is a mimic of other drug‐related forms of GI injury, including iron pill‐related gastropathy. The key to making this diagnosis is a thorough drug history and awareness of the histological features.
Attitudes to dental care, Sweden 2003‐2013, and clinical correlates of oral health‐related quality of life in 2013
Authors: Edman K , Holmlund A , Nordström B , Öhrn K
Published: January 2017

Objective

To investigate attitudes to dental care, and to assess possible associations with socio‐economic and clinical variables over a period of ten years, and to investigate the association between OHRQoL assessed by oral impact on daily performance (OIDP), and socio‐economic, dental care habits, smoking and oral status.

Materials and methods

Cross‐sectional studies performed in the county of Dalarna, Sweden, in 2003, 2008 and 2013. Random samples of 1,107‐1,115 dentate individuals, aged 30‐85 years, who answered a questionnaire and who were radiographically and clinically examined were included.

Results

The importance of preventive treatment, regular recalls and meeting the same caregiver as on previous visits became less important. In individuals with alveolar bone loss, meeting the same caregiver as on previous visits was important (P<.05). In individuals with manifest caries, information on treatment cost was important, while prevention became less important (P<.05). OIDP was reported by 31% of the individuals in the study, and frequent impact was reported by 10%. Individuals with manifest caries lesions, less than 20 remaining teeth, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) reported OIDP to a significantly higher degree, compared to orally healthy individuals.

Conclusion

Attitudes important in maintaining and improving good oral health, such as preventive care and regular recalls to dentistry, became less important during this period of 10 years. Oral impact was found to be associated with irregular dental visits and limited economy for dental care, individuals with less than 20 remaining teeth, TMD and manifest caries.
Effect of two different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite on postoperative pain following single‐visit root canal treatment: a triple‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Farzaneh S. , Parirokh M. , Nakhaee N. , Abbott P. V.
Published: January 2017

Aim

To compare the effects of two different concentrations of NaOCl solution on postoperative pain following single‐visit root canal treatment in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis.

Methodology

A total of 122 patients who had mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis were treated. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the concentration of NaOCl used during root canal instrumentation – either 2.5% or 5.25%. RaCe rotary instruments were used for root canal preparation, and all root canals were filled in one visit. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale. Data were analysed by independent t‐test, chi‐square and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

Twelve patients were excluded for various reasons. Pain reported by 110 patients who were eligible to be included in the study was analysed. No significant differences were found in the age and gender of the patients between the two groups (P = 0.50, P = 0.51, respectively). The patients who had 5.25% NaOCl reported significantly lower postoperative pain compared to those who had 2.5% NaOCl during the first 72 h following treatment (P = 0.021); however, there was no significant difference in pain felt by the patients during the rest of the study period, that is 4–7 days following treatment (P = 0.185) when the four‐level pain categorization method was used. When the two‐level pain categorization method was used, the results revealed that patients who had 5.25% NaOCl reported significantly less pain for the first 3 days after treatment (P = 0.026). The number of analgesics taken by patients who had 2.5% NaOCl was significantly higher than that taken by patients who had 5.25% NaOCl (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

5.25% NaOCl was associated with significantly lower postoperative pain compared to 2.5% NaOCl during the first 72 h following one‐visit root canal treatment of mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis.
Antibody gene transfer with adeno‐associated viral vectors as a method for HIV prevention
Authors: Brady Jacqueline M. , Baltimore David , Balazs Alejandro B.
Published: January 2017

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) show great promise in HIV prevention as they are capable of potently neutralizing a considerable breadth of genetically diverse strains. Passive transfer of monoclonal bNAb proteins can confer protection in animal models of HIV infection at modest concentrations, inspiring efforts to develop an HIV vaccine capable of eliciting bNAb responses. However, these antibodies demonstrate high degrees of somatic mutation and other unique characteristics that may hinder the ability of conventional approaches to consistently and effectively produce bNAb analogs. As an alternative strategy, we and others have proposed vector‐mediated gene transfer to generate long‐term, systemic production of bNAbs in the absence of immunization. Herein, we review the use of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors for delivery of HIV bNAbs and antibody‐like proteins and summarize both the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy as a method for HIV prevention.
Germline‐targeting immunogens
Authors: Stamatatos Leonidas , Pancera Marie , McGuire Andrew T.
Published: January 2017

In 2009, Dimitrov's group reported that the inferred germline (iGL) forms of several HIV‐1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) did not display measurable binding to a recombinant gp140 Env protein (derived from the dual‐tropic 89.6 virus), which was efficiently recognized by the mature (somatically mutated) antibodies. At that time, a small number of bNAbs were available, but in the following years, the implementation of high‐throughput B‐cell isolation and sequencing assays and of screening methodologies facilitated the isolation of greater numbers of bNAbs from infected subjects. Using these newest bNAbs, and a wide range of diverse recombinant Envs, we and others confirmed the observations made by Dimitrov's group. The results from these studies created a paradigm shift in our collective thinking as to why recombinant Envs are ineffective in eliciting bNAbs and has led to the “germline‐targeting” immunization approach. Here we discuss this approach in detail: what has been done so far, the advantages and limitations of the current germline‐targeting immunogens and of the animal models used to test them, and we conclude with a few thoughts about future directions in this area of research.
Ontogeny‐based immunogens for the induction of V2‐directed HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Moore Penny L. , Gorman Jason , Doria‐Rose Nicole A. , Morris Lynn
Published: January 2017

The development of a preventative HIV vaccine able to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) remains a major challenge. Antibodies that recognize the V2 region at the apex of the HIV envelope trimer are among the most common bNAb specificities during chronic infection and many exhibit remarkable breadth and potency. Understanding the developmental pathway of these antibodies has provided insights into their precursors, and the viral strains that engage them, as well as defined how such antibodies mature to acquire breadth. V2‐apex bNAbs are derived from rare precursors with long anionic CDR H3s that are often deleted in the B cell repertoire. However, longitudinal studies suggest that once engaged, these precursors contain many of the structural elements required for neutralization, and can rapidly acquire breadth through moderate levels of somatic hypermutation in response to emerging viral variants. These commonalities in the precursors and mechanism of neutralization have enabled the identification of viral strains that show enhanced reactivity for V2 precursors from multiple donors, and may form the basis of germline targeting approaches. In parallel, new structural insights into the HIV trimer, the target of these quaternary antibodies, has created invaluable new opportunities for ontogeny‐based immunogens designed to select for rare V2‐bNAb precursors, and drive them toward breadth.
Immunologic characteristics of HIV‐infected individuals who make broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Borrow Persephone , Moody M. Anthony
Published: January 2017

Induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) capable of inhibiting infection with diverse variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) is a key, as‐yet‐unachieved goal of prophylactic HIV‐1 vaccine strategies. However, some HIV‐infected individuals develop bnAbs after approximately 2‐4 years of infection, enabling analysis of features of these antibodies and the immunological environment that enables their induction. Distinct subsets of CD4+ T cells play opposing roles in the regulation of humoral responses: T follicular helper (Tfh) cells support germinal center formation and provide help for affinity maturation and the development of memory B cells and plasma cells, while regulatory CD4+ (Treg) cells including T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells inhibit the germinal center reaction to limit autoantibody production. BnAbs exhibit high somatic mutation frequencies, long third heavy‐chain complementarity determining regions, and/or autoreactivity, suggesting that bnAb generation is likely to be highly dependent on the activity of CD4+ Tfh cells, and may be constrained by host tolerance controls. This review discusses what is known about the immunological environment during HIV‐1 infection, in particular alterations in CD4+ Tfh, Treg, and Tfr populations and autoantibody generation, and how this is related to bnAb development, and considers the implications for HIV‐1 vaccine design.
Human Ig knockin mice to study the development and regulation of HIV‐1 broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Verkoczy Laurent , Alt Frederick W. , Tian Ming
Published: January 2017

A major challenge for HIV‐1 vaccine research is developing a successful immunization approach for inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). A key shortcoming in meeting this challenge has been the lack of animal models capable of identifying impediments limiting bnAb induction and ranking vaccine strategies for their ability to promote bnAb development. Since 2010, immunoglobulin knockin (KI) technology, involving inserting functional rearranged human variable exons into the mouse IgH and IgL loci has been used to express bnAbs in mice. This approach has allowed immune tolerance mechanisms limiting bnAb production to be elucidated and strategies to overcome such limitations to be evaluated. From these studies, along with the wealth of knowledge afforded by analyses of recombinant Ig‐based bnAb structures, it became apparent that key functional features of bnAbs often are problematic for their elicitation in mice by classic vaccine paradigms, necessitating more iterative testing of new vaccine concepts. In this regard, bnAb KI models expressing deduced precursor V(D)J rearrangements of mature bnAbs or unrearranged germline V, D, J segments (that can be assembled into variable region exons that encode bnAb precursors), have been engineered to evaluate novel immunogens/regimens for effectiveness in driving bnAb responses. One promising approach emerging from such studies is the ability of sequentially administered, modified immunogens (designed to bind progressively more mature bnAb precursors) to initiate affinity maturation. Here, we review insights gained from bnAb KI studies regarding the regulation and induction of bnAbs, and discuss new Ig KI methodologies to manipulate the production and/or expression of bnAbs in vivo, to further facilitate vaccine‐guided bnAb induction studies.
HIV antibodies for treatment of HIV infection
Authors: Margolis David M. , Koup Richard A. , Ferrari Guido
Published: January 2017

The bar is high to improve on current combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), now highly effective, safe, and simple. However, antibodies that bind the HIV envelope are able to uniquely target the virus as it seeks to enter new target cells, or as it is expressed from previously infected cells. Furthermore, the use of antibodies against HIV as a therapeutic may offer advantages. Antibodies can have long half‐lives, and are being considered as partners for long‐acting antiretrovirals for use in therapy or prevention of HIV infection. Early studies in animal models and in clinical trials suggest that such antibodies can have antiviral activity but, as with small‐molecule antiretrovirals, the issues of viral escape and resistance will have to be addressed. Most promising, however, are the unique properties of anti‐HIV antibodies: the potential ability to opsonize viral particles, to direct antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against actively infected cells, and ultimately the ability to direct the clearance of HIV‐infected cells by effector cells of the immune system. These distinctive activities suggest that HIV antibodies and their derivatives may play an important role in the next frontier of HIV therapeutics, the effort to develop treatments that could lead to an HIV cure.
Polyvalent vaccine approaches to combat HIV‐1 diversity
Authors: Korber Bette , Hraber Peter , Wagh Kshitij , Hahn Beatrice H.
Published: January 2017

A key unresolved challenge for developing an effective HIV‐1 vaccine is the discovery of strategies to elicit immune responses that are able to cross‐protect against a significant fraction of the diverse viruses that are circulating worldwide. Here, we summarize some of the immunological implications of HIV‐1 diversity, and outline the rationale behind several polyvalent vaccine design strategies that are currently under evaluation. Vaccine‐elicited T‐cell responses, which contribute to the control of HIV‐1 in natural infections, are currently being considered in both prevention and treatment settings. Approaches now in preclinical and human trials include full proteins in novel vectors, concatenated conserved protein regions, and polyvalent strategies that improve coverage of epitope diversity and enhance the cross‐reactivity of responses. While many barriers to vaccine induction of broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) responses remain, epitope diversification has emerged as both a challenge and an opportunity. Recent longitudinal studies have traced the emergence of bNAbs in HIV‐1 infection, inspiring novel approaches to recapitulate and accelerate the events that give rise to potent bNAb in vivo. In this review, we have selected two such lineage‐based design strategies to illustrate how such in‐depth analysis can offer conceptual improvements that may bring us closer to an effective vaccine.
Migration Industries and the State: Guestwork Programs in East Asia
Authors: Surak Kristin
Published: January 2017

Studies of migration industries have demonstrated the critical role that border-spanning businesses play in international mobility. To date, most research has focused on meso-level entrepreneurial initiatives that operate in a legal gray area under a state that provides an environment for their growth or decline. Extending this work, the present article advances a taxonomy of the ways states partner with migration industries based on the nature of their relationship (formal or informal) and the type of actor involved (for-profit or non-profit). The analysis focuses on low-paid temporary migrant work programs — schemes that require substantial state involvement to function — and examines cases from the East Asian democracies with strong economies that have become net importers of migrants: Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. The conclusion, incorporating cases beyond Asia, explicates the properties and limits of each arrangement based on the degree of formality and importance of profit.
Bilateral effects of hospital patient‐safety procedures on nurses’ job satisfaction
Authors: Inoue T. , Karima R. , Harada K.
Published: January 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine how hospital patient‐safety procedures affect the job satisfaction of hospital nurses. Additionally, we investigated the association between perceived autonomy and hospital patient‐safety procedures and job satisfaction.

Background

Recently, measures for patient safety have been recognized as an essential requirement in hospitals. Hospital patient‐safety procedures may enhance the job satisfaction of nurses by improving the quality of their work. However, such procedures may also decrease their job satisfaction by imposing excessive stress on nurses because they cannot make mistakes.

Methods

The participants included 537 nurses at 10 private hospitals in Japan (The surveys were collected from March to July 2012). Factors related to hospital patient‐safety procedures were demonstrated using factor analysis, and the associations between these factors and nurses’ self‐perceived autonomy and job satisfaction were examined using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Five factors regarding hospital patient‐safety procedures were extracted. Additionally, structural equation modelling revealed statistically significant associations between these factors and the nurses’ self‐perceived autonomy and job satisfaction. The findings showed that nurses’ perceived autonomy of the workplace enhanced their job satisfaction and that their perceptions of hospital patient‐safety procedures promoted their job satisfaction. However, some styles of chief nurses’ leadership regarding patient safety restrict nurses’ independent and autonomous decision‐making and actions, resulting in a lowering of job satisfaction.

Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policy

This study demonstrated that hospital patient‐safety procedures have ambiguous effects on nurses’ job satisfaction. In particular, chief nurses’ leadership relating to patient safety can have a positive or negative effect on nurses’ job satisfaction. The findings indicated that hospital managers should demonstrate positive attitudes to improve patient safety for nurses’ job satisfaction. In addition, policymakers in the hospitals should consider that chief nurses’ leadership styles may reduce autonomy and suppress nurses’ job satisfaction.
Stability of chemically available fluoride in Chilean toothpastes
Authors: Fernández Constanza E. , Carrera Carola A. , Muñoz‐Sandoval Cecilia , Cury Jaime A. , Giacaman Rodrigo A.
Published: January 2017

Background

Storage time may reduce the amount of soluble fluoride (F) in toothpastes. Although we previously studied the type and concentration of F in fresh samples of commercial Chilean toothpastes, their stability was not determined.

Aim

To evaluate the stability of soluble F in Chilean toothpastes after 1 year of storage.

Design

All the toothpastes (n = 30) previously used were re‐analyzed after 1 year of storage time at room temperature (±22°C). Total F (TF = soluble F + insoluble F) and total soluble F (TSF = F ion + MFP ion) were assessed using an ion‐specific electrode, through a validated methodology. Data were expressed in ppm of F (mg F/kg).

Results

Mean (±SD; n = 30) TF and TSF concentrations after storage were 1049 ± 427 and 987 ± 411 ppm F, respectively. Five toothpastes showed between 30% and 50% of insoluble F, four of them formulated with MFP/calcium‐based abrasive. In two products, there was a reduction in TSF below the evidence‐based anticaries effectiveness threshold of 1000 ppm F.

Conclusions

Although most of the toothpastes tested kept their original TSF content after 1 year of storage, some products evidenced an important reduction, which may compromise their anticaries efficacy. Reductions in TSF may be explained by an incorrect F salt–abrasive formulation.
Induced defences alter the strength and direction of natural selection on reproductive traits in common milkweed
Authors: Thompson K. A. , Cory K. A. , Johnson M. T. J.
Published: January 2017

Evolutionary biologists have long sought to understand the ecological processes that generate plant reproductive diversity. Recent evidence indicates that constitutive antiherbivore defences can alter natural selection on reproductive traits, but it is unclear whether induced defences will have the same effect and whether reduced foliar damage in defended plants is the cause of this pattern. In a factorial field experiment using common milkweed,Asclepias syriacaL., we induced plant defences using jasmonic acid (JA) and imposed foliar damage using scissors. We found thatJA‐induced plants experienced selection for more inflorescences that were smaller in size (fewer flowers), whereas control plants only experienced a trend towards selection for larger inflorescences (more flowers); all effects were independent of foliar damage. Our results demonstrate that induced defences can alter both the strength and direction of selection on reproductive traits, and suggest that antiherbivore defences may promote the evolution of plant reproductive diversity.
Acne RA‐1,2, a novel UV‐selective face cream for patients with acne: Efficacy and tolerability results of a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Cestone Enza , Michelotti Angela , Zanoletti Valentina , Zanardi Andrea , Mantegazza Raffaella , Dossena Maurizia
Published: January 2017

Background

General skincare measures such as the use of moisturisers and products containing adequate photoprotection are important components of acne patients’ management to complement the pharmacological regimen. Acne RA‐1,2 is a novel dermato‐cosmetic product which contains selective photofilters and active ingredients against the multifactorial pathophysiology of acne.

Objectives

To evaluate the tolerability of Acne RA‐1,2 and its effect on the clinical signs of acne.

Methods

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study randomized 40 adult patients with 10‐25 comedones per half face to once‐daily application of Acne RA‐1,2 or placebo for 8 weeks. Evaluations after 4 and 8 weeks included the number of comedones, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum production, and tolerability.

Results

In the Acne RA‐1,2 group, there was a significant 35% decrease in the mean number of comedones from 26 at baseline to 17 at Week 8 (P<.001), a 7% significant reduction in TEWL (9.32 to 8.66 g/h/m2; P<.001), and a 24% significant reduction in sebum production (154.8 to 117.6 μg/cm2; P<.001). The reductions in TEWL and sebum production were significantly greater than those in the placebo group at Weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05). There were no adverse events.

Conclusions

Acne RA‐1,2 was well tolerated and effective at reducing comedones and sebum production and improving epidermal barrier function. These results suggest that Acne RA‐1,2 is useful against acne‐prone facial skin, particularly as it targets sebum production, which topical pharmacological acne therapies do not address.
Efficacy comparison of transcatheter arterial embolization with gelatin sponge and polyvinyl alcohol particles for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy and follow‐up study
Authors: Ma Yan , Yang Chao , Shao Xiaonan
Published: January 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with gelatin sponge (GS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

A total of 35 patients with CSP, who were classified into either the GS group (n = 22) or the PVA group (n = 13), underwent TAE and postoperative ultrasound‐guided curettage. Their hospital stay, first‐scheme success rate, intra‐curettage blood loss, serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level, and other indicators were simultaneously recorded. During the follow‐up period, time for the serum β‐hCG level to return to normal, time for the return of menstrual cycle, and menstrual blood volume were recorded.

Results

Compared with the GS group, patients in the PVA group: (i) were older; (ii) had greater number of abortions or curettages, and had longer times since last cesarean (P < 0.05); (iii) had similar hospital stay and first‐scheme success rate (P > 0.05); (iv) had lower, but not significantly different, hemorrhage rate (7.7% vs 36.4%, P = 0.066); (v) had a significantly higher serum β‐hCG level at discharge and a smaller drop in serum β‐hCG level from admission to discharge (P < 0.05); (vi) had a similar time for the serum β‐hCG level to return to normal (P > 0.05); (vii) had a shorter time for the return of menstrual cycle (P = 0.012); and (viii) had a significantly higher incidence of abnormal menstrual blood volume reduction (50.0% vs 8.3%, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

TAE with either GS or PVA particles for CSP treatment had relatively good efficacy. During the selection of the ideal embolic agent, the patient's age, hemorrhage risk, and requirement for protecting ovarian function and reserving fertility should be comprehensively considered.
Risk of cerebral palsy in Chinese children: A N:M matched case control study
Authors: Gao Jing , Zhao Bin , He Luna , Sun Meiling , Yu Xuefeng , Wang Lina
Published: January 2017

Aim

To estimate epidemiological risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP) in children.

Methods

A N:M matched case control study was conducted in 114 persons with CP and 1286 controls. Relevant data were collected using a maternal self‐design questionnaire. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS.

Results

Univariate analysis has yielded 20 significant risk factors for CP. Advanced maternal age (30 years or older) at childbirth (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–2.72), alcohol consumption during pregnancy (adjusted OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.23–14.08), living in the countryside (adjusted OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.18–2.48), father's occupational exposure to harmful substances (adjusted OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.61–6.93) and multiple births (adjusted OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.65–5.84) were found to be risk factors for CP by multivariate analysis. On the other side, high mother's education level (adjusted OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46–0.76), folic acid supplements (adjusted OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30–0.82), and high birth hospital level (adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52–0.90) were found to be protective factors.

Conclusion

Although the important risk factors of CP focus on gestation at birth and perinatal events, the incidence could probably be further lowered, if potential risk factors identified in this study are considered.
Novel chemical degradation pathways of proteins mediated by tryptophan oxidation: tryptophan side chain fragmentation
Authors: Schöneich Christian
Published: January 2017

Objectives

This minireview focuses on novel degradation pathways of proteins in solution via intermediary tryptophan (Trp) radical cations, which are generated via photo-induced electron transfer to suitable acceptors such as disulfide bonds.

Methods

Gas-phase mass spectrometry studies had indicated the potential for Trp radical cations to fragment via release of 3-methylene-3H-indol-1-ium from the side chain. HPLC-MS/MS analysis demonstrates that analogous fragmentation reactions occur during the exposure of peptides and proteins to light or accelerated stability testing.

Key findings

The light exposure of selected peptides and monoclonal antibodies leads to the conversion of Trp to glycine (Gly) or glycine hydroperoxide (GlyOOH), where GlyOOH could be reduced to hydroxyglycine, which undergoes subsequent cleavage. Product formation is consistent with Cα–Cβ fragmentation of intermediary Trp radical cations. For the peptide octreotide and specific glycoforms of IgG1 Fc domains, Trp side chain cleavage in aqueous solution is indicated by the formation of 3-methyleneindolenine (3-MEI), which adds to nucleophilic side chains, for example to Lys residues adjacent to the original Trp residues.

Conclusions

Trp side chain cleavage leads to novel reaction products on specific peptide and protein sequences, which may have consequences for potency and immunogenicity.
Orcinol derivative compound with antioxidant properties protects Langerhans islets against streptozotocin damage
Authors: Sánchez-Lira Nancy M V , Morales-Miranda Angélica , García de la Mora Gustavo , León Contreras Juan Carlos , González-Sánchez Ignacio , Valencia Norma , Cerbón Marco , Morimoto Sumiko
Published: January 2017

Objective

To design and synthesize an orcinol derivative compound, 3-formyl-2,4-dihydroxy-5,6-dimethyl sodium benzoate (A4), as an antioxidant molecule and to test its effects on oxidative stress in an in-vitro model of apoptosis of pancreatic rat beta cells induced by streptozotocin (STZ).

Methods

Scavenger properties of A4 were assessed using its capacity to capture the DPPH radical in vitro. Antiapoptotic properties of A4 were analysed by electron microscopy and TUNEL assay in rat pancreatic islets in a streptozotocin model.

Key findings

The results show that A4 displays antioxidant activity in in-vitro assays and induced a significant reduction in STZ-induced beta cell apoptosis and low ultrastructural damage to cellular organelles in the rat pancreatic islets as evidenced by electronic microscopy, this effect could be attributed to its antioxidant activity in a similar manner than resveratrol.

Conclusion

The overall results indicate that the new orcinol derivative molecule displays both antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects and protect pancreatic beta cells against STZ damage.
Molecular response of Sargassum vulgare to acidification at volcanic CO2 vents: insights from de novo transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Kumar Amit , Castellano Immacolata , Patti Francesco Paolo , Delledonne Massimo , Abdelgawad Hamada , Beemster Gerrit T. S. , Asard Han , Palumbo Anna , Buia Maria Cristina
Published: January 2017

Ocean acidification is an emerging problem that is expected to impact ocean species to varying degrees. Currently, little is known about its effect on molecular mechanisms induced in fleshy macroalgae. To elucidate genome wide responses to acidification, a transcriptome analysis was carried out on Sargassum vulgare populations growing under acidified conditions at volcanic CO2 vents and compared with populations in a control site. Several transcripts involved in a wide range of cellular and metabolic processes were differentially expressed. No drastic changes were observed in the carbon acquisition processes and RuBisCO level. Moreover, relatively few stress genes, including those for antioxidant enzymes and heat‐shock proteins, were affected. Instead, increased expression of transcripts involved in energy metabolism, photosynthetic processes and ion homeostasis suggested that algae increased energy production to maintain ion homeostasis and other cellular processes. Also, an increased allocation of carbon to cell wall and carbon storage was observed. A number of genes encoding proteins involved in cellular signalling, information storage and processing and transposition were differentially expressed between the two conditions. The transcriptional changes of key enzymes were largely confirmed by enzymatic activity measurements. Altogether, the changes induced by acidification indicate an adaptation of growth and development of S. vulgare at the volcanic CO2 vents, suggesting that this fleshy alga exhibits a high plasticity to low pH and can adopt molecular strategies to grow also in future more acidified waters.
A conceptual framework for predicting and addressing the consequences of disease‐related microvascular dysfunction
Authors: McClatchey Penn M. , Frisbee Jefferson C. , Reusch Jane E. B.
Published: January 2017

Objective

A growing body of evidence indicates that impaired microvascular perfusion plays a pathological role in a number of diseases. This manuscript aims to better define which aspects of microvascular perfusion are important, what mass transport processes (eg, insulin action, tissue oxygenation) may be impacted, and what therapies might reverse these pathologies.

Methods

We derive a theory of microvascular perfusion and solute flux drawing from established relationships in mass transport and anatomy. We then apply this theory to predict relationships between microvascular perfusion parameters and microvascular solute flux.

Results

For convection‐limited exchange processes (eg, pulmonary oxygen uptake), our model predicts that bulk blood flow is of primary importance. For diffusion‐limited exchange processes (eg, insulin action), our model predicts that perfused capillary density is of primary importance. For convection/diffusion co‐limited exchange processes (eg, tissue oxygenation), our model predicts that various microvascular perfusion parameters interact in a complex, context‐specific manner. We further show that our model can predict established mass transport defects in disease (eg, insulin resistance in diabetes).

Conclusions

The contributions of microvascular perfusion parameters to tissue‐level solute flux can be described using a minimal mathematical model. Our results hold promise for informing therapeutic interventions targeting microvascular perfusion.