bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Region‐specific effects of oestradiol on adipose‐derived stem cell differentiation in post‐menopausal women
Authors: Cox‐York Kimberly A. , Erickson Christopher B. , Pereira Rocio I , Bessesen Daniel H. , Van Pelt Rachael E.
Published: November 2016

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of acute transdermal 17β‐oestradiol (E2) on the adipogenic potential of subcutaneous adipose‐derived stem cells (ASC) in post‐menopausal women. Post‐menopausal women (n = 11; mean age 57 ± 4.5 years) were treated for 2 weeks, in a randomized, cross‐over design, with transdermal E2 (0.15 mg) or placebo patches. Biopsies of abdominal (AB) and femoral (FEM) subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were obtained after each treatment and mature adipocytes were analysed for cell size and ASC for their capacity for proliferation (growth rate), differentiation (triglyceride accumulation) and susceptibility to tumour necrosis factor alpha‐induced apoptosis. Gene expression of oestrogen receptors α and β (ESR1 and ESR2), perilipin 1 and hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL), was also assessed. In FEM SAT, but not AB SAT, 2 weeks of E2 significantly (P = 0.03) increased ASC differentiation and whole SAT HSL mRNA expression (P = 0.03) compared to placebo. These changes were not associated with mRNA expression of oestrogen receptors α and β, but HSL expression was significantly increased in FEM SAT with transdermal E2 treatment. Adipose‐derived stem cells proliferation and apoptosis did not change in either SAT depot after E2 compared with placebo. Short‐term E2 appeared to increase the adipogenic potential of FEM, but not AB, SAT in post‐menopausal women with possible implications for metabolic disease. Future studies are needed to determine longer term impact of E2 on regional SAT accumulation in the context of positive energy imbalance.
Pro‐apoptotic Noxa is involved in ablative focal irradiation‐induced lung injury
Authors: Kim Jee‐Youn , An Yong‐Min , Choi Won Hoon , Kim Jin‐Mo , Cho Samju , Yoo Byung Rok , Kang Jeong Wook , Lee Yun‐Sil , Lee Yoon‐Jin , Cho Jaeho
Published: November 2016

Although lung injury including fibrosis is a well‐documented side effect of lung irradiation, the mechanisms underlying its pathology are poorly understood. X‐rays are known to cause apoptosis in the alveolar epithelial cells of irradiated lungs, which results in fibrosis due to the proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts and the deposition of collagen. Apoptosis and BH3‐only pro‐apoptotic proteins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Recently, we have established a clinically analogous experimental model that reflects focal high‐dose irradiation of the ipsilateral lung. The goal of this study was to elucidate the mechanism underlying radiation‐induced lung injury based on this model. A radiation dose of 90 Gy was focally delivered to the left lung of C57BL/6 mice for 14 days. About 9 days after irradiation, the mice began to show increased levels of the pro‐apoptotic protein Noxa in the irradiated lung alongside increased apoptosis and fibrosis. Suppression of Noxa expression by small interfering RNA protected cells from radiation‐induced cell death and decreased expression of fibrogenic markers. Furthermore, we showed that reactive oxygen species participate in Noxa‐mediated, radiation‐induced cell death. Taken together, our results show that Noxa is involved in X‐ray‐induced lung injury.
Testosterone production ability predicts breeding success and tracks breeding stage in male finches
Authors: Cain K. E. , Pryke S. R.
Published: November 2016

Testosterone (T) is an important mediator of reproductive behaviours and potential target for selection. However, there are few data relating natural variation in T to fitness estimates. Here, we used the GnRH challenge (an injection of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone which stimulates maximal T release), to examine how individual differences in T relate to reproductive success and how T changes across date and breeding stage. We measured pre‐ and post‐challenge T, in captive male Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), before and after introducing females, and across breeding stage. Post‐challenge T before introducing females positively predicted breeding success. Post‐challenge T levels were unrelated to date, but strongly related to stage; T production ability was strongly attenuated in incubating males. Prechallenge T levels related only to date. Our results suggest that T production ability is an important target for selection and that when males invest heavily in parental care they reduce their sensitivity to GnRH.
Elements and elasmobranchs: hypotheses, assumptions and limitations of elemental analysis
Authors: McMillan M. N. , Izzo C. , Wade B. , Gillanders B. M.
Published: November 2016

Quantifying the elemental composition of elasmobranch calcified cartilage (hard parts) has the potential to answer a range of ecological and biological questions, at both the individual and population level. Few studies, however, have employed elemental analyses of elasmobranch hard parts. This paper provides an overview of the range of applications of elemental analysis in elasmobranchs, discussing the assumptions and potential limitations in cartilaginous fishes. It also reviews the available information on biotic and abiotic factors influencing patterns of elemental incorporation into hard parts of elasmobranchs and provides some comparative elemental assays and mapping in an attempt to fill knowledge gaps. Directions for future experimental research are highlighted to better understand fundamental elemental dynamics in elasmobranch hard parts.
Effects of drying methods on quality attributes of murta (ugni molinae turcz) berries: bioactivity, nutritional aspects, texture profile, microstructure and functional properties
Authors: López Jessica , Shun Ah‐Hen Kong , Vega‐Gálvez Antonio , Morales Amelia , García‐Segovia Purificación , Uribe Elsa
Published: November 2016

The effects of five different drying methods: convective drying, vacuum drying, freeze‐drying, infrared‐radiation drying, and sun‐drying on various characteristic properties of murta berries from southern Chile were evaluated. The drying methods were found to have significantly different effects on the characteristics of the dried berries. Freeze‐drying process caused the least damage to the bioactive components. Over 50% loss of free total flavonoids occurred during infrared‐radiation drying, while freeze‐drying hardly affected total flavonoids in both free and bound forms. The freeze‐dried samples had the highest rehydration rate and water‐holding‐capacity, significantly different to samples of the other drying methods. Hardness was only reduced by freeze‐drying. Microstructure of the freeze‐dried samples showed similarity with that of the unprocessed berries, while noticeable cell wall collapse occurred during the other drying processes. The results obtained could be helpful in deciding for the most appropriate drying method for a desired quality of the dried murta berries.

Practical Application

Drying process causes in murta berries visible physical changes that are not sufficient to evaluate quality. Nutritional aspects and biological activity that are important criteria in judging suitability of the dried murta berries as a starting raw material for developing functional foods are known to be affected by drying conditions. Therefore in this study, classic drying methods that involve a wide range of drying conditions were performed to analyse their effects on characteristic properties of dried murta berries. The data recollected are useful in the design of a drying process that best retain or even strengthen the original nutritional quality and bioactivity of the processed berries.
Diversity study of microbial community in bacon using metagenomic analysis
Authors: Yi Langbo , Su Guirong , Hu Guang , Peng Qingzhong
Published: November 2016

This study is aimed to explore the diversity and dynamics of microorganisms in bacon. The microbes in 36 bacon samples collected from different plots (BC, BL, and BY) and process stages (stage I, II, III, and IV) were investigated by 16S rDNA sequencing. Quality control and operational taxonomic units clustering was performed by Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology software. Total 1,460 representative sequences were identified. The relative abundance of Firmicutes in BC samples was significantly lower than BY samples (p value = .0304). The relative abundance of Proteobacteria in BC samples was significantly higher than BL (p value = .0072) and BY (p value = .0258) samples. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria in stage I was higher than stage IV (p value = .0148). Similarity clustering tree showed that Staphylococcus, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and Leuconostoc had higher abundances. These dominant categories might be used for controlling the transformation process and improving flavor and safety of bacon.

Practical applications

Bacon is a well‐known fermented meat product that contains many microbes. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the microbial community in 36 bacon samples collected from different plots and different process stages were investigated. After quality control and OUT clustering, the representative sequences of operational taxonomic units were annotated by Recombination Detection Program‐classifier method. Alpha diversity analysis, species composition analysis and abundance difference analysis separately were performed using Mothur software, Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology software and the metastats command in Mothur. Staphylococcus was abundant in BY samples, which could result in infection. Sphingomonas, which was a major bacteria in BC samples, might affect the flavor of bacon in the stage I of processing. Additionally, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and Leuconostoc might have correlation with spoilage of bacon. These findings might be valuable for finding the bacterial species that can be used for controlling the transformation process of raw materials and improving flavor and safety of bacon.
Celiac disease and Helicobacter pylori infection in children: Is there any Association?
Authors: Narang Manish , Puri Amarender Singh , Sachdeva Sanjeev , Singh Jatinderpal , Kumar Ajay , Saran Ravindra K
Published: November 2016

Background and Aim

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection can influence the inflammatory and immune responses in the gut and may therefore play a role in the development of gluten‐related enteropathy in genetically susceptible individuals. Our objective was to assess the relationship between celiac disease and HP infection in children.

Methods

Children (1–18 years) diagnosed as celiac disease (CD) (n = 324) with submission of gastric and duodenal biopsies and duodenal histology having Marsh grade III features were eligible for the study. Non‐celiac patients referred for endoscopy were selected as controls. We studied proportion of HP prevalence in children with confirmed CD as compared with HP prevalence in reference group comprising non‐celiac children referred for endoscopy. We also evaluated predictors of HP infection in children with celiac disease.

Results

Of the 324 participants with CD, gastric HP was seen in 37 (11.4%) patients. The prevalence of HP in patients without CD (50%, P < 0.001) was significantly higher. Among patients with CD, HP infection was most frequent in patients with Marsh IIIa. In the stepwise regression analysis for risk factors of HP infection in CD patients: presence of gastritis, hemoglobin, and absence of scalloping were found to be independent predictors in a multivariate setup.

Conclusion

Celiac disease and gastric HP infection have inverse relationship that raises the question whether development of HP infection confers protection against CD.
Report and Research Agenda of the American Geriatrics Society and National Institute on Aging Bedside‐to‐Bench Conference on Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Aging: New Avenues for Improving Brain Health, Physical Health, and Functioning
Authors: Fung Constance H. , Vitiello Michael V. , Alessi Cathy A. , Kuchel George A. ,   the AGS/NIA Sleep Conference Planning Committee and Faculty
Published: November 2016

The American Geriatrics Society, with support from the National Institute on Aging and other funders, held its eighth Bedside‐to‐Bench research conference, entitled “Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Aging: New Avenues for Improving Brain Health, Physical Health and Functioning,” October 4 to 6, 2015, in Bethesda, Maryland. Part of a conference series addressing three common geriatric syndromes—delirium, sleep and circadian rhythm (SCR) disturbance, and voiding dysfunction—the series highlighted relationships and pertinent clinical and pathophysiological commonalities between these three geriatric syndromes. The conference provided a forum for discussing current sleep, circadian rhythm, and aging research; identifying gaps in knowledge; and developing a research agenda to inform future investigative efforts. The conference also promoted networking among developing researchers, leaders in the field of SCR and aging, and National Institutes of Health program personnel.
Vitamin D and Physical Function in Sedentary Older Men
Authors: Levis Silvina , Gómez‐Marín Orlando
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in preventing decline in physical function in older men.

Design

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.

Setting

Single‐center study conducted at a Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.

Participants

Sedentary men aged 65 to 90 (mean 72.4 ± 6.8) with baseline 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D levels of less than 30 ng/mL and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test scores of 9 or less (N = 130).

Intervention

Daily capsule containing cholecalciferol 4,000 IU daily or placebo for 9 months.

Measurements

Main outcomes were SPPB score and gait speed.

Results

After the intervention, serum 25(OH)D increased from 23.1 ± 5.0 ng/mL to 46.2 ± 12.7 ng/mL in the cholecalciferol group and from 22.5 ± 5.3 ng/mL to 24.0 ± 7.2 ng/mL in the placebo group. At study end, improvements in SPPB score and gait speed were not significantly greater in men receiving cholecalciferol than in those receiving placebo. No differences were found in adverse events or numbers of falls.

Conclusion

Daily cholecalciferol 4,000 IU for 9 months resulted in significant increases in 25(OH)D concentrations, but achieving these higher levels did not result in improvements in SPPB score or gait speed. These data do not support prescribing vitamin D supplements to older sedentary men to prevent physical function decline.
Effect of Cognitively Stimulating Activities on Symptom Management of Delirium Superimposed on Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kolanowski Ann , Fick Donna , Litaker Mark , Mulhall Paula , Clare Linda , Hill Nikki , Mogle Jacqueline , Boustani Malaz , Gill David , Yevchak‐Sillner Andrea
Published: November 2016

Objective

To determine whether cognitively stimulating activities would reduce duration and severity of delirium and improve cognitive and physical function to a greater extent than usual care.

Design

Single‐blind randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Eight post‐acute care (PAC) facilities.

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults with dementia and delirium (N = 283).

Intervention

Research staff provided cognitively stimulating activities daily for up to 30 days.

Measurements

Primary outcomes were delirium duration (Confusion Assessment Method) and delirium severity (Delirium Rating Scale). Secondary outcomes were cognitive function (Digits Forward, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, CLOX) and physical function (Barthel Index).

Results

Mean percentage of delirium‐free days (intervention: 64.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 59.6–70.1; control: 68.7%, 95% CI = 63.9–73.6; P = .37, Wilcoxon rank sum test) and delirium severity (range 0–39: intervention: 10.77, 95% CI = 10.10–11.45; control: 11.15, 95% CI = 10.50–11.80; difference 0.37, 95% CI = 0.56–1.31, P = .43) were similar in both groups. Significant differences for secondary outcomes favoring intervention were found (executive function (range 0–15): intervention: 6.58, 95% CI = 6.12–7.04; control: 5.89, 95% CI = 5.45–6.33; difference −0.69, 95% CI = 1.33 to −0.06, P = .03; constructional praxis (range 0–15): intervention: 8.84, 95% CI = 8.83–9.34; control: 7.53, 95% CI = 7.04–8.01; difference −1.31, 95% CI = 2.01 to −0.61, P < .001). After adjusting for baseline constructional praxis, the group comparison was no longer significant. Average length of stay was shorter in the intervention (36.09 days) than the control (53.13 days) group (standard error = 0.15, P = .01, negative binomial regression).

Conclusion

Cognitively stimulating activities did not improve delirium but improved executive function and reduced length of stay. Resolution of delirium may require more‐intense nonpharmacological management when the individual has dementia.
A matter of life and death: knowledge about the body and concept of death in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: McEvoy J. , Treacy B. , Quigley J.
Published: November 2016

Background

An increased awareness of how people with intellectual disabilities (ID) understand death and dying is necessary in supporting life‐long learning, post‐bereavement support and planning end‐of‐life care. Previous research suggests that adults with ID have a limited or ‘patchy’ understanding of the basic biological components of death. However, the relationship between biological understanding of how the body works and conceptualisation of death remains unexplored in this population.

Method

Thirty adults with ID were interviewed to assess their knowledge of human body function and their understanding of the concept of death. Using pictures, participants were asked if they recognised certain organs, asked to explain the function of various body parts and what would happen if certain body parts were missing or did not work. Participants who referred to ‘life’ or ‘not dying’ as the goal of body function were categorised as ‘Life Theorisers’. In addition, participants were asked about the causes of death, whether all things die and the status of the body after death.

Results

The results support previous studies suggesting that understanding of death in adults with ID varies from partial to full comprehension and is associated with level of ID. Also, death comprehension was positively correlated with total body interview scores and ‘Life Theorisers’ who understood that body parts maintain life and who spontaneously appealed to ‘vitalistic’ concepts when reasoning about the human body were also more sophisticated in their understanding of death.

Conclusion

The study highlights the relationship between knowledge about the goal of human body functioning and death comprehension in adults with ID. The potential that learning to adopt a ‘vitalistic’ approach to human functioning may have on the acquisition of a greater understanding of death and dying, understanding illness and supporting end‐of‐life planning is discussed.
Motivations for Entering the Doula Profession: Perspectives From Women of Color
Authors: Hardeman Rachel R. , Kozhimannil Katy B.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

The imperative to diversify the health care workforce is evident: increased diversity contributes to the overall health of the nation. Given persistent racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes, workforce diversity is particularly urgent in the context of clinical and supportive care during pregnancy and childbirth. The goal of this analysis was to characterize the intentions and motivations of racially and ethnically diverse women who chose to become doulas (maternal support professionals) and to describe their early doula careers, including the experiences that sustain their work.

Methods

In 2014, 12 women of color in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, metropolitan area (eg, African American, Somali, Hmong, Latina, American Indian) applied and were selected (from a pool of 58) to receive doula training and certification. In January and February 2015, we conducted semistructured interviews (30 to 90 minutes) with the newly trained doulas. We used an inductive qualitative approach to analyze key themes related to motivation and satisfaction with doula work.

Results

For many of the women of color we interviewed, the underlying motivation for becoming a doula was related directly to a desire to support women from the doula's own racial, ethnic, and cultural community. Other key themes related to both motivation and satisfaction included perceiving birth work as a calling, easing women's transitions to motherhood by “holding space,” honoring the ritual and ceremony of childbirth, and providing culturally competent support, often as the sole source of cultural knowledge during labor and birth.

Discussion

Doulas of color have a strong commitment to supporting women from their communities. Given the evidence linking doula support to improved birth outcomes, successful recruitment and retention of women of color as doulas may support broader efforts to reduce long‐standing disparities in birth outcomes.
The neuroprotective effect of latanoprost acts via klotho‐mediated suppression of calpain activation after optic nerve transection
Authors: Yamamoto Kotaro , Sato Kota , Yukita Masayoshi , Yasuda Masayuki , Omodaka Kazuko , Ryu Morin , Fujita Kosuke , Nishiguchi Koji M. , Machida Shigeki , Nakazawa Toru
Published: November 2016

Latanoprost was first developed for use in glaucoma therapy as an ocular hypotensive agent targeting the prostaglandin F2α (FP) receptor. Subsequently, latanoprost showed a neuroprotective effect, an additional pharmacological action. However, although it is well‐known that latanoprost exerts an ocular hypotensive effect via the FP receptor, it is not known whether this is also true of its neuroprotective effect. Klotho was firstly identified as the gene linked to the suppression of aging phenotype: the defect of klotho gene in mice results aging phenotype such as hypokinesis, arteriosclerosis, and short lifespan. After that, the function of klotho was also reported to maintain calcium homeostasis and to exert a neuroprotective effect in various models of neurodegenerative disease. However, the function of klotho in eyes including retina is still poorly understood. Here, we show that klotho is a key factor underlying the neuroprotective effect of latanoprost during post‐axotomy retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Importantly, a quantitative RT‐PCR gene expression analysis of klotho in sorted rat retinal cells revealed that the highest expression level of klotho in the retina was in the RGCs. Latanoprost acid, the biologically active form of latanoprost, inhibits post‐traumatic calpain activation and concomitantly facilitates the expression and shedding of klotho in axotomized RGCs. This expression profile is a good match with the localization, not of the FP receptor, but of organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1, known as a prostaglandin transporter, in the ocular tissue. Furthermore, an organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1 inhibitor suppressed latanoprost acid‐mediated klotho shedding ex vivo, whereas an FP receptor antagonist did not. The klotho fragments shed from the RGCs reduced the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species, and a specific klotho inhibitor accelerated and increased RGC death after axotomy. We conclude that the shed klotho fragments might contribute to the attenuation of axonal injury‐induced calpain activation and oxidative stress, thereby protecting RGCs from post‐traumatic neuronal degeneration.

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Dancing around families: neonatal nurses and their role in child protection
Authors: Saltmarsh Tina , Wilson Denise
Published: November 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the processes neonatal intensive care nurses used in their child protection role with preterm infants.

Background

Neonatal nurses’ screening for family violence is important in identifying at‐risk preterm infants requiring protection upon discharge from neonatal intensive care settings. We know little about neonatal nurses and their role in child protection.

Design

A qualitative research design using Glaserian grounded theory.

Methods

Ten in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with New Zealand neonatal intensive care nurses. Data were simultaneously analysed using constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling to develop a substantive grounded theory.

Results

Dancing around families is the substantive grounded theory explaining how neonatal intensive care nurses respond to and manage an infant needing child protection. Knowing at‐risk families is the process these nurses used, which draws on their personal and professional knowledge to identify an infant's child welfare requirements. A tension exists for neonatal nurses in shaping and framing the baby's safety and protection needs between their role of nurturing and protecting an at‐risk infant and it belonging to the family.

Conclusions

Child protection is a source of conflict for neonatal intensive care nurses. A lack of education, dodgy families and lack of confidence in child welfare services all compromise effective child protection. Their reality is tension between wanting the best possible outcomes for the baby, but having little or no control over what happens following its discharge.

Relevance to clinical practice

Neonatal intensive care nurses are ideally positioned to identify and respond to those preterm infants at risk of child maltreatment. They need education in child maltreatment, and protection focused on preterm infants, collegial support and clinical supervision.
Vital signs as predictors for aggression in hospital patients (VAPA)
Authors: Considine Julie , Berry Debra , Johnson Rebecca , Sands Natisha
Published: November 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine and describe the relationship between physiological status and violent and aggressive behaviours in hospital patients.

Background

The majority of adverse events are preceded by physiological abnormalities; whether physiological deterioration is a predictor of violent or aggressive behaviours remains unknown.

Design

Prospective case–control study.

Methods

Prospective audit of 999 patients from two major health services in Melbourne, Australia. There were 333 cases who required an emergency response for aggressive or violent behaviour (Code Grey) in the emergency department, medical or surgical units, or inpatient mental health unit between January–June 2015. Two control patients who did not have a Code Grey were randomly selected from the same unit and same day that the Code Grey occurred for the case patient.

Results

Patient locations were 54·4% medical or surgical units, 23·7% emergency department and 21·9% mental health units. Code Grey patients had less documentation of physiological assessment and were more likely to have respiratory rate, heart rate and conscious state abnormalities in the 12 hours preceding Code Grey. After adjusting for confounders, the risk of Code Grey was highest for patients with confusion.

Conclusion

Patients experiencing behavioural disturbance had lower standards of patient assessment, greater incidence of physiological abnormalities and more inpatient deaths. Early recognition of, and response to, patient and physiological predictors of Code Grey should be a strategy to prevent behavioural escalation to the point of Code Grey.

Relevance to clinical practice

Strategies are needed to improve physiological assessment of patients with behavioural disturbance while ensuring staff safety. There are patient and physiological factors associated with increased risk of Code Grey that may be used to prevent behavioural escalation to the point of an emergency response.
Effect of number of retrieved lymph nodes on prognosis in FIGO stage IB–IIA cervical cancer patients treated with primary radical surgery
Authors: Lim Soyi , Cho Kyungjoo , Lee Seungho , Lee Kwangbeom , Shin Jinwoo , Chung Donghae , Park Chanyong
Published: November 2016

Aim

In the treatment of cervical cancer, the extent of lymphadenectomy is a matter of debate. The goal of the current study was to examine the question of whether the number of retrieved lymph nodes (RLN) can influence survival of patients with early stage cervical cancer.

Methods

The medical records of 180 FIGO stage IB–IIA cervical cancer patients treated with primary radical surgery were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: those with ≤ 40 RLN and those with > 40 RLN. Patients were also assigned to either the bulky (tumor size > 4 cm) cervical cancer group or the non‐bulky (tumor size ≤ 4 cm) cervical cancer group.

Results

The number of RLN had a statistically significant effect on both disease‐free survival (P = 0.04) and overall survival (P = 0.02) of all patients. Patients with > 40 RLN had better prognoses than those with ≤ 40 RLN. In the bulky cervical cancer group, the number of RLN was an independent prognostic factor. In multivariate analysis for the bulky cervical cancer group, > 40 RLN had a significant positive effect on disease‐free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.97) and overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.90). However, number of RLN was not an independent prognostic factor in the non‐bulky cervical cancer group.

Conclusions

A more extensive lymphadenectomy increased the survival of bulky cervical cancer patients. This finding may be helpful in determining surgical extent before surgery for cervical cancer.
Association between nephrinuria, podocyturia, and proteinuria in women with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Furuta Itsuko , Zhai Tianyue , Ishikawa Satoshi , Umazume Takeshi , Nakagawa Kinuko , Yamada Takahiro , Morikawa Mamoru , Minakami Hisanori
Published: November 2016

Aim

Podocyte depletion in the kidney is associated with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD). Pre‐eclampsia (PE) increases the risk of ESKD in later life. This study was performed to determine whether nephrinuria (soluble nephrin in the urine) is correlated with proteinuria and/or podocyturia (podocytes in the urine) in PE women.

Methods

Eighty‐three urine samples, consisting of 45 and 38 samples from 27 normotensive and nine PE women, respectively, underwent simultaneous determination of nephrin, protein, and creatinine concentrations in the urine supernatant and quantitative analysis of podocyte‐specific protein mRNA expression. This included podocin (Pod‐mRNA) and nephrin (Nep‐mRNA), using real‐time polymerase chain reaction in the pelleted urine. Nephrinuria and proteinuria were corrected by creatinine concentration. Pod‐ and Nep‐mRNA expression levels were corrected by GAPDH.

Results

Nephrinuria, proteinuria, Pod‐mRNA expression, and Nep‐mRNA expression all increased with advancing gestation in PE women, while not in normotensive women. The nephrinuria was strongly correlated with proteinuria (R = 0.901, P <  0.001), Pod‐mRNA expression level (R = 0.824, P < 0.001), and Nep‐mRNA expression level (R  =  0.724, P <  0.001) in urine samples from PE women, while the nephrinuria was significantly correlated with proteinuria alone (R  =  0.419, P <  0.005) in urine samples from normotensive women.

Conclusion

Nephrinuria reflected well the degrees of proteinuria and podocyturia in PE women. This suggested that increased nephrinuria/proteinuria was associated with podocyte loss in the kidneys of PE women.
Alarmins and central nervous system inflammation in HIV‐associated neurological disorders
Authors: Gougeon M.‐L.
Published: November 2016

In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV‐1‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist in infected individuals with adequate immunological and virological status. Risk factors for cognitive impairment include hepatitis C virus co‐infection, host genetic factors predisposing to HAND, the early establishment of the virus in the CNS and its persistence under HAART; thus, the CNS is an important reservoir for HIV. Microglial cells are permissive to HIV‐1, and NLRP3 inflammasome‐associated genes were found expressed in brains of HIV‐1‐infected persons, contributing to brain disease. Inflammasomes can be triggered by alarmins or danger‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which directly stimulate the production of proinflammatory mediators by glial cells, contribute to blood–brain barrier injury through induction of release of various proteases and allow the passage of infected macrophages, and trigger IL‐1β release from primed cells. Amongst alarmins involved in HIV‐1‐induced neuropathogenesis, IL‐33 and high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) are of particular interest. Neurocognitive alterations were recently associated with dysregulation of the IL‐33/ST2 axis in the CNS, leading to the induction of neuronal apoptosis, decrease in synaptic function and neuroinflammation. Specific biomarkers, including HMGB1 and anti‐HMGB1 antibodies, have been identified in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with HAND, correlated with immune activation and identifying a very early stage of neurocognitive impairment that precedes changes in metabolites detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Moreover, HMGB1 plays a crucial role in HIV‐1 persistence in dendritic cells and in the constitution of viral reservoirs. In this review, the mechanisms whereby alarmins contribute to HIV‐1‐induced CNS inflammation and neuropathogenesis will be discussed.
Application of a barometer for assessment of oral functions: Donders space
Authors: Hiraki K. , Yamada Y. , Kurose M. , Ofusa W. , Sugiyama T. , Ishida R.
Published: November 2016

We developed a barometer applicable to a small space, to assess oral and pharyngeal functions. Negative oral pressure during rest and pressure changes during swallowing were measured in a space between the palate and tongue (STP). Twenty volunteers were asked to sit in a chair in a relaxed upright position. A sensor was placed on the posterior midline of hard palate. Recording commenced just before subjects closed their lips and continued. Subjects were asked to swallow saliva and keep the apposition. Finally, subjects were asked to open their mouth. Recordings were performed five times, and 5 s of continuous data in each phase was averaged. To verify the reliability of the system, the same procedure was accomplished with twin sensors. When the jaw and lips were closed, the pressure slightly decreased from atmospheric pressure (−0·17 ± 0·24‐kPa). After swallowing, the pressure in STP showed more negative value (−0·50 ± 0·59‐kPa). There is a significant difference between the values in open condition and after swallowing (P < 0·001) and between values after swallowing and final open condition (P < 0·05). Twin sensor showed almost the same trajectories of pressure changes for all the recordings. Obtained negative pressure might generate about 0·71‐N of force and would be enough to keep the tongue in the palatal fossa at rest. The system detected large negative/positive pressure changes during swallowing. We conclude this system may be a tool to evaluate oral functions.
Handling missing data in consumer hedonic tests arising from direct scaling
Authors: Franczak Brian C. , Castura John C. , Browne Ryan P. , Findlay Christopher J. , McNicholas Paul D.
Published: November 2016

In sensory evaluation, it may be necessary to design experiments that yield incomplete data sets. As such, sensory scientists will need to utilize statistical methods capable of handling data sets with missing values. This article demonstrates the advantages of a model‐based imputation procedure that simultaneously accounts for heterogeneity while imputing. We compare this model‐based approach to the current state‐of‐the‐art imputation procedures using two real data sets that arose from central location tests. These data sets contain missing values by design. In addition, these data sets have two data sets nested within each of them. We use these nested data sets to validate the results. Compared to the considered state‐of‐the‐art imputation procedures, we find evidence that the model‐based approach is able to recover the group structure and key characteristics of the data sets when a high percentage of the data are missing.

Practical applications

The model‐based imputation procedure presented in this manuscript is used to analyse incomplete multivariate data sets arising from central location tests. It can be used to analyse incomplete mulitvariate data sets where there is correlation among the variables. Examples include data arising from high fatigue studies, just‐about‐right scale, free choice profiling, or from the ideal profile method.
Optimal in‐feed amino acid ratio for broiler breeder hens based on deletion studies
Authors: Dorigam J. C. P. , Sakomura N. K. , Sarcinelli M. F. , Gonçalves C. A. , de Lima M. B. , Peruzzi N. J.
Published: November 2016

An ideal amino acid ratio (IAAR) for breeder hens is needed for maximum nitrogen retention (NR) taking into account nitrogen deposition in body (NDB), feathers (NDF) and egg mass (NEM) to improve dietary protein efficiency. Thus, the aim of this study was to apply the deletion method to derive the IAAR for broiler breeder hens. The nitrogen balance trials were performed from 31 to 35 weeks and from 46 to 50 weeks. Twelve treatments with eight replicates and one hen per cage were used. A balanced diet (BD) was formulated to meet the requirement of all nutrients. The other diets were formulated diluting 55% of BD with corn starch and refilled with amino acids (AAs) and other ingredients, except the AA tested. Each trial lasted 25 days. Feather losses, egg production and egg weight were recorded daily, and the samples were stored to further determine NEM and nitrogen in feather losses (NDFL). At the start and the end of each period, a group of birds were slaughtered to further determine NDB and NDF. The NR was calculated as the sum of NDB, NDF, NDFL, NEM and the nitrogen maintenance requirement (NMR). The deletion of valine greatly depressed the NR in peak production (31 to 35 weeks) while the deletion of the isoleucine greatly depressed the NR of the hens from 46 to 50 weeks of age. The percentual reduction in NR and the per cent of the AA to delete from the BD were used to calculate the AA requirement. The average IAAR was Lys 100, Met+Cys 86, Trp 23, Thr 80, Arg 113, Val 90, Ile 91, Leu 133, Phe+Tyr 108, Gly+Ser 94 and His 35. The IAAR was in line with the recommendation from the literature, validating deletion method with the advantages from a rapid and low‐cost procedure.
How Would Rural Hospitals Be Affected by Loss of the Affordable Care Act's Medicare Low‐Volume Hospital Adjustment?
Authors: Whitaker Rebecca Garr , Holmes G. Mark , Pink George H.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The low‐volume hospital (LVH) payment adjustment established in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 is scheduled to sunset on October 1, 2017. The purpose of this analysis was: (1) to estimate the effect of the ACA LVH adjustment on qualifying hospitals’ profitability margins; and (2) to examine hospital and market characteristics of the hospitals that would be most adversely affected by the loss of the ACA LVH adjustment.

Methods

2004‐2015 data from the Hospital Cost Report Information System, Hospital Market Service Area File and Nielsen‐Claritas Pop‐Facts file were used to estimate difference‐in‐difference regression models with hospital‐level random effects in order to determine whether the ACA LVH adjustment improved qualifying rural hospitals’ profitability margins. Recycled predictions estimated the effect of losing the ACA LVH adjustment on profitability margins. Bivariate analyses explored associations between the predicted profitability margins and hospital and market characteristics.

Findings

The ACA LVH adjustment significantly improved Sole Community Hospitals’ Medicare inpatient margins in the year they received the adjustment, and it had a large but statistically insignificant effect on the profitability margins of other rural hospitals. Hospitals that would be the most adversely affected by loss of the ACA LVH adjustment were more likely to be small, located in the South, and in high‐poverty markets with higher proportions of black and uninsured individuals.

Conclusions

Elimination of the ACA LVH adjustment would have differential effects on subgroups of hospitals, and those located in markets serving historically underserved populations would be the most adversely affected.
Growth of Hatchery‐reared Juveniles of the Australasian Sea Cucumber, Australostichopus mollis, Fed with Artificial and Natural Diets
Authors: Zamora Leonardo N. , Maxwell Kimberley H. , Jeffs Andrew G.
Published: November 2016

Australostichopus mollis is the most common and valuable sea cucumber species on the coasts of New Zealand and southern Australia. However, information supporting the development of artificial diets to advance the aquaculture of this species is scarce. In this study, the nutrient absorption, growth, pigmentation, and survival of small (111 mg) and large (434 mg) early juveniles were measured. The juveniles were fed with mussel biodeposits (MB); a commercial hatchery diet‐powdered macroalgae (HD); and artificial diets with different protein levels, 5% (5P) and 10% (10P), respectively. During the experiment, survival was greater than 66% in all diet treatments, with the juveniles feeding actively and absorbing all major macronutrients. The small juveniles, which were starting pigmentation, had higher growth rates (0.8–2.5%/d) than the large juveniles (0.2–1.2%/d), which were completing pigmentation. Growth was higher with the MB and HD diets than with the 5P and 10P diets, which could be explained by differences in the food consumption and nutrient absorption among the diet treatments. This study shows the feasibility of developing artificial diets without depending on naturally available ingredients; however, palatability and consumption need to be improved in order to make artificial diets for this species more effective and commercially available.
New records of cold‐water coral sites and fish fauna characterization of a potential network existing in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: D'Onghia Gianfranco , Calculli Crescenza , Capezzuto Francesca , Carlucci Roberto , Carluccio Angela , Maiorano Porzia , Pollice Alessio , Ricci Pasquale , Sion Letizia , Tursi Angelo
Published: November 2016

New cold‐water coral (CWC) sites were recorded along the Apulian margin (Central Mediterranean). The species composition and depth distribution of CWCs were updated. A distribution of the CWC sites coincident with the course of the dense‐water masses that flow between the Southern Adriatic and Northern Ionian was confirmed. The faunal assemblages of five of these CWC sites were investigated and compared using experimental longlines during the spring–summer and autumn–winter seasons, between 2010 and 2014. Differences in ecological variables amongst the sites in each season were evaluated by means of a set of univariate and multivariate methods (analysis of variance, permutational multivariate analysis of variance, non‐metric multidimensional scaling). Although some differences were detected in relation to the different depths examined during spring–summer, the CWC sites showed similar features in terms of species richness and diversity as well as in the abundance of the same fish species (Galeus melastomus, Conger conger, Helicolenus dactylopterus, Merluccius merluccius, Phycis blennoides and Pagellus bogaraveo) most probably because of the distribution of adult specimens in structurally complex and heterogeneous habitats, which act as a potential ‘refuge network’ with respect to commercial fishing. The presence of maturing and mature individuals as well as post‐reproductive females indicates that these CWC sites also act as spawning areas, representing a potential ‘renewal network’ for the fish populations. The term ‘network’ used here refers to several similar subsystems (CWC sites) that play the same ecological role in a wider system (Apulian margin). These CWC communities need coherent conservation measures and management strategies according to the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries.
ROBUST UTILITY MAXIMIZATION WITH LÉVY PROCESSES
Authors: NEUFELD ARIEL , NUTZ MARCEL
Published: November 2016

We study a robust portfolio optimization problem under model uncertainty for an investor with logarithmic or power utility. The uncertainty is specified by a set of possible Lévy triplets, that is, possible instantaneous drift, volatility, and jump characteristics of the price process. We show that an optimal investment strategy exists and compute it in semi‐closed form. Moreover, we provide a saddle point analysis describing a worst‐case model.
Dietary quality and household food insecurity among Mexican children and adolescents
Authors: Rodríguez Luis A. , Mundo‐Rosas Verónica , Méndez‐Gómez‐Humarán Ignacio , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Shamah‐Levy Teresa
Published: November 2016

Seventy percent of Mexican households experience some level of food insecurity (FI). Studies have shown positive associations between FI and poor dietary quality. As far as it is known, this is the first time the Healthy Eating Index (HEI‐2010) has been used to assess dietary quality of children and adolescents in Mexico, and to examine if FI is related to it. The objective of this research is to assess dietary quality and its association with FI among Mexican children and adolescents from a nationally representative cross‐sectional sample. We analyzed data from 4635 2–19‐year‐old Mexican children and adolescents participating in the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut 2012). FI was measured using the Latin American and Caribbean Household Food Security Scale (ELCSA) and dietary quality with the HEI‐2010. We examined the association between FI and dietary quality using multivariate linear regressions. Dietary quality was worst as FI became more severe among children and adolescents compared with their counterparts living in households with food security. Specifically, FI had a negative association with fruits, vegetables, and protein foods, and a positive association with refined grains consumption. Dairy intake was negatively associated with FI among older children and adolescents. Added sugars were not associated with FI, but intake was excessive across the population at 15% of total daily energy intake. Decreasing FI may help improve dietary quality of Mexican children and adolescents.
Sequence capture and next‐generation sequencing of ultraconserved elements in a large‐genome salamander
Authors: Newman Catherine E. , Austin Christopher C.
Published: November 2016

Amidst the rapid advancement in next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology over the last few years, salamanders have been left behind. Salamanders have enormous genomes—up to 40 times the size of the human genome—and this poses challenges to generating NGS data sets of quality and quantity similar to those of other vertebrates. However, optimization of laboratory protocols is time‐consuming and often cost prohibitive, and continued omission of salamanders from novel phylogeographic research is detrimental to species facing decline. Here, we use a salamander endemic to the southeastern United States, Plethodon serratus, to test the utility of an established protocol for sequence capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) in resolving intraspecific phylogeographic relationships and delimiting cryptic species. Without modifying the standard laboratory protocol, we generated a data set consisting of over 600 million reads for 85 P. serratus samples. Species delimitation analyses support recognition of seven species within P. serratus sensu lato, and all phylogenetic relationships among the seven species are fully resolved under a coalescent model. Results also corroborate previous data suggesting nonmonophyly of the Ouachita and Louisiana regions. Our results demonstrate that established UCE protocols can successfully be used in phylogeographic studies of salamander species, providing a powerful tool for future research on evolutionary history of amphibians and other organisms with large genomes.