bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deficiency of brain structural sub‐network underlying post‐ischaemic stroke apathy
Authors: Yang S. , Hua P. , Shang X. , Cui Z. , Zhong S. , Gong G. , William Humphreys G.
Published: October 2014

Background and purpose

This study aimed to reveal the structural basis of post‐ischaemic stroke apathy, especially in relation to disruptions in structural connectivity.

Methods

Eighty‐eight participants were included. The Apathy Evaluation Scale, clinician version, was used to characterize the severity of apathy. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography was used to examine white matter integrity and to reconstruct white matter networks using 90 nodes based on the automated anatomical labeling atlas. The degree for each node was extracted to determine the relationship to the severity of apathy.

Results

Apathy was not significantly associated with damage to any single brain region. The degrees of 24 nodes (limbic system, three nodes; frontal lobe, six; basal ganglia, two; temporal lobe, three; parietal lobe, three; insula, two; occipital lobe, five) were significantly correlated to the Apathy Evaluation Scale scores. These 24 nodes constituted an apathy‐related sub‐network and its global and local efficiencies were negatively correlated with apathy levels (global, r = −0.54, P < 0.01; local, r = −0.64, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that decreased global efficiency of this sub‐network was an independent risk factor for apathy (odds ratio 0.03, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.04, P = 0.007). Efficiencies of the non‐apathy‐related sub‐network (the remaining 66 nodes) did not correlate or predict the presence of apathy.

Conclusions

Post‐stroke apathy is not due to the dysfunction of a single region or circuit. Rather, it results from disconnection of a complex sub‐network of brain regions. This provides new insights into the neuroanatomical basis of post‐stroke apathy.
Anatomical localization of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation: a voxel‐based radiographic study of 146 low‐grade gliomas
Authors: Wang Y. , Zhang T. , Li S. , Fan X. , Ma J. , Wang L. , Jiang T.
Published: October 2014

Background and purpose

A brain tumor's location is associated with the genetic profile of its tumor precursor cells. Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) are an early event in tumor development and play a critical role in gliomagenesis. This study was conducted to specify the anatomical characteristics of IDH1 mutation in low‐grade gliomas and to further explore the origin of gliomas with IDH1 mutation. The impact of IDH1 mutation on disease prognosis was also evaluated.

Methods

The pre‐operative magnetic resonance images obtained from 146 patients with histologically confirmed low‐grade glioma were analyzed retrospectively. All tumors were manually marked and registered to the standard location. Voxel‐based lesion‐symptom mapping analysis was used to identify brain regions associated with a high occurrence of IDH1 mutation. Progression‐free survival and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and potential prognostic factors were evaluated using the multivariate proportional hazards model.

Results

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutated low‐grade gliomas occurred most frequently in the frontal lobe, and specifically in the area surrounding the rostral extension of the lateral ventricles. Additionally, it was demonstrated that IDH1 mutation was an independent predictor for longer progression‐free survival and overall survival.

Conclusions

Low‐grade gliomas with IDH1 mutation are region‐specific and preferentially located surrounding the rostral extension of the lateral ventricles. Furthermore, such mutations are associated with a favorable clinical outcome.
Relationships among male sexually selected traits in the bean bug, Riptortus pedestris (Heteroptera: Alydidae)
Authors: Suzaki Yû , Katsuki Masako , Miyatake Takahisa , Okada Yasukazu
Published: October 2014

Current concepts of sexual selection suggest that male reproductive success is determined by multiple sexual traits. As expression and production of multiple sexual traits are frequently associated with each other, positive or negative correlations among multiple sexual traits ensue. These relationships among traits associated with male reproductive success may be crucial in the evolution of male reproductive strategies. Here, we investigate phenotypic relationships among sexually selected traits in the armed bean bug Riptortus pedestris. In this insect, males with a larger body and weapon are more likely to win male–male competitions, and males with a larger weapon or higher courtship rate are more attractive to females. There was a significant positive correlation between body size and weapon size, whereas the courtship rate had significant negative correlations with body size and weapon size. Our results suggested that there was a phenotypic trade‐off between courtship rate and male morphology. In this insect, smaller males may make more effort in courtship behavior as an alternative mating tactic.
Commentary: It's time to talk about SUDEP
Authors: Donner Elizabeth , Buchhalter Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most tragic potential outcome of epilepsy. Despite recommendations from epilepsy organizations in the United Kingdom and the United States, many neurologists choose not to discuss the risk of SUDEP with their patients with epilepsy. Yet, the literature clearly demonstrates that people with epilepsy and their caregivers want to know more about SUDEP. When health care providers do not provide information, people with epilepsy turn to other sources, risking misinformation and potentially increasing anxiety and distress. Sharing accurate information about SUDEP can optimize epilepsy self‐management and engage the person with epilepsy as a partner in their own care. Information about SUDEP must be part of the comprehensive education given to all people with epilepsy.
Eaten to death
Authors: Nelson Charles , Baehrecke Eric H.
Published: October 2014

Macro‐autophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) delivers cytoplasmic material to the lysosome for degradation, and has been implicated in many cellular processes, including stress, infection, survival and death. Although the regulation and role of autophagy in stress, infection and survival is apparent, its involvement during cell death remains relatively unclear. In this review, we highlight what is known about the role that autophagy can play during physiological cell death, and discuss the implications of better understanding cellular destruction that involves autophagy.
Drosophila oncogene Gas41 is an RNA interference modulator that intersects heterochromatin and the small interfering RNA pathway
Authors: Gandhi Sumit G. , Bag Indira , Sengupta Saswati , Pal‐Bhadra Manika , Bhadra Utpal
Published: October 2014

Glioma amplified sequence41 (Gas41) is a highly conserved putative transcription factor that is frequently abundant in human gliomas. Gas41 shows oncogenic activity by promoting cell growth and viability. In the present study, we show that Gas41 is required for proper functioning of RNA interference (RNAi) machinery in the nuclei, although three basic structural domains of RNAi components PAZ, PIWI and dsRNA with respect to binding are absent in the structural sequences. Variations of structural domains are highly conserved among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Gas41 interacts with cytological RNase III enzyme Dicer1 both biochemically and genetically. However, Drosophila Gas41 functions as chromatin remodeler and interacts with different heterochromatin markers and repeat‐induced transgene silencing by modulating position effect variegation. We also show that transcriptional inactive Gas41 mutant interferes with the functional assembly of heterochromatin‐associated proteins, dimethylated lysine 9 of histone H3 and heterochromatic protein 1 in developing embryos. A reduction of heterochromatic markers is accompanied by the mini‐w promoter sequence in Gas41 mutants. These findings suggest that Drosophila Gas41 guides the repeat associated gene silencing and the Dicer1 interaction, thereby depicting a new role for Gas41. Gas41 is a critical RNAi component. In Drosophila, Gas41 plays a dual role. On the one hand, it appears to participate with Dicer 1 in the RNAi pathway and, alternatively, it also participates in repeat‐induced gene silencing by accumulating heterochromatin proteins at the mini‐w array promoters. Therefore, it represents an intriguing and apparently paradoxical new finding in RNA technology with respect to the process of heterochromatin gene silencing.
Macroinvertebrate survival during cessation of flow and streambed drying in a lowland stream
Authors: Verdonschot Ralf C. M. , van Oosten‐Siedlecka Agata M. , ter Braak Cajo J. F. , Verdonschot Piet F. M.
Published: October 2014

The number of perennial low‐order lowland streams likely to experience intermittent flow is predicted to increase in north‐western Europe. To understand the effects of such a change on macroinvertebrates, a field experiment was carried out in a currently perennial sandy lowland stream.

Using a before–after control–impact design, the flow regime was manipulated to yield two distinct treatments: stagnation (although with little water loss) and drying of the stream (although artificial remnant pools remained in the bed). There was also an unmanipulated control reach. The two treatments were applied simultaneously in separate, consecutive reaches, resulting in 29 days of stagnation and 25 days of streambed drying with surface water only present in the remnant pools. Changes in macroinvertebrate richness, abundance and community composition were recorded, and we assessed whether these changes could be explained by ecological preferences for flow of the various taxa.

Stagnation resulted in only minor changes in community composition. A small number of rheophilic taxa disappeared, while taxa preferring standing waters complemented those already present, increasing total biodiversity. In remnant pools in the otherwise dry reach, richness and abundance peaked after they became isolated, indicating a concentration of invertebrates. A subsequent steep decline in richness coincided with hypoxia and increasing conductivity. Culex pipiens/torrentium colonised the pools and was then dominant. Only a small subset of the assemblage successfully used the dry streambed as a refuge.

The effect of a shift from perennial to intermittent flow evidently depends on the degree of habitat change. Environmental conditions after cessation of flow are crucial in determining lowland stream macroinvertebrate persistence during water drawdown.
Atmospheric hydrogen peroxide and Eoarchean iron formations
Authors: Pecoits E. , Smith M. L. , Catling D. C. , Philippot P. , Kappler A. , Konhauser K. O.
Published: October 2014

It is widely accepted that photosynthetic bacteria played a crucial role in Fe(II) oxidation and the precipitation of iron formations (IF) during the Late Archean–Early Paleoproterozoic (2.7–2.4 Ga). It is less clear whether microbes similarly caused the deposition of the oldest IF at ca. 3.8 Ga, which would imply photosynthesis having already evolved by that time. Abiological alternatives, such as the direct oxidation of dissolved Fe(II) by ultraviolet radiation may have occurred, but its importance has been discounted in environments where the injection of high concentrations of dissolved iron directly into the photic zone led to chemical precipitation reactions that overwhelmed photooxidation rates. However, an outstanding possibility remains with respect to photochemical reactions occurring in the atmosphere that might generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a recognized strong oxidant for ferrous iron. Here, we modeled the amount of H2O2 that could be produced in an Eoarchean atmosphere using updated solar fluxes and plausible CO2, O2, and CH4 mixing ratios. Irrespective of the atmospheric simulations, the upper limit of H2O2 rainout was calculated to be <106 molecules cm−2 s−1. Using conservative Fe(III) sedimentation rates predicted for submarine hydrothermal settings in the Eoarchean, we demonstrate that the flux of H2O2 was insufficient by several orders of magnitude to account for IF deposition (requiring ~1011 H2O2 molecules cm−2 s−1). This finding further constrains the plausible Fe(II) oxidation mechanisms in Eoarchean seawater, leaving, in our opinion, anoxygenic phototrophic Fe(II)‐oxidizing micro‐organisms the most likely mechanism responsible for Earth's oldest IF.
Climate change in our backyards: the reshuffling of North America's winter bird communities
Authors: Princé Karine , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: October 2014

Much of the recent changes in North American climate have occurred during the winter months, and as result, overwintering birds represent important sentinels of anthropogenic climate change. While there is mounting evidence that bird populations are responding to a warming climate (e.g., poleward shifts) questions remain as to whether these species‐specific responses are resulting in community‐wide changes. Here, we test the hypothesis that a changing winter climate should favor the formation of winter bird communities dominated by warm‐adapted species. To do this, we quantified changes in community composition using a functional index – the Community Temperature Index (CTI) – which measures the balance between low‐ and high‐temperature dwelling species in a community. Using data from Project FeederWatch, an international citizen science program, we quantified spatiotemporal changes in winter bird communities (n = 38 bird species) across eastern North America and tested the influence of changes in winter minimum temperature over a 22‐year period. We implemented a jackknife analysis to identify those species most influential in driving changes at the community level and the population dynamics (e.g., extinction or colonization) responsible for these community changes. Since 1990, we found that the winter bird community structure has changed with communities increasingly composed of warm‐adapted species. This reshuffling of winter bird communities was strongest in southerly latitudes and driven primarily by local increases in abundance and regional patterns of colonization by southerly birds. CTI tracked patterns of changing winter temperature at different temporal scales ranging from 1 to 35 years. We conclude that a shifting winter climate has provided an opportunity for smaller, southerly distributed species to colonize new regions and promote the formation of unique winter bird assemblages throughout eastern North America.
Trees increase their P:N ratio with size
Authors: Sardans Jordi , Peñuelas Josep
Published: October 2014

Aim

Phosphorus (P) tends to become limiting in ageing terrestrial ecosystems, and its resorption efficiency is higher than for other elements such as nitrogen (N). We thus hypothesized that trees should store more P than those other elements such as N when tree size increases and that this process should be enhanced in slow‐growing late‐successional trees.

Location

Catalan forests.

Methods

We used data from the Catalan Forest Inventory that contains field data on the P and N contents of total aboveground, foliar and woody biomasses of the diverse mediterranean, temperate and alpine forests of Catalonia (1018 sites). We used correlation and general linear models to analyse the allometric relationships between the nutrient contents of different aboveground biomass fractions (foliar, branches and stems) and total aboveground biomass.

Results

Aboveground forest P content increases proportionally more than aboveground forest N content with increasing aboveground biomass. Two mechanisms underlie this. First, woody biomass increases proportionally more than foliar biomass, with woody biomass having a higher P:N ratio than foliar biomass. Second, the P:N ratio of wood increases with tree size. These results are consistent with the generally higher foliar resorption of P than of N. Slow‐growing species accumulate more total P aboveground with size than fast‐growing species, mainly as a result of their large capacity to store P in wood.

Main conclusions

Trees may have developed long‐term adaptive mechanisms to store P in biomass, mainly in wood, thereby slowing the loss of P from ecosystems, reducing its availability for competitors and implying an increase in the P:N ratio in forest biomass with ageing. This trend to accumulate more P than N with size is more accentuated in slow‐growing, large, long‐lived species of late successional stages. In this way they partly counterbalance the gradual decrease of P in the soil.
Introducing dental hygienists in general practice to research – an in‐practice evaluation programme in the United Kingdom
Authors: Eaton KA , Suvan JE , Saraf S , Rist A
Published: October 2014

Aim

To introduce dental hygienists (DHs) in the UK to the principles of research through a practice‐based product evaluation programme.

Methods

The programme consisted of an initial training and orientation day with presentations on evidence‐based practice, research methods and the structure of research papers. The programme and its aims were explained in detail, and participants were briefed on the methods to be used. Participants then recruited seven to ten patients from their practices (offices), carried out a baseline assessment of: plaque, gingival health, calculus and staining at anterior teeth, and gave the patients a questionnaire asking about their teeth and then provided a 3‐month supply of a test toothpaste. About 10 weeks later, a follow‐up assessment of the same variables was performed and the questionnaire was repeated. A second training day followed during which the DHs provided feedback of their experiences and received training in literature searching and critical appraisal of literature including interpretation of results.

Results

Sixty‐five DHs attended the first training day; 31 were able to recruit sufficient patients and attend the second training day. The DHs recruited 168 patients who received baseline and follow‐up assessments. All the variables improved overall. Feedback from the DHs was very positive, and patients expressed delight with the care they had received.

Conclusions

Qualitative feedback for participating DHs suggests the programme met its aim and could be used in the future as a mechanism for helping DHs who want to increase their understanding of research methodology.
Internal determinants of recycling behaviour by university students: a cross‐country comparative analysis
Authors: Izagirre‐Olaizola Julen , Fernández‐Sainz Ana , Vicente‐Molina M. Azucena
Published: October 2014

University students are a key group for research since they will be the consumers and the intellectual vanguard of the future and, therefore, a reference group for other consumers. Accordingly, data obtained from university students in Spain (n = 640) and the US (n = 597) were analysed to identify the main internal factors which lead them to participate in recycling activities. Given that morality‐based theories, and more specifically the Value–Belief–Norm (VBN) Theory, might be very useful in explaining pro‐environmental behaviour which requires personal sacrifices and whose benefits are mainly for the environment itself, that is the theoretical approach that we take for the selection and analysis of factors. Our findings support our thesis that environmental knowledge is a factor that should be (but is not currently) considered in the framework of VBN theory for predicting recycling behaviour. Although university students from Spain and the US have very different recycling rates, the internal factors that explain their recycling behaviour are very similar (motivations, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), environmental knowledge and gender). The elasticity of recycling behaviour to changes in internal factors is estimated with a view to making predictions, and altruistic motivations and PCE are found to be the factors that have the greatest effect in terms of improving recycling behaviour, followed by environmental knowledge. These predictions could help university policy makers take better decisions about the factors on which they need to act to increase recycling activities. Some guidelines for consideration in future intervention strategies to encourage this group to recycle are also provided.
Phytosanitary irradiation in ports of entry: a practical solution for developing countries
Authors: Bustos‐Griffin Emilia , Hallman Guy J. , Griffin Robert L.
Published: October 2014

The advantages of using ionising irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment have been demonstrated commercially in the past two decades and several countries currently use the technology for commercial treatments to meet plant quarantine requirements. Although many countries have expressed interest in using phytosanitary irradiation (PI) and it provides a viable alternative for overcoming a wide range of phytosanitary restrictions for numerous fresh products, the use of PI for fresh fruits and vegetables faces economic obstacles due to the sizeable initial investment required to build an irradiation facility. Projecting the market demand for irradiated products to justify the investment in treatment facilities is a business challenge limited by the potential for all countries to invest in this technology, especially developing countries. A recent change in import regulations by the United States allows for treatment upon entry, thus removing the immediate need for treatment facilities in the exporting country. This change makes it possible for exporting countries to explore and develop new markets prior to investing in treatment facilities at the origin. This paper discusses the economic potential of products that could be shipped to the United States for irradiation from selected countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa.
Oligosaccharide production by hydrolysis of polysaccharides: a review
Authors: de Moura Fernanda A. , Macagnan Fernanda T. , da Silva Leila P.
Published: October 2014

Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates with a low molecular weight, which, when nondigestible, can produce bifidogenic activity and several other effects to human health. Oligosaccharides can be found naturally in foods or are produced by the synthesis from disaccharide substrates or by the hydrolysis of polysaccharides. Although it has yet to be improved, the hydrolysis of polysaccharides is the best choice for oligosaccharide production on a large scale, due to its reproducibility and smaller cost. This review concisely presents the main processes for the production of oligosaccharides by depolymerisation of polysaccharides (enzymatic, acid, and physical hydrolysis), taking into account their advantages, disadvantages, and perspectives.
Identification of key sensory attributes for consumer acceptance and instrumental quality of aseptic‐packaged cooked rice
Authors: Kwak Han Sub , Kim Misook , Lee Youngseung , Jeong Yoonhwa
Published: October 2014

The objectives of this study were to identify the relation between consumer acceptance and instrumental quality measurements, and to investigate the drivers of liking and disliking descriptive attributes for seven samples of aseptic‐packaged cooked rice. Nineteen descriptive attributes were finally determined by analysis of variance and adjusted F‐test. There was a difference in sensory profiles of 7 aseptic‐packaged cooked rice samples by the descriptive analysis. Boramchan, Suryejinmi, Suwon528 and HA had distinctive characteristics; Dami, Suwon 534 and Suwon 538 had relatively neutral characteristics. Haiami was the most accepted preferred sample, followed by Suwon 528 by consumer acceptance test. Consumer acceptances and instrumental quality measurements were not strongly correlated. A total of 11 key attributes for aseptic‐packaged cooked rice were determined as drivers of liking (rice cake, sweet, roasted aroma and flavour, cohesiveness of mass, deformation and shininess) and disliking (rice bran aroma and flavour, hardness and smoothness of surface).
Stroke Severity and Incidence of Acute Large Vessel Occlusions in Patients with Hyper-Acute Cerebral Ischemia: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study Based on CT-Angiography (CTA)
Authors: Hansen C. K. , Christensen A. , Ovesen C. , Havsteen I. , Christensen H.
Published: October 2014

Background

The frequency of acute large vessel occlusions in relation to clinical severity has not yet been established in a comprehensive, consecutive and unselected cohort of patients with hyper-acute cerebral ischemia.

Aim

The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of acute large vessel occlusions and describe the relations to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), lesion site and time from symptom onset in unselected consecutive patients with hyper-acute cerebral ischemia.

Methods

A prospective single hospital registry was based on consecutive unselected patients admitted from July 2009 to December 2011 with symptoms of acute cerebral ischemia within 4·5 h from symptom onset. ICA, M1, M2, ACA, PCA, BA and VA were assed for occlusions. Best NIHSS-cut-off values were calculated based on sensitivity and specificity for detecting any, anterior and posterior occlusions and the effect of time after symptom onset was assessed.

Results

Six hundred thirty-seven patients, with admission NIHSS: 1–42, were included; 183 patients presented with acute vessel occlusions (28·7%) in 15 different combinations of occlusions. The best NIHSS-cut-off for detecting any occlusion was 6. NIHSS is highly depending on lesion site, highest values being observed in relation to combined and M1 occlusions.

Conclusion

Acute vessel occlusions are frequent in unselected patients. Occlusions occurred in all NIHSS score values but a NIHSS cut-off value of 6 most optimally predicted acute vessel occlusion, even though accuracy was low.
Identification, characterization and expression of a receptor for the unusual myosuppressin in the blood‐feeding bug, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Lee D. , James T. E. , Lange A. B.
Published: October 2014

Myosuppressins are a family of the FMRFamide‐like peptides. They have been characterized in many insects and shown to inhibit visceral muscle contraction. Rhodnius prolixus possesses an unusual myosuppressin in that the typical FLRFamide C‐terminal motif is unique and ends with FMRFamide. In the present study, we isolated the cDNA sequence for the R. prolixus receptor for this unusual myosuppressin (RhoprMSR). Quantitative PCR indicates high relative transcript expression of RhoprMSR in the central nervous system and also supports the previously described physiological effects of RhoprMS on the digestive system, with expression of the RhoprMSR transcript in the midgut and hindgut. Expression of the RhoprMSR transcript was also found in the female and male reproductive system of 5th instar nymphs, with transcript expression greater in the female reproductive tissues. No expression was found in the salivary glands or Malpighian tubules. A functional receptor expression assay confirmed that the cloned RhoprMSR is indeed activated by RhoprMS (half maximum effective concentration = 42.7 nM). Structure‐activity studies based upon both functional receptor assays and physiological assays showed the importance of the HVFMRFamide moiety, as further N‐terminal truncation removed all activity.
Inhibition of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase activity enhances the anti‐tumour effects of a Toll‐like receptor 7 agonist in an established cancer model
Authors: Ito Hiroyasu , Ando Tatsuya , Arioka Yuko , Saito Kuniaki , Seishima Mitsuru
Published: October 2014

Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists have been shown to have anti‐tumour activity in basic research and clinical studies. However, TLR agonist monotherapy does not sufficiently eliminate tumours. Activation of the innate immune response by TLR agonists is effective at driving adaptive immunity via interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) or IL‐1, but is counteracted by the simultaneous induction of immunosuppressive cytokines and other molecules, including IL‐10, transforming growth factor‐β, and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO). In the present study, we evaluated the anti‐cancer effect of the TLR7 agonist, imiquimod (IMQ), in the absence of IDO activity. The administration of IMQ in IDO knockout (KO) mice inoculated with tumour cells significantly suppressed tumour progression compared with that in wild‐type (WT) mice, and improved the survival rate. Moreover, injection with IMQ enhanced the tumour antigen‐specific T helper type 1 response in IDO‐KO mice with tumours. Combination therapy with IMQ and an IDO inhibitor also significantly inhibited tumour growth. Our results indicated that the enhancement of IDO expression with TLR agonists in cancer treatment might impair host anti‐tumour immunity while the inhibition of IDO could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of TLR agonists via the increase of T helper type 1 immune response.
Topographic Bone Density of the Radius and Ulna in Greyhounds and Labrador Retrievers With and Without Medial Coronoid Process Disease
Authors: Phillips Andrew , Burton Neil J. , Warren‐Smith Chris Mark Robert , Kulendra Elvin R. , Parsons Kevin J.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To quantify, using computed tomography (CT), cross‐sectional ulnar bone density (UBD), and regional radial bone density (RRBD) at the level of the medial coronoid process (MCP) in elbows with and without medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) and with and without fragmentation of MCP (FCP).

Study Design

Retrospective clinical case‐control andex vivostudy.

Sample Population

Labrador Retriever elbows (n = 54) and normal cadaveric Greyhound elbows (11) undergoing elbow CT.

Materials and Methods

Labrador Retriever elbows were divided into 2 groups: (1) clinically unaffected and (2) MCPD‐affected elbows. This 2nd group was subdivided based on the presence of a displaced FCP. UBD was measured linearly, in Hounsfield units (HU) across the widest part of the ulna incorporating the MCP. The radial head was divided into 6 zones, with mean RRBD (HU) calculated for each group.

Results

MCPD‐affected Labrador Retriever elbows had significantly lower UBD within the MCP with a higher UBD in the cranial ulnar medulla. Lower RRBD was also seen in the radial head adjacent to the MCP in MCPD‐affected Labrador Retriever elbows with FCP compared with Labrador Retriever elbows without FCP. Greyhounds had consistently lower RRBD and UBD at the apex of the MCP compared with clinically unaffected Labrador Retriever elbows.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a caudolateral load‐transfer shift through the ulna in MCPD‐affected elbow joints, unloading the MCP. Changes in regional radial head bone density suggest that the radial head is involved in the pathogenesis of MCPD.
Non‐linear relationships between nurse staffing and patients’ length of stay in acute care units: Bayesian dependence modelling
Authors: Pitkäaho Taina , Partanen Pirjo , Miettinen Merja , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: October 2014

Aims

This study sought to analyse relationships between nurse staffing and patients’ length of stay in acute care units and to determine whether non‐linear relationships exist between variables.

Background

Healthcare systems are complex and it could be assumed that they comprise non‐linear associations. However, current planning and evaluation of nurse staffing are based primary on linear reasoning.

Design

This quantitative study adopted a retrospective longitudinal design.

Method

Retrospective register data, consisting of information relating to 35,306 patient episodes and administrative information concerning 381 nurses, were used. Data were collected in 2009 from 20 somatic inpatient units at a university hospital in Finland as a monthly time series of 2008 data and analysed using Bayesian dependency modelling.

Results

Patients’ acuity was the most important agent that connected all eleven variables in the dependency network of nurse staffing and short length of stay. Non‐linear associations were found between short length of stay and the proportion of Registered Nurses. Skill mix consisting of an average proportion of Registered Nurses (65–80%) was conducive to a short length of stay and predicted a 66% likelihood of short length of stay. Higher and lower percentages of Registered Nurses predicted lower likelihood of short length of stay.

Conclusion

Flexible nurse staffing is preferable to fixed staffing to provide patients with shorter length of stay in acute care units. In the present research, the Bayesian method revealed non‐linear relationships between nurse staffing and patient and care outcomes.
Parent training for preschool ADHD: a randomized controlled trial of specialized and generic programs
Authors: Abikoff Howard B. , Thompson Margaret , Laver‐Bradbury Cathy , Long Nicholas , Forehand Rex L. , Miller Brotman Laurie , Klein Rachel G. , Reiss Philip , Huo Lan , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund
Published: October 2014

Background

The ‘New Forest Parenting Package’ (NFPP), an 8‐week home‐based intervention for parents of preschoolers with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fosters constructive parenting to target ADHD‐related dysfunctions in attention and impulse control. Although NFPP has improved parent and laboratory measures of ADHD in community samples of children with ADHD‐like problems, its efficacy in a clinical sample, and relative to an active treatment comparator, is unknown. The aims are to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term efficacy and generalization effects of NFPP compared to an established clinic‐based parenting intervention for treating noncompliant behavior [‘Helping the Noncompliant Child’ (HNC)] in young children with ADHD.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with three parallel arms was the design for this study. A total of 164 3–4‐year‐olds, 73.8% male, meeting DSM‐IV ADHD diagnostic criteria were randomized to NFPP (N = 67), HNC (N = 63), or wait‐list control (WL, N = 34). All participants were assessed at post‐treatment. NFPP and HNC participants were assessed at follow‐up in the next school year. Primary outcomes were ADHD ratings by teachers blind to and uninvolved in treatment, and by parents. Secondary ADHD outcomes included clinician assessments, and laboratory measures of on‐task behavior and delay of gratification. Other outcomes included parent and teacher ratings of oppositional behavior, and parenting measures. (Trial name: Home‐Based Parent Training in ADHD Preschoolers; Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01320098; URL: http://www/clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01320098).

Results

In both treatment groups, children's ADHD and ODD behaviors, as well as aspects of parenting, were rated improved by parents at the end of treatment compared to controls. Most of these gains in the children's behavior and in some parenting practices were sustained at follow‐up. However, these parent‐reported improvements were not corroborated by teacher ratings or objective observations. NFPP was not significantly better, and on a few outcomes significantly less effective, than HNC.

Conclusions

The results do not support the claim that NFPP addresses putative dysfunctions underlying ADHD, bringing about generalized change in ADHD, and its underpinning self‐regulatory processes. The findings support documented difficulties in achieving generalization across nontargeted settings, and the importance of using blinded measures to provide meaningful assessments of treatment effects.
Examining the preparation and ongoing support of adults to take their medications as prescribed in kidney transplantation
Authors: Williams Allison , Crawford Kimberley , Manias Elizabeth , Ellis Christine , Mullins Kim , Howe Kathy , Kennedy Elaine , Maney Orla , Mark Tia , Gregory Debbie , Van Hardeveld Emma , Yip Doris , Low Jac Kee
Published: October 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

The shortage of kidney donors and benefits of kidney transplantation make graft success imperative. Medication adherence is critical to prevent the risk of graft rejection. This paper examines how adults are prepared and supported by renal transplant co‐ordinators and pharmacists to take their medications as prescribed in kidney transplantation.

Methods

Renal transplant co‐ordinators and pharmacists of all five hospitals offering adult kidney transplantation in Victoria, Australia, were interviewed between November 2013 and February 2014. All data underwent qualitative descriptive analysis.

Results

Nine renal transplant co‐ordinators and six pharmacists were interviewed. Although there was no standardized approach to education or other evidence‐based strategies to facilitate medication adherence, there were similarities between sites. These similarities included printed information, pre‐transplant education sessions, the use of medication lists and medication administration aids, intensive education in hospital and ensuring an adequate supply of medications post‐discharge.

Conclusions

Renal transplant co‐ordinators and pharmacists recognized the importance of early patient education concerning immunosuppressant medication. However, each site had developed their own way of preparing a patient for kidney transplantation and follow‐up in the acute hospital setting based on experience and practice. Other non‐educational strategies involving behavioural and emotional aspects were less common. Differences in usual care reinforce the necessity for evidence‐based health care for best patient outcomes.
Incidence of natural resistance mutations in naïve chronic hepatitis B patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liao Yun , Cai Bei , Li Yi , Li Lixin , Zhang Junlong , An Yunfei , Wang Lanlan
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

Studies focused on the naturally occurring resistance mutation rate in treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients have set off a furious dispute. We conduct this meta‐analysis to appraise the pooled incidence of spontaneous hepatitis B virus resistance mutations worldwide and its distribution.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure until December 31, 2013. Cross‐sectional or case‐control studies reporting incidence of natural resistance mutations in untreated CHB patients were included. Pooled incidence was performed in fixed‐ or random‐effects models, and heterogeneity among studies was assessed.

Results

A total of 106 studies were included involving 12 212 naive CHB patients. The summarized incidence of natural mutations worldwide was 5.73% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.85–6.61%), primary mutation rate 5.39% (95%CI: 4.54–6.24%), and secondary mutation rate 2.94% (95%CI: 1.59–4.29%). The pooled incidence reached up to 8.00% (95%CI: 6.63–9.38%) in China, higher than that in other countries (1.88% [95%CI: 1.06–2.69%]). Mutation rtM204V/I had the highest incidence of 4.89% (95%CI: 4.13–5.65%), and other primary mutations seldom spontaneously occurred. In subgroup analysis, genotype C hepatitis B virus infection, male, and hepatitis B antigen (HBeAg) negative patients had a slightly higher natural mutation rate.

Conclusion

The resistance mutations occurred frequently in untreated CHB patients, especially in China. The lamivudine resistance had the highest natural prevalence rate, while other nucleos(t)ide analogues showed rarely spontaneous resistance. Detecting the spontaneous resistance mutations will benefit the clinical management of CHB patients.
Association between serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Korean population
Authors: Shin Ju Young , Kim Min Ji , Kim Eun Sook , Mo Eun Young , Moon Sung Dae , Han Je Ho , Cha Bong Yeon
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

Growing evidence suggests that non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is interrelated with renal dysfunction and disturbed bone metabolism, both of which play a key role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. We investigated the association between NAFLD and serum calcium and phosphorus levels in Korean subjects.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 16 592 subjects undergoing a general health checkup. NAFLD was assessed based on ultrasonographically detected fatty liver in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption and other causes of liver disease.

Results

The proportion of the population with fatty liver detected by ultrasonography was 43.2% for males and 17.6% for females. We observed that a higher serum albumin‐corrected calcium (Cac) level was associated with smoking, hypertension, and unfavorable metabolic parameters in both genders, but the serum phosphorus levels showed an inconsistent correlation with metabolic abnormalities. After adjusting for age, gender, waist circumference, body mass index, smoking status, exercise, diabetes, hypertension, lipid profiles, and renal function, serum Cac, phosphorus, and Cac‐phosphorus products were independent risk factors for fatty liver (odds ratio [OR]: 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–1.95, P < 0.001; OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.22–1.48, P < 0.001; and OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14–1.26, P < 0.001, respectively), and the risk of fatty liver increased in a graded manner over the quartiles.

Conclusion

Serum calcium and phosphorus levels are significantly associated with NAFLD. Further investigation is needed to verify whether calcium and phosphorus levels indicate a higher risk of NAFLD.
CRISPR Primer Designer: Design primers for knockout and chromosome imaging CRISPR‐Cas system
Authors: Yan Meng , Zhou Shi‐Rong , Xue Hong‐Wei
Published: October 2014

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐associated system enables biologists to edit genomes precisely and provides a powerful tool for perturbing endogenous gene regulation, modulation of epigenetic markers, and genome architecture. However, there are concerns about the specificity of the system, especially the usages of knocking out a gene. Previous designing tools either were mostly built‐in websites or ran as command‐line programs, and none of them ran locally and acquired a user‐friendly interface. In addition, with the development of CRISPR‐derived systems, such as chromosome imaging, there were still no tools helping users to generate specific end‐user spacers. We herein present CRISPR Primer Designer for researchers to design primers for CRISPR applications. The program has a user‐friendly interface, can analyze the BLAST results by using multiple parameters, score for each candidate spacer, and generate the primers when using a certain plasmid. In addition, CRISPR Primer Designer runs locally and can be used to search spacer clusters, and exports primers for the CRISPR‐Cas system‐based chromosome imaging system.
Selective silencing of 2Cys and type‐IIB Peroxiredoxins discloses their roles in cell redox state and stress signaling
Authors: Vidigal Patrícia , Martin‐Hernandez Ana Montserrat , Guiu‐Aragonés Cèlia , Amâncio Sara , Carvalho Luísa
Published: October 2014

Peroxiredoxins (Prx) catalyse the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and, in association with catalases and other peroxidases, may participate in signal transduction by regulating intercellular H2O2 concentration that in turn can control gene transcription and cell signaling. Using virus‐induced‐gene‐silencing (VIGS), 2‐Cys Peroxiredoxin (2CysPrx) family and type‐II Peroxiredoxin B (PrxIIB) gene were silenced in Nicotiana benthamiana, to study the impact that the loss of function of each Prx would have in the antioxidant system under control (22 °C) and severe heat stress conditions (48 °C). The results showed that both Prxs, although in different organelles, influence the regeneration of ascorbate to a significant extent, but with different purposes. 2CysPrx affects abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis through ascorbate, while PrxIIB does it probably through the xanthophyll cycle. Moreover, 2CysPrx is key in H2O2 scavenging and in consequence in the regulation of ABA signaling downstream of reactive oxygen species and PrxIIB provides an important assistance for H2O2 peroxisome scavenges.
Nitric oxide alleviates aluminum‐induced oxidative damage through regulating the ascorbate‐glutathione cycle in roots of wheat
Authors: Sun Chengliang , Liu Lijuan , Yu Yan , Liu Wenjing , Lu Lingli , Jin Chongwei , Lin Xianyong
Published: October 2014

The possible association with nitric oxide (NO) and ascorbate‐glutathione (AsA‐GSH) cycle in regulating aluminum (Al) tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was investigated using two genotypes with different Al resistance. Exposure to Al inhibited root elongation, and triggered lipid peroxidation and oxidation of AsA to dehydroascorbate and GSH to glutathione disulfide in wheat roots. Exogenous NO significantly increased endogenous NO levels, and subsequently alleviated Al‐induced inhibition of root elongation and oxidation of AsA and GSH to maintain the redox molecules in the reduced form in both wheat genotypes. Under Al stress, significantly increased activities and gene transcriptional levels of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase, were observed in the root tips of the Al‐tolerant genotype Jian‐864. Nitric oxide application enhanced the activity and gene transcriptional level of these enzymes in both wheat genotypes. γ‐Glutamylcysteine synthetase was not significantly affected by Al or NO, but NO treatments increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferase to a greater extent than the Al‐treated wheat seedlings. Proline was significantly decreased by Al, while it was not affected by NO. These results clearly suggest that NO protects wheat root against Al‐induced oxidative stress, possibly through its regulation of the AsA‐GSH cycle.
Infection of Ustilaginoidea virens intercepts rice seed formation but activates grain‐filling‐related genes
Authors: Fan Jing , Guo Xiao‐Yi , Li Liang , Huang Fu , Sun Wen‐Xian , Li Yan , Huang Yan‐Yan , Xu Yong‐Ju , Shi Jun , Lei Yang , Zheng Ai‐Ping , Wang Wen‐Ming
Published: October 2014

Rice false smut has become an increasingly serious disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production worldwide. The typical feature of this disease is that the fungal pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens (Uv) specifically infects rice flower and forms false smut ball, the ustiloxin‐containing ball‐like fungal colony, of which the size is usually several times larger than that of a mature rice seed. However, the underlying mechanisms of Uv‐rice interaction are poorly understood. Here, we applied time‐course microscopic and transcriptional approaches to investigate rice responses to Uv infection. The results demonstrated that the flower‐opening process and expression of associated transcription factors, including ARF6 and ARF8, were inhibited in Uv‐infected spikelets. The ovaries in infected spikelets were interrupted in fertilization and thus were unable to set seeds. However, a number of grain‐filling‐related genes, including seed storage protein genes, starch anabolism genes and endosperm‐specific transcription factors (RISBZ1 and RPBF), were highly transcribed as if the ovaries were fertilized. In addition, critical defense‐related genes like NPR1 and PR1 were downregulated by Uv infection. Our data imply that Uv may hijack host nutrient reservoir by activation of the grain‐filling network because of growth and formation of false smut balls.