bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic architecture of three Turbinella pyrum varieties (Linnaeus, 1758) from the southeast coast of India
Authors: Chandra Shekar Mootapally , Arularasan Sabapathy , Nathani Neelam M. , Zaman Galib Uz , Joshi Chaitanya G.
Published: April 2016

The genetic diversity and variation of three pseudo‐species of the commercially important Indian conch Turbinella pyrum from the southeast coast of India were studied. A total of 88 individuals was genotyped at 12 loci and differences in the genetic diversity among genetic groups were correlated with known population histories. The study identified 535 alleles and all the studied loci were highly polymorphic. The number of alleles ranged between four and 29 with a global mean of 14.861. The global means of the observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.774 and 0.891, respectively. The estimated within‐population inbreeding value (FIS = 0.131) indicated a shortfall of heterozygosity in the populations. An analysis of molecular variance showed that 5% of the total variation was due to differences between genetic groups. The Bayesian approach revealed strong distinctiveness in the three genetic groups studied. Overall microsatellite analysis revealed less genetic diversity in all studied genetic groups and significant genetic variation among the three pseudo‐species. The study highlights the significant distinctiveness of the pseudo‐species of T. pyrum and the need for appropriate conservation efforts in order to prevent further losses of their genetic diversity.
Determining epistatic selection in admixed populations
Authors: Schumer Molly , Brandvain Yaniv
Published: April 2016

When two diverging species begin hybridizing, selection against hybridization is likely driven not by single substitutions, but by interactions between incompatible mutations. To identify these incompatibilities in natural populations, researchers examine the extent of nonrandom associations between ancestry at physically unlinked loci in admixed populations. In this approach, which we call ‘ADscans’, locus pairs with significantly positive ‘ancestry disequilibrium’ (AD, i.e. locus pairs that positively covary by ancestry) represent incompatible alleles. Past research has uniformly revealed an excess of locus pairs with significantly positiveAD, suggesting that dozens to hundreds of incompatibilities separate species. With forward simulations, we show that many realistic demographic scenarios, including recent and/or ongoing hybridization, generate a bias towards positive ancestry disequilibrium. We suggest steps that researchers can take to avoid pitfalls in interpretingADscans, and present a novel measure ofAD, which minimizes but does not fully eliminate bias in theADdistribution. We also show, by simulation, that the tail of theADdistribution is enriched for true incompatibilities. To illustrate the potential power and appropriate caution in interpretation ofADscans, we reanalyse previously published data from two admixed populations ofXiphophorusfishes. Our results imply that the prevalence of positiveLDin admixed populations does not in itself support the idea that two‐locus incompatibilities are widespread, but the co‐enrichment of topADhits across the twoXiphophoruspopulations supports the idea thatADscans can identify candidate interspecific incompatibilities.
The fragmentation of the nation state? Regional development, distinctiveness, and the growth of nationalism in Cornish politics
Authors: Willett Joanie , Tredinnick‐Rowe John
Published: April 2016

Stateless nations across the European Union have become increasingly vocal and confident in asserting a desire for autonomy, devolved governance and independence. Meanwhile, identity politics has become a key factor of contemporary European regional development, with utility as a social, economic and governance tool. Culture has become a resource for regional branding to attract inward investment and differentiate in terms of competitiveness. The paper considers whether the utility of identity to regional development might provide an explanation for the growing confidence of European Union stateless nations. We use the case study of Cornwall to explore the correlation, arguing that economic regionalism has provided a space for the articulation of national identities.
Choosing a Group Representative: The Impact of Perceived Organizational Support on the Preferences for Deviant Representatives in Work Negotiations
Authors: Demoulin Stéphanie , Teixeira Cátia Pinto , Gillis Céline , Goldoni Edwine , Stinglhamber Florence
Published: April 2016

Group representative selection in negotiation is a topic that has only recently attracted researchers’ attention. This article focuses on workplace negotiations and examines how employees’ selection of representatives depends on their level of perceived organizational support (POS). We predict and show that employees who experience high levels of POS send to the negotiation table ingroup representatives who are perceived as close to (rather than distant from) the management team. The first study establishes the effect. The second study replicates the findings and investigates the underlying mechanisms. Results show that POS impacts endorsement of pro‐management representatives through an increased perception that these deviant members are typical of the employee's group. Change in perceived typicality is triggered by POS directly and via an increase in employees’ organizational identification. We discuss of the positive and negative consequences for groups who send to the negotiation representatives who are close to the opposing group.
Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin diagnosed acute kidney injury in patients with systemic inflammatory disease and sepsis
Authors: Md Ralib Azrina , Mat Nor Mohd Basri , Pickering John W.
Published: April 2016

Aim

Sepsis is the leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated‐Lipocalin (NGAL) is a promising biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI) detection; however, it is also increased with inflammation and few studies have been conducted in non‐Caucasian populations and/or in developing economies. Therefore, we evaluated plasma NGAL's diagnostic performance in the presence of sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in a Malaysian ICU cohort.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study on patients with SIRS. Plasma creatinine (pCr) and NGAL were measured on ICU admission. Patients were classified according to the occurrence of AKI and sepsis.

Results

Of 225 patients recruited, 129 (57%) had sepsis of whom 67 (52%) also had AKI. 96 patients (43%) had non‐infectious SIRS, of whom 20 (21%) also had AKI. NGAL concentrations were higher in AKI patients within both the sepsis and non‐infectious SIRS cohorts (both P < 0.0001). The diagnostic area under curve for AKI was 0.81 (95%CI: 0.74 to 0.87). The optimal cut‐off was higher in sepsis compared to non‐infectious SIRS patients (454 versus 176 ng/mL). Addition of NGAL to a clinical model comprising age, pCr, medical admission category and SAPS II score increased the mean risk of those with AKI by 4% and reduced the mean risk of those without AKI by 3%.

Conclusions

Acute kidney injury is more common with sepsis than non‐infectious SIRS. Plasma NGAL was diagnostic of AKI in both subgroups. The optimal cut‐off for diagnosing AKI was higher in sepsis than in non‐infectious SIRS. Addition of plasma NGAL improved the clinical model used to diagnose AKI.
Exploring the effects of synchronous pharyngeal electrical stimulation with swallowing carbonated water on cortical excitability in the human pharyngeal motor system
Authors: Magara J. , Michou E. , Raginis‐Zborowska A. , Inoue M. , Hamdy S.
Published: April 2016

Background

Previous reports have revealed that excitation of human pharyngeal motor cortex can be induced by pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) and swallowing carbonated water (CW). This study investigated whether combining PES with swallowing (of still water, SW or CW) can potentiate this excitation in either cortical and/or brain stem areas assessed with transcranial and transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Methods

Fourteen healthy volunteers participated and were intubated with an intraluminal catheter to record pharyngeal electromyography and deliver PES. Each participant underwent baseline corticopharyngeal, hand and craniobulbar motor‐evoked potential (MEP) measurements. Subjects were then randomized to receive each of four 10‐min interventions (PES only, ShamPES+CW, PES+CW, and PES+SW). Corticobulbar, craniobulbar and hand MEPs were then remeasured for up to 60 min and data analyzed using anova and post hoc t‐tests.

Key Results

A two‐way rmanova for Interventions × Time‐point showed a significant corticopharyngeal interaction (p = 0.010). One‐way anova with post hoc t‐tests indicated significant cortical changes with PES only at 45 (p = 0.038) and 60 min (p = 0.023) and ShamPES+CW immediately (p = 0.008) but not with PES+CW or PES+SW. By contrast, there were immediate craniobulbar amplitude changes only with PES+CW (p = 0.020) which were not sustained.

Conclusions & Inferences

We conclude that only PES produced long‐term changes in corticopharyngeal excitability whereas combination stimuli were less effective. Our data suggest that PES alone rather than in combination, may be better for the patients who have difficulty in performing voluntary swallows.
Light acclimation in the lycophyte Selaginella martensii depends on changes in the amount of photosystems and on the flexibility of the light‐harvesting complex II antenna association with both photosystems
Authors: Ferroni Lorenzo , Suorsa Marjaana , Aro Eva‐Mari , Baldisserotto Costanza , Pancaldi Simonetta
Published: April 2016

Vascular plants have evolved a long‐term light acclimation strategy primarily relying on the regulation of the relative amounts of light‐harvesting complex II (LHCII) and of the two photosystems, photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). We investigated whether such a model is also valid in Selaginella martensii, a species belonging to the early diverging group of lycophytes.

Selaginella martensii plants were acclimated to three natural light regimes (extremely low light (L), medium light (M) and full sunlight (H)) and thylakoid organization was characterized combining ultrastructural, biochemical and functional methods.

From L to H plants, thylakoid architecture was rearranged from (pseudo)lamellar to predominantly granal, the PSII : PSI ratio changed in favour of PSI, and the photochemical capacity increased. However, regulation of light harvesting did not occur through variations in the amount of free LHCII, but rather resulted from the flexibility of the association of free LHCII with PSII and PSI.

In lycophytes, the free interspersed LHCII serves a fixed proportion of reaction centres, either PSII or PSI, and the regulation of PSI–LHCII(–PSII) megacomplexes is an integral part of long‐term acclimation. Free LHCII ensures photoprotection of PSII, allows regulated use of PSI as an energy quencher, and can also quench endangered PSI.
The negative effects of pathogen‐infected prey on predators: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Flick Andrew J. , Acevedo Miguel A. , Elderd Bret D.
Published: April 2016

Intra‐guild predation (IGP) – where a top predator (IGPred) consumes both a basal resource and a competitor for that resource (IGPrey) – has become a fundamental part of understanding species interactions and community dynamics. IGP communities composed of intraguild predators and prey have been well studied; however, we know less about IGP communities composed of predators, pathogens, and resources. Resource quality plays an important role in community dynamics and may influence IGP dynamics as well. We conducted a meta‐analysis on predator–pathogen–resource communities to determine whether resource quality mediated by the pathogen affected predator life‐history traits and if these effects met the theoretical constraints of IGP communities. To do this, we summarized results from studies that investigated the use of predators and pathogens to control insect pests. In these systems, the predators are the IGPred and pathogens are the IGPrey. We found that consumer longevity, fecundity, and survival decreased by 26%, 31% and 13% respectively, when predators consumed pathogen‐infected prey, making the infected prey a low quality resource. Predators also significantly preferred healthy prey over infected prey. When we divided consumers by enemy type, strict predators (e.g. wolf spiders) had no preference while parasitoids preferred healthy prey. Our results suggest that communities containing parasitoids and pathogens may rarely exhibit intraguild predation; whereas, communities composed of strict predators and pathogens are more likely dominated by IGP dynamics. In these latter communities, the consumption of low and high quality resources suggests that IGP communities composed of strict predators, pathogens and prey should naturally persist, supporting IGP theory.

Synthesis

We investigated how consuming pathogen‐infected prey influence important life‐history parameters of insect predators. Pathogens are used in a variety of biocontrol programs, especially to control crop pests. We found that true predators (i.e. wolf spiders) have no preference for healthy or infected prey and have reduced fecundity, survival and longevity consuming infected prey. However, parasitoids avoided infected prey when possible. In biocontrol programs with multiple control agents, parasitoids and pathogens would do a better job controlling pests as predators would reduce the amount of pathogen available and have reduced fitness from consuming infected prey. However, theory suggests that true predators, prey and pathogens may coexist long term.
Arrhythmic Risk Following Recovery of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Primary Prevention ICD
Authors: BERTHELOT‐RICHER MAXIME , BONENFANT FRANCIS , CLAVEL MARIE‐ANNICK , FARAND PAUL , PHILIPPON FRANÇOIS , AYALA‐PAREDES FELIX , ESSADIQI BTISSAMA , BADRA‐VERDU Mariano Gonzalo , ROUX JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: April 2016

Background

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovers during follow‐up in a significant proportion of patients implanted with a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention. Little is known about the midterm arrhythmic risk in this population, particularly in relation to the presence or absence of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed 286 patients with an ICD implanted for primary prevention between 2002 and 2010. Patients were divided into two groups based on their last LVEF assessment: (1) Recovery, defined as an LVEF > 35%; and (2) No‐Recovery, defined as an LVEF ≤ 35%. Kaplan‐Meir curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed separately for patients with ischemic (211 patients) and nonischemic (75 patients) cardiomyopathy. Forty‐nine patients (17.1%) had LVEF recovery to >35% at last follow‐up. Overall, 72 patients (25.2%) experienced ventricular arrhythmias requiring ICD therapy during a median follow‐up of 4.4 years. With multivariate Cox regression, LVEF recovery was associated with a lower arrhythmic risk in the whole cohort (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.38 [0.13–0.85]; P = 0.02) and in the nonischemic cardiomyopathy cohort (HR: 0.10 [0.005–0.55]; P = 0.005), but not in the ischemic cardiomyopathy cohort (HR: 0.84 [0.25–2.10]; P = 0.74).

Conclusion

In conclusion, patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who improved their LVEF to >35% after primary prevention ICD implantation were at very low absolute arrhythmic risk. Our study raises the possibility that the LVEF cutoff to safely withhold ICD replacement might be higher in patients with ischemic compared to nonischemic cardiomyopathy. This will need to be confirmed in prospective studies.
Accidental awareness during anesthesia in children
Authors: Sury Michael R. J.
Published: April 2016

This educational review explores the current understanding of accidental awareness during general anesthesia (AAGA) in children. Estimates of incidence in children vary between 1 in 135 (determined by direct questioning) and 1 in 51 500 (determined from spontaneous reporting). The lessons from the 5th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland show that the characteristics of spontaneous reports of AAGA are extremely variable and relate to the type of procedure and anesthetic technique rather than age group: approximately 50% of experiences were distressing; most lasted less than 5 min; neuromuscular blockade (NMB) combined with pain caused the most distress; most cases (approximately 70%) occur at induction or emergence. The value of depth of anesthesia monitoring in preventing AAGA is uncertain but is probably useful in patients having total intravenous anesthesia and NMB. Reports of AAGA by children should be received sympathetically and a generic protocol for managing distressed patients is presented.
Continuous chest wall ropivacaine infusion for analgesia in children undergoing Nuss procedure: a comparison with thoracic epidural
Authors: Choudhry Dinesh K. , Brenn B. Randall , Sacks Karen , Reichard Kirk
Published: April 2016

Background

Pain following Nuss procedure is severe and its management is challenging. Many different pain treatment modalities are currently being used, but none of them have been found to be ideal.

Aim

In this retrospective review, we compare our current multimodal approach, which involves continuous ropivacaine infusion through chest wall catheters (CWC), intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia (IV‐PCA), and adjunctive medications (gabapentin and clonidine), with the technique that we used in the past, the thoracic epidural catheter (TEC).

Methods

Following IRB approval, we performed a retrospective analysis of data on 32 patients who underwent the Nuss procedure at our institution. All children were divided into two groups: TEC group: 0.2% ropivacaine and hydromorphone 10 mcg·ml−1 epidural infusion (n = 15) and CWC group (with IV‐PCA and adjuncts [gabapentin + clonidine]): 0.2% ropivacaine infusion and hydromorphone PCA, oral gabapentin, and transdermal clonidine patch (n = 17).

Results

Both the groups were demographically similar. Average numeric pain scores were higher in the CWC group only on the day of surgery (mean ± sd: 3.79 ± 1.58 vs 2.68 ± 1.30; 95% CI: −2.16 to −0.05). Pain scores on postoperative day 1 (mean ± sd: 3.40 ± 1.59 vs 3.35 ± 1.32; 95% CI: −1.11 to 1.01), day 2 (mean± sd: 3.39 ± 1.79 vs 2.99 ± 1.06; 95% CI: −1.50 to 0.70), and on the day of discharge (DOD) (mean± sd: 3.25 ± 1.84 vs 3.99 ± 1.28; 95% CI: −0.42 to 1.89) were comparable between the groups. The CWC group needed fewer changes in the therapeutic regimen to maintain acceptable pain relief, had lower incidence of nausea and vomiting, had shorter anesthesia time, total OR time, and hospital length of stay.

Conclusion

TEC provided better analgesia following the Nuss procedure only on the day of surgery. On the subsequent days until discharge, pain scores were comparable. However, CWC offered other advantages: it was less labor intensive and had fewer side effects, shorter OR time, and shorter hospital stay.
Bowel obstruction without history of laparotomy: Clinical analysis of 70 patients
Authors: Yoshimaru Koichiro , Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Matsuura Toshiharu , Esumi Genshiro , Wada Momoko , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Yanagi Yusuke , Hayashida Makoto , Ieiri Satoshi , Taguchi Tomoaki
Published: April 2016

Background

Determining the cause of bowel obstruction without a history of laparotomy (BO without HL) is difficult and can result in delay of treatment and development of a potentially life‐threatening situation. We herein investigated the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients who underwent laparotomy due to BO without HL.

Methods

All surgical pediatric patients aged <16 age who were diagnosed with BO without HL between January 2004 and September 2014 were included. Etiology of BO, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcome were investigated retrospectively.

Results

Seventy patients were diagnosed with BO without HL in this period. In these 70 patients, malrotation (n = 34), intussusception (n = 19), internal hernia (n = 6) and Meckel's diverticulum (n = 5) were predominantly identified. Regarding preoperative definitive diagnosis, prevalence of internal hernia, Meckel's diverticulum or idiopathic volvulus was significantly lower than that of malrotation or intussusception (P < 0.05). Intraoperatively, the rates of strangulation and bowel resection were 55.7% and 30.0%, respectively. The optimal time for emergency operation in order to avoid strangulated bowel resection was <19 h from onset of symptoms.

Conclusions

Malrotation and intussusception are major causes of BO without HL in children, but internal hernia, Meckel's diverticulum and idiopathic volvulus should always be taken into account, particularly because of the preoperative diagnostic difficulty and resulting high rate of intestinal resection. In order to avoid resection of the bowel, surgery should be done within 19 h before bowel ischemic change occurs.
Early IL‐4 gene expression in abomasum is associated with resistance to Haemonchus contortus in hair and wool sheep breeds
Authors: Jacobs J. R. , Sommers K. N. , Zajac A. M. , Notter D. R. , Bowdridge S. A.
Published: April 2016

Early immune events associated with reduced larval burden remain unclear in parasite‐resistant breeds of sheep. Therefore, our objective was to determine breed differences in immune‐related gene expression following infection with H. contortus. Gene expression in abomasal tissue and mucosa and in abomasal lymph nodes (ALN) was measured in 24 St. Croix (hair) lambs and 24 Dorset x (Finn–Rambouillet) (wool) lambs at 0 (uninfected), 3, 5 and 7 days after infection with 10 000 L3 H. contortus larvae. Expression of IL‐4 in abomasal mucosa was detected on day 3 and increased to day 7 in hair lambs, but was not detectable in wool lambs. Genes that recruit neutrophils (CXCL1) and macrophages (MCP1) were upregulated in abomasal mucosa of hair lambs. Genes associated with alternative macrophage activation (ARG‐1) and eosinophil activation (Gal‐14) were also upregulated in the abomasal mucosa of hair lambs. Tissue remodeling genes (MMP13, PDGF) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and MCP1 were upregulated in abomasal tissue of wool lambs; these lambs also had greater expression of forkhead box P3 in ALN. These data indicate a role for early IL‐4 expression locally and demonstrate potential downregulation of immunity in wool sheep that could facilitate establishment of H. contortus.
Metabarcoding and development of new real‐time specific assays reveal Phytophthora species diversity in holm oak forests in eastern Spain
Authors: Català S. , Berbegal M. , Pérez‐Sierra A. , Abad‐Campos P.
Published: April 2016

The evergreen holm oaks (Quercus ilex subsp. ilex and Q. ilex subsp. ballota) are the most representative tree species in the Iberian peninsula and the main tree species in oak‐rangeland ecosystems (dehesas). Oak decline in western, central and southern parts of Spain has been associated with root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi for decades. However, Phytophthora species such as P.  quercina and P. psychrophila have recently been found associated with Quercus decline in eastern Spain where calcareous soils are predominant. Soil and root samples from two Quercus forests presenting decline symptoms in two different geographical areas in eastern Spain (Carrascar de la Font Roja and Vallivana) were analysed by amplicon pyrosequencing. Metabarcoding analysis showed Phytophthora species diversity, and revealed that an uncultured Phytophthora taxon, named provisionally Phytophthora taxon ballota, was the predominant species in both areas. In addition, a real‐time PCR assay, based on the pyrosequencing results, was developed for the detection of this uncultured Phytophthora taxon, and also for the detection of P. quercina. TaqMan assays were tested on soil and root samples, and on Phytophthora pure cultures. The new assays showed high specificity and were consistent with metabarcoding results. A new real‐time PCR protocol is proposed to evaluate the implication of different Phytophthora spp. in oak decline in eastern Spain.
Facilitating the restoration of aquatic plant communities in a Ramsar wetland
Authors: Jellinek Sacha , Te Thai , Gehrig Susan L. , Stewart Hafiz , Nicol Jason M.
Published: April 2016

Human activities such as land clearing and intensive land use around water bodies, particularly wetlands, have a detrimental impact on water quality and quantity, aquatic plant communities, and associated wetland fauna. Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert are internationally significant Ramsar wetlands located at the terminus of the Murray River, Australia's longest river system. Agriculture, water regulation, and extraction and droughts have had a detrimental impact on native plant communities in the lakes. We studied the influence of young (<1–3 years) and old (8–11 years) plantings of a native sedge (bulrush), Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, to facilitate the establishment of aquatic plant communities in comparison with remnant and control sites. We also measured how planting structure (height, stand width, and stem density) changed with age in comparison with remnant sites. Results suggest that as plantings age they get substantially wider and have a greater maximum height, although do not reach similar stand widths by 11 years when compared to remnant areas. However, old plantings do not differ from remnant habitats in relation to aquatic plant species richness, counts of aquatic plants, and community composition. Young plantings have substantially less abundant and diverse plant communities, but are developing on a similar trajectory to old plantings. It is likely that planting sedges along lake shorelines causes a breakwater effect that facilitates the recolonization of wetland plants between the planted area and the water's edge. Management agencies should consider restoring native sedges to increase aquatic biodiversity, and potentially reduce erosion.
Low prevalence of obstructive lung disease in a suburban population of Malaysia: A BOLD collaborative study
Authors: Loh Li Cher , Rashid Abdul , Sholehah Siti , Gnatiuc Louisa , Patel Jaymini H. , Burney Peter
Published: April 2016

Background and objective

As a Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) collaboration, we studied the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its associated risk factors in a suburban population in Malaysia.

Methods

Nonhospitalized men or women of age ≥ 40 years from a Penang district were recruited by stratified simple random sampling. Participants completed detailed questionnaires on respiratory symptoms and exposure to COPD risk factors. Prebronchodilator and post‐bronchodilator spirometry conducted was standardized across all international BOLD sites in device and data quality control.

Results

Of the 1218 individuals recruited for the study, 663 (340 men and 323 women) had complete questionnaire data and acceptable post‐bronchodilator spirometry. The estimated population prevalence of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) ≥ stage I was 6.5% or 3.4% based on either fixed forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio of <0.7 or National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey‐derived lower limit of normal ratio while the prevalence of GOLD ≥ stage II was either 4.6% or 3.1%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed independent association between all stages of COPD with cigarette smoking pack years (adjusted odds ratio per 10‐year increase: 1.73; 95% confidence interval: 1.09–2.75), use of biomass fuel for cooking (1.61; 1.10–2.36) and exposure to dusty job (1.50; 1.09–2.06).

Conclusion

This study represented the first robust population‐based epidemiology data on COPD for Malaysia. Compared with other sites globally, our estimated population prevalence was relatively low. In addition to cigarette smoking, use of biomass fuel and exposure to dusty job represented significant risk to the development of COPD.
Risk Assessment of Infrastructure System of Systems with Precursor Analysis
Authors: Guo Zhenyu , Haimes Yacov Y.
Published: April 2016

Physical infrastructure systems are commonly composed of interconnected and interdependent subsystems, which in their essence constitute system of systems (S‐o‐S). System owners and policy researchers need tools to foresee potential emergent forced changes and to understand their impact so that effective risk management strategies can be developed. We develop a systemic framework for precursor analysis to support the design of an effective and efficient precursor monitoring and decision support system with the ability to (i) identify and prioritize indicators of evolving risks of system failure; and (ii) evaluate uncertainties in precursor analysis to support informed and rational decision making. This integrated precursor analysis framework is comprised of three processes: precursor identification, prioritization, and evaluation. We use an example of a highway bridge S‐o‐S to demonstrate the theories and methodologies of the framework. Bridge maintenance processes involve many interconnected and interdependent functional subsystems and decision‐making entities and bridge failure can have broad social and economic consequences. The precursor analysis framework, which constitutes an essential part of risk analysis, examines the impact of various bridge inspection and maintenance scenarios. It enables policy researchers and analysts who are seeking a risk perspective on bridge infrastructure in a policy setting to develop more risk informed policies and create guidelines to efficiently allocate limited risk management resources and mitigate severe consequences resulting from bridge failures.
The Poor and the Poorest, 50 years on: Evidence from British Household Expenditure Surveys of the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Gazeley Ian , Gutierrez Rufrancos Hector , Newell Andrew , Reynolds Kevin , Searle Rebecca
Published: April 2016

We re-explore Abel-Smith and Townsend's landmark study of poverty in early post World War 2 Britain. They found a large increase in poverty between 1953–1954 and 1960, which was a period of relatively strong economic growth. Our re-examination is a first exploitation of the data extracted from the recent digitization of the Ministry of Labour's ‘Enquiry into household expenditure’ in 1953–1954. First we closely replicate their results. We find that Abel-Smith and Townsend's method generated a greater rise in poverty than other reasonable methods. Using contemporary standard poverty lines, we find that the relative poverty rate grew only a little at most, and the absolute poverty rate fell, between 1953–1954 and 1961, as might be expected in a period of rising real incomes and steady inequality. We also extend the poverty rate time series of Goodman and Webb back to 1953–1954.
A Novel Principal Component Analysis for Spatially Misaligned Multivariate Air Pollution Data
Authors: Jandarov Roman A. , Sheppard Lianne A. , Sampson Paul D. , Szpiro Adam A.
Published: April 2016

We propose novel methods for predictive (sparse) principal component analysis with spatially misaligned data. These methods identify principal component loading vectors that explain as much variability in the observed data as possible, while also ensuring that the corresponding principal component scores can be predicted accurately by means of spatial statistics at locations where air pollution measurements are not available. This will make it possible to identify important mixtures of air pollutants and to quantify their health effects in cohort studies, where currently available methods cannot be used. We demonstrate the utility of predictive (sparse) principal component analysis in simulated data and apply the approach to annual averages of particulate matter speciation data from national Environmental Protection Agency regulatory monitors.
We Use Bioincompatible Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions
Authors: Troidle Laura , Hansson Joni , Juergensen Peter , Finkelstein Fredric O.
Published: April 2016

Despite advances in peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique and therapy over the last 40 years, PD therapy for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States remains underutilized. One of the major factors contributing to this underutilization involves concerns about technique failure. More physiologic PD solutions, with a lower concentration of glucose degradation products and a neutral pH, exist and are readily available in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Several benefits of these biocompatible solutions exist over the conventional solutions including a slower decline in residual renal function and better maintenance of urine volumes. There may also be a beneficial effect of the biocompatible solutions in limiting the increase in peritoneal transport that is characteristic of patients maintained on conventional solutions. It should be of concern to the US nephrology community that biocompatible PD solutions are unavailable in the United States.
Two‐week inhalation of budesonide increases muscle Na,K ATPase content but not endurance in response to terbutaline in men
Authors: Hostrup M. , Jessen S. , Onslev J. , Clausen T. , Porsbjerg C.
Published: April 2016

While chronic systemic administration of glucocorticoids increases muscle Na+,K+ ATPase content, such effect is unexplored after therapeutic inhalation. We investigated the effect of therapeutic inhalation of the glucocorticoid budesonide on Na+,K+ ATPase content of skeletal muscle in men. Ten healthy trained subjects, aged 23 ± 4 years (mean ± 95% CI), participated in the study. Before and after 2 weeks of daily inhalation of budesonide (1.6 mg/day), a biopsy was taken from the vastus lateralis muscle for measurement of Na+,K+ ATPase content and blood samples were drawn for determination of plasma budesonide, cortisol, and K+. Subjects' performance during cycling to fatigue at 90% of incremental peak power output (iPPO) was measured in response to 4 mg inhaled terbutaline to maximally stimulate Na+,K+ ATPase activity. Plasma concentrations of budesonide rose to 5.0 ± 1.6 nM with the intervention, whereas no changes were observed in plasma cortisol. Muscle Na+,K+ ATPase content increased (P ≤ 0.01) by 46 ± 34 pmol/(g wet wt) (17% increase) with the intervention. Cycling performance at 90% of iPPO did not change (P = 0.21) with the intervention (203 vs 214 s) in response to terbutaline. The present observations show that therapeutic inhalation of glucocorticoids increases muscle Na+,K+ ATPase content, but does not enhance high‐intensity cycling endurance in response to terbutaline.
Epidemiology and clinical presentation of canine cataracts in France: a retrospective study of 404 cases
Authors: Donzel Elise , Arti Léa , Chahory Sabine
Published: April 2016

Objective

To determine the epidemiology and the clinical presentation of cataracts in a population of dogs in France.

Procedures

Records of dogs affected by a cataract presented at the Ophthalmology Unit of Alfort Veterinary School during 2009–2012 were reviewed. The etiology was determined for each dog. The signalment of affected dogs, their medical history, age of onset, stage of progression, location of opacities, and ocular lesions associated were evaluated for each etiology.

Results

A total of 2739 dogs were presented at the Ophthalmology Unit from 2009 to 2012. Four hundred and four dogs (14.7%) (716 eyes) were diagnosed with a cataract. The population included 218 males (54%) and 185 females (46%). The gender was not recorded for one dog. The mean age (±SD) of all dogs affected by a cataract was 9 years (±3.9 years). Fifty‐four breeds were represented. The Yorkshire Terrier was the only breed significantly overrepresented. The causes of cataracts observed were breed predisposition (28%), aging (22.8%), progressive retinal atrophy (12.4%), congenital cataract (5%), diabetes mellitus (4.7%), trauma (3.7%), uveitis (3%), and hypocalcemia (0.2%). In 20.3% of the cases, the etiology could not be determined. Ocular lesions associated with cataracts reported were lens luxation or subluxation (11.1%), glaucoma (3.7%), and retinal detachment (4.2%).

Conclusions

In a French population of referred dogs, 14.7% were affected by a cataract. The main causes identified were breed predisposition, aging, and progressive retinal atrophy. A breed predisposition for the Yorkshire Terrier was recorded.
The regulatory niche of intestinal stem cells
Authors: Sailaja Badi Sri , He Xi C. , Li Linheng
Published: April 2016

The niche constitutes a unique category of cells that support the microenvironment for the maintenance and self‐renewal of stem cells. Intestinal stem cells reside at the base of the crypt, which contains adjacent epithelial cells, stromal cells and smooth muscle cells, and soluble and cell‐associated growth and differentiation factors. We summarize here recent advances in our understanding of the crucial role of the niche in regulating stem cells. The stem cell niche maintains a balance among quiescence, proliferation and regeneration of intestinal stem cells after injury. Mesenchymal cells, Paneth cells, immune cells, endothelial cells and neural cells are important regulatory components that secrete niche ligands, growth factors and cytokines. Intestinal homeostasis is regulated by niche signalling pathways, specifically Wnt, bone morphogenetic protein, Notch and epidermal growth factor. These insights into the regulatory stem cell niche during homeostasis and post‐injury regeneration offer the potential to accelerate development of therapies for intestine‐related disorders.

image
Computational cardiology and risk stratification for sudden cardiac death: one of the grand challenges for cardiology in the 21st century
Authors: Hill Adam P. , Perry Matthew D. , Abi‐Gerges Najah , Couderc Jean‐Philippe , Fermini Bernard , Hancox Jules C. , Knollmann Bjorn C. , Mirams Gary R. , Skinner Jon , Zareba Wojciech , Vandenberg Jamie I.
Published: April 2016

Risk stratification in the context of sudden cardiac death has been acknowledged as one of the major challenges facing cardiology for the past four decades. In recent years, the advent of high performance computing has facilitated organ‐level simulation of the heart, meaning we can now examine the causes, mechanisms and impact of cardiac dysfunction in silico. As a result, computational cardiology, largely driven by the Physiome project, now stands at the threshold of clinical utility in regards to risk stratification and treatment of patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. In this white paper, we outline a roadmap of what needs to be done to make this translational step, using the relatively well‐developed case of acquired or drug‐induced long QT syndrome as an exemplar case.

image
Biphasic modulation of parallel fibre synaptic transmission by co‐activation of presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors in mice
Authors: Howell Rebecca D. , Pugh Jason R.
Published: April 2016

Key points

Many excitatory synapses co‐express presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors, despite their opposing actions on synaptic transmission. It is still unclear how co‐activation of these receptors modulates synapse function.

We measured presynaptic GABA receptor function at parallel fibre synapses onto stellate cells in the cerebellum using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording and photolytic uncaging of RuBi‐GABA.

Activation of presynaptic GABA receptors results in a transient (∼100 ms) enhancement of synaptic transmission (mediated by GABAA receptors) followed by a long lasting (>500 ms) inhibition of transmission (mediated by GABAB receptors).

When activated just prior to high‐frequency trains of stimulation, presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors work together to reduce short‐term facilitation/enhance depression, altering the filtering properties of synaptic transmission.

Inhibition of synaptic transmission by GABAB receptors is more sensitive to GABA than enhancement by GABAA receptors, suggesting GABAB receptors may be activated by ambient GABA or release from greater distances.

GABAA and GABAB receptors are co‐expressed at many presynaptic terminals in the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that GABAA receptors typically enhance vesicle release while GABAB receptors inhibit release. However, it is not clear how the competing actions of these receptors modulate synaptic transmission when co‐activated, as is likely in vivo. We investigated this question at parallel fibre synapses in the cerebellum, which co‐express presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors. In acute slices from C57BL/6 mice, we find that co‐activation of presynaptic GABA receptors by photolytic uncaging of RuBi‐GABA has a biphasic effect on EPSC amplitudes recorded from stellate cells. Synchronous and asynchronous EPSCs evoked within ∼100 ms of GABA uncaging were increased, while EPSCs evoked ∼300–600 ms after GABA uncaging were reduced compared to interleaved control sweeps. We confirmed these effects are presynaptic by measuring the paired‐pulse ratio, variance of EPSC amplitudes, and response probability. During trains of high‐frequency stimulation GABAA and GABAB receptors work together (rather than oppose one another) to reduce short‐term facilitation when GABA is uncaged just prior to the onset of stimulation. We also find that GABAB receptor‐mediated inhibition can be elicited by lower GABA concentrations than GABAA receptor‐mediated enhancement of EPSCs, suggesting GABAB receptors may be selectively activated by ambient GABA or release from more distance synapses. These data suggest that GABA, acting through both presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors, modulate the amplitude and short‐term plasticity of excitatory synapses, a result not possible from activation of either receptor type alone.
Decreased arterial , not O2 content, increases blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses at rest
Authors: Duke Joseph W. , Davis James T. , Ryan Benjamin J. , Elliott Jonathan E. , Beasley Kara M. , Hawn Jerold A. , Byrnes William C. , Lovering Andrew T.
Published: April 2016

Key points

The mechanism(s) that regulate hypoxia‐induced blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (QIPAVA) are currently unknown.

Our previous work has demonstrated that the mechanism of hypoxia‐induced QIPAVA is not simply increased cardiac output, pulmonary artery systolic pressure or sympathetic nervous system activity and, instead, it may be a result of hypoxaemia directly.

To determine whether it is reduced arterial () or O2 content () that causes hypoxia‐induced QIPAVA, individuals were instructed to breathe room air and three levels of hypoxic gas at rest before (control) and after was reduced by 10% by lowering the haemoglobin concentration (isovolaemic haemodilution; Low [Hb]).

QIPAVA, assessed by transthoracic saline contrast echocardiography, significantly increased as decreased and, despite reduced (via isovolaemic haemodilution), was similar at iso‐.

These data suggest that, with alveolar hypoxia, low causes the hypoxia‐induced increase in QIPAVA, although where and how this is detected remains unknown.

Alveolar hypoxia causes increased blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (QIPAVA) in healthy humans at rest. However, it is unknown whether the stimulus regulating hypoxia‐induced QIPAVA is decreased arterial () or O2 content (). is known to regulate blood flow in the systemic circulation and it is suggested that IPAVA may be regulated similar to the systemic vasculature. Thus, we hypothesized that reduced would be the stimulus for hypoxia‐induced QIPAVA. Blood volume (BV) was measured using the optimized carbon monoxide rebreathing method in 10 individuals. Less than 5 days later, subjects breathed room air, as well as 18%, 14% and 12.5% O2, for 30 min each, in a randomized order, before (CON) and after isovolaemic haemodilution (10% of BV withdrawn and replaced with an equal volume of 5% human serum albumin–saline mixture) to reduce [Hb] (Low [Hb]). was measured at the end of each condition and QIPAVA was assessed using transthoracic saline contrast echocardiography. [Hb] was reduced from 14.2 ± 0.8 to 12.8 ± 0.7 g dl−1 (10 ± 2% reduction) from CON to Low [Hb] conditions. was no different between CON and Low [Hb], although was 10.4%, 9.2% and 9.8% lower at 18%, 14% and 12.5% O2, respectively. QIPAVA significantly increased as decreased and, despite reduced , was similar at iso‐. These data suggest that, with alveolar hypoxia, low causes the hypoxia‐induced increase in QIPAVA. Whether the low is detected at the carotid body, airway and/or the vasculature remains unknown.
Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Nondiabetic Hypertensive Nigerians: Role of Fasting and Postprandial Blood Glucose
Authors: Okeahialam B. N. , Muoneme S. A. , Kolade-Yunusa H. O.
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) tracks atherosclerotic vascular disease. Hypertension and diabetes chiefly contribute to atherosclerosis with 75% of symptomatic cardiovascular disease cases having dysglycaemia even in normal cases. Hypothesising that postprandial hyperglycaemia contributes to cardiovascular morbidity, we sought to determine if any relationship existed between glycaemic profile in nondiabetic hypertensives and atherosclerosis.Methods. In a study of CIMT in nondiabetic, statin-naïve hypertensives, we evaluated fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-hour postprandial sugar (2hPPBG) in the patients and compared them with the CIMT. CIMT was measured on both sides, 1 cm proximal to the carotid bulb using a 7.5 mHz transducer of ALOKA SSD-3500 ultrasound machine.Results. The subjects with complete data were 86 (63 F). The mean (SD) of CIMT was 0.89 (0.15) mm, FBG 4.8 (0.097) mmol/L, and 2hPPBG 6.5 (1.81) mmol/L. There was no significant correlation between FBG and 2hPPBG with CIMT. Blood pressure had no bearing on this. When blood glucose data were divided into quartiles and post hoc multiple comparison was done, there was significant difference in CIMT for the different ranges. This was not so for 2hPPBG.Conclusion. Though expected from other studies, we did not show any significant correlation between FBG and 2hPPBG status and CIMT. This may be our pattern as the degree of excursion of 2hPPBG was low. There may be a threshold level above which PPBG starts to impact CIMT.
Core-Shell Columns in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Food Analysis Applications
Authors: Preti Raffaella
Published: April 2016

The increased separation efficiency provided by the new technology of column packed with core-shell particles in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has resulted in their widespread diffusion in several analytical fields: from pharmaceutical, biological, environmental, and toxicological. The present paper presents their most recent applications in food analysis. Their use has proved to be particularly advantageous for the determination of compounds at trace levels or when a large amount of samples must be analyzed fast using reliable and solvent-saving apparatus. The literature hereby described shows how the outstanding performances provided by core-shell particles column on a traditional HPLC instruments are comparable to those obtained with a costly UHPLC instrumentation, making this novel column a promising key tool in food analysis.