bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree species diversity alters plant defense investment in an experimental forest plantation in southern Mexico
Authors: Rosado‐Sánchez Silvia , Parra‐Tabla Víctor , Betancur‐Ancona David , Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala‐Roberts Luis
Published: December 2017

How plant species diversity affects traits conferring herbivore resistance (e.g., chemical defenses), as well as the mechanisms underlying such effects, has received little attention. One potential mechanism for the effect of diversity on plant defenses is that increased plant growth at high diversity could lead to reduced investment in defenses via growth–defense trade‐offs. We measured tree growth (diameter at breast height) and collected leaves to quantify total phenolics in 2.5‐year‐old plants of six tropical tree species (N = 597 plants) in a young experimental plantation in southern Mexico. Selected plants were classified as monocultures or as polycultures represented by mixtures of four of the six species examined. Tree species diversity had a significant negative effect on total phenolics, where polycultures exhibited a 13 percent lower mean concentration than monocultures. However, there was marked variation in the effects of diversity on defenses among tree species, with some species exhibiting strong reductions in phenolic levels in mixtures, whereas others were unresponsive. In addition, tree species diversity had no effect on growth, nor was the negative effect of diversity on chemical defenses mediated by a growth–defense trade‐off. These results demonstrate that tree diversity can alter investment in chemical defenses in long‐lived tree species but that such effect may not always be under strong control by plant endogenous resource allocation trade‐offs. Regardless of the underlying mechanism, these findings have important implications for predicting effects on consumers and ecosystem function.
Implementation of “clinical sequencing” in cancer genome medicine in Japan
Authors: Kohno Takashi
Published: December 2017

In oncology, actionable mutations (alterations) in cancer‐associated genes are critical in terms of the selection of therapeutic approaches. Next‐generation sequencing of tumor sample DNA (ie, clinical sequencing) can guide clinical management by providing diagnostic or prognostic data, and facilitating the identification of potential treatment regimens, such as molecular‐targeted and immune checkpoint blockade therapies. In the USA, a variety of tumor‐profiling multiplex gene panels have been developed and implemented for this purpose. In Japan, several academic institutions have now carried out detailed investigations of the feasibility and value of clinical sequencing, and cancer societies have issued consensus clinical practice guidance for next‐generation sequencing‐based gene panel tests. These efforts will facilitate the implementation of cancer genome medicine in Japan.
The Trouble With Quantifiers: Exploring Children's Deficits in Scalar Implicature
Authors: Horowitz Alexandra C. , Schneider Rose M. , Frank Michael C.
Published: December 2017

Adults routinely use the context of utterances to infer a meaning beyond the literal semantics of their words (e.g., inferring from “She ate some of the cookies” that she ate some, but not all). Contrasting children's (N = 209) comprehension of scalar implicatures using quantifiers with contextually derived ad hoc implicatures revealed that 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds reliably computed ad hoc, but not scalar, implicatures (Experiment 1). Unexpectedly, performance with “some” and “none” was correlated (Experiments 1 and 2). An individual differences study revealed a correlation between quantifier knowledge and implicature success (Experiment 3); a control study ruled out other factors (Experiment 4). These findings suggest that some failures with scalar implicatures may be rooted in a lack of semantic knowledge rather than general pragmatic or processing demands.
Predicting reactivity threshold in children with anaphylaxis to peanut
Authors: Reier‐Nilsen T. , Michelsen M. M. , Lødrup Carlsen K. C. , Carlsen K.‐H. , Mowinckel P. , Nygaard U. C. , Namork E. , Borres M. P. , Håland G.
Published: December 2017

Background

Peanut allergy necessitates dietary restrictions, preferably individualized by determining reactivity threshold through an oral food challenge (OFC). However, risk of systemic reactions often precludes OFC in children with severe peanut allergy.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether clinical and/or immunological characteristics were associated with reactivity threshold in children with anaphylaxis to peanut and secondarily, to investigate whether these characteristics were associated with severity of the allergic reaction during OFC.

Methods

A double‐blinded placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) with peanut was performed in 96 5‐ to 15‐year‐old children with a history of severe allergic reactions to peanut and/or sensitization to peanut (skin prick test [SPT] ≥3 mm or specific immunoglobulin E [s‐IgE] ≥0.35 kUA/L). Investigations preceding the DBPCFC included a structured interview, SPT, lung function measurements, serological immunology assessment (IgE, IgG and IgG4), basophil activation test (BAT) and conjunctival allergen provocation test (CAPT). International standards were used to define anaphylaxis and grade the allergic reaction during OFC.

Results

During DBPCFC, all 96 children (median age 9.3, range 5.1‐15.2) reacted with anaphylaxis (moderate objective symptoms from at least two organ systems). Basophil activation (CD63+ basophils ≥15%), peanut SPT and the ratio of peanut s‐IgE/total IgE were significantly associated with reactivity threshold and lowest observed adverse events level (LOAEL) (all P < .04). Basophil activation best predicted very low threshold level (<3 mg of peanut protein), with an optimal cut‐off of 75.8% giving a 93.5% negative predictive value. None of the characteristics were significantly associated with the severity of allergic reaction.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

In children with anaphylaxis to peanut, basophil activation, peanut SPT and the ratio of peanut s‐IgE/total IgE were associated with reactivity threshold and LOAEL, but not with allergy reaction severity.
In women with PCOS, waist circumference is a better surrogate of glucose and lipid metabolism than disease status per se
Authors: Pazderska Agnieszka , Kyaw Tun Tommy , Phelan Niamh , McGowan Anne , Sherlock Mark , Behan LucyAnn , Boran Gerard , Gibney James
Published: December 2017

Objective

Cardiometabolic abnormalities are recognized in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, over‐emphasis on PCOS as a risk factor potentially results in over‐investigation and treatment of some women with and under‐recognition of cardiometabolic risk in obese women without PCOS. Our objective was to explore the association between waist circumference (WC) and indices of glucose and lipid metabolism in women with and without PCOS.

Design, patients and measurements

(i) An exploratory cross‐sectional study investigating association of potential cardiometabolic risk markers (PCOS status, anthropometric measures, hsCRP, HOMA‐IR, SHBG, testosterone) with indices of glucose (frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) and lipid metabolism (postprandial studies and lipoprotein particle size) in 61 women with (n = 29) and without (n = 32) PCOS; (ii) a cross‐sectional study in 103 PCOS women and 102 BMI‐matched controls to explore if between‐group differences in indices of lipid and glucose metabolism persist after adjusting for WC. NIH criteria were used for PCOS diagnosis.

Results

Study 1: Univariate correlations and stepwise regression modelling identified waist circumference (WC), as a better surrogate than PCOS status, independently predicting multiple variables of glucose and lipid metabolism.

Study 2: Fasting insulin and triglyceride, hsCRP and insulin resistance (according to HOMA‐IR and SiM [Avignon index]) were greater, while fasting HDL was lower in women with PCOS compared to BMI‐matched women without PCOS. None of these differences persisted when a subset of 80 women with PCOS was compared with 80 women without PCOS, pair‐matched for WC.

Conclusion

Some cardiometabolic abnormalities in PCOS are related to central obesity, and following adjustment for WC does not differ from normal subjects. Waist circumference measurement has potential to take precedence over PCOS status as part of the assessment of cardiometabolic risk in reproductive‐age women.
Homozygous TMEM127 mutations in 2 patients with bilateral pheochromocytomas
Authors: Eijkelenkamp K. , Olderode‐Berends M.J.W. , van der Luijt R.B. , Robledo M. , van Dooren M. , Feelders R.A. , de Vries J. , Kerstens M.N. , Links T.P. , van der Horst‐Schrivers A.N.A.
Published: December 2017

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that are hereditary in up to 50% of patients. The gene encoding transmembrane‐protein‐127 (TMEM127) is one of the PCC/PGL‐susceptibility genes with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Here, we report 2 patients with bilateral PCC who both harbored a homozygous TMEM127‐mutation. In a 31‐year‐old mentally retarded patient, the homozygous c.410‐2A > G mutation was discovered during an update of DNA analysis. A 26‐year‐old mentally retarded patient was found to have a homozygous c.3G > A mutation. The parents of both patients were consanguineous. We reviewed previously reported clinical features of TMEM127 mutation carriers and compared our findings with case descriptions of homozygous mutations in other PGL/PCC‐susceptibility genes. Homozygosity for an autosomal dominant inherited disorder is an extremely rare phenomenon and has, to our knowledge, not been reported before for the gene encoding TMEM127. In the present cases, the clinical picture does not seem to be very different from heterozygous TMEM127 mutation carriers, except for a relatively large tumor size and more pronounced plasma metanephrine concentration. It is unclear whether the mental retardation is causally related to homozygosity of the TMEM127 mutations. Updating genetic screening in patients in whom PCC/PGL has been diagnosed in the past should be considered as it might provide clinically relevant information.
The changing landscape of Lynch syndrome due to PMS2 mutations
Authors: Blount J. , Prakash A.
Published: December 2017

DNA repair pathways are essential for cellular survival as our DNA is constantly under assault from both exogenous and endogenous DNA damaging agents. Five major mammalian DNA repair pathways exist within a cell to maintain genomic integrity. Of these, the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is highly conserved among species and is well documented in bacteria. In humans, the importance of MMR is underscored by the discovery that a single mutation in any 1 of 4 genes within the MMR pathway (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2) results in Lynch syndrome (LS). LS is a autosomal dominant condition that predisposes individuals to a higher incidence of many malignancies including colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and gastric cancers. In this review, we discuss the role of PMS2 in the MMR pathway, the evolving testing criteria used to identify variants in the PMS2 gene, the LS phenotype as well as the autosomal recessive condition called constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome, and current methods used to elucidate the clinical impact of PMS2 mutations.
An assessment of threats to terrestrial protected areas
Authors: Schulze Katharina , Knights Kathryn , Coad Lauren , Geldmann Jonas , Leverington Fiona , Eassom April , Marr Melitta , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Hockings Marc , Burgess Neil D.
Published: December 2017

Protected areas (PAs) represent a cornerstone of efforts to safeguard biodiversity, and if effective should reduce threats to biodiversity. We present the most comprehensive assessment of threats to terrestrial PAs, based on in situ data from 1,961 PAs across 149 countries, assessed by PA managers and local stakeholders. Unsustainable hunting was the most commonly reported threat and occurred in 61% of all PAs, followed by disturbance from recreational activities occurring in 55%, and natural system modifications from fire or its suppression in 49%. The number of reported threats was lower in PAs with greater remoteness, higher control of corruption, and lower human development scores. The main reported threats in developing countries were linked to overexploitation for resource extraction, while negative impacts from recreational activities dominated in developed countries. Our results show that many of the most serious threats to PAs are difficult to monitor with remote sensing, and highlight the importance of in situ threat data to inform the implementation of more effective biodiversity conservation in the global protected area estate.
Is prolonged cold ischemia a contraindication to using kidneys from acute kidney injury donors?
Authors: Orlando Giuseppe , Khan Muhammad A. , El‐Hennawy Hany , Farney Alan C. , Rogers Jeffrey , Reeves‐Daniel Amber , Gautreaux Michael D. , Doares William , Kaczmorski Scott , Stratta Robert J.
Published: December 2017

To determine the impact of prolonged cold ischemia time (CIT) on the outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) renal grafts, we therefore performed a single‐center retrospective analysis in adult patients receiving kidney transplantation (KT) from AKI donors. Outcomes were stratified according to duration of CIT. A total of 118 patients receiving AKI grafts were enrolled. Based on CIT, patients were stratified as follows: (i) <20 hours, 27 patients; (ii) 20‐30 hours, 52 patients; (iii) 30‐40 hours, 30 patients; (iv) ≥40 hours, nine patients. The overall incidence of delayed graft function DGF was 41.5%. According to increasing CIT category, DGF rates were 30%, 42%, 40%, and 78%, respectively (P = .03). With a mean follow‐up of 48 months, overall patient and graft survival rates were 91% and 81%. Death‐censored graft survival (DCGS) rates were 84% and 88% for patients with and without DGF (P = NS). DCGS rates were 92% in patients with CIT <20 hours compared to 85% with CIT >20 hours (P = NS). In the nine patients with CIT >40 hours, the 4‐year DCGS rate was 100%. We conclude that prolonged CIT in AKI grafts may not adversely influence outcomes and so discard of AKI kidneys because of projected long CIT is not warranted when donors are wisely triaged.
Are government‐approved products containing new psychoactive substances perceived to be safer and more socially acceptable than alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs? Findings from a survey of police arrestees in New Zealand
Authors: Rychert Marta , Wilkins Chris , Parker Karl , Witten Karen
Published: December 2017

Introduction and Aims

In July 2013, New Zealand passed the Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA), which established a legal regulated market for government‐approved products containing new psychoactive substances (NPS). One of the aims of the PSA was to separate the market for approved NPS products from unapproved products and illegal drugs. The aim of this study was to explore perceived health risks and social acceptability of government‐approved NPS compared to unapproved NPS and other drugs.

Design and Methods

About 834 police arrestees were surveyed about the health risks and social acceptability of regularly using nine drug types, including approved and unapproved synthetic cannabinoids (SC) and ‘party pills’ (PP) under the interim PSA regime. Statistical analyses included fitted analysis of variance and logistic ordinal regression models.

Results

Approved SC were considered riskier to health than (natural) cannabis, alcohol, approved and unapproved PP, tobacco and ecstasy, but safer than unapproved SC and methamphetamine. Younger participants (16–29 years) were more likely than older participants (30+ years) to give approved SC a high health‐risk score. Approved SC were considered less socially acceptable than alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, but more socially acceptable than methamphetamine, unapproved SC and unapproved PP. Frequent SC users were more likely to rate the social acceptability of approved legal SC higher than other drug users. Approved PP received more positive health and social acceptability scores than approved SC.

Discussion and Conclusions

The PSA was partially successful at separating approved NPS from other drugs. High health‐risk and low social acceptability scores for approved SC may reflect the absence of product testing during the interim PSA market.
“Mummy, keep it steady”: phonetic variation shapes word learning at 15 and 17 months
Authors: Escudero Paola , Mulak Karen E. , Elvin Jaydene , Traynor Nicole M.
Published: December 2017

Fifteen‐month‐olds have difficulty detecting differences between novel words differing in a single vowel. Previous work showed that Australian English (AusE) infants habituated to the word‐object pair DEET detected an auditory switch to DIT and DOOT in Canadian English (CanE) but not in their native AusE (Escudero et al., ). The authors speculated that this may be because the vowel inherent spectral change variation (VISC) in AusE DEET is larger than in CanE DEET. We investigated whether VISC leads to difficulty in encoding phonetic detail during early word learning, and whether this difficulty dissipates with age. In Experiment 1, we familiarized AusE‐learning 15‐month‐olds to AusE DIT, which contains smaller VISC than AusE DEET. Unlike infants familiarized with AusE DEET (Escudero et al., ), infants detected a switch to DEET and DOOT. In Experiment 2, we familiarized AusE‐learning 17‐month‐olds to AusE DEET. This time, infants detected a switch to DOOT, and marginally detected a switch to DIT. Our acoustic analysis showed that AusE DEET and DOOT are differentiated by the second vowel formant, while DEET and DIT can only be distinguished by their changing dynamic properties throughout the vowel trajectory. Thus, by 17 months, AusE infants can encode highly dynamic acoustic properties, enabling them to learn the novel vowel minimal pairs that are difficult at 15 months. These findings suggest that the development of word learning is shaped by the phonetic properties of the specific word minimal pair.
Cardiac function and dysfunction in the fetus
Authors: Eckersley Luke , Hornberger Lisa K.
Published: December 2017

Evaluation of fetal cardiac function is one of the most important components of fetal echocardiography. Fetal cardiac dysfunction is closely linked to risk of intrauterine fetal demise, in many, but not all cases is indicative of worse postnatal prognosis and may prompt the use of medications or interventions to optimize outcomes. There may be implications for termination versus continuation of pregnancy, an indication for early delivery, a change in location and even mode of delivery. In extreme cases, fetal cardiac dysfunction may prompt prenatal or early neonatal listing for cardiac transplantation. There are several important differences between the fetal and postnatal circulatory physiology which affect echocardiographic assessment of cardiac dysfunction. In this review, we examine the echocardiographic findings according to their underlying pathophysiology with reference to common causes.
4D fetal echocardiography—An update
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark
Published: December 2017

With the introduction of the electronic 4‐dimensional and spatial‐temporal image Correlation (e‐STIC), it is now possible to obtain large volume datasets of the fetal heart that are virtually free of artifact. This allows the examiner to use a number of imaging modalities when recording the volumes that include two‐dimensional real time, power and color Doppler, and B‐flow images. Once the volumes are obtained, manipulation of the volume dataset allows the examiner to recreate views of the fetal heart that enable examination of cardiac anatomy. The value of this technology is that a volume of the fetal heart can be obtained, irrespective of the position of the fetus in utero, and manipulated to render images for interpretation and diagnosis. This article presents a summary of the various imaging techniques and provides clinical examples of its application used for prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects and abnormal cardiac function.
Maternal hyperoxygenation: A potential therapy for congenital heart disease in the fetuses? A systematic review of the current literature
Authors: Co‐Vu Jennifer , Lopez‐Colon Dalia , Vyas Himesh V. , Weiner Natalie , DeGroff Curt
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To assess efficacy, safety, outcomes, and intrauterine complications following maternal hyperoxygenation (MH) therapy in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

A systematic review was performed following an electronic search of databases. Articles were published before January 1, 2017, in an English‐language and non–English‐language journals (with English translations), and included human fetuses and expectant mothers with a fetal diagnosis of CHD who received MH.

Results

Ninety‐six articles were identified; 72 were excluded and 24 full‐text articles were reviewed. Only 9 articles met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. A total of 270 fetuses underwent MH therapy: 169 had CHD, and 101 had normal heart anatomies. Seven studies used fetal echocardiography, while 2 studies used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). The mean gestational age at therapy was 33.4 weeks (26–38 weeks). Majority of MH protocols used 100% FiO2 with non‐rebreather face mask at 8 L of flow, achieving 60%–70% FiO2, or maternal PaO2 goal of 250 mm Hg. No significant adverse events were reported. Four studies reported increased size of the hypoplastic cardiac structures after MH. Three studies utilized acute MH to risk stratify hypoplastic left heart syndrome fetuses. Two studies assessed acute MH in the setting of CMR.

Conclusion

The current evidence for MH therapy suggests an increase in pulmonary blood flow, and venous return, ductal flow, and heart dimensions in fetuses. MH has potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in fetuses with CHD. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to ascertain whether MH therapy provides improved outcomes on fetuses with certain types of CHD.
An Archetypal Phenomenology of Skholé
Authors: Kennedy David
Published: December 2017

In this essay David Kennedy argues that children represent one vanguard of an emergent shift in Western subjectivity, and that adult–child dialogue, especially in the context of schooling, is a key locus for the epistemological change that implies. Following Herbert Marcuse's invocation of a “new sensibility,” Kennedy argues that the evolutionary phenomenon of neoteny — the long formative period of human childhood and the paedomorphic character of humans across the life cycle — makes of the adult–child collective of school a primary site for the reconstruction of belief. After exploring child–adult dialogue more broadly as a form of dialectical interaction between what John Dewey called “impulse” and “habit,” Kennedy identifies three key dimensions of dialogic schooling, all of which are grounded in a fourth: the form of dialogical group discourse called community of philosophical inquiry (CPI), which is based on the problematization and reconstruction of concepts through critical argumentation. As a discourse model, CPI grounds practice in all of the dialogic school's emergent curricular spaces, whether science or mathematics, whether literature, art, or philosophy. Second, CPI opens a functional space for shared decision making and collaborative governance, making of school an exemplary model of direct democracy. Finally, CPI as a site for the critical interrogation of concepts encountered in the curriculum (such as “alive,” “justice,” “system,” and “biosphere”) and as a site for democratic governance leads naturally to expression in activist projects that model an emergent “new reality principle” through concrete solutions to practical problems on local and global levels.
Dynamics underlying interictal to ictal transition in temporal lobe epilepsy: insights from a neural mass model
Authors: Fan Xiaoya , Gaspard Nicolas , Legros Benjamin , Lucchetti Federico , Ercek Rudy , Nonclercq Antoine
Published: December 2017

We propose an approach that combines a neural mass model and clinical intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings to explore the potential pathophysiological mechanisms (at the neuronal population level) of ictogenesis. Thirty iEEG recordings from 10 temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients around seizure onset were investigated. Physiologically meaningful parameters [average excitatory (Ae), slow (B), and fast (G) inhibitory synaptic gain] were identified during interictal to ictal transition. Four ratios (Ae/G, Ae/B, Ae/(B + G), and B/G) were derived from these parameters, and their evolution over time was analyzed. The excitation/inhibition ratio increased around seizure onset and decreased before seizure offset, indicating the impairment and re‐emergence of excitation/inhibition balance around seizure onset and before seizure offset, respectively. Moreover, the slow inhibition may have an earlier effect on excitation/inhibition imbalance. We confirm the decrease in excitation/inhibition ratio upon seizure termination in human temporal lobe epilepsy, as revealed by optogenetic approaches both in vivo in animal models and in vitro. The increase in excitation/inhibition ratio around seizure occurrence could be an indicator to detect seizures.
TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 from cultured β‐amyloid‐treated or 3xTg‐AD‐derived astrocytes may mediate astrocyte–neuron communication
Authors: Tapella Laura , Cerruti Matteo , Biocotino Isabella , Stevano Alessio , Rocchio Francesca , Canonico Pier Luigi , Grilli Mariagrazia , Genazzani Armando A. , Lim Dmitry
Published: December 2017

Astrocytes participate in the development and resolution of neuroinflammation in numerous ways, including the release of cytokines and growth factors. Among many, astrocytes release transforming growth factors beta (TGF‐β) TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3. TGF‐β1 is the most studied isoform, while production and release of TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 by astrocytes have been poorly characterized. Here, we report that purified cultures of hippocampal astrocytes produce mainly TGF‐β3 followed by TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β1. Furthermore, astrocytes release principally the active form of TGF‐β3 over the other two. Changes in release of TGF‐β were sensitive to the calcineurin (CaN) inhibitor FK506. Starvation had no effect on TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β3 while TGF‐β2 mRNA was significantly up‐regulated in a CaN‐dependent manner. We further investigated production and release of astroglial TGF‐β in Alzheimer's disease‐related conditions. Oligomeric β‐amyloid (Aβ) down‐regulated TGF‐β1, while up‐regulating TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3, in a CaN‐dependent manner. In cultured hippocampal astrocytes from 3xTg‐AD mice, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3, but not TGF‐β1, were up‐regulated, and this was CaN‐independent. In hippocampal tissues from symptomatic 3xTg‐AD mice, TGF‐β2 was up‐regulated with respect to control mice. Finally, treatment with recombinant TGF‐βs showed that TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 significantly reduced PSD95 protein in cultured hippocampal neurons, and this effect was paralleled by conditioned media from Aβ‐treated astrocytes or from astrocytes from 3xTg‐AD mice. Taken together, our data suggest that TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 are produced by astrocytes in a CaN‐dependent manner and should be investigated further in the context of astrocyte‐mediated neurodegeneration.
Unexpected spatial stability of water chemistry in headwater stream networks
Authors: Abbott Benjamin W. , Gruau Gérard , Zarnetske Jay P. , Moatar Florentina , Barbe Lou , Thomas Zahra , Fovet Ophélie , Kolbe Tamara , Gu Sen , Pierson‐Wickmann Anne‐Catherine , Davy Philippe , Pinay Gilles
Published: December 2017

Understanding how water and solutes enter and propagate through freshwater landscapes in the Anthropocene is critical to protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems and ensuring human water security. However, high hydrochemical variability in headwater streams, where most carbon and nutrients enter river networks, has hindered effective modelling and management. We developed an analytical framework informed by landscape ecology and catchment hydrology to quantify spatiotemporal variability across scales, which we tested in 56 headwater catchments, sampled periodically over 12 years in western France. Unexpectedly, temporal variability in dissolved carbon, nutrients and major ions was preserved moving downstream and spatial patterns of water chemistry were stable on annual to decadal timescales, partly because of synchronous variation in solute concentrations. These findings suggest that while concentration and flux cannot be extrapolated among subcatchments, periodic sampling of headwaters provides valuable information about solute sources and subcatchment resilience to disturbance.
Characterization of the facial microbiome in twins discordant for rosacea
Authors: Zaidi Asifa K. , Spaunhurst Katrina , Sprockett Daniel , Thomason Yolandas , Mann Margaret W. , Fu Pingfu , Ammons Christine , Gerstenblith Meg , Tuttle Marie S. , Popkin Daniel L.
Published: December 2017

Previously, we determined that genetic and environmental factors contributed equally towards rosacea in twins. To assess an environmental factor, we characterized the malar cheek bacterial microbiome from twins discordant for rosacea. We found no significant difference in facial microbiome alpha and beta diversity between related twins discordant for rosacea. However, the relative percentage abundance of Gordonia and Geobacillus, low‐abundant genera, was positively and negatively associated with rosacea severity, respectively. Our data demonstrate a significant correlation between facial microbiome and severity of rosacea in genetically matched twins and importantly that overall microbiome composition is largely unchanged.
Overwhelmed by Emotion: Pathways from Revictimization to Mothers’ Negative Emotional Responsivity
Authors: Martin Christina Gamache , Kim Hyoun K. , Freyd Jennifer J.
Published: December 2017

Maternal history of childhood abuse has consistently been linked to increased risk for poor emotional adjustment and parenting as an adult. The aim of this study was to examine a model that may explain the link between maternal history of childhood abuse and mothers’ tendencies to respond negatively to their adolescent children's negative emotions. A community sample of 66 mothers with adolescent children participated. Path analysis supported associations between mothers with a history of high betrayal trauma revictimization (i.e., trauma perpetrated by someone close to the mother during childhood and again as a young adult) and increased difficulty regulating their emotions. In turn, mothers who struggled to regulate their own emotions were also more likely to respond negatively to their adolescent's negative emotions. Findings highlight effects of childhood trauma may be particularly problematic for mothers who are revictimized as young adults. These results provide the foundation for future research evaluating clinical interventions targeted at increasing maternal emotion regulation skills.
Prevalence of and risk factors for cerebral microbleeds among adult patients with haemophilia A or B
Authors: Husseinzadeh H. , Chiasakul T. , Gimotty P. A. , Pukenas B. , Wolf R. , Kelty M. , Chiang E. , Fogarty P. F. , Cuker A.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) represent clinically silent haemorrhagic events. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) portend negative neurovascular and cognitive outcomes in the general population and are associated with cognitive impairment in persons with haemophilia (PWH). Prevalence, patterns, and risk factors for CMBs in PWH have not been directly compared to persons without coagulopathy.

Aim

To examine prevalence, patterns, and risk factors for CMBs in PWH vs normal controls.

Methods

Adults with haemophilia A or B and haemostatically normal controls were recruited. Subjects were excluded if taking an antithrombotic agent other than low‐dose aspirin (<100 mg). All subjects underwent T2*MRI of the brain; scans were reviewed independently by two neuroradiologists blinded to subject group to determine the presence of CMBs.

Results

We recruited 31 PWH and 32 controls. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were more prevalent in PWH; smoking was more common among controls. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were similar between groups. Prevalence of CMBs was 35% in PWH and 25% in controls (P = .42). Among PWH, advanced age, history of HCV infection, and CV risk factors were associated with CMBs. Multiple and large (>5 mm) CMBs were seen only in PWH.

Conclusions

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are common in adults with haemophilia, but not clearly more prevalent than in haemostatically normal controls. In PWH, older age, HCV infection, CV risk factors, and the presence of an inhibitor were associated with CMBs. Large CMBs and multiple CMBs may be more prevalent in PWH than in the general population. The clinical impact of CMBs in PWH requires further study.
Revisiting the temperature‐dependent dielectric permittivity of Ba(Ti1−xZrx)O3
Authors: Liu Laijun , Ren Shaokai , Zhang Jie , Peng Biaolin , Fang Liang , Wang Dawei
Published: December 2017

It has been a challenge to provide a unified description of the dielectric response vs temperature for ferroelectrics with diffuse phase transition (DPT) and relaxor behaviors, which can be used to fit the dielectric response both below and above the peak temperature (Tm). Most of the available functions used in fitting experimental data only provide a description of the dielectric permittivity near and above Tm. In this work, employing a macroscopic and phenomenological statistical model and using Ba(Ti1−x Zrx)O3 ceramics as an example, we revisit the dielectric permittivity's temperature dependence, analyzing their DPT and relaxor behaviors and providing a complete description over the whole temperature range. We show that good agreements between theoretical and experimental results can be achieved. To better understand how Ba(Ti1−x Zrx)O3 ceramics changes from DPT to relaxor with increasing x, we also discuss the relation between the fitting parameters and Ba(Ti1−x Zrx)O3's composition and structure, which suggests that the parameters from the statistical model reflect the size of the correlated Ti ions (small clusters or polar nanoregions), which largely determine the behavior of Ba(Ti1−x Zrx)O3 ceramics.
Temperature stability and electrical properties of MnO‐doped KNN‐based ceramics sintered in reducing atmosphere
Authors: Cen Zhenyong , Wang Xiaohui , Huan Yu , Li Longtu
Published: December 2017

Lead‐free MnO‐doped 0.955K0.5Na0.5NbO3‐0.045Bi0.5Na0.5ZrO3 (abbreviate as KNN‐0.045BNZ) ceramics have been prepared by a conventional solid‐state sintering method in reducing atmosphere. The MnO addition can suppress the emergence of the liquid phase and improve the homogenization of grain size. All ceramics sintered in reducing atmosphere show a two‐phase coexistence zone composed of rhombohedral (R) and tetragonal (T) phase. MnO dopant results in the content increase in R phase and slight increase in Curie temperature TC. For KNN‐0.045BNZ ceramics, Mn2+ ions preferentially occupy the cation vacancies in A‐site to decrease oxygen vacancy concentration for 0.2%‐0.4% MnO content, whereas Mn2+ ions substitute for Zr4+ ions in B‐site to form oxygen vacancies at x ≥ 0.5. The defect dipole is formed at the moderate concentration from 0.5 to 0.6, which can provide a preserve force to improve the temperature stability of piezoelectric properties for kp and . The Mn0.4 ceramics show excellent electrical properties with quasistatic piezoelectric constant d33 = 300 pC/N, electromechanical coupling coefficient kp = 51.2%, high field piezoelectric constant  = 430 pm/V (at Emax = 25 kV/cm) and TC = ~345°C, insulation resistivity ρ  =  6.13 × 1011 Ωcm.
Staff's reactions towards partnered sexual expressions involving people with dementia living in long‐term care facilities
Authors: Villar Feliciano , Celdrán Montserrat , Serrat Rodrigo , Fabà Josep , Martínez Teresa
Published: December 2017

Aims

To explore staff responses, in terms of common practices, towards partnered sexual relationships in long‐term care facilities where one or both people involved have dementia. It also tries to determine personal and institutional factors influencing these responses.

Background

Although some studies, mostly qualitative, have focused on reactions to residents’ sexual expressions so far the issue has not been assessed in a study using large and diverse samples.

Design

Cross‐sectional quantitative study using vignette technique.

Methods

Participants were 2,295 staff members at 152 Spanish long‐term care facilities. Data were collected during 2016. A vignette describing sexual situations involving people with dementia was presented to participants. After the vignette, participants had to answer the question: “What do you think most of your colleagues would do in this situation?” with nine possible responses.

Results

Results showed that relationships involving persons with dementia were perceived as potentially problematic by staff. In both conditions, discussing the case with a colleague or supervisor was the most frequently chosen reaction. More restrictive reactions were mentioned when only one person with dementia was involved in the relationship. Factors such as participants” age and years of experience, professional post and commitment to person‐centred care practices were related with the frequency of common restriction practices.

Conclusion

Results highlight the importance of providing staff with clear guidelines regarding the management of specific sexual situations to avoid stereotyped restrictive reactions.
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) may enhance implementation of clinical practice guidelines: An experience from the Middle East
Authors: Babiker Amir , Amer Yasser S. , Osman Mohamed E. , Al‐Eyadhy Ayman , Fatani Solafa , Mohamed Sarar , Alnemri Abdulrahman , Titi Maher A. , Shaikh Farheen , Alswat Khalid A. , Wahabi Hayfaa A. , Al‐Ansary Lubna A.
Published: December 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) has been shown to reduce variation in practice and improve health care quality and patients' safety. There is a limited experience of CPG implementation (CPGI) in the Middle East. The CPG program in our institution was launched in 2009. The Quality Management department conducted a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) for further improvement of CPGI.

Methods

This is a prospective study of a qualitative/quantitative design. Our FMEA included (1) process review and recording of the steps and activities of CPGI; (2) hazard analysis by recording activity‐related failure modes and their effects, identification of actions required, assigned severity, occurrence, and detection scores for each failure mode and calculated the risk priority number (RPN) by using an online interactive FMEA tool; (3) planning: RPNs were prioritized, recommendations, and further planning for new interventions were identified; and (4) monitoring: after reduction or elimination of the failure mode. The calculated RPN will be compared with subsequent analysis in post‐implementation phase.

Results

The data were scrutinized from a feedback of quality team members using a FMEA framework to enhance the implementation of 29 adapted CPGs. The identified potential common failure modes with the highest RPN (≥ 80) included awareness/training activities, accessibility of CPGs, fewer advocates from clinical champions, and CPGs auditing. Actions included (1) organizing regular awareness activities, (2) making CPGs printed and electronic copies accessible, (3) encouraging senior practitioners to get involved in CPGI, and (4) enhancing CPGs auditing as part of the quality sustainability plan.

Conclusion

In our experience, FMEA could be a useful tool to enhance CPGI. It helped us to identify potential barriers and prepare relevant solutions.
Intracerebroventricular administration of Cystatin C ameliorates disease in SOD1‐linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice
Authors: Watanabe Seiji , Komine Okiru , Endo Fumito , Wakasugi Keisuke , Yamanaka Koji
Published: December 2017

Cystatin C (CysC) is a major protein component of Bunina bodies, which are a pathological hallmark observed in the remaining motor neurons of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dominant mutations in the SOD1 gene, encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), are causative for a subset of inherited ALS cases. Our previous study showed that CysC exerts a neuroprotective effect against mutant SOD1‐mediated toxicity in vitro; however, in vivo evidence of the beneficial effects mediated by CysC remains obscure. Here we examined the therapeutic potential of recombinant human CysC in vivo using a mouse model of ALS in which the ALS‐linked mutated SOD1 gene is expressed (SOD1G93A mice). Intracerebroventricular administration of CysC during the early symptomatic SOD1G93A mice extended their survival times. Administered CysC was predominantly distributed in ventral horn neurons including motor neurons, and induced autophagy through AMP‐activated kinase activation to reduce the amount of insoluble mutant SOD1 species. Moreover, PGC‐1α, a disease modifier of ALS, was restored by CysC through AMP‐activated kinase activation. Finally, the administration of CysC also promoted aggregation of CysC in motor neurons, which is similar to Bunina bodies. Taken together, our findings suggest that CysC represents a promising therapeutic candidate for ALS.

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EZH2 overexpression in head and neck cancer is related to lymph node metastasis
Authors: Nienstedt Julie C. , Schroeder Cornelia , Clauditz Till , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Muenscher Adrian , Blessmann Marco , Hanken Henning , Pflug Christina
Published: December 2017

Background

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2, plays an important role in tumor development and progression by interacting with histone and non‐histone proteins. EZH2 represents a putative therapeutic target and has been suggested as a prognostic marker in several cancer types.

Material and Methods

This study investigates the prognostic relevance of immunohistochemical EZH2 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Tissue microarray sections with 667 cancers of oral cavity, oro‐ and hypopharynx and larynx were analyzed for EZH2 expression.

Results

Nuclear EZH2 staining was recorded in 322 (81.8%) of 394 cases. Staining was weak in 33 (10.2%), moderate in 128 (39.6%), and strong in 103 (32.0%) cancers. The prevalence of EZH2 expression in tumors of the oral cavity and the orohypopharynx was higher as compared to cancers of the larynx (P = .0023). EZH2 expression was correlated to presence of lymph node metastasis (P = .0089) but was unrelated to histological grade, tumor stage, surgical margin, or distant metastasis. EZH2 expression had no impact on patient survival.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of EZH2 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stresses its capability as a therapeutic target.
The relationships between fluoride intake levels and fluorosis of late‐erupting permanent teeth
Authors: Bhagavatula Pradeep , Curtis Alexandra , Broffitt Barbara , Weber‐Gasparoni Karin , Warren John , Levy Steven M.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To examine the relationships between fluoride intake levels and fluorosis of late‐erupting permanent teeth.

Methods

The current study used information collected from 437 children in the longitudinal Iowa Fluoride Study. Participants' fluoride intake information was collected using questionnaires from birth to age 10 years. Estimated mean daily fluoride intake was categorized into low, moderate, and high intake tertiles for each age interval (2‐5, 5‐8, and 2‐8 years). Bivariate analyses were performed to study the relationships between self‐reported fluoride intake levels during three age intervals and dental fluorosis.

Results

For canines and second molars, the prevalence of mostly mild fluorosis was less than 10% in the lowest fluoride intake tertile and more than 25% in the highest intake tertile. For both first and second premolars, the prevalence in the low and high intake tertiles was approximately 10‐15% and 25‐40%, respectively. When estimated total daily fluoride intake was 0.04 mg/kg BW during ages 2‐8 years, the predicted probability of fluorosis was 16.0%, 20.5%, 21.8%, and 15.4% for canines, 1st and 2nd and premolars and 2nd molars, respectively. We found that an incremental increase in fluoride intake during the age 5‐ to 8‐year interval led to greater odds for development of mostly mild dental fluorosis in late‐erupting teeth compared to increases in fluoride intake during other age intervals.

Conclusions

Our results clearly show that dental fluorosis prevalence is closely related to fluoride intake levels and that teeth have greater susceptibility to fluoride intake during certain age intervals.
Systematic review of studies of mental health nurses’ experience of anger and of its relationships with their attitudes and practice
Authors: Jalil R. , Dickens G. L.
Published: December 2017

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

It is generally felt that it is helpful for mental health nurses to control their emotions during their work. There are different approaches, but there is growing acceptance that different emotions may need different coping strategies.

There is lots of evidence that nurses sometimes feel anger in a number of situations, but the research about anger in mental health nurses has never been examined as a whole.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

We have systematically identified all previous research where nurses completed measures that tried to measure their anger in certain situations, compared it to other people or investigated how it affected them or what its relationship was with their practice.

Only a few studies have measured nurses’ anger. However, it seems that while nurses are not generally angrier than any other group, they do often feel anger in relation to management of patient aggression and their job situation more generally.

What are the implications for practice?

Anger is the most commonly reported problematic emotion for mental health nurses. It may influence their practice and affect their well‐being. This has implications for staff support and training.

Introduction

Emotional regulation is important in mental health nursing practice, but individual emotions may require different regulation strategies. There is ample evidence that nurses experience anger specifically during their work, for example when experiencing patient aggression. It is, therefore, important to consolidate what is known about how anger manifests in mental health nursing practice.

Aim

We aimed to systematically identify, evaluate and synthesize results from studies about mental health nurses and anger, where anger was measured objectively.

Methods

Systematic literature review based on PRISMA guidelines.

Results

We identified 12 studies. A range of validated and nonvalidated instruments was used. Mental health nurses may have lower levels of anger than normative samples, but anger is commonly reported as an issue for them. Anger was studied in relation to its links with (1) clinical management of patients, notably violence containment; and (2) employment issues more generally, notably job motivation. Anger is related to nurses’ attitudes about the acceptability of coercion, but there is no evidence that it results in more coercion.

Implications for practice

Nurses should be aware of the potential influence of anger on their practice. Anger, specifically, should be considered when supporting mental health nurses, for example in clinical supervision. Emotional regulation training should target anger.