bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of basal–bolus therapy varies with baseline 1,5‐anhydroglucitol level in people with Type 2 diabetes: a post hoc analysis
Authors: Heller S. , Bowering K. , Raskin P. , Liebl A. , Buchholtz K. , Gorst‐Rasmussen A. , Pieber T. R.
Published: May 2018

Aims

To investigate the impact of baseline 1,5‐anhydroglucitol on the treatment effect of basal–bolus therapy in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of onset 3, an 18‐week, randomized, phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of fast‐acting insulin aspart in basal–bolus therapy (n = 116) vs. basal insulin‐only therapy (n = 120) in people with Type 2 diabetes. The estimated treatment difference in change from baseline in HbA1c was investigated for different cut‐off values of baseline 1,5‐anhydroglucitol (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 μg/ml).

Results

The estimated treatment difference in change from baseline in HbA1c between basal–bolus therapy and basal insulin‐only therapy was statistically significantly greater in participants with baseline 1,5‐anhydroglucitol ≤3 μg/ml (n = 34) vs. >3 μg/ml (n = 198) [estimated treatment difference (95% CI): −1.53% (−2.12; −0.94) vs. −0.82% (−1.07; −0.57); P‐value for interaction = 0.03]. The estimated treatment difference became more pronounced when comparing participants with 1,5‐anhydroglucitol ≤2 μg/ml (n = 15) vs. >2 μg/ml (n = 217) [estimated treatment difference (95% CI): −2.26% (−3.15; −1.36) vs. −0.85% (−1.08; −0.62); P‐value for interaction = 0.003]. For cut‐off values ≥4 μg/ml, estimated treatment differences were numerically greater below the cut‐off compared with above, although the interaction terms were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This analysis indicates that people with Type 2 diabetes with low 1,5‐anhydroglucitol have an added treatment benefit with basal–bolus therapy compared with people with higher 1,5‐anhydroglucitol. Further research is needed to clarify any clinical utility of these findings.

Clinical Trials Registry No: NCT01850615
Associations of health literacy with diabetic foot outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen P. Y. , Elmer S. , Callisaya M. , Wills K. , Greenaway T. M. , Winzenberg T. M.
Published: May 2018

Background

People with diabetes have low health literacy, but the role of the latter in diabetic foot disease is unclear.

Aim

To determine, through a systematic review and meta‐analysis, if health literacy is associated with diabetic foot disease, its risk factors, or foot care.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct. All studies were screened and data extracted by two independent reviewers. Studies in English with valid and reliable measures of health literacy and published tests of association were included. Data were extracted on the associations between the outcomes and health literacy. Meta‐analyses were performed using random effects models.

Results

Sixteen articles were included in the systematic review, with 11 in the meta‐analysis. In people with inadequate health literacy, the odds of having diabetic foot disease were twice those in people with adequate health literacy, but this was not statistically significant [odds ratio 1.99 (95% CI 0.83, 4.78); two studies in 1278 participants]. There was no statistically significant difference in health literacy levels between people with and without peripheral neuropathy [standardized mean difference –0.14 (95% CI –0.47, 0.18); two studies in 399 participants]. There was no association between health literacy and foot care [correlation coefficient 0.01 (95% CI –0.07, 0.10); seven studies in 1033 participants].

Conclusions

There were insufficient data to exclude associations between health literacy and diabetic foot disease and its risk factors, but health literacy appears unlikely to have a role in foot care. The contribution of low health literacy to diabetic foot disease requires definitive assessment through robust longitudinal studies.
Efficacy and safety of alirocumab among individuals with diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the ODYSSEY phase 3 trials
Authors: Ganda Om P. , Plutzky Jorge , Sanganalmath Santosh K. , Bujas‐Bobanovic Maja , Koren Andrew , Mandel Jonas , Letierce Alexia , Leiter Lawrence A.
Published: May 2018

Aims

Individuals with both diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are at very high risk of cardiovascular events. This post‐hoc analysis evaluated efficacy and safety of the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab among 984 individuals with DM and ASCVD pooled from 9 ODYSSEY Phase 3 trials.

Materials and methods

Changes in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and other lipids from baseline to Week 24 were analysed (intention‐to‐treat) in four pools by alirocumab dosage (150 mg every 2 weeks [150] or 75 mg with possible increase to 150 mg every 2 weeks [75/150]), control (placebo/ezetimibe) and background statin usage (yes/no).

Results

At Week 24, LDL‐C changes from baseline in pools with background statins were −61.5% with alirocumab 150 (vs −1.0% with placebo), −46.4% with alirocumab 75/150 (vs +6.3% with placebo) and −48.7% with alirocumab 75/150 (vs −20.6% with ezetimibe), and −54.9% with alirocumab 75/150 (vs +4.0% with ezetimibe) without background statins. A greater proportion of alirocumab recipients achieved LDL‐C < 70 and < 55 mg/dL at Week 24 vs controls. Alirocumab also resulted in significant reductions in non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) vs controls. Alirocumab did not appear to affect glycaemia over 78‐104 weeks. Overall safety was similar between treatment groups, with a higher injection‐site reaction frequency (mostly mild) with alirocumab.

Conclusion

Alirocumab significantly reduced LDL‐C and other atherogenic lipid parameters, and was generally well tolerated in individuals with DM and ASCVD.
Serotonin transporter inhibition during neonatal period induces sex‐dependent effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics in the rat brainstem
Authors: Silva Tercya Lucidi Araujo , Braz Glauber Rudá Feitoza , Silva Severina Cassia de Andrade , Pedroza Anderson Apolônio da Silva , Freitas Cristiane de Moura , Ferreira Diorginis José Soares , da Silva Aline Isabel , Lagranha Claudia Jacques
Published: May 2018

The serotonin reuptake is mainly regulated by the serotonin transporters (SERTs), which are abundantly found in the raphe nuclei, located in the brainstem. Previous studies have shown that dysfunction in the SERT has been associated with several disorders, including depression and cardiovascular diseases. In this manuscript, we aimed to investigate how gender and the treatment with a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) could affect mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress in the brainstem of male and female rats. Fluoxetine, our chosen SSRI, was used during the neonatal period (i.e., from postnatal Day 1 to postnatal Day 21—PND1 to PND21) in both male and female animals. Thereafter, experiments were conducted in adult rats (60 days old). Our results demonstrate that, during lactation, fluoxetine treatment modulates the mitochondrial bioenergetics in a sex‐dependent manner, such as improving male mitochondrial function and female antioxidant capacity.
Population correlates of rapid captive‐induced maladaptation in a wild fish
Authors: Fraser Dylan J. , Walker Lisa , Yates Matthew C. , Marin Kia , Wood Jacquelyn L. A. , Bernos Thais A. , Zastavniouk Carol
Published: May 2018

Understanding the extent to which captivity generates maladaptation in wild species can inform species recovery programs and elucidate wild population responses to novel environmental change. Although rarely quantified, effective population size (Ne) and genetic diversity should influence the magnitude of plastic and genetic changes manifested in captivity that reduce wild fitness. Sexually dimorphic traits might also mediate consequences of captivity. To evaluate these relationships, we generated >600 full‐ and half‐sibling families from nine wild brook trout populations, reared them for one generation under common, captive environmental conditions and contrasted several fitness‐related traits in wild versus captive lines. We found substantial variation in lifetime success (lifetime survival and reproductive success) and life history traits among wild populations after just one captive generation (fourteen‐ and threefold ranges across populations, respectively). Populations with lower heterozygosity showed lower captive lifetime success, suggesting that captivity generates maladaptation within one generation. Greater male‐biased mortality in captivity occurred in populations having disproportionately higher growth rates in males than females. Wild population Ne and allelic diversity had little or no influence on captive trait expression and lifetime success. Our results have four conservation implications: (i) Trait values and lifetime success were highly variable across populations following one generation of captivity. (ii) Maladaptation induced by captive breeding might be particularly intense for the very populations practitioners are most interested in conserving, such as those with low heterozygosity. (iii) Maladaptive sex differences in captivity might be associated with population‐dependent growth costs of reproduction. (iv) Heterozygosity can be a good indicator of short‐term, intraspecific responses to novel environmental change.
Electroencephalographic alterations in a mare with presumed intermittent neuroglycopenia caused by severe hypoglycaemia‐associated with nonislet cell tumour
Authors: Costa L. R. R. , Donelly C. G. , Crowe C. M. , Vaughan B. , Alex C. E. , Aleman M.
Published: May 2018

The focus of this report was to document the electroencephalogram (EEG) findings associated with nonislet cell tumour‐induced hypoglycaemia (NICTH) in a racing Thoroughbred mare subsequently diagnosed with renal carcinoma and carcinomatosis. We evaluated cortical cerebral activity and confirmed paroxysmal activity consistent with subclinical seizures by performing anEEGprior to onset of clinical signs of seizures. We showed that the electrical activity pattern progressed in a similar fashion as in humans with severe, progressive hypoglycaemia and presumed neuroglycopenia. The glycaemic threshold for abnormalities detected inEEGshowed that abnormal electrical cortical activity appeared when blood glucose dropped to 44 mg/dL(2.4 mmol/L) and paroxysmal activity spread, becoming generalised when blood glucose dropped to 23 mg/dL(1.3 mmol/L).NICTHis an uncommon paraneoplastic phenomenon in several species. In horses,NICTHhas been reported most frequently in primary renal tumours, followed by primary hepatic tumours. This report highlights the importance of investigating the possibility of hypoglycaemia in cases of horses that present altered state of consciousness with or without intermittent seizures. This case report also highlights that the diagnostic work‐up for horses presenting with episodic hypoglycaemia should comprise investigation of possible neoplasia, as paraneoplastic hypoglycaemia should be included in the list of differentials of horses with hypoglycaemia.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated specific integration of fat‐1 at the goat MSTN locus
Authors: Zhang Ju , Cui Meng‐Lan , Nie Yong‐Wei , Dai Bai , Li Fei‐Ran , Liu Dong‐Jun , Liang Hao , Cang Ming
Published: May 2018

Recent advances in understanding the CRISPR/Cas9 system have provided a precise and versatile approach for genome editing in various species. However, no study has reported simultaneous knockout of endogenous genes and site‐specific knockin of exogenous genes in large animal models. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, this study specifically inserted the fat‐1 gene into the goat MSTN locus, thereby achieving simultaneous fat‐1 insertion and MSTN mutation. We introduced the Cas9, MSTN knockout small guide RNA and fat‐1 knockin vectors into goat fetal fibroblasts by electroporation, and obtained a total of 156 positive clonal cell lines. PCR and sequencing were performed for identification. Of the 156 clonal strains, 40 (25.6%) had simultaneous MSTN knockout and fat‐1 insertion at the MSTN locus without drug selection, and 55 (35.25%) and 101 (67.3%) had MSTN mutations and fat‐1 insertions, respectively. We generated a site‐specific knockin Arbas cashmere goat model using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer for the first time. For biosafety, we mainly focused on unmarked and non‐resistant gene screening, and point‐specific gene editing. The results showed that simultaneous editing of the two genes (simultaneous knockout and knockin) was achieved in large animals, demonstrating that the CRISPR/Cas9 system has the potential to become an important and applicable gene engineering tool in safe animal breeding.
Biotic responses buffer warming‐induced soil organic carbon loss in Arctic tundra
Authors: Liang Junyi , Xia Jiangyang , Shi Zheng , Jiang Lifen , Ma Shuang , Lu Xingjie , Mauritz Marguerite , Natali Susan M. , Pegoraro Elaine , Penton Christopher Ryan , Plaza César , Salmon Verity G. , Celis Gerardo , Cole James R. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Tiedje James M. , Zhou Jizhong , Schuur Edward A. G. , Luo Yiqi
Published: May 2018

Climate warming can result in both abiotic (e.g., permafrost thaw) and biotic (e.g., microbial functional genes) changes in Arctic tundra. Recent research has incorporated dynamic permafrost thaw in Earth system models (ESMs) and indicates that Arctic tundra could be a significant future carbon (C) source due to the enhanced decomposition of thawed deep soil C. However, warming‐induced biotic changes may influence biologically related parameters and the consequent projections inESMs. How model parameters associated with biotic responses will change under warming and to what extent these changes affect projected C budgets have not been carefully examined. In this study, we synthesized six data sets over 5 years from a soil warming experiment at the Eight Mile Lake, Alaska, into the TerrestrialECOsystem (TECO) model with a probabilistic inversion approach. TheTECOmodel used multiple soil layers to track dynamics of thawed soil under different treatments. Our results show that warming increased light use efficiency of vegetation photosynthesis but decreased baseline (i.e., environment‐corrected) turnover rates ofSOCin both the fast and slow pools in comparison with those under control. Moreover, the parameter changes generally amplified over time, suggesting processes of gradual physiological acclimation and functional gene shifts of both plants and microbes. TheTECOmodel predicted that field warming from 2009 to 2013 resulted in cumulative C losses of 224 or 87 g/m2, respectively, without or with changes in those parameters. Thus, warming‐induced parameter changes reduced predicted soil C loss by 61%. Our study suggests that it is critical to incorporate biotic changes inESMs to improve the model performance in predicting C dynamics in permafrost regions.
Effects of gastrointestinal digestion models in vitro on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of juçara (Euterpe edulis)
Authors: Seraglio Siluana Katia Tischer , Gonzaga Luciano Valdemiro , Schulz Mayara , Vitali Luciano , Micke Gustavo Amadeu , Costa Ana Carolina Oliveira , Fett Roseane , Borges Graciele Da Silva Campelo
Published: May 2018

This study evaluated the effects of different gastrointestinal digestion models in vitro on the bioaccessibility of phenolics and antioxidant activity in juçara frozen pulp. In the sequence, method 3 was applied to juçara fruit in three different stages of maturation (vitrin – reddish fruits, mature – purple fruits, tuíra – deep purple fruits). In the method applied, the final pH adopted was 5.0, in order to avoid interference in the assay used to determine the antioxidant activity, and BHT was used to prevent excessive oxidation in the system. In this method, higher values for antioxidant activity were obtained (3574.95–3719.10 μmol L−1 Trolox 100 g−1 pulp) compared with the other two methods tested (1969.14–3034.74 μmol L−1 Trolox 100 g−1 pulp). In relation to juçara fruit, the mature stage was found to be ideal for processing, showing generally higher values of the bioaccessibility for phenolics and antioxidant activity compared to other maturation stages.
Effects of ceramic types on evolution of micrometer‐sized features during sintering
Authors: Ning Kaijie , Ju Hong‐fei , Lu Kathy
Published: May 2018

In this work, ZnO and ZrO2 ridges with 2 μm size are created based on a centrifuge‐aided micromolding approach and then sintered with different time. Characterization of feature morphology, fidelity, grain size, relative density, and linear shrinkage has been conducted. The densification mechanisms for both ZnO and ZrO2 are controlled by grain‐boundary diffusion, but their grain growth mechanisms are dominated by gas diffusion and surface diffusion respectively. The sintering behavior for the bulk can be described with a Ng/Nb factor at 36, while for the features, a smaller Ng/Nb factor (15 for ZnO and 8 for ZrO2) is needed. Attributed to their sintering mechanism difference, the grains in the ZnO features have a faster growth rate than those in the bulk, while the grains in the ZrO2 features have a similar growth rate to those in the bulk. ZnO has a much faster grain growth behavior, leading to ridge fidelity loss and severe ridge destruction, while ZrO2 has a much slower grain growth rate, resulting in high ridge fidelity and strong resistance to ridge destruction.
Soluble CD163 correlates with lipid metabolic adaptations in type 1 diabetes patients during ketoacidosis
Authors: Svart Mads , Rittig Nikolaj , Møller Niels , Møller Holger J , Gronbaek Henning
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is associated with inflammation and increased lipolysis. The macrophage activation marker, soluble CD163 (sCD163), is associated with obesity, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to investigate whether sCD163 correlates with key elements of lipolysis in type 1 diabetes patients during mild DKA.

Materials and Methods

We investigated nine patients with type 1 diabetes twice during: (i) euglycemic control conditions and a bolus of saline; and (ii) hyperglycemic ketotic conditions induced by lipopolysaccharide administration combined with insulin deprivation. Blood samples, indirect calorimetry, palmitate tracer and adipose tissue biopsies were used to investigate lipid metabolism.

Results

We observed a significant increase in plasma sCD163 levels after lipopolysaccharide exposure (P < 0.001). Concentrations of sCD163 were positively correlated with plasma concentrations of free fatty acids, palmitate rate of appearance and lipid oxidation rates, and negatively correlated to the expression of G0/G1 switch 2 gene messenger ribonucleic acid content in adipose tissue (P < 0.01 for all). Furthermore, sCD163 levels correlated positively with plasma peak concentrations of cortisol, glucagon, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐10 (P < 0.01 for all). Data on lipolysis and inflammation have previously been published.

Conclusions

Macrophage activation assessed by sCD163 might play an important role in DKA, as it correlates strongly with important components of lipid metabolism including free fatty acids, palmitate, lipid oxidation, G0/G1 switch 2 gene and pro‐inflammatory cytokines during initial steps of DKA. These results are novel and add important knowledge to the field of DKA.
Mitochondrial complementation: a possible neglected factor behind early eukaryotic sex
Authors: Tilquin Anaïs , Christie Joshua R. , Kokko Hanna
Published: May 2018

Sex is ancestral in eukaryotes. Meiotic sex differs from bacterial ways of exchanging genetic material by involving the fusion of two cells. We examine the hypothesis that fusion evolved in early eukaryotes because it was directly beneficial, rather than a passive side effect of meiotic sex. We assume that the uptake of (proto)mitochondria into eukaryotes preceded the evolution of cell fusion and that Muller's ratchet operating within symbiont lineages led to the accumulation of lineage‐specific sets of mutations in asexual host cells. We examine whether cell fusion, and the consequent biparental inheritance of symbionts, helps to mitigate the effects of this mutational meltdown of mitochondria. In our model, host cell fitness improves when two independently evolved mitochondrial strains co‐inhabit a single cytoplasm, mirroring mitochondrial complementation found in modern eukaryotes. If fusion incurs no cost, we find that an allele coding for fusion can invade a population of nonfusers. If fusion is costly, there are two thresholds. The first describes a maximal fusing rate (probability of fusion per round of cell division) that is able to fix. An allele that codes for a rate above this threshold can reach a polymorphic equilibrium with nonfusers, as long as the rate is below the second threshold, above which the fusion allele is counter‐selected. Whenever it evolves, fusion increases the population‐wide level of heteroplasmy, which allows mitochondrial complementation and increases population fitness. We conclude that beneficial interactions between mitochondria are a potential factor that selected for cell fusion in early eukaryotes.
Finding the one: optimal choosiness under sequential mate choice
Authors: Henshaw Jonathan M.
Published: May 2018

When mates are encountered sequentially, each encounter involves a decision whether to reject the current suitor and risk not finding a better mate, or to accept them despite their flaws. I provide a flexible framework for modelling optimal choosiness when mate encounters occur unpredictably in time. The model allows for temporal variation in the fitness benefits of mating, including seasonal breeding conditions, accrual of mate search costs, survival of the choosing individual or senescence of gametes. The basic optimality framework can be applied iteratively to obtain mate choice equilibria in dynamically evolving populations. My model predicts that individuals should be choosier when the average rate of mate encounters is high, but that choosiness should decline over time as the likelihood of future mate encounters decreases. When mate encounters are uncertain, there is a trade‐off between reproductive timing and mate choice (the ‘when’ and the ‘who’). Mate choice may be selected against when reproductive timing is highly important (e.g. when breeding conditions show a narrow peak in time). This can even lead to step‐shaped mate choice functions, where individuals abruptly switch from rejecting to accepting all suitors as peak breeding conditions approach. The model contributes to our understanding of why individuals may not express mate preferences, even when there is substantial variation in mate quality.
Trends in incidence and survival of esophageal cancer in Korea: Analysis of the Korea Central Cancer Registry Database
Authors: Shin Aesun , Won Young‐Joo , Jung Hye‐Kyung , Kong Hyun‐Joo , Jung Kyu‐Won , Oh Chang‐Mo , Choe Sunho , Lee Jihyun
Published: May 2018

Background and Aim

The diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of esophageal cancer have recently improved in Asia, and its prognosis is expected to change. This study provides a population‐based report on the epidemiology of esophageal cancer in Korea.

Methods

Cancer incidence data from 1999 to 2013 were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry, covering the entire population. Age‐standardized incidence rates and annual percent changes were calculated according to subsites and histological types. Five‐year relative survival rates were estimated for cases diagnosed between 1993 and 2013. Relative excess rates were compared between patients diagnosed from 2009 to 2013 and 2006 to 2008.

Results

The age‐standardized incidence rates decreased from 8.8 per 100 000 populations in 1999 to 5.9 in 2013 with an annual percent change of −2.6% in men and −2.2% in women. The most common histological type was squamous cell carcinoma, accounting for 90.2% of all esophageal cancers in 2013, followed by adenocarcinomas (3.1%), and their incidences decreased. The proportion of localized and regional cancer tended to increase compared with that of distant cancer. Five‐year relative survival of squamous cell carcinoma improved from 12.1% (1993–1995) to 34.6% (2009–2013). Relative excess rate was 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.65–0.80) in localized stage and 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.82–0.95) in regional stage comparing patients diagnosed from 2009 to 2013 and 2006 to 2008.

Conclusions

The incidence of esophageal cancer has decreased in Korea for the past 15 years, and 5‐year survival rates have improved significantly. These increases may be attributable to more effective detection of early‐stage disease.
Parenting Needs Among Mothers of Young Children During Military Deployment
Authors: Trautmann Jennifer , Ho Grace W.K. , Gross Deborah
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To examine perceptions of what mothers of young children (birth to 5 years old) need to be a “good parent” while their military spouse is deployed.

Design

Q methodology was used to uncover different views on military spouses’ parenting needs.

Methods

In Phase 1, 18 statements related to military spouses’ parenting needs were elicited based on review of existing literature and seven supplementary qualitative interviews. In Phase 2, 143 military‐connected mothers completed an anonymous online Q‐sort to rank the importance of the 17 statements from least to most important for being a good parent during deployment. Written comments explaining rankings were also collected.

Findings

Across respondents, the most important needs during deployment were making sure their children were happy and healthy, keeping themselves and their children connected with the deployed parent, and being financially stable. Three unique views were uncovered, which differed by mothers’ reliance on their family versus the military community for support, and the importance of self‐care.

Conclusions

Results highlighted the extent to which mothers of young children enter “survival mode” during their spouse's deployment, and differences were found in what was most important for being a good parent during this stressful period.

Clinical Relevance

Findings underscore the complexity of creating programs to support military parents whose different backgrounds, experiences, and expectations are likely to affect service uptake and benefit.
Personality and Saving Behavior Among Older Adults
Authors: Asebedo Sarah D. , Wilmarth Melissa J. , Seay Martin C. , Archuleta Kristy , Brase Gary L. , MacDonald Maurice
Published: May 2018

This study investigates how psychological characteristics influence saving behavior within a sample of 1,380 U.S. preretirees aged 50–70 from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Using the 3M Model of Motivation and Personality as a theoretical basis, structural equation model results revealed that financial self‐efficacy (FSE) directly explains saving behavior and is central to understanding the link between other psychological characteristics and the saving behavior of older adults. Through higher FSE, increased positive affect and reduced negative affect indirectly supported saving behavior. Moreover, the results revealed personality traits indirectly explained saving behavior. Conscientiousness and extroversion indirectly supported saving behavior; whereas openness to experience and neuroticism indirectly undermined saving behavior. This study connects broad personality traits with saving behavior, which provides information about how older adults' psychological composition is related to their saving practices.
An Exploratory Study of Regulatory Failure in the Australian Home Mortgage Market
Authors: Nicholson Gavin , Skelton Ross , Tarr Julie‐Anne
Published: May 2018

Regulators have long been interested in protecting consumers borrowing for a home as it is likely the single greatest financial obligation they will undertake. In this paper we examine the approach taken in Australia to mandating the disclosure of simple comparison data to reduce the complexity involved in the home loan decision. This article highlights that while the form of the legislated disclosure significantly improves decision accuracy, the failure of the regulator to account for the consumer's purchase behavior and lenders' motivations has undermined its effectiveness. We provide a number of recommendations for how to rectify these failings, principally that regulators need to consider the role of borrower information search and lender motivation as part of any regulatory reform.
Treatment with non‐selective beta‐blockers affects the systemic inflammatory response to bacterial DNA in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Gimenez Paula , Garcia‐Martinez Irma , Francés Rubén , Gonzalez‐Navajas Jose M. , Mauri Montserrat , Alfayate Rocío , Almenara Susana , Miralles Cayetano , Palazon Jose M. , Carnicer Fernando , Pascual Sonia , Such José , Horga José F. , Zapater Pedro
Published: May 2018

Background & Aims

The use of non‐selective beta‐blockers has been associated with lower rates of infection and reduced infection‐associated morbidity in patients with cirrhosis. However, it is unknown if these drugs modify the systemic inflammatory response to circulating bacterial DNA.

Methods

Sixty‐three patients with cirrhosis were included during an episode of decompensation by ascites. Thirty of those patients were on beta‐blockers. Blood samples were obtained after each patient had been in the supine position for at least 30 minutes in a quiet atmosphere. Bacterial DNA, serum cytokines, nitric oxide, and LPS were determined. Phagocytic and oxidative burst activities were determined in polymorphonuclear cells from the patients.

Results

The detection rate of bacterial DNA in the blood was the same (33%) for patients not treated and treated with non‐selective beta‐blockers. Patients naive to non‐selective beta‐blockers showed significantly higher serum levels of IL6, IFN‐gamma and IL10 in response to the presence of bacterial DNA. Patients treated with non‐selective beta‐blockers showed higher basal inflammatory activity that did not change with the presence of bacterial DNA. Monocytes and granulocytes from patients treated with non‐selective beta‐blockers showed a significantly increased phagocytic capacity in the presence of bacterial DNA.

Conclusions

In patients with cirrhosis, chronic treatment with beta‐blockers is associated with a higher unstimulated production of serum cytokines and an increased phagocytic activity in the presence of bacterial DNA.
Resilience to fire of phylogenetic diversity across biological domains
Authors: Pérez‐Valera Eduardo , Verdú Miguel , Navarro‐Cano Jose Antonio , Goberna Marta
Published: May 2018

Fire alters the structure and composition of above‐ and belowground communities with concurrent shifts in phylogenetic diversity. The inspection of postfire trends in the diversity of ecological communities incorporating phylogenetic information allows to better understand the mechanisms driving fire resilience. While fire reduces plant phylogenetic diversity based on the recruitment of evolutionarily related species with postfire seed persistence, it increases that of soil microbes by limiting soil resources and changing the dominance of competing microbes. Thus, during postfire community reassembly, plant and soil microbes might experience opposing temporal trends in their phylogenetic diversity that are linked through changes in the soil conditions. We tested this hypothesis by investigating the postfire evolution of plant and soil microbial (fungi, bacteria and archaea) communities across three 20‐year chronosequences. Plant phylogenetic diversity increased with time since fire as pioneer seeders facilitate the establishment of distantly related late‐successional shrubs. The postfire increase in plant phylogenetic diversity fostered plant productivity, eventually recovering soil organic matter. These shifts over time in the soil conditions explained the postfire restoration of fungal and bacterial phylogenetic diversity, which decreased to prefire levels, suggesting that evolutionarily related taxa with high relative fitness recover their competitive superiority during community reassembly. The resilience to fire of phylogenetic diversity across biological domains helps preserve the evolutionary history stored in our ecosystems.
End‐to‐End Deep Learning Methodology for Real‐Time Traffic Network Management
Authors: Hashemi Hossein , Abdelghany Khaled
Published: May 2018

This article presents a novel real‐time traffic network management system using an end‐to‐end deep learning (E2EDL) methodology. A computational learning model is trained, which allows the system to identify the time‐varying traffic congestion pattern in the network, and recommend integrated traffic management schemes to reduce this congestion. The proposed model structure captures the temporal and spatial congestion pattern correlations exhibited in the network, and associates these patterns with efficient traffic management schemes. The E2EDL traffic management system is trained using a laboratory‐generated data set consisting of pairings of prevailing traffic network conditions and efficient traffic management schemes designed to cope with these conditions. The system is applied for the US‐75 corridor in Dallas, Texas. Several experiments are conducted to examine the system performance under different traffic operational conditions. The results show that the E2EDL system achieves travel time savings comparable to those recorded for an optimization‐based traffic management system.
Formation of functional, non‐amyloidogenic fibres by recombinant Bacillus subtilis TasA
Authors: Erskine Elliot , Morris Ryan J. , Schor Marieke , Earl Chris , Gillespie Rachel M. C. , Bromley Keith M. , Sukhodub Tetyana , Clark Lauren , Fyfe Paul K. , Serpell Louise C. , Stanley‐Wall Nicola R. , MacPhee Cait E.
Published: May 2018

Bacterial biofilms are communities of microbial cells encased within a self‐produced polymeric matrix. In the Bacillus subtilis biofilm matrix, the extracellular fibres of TasA are essential. Here, a recombinant expression system allows interrogation of TasA, revealing that monomeric and fibre forms of TasA have identical secondary structure, suggesting that fibrous TasA is a linear assembly of globular units. Recombinant TasA fibres form spontaneously, and share the biological activity of TasA fibres extracted from B. subtilis, whereas a TasA variant restricted to a monomeric form is inactive and subjected to extracellular proteolysis. The biophysical properties of both native and recombinant TasA fibres indicate that they are not functional amyloid‐like fibres. A gel formed by TasA fibres can recover after physical shear force, suggesting that the biofilm matrix is not static and that these properties may enable B. subtilis to remodel its local environment in response to external cues. Using recombinant fibres formed by TasA orthologues we uncover species variability in the ability of heterologous fibres to cross‐complement the B. subtilis tasA deletion. These findings are indicative of specificity in the biophysical requirements of the TasA fibres across different species and/or reflect the precise molecular interactions needed for biofilm matrix assembly.
Competence inhibition by the XrpA peptide encoded within the comX gene of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Kaspar Justin , Shields Robert C. , Burne Robert A.
Published: May 2018

Streptococcus mutans displays complex regulation of natural genetic competence. Competence development in S. mutans is controlled by a peptide derived from ComS (XIP); which along with the cytosolic regulator ComR controls the expression of the alternative sigma factor comX, the master regulator of competence development. Recently, a gene embedded within the coding region of comX was discovered and designated xrpA (comX regulatory peptide A). XrpA was found to be an antagonist of ComX, but the mechanism was not established. In this study, we reveal through both genomic and proteomic techniques that XrpA is the first described negative regulator of ComRS systems in streptococci. Transcriptomic and promoter activity assays in the ΔxrpA strain revealed an up‐regulation of genes controlled by both the ComR‐ and ComX‐regulons. An in vivo protein crosslinking and in vitro fluorescent polarization assays confirmed that the N‐terminal region of XrpA were found to be sufficient in inhibiting ComR‐XIP complex binding to ECom‐box located within the comX promoter. This inhibitory activity was sufficient for decreases in PcomX activity, transformability and ComX accumulation. XrpA serving as a modulator of ComRS activity ultimately results in changes to subpopulation behaviors and cell fate during competence activation.
Compression of the respiratory tract in Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mitsutake Akihiko , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Hatano Keiko , Hashida Hideji
Published: May 2018

We report the case of a 16‐year‐old boy in whom Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) had been genetically diagnosed. He required mechanical ventilation with tracheotomy due to the respiratory muscular weakness. Despite the respiratory supports, he subsequently had repeated temporal respiratory failure. Chest computed tomography revealed that the right main bronchus was compressed by the right clavicle and vertebra. An adjustable‐length and flexible tracheostomy tube and high positive end‐expiratory pressure were useful to keep the right bronchus patent. In FCMD, the respiratory tract may be occluded by severe scoliosis, which is improved by airway management.
A unique telephone support system for dementia patients and their caregivers managed in Japan (Okayama Dementia Call Center, ODCC)
Authors: Nakano Yumiko , Hishikawa Nozomi , Sakamoto Keiko , Myoraku Yoko , Ozaki Yoshinori , Takemoto Mami , Sato Kota , Yamashita Toru , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji
Published: May 2018

Background

Despite a rapidly increasing prevalence of dementia, social support systems for dementia patients and their caregivers are insufficient.

Aim

To investigate a telephone support system for dementia patients and their caregivers managed by a local public association, the “Okayama Dementia Call Center (ODCC).”

Methods

A total of 1485 phone calls were retrospectively surveyed over 4 years (from June 2011 to May 2014) and were divided into four annual periods.

Results

The average consulting time of each of the 1485 phone calls was 20.2 ± 14.7 min. The chief complaint was distress related to dementia symptoms (56.2%), mainly from the children (66.7%) and spouses (17.5%) of dementia patients. With respect to management of ODCC for these clients, the proportion of providing advice has decreased (66.1 to 47.7%) as that of listening time increased (22.7 to 46.1%).

Conclusion

The present unique telephone call system (ODCC) may supplement an insufficient social support, and may play an important role in the community care system, enabling people with dementia to live comfortably in their local community.
Doing the Right Thing: Conscience, Conflict, and Community in the Struggle against Seattle's Antigay Initiative 13
Authors: Kraig Beth
Published: May 2018

In 1978, antigay citizens filed an initiative to repeal Seattle's inclusion of “sexual orientation” in its fair employment and housing ordinances. Seattle's queer residents sought to defeat Initiative 13 [I‐13], but disagreed deeply about how to do so. Key debates centered on whether sexual minorities should be highly visible participants in the struggle, if grassroots activism or professional campaign strategies should be used, and whether activists should concentrate solely on defeating I‐13 or link that effort to other long‐term struggles against injustice. Three organizations emerged to fight I‐13, reflecting the deeply felt beliefs that Seattle's queer activists expressed in the debates. Analysis of the I‐13 struggle offers insights into the complexity of coalition politics and the role of individual consciences in framing progressive activism.
Effect of endurance versus resistance training on local muscle and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD
Authors: Ryrsø C. K. , Thaning P. , Siebenmann C. , Lundby C. , Lange P. , Pedersen B. K. , Hellsten Y. , Iepsen U. W.
Published: May 2018

Limb muscle dysfunction in patients with COPD may be associated with local muscle and/or systemic inflammation, and therefore we investigated whether exercise training altered markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. We obtained vastus lateralis muscle biopsies and venous blood samples from patients with COPD (n = 30) before and after 8 weeks of resistance training (RT) (n = 15) or endurance training (ET) (n = 15). Healthy age‐matched subjects were included as baseline controls (n = 8). Inflammatory markers in muscle and systemically were determined by interleukins (IL), tumour necrosis factor alfa (TNF‐α), leukocyte concentration together with immunohistochemical staining for macrophages. Muscle oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity were determined by NADPH oxidase (NOX) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), respectively. Before exercise training, COPD patients had a higher muscular NOX protein content and circulating IL‐8, IL‐18, CRP, and leukocyte levels but a similar number of muscle‐infiltrating macrophages compared with controls. Eight weeks of ET or RT increased muscle SOD2 content with no difference between groups. Plasma TNF‐α, increased (P < .05) after ET and tended to (P = .06) increase after RT, but had no effect on muscular NOX protein content, number of muscle‐infiltrating macrophages, or systemic levels of other pro‐inflammatory cytokines or leukocytes. In patients with COPD, we found no evidence for muscular inflammation and no effect of exercise training. However, systemic inflammation was elevated in COPD and both training modalities induced an upregulation of muscle antioxidant capacity.
The HLA‐B*58:01:20 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Baek I.‐C. , Choi E.‐J. , Shin D.‐H. , Kim H.‐J. , Kim T.‐G.
Published: May 2018

HLA‐B*58:01:20 differs from HLA‐B*58:01:01:01 by a single synonymous nucleotide exchange at position 297 in exon 3.
Atrial natriuretic peptide accelerates human endothelial progenitor cell–stimulated cutaneous wound healing and angiogenesis
Authors: Lee Tae Wook , Kwon Yang Woo , Park Gyu Tae , Do Eun Kyoung , Yoon Jung Won , Kim Seung‐Chul , Ko Hyun‐Chang , Kim Moon‐Bum , Kim Jae Ho
Published: May 2018

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a powerful vasodilating peptide secreted by cardiac muscle cells, and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been reported to stimulate cutaneous wound healing by mediating angiogenesis. To determine whether ANP can promote the EPC‐mediated repair of injured tissues, we examined the effects of ANP on the angiogenic properties of EPCs and on cutaneous wound healing. In vitro, ANP treatment enhanced the migration, proliferation, and endothelial tube‐forming abilities of EPCs. Furthermore, small interfering RNA‐mediated silencing of natriuretic peptide receptor‐1, which is a receptor for ANP, abrogated ANP‐induced migration, tube formation, and proliferation of EPCs. In a murine cutaneous wound model, administration of either ANP or EPCs had no significant effect on cutaneous wound healing or angiogenesis in vivo, whereas the coadministration of ANP and EPCs synergistically potentiated wound healing and angiogenesis. In addition, ANP promoted the survival and incorporation of transplanted EPCs into newly formed blood vessels in wounds. These results suggest ANP accelerates EPC‐mediated cutaneous wound healing by promoting the angiogenic properties and survival of transplanted EPCs.
The microbiota of traumatic, open fracture wounds is associated with mechanism of injury
Authors: Bartow‐McKenney Casey , Hannigan Geoffrey D. , Horwinski Joseph , Hesketh Patrick , Horan Annamarie D. , Mehta Samir , Grice Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2018

Open fractures are characterized by disruption of the skin and soft tissue, which allows for microbial contamination and colonization. Preventing infection‐related complications of open fractures and other acute wounds remains an evolving challenge due to an incomplete understanding of how microbial colonization and contamination influence healing and outcomes. Culture‐independent molecular methods are now widely used to study human‐associated microbial communities without introducing culture biases. Using such approaches, the objectives of this study were to (1) define the long‐term temporal microbial community dynamics of open fracture wounds and (2) examine microbial community dynamics with respect to clinical and demographic factors. Fifty‐two subjects with traumatic open fracture wounds (32 blunt and 20 penetrating injuries) were enrolled prospectively and sampled longitudinally from presentation to the emergency department (ED) and at each subsequent inpatient or outpatient encounter. Specimens were collected from both the wound center and adjacent skin. Culture‐independent sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was employed to identify and characterize microbiota. Upon presentation to the ED and time points immediately following, sample collection site (wound or adjacent skin) was the most defining feature discriminating microbial profiles. Microbial composition of adjacent skin and wound center converged over time. Mechanism of injury most strongly defined the microbiota after initial convergence. Further analysis controlling for race, gender, and age revealed that mechanism of injury remained a significant discriminating feature throughout the continuum of care. We conclude that the microbial communities associated with open fracture wounds are dynamic in nature until eventual convergence with the adjacent skin community during healing, with mechanism of injury as an important feature affecting both diversity and composition of the microbiota. A more complete understanding of the factors influencing microbial contamination and/or colonization in open fractures is a critical foundation for identifying markers indicative of outcome and deciphering their respective contributions to healing and/or complication.
Exploring the Patterns of Dual Attitude Changes in the Context of Athlete Endorsement: The Interplay of Fit, Evaluative Conditioning, and Introspection Focus
Authors: Chang Yonghwan
Published: May 2018

Through this study, the author aimed to elucidate the asymmetrical patterns of dual attitude changes in the context of athlete endorsement. The main experiment included a test of the interactions of: Fit (low vs. high fit) × Evaluative conditioning (endorsement–positive vs. endorsement–negative feelings) × Introspection focus (logics vs. feelings). Based on the results, fit changed explicit attitudes, leaving implicit attitudes unchanged, whereas evaluative conditioning changed implicit attitudes to a greater extent. Introspection focus on logics (feelings) led participants to operate syllogistic inferences (associative evaluations); consequently, the logicality of fit (the conditioned feelings) determined both explicit and implicit attitudes and behavioral intentions. The study helps broaden current understandings of endorsement effectiveness by identifying situations in which dual attitude shifts intentions. Managers should be aware of the manipulability of consumers’ evaluation systems, and it is recommended to strategically employ either logic-reflected or feelings-elicited endorsement campaigns to leverage a brand’s equity.