bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High adult mortality in disease‐challenged frog populations increases vulnerability to drought
Authors: Scheele Ben C. , Hunter David A. , Banks Sam C. , Pierson Jennifer C. , Skerratt Lee F. , Webb Rebecca , Driscoll Don A.
Published: July 2016

Pathogen emergence can drive major changes in host population demography, with implications for population dynamics and sensitivity to environmental fluctuations. The amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, caused by infection with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is implicated in the severe decline of over 200 amphibian species. In species that have declined but not become extinct, Bd persists and can cause substantial ongoing mortality. High rates of mortality associated with Bd may drive major changes in host demography, but this process is poorly understood.

Here, we compared population age structure of Bd‐infected populations, Bd‐free populations and museum specimens collected prior to Bd emergence for the endangered Australian frog, Litoria verreauxii alpina (alpine tree frog). We then used population simulations to investigate how pathogen‐associated demographic shifts affect the ability of populations to persist in stochastic environments.

We found that Bd‐infected populations have a severely truncated age structure associated with very high rates of annual adult mortality. Near‐complete annual adult turnover in Bd‐infected populations means that individuals breed once, compared with Bd‐free populations where adults may breed across multiple years.

Our simulations showed that truncated age structure erodes the capacity of populations to withstand periodic recruitment failure; a common challenge for species reproducing in uncertain environments.

We document previously undescribed demographic shifts associated with a globally emerging pathogen and demonstrate how these shifts alter host ecology. Truncation of age structure associated with Bd effectively reduces host niche width and can help explain the contraction of L. v. alpina to perennial waterbodies where the risk of drought‐induced recruitment failure is low. Reduced capacity to tolerate other sources of mortality may explain variation in decline severity among other chytridiomycosis‐challenged species and highlights the potential to mitigate disease impacts through minimizing other sources of mortality.
Renal cellular hypoxia in adenine‐induced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Fong Debra , Ullah Md Mahbub , Lal Jaswini G. , Abdelkader Amany , Ow Connie P.C. , Hilliard Lucinda M. , Ricardo Sharon D. , Kelly Darren J. , Evans Roger G.
Published: July 2016

We determined whether adenine‐induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) in rats is associated with renal tissue hypoxia. Adenine (100 mg) or its vehicle was administered to male Sprague‐Dawley rats, daily by oral gavage, over a 15‐day period. Renal function was assessed before, and 7 and 14 days after, adenine treatment commenced, by collection of a 24‐hour urine sample and a blood sample from the tail vein. On day 15, arterial pressure was measured in conscious rats via the tail artery. Renal tissue hypoxia was then assessed by pimonidazole adduct immunohistochemistry and fibrosis was assessed by staining tissue with picrosirius red and Masson's trichrome. CKD was evident within 7 days of commencing adenine treatment, as demonstrated by increased urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (30 ± 12‐fold). By day 14 of adenine treatment plasma creatinine concentration was more than 7‐fold greater, and plasma urea more than 5‐fold greater, than their baseline levels. On day 15, adenine‐treated rats had slightly elevated mean arterial pressure (8 mmHg), anaemia and renomegaly. Kidneys of adenine‐treated rats were characterised by the presence of tubular casts, dilated tubules, expansion of the interstitial space, accumulation of collagen, and tubulointerstitial hypoxia. Pimonidazole staining (hypoxia) co‐localised with fibrosis and was present in both patent and occluded tubules. We conclude that renal tissue hypoxia develops rapidly in adenine‐induced CKD. This model, therefore, should prove useful for examination of the temporal and spatial relationships between tubulointerstitial hypoxia and the development of CKD, and thus the testing of the ‘chronic hypoxia hypothesis’.
Refusing to be Sidelined: The Engagement of the FinnishEduskuntain Foreign Affairs
Authors: Raunio Tapio
Published: July 2016

It is often argued that foreign and security policy is dominated by the executive, with parliaments wielding marginal influence. However, as legislative‐executive relations in the realm of foreign and security policy have attracted remarkably little scholarly attention, there is a demand for subjecting the alleged executive drift in foreign affairs to careful empirical scrutiny. There is also a need to examine whether and how parliamentary politics in foreign affairs differs from domestic or European matters, both regarding control mechanisms and party competition. The notions of ‘executive dominance’ and ‘politics stopping at the water's edge’ certainly point in the direction of less active control and casting aside public partisan differences in favour of providing domestic support for the government. A case study of the FinnishEduskuntaforces us to reconsider such arguments. This article examines the multiple instruments members of parliament (MPs) have for becoming involved in foreign affairs, from participating in the formulation of the national ‘grand strategy’ document to ministerial hearings in the committees. It also provides strong evidence of the Europeanization of national foreign policies, with matters relating to the foreign policy and external relations of the European Union (EU) in a central role in the Foreign Affairs Committee. Parliamentary culture is consensual, especially in security policy, but there is nonetheless greater room and willingness for party‐political contestation in foreign affairs.
Recent Advances in Nondestructive Analytical Techniques for Determining the Total Soluble Solids in Fruits: A Review
Authors: Li Jiang‐Lin , Sun Da‐Wen , Cheng Jun‐Hu
Published: July 2016

The total soluble solids play an important role in the fruit maturity process and determine the acceptance of rich nutrients as well as economic benefits in the fruit trade. Thus, development of rapid and nondestructive techniques for evaluating soluble solids content in fruits is important. This review focuses on recent advances in nondestructive techniques for soluble solids contents of fruits including hyperspectral imaging, laser light backscattering imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, X‐ray computed tomography, near‐infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are compared and discussed, and some viewpoints about future trends are also presented.
Effect of hepatitis B virus infection on sperm quality and oxidative stress state of the semen of infertile males
Authors: Qian Li , Li Qiong , Li Haibo
Published: July 2016

Problem

The effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on sperm quality and oxidative stress state of the semen of infertile males remain undetermined.

Method of study

Normal males and 60 semen samples from infertile males (with or without HBV infection) were subjected to semen analysis.

Results

Semen volume, semen pH, sperm density, percentage of forward, movement of sperm, sperm activation rate, sperm survival rate, rate of normal sperm morphology of infertile males with HBV infection were significantly lower than those of infertile males without genital infection and of normal males (P<.05), while interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐18, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in subjects with HBV infection were significantly higher than those of infertile males without genital infection and of normal males (P<.05). In patients with HBV infection, MDA level was found to be negatively correlated with semen quality, but positively correlated with semen IL‐17 and IL‐18 concentrations.

Conclusions

HBV infection increased MDA level, induced abnormal expression of IL‐17 and IL‐18, and negatively affected male reproductive capacity, resulting in male infertility.
The allergic march comprises the coexistence of related patterns of allergic disease not just the progressive development of one disease
Authors: Goksör Emma , Loid Petra , Alm Bernt , Åberg Nils , Wennergren Göran
Published: July 2016

Aim

This study explored the development and comorbidity of allergic diseases by analysing the relationship between allergic manifestations in infancy and at the age of 8.

Methods

We included 5654 children born in Sweden in 2003 in a longitudinal study. Parents answered postal questionnaires when the children were six months and one, four‐and‐a‐half and eight years of age.

Results

The response rate at eight years was 4051 (71.6%), and we analysed 3382 children with complete data. The number of manifestations in infancy increased the risk of allergic disease at eight years of age: 72% of children with one early manifestation were symptom free at 8, compared to 45% with two or more manifestations. Similar manifestations occurred in infancy and at the age of 8, for example recurrent wheeze increased the risk of doctor‐diagnosed asthma by an adjusted odds ratio of 6.5. Eczema and food allergy independently increased the risk of all four allergic manifestations at eight years.

Conclusion

Allergic disease at the age of 8 was related to the number of allergic manifestations in infancy. Manifestations were similar at both ages, suggesting an allergic march with the coexistence of disease patterns rather than the progressive development of one disease.
The principal pathways involved in the in vivo modulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, pulmonary arterial remodelling and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kylhammar D. , Rådegran G.
Published: July 2016

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) serves to optimize ventilation–perfusion matching in focal hypoxia and thereby enhances pulmonary gas exchange. During global hypoxia, however, HPV induces general pulmonary vasoconstriction, which may lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH), impaired exercise capacity, right‐heart failure and pulmonary oedema at high altitude. In chronic hypoxia, generalized HPV together with hypoxic pulmonary arterial remodelling, contribute to the development of PH. The present article reviews the principal pathways in the in vivo modulation of HPV, hypoxic pulmonary arterial remodelling and PH with primary focus on the endothelin‐1, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase and adenine nucleotide pathways. In summary, endothelin‐1 and thromboxane A2 may enhance, whereas nitric oxide and prostacyclin may moderate, HPV as well as hypoxic pulmonary arterial remodelling and PH. The production of prostacyclin seems to be coupled primarily to cyclooxygenase‐1 in acute hypoxia, but to cyclooxygenase‐2 in chronic hypoxia. The potential role of adenine nucleotides in modulating HPV is unclear, but warrants further study. Additional modulators of the pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia may include angiotensin II, histamine, serotonin/5‐hydroxytryptamine, leukotrienes and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Drugs targeting these pathways may reduce acute and/or chronic hypoxic PH. Endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors may additionally improve exercise capacity in hypoxia. Importantly, the modulation of the pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia varies between species and individuals, with hypoxic duration and age. The review also define how drugs targeting the endothelin‐1, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase and adenine nucleotide pathways may improve pulmonary haemodynamics, but also impair pulmonary gas exchange by interference with HPV in chronic lung diseases.
Cribriform neuroepithelial tumor: molecular characterization of a SMARCB1‐deficient non‐rhabdoid tumor with favorable long‐term outcome
Authors: Johann Pascal D. , Hovestadt Volker , Thomas Christian , Jeibmann Astrid , Heß Katharina , Bens Susanne , Oyen Florian , Hawkins Cynthia , Pierson Christopher R. , Aldape Kenneth , Kim Sang‐Pyo , Widing Eva , Sumerauer David , Hauser Péter , van Landeghem Frank , Ryzhova Marina , Korshunov Andrey , Capper David , Jones David T.W. , Pfister Stefan M. , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Siebert Reiner , Paulus Werner , Frühwald Michael C. , Kool Marcel , Hasselblatt Martin
Published: July 2016

Rhabdoid phenotype and loss of SMARCB1 expression in a brain tumor are characteristic features of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRT). Rare non‐rhabdoid brain tumors showing cribriform growth pattern and SMARCB1 loss have been designated cribriform neuroepithelial tumor (CRINET). Small case series suggest that CRINETs may have a relatively favorable prognosis. However, the long‐term outcome is unclear and it remains uncertain whether CRINET represents a distinct entity or a variant of ATRT. Therefore, 10 CRINETs were clinically and molecularly characterized and compared with 10 ATRTs of each of three recently described molecular subgroups (i.e. ATRT‐TYR, ATRT‐SHH and ATRT‐MYC) using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 arrays, FISH, MLPA, and sequencing. Furthermore, outcome was compared to a larger cohort of 27 children with ATRT‐TYR. Median age of the 6 boys and 4 girls harboring a CRINET was 20 months. On histopathological examination, all CRINETs demonstrated a cribriform growth pattern and distinct tyrosinase staining. On unsupervised cluster analysis of methylation data, all CRINETs examined exclusively clustered within the ATRT‐TYR molecular subgroup. As ATRT‐TYR, CRINETs mainly showed large heterozygous 22q deletions (9/10) and SMARCB1 mutations of the other allele. In two patients, SMARCB1 mutations were also present in the germline. Estimated mean overall survival in patients with CRINETs was 125 months (95% confidence interval 100–151 months) as compared to only 53 (33–74) months in patients with ATRTs of the ATRT‐TYR subgroup (Log‐Rank P < 0.05). In conclusion, CRINET represents a SMARCB1‐deficient non‐rhabdoid tumor, which shares molecular similarities with the ATRT‐TYR subgroup but has distinct histopathological features and favorable long‐term outcome.
miR‐181a induces sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through downregulation of RASSF1 expression
Authors: Azumi Junya , Tsubota Toshiaki , Sakabe Tomohiko , Shiota Goshi
Published: July 2016

Sorafenib, a multi‐kinase inhibitor, is the only standard clinical drug for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, development of sorafenib resistance in HCC often prevents its long‐term efficacy. Therefore, novel targets and strategies are urgently needed to improve the antitumor effect of sorafenib. In the present study, we examined the novel mechanisms of sorafenib resistance of HCC cells by investigating the difference in sorafenib sensitivity between two HCC cell lines. Sorafenib induced more apoptosis of HepG2 cells compared to Hep3B cells. Sorafenib exposure to HepG2 cells but not Hep3B cells increased the expression of proapoptotic factor PUMA, and activated PARP and caspase‐3. Notably, microRNA‐181a (miR‐181a) expression levels were lower in HepG2 cells than in Hep3B cells. Exogenous miR‐181a expression in HepG2 cells reduced apoptosis, whereas inhibition of miR‐181a in Hpe3B cells increased apoptosis. In addition, we demonstrated that miR‐181a directly targets RASSF1, a MAPK signaling factor, and knockdown of RASSF1 increased sorafenib resistance. Taken together, these results suggest that miR‐181a provokes sorafenib resistance through suppression of RASSF1. Our data provide important insight into the novel therapeutic strategy against sorafenib resistance of HCC cells by targeting of miR‐181a pathway.
Synthesis of temporarily solubilised azo disperse dyes containing a β‐sulphatoethylsulphonyl group and dispersant‐free dyeing of polyethylene terephthalate fabric
Authors: Kim Jae Pil , Kim Ji Su , Park Jong Seung , Jang Seung Soon , Lee Jung Jin
Published: July 2016

Disperse dyes containing a β‐sulphatoethylsulphonyl group have temporary solubility and can be applied for dispersant‐free dyeing of hydrophobic fibre. Six novel temporarily solubilised azo disperse dyes having a β‐sulphatoethylsulphonyl group in their structures were synthesised, and their dyeing properties on polyester were investigated. As a dye intermediate, a diazo component having dibromo groups was prepared, and 4‐diethylamino‐4′‐(2‐sulphatoethylsulphonyl‐4,6‐dibromo)azobenzene dyes were prepared by a diazo‐coupling reaction. Then, the dyes containing dicyano groups were prepared by cyanation of corresponding dyes with dibromo groups. The absorption maxima of the dyes were affected by the substituents in the diazo and coupling component rings and varied from 434 to 616 nm in dimethylformamide. Polyethylene terephthalate woven fabric could be dyed with the synthesised temporarily solubilised dyes without using any dispersants. Dyebath pH affected the K/S value at maximum absorption as well as percentage exhaustion on polyethylene terephthalate fabric, and the optimum pH was 5. The dyes gave brownish orange, red, purple, and greenish blue hues on polyethylene terephthalate fabrics, and colour build‐up was good. Wash fastness was good to excellent, rubbing fastness was moderate to excellent, and light fastness was poor to moderate.
Dynamics of the heart rate variability and oxygen saturation response to acute normobaric hypoxia within the first 10 min of exposure
Authors: Krejčí Jakub , Botek Michal , McKune Andrew J.
Published: July 2016

Although the heart rate variability (HRV) response to hypoxia has been studied, little is known about the dynamics of HRV after hypoxia exposure. The purpose of this study was to assess the HRV and oxygen saturation (SpO2) responses to normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 = 9·6%) comparing 1 min segments to baseline (normoxia). Electrocardiogram and SpO2 were recorded during a 10‐min hypoxia exposure in 29 healthy male subjects aged 26·0 ± 4·9 years. Baseline HRV values were obtained from a 5‐min recording period prior to hypoxia. The hypoxia period was split into 10 non‐overlapping 1‐min segments and time domain HRV indexes (RMSSD and SDNN) were calculated for each segment. Differences (Δ) from baseline values were calculated and transformed using natural logarithm (Ln). This study revealed that the decrease in ΔSpO2 became significant (P<0·001) in the first minute of hypoxia, the decrease in ΔLn RMSSD became significant (P = 0·002) in the second minute, and the decrease in ΔLn SDNN became significant (P = 0·001) in the third minute. Between the second and fifth minute of hypoxia, ΔSpO2 correlated with ΔLn RMSSD (r = 0·57, P<0·001) and ΔLn SDNN (r = 0·44, P<0·001). Five min after the onset of hypoxia, ΔSpO2 was significantly (P = 0·002) decreased but changes in ΔLn RMSSD (P = 0·344) and ΔLn SDNN (P = 0·558) were not significant. In conclusion, the decrease in HRV was proportional to desaturation but only during the first 5 min of hypoxia.
A Theory of Why the Ruthless Revolt
Authors: Hendrickson Joshua R. , Salter Alexander William
Published: July 2016

We examine whether ruthless members of society are more likely to revolt against an existing government. The decision of whether to participate can be analyzed in the same way as the decision to exercise an option. We consider this decision when there are two groups in society: the ruthless and average citizens. We assume that the ruthless differ from the average citizens because they invest in fighting technology and therefore face a lower cost of participation. The participation decision then captures two important (and conflicting) incentives. The first is that, since participation is costly, there is value in waiting to participate. The second is that there is value in being the first mover and capturing a greater share of the “spoils of war” if the revolution is successful. Our model generates the following implications. First, since participation is costly, there is some positive threshold for the net benefit that must be met before any individual decides to participate. Second, if the ruthless do not have a significant cost advantage, then one cannot predict, a priori, that the ruthless lead the revolt. Third, when the ruthless have a significant cost advantage, they have a lower threshold and always enter the conflict first. Finally, existing regimes can delay revolution among one or both groups by increasing the cost of participation.
Guttural pouch leiomyosarcoma causing nasopharyngeal compression in a pony
Authors: Drew S. J. , Meehan L. , Reardon R. J. M. , McGorum B. C. , Dixon P. M. , Del‐Pozo J.
Published: July 2016

A 14‐year‐old Connemara cross gelding presented with abnormal respiratory noise and exercise intolerance. Upper airway endoscopy, ultrasonography, radiography and computed tomography revealed a large mass within the left guttural pouch causing marked left dorsal nasopharyngeal collapse and displacement and compression of the right guttural pouch. The horse was subjected to euthanasia and a post‐mortem examination confirmed the above findings. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the mass confirmed a diagnosis of guttural pouch leiomyosarcoma, a lesion previously unreported at this site.
Oesophageal lumenpHin yearling horses and effects of management and administration of omeprazole
Authors: Wilson C. S. , Brookes V. J. , Hughes K. J. , Trope G. D. , Ip H. , Gunn A. J.
Published: July 2016

Background

In human subjects, arytenoid chondritis can be caused by chemical trauma of mucosa attributable to gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Although a similar process may be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of arytenoid chondritis in horses, the oesophageal lumenpHin this species is poorly understood.

Objectives

To determine if gastro‐oesophageal reflux occurs in horses by characterising oesophageal lumenpH.

Study design

Blinded, randomised, placebo‐controlled, crossover, experimental study.

Methods

Luminal oesophagealpHin six yearling horses was recorded over four 24 h periods using an ambulatorypHrecorder attached to a catheter with two electrodes (proximal and distal) inserted into the oesophagus. Recordings ofpHwere made during three management protocols. Initially, horses grazed in a paddock (Protocol A). Horses were then moved to stables to simulate sale preparation of Thoroughbred yearlings, and were given either omeprazole (Protocol B) or placebo paste (Protocol C) orally once per day. Protocol A was repeated for each horse (after a 13 day washout period) between Protocols B and C. Summary statistics describedpHrange and frequency ofpHchanges. Associations with predictor variables were investigated using linear mixed‐effects models. Data are presented as the mean ± s.d.

Results

Oesophageal lumenpHranged from 4.90 to 9.70 (7.36 ± 0.27 and 7.18 ± 0.24 for the proximal and distal electrodes, respectively) and varied frequently (1.2 ± 0.9 changes/min and 0.8 ± 0.8 changes/min for the proximal and distal electrodes, respectively). Oesophageal lumenpHwas associated with time since concentrate feeding, activity and time of day, but not with treatment of omeprazole.

Main limitations

A small number of horses were used and measurement periods were limited.

Conclusions

Gastro‐oesophageal reflux occurs in clinically normal yearling horses. Although omeprazole had no detectable effect, oesophageal lumenpHrecorded during this study did not fall within the therapeutic range of omeprazole.
The Issue of Ethics and Authority for Licensed Mental Health Professionals Involved in Parenting Coordination
Authors: Amundson Jon K. , Lux Glenda M.
Published: July 2016

We examine the ethics of licensed mental health professionals accepting the authority inherent in binding arbitration when acting as parenting coordinators (PCs). PCs execute their duties under the umbrella of their professional identity and standards of practice. Fundamental differences exist in how the law and the behavioral sciences conceive human behavior and authority, in particular, authority by role and authority by status. Ethical concerns arise when licensed mental health professionals accept the authority to render binding judgments and ask clients to surrender their autonomy through informed consent. We offer recommendations for PCs to avoid these ethical complications.
Potential steps in the evolution of a fused trimeric all‐β dUTPase involve a catalytically competent fused dimeric intermediate
Authors: Benedek András , Horváth András , Hirmondó Rita , Ozohanics Olivér , Békési Angéla , Módos Károly , Révész Ágnes , Vékey Károly , Nagy Gergely N. , Vértessy Beáta G.
Published: July 2016

Deoxyuridine 5′‐triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) is essential for genome integrity. Interestingly, this enzyme from Drosophila virilis has an unusual form, as three monomer repeats are merged with short linker sequences, yielding a fused trimer‐like dUTPase fold. Unlike homotrimeric dUTPases that are encoded by a single repeat dut gene copy, the three repeats of the D. virilis dut gene are not identical due to several point mutations. We investigated the potential evolutionary pathway that led to the emergence of this extant fused trimeric dUTPase in D. virilis. The herein proposed scenario involves two sequential gene duplications followed by sequence divergence amongst the dut repeats. This pathway thus requires the existence of a transient two‐repeat‐containing fused dimeric dUTPase intermediate. We identified the corresponding ancestral dUTPase single repeat enzyme together with its tandem repeat evolutionary intermediate and characterized their enzymatic function and structural stability. We additionally engineered and characterized artificial single or tandem repeat constructs from the extant enzyme form to investigate the influence of the emergent residue alterations on the formation of a functional assembly. The observed severely impaired stability and catalytic activity of these latter constructs provide a plausible explanation for evolutionary persistence of the extant fused trimeric D. virilis dUTPase form. For the ancestral homotrimeric and the fused dimeric intermediate forms, we observed strong catalytic and structural competence, verifying viability of the proposed evolutionary pathway. We conclude that the progression along the herein described evolutionary trajectory is determined by the retained potential of the enzyme for its conserved three‐fold structural symmetry.
The influence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation on paralarval market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens)
Authors: Perretti Charles T. , Sedarat Mohammad
Published: July 2016

California market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens) support one of the largest and most valuable fisheries in California. However, market squid abundance varies greatly from year to year, ostensibly as a result of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, although the underlying mechanism is not known. Classic hypotheses suggest that the early larval stage may be the key to uncovering this mechanism. Here, we perform a time series analysis, length‐distribution analysis, and growth analysis to investigate the effects of ENSO on paralarval D. opalescens. In contrast to classic hypotheses, we find that ENSO does not drive early paralarval survival or growth. Instead, we find that the ENSO operates primarily on the late paralarval stage, with El Niño conditions associated with lower survival of late‐stage paralarvae. We also find that time series models which use ENSO conditions during the previous juvenile and adult stage outperform models that use ENSO conditions during the paralarval stage. Our results suggest that the population bottleneck for D. opalescens does not occur in the early paralarval stage, but instead lies later in the squid's life.
Impact of dementia on behavioral independence and disturbance
Authors: Nakayama Naoyuki , Suzuki Makoto , Endo Arisa , Nitanda Yusuke , Tanabe Nao , Watanabe Aki , Fukuda Michinari , Endo Teruaki
Published: July 2016

Aim

Decreasing behavioral independence levels and increasing frequencies of behavioral disturbances are the most problematic aspects for people with dementia. However, the relative effects of dementia on these factors are unknown. We investigated variability in behavioral independence and disturbance profiles of patients with dementia.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional correlation study in which 70 inpatients with dementia from convalescent wards in a hospital were enrolled. We assessed cognitive impairments with the Mini‐Mental State Examination, evaluated behavioral independence levels with the Functional Independence Measure and assessed frequency of behavioral disturbances with the Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale.

Results

Coefficient determination was 0.395 (P < 0.0001) between the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Functional Independence Measure scores, 0.261 (P < 0.0001) between the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale scores, and 0.355 (P < 0.0001) between the Functional Independence Measure and Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale scores. The most easily accomplished behavioral independence was eating, and the hardest was transfer to tub/shower. The behavioral disturbance with the highest frequency was urinary incontinence, and the lowest was emptying drawers or closets.

Conclusions

Moderate correlations were found between severity of dementia and behavioral independence levels and frequencies of behavioral disturbances. There were both easier and harder to accomplish behaviors, and both higher and lower frequencies of behavioral disturbances. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 605–613.
Social support, coping strategies and their correlations with older adults’ relocation adjustments after natural disaster
Authors: Chao Shiau‐Fang
Published: July 2016

Aim

The present study examines the associations among social support, coping strategies and relocation adjustment outcomes, including community cohesion, residential satisfaction and depressive symptoms, for older persons in Taiwan displaced by Typhoon Morakot.

Methods

This study enrolled 372 adults aged 60 years or older who were relocated to permanent houses after Typhoon Morakot destroyed their homes on 8 August 2009. A path analysis simultaneously examined the hypothesized links among social support, coping strategies and relocation adjustment outcomes.

Results

The relationships between coping strategies and relocation outcomes varied. Problem‐focused and support‐seeking coping were positively related to perceived community cohesion, whereas emotion‐focused coping was associated with a high number of depressive symptoms. Social support was positively related to residential satisfaction. Additionally, social support was also indirectly related to increased community cohesion and residential satisfaction through its positive relationship with support‐seeking and problem‐focused coping.

Conclusions

More interventions should be implemented to enhance support within informal networks and a sense of belonging to the new resident community, thereby promoting more active coping strategies, enhancing the effectiveness of coping efforts and maximizing positive adjustment outcomes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1006–1014.
Towards an Understanding of the Ontological Conditions issuing from Original Sin
Authors: Brazier P. H.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to explore in the light of recent scientific discoveries, coupled with a return to biblical orthodoxy, the question of the Fall (Augustine and Paul, Gen. 3, Rom. 7), and the apparent intergenerational conditions of original sin. This is the human condition – East of Eden. Invoking Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection from random mutation as a means of repudiating the existence of original sin can no longer be sustained, scientifically; the biology of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), transgenerational epigenetics (TGE), accelerated evolution (AE) and biological plasticity (BP) has rendered Darwinism grounded in a Naturalistic methodology an inadequate explanation. If humanity is ‘born this way’ – mired in sin – have we condemned ourselves and our children to this status? How does this affect the relationship between biology and free will, between a form of predestination and decision‐making? Therefore, this paper is towards an understanding of the ontology of the original, or first, sin, and is a biblical and scientific exploration of postlapsarian humanity's self‐willed state, ‘East of Eden.’
Both cancerous miR‐21 and stromal miR‐21 in urothelial carcinoma are related to tumour progression
Authors: Ohno Rena , Uozaki Hiroshi , Kikuchi Yoshinao , Kumagai Arisa , Aso Tatsuya , Watanabe Masato , Watabe Shiori , Muto Satoru , Yamaguchi Raizo
Published: July 2016

Aims

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a globally common cancer. miR‐21 appears to be important in the tumorigenesis of almost all types of human cancer. However, its precise localization and significance in UC have yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to examine miR‐21 expression in UC and reveal its clinicopathological importance.

Methods and results

Tissue arrays of 232 UCs were examined for miR‐21 by the use of in‐situ hybridization. One hundred and forty‐eight transurethral resection specimens and 84 surgically resected specimens were used. After miR‐21 positivity had been evaluated separately in tumour cells and the tumour stroma, it was compared with clinicopathological factors and overall survival. miR‐21 was strongly expressed in tumour cells in 9% of cases and in the tumour stroma in 6% of cases. Stromal miR‐21 positivity was lower than that of cancerous miR‐21. Both miR‐21s were correlated with each other and related to tumour stage, locus, and histological grade. In addition, strong positivity of miR‐21 in cancer and the stroma was significantly related to poorer prognosis among surgically resected cases. In a Cox proportional hazard model, cancerous miR‐21 was the only independent prognostic factor except for tumour stage.

Conclusions

miR‐21 in both cancer and stromal cells is closely related to tumour progression in UC. miR‐21 may be a prognostic marker for cancer progression.
Quality of initial HIV care in Canada: extension of a composite programmatic assessment tool for HIV therapy
Authors: Kesselring S , Cescon A , Colley G , Osborne C , Zhang W , Raboud JM , Hosein SR , Burchell AN , Cooper C , Klein MB , Loutfy M , Machouf N , Montaner JSG , Rachlis A , Tsoukas C , Hogg RS , Lima VD ,   the Canadian Observational Cohort Collaboration (CANOC)
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To document the quality of initial HIV care in Canada using the Programmatic Compliance Score (PCS), to explore the association of the PCS with mortality, and to identify factors associated with higher quality of care.

Methods

We analysed data from the Canadian Observational Cohort Collaboration (CANOC), a multisite Canadian cohort of HIV‐positive adults initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2000 to 2011. PCS indicators of noncompliance with HIV treatment guidelines include: fewer than three CD4 count tests in the first year of ART; fewer than three viral load tests in the first year of ART; no drug resistance testing before initiation; baseline CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3; starting a nonrecommended ART regimen; and not achieving viral suppression within 6 months of initiation. Indicators are summed for a score from 0 to 6; higher scores indicate poorer care. Cox regression was used to assess the association between PCS and mortality and ordinal logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with higher quality of care.

Results

Of the 7460 participants (18% female), the median score was 1.0 (Q1−Q3 1.0−2.0); 21% scored 0 and 8% scored ≥ 4. In multivariable analysis, compared with a score of 0, poorer PCS was associated with mortality for scores > 1 [score = 2: adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 1.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–2.36; score = 3: AHR 2.02; 95% CI 1.38–2.97; score ≥ 4: AHR 2.14; 95% CI 1.43–3.21], after adjustments for age, sex, province, ART start year, hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection, and baseline viral load. Women, individuals with HCV coinfection, younger people, and individuals starting ART earlier (2000−2003) had poorer scores.

Conclusions

Our findings further validate the PCS as a predictor of all‐cause mortality. Disparities identified suggest that further efforts are needed to ensure that care is equitably accessible.
Active tectonics around the junction of Southwest Japan and Ryukyu arcs: Control by subducting plate geometry and pre‐Quaternary geologic structure
Authors: Okamura Yukinobu
Published: July 2016

The origin of active faults in the Inner zone of the western part of Southwest Japan was explained by a decrease of the minimum principal stress and reactivation of ancient geologic structures. Although the E–W maximum principal stress in Southwest Japan due to the collision of the Southwest and Northeast Japan arcs along the Itoigawa–Shizuoka Tectonic Line is assumed to decrease westward, the density of active strike‐slip faults increases in the western margin of the Southwest Japan Arc (western Chugoku and northern Kyushu) where the subducting Philippine Sea Plate dips steeply. The E–W maximum compressional stress is predominant throughout Southwest Japan, while the N–S minimum principal stress that is presumably caused by coupling between Southwest Japan arc and Philippine Sea Plate decreases due to the weak plate coupling as the plate inclination increases under the western margin of Southwest Japan. The increase of the fault density in the western margin of the arc is attributed to a decrease of the minimum principal stress and consequent increase of shear stress. Low slip rates of the active faults in this region support the view that the westward increase of fault density is not a response to increasing maximum stress. These faults of onshore and offshore lie in three distinct domains defined on the basis of fault strike. They are defined domains I, II, and III which are composed of active faults striking ENE–WSW, NW–SE, and NE–SW, respectively. Faulting in domains I, II, and III is related to Miocene rift basins, Eocene normal faults, and Mesozoic strike‐slip faults, respectively. Although these active faults are strike‐slip faults due to E–W maximum stress, it is unclear whether their fault planes are the same as those of pre‐Quaternary dip‐slip faults.
Pneumonia and influenza hospitalizations among children under 5 years of age in Suzhou, China, 2005–2011
Authors: Zhang Xiyan , Zhang Jun , Chen Liling , Feng Luzhao , Yu Hongjie , Zhao Genming , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2016

Background

The disease burden of influenza among children in China has not been well described.

Objective

To estimate the influenza‐associated excess hospitalization rate and compare the hospitalization length and costs between pneumonia and influenza (P&I) and other community‐acquired diseases (CAD) in Suzhou, China.

Methods

We retrospectively collected hospital discharge data on pediatric patients' discharge diagnosis, hospital costs, and length of hospital stay in Suzhou. P&I hospitalization was defined as a primary discharge diagnosis of pneumonia and influenza disease (ICD‐10 codes J09–J18). Other CAD were common community‐acquired diseases among children. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the weekly P&I hospitalizations in Suzhou. Excess P&I hospitalizations due to influenza were calculated as the difference in P&I hospitalizations between the epidemic period and the baseline period. Baseline was defined as when the influenza‐positive rates were <5% for two consecutive weeks.

Results

From October 2005 to September 2011, we identified a total of 180 091 all‐cause hospitalizations among children <5 years of age in Suzhou City. The rates of P&I and influenza‐associated excess hospitalizations were highest in the 2009–2010 pandemic and 2010–2011 post‐pandemic seasons. Infants <6 months of age had the highest P&I hospitalization rates, the longest hospital stays (7.5–8.0 days), and the highest hospitalization costs for P&I. Compared with other CAD, children admitted for P&I had longer hospital stays and higher hospitalization costs.

Conclusions

The influenza‐associated P&I hospitalization rates and economic burden were high among children. Targeted influenza prevention and control strategies for young children in Suzhou may reduce the influenza‐associated hospitalizations in this age group.
Trade‐offs between reproduction and self‐maintenance (immune function and body mass) in a small seabird, the little auk
Authors: Kulaszewicz Izabela , Wojczulanis‐Jakubas Katarzyna , Jakubas Dariusz
Published: July 2016

Breeding season is the most energetically and physiologically demanding phase in the avian annual cycle, challenging adults' physiology and survival. However, the timing and extent that self‐maintenance of breeding adults is compromised during the breeding season is poorly understood. We investigated the trade‐off between reproduction and self‐maintenance in relation to breeding phase (prelaying, incubation, chick rearing) and sex in a small Arctic seabird, the little auk Alle alle. To measure a bird's allocation of time for self‐maintenance, we examined size‐adjusted body mass and immunocompetence expressed by bacteria (Escherichia coli) killing capacity (BKC) of blood plasma, heterophils/lymphocyte ratio (H/L) and their numbers of particular leucocytes per 10 000 red blood cells (RBC). We found that size‐adjusted body mass decreased as the breeding season progressed. BKC, number of heterophils and H/L values were all was significantly higher at prelaying when compared to all other phases. Interestingly, we found that heavier individuals had higher BKC and number heterophils at the prelaying and chick rearing phases than light individuals. There were no differences by sex in any studied variables. Our results indicate that immunocompetence and body mass of breeding adults decreases over the course of breeding season. The efficiency of the immune system appears to be dependent on the bird's body reserves. Our results suggest that little auks allocation of resources into reproduction negatively affects their self‐maintenance.
Early exposure to a bacterial endotoxin advances the onset of moult in the European starling
Authors: Pirrello Simone , Pilastro Andrea , Rubolini Diego , Cecere Jacopo G. , Romano Andrea , Andreotti Alessandro , Volponi Stefano , Saino Nicola , Griggio Matteo , Serra Lorenzo
Published: July 2016

In animals, events occurring early in life can have profound effects on subsequent life‐history events. Early developmental stresses often produce negative long‐lasting impacts, although positive effects of mild stressors have also been documented. Most studies of birds have investigated the effects of events occurring at early developmental stages on the timing of migration or reproduction, but little is known on the long‐term effects of these early events on moulting and plumage quality. We exposed European starling Sturnus vulgaris nestlings to an immune challenge to assess the effects of a developmental stress on the timing of the first (post‐juvenile) and second (post‐breeding) complete annual moult, the length of the flight feathers, and the length and colouration of ornamental throat feathers. The nestlings were transferred to indoor aviaries before fledgling and kept in captivity until the end of post‐breeding moult. Individuals treated with Escherichia coli lypopolysaccharide (LPS) started both moult cycles earlier compared to control siblings. Moult duration was unaffected by the immune challenge, but an advanced moult onset resulted in a longer moult duration. Moreover, female (but not male) throat feather colouration of LPS‐injected individuals showed a reduced UV chroma. We argue that an early activation of the immune system caused by LPS may allow nestlings to better cope with post‐fledging stresses and lead to an earlier moult onset. The effect of early LPS exposure was remarkably persistent, as it was still visible more than one year after the treatment, and highlighted the importance of early developmental stresses in shaping subsequent major life‐history traits, including the timing of moult in birds.
Pair complementarity influences reproductive output in the polymorphic black sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus
Authors: Tate Gareth , Sumasgutner Petra , Koeslag Ann , Amar Arjun
Published: July 2016

How multiple morphs are maintained within populations of colour polymorphic bird species remains a challenging question in evolutionary ecology. In some systems, differential productivity or survival between morphs are thought to play a role. Here we examine key demographic parameters between the two discrete adult morphs that characterise the polymorphic black sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus. Using long‐term breeding and survival data from a population on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, we test for differences in reproductive performance between light and dark morphs, both in isolation and in combination with their partner morph and adult survival between morphs. We found that neither morph had a specific advantage in terms of productivity or survival. Despite this lack of difference between the individual morphs, we did however find that morph combination of adult pairs influenced productivity significantly, with mixed‐pairs producing more offspring per year than pairs consisting of the same morph. The body condition of the offspring showed the opposite relationship, with nestlings of mixed‐pairs having lower body condition than nestlings of like‐pairs. While our results suggest an advantage of mating with the opposite morph, there was no evidence for disassortative mating; instead breeding pair morph combinations were random with respect to the background frequencies of the two morphs. Higher productivity of mixed‐pairs may be the result of the complementary nature of care provided by the different morphs. We propose that differential foraging success between black sparrowhawk morphs under varying light conditions allows mixed‐pairs to expand their foraging niche. We conclude that emergent pair‐level properties may play an important role in promoting and maintaining polymorphism and may be important for other bird species which display bi‐parental care.
Towards a Dynamic Approach to Urban Metabolism: Tracing the Temporal Evolution of Brussels’ Urban Metabolism from 1970 to 2010
Authors: Athanassiadis Aristide , Bouillard Philippe , Crawford Robert H. , Khan Ahmed Z.
Published: July 2016

Urban metabolism (UM) is a way of characterizing the flows of materials and energy through and within cities. It is based on a comparison of cities to living organisms, which, like cities, require energy and matter flows to function and which generate waste during the mobilization of matter. Over the last 40 years, this approach has been applied in numerous case studies. Because of the data‐intensive nature of a UM study, however, this methodology still faces some challenges. One such challenge is that most UM studies only present macroscopic results on either energy, water, or material flows at a particular point in time. This snapshot of a particular flow does not allow the tracing back of the flow's evolution caused by a city's temporal dynamics. To better understand the temporal dynamics of a UM, this article first presents the UM for Brussels Capital Region for 2010, including energy, water, material, and pollution flows. A temporal evaluation of these metabolic flows, as well as some urban characteristics starting from the seminal study of Duvigneaud and Denayer‐De Smet in the early 1970s to 2010, is then carried out. This evolution shows that Brussels electricity, natural gas, and water use increased by 160%, 400%, and 15%, respectively, over a period of 40 years, whereas population only increased by 1%. The effect of some urban characteristics on the UM is then briefly explored. Finally, this article succinctly compares the evolution of Brussels’ UM with those of Paris, Vienna, Barcelona, and Hong Kong and concludes by describing further research pathways that enable a better understanding of the complex functioniong of UM over time.