bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early‐life antibiotic use and subsequent diagnosis of food allergy and allergic diseases
Authors: Hirsch A. G. , Pollak J. , Glass T. A. , Poulsen M. N. , Bailey‐Davis L. , Mowery J. , Schwartz B. S.
Published: August 2016

Background

Antibiotic use in early life has been linked to disruptions in the microbiome. Such changes can disturb immune system development. Differences have been observed in the microbiota of children with and without allergies, but there have been few studies on antibiotic use and allergic disease.

Objective

We evaluated associations of early‐life antibiotic use with subsequent occurrence of food allergy and other allergies in childhood using electronic health record data.

Methods

We used longitudinal data on 30 060 children up to age 7 years from Geisinger Clinic's electronic health record to conduct a sex‐ and age‐matched case–control study to evaluate the association between antibiotic use and milk allergy, non‐milk food allergies, and other allergies. For each outcome, we estimated conditional logistic regression models adjusting for race/ethnicity, history of Medical Assistance, and mode of birth delivery. Models were repeated separately for penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides.

Results

There were 484 milk allergy cases, 598 non‐milk food allergy cases and 3652 other allergy cases. Children with three or more antibiotic orders had a greater odds of milk allergy (Odds Ratio; 95% Confidence interval) (1.78; 1.28–2.48), non‐milk food allergy (1.65; 1.27–2.14), and other allergies (3.07; 2.72–3.46) compared with children with no antibiotic orders. Associations were strongest at younger ages and differed by antibiotic class.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

We observed associations between antibiotic orders and allergic diseases, providing evidence of a potentially modifiable clinical practice associated with paediatric allergic disease. Differences by antibiotic class should be further explored, as this knowledge could inform paediatric treatment decisions.
Nociceptin reduces the inflammatory immune microenvironment in a conventional murine model of airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Spaziano G. , Sorrentino R. , Matteis M. , Malgieri G. , Sgambato M. , Russo T. P. , Terlizzi M. , Roviezzo F. , Rossi F. , Pinto A. , Fattorusso R. , D'Agostino B.
Published: August 2016

Background

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP) are involved in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation. However, the role of nociceptin at modulating the inflammatory immune microenvironment in asthma is still unclear.

Objective

To understand the role of N/OFQ in the regulation of a Th2‐like environment, we used a conventional murine model of AHR.

Methods

Balb/c and CD1 mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and treated with saline solution or N/OFQ, at days 0 and 7. A group of Balb/c mice were killed at 7 and 14 days from the first sensitization for the inflammatory profile evaluation while a group of Balb/c and CD1 mice were aerosol‐challenged from day 21 to 23 with OVA and killed 24 h later for functional evaluations.

Results

In OVA‐sensitized mice, N/OFQ significantly reduced IL‐4+ CD4+ T cells in lymph nodes (LN) and IL‐13 in the lungs, while it induced IFN‐γ increase in the lung. The efflux of dendritic cells (DCs) to the mediastinic LN and into the lung of OVA‐sensitized mice was reduced in N/OFQ‐treated and sensitized mice. N/OFQ reduced the expression of CD80 on DCs, indicating its ability to modulate the activation of DCs. In a less prone Th2‐like environment mice strain, such as CD1 mice, N/OFQ did not modify lung resistances as observed in BALB/c mice. Finally, spectroscopic data showed the N/OFQ was able to interact onto the membrane of DCs obtained from Balb/c rather than CD1 mice, indicating its ability to modulate AHR in a Th2‐like environment with a direct activity on DCs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our data confirmed the capability of N/OFQ to modulate the immune microenvironment in the lung of Th2‐biased, OVA‐sensitized Balb/c mice, suggesting N/OFQ‐NOP axis as a novel pharmacological tool to modulate the inflammatory immune microenvironment in asthma.
GPR55‐dependent stimulation of insulin secretion from isolated mouse and human islets of Langerhans
Authors: Liu Bo , Song Shuang , Ruz-Maldonado Inmaculada , Pingitore Attilio , Huang Guo C. , Baker David , Jones Peter M. , Persaud Shanta J.
Published: August 2016

Aims

The novel cannabinoid receptor GPR55 is expressed by rodent islets and it has been implicated in β‐cell function in response to a range of ligands. This study evaluated the effects of GPR55 ligands on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels and insulin secretion from islets isolated from GPR55 knockout (GPR55
−/−) mice, age‐matched wildtype (WT) mice and human pancreas.

Materials and methods

GPR55 expression was determined by Western blotting and fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Changes in [Ca2+]i were measured by Fura‐2 microfluorimetry. Dynamic insulin secretion was quantified by radioimmunoassay following perifusion of isolated islets. RhoA activity was monitored using a Rho binding domain pull down assay.

Results

Western blotting indicated that MIN6 β‐cells, mouse and human islets express GPR55 and its localization on human β‐cells was demonstrated by fluorescent immunohistochemistry. The pharmacological GPR55 agonist O‐1602 (10 μM) significantly stimulated [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion from WT mouse islets and these stimulatory effects were abolished in islets isolated from GPR55
−/− mice. In contrast, while the putative endogenous GPR55 agonist lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI, 5 µM) and the GPR55 antagonist cannabidiol (CBD, 1 µM) also elevated [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion, these effects were sustained in islets from GPR55
−/− mice. Stimulatory effects of O‐1602 on [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion were also observed in experiments using human islets, but O‐1602 did not activate RhoA in MIN6 β‐cells.

Conclusions

Our results therefore suggest that GPR55 plays an important role in the regulation of mouse and human islet physiology, but LPI and CBD exert stimulatory effects on islet function by a GPR55‐independent pathway(s).
Can severity of aortic stenosis be determined despite absent contractile reserve in low‐flow low‐gradient aortic stenosis?
Authors: Vamvakidou Anastasia , Shah Benoy N. , Senior Roxy
Published: August 2016

A 79‐year‐old man presented with increasing breathlessness and his echocardiogram revealed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction and low‐flow low‐gradient aortic stenosis. Low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography revealed the absence of contractile reserve (increase of stroke volume by ≥20% did not occur). The test would have therefore been inconclusive. However, the attainment of normal flow (FR≥200 mL/s) during dobutamine stress enabled the diagnosis of true severe aortic stenosis.
Role of echocardiography before cardiac resynchronization therapy: new advances and current developments
Authors: Marechaux Sylvestre , Menet Aymeric , Guyomar Yves , Ennezat Pierre‐Vladimir , Guerbaai Raphaëlle Ashley , Graux Pierre , Tribouilloy Christophe
Published: August 2016

The role of echocardiography in improving the selection of patients who will benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains a source of debate. Although previous landmark reports have demonstrated a link between mechanical dyssynchrony, assessed by delays between left ventricle (LV) walls and response to CRT, the predictive value of these findings has not yet been confirmed in multicenter trials. Indeed, recent studies demonstrated that the classical assessment of LV mechanical dyssynchrony using delay between walls by echocardiography depends not only on LV electrical activation delay (electrical dyssynchrony), but also on abnormalities in regional contractility of the LV and/or loading conditions, which do not represent an appropriate target for CRT. Recent reports highlighted the value of new indices of electromechanical dyssynchrony obtained by echocardiography, to predict LV response and outcome after CRT including septal flash, left bundle branch block—typical pattern by longitudinal strain, apical rocking, septal strain patterns, and systolic stretch index. This was achieved using a mechanistic approach, based on the contractile consequences of electrical dyssynchrony. These indices are rarely found in patients with narrow QRS (<120 ms), whereas their frequency rises in patients with an increase in QRS duration (>120 ms). Theses indices should improve candidate selection for CRT in clinical practice, especially for patients in whom the benefit of CRT remains uncertain, for example, patients with intermediate QRS width (120–150 ms).
Feeding during the resting phase causes profound changes in physiology and desynchronization between liver and muscle rhythms of rats
Authors: Opperhuizen Anne‐Loes , Wang Dawei , Foppen Ewout , Jansen Remi , Boudzovitch‐Surovtseva Olga , de Vries Janneke , Fliers Eric , Kalsbeek Andries
Published: August 2016

Shiftworkers run an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders, presumably as a result of disturbed circadian physiology. Eating at a time‐of‐day that is normally dedicated to resting and fasting, may contribute to this association. The hypothalamus is the key brain area that integrates different inputs, including environmental time information from the central biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei, with peripheral information on energy status to maintain energy homeostasis. The orexin system within the lateral hypothalamus is an important output of the suprachiasmatic nuclei involved in the control of sleep/wake behavior and glucose homeostasis, among other functions. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that feeding during the rest period disturbs the orexin system as a possible underlying contributor to metabolic health problems. Male Wistar rats were exposed to an 8‐week protocol in which food was available ad libitum for 24‐h, for 12‐h during the light phase (i.e., unnatural feeding time) or for 12‐h during the dark phase (i.e., restricted feeding, but at the natural time‐of‐day). Animals forced to eat at an unnatural time, i.e., during the light period, showed no changes in orexin and orexin‐receptor gene expression in the hypothalamus, but the rhythmic expression of clock genes in the lateral hypothalamus was absent in these animals. Light fed animals did show adverse changes in whole‐body physiology and internal desynchronization of muscle and liver clock and metabolic gene expression. Eating at the ‘wrong’ time‐of‐day thus causes internal desynchronization at different levels, which in the long run may disrupt body physiology.
Relative contribution of the dorsal raphe nucleus and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray to morphine antinociception and tolerance in the rat
Authors: Campion Kyle N. , Saville Kimber A. , Morgan Michael M.
Published: August 2016

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is embedded in the ventral part of the caudal periaqueductal gray (PAG). Electrical or chemical activation of neurons throughout this region produces antinociception. The objective of this manuscript is to determine whether the ventrolateral PAG and DRN are distinct antinociceptive systems. This hypothesis was tested by determining the antinociceptive potency of microinjecting morphine into each structure (Experiment 1), creating a map of effective microinjection sites that produce antinociception (Experiment 2) and comparing the development of antinociceptive tolerance to repeated microinjections of morphine into the ventrolateral PAG and DRN (Experiment 3). Morphine was more potent following cumulative injections (1.0, 2.2, 4.6 & 10 μg/0.2 μL) into the ventrolateral PAG (D50 = 3.3 μg) compared to the lateral (4.3 μg) or medial DRN (5.8 μg). Antinociception occurred following 94% of the morphine injections into the ventrolateral PAG, whereas only 68.3% and 78.3% of the injections into the lateral and medial aspects of the DRN produced antinociception. Repeated microinjections of morphine into the ventrolateral PAG produced tolerance as indicated by a 528% difference in potency between morphine and saline pretreated rats. In contrast, relatively small changes in potency occurred following repeated microinjections of morphine into the lateral and medial aspects of the DRN (107% and 49%, respectively). These data indicate that the ventrolateral PAG and DRN are distinct antinociceptive structures. Antinociception is greater with injections into the ventrolateral PAG compared to the DRN, but this antinociception disappears rapidly because of the development of tolerance.
Blood oxygenation level dependent signal and neuronal adaptation to optogenetic and sensory stimulation in somatosensory cortex in awake animals
Authors: Aksenov Daniil P. , Li Limin , Miller Michael J. , Wyrwicz Alice M.
Published: August 2016

The adaptation of neuronal responses to stimulation, in which a peak transient response is followed by a sustained plateau, has been well‐studied. The blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal has also been shown to exhibit adaptation on a longer time scale. However, some regions such as the visual and auditory cortices exhibit significant BOLD adaptation, whereas other such as the whisker barrel cortex may not adapt. In the sensory cortex a combination of thalamic inputs and intracortical activity drives hemodynamic changes, although the relative contributions of these components are not entirely understood. The aim of this study is to assess the role of thalamic inputs vs. intracortical processing in shaping BOLD adaptation during stimulation in the somatosensory cortex. Using simultaneous fMRI and electrophysiology in awake rabbits, we measured BOLD, local field potentials (LFPs), single‐ and multi‐unit activity in the cortex during whisker and optogenetic stimulation. This design allowed us to compare BOLD and haemodynamic responses during activation of the normal thalamocortical sensory pathway (i.e., both inputs and intracortical activity) vs. the direct optical activation of intracortical circuitry alone. Our findings show that whereas LFP and multi‐unit (MUA) responses adapted, neither optogenetic nor sensory stimulation produced significant BOLD adaptation. We observed for both paradigms a variety of excitatory and inhibitory single unit responses. We conclude that sensory feed‐forward thalamic inputs are not primarily responsible for shaping BOLD adaptation to stimuli; but the single‐unit results point to a role in this behaviour for specific excitatory and inhibitory neuronal sub‐populations, which may not correlate with aggregate neuronal activity.
Reduced small world brain connectivity in probands with a family history of epilepsy
Authors: Bharath R. D. , Chaitanya G. , Panda R. , Raghavendra K. , Sinha S. , Sahoo A. , Gohel S. , Biswal B. B. , Satishchandra P.
Published: August 2016

Background and purpose

The role of inheritance in ascertaining susceptibility to epilepsy is well established, although the pathogenetic mechanisms are still not very clear. Interviewing for a positive family history is a popular epidemiological tool in the understanding of this susceptibility. Our aim was to visualize and localize network abnormalities that could be associated with a positive family history in a group of patients with hot water epilepsy (HWE) using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI).

Methods

Graph theory analysis of rsfMRI (clustering coefficient γ; path length λ; small worldness σ) in probands with a positive family history of epilepsy (FHE+, 25) were compared with probands without FHE (FHE−, 33). Whether a closer biological relationship was associated with a higher likelihood of network abnormalities was also ascertained.

Results

A positive family history of epilepsy had decreased γ, increased λ and decreased σ in bilateral temporofrontal regions compared to FHE− (false discovery rate corrected P ≤ 0.0062). These changes were more pronounced in probands having first degree relatives and siblings with epilepsy. Probands with multiple types of epilepsy in the family showed decreased σ in comparison to only HWE in the family.

Conclusion

Graph theory analysis of the rsfMRI can be used to understand the neurobiology of diseases like genetic susceptibility in HWE. Reduced small worldness, proportional to the degree of relationship, is consistent with the current understanding that disease severity is higher in closer biological relations.
Quantifying antiepileptic drug effects using intrinsic excitability measures
Authors: Meisel Christian , Plenz Dietmar , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Reichmann Heinz
Published: August 2016

Pathologic increases in excitability levels of cortical tissue commonly underlie the initiation and spread of seizure activity in patients with epilepsy. By reducing the excitability levels in neural tissue, antiepileptic drug (AED) pharmacotherapy aims to reduce seizure severity and frequency. However, AEDs may also bring about adverse effects, which have been reported to increase with higher AED load. Measures that monitor the dose‐dependent effects of AEDs on cortical tissue and quantify its excitability level are therefore of prime importance for efficient clinical care and treatment but have been difficult to identify. Here, we systematically analyze continuous multiday electrocorticography (ECoG) data from 10 patients under different levels of AED load and derive the recently proposed intrinsic excitability measures (IEMs) from different brain regions and across different frequency bands. We find that IEMs are significantly negatively correlated with AED load (prescribed daily dose/defined daily dose). Furthermore, we demonstrate that IEMs derived from different brain regions can robustly capture global changes in the degree of excitability. These results provide a step toward the ultimate goal of developing a reliable quantitative measure of central physiologic effects of AEDs in patients with epilepsy.
The Quagmire of Legacy in Family Firms: Definition and Implications of Family and Family Firm Legacy Orientations
Authors: Hammond Nathan L. , Pearson Allison W. , Holt Daniel T.
Published: August 2016

Family firm scholars often reference the legacy concerns or intentions of families when explaining strategic decision making in family firms. Yet, the concept of family legacy is not clearly defined or delineated in the literature. As such, we define and explore the family legacy construct from the integrated perspectives of psychosocial development and sense–making literatures. We identify three forms of family legacy: biological, material, and social. Further, we present the family and family firm legacy orientations as unique constructs, offering a theoretical model that proposes the linkages from these distinct orientations to strategic decision making and behavioral outcomes in family firms.
A Comparison of Three Online Recruitment Strategies for Engaging Parents
Authors: Dworkin Jodi , Hessel Heather , Gliske Kate , Rudi Jessie H.
Published: August 2016

Family scientists can face the challenge of effectively and efficiently recruiting normative samples of parents and families. Utilizing the Internet to recruit parents is a strategic way to find participants where they already are, enabling researchers to overcome many of the barriers to in‐person recruitment. The present study was designed to compare three online recruitment strategies for recruiting parents: e‐mail Listservs, Facebook, and Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Analyses revealed differences in the effectiveness and efficiency of data collection. In particular, MTurk resulted in the most demographically diverse sample, in a short period of time, with little cost. Listservs reached a large number of participants and resulted in a comparatively homogeneous sample. Facebook was not successful in recruiting a general sample of parents. Findings provide information that can help family researchers and practitioners be intentional about recruitment strategies and study design.
Beneficial effects of increased lysozyme levels in Alzheimer's disease modelled in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sandin Linnea , Bergkvist Liza , Nath Sangeeta , Kielkopf Claudia , Janefjord Camilla , Helmfors Linda , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Li Hongyun , Nilsberth Camilla , Garner Brett , Brorsson Ann‐Christin , Kågedal Katarina
Published: August 2016

Genetic polymorphisms of immune genes that associate with higher risk to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) have led to an increased research interest on the involvement of the immune system in AD pathogenesis. A link between amyloid pathology and immune gene expression was suggested in a genome‐wide gene expression study of transgenic amyloid mouse models. In this study, the gene expression of lysozyme, a major player in the innate immune system, was found to be increased in a comparable pattern as the amyloid pathology developed in transgenic mouse models of AD. A similar pattern was seen at protein levels of lysozyme in human AD brain and CSF, but this lysozyme pattern was not seen in a tau transgenic mouse model. Lysozyme was demonstrated to be beneficial for different Drosophila melanogaster models of AD. In flies that expressed Aβ1‐42 or AβPP together with BACE1 in the eyes, the rough eye phenotype indicative of toxicity was completely rescued by coexpression of lysozyme. In Drosophila flies bearing the Aβ1‐42 variant with the Arctic gene mutation, lysozyme increased the fly survival and decreased locomotor dysfunction dose dependently. An interaction between lysozyme and Aβ1‐42 in the Drosophila eye was discovered. We propose that the increased levels of lysozyme, seen in mouse models of AD and in human AD cases, were triggered by Aβ1‐42 and caused a beneficial effect by binding of lysozyme to toxic species of Aβ1‐42, which prevented these from exerting their toxic effects. These results emphasize the possibility of lysozyme as biomarker and therapeutic target for AD.
Thermal limits of leaf metabolism across biomes
Authors: O'sullivan Odhran S. , Heskel Mary A. , Reich Peter B. , Tjoelker Mark G. , Weerasinghe Lasantha K. , Penillard Aurore , Zhu Lingling , Egerton John J. G. , Bloomfield Keith J. , Creek Danielle , Bahar Nur H. A. , Griffin Kevin L. , Hurry Vaughan , Meir Patrick , Turnbull Matthew H. , Atkin Owen K.
Published: August 2016

High‐temperature tolerance in plants is important in a warming world, with extreme heat waves predicted to increase in frequency and duration, potentially leading to lethal heating of leaves. Global patterns of high‐temperature tolerance are documented in animals, but generally not in plants, limiting our ability to assess risks associated with climate warming. To assess whether there are global patterns in high‐temperature tolerance of leaf metabolism, we quantifiedTcrit(high temperature where minimal chlorophyllafluorescence rises rapidly and thus photosystemIIis disrupted) andTmax(temperature where leaf respiration in darkness is maximal, beyond which respiratory function rapidly declines) in upper canopy leaves of 218 plant species spanning seven biomes. Mean site‐basedTcritvalues ranged from 41.5 °C in the Alaskan arctic to 50.8 °C in lowland tropical rainforests of Peruvian Amazon. ForTmax, the equivalent values were 51.0 and 60.6 °C in the Arctic and Amazon, respectively.TcritandTmaxfollowed similar biogeographic patterns, increasing linearly (˜8 °C) from polar to equatorial regions. Such increases in high‐temperature tolerance are much less than expected based on the 20 °C span in high‐temperature extremes across the globe. Moreover, with only modest high‐temperature tolerance despite high summer temperature extremes, species in mid‐latitude (~20–50°) regions have the narrowest thermal safety margins in upper canopy leaves; these regions are at the greatest risk of damage due to extreme heat‐wave events, especially under conditions when leaf temperatures are further elevated by a lack of transpirational cooling. Using predicted heat‐wave events for 2050 and accounting for possible thermal acclimation ofTcritandTmax, we also found that these safety margins could shrink in a warmer world, as rising temperatures are likely to exceed thermal tolerance limits. Thus, increasing numbers of species in many biomes may be at risk as heat‐wave events become more severe with climate change.
Fishing degrades size structure of coral reef fish communities
Authors: Robinson James P. W. , Williams Ivor D. , Edwards Andrew M. , McPherson Jana , Yeager Lauren , Vigliola Laurent , Brainard Russell E. , Baum Julia K.
Published: August 2016

Fishing pressure on coral reef ecosystems has been frequently linked to reductions of large fishes and reef fish biomass. Associated impacts on overall community structure are, however, less clear. In size‐structured aquatic ecosystems, fishing impacts are commonly quantified using size spectra, which describe the distribution of individual body sizes within a community. We examined the size spectra and biomass of coral reef fish communities at 38 US‐affiliated Pacific islands that ranged in human presence from near pristine to human population centers. Size spectra ‘steepened’ steadily with increasing human population and proximity to market due to a reduction in the relative biomass of large fishes and an increase in the dominance of small fishes. Reef fish biomass was substantially lower on inhabited islands than uninhabited ones, even at inhabited islands with the lowest levels of human presence. We found that on populated islands size spectra exponents decreased (analogous to size spectra steepening) linearly with declining biomass, whereas on uninhabited islands there was no relationship. Size spectra were steeper in regions of low sea surface temperature but were insensitive to variation in other environmental and geomorphic covariates. In contrast, reef fish biomass was highly sensitive to oceanographic conditions, being influenced by both oceanic productivity and sea surface temperature. Our results suggest that community size structure may be a more robust indicator than fish biomass to increasing human presence and that size spectra are reliable indicators of exploitation impacts across regions of different fish community compositions, environmental drivers, and fisheries types. Size‐based approaches that link directly to functional properties of fish communities, and are relatively insensitive to abiotic variation across biogeographic regions, offer great potential for developing our understanding of fishing impacts in coral reef ecosystems.
Multiyear fate of a15N tracer in a mixed deciduous forest: retention, redistribution, and differences by mycorrhizal association
Authors: Goodale Christine L.
Published: August 2016

The impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on forest ecosystems depends in large part on its fate. Past tracer studies show that litter and soils dominate the short‐term fate of added15N, yet few have examined its longer term dynamics or differences among forest types. This study examined the fate of a15N‐tracer over 5–6 years in a mixed deciduous stand that was evenly composed of trees with ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal associations. The tracer was expected to slowly mineralize from its main initial fate in litter and surface soil, with some15N moving to trees, some to deeper soil, and some net losses. Recovery of added15N in trees and litterfall totaled 11.3% both 1 and 5–6 years after the tracer addition, as15N redistributed from fine and especially coarse roots into cumulative litterfall and small accumulations in woody tissues. Estimates of potential carbon sequestration from tree15N recovery amounted to 12–14 kg C per kg of N deposition. Tree15N acquisition occurred within the first year after the tracer addition, with no subsequent additional net transfer of15N from detrital to plant pools. In both years, ectomycorrhizal trees gained 50% more of the tracer than did trees with arbuscular mycorrhizae. Much of the15N recovered in wood occurred in tree rings formed prior to the15N addition, demonstrating the mobility of N in wood. Tracer recovery rapidly decreased over time in surface litter material and accumulated in both shallow and deep soil, perhaps through mixing by earthworms. Overall, results showed redistribution of tracer15N through trees and surface soils without any losses, as whole‐ecosystem recovery remained constant between 1 and 5–6 years at 70% of the15N addition. These results demonstrate the persistent ecosystem retention of N deposition even as it redistributes, without additional plant uptake over this timescale.
Re‐ensiling and inoculant application with Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici on sorghum silages
Authors: Michel P. H. F. , Gonçalves L. C. , Rodrigues J. A. S. , Keller K. M. , Raposo V. S. , Lima E. M. , Santos F. P. C. , Jayme D. G.
Published: August 2016

Re‐ensiling of previously ensiled forage has been a common practice in Brazil, and the use of inoculants may provide a means of reducing dry‐matter (DM) loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of re‐ensiling and the use of microbial inoculants on the quality of sorghum silage. Treatments were presence/absence of an inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici) in the silage, and the re‐ensiling, or not, of the material after 24 h of exposure to air, and these were tested in a factorial 2 × 2 design. Losses due to gas, effluent and total DM were assessed, as were the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, aerobic stability, and aerobic counts of microorganisms. Effluent loss was higher in re‐ensiled silage, and these silages had lower lactic acid content and higher levels of acetic and propionic acids. The in vitro DM digestibility was lower in the re‐ensiled sorghum silages. The re‐ensiled silage had higher aerobic stability. The inoculant only increased the acetic acid content of the silage. The re‐ensiling of sorghum silage increased effluent loss by 71·2%, and reduced DM digestibility by 5·35%. The use of inoculant did not influence the quality of sorghum silage.
Propensity for Japanese‐American older adults’ use of medical alert services in Hawaii
Authors: Yamazaki Yuka , Yontz Valerie , Hayashida Cullen
Published: August 2016

Aim

Hawaii is a fast‐aging, multi‐ethnic state. At present, ethnic Japanese represent the largest segment of the elderly population (aged ≥65 years). Studies in Western countries have identified an association between ethnicity and the use of homecare services. The present study sought to substantiate this association in relation to the use of a personal emergency response system service by older ethnic Japanese adults in Hawaii.

Methods

Questionnaires were mailed to 585 elderly subscribers of a company providing personal emergency response system services in Hawaii in 2014. The questionnaire inquired about the subscriber's ethnicity, functional disability, number of medications taken and falls experienced. Additional information on the sex, age and service payer was obtained for each of the responding subscribers from the corporate database. The χ2‐test and t‐test were carried out to assess the associations between factors.

Results

A total of 244 questionnaires were analyzed (41.7% response rate; mean age of respondents 86.1 + 7.8 years). Compared with non‐Japanese older adults, ethnic Japanese older adults had a higher propensity to use the personal emergency response system services, were older, used fewer prescribed medications and were more likely to have these services paid for by family members or to pay themselves.

Conclusions

Japanese culture might influence the use of personal emergency response system services. Ethnic Japanese older adults might want to receive homecare services focusing on preventing minor accidents from becoming medical crises because of their high level of concern for health, their independence and the availability of family support. Healthcare planners should consider such factors in the provision of care in Hawaii. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1392–1398.
A Luminous and Splendid Truth: On the Mystery of Predestination in Matthias Scheeben
Authors: Kuhner Matthew
Published: August 2016

Matthias Joseph Scheeben has been described as one of the greatest and least read theologians of the modern era. This article provides an overview of his theology of predestination, which remains a significant but little‐studied aspect of his thought. Section I offers a general sketch of Scheeben's theology of predestination, employing the chapter on this topic in The Mysteries of Christianity as a primary source. Section II takes a deeper look at Scheeben's theology of predestination through an engagement with relevant sections of his untranslated masterwork, the Dogmatik. This section will highlight Scheeben's relationship to both the de auxiliis controversy and the thought of Thomas Aquinas. Connections between Scheeben's theology of predestination and his other theological positions are noted throughout.
Implementation of evidence‐based health care using action research: An emancipatory approach
Authors: Cordeiro Luciana , Soares Cassia Baldini
Published: August 2016

The aim of the study is to discuss the emancipatory approach to action research as an appropriate methodology for workers' meaningful implementation of evidence‐based health care. Implementation of evidence‐based health care using action research is well supported by the literature. There are various approaches to action research, and they are coherent with the objectives and methods elected to develop the investigation. It is not clear which approach of action research is responsible for meaningful worker engagement in changing praxis. This is a discussion paper based on our experiences and supported by literature on collective health. Health care is defined as a social praxis, dependent upon the capitalist mode of production in which health workers engage themselves in a labour process that has negative (as alienation) as well as positive (as creativity) meanings. Emancipatory changes of social praxis through implementation of evidence‐based health care require that participants understand the positive and negative meanings of their work and engage health workers in a conscious and intentional collaborative educational process. Implementation of evidence‐based health care through emancipatory action research is capable of overcoming alienation and changing social practice through a participatory meaningful process of knowledge translation.
Implementation of evidence‐based practice by nurses working in community settings and their strategies to mentor student nurses to develop evidence‐based practice: A qualitative study
Authors: Brooke Joanne Mary , Mallion Jaimee
Published: August 2016

The aim of the study was to explore how community nurses apply the best available evidence to their practice, and how they mentor student nurses to conceptualize and implement evidence‐based practice in community settings. In the UK, the expansion of health‐care provision in the community has supported the development of highly skilled community nurses. However, there is limited literature regarding the strategies used by community nurses to implement evidence‐based practice and mentor student nurses to conceptualize evidence‐based practice in community placements. An exploratory qualitative approach applying inductive reasoning to focus group data was used. As a result, nurses working for a community NHS Foundation Trust in South England with a mentor qualification were invited to participate in one of the seven focus groups, 33 nurses participated. Data were analyzed with thematic analysis. The themes discussed in this paper are: ‘our practice is evidence‐based’ as guidelines and policies provided structure, but occasionally stifled autonomous clinical decision‐making, and ‘time’ as a barrier and facilitator to mentoring student nurses in community settings. In conclusion, nurses need to develop the ability to incorporate patients' needs and wishes within evidence‐based care. Time was a facilitator for some community mentors, but protected time is required to complete the necessary practice documentation of student nurses.
Clearance of apoptotic neutrophils and resolution of inflammation
Authors: Greenlee‐Wacker Mallary C.
Published: August 2016

The engulfment of apoptotic cells by phagocytes, a process referred to as efferocytosis, is essential for maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis and a prerequisite for the resolution of inflammation. Neutrophils are the predominant circulating white blood cell in humans, and contain an arsenal of toxic substances that kill and degrade microbes. Neutrophils are short‐lived and spontaneously die by apoptosis. This review will highlight how the engulfment of apoptotic neutrophils by human phagocytes occurs, how heterogeneity of phagocyte populations influences efferocytosis signaling, and downstream consequences of efferocytosis. The efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages promotes anti‐inflammatory signaling, prevents neutrophil lysis, and dampens immune responses. Given the immunomodulatory properties of efferocytosis, understanding pathways that regulate and enhance efferocytosis could be harnessed to combat infection and chronic inflammatory conditions.
What does caring mean to nursing and social work students?
Authors: Bagdonaite‐Stelmokiene R. , Zydziunaite V. , Suominen T. , Astedt‐Kurki P.
Published: August 2016

Aim

The aim of this study in Lithuania was to discover how the meaning of caring is perceived by nursing and social work students.

Background

Nursing and social work are caring professions, which provide care in different ways. It is still unclear what features constitute the meaning of caring for nursing and social work students as future caring professionals.

Methods

Snowball sampling technique was applied in the study. The data were collected as reflective narratives. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

For nursing and social work students, the meaning of caring comprises mission, proficiency, values and collaboration. These features overlap, but the implementation of caring is dependent on the particular profession.

Discussion

Nursing and social work students describe the meaning of caring as holistic assistance to patient/client: the work mission for both. However, the tasks, responsibilities and focus on providing care to a patient/client differ in both professions.

Limitations

Reflective narratives were preferred to semi‐structured interviews. The researchers did not contact the participants in person to ask them additional questions.

Conclusion

The meaning of caring is perceived as a developmental phenomenon, which depends on professional philosophy, practice, continuing learning and experience. Nursing and social work students perceive it as a way of thinking about the individual's being in a profession and acting collaboratively for the wellbeing of others.

Implications for health policy

Focus on the meaning of caring in nursing and social work (post)graduate education is a premise to shift the training from self‐ to other‐centred, from mono‐ to multi‐disciplinary approach. This is related to the shift of practices towards effective patient‐centred team‐working within the health system, with the spotlight on caring.
Pseudogenes regulate parental gene expression via ceRNA network
Authors: An Yang , Furber Kendra L. , Ji Shaoping
Published: August 2016

The concept of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) was first proposed by Salmena and colleagues. Evidence suggests that pseudogene RNAs can act as a ‘sponge’ through competitive binding of common miRNA, releasing or attenuating repression through sequestering miRNAs away from parental mRNA. In theory, ceRNAs refer to all transcripts such as mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, long non‐coding RNA, pseudogene RNA and circular RNA, because all of them may become the targets of miRNA depending on spatiotemporal situation. As binding of miRNA to the target RNA is not 100% complementary, it is possible that one miRNA can bind to multiple target RNAs and vice versa. All RNAs crosstalk through competitively binding to miRNAvia miRNA response elements (MREs) contained within the RNA sequences, thus forming a complex regulatory network. The ratio of a subset of miRNAs to the corresponding number of MREs determines repression strength on a given mRNA translation or stability. An increase in pseudogene RNA level can sequester miRNA and release repression on the parental gene, leading to an increase in parental gene expression. A massive number of transcripts constitute a complicated network that regulates each other through this proposed mechanism, though some regulatory significance may be mild or even undetectable. It is possible that the regulation of gene and pseudogene expression occurring in this manor involves all RNAs bearing common MREs. In this review, we will primarily discuss how pseudogene transcripts regulate expression of parental genes via ceRNA network and biological significance of regulation.
The Single Market: Trade Barriers and Trade Remedies
Authors: Egan Michelle , Guimarães Maria Helena
Published: August 2016

In this article we investigate how well the single market functions in practice by examining barriers to trade in goods markets and we discuss efforts to improve the governance of the single market. We use two unique datasets of specific trade obstacles to empirically examine which barriers continue to undermine EU cross‐border trade, and whether non‐judicial remedies have provided some degree of effective informal market governance in tackling trade impediments. Based on four hypotheses on country, industry and policy variables we test the probability of removing trade barriers in the pre‐litigation phase of infringement proceedings rather than by Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions. We then assess the usage and effectiveness of the informal mechanism Solvit to resolve trade obstacles in the single market. We conclude that informal mechanisms operate in the ‘shadow of hierarchy’ as judicialization remains the last resort option when informal co‐operation does not achieve the desired goals.
Effect of Prunus mahaleb Seed Powder on Dough Rheology and Bread Quality
Authors: Gökşen Gülden , Ekiz H. İbrahim
Published: August 2016

Prunus mahaleb is a well‐known medicinal plant with a sweet and pleasant odor. Its seed is an important source of protein, fatty acids, fiber, and secondary metabolites. The objectives of this study were to determine the physicochemical and organoleptic attributes of wheat bread containing five different percentages (control, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) of P. mahaleb seed powder (PM). Increasing the percentage of PM in the dough resulted in a less viscous paste or gel after cooking and cooling as well as a decreased retrogradation speed. The firmness of the bread crumbs during storage after baking significantly decreased with increasing percentages of PM. However, bread containing 8% PM was rated lower in the sensory evaluation and was significantly different in terms of acceptability, compared with the control (P < 0.05). This result may be due to excessive concentrations of aromatic compounds. Panelists decided that bread containing 4% PM is acceptable. The study indicates that PM can be used as an anti‐staling and aroma enhancing additive in other bakery products and that it may extend shelf life, fortify the diet, and supply pleasant taste and odor.

Practical Application

Flour replacement at different levels (from 2% up to 8%) by Prunus mahaleb seed powder changed dough machinability, viscoelasticity, and bread‐making performances. The addition of PM caused significant changes of the rheological parameters. The addition of 8% and more of PM led to a decreased bread quality, including the sensory quality. The present study has indicated that breads made with about 4% PM had high sensory acceptance. The incorporation of PM has a positive effect on the nutritional value of wheat breads. The rheological and textural properties are changed upon the including of this PM content.
Barriers to Mental Health Care for an Ethnically and Racially Diverse Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Sorkin Dara H. , Murphy Molly , Nguyen Hannah , Biegler Kelly A.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

This study examined potential barriers to mental healthcare use of older adults from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.

Design

Data were obtained from the 2007, 2009, 2011–12, and 2013–14 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), a population‐based survey representative of California's noninstitutionalized population.

Participants

The total sample consisted of 75,324 non‐Hispanic white (NHW), 6,600 black, 7,695 Asian and Pacific Islander (API), and 4,319 Hispanic adults aged 55 and older.

Results

Results from logistic regression analyses that controlled for multiple demographic and health status characteristics revealed ethnic and racial differences in reasons for not seeking treatment and for terminating treatment. Specifically, API and Hispanic adults had greater odds than NHWs of endorsing feeling uncomfortable talking to a professional as a reason for not seeking treatment. Hispanic respondents had lower odds of endorsing concerns about someone finding out than APIs, and APIs and blacks had significantly greater odds of endorsing this concern as a reason for not seeking treatment than NHWs. When asked about reasons for no longer receiving treatment, all respondents, irrespective of race or ethnicity, endorsed that they no longer needed treatment as the most frequent reason for terminating treatment, although specific ethnic and racial differences emerged with respect to perceptions of not getting better, lack of time or transportation, and lack of insurance coverage as reasons for no longer seeking treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding how barriers to mental health treatment differ for older adults from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds is an important step toward designing interventions to overcome these obstacles and improve mental health outcomes.
Executive function and academic achievement in primary – grade students with Down syndrome
Authors: Will E. , Fidler D. J. , Daunhauer L. , Gerlach‐McDonald B.
Published: August 2016

Background

Executive function (EF) plays a critical role in academic outcomes in typically developing children, but the contribution of EF to academic performance in Down syndrome (DS) is less well understood. This study evaluated differences in early academic foundations between primary school aged children with DS and non‐verbal mental‐age matched typically developing (TD) children. Additionally, the contribution of EF domains to academic outcomes was evaluated in each group.

Method

Participants with DS (n = 29) and mental‐age matched TD participants (n = 23) were administered the Woodcock Johnson‐ III NU Tests of Academic Achievement, as well as a laboratory‐based EF battery, including measures of working memory, shifting, inhibition and object‐planning.

Results

Findings indicated a difference in early academic foundations profile between children with DS and mental‐age matched TD children. Patterns of EF contributions towards academic outcomes were also observed across groups.

Conclusions

Aspects of EF are critical to academic achievement in DS but differentially so relative to typical development. Implications for educational instruction are discussed.